As confidentially submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 13, 2024.
This Amendment No. 3 to draft registration statement has not been publicly filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and all information herein remains strictly confidential.
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
AMENDMENT NO. 3
TO
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
BETA BIONICS, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 3841 | 47-5386878 | ||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
11 Hughes
Irvine, California 92618
(949) 427-7785
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrants principal executive offices)
Sean Saint
President and Chief Executive Officer
Beta Bionics, Inc.
11 Hughes
Irvine, California 92618
(949) 427-7785
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
| Carlos Ramirez Mark Weeks Charles S. Kim Cooley LLP 10265 Science Center Drive San Diego, California 92121 (858) 550-6000 |
Stephen Feider Chief Financial Officer Beta Bionics, Inc. 11 Hughes Irvine, California 92618 (949) 427-7785 |
Nathan Ajiashvili Ross McAloon Matthew T. Bush Latham & Watkins LLP 1271 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10020 (212) 906-1200 |
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement is declared effective.
If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, check the following box. ☐
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, smaller reporting company and emerging growth company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | |||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ☒ | |||
| Emerging growth company | ☒ | |||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. Neither we nor the selling stockholders may sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state or other jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion
Preliminary Prospectus dated , 2025
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
Shares
Common Stock
This is the initial public offering of shares of common stock of Beta Bionic, Inc. We are selling shares of our common stock, and the selling stockholders identified in this prospectus have granted the underwriters the option for a period of 30 days to purchase up to an additional shares from them, in each case at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders.
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. We currently expect the public offering price for our common stock to be between $ and $ per share. We have applied to list our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market (Nasdaq) under the symbol . We believe that upon the completion of this offering, we will meet the standards for listing on Nasdaq, and the closing of this offering is contingent upon such listing.
We are an emerging growth company and a smaller reporting company under the federal securities laws and are subject to reduced public company disclosure standards. See the section titled Prospectus SummaryImplications of Being an Emerging Growth Company and a Smaller Reporting Company.
Investing in the common stock involves risks that are described in the section titled Risk Factors beginning on page 19 of this prospectus.
| Per Share | Total | |||||||
| Initial public offering price |
$ | $ | ||||||
| Underwriting discounts and commissions(1) |
$ | $ | ||||||
| Proceeds, before expenses, to Beta Bionics, Inc. |
$ | $ | ||||||
| (1) | See the section titled Underwriting for additional information regarding compensation payable to the underwriters. |
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The underwriters expect to deliver the shares of common stock to purchasers on or about , 2025.
| BofA Securities | Piper Sandler | Leerink Partners |
Stifel
Lake Street
The date of this prospectus is , 2025.
New Treatment Paradigm For People with Diabetes iLet Bionic Pancreas (iLet): first FDA-cleared pump that utilizes adaptive closed-loop algorithms that are initialized only with a users body weight and require no additional insulin dosing parameters Note: The individual shown is for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the user of iLet. Beta Bionics
iLet: Determines and Delivers 100% of All Insulin Doses1 Abbotts FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus Sensor Dexcom G7 CGM Dexcom G6 CGM Insulin cartridge Infusion set Smartphone Adaptive algorithms learn each persons unique and ever-changing insulin requirement to simplify and improve diabetes management Note: Abbott and Dexcom CCMs are not manufactured or sold by Beta Bionics. 1. At mealtime, the user makes a simple declaration that an upcoming meal will be within historical norms, the usual for me, or higher or lower than typical. Beta Bionics
Unique Algorithms Require Minimal Human Intervention Pump Competitors Hybrid Closed-Loop System Limited Correction Doses Carb Counting to Calculate Meal Dose Manual Correction Hybrid Closed-Loop System As Needed Adjusts every 3 Months Adjusts Basal Rates (based on settings) CGM Target Correction Factor Insulin-to-Carb Ratio Basal Rate Healthcare Professional determines and inputs basal rates, insulin-to-carb ratios, insulin action time and correction factors. User continuously makes decisions about their diabetes throughout the day. Hybrid Closed-Loop adjusts the basal rate based on the settings and provides limited correction doses. iLet Adaptive Closed-Loop Algorithms Meal Announcement No Carb Counting User must be carb aware Insulin Doses for Meals Correction Insulin iLet Inputs Weight CGM Target Basal Insulin Healthcare Professional enters only the patients weight. User only makes a meal announcement. iLet adjusts the basal rate throughout the day, doses corrections and determines meal doses based on the individual. Beta Bionics
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Neither we, the selling stockholders nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this prospectus, any amendment or supplement to this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus we may authorize to be delivered or made available to you. Neither we, the selling stockholders nor the underwriters take responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. We, the selling stockholders and the underwriters are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, shares of our common stock only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus, or other earlier date stated in this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of shares of our common stock. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
For investors outside of the United States: neither we, the selling stockholders nor the underwriters have done anything that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the shares of common stock and the distribution of this prospectus outside the United States.
i
This summary highlights selected information included elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary does not contain all of the information you should consider before investing in our common stock. You should read this entire prospectus carefully, including the sections titled Risk Factors, Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements, and our financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus, before making an investment decision. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this prospectus to Beta Bionics, Registrant, we, us, our and the company refer to Beta Bionics, Inc.
Overview
We are a commercial-stage medical device company engaged in the design, development and commercialization of innovative solutions to improve the health and quality of life of insulin-requiring people with diabetes (PWD) by utilizing advanced adaptive closed-loop algorithms to simplify and improve the treatment of their disease. Diabetes is a serious, chronic and often lifelong condition with no known cure that is characterized by extended periods of elevated levels of glucose in the bloodstream, or hyperglycemia, resulting from the bodys inability to either produce or effectively utilize the hormone insulin. To treat their diabetes, PWD must undergo a rigorous regimen of daily insulin substitution, as elevated levels of glucose in the blood over time can lead to serious and often life-threatening cardiovascular, metabolic and nervous system complications. Despite decades of innovation that have advanced the quality of care available, a significant unmet need remains as the vast majority of PWD still cannot manage their diabetes effectively. Our product, the iLet Bionic Pancreas (iLet), is the first insulin delivery device cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to utilize adaptive closed-loop algorithms to autonomously determine every insulin dose without requiring a user to count carbohydrate intake. We believe this marks a significant advancement over other insulin delivery technologies by offering a differentiated combination of improved glycemic control and a vastly simplified experience for users and caregivers.
The iLet was specifically designed to provide improvements in glycemic control relative to currently available treatment options, such as insulin pumps, including partially automated insulin delivery (AID) systems (also known as hybrid closed-loop systems), and multiple daily injections (MDI), while also reducing the complexity and burden of achieving these improved results for PWD. It is enabled by adaptive closed-loop algorithms that continuously learn each persons unique and ever-changing insulin requirements and then autonomously delivers the correct insulin doses every five minutes throughout the day and night. Only the users body weight is required for device initialization and the autonomous determination of all insulin doses, unlike insulin pumps and hybrid closed-loop systems, which require a complex host of parameters to configure. The adaptive closed-loop algorithms are designed to remove the need to manually adjust insulin pump therapy settings and variables required by conventional pump therapy and hybrid closed-loop systems, which both require the user to determine the size and timing of both meal and correction insulin doses and to adjust basal insulin dosing. Therefore, we believe the adaptive closed-loop algorithms can make the iLet easier to initiate and use on a daily basis than other available AID systems. We believe that the iLet represents one of the first significant advances in insulin delivery technology since the commercial availability of hybrid closed-loop systems began in 2017, and that its convenient product features, coupled with improved glycemic control, will appeal to broad segments of PWD who are seeking a simple path to improved disease management.
Our initial commercialization efforts for the iLet are in type 1 diabetes (T1D), an indication for which we received FDA clearance in patients six and older in May 2023 in the United States. T1D is an autoimmune disorder that often develops during childhood or adolescence, but can occur at any age, and arises from a persons immune system attacking and destroying the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 1.8 million people with T1D
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currently in the United States, all of whom require daily insulin replacement to manage their disease. The average hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), a measure of average blood-glucose (BG) levels over an extended period of time, among adults in the United States with T1D is 8.2%, and currently only about 20% of adults with T1D meet or exceed the American Diabetes Association (ADA) goal for HbA1c, which is 7.0% or lower. The remaining 80%, therefore, are at elevated risk of developing an array of potentially life-threatening complications that arise as a result of chronic exposure to hyperglycemia. We believe that one of the principal causes of these suboptimal outcomes is that the complexity of the user experience with most currently available insulin pumps and hybrid closed-loop systems has kept the majority of PWD from adopting them despite the improved disease management they can offer. These systems require PWD to set and to periodically adjust several insulin pump parameters, to quantify daily carbohydrate intake and to frequently calculate proper doses of insulin for their pump to deliver. We believe this complexity, and the constant engagement that is required in order to enjoy the full therapeutic benefits that these systems can offer, limits their uptake to a subset of PWD and to subspecialty healthcare providers (HCPs). We believe that approximately one-third of people with T1D in the United States utilize insulin pumps or hybrid closed-loop systems to receive their daily insulin, while the majority receive their daily insulin via MDI therapy, which is less complex, but often less effective and has been shown to be associated with higher HbA1c levels. This is based on our internal estimates factoring epidemiologic data from government and leading industry organizations such as the CDC, as well as industry sales data from public filings and disclosures made by the leading device manufacturers (Medtronic plc (Medtronic), Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. (Tandem) and Insulet Corporation (Insulet), who collectively hold approximately 96% market share) and aggregated by third-party data service providers. Our initial commercial results suggest that the iLets value proposition is resonating strongly within the MDI population, as approximately 67% of the iLets adoption as of September 30, 2024 has come from PWD who were previously utilizing MDI.
Operating Results Since Commercial Launch
We believe our financial and operating results and clinical and real-world data to date validate our opportunity, strategy and execution. In the five full quarters since launching the iLet in May 2023, our quarterly revenue has grown over 5xfrom $3.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 to $16.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024while our operating expenses have grown only 2x during the same time periodfrom $10.0 million to $19.9 million, respectively.
Our revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $44.7 million, more than 3.5x that of our annual revenue of $12.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Our revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $3.6 million. Our net losses were $25.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and $36.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. Our historical net losses are mainly due to our limited commercial history. We recently launched the iLet in May 2023 and leading up to it we incurred substantial research and development expenses to obtain FDA clearance as well as increased sales and marketing expenses related to the iLet product launch. Our net losses have also been impacted by the issuance of Class B common stock warrants in August 2023, which contributed a change of $11.0 million in the fair value of warrant liabilities. This change, driven by adjustments in the fair value assumptions of the warrant liability, contributed to an increase in our net losses as of December 31, 2023. These strategic investments in the iLet are reflected in the accumulated deficit of $229.7 million and $278.6 million, as of December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024, respectively.
Clinical and Real-World Data Demonstrate the Safety, Effectiveness and Simplicity of the iLet
The safety, effectiveness and simplicity of the iLet were evaluated in the investigator-initiated iLet Bionic Pancreas Pivotal Trial (BPPT) of 440 people with T1D between the ages of six and 83 with starting HbA1c levels between 5.3% and 14.9%, which we believe is the largest and most diverse population ever studied
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in a pivotal clinical trial of an AID system. The trial met its primary endpoint, finding that, collectively, the adults and children who randomized to iLet therapy experienced an average reduction in HbA1c of 0.6%, from a baseline of 7.9% to 7.3% over 13 weeks, while participants who randomized to standard of care (defined as their existing treatment regimen plus a DexCom, Inc. (DexCom) G6 continuous glucose monitor (CGM) if not already using one), which included some representation of all other available treatment options including AID systems, saw no change from a baseline of 7.7% over the same period. The baseline-adjusted group difference was a reduction in HbA1c of 0.5% for those randomized to iLet therapy relative to those randomized to standard of care (P<0.001). Additionally, participant cohorts within important subgroups among the overall T1D population, including adults, children, those with starting HbA1c levels greater than 7.0%, and those on MDI, who used the iLet also demonstrated statistically significant and clinically relevant (as defined by a decrease in HbA1c of at least 0.5%) improvements in glycemic control versus the standard of care. For more information regarding the BPPT, please see section titled BusinessiLet Development HistoryThe iLet Bionic Pancreas Pivotal Trial testing the iLet in adults and children with T1D.
In addition, the improved glycemic control seen in the results of the BPPT has been supported by additional, real-world iLet data. Of the 5,190 iLet users who uploaded CGM readings to the Beta Bionics cloud over the first year after our commercial launch (May 19, 2023 to May 18, 2024), 3,300 had at least three-weeks worth of iLet data and a pre-iLet baseline HbA1c value available. Data from these 3,300 users showed an overall improvement, from an average baseline HbA1c (provided to us by the medical providers in the statements of medical necessity) of 8.5% to an average glucose management indicator (GMI)a population-based estimate of HbA1c based on mean CGM glucose that is widely accepted as an indicator in the diabetes industry on the iLet of 7.3%. This demonstrated an improvement in HbA1c that was larger than that observed in the BPPT and is clinically meaningful (as defined by a decrease in HbA1c of at least 0.5%) in this patient population, which was much larger and had worse glucose control at baseline than those who participated in the BPPT. GMI is frequently used as a substitute for HbA1c in remote monitoring (iCGM) settings (which is what iLet users upload to the Beta Bionics cloud) given that HbA1c is typically measured in a laboratory setting. For more information regarding how GMI and HbA1c are comparable, please see section titled BusinessOverview.
The simplicity of achieving the improved glycemic control offered by the iLet has been established by aggregated device-interaction data, as measured by how often users swiped to unlock their iLets, from 324 participants in the BPPT as well as from 3,295 of the 3,300 iLet users in the commercial setting who had device-interaction data available. These data were analyzed using linear regression to assess if correlations existed between user interaction with the iLet and improvements in glycemic control. Correlations were quantified using the R2 correlation coefficient, which is an indicator of how strongly correlated two metrics are, with a value of 1 representing perfect correlation and 0 representing no correlation. In both the BPPT and the commercial settings, the R2 correlation coefficients between the average improvements in GMI on iLet therapy and the average daily number of swipes to unlock the screen averaged less than 0.01, indicating that the improvements in glycemic control achieved by the iLet were virtually independent of the frequency of user interaction. These results stand in contrast to those of multiple other large T1D population trials, each with thousands or tens-of-thousands of participants, as well as sponsor-initiated retrospective analyses, in which it has been observed that a higher frequency of active glucose monitoring was strongly associated with a lower HbA1c level, and a higher frequency of user-initiated corrective dosages from a sensor-augmented insulin pen or a hybrid closed-loop system correlated strongly with improvements in the amount of time PWD experienced BG levels within the range associated with effective control, or time in range (TIR). For more information regarding these results, please see section titled BusinessiLet Development HistoryiLet device outcomes are independent of the frequency of user interaction.
Commercial Opportunity and Strategy
We believe the commercial opportunity for the iLet in T1D is substantial. We estimate the T1D total addressable market for insulin pumps in the United States is approximately $6 billion, which is comprised of the
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approximately $2 billion total addressable market of existing pump users and the approximately $4 billion total addressable market of potential new pump adopters, as further described below. In the coming decades, we believe this market will grow approximately in line with the expected overall U.S. population growth rate of about 2% per year. Our estimates of the T1D total addressable market for insulin pumps and related growth rate are based on independent industry publications and public industry data, as well as third-party forecasts derived from the same. Our estimates, including with respect to the total addressable market for insulin pumps, are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause them to be smaller than we currently anticipate. For more information, please see section titled Risk FactorsRisks Related to our Business, Strategy and IndustryThe market opportunities for our iLet for the treatment of diabetes may be smaller than we anticipated, limiting our ability to successfully sell our current and future products.
There are two distinct subpopulations whose needs could be addressed by a product of the iLets profile:
Existing Pump Users: Approximately One-Third of the Total T1D Population, $2 Billion Total Addressable Market
Based on publicly available industry data, including sales data publicly disclosed by the leading device manufacturers (Medtronic, Tandem and Insulet, who collectively hold approximately 96% market share), we estimate that the current dollar value of the insulin pump market for people with T1D in the United States is approximately $2 billion and that the percentage of people with T1D who utilize a pump is approximately one-third of the overall population.
Potential New Pump Adopters: Approximately Two-Thirds of the Total T1D Population, $4 Billion Total Addressable Market
We believe approximately two-thirds of people with T1D in the United States do not currently utilize a pump for insulin treatments and instead use MDI from either a syringe or an insulin pen, based on public and industry data, including data publicly disclosed by the leading device manufacturers (Medtronic, Tandem and Insulet). PWD who use MDI encounter similar challenges as those who use hybrid closed-loop systems, including the need to count carbohydrates and calculate correction boluses. Furthermore, insulin pens lack the discretion and convenience of pumps. We believe this U.S. patient population would be valued at approximately $4 billion, assuming current users of MDI fully converted to pumps instead, and at current pump pricing levels.
In the past, people with T1D have shown willingness to quickly adopt new technologies when the value proposition was far superior to previously available options. Currently, our iLet is cleared only for the treatment of T1D in adults and children six years of age or older. We believe the iLet represents such a breakthrough, and its superiority could catalyze an adoption cycle similar to the one observed with CGMs in recent years. In the CGM product space, the innovation of removing manual calibration materially accelerated adoption by improving both user experience and outcomes. Similar to insulin pumps, CGMs struggled for decades to gain a majority share. The first real-time CGM received FDA approval in 2005, but it was not until 2018, with the release of the DexCom G6the first CGM that did not require fingerstick calibrationsthat the CGM value proposition became compelling to a majority of people with T1D. Since then, CGMs have been adopted by an estimated 70% of people with T1D in the United States. We see similar potential for the iLet to dramatically expand the reach of insulin delivery technologies in the marketplace. Although DexCom is our partner, the DexCom G6 is not our product, and we cannot provide any assurance that a similar potential for the iLet will be reached.
To maximize the commercial value of the iLet opportunity, we have assembled a team across our organization with broad experience in the successful commercialization of innovative technologies in the field of diabetes disease management. While the iLet can be prescribed by any health care providers (HCP) (primary care physicians (PCP) or subspecialists), we are promoting sales of the iLet through an internal sales organization, where our initial direct sales efforts are focused on people with T1D who are treated within high-volume
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endocrinology practices in the United States. Over time, we plan to expand into the more diffuse population of people with T1D who are treated by PCP. Although we continue to analyze the timing related to this expansion, we do not currently have a specific timeline. These PCP treat an estimated one-half of the T1D population in the United States, but do so among a much more diversified patient base than endocrinologists. We believe that the iLets core value proposition of marrying effective glycemic control with the simplicity of use that is brought about by adaptive closed-loop algorithm insulin-dose determination may resonate particularly well among PCP who do not have the subspecialty level of expertise, the resources or the clinical bandwidth that is needed to initiate insulin-pump or hybrid closed-loop therapy or for the continual demand (such as adjustments at quarterly visits) those systems place on clinical practices in follow-on care.
Product Development Pipeline and Future Initiatives
Patch Pump
We are in the early stages of developing an insulin pump that is designed to adhere directly to the skin and administer insulin without the need for tubing, commonly known in the diabetes industry as a patch pump. Our patch pump features a two-component design: a durable part that contains the electronics and motor, and a disposable part that includes the insulin reservoir, adhesive, insertion device and cannula. This design is intended to enable efficient manufacturing and provide a convenient pump-change experience. Our patch pump is intended to unlock a new pool of PWD who are looking to receive the many benefits of the iLet, but who prefer the patch pump form factor. We are initially focused on T1D but plan to expand to T2D.
We have currently designed a prototype of the patch pump and, following product development, we plan to seek FDA 510(k) clearance for the patch pump in T1D and T2D. We believe our patch pump will require 510(k) clearance as an alternate controller enabled pump (ACE pump) prior to commercialization and that clinical trials will not be required for an ACE pump 510(k) clearance. The iLet algorithm, which the patch pump will leverage, has already obtained a 510(k) clearance as an interoperable automated glycemic controller (iAGC). Subject to receiving 510(k) clearance for our patch pump, we expect to launch our patch pump commercially by the end of 2027.
Bihormonal iLet
We are also in the early stages of developing a first-of-its-kind bihormonal configuration of the iLet, which combines automated delivery of insulin and glucagon, the BG-raising hormone that protects against low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, with adaptive closed-loop algorithms where all doses of both hormones are autonomously determined. We believe this bihormonal capability would offer a meaningful additional benefit to PWD, as it would allow the active raising of glycemic levels when they fall too low in addition to the iLets existing capability of actively lowering glycemic levels when they elevate too high. Currently, there are no commercially available automated devices to raise BG when it is too low, and many people living with T1D live with an ever-present fear of hypoglycemia.
Hypoglycemia, if untreated, can lead to a range of acute medical complications, including tissue and organ damage, seizures and coma, and death. Analysis of hospital admission code data has shown that hypoglycemic episodes are responsible for over half of all emergency room visits by PWD each year, despite their relatively low frequency. According to the ADA and the National Institutes of Health, approximately 25-40% of people living with T1D can also be classified as hypo unaware, a condition that prevents them from sensing a pending hypoglycemic event and puts them at increased risk for suffering a severe hypoglycemic episode without warning. Due to these primary risks and other secondary risks, such as losing consciousness while driving an automobile, many people living with T1D also live with perpetual fear of a severe hypoglycemic episode. These fears can reduce quality of life, as they may lead to a restriction of otherwise necessary and beneficial activities like exercise in order to avoid the risk of a catastrophic hypoglycemic episode.
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In six pre-pivotal outpatient clinical trials conducted from 2012 to 2017, we observed participants utilizing our bihormonal configuration to achieve reduced hypoglycemia and increased TIR relative to both standard-of-care treatment and our insulin-only bionic pancreas configuration. For more information regarding these trials, see section titled BusinessiLet Development HistoryPre-pivotal clinical trials testing the bionic pancreas algorithms and the iLet Bionic Pancreas System. Prior to conducting clinical trials with the new glucagon formulation, we plan to evaluate whether the glucagon is compatible for pumping, and its concentration in the body is consistent with our expectations. If these evaluations are successful, we plan to initiate at least one pre-pivotal clinical trial and a pivotal clinical trial before submitting the device and algorithm to the FDA for 510(k) clearance as well as submit a new drug application (NDA) seeking approval for the pump compatible glucagon for chronic use. Glucagon is currently only approved in an acute formulation for rescue from acute hypoglycemia, so approval of an NDA will be required for this chronic use glucagon, in addition to FDA clearance for the algorithm and bihormonal configuration of the iLet as a device, in order for the bihormonal system to be used as we intend.
To realize the full commercial potential of this opportunity, we have entered into an exclusive collaboration and license agreement with Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Xeris) to develop and commercialize a pump-compatible glucagon formulation utilizing Xeris XeriSol technology for use in our proprietary bihormonal pump and pump systems.
Type 2 Diabetes
We intend to pursue expanded use of the iLet to treat people with insulin-dependent T2D, as we believe the size and composition of this population make it a compelling opportunity. We believe our planned expansion for the iLets use in T2D will require an additional 510(k) clearance. We expect that we will need to conduct studies to determine the iLets performance in patients in order to obtain the additional 510(k) clearance. Although we continue to analyze the timing related to this expansion, we do not currently have a specific timeline. While there are certain differences in how T2D is treated relative to T1D, these differences primarily relate to the amount and rate of insulin delivered. Among the T2D population, approximately 1.8 million require intensive insulin therapy, but fewer than 10% have adopted pump technology to date. This is based on our internal estimates factoring epidemiologic data from government and leading industry organizations such as the CDC, as well as industry sales data from public filings and disclosures made by the leading device manufacturers (Medtronic, Tandem and Insulet) and aggregated by third-party data service providers. We believe these PWD, who span socioeconomic and educational levels, and their health care providers, 90% of whom are PCP, may find the iLets combination of simplicity and efficacy particularly appealing, if the iLet is authorized for marketing for this use.
Overview of the Diabetes Market
Diabetes is a complex, multisystemic disease characterized by sustained and prolonged elevated BG levels, or hyperglycemia, that results from the bodys inability to either produce the hormone insulin, which is responsible for the proper metabolization of glucose, or properly utilize it. In the absence of insulin, ketones rise in the blood, which becomes acidotic. In the extreme, insulin insufficiency leads to catabolism (in which the body begins to waste fat and muscle), diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and, ultimately, death. PWD also face the daily risk of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, which can result from multiple factors, including receiving excess exogenous insulin in the course of disease management. Hypoglycemia, which can strike without warning, starves the brain of needed glucose, and can result in cognitive impairment, loss of consciousness, seizures and death.
As diabetes has no known cure, its treatment paradigm entails an arduous daily regimen of disease management and insulin substitution whereby PWD must maintain constant vigilance regarding both their BG levels and the amount of insulin they receive. The long disease course, daily management requirements and potentially catastrophic consequences of mismanagement each represent a significant burden to PWD, their caregivers and society at large.
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There are two principal types of diabetes within the overall population:
| | Type 1 diabetes (T1D): an autoimmune disorder that often develops during childhood or adolescence, but can occur at any age, and arises from a persons immune system attacking and destroying the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. According to the CDC, there are approximately 1.8 million people with T1D currently in the United States, all of whom require daily insulin replacement to manage their disease. |
| | Type 2 diabetes (T2D): a metabolic disorder that typically develops in adulthood, whereby the body becomes resistant to insulin, and, consequently, increased insulin production is needed to regulate BG levels. As T2D progresses, the bodys beta cells cannot maintain the increased insulin levels needed to regulate BG. In many cases, daily insulin replacement becomes required despite the availability of other classes of medications. There are approximately 36 million people with T2D in the United States according to the CDC, of whom an estimated 1.8 million require intensive insulin therapy, based on public and industry data. |
The dynamic evolution of care in the field of diabetes over the past several decades has been characterized by continuous cycles of innovation that have produced several generations of increasingly sophisticated and complex devices to help maintain BG levels within the normal range or achieve goal, as established by the ADA. The capabilities of devices range from offering convenience features to allowing transformative improvements in efficacy. We believe that, while these new technologies managed to remove or reduce some twentieth-century burdens of disease management (e.g., logbooks, fingerstick measurements, not knowing BG levels for large stretches of the day and night), they also added new twenty-first-century burdens (e.g., bombardment with overwhelming amounts of data, constant alerts and alarms, and 24/7 information overload). The psychological, emotional and cognitive burden imposed by the continuous need for user engagement to manage the disease is substantial, unsustainable by most and unachievable by many. We believe that the iLet marks a significant breakthrough in the achievement of this ultimate goal, as it has been shown to enable clinically relevant improvements in glycemic outcomes across broad populations of PWD, while dramatically reducing necessary user engagement.
Our Solution: The iLet Bionic Pancreas
The iLet was specifically designed to provide clinically relevant improvements in glycemic control relative to insulin pumps and MDI therapy without the complexity and management burden of current insulin pumps and hybrid closed-loop systems. It is enabled by adaptive closed-loop algorithms that learn each persons unique and ever-changing insulin requirements and then autonomously delivers the correct insulin doses every five minutes throughout the day and night. Only the users body weight is required for initialization, unlike insulin pumps and hybrid closed-loop systems, which require a complex host of parameters to configure. The iLet autonomously determines all insulin doses. We believe this convenient product profile, coupled with improved glycemic control, will appeal to broad segments of PWD who are seeking a simple path to improved disease management. Below is a picture of the iLet. The pumping platform consists of the pump itself and related single-use products, including cartridges for storing and delivering insulin and infusion sets that connect the insulin pump to a users body. The iLet is not compatible with third-party infusion sets or insulin cartridges.
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The iLet Bionic Pancreas
Use of the iLet requires the independent purchase of a compatible third-party integrated continuous glucose monitor (iCGM) to provide real-time data to the iLet user. Currently, the only models that are compatible with our iLet are DexComs G6 and G7 devices and Abbotts FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus CGM sensor. A iCGM is a wearable device that works by inserting a small sensor under the skin into fatty tissue and tracks blood sugar levels in real time. The sensor measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid and sends the information to a receiver, smartphone or insulin pump. The user can view their glucose levels, trends, and to what degree their levels are rising or falling.
We have submitted and the FDA has accepted our post-market surveillance plan for our iLet, which requires us to conduct a 1-year, prospective single-arm cohort study with a sample size that is statistically justified for TID patients ages six years and older. For additional information, please see section titled Risk FactorsRisks Related to the Development, Regulatory Approval and Commercialization of our iLet Bionic Pancreas and Product CandidatesWe are subject to a post-market surveillance order issued by the FDA for our iLet. If the FDA determines that our iLet does not perform as anticipated, or if the FDA identifies new concerns related to the safety and effectiveness of the device, we may need to make changes to or recall or withdraw the iLet from the field, which could harm our business.
Our Strengths
We believe the success and continued growth of our company will be driven by the following strengths:
| | Highly Differentiated Technology Powered by Algorithmically Autonomous Insulin Dosing. We believe that the combined innovative features of the iLet that are driven by our unique algorithms and improved compatibility represent a meaningful breakthrough over other insulin delivery therapies to treat PWD, and may lead to improved disease management, quality of life and penetration of the large and growing population of PWD. |
| | Robust Compendium of Clinical and Real-World Data. Through clinical trials, the BPPT and our analysis of post-approval data, we have developed a significant body of clinical data from more |
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| than 3,000 patients, which we believe supports the safety, effectiveness and simplicity of the iLet. In addition, the improved glycemic control seen in the results of our pivotal trial has been supported by additional, real-world data generated from CGM readings over the first year after our commercial launch. |
| | Significant New Product Pipeline. We have invested heavily in our research and development activities to expand the potential therapeutic applications of the iLet based on our scalable technology platform. We are currently in the early stages of developing a smaller, semi-disposable patch pump that is intended to unlock a new pool of PWD who are looking to receive the many benefits of the iLet, as well as a first-in-kind bihormonal iLet that is designed to automatically deliver both insulin and glucagon. We are also in the early stages of developing a glucagon drug product for use in the bihormonal configuration. |
| | Extensive Intellectual Property Portfolio. Our technology is supported by an extensive intellectual property portfolio, which includes patents, know-how, trade secrets and licenses from the Trustees of Boston University (BU) and Xeris. We entered into a device license agreement and a control algorithm license agreement with BU, under which we received exclusive, royalty-bearing licenses to certain patent rights and proprietary technology. We also entered into an exclusive collaboration and license agreement with Xeris to facilitate the development of a dual-hormone pump for individuals with T1D, whereby Xeris will develop a glucagon product utilizing Xeris XeriSol technology for use in our iLet in the bihormonal configuration. For more information regarding these agreements, see the section titled BusinessLicense and Collaboration Agreements. |
| | Highly Efficient Business Model. We have developed a multi-channel coverage and reimbursement strategy that provides maximum flexibility to patients, where we work with payors to establish coverage and reimbursement under both traditional durable medical equipment (DME) and pharmacy benefit plans (PBP). As an alternative to DME, the PBP channel provides a lower upfront cost to the patient and potentially greater economic value to us over the life of the iLet. In addition, we have designed the various hardware, software and electronics platforms of the iLet to maximize scalability, reliability, serviceability and manufacturability from initial development, including multi-sourcing components to support production efficiencies. |
| | Experienced Management Team. Our senior management team has extensive experience, including lived experience, in the diabetes and medical technology industry, with specific experience in commercialization, product development, clinical research, regulatory approval and coverage and reimbursement of innovative medical technology products at well-regarded diabetes companies such as Medtronic, Tandem, Companion Medical, Inc. and DexCom. |
Our Strategy
Our mission is to grow our business by successfully commercializing our innovative solutions for safe, simple and effective autonomous glycemic control and to reach as many people living with insulin-requiring diabetes as we can. Our goal is to establish the iLet as the standard of care for insulin delivery. The key elements of our growth strategy are:
| | Continue our commercialization efforts by utilizing our sales force to educate PWD and HCPs on the compelling potential benefits of the iLet and to drive awareness. To fully realize the commercial opportunity presented by the iLet, we have developed an integrated commercial strategy to drive adoption across the T1D population and establish and maintain customer loyalty through customer service and educational programs. While the iLet can be prescribed by any HCP (PCP or subspecialists), we are promoting sales of the iLet through an internal sales organization, |
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| where the initial direct sales efforts are focused on people with T1D who are treated within high-volume endocrinology practices in the United States. Over time, we plan to expand into the more diffuse population of people with T1D who are treated by PCP. Although we continue to analyze the timing related to this expansion, we do not currently have a specific timeline. |
| | Build our commercial and customer support infrastructure to maximize access to the iLet and maximize customer retention. We have an integrated customer-support strategy designed to efficiently fulfill orders, educate both new users and their caregivers during device initialization and follow-on care and respond promptly to inquiries throughout the life of the product. |
| | Leverage our in-house manufacturing capabilities to optimize production efficiency and maintain quality. We manufacture the iLet and the ready-to-fill insulin cartridges at our facilities located in Irvine, California. By assembling and testing the iLet in-house, we believe that we can maintain better quality control and compliance with our own internal specifications and with applicable regulatory standards. |
| | Obtain third-party coverage and reimbursement from payors under both DME and PBP. We are pursuing a multi-channel DME and PBP coverage and reimbursement strategy to maximize access to the iLet within the T1D population, provide flexibility for PWD in choosing their device, provide PWD with advantageous coverage and reimbursement terms and provide us with potential access to higher revenue streams. We believe that utilizing this strategy will make the iLet more accessible for PWD and the HCPs who prescribe and initiate the device. |
| | Increase our addressable market by developing a patch pump and bihormonal iLet, as well as seeking expansion into the treatment of T2D. We are leveraging our algorithms to develop two additional products in our pipeline: the patch pump for PWD who prefer that form factor, and the bihormonal iLet. In addition, we intend to pursue expanded use of the iLet to treat people with insulin-dependent T2D, as we believe the size and composition of this population make it a compelling opportunity. We believe that the T2D total addressable market for insulin pumps in the United States is estimated to be approximately $6 billion. |
Risks Associated with Our Business
Our business is subject to a number of risks that you should carefully consider before making a decision to invest in our common stock. These risks are more fully described in the section titled Risk Factors immediately following this prospectus summary. These risks include, among others, the following:
| | We have a limited commercial history and limited experience marketing and selling our products. We only recently launched our commercial product, which may make it difficult to evaluate the prospects for our future viability and predict our future performance. |
| | Our quarterly and annual financial condition, operating results and cash flows may fluctuate in the future, which could cause the market price of our stock to decline substantially. |
| | We currently rely on sales of our iLet and related single-use products to generate all of our revenue, and any factors that negatively impact sales of these products may adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. |
| | Even if we consummate this offering, we may need to raise additional funds in the future, and these funds may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all. |
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| | The failure of our iLet and related products to achieve and maintain market acceptance could result in us achieving sales below our expectations, which would cause our business, financial condition and operating results to be materially and adversely affected. |
| | We face competition from numerous competitors, most of whom have far greater resources than we have, which may make it more difficult for us to achieve significant market penetration and which may allow them to develop additional products for the treatment of diabetes that compete with our iLet. |
| | We currently have a limited marketing and sales organization and have limited experience as a commercial-stage company marketing devices. If we are unable to successfully expand our marketing and sales capabilities or enter into additional agreements with third parties to market and sell devices, we may not be able to generate product revenue, and our business may be adversely affected. |
| | Our future success depends on our ability to retain our key personnel and to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel. |
| | We are highly dependent on the success of our iLet for the treatment of T1D, which is cleared by the FDA for commercial sale in the United States for the treatment of T1D, and we do not have any other commercial products. If we are unable to obtain and maintain regulatory clearance or approval for planned modifications to the iLet or for new indications, or for any future development-stage products, or if we are unsuccessful in our efforts to continue to commercialize our cleared version of the iLet, our business will be materially harmed. |
| | We are subject to a post-market surveillance order issued by the FDA for our iLet. If the FDA determines that our iLet does not perform as anticipated, or if the FDA identifies new concerns related to the safety and effectiveness of the device, we may need to make changes to or recall or withdraw the iLet from the field, which could harm our business. |
| | The regulatory authorization process of the FDA, or any comparable foreign regulatory authorities, is lengthy, time-consuming and inherently unpredictable. Even if we complete the necessary clinical trials, we cannot predict when, or if, we will obtain marketing authorization or clearance for any of our product candidates. Modifications to our currently commercialized version of the iLet may require new marketing authorizations or clearance. |
| | Use of our commercial or development-stage products may cause adverse events or undesirable side effects or present other safety concerns which may cause us to suspend or discontinue clinical trials, delay or prevent marketing authorization, limit the commercial profile of labeling for any product that has received marketing authorization, or result in significant negative consequences following marketing authorization. |
| | We are developing our iLet in combination with other therapies and devices, which requires additional development time and exposes us to additional risks. |
| | We are substantially dependent on various third parties for the development and potential commercialization of our iLet and product candidates. Certain of our current and future collaborators may control aspects of our clinical trials, which could result in delays or other obstacles in the development of the investigational devices or other development-stage candidates, such as glucagon, we develop. If our collaborations are terminated or are not successful, our ability to successfully develop and commercialize our iLet and product candidates may be adversely affected. |
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| | We have limited experience manufacturing our products and, if we are unable to manufacture our products in high-quality commercial quantities successfully and consistently to meet demand, our growth will be limited. |
| | We obtain some of the components and subassemblies included in our iLet from single source suppliers, and the partial or complete loss of one or more of these suppliers could cause significant production delays, an inability to meet customer demand and a substantial loss in revenue. |
| | Our iLet is complex in design and may contain defects that are not detected until use, which could increase our costs, including warranty costs, and reduce our revenue. If our iLet does not perform as expected or the reliability of the technology on which our products is based is questioned, our operating results, reputation and business will suffer. |
| | We rely and will continue to rely on third parties to conduct clinical trials of our iLet, which means we do not have full control over the conduct of such trials. |
| | Our iLet is currently cleared only for the treatment of T1D in adults and children six years of age and older. If our iLet is authorized for marketing or cleared in a bihormonal configuration for the treatment of T1D or for any other indications, such marketing authorization or clearance will be limited by the FDA to the specific indication for which granted. We are prohibited from marketing the iLet for other indications, such as T2D. |
| | If we are unable to obtain or protect intellectual property rights related to the iLet, we may not be able to compete effectively in our market. |
| | If we fail to comply with our obligations in our current and future intellectual property licenses with third parties, we could lose rights, which may be important to our business. |
Corporate Information
We were originally incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in October 2015. In August 2024, we reincorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware. Our principal executive offices are located at 11 Hughes, Irvine, California 92618, and our telephone number is (949) 427-7785. Our website is www.betabionics.com. The information contained on, or accessible through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider any information contained in, or that can be accessed through, our website as part of this prospectus or in deciding whether to purchase our common stock.
This prospectus contains references to our trademarks and to trademarks belonging to other entities. Solely for convenience, trademarks and trade names referred to in this prospectus, including logos, artwork and other visual displays, may appear without the ® or symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that their respective owners will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, their rights thereto. We do not intend our use or display of other companies trade names or trademarks to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, any other companies.
Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company and a Smaller Reporting Company
We are an emerging growth company as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (JOBS Act), enacted in April 2012. An emerging growth company may take advantage of reduced reporting requirements that are otherwise applicable to public companies. These provisions include, but are not limited to:
| | being permitted to present only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of related Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this prospectus; |
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| | not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended (Sarbanes-Oxley Act); |
| | reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports, proxy statements and registration statements; and |
| | exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and any golden parachute payments not previously approved. |
We may use these provisions until the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering. However, if certain events occur prior to the end of such five-year period, including if we become a large accelerated filer, our annual gross revenues exceed $1.235 billion or we issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt in any three-year period, we will cease to be an emerging growth company prior to the end of such five-year period.
We have elected to take advantage of certain of the reduced disclosure obligations in the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and may elect to take advantage of other reduced reporting requirements in future filings. As a result, the information that we provide to our stockholders may be different than you might receive from other public reporting companies in which you hold equity interests.
The JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of an extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards. We have elected to use the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards and, as a result of this election, our financial statements may not be comparable to those of companies that comply with public company effective dates. However, we may elect to early adopt any new or revised accounting standards whenever such early adoption is permitted for non-public companies. We may take advantage of these exemptions up until the time that we are no longer an emerging growth company.
We are also a smaller reporting company as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act). We may continue to be a smaller reporting company even after we are no longer an emerging growth company. We may take advantage of certain of the scaled disclosures available to smaller reporting companies and will be able to take advantage of these scaled disclosures for so long as our voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $250.0 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter, or our annual revenue is less than $100.0 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and our voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $700.0 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter.
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The Offering
| Common stock offered by us |
shares. |
| Underwriters option to purchase additional shares of common stock from the selling stockholders |
The selling stockholders have granted the underwriters an option for a period of 30 days to purchase up to additional shares of our common stock. |
| Common stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering |
shares. |
| Use of proceeds |
We estimate that the net proceeds to us from the sale of our common stock in this offering will be approximately $ million, based on the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. |
| We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering, together with our existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, to . We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock by the selling stockholders. See the section titled Use of Proceeds for additional information. |
| Selling stockholders; concentration of ownership |
The selling stockholders identified in this prospectus are selling shares of common stock in this offering. Following this offering, our executive officers, directors and stockholders holding more than 5% of our outstanding shares, together with their affiliates, will beneficially own in the aggregate, approximately % of our outstanding capital stock (or % of our outstanding capital stock if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of our common stock from the selling stockholders). See the section titled Principal and Selling Stockholders for additional information. |
| Risk factors |
See the section titled Risk Factors for additional information and a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in our common stock. |
| Directed share program |
At our request, the underwriters have reserved up to % of the shares of our common stock offered by this prospectus, excluding the additional shares that the underwriters have a 30-day option to purchase, for sale, at the initial public offering price, to certain of our directors and officers and certain other parties related to us. Shares purchased by our directors and officers will be subject to the 180-day lock-up restriction described in the section of this prospectus titled Underwriting. The number of shares of common stock available for |
14
| sale to the general public will be reduced to the extent these individuals purchase such reserved shares. Any reserved shares that are not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same basis as the other shares offered by this prospectus. |
| Proposed Nasdaq symbol |
|
The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after this offering is based on shares of our common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2024, after giving effect to: (i) the conversion of all outstanding shares of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock and Class C common stock into an aggregate of 13,126,418 shares of a single class of our common stock, (ii) the automatic conversion of all outstanding shares of our convertible preferred stock into 30,485,181 shares of common stock, (iii) the automatic net exercise of all outstanding Class B common stock warrants and the automatic net exercise and subsequent conversion of all outstanding Series C convertible preferred stock warrants into an aggregate of shares of our common stock, as described below; and (iv) the issuance and subsequent conversion of all of our Series E convertible preferred stock issued and sold in November 2024 into an aggregate of 8,574,227 shares of our common stock, each immediately prior to the closing of this offering, and excludes:
| | 11,148,105 shares of our Class B common stock issuable upon the exercise of options to purchase shares of our Class B common stock issued under our Amended and Restated 2016 Stock Incentive Plan (2016 Plan) and outstanding as of September 30, 2024, with a weighted-average exercise price of $3.52 per share; |
| | shares of our Class B common stock (all to employees, none of which were executive officers) issuable upon exercise of stock options granted under our 2016 Plan subsequent to September 30, 2024 and before , 2025, with a weighted-average exercise price of $ per share; |
| | shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options to be granted to certain of our employees and executive officers under the 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (2025 Plan), which will become effective upon the execution and delivery of the underwriting agreement for this offering, with an exercise price that is equal to the initial public offering price in this offering; |
| | shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2025 Plan, which will become effective upon the execution and delivery of the underwriting agreement for this offering (which shares include new shares plus the number of shares (not to exceed shares) (i) that remain available for the issuance of awards under the 2016 Plan at the time the 2025 Plan becomes effective, and (ii) any shares underlying outstanding stock awards granted under the 2016 Plan that, on or after the 2025 Plan becomes effective, terminate or expire or are repurchased, forfeited, withheld or settled in cash, as more fully described in the section titled Executive and Director CompensationEquity Incentive Plans), as well as any automatic increases in the number of our common stock reserved for future issuance under the 2025 Plan; and |
| | shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2025 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), as well as any annual automatic increases in the number of shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under the ESPP, which will become effective upon the execution and delivery of the underwriting agreement for this offering. |
Unless otherwise indicated, the information in this prospectus reflects and assumes the following:
| | the conversion, in accordance with our existing certificate of incorporation, of 5,790,000 shares of our Class A common stock, 7,239,508 shares of our Class B common stock and 96,910 shares of |
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| our Class C common stock as of September 30, 2024 into an aggregate of 13,126,418 shares of our common stock immediately prior to the closing of this offering; |
| | the conversion, in accordance with our existing certificate of incorporation, of (i) all outstanding shares of our convertible preferred stock as of September 30, 2024 into an aggregate of 30,485,181 shares of our common stock and (ii) all of our shares of Series E convertible preferred stock issued and sold in November 2024 into an aggregate of 8,574,227 shares of our common stock, each immediately prior to the closing of this offering; |
| | the issuance of shares of our common stock upon the automatic net exercise of warrants to purchase shares of our Class B common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2024, which exercise will occur immediately prior to the closing of this offering at an exercise price of $0.01 per share (based upon an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus); |
| | the issuance of shares of our common stock upon the automatic net exercise of warrants to purchase shares of our Series C convertible preferred stock outstanding as of September 30, 2024 (including shares of our common stock upon the automatic net exercise of warrants to purchase shares of our Series C convertible preferred stock issued in February 2022), which exercise will occur immediately prior to the closing of this offering at an exercise price of $0.01 per share (based upon an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus); |
| | no exercise of the outstanding options described above; |
| | no exercise of the underwriters option to purchase additional shares of our common stock from the selling stockholders; |
| | the filing and effectiveness of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation in Delaware and the adoption of our amended and restated bylaws immediately prior to the closing of this offering; and |
| |
a 1-for- reverse stock split of our common stock and convertible preferred stock to be effected prior to the closing of this offering. |
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Summary Financial Data
The following tables summarize our financial data as of and for the periods indicated. We have derived the summary statements of operations and comprehensive loss data for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, and the summary balance sheet data as of December 31, 2023, from our audited financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. We have derived the summary statements of operations and comprehensive loss data for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024 and the summary balance sheet data as of September 30, 2024, from our unaudited interim condensed financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our unaudited interim condensed financial statements have been prepared on a basis consistent with our audited financial statements and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial information set forth in those statements. Our historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period and the results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. The following summary financial data should be read in conjunction with the section titled Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and our financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
| Year Ended December 31, |
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | 2023 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except share and per share data) | ||||||||||||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
| Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss Data: |
||||||||||||||||
| Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||
| Net sales |
$ | | $ | 11,995 | $ | 3,645 | $ | 44,684 | ||||||||
| Collaboration revenue |
179 | | | | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Total revenue |
179 | 11,995 | $ | 3,645 | $ | 44,684 | ||||||||||
| Cost of sales(1) |
| 5,687 | 2,399 | 20,485 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Gross profit |
179 | 6,308 | 1,246 | 24,199 | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: |
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| Research and development(1) |
31,428 | 17,943 | 13,483 | 16,970 | ||||||||||||
| Sales and marketing(1) |
8,827 | 11,990 | 6,372 | 26,282 | ||||||||||||
| General and administrative(1) |
25,768 | 12,225 | 8,874 | 13,161 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Total operating expenses |
66,023 | 42,158 | 28,729 | 56,413 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Loss from operations |
(65,844 | ) | (35,850 | ) | (27,483 | ) | (32,214 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Other income (expense), net: |
||||||||||||||||
| Interest income |
196 | 1,777 | 526 | 2,958 | ||||||||||||
| Interest and other expense |
(14 | ) | (68 | ) | (13 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||||
| Change in fair value of warrant liabilities |
911 | (9,958 | ) | 1,719 | (7,390 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Total other income (expense), net |
1,093 | (8,249 | ) | 2,232 | (4,434 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Net loss |
$ | (64,751 | ) | $ | (44,099 | ) | $ | (25,251 | ) | $ | (36,648 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss): |
||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gain on short-term investments |
| 137 | | (79 | ) | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Comprehensive loss |
$ | (64,751 | ) | $ | (43,962 | ) | $ | (25,251 | ) | $ | (36,727 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted(2) |
$ | (6.58 | ) | $ | (4.22 | ) | $ | (2.53 | ) | $ | (2.97 | ) | ||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Weighted-average common stock outstanding, basic and diluted(2) |
9,845,122 | 10,448,817 | 9,973,545 | 12,340,972 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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| Pro forma net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted (unaudited)(3) |
$ | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
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| Pro forma weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted (unaudited)(3) |
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|
|
|
|
|
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| (1) | Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows: |
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| Year Ended December 31, |
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
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| 2022 | 2023 | 2023 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales |
$ | | $ | 239 | $ | 149 | $ | 201 | ||||||||
| Research and development |
1,554 | 1,781 | 1,411 | 844 | ||||||||||||
| Sales and marketing |
384 | 610 | 362 | 1,150 | ||||||||||||
| General and administrative |
4,162 | 3,028 | 2,160 | 2,638 | ||||||||||||
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| Total stock-based compensation expense |
$ | 6,100 | $ | 5,658 | $ | 4,082 | $ | 4,833 | ||||||||
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| (2) | See Note 16 to our audited financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for details on the calculation of basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders. |
| (3) | Pro forma net loss per share, basic and diluted, attributable to common stockholders, is calculated giving effect to (i) the conversion of the Class A common stock, Class B common stock and Class C common stock and (ii) the conversion of the convertible preferred stock. Pro forma net loss per share attributable to common stockholders does not include the shares expected to be sold and related proceeds to be received in this offering. Unaudited pro forma net loss per share attributable to common stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2023 was calculated using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding, including the pro forma effect of (i) the conversion of all outstanding shares of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock and Class C common stock and (ii) the conversion of all outstanding shares of our convertible preferred stock, as if such conversions had occurred at the beginning of the period. |
| As of September 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Actual | Pro Forma(1) | Pro Forma As Adjusted(2)(3) |
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| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||
| Balance Sheet Data: |
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| Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments |
$ | 60,897 | $ | $ | ||||||||
| Working capital(4) |
64,676 | |||||||||||
| Total assets |
96,938 | |||||||||||
| Convertible preferred stock |
261,713 | |||||||||||
| Total stockholders deficit |
(228,847 | ) | ||||||||||
| (1) | Gives effect to (i) the conversion of all outstanding shares of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock and Class C common stock into an aggregate of 13,126,418 shares of our common stock immediately prior to the closing of this offering, (ii) the automatic conversion of all outstanding shares of convertible preferred stock into an aggregate of 30,485,181 shares of our common stock and the related reclassification of the carrying value of our convertible preferred stock to permanent equity immediately prior to the closing of this offering, (iii) the automatic net exercise of all outstanding Class B common stock warrants into an aggregate of shares of our common stock immediately prior to the closing of this offering; (iv) the automatic net exercise and subsequent conversion of all outstanding Series C convertible preferred stock warrants into an aggregate of shares of our common stock and the related reclassification of the carrying value of our Series C convertible preferred stock to permanent equity immediately prior to the closing of this offering; (v) the issuance and sale of our Series E convertible preferred stock in November 2024 for aggregate net proceeds of approximately $59.7 million and the subsequent conversion into 8,574,227 shares of our common stock and the related reclassification of the carrying value of our Series E convertible preferred stock to permanent equity immediately prior to the closing of this offering, and (vi) the filing and effectiveness of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which will occur immediately prior to the closing of this offering. |
| (2) | Gives effect to (i) the pro forma adjustments set forth in footnote (1) above and (ii) our sale of shares of common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. |
| (3) | Pro forma as adjusted balance sheet data is illustrative only and will change based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing. Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) each of our pro forma as adjusted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, working capital, total assets and total stockholders (deficit) equity by approximately $ million, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We may also increase or decrease the number of shares we are offering. Each one million share increase (decrease) in the number of shares offered by us would increase (decrease) each of our pro forma as adjusted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, working capital, total assets and total stockholders (deficit) equity by approximately $ million, assuming that the assumed initial offering price to the public remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. |
| (4) | We define working capital as current assets less current liabilities. See our financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus for further details regarding our current assets and current liabilities. |
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Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below, as well as all of the other information contained in this prospectus, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes, before investing in our common stock. While we believe that the risks and uncertainties described below are the material risks currently facing us, additional risks that we do not yet know of or that we currently think are immaterial may also arise and materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. If any of the following risks materialize, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose some or all of your investment.
Risks Related to Our Limited Commercial History, Financial Position and Need for Additional Capital
We have a limited commercial history and limited experience marketing and selling our products. We only recently launched our commercial product, which may make it difficult to evaluate the prospects for our future viability and predict our future performance.
We are a commercial-stage medical device company with limited commercial history and may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other known and unknown obstacles. We launched our first commercial product, the iLet, in May 2023 and therefore do not have a long history operating as a commercial company. Our limited commercial history and limited number of cleared products makes it difficult to evaluate our current business and predict our future performance. These factors also make it difficult for us to forecast our future financial performance and growth. Although we have experienced revenue growth in prior periods, any assessment of our future revenue, profitability or prediction about our future success or viability is subject to significant uncertainty. We have encountered in the past, and will encounter in the future, risks and uncertainties frequently experienced by growing companies in emerging and rapidly changing industries, including scaling up our infrastructure and headcount. If our assumptions regarding these risks and uncertainties, which we use to plan and operate our business, are incorrect or change, or if we do not address these risks successfully, our results of operations could differ materially from our expectations, and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
We have incurred significant operating losses since inception and cannot assure you that we will be able to achieve or sustain profitability.
Since our inception, we have incurred annual net losses. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, our net losses were $64.8 million and $44.1 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024, our net losses were $25.3 million and $36.6 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of 278.6 million. We have devoted substantially all of our resources to the design, development and commercialization of our products, the scaling of our manufacturing and business operations, the clinical and regulatory initiatives to maintain and obtain marketing clearance, and the research and development of our current products and product candidates.
To achieve consistent profitability, we need to, among other things, increase sales of our product and the gross profit associated with those sales, increase our sales force and commercialization efforts, maintain an appropriate customer service team, provide ongoing training and support infrastructure, fund research and development activities, create additional efficiencies in our manufacturing processes while adding to our capacity, maintain and obtain regulatory clearance or certification or clearance or other marketing authorization required to commercialize our product candidates in the United States, and obtain reimbursement coverage from payors. We expect our expenses will continue to increase as we pursue these objectives and make investments in our business. Additional increases in our expenses without commensurate increases in sales could significantly increase our operating losses.
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Accordingly, we expect to continue to incur operating losses for the foreseeable future, and we cannot assure you that we will achieve profitability in the future or that, if we do become profitable, we will sustain profitability. Our failure to achieve and sustain profitability in the future will make it more difficult to finance our business and accomplish our strategic objectives, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and cause the market price of our common stock to decline.
Our quarterly and annual financial condition, operating results and cash flows may fluctuate in the future, which could cause the market price of our stock to decline substantially.
As we continue to build our business, we expect our quarterly and annual financial condition, operating results and cash flows to fluctuate significantly due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to:
| | the timing of the launch of new products and product features by us and our competitors; |
| | market acceptance of our products and competing products by PWD, their caregivers and HCPs; |
| | the timing of regulatory clearance or certification of our products and the products of our competitors; |
| | the actual efficiencies gained in our manufacturing processes; |
| | the implementation and impact of third-party payor reimbursement and our multi-channel coverage and reimbursement strategy, including the mix of products sold via the DME and PBP channels; |
| | expenditures that we may incur to acquire, develop or commercialize additional products; |
| | sales and marketing efforts and expenses; |
| | warranty expenses; |
| | pricing pressures; |
| | the purchasing patterns of our customers, including as a result of seasonality, which may be impacted by the timing and use of deductibles and out-of-pocket expense maximums; |
| | the rate at which we grow our sales force and the speed at which newly hired salespeople become effective; |
| | changes in the productivity of our sales force, |
| | positive or negative coverage in the media or clinical publications of our products or products of our competitors or our industry; and |
| | general economic, political, industry and market conditions. |
These fluctuations may make financial planning and forecasting uncertain. In addition, these fluctuations may result in unanticipated decreases in our available cash, which could negatively affect our business and prospects. In addition, one or more of such factors may cause our revenue or operating expenses in one period to be disproportionately higher or lower relative to the others. As a result, comparing our operating results on a period-to-period basis may be difficult to understand and may not be meaningful. You should not rely on our past results as indicative of our future performance.
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We are pursuing a multi-channel DME and PBP coverage and reimbursement strategy to maximize access to the iLet within the T1D population, provide flexibility for PWD in choosing their device and provide PWD with advantageous coverage and reimbursement terms. We are working with payors to expand coverage and reimbursement under both DME and PBP channels. The DME and PBP channels for the iLet and its single-use products entail different payment outlays and therefore differentially impact PWD and our financial results. For a more detailed description of the strategy, see the section titled Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. To the extent that our mix of distribution channels fluctuates, our financial results may vary from period to period. Our ability to generate more revenue in the PBP channel over the patients lifespan will be dependent upon the continued use of our products by PWD.
The variability and unpredictability caused by factors such as those described above could also result in our failing to meet the expectations of industry or financial analysts or investors for any period. If our revenue or results of operations fall below the expectations of analysts or investors or below any guidance we may provide, or if the guidance we provide is below the expectations of analysts or investors, the price of our common stock could decline substantially. Such a stock price decline could occur even when we have met any previously publicly stated guidance we may provide.
We currently rely on sales of our iLet and related single-use products to generate all of our revenue, and any factors that negatively impact sales of these products may adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
We currently generate all of our revenue from the sale of our iLet and related single-use products. Physician awareness of, and experience with, our iLet and related single-use products is currently limited. As a result, our product has limited product and brand recognition within the medical industry for the treatment of T1D. The novelty of our product, together with our limited commercialization experience, makes it difficult to evaluate our current business and predict our future prospects. Sales of our iLet and related single-use products may be negatively impacted by many factors, including:
| | market acceptance of the insulin delivery devices and related products manufactured and sold by our key competitors; |
| | any safety or effectiveness concerns that arise regarding our products; |
| | the potential that breakthroughs for the monitoring, treatment or prevention of diabetes may render our insulin delivery devices obsolete or less desirable; |
| | adverse regulatory or legal actions relating to our products, or similar products or technologies of our competitors; |
| | the implementation of our multi-channel coverage and reimbursement strategy and any issues faced with such strategy, including the retention of PWD via the PBP channel; |
| | changes in reimbursement rates or policies relating to insulin pumps or similar products or technologies by third-party payors; |
| | competitive pricing and attrition rates of consumers who cease using our products; |
| | our inability to enter into contracts with third-party payors on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; |
| | problems arising from the expansion of our manufacturing capabilities and commercial operations, or destruction, loss, or temporary shutdown of our manufacturing facilities; |
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| | concerns regarding the perceived safety, reliability or cybersecurity of any of our products, or any component thereof, particularly in connection with the launch of additional mobile application features and functionality and other software products; and |
| | claims that any of our products, or any component thereof, infringes on patent rights or other intellectual property rights of third parties. |
Additionally, we are subject to customer concentration risk as a result of our reliance on a relatively small number of DME distributors for a significant portion of our revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2023, our top four DME distributors represented approximately 70% of our total sales. In order to mitigate this concentration risk, we are actively pursuing our multi-channel DME and PBP coverage and reimbursement strategy. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be successful in executing this strategy and as such, we may need to continue to depend on the sales to a relatively small number of significant customers. Any reduction in the amount of revenues that we derive from these customers, without an offsetting increase in new sales to other customers, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Furthermore, any disruption in our supply chain could negatively impact our ability to manufacture or otherwise supply sufficient product quantities to meet demand. For example, sales of any of our current or future insulin delivery device products with CGM integration are subject to the continuation of our applicable agreements with DexCom, Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. (Abbott), or other third parties which, under some circumstances, may be subject to termination, with or without cause, on relatively short notice. Sales of our current or any future products may also be negatively impacted in the event of any regulatory or legal actions relating to CGM products that are compatible with our pumps, or in the event of any disruption to the availability of the applicable CGM-related supplies, such as sensors or transmitters, in a given market in which our products are sold. Sales of our products may also be adversely impacted if the CGM products that are compatible with our pumps are not viewed as superior to competing CGM products in markets where our products are sold, or if the price of these products is not competitive with similar products available in the market.
Because we currently rely on sales of our iLet and related single-use products to generate all of our revenue, any factors that negatively impact sales of these products (or negatively impact the products or components integrated with these products) could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Even if we consummate this offering, we may need to raise additional funds in the future, and these funds may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all.
The development of medical devices is capital-intensive. Our operations have consumed substantial amounts of cash since inception. As of September 30, 2024, our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments were $60.9 million. Based on our planned use of the net proceeds of this offering and our current cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, we estimate that our funds will be sufficient to enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements through . This estimate is based on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our available capital resources sooner than we currently expect. Changing circumstances could cause us to consume capital significantly faster than we currently anticipate, and we may need to spend more than currently expected because of circumstances beyond our control.
Our capital requirements, both near and long-term, will depend on many factors, including, but not limited to:
| | the cost of maintaining FDA clearance for the iLet as an automated insulin dosing system cleared for the treatment of T1D in adults and children six years of age and older; |
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| | the cost of obtaining and maintaining FDA marketing authorization or clearance for other future indications or other product candidates, including for the iLet for T1D using both insulin and glucagon (a bihormonal configuration), the iLet for T2D and the patch pump; |
| | future revenue generated by sales of the iLet and any future product candidates, if approved; |
| | expenses we incur in manufacturing and selling the iLet; |
| | costs associated with scaling up and expanding our manufacturing capacity; |
| | costs associated with building and expanding our sales and marketing efforts in the United States and, in the future, internationally; |
| | costs associated with conducting research and development efforts for future improvements to the iLet; |
| | costs associated with conducting research and development efforts for future product offerings, such as the bihormonal iLet and patch pump; |
| | the cost of complying with regulatory requirements; |
| | costs associated with capital expenditures; |
| | the costs associated with hiring additional personnel as our business grows; |
| | the costs of operating as a public company; |
| | costs associated with any future litigation; and |
| | the costs and timing of preparing, filing and prosecuting patent applications, maintaining and enforcing our intellectual property rights and defending any intellectual property-related claims. |
We may require additional capital beyond the proceeds of this offering, which we may raise through public or private equity or debt financings or other capital sources, which may include strategic collaborations and other strategic arrangements with third parties. Furthermore, upon the closing of this offering, we expect to incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company. Adequate additional financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. Our failure to raise capital as and when needed would have a negative effect on our financial condition and our ability to pursue our business strategy. In addition, attempting to secure additional financing may divert the time and attention of our management from day-to-day activities and harm our development, manufacturing and commercialization efforts.
Our ability to raise additional funds may also be adversely impacted by potential worsening global economic conditions and the disruptions to, and volatility in, the credit and financial markets in the United States and worldwide resulting from geopolitical tensions, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Israel and Palestine conflict, government actions implemented as a result of either of the foregoing, as well as tensions with and economic uncertainty in China, inflation, interest rates, and liquidity concerns at, and failures of, banks and other financial institutions. The global economy, including credit and financial markets, has experienced extreme volatility and disruptions, including severely diminished liquidity and credit availability, declines in economic growth, increases in inflation rates, higher interest rates and uncertainty about economic stability. If the equity and credit markets further deteriorate, or do not improve, it may make any necessary debt or equity financing more difficult, more costly and more dilutive. Market volatility may further adversely impact our ability to access capital as and when needed.
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If we are unable to raise capital when needed or on acceptable terms, we would be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate certain of our research and development programs or manufacturing or commercialization efforts. If this were to occur, our ability to grow and support our business and to respond to market challenges could be significantly limited, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Raising additional capital may cause dilution to our stockholders, including purchasers of common stock in this offering, restrict our operations or require us to relinquish rights to our technologies or iLet.
We expect our expenses to increase in connection with our planned operations. Unless and until we can generate a substantial amount of revenue from our iLet, we expect to finance our future cash needs through public or private equity offerings, debt financings, strategic collaborations and other strategic arrangements with third parties, or other sources, or any combination of the foregoing. In addition, we may seek additional capital due to favorable market conditions or strategic considerations, even if we believe that we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans.
To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of our common stock, convertible securities or other equity securities, your ownership interest may be diluted, and the terms of these securities could include liquidation or other preferences and anti-dilution protections that could adversely affect your rights as a common stockholder. In addition, debt financing, if available, may result in fixed payment obligations and may involve agreements that include restrictive covenants that limit our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures, creating liens, redeeming stock or declaring dividends, that could adversely impact our ability to conduct our business. In addition, securing financing could require a substantial amount of time and attention from our management and may divert a disproportionate amount of their attention away from day-to-day activities and harm our development, manufacturing and commercialization efforts.
If we raise additional funds through collaborations or marketing, distribution or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams or investigational devices or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us.
Risks Related to Our Business, Strategy and Industry
The failure of our iLet and related products to achieve and maintain market acceptance could result in us achieving sales below our expectations, which would cause our business, financial condition and operating results to be materially and adversely affected.
Our current business and growth strategy is highly dependent on our insulin delivery device and related products achieving and maintaining market acceptance. For us to sell our products to people with insulin-dependent diabetes, we must demonstrate to them, their caregivers and HCPs that our products are an attractive alternative to competitive products for the treatment of diabetes, including traditional insulin pump products and MDI therapies, as well as alternative diabetes monitoring, treatment or prevention methodologies. Market acceptance and adoption of our products depends on educating PWD as well as their caregivers and HCPs, about the distinct features, ease-of-use, beneficial treatment outcomes and other perceived benefits of our products as compared to competing products. If we are not successful in convincing existing and potential customers of the benefits of our products, or if we are not able to achieve the support of caregivers and HCPs for our products, our sales may decline or we may achieve sales below our expectations.
Market acceptance of our products could be negatively impacted by many factors, including:
| | the failure of our products to achieve and maintain wide acceptance among people with insulin-dependent diabetes, their caregivers, HCPs, third-party payors and key opinion leaders in the diabetes treatment community; |
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| | PWD experience and satisfaction of our products; |
| | PWD preference for management of T1D; |
| | lack of evidence supporting the safety, effectiveness, ease-of-use or other perceived benefits of our products over competing products or other currently available insulin treatment methodologies; |
| | perceived risks or uncertainties associated with the use of our products, or components thereof, or of similar products or technologies of our competitors; |
| | adverse regulatory or legal actions or developments relating to our insulin delivery device product or to similar products or technologies; and |
| | results of clinical trials relating to our existing product or product candidates or to similar competitive products. |
In addition, the rapid evolution of technology and treatment options within our industry may cause consumers to delay the purchase of our products in anticipation of advancements or breakthroughs, or the perception that advancements or breakthroughs could occur, in our products or the products offered by our competitors. It is also possible that consumer interest in our product candidates may lead consumers to delay the purchase of our current products.
If our insulin delivery device products do not achieve and maintain widespread market acceptance, we may fail to achieve sales consistent with our projections, in which case our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially and adversely affected.
The market opportunities for our iLet for the treatment of diabetes may be smaller than we anticipated, limiting our ability to successfully sell our current and future products.
Our current and future target patient populations and total addressable markets for our current and future products are based on our beliefs and estimates regarding pump adoption rates and the incidence or prevalence of T1D and T2D, including the patient population using intensive insulin therapy for treatment, which are derived from a variety of sources including scientific literature and third-party estimates. While we believe our assumptions and the data underlying our estimates are reasonable, our projections may prove to be incorrect and the conditions supporting our assumptions or estimates may change at any time, thereby reducing the predictive accuracy of these estimates. For example, the number of potential patients may turn out to be lower than expected. Even though we estimate we have obtained approximately 10% share of new patient starts during the second quarter of 2024 for our iLet (calculated by taking the number of new patient starts on the iLet and dividing that by the number of assumed new patient starts in the entire insulin pump market in the United States for the same quarter), because the potential target populations could be smaller than we expect, we may never achieve profitability without obtaining regulatory clearance for the iLet in additional indications, specifically in T2D, which we have not obtained. If the actual number of patients who would benefit from our products, the price at which we can sell products, or the total addressable market for our products is smaller than we anticipated, it may impair our sales growth and have an adverse impact on our business.
We face competition from numerous competitors, most of whom have far greater resources than we have, which may make it more difficult for us to achieve significant market penetration and which may allow them to develop additional products for the treatment of diabetes that compete with our iLet.
The medical device industry is intensely competitive, subject to rapid change and highly sensitive to the introduction of new products, treatment techniques or technologies, or other market activities of industry participants. We primarily compete with a number of companies that manufacture and sell insulin pumps, such as
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Medtronic, Tandem, and Insulet. The iLet has certain characteristics that other insulin pumps manufactured by such competitors, to our knowledge, do not currently have, such as the ability to be initialized with only the users body weight, being enabled by algorithms that determine 100% of the users insulin doses, no carb counting, an option for pay-as-you-go pharmacy reimbursement and prefilled cartridges. For more information regarding the current commercial landscape for the iLet, see section titled BusinessThe Commercial Opportunity for the iLet Bionic Pancreas to Address the Unmet Need. Outside of the insulin pump market, we face competition from a number of companies, medical researchers and pharmaceutical companies that offer or are pursuing competing delivery devices, technologies and procedures, such as prefilled insulin syringes, insulin pens and inhalable insulin products, as well as companies with approved therapeutics or in-development therapeutic candidates impacting diabetes.
Our current primary competitors are publicly traded companies that have several competitive advantages over us, including significantly greater name recognition, greater financial resources for sales and marketing and product development, established relationships with HCPs and third-party payors, and larger and more established distribution networks. Most of these competitors are large, well-capitalized companies with significantly more market share and resources than we have. As a consequence, they are able to spend more aggressively on product development, marketing, sales and other product initiatives than we may be able to. In some instances, our competitors also offer products that include features that our iLet does not include. For instance, Insulet offers a tubeless insulin delivery system which integrates the pump and infusion set in a single, disposable unit. The introduction of new products by competitors may create market saturation that may make it difficult to differentiate the potential benefits of the iLet over other products in development or approved products.
In addition, we may face competition from a number of medical device and pharmaceutical companies and academic and government-sponsored medical researchers that are pursuing new delivery devices, delivery technologies, sensing technologies, procedures, drugs and other therapeutics for the monitoring, treatment and prevention of diabetes.
The availability of our competitors products could limit the demand, and the price we are able to charge, for the iLet. The inability to compete with existing or subsequently introduced devices would have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and prospects. In addition, the reimbursement structure of approved devices by other companies could impact the anticipated reimbursement structure of the iLet and our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Our results of operations will be harmed if we are unable to accurately forecast customer demand for our products and manage our inventory.
To ensure adequate supply of our products, we must forecast the inventory needs of our current and prospective customers, and manufacture our products based on our estimates of future demand. Our ability to accurately forecast demand for our products could be negatively affected by many factors, many of which are beyond our control, including our failure to accurately manage our expansion strategy, product introductions by competitors, an increase or decrease in customer demand for our products or for products of our competitors, our failure to accurately forecast market acceptance of new products and changes in general market conditions or regulatory matters.
We seek to maintain sufficient levels of inventory of our products to protect ourselves from supply interruptions. We rely in part on our distributors and pharmacy customers to supply forecasts of anticipated product orders in their respective territories. If we fail to accurately estimate customer demand for our products, our inventory forecasts may be inaccurate, resulting in shortages or excesses of inventory. Inventory levels in excess of customer demand may result in inventory write-downs or write-offs, which would cause our gross margin to be adversely affected and negatively impact our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. Conversely, if we underestimate customer demand for our products, we may not be able to deliver
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products in a timely manner or at all, and this could result in reduced revenue and damage to our reputation and customer relationships. For example, in the first 12 months after the release of the iLet, we encountered significantly higher demand than initially expected by our forecast model. Such demand, driven by faster than expected adoption of the iLet in endocrinology centers in which we operate, as well as by the earlier than expected launch of our Dexcom G7 integration in December 2023, exceeded our existing supply of the iLet, which resulted in backorders. However, no resulting backorders materially impacted our results of operations. In addition, if we experience a significant increase in demand, we may not have adequate manufacturing capacity to meet such demand, and additional supplies may not be available when required on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all, or suppliers may not be able to allocate sufficient capacity to meet our increased requirements, all of which would negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In order to mitigate any demand issues, we have increased our inventory levels of the iLet to address any unpredictability. However, if we are unable to meet customer demand, we could lose our existing customers or lose our ability to acquire new customers, which would also negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Competing products, therapeutic techniques or other technological developments and breakthroughs for the monitoring, treatment or prevention of diabetes may render our products obsolete or less desirable.
Our ability to grow our business and achieve our strategic objectives will depend on, among other things, our ability to develop and commercialize products for the treatment of diabetes that offer distinct features and functionality, are easy-to-use, provide superior treatment outcomes, receive adequate coverage and reimbursement from third-party payors, and are otherwise more appealing than available alternatives. Our primary competitors, as well as a number of other companies and medical researchers are pursuing new delivery devices, delivery technologies, therapeutic techniques, sensing technologies, treatment techniques, procedures, drugs and other therapies for the monitoring, treatment and prevention of diabetes. Any breakthroughs in diabetes monitoring, treatment or prevention could reduce the potential market for our products or render our products obsolete altogether, which would significantly reduce our sales or cause our sales to grow at a slower rate than we currently expect. In addition, even the perception that new products may be introduced, or that technological or treatment advancements could occur, could cause consumers to delay the purchase of our products.
Because the insulin-dependent diabetes market is large and growing, we anticipate companies will continue to dedicate significant resources to developing competing products and technologies, including potentially competitive learning algorithms. The introduction of products by competitors that are or claim to be superior to our products may create market confusion that may make it difficult to differentiate the benefits of our products over competing products. In addition, some of our competitors employ aggressive pricing strategies, including the use of discounts, rebates, low-cost product upgrades or other financial incentives that could adversely affect sales of our products. If a competitor develops a product that competes with or is perceived to be superior to our products, or if competitors continue to utilize strategies that place downward pressure on pricing within our industry, our sales may decline, our operating margins could be reduced and we may fail to meet our financial projections, which would materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
Our newer mobile software applications are being designed to incorporate features and functions that are common to other consumer-oriented applications. These consumer industries are themselves highly competitive, and characterized by continuous new product introductions, rapid developments in technology and subjective and changing consumer preferences. If, in the future, consumers cease to view our products as contemporary or convenient as compared to then-existing consumer technology, our products may become less desirable.
The diabetes treatment market is subject to rapid technological change and product innovation. Our products are based on our proprietary technology, but a number of companies, medical researchers, and pharmaceutical companies are pursuing new delivery devices, delivery technologies, sensing technologies,
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procedures, drugs, and other therapeutics for the monitoring, treatment, and/or prevention of insulin-dependent diabetes. In addition, we face competition from a number of companies, medical researchers and pharmaceutical companies that either offer or are pursuing competing delivery devices, technologies and procedures, such as smart insulin pens and inhalable insulin products, as well as companies with approved therapeutics or in-development therapeutic candidates impacting diabetes.
Any breakthroughs in diabetes monitoring, treatment or prevention could reduce the potential market for our products or render our products obsolete altogether, which would significantly reduce our sales or cause our sales to grow at a slower rate than we currently expect. In addition, even the perception that new products may be introduced, or that technological or treatment advancements could occur, could cause consumers to delay the purchase of our products or impact our stock price.
We currently have a limited marketing and sales organization and have limited experience as a commercial-stage company marketing devices. If we are unable to successfully expand our marketing and sales capabilities or enter into additional agreements with third parties to market and sell devices, we may not be able to generate product revenue, and our business may be adversely affected.
We currently have limited sales marketing and distribution capabilities, and we have limited experience as an organization in marketing medical devices. Our continued sales will depend, in large part, on our ability to expand our sales infrastructure, particularly if we receive regulatory clearance in other jurisdictions. We will have to compete with other pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and expend additional capital in order to recruit, hire, train and retain additional marketing and sales personnel.
Identifying and recruiting qualified personnel with sufficient industry experience and training them requires significant time, expense and attention. We have limited experience in training our personnel to successfully market and sell our iLet. If we provide inadequate training, fail to increase our sales and marketing capabilities or fail to develop broad brand awareness in a cost effective manner, our business may be harmed. In addition, if our efforts to expand do not generate a corresponding increase in revenue or result in a decrease in our operating margin, our financial results will be adversely impacted. If we are unable to hire, develop and retain talented sales personnel or if new sales personnel are unable to achieve desired productivity levels in a reasonable period of time, we may not be able to realize the expected benefits of this investment or increase our revenue.
We may also decide to pursue collaborative arrangements regarding the sales and marketing of our products, if licensed. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to establish or maintain such collaborative arrangements, or if we are able to do so, that they will have effective sales forces. Any revenue we receive will depend upon the efforts of such third parties, which may not be successful. We may have little or no control over the marketing and sales efforts of such third parties and our revenue from product sales may be lower than if we had commercialized our investigational devices ourselves. We also face competition in our search for third parties to assist us with the sales and marketing efforts of our investigational devices.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully expand our distribution capabilities or establish or maintain relationships with third-party collaborators to commercialize any product in the United States or in other jurisdictions for which we are able to obtain regulatory clearance.
If our information technology systems or those third parties with whom we work or our data, are or were compromised, we could experience adverse consequences resulting from such compromise, including, but not limited to, regulatory investigations or actions; litigation; fines and penalties; disruptions of our business operations; reputational harm; loss of revenue or profits; loss of customers or sales; and other adverse consequences.
In the ordinary course of our business, we and the third parties with whom we work, process sensitive information. Cyber-attacks, malicious internet-based activity, online and offline fraud, and other similar activities
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threaten the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our sensitive information and information technology systems, and those of the third parties with whom we work. Such threats are prevalent and continue to rise, are increasingly difficult to detect, and come from a variety of sources, including traditional computer hackers, threat actors, hacktivists, organized criminal threat actors, personnel (such as through theft or misuse), sophisticated nation states and nation-state-supported actors.
Some actors now engage and are expected to continue to engage in cyber-attacks, including without limitation nation-state actors for geopolitical reasons and in conjunction with military conflicts and defense activities. During times of war and other major conflicts, we, the third parties with whom we work, and our customers may be vulnerable to a heightened risk of these attacks, including retaliatory cyber-attacks, that could materially disrupt our systems and operations, supply chain, and ability to produce, sell and distribute our goods and services.
We and the third parties with whom we work are subject to a variety of evolving threats, including, but not limited to, social-engineering attacks (including through deep fakes, which may be increasingly more difficult to identify as fake, and phishing attacks), malicious code (such as viruses and worms), malware (including as a result of advanced persistent threat intrusions), denial-of-service attacks, credential stuffing attacks, credential harvesting, personnel misconduct or error, ransomware attacks, supply-chain attacks, software bugs, server malfunctions, software or hardware failures, loss of data or other information technology assets, adware, telecommunications failures, earthquakes, fires, floods, attacks enhanced or facilitated by AI and other similar threats.
In particular, severe ransomware attacks are becoming increasingly prevalent and can lead to significant interruptions in our operations, ability to provide our products or services, loss of sensitive data and income, reputational harm and diversion of funds. Extortion payments may alleviate the negative impact of a ransomware attack, but we may be unwilling or unable to make such payments due to, for example, applicable laws or regulations prohibiting such payments. It may be difficult and/or costly to detect, investigate, mitigate, contain and remediate a security incident. Our efforts to do so may not be successful. Actions taken by us or the third parties with whom we work to detect, investigate, mitigate, contain and remediate a security incident could result in outages, data losses and disruptions of our business. Threat actors may also gain access to other networks and systems after a compromise of our networks and systems.
Remote work has become more common and has increased risks to our information technology systems and data, as more of our employees utilize network connections, computers and devices outside our premises or network, including working at home, while in transit and in public locations. Future or past business transactions (such as acquisitions or integrations) could expose us to additional cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities, as our systems could be negatively affected by vulnerabilities present in acquired or integrated entities systems and technologies. Furthermore, we may discover security issues that were not found during due diligence of such acquired or integrated entities, and it may be difficult to integrate companies into our information technology environment and security program.
We rely on third parties to operate critical business systems to process sensitive information in a variety of contexts, including, without limitation, cloud-based infrastructure, encryption and authentication technology, manufacturing, employee email, content delivery to customers and other functions. Our ability to monitor these third parties information security practices is limited, and these third parties may not have adequate information security measures in place. If the third parties with whom we work experience a security incident or other interruption, we could experience adverse consequences. While we may be entitled to damages if the third parties with whom we work fail to satisfy their privacy or security-related obligations to us, any award may be insufficient to cover our damages, or we may be unable to recover such award.
In addition, supply-chain attacks have increased in frequency and severity, and we cannot guarantee that third parties infrastructure in our supply chain or that of the third parties with whom we work have not been
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compromised. While we have implemented security measures designed to protect against security incidents, there can be no assurance that these measures will be effective.
In addition to the risks regarding our information systems and processing of sensitive information, our iLet insulin pumps rely on software, some of which is developed by third-party service providers, that could contain unanticipated vulnerabilities, which could make our products subject to computer viruses, cyber-attacks, or failures. These risks are further increased because we enable users to control insulin boluses through the mobile app using our iLet product.
The FDA has warned that insulin pumps may have cybersecurity vulnerabilities and could be manipulated by hackers, causing danger to PWD. Successful exploitation of any security vulnerabilities in our iLet products may allow attackers to gain access to the iLet to intercept, modify or interfere with the wireless radio frequency communications to or from our iLet products which could allow attackers to read sensitive data, change pump settings or control insulin delivery.
While we take steps designed to detect, mitigate, and remediate vulnerabilities in our iLet product and information systems (such as our hardware and/or software, including that of third parties with whom we work), we may not detect and remediate all such vulnerabilities including on a timely basis. Further, we may experience delays in deploying remedial measures and patches designed to address identified vulnerabilities. Vulnerabilities could be exploited and result in a security incident.
Any of the previously identified or similar threats could cause a security incident or other interruption that could result in unauthorized, unlawful, or accidental acquisition, modification, destruction, loss, alteration, encryption, disclosure of, or access to our sensitive information or our information technology systems, or those of the third parties with whom we work. A security incident or other interruption could disrupt our ability (and that of third parties with whom we work) to provide our products.
We may expend significant resources or modify our business activities (including our clinical trial activities) to try to protect against security incidents. Certain data privacy and security obligations may require us to implement and maintain specific security measures or industry-standard or reasonable security measures to protect our information technology systems and sensitive information.
Applicable data privacy and security obligations may require us, or we may voluntarily choose, to notify relevant stakeholders, including affected individuals, customers, regulators and investors, of security incidents, or to take other actions, such as providing credit monitoring and identity theft protection services. Such disclosures and related actions can be costly, and the disclosure or the failure to comply with such applicable requirements could lead to adverse consequences.
If we (or a third party with whom we work) experience a security incident or are perceived to have experienced a security incident, we may experience adverse consequences, such as government enforcement actions (for example, investigations, fines, penalties, audits, and inspections); additional reporting requirements and/or oversight; restrictions on processing sensitive information (including personal data); litigation (including class claims); indemnification obligations; negative publicity; reputational harm; monetary fund diversions; diversion of management attention; interruptions in our operations (including availability of data); financial loss; and other similar harms. Security incidents and attendant consequences may prevent or cause customers to stop using our products, deter new customers from using our products and negatively impact our ability to grow and operate our business.
Our contracts may not contain limitations of liability, and, even where they do, there can be no assurance that limitations of liability in our contracts are sufficient to protect us from liabilities, damages or claims related to our data privacy and security obligations. We cannot be sure that our insurance coverage will be adequate or sufficient to protect us from or to mitigate liabilities arising out of our privacy and security practices,
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that such coverage will continue to be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all, or that such coverage will pay future claims. In addition to experiencing a security incident, third parties may gather, collect or infer sensitive information about us from public sources, data brokers, or other means that reveals competitively sensitive details about our organization and could be used to undermine our competitive advantage or market position.
We may expend our resources to pursue the development of new potential indications or other modifications to commercialized products, and forgo the opportunity to capitalize on other potential indications or modifications that may ultimately be more profitable or for which there is a greater potential likelihood of success.
We have limited financial and personnel resources and are placing significant focus on the commercialization of our iLet as an automated insulin dosing system cleared for the treatment of T1D in adults and children six years of age and older, and the development of a bihormonal configuration for the treatment of T1D. We also intend to pursue expanded use of our iLet to treat people with insulin-dependent T2D. These changes will require the successful completion of additional trials, submission of and the FDAs clearance, approval or granting of marketing authorization applications and significant resources, which may not result in authorization for these uses and configurations. Over time, we may also seek future marketing authorizations or clearances for the use of our iLet in the treatment of a number of related conditions including gestational diabetes, monogenic diabetes, cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, congenital hyperinsulinism, insulinoma syndrome, post-bariatric surgery and metabolic syndrome. Our resource allocation decisions may cause us to fail to capitalize on viable commercial products or profitable market opportunities. Our spending on current and future research and development programs for specific indications may not yield any commercially viable future investigational devices.
We will need to expand our organization, and we may experience challenges in managing this growth as we build our capabilities, which could disrupt our operations.
As of September 30, 2024, we had 279 full-time employees. We expect to experience significant growth over time in the number of our employees and the scope of our operations, particularly in the areas of regulatory and clinical affairs and sales, marketing and distribution. To manage our growth activities, we must continue to implement and improve our managerial, operational and financial systems, expand our facilities and continue to recruit and train additional qualified personnel. Due to our limited financial resources and the limited experience of our management team in managing a company with such anticipated growth, we may not be able to effectively manage the expansion of our operations or recruit and train additional qualified personnel, which may result in weaknesses in our infrastructure, give rise to operational mistakes, loss of business opportunities, loss of employees and reduced productivity among remaining employees. As we expand our organization, we may have difficulty identifying, hiring and integrating new personnel. Future growth would impose significant additional responsibilities on our management, including the need to identify, recruit, maintain, motivate and integrate additional employees, consultants and contractors. Also, our management may need to divert a disproportionate amount of its attention away from our day-to-day activities and devote a substantial amount of time to managing these growth activities. Our expected growth could require significant capital expenditures and may divert financial resources from other projects, such as the development of investigational devices. If our management is unable to effectively manage our growth, our expenses may increase more than expected, our ability to generate and/or grow product revenues could be reduced and we may not be able to implement our business strategy. Our future financial performance and our ability to commercialize our investigational devices and compete effectively will depend, in part, on our ability to effectively manage any future growth.
We expect to continue to increase our manufacturing capacity and our personnel, and we will need to develop additional capabilities to support our U.S. and international sales and marketing efforts. This growth, as well as any other growth that we may experience in the future, will pose challenges to our organization and may strain our management and operations resources. In order to manage future growth, we will be required to
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improve existing, and implement new, sales and marketing efforts and distribution channels. The form and function of our enterprise information technology systems will need to change and be improved upon as our business needs change. We will need to manage our supply chain effectively, including the development of our U.S. manufacturing, our relationship with single source suppliers as well as other suppliers going forward. We may also need to partner with additional third-party suppliers to manufacture certain components of the iLet and complete additional manufacturing lines in the future. A transition to new suppliers may result in additional costs or delays. We may misjudge the amount of time or resources that will be required to effectively manage any anticipated or unanticipated growth in our business, or we may not be able to manufacture sufficient inventory, or attract, hire and retain sufficient personnel to meet our needs. If we cannot scale our business appropriately, maintain control over expenses or otherwise adapt to anticipated and unanticipated growth, our business resources may become strained, we may not be able to deliver the iLet in a timely manner and our results of operations may be adversely affected.
Our future success depends on our ability to retain our key personnel and to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel.
We are dependent on our executive officers, as well as the other members of our management, scientific and clinical teams. Although we have formal employment agreements with our executive officers, these agreements do not prevent them from terminating their employment with us at any time and, for certain of our executive officers, entitle them to receive severance payments in connection with their voluntary resignation of employment for good reason, as defined in the employment agreements. Additional details regarding these arrangements can be found in the section titled Executive and Director CompensationEmployment Arrangements with Our Named Executive Officers. We do not currently maintain key person life insurance policies for any of our employees. If we lose one or more key employees, we may experience difficulties in competing effectively, developing our technologies and implementing our business strategy.
Our success will depend on our ability to retain our current management and key employees, and to attract and retain qualified personnel in the future. Competition for senior management and key employees in our industry is intense, and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to retain our personnel or attract new, qualified personnel. The loss of the services of certain members of our senior management or key employees could prevent or delay the implementation and completion of our strategic objectives, or divert managements attention to seeking qualified replacements. Each member of senior management, as well as our key employees, may terminate employment without notice and without cause or good reason. The members of our senior management are not subject to non-competition agreements. Accordingly, the adverse effect resulting from the loss of certain members of senior management could be compounded by our inability to prevent them from competing with us.
In addition, job candidates and existing employees often consider the value of the stock awards they receive in connection with their employment. If the perceived benefits of our stock awards decline, either because we are a public company or for other reasons, it may harm our ability to recruit and retain highly skilled employees. Many of our employees have become or will soon become vested in a substantial amount of our common stock or a number of common stock options. Our employees may be more likely to leave us if the shares they own have significantly appreciated in value relative to the original purchase prices of the shares, or if the exercise prices of the options that they hold are significantly below the market price of our common stock, particularly after the expiration of the lock-up agreements described herein. Our future success depends on our ability to continue to attract and retain additional executive officers and other key employees. If we fail to attract new personnel or fail to retain and motivate our current personnel, it will negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may acquire other companies or technologies, which could fail to result in a commercial product or revenue, divert our managements attention, result in additional dilution to our stockholders and otherwise disrupt our business.
Although we currently have no agreements or commitments to complete any such transactions and are not involved in negotiations to do so, we may in the future seek to acquire or invest in businesses, applications or
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technologies that we believe could complement or expand our offering of products, enhance our technical capabilities or otherwise offer growth opportunities. However, we cannot assure you that we would be able to successfully complete any acquisition we choose to pursue, or that we would be able to successfully integrate any acquired business, product or technology in a cost-effective and non-disruptive manner. The pursuit of potential acquisitions may divert the attention of management and cause us to incur various costs and expenses in identifying, investigating and pursuing suitable acquisitions, whether or not they are consummated. We may not be able to identify desirable acquisition targets or be successful in entering into an agreement with any particular target or obtain the expected benefits of any acquisition or investment.
To date, the growth of our operations has been organic, and we have limited experience in acquiring other businesses or technologies. We may not be able to successfully integrate any acquired personnel, operations and technologies, or effectively manage the combined business following an acquisition. Acquisitions could also result in dilutive issuances of equity securities, the use of our available cash, or the incurrence of debt, which could harm our operating results. In addition, if an acquired business fails to meet our expectations, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be negatively affected.
If we were to be sued for product liability, we could face substantial liabilities that exceed our resources, limit sales of our iLet and limit commercialization of any products that we may develop.
The marketing, sale and use of our iLet could lead to the filing of product liability claims where someone may allege that our products identified inaccurate or incomplete information or otherwise failed to perform as designed. We may also be subject to liability for errors in, a misunderstanding of or inappropriate reliance upon, the information we provide in the ordinary course of our business activities. A product liability claim could result in substantial damages and be costly and time-consuming for us to defend. If we cannot successfully defend ourselves against product liability claims, we will incur substantial liabilities and reputational harm. In addition, regardless of merit or eventual outcome, product liability claims may result in:
| | substantial litigation costs; |
| | distraction of managements attention from our primary business; |
| | the inability to commercialize our products or new products; |
| | decreased demand for our products; |
| | damage to our business reputation; |
| | product recalls or withdrawals from the market; |
| | loss of sales; or |
| | termination of existing agreements by our partners and potential partners failing to partner with us. |
We maintain product liability insurance, but this insurance may not fully protect us from the financial impact of defending against product liability claims. Any product liability claim brought against us, with or without merit, could increase our insurance rates or prevent us from securing insurance coverage in the future. While we may attempt to manage our product liability exposure by proactively recalling or withdrawing from the market any defective products, any recall or market withdrawal of our products may delay the supply of those products to our customers and may impact our reputation. We may not be successful in initiating appropriate market recall or market withdrawal efforts that may be required in the future and these efforts may not have the intended effect of preventing product malfunctions and the accompanying product liability that may result. Such recalls and withdrawals may also harm our reputation with customers, which could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Risks Related to the Development, Regulatory Approval and Commercialization of our iLet Bionic Pancreas and Product Candidates
We are highly dependent on the success of our iLet for the treatment of T1D, which is cleared by the FDA for commercial sale in the United States for the treatment of T1D, and we do not have any other commercial products. If we are unable to obtain and maintain regulatory clearance or approval for planned modifications to the iLet or for new indications, or for any future development-stage products, or if we are unsuccessful in our efforts to continue to commercialize our cleared version of the iLet, our business will be materially harmed.
We only have one commercialized device, the iLet, which is an automated insulin dosing system cleared for the treatment of T1D in adults and children six years of age and older. Our business primarily depends on the successful commercialization of the iLet. We currently have no other products cleared for sale and may never be able to develop other marketable products. Our iLet will require additional clinical development, testing and marketing authorization or regulatory clearance before we are permitted to commercialize it in a bihormonal configuration for the treatment of T1D or for any future indications we may pursue. Further, as we develop a bihormonal configuration of the iLet, which is designed to use both insulin and glucagon for the treatment of T1D, we will separately need to develop and obtain approval for our glucagon product candidate as a drug via an NDA submission in order to successfully commercialize our iLet in a bihormonal configuration. We expect that the bihormonal configuration will require completion of clinical trials and submission of a 510(k) for both the infusion pump and algorithm. In addition, we expect that the single hormone and bihormonal algorithms will require separate studies to be performed in T1D and T2D populations in order to seek clearance in these patient populations. In addition, we are in the early states of developing an insulin pump, also commonly referred to as a patch pump, for which we have engaged with the FDA in pre-submission interactions and intend to seek FDA clearance via a 510(k) submission. The future regulatory and commercial success of our iLet, patch pump and any other product candidate is subject to a number of risks, including the following:
| | completion of preclinical studies with favorable results; |
| | successful enrollment in, and completion of, planned and future clinical trials with favorable results; |
| | sufficiency of our financial and other resources to complete the necessary clinical trials and regulatory activities; |
| | successful patient enrollment in clinical trials; |
| | successful data from our clinical program that supports an acceptable risk-benefit profile in the intended populations; |
| | whether we are required by the FDA to conduct additional clinical trials or to modify the design of current or planned trials to support any future application seeking marketing authorization or clearance of the iLet in a bihormonal configuration for the treatment of T1D or for other indications we may pursue, or seeking initial marketing authorization or clearance for any of our other product candidates; |
| | receipt and maintenance of marketing authorizations or clearances from applicable regulatory authorities; |
| | obtaining and maintaining patent and trade secret protection and regulatory exclusivity for our iLet; |
| | making arrangements with third-party manufacturers and ensuring such third-party manufacturers supply sufficient quantities of components of our products and product candidates; |
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| | scaling up our manufacturing capabilities, for both commercial and clinical supplies of our products and product candidates; |
| | entry into collaborations to further the development of our iLets capabilities; |
| | expanding sales, marketing and distribution capabilities as we continue our commercialization efforts of the iLet, whether alone or in collaboration with others; |
| | successfully launching commercial sales of the iLet, patch pump and any other product candidate, if authorized for marketing or cleared; |
| | acceptance of our products by PWD, the medical community and third-party payors; |
| | maintaining a continued acceptable safety profile following marketing authorization or clearance; |
| | maintaining regulatory compliance; |
| | effectively competing with other treatment options and the availability, perceived advantages, relative cost, relative safety and relative effectiveness of alternative and competing treatments; |
| | the emergence of competing technologies and other adverse market developments, and our need to enhance existing products and/or develop new products to maintain market share in response to such competing technologies or market developments; |
| | maintaining healthcare coverage and adequate reimbursement from third-party payors; |
| | continuing to build and maintain an organization of people who can successfully develop our products; and |
| | enforcing and defending intellectual property rights and claims. |
Many of these risks are beyond our control, including the risks related to clinical development, the regulatory submission process, potential threats to our intellectual property rights and the manufacturing, marketing and sales efforts of any future collaborator. If we are not successful in commercializing our iLet or obtaining marketing authorization or clearance for the iLet in its bihormonal configuration for the treatment of T1D or in other indications, such as T2D, the investigational glucagon product, the patch pump, or any other product candidate, or if we experience delays as a result of any of these risks or otherwise, our business could be materially harmed.
Furthermore, even though we have received clearance for our iLet for insulin-only delivery for the treatment of T1D, any other configuration for the treatment of T1D such as a bihormonal configuration using both insulin and glucagon or other indications we may pursue for which we receive marketing authorization or clearance may be subject to limitations on the patient populations for which we may market the product. Even if we are able to obtain the requisite financing to continue to fund our development programs, we cannot assure you that we will successfully develop, obtain marketing authorization or clearance for, and commercialize our iLet in its bihormonal configuration for the treatment of T1D or for any future indication we may pursue, the patch pump, the investigational glucagon product, or any other development-stage products. If we are unable to continue commercializing the iLet for T1D, or if we are unable to develop, or obtain marketing authorization or clearance for, or, if authorized for marketing or cleared, successfully commercialize the iLet for the treatment of any future indications, we may not be able to generate sufficient revenue to continue our business.
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We are subject to a post-market surveillance order issued by the FDA for our iLet. If the FDA determines that our iLet does not perform as anticipated, or if the FDA identifies new concerns related to the safety and effectiveness of the device, we may need to make changes to or recall or withdraw the iLet from the field, which could harm our business.
The FDA has notified us that the iLet is subject to a mandatory post-market surveillance order under Section 522 of the FDCA, which authorizes the FDA to require a manufacturer to conduct post-market surveillance for devices that meet certain criteria. Specifically, the FDA has asked that we conduct a one-year, prospective single-arm cohort study and has accepted our plan for this study, which will assess the safety and effectiveness of the iLet in commercial users and expected to enroll 1,875 users. The FDA also typically issues this 522 Order for any class II device like the iLet that (1) would be reasonably likely to have serious adverse health consequences if it were to fail and (2) is expected to have significant use in pediatric populations. Other class II software algorithms used with AID systems meet these two criteria and have therefore been issued similar 522 Orders. One purpose of the 522 Order is to determine incidence rates of rare adverse events associated with device use (e.g., severe hypoglycemia or DKA). In addition, the FDA expressed concern with the limited safety and effectiveness data for design features specific to the iLet (i.e., lack of conventional open-loop mode, the BG-run feature, body weight only initialization, handling of unannounced meals, and use of lower and higher glucose targets for the device). As part of FDAs request to conduct a post-market surveillance study, the FDA set forth several criteria to evaluate the iLet to address these specific concerns. We have submitted and the FDA has accepted our post-market surveillance plan.
Specifically, the FDA has asked that we conduct a 1-year, prospective single-arm cohort study with a sample size that is statistically justified (based on study hypotheses, where applicable, and with appropriate distribution through different user groups) for TID patients ages six years and older. The FDA has asked that we complete the study and submit a final report to the FDA by June 2027. We are currently making progress to initiate a single-arm prospective observational study anticipated to begin before the end of 2024. We expect this study will enroll a total of 1,875 users who will be followed for one year. We expect that the study will compare outcomes data during iLet use to safety and efficacy outcomes data derived from independent epidemiological studies, such as studies published by the T1D Exchange registry, and to the results of the iLet Bionic Pancreas Pivotal Trial, with an emphasis on serious adverse effects such as severe hypoglycemia and DKA. Further, we expect that an analysis will be conducted comparing glycemic outcomes during iLet use to baseline pre-iLet CGM and HbA1c data in participants who have provided this data. In addition, the study will evaluate the frequency and types of anticipated and unanticipated device issues experienced by users during real-world use. Once we are able to commence, conduct and complete our study, we will be required to submit a final report to the FDA. Should the FDA decide that use of the iLet identifies new concerns related to the safety and effectiveness of the product, or if the FDA determines that the requirements of the 522 Order are otherwise unmet, we may be required to make additional changes to our iLet, for which we may need to submit new marketing authorization applications; we may be required to conduct additional studies or collect additional information; we may need to withdraw or recall the iLet from the market; and may be subject to other enforcement action, which in each case could harm our business. Failure to comply with these requirements in a timely manner could result in the revocation of the 510(k) clearance for our iLet that is the subject of the Section 522 Order, as well as the recall or withdrawal of the product, which in each case, could prevent us from generating sales from the iLet in the United States.
The regulatory authorization process of the FDA, or any comparable foreign regulatory authorities, is lengthy, time-consuming and inherently unpredictable. Even if we complete the necessary clinical trials, we cannot predict when, or if, we will obtain marketing authorization or clearance for any of our product candidates. Modifications to our currently commercialized version of the iLet may require new marketing authorizations or clearance.
We have developed a medical device that is subject to extensive regulation by the FDA. These regulations relate to testing, manufacturing, labeling, sale, promotion, distribution and shipping. Before we can
market or sell a new product regulated as a medical device in the United States, we must obtain marketing
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authorization or clearance under one of the three following regulatory pathways: (i) Section 510(k) of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, (ii) a premarket approval application (PMA), or (iii) de novo classification of our product. In the 510(k) clearance process, the FDA must determine that a proposed device is substantially equivalent to a device legally on the market, known as a predicate device, with respect to intended use, technology and safety and effectiveness, in order to clear the proposed device for marketing. Clinical data are sometimes required to support substantial equivalence. In the second pathway, the PMA process, the FDA must determine that a proposed device is safe and effective for its intended use based, in part, on extensive data, including, but not limited to, technical, preclinical study, clinical trial, manufacturing and labeling data. The PMA process is typically required for products that are deemed to pose the greatest risk, such as life-sustaining, life-supporting or implantable devices, and is significantly more involved than the 510(k) process. The third pathway is called de novo classification, which is generally used for low- to moderate-risk products that have not previously been classified by the FDA and therefore no predicate device is available. Devices not previously classified by the FDA are automatically placed into Class III; through the de novo process a manufacturer may request reclassification as a Class I or II device. If the FDA agrees to reclassify the device, it will then clear the device through the de novo process, and future devices of a similar nature may use the device cleared through the de novo process as a predicate device for a 510(k) submission.
The PMA approval, 510(k) clearance and de novo classification processes can be expensive, lengthy and uncertain. The FDAs 510(k) clearance process usually takes from three to 12 months, but can take longer. The process of obtaining a PMA is much more costly and uncertain than the 510(k) clearance process and generally takes from one to three years, or even longer, from the time the application is submitted to the FDA. In addition, a PMA generally requires the performance of one or more clinical trials. Clinical data may also be required in connection with an application for 510(k) clearance or a de novo classification request. Despite the time, effort and cost, a device may not obtain marketing authorization or clearance by the FDA. Any delay or failure to obtain necessary marketing authorizations or clearances could harm our business. Furthermore, even if we are granted such marketing authorizations or clearances, they may include significant limitations on the indicated uses for the device, which may limit the potential commercial market for the device.
We pursued the 510(k) pathway for the iLet and ultimately received clearance from the FDA for insulin-only delivery for the treatment of T1D in adults and children six years of age and older. Any modification to a 510(k)-cleared device that could significantly affect its safety or effectiveness, or that would constitute a major change in its intended use, design or manufacture, requires a new 510(k) clearance or, possibly, approval of a PMA. The FDA requires every manufacturer to make this determination in the first instance, but the FDA may review any manufacturers decision. The FDA may not agree with our decisions regarding whether new clearances or approvals are necessary. We have modified the iLet subsequent to obtaining 510(k) clearance, and have determined based on our review of the applicable FDA guidance that in these instances new 510(k) clearances or pre-market approvals were not required. If the FDA disagrees with our determination and requires us to submit new 510(k) notifications or PMAs for modifications to our iLet or any other product for which we may obtain 510(k) clearance in the future, and for which we have concluded that new clearances or approvals are unnecessary, we may be required to cease marketing or to recall the modified product until we obtain clearance or approval, and we may be subject to significant regulatory fines or penalties.
Moreover, we have planned modifications to our iLet for which we plan to seek new marketing authorization, such as the proposed bihormonal configuration. The FDA may ultimately determine that the 510(k) pathway is not appropriate for the bihormonal configuration of the iLet for the treatment of T1D, or for any other indications we may pursue, and may require us to obtain a PMA or seek de novo classification in order to commercialize the iLet for such uses in the United States. In particular, there are currently no authorized pump therapies that utilize both insulin and glucagon to treat T1D. As such it is difficult to accurately predict the developmental and regulatory challenges we may experience for our iLet in its bihormonal configuration if it proceeds into a pivotal trial. Obtaining a PMA is generally more costly and uncertain than the 510(k) clearance process or the de novo classification process and generally takes from one to three years, or even longer, from the time the application is submitted to the FDA until an approval is obtained, if ever. Additionally, even though the
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FDA determined that the 510(k) pathway was appropriate for the iLet for insulin-only delivery, different components of the system will require individual marketing authorizations and review of individual components can vary. For example, our iLet Dosing Decision Software utilized in the iLet required a separate 510(k) clearance. If the FDA requires us to go through a lengthier, more rigorous examination for our product candidates or for modifications to existing products than we had expected, product introductions or modifications could be delayed or canceled, which could adversely affect our business. The FDA can delay, limit or deny marketing authorization or clearance of a device for many reasons, including:
| | our inability to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the FDA that our product candidates are substantially equivalent to a predicate device or are safe and effective for their intended uses; |
| | the disagreement of the FDA with the design or implementation of our clinical trials or the interpretation of data from preclinical studies or clinical trials; |
| | serious and unexpected adverse effects experienced by participants in our clinical trials; |
| | the data from our preclinical studies and clinical trials may be insufficient to support clearance, de novo classification or approval, where required; |
| | our inability to demonstrate that the clinical and other benefits of the device outweigh the risks; |
| | the manufacturing process or facilities we use may not meet applicable requirements; and |
| | the potential for approval policies or regulations of the FDA or applicable foreign regulatory bodies to change significantly in a manner rendering our clinical data or regulatory filings insufficient for clearance or approval. |
Further, if the FDA determines that our financial relationships with our principal investigators resulted in a perceived or actual conflict of interest that may have affected the interpretation of a study, the integrity of the data generated at a particular clinical trial site or the utility of the clinical trial itself, we could encounter delays or difficulties in obtaining any future marketing authorizations or clearances. Principal investigators for our clinical trials may serve as scientific advisors or consultants to us from time to time and receive cash compensation and/or stock options in connection with such services. If these relationships and any related compensation to or ownership interest by the clinical investigator carrying out the study result in perceived or actual conflicts of interest, or if the FDA concludes that the financial relationship may have affected interpretation of the study, the integrity of the data generated at the applicable clinical trial site may be questioned and the utility of the clinical trial itself may be jeopardized, which could result in the delay or rejection of any submitted marketing applications, or the data contained therein. Any such delay or rejection could prevent us from obtaining marketing authorization or clearance and commercializing any of our product candidates.
Clinical trials are expensive, time-consuming, difficult to design and implement, and have an uncertain outcome. Further, we may encounter substantial delays in our clinical trials.
Clinical testing is difficult to design and implement, can take many years, can be expensive and carries uncertain outcomes. The results of preclinical studies and clinical trials of our products conducted to date and ongoing or future studies and trials of our current, planned or future products or product candidates may not be predictive of the results of later clinical trials, and interim results of a clinical trial do not necessarily predict final results. The data and results from our clinical trials does not ensure that we will achieve similar results in future clinical trials. In addition, preclinical and clinical data are often susceptible to various interpretations and analyses, and many companies that have believed their products performed satisfactorily in preclinical studies and earlier clinical trials have nonetheless failed to replicate results in later clinical trials, or have viewed such data in different ways than regulators do. Product candidates in later stages of clinical trials may fail to show the
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desired safety and efficacy despite having progressed through nonclinical studies and earlier clinical trials. Failure can occur at any stage of clinical testing. Our clinical studies may produce negative or inconclusive results, and we may decide, or regulators may require us, to conduct additional clinical and nonclinical testing in addition to those we have planned.
Moreover, any delays in conducting clinical trials could materially affect our development costs and delay marketing authorization or clearance of our product modifications and product candidates, including our efforts to develop the iLet for the treatment of T1D using both insulin and glucagon, or for any other indication we may pursue, the patch pump, or any other product candidate. We do not know whether clinical trials will begin on time, will need to be redesigned, will be subject to delay, will be halted due to safety or other concerns, or will be completed on schedule, if at all. A clinical trial can be delayed for a variety of reasons, including:
| | we may be required to submit an investigational device exemption application (IDE) or investigational new drug (IND) to the FDA, which must become effective prior to commencing certain human clinical trials of medical devices and drugs, respectively, and the FDA may reject our IDE or IND and notify us that we may not begin clinical trials, or place restrictions on the conduct of such trials; |
| | regulators may disagree as to the design or implementation of our clinical trials; |
| | delays or failures in obtaining the required allowance, clearance, approval or authorization to commence a trial because of safety concerns; |
| | delays or failures in obtaining components of our products and manufacturing sufficient quantities for use in clinical trials; |
| | delays or failures in reaching agreement on acceptable terms with prospective study sites or other contract research organizations (CROs); |
| | delays or failures in obtaining approval of the clinical trial protocol from an institutional review board (IRB), to conduct a clinical trial at a prospective study site; |
| | delays in recruiting or enrolling participants for clinical trials; |
| | failure of a clinical trial or clinical investigators to be in compliance with Good Clinical Practices (GCPs); |
| | unforeseen safety issues; |
| | malfunctioning of devices; |
| | inability to monitor subjects adequately during or after treatment; |
| | difficulty monitoring multiple trial sites; |
| | the FDA requiring alterations to any of the study designs, our nonclinical strategy or our manufacturing plans; |
| | failure of third-party clinical trial sponsors conducting studies of our products or clinical trial vendors to satisfy their contractual duties, comply with regulations, or meet expected deadlines; and |
| | determination by regulators that the design of a clinical trial is not adequate. |
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Any of these occurrences may significantly harm our business, financial condition and prospects. In addition, many of the factors that cause, or lead to, a delay in the commencement or completion of clinical trials may also ultimately lead to the denial of marketing authorization or clearance.
Patient enrollment in clinical trials and completion of patient follow up depend on many factors, including the size of the patient population, the nature of the trial protocol, the proximity of patients to clinical sites, the eligibility criteria for the clinical trial, patient compliance, competing clinical trials and clinicians and patients perceptions as to the potential advantages of the product being studied in relation to other available therapies, including any new treatments that may be authorized for the indications we are investigating. For example, patients may be discouraged from enrolling in our clinical trials if the trial protocol requires them to undergo extensive post treatment procedures or follow up to assess the safety and efficacy of a product candidate, or they may be persuaded to participate in contemporaneous clinical trials of a competitors product candidate. In addition, patients participating in our clinical trials may drop out before completion of the trial or experience adverse medical events unrelated to our product candidate. Delays in patient enrollment or failure of patients to continue to participate in a clinical trial may delay commencement or completion of the clinical trial, cause an increase in the costs of the clinical trial and delays, or result in the failure of the clinical trial.
Clinical trials may also be delayed or terminated as a result of ambiguous or negative interim results. In addition, a clinical trial may be suspended or terminated by the trial sponsor, the FDA, the IRBs that are overseeing a trial, or a data safety monitoring board overseeing the clinical trial at issue, or other regulatory authorities due to a number of factors, including:
| | failure to conduct the clinical trial in accordance with regulatory requirements or the clinical protocols; |
| | inspection of the clinical trial operations or trial sites by the FDA or other regulatory authorities; |
| | unforeseen safety issues, including adverse events, or lack of effectiveness; and |
| | lack of adequate funding to continue the clinical trial. |
Clinical trials must be conducted in accordance with the laws and regulations of the FDA and other applicable regulatory authorities legal requirements, regulations or guidelines, and are subject to oversight by these governmental agencies and IRBs at the medical institutions where the clinical trials are conducted. In addition, clinical trials must be conducted with supplies of our devices and drugs produced under current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs). Furthermore, we rely on CROs, and clinical trial sites to ensure the proper and timely conduct of our clinical trials and while we have agreements governing their committed activities, we have limited influence over their actual performance. We depend on our collaborators and on medical institutions and CROs to conduct our clinical trials in compliance with good clinical practice, or GCP, requirements. To the extent our collaborators or the CROs fail to enroll participants for our clinical trials, fail to conduct the study to GCP standards or are delayed for a significant time in the execution of trials, including achieving full enrollment, we may be affected by increased costs, program delays or both. In addition, conducting clinical trials in various countries may subject us to further delays and expenses as a result of increased shipment costs, additional regulatory requirements and the engagement of non U.S. CROs and other third party contractors, as well as expose us to risks associated with clinical investigators who are unknown to the FDA, and different standards of diagnosis, screening and medical care.
If we are required to conduct additional clinical trials or other testing beyond those that we currently contemplate, if we are unable to successfully complete clinical trials or other testing, if the results of these trials or tests are not positive or are not as positive as we expect or if there are safety concerns, our business and results of operations may be adversely affected and we may incur significant additional costs.
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Interim, top-line and preliminary data from our clinical trials that we announce or publish from time to time may change as more patient data become available and are subject to audit and verification procedures that could result in material changes in the final data.
From time to time, we may publicly disclose interim, top-line or preliminary data from our clinical trials, which is based on a preliminary analysis of then-available data, and the results and related findings and conclusions are subject to change following a more comprehensive review of the data related to the particular trial. We also make assumptions, estimations, calculations and conclusions as part of our analyses of data, and we may not have received or had the opportunity to fully and carefully evaluate all data. As a result, the interim, top-line or preliminary results that we report may differ from future results of the same trial, or different conclusions or considerations may qualify such results, once additional data have been received and fully evaluated. Interim, top-line or preliminary data also remain subject to audit and verification procedures that may result in the final data being materially different from the interim, top-line or preliminary data we previously announced. As a result, interim, top-line and preliminary data should be viewed with caution until the final data are available.
In particular, we may disclose interim data from our preclinical studies and clinical trials. Interim data from clinical trials that we may complete are subject to the risk that one or more of the clinical outcomes may materially change as patient enrollment continues and more patient data become available. Adverse differences between interim data and final data could significantly harm our business prospects. Further, disclosure of interim data by us or by our competitors could result in volatility in the price of our common stock.
Further, others, including regulatory authorities, may not accept or agree with our assumptions, estimates, calculations, conclusions or analyses or may interpret or weigh the importance of data differently, which could impact the value of the particular program, or the approvability or potential for commercialization of the particular product candidate. In addition, the information we choose to publicly disclose regarding a particular study or clinical trial is based on what is typically extensive information, and you or others may not agree with what we determine is material or otherwise appropriate information to include in our disclosure. If the interim, top-line or preliminary data that we report differ from actual results, or if others, including regulatory authorities, disagree with the conclusions reached, our ability to obtain approval for, and commercialize, our product candidates may be harmed, which could harm our business, operating results, prospects or financial condition.
Use of our commercial or development-stage products may cause adverse events or undesirable side effects or present other safety concerns which may cause us to suspend or discontinue clinical trials, delay or prevent marketing authorization, limit the commercial profile of labeling for any product that has received marketing authorization, or result in significant negative consequences following marketing authorization.
The use of the iLet and any of our product candidates could be associated with adverse events or serious adverse events, which can vary in severity from minor reactions to death and in frequency from infrequent to prevalent. Results of our clinical trials could reveal a high and unacceptable severity and prevalence of side effects or unexpected characteristics associated with our products and product candidates. Undesirable side effects, whether observed in clinical trials or in connection with the commercial use of our products, could also affect patient recruitment or the ability of enrolled patients to complete the trial or result in potential product liability claims. Any of these occurrences may harm our business, financial condition and prospects significantly. The risks are associated with hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. We report all severe hypoglycemia and all DKA events that we are aware of. Our rates of severe hypoglycemia and DKA are similar to those reported for other AID systems currently on the market and to the rates that were observed in the investigator-initiated iLet Bionic Pancreas Pivotal Trial. Rates of severe hypoglycemia (SH) are reported as the number of patients with ≥1 event per 100 patient years of exposure in the BPPT. With 83 patient-years of exposure on iLet therapy, and 13 participants having ≥ 1 SH event, the SH rate was 15.6 events per 100 patient years. In the post-market setting, with 434 patient-years of exposure on iLet therapy through January 31, 2024, and 39 participants having ≥ 1 SH
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event, the SH rate was 9.0 events per 100 patient years. In the BPPT with 83 patient-years of exposure on iLet therapy, the DKA rate was 2.4 patient events per 100 patient years. In the post-market setting with 434 patient-years of exposure, the DKA rate was 2.1 patients per 100 patient years.
Unacceptable safety concerns caused by our commercial or development-stage products could cause us or regulatory authorities to interrupt, delay, or halt clinical trials and could result in a more restrictive label, or the delay or denial of required marketing authorizations or clearances.
In addition, if we, or others, discover safety concerns with our cleared iLet, or for any other product we may develop and for which we may obtain marketing authorization, that were not previously identified, a number of potentially significant negative consequences could result, including:
| | regulatory authorities may seek to reclassify a 510(k)-cleared device, potentially triggering the need for a PMA submission or de novo request, withdraw marketing authorizations or clearances, seize the product, or seek an injunction against its manufacture or distribution; |
| | we, or any future collaborators, may be required to recall the product, change the way such product is administered to or used by patients or conduct additional clinical trials; |
| | additional restrictions may be imposed on the marketing of, or the manufacturing processes for, the particular product; |
| | regulatory authorities may require additional warnings on the label, such as a black box warning or impose distribution or use restrictions; |
| | we, or any future collaborators, may be required to issue safety alerts or other mandatory communications to physicians and patients; |
| | we, or any future collaborators, may be subject to fines, injunctions or the imposition of civil or criminal penalties; |
| | we, or any future collaborators, could be sued and held liable for harm caused to patients; |
| | the product may become less competitive; |
| | our reputation may suffer; and |
| | we could face decreased demand for our products as a result of PWD, caregivers and HCPs losing confidence in our products. |
Any of the foregoing could prevent us from achieving and/or maintaining market acceptance of our products, which would significantly harm our business, results of operations and prospects, and could adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations or the market price of our common shares.
We are developing our iLet in combination with other therapies and devices, which requires additional development time and exposes us to additional risks.
The ability to obtain marketing authorization and to commercialize our iLet in its bihormonal configuration requires FDA approval of a glucagon product for chronic use and to obtain marketing authorization of the Bihormonal configuration setting of our iLet. In May 2024, we entered into an exclusive collaboration and license agreement with Xeris to facilitate development of a dual-hormone pump for individuals with T1D, whereby Xeris will develop a glucagon product utilizing Xeris XeriSol technology for use in our iLet in its
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bihormonal configuration. We will be responsible for obtaining regulatory approval of the glucagon product to be utilized in our iLet, if the bihormonal configuration is authorized for marketing by the FDA. We are highly dependent on the approval of such glucagon product to be able to successfully commercialize our iLet in its bihormonal configuration for the treatment of T1D, if authorized for marketing by the FDA.
We have also designed and received clearance of our iLet for use with prefilled insulin cartridges with multiple, commonly dosed analog insulins. Even with these clearances, we continue to be subject to the risks that the FDA or similar foreign regulatory authorities could revoke approval of the drug therapy used in combination with our iLet or that safety, effectiveness, manufacturing or supply issues could arise with these existing therapies. This could result in our own products being removed from the market or being less successful commercially.
Similarly, we will seek clearance of our iLet for use with select FDA-cleared iCGM models that are compatible with our iLet. Use of the iLet requires the independent purchase of a compatible third-party iCGM to provide real-time data to the iLet user. Currently, the only iCGM models that are compatible with our iLet are DexComs G6 and G7 iCGM devices and Abbotts FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus CGM sensor. Although we are actively working to expand the compatibility of our iLet with other iCGM models, there is no assurance we will be successful in our efforts. This exposes us to similar risk in the event the DexCom G7, Abbotts FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus, or any other marketed iCGM device that may be compatible with our iLet in the future, has its marketing authorization revoked or encounters other difficulties which could negatively affect the publics perception and use of such product and have a corresponding adverse effect on the use and public perception of the iLet. Furthermore, our agreements with certain iCGM manufacturers do not require such iCGM manufacturers to indefinitely support compatibility of their older generation iCGM devices with our iLet as they introduce new generations. As such, PWD may be unwilling to buy or continue to use our iLet if they are unwilling or unable to purchase newer generations of iCGM devices as they are developed and commercialized. If such difficulties occur with the iCGM devices with which the iLet is integrated or future generations of iCGM devices at a time when our iLet is not compatible with any other iCGM devices, or if any such compatible devices are or are perceived to be inferior to such iCGM devices, sales of the iLet would be adversely affected.
If the FDA does not conclude that our glucagon product candidate satisfies the requirements for the 505(b)(2) regulatory approval pathway, or if the requirements for approval of our glucagon product candidate under Section 505(b)(2) are not as we expect, the approval pathway for our glucagon product candidate will likely take significantly longer, cost significantly more and encounter significantly greater complications and risks than anticipated, and in any case may not be successful.
We intend to seek FDA approval through the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway for our glucagon product candidate that we plan to develop for use with our development of a bihormonal configuration of the iLet for the treatment of T1D, as described in this prospectus. The Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984, also known as the Hatch-Waxman Act, added Section 505(b)(2) to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). Section 505(b)(2) permits the filing of an NDA where at least some of the information required for approval comes from studies that were not conducted by or for the applicant. If the FDA does not allow us to pursue the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway for our glucagon product candidate as anticipated, we may need to conduct additional clinical trials, provide additional data and information and meet additional standards for regulatory approval. If this were to occur, the time and financial resources required to obtain FDA approval would likely substantially increase. Moreover, the inability to pursue the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway could result in new competitive products reaching the market faster than our glucagon product candidate, which could materially adversely impact our competitive position and prospects. Even if we are allowed to pursue the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway, we cannot assure you that we will receive the requisite or timely approvals for commercialization of such product candidate. In addition, it is possible that third parties may file citizens petitions with the FDA in an attempt to persuade the FDA that our glucagon product candidate, or the clinical studies that we submit in our applications seeking approval, contain deficiencies. Such actions by our competitors could delay or even prevent the FDA from approving any NDA that we submit under Section 505(b)(2), which would substantially harm our business and could have a material adverse effect on our ability to pursue marketing authorization for the bihormonal configuration of our iLet.
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Changes in funding for the FDA and other government agencies could hinder their ability to hire and retain key leadership and other personnel, or otherwise prevent new products from being developed, authorized or commercialized in a timely manner, which could negatively impact our business.
The ability of the FDA to review and authorize the sale of new products can be affected by a variety of factors, including government budget and funding levels; its ability to hire and retain key personnel and accept the payment of user fees; statutory, regulatory, and policy changes; and other events that may otherwise affect the FDAs ability to perform routine functions. Average review times at the FDA have fluctuated in recent years as a result. In addition, government funding of other government agencies that fund research and development activities is subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid and unpredictable. Disruptions at the FDA and other agencies may also slow the time necessary for new products to be reviewed and/or authorized for marketing by necessary government agencies, which would adversely affect our business. For example, over the last several years, the U.S. government has shut down several times and certain regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, have had to furlough critical FDA employees and stop critical activities. If a prolonged government shutdown occurs, it could significantly impact the ability of the FDA to timely review and process our regulatory submissions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our long-term growth depends, in part, on our ability to develop and enhance the iLet, expand our indications and commercialize the iLet in a timely manner. If we fail to do so we may be unable to grow our business or compete effectively.
It is important to our business and our long-term growth that we continue to develop and enhance the iLet, including in a bihormonal configuration. For example, we have completed over 20 pre-pivotal trials testing the iLet algorithms in order to enhance its learning capabilities. We intend to continue to invest in research and development activities focused on improvements and enhancements to the iLet. Additionally, we intend to pursue marketing authorization or clearance for other indications in the United States in the future.
Developing enhancements to the iLet can be expensive and time-consuming and could divert managements attention away from the commercialization of the iLet and divert financial resources from other operations. The success of any new product enhancements, including marketing authorization or clearance of the iLet for additional indications, will depend on several factors, including our ability to:
| | properly identify and anticipate physician and patient needs, and develop enhancements to meet those needs; |
| | demonstrate, if required, the safety and effectiveness of new enhancements to the iLet, including additional indications, with data from preclinical studies and clinical trials; |
| | obtain in a timely manner the necessary marketing authorization or clearance for new enhancements to the iLet, product modifications or expanded indications; |
| | avoid infringing upon the intellectual property rights of third parties; |
| | comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including those governing the marketing of new devices or modified products; |
| | develop an effective and dedicated sales and marketing team to provide adequate education and training to potential users of the iLet; and |
| | receive adequate coverage and reimbursement for procedures performed with the iLet. |
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While we have commercialized the iLet as an automated insulin dosing system cleared for the treatment of T1D in adults and children six years of age and older, we may not be successful in expanding the configurations or indications and developing and commercializing new product enhancements. This could negatively impact our ability to achieve and maintain market share and increase our revenue, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Maintaining regulatory clearance for our iLet as an automated insulin dosing system for the treatment of T1D and obtaining and maintaining marketing authorization or clearance for a bihormonal configuration for T1D or other indication in one jurisdiction does not mean that we will be successful in obtaining marketing authorization of the iLet in any configuration or indication in other jurisdictions.
Maintaining regulatory clearance for our iLet as an automated insulin dosing system for the treatment of T1D and obtaining and maintaining marketing authorization or clearance for a bihormonal configuration for T1D or other indication in one jurisdiction does not mean that we will be successful in obtaining or maintaining marketing authorization of the iLet in any configuration or indication in any other jurisdiction. For example, even if the FDA grants marketing authorization or clearance, this does not mean that comparable regulatory authorities in foreign jurisdictions would similarly grant marketing authorization or clearance in those countries. Procedures for obtaining marketing authorization or clearance vary among jurisdictions and can involve requirements and administrative review periods different from, and greater than, those in the United States, including additional preclinical studies or clinical trials, as clinical trials conducted in one jurisdiction may not be accepted by regulatory authorities in other jurisdictions. In many jurisdictions outside the United States, products must be approved for reimbursement before they can be approved for sale in that jurisdiction. In some cases, the price that we intend to charge for our products is also subject to approval.
Obtaining foreign marketing authorization or clearance and compliance with foreign regulatory requirements could result in significant delays, difficulties and costs for us and could delay or prevent the introduction of our products in certain countries. If we fail to comply with the regulatory requirements in international markets and/or receive applicable marketing authorizations or clearances, our target market will be reduced and our ability to realize the full market potential of our products will be harmed.
Risks Related to Reimbursement and Pricing
Coverage and reimbursement may be limited or unavailable in certain market segments for our iLet, which could make it difficult for us to sell any investigational devices profitably.
The success of our iLet for the treatment of T1D depends on the availability of adequate coverage and reimbursement from third-party payors. In the United States and markets in other countries, patients who are provided medical treatment for their conditions generally rely on third-party payors to reimburse all or part of the costs associated with their treatment. Adequate coverage and reimbursement from governmental healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, and commercial payors are critical to new device acceptance.
Government authorities and third-party payors, such as private health insurers and health maintenance organizations, decide which drugs and devices they will cover and the amount of reimbursement. Coverage may be more limited than the purposes for which the drug or device is approved by the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities. In the United States, private health insurers and other third-party payors in the U.S. often follow the coverage and reimbursement policies of government payors, including the Medicare or Medicaid programs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that administers the Medicare program, decides whether and to what extent a new medicine or device will be covered and reimbursed under Medicare. However, no uniform policy of coverage and reimbursement for products exists among third-party payors. Coverage and reimbursement by a third-party payor may depend upon a number of factors, including the third-party payors determination that use of a product is:
| | a covered benefit under its health plan; |
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| | safe, effective and medically necessary; |
| | appropriate for the specific patient; |
| | cost-effective; and |
| | neither experimental nor investigational. |
Obtaining coverage and reimbursement approval of a product from a government or other third-party payor is a time-consuming and costly process that could require us to provide to each payor supporting scientific, clinical and cost-effectiveness data for the use of our products on a payor-by-payor basis, with no assurance that coverage and adequate reimbursement will be obtained. Even if we obtain coverage for our iLet, in either its cleared use as a treatment for T1D adults and children six years of age and older, or other indications for which we may obtain marketing authorization or clearance in the future, the resulting reimbursement payment rates might not be adequate for us to maintain pricing sufficient to achieve or sustain profitability or may require co-payments that patients find unacceptably high. Patients are unlikely to use our devices that have received marketing authorization or clearance unless coverage is provided and reimbursement is adequate to cover a significant portion of the cost of our devices. There is a risk that coverage and reimbursement rates may be inadequate for us to achieve profitability. There is significant uncertainty related to insurance coverage and reimbursement of products that are newly authorized for marketing. It is difficult to predict at this time what third-party payors will decide with respect to the coverage and reimbursement.
We are pursuing a multi-channel coverage and reimbursement strategy. If covered, the iLet is currently reimbursed through traditional medical benefit channels. As a medical device company, reimbursement from government and/or commercial third-party healthcare payors, including Medicare and Medicaid, is an important element of our success. CMS provides coverage for our product as DME eligible for coverage under Medicare Part B. Coverage criteria for DME is determined by CMS under national coverage determinations as well as by local Medicare Administrative Contractors under local coverage determinations. Therefore, Medicare reimbursement for the iLet is subject to various coverage conditions.
We are working with payors to establish coverage and reimbursement under both the DME and PBP channels as we believe that this strategy increases access and optimizes the potential for better medical outcomes for PWD through the adoption of the iLet.
The commercial opportunity in the PBP channel may be limited unless a substantial portion of the sales price for the iLet is covered by third-party payors, including private insurance companies, health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, federal and state government healthcare agencies, intermediaries, Medicare, Medicaid and other managed care providers. Medicare Part D plan sponsors may provide coverage for the iLet under the Medicare Part D prescription drug program, which requires negotiating with third-party payors in order to provide iLet through the PBP channel in the United States. These payor contracts can generally be terminated by the third-party payor without cause. If our efforts to enter into additional contracts with intermediaries and third-party payors are not successful, our ability to offer iLet through the PBP channel may be limited.
Moreover, increasing efforts by governmental and third-party payors in the United States and abroad to cap or reduce healthcare costs may cause such organizations to limit both coverage and the level of reimbursement for newly authorized products and, as a result, they may not cover or provide adequate payment for our commercialized devices. There has been increasing legislative and enforcement interest in the United States with respect to specialty drug pricing practices. Specifically, there have been several recent Congressional inquiries and proposed federal and state legislation designed to, among other things, bring more transparency to drug pricing, reduce the cost of prescription drugs under Medicare, review the relationship between pricing and manufacturer patient programs, and reform government program reimbursement methodologies for drugs. We
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may experience pricing pressures in connection with the sale of any of our products due to the shift toward value-based healthcare, the increasing influence of health maintenance organizations, cost containment initiatives and legislative changes.
If we are not able to successfully implement our multi-channel coverage and reimbursement strategy, secure or retain adequate coverage or reimbursement for the iLet and our product candidates, if authorized, by third-party payors, or face delays in processing approvals by those payors, our business, financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected.
If we experience pricing pressure for our products and we are unable to reduce our expenses, including the per unit cost of producing our products, there may be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We may experience pricing pressure or decreasing prices for our products as a result of actions or negotiations by managed care organizations and other third-party payors, increased market power of payors, increased competition within our industry, and increased competition among suppliers, including manufacturing services providers, as the medical device and biotechnology industries consolidate. If the prices for our products decrease and we are unable to reduce our expenses, including the cost of sourcing materials, logistics and the cost to manufacture our products, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows will be adversely affected.
Healthcare reform measures could hinder or prevent the commercial success of our solutions.
The United States and some foreign jurisdictions have enacted or are considering a number of health reform measures to change the healthcare system in ways that could affect our ability to sell our products profitably. Among policy makers and payors in the United States and elsewhere, there is significant interest in promoting changes in healthcare systems with the stated goals of containing healthcare costs, improving quality or expanding access.
The implementation of the Affordable Care Act in the United States, for example, has changed healthcare financing and delivery by both governmental and private insurers substantially, and affected medical device manufacturers significantly. There have been executive, judicial and congressional challenges, and a number of health reform measures by the Biden administration that have impacted certain aspects of the Affordable Care Act. For example, on August 16, 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) into law, which among other things, extends enhanced subsidies for individuals purchasing health insurance coverage in Affordable Care Act marketplaces through plan year 2025. It is possible that the Affordable Care Act and the IRA will be subject to additional challenges in the future.
We believe that there will continue to be proposals by legislators at both the federal and state levels, regulators and third-party payors to reduce costs while expanding individual healthcare benefits. Certain of these changes could impose additional limitations on the rates we will be able to charge for our current and future products or the amounts of reimbursement available for our current and future products from governmental agencies or third-party payors. Current and future healthcare reform legislation and policies could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
Risks Related to Manufacturing and Our Reliance on Third Parties
We are substantially dependent on various third parties for the development and potential commercialization of our iLet and product candidates. Certain of our current and future collaborators may control aspects of our clinical trials, which could result in delays or other obstacles in the development of the investigational devices or other development-stage candidates, such as glucagon, we develop. If our collaborations are terminated or
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are not successful, our ability to successfully develop and commercialize our iLet and product candidates may be adversely affected.
Our iLet is currently only compatible with DexComs G6 and G7 iCGM devices and Abbotts FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus CGM sensor. Although we are actively working to expand the compatibility of our iLet with other iCGM models, there is no assurance we will be successful in our efforts. Our development agreement with DexCom provides us with non-exclusive licenses to integrate the currently available generation of DexComs iCGM technology with our iLet. Under our current commercialization agreement with DexCom, we and DexCom have agreed to commercialize an AID system comprised of our iLet and DexComs G6 or G7 iCGM. We also have a development and commercialization agreement with Abbott, under which we and Abbott have agreed to commercialize an AID system comprised of our iLet and Abbotts iCGM. These agreements may be terminated by the other party upon certain conditions. If our existing agreements are terminated and/or DexCom or Abbott enter into an exclusive partnership with one of our competitors, our ability to commercialize the iLet would be disrupted, which would have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations, negatively impact our ability to compete and cause the price of our common stock to decline.
Additionally, we entered into an exclusive collaboration and license agreement with Xeris to facilitate the development of a dual-hormone pump for PWD, whereby Xeris will develop a glucagon drug product candidate utilizing Xeris XeriSol technology for use in our iLet in its bihormonal configuration (if such configuration is authorized for marketing). We will be responsible for obtaining regulatory approval of such glucagon product candidate. We also entered into collaboration agreements with certain third-party producers of insulin, pursuant to which we have agreed to work with such parties to support the development of the iLet by researching and incorporating certain proprietary insulins in our iLet. Although we have been successful in obtaining clearance of our iLet with the use of these insulins, we are dependent upon the continued cooperation and collaboration of these parties. If any of these agreements are terminated, we would be required to purchase the applicable partys approved insulin and fill empty insulin cartridges fitted for the iLet to evaluate such partys insulin in trials, which would increase our costs and could delay the timing of trials. Although there are other producers of insulin, there is no assurance we could enter into agreements with them on commercially reasonable terms, if at all, and receive marketing authorizations or clearances for the use of their insulin in the iLet.
Additional details regarding these agreements can be found in the sections titled BusinessLicense and Collaboration Agreements and BusinessDevelopment and Commercial Agreements.
Our current collaboration agreements pose, and potential future collaborations involving our iLet may pose, the following risks to us:
| | we may be required to assume substantial actual or contingent liabilities; |
| | we may not be able to control the amount and timing of resources that our strategic collaborators devote to the development and commercialization of our products; |
| | collaborators could independently develop, or develop with third parties, products that compete directly or indirectly with our iLet; |
| | collaborators may not properly enforce, maintain or defend our intellectual property rights or may use our proprietary information in a way that gives rise to actual or threatened litigation; |
| | disputes may arise between a collaborator and us that cause the delay or termination of the research, development or commercialization of the investigational device, or that result in costly litigation or arbitration that diverts management attention and resources; |
| | collaborators may experience financial difficulties; |
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| | our collaborators may experience legal difficulties with respect to FDA regulations or regulations of other government agencies that jeopardize their ability to continue supporting the development and commercialization of our products; |
| | collaborators could terminate our existing or future agreements or allow them to expire, which would delay the development and may increase the cost of developing our products; |
| | if a present or future collaborator of ours were to be involved in a business combination, the continued pursuit and emphasis on our product development or commercialization program under such collaboration could be delayed, diminished or terminated; and |
| | collaboration agreements may restrict our right to independently pursue new investigational devices. |
If we enter into collaboration agreements and strategic partnerships or license our intellectual property, products or businesses, we may not be able to realize the benefit of such transactions if we are unable to successfully integrate them with our existing operations, which could delay our timelines or otherwise adversely affect our business. We also cannot be certain that, following a strategic transaction or license, we will achieve the revenue or specific net income that justifies such transaction. Any delays in entering into new collaborations or strategic partnership agreements related to any investigational device or other development-stage product we develop could delay the development and commercialization of our investigational devices or other development-stage products, which would harm our business prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
We have limited experience manufacturing our products and, if we are unable to manufacture our products in high-quality commercial quantities successfully and consistently to meet demand, our growth will be limited.
We have limited experience manufacturing our products. We currently manufacture our iLet and its accompanying ready-to-fill insulin cartridges at our single manufacturing facility in Irvine, California. To manufacture our products in the quantities that we believe will be required to meet the currently anticipated market demand beyond the next several years, we will need to increase manufacturing capacity, which will subject us to numerous risks related to our manufacturing capabilities, including:
| | quality or reliability defects in product components that we source from third-party suppliers, including the suppliers of our infusion sets, pump motors and cartridge connectors used in the iLet; |
| | our inability to secure product components in a timely manner, in sufficient quantities and on commercially reasonable terms; |
| | difficulty identifying and qualifying alternative suppliers for components in a timely manner; |
| | implementing and maintaining acceptable quality systems while experiencing rapid growth; |
| | our failure to increase production of products to meet demand; |
| | our inability to modify production lines and expand manufacturing facilities to enable us to efficiently develop and manufacture new products or implement any necessary or desired changes in response to regulatory requirements; and |
| | potential damage to or destruction of our manufacturing equipment or manufacturing facilities. |
As we continue the commercial production of our products and increase our manufacturing capacity, we may encounter quality issues that could result in product defects, errors or recalls. Since launching the iLet in
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May 2023, we have experienced manufacturing issues related to screen breakage. To resolve these issues, we improved the screen bonding and durability of the glass. While we believe we have remediated these issues, there is no assurance we will not encounter similar or other unanticipated issues in the future. Manufacturing delays related to quality control could negatively impact our ability to bring our products to market, harm our reputation and decrease our revenue. Any defects, errors or recalls could be expensive and generate negative publicity, which could impair our ability to market or sell our products, and adversely affect our results of operations.
Following FDA clearance of the iLet as an automated insulin dosing system for the treatment of T1D in adults and children six years of age and older, we have had to invest additional resources in purchasing components, hiring and training employees and enhancing our manufacturing processes and quality systems. We have also needed to increase our utilization of third parties to perform contracted manufacturing services for us, and have acquired additional custom designed equipment to support the expansion of our manufacturing capacity. If we fail to adequately meet commercial requirements while also maintain product quality standards, we may fail to maintain our regulatory clearance and efficiently manage costs, and our sales and operating margins could be negatively impacted, which would have an adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results.
Further, we perform all of our manufacturing activities at our single manufacturing facility in Irvine, California. Our facilities, equipment and inventory would be costly to replace and could require substantial lead time to repair or replace. Our facilities may be harmed or rendered inoperable by natural or man-made disasters, including, but not limited to, earthquakes, flooding, fire and power outages, which may render it difficult or impossible for us to perform our research, development and commercialization activities for some period of time. The inability to perform those activities, combined with the time it may take to rebuild our inventory of finished product, may result in delays in meeting commercial demand and in conducting our clinical trials, the loss of customers or harm to our reputation. Although we possess insurance for damage to our property and the disruption of our business, this insurance may not be sufficient to cover all of our potential losses and this insurance may not continue to be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. There may also be unforeseen occurrences that increase our costs, such as increased prices of the components of our products, changes to labor costs or less favorable terms with third-party suppliers. There can be no assurance that we will not encounter such problems in the future.
Furthermore, the current lease for our manufacturing facility expires in May 2027, and we may be unable to renew our lease or find a new facility on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. If we were unable or unwilling to renew at the proposed rates, relocating our manufacturing facility would involve significant expense in connection with the movement and installation of key manufacturing equipment and any necessary recertification with regulatory bodies, and we cannot assure investors that such a move would not delay or otherwise adversely affect our manufacturing activities or operating results. If our manufacturing capabilities were impaired by our move, we may not be able to manufacture and ship our products in a timely manner, which would adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We obtain some of the components and subassemblies included in our iLet from single source suppliers, and the partial or complete loss of one or more of these suppliers could cause significant production delays, an inability to meet customer demand and a substantial loss in revenue.
We rely on a number of suppliers who manufacture the components of the iLet. We have a supply agreement with Unomedical, an affiliate of ConvaTec Group Plc, for the production of infusion sets for our iLet, a contract manufacturing agreement with PMC SMART Solutions LLC (PMC) for the manufacture of our cartridge connectors and a supplier quality agreement with Maxon Precision Motors, Inc. (Maxon) for the supply of pump motors for our iLet. Unomedical, PMC and Maxon are our only suppliers of infusion sets, cartridge connections and pump motors, respectively. If any of Unomedical, PMC or Maxon were to terminate its contract with us, or be unable to provide infusion sets, manufacture cartridge connectors or supply pump motors to us in the quantities ordered, we would need to identify and qualify a new supplier.
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Although there are other manufacturers of infusion sets, cartridge connectors and pump motors, we may not be able to identify a new manufacturer or enter into a contract with terms substantially the same as our current agreement in a timely manner, if at all. Any disruption in the supply of our infusion sets, cartridge connectors or pump motors, or any other key component of the iLet, could have a materially adverse impact on our clinical trials and commercial sales.
We do not currently have long-term supply agreements with the suppliers of most of our components, and, in most cases, we purchase these components on a purchase order basis. Although we are in active discussions to enter into long-term supply agreements for certain components, there is no assurance we will be able to enter into such agreements on commercially reasonable terms in a timely manner, if at all. In some other cases, where we do have agreements in place, our agreements with our suppliers can be terminated by either party upon short notice. Our suppliers may encounter problems during manufacturing due to a variety of reasons, including failure to follow specific protocols and procedures, failure to comply with applicable regulations and equipment malfunction and environmental factors, any of which could delay or impede their ability to meet our demand. Our reliance on these third-party suppliers also subjects us to other risks that could harm our business, including:
| | we are not a major customer of many of our suppliers, and these suppliers may therefore give other customers needs higher priority than ours; |
| | we may not be able to obtain adequate supply in a timely manner or on commercially reasonable terms; |
| | our suppliers, especially new suppliers, may make errors in manufacturing components that could negatively affect the effectiveness or safety of the iLet or cause delays in shipment or in the conduct of our clinical trials; |
| | we may have difficulty locating and qualifying alternative suppliers for our single source supplies; |
| | switching components may require product redesign, and certain product redesigns or changes to the iLet or any other devices for which we receive marketing authorization or clearance may require additional regulatory applications or approvals; |
| | our suppliers manufacture products for a range of customers, and fluctuations in demand for the products these suppliers manufacture for others may affect their ability to deliver components to us in a timely manner; and |
| | we may not be able to quickly establish additional or replacement suppliers, particularly for our single source components. |
We generally use a small number of suppliers for our components and products, some of which are located outside the United States, including Switzerland, Mexico, China and Taiwan. Our dependence on a limited number of suppliers exposes us to risks, including limited control over costs, including tariffs, availability, quality and delivery schedules. Moreover, in some cases we do not have long-standing relationships with our manufacturers and may not be able to convince suppliers to continue to make components available to us unless there is demand for such components from their other customers. As a result, there is a risk that certain components could be discontinued and no longer available to us at acceptable prices, or at all. We have in the past been, and we may in the future be, required to make significant last time purchases of component inventories that are being discontinued by the manufacturer to ensure supply continuity. If any one or more of our suppliers cease to provide us with sufficient quantities of components in a timely manner or on terms acceptable to us, we would have to seek alternative sources of supply. We are actively pursuing alternative suppliers of several existing components and qualifying new alternatives to existing select components, but there
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is no assurance that we will be able to identify alternative sources that meet our requirements and at comparable prices, or at all. Because of factors such as the proprietary nature of our products, our quality control standards and applicable regulatory requirements, we cannot quickly engage additional or replacement suppliers for some of our critical components. Failure of any of our suppliers to deliver products at the level our business requires could harm our reputation and limit our ability to meet our sales projections, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
We place orders with our suppliers using our forecasts of customer demand, which are based on a number of assumptions and estimates, in advance of purchase commitments from our customers. As a result, we incur inventory and manufacturing costs in advance of anticipated sales, which sales ultimately may not materialize or may be lower than expected. If we overestimate customer demand, we may experience higher inventory carrying costs and increased excess or obsolete inventory, which would negatively impact our results of operations. By the same token, if we underestimate future demand, we may be unable to meet future production requirements, or our inventory of critical materials may be below our targeted stocking levels.
We may also have difficulty obtaining components from other suppliers that are acceptable to the FDA or other regulatory authorities and the failure of our suppliers to comply with regulatory requirements could expose us to regulatory action including warning letters, product recalls, termination or interruption of distribution, operating restrictions, product seizures, delays in obtaining marketing authorization or clearance for our product candidates, suspension or withdrawal of clearances or certification, fines, civil penalties, or criminal prosecution. Such a failure by our suppliers could also require us to cease using the components, seek alternative components or technologies, and modify our products to incorporate alternative components or technologies, which could necessitate additional marketing authorizations or clearances. Any disruption of this nature, or any increased expenses associated with any such disruption, could negatively impact our ability to manufacture our products on a timely basis, in sufficient quantities, or at all, which could harm our commercialization efforts and have a material adverse impact on our operating results.
Our iLet is complex in design and may contain defects that are not detected until use, which could increase our costs, including warranty costs, and reduce our revenue. If our iLet does not perform as expected or the reliability of the technology on which our products is based is questioned, our operating results, reputation and business will suffer.
Our iLet is complex in design and involves a complex and precise manufacturing process. As a result of the technological complexity of our systems, changes in our or our suppliers manufacturing processes or the inadvertent use of defective materials by us or our suppliers could result in an adverse effect on our ability to achieve acceptable manufacturing yields and product reliability.
To the extent that we do not achieve and maintain our projected yields or product reliability, our business, operating results, financial condition and customer relationships would be adversely affected. We provide warranties on our product sales, and reserves for estimated warranty costs are recorded during the period of sale. The determination of such reserves requires us to make estimates of failure rates and expected costs to repair or replace the products under warranty. If actual repair and replacement costs differ significantly from our estimates, adjustments to cost of sales may be required in future periods which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. Our customers may discover defects in our products only after initial use. In addition, some of our products include components from other vendors, which may contain defects. As a result, should problems occur, it may be difficult to identify the source of the problem. If we are unable to identify and fix defects or other problems, we could experience, among other things:
| | loss of customers or orders; |
| | increased costs of warranty expenses; |
| | damage to our brand reputation; |
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| | failure to attract new customers; |
| | diversion of development, engineering and manufacturing resources; |
| | regulatory actions by governmental authorities; and |
| | legal actions by our customers. |
Our reputation and the public image of our iLet and any modifications to the iLet or any other products that may receive marketing authorization or clearance in the future may be impaired if our products fail to perform as expected. If our products do not perform, or are perceived to not have performed, as expected or favorably in comparison to competitive products, our operating results, reputation and business will suffer, and we may also be subject to legal claims arising from product limitations, errors or inaccuracies. Any of the foregoing could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Although our products are tested prior to shipment, defects or errors could nonetheless occur. Our operating results depend on our ability to execute and, when necessary, improve our quality management strategy and systems and our ability to effectively train and maintain our employee base with respect to quality management. A failure of our quality control systems could result in problems with facility operations or preparation or provision of products. In each case, such problems could arise for a variety of reasons, including equipment malfunction, failure to follow specific protocols and procedures, problems with raw materials or environmental factors and damage to, or loss of, manufacturing operations. Existing and future warranties place us at the risk of incurring future repair and/or replacement costs.
At the time revenue is recognized, we establish an accrual for estimated warranty expenses based on historical data and trends of product reliability and costs of repairing and replacing defective products. We exercise judgment in estimating the expected product warranty costs, using data such as the actual and projected product failure rates, estimated repair costs, freight, material, labor and overhead costs. While we believe that historical experience provides a reliable basis for estimating such warranty cost, unforeseen quality issues or component failure rates could result in future costs in excess of such estimates, or alternatively, improved quality and reliability in our products, including our single-use products, could result in actual expenses that are below those currently estimated. As of September 30, 2024, we have accrued approximately $1.1 million so far in expenses relating to product warranty accruals. Substantial amounts of warranty claims could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Even after any underlying concerns or problems are resolved, any lingering concerns in our target markets regarding our technology or any manufacturing defects or performance errors in our iLet could continue to result in lost revenue, delayed market acceptance, damage to our reputation and claims against us.
Performance issues, service interruptions or price increases by our shipping carriers could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and harm our reputation and our customer relationships.
Expedited, reliable shipping is essential to our operations. We rely heavily on providers of transport services for reliable and secure point-to-point transport of our iLet and cartridges to our customers and for tracking of these shipments. Should a carrier encounter delivery performance issues such as loss, damage or destruction of any systems, it would be costly to replace such systems in a timely manner and such occurrences may damage our reputation and lead to decreased demand for our solution and increased cost and expense to our business. In addition, any significant increase in shipping rates could adversely affect our operating margins and results of operations. Similarly, strikes, severe weather, natural disasters or other service interruptions affecting delivery services we use would adversely affect our ability to process orders on a timely basis.
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We may enter into collaborations, licensing arrangements, joint ventures, strategic alliances or partnerships with third parties that may not result in the development of commercially viable products or the generation of significant future revenues.
In the ordinary course of our business, we may enter into collaborations, licensing arrangements, joint ventures, strategic alliances or partnerships to develop proposed products or technologies, pursue new markets, or protect our intellectual property assets. We may also elect to amend or modify similar agreements that we already have in place. Proposing, negotiating and implementing collaborations, licensing arrangements, joint ventures, strategic alliances or partnerships may be a lengthy and complex process, and may subject us to business risks. For example, other companies, including those with substantially greater financial, marketing, sales, technology or other business resources, may compete with us for these opportunities, or may be the counterparty in any such arrangements. We may not be able to identify or complete any such collaboration in a timely manner, on a cost-effective basis, on acceptable terms or at all. In addition, we may not realize the anticipated benefits of any such collaborations that we do identify and complete. In particular, these collaborations may not result in the development of products or technologies that achieve commercial success or result in positive financial results, or may otherwise fail to have the intended impact on our business.
Additionally, we may not be in a position to exercise sole decision-making authority regarding a collaboration, licensing or other similar arrangement, which could create the potential risk of creating impasses on decisions. Further, our collaborators and business partners may have economic or business interests or goals that are, or that may become, inconsistent with our business interests or goals. It is possible that conflicts may arise with our collaborators and other business partners, such as conflicts concerning the achievement of performance milestones, or the interpretation of significant terms under any agreement, such as those related to financial obligations, termination rights or the ownership or control or other licenses of intellectual property rights. If any conflicts arise with our current or future collaborators, they may act in their self-interest, which may be adverse to our best interest, and they may breach their obligations to us. In addition, we have limited control over the amount and timing of resources that our current collaborators, such as DexCom and Abbott, or any future collaborators devote to our arrangement with them or our product candidates. Disputes between us and our current, future or potential collaborators may result in litigation or arbitration which would increase our expenses and divert the attention of our management. Further, these transactions and arrangements are contractual in nature and may be terminated or dissolved under the terms of the applicable agreements and, in such event, we may not continue to have rights to the products relating to such transaction or arrangement or may need to purchase such rights at a premium.
If conflicts arise between us and our collaborators or strategic partners, these parties may act in a manner adverse to us and could limit our ability to implement our strategies.
If conflicts arise between our corporate or academic collaborators or strategic partners and us, the other party may act in a manner adverse to us and could limit our ability to implement our strategies. Our current or future collaborators or strategic partners, may develop, either alone or with others, products in related fields that are competitive with the products or potential products that are the subject of these collaborations. Competing products, either developed by the collaborators or strategic partners or to which the collaborators or strategic partners have rights, may result in the withdrawal of partner support for our investigational devices. Our current or future collaborators or strategic partners may preclude us from entering into collaborations with their competitors, fail to obtain timely regulatory approvals, terminate their agreements with us prematurely or fail to devote sufficient resources to the development and commercialization of products. Any of these developments could harm our product development efforts.
We rely and will continue to rely on third parties to conduct clinical trials of our iLet, which means we do not have full control over the conduct of such trials.
We have relied and will continue to rely on third parties, such as medical institutions, clinical investigators and contract laboratories, to conduct clinical trials of our iLet and any modifications thereto or new
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uses thereof or other development-stage products, and some of the clinical trials of our iLet conducted to date have been sponsored by third parties. Our iLet has been studied in a number of trials sponsored by third parties, such as the pivotal trial for the iLet that supported our 510(k) clearance, sponsored by the Jaeb Center for Health Research Foundation, and earlier trials for our iLet, sponsored by the Massachusetts General Hospital. Third party-sponsored clinical trials pose similar risks as those set forth elsewhere in this section relating to clinical trials initiated by us. While third-party trials may provide us with clinical data that can inform our future development strategy, we do not have full control over the protocols, administration or our products, or conduct of the trials. As a result, we are subject to risks associated with the way such trials are conducted, and there is no assurance the clinical data from any future third-party clinical trials will be accepted by the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities to support our submissions for marketing authorization. Third parties sponsoring such clinical trials may not perform their responsibilities for the clinical trials on our anticipated schedule or consistent with clinical trial protocols or applicable regulations. Further, any data integrity issues or patient safety issues arising out of any of these trials would be beyond our control yet could adversely affect our reputation and damage the clinical and commercial prospects for our iLet. Additional risks include difficulties or delays in communicating with investigators or administrators, procedural delays and other timing issues and difficulties or differences in interpreting data. Third parties may design clinical trials with clinical endpoints that are more difficult to achieve, or in other ways that increase the risk of negative clinical trial results compared to clinical trials that we may design on our own. As a result, our lack of control over the design, conduct and timing of, and communications with the FDA regarding such trials expose us to additional risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control, and the occurrence of which could adversely affect the prospects for our iLet.
We and third-party collaborators are required to comply with all applicable regulations governing clinical research, including good clinical practice (GCP) standards and regulations. The FDA and similar foreign regulatory authorities enforce these regulations through periodic inspections of trial sponsors, principal investigators and trial sites. If we or our third-party collaborators fail to comply with GCP standards and regulations, the clinical trials may be delayed or the data generated in trials may be deemed unreliable and the FDA may require us to perform additional studies before granting us marketing authorization or clearance, if at all. We cannot be certain that, upon inspection, the FDA and similar foreign regulatory authorities will determine that any clinical trials of our products or product candidates comply or complied with applicable regulations, including GCPs. In addition, the FDA may require a large number of test subjects. Our failure or the failure of our third-party contractors to comply with the applicable regulations may require us to repeat studies or trials, which could delay or prevent us from obtaining marketing authorization or clearance for the iLet in other configurations or indications, or for the glucagon drug product candidate for which we will need to obtain approval in order to obtain marketing authorization for a bihormonal configuration of the iLet. Furthermore, our third-party collaborators may be delayed in conducting trials of our iLet for reasons outside of their control.
If these third parties do not successfully carry out their contractual duties or regulatory obligations or meet expected deadlines, if these third parties need to be replaced, or if the quality or accuracy of the data they obtain is compromised due to the failure to adhere to clinical protocols or regulatory requirements or for other reasons, the non-clinical development activities or clinical trials for our iLet for other configurations or indications may be extended, delayed, suspended or terminated, and we may not be able to obtain marketing authorization or clearance for, or successfully commercialize, the iLet or any future investigational devices on a timely basis or other development-stage products, such as the glucagon product candidate, if at all, and our business, results of operations, financial condition and growth prospects may be adversely affected.
Risks Related to Government Regulation
We and our suppliers are subject to ongoing regulatory obligations and continued regulatory review, which may result in significant additional expense and subject us to penalties if we fail to comply with applicable regulatory requirements.
Once we obtain marketing authorization or clearance for FDA-regulated products, such as our iLet and any future products, we and such products will be subject to continued and pervasive regulatory review,
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oversight, requirements, and periodic inspections by the FDA and other domestic and foreign regulatory bodies governing, among other things, the manufacture, marketing, advertising, reporting, sale, promotion, import, export, registration, and listing of our products. For example, medical device manufacturers must submit periodic reports to the FDA as a condition of obtaining marketing authorization or clearance. These reports include information about failures and certain adverse events associated with the device after its marketing authorization or clearance. Failure to submit such reports, or failure to submit the reports in a timely manner, could result in enforcement action by the FDA. Following its review of the periodic reports, the FDA might ask for additional information or initiate further investigation. In particular, unless exempt, we and our suppliers are required to comply with the FDAs Quality System Regulation (QSR) for medical device products and cGMPs for any approved drug products, such as glucagon if it is ultimately approved, and other regulations enforced outside the United States which cover the manufacture of our products and the methods and documentation of the design, testing, production, control, quality assurance, labeling, packaging, storage and shipping of medical devices. Regulatory bodies, such as the FDA, enforce the QSR and cGMPs and other regulations through periodic inspections. The failure by us or one of our suppliers to comply with applicable statutes and regulations administered by the FDA and other regulatory bodies, or the failure to timely and adequately respond to any adverse inspectional observations or product safety issues, could result in, among other things, any of the following enforcement actions and/or other negative consequences:
| | untitled letters, warning letters, fines, injunctions, consent decrees and civil penalties; |
| | unanticipated expenditures to address or defend such actions; |
| | customer notification, or orders for repair, replacement or refunds; |
| | voluntary or mandatory recall or seizure of our current or future products; |
| | administrative detention by the FDA of medical devices believed to be adulterated or misbranded; |
| | operating restrictions, suspension or shutdown of production; |
| | refusing our requests for marketing authorization or clearance of new products, or new intended uses or modifications to the iLet; |
| | suspending or withdrawing marketing authorizations or clearances that have already been granted; and |
| | criminal prosecution. |
If any of these actions were to occur, our reputation would be harmed and our product sales and profitability would be adversely impacted. Furthermore, our key component suppliers may not currently be or may not continue to be in compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements which could result in our failure to manufacture our products on a timely basis and in the required quantities, if at all. Later discovery of previously unknown problems with our products, including manufacturing problems, or failure to comply with regulatory requirements such as the QSR, may result in changes to labeling, restrictions on such products or manufacturing processes, withdrawal of the products from the market, voluntary or mandatory recalls, a requirement to repair, replace or refund the cost of any medical device we manufacture or distribute, fines, suspension of regulatory approvals, product seizures, injunctions or the imposition of civil or criminal penalties which would adversely affect our business, operating results and prospects.
In addition, the FDA may change its marketing authorization or clearance policies, adopt additional regulations or revise existing regulations, or take other actions, which may prevent or delay marketing authorization or clearance of any product candidate under development or impact our ability to modify any
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products authorized for market on a timely basis. Such policy or regulatory changes could impose additional requirements upon us that could delay our ability to obtain marketing authorizations or clearances, increase the costs of compliance or restrict our ability to maintain any marketing authorizations or clearances we have obtained. For example, in February 2024, the FDA issued a final rule to amend and replace the QSR, which sets forth the FDAs current good manufacturing practice requirements for medical devices, to align more closely with the International Organization for Standardization standards. Specifically, this final rule, which the FDA expects to go into effect on February 2, 2026, establishes the Quality Management System Regulation, (QMSR), which among other things, incorporates by reference the quality management system requirements of ISO 13485:2016. Although the FDA has stated that the standards contained in ISO 13485:2016 are substantially similar to those set forth in the QSR, it is unclear the extent to which this final rule, once effective, could impose additional or different regulatory requirements on us that could increase the costs of compliance or otherwise negatively affect our business. If we are unable to comply with the QMSR, once effective, or with any other changes in the laws or regulations enforced by the FDA or comparable regulatory authorities, we may be subject to enforcement action, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, even after we have obtained marketing authorization or clearance for a product, the FDA has the power to require us to conduct post marketing studies, such as under a Section 522 Order, which is an order by the FDA to conduct a post-market study of an authorized or cleared medical device. For additional information, please see section titled Risk FactorsRisks Related to Development, Regulatory Approval and Commercialization of our iLet Bionic Pancreas and Product CandidatesWe are subject to a post-market surveillance order issued by the FDA for our iLet. If the FDA determines that our iLet does not perform as anticipated, or if the FDA identifies new concerns related to the safety and effectiveness of the device, we may need to make changes to or recall or withdraw the iLet from the field, which could harm our business. These studies can be very expensive and time-consuming to conduct. Any failure to comply with ongoing regulatory requirements may significantly and adversely affect our ability to commercialize and generate revenue from our products. If regulatory sanctions are applied or if marketing authorization or clearance is withdrawn, it would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our iLet or any of its components may be subject to product recalls in the future. A recall of our products, either voluntarily or at the direction of the FDA or another governmental authority, or the discovery of serious safety issues with our iLet, could have a significant adverse impact on us.
The FDA has the authority to require the recall of commercialized products that are subject to FDA regulation. Manufacturers may, on their own initiative, recall a product if any deficiency is found. A government-mandated or voluntary recall by us or one of our suppliers could occur as a result of an unacceptable health risk, component failures, failures in laboratory processes, malfunctions, manufacturing errors, design or labeling defects, or other deficiencies and issues. Under the FDAs medical device reporting regulations, we are required to report to the FDA any incident in which our product may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury or in which our product malfunctioned and, if the malfunction were to recur, would likely cause or contribute to death or serious injury. Repeated product malfunctions may result in a voluntary or involuntary product recall. Recalls of any of our products would divert managerial and financial resources and have an adverse effect on our reputation, results of operations and financial condition, which could impair our ability to produce our products in a cost-effective and timely manner in order to meet our customers demands. Depending on the corrective action we take to redress a products deficiencies or defects, the FDA may require, or we may decide, that we will need to obtain new marketing authorizations or clearances for the device before we may market or distribute the corrected device. Seeking such marketing authorizations or clearances may delay our ability to replace the recalled devices in a timely manner. Moreover, if we do not adequately address problems associated with our devices, we may face additional regulatory enforcement action, including FDA warning letters, product seizure, injunctions, administrative penalties, or civil or criminal fines. We may also be required to bear other costs or take other actions that may have a negative impact on our sales as well as face significant adverse publicity or regulatory consequences, which could harm our business, including our ability to market our products in the future. Recalls of any of our products would divert managerial and financial resources and
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adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and reputation. We may also be subject to liability claims, be required to bear other costs or take other actions that may negatively impact our future sales and our ability to generate profits. Companies are also required to maintain certain records of corrections and removals, even if these do not require reporting to the FDA. A recall announcement by us could harm our reputation with customers and negatively affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, the FDA or other agency could take enforcement action for failing to report the recalls when they were conducted.
If we initiate a recall, including a correction or removal, for our iLet, issue a safety alert, or undertake a field action or recall to reduce a health risk, this could lead to increased scrutiny by the FDA, other governmental and regulatory enforcement bodies, and our customers regarding the quality and safety of our iLet, and to negative publicity, including FDA alerts, press releases, or administrative or judicial actions. Furthermore, the submission of these reports could be used against us by competitors and cause customers to delay purchase decisions or cancel orders, which would harm our reputation.
Our iLet is currently cleared only for the treatment of T1D in adults and children six years of age and older. If our iLet is authorized for marketing or cleared in a bihormonal configuration for the treatment of T1D or for any other indications, such marketing authorization or clearance will be limited by the FDA to the specific indication for which granted. We are prohibited from marketing the iLet for other indications, such as T2D.
We are currently commercializing our iLet for the treatment of T1D. and our iLet is only cleared as an automated insulin dosing system for the treatment of T1D in adults and children six years of age and older. Although T2D is also a disease stemming from excess glucose in the blood, we are prohibited from promoting the iLet for T2D or any other indication unless we receive marketing authorization or clearance for such indication. The FDA strictly regulates the promotional claims that may be made about medical devices, and the iLet may not be promoted for uses that are not authorized or cleared by the FDA as reflected in the devices FDA-authorized labeling. If we are not able to obtain FDA marketing authorization or clearance for the bihormonal configuration for the treatment of T1D or for any desired future indications, our ability to effectively market and sell our iLet may be reduced and our business may be adversely affected.
While physicians may choose to prescribe products for uses that are not described in the products labeling and for uses that differ from those tested in clinical trials and authorized or cleared by the regulatory authorities, we are prohibited from marketing and promoting the products for indications that are not specifically cleared or approved by the FDA. These off-label uses are common across medical specialties and may constitute an appropriate treatment for some patients in varied circumstances. Regulatory authorities in the United States generally do not restrict or regulate the behavior of physicians in their choice of treatment within the practice of medicine. Regulatory authorities do, however, restrict communications by biotechnology or medical device companies on off-label use. If the FDA determines that our promotional activities constitute promotion of an off-label use, it could request that we modify our promotional materials and subject us to FDA regulatory or enforcement actions as well as actions by other agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice, including issuance of warning letters or untitled letters, suspension or withdrawal of a product from the market, mandatory or voluntary recalls, civil fines, disgorgement of money, operating restrictions, additional reporting requirements and/or oversight if we become subject to a corporate integrity agreement or similar agreement, injunctions or criminal prosecution, any of which could significantly harm our business.
Our relationships with HCPs and third-party payors will be subject to applicable anti-kickback, fraud and abuse and other healthcare laws and regulations, which could expose us to significant penalties, including criminal sanctions, civil penalties, contractual damages, reputational harm and diminished profits and future earnings.
HCPs and third-party payors in the United States and elsewhere play a primary role in the recommendation and prescription of products. Arrangements with third-party payors and customers can expose
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device manufacturers to broadly applicable fraud and abuse and other healthcare laws and regulations, including, without limitation, the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, the False Claims Act, laws and regulations related to the reporting of payments to physicians and teaching hospitals, and HIPAA (defined below), which may constrain the business or financial arrangements and relationships through which such companies research, sell, market and distribute products. In particular, the promotion, sales and marketing of healthcare items and services, as well as certain business arrangements in the healthcare industry, are subject to extensive laws designed to prevent fraud, kickbacks, self-dealing and other abusive practices. These laws and regulations may restrict or prohibit a wide range of pricing, discounting, marketing and promotion, structuring and commission(s), certain customer incentive programs and other business arrangements generally. Activities subject to these laws also involve the improper use of information obtained in the course of patient recruitment for clinical trials. The applicable federal, state and foreign healthcare laws and regulations laws that may affect our ability to operate include, but are not limited to, the below.
| | The federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits, among other things, knowingly and willfully soliciting, receiving, offering, paying or providing any remuneration (including any kickback, bribe, or rebate), directly or indirectly, in cash or in kind, to induce, or in return for, either the referral of an individual, or the purchase, lease, order or recommendation of any good, facility, item or service for which payment may be made, in whole or in part, under a federal healthcare program, such as the Medicare and Medicaid programs. A person or entity can be found guilty of violating the statute without actual knowledge of the statute or specific intent to violate it. There are a number of statutory exceptions and regulatory safe harbors protecting some common activities from prosecution. In addition, a claim including items or services resulting from a violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute constitutes a false or fraudulent claim for purposes of the False Claims Act. |
| | Federal civil and criminal false claims laws, including the False Claims Act, and civil monetary penalty laws, which prohibit, among other things, individuals or entities from knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, false or fraudulent claims for payment to, or approval by Medicare, Medicaid, or other federal healthcare programs, knowingly making, using or causing to be made or used a false record or statement material to a false or fraudulent claim or an obligation to pay or transmit money to the federal government, or knowingly concealing or knowingly and improperly avoiding or decreasing an obligation to pay money to the federal government. Manufacturers can be held liable under the False Claims Act even when they do not submit claims directly to government payors if they are deemed to cause the submission of false or fraudulent claims. The False Claims Act also permits a private individual acting as a whistleblower to bring actions on behalf of the federal government alleging violations of the False Claims Act and to share in any monetary recovery. Moreover, a violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute is grounds for the government or a whistleblower to assert that a claim for payment of items or services resulting from such violation constitutes a false or fraudulent claim for purposes of the False Claims Act. |
| | The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which created new federal criminal statutes that prohibit knowingly and willfully executing, or attempting to execute, a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program or obtain, by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises, any of the money or property owned by, or under the custody or control of, any healthcare benefit program, regardless of the payor (e.g., public or private) and knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing or covering up by any trick or device a material fact or making any materially false statements in connection with the delivery of, or payment for, healthcare benefits, items or services relating to healthcare matters. Similar to the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, a person or entity can be found guilty of violating the statute without actual knowledge of the statute or specific intent to violate it. |
| | HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) and their respective implementing regulations, which impose, among other things, |
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| requirements on certain covered HCPs, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses and their respective business associates that perform services for them that involve the use, or disclosure of, individually identifiable health information as well as their covered subcontractors, relating to the privacy, security and transmission of individually identifiable health information without appropriate authorization. HITECH also created new tiers of civil monetary penalties, amended HIPAA to make civil and criminal penalties directly applicable to business associates, and gave state attorneys general new authority to file civil actions for damages or injunctions in federal courts to enforce the federal HIPAA laws and seek attorneys fees and costs associated with pursuing federal civil actions. |
| | The federal Physician Payment Sunshine Act created under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively, ACA), which requires manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologicals and medical supplies for which payment is available under Medicare, Medicaid or the Childrens Health Insurance Program (with certain exceptions) to report annually to CMS information related to any payments and other transfers of value made to physicians (defined to include doctors, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists and chiropractors, certain non-physician practitioners (physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, anesthesiologist assistants, certified registered nurse anesthetists and certified nurse midwives) and teaching hospitals, as well as ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members. |
| | Additional federal consumer protection and unfair competition laws, which broadly regulate marketplace activities and activities that potentially harm consumers. |
Additionally, we are subject to state and foreign equivalents of each of the healthcare laws described above, among others, some of which may be broader in scope and may apply regardless of the payor. For instance, state anti-kickback and false claims laws may apply to items or services reimbursed by any third-party payor, including commercial insurers or patients. Laws related to insurance fraud may provide claims involving private insurers. State laws may require pharmaceutical or medical device companies to comply with the industrys voluntary compliance guidelines and the applicable compliance guidance promulgated by the federal government or otherwise restrict payments that may be made to HCPs and other potential referral sources. State and local laws may also require the licensure of sales representatives, and require drug or device manufacturers to report information related to payments and other transfers of value to physicians and other HCPs or marketing expenditures and pricing information. Analogous state and foreign laws may additionally govern the privacy and security of health information in certain circumstances, many of which differ from each other in significant ways and may not have the same effect.
Pricing and rebate programs must comply with the Medicaid rebate requirements of the U.S. Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 and more recent requirements in the ACA. If products are made available to authorized users of the Federal Supply Schedule of the General Services Administration, additional laws and requirements apply. Products must meet applicable child-resistant packaging requirements under the U.S. Poison Prevention Packaging Act. Manufacturing, sales, promotion and other activities also are potentially subject to federal and state consumer protection and unfair competition laws.
The distribution of products is subject to additional requirements and regulations, including extensive record-keeping, licensing, storage and security requirements intended to prevent the unauthorized sale of pharmaceutical products.
The scope and enforcement of each of these laws is uncertain and subject to rapid change in the current environment of healthcare reform, especially in light of the lack of applicable precedent and regulations. Federal and state enforcement bodies often scrutinize interactions between healthcare companies and HCPs, which has led to a number of investigations, prosecutions, convictions and significant settlements in the healthcare industry.
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Ensuring business arrangements comply with applicable healthcare laws, as well as responding to possible investigations by government authorities, can be time- and resource-consuming and can divert a companys attention from the business.
Efforts to ensure that our business arrangements will comply with applicable healthcare laws may involve substantial costs. It is possible that governmental authorities will conclude that our business practices may not comply with current or future statutes, regulations, guidance or case law interpreting applicable fraud and abuse or other healthcare laws and regulations. If any such actions are instituted against us, and we are not successful in defending ourselves or asserting our rights, those actions could have a significant impact on our business, including the imposition of significant penalties, including civil, criminal and administrative penalties, damages, fines, disgorgement, individual imprisonment, possible exclusion from participation in federal and state funded healthcare programs, contractual damages and the curtailment or restricting of our operations, as well as additional reporting obligations and oversight if we become subject to a corporate integrity agreement or other agreement to resolve allegations of non-compliance with these laws. Any action for violation of these laws, even if successfully defended, could cause a device manufacturer to incur significant legal expenses and divert managements attention from the operation of the business. Prohibitions or restrictions on sales or withdrawal of future marketed products could materially affect business in an adverse way. It is not always possible to identify and deter employee misconduct, and the precautions we take to detect and prevent inappropriate conduct may not be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses or in protecting us from governmental investigations or other actions or lawsuits stemming from a failure to be in compliance with such laws or regulations. In addition, the approval and commercialization of any of our investigational devices outside the United States will also likely subject us to foreign equivalents of the healthcare laws mentioned above, among other foreign laws.
We and the third parties with whom we work are subject to stringent and evolving U.S. and foreign laws, regulations, and rules, contractual obligations, industry standards, policies and other obligations related to data privacy and security. Our (or the third parties with whom we work) actual or perceived failure to comply with such obligations could lead to regulatory investigations or actions; litigation (including class claims) and mass arbitration demands; fines and penalties; disruptions of our business operations; reputational harm; loss of revenue or profits; loss of customers or sales; and other adverse business consequences.
In the ordinary course of business, we collect, receive, store, process, generate, use, transfer, disclose, make accessible, protect, secure, dispose of, transmit, and share (collectively, process) personal data and other sensitive information, including proprietary and confidential business data, trade secrets, intellectual property, data we collect about trial participants in connection with clinical trials, protected health information, individually identifiable health information, sensitive third-party data, insurance data, and payment data (collectively, sensitive information).
Our data processing activities subject us to numerous data privacy and security obligations, such as various laws, regulations, guidance, industry standards, external and internal privacy and security policies, contractual requirements, and other obligations relating to data privacy and security.
In the United States, federal, state, and local governments have enacted numerous data privacy and security laws, including data breach notification laws, personal data privacy laws, consumer protection laws (e.g., Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act), and other similar laws (e.g., wiretapping laws). For example, we are considered a covered entity under HIPAA, as amended by HITECH, and regulations implemented thereunder, or collectively HIPAA. HIPAA imposes specific requirements relating to the privacy, security, breach notification obligation on certain healthcare providers, health plans, healthcare clearinghouses, known as covered entities, as well as their business associates that perform certain services that involve creating, receiving, maintaining or transmitting individually identifiable health information for or on behalf of such covered entities, and their covered subcontractors. HIPAA requires covered entities and business associates to develop and maintain policies with respect to the protection of, use and disclosure of PHI, including the adoption of
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administrative, physical and technical safeguards to protect such information, and certain notification requirements in the event of a breach of unsecured PHI.
Additionally, under HIPAA, covered entities must report breaches of unsecured PHI to affected individuals without unreasonable delay, not to exceed 60 days following discovery of the breach by a covered entity or its agents. Notification also must be made to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights, or OCR, and, in certain circumstances involving large breaches, to the media. Business associates must report breaches of unsecured PHI to covered entities within 60 days of discovery of the breach by the business associate or its agents. A non-permitted use or disclosure of PHI is presumed to be a breach under HIPAA unless the covered entity or business associate establishes that there is a low probability the information has been compromised consistent with requirements enumerated in HIPAA.
Entities that are found to be in violation of HIPAA as the result of a breach of unsecured PHI, a complaint about privacy practices or an audit by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, may be subject to significant civil, criminal and administrative fines and penalties and/or additional reporting and oversight obligations if required to enter into a resolution agreement and corrective action plan with HHS to settle allegations of HIPAA non-compliance. HIPAA also authorizes state Attorneys General to file suit on behalf of their residents. Courts may award damages, costs and attorneys fees related to violations of HIPAA in such cases. While HIPAA does not create a private right of action allowing individuals to sue us in civil court for violations of HIPAA, its standards have been used as the basis for duty of care in state civil suits such as those for negligence or recklessness in the misuse or breach of PHI.
Further, the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003 (CAN-SPAM) and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (TCPA) impose specific requirements on communications with individuals. For example, the TCPA imposes various consumer consent requirements and other restrictions on certain telemarketing activity and other communications with consumers by phone, fax or text message. TCPA violations can result in significant financial penalties, including penalties or criminal fines imposed by the Federal Communications Commission or fines of up to $1,500 per violation imposed through private litigation or by state authorities. In the past few years, numerous U.S. statesincluding California, Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and Utahhave enacted comprehensive privacy laws that impose certain obligations on covered businesses, including providing specific disclosures in privacy notices and affording residents with certain rights concerning their personal data. As applicable, such rights may include the right to access, correct, or delete certain personal data, and to opt-out of certain data processing activities, such as targeted advertising, profiling, and automated decision-making. The exercise of these rights may impact our business and ability to provide our products and services. Certain states also impose stricter requirements for processing certain personal data, including sensitive information, such as conducting data privacy impact assessments. These state laws allow for statutory fines for noncompliance. Similar laws are being considered in several other states, as well as at the federal and local levels, and we expect more states to pass similar laws in the future.
For example, the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA) applies to personal information of consumers, business representatives, and employees who are California residents, and requires businesses to provide specific disclosures in privacy notices and honor requests of such individuals to exercise certain privacy rights. The CCPA provides for fines of up to $7,500 per intentional violation and allows private litigants affected by certain data breaches to recover significant statutory damages. The CCPA and other comprehensive U.S. state privacy laws exempt some data processed in the context of clinical trials, but these developments may further complicate compliance efforts, and increase legal risk and compliance costs for us, the third parties with whom we work, and our customers.
In addition, we may now or in the future be subject to new laws governing the privacy of consumer health data. For example, Washingtons My Health My Data Act (MHMD) broadly defines consumer health data, places restrictions on processing consumer health data (including imposing stringent requirements for
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consents), provides consumers certain rights with respect to their health data, and creates a private right of action to allow individuals to sue for violations of the law. Other states have adopted similar consumer health data privacy laws, such as Connecticuts SB-3 which amended the Connecticut Data Privacy Act to cover consumer health data and Nevadas Consumer Health Data Privacy Law and additional states are expected to pass similar laws governing consumer health data.
The FTC also has authority under Section 5 of the FTC Act to initiate enforcement actions against entities that engage in unfair or deceptive practices such as misleading customers, about HIPAA compliance, making unfair or deceptive statements about the use of personal data (including PHI) in privacy policies, failing to limit service providers use of PHI, or failing to implement policies to protect PHI or engaging in other unfair practices that harm customers. For information that is not subject to HIPAA and deemed to be a personal health record, the FTC may also impose penalties for violations of the Health Breach Notification Rule (HBNR) to the extent we are considered a personal health record-related entity or third party service provider. The FTC has taken several enforcement actions under the HBNR and indicated that the FTC will continue to protect consumer privacy through greater use of the agencys enforcement authorities. As a result, we expect even greater scrutiny by federal and state regulators, partners, and consumers of our collection, use and disclosure of health information.
We may in the future use artificial intelligence (AI), including generative AI, and machine learning (ML) technologies in our products and services (collectively, AI/ML technologies). The development and use of AI/ML present various privacy and security risks that may impact our business. AI/ML are subject to privacy and data security laws, as well as increasing regulation and scrutiny. Several jurisdictions around the globe, including Europe and certain U.S. states, have proposed, enacted, or are considering laws governing AI/ML, such as the EU AI Act. We expect other jurisdictions will adopt similar laws. Additionally, certain privacy laws extend rights to consumers (such as the right to delete certain personal data) and regulate automated decision making, which may be incompatible with our use of AI/ML and restrict our rights to use certain personal data to train AI/ML models. These obligations may make it harder for us to conduct our business using AI/ML, lead to regulatory fines or penalties, require us to change our business practices, retrain our AI/ML, or prevent or limit our use of AI/ML. For example, the FTC has required other companies to turn over (or disgorge) valuable insights or trainings generated through the use of AI/ML where they allege the company has violated privacy and consumer protection laws. AI/ML have the potential to benefit our business and operations, possibly significantly, including by potentially creating efficiencies and enabling powerful research and development that may otherwise not be possible, and we may be at a competitive disadvantage if we do not or are unable to use AI or only use it for limited purposes.
While we implement certain technical, physical and organizational processes (depending on the environment, systems, and data) designed to safeguard sensitive information, such as incident detection and response processes, penetrating testing, employee training and access controls, if we start using AI/ML in our products and services, use of such AI/ML in connection with our confidential, proprietary, or otherwise sensitive information, including personal data or software source code, may still result in leaks, disclosure, or otherwise unauthorized or unintended access to such information, including if such information is used to further refine and train the underlying AI/ML models. Any such access or any improper or inappropriate use of AI/ML could, for example, reveal trade secrets that may enable third parties to replicate or improve upon our technologies and programs, or otherwise negatively impact the value of, or our ability to obtain or maintain, intellectual property rights.
Moreover, AI/ML models may create flawed, incomplete, or inaccurate outputs, some of which may appear correct. This may happen if the inputs that the model relied on were inaccurate, incomplete or flawed (including if a bad actor poisons the AI/ML with bad inputs or logic), or if the logic of the AI/ML is flawed (a so-called hallucination). We may in the future use AI/ML outputs to make certain decisions. Due to these potential inaccuracies or flaws, the model could be biased and could lead us to unknowingly make decisions that could bias certain individuals (or classes of individuals).
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We may also face novel and urgent cybersecurity risks and emerging ethical risks relating to the use of AI/ML, which could adversely affect our operations, assets, including intellectual property and other sensitive information, and reputation, as well as those of any third parties involved in our operations. Therefore, if, in the future, we use AI/ML technologies in our business, such use could result in additional compliance costs, regulatory investigations and actions, and lawsuits. If we are unable to use AI/ML, it could make our business less efficient and result in competitive disadvantages.
Additionally, regulators are increasingly scrutinizing companies that process childrens data. Numerous laws, regulations, and legally binding codes, such as the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), Californias Age Appropriate Design Code, the CCPA, and other U.S. state comprehensive privacy laws impose various obligations on companies that process childrens data, including requiring certain consents to process such data and extending certain rights to children and their parents with respect that data. Some of these obligations have wide ranging applications, including for services that do not intentionally target child users (defined in some circumstances as a user under the age of 18 years old). These laws may be, or in some cases, have already been, subject to legal challenges and changing interpretations, which may further complicate our efforts to comply with these laws.
Outside the United States, we may become subject to an increasing number of laws, regulations, and industry standards that govern data privacy and security. For example, the European Unions General Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR) and the United Kingdoms GDPR (UK GDPR and together with the EU GDPR, the GDPR) impose strict requirements for processing personal data. For example, under the GDPR, companies may face temporary or definitive bans on data processing and other corrective actions; fines of up to 20 million Euros under the EU GDPR, 17.5 million pounds sterling under the UK GDPR or, in each case, 4% of annual global revenue, whichever is greater; or private litigation related to processing of personal data brought by classes of data subjects or consumer protection organizations authorized at law to represent their interests.
In the ordinary course of business, we may transfer personal data from Europe and other jurisdictions to the United States or other countries. Europe and other jurisdictions have enacted laws requiring data to be localized or limiting the transfer of personal data to other countries. In particular, the European Economic Area (EEA) and the United Kingdom (UK) have significantly restricted the transfer of personal data to the United States and other countries whose privacy laws it generally believes are inadequate. Other jurisdictions may adopt similarly stringent interpretations of their data localization and cross-border data transfer laws.
Although there are currently various mechanisms that may be used to transfer personal data from the EEA and UK to the United States in compliance with law, such as the EEA standard contractual clauses, the UKs International Data Transfer Agreement / Addendum, and the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework and the UK extension thereto (which allows for transfers to relevant U.S.-based organizations who self-certify compliance and participate in the Framework), these mechanisms are subject to legal challenges, and there is no assurance that we will be able to satisfy or rely on these measures to lawfully transfer personal data to the United States.
If there is no lawful manner for us to transfer personal data from the EEA, the UK or other jurisdictions to the United States, or if the requirements for a legally-compliant transfer are too onerous, we could face significant adverse consequences, including the interruption or degradation of our operations, the need to relocate part of or all of our business or data processing activities to other jurisdictions (such as Europe) at significant expense, increased exposure to regulatory actions, substantial fines and penalties, the inability to transfer data and work with partners, vendors and other third parties, and injunctions against our processing or transferring of personal data necessary to operate our business. Additionally, companies that transfer personal data out of the EEA and UK to other jurisdictions, particularly to the United States, are subject to increased scrutiny from regulators, individual litigants, and activist groups.
Some European regulators have ordered certain companies to suspend or permanently cease certain transfers out of Europe for allegedly violating the GDPRs cross-border data transfer limitations. We are also
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bound by contractual obligations related to data privacy and security, and our efforts to comply with such obligations may not be successful. We publish privacy policies, marketing materials and other statements, regarding data privacy and security. If these policies, materials, or statements are found to be deficient, lacking in transparency, deceptive, unfair, or misrepresentative of our practices, we may be subject to investigation, enforcement actions by regulators or other adverse consequences.
Obligations related to data privacy and security (and consumers data privacy expectations) are quickly changing, becoming increasingly stringent, and creating uncertainty. Additionally, these obligations may be subject to differing applications and interpretations, which may be inconsistent or conflict among jurisdictions. Preparing for and complying with these obligations requires us to devote significant resources, which may necessitate changes to our services, information technologies, systems, and practices and to those of any third parties that process personal data on our behalf.
We may at times fail (or be perceived to have failed) in our efforts to comply with our data privacy and security obligations. Moreover, despite our efforts, our personnel or third parties with whom we work may fail to comply with such obligations, which could negatively impact our business operations. If we or the third parties with whom we work fail, or are perceived to have failed, to address or comply with applicable data privacy and security obligations, we could face significant consequences, including, but not limited to: government enforcement actions (e.g., investigations, fines, penalties, audits, inspections, and similar); litigation (including class-action claims) and mass arbitration demands; additional reporting requirements and/or oversight; bans or restrictions on processing personal data, including restrictions on using personal data, including protected health information, to train AI algorithms; orders to destroy or not use personal data, including algorithmic disgorgement; and imprisonment of company officials.
In particular, plaintiffs have become increasingly more active in bringing privacy-related claims against companies, including class claims and mass arbitration demands. Some of these claims allow for the recovery of statutory damages on a per violation basis, and, if viable, carry the potential for monumental statutory damages, depending on the volume of data and the number of violations.
Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, or financial condition, including, but not limited to: loss of customers; interruptions or stoppages in our business operations (including, as relevant, clinical trials); inability to process personal data or to operate in certain jurisdictions; limited ability to develop or commercialize our products; expenditure of time and resources to defend any claim or inquiry; adverse publicity; or substantial changes to our business model or operations.
Our business activities may be subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and similar anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws of other countries in which we operate, as well as U.S. and certain foreign export controls, trade sanctions and import laws and regulations. Compliance with these legal requirements could limit our ability to compete in foreign markets and subject us to liability if we violate them.
If we expand our operations outside of the United States, we must dedicate additional resources to comply with numerous laws and regulations in each jurisdiction in which we plan to operate. Our business activities may be subject to the FCPA and similar anti-bribery or anti-corruption laws, regulations or rules of other countries in which we operate. The FCPA generally prohibits companies and their employees and third-party intermediaries from offering, promising, giving or authorizing the provision of anything of value, either directly or indirectly, to a non-U.S. government official in order to influence official action or otherwise obtain or retain business. The FCPA also requires public companies to make and keep books and records that accurately and fairly reflect the transactions of the corporation and to devise and maintain an adequate system of internal accounting controls.
Our business is heavily regulated and therefore involves significant interaction with public officials, including officials of non-U.S. governments. Additionally, in many other countries, hospitals owned and operated by the government, and doctors and other hospital employees would be considered foreign officials
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under the FCPA. Recently the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Department of Justice have increased their FCPA enforcement activities with respect to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. There is no certainty that all of our employees, agents or contractors, or those of our affiliates, will comply with all applicable laws and regulations, particularly given the high level of complexity of these laws. Violations of these laws and regulations could result in fines, criminal sanctions against us, our officers or our employees, disgorgement and other sanctions and remedial measures, and prohibitions on the conduct of our business. Any such violations could include prohibitions on our ability to offer our product in one or more countries and could materially damage our reputation, our brand, our international activities, our ability to attract and retain employees and our business.
In addition, our product and activities may be subject to U.S. and foreign export controls, trade sanctions and import laws and regulations. Governmental regulation of the import or export of our product, or our failure to obtain any required import or export authorization for our product, when applicable, could harm our international sales and adversely affect our revenue. Compliance with applicable regulatory requirements regarding the export of our product may create delays in the introduction of our product in international markets or, in some cases, prevent the export of our product to some countries altogether. Furthermore, U.S. export control laws and economic sanctions prohibit the shipment of certain products and services to countries, governments and persons targeted by U.S. sanctions. If we fail to comply with export and import regulations and such economic sanctions, penalties could be imposed, including fines and/or denial of certain export privileges. Moreover, any new export or import restrictions, new legislation or shifting approaches in the enforcement or scope of existing regulations, or in the countries, persons, or product targeted by such regulations, could result in decreased use of our product by, or in our decreased ability to export our product to existing or potential customers with international operations. Any decreased use of our product or limitation on our ability to export or sell access to our product would likely significantly harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property
If we are unable to obtain or protect intellectual property rights related to the iLet, we may not be able to compete effectively in our market.
We rely upon a combination of patents, trade secrets, copyrights, know-how, trademarks, license agreements and contractual provisions to establish our intellectual property rights and protect the iLet. Our success depends in large part on our ability to obtain and maintain patent and other intellectual property protection in the United States and in other countries with respect to our proprietary technology.
The patent prosecution process is expensive and time-consuming. We may not be able to prepare, file and prosecute all necessary or desirable patent applications at a commercially reasonable cost or in a timely manner or in all jurisdictions. It is also possible that we may fail to identify patentable aspects of inventions made during the course of development and commercialization activities before it is too late to obtain patent protection on them. Moreover, we do not have the first right to control the preparation, filing and prosecution of patent applications covering technology that we have in-licensed from BU and Xeris. Therefore, these patents and patent applications may not be prosecuted and enforced in a manner consistent with the best interests of our business.
In addition to the protection provided by our patent estate, we rely on trade secret protection and confidentiality agreements to protect proprietary know-how that is not amenable to patent protection. Although we generally require all of our employees to assign their inventions to us, and all of our employees, consultants, advisors and any third parties who have access to our proprietary know-how, information or technology to enter into confidentiality agreements, we cannot provide any assurances that all such agreements have been duly executed, or that our trade secrets and other confidential proprietary information will not be disclosed. Moreover, our competitors may independently develop knowledge, methods and know-how equivalent to our trade secrets.
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Competitors could purchase the iLet and replicate some or all of the competitive advantages we derive from our development efforts for technologies on which we do not have patent protection. If any of our trade secrets were to be lawfully obtained or independently developed by a competitor, we would have no right to prevent them, or those to whom they communicate it, from using that technology or information to compete with us. If any of our trade secrets were to be disclosed to or independently developed by a competitor, our competitive position would be harmed.
We also seek to preserve the integrity and confidentiality of our data and trade secrets by maintaining physical security of our premises and physical and electronic security of our information technology systems. While we have confidence in these individuals, organizations and systems, our agreements and/or security measures may be breached, and we may not have adequate remedies for any such breach. Also, if the steps taken to maintain our trade secrets are deemed inadequate, we may have insufficient recourse against third parties for misappropriating the trade secret. In addition, others may independently discover our trade secrets and proprietary information. If we are unable to prevent material disclosure of the non-patented intellectual property related to our technologies to third parties, and there is no guarantee that we will have any such enforceable trade secret protection, we may not be able to establish or maintain a competitive advantage in our market, which could materially adversely affect our business and financial condition.
If we fail to comply with our obligations in our current and future intellectual property licenses with third parties, we could lose rights, which may be important to our business.
We rely upon licenses to certain patent rights and proprietary technology for the development of the iLet and our other product candidates, in particular our license agreements with BU and Xeris. These license agreements impose various diligence, milestone payment, royalty and other obligations on us. If we fail to comply with our obligations under these license agreements, our licensor may have the right to terminate our licenses, in which event we may not be able to develop, manufacture or market any product that is covered by the intellectual property licensed to us under such license agreement, in addition to damages and other penalties. Any termination of these licenses could result in the loss of significant rights and could harm our ability to develop, manufacture and/or commercialize our products.
In addition, the agreements under which we license or acquire intellectual property or technology to or from third parties are complex, and certain provisions in such agreements may be susceptible to multiple interpretations. The resolution of any contract interpretation disagreement that may arise could narrow what we believe to be the scope of our rights to the relevant intellectual property or technology or increase what we believe to be our financial or other obligations under the relevant agreement, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Moreover, if disputes over intellectual property that we have licensed or acquired prevent or impair our ability to maintain our current licensing arrangements on commercially acceptable terms, we may be unable to successfully develop and commercialize the affected products. Our business also would suffer if any current or future licensors fail to abide by the terms of the license, if the licensors fail to enforce licensed patents against infringing third parties, if the licensed patents or other rights are found to be invalid or unenforceable, or if we are unable to enter into necessary licenses on acceptable terms. Moreover, our licensors may own or control intellectual property that has not been licensed to us and, as a result, we may be subject to claims, regardless of their merit, that we are infringing or otherwise violating the licensors rights.
Licenses to additional third-party technology and materials that may be required for our development programs may not be available in the future or may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. We do not have the first right to control the prosecution, maintenance and enforcement of our licensed intellectual property, and we thus require the cooperation of our licensor. Therefore, we cannot be certain that the prosecution, maintenance and enforcement of these patent rights will be in a manner consistent with the best interests of our business. If we or our licensor fail to maintain such patents, or if we or our licensor lose rights to those patents or patent applications, the rights we have licensed may be reduced or eliminated and our right to develop and
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commercialize any product that is the subject of such licensed rights could be adversely affected. In addition to the foregoing, the risks associated with patent rights that we license from third parties will also apply to patent rights we may license in the future.
In addition, intellectual property rights that we may in-license in the future may be sublicensed under intellectual property owned by third parties, in some cases through multiple tiers. The actions of our licensors may therefore affect our rights to use our sublicensed intellectual property, even if we are in compliance with all of the obligations under our license agreements. Should our licensors or any of the upstream licensors fail to comply with their obligations under the agreements pursuant to which they obtain the rights that are sublicensed to us, or should such agreements be terminated or amended, our ability to develop and commercialize our product candidates may be materially harmed.
Patent reform legislation could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution of our patent applications and the enforcement or defense of our future patents.
Obtaining and enforcing patents in the medical device industry involves both technological and legal complexity and is therefore costly, time-consuming and inherently uncertain. Our ability to obtain patents is highly uncertain because, to date, some legal principles remain unresolved, and there has not been a consistent policy regarding the breadth or interpretation of claims allowed in patents in the United States. Furthermore, the specific content of patents and patent applications that are necessary to support and interpret patent claims is highly uncertain due to the complex nature of the relevant legal, scientific and factual issues. Changes in either patent laws or interpretations of patent laws in the United States and other countries could increase those uncertainties and costs and may diminish the value of our intellectual property or narrow the scope of our patent protection.
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled on several patent cases in recent years, either narrowing the scope of patent protection available in certain circumstances or weakening the rights of patent owners in certain situations. In addition to increasing uncertainty with regard to our ability to obtain patents in the future, this combination of events has created uncertainty with respect to the value of patents, once obtained. Depending on actions by the U.S. Congress, the federal courts and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the laws and regulations governing patents could change in unpredictable ways that would weaken our ability to obtain new patents or to enforce patents that we have owned or licensed or that we might obtain in the future. An inability to obtain, enforce and defend patents covering our proprietary technologies would materially and adversely affect our business prospects and financial condition.
Further, patent coverage in medical devices and technologies is a subject of evolution and differences between countries. This is especially true of the definition of patentable subject matter which affects both computer-related inventions and biological inventions. This evolution may cause current granted patents to be considered non-patent eligible or prevent us from protecting future inventions. U.S. Supreme Court and Federal Circuit decisions interpreting and/or limiting the scope of patentable subject matter under 35 U.S.C. § 101, in addition to examination guidelines from the USPTO, have made it more difficult for patentees to obtain and/or maintain patent claims in the United States that are directed to medical technologies involving computer-implemented applications. Several precedential decisions regarding patentable subject matter are of particular relevance to patents in the computer-implemented applications space. For example, the 2014 decision in Alice Corporation Pty. Ltd. v. CLS Bank International concerns a computer-implemented, electronic escrow service for facilitating financial transactions. The U.S. Supreme Court held that an abstract idea could not be patented just because it is implemented on a computer, thus providing guidance on the patentability of computer-implemented applications such as those used with our products. Our efforts to seek patent protection for our technologies and products may be impacted by the evolving case law and guidances or procedures issued by the USPTO or authorities in other jurisdictions based on such evolving case law.
Similarly, changes in patent laws and regulations in other countries or jurisdictions, changes in the governmental bodies that enforce them or changes in how the relevant governmental authority enforces patent
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laws or regulations may weaken our ability to obtain new patents or to enforce patents that we may obtain in the future. For example, the complexity and uncertainty of European patent laws have also increased in recent years. In Europe, a new unitary patent system took effect June 1, 2023, which will significantly impact European patents, including those granted before the introduction of the new unitary patent system. Under the unitary patent system, European applications have the option, upon grant of a patent, of becoming a Unitary Patent, which will be subject to the jurisdiction of the Unitary Patent Court (UPC). As the UPC is a new court system, there is no precedent for the court, increasing the uncertainty of any litigation. Patents granted before the implementation of the UPC have the ability to opt out of the jurisdiction of the UPC and remain as national patents in the UPC countries. The UPC will provide our competitors with a new forum to centrally revoke European patents, and allow for the possibility of a competitor to obtain pan-European injunctions, since patents that remain under the jurisdiction of the UPC will be potentially vulnerable to a single UPC-based revocation challenge that, if successful, could invalidate the patent in all countries who are signatories to the UPC. We cannot predict with certainty the long-term effects of any potential changes.
Further, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect proprietary rights to the same extent or in the same manner as the laws of the United States and Europe. As a result, we may encounter significant problems in protecting and defending our intellectual property both in the United States and abroad. For example, if the issuance in a given country of a patent covering an invention is not followed by the issuance in other countries of patents covering the same invention, or if any judicial interpretation of the validity, enforceability or scope of the claims or the written description or enablement in a patent issued in one country is not similar to the interpretation given to the corresponding patent issued in another country, our ability to protect our intellectual property in those countries may be limited. Changes in either patent laws or in interpretations of patent laws in the United States and other countries may materially diminish the value of our intellectual property or narrow the scope of our patent protection.
We may be involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce our patents, which could be expensive, time consuming and unsuccessful.
Competitors may infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate our patents or other intellectual property rights. To counter infringement or unauthorized use, we may be required to file infringement claims, which can be expensive and time-consuming. In certain circumstances it may not be practicable or cost effective for us to enforce our intellectual property rights fully, particularly in certain developing countries or where the initiation of a claim might harm our business relationships. We may also be hindered or prevented from enforcing our rights with respect to a government entity or instrumentality because of the doctrine of sovereign immunity.
If we initiate legal proceedings against a third party to enforce a patent covering the iLet, its components or algorithms, the defendant could counterclaim that our patent(s) are invalid and/or unenforceable. In patent litigation in the United States, counterclaims alleging invalidity and/or unenforceability are common, and there are numerous grounds upon which a third party can assert invalidity or unenforceability of a patent. In an infringement proceeding, a court may decide that the patent claims we are asserting are invalid and/or unenforceable, or may refuse to stop the other party from using the technology at issue on the grounds that our patent claims do not cover their technology. Third parties may also raise similar claims before administrative bodies in the United States or abroad, even outside the context of litigation. Such mechanisms include re-examination, post grant review, inter partes review and equivalent proceedings in foreign jurisdictions (for example, opposition proceedings). Such proceedings could result in revocation of or amendment to our patents in such a way that they no longer cover our product candidates. The outcome following legal assertions of invalidity and unenforceability is unpredictable. With respect to the validity question, for example, we cannot be certain that there is no invalidating prior art. If a defendant were to prevail on a legal assertion of invalidity and/or unenforceability, we may lose some, and perhaps all, of the patent protection covering the iLet. An adverse result in any litigation or defense proceeding could put one or more of our patents at risk of being invalidated or interpreted narrowly, could put our patent applications at risk of not issuing and could have a material adverse
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impact on our business. Moreover, even if we are successful in any litigation, we may incur significant expense in connection with such proceedings, and the amount of any monetary damages may be inadequate to compensate us for damage as a result of the infringement and the proceedings.
We may not be able to detect or prevent, alone or with our future licensors, infringement, misappropriation or other violation of our intellectual property rights, particularly in countries where the laws may not protect those rights as fully as in the United States. Any litigation or other proceedings to enforce our intellectual property rights may fail, and, even if successful, may result in substantial costs and distract our management and other employees. Even if we establish infringement, the court may decide not to grant an injunction against further infringing activity and instead award only monetary damages, which may or may not be an adequate remedy. Furthermore, because of the substantial amount of discovery required in connection with intellectual property litigation, there is a risk that some of our confidential information could be compromised by disclosure during this type of litigation. There could also be public announcements of the results of hearings, motions, or other interim proceedings or developments. If securities analysts or investors perceive these results to be negative, it could have a material adverse effect on the price of our common stock.
We may be unsuccessful in licensing or acquiring intellectual property from third parties that may be required to develop and commercialize our product candidates.
A third party may hold intellectual property, including patent rights that are important or necessary to the development and commercialization of our product candidates. It may be necessary for us to use the patented or proprietary technology of third parties to commercialize our product candidates, in which case we would be required to acquire or obtain a license to such intellectual property from these third parties, and we may be unable to do so on commercially reasonable terms or at all. The licensing or acquisition of third-party intellectual property rights is a competitive area, and several more established companies may pursue strategies to license or acquire third-party intellectual property rights that we may consider attractive or necessary. These established companies may have a competitive advantage over us due to their size, capital resources and greater clinical development and commercialization capabilities. Companies that perceive us to be a competitor may be unwilling to assign or license rights to us. We also may be unable to license or acquire third-party intellectual property rights on terms that would allow us to make an appropriate return on our investment, or at all. If we are unable to successfully obtain rights to required third-party intellectual property rights, we may have to abandon development of the relevant program or products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Any collaboration arrangements that we may enter into in the future may not be successful, which could adversely affect our ability to develop and commercialize our products.
Any future collaborations that we enter into may not be successful. The success of our collaboration arrangements will depend heavily on the efforts and activities of our collaborators. Collaborations are subject to numerous risks, which may include that:
| | collaborators could independently develop, or develop with third parties, products that compete directly or indirectly with our product candidates; |
| | collaborators may not pursue development and commercialization of our product candidates or may elect not to continue or renew development or commercialization programs based on trial or test results, changes in their strategic focus due to the acquisition of competitive products, availability of funding or other external factors, such as a business combination that diverts resources or creates competing priorities; |
| | disputes may arise between us and a collaborator that cause the delay or termination of the research, development or commercialization of our current or future products or that result in costly litigation or arbitration that diverts management attention and resources; |
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| | collaborators have significant discretion in determining the efforts and resources that they will apply to collaborations; |
| | a collaborator with marketing, manufacturing and distribution rights to one or more products may not commit sufficient resources to or otherwise not perform satisfactorily in carrying out these activities; |
| | we could grant exclusive rights to our collaborators that would prevent us from collaborating with others; |
| | collaborators may use our intellectual property or proprietary information in a way that gives rise to actual or threatened litigation that could jeopardize or invalidate our intellectual property or proprietary information or expose us to potential liability or business risk; |
| | collaborations may be terminated, which may result in a need for additional capital to pursue further development or commercialization of the applicable current or future products or products; |
| | collaborators may own or co-own intellectual property covering our product candidates that results from our collaborating with them, and, in such cases, we would not have the exclusive right to develop or commercialize such intellectual property; and |
| | a collaborators sales and marketing activities or other operations may not be in compliance with applicable laws resulting in civil or criminal proceedings. |
The intellectual property or technology licensed from various third parties may be subject to retained rights.
Our current or future licensors, including BU, may retain certain rights under the relevant agreements with us, including the right to use the licensed intellectual property for academic and research use and to publish general scientific findings from research from the use of such intellectual property or technologies. It is difficult to monitor whether any of our licensors limit their use of the licensed intellectual property or technologies to these permitted uses, and we could incur substantial expenses to enforce our rights in the event of misuse.
In addition, the U.S. federal government retains certain rights in inventions produced with its financial assistance under the Patent and Trademark Law Amendments Act (Bayh-Dole Act). For examples, certain patents and patent applications licensed from BU were made with financial assistance from the federal government. The federal government retains a non-exclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable, paid-up license for its own benefit. The Bayh-Dole Act also provides federal agencies with march-in rights. March-in rights allow the government, in specified circumstances, to require the contractor or successors in title to the patent to grant a non-exclusive, partially exclusive, or exclusive license to a responsible applicant or applicants. If the patent owner refuses to do so, the government may grant the license itself. If we choose to collaborate with academic institutions to accelerate our preclinical research or development, we cannot be sure that any co-developed intellectual property will be free from government rights pursuant to the Bayh-Dole Act. If, in the future, we co-own or license in technology which is critical to our business that is developed in whole or in part with federal funds subject to the Bayh-Dole Act, our ability to enforce or otherwise exploit patents covering such technology may be adversely affected.
Third parties may initiate legal proceedings alleging that we are infringing their intellectual property rights, the outcome of which would be uncertain and could have a negative impact on the success of our business.
Our commercial success depends, in part, upon our ability to develop, manufacture, market and sell the iLet and use our proprietary technologies without infringing the proprietary rights and intellectual property of
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third parties. The medical device industry is characterized by extensive and complex litigation regarding patents and other intellectual property rights. We may in the future become party to, or be threatened with, adversarial proceedings or litigation regarding the manufacture, use or sale of the iLet. Third parties may assert infringement claims against us based on existing patents or patents that may be granted in the future, regardless of their merit. There is a risk that third parties may choose to engage in litigation with us to enforce or to otherwise assert their patent rights against us. Even if we believe such claims are without merit, a court of competent jurisdiction could hold that these third party patents are valid, enforceable and infringed, which could have a negative impact on our ability to commercialize the iLet and any product candidates we may develop. In addition, we could be found liable for monetary damages, including treble damages and attorneys fees, if we are found to have willfully infringed a patent or other intellectual property right. A finding of infringement could prevent us from manufacturing and commercializing our product candidates or force us to cease some or all of our business operations, which could materially harm our business. Claims that we have misappropriated the confidential information or trade secrets of third parties could have a similar negative impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
In order to successfully challenge the validity of a U.S. patent in federal court, we would need to overcome a presumption of validity. As this burden is a high one requiring us to present clear and convincing evidence as to the invalidity of any such U.S. patent claim, there is no assurance that a court of competent jurisdiction would invalidate the claims of any such U.S. patent. Foreign courts will have similar burdens to overcome in order to successfully challenge a third-party claim of patent infringement.
We may be subject to claims that our employees, consultants or independent contractors have wrongfully used or disclosed confidential information of third parties.
We employ individuals who were previously employed at other medical device companies. In addition, we use publications that are subject to copyright, as well as proprietary information and materials from third parties in our research. Some of the information and materials we use from third parties may be subject to agreements that include restrictions on use or disclosure. Although we strive to ensure proper safeguards, we cannot guarantee strict compliance with such agreements, nor can we be sure that our employees, consultants and advisors do not use proprietary information, materials or know-how of others in their work for us. We may be subject to claims that we or our employees, consultants or independent contractors have inadvertently or otherwise used or disclosed confidential information of our employees former employers or other third parties. We may also be subject to claims that former employers or other third parties have an ownership interest in our future patents. In addition, we may be subject to claims that we are infringing other intellectual property rights, such as trademarks or copyrights, or misappropriating the trade secrets of others, and, to the extent that our employees, consultants or contractors use intellectual property or proprietary information owned by others in their work for us, disputes may arise as to the rights in related or resulting know-how and inventions. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these claims. There is no guarantee of success in defending these claims, and even if we are successful, litigation could result in substantial cost and be a distraction to our management and other employees.
We may be subject to claims challenging the inventorship or ownership of our future patents and other intellectual property.
We may be subject to claims that former employees, collaborators or other third parties have an ownership interest in our patent applications, our future patents or other intellectual property, including as an inventor or co-inventor. We may be subject to ownership or inventorship disputes in the future arising, for example, from conflicting obligations of consultants, contractors or others who are involved in developing our products. Although it is our policy to require our employees and contractors who may be involved in the conception or development of intellectual property to execute agreements assigning such intellectual property to us, we may be unsuccessful in executing such an agreement with each party who, in fact, conceives or develops
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intellectual property that we regard as our own, and we cannot be certain that our agreements with such parties will be upheld in the face of a potential challenge, or that they will not be breached, for which we may not have an adequate remedy. The assignment of intellectual property rights may not be self-executing or the assignment agreements may be breached, and litigation may be necessary to defend against these and other claims challenging inventorship or ownership. If we fail in defending any such claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, we may lose valuable intellectual property rights, such as exclusive ownership of, or right to use, valuable intellectual property. Such an outcome could have a material adverse effect on our business. Even if we are successful in defending against such claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management and other employees.
We may be subject to claims that our employees, consultants or independent contractors have wrongfully used or disclosed confidential information of their former employers or other third parties.
We currently and in the future may employ individuals who were previously employed at other medical device companies. Although we endeavor to ensure that our employees, consultants and independent contractors do not use the intellectual property, proprietary information, know-how or trade secrets of others in their work for us, we may be subject to claims that we or our employees, consultants or independent contractors have inadvertently or otherwise used or disclosed alleged trade secrets or other confidential information of a former employer or another third party. We may also be subject to claims that former employers or other third parties have an ownership interest in our patents or other intellectual property. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these claims, and there is no guarantee of success. If we fail in defending these claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, we may lose valuable intellectual property rights, such as exclusive ownership of, or right to use, valuable intellectual property, if such intellectual property rights are found to incorporate or be derived from the trade secrets or other proprietary information of third parties. Even if we are successful, litigation could result in substantial cost and be a distraction to our management and other employees. Moreover, any such litigation or the threat thereof may adversely affect our reputation, our ability to form strategic alliances or sublicense our rights to collaborators, engage with scientific advisors or hire employees or consultants, each of which would have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Reliance on third parties requires us to share our trade secrets, which increases the possibility that a competitor will discover them or that our trade secrets will be misappropriated or disclosed to others.
If we rely on third parties to manufacture or commercialize our product candidates, or if we collaborate with additional third parties for the development of our products, we may need to, at times, share trade secrets with them. We may also conduct joint research and development programs that may require us to share trade secrets under the terms of our research and development partnerships or similar agreements. We seek to protect our trade secrets and other proprietary technology in part by entering into confidentiality agreements with third parties prior to beginning research or disclosing proprietary information. These agreements typically limit the rights of the third parties to use or disclose our confidential information, including our trade secrets. Despite the contractual provisions employed when working with third parties, the need to share trade secrets and other confidential information increases the risk that such trade secrets become known by our competitors, are inadvertently incorporated into the technology of others or are disclosed or used in violation of these agreements. Given that our proprietary position is based, in part, on our know-how and trade secrets, a competitors discovery of our trade secrets or other unauthorized use or disclosure could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
In addition, these agreements typically restrict the ability of our advisors, employees, third-party contractors and consultants to publish data potentially relating to our trade secrets. Despite our efforts to protect our trade secrets, we may not be able to prevent the unauthorized disclosure or use of our technical know-how or other trade secrets by the parties to these agreements. Moreover, we cannot guarantee that we have entered into such agreements with each party that may have or have had access to our confidential information or proprietary
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technology and processes. Monitoring unauthorized uses and disclosures is difficult, and we do not know whether the steps we have taken to protect our proprietary technologies will be effective. If any of the collaborators, scientific advisors, employees, contractors and consultants who are parties to these agreements breaches or violates the terms of any of these agreements, we may not have adequate remedies for any such breach or violation, and we could lose our trade secrets as a result. Moreover, if confidential information that is licensed or disclosed to us by our partners, collaborators or others is inadvertently disclosed or subject to a breach or violation, we may be exposed to liability to the owner of that confidential information. Enforcing a claim that a third party illegally obtained and is using our trade secrets, like patent litigation, is expensive and time consuming, and the outcome is unpredictable. In addition, courts outside the United States are sometimes less willing to protect trade secrets, and we may need to share our trade secrets and proprietary know-how with current or future partners, collaborators, contractors and others located in countries at heightened risk of theft of trade secrets, including through direct intrusion by private parties or foreign actors, and those affiliated with or controlled by state actors.
We may enjoy only limited geographical protection with respect to certain patents and we may not be able to protect our intellectual property rights throughout the world.
Filing and prosecuting patent applications and defending patents covering our product candidates in all countries throughout the world would be prohibitively expensive. Competitors may use our technologies in jurisdictions where we have not obtained patent protection or where enforcement rights are not as strong as those in the United States or Europe. These products may compete with the iLet, and our future patents or other intellectual property rights may not be effective or sufficient or defend our rights adequately.
In addition, we may decide to abandon national and regional patent applications before they are granted. The examination of each national or regional patent application is an independent proceeding. As a result, patent applications in the same family may issue as patents in some jurisdictions, such as in the United States, but may issue as patents with claims of different scope or may even be refused in other jurisdictions. It is also quite common that depending on the country, the scope of patent protection may vary for the same product or technology. For example, certain jurisdictions do not allow for patent protection with respect to methods of treatment.
While we seek to protect our intellectual property rights in our expected significant markets, we cannot ensure that we will be able to initiate or maintain similar efforts in all jurisdictions in which we may wish to market our product candidates. Accordingly, our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights in such countries may be inadequate, which may have an adverse effect on our ability to successfully commercialize our product candidates in all of our expected significant foreign markets. If we encounter difficulties in protecting, or are otherwise precluded from effectively protecting, the intellectual property rights important for our business in such jurisdictions, the value of these rights may be diminished, and we may face additional competition from others in those jurisdictions.
The laws of some jurisdictions do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws or rules and regulations in the United States and Europe and many companies have encountered significant difficulties in protecting and defending such rights in such jurisdictions. The legal systems of certain countries, particularly certain developing countries, do not favor the enforcement of patents, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights, which could make it difficult for us to stop the infringement of our future patents or marketing of competing products in violation of our proprietary rights generally. Proceedings to enforce our patent rights in other jurisdictions, whether or not successful, could result in substantial costs and divert our efforts and attention from other aspects of our business, could put our future patents at risk of being invalidated or interpreted narrowly and our patent applications at risk of not issuing as patents, and could provoke third parties to assert claims against us. We may not prevail in any lawsuits that we initiate and the damages or other remedies awarded, if any, may not be commercially meaningful. Accordingly, our efforts to enforce our intellectual property rights around the world may be inadequate to obtain a significant commercial advantage from the intellectual property that we develop or license.
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Some countries also have compulsory licensing laws under which a patent owner may be compelled to grant licenses to third parties. In addition, some countries limit the enforceability of patents against government agencies or government contractors. In those countries, the patent owner may have limited remedies, which could materially diminish the value of such patents. If we are forced to grant a license to third parties with respect to any patents relevant to our business, our competitive position may be impaired.
Obtaining and maintaining our patent protection depends on compliance with various procedural, document submission, fee payment and other requirements imposed by government patent agencies, and our patent protection could be reduced or eliminated for non-compliance with these requirements.
Periodic maintenance fees, renewal fees, annuity fees and various other government fees on patents and/or applications will be due to be paid to the USPTO and various government patent agencies outside of the United States over the lifetime of our patents and/or applications and any patent rights we may obtain in the future. Furthermore, the USPTO and various non-United States government patent agencies require compliance with several procedural, documentary, fee payment and other similar provisions during the patent application process. In many cases, an inadvertent lapse of a patent or patent application can be cured by payment of a late fee or by other means in accordance with the applicable rules. There are situations, however, in which non-compliance can result in abandonment or lapse of the patents or patent applications, resulting in partial or complete loss of patent rights in the relevant jurisdiction. In such an event, potential competitors might be able to enter the market, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
The terms of our patents may not be sufficiently long to effectively protect our products and business.
Patents have a limited lifespan. In the United States, the natural expiration of a patent is generally 20 years after its first effective non-provisional filing date, but can be shorter due to terminal disclaimers or similar term reductions in other jurisdictions. Although various extensions may be available, the term of a patent, and the protection it affords, is limited. Even if patents covering our technologies or products are obtained, once the patent term has expired, we may be open to competition. In addition, although upon issuance in the United States, a patents term can be increased based on certain delays caused by the USPTO, this increase can be reduced or eliminated based on certain delays caused by the patent applicant during patent prosecution. Given the amount of time required for the development, testing and regulatory review of products, patents protecting such product candidates might expire before or shortly after such products are commercialized. If we do not have sufficient patent life to protect our technologies and products, our business and results of operations will be adversely affected.
If we are not successful in obtaining patent term extensions for our future products, our business may be harmed.
Depending upon the timing, duration and specifics of FDA marketing approval of our future products, one or more of our U.S. patents may be eligible for limited patent term restoration under the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984, referred to as the Hatch-Waxman Amendments. The Hatch-Waxman Amendments permit a patent term extension of up to five years beyond the normal expiration of the patent as compensation for patent term lost during drug development and the FDA regulatory review process, which is limited to the approved indication (or any additional indications approved during the period of extension). This extension is limited to one patent that covers the approved product, the approved use of the product or a method of manufacturing the product. A patent term extension cannot extend the remaining term of a patent beyond a total of 14 years from the date of product approval, and only those claims covering such approved drug product, a method for using it or a method for manufacturing it may be extended. Patent term extension may also be available in some foreign countries upon obtaining the applicable regulatory approval for any future products. However, the applicable authorities, including the FDA and the USPTO in the United States, and any equivalent regulatory authority in other countries or areas, may not agree with our assessment of whether such extensions are available, and may refuse to grant extensions to our patents, or may grant more limited
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extensions than we request. We may not be granted an extension due to failing to apply within applicable deadlines, failing to apply prior to expiration of relevant patents or otherwise failing to satisfy applicable requirements, among other reasons. Moreover, the applicable time period or the scope of patent protection afforded could be less than we request. If we are unable to extend the expiration date of our existing patents or obtain new patents with longer expiry dates, as applicable, our competitors and other third parties may be able to take advantage of our investment in development and clinical trials by referencing our clinical and preclinical data to obtain approval of competing products following our patent expiration and launch their product earlier than might otherwise be the case.
Any trademarks we have obtained or may obtain may be infringed or otherwise violated, or successfully challenged, resulting in harm to our business.
We rely on trademarks as one means to distinguish the iLet from the systems of our competitors and market ourselves and our products. We may select new trademarks and apply to register them, but our trademark applications may not be approved in the United States or any other relevant jurisdiction. Third parties may oppose or attempt to cancel our trademark applications or trademarks, or otherwise challenge our use of the trademarks. In the event that our trademarks are successfully challenged, we could be forced to rebrand the iLet, which could result in loss of brand recognition and could require us to devote resources to advertising and marketing new brands. Competitors or other parties may adopt trade names or trademarks similar to ours, thereby impeding our ability to build brand identity and possibly leading to market confusion.
Our competitors may also infringe or otherwise violate our trademarks, and we may not have adequate resources to enforce our trademarks. If we attempt to enforce our trademarks and assert trademark infringement claims, a court may determine that the marks we have asserted are invalid or unenforceable, or that the party against whom we have asserted trademark infringement has superior rights to the marks in question. In this case, we could ultimately be forced to cease use of such trademarks. We may license our trademarks and trade names to third parties, such as distributors. Though these license agreements may provide guidelines for how our trademarks and trade names may be used, a breach of these agreements or misuse of our trademarks and trade names by our licensees may jeopardize our rights in or diminish the goodwill associated with our trademarks and trade names. Over the long term, if we are unable to establish name recognition based on our trademarks and trade names, then we may not be able to compete effectively, and our business may be adversely affected.
Intellectual property rights do not necessarily address all potential threats to our competitive advantage.
The degree of future protection afforded by our intellectual property rights is uncertain because intellectual property rights have limitations and may not adequately protect our business or permit us to maintain our competitive advantage. The following examples are illustrative:
| | others may be able to make products that are similar to or otherwise competitive with our product candidates but that are not covered by the claims of our current or future patents; |
| | an in-license necessary for the manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale or importation of one or more of our product candidates may be terminated by the licensor; |
| | we or future collaborators might not have been the first to make the inventions covered by our issued or future issued patents or our pending patent applications; |
| | we or future collaborators might not have been the first to file patent applications covering certain of our inventions; |
| | others may independently develop similar or alternative technologies or duplicate any of our technologies without infringing our intellectual property rights; |
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| | it is possible that our pending patent applications will not lead to issued patents; |
| | issued patents that we own or in-license may be held invalid or unenforceable as a result of legal challenges by our competitors; |
| | issued patents that we own or in-license may not provide coverage for all aspects of our product candidates in all countries; |
| | our competitors might conduct research and development activities in countries where we do not have patent rights and then use the information learned from such activities to develop competitive products for sale in our major commercial markets; |
| | we may not develop additional proprietary technologies that are patentable; and |
| | the patents of others may have an adverse effect on our business. |
Should any of these events occur, our business, results of operations and prospects could be significantly harmed.
Risks Related to This Offering and Ownership of Our Common Stock
An active trading market for our common stock may not develop or be sustained.
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. We have applied for listing of our common stock on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol . We believe that upon the completion of this offering, we will meet the standards for listing on Nasdaq and the closing of this offering is contingent upon such listing. The initial public offering price for our common stock was determined through negotiations among us, the selling stockholders and the underwriters, and may vary from the market price of our common stock following the completion of this offering. An active trading market for our shares may never develop or be sustained following this offering. In addition, the initial price for our common stock in this offering will be determined through negotiations with the underwriters and may vary from the market price of our common stock following this offering. The lack of an active market may impair the value of your shares, your ability to sell your shares at the time you wish to sell them and the prices that you may obtain for your shares. Further, an inactive trading market for our shares may also impair our ability to raise capital by selling shares of our common stock or enter into strategic partnerships and transactions by issuing our shares of common stock as consideration. If an active trading market for our common stock does not develop, or is not sustained, you may not be able to sell your shares quickly or at the market price, or at all, and it may be difficult for you to sell your shares without depressing the market price for our common stock.
The trading price of our common stock may be volatile and you could lose all or part of your investment.
The trading price of our common stock after this offering is likely to be volatile. As a result of this volatility, you may not be able to sell your shares of common stock at or above the initial public offering price. The market price for our common stock may be influenced by those factors discussed in this Risk Factors section and many other factors, including:
| | actual or anticipated fluctuations in our financial and operating results from period to period; |
| | market acceptance of our current product and product candidates under development, and the recognition of our brand; |
| | introduction of proposed products, technologies or treatment techniques by us or our competitors, including the ongoing adoption of diabetes drugs; |
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| | announcements of significant contracts, acquisitions, divestitures or partnerships by us, our competitors or our collaboration partners; |
| | regulatory marketing authorizations or clearance received for our current product or product candidates, or the products of our competitors or collaboration partners, or the failure to obtain such marketing authorizations or clearance on the projected timeline or at all; |
| | the announcement of a product recall, suspension or other safety notice associated with our products or the products of our competitors, or other similar regulatory enforcement actions; |
| | financial and operating results relative to the expectations of securities analysts and other market participants and the issuance of securities analysts reports or recommendations; |
| | threatened or actual litigation, regulatory proceedings or government investigations; |
| | the costs and timing of manufacturing for our product, including developing our own manufacturing capabilities; |
| | the success of existing or new competitive therapies, products or technologies; |
| | development of new products that may address our markets and make our product less attractive; |
| | failure or discontinuation of any of our research or development programs; |
| | changes in the level of expenses related to any of our research or development programs; |
| | developments related to any existing or future collaborations; |
| | the recruitment or departure of key personnel; |
| | regulatory or legal developments in the United States and other countries; |
| | announcements by us, our partners or our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, collaborations or capital commitments; |
| | changes in the structure of healthcare payment systems; |
| | developments or disputes concerning patent applications, issued patents or other proprietary rights; |
| | failure to meet or exceed financial estimates and projections of the investment community or that we provide to the public; |
| | actual or expected changes in estimates as to financial results, development timelines or recommendations by securities analysts; |
| | announcement or expectation of additional financing efforts; |
| | sales of common stock by us, our executive officers, directors, principal stockholders, selling stockholders or others; |
| | variations in our financial results or those of companies that are perceived to be similar to us; |
| | market conditions in the medical device sector; |
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| | general political, economic, industry and market conditions; |
| | changes in accounting principles; and |
| | the other factors described in this Risk Factors section and elsewhere in this prospectus. |
Following price volatility, holders of securities may institute securities class action litigation against the issuer. If any holders of our common stock were to bring such a lawsuit against us, we could incur substantial costs defending the lawsuit and the attention of our board of directors and senior management would be diverted from the operation of our business. Any adverse determination in litigation could also subject us to significant liabilities. Further, a decline in the financial markets and related factors beyond our control may cause the price of our common stock to decline rapidly and unexpectedly. If the market price of our common stock following this offering does not exceed the initial public offering price, you may not realize any return on, or you may lose some or all of your investment. Broad market and industry factors such as these could materially and adversely affect the market price of our stock, regardless of our actual operating performance.
After this offering, our executive officers, directors and principal stockholders, if they choose to act together, will continue to have the ability to control or significantly influence all matters submitted to stockholders for approval.
Upon the closing of this offering, our executive officers, directors and stockholders who owned more than 5% of our outstanding common stock before this offering and their respective affiliates will, in the aggregate, hold approximately % of our outstanding common stock (based on the number of shares of common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2024 and assuming no purchase of shares in this offering by any of this group). As a result, if these stockholders choose to act together, they would be able to control or significantly influence all matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, as well as our management and affairs. For example, these persons, if they choose to act together, would control or significantly influence the election of directors, the composition of our management and approval of any merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of our assets or other business combination that other stockholders may desire. The interests of these stockholders may not always coincide with your interests or the interests of other stockholders, and they may act in a manner that advances their best interests and not necessarily those of other stockholders, including seeking a premium value for their common stock. Any of these actions could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
A significant portion of our total outstanding shares are eligible to be sold into the market in the near future, which could cause the market price of our common stock to drop significantly, even if our business is doing well.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market, or the perception in the market that the holders of a large number of stockholders intend to sell shares of our common stock, could reduce the market price of our common stock. After this offering, we will have shares of common stock outstanding (assuming no exercise of the underwriters option to purchase additional shares of our common stock). This includes the shares that we are selling in this offering, which may be resold in the public market immediately without restriction, unless purchased by our affiliates. Substantially all of the remaining shares of common stock initially will be restricted as a result of securities laws, market standoff provisions or lock-up agreements, but will become eligible to be sold after this offering as described in the section titled Shares Eligible for Future Sale. In addition, at our request, the underwriters have reserved up to % of the shares of our common stock offered by this prospectus, excluding the additional shares that the underwriters have a 30-day option to purchase, for sale, at the initial public offering price, to certain of our directors and officers and certain other parties related to us, under the directed share program (DSP). Except for any shares acquired by our directors and officers, shares purchased pursuant to the DSP will not be subject to 180-day lock-up restriction with the underwriters. Future sales of such shares may cause the price of our common stock to be reduced or become more volatile.
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Moreover, after this offering, holders of an aggregate of shares of common stock will have rights, subject to specified conditions, to require us to file registration statements covering their shares or to include their shares in registration statements that we may file for ourselves or other stockholders, until such shares can otherwise be sold without restriction under Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), or until the rights terminate pursuant to the terms of the stockholder agreements between us and such holders. We also intend to register all shares of common stock subject to equity awards issued or reserved for future issuance under our equity compensation plans on a registration statement on Form S-8. Once we register these shares, they can be freely sold in the public market upon issuance, subject to volume limitations applicable to affiliates under Rule 144 under the Securities Act and the market standoff provisions and lock-up agreements described above. Any sales of securities by these stockholders could have a negative impact on the trading price of our common stock.
If you purchase common stock in this offering, you will suffer immediate and substantial dilution of your investment.
The initial public offering price of our common stock is substantially higher than the net tangible book value per share of our outstanding common stock immediately after the closing of this offering. Based on an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share (the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), you will experience immediate dilution of $ per share as of September 30, 2024, representing the difference between our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share, after giving effect to this offering and the assumed initial public offering price. This dilution is due to our investors who purchased shares prior to this offering having paid a price for their shares that is substantially less than the price offered to the public in this offering, as well as the exercise of stock options granted to our employees. To the extent any outstanding options are exercised, you will experience further dilution. As a result of this dilution, investors purchasing stock in this offering may receive significantly less than the full purchase price that they paid for the shares purchased in this offering in the event of a liquidation. See the section titled Dilution for additional information.
Future sales and issuances of our securities, including pursuant to our equity incentive plans, may cause dilution to our stockholders or decrease our stock price.
We expect that significant additional capital may be necessary to continue our planned operations, including to expand product development and commercialize our products. We may seek additional capital through public or private equity or debt financings or other capital sources, which may include strategic collaborations and other strategic arrangements with third parties, to enable us to complete the development and potential commercialization of our product candidates and commercialization of our current products. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, your ownership interest will be diluted, and the terms may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect your rights as a stockholder.
Pursuant to our 2025 Plan, our management is authorized to grant stock options and other equity-based awards to our employees, directors and consultants. Additionally, the number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under our 2025 Plan will automatically increase on January 1 of each calendar year, beginning on January 1, 2026 and continuing through and including January 1, 2035, by 5% of the total number of shares of our capital stock outstanding on December 31 of the preceding calendar year, or a lesser number of shares determined by our board of directors. In addition, pursuant to our ESPP, the number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance will automatically increase on January 1 of each calendar year, beginning on January 1, 2026 and continuing through and including January 1, 2035, by the lesser of (i) 1% of the total number of shares of our capital stock outstanding on the last day of the calendar month before the date of the automatic increase and (ii) shares; provided that before the date of any such increase, our board of directors may determine that such increase will be less than the amount set forth in clauses (i) and (ii). Unless our board of directors elects not to increase the number of shares available for future grant each year, our stockholders may experience additional dilution, which could cause our stock price to fall.
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Participation in this offering by our existing stockholders and/or their affiliated entities may reduce the public float for our common stock.
To the extent certain of our existing stockholders and their affiliated entities participate in this offering, such purchases would reduce the non-affiliate public float of our shares, meaning the number of shares of our common stock that are not held by officers, directors and controlling stockholders. A reduction in the public float could reduce the number of shares that are available to be traded at any given time, thereby adversely impacting the liquidity of our common stock and depressing the price at which you may be able to sell shares of common stock purchased in this offering.
We are an emerging growth company and a smaller reporting company, and the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies and smaller reporting companies may make our common stock less attractive to investors.
We are an emerging growth company, as defined in the JOBS Act, and may remain an emerging growth company until the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the closing of this offering. However, if certain events occur prior to the end of such five-year period, including if we become a large accelerated filer, our annual gross revenues exceed $1.235 billion or we issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt in any three-year period, we will cease to be an emerging growth company prior to the end of such five-year period. For so long as we remain an emerging growth company, we are permitted and intend to rely on exemptions from certain disclosure requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. These exemptions include:
| | being permitted to provide only two years of audited financial statements, in addition to any required unaudited interim financial statements, with correspondingly reduced Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations disclosure in this prospectus; |
| | not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements in the assessment of our internal control over financial reporting; |
| | not being required to comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditors report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements; |
| | reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation; and |
| | exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. |
In addition, the JOBS Act allows us as an emerging growth company to delay adoption of new or revised accounting pronouncements applicable to public companies until such pronouncements are made applicable to private companies.
We have taken advantage of the reduced reporting burdens in this prospectus and the information we provide to stockholders will be different than the information that is available with respect to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. For example, in this prospectus we have only included two years of audited financial statements and have not included all of the executive compensation-related information that would be required if we were not an emerging growth company. It is possible that this may cause investors to find our common stock less attractive. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our share price may be reduced or more volatile.
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Even following the termination of our status as an emerging growth company, we may be able to take advantage of the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to smaller reporting companies, as that term is defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, and, in particular, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements. To the extent that we are no longer eligible to use exemptions from various reporting requirements, we may be unable to realize our anticipated cost savings from these exemptions, which could have a material adverse impact on our operating results.
We have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds from this offering and may not use them effectively.
Our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds from this offering and could spend the proceeds in ways that do not improve our results of operations or enhance the value of our common stock. We expect that we will use the net proceeds of this offering as set forth in the section titled Use of Proceeds. However, our use of these proceeds may differ substantially from our current plans. The failure by our management to apply these funds effectively could result in financial losses that could have a negative impact on our business, cause the price of our common stock to decline and delay the development and commercialization of our product candidates and current products. Pending their use, we may invest the net proceeds from this offering in a manner that does not produce income or that loses value.
Because we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future, capital appreciation, if any, would be your sole source of gain.
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. We currently anticipate that we will retain future earnings for the development, operation and expansion of our business and do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends for the foreseeable future. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of our common stock would be your sole source of gain on an investment in our common stock for the foreseeable future. See the section titled Dividend Policy for additional information.
Delaware law and provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws that will be in effect at the completion of this offering could make a merger, tender offer or proxy contest difficult, thereby depressing the trading price of our common stock.
Provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, which will become effective immediately prior to the completion of this offering, may delay or discourage transactions involving an actual or potential change in our control or change in our management, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares or transactions that our stockholders might otherwise deem to be in their best interests. Therefore, these provisions could adversely affect the price of our common stock. Among other things, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws:
| | permit our board of directors to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, with any rights, preferences and privileges as they may designate (including the right to approve an acquisition or other change in our control); |
| | provide that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of the board of directors; |
| | provide that all vacancies, including newly created directorships, may, except as otherwise required by law, be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum; |
| | provide that the board of directors or any individual director may only be removed with cause and the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66-2/3% of the voting power of all of our then outstanding common stock; |
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| | divide our board of directors into three classes, with each class serving staggered three-year terms; |
| | require that any action to be taken by our stockholders be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders and not be taken by written consent; |
| | provide that stockholders seeking to present proposals before a meeting of stockholders or to nominate candidates for election as directors at a meeting of stockholders must provide notice in writing in a timely manner and also specify requirements as to the form and content of a stockholders notice; |
| | do not provide for cumulative voting rights, therefore allowing the holders of a majority of the shares of common stock entitled to vote in any election of directors to elect all of the directors standing for election, if they should so choose; and |
| | provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by the Chairman of the board, our Chief Executive Officer or by the board of directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directors. |
The amendment of any of these provisions, with the exception of the ability of our board of directors to issue shares of preferred stock and designate any rights, preferences and privileges thereto, would require approval by the holders of at least 66-2/3% of our then-outstanding common stock. Such ability to issue preferred stock with voting or conversion rights could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of the common stock. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other things, have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in our control that may otherwise benefit holders of our common stock and may adversely affect the market price of the common stock and the voting and other rights of the holders of common stock. We have no current plans to issue any shares of preferred stock.
In addition, as a Delaware corporation, we are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (Section 203). These provisions may prohibit large stockholders, in particular those owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock, from merging or combining with us for a certain period of time. A Delaware corporation may opt out of this provision by express provision in its original certificate of incorporation or by amendment to its certificate of incorporation or bylaws approved by its stockholders. However, we have not opted out of this provision.
These and other provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws and Delaware law could make it more difficult or costly for stockholders or potential acquirors to obtain control of our board of directors or initiate actions that are opposed by our then-current board of directors, including delay or impede a merger, tender offer or proxy contest involving our company. The existence of these provisions could negatively affect the price of our common stock and limit opportunities for you to realize value in a corporate transaction.
For information regarding these and other provisions, see section titled Description of Capital Stock.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and any appellate court therefrom will be the exclusive forums for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for the following types of actions or proceedings under Delaware statutory or common law: (i) any derivative claim or cause of action brought on our behalf; (ii) any claim or cause of action that is based
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upon a violation of a duty owed by any current or former director, officer, other employee or stockholder, to us or our stockholders; (iii) any claim or cause of action against us or any current or former director, officer or other employee, arising out of or pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws; (iv) any claim or cause of action seeking to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws (including any right, obligation, or remedy thereunder); (v) any claim or cause of action as to which the Delaware General Corporation Law confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware; and (vi) any claim or cause of action against us or any current or former director, officer or other employee, governed by the internal-affairs doctrine or otherwise related to our internal affairs, in all cases to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and subject to the court having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendant; provided, however, that if the designation of such court as the sole and exclusive forum for a claim or action referred to in foregoing clauses (i) through (vi) would violate applicable law, then the United States District Court for the District of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for such claim or cause of action. These provisions would not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Exchange Act, or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Furthermore, Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all such Securities Act actions. Accordingly, both state and federal courts have jurisdiction to entertain such claims. Additionally, investors cannot waive compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. To prevent having to litigate claims in multiple jurisdictions and the threat of inconsistent or contrary rulings by different courts, among other considerations, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will further provide that unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act, including all causes of action asserted against any defendant named in such complaint. While the Delaware courts have determined that such choice of forum provisions are facially valid, a stockholder may nevertheless seek to bring a claim in a venue other than those designated in the exclusive forum provisions. In such instance, we would expect to vigorously assert the validity and enforceability of the exclusive forum provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. This may require significant additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions and there can be no assurance that the provisions will be enforced by a court in those other jurisdictions.
These choice of forum provisions may limit a stockholders ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees and may discourage these types of lawsuits and result in increased costs for investors to bring a claim. If a court were to find the choice of forum provisions contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions.
General Risk Factors
Adverse changes in general economic conditions in the United States and outside of the United States could adversely affect us.
We are subject to the risks arising from adverse changes in general economic market conditions. A U.S. or global recession, could negatively impact our current and prospective customers, adversely affect the financial ability of health insurers to pay claims, adversely impact our ability to pay our expenses and ability to obtain financing of our operations, cause delays or other problems with key suppliers and increase the risk of counterparty failures.
Healthcare spending in the United States could be negatively affected in the event of a downturn in economic conditions. For example, U.S. patients who have lost their jobs or healthcare coverage may no longer be covered by an employer-sponsored health insurance plan and patients reducing their overall spending may
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eliminate purchases requiring co-payments. Since the sale of the iLet to a new PWD will be generally dependent on the availability of third-party reimbursement and will require the patient to make a significant co-payment, an economic downturn on our potential customers could reduce the referrals generated by our sales force and thereby reduce our customer orders. Similarly, existing customers at such time could cease purchasing the iLet and return to other types of intensive insulin therapy, such as MDI, or other less-costly therapies, which would cause our attrition rate to increase. Any decline in new customer orders or increase in our customer attrition rate would reduce our revenue.
Our ability to use our net operating loss (NOL), carryforwards and certain other tax attributes may be limited.
As of December 31, 2023, we had U.S. federal NOL carryforwards of $158.3 million, which may be available to reduce future taxable income, of which $11.5 million expire at various dates beginning in 2035 while the remaining $146.8 million do not expire but are limited in their usage to an annual deduction equal to 80% of annual taxable income. In addition, as of December 31, 2023, we had state NOL carryforwards of $33.9 million, which may be available to reduce future taxable income, of which $31.9 million expire at various dates beginning in 2029, while $2.0 million do not expire. As of December 31, 2023, we also had U.S. federal and state research and development tax credit carryforwards of $3.0 million and $2.7 million, respectively, which may be available to reduce future tax liabilities and expire at various dates beginning in 2036 and 2032, respectively, with $2.3 million of state research and development tax credits carrying forward indefinitely. For state income tax purposes, there may be periods during which the use of NOL carryforwards is suspended or otherwise limited, which could accelerate or permanently increase state taxes owed. For example, California imposed limits on the usability of California state NOLs to offset taxable income and certain business credits to offset California state tax liabilities in tax years beginning after 2023 and before 2027.
In addition, under Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), and corresponding provisions of state law, if a corporation undergoes an ownership change, which is generally defined as a greater than 50% change, by value, in its equity ownership over a three-year period, the corporations ability to use its pre-change NOL carryforwards, research and development credits and other tax attributes to offset its post-change income or taxes may be limited. The completion of this offering, together with any private placements and other transactions that have occurred since our inception, may trigger such ownership changes pursuant to Section 382 of the Code. We have not conducted a study to assess whether a change of control has occurred or whether there have been multiple changes of control since inception due to the significant complexity and cost associated with such a study. We may experience ownership changes as a result of subsequent shifts in our stock ownership, some of which may be outside of our control. If an ownership change occurs and our ability to use our NOL carryforwards or research and development credits is materially limited, it would harm our future results of operations by effectively increasing our future tax obligations.
We may be subject to adverse legislative or regulatory changes in tax laws, and there are uncertainties in the interpretation and application of existing, new and proposed tax laws and regulations, any of which could materially affect our tax obligations and effective tax rate.
The rules dealing with U.S. federal, state and local income taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the U.S. Treasury Department. Changes to tax laws (which changes may have retroactive application) could adversely affect our stockholders or us. In recent years, many such changes have been made. New income or other tax laws or regulations could be enacted at any time, which could adversely affect our business operations and financial performance. For example, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and the Inflation Reduction Act made many significant changes to U.S. tax laws. We cannot predict whether, when, in what form, or with what effective dates, tax laws, regulations and rulings may be enacted, promulgated or decided, which could result in an increase in our or our stockholders tax liability or require changes in the manner in which we operate in order to minimize increases in our tax liability. Further, existing tax laws and
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regulations could be interpreted, modified or applied adversely to us. In the United States, it is uncertain if and to what extent various states will conform to federal tax laws. Future tax reform legislation could have a material impact on the value of our deferred tax assets and could increase our future worldwide tax expense.
We will incur increased costs and become subject to additional regulations and requirements as a result of becoming a public company, and our management will be required to devote substantial time to compliance with our public company responsibilities and corporate governance practices, which could impact our financial condition and results of operations and make it more difficult to run our business.
As a public company, and particularly after we are no longer an emerging growth company, we will incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company, including costs associated with public company reporting requirements. We also have incurred and will continue to incur costs associated with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and related rules implemented by the SEC and Nasdaq. The expenses generally incurred by public companies for reporting and corporate governance purposes have been increasing. We expect these rules and regulations to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and to make some activities more time-consuming and costly, although we are currently unable to estimate these costs with any degree of certainty. These laws and regulations also could make it more difficult or costly for us to obtain certain types of insurance, including director and officer liability insurance, and we may be forced to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. These laws and regulations could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our board of directors, on our board committees or as our executive officers. Furthermore, these rules and regulations will increase our legal and financial compliance costs and will make some activities more time-consuming and costly. We cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we will incur as a public company or the timing of such costs. Furthermore, if we are unable to satisfy our obligations as a public company, we could be subject to delisting of our common stock, fines, sanctions, other regulatory action and potentially civil litigation. Accordingly, increases in costs incurred as a result of becoming a publicly-traded company may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We and our directors and executive officers may be subject to litigation for a variety of claims, which could harm our reputation and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
In the ordinary course of business, we have in the past and may in the future be involved in and subject to litigation for a variety of claims or disputes and receive regulatory inquiries. These claims, lawsuits and proceedings could include labor and employment, wage and hour, commercial, alleged securities law violations or other investor claims, claims that our employees have wrongfully disclosed or we have wrongfully used proprietary information of our employees former employers and other matters. The number and significance of these potential claims and disputes may increase as our business expands. Further, our general liability insurance may not cover all potential claims made against us or be sufficient to indemnify us for all liability that may be imposed. Any claim against us, regardless of its merit, could be costly, divert managements attention and operational resources, and harm our reputation.
Our directors and executive officers may also be subject to litigation. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws that will be in effect immediately prior to the closing of this offering will authorize us to indemnify our directors, officers, employees and other agents to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws that will be in effect immediately prior to the closing of this offering may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against our directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. They may also reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation against our directors and officers, even though an action, if successful, might benefit us and other stockholders. Further, a stockholders investment may be adversely affected to the extent that we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers as required by these indemnification provisions. We also maintain customary directors and officers liability insurance. See the section titled Executive and Director CompensationLimitation of Liability and Indemnification of Matters.
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If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud. As a result, stockholders could lose confidence in our financial and other public reporting, which would harm our business and the trading price of our common stock.
Section 404(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that, beginning with our second annual report following our initial public offering, management assess and report annually on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and identify any material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. Although Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires our independent registered public accounting firm to issue an annual report that addresses the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, we have opted to rely on the exemptions provided in the JOBS Act, and consequently will not be required to comply with SEC rules that implement Section 404(b) until such time as we are no longer an emerging growth company or smaller reporting company.
Effective internal controls over financial reporting are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and, together with adequate disclosure controls and procedures, are designed to prevent fraud. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. In addition, any testing by us conducted in connection with Section 404, or any subsequent testing by our independent registered public accounting firm, may reveal deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses or that may require prospective or retroactive changes to our financial statements or identify other areas for further attention or improvement. Inadequate internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our common stock.
Our disclosure controls and procedures may not prevent or detect all errors or acts of fraud.
Upon the closing of this offering, we will be subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. We designed our disclosure controls and procedures to reasonably assure that information we must disclose in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management and recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. We believe that any disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls and procedures, no matter how well-conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.
These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. For example, our directors or executive officers could inadvertently fail to disclose a new relationship or arrangement causing us to fail to make any related party transaction disclosures. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people or by an unauthorized override of the controls. Accordingly, because of the inherent limitations in our control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
We could be subject to securities class action litigation.
In the past, securities class action litigation has often been brought against a company following a decline in the market price of its securities. This risk is especially relevant for us because medical device companies have experienced significant stock price volatility in recent years. If we face such litigation, it could result in substantial costs and a diversion of managements attention and resources, which could harm our business. Additionally, the increase in the cost of directors and officers liability insurance may cause us to opt for lower overall policy limits or to forgo insurance that we may otherwise rely on to cover significant defense costs, settlements and damages awarded to plaintiffs.
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If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our common stock will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. Securities and industry analysts do not currently, and may never, publish research on our company. If no or only very few securities analysts commence coverage of us, or if industry analysts cease coverage of us, the trading price for our common stock would be negatively affected. If one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our common stock or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our common stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of us or fail to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our common stock could decrease, which might cause our common stock price and trading volume to decline.
Our insurance policies may be inadequate, may not cover all of our potential liabilities and may potentially expose us to unrecoverable risks.
We do not carry insurance for all categories of risk that our business may encounter. Some of the policies we currently maintain include property, general liability, employee benefits liability, business automobile, workers compensation, clinical trials/products liability, cybersecurity liability, directors and officers and employment practices insurance. We do not know, however, if we will be able to maintain insurance with adequate levels of coverage. No assurance can be given that an insurance carrier will not seek to cancel or deny coverage after a claim has occurred. Any significant uninsured liability may require us to pay substantial amounts, which would adversely affect our financial position and results of operations. For example, although we maintain product liability insurance coverage that also covers our clinical trials, this insurance may not be adequate to cover all liabilities that we may incur, and we may be required to increase our product liability insurance coverage. We anticipate that we will need to increase our insurance coverage each time we commence a clinical trial and successfully commercialize any product candidate. Insurance availability, coverage terms and pricing continue to vary with market conditions. We endeavor to obtain appropriate insurance coverage for insurable risks that we identify. However, we may fail to correctly anticipate or quantify insurable risks, we may not be able to obtain appropriate insurance coverage and insurers may not respond as we intend to cover insurable events that may occur. Any significant uninsured liability may require us to pay substantial amounts, which would materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth.
We or the third parties upon whom we depend may be adversely affected by earthquakes, fires or other natural disasters and our business continuity and disaster recovery plans may not adequately protect us from a serious disaster.
Our headquarters and manufacturing facility are located in Southern California, which in the past has experienced severe earthquakes and fires. If these earthquakes, fires, other natural disasters, terrorism and similar unforeseen events beyond our control prevented us from using all or a significant portion of our headquarters or manufacturing facility, it may be difficult or, in certain cases, impossible for us to continue our business for a substantial period of time. Although we do have a disaster recovery plan in place, we may incur substantial expenses as a result of the absence or limited nature of our internal or third-party service provider disaster recovery and business continuity plans, which, particularly when taken together with our lack of earthquake insurance, could have a material adverse effect on our business. Furthermore, integral parties in our supply chain are operating from single sites, increasing their vulnerability to natural disasters or other sudden, unforeseen and severe adverse events. If such an event were to affect our supply chain, it could have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our clinical trials, our development plans and business.
Evolving expectations around corporate responsibility practices, specifically related to environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters, may expose us to reputational and other risks.
Investors, stockholders, customers, suppliers and other third parties are increasingly focusing on ESG and corporate social responsibility endeavors and reporting. Companies that do not adapt to or comply with the
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evolving investor or stakeholder expectations and standards, or that are perceived to have not responded appropriately, may suffer from reputational damage, which could result in the business, financial condition and/or stock price of a company being materially and adversely affected. Further, this increased focus on ESG issues may result in new regulations and/or third-party requirements that could adversely impact our business, or certain shareholders reducing or eliminating their holdings of our stock. Additionally, an allegation or perception that we have not taken sufficient action in these areas could negatively harm our reputation.
Future changes in financial accounting standards or practices may cause adverse and unexpected revenue fluctuations and adversely affect our reported results of operations.
Future changes in financial accounting standards may cause adverse, unexpected revenue fluctuations and affect our reported financial position or results of operations. Financial accounting standards in the United States are constantly under review and new pronouncements and varying interpretations of pronouncements have occurred with frequency in the past and are expected to occur again in the future. As a result, we may be required to make changes in our accounting policies. Those changes could affect our financial condition and results of operations or the way in which such financial condition and results of operations are reported. Compliance with new accounting standards may also result in additional expenses. As a result, we intend to invest all reasonably necessary resources to comply with evolving standards, and this investment may result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from business activities to compliance activities. See the section titled Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsRecent Accounting Pronouncements. As an emerging growth company, the JOBS Act allows us to delay adoption of new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies until such pronouncements are made applicable to private companies. We have elected to use the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards and as a result of this election, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with public company effective dates. However, we may elect to early adopt any new or revised accounting standards whenever such early adoption is permitted for non-public companies. We may take advantage of these exemptions up until the time that we are no longer an emerging growth company.
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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements about us and our industry that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this prospectus, including statements regarding our future results of operations, financial condition, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as anticipate, believe, contemplate, continue, could, estimate, expect, intend, may, plan, potential, predict, project, should, target, will or would, or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions.
We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, factors and assumptions described in the section titled Risk Factors and elsewhere in this prospectus, regarding, among other things:
| | our expected future growth; |
| | the size and growth potential of the markets for our products, and our ability to serve those markets; |
| | our ability to accurately forecast demand for our products; |
| | the rate and degree of market acceptance of our products; |
| | the expected future growth of our sales and marketing organization; |
| | our ability to implement our multi-channel coverage and reimbursement strategy; |
| | the performance of, and our reliance on, third parties in connection with the commercialization of our products, including single source suppliers; |
| | our ability to accurately forecast and manufacture appropriate quantities of our products to meet commercial demand; |
| | regulatory developments in the United States; |
| | our ability to maintain regulatory approval for our products or obtain regulatory approval for new products in the United States; |
| | our research and development for existing products and any future products; |
| | the development, regulatory approval and commercialization of competing products; |
| | our ability to retain and hire senior management and key personnel; |
| | our expectations regarding the period during which we qualify as an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act; |
| | our expectations regarding the impact of global health pandemics, geopolitical conflicts and economic uncertainty, including rising interest rates and inflation on our business and operations; |
| | our financial performance and capital requirements; |
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| | our expectations regarding our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for our products, as well as our ability to operate our business without infringing the intellectual property rights of others; and |
| | our use of the net proceeds from this offering. |
These risks are not exhaustive. Other sections of this prospectus may include additional factors that could harm our business and financial performance. We operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment where new risk factors may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for our management to predict all risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in, or implied by, any forward-looking statements.
You should not rely on forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We have based the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition and operating results. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this prospectus. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this prospectus to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this prospectus or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures or investments.
In addition, statements that we believe and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this prospectus. While we believe that information provides a reasonable basis for these statements, that information may be limited or incomplete. Our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain, and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely on these statements.
You should read this prospectus and the documents that we reference in this prospectus and have filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part with the understanding that our actual future results, levels of activity, performance and achievements may be different from what we expect. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.
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MARKET, INDUSTRY AND OTHER DATA
Certain market, industry and competitive data included in this prospectus were obtained from our own internal estimates and research, as well as from publicly available information, reports of governmental agencies and industry publications and surveys conducted by third parties. In some cases, we do not expressly refer to the sources from which this data is derived. All of the market and industry data used in this prospectus is inherently subject to uncertainties and involve a number of assumptions and limitations, and you are cautioned not to give undue weight to such information.
The industry in which we operate is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors, including those described in the section titled Risk Factors. These and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in these publications and reports.
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We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock and we do not currently intend to pay any cash dividends on our capital stock for the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings to support operations and to finance the growth and development of our business. Any future determination to pay dividends will be made at the discretion of our board of directors, subject to applicable laws and will depend upon, among other factors, our results of operations, financial condition, contractual restrictions and capital requirements.
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We estimate that we will receive net proceeds from this offering of approximately $ million based on the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share of common stock, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of common stock in this offering by the selling stockholders identified in this prospectus.
Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by approximately $ million, assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We may also increase or decrease the number of shares we are offering. Similarly, each one million share increase (decrease) in the number of shares offered by us would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by approximately $ million, assuming that the assumed initial offering price of $ per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. . We do not expect that a change in the initial price to the public or the number of shares by these amounts would have a material effect on the uses of the proceeds from this offering, although it may accelerate the time at which we will need to seek additional capital.
The principal purposes of this offering are to obtain additional capital to support our operations, to create a public market for our common stock and to facilitate our future access to the public equity markets. We currently intend to use the net proceeds from this offering, together with our existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, as follows:
| | approximately $ million to ; and |
| | the remaining amounts for working capital and general corporate purposes. |
We may use a portion of the net proceeds for strategic investments in complementary businesses, services, products or technologies. However, we do not have agreements or commitments to enter into any such acquisitions or investments at this time.
Based on our current operating plans, we believe that the net proceeds from this offering, together with our existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, as well as cash generated from sales of our products, will be sufficient to fund our projected operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements through . We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our available capital resources sooner than we expect.
We cannot predict with certainty all of the particular uses for the proceeds of this offering or the amounts that we will actually spend on the uses set forth above. Accordingly, our management will have broad discretion in applying the net proceeds of this offering, and investors will be relying on the judgment of our management regarding the application of those net proceeds. The timing and amount of our actual expenditures will be based on many factors, including cash flows from operations and the anticipated growth of our business. Pending their application, we intend to invest the net proceeds in short-term, interest-bearing, investment-grade investments, certificates of deposit or guaranteed obligations of the U.S. government.
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The following table sets forth our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments and our capitalization as of September 30, 2024 on:
| | an actual basis; |
| | a pro forma basis to give effect to (i) the conversion of all outstanding shares of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock and Class C common stock as of September 30, 2024 into an aggregate of 13,126,418 shares of our common stock immediately prior to the closing of this offering, (ii) the conversion of shares of our convertible preferred stock outstanding as of September 30, 2024 into an aggregate of 30,485,181 shares of our common stock immediately prior to the closing of this offering and the related reclassification of the carrying value of our convertible preferred stock to permanent equity immediately prior to the closing of this offering, (iii) the automatic net exercise of all Class B common stock warrants outstanding as of September 30, 2024 into an aggregate of shares of our common stock immediately prior to the closing of this offering, (iv) the automatic net exercise and subsequent conversion of all Series C convertible preferred stock warrants outstanding as of September 30, 2024 into an aggregate of shares of our common stock and the related reclassification of the carrying value of our convertible preferred stock to permanent equity immediately prior to the closing of this offering, (v) the issuance and sale of our Series E convertible preferred stock in November 2024 for aggregate net proceeds of approximately $59.7 million and the subsequent conversion into 8,574,227 shares of our common stock and the related reclassification of the carrying value of our Series E convertible preferred stock to permanent equity immediately prior to the closing of this offering, and (vi) the filing and effectiveness of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation upon the closing of this offering; and |
| | a pro forma as adjusted basis, giving effect to (i) the pro forma adjustments set forth above and (ii) the issuance and sale of shares of common stock in this offering at the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. |
The pro forma and pro forma as adjusted information below is illustrative only, and our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments and capitalization following the completion of this offering will be adjusted based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing. You should read the information in this table together with our financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus and the section titled Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other financial information contained in this prospectus.
| As of September 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Actual | Pro Forma | Pro Forma As Adjusted(1) |
||||||||||
| (in thousands, except share and per share data) |
||||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments |
$ | 60,987 | $ | $ | ||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
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| Warrant liabilities |
$ | 38,876 | $ | $ | ||||||||
| Convertible preferred stock (Series A, A-2, B, B-2, C, D and E), $0.0001 par value; 26,434,390 shares authorized, 25,366,930 shares issued and outstanding, actual; no shares authorized, issued or outstanding, pro forma and pro forma as adjusted |
261,713 | |||||||||||
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| As of September 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Actual | Pro Forma | Pro Forma As Adjusted(1) |
||||||||||
| (in thousands, except share and per share data) |
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| Stockholders deficit: |
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| Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; no shares authorized, issued or outstanding, actual; shares authorized and no shares issued or outstanding, pro forma and pro forma as adjusted |
| |||||||||||
| Common stock, $0.0001 par value; no shares authorized issued or outstanding, actual; shares authorized, pro forma and pro forma as adjusted; shares issued and outstanding, pro forma as adjusted |
| |||||||||||
| Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value; 5,790,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding, actual; no shares authorized, issued or outstanding, pro forma and pro forma as adjusted |
1 | |||||||||||
| Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value; 70,000,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding, actual; no shares authorized, issued or outstanding, pro forma and pro forma as adjusted |
| |||||||||||
| Class C common stock, $0.0001 par value; 96,910 shares authorized, issued and outstanding, actual; no shares authorized, issued or outstanding, pro forma and pro forma as adjusted |
| |||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital |
49,723 | |||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income |
58 | |||||||||||
| Accumulated deficit |
(278,629 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
| Total stockholders deficit |
(228,847 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
| Total capitalization |
$ | 71,742 | $ | $ | ||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
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| (1) | Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the pro forma as adjusted amount of each of our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, additional paid-in capital, total stockholders (deficit) equity and total capitalization by approximately $ million, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We may also increase or decrease the number of shares we are offering. Each one million share increase (decrease) in the number of shares offered by us at the assumed initial public offering price per share of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the pro forma as adjusted amount of each of our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, additional paid-in capital, total stockholders (deficit) equity and total capitalization by approximately $ million, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. |
The information in the table above excludes:
| | 11,148,105 shares of our Class B common stock issuable upon the exercise of options to purchase shares of our common stock issued under our 2016 Plan and outstanding as of September 30, 2024, with a weighted-average exercise price of $3.52 per share; |
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| | shares of our Class B common stock (all to employees, none of which were executive officers) issuable upon exercise of stock options granted under our 2016 Plan subsequent to September 30, 2024 and before , 2025, with a weighted-average exercise price of $ per share; |
| | shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options to be granted to certain of our employees and executive officers under the 2025 Plan, which will become effective upon the execution and delivery of the underwriting agreement for this offering, with an exercise price that is equal to the initial public offering price in this offering; |
| | shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2025 Plan, which will become effective upon the execution and delivery of the underwriting agreement for this offering (which shares include new shares plus the number of shares (not to exceed shares) (i) that remain available for the issuance of awards under the 2016 Plan at the time the 2025 Plan becomes effective, and (ii) any shares underlying outstanding stock awards granted under the 2016 Plan that, on or after the 2025 Plan becomes effective, terminate or expire or are repurchased, forfeited, withheld or settled in cash, as more fully described in the section titled Executive and Director CompensationEquity Incentive Plans), as well as any automatic increases in the number of our common stock reserved for future issuance under the 2025 Plan; and |
| | shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under our ESPP, as well as any annual automatic increases in the number of shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under the ESPP, which will become effective upon the execution and delivery of the underwriting agreement for this offering. |
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If you invest in our common stock in this offering, your ownership interest will be immediately diluted to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per share and the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately after the completion of this offering.
As of September 30, 2024, we had a historical net tangible book value (deficit) of approximately $231.9 million, or $17.67 per share of common stock based on 13,126,418 shares of common stock outstanding as of such date. Our historical net tangible book deficit per share represents the amount of our total tangible assets less our total liabilities and convertible preferred stock, which is not included within permanent equity, divided by the number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2024.
After giving effect to (i) the conversion of all shares of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock and Class C common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2024 into an aggregate of 13,126,418 shares of our common stock, immediately prior to the closing of this offering, (ii) the automatic conversion of all shares of our convertible preferred stock outstanding as of September 30, 2024 into an aggregate of 30,485,181 shares of our common stock, (iii) the automatic net exercise of all Class B common stock warrants outstanding as of September 30, 2024 into an aggregate of shares of our common stock immediately prior to the closing of this offering, (iv) the automatic net exercise and subsequent conversion of all Series C convertible preferred stock warrants outstanding as of September 30, 2024 into an aggregate of shares of our common stock and the related reclassification of the carrying value of our convertible preferred stock to permanent equity immediately prior to the closing of this offering and (v) the issuance and sale of our Series E convertible preferred stock in November 2024 for aggregate net proceeds of approximately $59.7 million and the subsequent conversion into 8,574,227 shares of our common stock, and the related reclassification of the carrying value of our convertible preferred stock to permanent equity immediately prior to the closing of this offering, our pro forma net tangible book value as of September 30, 2024, would have been approximately $ million, or approximately $ per share of our common stock.
Net tangible book value dilution per share to new investors represents the difference between the amount per share paid by purchasers of shares of common stock in this offering and the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share of common stock immediately after closing of this offering. After giving further effect to the sale of shares of our common stock that we are offering at the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value as of September 30, 2024 would have been $ million, or approximately $ per share. This amount represents an immediate increase in pro forma net tangible book value of $ per share to our existing stockholders and an immediate dilution in pro forma net tangible book value of approximately $ per share to new investors participating in this offering.
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Dilution per share to new investors is determined by subtracting pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering from the assumed initial public offering price per share paid by new investors. The following table illustrates this dilution:
| Assumed initial public offering price per share |
$ | |||
| Historical net tangible book value (deficit) per share as of September 30, 2024 |
$ | 17.67 | ||
| Pro forma increase in historical net tangible book value per share as of September 30, 2024 |
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| Pro forma net tangible book value per share as of September 30, 2024, before this offering |
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| Increase in pro forma net tangible book value per share attributed to investors purchasing shares in this offering |
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| Pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering |
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| Dilution per share to investors in this offering |
$ | |||
The dilution information discussed above is illustrative only and will change based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing.
Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering by approximately $ , and dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per share to new investors by approximately $ , assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us.
We may also increase or decrease the number of shares we are offering. Each increase of one million shares in the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering by approximately $ and decrease the dilution to investors participating in this offering by approximately $ per share, assuming that the assumed initial public offering price remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us. Similarly, each decrease of one million shares in the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would decrease the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering by approximately $ and increase the dilution to investors participating in this offering by approximately $ per share, assuming the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us.
To the extent that outstanding options with an exercise price per share that is less than the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share are exercised, or outstanding warrants with an exercise price per share that is less than the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share are exercised, new investors will experience further dilution. In addition, we may choose to raise additional capital due to market conditions or strategic considerations even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the issuance of these securities could result in further dilution to our stockholders.
The following table summarizes, on the pro forma as adjusted basis described above, as of September 30, 2024, the differences between the number of shares of common stock purchased from us by our existing stockholders and common stock by new investors purchasing shares in this offering, the total consideration paid to us in cash and the weighted-average price per share paid by existing stockholders for shares of common stock issued prior to this offering and the price to be paid by new investors for shares of common
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stock in this offering. The calculation below is based on the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, before deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
| Shares Purchased |
Total Consideration |
Weighted- Average Price Per Share |
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The table above assumes no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of our common stock from the selling stockholders in this offering.
Sales of shares of our common stock by the selling stockholders in this offering will reduce the number of shares of common stock held by existing stockholders to , or approximately % of the total shares of common stock outstanding after this offering, and will increase the number of shares held by new investors to , or approximately % of the total shares of common stock outstanding after this offering.
Each $1.00 increase in the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share would increase total consideration paid by new investors, total consideration paid by all stockholders and the weighted-average price per share paid by all stockholders by $ million, $ million and $ , respectively, while each $1.00 decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, would decrease total consideration paid by new investors, total consideration paid by all stockholders and the weighted-average price per share paid by all stockholders by $ million, $ million and $ , respectively, and assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and before deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
Similarly, each one million share increase in the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase the total consideration paid by investors participating in this offering, total consideration paid by all stockholders and the weighted-average price per share paid by all stockholders by approximately $ million, $ million and $ , respectively, while each one million share decrease in the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would decrease the total consideration paid by investors participating in this offering, total consideration paid by all stockholders and the weighted-average price per share paid by all stockholders by approximately $ million, $ million and $ , respectively, assuming the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
Except as otherwise indicated, the discussion and the tables above assume no exercise of the underwriters option to purchase additional shares of our common stock and excludes:
| | 11,148,105 shares of our Class B common stock issuable upon the exercise of options to purchase shares of our common stock issued under our 2016 Plan and outstanding as of September 30, 2024, with a weighted-average exercise price of $3.52 per share; |
| | shares of our Class B common stock (all to employees, none of which were executive officers) issuable upon exercise of stock options granted under our 2016 Plan subsequent to September 30, 2024 and before , 2025, with a weighted-average exercise price of $ per share; |
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| | shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options to be granted to certain of our employees and executive officers under the 2025 Plan, which will become effective upon the execution and delivery of the underwriting agreement for this offering, with an exercise price that is equal to the initial public offering price in this offering; |
| | shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2025 Plan, which will become effective upon the execution and delivery of the underwriting agreement for this offering (which shares include new shares plus the number of shares (not to exceed shares) (i) that remain available for the issuance of awards under the 2016 Plan at the time the 2025 Plan becomes effective and (ii) any shares underlying outstanding stock awards granted under the 2016 Plan that, on or after the 2025 Plan becomes effective, terminate or expire or are repurchased, forfeited, withheld, or settled in cash, as more fully described in the section titled Executive and Director CompensationEquity Incentive Plans), as well as any automatic increases in the number of our common stock reserved for future issuance under the 2025 Plan; and |
| | shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under our ESPP, as well as any annual automatic increases in the number of shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under the ESPP, which will become effective upon the execution and delivery of the underwriting agreement for this offering. |
We may choose to raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities due to market conditions or strategic considerations even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. To the extent that stock options are exercised, warrants are exercised or we issue additional shares of common stock or other equity or convertible debt securities in the future, there will be further dilution to investors participating in this offering.
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this prospectus, including information with respect to our planned investments in our research and development, sales and marketing and general administrative functions, and our current plans and strategy for our business and related financing, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, including those factors set forth in the section titled Risk Factors, our actual results could differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis. You should carefully read the section titled Risk Factors to gain an understanding of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements. Please also see the section titled Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.
Overview
We are a commercial-stage medical device company engaged in the design, development, and commercialization of innovative solutions to improve the health and quality of life of insulin-requiring PWD by utilizing advanced adaptive closed-loop algorithms to simplify and improve the treatment of their disease. Diabetes is a serious, chronic and often lifelong condition with no known cure that is characterized by extended periods of elevated levels of glucose in the bloodstream (hyperglycemia), resulting from the bodys inability to either produce or effectively utilize the hormone insulin. To treat their diabetes, PWD must undergo a rigorous regimen of daily insulin substitution as elevated levels of glucose in the blood over time can lead to serious and often life-threatening cardiovascular, metabolic and nervous system complications. Despite decades of innovation that have advanced the quality of care available, a significant unmet need remains as the vast majority of PWD still cannot manage their diabetes effectively. Our product, the iLet, is the first insulin delivery device cleared by the FDA to utilize adaptive closed-loop algorithms to autonomously determine every insulin dose without requiring a user to count carbohydrate intake. We believe this marks a significant advancement over other insulin delivery technologies by offering a differentiated combination of improved glycemic control and a vastly simplified experience for users and caregivers.
The iLet was specifically designed to provide improvements in glycemic control relative to currently available treatment options, such as insulin pumps, including partially AID systems (also known as hybrid closed-loop systems), and MDI, also reducing the complexity and burden of achieving these improved results for PWD. It is enabled by adaptive closed-loop algorithms that continuously learn each persons unique and everchanging insulin requirements and then autonomously delivers the correct insulin doses every five minutes throughout the day and night. Only the users body weight is required for device initialization and the autonomous determination of all insulin doses, unlike insulin pumps and hybrid closed-loop systems, which require a complex host of parameters to configure. The adaptive closed-loop algorithms are designed to remove the need to manually adjust insulin pump therapy settings and variables required by conventional pump therapy and hybrid closed-loop systems, which both require the user to determine the size and timing of both meal and correction insulin doses and to adjust basal insulin dosing. Therefore, we believe the adaptive closed-loop algorithms can make the iLet easier to initiate and use on a daily basis than other available AID systems.
Our initial commercialization efforts for the iLet are in T1D, an indication for which we received FDA clearance in patients six and older in May 2023, in the United States. T1D is an autoimmune disorder that often develops during childhood or adolescence, but can occur at any age, and arises from a persons immune system attacking and destroying the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. According to the CDC, there are approximately 1.8 million people with T1D currently in the United States, all of whom require daily insulin replacement to manage their disease. We believe that one of the principal causes of suboptimal outcomes as it relates to disease management is the complexity of the user experience with most currently available insulin
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pumps and hybrid closed-loop systems, which has kept the majority of PWD from adopting them despite the improved disease management they can offer. These systems require PWD to set and to periodically adjust several insulin pump parameters, to quantify daily carbohydrate intake, and to frequently calculate proper doses of insulin for their pump to deliver. We believe this complexity, and the constant engagement that is required in order to enjoy the full therapeutic benefits that these systems can offer, limits their uptake to a subset of PWD and to subspecialty HCPs. We believe that approximately one-third of people with T1D in the United States utilize insulin pumps or hybrid closed-loop systems to receive their daily insulin, while the majority receive their daily insulin via MDI, which is less complex, but often less effective, and has been shown to be associated with higher HbA1c levels. This is based on our internal estimates factoring epidemiologic data from government and leading industry organizations such as the CDC (to establish the overall size of the T1D population) and industry sales data from public filings and disclosures made by the leading device manufacturers (Medtronic, Tandem and Insulet, who collectively hold approximately 96% market share) and aggregated by third-party data service providers (to provide independent estimates of both overall device penetration of various diabetes populations). Our initial commercial results suggest that the iLets value proposition is resonating strongly within the MDI population as approximately 51% and 67% of the iLets adoption through December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024, respectively, came from PWD who were previously utilizing MDI.
We have also partnered with Dexcom and Abbottglobal leaders in popular and easy to use iCGM technologyto integrate the iLet with the Dexcom G6 and G7 iCGMs and with Abbotts FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus CGM sensor. A iCGM is a wearable device that works by inserting a small sensor under the skin into fatty tissue and tracks blood sugar levels in real time. The sensor measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid and sends the information to a receiver, smartphone or insulin pump. The user can view their glucose levels, trends and to what degree their levels are rising or falling. The iCGM is a crucial component of AID systems, and by partnering with these leading global iCGM platforms, we believe we leverage all of the benefits that these CGMs offer in an elegant solution for PWD. Use of the iLet requires the independent purchase of a compatible third-party iCGM to provide real-time data to the iLet user.
The iLet requires the use of single-use products, which we sell separately to our customers. These single -use products include cartridges for storing and delivering insulin, as well as infusion sets that connect the insulin pump to a users body. The user fills the cartridge with insulin and inserts it into the iLet. The iLet then administers the insulin from the cartridge to the users body through a single-use infusion set. These single-use products are generally recommended to be disposed of entirely every 2-3 days, or as directed by a healthcare provider. We also offer a mobile application that includes a share/follow feature which allows data to be shared in real time with a trusted Bionic Circle of friends and family members. The mobile application receives information from the iLet and displays that information discreetly to the user. This user-friendly, intuitive mobile application provides real-time glucose readings, trends and graphs. It also allows for cloud-based data storage.
To maximize the commercial value of the iLet opportunity, we have assembled a team across our organization with broad experience in the successful commercialization of innovative technologies in the field of diabetes disease management. While the iLet can be prescribed by any HCP (PCP or subspecialists), we are promoting sales of the iLet through an internal sales organization where our initial direct sales efforts are focused on high volume endocrinology practices in the United States. Over time, we plan to expand into the more diffuse population of patients with T1D who are treated by PCP. Although we continue to analyze the timing related to this expansion, we do not currently have a specific timeline. These PCP treat an estimated one-half of the T1D population in the United States but do so among a much more diversified patient base than the endocrinologists. We believe that the iLets core value proposition of marrying effective glycemic control with the simplicity of use that is brought about by adaptive closed-loop algorithm insulin-dose determination may resonate particularly well among PCP who do not have the subspecialty-level of expertise, the resources, or the clinical bandwidth that is needed to initiate insulin-pump or hybrid closed-loop therapy or for the continual demand (such as adjustments at quarterly visits) those systems place on clinical practices in follow-on care.
A key element of our commercialization strategy is educating users and potential users on the use of the iLet. We provide this education primarily through healthcare providers, online resources, and our customer care
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team. We offer all users with an initial training to provide an overview of the functionalities of our product either through our own clinical diabetes specialists or by contracting with healthcare providers that provide this training directly to the user. These users also receive a reference guide with their initial shipment in addition to access to our customer care team for immediate assistance. Our website also offers numerous resource guides, including frequently asked questions (FAQs), to help all users understand the functionalities and operation of the iLet, available to both current and potential users.
As part of these efforts to educate this community within the United States, we are optimizing our direct sales efforts by growing a community support team called the Bionic Universe, which is built around a community of iLet users, caregivers, and key opinion leaders (KOLs) who share their stories to inspire others. The Bionic Universe aims to create a people-focused community dedicated to making diabetes management easier for everyone. This community is designed to facilitate the sharing of experiences and to help members learn more about the iLet. We employ both direct media and social media communication strategies to build the Bionic Universe and leverage feedback from this community to continuously improve both current and future device generations.
Our primary customers are distributors and pharmacies who sell the iLet and single-use products that are used together with the iLet. PWD acquire our products through the DME channel and the PBP channel. Currently, the majority of our new patient starts are reimbursed through the DME channel.
We are pursuing a multi-channel coverage and reimbursement strategy to maximize access to the iLet within the T1D population, provide flexibility for PWD in choosing their device and provide PWD with advantageous coverage and reimbursement terms. We are working with payors to establish coverage and reimbursement under both the DME and PBP channels as we believe this strategy increases access and optimizes the potential for better medical outcomes for PWD through the adoption of the iLet.
The DME and PBP reimbursement channels for the iLet and its single-use products entail different payment outlays and therefore differentially impact PWD and our financial results. DME reimbursement requires the user and insurance carrier to make a large, upfront payment and reimbursement, respectively, for the iLet, which is typically in the thousands of dollars. In order to use the iLet, the user must purchase our single-use products, which are generally sold in a 30-day supply.
By contrast, PBP reimbursement requires the user and insurance carrier to make a small upfront payment and reimbursement, respectively, for the iLet, allowing for a potentially higher rate of adoption by PWD. The insurance carrier then makes larger reimbursement payments for the purchase of single-use products, with the users payments for the single-use products being generally consistent with what the user would likely pay for single-use products in DME reimbursement. As a result, we recognize a small amount of revenue at or around the date the iLet is sold in the PBP channel and we absorb initial negative gross margin. iLet sales in the PBP channel are generally expected to then start generating cumulative positive gross margin for us following the third month the user utilizes the iLet and continues to purchase single-use products. For the year ended December 31, 2023, PBP channel sales represented 7% of net sales. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024, PBP channel sales represented 9% of net sales in each period.
When considering the overall economics over the lifetime of each iLet, sales through the DME channel generally result in higher upfront cash flows from the large upfront payment and reimbursement for the iLet, but lead to lower cash flows over time as the user purchases the necessary single-use products. By contrast, sales through the PBP channel generally result in lower upfront cash flows from the small payment and reimbursement for the iLet, but lead to higher cash flows over time as the user purchases the necessary single-use products. This is because single-use products through the PBP channel are sold at a much higher per unit cost than through the DME channel.
When comparing sales through the DME and PBP channels, we expect sales through the PBP channel will have a more favorable economic impact on our financial results over the expected life of the iLet, which we generally expect to be four years. As such, our current strategic priority is to direct demand to the PBP reimbursement channel.
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In addition to our commercialized product and to maintain our competitive position in the marketplace, we intend to continue investing in disruptive technologies through our experienced research and development team. We are in the early stages of developing an insulin pump that adheres directly to the skin and administers insulin without the need for tubing, commonly known in the diabetes industry as a patch pump. We are also in the early stages of developing a first-of-its-kind bihormonal configuration of the iLet, which combines automated delivery of insulin and glucagon, the BG-raising hormone that protects against low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, with adaptive closed-loop algorithms where all doses of both hormones are autonomously determined. We also intend to pursue the development of the iLet for expanded patient populations and indications, such as people with T2D, as we believe the size and composition of this population make it a compelling opportunity.
License and Collaboration Agreements
Below is a summary of the key terms for certain of our license and collaboration agreements. For a more detailed description of these agreements, see the sections titled BusinessLicense and Collaboration Agreements.
Device License Agreement with Boston University
In December 2015, we and BU entered into a device license agreement, which was amended in December 2017, September 2020, February 2022 and November 2024 (collectively, the Device License Agreement). Under the Device License Agreement, we received a royalty-bearing license (with the right to sublicense) under certain of BUs patent rights related to a system and individual components thereof for delivering multiple medicaments to a patient without medicament mis-channeling to make, use, sell, and import products, and practice processes covered by the licensed patent rights (collectively, the Licensed Products and Licensed Processes). The rights granted to us by BU under the Device License Agreement are exclusive, subject to certain reserved rights, including BUs right to practice and/or use the licensed patent rights for non-profit purposes such as sponsored research and collaborations, government rights and other third party rights. Furthermore, at BUs request, we will be required to negotiate a sublicense in good faith with a third party if we are unable or unwilling to use the patent rights licensed to us under the Device License Agreement to address the unmet needs of neglected people or geographic areas that such party is willing and able to address. The exclusivity may be terminated by BU if we fail to meet a specified percentage of the applicable minimum royalty amount for a given calendar year. The minimum royalty amount is a non-material amount.
Pursuant to the Device License Agreement, we agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to market Licensed Products in the United States and elsewhere in the world. Additionally, we are obligated to meet certain diligence milestones under the Device License Agreement. We have satisfied all the milestones set forth under the Device License Agreement required to be achieved to date, with regulatory milestones relating to our marketing applications to the FDA remaining to be achieved in connection with our development of the Licensed Products and Licensed Processes.
In consideration for the licensed patent rights and other rights granted to us under the Device License Agreement, we issued 2,286 shares of our Class B common stock to BU, representing a specified ownership percentage on a fully diluted basis at the time of entering into the Device License Agreement, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, which have been satisfied and extinguished by the issuance of additional shares of Class B common stock. We are also required to pay (i) quarterly royalties of a mid-single-digit percentage based on net sales of all Licensed Products and Licensed Processes by us or our affiliates, (ii) quarterly royalties of a low double-digit percentage based on net sales by our sublicensees (in each case (i) and (ii), which royalties are creditable against the minimum royalty amount) and (iii) agreed to make quarterly lump sum payments of a low-double-digit percentage based on certain non-royalty sublicensing revenue received by us from our sublicensees. The foregoing payments are subject to customary increase under certain specified circumstances. We also granted BU board observer rights and agreed to bear the patent costs, including prior patent costs incurred by BU
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in respect of the licensed patent rights. Additionally, if we assign the Device License Agreement in connection with the sale of all or substantially all of our assets relating to the licensed patent rights, we will be required to pay BU an assignment fee to be agreed on with BU at the time of such assignment.
Control Algorithm License Agreement with Boston University
In December 2015, we and BU entered into a control algorithm license agreement, which was amended in December 2017, September 2020, and February 2022 (collectively, the Control Algorithm Agreement). Under the Control Algorithm Agreement, we received a royalty-bearing license (with the right to sublicense) to (i) make, use, sell, and import products, and practice processes, covered by certain of BUs patent rights related to automated control systems for treatment of T1D and similar conditions, involving monitoring and/or delivering insulin, glucagon, and glucose (collectively, the Automated Control System Technology); and (ii) use, reproduce, prepare derivative works, perform, display, and distribute all or any part of the software, source code, object code and/or related documentation, covered by certain copyright rights, and related to (a) the Automated Control System Technology and (b) the iLet control algorithm. The licenses granted by BU to us pursuant to the Control Algorithm Agreement are exclusive, subject to certain reserved rights including BU, BUs third party licensors and other not-for profit institutions rights to practice and/or use the patent rights for non-profit purposes such as sponsored research and collaborations and to permit other academic, government and not-for-profit institutions to make use of the same for educational purposes. Furthermore, at BUs request, we will be required to negotiate a sublicense in good faith with a third party if we are unable or unwilling to use the technology licensed to us under the Control Algorithm Agreement to address the unmet needs of neglected people or geographic areas that such third party is willing to address. The exclusivity may be terminated by BU if we fail to meet a specified percentage of the applicable minimum royalty amount for a given calendar year. The minimum royalty amount is a non-material amount. Additionally, under the Control Algorithm Agreement, we granted a perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free license back to BU with respect to the copyrights and patents covering any derivative works of the licensed software for BUs educational and academic purposes and to practice their reserved rights. Pursuant to the Control Algorithm Agreement, we agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to market Licensed Products in the United States and elsewhere in the world.
In consideration for the licensed patent rights and other rights granted to us under the Control Algorithm Agreement, we issued 2,247 shares of our Class B common stock to BU, representing a specified ownership percentage on a fully diluted basis at the time of entering into the license agreement, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, which have been satisfied and extinguished by the issuance of additional shares of Class B common stock to BU. We are also required to pay BU (i) quarterly royalties of a mid-single-digit percentage based on net sales by us and our affiliates, (ii) royalties of a low double-digit percentage of net sales by sublicensees (in each case (i) and (ii), which royalties are creditable against the minimum royalty amount) and (iii) agreed to make quarterly lump sum payments of a low double-digit percentage of the non-royalty sublicensing revenue received by us from our sublicensees. The foregoing payments are subject to customary increase under certain specified circumstances. We also granted BU board observer rights and agreed to bear the patent costs, including prior patent costs incurred by BU in respect of the licensed patent rights. Additionally, if we undergo a change of control (as defined in the Control Algorithm Agreement) we will owe BU a one-time change of control payment of $65,000. We will also be required to pay BU an assignment fee to be agreed on with BU at the time of such assignment if we assign the Control Algorithm License Agreement in connection with the sale of all or substantially all of our assets relating to the licensed patent rights and copyright.
Collaboration and License Agreement with Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
In May 2024, we and Xeris entered into a collaboration and license agreement (Collaboration and License Agreement). Under the Collaboration and License Agreement, we received a worldwide, exclusive, royalty-bearing, sublicensable license under certain patent rights and know-how related to Xeris proprietary non-aqueous formulation technology and technology developed during the collaboration (Xeris Technology) to develop and commercialize glucagon products that are reformulated using the Xeris Technology and developed
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by Xeris under a development plan under the Collaboration and License Agreement, for use in a pump product or system for glycemic control (Glucagon Products) in the field of chronic glycemic control in diabetes mellitus, excluding single-dose, one-time use form for treatment of severe hypoglycemia and diagnostic uses (Field). We also received a worldwide, exclusive, sublicensable manufacturing license under the Xeris Technology to manufacture Glucagon Products in the Field following a future manufacturing transfer date to be agreed with Xeris and subject to a separate commercial supply agreement.
We and Xeris will conduct certain development activities for the Glucagon Products in accordance with the mutually agreed development plan. Xeris will be responsible for the cost of completing the activities under the development plan up to a certain development stage, and we will reimburse Xeris for any later-stage or additional work required under the development plan.
We and Xeris each agree not to directly or indirectly develop, commercialize or otherwise exploit any drug product comprising glucagon or a glucagon analogue, other than a Glucagon Product, for use with a pump system in the Field worldwide for the duration of the Collaboration and License Agreement, subject to certain specified exceptions.
Pursuant to the Collaboration and License Agreement, we agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to develop and seek regulatory approval for, a Glucagon Product in certain specified countries.
In consideration for the licenses and other rights granted to us under the Collaboration and License Agreement, we paid Xeris a one-time payment of $0.5 million and a one-time milestone payment of $3.0 million for the achievement of certain development milestones, both of which are recognized as research and development expense when incurred. In addition, we are required to pay Xeris tiered royalties of low double-digit percentages based on net sales of Glucagon Products by us or our sublicensees, subject to certain customary reductions.
Development and Commercial Agreements
Below is a summary of the key terms for certain of our development commercial agreements. For a more detailed description of these agreements, see the sections titled BusinessDevelopment and Commercial Agreements.
Commercialization Agreement with DexCom, Inc.
In July 2023, we and DexCom, Inc. (DexCom), entered into a commercialization agreement (the Commercialization Agreement). Under the Commercialization Agreement, we and DexCom agreed to commercialize an AID system that is comprised of our system and DexComs G6 or G7 iCGM system (the Combined Platform), which we and DexCom developed under a separate development agreement executed in December 2016. We and DexCom will use commercially reasonable efforts to commercialize the Combined Platform in accordance with an agreed commercialization plan, in the territories specified in the commercialization plan. We and DexCom will conduct certain development activities for the Combined Platform in accordance with an agreed development plan.
We granted DexCom a non-exclusive, limited license to use certain of our trademarks in connection with commercialization of the Combined Platform under the Commercialization Agreement. DexCom granted us (a) a non-exclusive, limited license to use the specifications and communication protocol integrating our system with DexComs G6 and G7 iCGM devices and (b) a non-exclusive, limited license to use certain of DexComs trademarks, in each case (a) and (b), in connection with the development and commercialization of the Combined System. On termination of the Commercialization Agreement, each partys license will terminate, subject to any wind down period. We and DexCom also granted each other limited licenses to use certain data generated by the others devices in the Combined System.
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Development and Commercialization Agreement with Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
In April 2024, we and Abbott entered into a development and commercialization agreement (Development and Commercialization Agreement). Under the Development and Commercialization Agreement, we and Abbott agree to develop and commercialize an automated insulin delivery system comprised of our subcutaneous insulin infusion delivery system combined with Abbotts glucose monitoring system (Libre-Beta System).
Under the Development and Commercialization Agreement, we and Abbott agreed to jointly prepare a development plan setting forth each partys responsibilities in developing the Libre-Beta System in the United States. We are responsible for all development and clinical trials for the Libre-Beta System, and Abbott is responsible for all development for the continuous glucose monitoring system. We and Abbott agreed to jointly develop a regulatory plan for the Libre-Beta System, setting out the regulatory activities to be performed by each party. We and Abbott also agreed to jointly prepare a commercialization plan for the Libre-Beta System to launch the Libre-Beta System in the United States.
Abbott granted us a non-exclusive, limited license under Abbotts existing background intellectual property and any intellectual property developed solely by Abbott under the Development and Commercialization Agreement for us to perform our obligations under the Development and Commercialization Agreement. Abbott also granted us a non-exclusive, limited license to use Abbotts trademarks for the sole purposes of developing and marketing the Libre-Beta System.
We granted Abbott a non-exclusive, limited license under our existing background intellectual property and any intellectual property developed solely by us under the Development and Commercialization Agreement for Abbott to perform its obligations under the Development and Commercialization Agreement. We also granted Abbott a non-exclusive, limited license to use our trademarks for the sole purposes of developing the Libre-Beta System and marketing the continuous glucose monitoring system for use with the Libre-Beta System.
Key Factors Affecting Our Performance
We believe that our financial performance has been and in the foreseeable future will continue to be primarily driven by the following factors. While each of these factors presents significant opportunities for our business, they also pose important challenges that we must successfully address in order to sustain our growth and improve our results of operations. Our ability to successfully address the factors below is subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those described in the section titled Risk Factors.
New Patient Adoption and iLet Sales
Our financial performance has largely been driven by, and in the future will continue to be impacted by, the rate of sales of our products to new patients. Management focuses on new patient starts as a key indicator of current business success. We expect our new patient starts to continue to grow as we increase penetration in our existing markets and expand into, or offer new features and solutions that appeal to, new markets.
We plan to grow our sales in the coming years through multiple strategies, including expanding our sales efforts to focus on the more diffuse population of people with T1D who are treated by PCP over time, expanding our marketing initiatives including via the Bionic Universe, leveraging our partnerships with global leaders in CGM technology like Dexcom and Abbott, growing our internal customer support team, continuing to enhance our product offerings and pursuing a multi-channel coverage and reimbursement strategy.
Third-Party Payor Reimbursement and Impact of Our Multi-Channel Reimbursement Strategy
As a medical device company, our revenue and results of operations may be impacted by the failure to obtain adequate coverage or reimbursement for our current and future products from third-party payors, as well as changes in reimbursement structures in line with our strategy.
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We are pursuing a multi-channel coverage and reimbursement strategy to maximize access to the iLet within the T1D population, provide flexibility for PWD in choosing their device and provide PWD with advantageous coverage and reimbursement terms. We are working with payors to establish coverage and reimbursement under both the DME and PBP channels as we believe this strategy increases access and optimizes the potential for better medical outcomes for PWD through the adoption of the iLet. The DME and PBP channels for the iLet and its single-use products entail different payment outlays and therefore differentially impact PWD and our financial results. When considering the overall economics over the lifetime of each iLet, sales through the DME channel generally result in higher upfront cash flows from the large, upfront payment and reimbursement for the iLet, but lead to lower cash flows over time as the user purchases the necessary single-use products. By contrast, sales through the PBP channel generally result in lower upfront cash flows from the small payment and reimbursement for the iLet, but lead to higher cash flows over time as the user purchases the necessary single-use products. This is because single-use products under the PBP channel are sold at a much higher per unit cost than under the DME. As a result of a small amount of revenue recognized at or around the date the iLet is sold in the PBP channel, we absorb initial negative gross margin. iLet sales in the PBP channel are generally expected to start generating cumulative positive gross margin for us following the third month the user utilizes the iLet and continues to purchase single-use products. For the year ended December 31, 2023, PBP channel sales represented 7% of net sales. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024, PBP channel sales represented 9% of net sales in each period. When comparing sales through the DME and PBP channels, we expect sales through the PBP channel will have a more favorable economic impact on our financial results over the lifetime of the iLet. To the extent that our mix of channel reimbursement fluctuates, our financial results may vary from period to period.
Continued Investment In Growth and Innovation
Our revenue growth has been driven by rapid innovation and quick adoption of our products by our customer base. We intend to continue to make focused investments to increase revenue and grow our business, and therefore expect expenses in this area to increase.
We have invested, and will continue to invest, significantly in our manufacturing capabilities and commercial and customer support infrastructure. We expect that our 50,000 square foot facility in Irvine, California, which commenced operations in 2020, will have sufficient production capacity to support our anticipated clinical and commercial demand for the foreseeable future. We also plan to invest in sales and marketing activities, expect to incur additional general and administrative expenses and to have higher stock-based compensation expenses as we support our growth and our transition to becoming a publicly traded company.
The medical device industry is intensely competitive, subject to rapid change and highly sensitive to the introduction of new products, treatment techniques or technologies. We expect our business to be impacted by the introduction of new diabetes devices and treatments by us or our competitors. In order to maintain our competitive position in the marketplace, we intend, through our experienced research and development team, to continue investing in disruptive technologies, such as a patch pump and bihormonal configuration of the iLet, as well as pursuing the development of the iLet for expanded patient populations and indications such as people with T2D.
As cost of revenue, operating expenses and capital expenditures fluctuate over time, we may experience short-term, negative impacts to our results of operations and cash flows, but we are undertaking such investments in the belief that they will contribute to long-term growth. Moreover, introduction of new products may negatively impact aspects of our financial performance such as our overall gross margins.
Regulatory Approvals and Actions
The medical devices we manufacture are subject to laws and regulation by numerous regulatory bodies, including the FDA. The laws and regulations govern, among other things, the research and development, design,
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testing, manufacture, packaging, storage, recordkeeping, approval, labeling, promotion, post-approval monitoring and reporting, distribution and import and export of medical devices. Any adverse event involving any products that we distribute could result in future corrective actions, such as recalls or customer notifications, or regulatory agency action, which could include inspection, mandatory recall or other enforcement action. In the future, we also intend to pursue additional products, such as a patch pump and bihormonal configuration of the iLet, as well as pursue the development of the iLet for expanded patient populations and indications such as people with T2D, which will increase our expenses and subject us to increased regulatory-related risks.
Seasonality
We anticipate that the revenue generated from our product sales will vary from quarter to quarter as we continue to commercialize the iLet. Specifically, we expect to typically experience lower sales in the first quarter of each year compared to the preceding fourth quarter. This seasonal sales pattern in the United States is associated with the annual insurance deductible resets and coinsurance requirements of the medical insurance plans providing coverage to PWD using the iLet.
Macroeconomic Factors, Global Supply Chain Challenges and Inventory
Our costs are subject to fluctuation, and we continue to evaluate contributing factors, specifically those leading to inflationary cost increases in logistics, price of raw materials (components of the iLet), cost of labor, transportation and operating supplies. While we are experiencing higher raw material, labor, transportation, and operating supply costs, we intend to continue to work to improve productivity to help offset these costs as we navigate these global macroeconomic challenges.
We currently rely on a number of suppliers who manufacture the components of the iLet and obtain them on a purchase order basis. We have a supply agreement with Unomedical for the production of infusion sets for our iLet, a contract manufacturing agreement with PMC for the manufacture of our cartridge connectors and a supplier quality agreement with Maxon for the supply of pump motors for our iLet. Unomedical, PMC and Maxon are our only suppliers of infusion sets, cartridge connections and pump motors, respectively. For additional information regarding the risks of our reliance on these suppliers, please see the section titled Risk FactorsRisks Related to Manufacturing and Our Reliance on Third Parties.
To date, we have been able to successfully mitigate the challenges described above and ensure uninterrupted supply to our customers. However, there may be times at which we determine that our inventory does not meet our product requirements or we maintain an insufficient level of inventory. We may also over- or underestimate the quantities of required components, in which case we may expend extra resources or be constrained in the amount of end product that we can procure. These factors subject us to the risk of obsolescence and expiration, which may lead to impairment charges.
Components of Results of Operations
Revenue
Our revenue consists of (i) net sales and (ii) collaboration revenue.
Net Sales
In May 2023, the iLet was cleared by the FDA for the treatment of T1D and we began commercializing the iLet in the United States. We generate product revenue from the sale of the iLet and single-use products that are used together with the iLet, including cartridges for storing and delivering insulin, and infusion sets that connect the insulin pump to a users body. We are able to recognize revenue when control of the promised goods and services is passed to the customer, which we have identified as our distributor and pharmacy partners.
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Revenue is recognized in the amount of the consideration received net of any estimated returns and estimated variable consideration adjustments, including rebates, chargebacks and patient assistance, all of which differ by product and sales mix. Revenue is recognized either over time or at a point in time, depending on when control of the associated performance obligation is transferred to the customer.
Collaboration Revenue
Prior to commercialization of the iLet, all of our revenue was derived from a collaboration agreement with Novo Nordisk A/S (Novo Nordisk), entered into in 2017 and subsequently modified in December 2019, February 2021 and April 2021. Our collaboration revenue included the amortization of an upfront payment and milestone payments received upon achieving specified clinical and regularly milestones, which we recognized over the expected performance period. We recognized collaboration revenue from our collaboration agreement with Novo Nordisk ratably over the estimated period because our efforts to satisfy our obligation have been, and were expected to be, consistent throughout the period. The work outlined in the agreement was completed in November 2022.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales includes raw materials, labor costs, manufacturing overhead expenses, royalties, freight, import tariffs, scrap and reserves for expected warranty costs and excess and obsolete inventory. Manufacturing overhead expenses include expenses relating to manufacturing engineering, material procurement, inventory and quality control, facilities, depreciation, amortization, information technology and operations supervision and management.
Gross Profit and Gross Margin
Gross profit and gross margin, or gross profit as a percentage of revenue, has been and will continue to be affected by various factors, including the timing of new patient adoption, iLet and associated single-use products sales, reimbursement, length of product usage, our introduction of new products, including the costs associated with producing and bringing those new products to market, cost reduction and operational efficiency. As a result of the small revenue recognized at or around the date the iLet is sold in the PBP channel, we absorb initial negative gross margin. iLet sales in the PBP channel are generally expected to start generating cumulative positive gross margin for us beyond the third month the user uses the iLet and continues to purchase single-use products. Given the differences in the timing and amount of outlays which correlate directly to revenue between the DME and PBP channels, changes in our future sales mix may also impact our gross profit and gross margin.
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses consist of (i) research and development expenses, (ii) sales and marketing expenses and (iii) general and administrative expenses.
Research and Development
Our research and development expenses primarily consist of engineering and research expenses related to the iLet clinical trials, regulatory expenses and personnel-related expenses, such as salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation expense and benefits for our employees in the research and development function. We also incur research and development expenses for payments made under third-party licensing agreements, supplies, development prototypes, outside design and testing services, depreciation, allocated facilities and information services, clinical trial costs, and other indirect costs. We expense research and development costs as incurred. We do not track research and development expenses by individual product candidate.
Investigational devices in later stages of clinical development generally have higher development costs than those in earlier stages of clinical development, primarily due to the increased size and duration of later-stage clinical trials. We expect our research and development expenses to increase significantly for the foreseeable
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future as we advance our current clinical development activities, develop the bihormonal configuration of the iLet, develop the patch pump, and if we pursue the development of the iLet for expanded patient populations and indications such as people with T2D. We expect our research and development expenses to also increase significantly for the foreseeable future as we hire and retain additional personnel, including research, clinical, development, manufacturing, regulatory and scientific personnel; remit payments to third parties through license arrangements; and develop, establish and validate our commercial-scale and manufacturing process.
Sales and Marketing
We are in the early commercialization stages of the iLet and are focused on driving awareness and adoption among new customers. Sales and marketing expenses are primarily related to the market development and post-commercial launch activities for the iLet, including the design of infrastructure to support the customer experience, and marketing and branding strategy. Market development and post-commercial launch activities account for a significant portion of our overall operating expenses and are expensed as they are incurred. We anticipate a significant increase in sales and marketing expenses for the foreseeable future to support the continued commercialization of the iLet.
Our sales and marketing expenses primarily consist of personnel-related costs, including salaries, sales incentive compensation, stock-based compensation expense and benefits for our sales representatives, field clinical specialists, and other sales and marketing personnel. We additionally incur expenses related to healthcare conference exhibits and market research, market access expenses, including payor education to support the future commercialization of the iLet, costs for secondary data purchases of patient claims and prescription data, website development and consulting fees. Other expenses include facilities, depreciation and other expenses, which include direct and allocated expenses for rent and maintenance of facilities, as well as travel expenses.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses primarily consist of personnel-related costs, including salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation expense and benefits for our personnel in executive, legal, finance and accounting, human resources, information technology, quality assurance and other administrative roles. We additionally incur expenses related to patent filings, legal fees for patent and corporate matters, as well as other professional fees for accounting, auditing, consulting and tax services. Other expenses include insurance, travel, facilities, depreciation and other expenses not otherwise included in research and development or sales and marketing expenses. We anticipate a significant increase in general and administrative expenses for the foreseeable future due to additional costs associated with operating as a public company. These include increased expenses for professional services, director and officer insurance, investor and public relations and compliance with SEC rules and regulations and exchange listing standards.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Our other income (expense), net consists of (i) interest income, (ii) interest and other expense and (iii) change in fair value of warrant liabilities.
Interest Income
Interest income consists of cash interest earned on our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investment balances.
Interest and Other Expense
Interest and other expense consists of interest expense and other miscellaneous expenses unrelated to our core operations.
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Change in Fair Value of Warrant Liabilities
In connection with our February 2022 Series C preferred stock financing, we granted warrants (Series C Warrants) to certain investors to purchase additional shares of our Series C convertible preferred stock. In connection with our August 2023 Series D preferred stock financing, we granted warrants to certain investors to purchase shares of our Class B common stock (Class B Warrants, and together with the Series C Warrants, the Warrants). These Warrants were classified as liabilities on our balance sheet and initially recorded at fair value on the grant date. They are subsequently remeasured to fair value at the end of each reporting period, with changes in the fair value recognized as a component of other income (expense), net. We will continue to recognize changes in fair value of the warrant liabilities until the Warrants are exercised, expire, or qualify for equity classification. The Warrants are expected to be exercised prior to the completion of this offering and will no longer be outstanding subsequent to the offering. For additional information, see Note 4 of our audited financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Results of Operations
Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2023
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the periods indicated:
| Year Ended December 31, | Change | |||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | $ | % | |||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||
| Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||
| Net sales |
$ | | $ | 11,995 | $ | 11,995 | 100 | % | ||||||||
| Collaboration revenue |
179 | | (179 | ) | * | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Total revenue |
179 | 11,995 | 11,816 | * | ||||||||||||
| Cost of sales(1) |
| 5,687 | 5,687 | 100 | % | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Gross profit |
179 | 6,308 | 6,129 | 100 | % | |||||||||||
| Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||
| Research and development(1) |
31,428 | 17,943 | (13,485 | ) | (43 | )% | ||||||||||
| Sales and marketing(1) |
8,827 | 11,990 | 3,163 | 36 | % | |||||||||||
| General and administrative(1) |
25,768 | 12,225 | (13,543 | ) | (53 | )% | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Total operating expenses |
66,023 | 42,158 | (23,865 | ) | * | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Loss from operations |
(65,844 | ) | (35,850 | ) | 29,994 | * | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Other income (expense), net: |
||||||||||||||||
| Interest income |
196 | 1,777 | 1,581 | * | ||||||||||||
| Interest and other expense |
(14 | ) | (68 | ) | (54 | ) | * | |||||||||
| Change in fair value of warrant liabilities |
911 | (9,958 | ) | (10,869 | ) | * | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Total other income (expense), net |
1,093 | (8,249 | ) | (9,342 | ) | * | ||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Net loss |
$ | (64,751 | ) | $ | (44,099 | ) | $ | 20,652 | * | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| * | Not meaningful |
| (1) | Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows: |
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| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| Cost of sales |
$ | | $ | 239 | ||||
| Research and development |
1,554 | 1,781 | ||||||
| Sales and marketing |
384 | 610 | ||||||
| General and administrative |
4,162 | 3,028 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total stock-based compensation expense |
$ | 6,100 | $ | 5,658 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
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Net Sales
The increase in net sales is attributable to the commercialization of the iLet, which received FDA clearance in May 2023, and began being sold in May 2023 in the United States. Prior to May 2023, we had no revenue from contracts with customers. Our net sales in 2023 were generated from sales of the iLet and single-use products, which represented 89% and 11% of net sales, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2023, a majority of our sales to customers were derived through the DME reimbursement channel, which represented approximately 94% of net sales.
Collaboration Revenue
The collaboration agreement with Novo Nordisk, related to the initial research and development of the iLet, resulted in collaboration revenue of $0.2 million in 2022. The collaboration was completed in November 2022 and as such, no collaboration revenue was recorded in 2023.
Cost of Sales
The increase in cost of sales is attributable to the commercialization of the iLet, which received FDA clearance in May 2023 and subsequently began being sold in the United States. Prior to May 2023, we had no cost of sales associated with contracts from customers.
Gross Profit and Margin
In 2022, we did not generate product revenue from contracts with customers and the only revenue generated was related to an upfront payment received related to our collaboration agreement with Novo Nordisk. As such, gross profit and margin was $0 for the year ended December 31, 2022. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we generated gross profit of $6.3 million attributable to the commercialization of the iLet beginning in May 2023, the majority of which resulted from sales within the DME channel. For the year ended December 31, 2023, sales within the PBP channel were immaterial. When the FDA cleared the iLet for treatment of T1D in May 2023, we had $2.3 million of inventory on hand which was previously charged to research and development expense and as a result had no cost basis. During 2023, $1.9 million of this inventory was utilized to fulfill orders placed from our contracts with customers, resulting in a 16% positive increase to gross margin for the year.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses were $31.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $17.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease of $13.5 million was primarily attributable to a $12.3 million decrease in research and development activities and associated spend as a result of the commercialization of the iLet in May 2023. The $12.3 million reduction in research and development expenses was primarily due to the significant costs incurred in 2022, the year before FDA clearance and commercialization, such as pre-clinical and clinical trial costs, licensing fees, and manufacturing expenses. After FDA clearance in May 2023, capitalizable manufacturing costs are now included as part of the cost of inventory. The remaining $1.2 million decrease was attributable to a decrease in payroll and payroll-related expenses
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associated with a reduction in headcount. This was part of managements strategic initiatives to consolidate roles and optimize operations in transitioning from a research-focused company to a product-focused company, with a focus on commercializing the iLet.
The table below summarizes the nature of research and development expense by major expense category:
| Year Ended December 31, | Change | |||||||||||||||
|
2022 |
2023 |
$ |
% |
|||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||
| External research and development(1) |
$ | 5,392 | $ | 2,401 | $ | (2,991 | ) | (55 | )% | |||||||
| Internal research and development(2) |
24,332 | 13,699 | (10,633 | ) | (44 | )% | ||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation |
1,554 | 1,781 | 227 | 15 | % | |||||||||||
| Other(3) |
150 | 62 | (88 | ) | (59 | )% | ||||||||||
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|
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|
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| Total research and development expense |
$ | 31,428 | $ | 17,943 | $ | (13,485 | ) | (43 | )% | |||||||
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|
|
|
|
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| (1) | External research and development costs primarily includes expenses incurred with third-parties such as clinical research organizations conducting the clinical trials and engineering and product development consulting services associated with our development of the iLet. |
| (2) | Internal research and development costs primarily includes personnel-related expenses for research and development functions, excluding stock-based compensation, internal costs to manufacture product candidates before FDA marketing authorization, such as raw materials and internal facilities-related expenses. |
| (3) | Other primarily includes licensing fees. |
Sales and Marketing Expenses
Sales and marketing expenses were $8.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $12.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. This increase of $3.2 million was primarily attributable to a $2.0 million dollar increase in commissions incurred as a result of the implementation of our sales incentive plan in conjunction with the commercialization of the iLet in May 2023. The remaining $1.2 million increase was primarily attributable to payroll and payroll related expenses as a result of changes in the composition of the sales and marketing team.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses were $25.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $12.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. This decrease of $13.6 million was attributable to a decrease of $7.2 million as a result of cost savings initiatives, including consolidation of our service provider relationships, and a decrease of $6.4 million in payroll and payroll related expenses associated with reduction in headcount, including a $1.1 million decrease in stock-based compensation expense.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Total other income, net was $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to total other expense, net of $8.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. This decrease of $9.3 million was primarily attributable to a $11.0 million increase in expense associated with the change in fair value of warrant liabilities as a result of the issuance of the Class B Warrants in August 2023 and changes in the inputs associated with the Black-Scholes calculations used to determine the fair value of the warrant liabilities for both the Warrants as of December 31, 2023. This was partially offset by a $1.6 million increase in interest income earned on short-term investments.
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Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023, and 2024
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the periods indicated:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | Change | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | $ | % | |||||||||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||
| Net sales |
$ | 3,645 | $ | 44,684 | $ | 41,039 | 100 | % | ||||||||
| Cost of sales(1) |
2,399 | 20,485 | 18,086 | 100 | % | |||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Gross profit |
1,246 | 24,199 | 22,953 | 100 | % | |||||||||||
| Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||
| Research and development(1) |
13,483 | 16,970 | 3,487 | 26 | % | |||||||||||
| Sales and marketing(1) |
6,372 | 26,282 | 19,910 | 100 | % | |||||||||||
| General and administrative(1) |
8,874 | 13,161 | 4,287 | 48 | % | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Total operating expenses |
28,729 | 56,413 | 27,684 | * | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Loss from operations |
(27,483 | ) | (32,214 | ) | (4,731 | ) | * | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Other income (expense), net: |
||||||||||||||||
| Interest income |
526 | 2,958 | 2,432 | * | ||||||||||||
| Interest and other expense |
(13 | ) | (2 | ) | 11 | * | ||||||||||
| Change in fair value of warrant liabilities |
1,719 | (7,390 | ) | (9,109 | ) | * | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Total other income (expense), net |
2,232 | (4,434 | ) | (6,666 | ) | * | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Net loss |
$ | (25,251 | ) | $ | (36,648 | ) | $ | (11,397 | ) | * | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| * | Not meaningful |
| (1) | Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows: |
| Nine Months Ended September 30, |
||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | |||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| Cost of sales |
$ | 149 | $ | 201 | ||||
| Research and development |
1,411 | 844 | ||||||
| Sales and marketing |
362 | 1,150 | ||||||
| General and administrative |
2,160 | 2,638 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total stock-based compensation expense |
$ | 4,082 | $ | 4,833 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net Sales
Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $3.6 million, compared to $44.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. This $41.1 million increase in net sales was predominantly due to a shorter sales period following the FDA clearance and commercialization of the iLet in May 2023, as compared to the full nine months of commercial sales in 2024.
Approximately 77% of the $41.1 million increase can be attributed to the increase in adoption of the iLet by patients who previously used other commercial products, compared to the same period in the previous year. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, single-use products sales accounted for 23% of net sales, up from 9% of net sales as of September 30, 2023.
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Our net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and 2024 were generated from customers within our DME and PBP channels, which represented 91% and 9% of net sales, respectively, in both periods.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales was $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $20.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. This $18.1 million increase in cost of sales was due to the shorter sales period following the FDA clearance and commercialization of the iLet in May 2023, as compared to the full nine months of commercial sales in 2024. This increase in the cost of sales also includes a $0.9 million increase in our product warranty liability due to a higher installed customer base in 2024 as compared to 2023, in addition to a $1.5 million increase in royalties expenses from the Control Algorithm License Agreement with BU, which requires quarterly royalty payments to BU based on a percentage of net sales.
Gross Profit and Margin
Gross profit was $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $24.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. Gross margin was 34% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to 54% in the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The increases in both gross profit and gross margin percentage were driven by the influx of sales following the market launch of the iLet in May 2023 and adoption of the iLet by patients previously using other commercial products and new patients beginning intensive insulin therapy for treatment. Gross profit and gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 also benefited from controlled spending on fixed overhead and product mix, which included more supplies at a lower cost.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses were $13.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $17.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. This increase of $3.5 million was primarily attributable to an increase of $1.6 million in engineering and third-party consulting costs incurred from the development of our patch pump, bihormonal configuration of the iLet and incremental software and product updates. The remaining increase is attributable to a net increase of $1.3 million in payroll-related expenses driven by an increase in R&D personnel headcount and an increase of $0.6 million in facilities-related overhead.
The table below summarizes the nature of research and development expense by major expense category:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, |
Change | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | $ | % | |||||||||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||
| External research and development(1) |
$ | 1,538 | $ | 3,077 | $ | 1,539 | 100 | % | ||||||||
| Internal research and development(2) |
10,371 | 12,549 | 2,178 | 21 | % | |||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation |
1,411 | 844 | (567 | ) | (40 | )% | ||||||||||
| Other(3) |
163 | 500 | 337 | 100 | % | |||||||||||
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| Total research and development expense |
$ | 13,483 | $ | 16,970 | $ | 3,487 | 26 | % | ||||||||
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| (1) | External research and development costs primarily include expenses incurred with third-parties, such as clinical research organizations conducting the clinical trials and engineering and product development consulting services associated with our development of the iLet. |
| (2) | Internal research and development costs primarily include personnel-related expenses for research and development functions, excluding stock-based compensation and internal costs to manufacture product candidates before FDA marketing authorization, such as raw materials and internal facilities-related expenses. |
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| (3) | Other primarily includes licensing fees. |
Sales and Marketing Expenses
Sales and marketing expenses were $6.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $26.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. This increase of $19.9 million was primarily attributable to an increase of $15.7 million in payroll-related costs, including salaries and wages, sales incentive bonuses, and stock-based compensation, due to an increase in headcount of our sales force and customer care team in connection with the post-commercial launch of the iLet in the United States. The remaining increase includes $4.3 million in HCP-related marketing, training and entertainment costs and facilities-related expenses.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses were $8.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $13.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. This increase of $4.3 million was primarily attributable to an increase of $2.3 million in payroll-related expenses due to an increase in headcount of our quality assurance team to accommodate the growing demand for the iLet. The remaining increase is attributable to professional fees, including legal fees relating to patent and corporate matters and accounting services, of $0.7 million, software license fees of $0.8 million and other operating expenses of $0.5 million.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Total other income, net was $2.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to total other expense, net of $4.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. This decrease of $6.6 million was attributable to a $9.1 million increase in expense from the change in fair value of our warrant liabilities due to changes in inputs associated with the Black-Scholes calculations used to determine the fair value of our warrant liabilities as of September 30, 2024. This was partially offset by a $2.4 million increase in interest income from our short-term investments.
Selected Quarterly Financial Information
The following table sets forth our selected unaudited quarterly consolidated statements of operations data for each of the seven quarters in the period ended September 30, 2024. The information for each of these quarters has been prepared in accordance with GAAP, on a basis consistent with our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus and include, in our opinion, all normal recurring adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the results of operations for the periods presented. Our historical quarterly results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in the future and these quarterly results are not necessarily indicative of our operating results for a full year. The following quarterly financial information should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.
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| Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mar. 31, 2023 |
June 30, 2023 |
Sept. 30, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Mar. 31, 2024 |
June 30, 2024 |
Sept. 30, 2024 |
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| (unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales |
$ | | $ | 552 | $ | 3,093 | $ | 8,350 | $ | 12,933 | $ | 15,046 | $ | 16,705 | ||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales(1) |
| 531 | 1,868 | 3,288 | 5,732 | 6,962 | 7,791 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| Gross profit |
| 21 | 1,225 | 5,062 | 7,201 | 8,084 | 8,914 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross margin |
| 3.8 | % | 39.6 | % | 60.6 | % | 55.7 | % | 53.7 | % | 53.4 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: |
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| Research and development(1) |
5,867 | 3,762 | 3,854 | 4,460 | 5,479 | 6,350 | 5,141 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales and marketing(1) |
942 | 2,103 | 3,327 | 5,618 | 7,663 | 8,974 | 9,645 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative(1) |
2,877 | 3,171 | 2,826 | 3,351 | 3,512 | 4,544 | 5,105 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| Total operating expenses |
9,686 | 9,036 | 10,007 | 13,429 | 16,654 | 19,868 | 19,891 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| Loss from operations |
(9,686 | ) | (9,015 | ) | (8,782 | ) | (8,367 | ) | (9,453 | ) | (11,784 | ) | (10,977 | ) | ||||||||||||||
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| Other income (expense), net: |
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| Interest income |
65 | 68 | 393 | 1,251 | 1,139 | 993 | 826 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest and other expense |
| (13 | ) | | (55 | ) | 4 | (2 | ) | (4 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of warrant liabilities |
| 2,010 | (291 | ) | (11,677 | ) | (4,139 | ) | (3,670 | ) | 419 | |||||||||||||||||
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| Total other income (expense), net |
65 | 2,065 | 102 | (10,481 | ) | (2,996 | ) | (2,679 | ) | 1,241 | ||||||||||||||||||
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| Net loss |
$ | (9,621 | ) | $ | (6,950 | ) | $ | (8,680 | ) | $ | (18,848 | ) | $ | (12,449 | ) | $ | (14,463 | ) | $ | (9,736 | ) | |||||||
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| (1) | Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows: |
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mar. 31, 2023 |
June 30, 2023 |
Sept. 30, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Mar. 31, 2024 |
June 30, 2024 |
Sept. 30, 2024 |
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| (unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales |
$ | | $ | 73 | $ | 76 | $ | 90 | $ | 71 | $ | 61 | $ | 69 | ||||||||||||||
| Research and development |
557 | 554 | 300 | 370 | 263 | 287 | 294 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales and marketing |
70 | 117 | 175 | 248 | 288 | 390 | 472 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative |
588 | 857 | 715 | 868 | 735 | 762 | 1,141 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| Total stock-based compensation expense |
$ | 1,215 | $ | 1,601 | $ | 1,266 | $ | 1,576 | $ | 1,357 | $ | 1,500 | $ | 1,976 | ||||||||||||||
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Selected Quarterly Trends
Net sales
Our quarterly net sales increased for all periods presented, primarily due to an increase in the number of patients adopting the iLet, resulting in an increase in installed customer base. The increase in installed customer base also contributes to an influx in net sales of single-use products that are disposed of and replaced every 2-3 days.
Cost of sales
Our quarterly cost of sales increased for all periods presented, primarily due to an increase in the number of patients adopting the iLet, resulting in a higher installed customer base and additional product warranty
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liability. The increase in net sales from the iLet also contributed to an increase in cost of sales from royalties expense, which are based on a percentage of net sales.
Operating expenses
Our quarterly research and development expenses increased in all periods presented, except the second quarter of 2023 and third quarter of 2024, primarily due to increases in engineering, third-party consulting costs and payroll-related expenses incurred to support our continued research and development efforts to enhance our existing product and develop new products.
Our sales and marketing expenses increased in all periods presented, primarily due to increases in payroll-related expenses driven by headcount increases in our sales force and customer care team, as well as other expenses incurred to market, educate and enhance the visibility of our product to HCPs.
Our general and administrative expenses increased in all periods presented, except the third quarter of 2023, primarily due to increases in payroll-related expenses driven by headcount increases in our quality assurance team, as well as expenses incurred for operational overhead expenses to meet the growing demand for the iLet.
Key Business Metrics
We regularly review the following key business metrics to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends affecting our business, formulate financial projections and make strategic decisions. We believe that the following metrics are representative of our current business:
| Year Ended December 31, |
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
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| 2023 | 2023 | 2024 | ||||||||||
| New patient starts |
2,304 | 486 | 8,910 | |||||||||
| New patient starts from MDI as a percentage of total new patient starts |
51 | % | 37 | % | 67 | % | ||||||
| Installed customer base |
2,304 | 486 | 11,214 | |||||||||
As we began commercializing the iLet in May 2023, these key business metrics were not applicable for the year ended December 31, 2022.
New Patient Starts
Our ability to add new patients is a key indicator of the markets adoption of the iLet and a key growth driver for the business. We grow our patient base through our own internal sales organization, which drives most of our new patient growth. We define a new patient as an individual making their initial purchase of an iLet during the period presented, excluding replacements. This metric highlights our capability to identify and attract new users, illustrating the number of new iLet product users during each period presented.
New Patient Starts from MDI as a Percentage of Total New Patient Starts
The percentage of new patient starts from MDI is a valuable metric for us, as it demonstrates a users willingness to transition from an MDI therapy to the insulin delivery mechanism provided by the iLet. Percentage of new patient starts from MDI helps us understand our patient profile and quantifies our expansion of the insulin pump market. We believe a higher percentage of new patient starts from MDI indicates that the iLets value proposition is resonating with patients who have historically chosen to not wear an insulin pump. New patient starts from MDI as a percentage of total new patient starts is calculated by dividing the number of new patient starts from MDI by the total number of new patient starts.
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Installed Customer Base
The installed customer base represents all new patient starts, over a rolling four-year period basis. This period reflects our in-warranty customer base under the typical four-year reimbursement cycle and helps us understand the total number of patients using the iLet.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to our financial results determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP), we believe the following non-GAAP measures are useful in evaluating our operating performance. We use the following non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate our ongoing operations and for internal planning and forecasting purposes. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures, when taken together with the corresponding GAAP financial measures, provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance by excluding certain items that may not be indicative of our business, results of operations, or outlook. In particular, we believe that the use of adjusted gross profit, adjusted gross margin, and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) are helpful to our investors as they are metrics used by management in assessing the health of our business and our operating performance. However, non-GAAP financial information is presented for supplemental informational purposes only, has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP. In addition, other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate similarly-titled non-GAAP measures differently or may use other measures to evaluate their performance, all of which could reduce the usefulness of our non-GAAP financial measures as tools for comparison. A reconciliation is provided below for each non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable financial measure stated in accordance with GAAP. Investors are encouraged to review the related GAAP financial measures and the reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, and not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.
Adjusted Gross Profit and Adjusted Gross Margin
Adjusted gross profit and adjusted gross margin are key performance measures that we use to assess our overall performance. We define adjusted gross profit as GAAP gross profit, excluding depreciation and amortization expense and stock-based compensation expense. For purposes of calculating adjusted gross profit, we do not consider gross profit earned from collaboration agreements. We define adjusted gross margin as our adjusted gross profit divided by our revenue from contracts with customers. We believe adjusted gross profit and adjusted gross margin provide consistency and comparability with our past financial performance and facilitate period-to-period comparisons of operations, as these metrics eliminate the effects of depreciation and amortization and stock-based compensation from period-to-period as factors unrelated to overall operating performance.
The following table presents a reconciliation of adjusted gross profit and adjusted gross margin from the most comparable GAAP measure, gross profit and gross margin, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024:
| Year Ended December 31, |
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
||||||||||
| 2023 | 2023 | 2024 | ||||||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||
| Gross profit |
$ | 6,308 | $ | 1,246 | $ | 24,199 | ||||||
| Gross margin (as a percentage of revenue) |
52.6 | % | 34.2 | % | 54.2 | % | ||||||
| Add: |
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| Depreciation and amortization expense |
390 | 225 | 574 | |||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense |
239 | 149 | 201 | |||||||||
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| Adjusted gross profit |
$ | 6,937 | $ | 1,620 | $ | 24,974 | ||||||
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| Adjusted gross margin (as a percentage of revenue) |
57.8 | % | 44.4 | % | 55.9 | % | ||||||
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During the year ended December 31, 2022, we had no adjusted gross profit or adjusted gross margin, as the only revenue generated was related to upfront consideration received under a collaboration agreement, for which any related costs were included within research and development expense.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is a key performance measure that we use to assess our operating performance. Because adjusted EBITDA facilitates internal comparisons of our historical operating performance on a more consistent basis, we use this measure for business planning purposes.
We calculate adjusted EBITDA as net loss adjusted to exclude (i) depreciation and amortization expense, (ii) stock-based compensation expense, (iii) interest income, (iv) provision for state taxes and (v) change in fair value of warrant liabilities.
The following table presents a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA from the most comparable GAAP measure, net loss, for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023 and the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024:
| Year Ended December 31, | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
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| 2022 | 2023 | 2023 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
| Net loss |
$ | (64,751 | ) | $ | (44,099 | ) | $ | (25,251 | ) | $ | (36,648 | ) | ||||
| Add: |
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| Depreciation and amortization expense |
1,345 | 1,226 | 934 | 919 | ||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense |
6,100 | 5,658 | 4,082 | 4,833 | ||||||||||||
| Interest income |
(196 | ) | (1,777 | ) | (526 | ) | (2,958 | ) | ||||||||
| Provision for state taxes |
14 | 13 | 13 | 2 | ||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of warrant liabilities |
(911 | ) | 9,958 | (1,719 | ) | 7,390 | ||||||||||
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| Adjusted EBITDA |
$ | (58,399 | ) | $ | (29,021 | ) | $ | (22,467 | ) | $ | (26,462 | ) | ||||
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The following table presents a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA from the most comparable GAAP measure, net loss, for each quarter of the year ended December 31, 2023:
| For the Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2023 |
June 30, 2023 |
September 30, 2023 |
December 31, 2023 |
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| (unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
| Net loss |
$ | (9,621 | ) | $ | (6,950 | ) | $ | (8,680 | ) | $ | (18,848 | ) | ||||
| Add: |
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| Depreciation and amortization expense |
325 | 311 | 298 | 292 | ||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense |
1,215 | 1,601 | 1,266 | 1,576 | ||||||||||||
| Interest income |
(65 | ) | (68 | ) | (393 | ) | (1,251 | ) | ||||||||
| Provision for state taxes |
| 13 | | | ||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of warrant liabilities |
| (2,010 | ) | 291 | 11,677 | |||||||||||
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| Adjusted EBITDA |
$ | (8,146 | ) | $ | (7,103 | ) | $ | (7,218 | ) | $ | (6,554 | ) | ||||
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The following table presents a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA from the most comparable GAAP measure, net loss, for each quarter of the nine months ended September 30, 2024:
| For the Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||
| March 31, 2024 |
June 30, 2024 |
September 30, 2024 |
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| (unaudited) | ||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||
| Net loss |
$ | (12,449 | ) | $ | (14,463 | ) | $ | (9,736 | ) | |||
| Add: |
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| Depreciation and amortization expense |
287 | 299 | 333 | |||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense |
1,356 | 1,500 | 1,977 | |||||||||
| Interest income |
(1,139 | ) | (993 | ) | (826 | ) | ||||||
| Provision for state taxes |
| 2 | | |||||||||
| Change in fair value of warrant liabilities |
4,139 | 3,670 | (419 | ) | ||||||||
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| Adjusted EBITDA |
$ | (7,806 | ) | $ | (9,985 | ) | $ | (8,671 | ) | |||
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Some of the limitations of adjusted EBITDA include: (i) adjusted EBITDA does not properly reflect capital commitments to be paid in the future and (ii) although depreciation and amortization expense are non-cash charges, the underlying assets may need to be replaced and adjusted EBITDA does not reflect these capital expenditures. Our adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies because they may not calculate adjusted EBITDA in the same manner as we calculate the measure, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. In evaluating adjusted EBITDA, you should be aware that in the future we will incur expenses similar to the adjustments in this presentation. Our presentation of adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by these expenses or any unusual or non-recurring items. When evaluating our performance, you should consider adjusted EBITDA alongside other financial performance measures, including our net loss and other GAAP results.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Since our inception, we have incurred significant operating losses. To date, research and development, market development and commercial launch activities have accounted for a significant portion of our overall operating expenses. We expect to incur significant expenses and operating losses for the foreseeable future as we advance the commercialization of our iLet, including future development of the patch pump and bihormonal configuration of the iLet.
To date, we have funded our operations primarily with proceeds from the sale of our convertible preferred stock, raising an aggregate of approximately $356.3 million of gross proceeds, including net proceeds of approximately $101.7 million from the issuance and sale of our Series D convertible preferred stock in August 2023 and approximately $59.7 million from the issuance and sale of our Series E convertible preferred stock in November 2024. We have also received payments in connection with collaboration agreements and government grants, receiving $6.1 million to date from these types of arrangements, as well as from the sale of the iLet and single-use products utilized with the iLet from our contracts with customers. As of September 30, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $60.9 million.
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Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods presented:
| Year Ended December 31, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | 2023 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities |
$ | (60,208 | ) | $ | (32,445 | ) | $ | (26,098 | ) | $ | (33,994 | ) | ||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities |
(769 | ) | (69,693 | ) | (85 | ) | 26,186 | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
56,782 | 101,029 | 101,020 | (1,277 | ) | |||||||||||
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| Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
$ | (4,195 | ) | $ | (1,109 | ) | $ | 74,837 | $ | (9,085 | ) | |||||
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Operating Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash used in operations was $60.2 million, primarily attributable to our net loss of $64.8 million and net cash used by changes in our operating assets and liabilities of $2.8 million. This was partially offset by non-cash charges of $6.1 million of stock-based compensation expense and $1.3 million of depreciation and amortization expense. Net cash used related to changes in our operating assets and liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2022, and primarily consisted of a $2.0 million decrease in accrued expenses and other current liabilities related to a reduction in headcount resulting in a decrease in accrued bonuses and reduced project spend and $0.7 million decrease in operating lease liabilities.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash used in operations was $32.4 million, primarily attributable to our net loss of $44.1 million and net cash used by changes in our operating assets and liabilities of $5.3 million. The net cash used by changes in our operating assets and liabilities was partially offset by non-cash charges of $17.0 million, including $10.0 million attributable to the change in the fair value of our preferred stock warrant liabilities due to the issuance of warrants to purchase shares of Class B common stock in 2023 and changes in the fair value of the warrant liabilities during the year, $5.7 million in stock-based compensation expense and $1.2 million in depreciation and amortization expense. For the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash used from changes in our operating assets and liabilities was primarily attributable to a $4.5 million increase in accounts receivable and a $1.2 million increase in inventories, both resulting from the launch of commercial sales of the iLet in May 2023. Additionally, there was a $1.1 million decrease attributable to the extinguishment of the funded research and development liability following the FDA clearance of the iLet in May 2023. These were partially offset by a $0.7 million increase in accounts payable and a $1.8 million increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities attributable to additional raw materials purchases, changes in our bonus accrual and the establishment of sales related accruals such as warranty, returns, chargebacks, and rebates, all as a result of the commercialization of the iLet in 2023.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, net cash used in operations was $26.1 million, primarily resulting from our net loss of $25.3 million and net cash used by changes in our operating assets and liabilities of $4.7 million. This was partially offset by non-cash charges of $3.9 million, including $1.7 million from the change in fair value of our warrant liabilities, $4.1 million in stock-based compensation expense and $0.9 million in depreciation and amortization. Changes in our operating assets and liabilities for the nine months September 30, 2023 primarily relate to a $2.0 million increase in accounts receivable from the launch of commercial sales of the iLet in May 2023, a $1.1 million decrease attributable to the extinguishment of the funded research and development liability following the FDA clearance of the iLet in May 2023, a $0.7 million decrease in accruals and other current liabilities on payments to vendors, and a $0.7 million decrease in operating lease liabilities.
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During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net cash used in operating activities was $34.0 million, primarily resulting from our net loss of $36.6 million and net cash used by changes in our operating assets and liabilities of $8.9 million. This was partially offset by non-cash charges of $11.6 million, including $7.4 million attributable to the change in fair value of our warrant liabilities, $4.8 million in stock-based compensation expense and $0.9 million in depreciation and amortization. Changes in our operating assets and liabilities for the nine months September 30, 2024 are primarily attributable to a $3.1 million increase in accounts receivable and a $9.9 million increase in inventories from the growth in commercial sales. Additionally, there was a $1.7 million increase of prepaid expenses and other current asset attributable to additional raw materials and clinical supply purchases and a $0.8 million decrease in operating lease liabilities. These were partially offset by a $1.6 million increase in accounts payable, a $1.7 million increase in deferred revenue and a $3.3 million increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities from additional raw materials purchases, changes in our bonus accrual and the establishment of sales related accruals such as warranty, returns, chargebacks, and rebates, as a result of the growth in net sales since the commercialization of the iLet in May 2023.
Investing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash used in investing activities was $0.8 million, attributable to purchases of property and equipment associated with additional manufacturing equipment.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash used in investing activities was $69.7 million, primarily attributable to the purchase of short-term investments utilizing proceeds from the issuance and sale of the shares of our Series D convertible preferred stock as well as $0.4 million in additional investment in property and equipment associated with additional manufacturing equipment.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, net cash used in investing activities was $0.1 million, consisting of purchases of property and equipment.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net cash provided by investing activities was $26.2 million, as a result of $56.0 million in proceeds from maturities and redemptions of short-term investments, partially offset by $27.0 million in purchases of short-term investments as well as $2.8 million in additional investment in property and equipment for additional manufacturing equipment.
Financing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash provided by financing activities was $56.8 million, primarily attributable to $56.3 million of net proceeds from the issuance and sale of shares of our Series C convertible preferred stock and the exercise of $0.4 million of options for shares of our Class B common stock.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash provided by financing activities was $101.0 million, primarily attributable to net proceeds from the issuance and sale of shares of our Series D convertible preferred stock.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, net cash provided by financing activities was $101.0 million, consisting primarily of net proceeds from the issuance of Series D convertible preferred stock.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net cash used in financing activities was $1.3 million, consisting primarily of payments of deferred offering costs associated with the IPO.
Future Funding Requirements
We expect our expenses to increase significantly in connection with our ongoing activities. The timing and amount of our funding requirements will depend on many factors, including:
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| | the cost of maintaining FDA clearance for the iLet as an automated insulin dosing system cleared for the treatment of T1D in adults and children six years of age and older; |
| | the cost of obtaining and maintaining FDA marketing authorization or clearance for other future indications or other product candidates, including for the iLet for T1D using both insulin and glucagon (a bihormonal configuration), the iLet for T2D and the patch pump; |
| | future revenue generated by sales of the iLet and any future product candidates, if approved; |
| | costs associated with scaling up and expanding our manufacturing capacity; |
| | costs associated with building and expanding our sales and marketing efforts in the United States and, in the future, internationally; |
| | costs associated with conducting research and development efforts for future improvements to the iLet; |
| | costs associated with conducting research and development efforts for future product offerings, such as the patch pump and bihormonal configuration of the iLet; |
| | the cost of complying with regulatory requirements; |
| | costs associated with capital expenditures; |
| | the costs associated with hiring additional personnel as our business grows; |
| | the costs of operating as a public company; |
| | costs associated with any future litigation; and |
| | the costs and timing of preparing, filing and prosecuting patent applications, maintaining and enforcing our intellectual property rights and defending any intellectual property-related claims. |
Based on our current operating plans, we believe that the net proceeds from this offering, together with our existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, as well as cash generated from sales of our products, will be sufficient to fund our projected operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements through . We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could utilize our available capital resources sooner than we expect.
We expect to finance our operations through product revenue, as well as potentially through equity or debt financing, collaborations or strategic alliances. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, your ownership interest will be diluted, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect your rights as a common stockholder. Debt financing and preferred equity financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making acquisitions or capital expenditures or declaring dividends. If we raise additional funds through collaborations or strategic alliances with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams or investigational devices, or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us. If we are unable to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings or other arrangements when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our research, product development or future commercialization efforts, or grant rights to develop and market products that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves.
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Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments
Leases
We have entered into various non-cancelable operating leases for certain office, laboratory and manufacturing space. The leases have varying initial lease terms of approximately 2-7 years. For additional information, see Notes 2 and 17 of our audited financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Research and Development Costs
In May 2024, in connection with research and development activities, we entered into an exclusive worldwide License and Collaboration Agreement with Xeris which contains a number of contractual obligations. In consideration for the licenses and other rights granted to us under the License and Collaboration Agreement, we paid Xeris a one-time, non-refundable payment of $0.5 million and a one-time, non-refundable milestone payment of $3.0 million for the achievement of certain developmental milestones. In connection with the arrangement with Xeris, during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, we ordered $0.9 million in clinical material, covering both material and labor costs, to be used in phase 2 clinical trials and have paid a deposit equal to 30% of the estimated clinical material costs, which is recognized in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the condensed balance sheets. In addition, we are required to pay tiered royalties of low double-digit percentages based on net sales of Glucagon Products, subject to certain reductions. For additional information, see the section titled BusinessCollaboration and License and Agreements. We may continue to incur costs as we progress into Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials.
Royalty Obligations
In connection with the development, production and sale of the iLet, we have entered into certain agreements that obligate us to pay royalties based on specific production or net sales metrics. Among other obligations, certain license agreements with BU require us to pay quarterly royalties of a mid-single-digit percentage based on net sales (and royalties of a low double-digit percentage of net sales by sublicensees), of any products licensed under the agreements, which royalties are creditable against the minimum royalty amount. For additional information on these license agreements with BU, see the section titled BusinessLicense and Collaboration Agreements.
Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to certain market risks in the ordinary course of our business. Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position due to adverse changes in financial market prices and rates.
Interest Rate Risk
As of September 30, 2024, we had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $60.9 million, which consisted primarily of bank deposits, U.S. Treasury bills and money market funds. We do not enter into investments for trading or speculative purposes and have not used any derivative financial instruments to manage our interest rate risk exposure. We do not believe that a hypothetical immediate 10% increase or decrease in interest rates would have had a material impact on our financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We did not have during the periods presented, and we do not currently have, any relationships with unconsolidated organizations or financial partnerships, such as structured finance or special purpose entities, that would have been established to facilitate off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our managements discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our audited financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of our audited financial statements and related disclosures requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, costs and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in our audited financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experience, known trends and events, and various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis. Our actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
While our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in Note 2 to our audited financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, we believe that the following accounting policies are the most critical to the judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our audited financial statements.
Revenue Recognition
Our revenue from contracts with customers is generated from the iLet and single-use products that are used together with the iLet, including cartridges for storing and delivering insulin, and infusion sets that connect the insulin pump to a users body. Our primary customers are distributors and pharmacy partners who sell our products to insulin-requiring PWD. We recognize revenue when we transfer control of the promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services, net of estimated returns and estimated variable consideration. Variable consideration is related to pharmacy rebates and chargebacks is accounted for as a reduction in revenue and is estimated based on contractual arrangements, actual sales of products qualifying for rebates or chargebacks, and historical payments made related to pharmacy rebates and chargebacks. Estimates associated with pharmacy rebates and chargebacks on products sold are the most significant component of our variable consideration estimates and most at risk for material adjustment because of the time delay between the recording of the provision and its ultimate settlement, an interval that generally ranges from 30 to 90 days. Due to this time lag, in any given period, our adjustments to reflect actual amounts can incorporate changes of estimates related to prior periods. The amount of variable consideration that is included in the transaction price is estimated and is included in revenue only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of the cumulative revenue recognized will not occur in a future period. If the actual amounts of consideration that we receive differ from estimates, we adjust these estimates, which affects reported revenue, in the period that such variances become known or at the end of each reporting period.
We have identified the ability for a customer to access the mobile application and our promise to provide firmware upgrades to the iLet through the mobile application as distinct performance obligations, as access and support is provided throughout the standard four-year warranty period of the device. Accordingly, revenue related to the mobile application and firmware upgrades are deferred and recognized ratably over a four-year period. Given the access to the mobile application and unspecified software updates follow the same pattern of transfer to the customer and are provided over the same four-year period, we recognize revenue for these performance obligations as if they were a single performance obligation. As there is no observable standalone selling price for access to the mobile application or promise to provide firmware upgrades, we estimate standalone selling price by applying the expected cost plus a margin approach.
Stock-Based Compensation
We measure stock-based awards granted to employees, non-employees and directors based on their fair value on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Stock-based compensation expense for those awards is recognized over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the respective award for employees and directors and the period during which services are performed for
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non-employees. Stock-based compensation expense for non-employee awards is recognized in the same manner as if we had paid cash in exchange for the goods or services, which is generally the vesting period of the award. We have issued awards with only service-based vesting conditions and record the expense for these awards using the straight-line method. We have not issued any stock-based awards with performance-based or market-based vesting conditions.
We determined the assumptions for the Black-Scholes option pricing model as discussed below. Each of these inputs is subjective and generally requires significant judgment to determine. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur.
| | Fair Value of Our Class B Common StockPrior to this offering, our stock was not publicly traded, and therefore we estimated the fair value of our Class B common stock, as discussed in the subsection title Determination of Fair Value of Our Class B Common Stock and Series C Convertible Preferred Stock below. |
| | Expected VolatilityBecause we do not have a trading history of our common stock, the expected volatility was derived from the average historical stock volatilities of several public companies within our industry that we consider to be comparable to our business over a period equivalent to the expected term of the stock-based awards. We will continue to apply this process until a sufficient amount of historical information regarding the volatility of our own stock price becomes available. |
| | Expected TermThe expected term represents the period that the stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding. The expected term for our stock options was calculated based on the weighted-average vesting term of the awards and the contract period, or the simplified method. |
| | Risk-Free Interest RateThe risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the time of grant for zero-coupon U.S. treasury notes with maturities approximately equal to expected term of the stock options. |
| | Expected Dividend YieldThe expected dividend is zero as we have not paid and do not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future. |
See Note 13 of our audited financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for more information concerning certain of the specific assumptions we used in applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the estimated fair value of our stock options. Certain of these assumptions involve inherent uncertainties and generally require significant analysis and judgment to develop. Changes in these assumptions can materially impact the fair value and ultimately how much stock-based compensation expense is recognized.
Determination of Fair Value of Our Class B Common Stock and Series C Convertible Preferred Stock
Given the absence of a public trading market to date, the fair value of our common stock has been determined by our board of directors at the time of each option grant, with input from management, considering contemporaneous valuations of common stock, and our board of directors assessment of additional objective and subjective factors that it believed were relevant and which may have changed from the date of the most recent valuation through the date of the grant, including: the prices at which we sold shares of our convertible preferred stock to outside investors in arms-length transactions, and the superior rights, preferences and privileges of the convertible preferred stock relative to the common stock at the time of each grant; the progress of our research and development and commercialized programs, including their stages of development; our business strategy; operating and financial performance; the lack of liquidity of our common stock; trends in the broader economy and the medical device industry; the likelihood of achieving a liquidity event for our companys securityholders, such as an initial public offering or a sale of the company; prevailing market conditions, the hiring of key
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personnel and the experience of management; and the analysis of initial public offerings and the market performance of peer companies in the medical device industry, as well as completed mergers and acquisitions of public peer companies.
These valuations were performed in accordance with the guidance outlined in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Auditing and Valuation Guide, Valuation of Privately-Held-Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation (the Guide). The methodology to determine the fair value of our common stock included estimating the fair value of the enterprise using a market approach, which estimates the fair value of a company by including an estimation of the value of the business based on prior sales of our capital stock. The Guide identifies various available methods for allocating enterprise value across classes and series of capital stock to determine the estimated fair value of common stock at each valuation date.
In accordance with the Guide, we considered the following methods:
| | Current Value Method. Under the current value method, once the fair value of the enterprise is established, the value is allocated to the various series of preferred and common stock based on their respective seniority, liquidation preferences or conversion values, whichever is greatest. |
| | Option Pricing Method (OPM). Under the OPM, shares are valued by creating a series of call options with exercise prices based on the liquidation preferences and conversion terms of each equity class. The estimated fair values of the convertible preferred stock and common stock are inferred by analyzing these options. This method is appropriate to use when the range of possible future outcomes is so difficult to predict that estimates would be highly speculative, and dissolution or liquidation is not imminent. |
| | Probability-Weighted Expected Return Method (PWERM). The PWERM is a scenario-based analysis that estimates value per share based on the probability-weighted present value of expected future investment returns, considering each of the possible outcomes available to us, as well as the economic and control rights of each share class. |
Based on our early stage of development and commercialization, the difficulty in predicting the range of specific outcomes (and their likelihood), and other relevant factors, the OPM allocation method was considered most appropriate for valuations prior to December 31, 2023. For valuations prepared as of and after December 31, 2023, a hybrid method between the PWERM and OPM was used, where the equity value was probability-weighted across multiple scenarios but using the OPM to estimate the allocation of value within one or more of those scenarios, and in certain cases taking into account secondary sale transactions. In determining the estimated fair value of our common stock, our board of directors also considered the fact that our stockholders could not freely trade our common stock in the public markets. Accordingly, we applied discounts to reflect the lack of marketability of our common stock based on the weighted-average expected time to liquidity.
As our Series C convertible preferred stock is convertible into shares of common stock, the fair value of our Series C convertible preferred stock is derived contemporaneously with each valuation of our common stock. Therefore, consistent valuation assumptions and allocation methodologies are utilized in order to determine the fair value of our Series C convertible preferred stock. In addition to the assumptions utilized in the determination of fair value of our common stock, the superior rights, preferences and privileges of the Series C preferred stock relative to the common stock at the time of each grant impact the valuation.
There are significant judgments and estimates inherent in the determination of the fair value of our common stock. These judgments and estimates include assumptions regarding our future operating performance, the time to complete an initial public offering or other liquidity event, and the determination of the appropriate valuation methods.
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Once a public trading market for our common stock has been established in connection with the completion of this offering, it will no longer be necessary for our board of directors to estimate the fair value of our common stock in connection with our accounting for granted stock options or for any other such awards we may grant, as the fair value of our common stock will be determined based on the closing price of our common stock as reported on the date of grant on the stock exchange on which our common stock is traded.
Determination of Fair Value of Warrant Liabilities
Our common stock and preferred stock warrants require liability classification and accounting. The warrants are recorded at fair value upon issuance and are subject to remeasurement to fair value at each balance sheet date, with any changes in fair value recognized in other income, net in the statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The fair value was estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The valuation model used incorporates significant assumptions and estimates, which include, but are not limited to, the fair value per share of the underlying shares, the remaining contractual term of the warrants, risk-free interest rate and expected volatility of the price of the underlying shares.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
A description of recently issued accounting standards that may potentially impact our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows is included in Note 2 to our audited financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Emerging Growth Company and Smaller Reporting Company Status
We are an emerging growth company as defined in the JOBS Act. For as long as we remain an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of reduced reporting requirements that are otherwise applicable to public companies. These provisions include, but are not limited to: (i) not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; (ii) reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports, proxy statements and registration statements; and (iii) exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and any golden parachute payments not previously approved. In particular, in this prospectus, we have provided only two years of audited financial statements and have not included all of the executive compensation-related information that would be required if we were not an emerging growth company. Accordingly, the information contained herein may be different than the information you receive from other public companies in which you hold stock.
In addition, the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of an extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards. This provision allows an emerging growth company to delay the adoption of some accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected to take advantage of the benefits of this extended transition period, and therefore, we are not subject to the same requirements to adopt new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies; however, we may adopt certain new or revised accounting standards early. We may use these provisions until the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering. However, if certain events occur prior to the end of such five-year period, including if we become a large accelerated filer, our annual gross revenues
exceed $1.235 billion or we issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt in any three-year period, we will cease to be an emerging growth company prior to the end of such five-year period.
We are also a smaller reporting company as defined in the Exchange Act. We may continue to be a smaller reporting company even after we are no longer an emerging growth company. We may take advantage of certain of the scaled disclosures available to smaller reporting companies and will be able to take advantage of
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these scaled disclosures for so long as our voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $250.0 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter, or our annual revenue is less than $100.0 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and our voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $700.0 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter.
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Overview
We are a commercial-stage medical device company engaged in the design, development, and commercialization of innovative solutions to improve the health and quality of life of insulin-requiring people with diabetes (PWD) by utilizing advanced adaptive closed-loop algorithms to simplify and improve the treatment of their disease.
Diabetes is a serious, chronic, and often lifelong condition with no known cure that is characterized by extended periods of elevated levels of glucose in the bloodstream (hyperglycemia), resulting from the bodys inability to either produce or effectively utilize the hormone insulin. To treat their diabetes, PWD must undergo a rigorous regimen of daily insulin substitution, as elevated levels of glucose in the blood over time can lead to serious and often life-threatening cardiovascular, metabolic and nervous system complications. Despite decades of innovation that have advanced the quality of care available, a significant unmet need remains as the vast majority of PWD still cannot manage their diabetes effectively.
Our product, the iLet Bionic Pancreas (iLet), was cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of T1D in adults and children six years of age and older in May 2023. The iLet autonomously determines and delivers every insulin dose without requiring a user to count carbohydrate intake, which we believe can make effective glycemic control easier to achieve. This unique ability of the iLet to determine 100% of all insulin dosing represents a new category in automated insulin delivery that is separate and apart from hybrid closed-loop devices, which only partially automate insulin delivery, making it more far-reaching than any other current technology on the market. Since we began commercializing the iLet, our installed base has grown nearly 5x, from 2,304 iLets as of December 31, 2023 to 11,214 iLets as of September 30, 2024.
There are two principal types of diabetes within the overall population:
| | Type 1 diabetes (T1D): an autoimmune disorder that often develops during childhood or adolescence, but can occur at any age, arising from a persons immune system attacking and destroying the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas leading to elevated blood-glucose (BG) levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are currently approximately 1.8 million people with T1D in the United States, all of whom require daily insulin replacement to manage their disease. |
| | Type 2 diabetes (T2D): a metabolic disorder that typically develops in adulthood, whereby the body becomes resistant to insulin, and, consequently, increased insulin production or replacement is needed to regulate BG levels. As T2D progresses, the bodys beta cells cannot maintain the increased insulin levels needed to regulate BG. There are currently approximately 36 million people with T2D in the United States according to the CDC, of whom an estimated 1.8 million require daily intensive insulin therapy, based on public and industry data. |
The dynamic evolution of care in the field of diabetes over the past several decades has been characterized by continuous cycles of innovation that have produced several generations of increasingly sophisticated and complex devices to help maintain BG levels within the normal range or achieve goal, as established by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The capabilities of devices range from offering convenience features to allowing transformative improvements in efficacy. We believe that, while these new technologies have managed to remove or reduce some twentieth-century burdens of disease management (e.g., logbooks, fingerstick measurements, not knowing BG levels for large stretches of the day and night), they have also added new, twenty-first-century burdens (e.g., bombardment with overwhelming amounts of data, constant alerts and alarms, and 24/7 information overload). The psychological, emotional and cognitive burden imposed by the continuous need for user engagement to manage the disease is substantial, unsustainable by most
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and unachievable by many. We believe that the iLet marks a significant breakthrough in the achievement of our ultimate goal, as it has been shown to enable clinically relevant improvements in glycemic control across broad populations of PWD, while dramatically reducing necessary user engagement.
Our initial commercialization efforts for the iLet are in T1D in the United States. Currently, only about 20% of adults, and an even smaller percentage of children, with T1D meet or exceed the ADA goal for therapy for hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), a measure of average BG levels over an extended period of time, which is 7.0% or lower. Therefore, the remaining 80% are at elevated risk of developing an array of life-threatening cardiovascular, metabolic, and nervous system complications that arise as a result of chronic exposure to hyperglycemia. We believe that one of the principal causes of these suboptimal outcomes is the complexity of user experience of most currently available insulin pumps and partially automated insulin delivery (AID) systems, also known as hybrid closed-loop systems, which has kept the majority of PWD from adopting them despite the improved disease management these systems can offer. These systems require PWD to set and periodically adjust several insulin pump parameters, to quantify daily carbohydrate intake, and to frequently calculate proper doses of insulin for their pump to deliver. This complexity and the constant engagement required to achieve the full therapeutic benefits that these systems can offer limit the adoption of these systems to a subset of PWD and to subspecialty healthcare providers (HCPs). We believe that approximately one-third of people with T1D in the United States utilize insulin pumps or hybrid closed-loop systems to receive their daily insulin, while the majority receive their daily insulin via the self-administration of multiple daily injections (MDI) via a pen or syringe, a less complex, but often less effective, technique that has been shown to be associated with higher HbA1c levels. This is based on our internal estimates factoring epidemiologic data from government and leading industry organizations such as the CDC (to establish the overall size of the T1D population) and industry sales data from public filings and disclosures made by the leading device manufacturers (Medtronic plc (Medtronic), Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. (Tandem) and Insulet Corporation (Insulet), who collectively hold approximately 96% market share) and aggregated by third-party data service providers (to provide independent estimates of both overall device penetration of various diabetes populations). Despite many advances in pump therapy over the past several decades, pump penetration in people with T1D in the United States has remained stable for years.
Figure 1.~80% of Type 1 PWD in the United States Are Not at ADA Goal for HbA1c
The iLet was specifically designed to provide improvements in glycemic control relative to insulin pumps hybrid closed-loop systems, and MDI therapy without the complexity and management burden of current insulin pumps and hybrid closed-loop systems. It is enabled by adaptive closed-loop algorithms that continuously learn each persons unique and ever-changing insulin requirements and then autonomously delivers the correct
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insulin doses every five minutes throughout the day and night. Only the users body weight is required for initialization, unlike insulin pumps and hybrid closed-loop systems, which require a complex host of parameters to configure. The adaptive closed-loop algorithms are designed to remove the need to manually adjust insulin pump therapy settings and variables required by conventional pump therapy and hybrid closed-loop systems, which both require the user to determine the size and timing of both meal and correction insulin doses and to adjust basal insulin dosing. Therefore, we believe the adaptive closed-loop algorithms can make the iLet easier to initiate and use on a daily basis than other available AID systems. The iLet autonomously determines all insulin doses. We believe this convenient product feature, coupled with improved glycemic control, will appeal to broad segments of PWD who are seeking a simpler path to improved disease management.
Figure 2. The iLet Bionic Pancreas
The iLet is the culmination of over 20 years of significant, industry-leading research and product development, as shown below. The iLets differentiated algorithms were first developed in 2002. To date, the iLet and its predecessor bionic pancreas devices have been evaluated in 21 pre-pivotal clinical trials and one pivotal trial. In total, over 800 individuals participated across all 22 trials.
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Figure 3. Select Historical Achievements
The safety, effectiveness, and simplicity of the iLet were evaluated in the investigator-initiated iLet Bionic Pancreas Pivotal Trial (BPPT) of 440 people assessing the efficacy and safety of the iLet in people with T1D between the ages of six and 83 with starting HbA1c levels between 5.3% and 14.9%, which we believe is the largest and most diverse population ever studied in a pivotal clinical trial of an AID system. Participants were randomized to either iLet therapy or standard of care (SC), which was defined as their own insulin delivery modality plus a DexCom G6 continuous glucose monitor (CGM) if they were not already using a DexCom G6 CGM as part of their own diabetes management regimen. As a group, the participants who randomized to iLet therapy experienced an average reduction in HbA1c of 0.6%, from a baseline of 7.9% to 7.3% over 13 weeks, while participants who randomized to standard of care saw no change from a baseline of 7.7%. We believe the results of this trial validate the iLets core value proposition of marrying effective glycemic control with the simplicity of use that is brought about by adaptive closed-loop algorithm insulin dose determination and delivery. The trial met its primary endpoint, finding that participants using the iLet demonstrated statistically significant and clinically relevant (as defined by a decrease in HbA1c of at least 0.5%) improvements in glycemic control versus the standard of care, both across the overall trial population and among important subgroups: adults only, children only, those with starting HbA1c levels greater than 7.0%, those on MDI, and those on insulin pump therapy without automation. For more information regarding the BPPT, please see subsection titled The iLet Bionic Pancreas Pivotal Trial testing the iLet in adults and children with T1D below.
In addition, the improved glycemic control seen in the results of the BPPT has been supported by additional, real-world iLet data. Of the 5,190 iLet users who uploaded CGM readings to the Beta Bionics cloud over the first year after our commercial launch (May 19, 2023 to May 18, 2024), 3,675 of them had at least three-weeks worth of iLet data (which affords at least one week of algorithm learning followed by two weeks to provide a reliable estimate of CGM outcomes). Of those 3,675 iLet users, 3,300 also had a pre-iLet baseline HbA1c value available. Data from these 3,300 users showed an overall improvement, from an average baseline HbA1c (as provided to us by the medical providers in the statements of medical necessity) of 8.5% to an average glucose management indicator (GMI)a population-based estimate of HbA1c based on mean CGM glucose that is widely accepted as an indicator in the diabetes industry (and further explained below)on the iLet of 7.3%. This demonstrated an improvement in HbA1c that was larger than that observed in the BPPT and is clinically meaningful (as defined by a decrease in HbA1c of at least 0.5%) in this patient population, which was much larger and had worse glucose control at baseline than those who participated in the BPPT. GMI is frequently used
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as a substitute for HbA1c in remote monitoring (iCGM) settings (which is what iLet users upload to the Beta Bionics cloud) given that HbA1c is typically measured in a laboratory setting.
The GMI and HbA1c are directly comparable measures of BG levels. The GMI was specifically designed by leaders in the field to be a CGM-derived measure of average BG levels that could be compared to the HbA1c, which requires a blood test. A means to enable this translatability has become increasingly necessary given the recent rise in CGM utilization as the principal means of measuring BG levels. The HbA1c correlates with a persons average historical BG level over a period of several months, whereas the GMI is derived from a mathematical formula that converts a persons average CGM value over at least two weeks into the HbA1c that would be expected based on that average. The HbA1c for any particular individual may be impacted by exogenous factors unrelated to the average BG, such as individual variability in both the red-blood-cell lifespan and/or the glycosylation propensity of the hemoglobin molecule within red blood cells. The GMI, on the other hand, may be impacted by how consistently a person uses the CGM. In practice, therefore, the correlation between the GMI and HbA1c values can differ from person to person, but the values are typically well-correlated in population studies as these inter-subject variations tend to cancel each other out in large populations.
To maximize the commercial value of the iLet opportunity, we have assembled a team across our organization with broad experience in the successful commercialization of innovative technologies in the field of diabetes disease management. Our initial commercialization efforts have been focused on identifying the people with T1D most likely to adopt the iLet across multiple demographics, including age, level of glycemic control, current therapy, and HCP to create a multi-factor target-customer profile. Understanding how these factors interrelate with the decision to either adopt an AID system for the first time or to switch from an existing insulin pump or AID system will be key to identifying the people most likely to switch from their current therapy to the iLet and assisting with their transition. We have also partnered with DexCom, Inc. (DexCom) and Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. (Abbott)global leaders in popular and easy to use CGM technologyto integrate the iLet with the DexCom G6 and G7 iCGMs and with Abbotts FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus CGM sensor. A iCGM is a wearable device that works by inserting a small sensor under the skin into fatty tissue and tracks blood sugar levels in real time. The sensor measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid and sends the information to a receiver, smartphone or insulin pump. The user can view their glucose levels, trends, and to what degree their levels are rising or falling. The iCGM is a crucial component of AID systems, and by partnering with these global leading iCGM platforms, we believe we leverage all of the benefits that these iCGMs offer in an elegant solution for PWD. Use of the iLet requires the independent purchase of a compatible third-party iCGM to provide realtime data to the iLet user.
While the iLet can be prescribed by any HCP (PCP or subspecialists), we are promoting sales of the iLet through an internal sales organization, where our initial direct sales efforts are focused on people with T1D who are treated within high-volume endocrinology practices in the United States. Over time, we plan to expand into the more diffuse population of people with T1D who are treated by primary care physicians (PCP). Although we continue to analyze the timing related to this expansion, we do not currently have a specific timeline. These PCP treat an estimated 50% of the T1D population in the United States but do so among a much more diversified patient base than the endocrinologists. We believe that the iLets core value proposition of marrying effective glycemic control with the simplicity of use that is brought about by adaptive closed-loop algorithm insulin dose determination may resonate particularly well among PCP who do not have the subspecialty-level of expertise, the resources, or the clinical bandwidth that is needed to initiate insulin-pump or hybrid closed-loop therapy or for the continual demand (such as adjustments at quarterly visits) those systems place on clinical practices in follow-on care.
We are also optimizing our direct sales efforts by growing, in parallel, a community support team, a recent strategic marketing initiative and a targeted campaign we call the Bionic Universe, which is built around a community of the iLet users, caregivers, and key opinion leaders (KOLs) who share their stories to inspire others. The Bionic Universe aims to create a people-focused community dedicated to making diabetes management easier for everyone. This community is designed to facilitate the sharing of experiences and to help members learn more about
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the iLet. We employ both direct media and social media communication strategies to build the Bionic Universe and leverage feedback from this community to continuously improve both current and future device generations.
We are pursuing a multi-channel durable medical equipment (DME) and pharmacy benefit plans (PBP) coverage and reimbursement strategy to maximize access to the iLet within the T1D population, provide flexibility for PWD in choosing their device, provide PWD with advantageous coverage and reimbursement terms and provide us with potential access to higher revenue streams. We are working with payors to expand the reach of coverage and reimbursement under both DME and PBP channels. We believe that utilizing a strategy between DME and PBP will make the iLet more accessible to PWD and the HCPs who recommend and initiate the device. We believe the PBP channel, in particular, reduces the administrative burden associated with DME reimbursement, minimizes the initial economic burden to PWD with little to no upfront cost, ensures faster and easier access for PWD to purchase the device, and, over time, is economically favorable to us.
In order to maintain our competitive position in the marketplace, we intend to continue investing in our research and development activities to expand the potential therapeutic applications of the iLet based on our scalable technology platform. We are currently developing the following products:
| | Patch Pump. We are in the early stages of developing an insulin pump that is designed to adhere directly to the skin and administer insulin without the need for tubing, commonly known in the diabetes industry as a patch pump. Our patch pump features a two-component design: a durable component that contains the electronics and motor, and a disposable component that includes the insulin reservoir, adhesive, an insertion device, and a cannula. This design is intended to enable efficient manufacturing and provide a convenient pump-change experience. Our patch pump is intended to unlock a new pool of PWD who are looking to receive the many benefits of the iLet, but prefer the patch pump form factor. |
| | Bihormonal iLet. We are also in the early stages of developing a first-of-its-kind bihormonal configuration of the iLet, which combines automated delivery of insulin and glucagon, the BG-raising hormone that protects against low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), with adaptive closed-loop algorithms where all doses of both hormones are autonomously determined. Hypoglycemia, which can develop while a person is either awake or asleep, can lead to a range of acute medical complications, including tissue and organ damage, seizures, and coma; it can also be fatal. For people with T1D, the persons immune system attacks and destroys the alpha cells in the pancreas that secrete glucagon. Consequently, people with T1D have a dual-hormone insufficiency, not just an insulin insufficiency. There are currently no commercially available devices capable of delivering both insulin and glucagon. We believe the ability to both proactively and reactively provide automated microdose administration of glucagon represents a large commercial opportunity and the next new paradigm in diabetes disease managementfrom automated insulin delivery to automated glycemic control. To advance this opportunity, we have entered into a collaboration and license agreement with Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Xeris), whereby we have an exclusive license to commercialize a pump-compatible Xeris glucagon formulation. |
In the future, we intend to pursue expanded use of the iLet to treat people with insulin-dependent T2D, as we believe the size and composition of this population make it a compelling opportunity. We believe our planned expansion for the iLets use in T2D will require an additional 510(k) clearance. We expect that we will need to conduct studies to determine the iLets applicability for T2D in order to obtain the additional 510(k) clearance. Although we continue to analyze the timing related to this expansion, we do not currently have a specific timeline. While there are certain differences in how T2D is treated relative to T1D, these differences primarily relate to the amount and rate of insulin delivered. Approximately 1.8 million PWD have T2D and require intensive insulin therapy, but fewer than 10% of this population has adopted pump technology to date. This is based on our internal estimates factoring epidemiologic data from government and leading industry organizations such as the CDC, as well as industry sales data from public filings and disclosures made by the leading device
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manufacturers (Medtronic, Tandem and Insulet) and aggregated by third-party data service providers. If the iLet is cleared for use in T2D, we believe that these individuals, who span socioeconomic and educational levels, and their HCPs, 90% of whom are PCP, may find the iLets combination of simplicity and efficacy particularly appealing.
We believe our financial and operating results and clinical and real-world data to date validate our opportunity, strategy, and execution. In the five full quarters since launching the iLet in May 2023, our quarterly revenue has grown over 5xfrom $3.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 to $16.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024while our operating expenses have grown only 2x during the same time periodfrom $10.0 million to $19.9 million, respectively. Approximately 67% of the iLets adoption through September 30, 2024 came from PWD who were previously utilizing MDI, while the remainder came from PWD utilizing insulin pumps or hybrid closed-loop systems. We believe this split, which approximates the current share of the T1D population for each modality, demonstrates that the iLets value proposition is resonating across broad segments of the population of PWD and their HCPs.
Our revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $44.7 million, more than 3.5x that of our annual revenue of $12.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Our revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $3.6 million. Our net losses were $36.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and $25.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Our Strengths
We believe the success and continued growth of our company will be driven by the following strengths:
Highly Differentiated Technology Powered by Algorithmically Autonomous Insulin Dosing
Our novel iLet was developed to revolutionize the management of diabetes by offering meaningful clinical, ease-of-use, and quality of life improvements over the current standard of care. The iLet is the first FDA-cleared insulin delivery device that autonomously determines every insulin dose. Our system offers a significantly improved user experience by administering insulin without the need to count carbohydrate intake. The iLet was designed to maximize PWDs preference by integrating with leading CGM systems and allowing the use of either pre-filled or manually filled insulin cartridges. The iLet also represents a significant reduction in the setup and follow-on care burden currently borne by PWD and their caregivers. The initial setup of our device is designed to increase PWD and HCP accessibility by only requiring the input of the users body weight, after which the iLet uses sophisticated proprietary algorithms to automate all insulin dosing. We believe that the combined innovative features of the iLet represent a meaningful breakthrough among other insulin delivery therapies to treat PWD, and may lead to improved disease management, quality of life, and penetration of the large and growing population of PWD.
Robust Compendium of Clinical and Real-World Data
Through our clinical trials, the BPPT and our analysis of post-approval data, we have developed a significant body of clinical data from more than 3,000 patients, which we believe supports the safety, effectiveness, and simplicity of the iLet. Our BPPT of 440 volunteers with T1D between the ages of six and 83 years old with starting HbA1c levels between 5.3% and 14.9% represents what we believe is the largest and most diverse population ever studied in a pivotal trial of any AID device. The trial met its primary endpoint, finding a statistically significant and clinically meaningful (as defined by the FDA as a decrease of at least 0.5%) improvement in HbA1c levels in participants randomized to use the iLet versus standard-of-care therapy across the overall trial population and among five clinically important subgroups: adults, children, those with starting HbA1c levels greater than 7.0%, those on MDI, and those on insulin pump therapy without automation. The results of this trial suggest that improved glycemic control can be achieved across delivery modalities without the burdens of frequent user engagement, and we believe these results validate the iLets core value proposition.
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In addition, the improved glycemic control seen in the results of the BPPT has been supported by additional, real-world data generated from the CGM readings of 3,675 iLet users over the first year after our commercial launch (May 19, 2023 to May 18, 2024). For more information regarding the BPPT, please see subsection titled The iLet Bionic Pancreas Pivotal Trial testing the iLet in adults and children with T1D below.
Significant New Product Pipeline
We have invested heavily in our research and development activities to expand the potential therapeutic applications of the iLet based on our scalable technology platform. Our proprietary algorithms have been developed and refined based on over a decade of clinical trials and real-world experience. We believe the continued advancement of our algorithms will be fundamental in improving health outcomes and quality of life for PWD. We are currently in the early stages of developing a smaller, semi-disposable patch pump that is intended to unlock a new pool of PWD who are looking to receive the many benefits of the iLet, but prefer the patch pump form factor. We are also in the early stages of advancing the development of our first-in-kind bihormonal iLet, which is designed to automatically deliver both insulin and glucagon. We believe the ability to both proactively and reactively automate glucagon administration would simultaneously improve HbA1c and reduce hypoglycemia.
Extensive Intellectual Property Portfolio
Our technology is supported by an extensive intellectual property portfolio which includes patents, know-how and trade secrets. As of December 13, 2024, we own or have rights in sixty-one (61) issued U.S. patents, twenty-five (25) pending U.S. nonprovisional patent applications, six (6) pending U.S. provisional patent applications, one (1) pending Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) patent applications, seventy (70) issued foreign patents (including six issued European patents and their national validations), and fifty-six (56) pending foreign patent applications (including three which are allowed), certain of which relate to various current or prospective aspects of the iLet, and related prospective bihormonal and adjunct products and methods. We also have exclusive, worldwide sublicensable licenses from the Trustees of Boston University (BU) to a portfolio of U.S. and international patents directed at the algorithms and other components of the iLet and an exclusive collaboration and license agreement with Xeris to commercialize a pump-compatible glucagon formulation.
Highly Efficient Business Model
Our goal is to continue to drive fiscally responsible revenue growth through enhanced patient access and vertically-integrated manufacturing. We are pursuing a multi-channel DME and PBP coverage and reimbursement strategy to maximize access to the iLet within the T1D population, provide flexibility for PWD in choosing their device, provide PWD with advantageous coverage and reimbursement terms and provide us with potential access to higher revenue streams. We are working with payors to expand the reach of coverage and reimbursement under both DME and PBP channels. As an alternative to DME, the PBP channel provides a lower upfront cost to PWD and potentially greater economic value to us over the life of the iLet. We believe utilizing this strategy optimizes medical and economic outcomes for key stakeholders and may result in enhanced user adoption. In addition, we have designed the various hardware, software, and electronics platforms of the iLet to maximize scalability, reliability, serviceability, and manufacturability from initial development, including multi-sourcing components to support production efficiencies. As a result, our gross margin was 54% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Experienced Management Team
Our senior management team has extensive experience, including lived experience, in the diabetes and medical technology industry. Specifically, our team has extensive operating experience in commercialization, product development, clinical research, regulatory approval, and reimbursement of innovative medical technology products at well-regarded companies such as Medtronic, Tandem and Companion Medical, Inc. in insulin pump therapy, and DexCom in CGM. Since our founding, we have been supported by a seasoned board of directors with extensive industry and public company experience.
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Our Strategy
Our mission is to grow our business by successfully commercializing our innovative solutions for safe, simple, and effective autonomous glycemic control and to reach as many people living with insulin-requiring diabetes as we can. Our goal is to establish the iLet as the standard of care for insulin delivery. The key elements of our growth strategy are as follows:
Continue our commercialization efforts by utilizing our sales force to educate PWD and HCPs on the compelling potential benefits of the iLet and to drive awareness
To fully realize the commercial opportunity presented by the iLet, we have developed an integrated commercial strategy to drive adoption across the T1D population and establish and maintain customer loyalty through customer service and educational programs. While the iLet can be prescribed by any HCP (PCP or subspecialists), we are promoting sales of the iLet through an internal sales organization, where the initial direct sales efforts are focused on people with T1D who are treated within high-volume endocrinology practices in the United States. Over time, we plan to expand into the more diffuse population of people with T1D who are treated by PCP. Although we continue to analyze the timing related to this expansion, we do not currently have a specific timeline. We believe that the iLets core value proposition of marrying effective glycemic control with the simplicity of use that is brought about by adaptive closed-loop algorithm insulin dose determination may resonate particularly well among PCP who we believe service an estimated 50% of the T1D population in the United States but who do not possess the subspecialty-level of expertise, the resources, or the clinical bandwidth that is needed for insulin-pump or hybrid closed-loop therapy or for the continual demand (such as adjustments at quarterly visits) those systems place on clinical practices in follow-on care.
Build our commercial and customer support infrastructure to maximize access to the iLet and maximize customer retention
We have an integrated customer-support strategy designed to efficiently fulfill orders, educate both new users and their caregivers during device initialization and follow-on care, and respond promptly to inquiries throughout the life of the product. Our commercialization efforts are supplemented with strategic marketing initiatives and a targeted campaign we call the Bionic Universe, which is built around a community of the iLet users, caregivers, and KOLs who share their stories to inspire others. The Bionic Universe aims to create a people-focused community dedicated to making diabetes management easier for everyone. This community is designed to facilitate the sharing of experiences and to help members learn more about the iLet. We utilize both direct media and social media communications strategies to build the Bionic Universe. We leverage feedback from this community to continuously upgrade both current and future device generations.
Leverage our in-house manufacturing capabilities to optimize production efficiency and maintain quality
We manufacture the iLet and the ready-to-fill insulin cartridges at our facilities located in Irvine, California. By assembling and testing the iLet in-house, we believe that we can maintain better quality control and compliance with our own internal specifications and with applicable regulatory standards. We expect that our 50,000 square foot facility in southern California, which commenced operations in 2020, will have sufficient production capacity to support our anticipated clinical and commercial demand for the foreseeable future.
Obtain third-party coverage and reimbursement from payors under both DME and PBP channels
We are pursuing a multi-channel DME and PBP coverage and reimbursement strategy to maximize access to the iLet within the T1D population, provide flexibility for PWD in choosing their device, provide PWD with advantageous coverage and reimbursement terms and provide us with potential access to higher revenue streams. We are working with payors to expand the reach of coverage and reimbursement under both the DME and PBP channels. We believe that utilizing this strategy between DME and PBP will make the iLet more
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accessible to PWD and the HCPs who prescribe the device. The PBP channel reduces the administrative burden associated with DME reimbursement, minimizes the initial economic burden with little to no upfront cost, ensures faster and easier access for PWD to purchase the device, and, over time, is economically favorable to us.
Increase our addressable market by developing a patch pump and bihormonal iLet, as well as seeking expansion into the treatment of T2D
We are leveraging our algorithms to develop two additional products in our pipeline: the patch pump and the bihormonal iLet. The patch pump is an insulin pump that is designed to adhere directly to the skin and administer insulin without the need for tubing. Our patch pump features a two-component design: a durable component that contains the electronics and motor, and a disposable component that includes the insulin reservoir, adhesive, an insertion device, and a cannula. This design is intended to enable efficient manufacturing and provide a convenient pump-change experience. The bihormonal iLet is being designed and configured to administer both insulin and glucagonthe hormone responsible for raising BG levelsin a fully closed-loop system in which all doses of both hormones would be determined and delivered autonomously. We believe this bihormonal capability would offer a meaningful additional benefit to PWD as it would allow the proactive raising of glycemic levels as needed to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
In addition, we intend to pursue expanded use of the iLet to treat people with insulin-dependent T2D, as we believe the size and composition of this population make it a compelling opportunity. We believe our planned expansion for the iLets use in T2D will require an additional 510(k) clearance. We expect that we will need to conduct studies to determine the iLets applicability for T2D and in order to obtain the additional 510(k) clearance. Although we continue to analyze the timing related to this expansion, we do not currently have a specific timeline. While there are certain differences in how T2D is treated relative to T1D, these differences primarily relate to the amount of insulin delivered. Approximately 1.8 million PWD have T2D and require intensive insulin therapy, but fewer than 10% of this population has adopted pump technology to date. This is based on our internal estimates factoring epidemiologic data from government and leading industry organizations such as the CDC, as well as industry sales data from public filings and disclosures made by the leading device manufacturers (Medtronic, Tandem and Insulet, who collectively hold approximately 96% market share) and aggregated by third-party data service providers. We designed the iLet to serve both the T1D and T2D populations, and we believe that the T2D total addressable market for insulin pumps in the United States is estimated to be approximately $6 billion.
Diabetes Overview
Insulin-deficient diabetes can lead to chronic, life-threatening diseases for which there are no known cures. Over its typically multi-decade course, diabetes can lead to many serious and often life-threatening complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, stroke, blindness, neuropathy and cognitive impairment.
Diabetes is a complex, multisystemic disease characterized by sustained and prolonged elevated BG levels, or hyperglycemia, that results from the bodys inability to either produce the hormone insulin, which is responsible for the proper metabolization of glucose, or properly utilize it. In the absence of insulin, ketones rise in the blood, which becomes acidotic. Insulin insufficiency leads to catabolism (in which the body begins to waste fat and muscle), which in the extreme, leads to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and, ultimately, death. PWD also face the daily risk of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, which has multiple causes, including receiving excess exogenous insulin in the course of disease management. Hypoglycemia, which can strike without warning, starves the brain of needed glucose and can result in cognitive impairment, loss of consciousness, seizures, and death.
As diabetes has no known cure, its treatment paradigm entails an arduous daily regimen of disease management and insulin substitution whereby PWD must maintain constant vigilance regarding both their BG levels and the amount of insulin they receive. The long disease course, daily management requirements, and potentially catastrophic consequences of mismanagement each represent a significant burden to PWD, their
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caregivers, and society at large. Despite decades of innovation that have advanced the quality of care available, the vast majority of PWD cannot currently manage their diabetes effectively. The ramifications of this suboptimal treatment are substantial. Based on data from long-term population studies, including an analysis of epidemiological data from the Scottish Care InformationDiabetes Collaboration (SCI-DC) public database published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), diabetes is estimated to shorten overall life expectancy by 7-10 years on average. According to the ADA, PWD are estimated to spend 2.5 times more on healthcare than people without it throughout their lifetime. In addition to the clinical burden of diabetes, the financial burden is substantial with an estimated annual cost to the U.S. healthcare system of over $400 billion according to the ADA.
According to the CDC, in 2021 there were an estimated 29.7 million people in the United States who had been diagnosed with diabetes, representing approximately 9% of the overall U.S. population. The two most prevalent subtypes of diabetes are referred to as type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
| | Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that usually develops during childhood or adolescence, but can occur at any age, and arises from the inability of the body to produce insulin due to the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. People with T1D are also deficient in the hormone glucagon, which serves as the bodys natural protection for low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. In the United States, it is estimated that 1.8 million people have T1D and rely on intensive insulin therapy, based on public and industry data. |
| | Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that typically develops in adulthood as the body becomes resistant to insulin and, consequently, more insulin is needed to manage BG levels. As a result, the pancreas needs to produce more insulin than it normally would, which results in excess stress on beta cells. As the disease progresses, the beta cells cannot produce sufficient insulin for the increased needs. In many cases, daily insulin replacement becomes required despite the availability of other classes of medications. About 1.8 million or about 5% of the overall T2D population require intensive insulin therapy, based on public and industry data. |
Our focus has been on the T1D population, but over time, we may expand our focus to include people with T2D who require intensive insulin therapy. In the coming decades, the total prevalence of PWD in the United States is expected to continue to increase meaningfully. The number of people with T1D is expected to grow approximately in line with the expected overall U.S. population growth rate of about 2% per year, while those with T2D are currently expected to grow at a significantly faster rate due to the growth in risk factors for developing T2D, such as obesity.
The Current T1D Disease Management Paradigm
According to the ADA, the central objectives for disease management in the treatment of T1D are sustaining HbA1c levels at or below 7.0% over time while maintaining daily BG levels between 70 and 180 mg/dL, near the range experienced by healthy individuals, for 17 or more hours per day. Those accomplishing these goals have been shown to significantly reduce their risk of developing the long-term complications of diabetes. These guidelines were established based on the results of the landmark Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT). These results demonstrated that failure to maintain BG near an acceptable range had long-term negative health consequences for PWD, exacerbating the complications of the disorder. The achievement of glycemic goals, however, is a daunting task due to the lifelong, daily requirements and the complex and dynamic nature of the factors that drive BG levels. Currently, only about 20% of adults in the United States with T1D meet these established therapy goals for HbA1c. We believe that one of the principal reasons for these suboptimal outcomes is that, despite decades of innovation and clinical data demonstrating their superiority to alternatives, insulin pumps have only been adopted by approximately one-third of people with T1D (based on our internal estimates and publicly available industry data, including sales data publicly disclosed by the leading device manufacturers). We believe that one reason for this relatively low adoption rate is the demands placed on users to perform the complex tabulations and calculations required for even the most advanced pumps (other than the iLet) to function optimally.
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Current Treatment Strategies
The current day-to-day strategy for T1D disease management is a two-step process comprised of monitoring ones BG level and administering appropriate amounts of insulin, both to satisfy baseline needs and to adjust as glycemic levels change throughout the day, primarily due to food intake and physical activity. PWD have multiple options available to perform both the monitoring and administration functions, ranging from a fully manual process to nearly complete automation. The primary means of performing each function are as follows:
Monitoring
Glucose Meters and Test Strips
First introduced in the 1970s, this technique requires a PWD to take a blood sample, typically from their finger, several times a day to measure BG directly from the bloodstream. Monitoring BG in this fashion can be extremely accurate at the time of measurement but is limited in its overall utility by the large variations in BG that can occur between measurements. In order for this technique to be an effective diabetes management tool, measurements must be performed in regular intervals as often as several times a day and before or after various activities. It is estimated that 30% of people with T1D in the United States utilize glucose meters and test strips as their primary means of determining their BG level.
Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)
A CGM is a wearable device that provides regular estimates of BG based on levels present in the interstitial fluid, a thin layer of fluid that surrounds the cells of tissue below the skin. CGM devices enable the constant monitoring of BG levels via a catheter or sensor typically inserted subcutaneously in the back of the arm or abdomen. The sensor tracks changes in glucose levels throughout the day and night, as often as every five minutes, and provides glucose readings through wireless data transfer to a receiver.
A CGM typically contains three components:
| | a small electrode that is placed under the skin |
| | a transmitter that sends readings from the electrode to a receiver at regular intervals (every one to 15 minutes) |
| | a separate receiver that shows the glucose level on a display |
Since receiving FDA approval in 2005, real-time CGMs have been adopted by an estimated 70% of people with T1D in the United States, with most of the adoption occurring since 2018, when the first CGM that no longer required calibration from blood samples received FDA approval.
Insulin Delivery
MDI
MDI insulin therapy is the most widely used method of insulin delivery as it requires minor training and has a lower relative cost to users. MDI consists of the delivery of insulin via several discrete subcutaneous injections, typically four or five, per day by either syringe or pen. This typically includes one injection of long-acting insulin per day and an injection of rapid- or short-acting insulin before each meal. The long-acting insulin (basal insulin) is designed to release slowly and evenly in the bloodstream for about 24 hours after it is injected and act as the background insulin would in a person without diabetes. The short-acting insulin (bolus insulin) is intended to act like the insulin released by the pancreatic beta cell around mealtimes in a person without
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diabetes. Since the inception of exogenous insulin therapy in 1922, MDI has been the standard of care for the majority of PWD. Currently, of the approximately 1.8 million people with T1D in the United States, we believe approximately two-thirds of the population utilize MDI, based on public and industry data. Although MDI requires minimal training, a great deal of sophistication and vigilance on the part of the user is required to achieve good results with this approach.
Insulin Pumps
Insulin pumps, first introduced in 1974, perform continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and typically involve the use of a tethered programmable pump that administers insulin through an infusion set into a persons body. Insulin pumps deliver continuous small doses of rapid-acting insulin to fulfill both basal (to reproduce long-acting insulin) and mealtime requirements, which more closely resembles the physiologic function of a healthy pancreas. Current-generation pumps offer a number of potential advantages relative to MDI, including the elimination of MDI, more precise insulin administration, greater glycemic control, and greater lifestyle flexibility. More recent innovations have enabled the direct integration of insulin pumps with data from a wearable CGM sensor to form hybrid closed-loop systems which incorporate algorithms that modulate pump settings to adjust the insulin delivery. Since the introduction of CGMs, based on public and industry data, we believe that approximately one-third of the overall population with T1D have adopted an insulin pump.
Limitations of Current Insulin Delivery Devices
Both MDI and insulin pumps exhibit limitations either in convenience, glycemic control, or both, and neither has eliminated the need for substantial user engagement to achieve adequate glycemic control. The primary limitations of each modality are as follows:
MDI
The primary drawback of MDI is its inherent imprecision, as it delivers insulin in large quantities at four to five discrete intervals throughout the day on average, and therefore does not mimic the natural insulin utilization patterns of a healthy metabolic system. Because dosages cannot be corrected, slowed, or withdrawn once given, this fundamental mismatch leads to wider variability in overall glycemic levels, inferior long-term outcomes for users, and a higher risk of dangerous hypoglycemic episodes. MDI also requires users to count the carbohydrates they consume, manually self-calculate the correct dosage and administer multiple dosages each day. This process can be complicated, burdensome, prone to error and incompatible with many lifestyles.
Insulin Pumps
Insulin pumps, when utilized optimally, represent a significant medical advance relative to MDI. To achieve this optimal functionality, however, the user of a currently available pump (other than the iLet) must make several manual adjustments throughout the day. Properly making these adjustments requires ongoing tabulation of food intake and calculation of the correct food-to-insulin ratios. All calculations and adjustments are based on a comprehensive understanding of absolute levels of glucose at a given time, whether levels are static or changing, and, if changing, how rapidly they are doing so. The proper operation of an insulin pump, therefore, requires extensive education and training for both users and caregivers. As such, the recognized clinical advantages provided by pumps have been insufficiently compelling to the majority of people with T1D to warrant adoption. The primary requirements for optimizing the effectiveness of current-generation pumps are:
| | Initialization of and Ongoing Intervention for Insulin Dosing Regimen. All current technologies, except iLet, rely on a process of trial and error with physician intervention over many months to determine a users basal insulin rates, insulin correction factors, and carbohydrate-to-insulin ratios. This process requires the expertise of a clinician specially trained in the use of insulin pump therapy and vigilant participation by the user. Once calibrated to the individual, current pump technologies require iterative manipulation of user-specific variables that must be revisited several times a year by the HCP, which adds to the burden of diabetes management. |
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| | Carbohydrate Counting. All current technologies, except iLet, require the user to quantitatively estimate the amount of carbohydrates they will be consuming (i.e., the number of grams of carbohydrate) and manually enter meal bolus dosing specifics to prevent BG from rising too high. |
| | Manual Calculation of Correction Dosages. All current solutions, except iLet, require the user to input the necessary treatment adjustment calculations to function optimally and deliver insulin to bring BG down. |
| | Manual Filling of Insulin Cartridges. None of the systems currently available on the market in the United States, except iLet, are compatible with prefilled insulin cartridges. Non-iLet users are required to handle an insulin vial and use a syringe with a needle to fill either a pump cartridge or reservoir. |
Our Solution: The iLet Bionic Pancreas
We believe the iLet addresses the significant limitations of current insulin delivery and benefits a significant community of PWD living with T1D. FDA-cleared in May 2023, the iLet is the first adaptive closed-loop algorithm insulin dosing system that does not require T1D users to keep a daily tabulation of their carbohydrate intake or perform calculations to determine the correct dose of insulin to take. Its compact size and integration with the leading CGMs via Bluetooth make it well suited for those people living with T1D who prefer a discreet and convenient approach to personalized disease management with adaptive closed-loop algorithm insulin dosing and delivery. The iLets convenient form factor is augmented by a user interface that presents all relevant data in a familiar app-based format, allowing users to receive real-time updates on any adjustments the iLet is making. The iLets share/follow feature allows data to be shared in real time with a trusted Bionic Circle of friends and family members. This feature can be particularly helpful in the pediatric setting, where PWD and their parents are learning the nuances of T1D.
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Figure 4. The Suite of Components of the iLet
As shown above, the iLet includes:
| | A pumping platform, which consists of the pump itself and related single-use products, including cartridges for storing and delivering insulin, and infusion sets that connect the insulin pump to a users body. The pumping platform is designed to deliver analog insulin alone using either a prefilled cartridge or an empty cartridge that the user fills using an external insulin source of their choice. The iLet is not compatible with third-party infusion sets or insulin cartridges. |
| | A suite of adaptive control algorithms that autonomously analyze and administer the delivery of insulin doses based on CGM data. |
| | An intuitive touchscreen display that enables user interactions through a custom graphical user interface embracing smartphone simplicity. |
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| | A wirelessly rechargeable battery, which must be recharged every 5-7 days, similar to the battery life of other competitive pump products, and wireless software update capabilities. |
The iLet integrates with the users CGM device (either DexCom G6 or G7 or Abbotts FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus), which measures the users glucose levels. The iLets suite of three adaptive algorithms then work together, using the users glucose levels from the CGM and the users qualitative meal announcements, to understand the users distinct patterns of food intake and insulin needs, allowing the iLet to make all insulin dosing decisions with minimal human intervention. The three algorithms described below, refined over more than a decade, are the key enabling innovation of the iLet.
Basal Algorithm
The proportional-derivative (PD) Basal Algorithm determines daily basal insulin requirements based on CGM data and autonomously adapts to the users changing insulin needs. The Basal Algorithm is initialized only with the users body weight. From this value, it then computes a nominal basal insulin infusion rate that is a fixed proportion of the body weight. The actual basal insulin dose that is to be infused at each five-minute interval referred to as the instantaneous basal dose is computed using a PD control strategy that utilizes the current and past CGM values and the value of the nominal basal infusion rate at that instant. Over time, the nominal basal infusion rate will adapt upward or downward over those parts of the day and night where the instantaneous basal rate runs higher or lower, respectively, than the current nominal basal infusion rate. This adaptation of the nominal basal infusion rate will lead to a variable nominal basal infusion rate throughout the day and night. The instantaneous basal doses will then be anchored around the current nominal basal infusion rate at every five-minute time step (288 segments each day) and not on the initial fixed nominal basal rate that was determined based only on the users body weight. This adaptive capability of our Basal Algorithm obviates the need for the user to ever have to set, or even know, their basal-rate profile.
Corrections Algorithm
Running in parallel with the Basal Algorithm, the model-predictive control (MPC) Corrections Algorithm uses CGM data to automatically modulate insulin delivery in addition to basal insulin delivery by either adding (to reduce risk of hyperglycemia) or reducing (to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia) dosage levels of insulin dynamically based on changing needs throughout the day. We incorporate insulin pharmacokinetics into the MPC formulation of the Corrections Algorithm by augmenting it with a mathematical formulation for estimating the current concentration of insulin in the blood and predicting future concentrations. Insulin pharmacokinetics is based on a two-compartment model of insulin absorption through the subcutaneous tissue and into blood. It assumes a bi-exponential time course of insulin absorption and clearance for each dose of insulin delivered every five minutes. The Corrections Algorithm uses the superposition of the time course of all past doses to determine the total amount of insulin pending in the subcutaneous tissue and blood as it makes its dose determination at each five-minute step. Our Corrections Algorithm, therefore, takes into consideration the slow absorption rate of insulin analogs and is designed to help prevent the iLet from delivering excess insulin which often occurs in MDI, insulin pump, or hybrid closed-loop systems due to user error. Furthermore, our Corrections Algorithm automatically adjusts its insulin dosing aggressiveness in real time to accommodate the different insulin needs between individuals and the variable needs within the same person throughout the day and over the course of weeks, months and years. Our adaptive Corrections Algorithm, therefore, obviates the need for the user to ever have to set, or even know, their insulin correction factor (also known as insulin sensitivity factor).
Meal Announcement Algorithm
The Meal Announcement Algorithm automatically adapts insulin doses at mealtime without requiring the user to determine the specific quantity of carbohydrates eaten. Instead, the user makes a simple declaration that an upcoming meal will be within historical norms, the usual for me, or more or less than usual. Our
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adaptive Meal Announcement Algorithm predicts the amount of insulin that is needed for the announced meal type and relative size based on the amount of insulin that was required in previously announced meals of that type and relative size. Any additional insulin needed is provided by the Corrections Algorithm based on CGM data and pending insulin previously dosed. If the user declares a meal as more than usual or less than usual at the time they announce the meal, the Meal Announcement Algorithm will then deliver a dose that is, respectively, 1.5 or 0.5 times the size of the dose that would be delivered for the usual for me meal announcement. If the meal has less than about a quarter of the amount of carbohydrates in a usual for me meal, the user should not announce the meal but rather let the Corrections Algorithm automatically provide all of the insulin needed to treat that meal in real time. If the meal has more than about 1.5 times the amount of carbohydrates in a usual for me meal, the user should announce multiple meals for that meal (e.g. a usual for me meal announcement plus a less than usual meal announcement, or two usual for me meal announcements, etc.). As the user makes meal announcements, the Meal Announcement Algorithm continually adapts the size of the insulin doses it delivers for meal announcements based on data from the most recent past meal announcements. This adaptive nature of the Meal Announcement Algorithm obviates the need for the user to ever have to set, or even know, their carbohydrate-to-insulin ratios.
Other advantages of the iLet include pre-filled insulin cartridges, a simplified startup process and a mobile application, as described below.
Pre-filled Insulin Cartridge
Another significant advantage of the iLet is its utilization of prefilled faster insulin aspart (Fiasp) cartridges that allow users to quickly swap out expired cartridges with new ones without the multiple cumbersome steps required of users of the self-filling insulin reservoirs used by other pump systems. This eliminates the burden of requiring users to handle an insulin vial and use a syringe with a needle to fill a pump cartridge or reservoir. We believe prefilled cartridges present convenience advantages and lower training requirements as compared to self-filling reservoirs; they may also reduce user error because of the fewer steps involved. To provide flexibility, the iLet also provides users with the option to fill ready-to-fill cartridges with their choice of insulin aspart (Novolog) or insulin lispro (Humalog). Both are rapid-acting forms of insulin that begin working within 20 minutes of delivery. The iLets algorithms automatically adjust to the type of insulin being delivered without requiring any input by the user.
Figure 5. Comparison Between a Manual Fill Insulin Cartridge and Our Pre-Filled Insulin Cartridge
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Simplified Startup Process
In contrast to existing technologies, the iLet features a simple user interface that only requires the input of a users body weight to initialize dosing. Should a users body weight increase or decrease by more than 15%, changing the device input can be done easily.
The iLet Mobile Application
The iLet mobile applications features include:
| | an easy-to-use interface; |
| | easy-to-understand reports for the user and physician; |
| | firmware over-the-air upgrades; |
| | compatibility with the iOS platform and the Android platform; and |
| | automatic data uploads to the cloud. |
The mobile application receives information from the iLet and displays that information discreetly to the user. This user-friendly, intuitive mobile application provides real-time glucose readings, trends, and graphs. It also allows for cloud-based storage.
The iLets share/follow feature allows data to be shared in real time with a trusted Bionic Circle of friends and family members. This feature can be particularly helpful in the pediatric setting, where PWD and their parents are learning the nuances of T1D.
Figure 6. The iLet Mobile Applications Share/Follow Feature
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The Commercial Opportunity for the iLet Bionic Pancreas to Address the Unmet Need
Despite the inherent benefits that pump technology provides, the management of insulin-dependent diabetes remains difficult. Smart pump technologies have had little success in alleviating the heavy burden on PWD as they still generally require perpetual monitoring and disciplined intervention. We believe this burden is responsible for limiting the number of users who have transitioned to pump use to roughly half the number of users that have adopted CGM. This remaining burden represents a significant unmet need that the iLet can address. Therefore, we believe the availability of the iLet may substantially increase the number of PWD who would consider pump use. In fact, approximately 51% and 67% of the iLets adoption through December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024, respectively, came from PWD who were previously utilizing MDI. We believe that the iLet represents one of the first significant advances in insulin delivery technology since the commercial availability of hybrid closed-loop systems in 2017 and offers users a substantially enhanced experience relative to all insulin delivery methods because it automates the determination of all insulin doses and provides the greatest flexibility in CGM and insulin choice. This allows the iLet to remove a substantial daily burden from users while offering improved glycemic control.
Figure 7. The Current Commercial Landscape for the iLet
We believe the commercial opportunity for the iLet in T1D is substantial. We estimate the T1D total addressable market for insulin pumps in the United States is approximately $6 billion, which is comprised of the approximately $2 billion total addressable market of existing pump users and the approximately $4 billion total addressable market of potential new pump adopters, as further described below. Our estimates, including with respect to the total addressable market for insulin pumps, are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause them to be smaller than we currently anticipate. For more information, please see section titled Risk FactorsRisks Related to our Business, Strategy and IndustryThe market opportunities for our iLet for the treatment of diabetes may be smaller than we anticipated, limiting our ability to successfully sell our current and future products. In the coming decades, we believe this market will grow approximately in line with the expected overall population growth rate of about 2% per year. Our estimates of the T1D total addressable market for insulin pumps and related growth rate are based on independent industry publications and public industry data, as well as third-party forecasts derived from the same. There are two distinct subpopulations whose needs could be addressed by a product of the iLets profile:
Existing Pump Users: Approximately one-third of the total T1D population, $2 billion total addressable market
Based on publicly available industry data, including sales data publicly disclosed by the leading device manufacturers (Medtronic, Tandem and Insulet, who collectively hold approximately 96% market share), we estimate that the current dollar value of the insulin pump market for people with T1D in the United States is approximately $2 billion and that the percentage of people with T1D who utilize a pump is approximately one-third of the overall population.
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Potential New Pump Adopters: Approximately two-thirds of the total T1D population, $4 billion total addressable market
We believe approximately two-thirds of people with T1D in the United States do not currently utilize a pump for insulin treatments and instead use MDI from either a syringe or an insulin pen, based on public and industry data, including data publicly disclosed by the leading device manufacturers (Medtronic, Tandem and Insulet). PWD who use MDI encounter similar challenges as those who use hybrid closed-loop systems, including the need to count carbohydrates and calculate correction boluses. Furthermore, insulin pens lack the discretion and convenience of pumps. We believe this U.S. patient population would be valued at approximately $4 billion, assuming current users of MDI fully converted to pumps instead, and at current pump pricing levels.
Figure 8. A Comparison Between the iLet and MDI Therapy
In the past, people with T1D have shown willingness to quickly adopt new technologies when the value proposition was far superior to previously available options. Currently, our iLet is cleared only for the treatment of T1D in adults and children six years of age or older. We believe the iLet represents such a breakthrough, and its superiority could catalyze an adoption cycle similar to the one observed with CGMs in recent years. In that product space, the innovation of removing manual calibration materially accelerated adoption by improving both user experience and outcomes. Similar to insulin pumps, CGMs struggled for decades to gain a majority share. The first real-time CGM received FDA approval in 2005, but it was not until 2018, with the release of the DexCom G6, the first CGM that did not require fingerstick calibrations, that the CGM value proposition became compelling to a majority of people with T1D. Since then, CGMs have been adopted by an estimated 70% of people with T1D in the United States. We believe a similar potential exists for the iLet to dramatically expand the reach of insulin delivery technologies in the marketplace. Although DexCom is our partner, DexCom G6 is not our product, and we cannot provide any assurance that a similar potential for the iLet will be reached.
iLet Development History
The iLet is the culmination of over 20 years of research, including extensive pre-clinical and clinical trial work. To date, the iLet and its predecessor bionic pancreas devices have been evaluated in 21 pre-pivotal clinical trials and one 440-participant pivotal trial. In total, over 800 individuals participated across all 22 trials. Results from these trials have been published in over 15 peer-reviewed manuscripts. Collectively, these trials demonstrated both strong efficacy and safety data for the iLet and, over time, informed the refinement and development of the iLets algorithms. The pivotal trial results have been supported by our real-world data, which we have been gathering since first commercializing the iLet in May 2023. The iLet algorithms are the most thoroughly studied and tested of all dosing-decision technologies for AID systems. Efforts to emulate these algorithms would require years of clinical testing, iteration, and retesting, along with extensive regulatory review.
Pre-pivotal clinical trials testing the bionic pancreas algorithms and the iLet Bionic Pancreas System
The pre-pivotal clinical trials testing the bionic pancreas algorithms began in 2008 and continued through 2019, the year before the test-run period of the pivotal BPPT began in the fall of 2020. The 22 pre-pivotal trials were completed over this 12-year period. Twenty of these trials involved subcutaneous insulin
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infusion alone or subcutaneous insulin and glucagon infusion, and 16 of those 20 trials studied people with T1D. During the first four years (20082012), three of those 16 T1D trials were conducted in the inpatient setting at the Translational and Clinical Research Centers (formerly the Mallinckrodt General Clinical Research Center) at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), with the control algorithms running on a laptop computer. Eleven of the remaining 13 T1D trials were conducted between 2013 and 2019 in the outpatient setting in either a hotel, summer camp, or home-use environment. In seven of these 11 outpatient trials, the control algorithms ran on an iPhone that received real-time data from a CGM and delivered insulin and/or glucagon through one or two Tandem t:slim insulin pumps that were actuated via Bluetooth with doses commanded by the control algorithms running on the iPhone. In 2018 and 2019, the remaining four of the 11 outpatient trials were conducted with the iLet in adults and children with T1D.
An additional four pre-pivotal trials, which are not described in the table below, were conducted with the iPhone or iLet versions of the bionic pancreas in people with congenital hyperinsulinism, cystic fibrosis related diabetes, T2D, and people who had received bariatric surgery and were at risk of hypoglycemia. Also not described below are two of the T1D trials (one in the in-patient setting with the iPhone system and one in the home-use setting with the iLet) that were conducted with a previous bihormonal configuration of the bionic pancreas, using dasiglucagon (ZEGALOGUE). Descriptions of the remaining 13 T1D trials are included in the table below. In all of the more than 20 pre-pivotal trials that were conducted to test the algorithms over a 12-year period and in all of the other trials that are not included in Figure 9 below, there were no severe hypoglycemic events or DKA events associated with the bionic pancreas algorithms.
Figure 9. Summary of the iLet Bionic Pancreas Pre-Pivotal Clinical Trials in Adults and Children with T1D
| Design |
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| Year |
Name of |
System |
Setting |
Cohort |
Method |
Duration / Participant |
Evolution of Bionic Pancreas | |||||||
| 2008-2009 |
First Inpatient Study | Laptop system (bihormonal) | Inpatient | 11 adults with T1D | Single-arm intervention | 27 hours | First ever Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) approved by the FDA of an academically derived closed-loop BG control system
First ever human trial of a bihormonal closed loop BG control system
Allowed for testing, refining and validating the pharmacokinetic model for insulin absorption used by corrections algorithm (static basal insulin algorithm)
Reference: El-Khatib et al. (2010) Science Translational Medicine, 2:27ra27 | |||||||
| 2010 |
Second Inpatient Study | Laptop system (bihormonal) | Inpatient | 6 adults with T1D | Single-arm intervention | 51 hours with exercise | First ever CGM driven control of the bihormonal BG control system with static (non-adaptive) meal announcements
First tested autonomous modulation of insulin basal rate by the bionic pancreas based on CGM input
Reference: Russell et al. (2012) Diabetes Care, 35:2148-2155 | |||||||
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| Design |
||||||||||||||
| Year |
Name of |
System |
Setting |
Cohort |
Method |
Duration / Participant |
Evolution of Bionic Pancreas | |||||||
| 2012 |
Third Inpatient Study | Laptop system (bihormonal) | Inpatient | 12 adults with T1D, 12 teens with T1D | Randomized controlled trial with two intervention arms (with and without meal-priming boluses) and no control arm | 51 hours with exercise | First test of the adaptive meal announcement algorithm
Added lifelong learning capabilities of the insulin corrections algorithm
Added an adaptive PD algorithm for basal insulin delivery
Included multiple time-scale adaption for both algorithms (corrections and basal insulin)
Reference: El-Khatib et al. (2014) Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 99:1701-1711 | |||||||
| 2013 |
The Beacon Hill Study | iPhone bionic pancreas (bihormonal) | Outpatient (hotel setting) | 20 adults with T1D | Two-arm, random-order cross-over | 5 days | First ever outpatient trial on a mobile platform of a closed-loop BG control system
Further refinement was made of the multiple time-scale adaptation and lifelong-learning capabilities of the insulin algorithms | |||||||
| Reference: Russell et al. (2014) New England Journal of Medicine, 371:313-325 | ||||||||||||||
| 2013 |
The 2013 Summer Camp Study | iPhone bionic pancreas (bihormonal) | Outpatient (sleep-away camp setting) | 32 children with T1D (12-21 years old) | Two-arm, random-order cross-over | 5 days | First outpatient study of the iPhone bionic pancreas in adolescents with T1D
Further refinement was made of the multiple time-scale adaptation and lifelong-learning capabilities of the insulin algorithms
Reference: Russell et al. (2014) New England Journal of Medicine, 371:313-325 | |||||||
| 2014 |
The 2014 Summer Camp Study | iPhone bionic pancreas (bihormonal) | Outpatient (sleep-away camp setting) | 19 children with T1D (6-11 years old) | Two-arm, random-order cross-over | 5 days | First outpatient study of the iPhone bionic pancreas in pre-adolescents with T1D
Further refinement was made of the multiple time-scale adaptation and lifelong-learning capabilities of the insulin algorithms
Reference: Russell et al. (2016) The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, 4:233-243 | |||||||
| 2014-2015 |
The Multi-Center Study | iPhone bionic pancreas (bihormonal) | Outpatient (home-use setting) | 39 adults with T1D | Two-arm, random-order cross-over | 11 days | First home-use study and first multi-center study of the iPhone bionic pancreas with near-final algorithm technology
Reference: El-Khatib et al. 2017 The Lancet, 389:369-380 | |||||||
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| Design |
||||||||||||||
| Year |
Name of |
System |
Setting |
Cohort |
Method |
Duration / Participant |
Evolution of Bionic Pancreas | |||||||
| 2015-2016 |
The Stanford Insulin-Only Study | iPhone bionic pancreas (insulin-only) | Outpatient (home-use setting) | 13 adults with T1D | Three-arm, non-randomized | 7 days | First home-use study of the insulin-only configuration of the iPhone bionic pancreas including preliminary testing of both static and dynamic glucose targets
Reference: Ekhlaspour et al. (2019) Journal Diabetes Science & Technology, 13:1001-1007 | |||||||
| 2015-2016 |
The MGH Set-Point Study | iPhone bionic pancreas (bihormonal and insulin-only) | Outpatient (home-use setting) | 20 adults with T1D | Multi-arm, random-order cross-over | 3 days | Comprehensive testing across multiple glucose targets for both the insulin-only and bihormonal configurations of the iPhone bionic pancreas
Determined the optimal ranges of safe and effective glucose targets for both the insulin-only and bihormonal configurations
Reference: Balliro et al. (2017) 77th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association, 1062-P | |||||||
| 2017 |
The MGH Monitoring Study | iPhone bionic pancreas (bihormonal and insulin-only) | Outpatient (home-use setting) | 23 adults with T1D | Six-arm, random-order cross-over | 5 days | First test of the insulin-only and bihormonal configurations of the iPhone bionic pancreas without remote telemetric monitoring for hypoglycemia
Determined that remote telemetric monitoring was not required in final algorithm technology for both configurations
Reference: Sherwood et al. (2018) 78th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association, 299-OR | |||||||
| 2018 |
The Insulin-Only Bridging Study | iLet Bionic Pancreas (insulin-only) | Outpatient (home-use setting) | 34 adults with T1D | Three-arm, random-order cross-over | 7 days | First human trial in adults with T1D of the insulin-only configuration of the first-ever, purpose-built, fully integrated insulin-only iLet Bionic Pancreas (Gen 3 iLet) in the home-use setting
First human trial to test Fiasp in the bionic pancreas in adults with T1D
Reference: Jafri et al. (2019) 79th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association, 77-OR | |||||||
| 2018 |
The Day-Camp Transitional Study | iLet Bionic Pancreas (insulin-only) | Outpatient (home-use setting overnight / camp setting during the daytime) | 20 children with T1D (6-17 years old) | Two-arm, random-order cross-over | 5 days | First human trial in children with T1D of the insulin-only configuration of the first-ever, purpose-built, fully integrated insulin-only iLet Bionic Pancreas (Gen 3 iLet) in the home-use setting | |||||||
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| Design |
||||||||||||||
| Year |
Name of |
System |
Setting |
Cohort |
Method |
Duration / Participant |
Evolution of Bionic Pancreas | |||||||
|
Reference: Ekhlaspour et al. (2019) 79th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association, 1063-P | ||||||||||||||
| 2018 |
The Fiasp Tmax Study | iLet Bionic Pancreas (insulin-only) | Outpatient & Inpatient settings | 24 adults with T1D | Two-arm, random-order cross-over in three cohorts | 2 days inpatient followed by 5 days outpatient (home-use setting) | First trial to test non-default tmax values (insulin-absorption time assumed by corrections algorithm) with Fiasp in the iLet
No changes to the algorithms resulted from the trial, but a safe range of tmax values for Fiasp in the iLet were determined that could produce even better glycemic control than can be achieved with the default setting
Russell et al. (2021) Diabetes Therapy, 12:2019-2033 | |||||||
All of the clinical trials listed in Figure 9 were investigator initiated. The inpatient trials were all reviewed by the institutional review boards at both Boston University and MGH and were conducted under investigational device exemptions approved by the FDA. Funding for the inpatient trials came from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Helmsley Charitable Trust, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). The investigational devices were provided by Boston University.
The outpatient trials were all reviewed by the institutional review boards at either MGH or Stanford University, and were conducted under investigational device exemptions approved by the FDA. Funding for the outpatient trials came from the NIH and the Helmsley Charitable Trust. The investigational devices were provided by Boston University or Beta Bionics.
The iLet Bionic Pancreas Pivotal Trial (BPPT) testing the iLet in adults and children with T1D
Background
The BPPT was conducted in 2021 as a parallel-group Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the iLet in a cohort that was designed to approximate the demographics of the U.S. T1D population with respect to race and ethnicity, socioeconomics, baseline glycemic distribution, educational attainment, and annualized household income. Participants were not excluded for very high HbA1c, history of hypoglycemia unawareness, or recent episodes of severe hypoglycemia or DKA.
Unlike most other AID pivotal trials, the BPPT was an RCT, in which those who randomized to the control arm remained on their usual method of diabetes management, with the addition of CGM if they were not already using a CGM. Approximately one-third of the cohort used MDI at baseline, approximately one-third used a hybrid closed-loop system, and approximately one-third were on insulin pump therapy without automation. We believe the BPPT was the only AID pivotal trial that included AID systems as part of the comparator arm. The use of a control arm was critical in determining the level of improvement in glycemic control that was directly attributable to the iLet rather than other aspects of the clinical trial. In contrast, single arm safety trials, such as the pivotal trials of other AID systems, cannot isolate the effects of the system from other trial-related factors, such as more frequent HCP visits and insulin dosing parameter adjustments, that are common in clinical practice. The BPPT was also unique among AID pivotal trials in that users of any FDA-cleared AID device could enroll in the BPPT and still continue to use the AID if they were randomized to the control arm. This aspect of the trial was designed to assess the potential for the iLet to impact glycemic control in the population of people with T1D at large, where other AID systems were already in use.
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The BPPT was conducted at 16 centers in the United States, and it enrolled 440 adults and children (≥6 years old) with T1D. Prior to randomization, baseline CGM data and total daily insulin were collected with the DexCom G6 over a two-week evaluation period on each participants own therapy. Participants ≥18 years old (N=275) were randomly assigned in a 2:2:1 ratio to the iLet with insulin aspart or insulin lispro (Humalog, iLet-A/L group, N=107), the iLet with fast-acting insulin aspart (Fiasp, iLet-F group, N=114), or standard-of-care insulin delivery plus use of an unblinded DexCom G6 CGM (SC group, N=54). Participants 6-17 years old (N=165) were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to the iLet with insulin aspart or insulin lispro (iLet-A/L group, N=112) or standard-of-care insulin delivery plus use of an unblinded DexCom G6 CGM (SC group, N=53).
We believe the BPPT cohort is the most diverse group that has participated in a pivotal trial for an AID system to date. The participating individuals self-identified as 74% White non-Hispanic, 10% Black non-Hispanic, 10% Hispanic or Latino, and 6% other or more than one race. At screening, 31% of participants used a hybrid closed-loop system, 4% used a system with predictive low glucose suspension, 31% used insulin pumps without automation, and 34% used MDI.
The primary outcome of the BPPT was the glycated hemoglobin at 13 weeks. The key secondary outcome was the percentage of time that the CGM glucose level was less than 54 mg/dL, the threshold below which cognitive impairment can occur, especially if the exposure is prolonged. Another secondary outcome was the percentage of time that the individual spent in time in range (TIR), which is the amount of time a PWD spends in the target BG range (70180 mg/dL), based on ADA guidelines. Additional outcomes included the percentage of time that the CGM glucose level was less than 70 mg/dL, the threshold for less concerning hypoglycemia, and percentage of time above 180 mg/dL and 250 mg/dL.
Statistical analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis. Continuous outcomes were compared between groups using linear mixed effects regression models and binary outcomes with logistic regression models, adjusting for the baseline value of the metric, age, and clinical center (random effect). Safety outcomes included the frequency of severe hypoglycemia, DKA, and other serious adverse events.
Results in the Primary Cohort
In the primary analysis (Figure 10) comparing the iLet using insulin aspart or lispro (iLet-A/L) with the SC in participants of all ages, the primary outcome, mean glycated hemoglobin at 13 weeks, decreased from 7.9% at baseline to 7.3% in the iLet group at week 13 and did not change (7.7% to 7.7%) in the SC group. The mean baseline adjusted group difference in glycated hemoglobin level at 13 weeks for iLet versus SC was 0.5 percentage points favoring the iLet, with a p-value of <0.001 (significance was defined as a p-value of <0.05). The baseline-adjusted difference in HbA1c between the iLet and standard of care were also least -0.5% favoring the iLet for important subgroups, including adults (-0.5%, P<0.001), children (-0.5%, P<0.001), those with starting HbA1c level >7% (-0.7%, P<0.001), and those using MDI at baseline (-0.8%, P<0.05), with all differences having p-values <0.001. In the key secondary analysis, the percentage of time the CGM level was <54 mg/dL was non-inferior in the iLet group compared with the SC group (P<0.001). The median values at baseline and over 13 weeks were 0.21% and 0.32% in the iLet group and 0.20% and 0.24% in the SC groups, respectively; the 13-week mean adjusted group difference was 0.00%, corresponding to zero minutes per day. Therefore, the iLet reduced the glycated hemoglobin level by 0.5% without increasing time <54 mg/dL at all.
The mean adjusted group difference for iLet versus SC in mean CGM level at 13 weeks was 16 mg/dL (P<0.001), consistent with the change in glycated hemoglobin. For percentage of TIR of 70-180 mg/dL, the difference was +11%, corresponding to 2.6 hours per day of increased TIR (P<0.001). The increase in TIR occurred, on average, within 48 hours of initiating the iLet using only the participants bodyweight. The percentage of time the CGM level was <70 mg/dL was not different between the groups (P=0.51).
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Figure 10. Primary and Secondary Efficacy Outcomes in the Primary Analysis (All Ages, iLet-A/L vs. SC)
| Baseline | Follow-up (Over or at 13 Weeks) |
Adjusted Difference iLet minus SC a (95% CI) |
P-value | |||||||||||||||||||||
| iLet Group (N=219) |
SC Group (N=107) |
iLet Group (N=219) |
SC Group (N=107) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Primary Outcome |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Glycated Hemoglobin at 13 weeks % mean (SD) |
7.9 (1.2 | ) | 7.7 (1.1 | ) | 7.3 (0.7 | ) | 7.7 (1.0 | ) | -0.5 (-0.6, -0.3 | ) | <0.001 | |||||||||||||
| Key Secondary Outcome |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percent Time <54 mg/dL median (IQR) |
|
0.21% (0.02%, 0.57% |
) |
|
0.20% (0.00%, 0.44% |
) |
|
0.33% (0.16%, 0.60% |
) |
|
0.24% (0.13%, 0.63% |
) |
|
0.00% (-0.06%, 0.04% |
) |
<0.001 | b | |||||||
| Other Secondary Outcomes in Pre-specified Order |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mean Glucosemg/dL mean (SD) |
187 (40 | ) | 190 (42 | ) | 164 (15 | ) | 181 (32 | ) | |
-16 (-19, -12 |
) |
<0.001 | ||||||||||||
| Percent Time 70-180 mg/dL mean (SD) |
51% (19% | ) | 51% (20% | ) | 65% (9% | ) | 54% (17% | ) | |
11% (9%, 13% |
) |
<0.001 | ||||||||||||
| Percent Time >180 mg/dL mean (SD) |
46% (20%) | 47% (21% | ) | 33% (9% | ) | 44% (18% | ) | |
-10% (-12%, -8% |
) |
<0.001 | |||||||||||||
| Percent Time >250 mg/dL median (IQR) |
|
16.0% (7.0%, 27.3% |
) |
|
17.8% (6.0%, 33.5% |
) |
|
8.5% (5.3%, 13.2% |
) |
|
14.9% (6.3%, 25.3% |
) |
|
-5.0% (-6.6%, -3.6% |
) |
<0.001 | ||||||||
| Standard Deviationmg/dL mean (SD) |
67 (16 | ) | 68 (18 | ) | 60 (11 | ) | 67 (16 | ) | -7 (-8, -5 | ) | <0.001 | |||||||||||||
| Percent Time <70 mg/dL median (IQR) |
|
1.5% (0.5%, 2.8% |
) |
|
1.4% (0.4%, 2.9% |
) |
|
1.8% (1.1%, 2.9% |
) |
|
1.8% (0.8%, 3.1% |
) |
|
-0.1% (-0.3%, 0.2% |
) |
0.51 | ||||||||
| Percent Time <54 mg/dL median (IQR)c |
|
0.21% (0.02%, 0.57% |
) |
|
0.20% (0.00%, 0.44% |
) |
|
0.33% (0.16%, 0.60% |
) |
|
0.24% (0.13%, 0.63% |
) |
|
0.00% (-0.06%, 0.04% |
) |
NA | ||||||||
| Coefficient of Variation (%) mean (SD) |
36% (6% | ) | 36% (6% | ) | 36% (5% | ) | 37% (5% | ) | |
-0.8% (-1.6%, 0.0% |
) |
NA | ||||||||||||
SD = Standard Deviation; IQR = Interquartile Range
A post-hoc analysis of participants of all ages in the iLet-A/L versus SC groups was performed to assess outcomes stratified by participant socioeconomic characteristics. The treatment effect of the iLet on glycated hemoglobin levels was similar by racial/ethnic group, educational attainment, and income category, and was nominally greater in racial/ethnic minorities and in those with lower educational attainment and income. The mean adjusted group difference was larger for participants using MDI (0.8%) than for those who were using insulin pumps (0.3%) or hybrid closed-loop AID systems (0.3%) at enrollment. Of note, the treatment effect was statistically significant for iLet as compared to other AID systems. Higher baseline glycated hemoglobin levels were associated with larger mean adjusted group differences when using the iLet (e.g., 1.6% for >9% at baseline). For individuals with baseline HbA1c <7.0%, there was no statistically significant change in the HbA1c, indicating that the iLet was able to maintain the pre-trial level of glycemic control in these individuals despite the reduced setup and lower ongoing input requirements of the iLet.
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Figure 11. Glycated Hemoglobin Levels, in the Primary Analysis (All Ages, iLet-A/L vs. SC), According to Subgroups at Baseline
Results in Secondary Cohorts
Secondary analyses were performed separately in adults and in children randomized to either iLet-A/L or SC. These results were consistent with those from the primary cohort analyses, which combined both age groups. The mean adjusted group difference in glycated hemoglobin level at 13 weeks for iLet versus SC was 0.5 percentage points (P<0.001) for both adults and for children. In the key secondary analysis, there was no significant difference in the percentage of time the CGM level was <54 mg/dL between the iLet group and the SC group in both adults and children. Over 13 weeks, the mean CGM glucose was reduced for iLet compared with SC by 16 mg/dL for adults and by 15 mg/dL for children (both P<0.001). The mean TIR 70-180 mg/dL was greater for iLet compared with SC by 11% (2.6 hours per day) for adults and by 10% (2.4 hours per day) for children (both P<0.001). In both cohorts, the increase in TIR occurred, on average, within 48 hours of initiating the iLet using only the participants bodyweight.
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Secondary analyses were performed separately in adults randomized to the iLet with faster insulin aspart (Fiasp, iLet-F group). The mean adjusted group difference in glycated hemoglobin level at 13 weeks between the iLet-F and SC groups was 0.5 percentage points (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the time <54 mg/dL or time <70 mg/dL over 13 weeks in the iLet-F group compared with the SC or the iLet-A/L groups. Mean CGM glucose was decreased by 18 mg/dL on average in the iLet-F group compared with the SC group (P<0.001). TIR was increased by 14% (3.4 hours per day) on average in the iLet-F group compared with the SC group (P<0.001). The only statistically significant difference between the outcomes between the iLet-F and iLet-A/L groups was a TIR that was greater by 29 minutes per day than in the iLet-A/L group (P=0.005). The increase in TIR occurred, on average, within 48 hours of initiating the iLet using only the participants bodyweight.
Figure 12. HbA1c, Time <54 mg/dL and Time in Range 70-180 mg/dL Change from Baseline
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Glycated hemoglobin levels and time with glucose <54 mg/dL in the iLet groups for all participants (iLet-A/L, iLet-F, and SC) by age group at baseline. Baseline and 13-week values are connected by lines for the top and bottom 10% of values at either baseline or over 13 weeks.
Figure 12 shows the baseline and 13-week HbA1c and time <54 mg/dL values for all adults and all children in the BPPT. In addition to the reduction in mean HbA1c, the variability in the 13-week HbA1c was much smaller than the variability in the baseline HbA1c. Although there was no overall difference in the amount of time <54 mg/dL between the iLet groups and the SC groups in either adults or children, Figure 12 shows that individuals who had large amounts of time <54 mg/dL at baseline (e.g., >2% time <54 mg/dL) experienced reductions in hypoglycemia on the iLet.
Results of the patient-reported outcomes analysis on the BPPT revealed that in all age groups, the majority of participants would recommend using the iLet, including those with previous experience using AID. Similarly, all respondent groups (adults, teenagers, children, and caregivers) endorsed significantly greater benefits versus burdens, and most participants (74%-81%, depending on the group) reported strongly recommending the iLet. Adult participants reported statistically significant decreases in fear of hypoglycemia and in diabetes-specific emotional distress, as well as improvements in their perceived well-being. Children and teenagers also reported high acceptability and reduced burden, but less clear improvements in psychosocial outcomes, perhaps because they reported low levels of fear and distress and high levels of perceived well-being at baseline. Analysis of focus group material found that participants overall experience was positive, with decreased burden and improved freedom and flexibility.
Safety Results
In the primary analysis (adults and children randomized to either iLet-A/L or SC) a total of 244 adverse events were reported among 126 patients in the iLet-A/L group and 10 adverse events were reported in eight patients in the SC group. There were 214 episodes of hyperglycemia with or without ketosis reported in the iLet-A/L group, 160 of which were related to a trial device (which included both the iLet and the infusion set). Of the 160 events in the iLet-A/L group that were related to the trial device, 130 were adjudicated by the medical monitor as due to infusion set failure. It is common for infusion sets to be accidentally pulled out or for the
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cannula, the thin plastic tube that delivers the insulin under the skin, to pull out or become kinked and prevent insulin delivery. The other 30 device-related problems with insulin delivery included that the subject failed to connect the cartridge or tubing properly, failed to replace the insulin cartridge in a timely fashion or did not fill it completely and ran out of insulin or failed to recharge the battery and the iLet lost power, among other similar issues. Participants in the iLet-A/L group were required to notify trial staff in the event of hyperglycemia, whereas those in the SC group followed their usual practices and were instructed to contact their diabetes HCP in such events. Infusion set failures were the only reportable adverse events in the iLet-A/L group. These factors are thought to account for the difference in reported adverse events and hyperglycemia episodes between the two groups. Consistent with this, there were fewer episodes of prolonged hyperglycemia (defined as CGM glucose >300 mg/dL for at least 90 minutes during a 120-minute period) and less time >180 mg/dL and >250 mg/dL with the iLet than SC. There were no episodes of DKA in either group. In the secondary analysis comparing adults using the iLet with Fiasp against those using the iLet with aspart of lispro, two participants in the iLet-F group each experienced one DKA event, both confirmed to have been caused by an infusion set failures.
In the primary analysis (adults and children randomized to either iLet-A/L or SC), the incidence rates for severe hypoglycemia were 17.7 and 10.8 events per 100 person-years, respectively (P=0.39). In the secondary analysis (adults randomized to iLet-F or SC) the incidence rates were 10.2 versus 14.2 events per 100 patient-years (P=0.83). Therefore, there were no significant differences in the rates of severe hypoglycemia between any of the iLet or SC groups.
Conclusion
Use of the iLet was associated with lower glycated hemoglobin, lower mean glucose, and increased TIR without an increase in CGM-measured hypoglycemia or the rates of severe hypoglycemia events relative to SC. Patients in the iLet groups had a lower glycated hemoglobin by 0.5% overall and in both the pediatric and adult subgroups using the iLet with insulin lispro or aspart and in adults using the iLet with Fiasp. The largest improvements in glycated hemoglobin were in comparison to MDI, but there was a significant reduction in glycated hemoglobin even when compared to the use of other AID systems. The amount of time with glucose <54 mg/dL and the rates of severe hypoglycemia events were not statistically or significantly different between the iLet and SC groups. The TIR was increased by 2.4 to 3.4 hours per day in the iLet versus the SC, and, on average, this increase occurred within 48 hours of starting use of the iLet. Study participants using the iLet reported a high number of benefits and a low number of perceived burdens, and adults using the iLet reported reduced fear of hypoglycemia and diabetes distress. The majority of participants would recommend the iLet, regardless of what method of glucose management they used before. The results of this trial show that good glycemic control can be achieved by the iLet, with improvements compared to SC that are statistically and clinically significant, with only qualitative meal announcements and without a pre-specified insulin regimen, carbohydrate counting, user-initiated correction doses, or any titration of insulin by the user or HCP.
Comparison between iLet outcomes in the commercial setting and the BPPT
Background
The BPPT was designed to enroll a clinical trial cohort that was as representative as possible of the demographics of people with T1D in the United States with respect to race and ethnicity, socioeconomics, baseline glycemic distribution, educational attainment, and annualized household income. It was hypothesized that the results based on such a cohort would be scalable to the commercial setting. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the impact of the commercial iLet on glycemic control during the first year after FDA clearance and compared the results of that analysis to the results of the BPPT.
Analysis
iLet CGM data were captured (i) during BPPT14 between January 2021 and October 2021 and (ii) from 5,190 commercial iLet users in the first year after FDA clearance of the iLet on May 19, 2023. Of those 5,190
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commercial iLet users, 3,675 had at least three weeks worth of iLet data in the Beta Bionics cloud. Of those 3,675 users, 3,300 had baseline HbA1c values that were compared with GMI values, which were calculated using all available iLet CGM data from among those 3,300 users.
Results
Data from 2,759 adults (≥18 years) and 541 children (<18 years) were included in the analysis of commercial iLet users and compared with data from the 218 adults and 112 children who randomized to the iLet in the BPPT.
The upper left and upper right panels of Figure 13 below show the change from baseline HbA1c for, respectively, 218 adult participants in the BPPT and 2,759 iLet adult users in the post-market setting to the mean GMI after (i) 90 days of iLet usage for each participant in the BPPT and (ii) at least 21 days worth of iLet usage for each user in the post-market setting. Histograms showing the distributions of HbA1c and GMI for these two populations are shown superimposed on the bar graphs. The highest and lowest baseline HbA1c values are connected with lines to their corresponding GMI values on the iLet, and the highest and lowest GMI values on the iLet are connected with lines to their corresponding baseline HbA1c values. The corresponding results are shown in the bottom two panels of Figure 13 for children <18 years old.
Figure 14 shows the change in the percentage of time spent with CGM glucose <54 mg/dL during the two-week baseline period to the 13-week period on the iLet in the BPPT in adults (left panel) and children (right panel).
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Figure 14. Percentage of Time Spent with CGM Glucose <54 mg/dL at Baseline and
Over 13 Weeks on the iLet
Percentage of time spent with CGM glucose <54 mg/dL at baseline and over 13 weeks on the iLet are shown for adults (left panel) and children (right panel) in the BPPT.
An alternative visualization demonstrating the efficacy of the iLet in the commercial setting, in which each of the 3,300 users (adults and children combined) are binned into one of 10 bins according to their baseline HbA1c, as shown below.
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Figure 15. Real-World Results Are Consistent with the BPPT
Conclusion
The baseline HbA1c values of commercial iLet users were higher and the decreases from baseline HbA1c to iLet GMI values were larger than among participants in the BPPT. The time spent <54 mg/dL were comparable in both the BPPT and commercial settings.
iLet device outcomes are independent of the frequency of user interaction
Background
Unlike any other commercially available glucose-monitoring device or insulin-delivery system used in diabetes management, the quality of glycemic control achieved by the iLet is virtually independent of the
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frequency of user interaction, as measured by the swipe-to-unlock frequency of the iLet lock screen. Beyond observing current device status, users are required to swipe to unlock the iLet lock screen before engaging with their therapy, and as such, the swipe-to-unlock gesture is the best single proxy for user interaction with the iLet. In multiple other large population trials, each with thousands or tens-of-thousands of participants, as well as sponsor-initiated retrospective analyses, it has been observed that a higher frequency of glucose monitoring was strongly associated with a lower HbA1c level, and a higher frequency of user-initiated correction boluses from a sensor-augmented insulin pen or a hybrid closed-loop system correlated strongly with improvements in TIR (although hypoglycemia worsened as the number of user-initiated correction boluses increased). These trials and analyses included: Miller et al. Diabetes Care 1 July 2013; 36 (7): 20092014; Dunn et al. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, Volume 137, 37 - 46; MacLeod et al. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics 2024 26:1, 33-39; and Messer and Breton. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics 2023 25:12, 877-882.
Because the iLet determines and delivers 100% of all insulin doses and therefore does not require the user to make any quantitative assessment, we hypothesized that glycemic and CGM outcomes achieved by the iLet might be independent of the frequency of user interaction with the device. We tested this by capturing the swipe-to-unlock frequency from 324 participants in the BPPT over the 13-week intervention period as well as from 3,295 iLet users in the commercial setting who had baseline HbA1c data available, uploaded at least three weeks worth of CGM data to the Beta Bionics cloud, and had device-interaction data available. These data were analyzed using linear regression to assess if correlations existed between user interaction with the iLet (as measured by the swipe-to-unlock frequency) and CGM outcomes.
Analysis and Results
Correlations were quantified with the R2 correlation coefficient, which is an indicator for how strongly correlated two metrics are (such as between average number of swipes to unlock and GMI). An R2 correlation coefficient of 1 represents a perfect one-to-one correlation and an R2 correlation coefficient of 0 represents no correlation. In both the BPPT and the commercial settings, the R2 correlation coefficients associated with the linear regression analysis between the average GMI on iLet therapy and the average daily number of swipes to unlock the screen were <0.01 across both adults and children (see Figure 16 below). In addition to GMI, CGM-measured hypoglycemia on the iLet appeared to be nearly independent of the average daily swipes to unlock the iLet (see Figure 16).
Figure 16. R2 Correlation Coefficients Between Average Daily Swipes to Unlock the iLet and CGM Outcomes
R2 correlation coefficients between average daily swipes to unlock the iLet and each of GMI and time spent with CGM level <54 mg/dL are shown for adults (≥18 years old) and children (<18 years old) from the iLet BPPT and from iLet usage in the commercial setting. The mean GMI and the median time spent with CGM levels <54 mg/dL on iLet therapy for the BPPT participants and iLet users in the commercial setting are shown in italics under the correlation coefficients.
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The bar chart in Figure 17 below also shows that, regardless of engagement level, adults and children in both the commercial and BPPT setting achieved similar GMI levels relative to disparate levels of baseline HbA1c.
Figure 17. Change from Baseline HbA1c to Mean GMI on the iLet
Change from baseline HbA1c to mean GMI on the iLet for 216 adults (≥18 years old) in the BPPT (top left), 108 children (<18 years old) in the BPPT (bottom left), 2,755 adults in the commercial setting (top right), and 540 children in the commercial setting (bottom right). Low engagement (lowest decile) users are shown in blue, intermediate engagement users in purple, and high engagement (highest decile) users are shown in green.
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Conclusion
The quality of glycemic control achieved by the iLet, measured in terms of GMI, TIR, or hypoglycemia, is virtually independent of the frequency of user interaction. The users who were least engaged during iLet usage had the highest HbA1c on average before starting iLet therapy, and those who were most engaged during iLet usage had the lowest baseline HbA1c on average before starting iLet therapy. Therefore, we believe that those who were least engaged on iLet therapy were similarly disengaged with their baseline method of diabetes management. We believe this behavior speaks to the iLets ability to eliminate nearly all disparities in glycemic control that arise from user engagement with diabetes management. So, in addition to the iLet being nearly agnostic to insulin modality, socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic demographics, it also appears to be similarly agnostic to user interaction.
Commercial Strategy
To fully realize the opportunity presented by the iLet, we have developed an integrated commercial and overall corporate strategy to drive adoption across the T1D population, establish and maintain customer loyalty through customer service and education programs, maximize profitability through a disciplined, capital-efficient approach to cost management and reinvestment, and maintain our long-term competitive position with continuous innovation.
We are promoting sales of the iLet through our internal sales organization, initially focusing direct sales efforts on high-volume endocrinology practices located within geographic territories defined by the sites of our pivotal clinical trial. We optimize these efforts with an internal customer support team and supplement them with strategic marketing initiatives. We believe that initially focusing on endocrinologists will facilitate their experience with the iLet and encourage them to become advocates for our solution.
We also intend, over time, to target the larger, but more dispersed, PCP market. These generalist physicians treat approximately 50% of the T1D population in the United States but do so among a broader PWD base. We believe iLets aforementioned core value proposition of marrying effective glycemic control with the simplicity of use that is brought about by adaptive closed-loop algorithm insulin dose determination may resonate particularly well among PCP who do not possess the subspecialty-level of expertise, the resources, or the clinical bandwidth that is needed to initiate insulin-pump therapy or hybrid closed-loop therapy or for the continual demand (such as adjustments at quarterly visits) those systems place on clinical practices in follow-on care.
The key elements of our commercialization strategy are:
| | Identify: We have developed a target customer profile of those PWD whose glycemic control is either equivalent to or worse than guideline levels who would prefer a more hands-off approach to their daily disease management. |
| | Attract: We have 43 field sales teams divided into geographic territories that will engage in direct physician marketing and education campaigns to raise awareness of the iLet among PWD and high-prescribing caregivers. |
| | Fulfill: We have a system to integrate lead capture, ordering, manufacturing, distribution, and returns for iLet, streamlining these processes for both PWD and caregivers. |
| | Educate: We offer comprehensive education and training programs to both PWD and HCPs to ensure that all iLet users are trained by a certified trainer and have the resources needed to answer any questions they may have about the device or its user experience. |
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| | Support: We offer comprehensive, 24/7 technical support to assist both PWD and HCPs during device initialization and throughout its lifetime, with a goal of answering 90% of calls within the first 30 seconds of receiving them. |
| | Retain: We utilize both direct and social media communication strategies to build the iLet community of users, caregivers, and KOLs and use feedback from this community to continuously upgrade both current and future device generations. |
Multi-Channel Coverage and Reimbursement Strategy
To maximize access to the iLet within the T1D population and flexibility for PWD in choosing their device, advantageous coverage, and reimbursement terms, we are pursuing a multi-channel coverage and reimbursement strategy. We are working with payors to establish coverage and reimbursement under both the DME and PBP channels as we believe that this strategy increases access and optimizes the potential for better medical outcomes for PWD through the adoption of the iLet.
The majority of durable insulin pumps have traditionally been reimbursed by both private and government payors through the DME channel. The iLet currently enjoys DME reimbursement with third-party payors covering a portion of the current T1D population.
Third-party payors that cover the iLet through the DME channel typically require a large, upfront payment (in the thousands of dollars). Under the DME channel, the PWDs medical insurance will not provide reimbursement for an additional durable pump until the four year warranty period of the device has expired. This channel ensures the broad availability of pumps but places potentially significant financial constraints on PWDs ability to access the improved outcomes provided by innovative technology. For PWD of certain socioeconomic backgrounds, the size of the upfront payment is often beyond their means, and, for most PWD, the typical four-year commitment may deter them from immediately adopting any innovative device that emerges within four years of their prior selection. However, this model does mean that each year, a large number of existing, commercially insured pump users may obtain coverage for a new insulin pump upon the expiration of their warranty period, which allows us to present these existing pump users with the opportunity to switch to the iLet.
As an alternative to covering insulin pumps through the DME channel, certain payors allow their members to access insulin pump technology under their PBP coverage. This structure, which follows a pay as you go model, eliminates the need for a large upfront payment and removes time-based constraints on accessing new technologies or switching pumps. However, the PBP channel does require higher payments by the insurance carrier for the purchase of single-use products required to use the iLet over the expected life of the iLet, which we generally expect to be four years. Payors have demonstrated a willingness to absorb these potentially higher costs on behalf of their T1D members to subsidize higher pump utilization, which can improve overall disease management, reduce long-term morbidity and mortality, and decrease total lifetime costs per member.
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Figure 18. Benefits of Pharmacy Pay-As-You-Go
We are pursuing our multi-channel coverage and reimbursement strategy by negotiating with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and payors to expand PBP coverage and reimbursement for the iLet from their provider. We believe that as PWD experience the quality of life and disease management benefits of iLet, they will have a sufficiently high probability of long-duration utilization to offset the potential risk of short-term discontinuation associated with this model. Over time, we expect sales through the PBP channel will have a more favorable economic impact on our financial results over the lifetime of the iLet. We have contracts with PBMs covering a portion of people with T1D in the United States.
Streamlined and Efficient Manufacturing and Quality Control
Both the iLet and our ready-to-fill insulin cartridges are assembled from readily available standardized components that require minimal customization and are centrally manufactured at our facilities in Irvine, California. Any potential future upgrades to the iLets functionality, we believe, will be enabled by innovative refinements to our proprietary algorithms without the need for fundamental alterations to the iLets form factor, components, or manufacturing processes. We believe our utilization of a standardized bill of materials provides us with insulation from component shortages and is designed to enable us to efficiently scale our production levels to accommodate our material anticipated increases in iLet demand.
Our standards-based model also provides us with numerous benefits to our per-unit cost structure, which may allow us to achieve higher gross margins than have been previously attained at launch by other insulin pumps within our industry. Among these benefits are the ability to achieve competitive pricing by actively sourcing from multiple vendors, the avoidance of costly alterations or customizations to either the iLet or to our manufacturing facilities, and full utilization of the depreciable life span of our manufacturing equipment. By assembling and testing our subassemblies and products in-house, we believe we can also maintain high quality control, ensure compliance with applicable regulatory standards and our internal specifications, and limit outside access to our proprietary technology.
We occupy and set up production at our leased Hughes building located in Irvine, California. This 50,000 square foot facility includes 11,500 square feet of warehouse and production space. The iLet is assembled via manual and semi-automated equipment, while cartridge production and packaging utilize industry standard automation. We anticipate that our current annual manufacturing capacity at the Hughes building is sufficient to fulfill our internally projected demand for at least the next 12 months.
We are subject to and maintain compliance with ISO manufacturing standards, including ISO 13485 certification, current good manufacturing practices (cGMP), and the relevant Quality System Regulation
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requirements. Our manufacturing operations are led by a team whose members have extensive experience in the commercial manufacture of medical devices, including other technological advances in diabetes treatment.
Product Development Pipeline and Future Initiatives
Patch Pump
We are in the early stages of developing an insulin pump that is designed to adhere directly to the skin and administer insulin without the need for tubing, commonly known in the diabetes industry as a patch pump. Our patch pump features a two-component design: a durable part that contains the electronics and motor and a disposable part that includes the insulin reservoir, adhesive, insertion device, and cannula. This design is intended to enable efficient manufacturing and provide a convenient pump-change experience. Our patch pump is intended to unlock a new pool of PWD who are looking to receive the many benefits of the iLet, but prefer the patch pump form factor. We are initially focused on T1D but plan to expand to T2D.
We have currently designed a prototype of the patch pump and, following product development, we plan to seek FDA 510(k) clearance for the patch pump in T1D and T2D. We believe patch pump will require 510(k) clearance as an alternate controller enabled pump (ACE pump) prior to commercialization and that clinical trials will not be required for an ACE pump 510(k) clearance. The iLet algorithm, which the patch pump will leverage, has already obtained a 510(k) clearance as an interoperable automated glycemic controller (iAGC). Subject to receiving 510(k) clearance for our patch pump, we expect to launch our patch pump commercially using our existing iLet iAGC algorithm by the end of 2027.
Bihormonal iLet
The iLet is designed and configured to potentially administer both insulin and glucagon, the hormone responsible for maintaining minimum BG levels, with adaptive closed-loop algorithms where all doses of both hormones are autonomously determined. We believe this bihormonal capability could offer a meaningful additional benefit to PWD, as it would allow the active raising of glycemic levels when they fall too low, in addition to the iLets existing capability of actively lowering glycemic levels when they elevate too high. Currently, there are no commercially available automated devices to raise BG when it is too low, and many people living with T1D live with an ever-present fear of hypoglycemia.
Hypoglycemia, if untreated, can lead to a range of acute medical complications, including tissue and organ damage, seizures, and coma, and death. Analysis of hospital admission code data has shown that hypoglycemic episodes are responsible for over half of all emergency room visits by PWD each year, despite their relatively low frequency. According to the ADA and the National Institutes of Health, approximately 25-40% of people living with T1D can also be classified as hypo unaware, a condition that prevents them from sensing a pending hypoglycemic event and puts them at increased risk for suffering a severe hypoglycemic episode without warning. Due to these primary risks and other secondary risks, such as losing consciousness while driving an automobile, many people living with T1D tend to live with perpetual fear of a severe hypoglycemic episode. These fears can reduce quality of life, as they may lead to a restriction of otherwise necessary and beneficial activities like exercise in order to avoid the risk of a catastrophic hypoglycemic episode.
In six pre-pivotal outpatient clinical trials conducted from 2012 to 2017, we observed participants utilizing our bihormonal configuration to achieve reduced hypoglycemia and increased TIR relative to both standard-of-care treatment and our insulin-only bionic pancreas configuration. Prior to conducting clinical trials with the new glucagon formulation, we plan to evaluate the compatability of glucagon for pumping, and whether its concentration in the body is consistent with our expectations. If these evaluations are successful, we plan to initiate at least one pre-pivotal clinical trial and a pivotal clinical trial before submitting the device and algorithm to the FDA for 510(k) clearance as well as submit an NDA seeking approval for the pump compatible glucagon for chronic use. Glucagon is currently only approved in an acute formulation for rescue from acute
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hypoglycemia, so approval of a new drug application will be required for this chronic use glucagon, in addition to FDA clearance for the algorithm and bihormonal configuration of the iLet device, in order for the bihoromonal system to be used as we intend.
To realize the full commercial potential of this opportunity, we have signed an exclusive collaboration and license agreement with Xeris to develop and commercialize a pump-compatible glucagon formulation utilizing Xeris XeriSol technology for use in our proprietary bihormonal pump and pump systems. Under the commercial terms of the and collaboration and license agreement, we will receive all revenue from any sales of the system and glucagon, and pay Xeris a tiered, low double-digit royalty on glucagon sales.
Type 2 Diabetes
We intend to pursue expanded use of the iLet to treat people with insulin-dependent T2D, as we believe the size and composition of this population make it a compelling opportunity. We believe our planned expansion for the iLets use in T2D will require an additional 510(k) clearance. We expect we will need to conduct studies to determine the iLets applicability for T2D and in order to obtain the additional 510(k) clearance. Although we continue to analyze the timing related to this expansion, we do not currently have a specific timeline. While there are certain differences in how T2D is treated relative to T1D, these differences primarily relate to the amount and rate of insulin delivered. Among the T2D population, approximately 1.8 million require intensive insulin therapy, but fewer than 10% have adopted pump technology to date. This is based on our internal estimates factoring epidemiologic data from government and leading industry organizations such as the CDC as well as industry sales data from public filings and disclosures made by the leading device manufacturers (Medtronic, Tandem and Insulet) and aggregated by third-party data service providers. We believe these PWD, who span socioeconomic and educational levels, and their HCPs, 90% of whom are PCP, may find the iLets combination of simplicity and efficacy particularly appealing, if authorized for marketing for this use.
Competition
The medical device industry is intensely competitive, subject to rapid change, and highly sensitive to the introduction of new products, treatment techniques or technologies, and other market activities of industry participants. We primarily compete with a number of companies that manufacture and sell insulin pumps, such as Medtronic, Tandem, and Insulet. The iLet has certain characteristics that other insulin pumps manufactured by such competitors, as far as we are aware, do not currently have, such as the ability to be initialized with only the users body weight, being enabled by algorithms that determine 100% of the users insulin doses, no carb counting, an option for pay-as-you-go pharmacy reimbursement and prefilled cartridges. For more information regarding the current commercial landscape for the iLet, see section titled BusinessThe Commercial Opportunity for the iLet Bionic Pancreas to Address the Unmet Need. Outside of the insulin pump market, we face competition from a number of companies, medical researchers and pharmaceutical companies that offer or are pursuing competing delivery devices, technologies and procedures, such as prefilled insulin syringes, insulin pens and inhalable insulin products, as well as companies with approved therapeutics or in-development therapeutic candidates impacting diabetes.
Many of our competitors are either publicly-traded companies or divisions or subsidiaries of publicly-traded companies that have several competitive advantages over us, including greater market share and name recognition, greater financial and human resources for sales and marketing and product development, more well-established relationships with HCPs, customers and third-party payors, greater experience, additional lines of products with the ability to offer rebates or bundle products, and larger and more established distribution networks. In some instances, our competitors also offer products that include features that we do not currently offer. For example, Insulet offers a product with a patch form factor.
Mergers and acquisitions in the medical device industry may result in even greater resource concentration among a smaller number of competitors. Smaller or early-stage companies may also prove to be significant competitors, either alone or through collaborative arrangements with large and established companies.
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Key competitive factors affecting our success are likely to be health efficacy, safety, ease of use (including complexity and disease management burden), price, reimbursement, user retention, and ability to continue to effectively innovate.
Intellectual Property
Our success depends in substantial part on our ability to obtain, defend and enforce patents, maintain trade secrets and operate our business without infringing the proprietary rights of others, both in the United States and abroad. We rely on a combination of patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and confidentiality and invention assignment agreements to protect our intellectual property rights. We license from third parties certain patent rights and proprietary know-how that we believe to be necessary or useful to our business.
We also rely upon trade-secret protection for certain confidential and proprietary information and take active measures to control access to that information. There is also substantial proprietary know-how surrounding the iLet development and manufacturing processes that remains a trade secret, which we protect by maintaining and implementing appropriate policies and procedures for ensuring secrecy and confidentiality.
Our U.S. and foreign patents and patent applications generally relate to alternate controller enabled (ACE) insulin and bihormonal pumps, software and algorithms for modular blood glucose control systems, graphical user interfaces (GUIs) including animations and transitional GUI screens, and/or communication interfacing including disposables and wearables for connecting pumps to infusion sets. As of December 13, 2024, our owned and licensed patent estate contains approximately sixty-one (61) issued U.S. patents, twenty-five (25) pending U.S. nonprovisional patent applications, one (1) pending PCT patent applications, seventy (70) issued foreign patents (including six issued European patents and their national validations), and fifty-six (56) pending foreign patent applications. The seventy (70) issued foreign patents include one or more issued patents in jurisdictions such as Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, and Spain. The fifty-six (56) pending foreign patent applications include one or more pending applications in jurisdictions such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Europe, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. Assuming payment of all appropriate maintenance, renewal, annuity or other governmental fees, as applicable, our owned or licensed issued U.S. patents expire between 2026 and 2040.
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As set forth in tabular form below, of the 61 total U.S. issued patents in our patent estate, 20 contain one or more claims that cover the currently commercial iLet BIONIC PANCREAS system.
| Jurisdiction |
Patent Number | Expiration | Ownership | Type of Patent | ||||
| U.S. |
11,633,535 | 7/15/40 | BETA BIONICS | Utility | ||||
| U.S. |
11,571,507 | 7/15/40 | BETA BIONICS | Utility | ||||
| U.S. |
11,278,661 | 3/10/40 | BETA BIONICS | Utility | ||||
| U.S. |
11,135,365 | 7/15/40 | BETA BIONICS | Utility | ||||
| U.S. |
11,135,364 | 7/15/40 | BETA BIONICS | Utility | ||||
| U.S. |
11,135,363 | 7/15/40 | BETA BIONICS | Utility | ||||
| U.S. |
11,103,638 | 7/15/40 | BETA BIONICS | Utility | ||||
| U.S. |
D981,439 | 3/14/2038 | BETA BIONICS | Design | ||||
| U.S. |
D980,859 | 3/21/2038 | BETA BIONICS | Design | ||||
| U.S. |
D980,858 | 3/14/2038 | BETA BIONICS | Design | ||||
| U.S. |
D980,857 | 3/14/2038 | BETA BIONICS | Design | ||||
| U.S. |
D1,032,624 | 6/25/2039 | BETA BIONICS | Design | ||||
| U.S. |
D1,031,975 | 6/18/2039 | BETA BIONICS | Design | ||||
| U.S. |
D1,022,185 | 4/9/2039 | BETA BIONICS | Design | ||||
| U.S. |
US RE50075 | 1/17/36 | Licensed | Utility | ||||
| U.S. |
US RE50085 | 8/8/33 | Licensed | Utility | ||||
| U.S. |
9,833,570 | 12/25/34 | Licensed | Utility | ||||
| U.S. |
8,273,052 | 7/10/26 | Licensed | Utility | ||||
| U.S. |
7,806,854 | 6/18/26 | Licensed | Utility | ||||
| U.S. |
11,135,366 | 7/15/40 | BETA BIONICS | Utility |
Depending on circumstances, we intend to file and prosecute patent applications for our technology in jurisdictions where we believe that patent protection is available and commercially important. Generally, for investigational devices that we believe are appropriate for patent protection, we will attempt to obtain patents in the United States, as well as key markets in Europe. However, depending on circumstances, we may not apply for patents in all or any of those jurisdictions, or we may pursue patent protection elsewhere. We plan to enforce our issued patents and our rights to proprietary information and technology as circumstances permit. We review third-party patents and patent applications in our fields of endeavor, both to shape our own patent strategy and to identify useful licensing opportunities.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the patent positions of medical device companies, including our company, are uncertain and involve complex and evolving legal and factual questions. The coverage sought in a patent application can be denied or significantly reduced either before or after the patent is issued. Consequently, there can be no assurance that any of our pending patent applications will result in an issued patent. There is also no assurance that any existing or future patent will provide significant protection or commercial advantage, or that any existing or future patent will not be circumvented by a more basic patent, thus requiring us to obtain a license to produce and sell the product. Generally, patent applications can be maintained in secrecy for at least 18 months after their earliest priority date. In addition, publication of discoveries in the scientific or patent literature often lags behind actual discoveries. Therefore, we cannot be certain that we were the first to invent the subject matter covered by each of our pending U.S. patent applications or that we were the first to file either U.S. or non-U.S. patent applications for such subject matter.
If a third party files a patent application relating to an invention claimed in our patent application, we may be required to participate in an interference or derivation proceeding declared by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to determine who is entitled to the patent rights. Such a proceeding could involve substantial uncertainties and cost, even if the eventual outcome is favorable to us. There can be no assurance that our patents, if issued, would be upheld as valid in court.
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Third parties may claim that our products infringe their patents and other intellectual property rights. Some companies in the medical device industry have used intellectual property infringement litigation to gain a competitive advantage. If a competitor were to challenge our patents, licenses or other intellectual property rights, or assert that our products infringe its patent or other intellectual property rights, we could incur substantial litigation costs, be forced to make expensive changes to our product designs, license rights in order to continue manufacturing and selling our products or pay substantial damages. Third party infringement claims, regardless of their outcome, would not only consume our financial resources but also divert our managements time and effort. Such claims could also cause our customers or potential customers to defer or limit their purchase or use of the affected products until resolution of the claim.
In addition to patents, we rely on trademarks, trade secrets, and know-how relating to our proprietary technology and programs, continuing innovation, and in-licensing opportunities to develop, strengthen and maintain our proprietary position and protect our product brands. As of December 13, 2024, our trademark portfolio consists of thirteen (13) registered trademarks and eight (8) pending trademark applications. For example, our trademark portfolio includes: house marks (BETA BIONICS, stylized), product marks (iLet® bionic pancreas system) and tag-lines (DIABETES WITHOUT NUMBERS).
We rely on trade secret protection for certain unpatented aspects of other proprietary technology. There can be no assurance that others will not independently develop or otherwise acquire substantially equivalent proprietary information or techniques, that others will not gain access to our proprietary technology or disclose such technology, or that we can meaningfully protect our trade secrets. We have a policy of requiring key employees and consultants to execute confidentiality agreements upon the commencement of an employment or consulting relationship with us. Our confidentiality agreements also require our employees to assign to us all rights to any inventions made or conceived during their employment with us. We also require our consultants to assign to us any inventions made during the course of their engagement by us. There can be no assurance, however, that these agreements will provide meaningful protection or adequate remedies for us in the event of unauthorized use, transfer or disclosure of confidential information or inventions.
The laws of foreign countries generally do not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States. In addition, we may experience more difficulty enforcing our proprietary rights in certain foreign jurisdictions. We work with subject matter experts internationally, and our licensing partners to best manage foreign intellectual property matters, with their advice and consent to assure that our business and proprietary data strategies are co-extensive and consistent.
For more information regarding risks related to intellectual property, please see Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our Intellectual Property.
License and Collaboration Agreements
Device License Agreement with Boston University
In December 2015, we and BU, entered into a device license agreement, which was amended in December 2017, September 2020, February 2022 and November 2024 (collectively, the Device License Agreement). Under the Device License Agreement, we received a royalty-bearing license (with the right to sublicense) under certain of BUs patent rights related to a system and individual components thereof for delivering multiple medicaments to a patient without medicament mis-channeling to make, use, sell, and import products, and practice processes covered by the licensed patent rights (collectively, the Licensed Products and Licensed Processes). The rights granted to us by BU under the Device License Agreement are exclusive, subject to certain reserved rights, including BUs right to practice and/or use the licensed patent rights for non-profit purposes such as sponsored research and collaborations, government rights and other third party rights. Furthermore, at BUs request, we will be required to negotiate a sublicense in good faith with a third party if we are unable or unwilling to use the patent rights licensed to us under the Device License Agreement to address the
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unmet needs of neglected people or geographic areas that such party is willing and able to address. The exclusivity may be terminated by BU if we fail to meet a specified percentage of the applicable minimum royalty amount for a given calendar year. The minimum royalty amount is a non-material amount.
Pursuant to the Device License Agreement, we agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to market Licensed Products in the United States and elsewhere in the world. Additionally, we are obligated to meet certain diligence milestones under the Device License Agreement. We have satisfied all the milestones set forth under the Device License Agreement required to be achieved to date, with regulatory milestones relating to our marketing applications to the FDA remaining to be achieved in connection with our development of the Licensed Products and Licensed Processes.
In consideration for the licensed patent rights and other rights granted to us under the Device License Agreement, we issued 2,286 shares of our Class B common stock to BU, representing a specified ownership percentage on a fully diluted basis at the time of entering into the Device License Agreement, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, which have been satisfied and extinguished by the issuance of additional shares of Class B common stock. We are also required to pay (i) quarterly royalties of a mid-single-digit percentage based on net sales of all Licensed Products and Licensed Processes by us or our affiliates, (ii) quarterly royalties of a low double-digit percentage based on net sales by our sublicensees (in each case (i) and (ii), which royalties are creditable against the minimum royalty amount) and (iii) agreed to make quarterly lump sum payments of a low-double-digit percentage based on certain non-royalty sublicensing revenue received by us from our sublicensees. The foregoing payments are subject to customary increase under certain specified circumstances. We also granted BU board observer rights and agreed to bear the patent costs, including prior patent costs incurred by BU in respect of the licensed patent rights. Additionally, if we assign the Device License Agreement in connection with the sale of all or substantially all of our assets relating to the licensed patent rights, we will be required to pay BU an assignment fee to be agreed on with BU at the time of such assignment.
The Device License Agreement remains in effect for the Licensed Products and Licensed Processes on a country-by-country basis until the expiration, invalidation or termination of the last to expire, terminate, or invalidated licensed patent right, unless earlier terminated by BU. BU may terminate the Device License Agreement (i) for our uncured material breach, including our failure to meet any diligence milestone by the specified achievement date or our failure to make a payment due pursuant to the Device License Agreement, (ii) our breach of certain representations and warranties, (iii) upon our challenge of the validity of the licensed patent rights, or (iv) upon our bankruptcy or insolvency. BU may also terminate the agreement if it determines we are not diligently pursuing commercialization of the Licensed Products. We may terminate the Device License Agreement upon advance written notice to BU.
Control Algorithm License Agreement with Boston University
In December 2015, we and BU entered into a control algorithm license agreement, which was amended in December 2017, September 2020, and February 2022 (collectively, the Control Algorithm Agreement). Under the Control Algorithm Agreement, we received a royalty-bearing license (with the right to sublicense) to (i) make, use, sell, and import products, and practice processes, covered by certain of BUs patent rights related to automated control systems for treatment of T1D and similar conditions, involving monitoring and/or delivering insulin, glucagon, and glucose (collectively, the Automated Control System Technology); and (ii) use, reproduce, prepare derivative works, perform, display, and distribute all or any part of the software, source code, object code and/or related documentation, covered by certain copyright rights, and related to (a) the Automated Control System Technology and (b) the iLet control algorithm. The licenses granted by BU to us pursuant to the Control Algorithm Agreement are exclusive, subject to certain reserved rights including BU, BUs third party licensors and other not-for profit institutions rights to practice and/or use the patent rights for non-profit purposes such as sponsored research and collaborations and to permit other academic, government and not-for-profit institutions to make use of the same for educational purposes. Furthermore, at BUs request, we will be required to negotiate a sublicense in good faith with a third party if we are unable or unwilling to use the
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technology licensed to us under the Control Algorithm Agreement to address the unmet needs of neglected people or geographic areas that such third party is willing to address. The exclusivity may be terminated by BU if we fail to meet a specified percentage of the applicable minimum royalty amount for a given calendar year. The minimum royalty amount is a non-material amount. Additionally, under the Control Algorithm Agreement, we granted a perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free license back to BU with respect to the copyrights and patents covering any derivative works of the licensed software for BUs educational and academic purposes and to practice their reserved rights.
Pursuant to the Control Algorithm Agreement, we agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to market Licensed Products in the United States and elsewhere in the world.
In consideration for the licensed patent rights and other rights granted to us under the Control Algorithm Agreement, we issued 2,247 shares of our Class B common stock to BU, representing a specified ownership percentage on a fully diluted basis at the time of entering into the license agreement, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, which have been satisfied and extinguished by the issuance of additional shares of Class B common stock to BU. We are also required to pay BU (i) quarterly royalties of a mid-single-digit percentage based on net sales by us and our affiliates, (ii) royalties of a low double-digit percentage of net sales by sublicensees (in each case (i) and (ii), which royalties are creditable against the minimum royalty amount) and (iii) agreed to make quarterly lump sum payments of a low double-digit percentage of the non-royalty sublicensing revenue received by us from our sublicensees. The foregoing payments are subject to customary increase under certain specified circumstances. We also granted BU board observer rights and agreed to bear the patent costs, including prior patent costs incurred by BU in respect of the licensed patent rights. Additionally, if we undergo a change of control (as defined in the Control Algorithm Agreement) we will owe BU a one-time change of control payment of $65,000. We will also be required to pay BU an assignment fee to be agreed on with BU at the time of such assignment if we assign the Control Algorithm License Agreement in connection with the sale of all or substantially all of our assets relating to the licensed patent rights and copyright.
The Control Algorithm Agreement remains in effect (i) with respect to the patent rights for the Licensed Products and Processes, on a country-by-country basis until the expiration, invalidation or termination of the last to expire, terminate, or invalidated patent right and (ii) with respect to the copyright for the software-based products and processes for thirty (30) years from the effective date of the Control Algorithm Agreement. BU may terminate the Control Algorithm Agreement (i) for our uncured material breach, including our failure to meet a milestone our failure to make a payment due to BU pursuant to the agreement, (ii) our breach of certain representations and warranties, (iii) upon our challenge of the validity of the patent rights, or (iv) upon our bankruptcy or insolvency. BU may also terminate the Control Algorithm Agreement if it determines we are not diligently pursuing commercialization of the Automated Control System. We may terminate the Control Algorithm Agreement for any reason upon advance written notice to BU.
Collaboration and License Agreement with Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
In May 2024, we and Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Xeris), entered into a collaboration and license agreement (Collaboration and License Agreement). Under the Collaboration and License Agreement, we received a worldwide, exclusive, royalty-bearing, sublicensable license under certain patent rights and know-how related to Xeris proprietary non-aqueous formulation technology and technology developed during the collaboration (Xeris Technology) to develop and commercialize glucagon products that are reformulated using the Xeris Technology and developed by Xeris under a development plan under the Collaboration and License Agreement for use in a pump product or system for glycemic control (Glucagon Products) in the field of chronic glycemic control in diabetes mellitus, excluding single-dose, one-time use form for treatment of severe hypoglycemia and diagnostic uses (Field). We also received a worldwide, exclusive, sublicensable manufacturing license under the Xeris Technology to manufacture Glucagon Products in the Field following a future manufacturing transfer date to be agreed with Xeris and subject to a separate commercial supply agreement.
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We and Xeris will conduct certain development activities for the Glucagon Products in accordance with the mutually agreed development plan. Xeris will be responsible for the cost of completing the activities under the development plan up to a certain development stage, and we will reimburse Xeris for any later-stage or additional work required under the development plan.
We and Xeris each agree not to directly or indirectly develop, commercialize or otherwise exploit any drug product comprising glucagon or a glucagon analogue, other than a Glucagon Product, for use with a pump system in the Field worldwide for the duration of the Collaboration and License Agreement, subject to certain specified exceptions.
Pursuant to the Collaboration and License Agreement, we agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to develop and seek regulatory approval for a Glucagon Product in certain specified countries.
In consideration for the licenses and other rights granted to us under the Collaboration and License Agreement, we paid Xeris a one-time payment of $0.5 million and we will pay Xeris a one-time milestone payment of $3.0 million upon our achievement of a certain development milestone event. In addition, we are required to pay Xeris tiered royalties of low double-digit percentages based on net sales of Glucagon Products by us or our sublicensees, subject to certain customary reductions. Our obligation to pay Xeris royalties will commence, on a Glucagon Product-by-Glucagon Product and country-by-country basis, on the first commercial sale of such Glucagon Product in such country and expire on the later of (i) ten years after the first commercial sale of such Glucagon Product in such applicable country; (ii) expiration of the last valid claim of a specified patent right licensed by Xeris covering such Glucagon Product in such country; and (iii) expiration or termination or regulatory exclusivity for such Glucagon Product in the applicable country (Royalty Term).
The Collaboration and License Agreement will expire on a country-by-country and Glucagon Product-by-Glucagon Product basis upon the expiration of the Royalty Term with respect to such Glucagon Product in such country and will expire in its entirety upon the expiration of all Royalty Terms with respect to all Glucagon Products in all countries within the territory, and our licenses with respect to the Glucagon Products will automatically become fully paid-up, royalty-free, perpetual, and irrevocable. We may terminate the Collaboration and License Agreement in its entirety, or with respect to certain specified regions, on advance notice to Xeris for any or no reason. We or Xeris may terminate the Collaboration and License Agreement if the other party is in material breach of its obligations or if the other party becomes insolvent. Xeris may terminate the Collaboration and License Agreement if we commence any action or challenge regarding the scope, validity or enforceability of any of Xeris patent rights within the Xeris Technology licensed to us under the Collaboration and License Agreement.
Development and Commercial Agreements
Commercialization Agreement with DexCom, Inc.
In July 2023, we and DexCom, Inc. (DexCom), entered into a commercialization agreement (the Commercialization Agreement). Under the Commercialization Agreement, we and DexCom agreed to commercialize an AID system that is comprised of our system and DexComs G6 or G7 iCGM system (the Combined Platform), which we and DexCom developed under a separate development agreement executed in December 2016. We and DexCom will use commercially reasonable efforts to commercialize the Combined Platform in accordance with an agreed commercialization plan, in the territories specified in the commercialization plan. We and DexCom will conduct certain development activities for the Combined Platform in accordance with an agreed development plan.
We granted DexCom a non-exclusive, limited license to use certain of our trademarks in connection with commercialization of the Combined Platform under the Commercialization Agreement. DexCom granted us (a) a non-exclusive, limited license to use the specifications and communication protocol integrating our system
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with DexComs G6 and G7 iCGM devices and (b) a non-exclusive, limited license to use certain of DexComs trademarks, in each case (a) and (b), in connection with the development and commercialization of the Combined System. On termination of the Commercialization Agreement, each partys license will terminate, subject to any wind down period. We and DexCom also granted each other limited licenses to use certain data generated by the others devices in the Combined System.
Unless earlier terminated, the Commercialization Agreement remains in effect for three years from the date of First Commercial Launch of the Combined Platform, after which it renews for successive one-year periods. Either party may terminate the Commercialization Agreement on written notice to the other party prior to the expiration of the initial term or any renewal term. We or DexCom may also terminate the Commercialization Agreement (i) in the event of any infringement of a third partys intellectual property rights by the terminating partys system, and the terminating party is unable to modify its system to be non-infringing or upon certain events relating to intellectual property matters, (ii) for the other partys uncured material breach, or (iii) if the other party becomes insolvent. DexCom may terminate the Commercialization Agreement in certain circumstances if we are acquired.
Development and Commercialization Agreement with Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
In April 2024, we and Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. (Abbott), entered into a development and commercialization agreement (Development and Commercialization Agreement). Under the Development and Commercialization Agreement, we and Abbott agree to develop and commercialize an automated insulin delivery system comprised of our subcutaneous insulin infusion delivery system combined with Abbotts CGM sensor (Libre-Beta System).
Under the Development and Commercialization Agreement, we and Abbott agreed to jointly prepare a development plan setting forth each partys responsibilities in developing the Libre-Beta System in the United States. We are responsible for all development and clinical trials for the Libre-Beta System, and Abbott is responsible for all development for the continuous glucose monitoring system. We and Abbott agreed to jointly develop a regulatory plan for the Libre-Beta System, setting out the regulatory activities to be performed by each party. We and Abbott also agreed to jointly prepare a commercialization plan for the Libre-Beta System to launch the Libre-Beta System in the United States.
Abbott granted us a non-exclusive, limited license under Abbotts existing background intellectual property and any intellectual property developed solely by Abbott under the Development and Commercialization Agreement for us to perform our obligations under the Development and Commercialization Agreement. Abbott also granted us a non-exclusive, limited license to use Abbotts trademarks for the sole purposes of developing and marketing the Libre-Beta System.
We granted Abbott a non-exclusive, limited license under our existing background intellectual property and any intellectual property developed solely by us under the Development and Commercialization Agreement for Abbott to perform its obligations under the Development and Commercialization Agreement. We also granted Abbott a non-exclusive, limited license to use our trademarks for the sole purposes of developing the Libre-Beta System and marketing the continuous glucose monitoring system for use with the Libre-Beta System.
If the Development and Commercialization Agreement terminates prior to the first commercial sale of a Libre-Beta System, the foregoing licenses will terminate upon termination of the Development and Commercialization Agreement. If the Development and Commercialization Agreement terminates after the first commercial sale of a Libre-Beta System, such licenses will continue for a defined period following such termination in order to provide continued access and support to users of the Libre-Beta System.
The Development and Commercialization Agreement remains in effect for a five-year term, after which it will renew for successive two-year periods. We or Abbott may terminate the Development and Commercialization Agreement on prior written notice to the other party at any time after a defined period
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following the first commercial sale of the Libre-Beta System in the United States. We or Abbott may also terminate the Development and Commercialization Agreement (i) for the other partys material breach, (ii) upon the other partys bankruptcy or insolvency, or (iii) if the other party is acquired by or merges with any one of certain named competitors. In addition, if the first commercial sale of the Libre-Beta System has not occurred by a specified date, then either party may terminate the Development and Commercialization Agreement on written notice to the other party.
Government Regulation and Product Approval
Our products and operations are subject to extensive regulation by the FDA, and other federal and state authorities in the United States, as well as comparable authorities and bodies in foreign jurisdictions. Our products are subject to regulation as drugs and medical devices in the United States under the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), as implemented and enforced by the FDA.
FDA Regulation of Medical Devices
The FDA and other U.S. and foreign governmental agencies regulate, among other things, with respect to medical devices to ensure medical devices distributed in the United States are safe and effective for their intended uses and otherwise meet the requirements of the FDCA:
| | product design, development and manufacturing; |
| | pre-clinical and clinical testing, labeling, content and language of instructions for use and storage; |
| | product safety; |
| | marketing, sales and distribution; |
| | pre-market clearance or approval; |
| | record keeping procedures; |
| | advertising and promotion; |
| | recalls and field safety corrective actions; |
| | post-market surveillance, including reporting of deaths or serious injuries and malfunctions that, if they were to recur, could lead to death or serious injury; |
| | post-market approval studies; and |
| | product import and export. |
FDA Pre-Market Clearance and Approval Requirements
Each medical device we seek to commercially distribute in the United States must first receive 510(k) clearance, de novo classification, or approval of a pre-market approval (PMA) application from the FDA, unless specifically exempted. Both the 510(k) clearance and PMA processes can be resource intensive, expensive and lengthy, and require payment of significant user fees, unless an exemption is available.
The FDA classifies medical devices into one of three classesClass I, Class II or Class IIIdepending on the degree of risk associated with each medical device and the extent of manufacturer and regulatory control needed to ensure its safety and effectiveness. Class I includes devices with the lowest risk to the patient and are
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those for which safety and effectiveness can be assured by adherence to the FDAs General Controls for medical devices, which include compliance with the applicable portions of the Quality System Regulation (QSR), facility registration and product listing, reporting of adverse medical events and certain device malfunctions (known as medical device reporting (MDR), and truthful and non-misleading labeling, advertising, and promotional materials. Class II devices are subject to the FDAs General Controls, and special controls as deemed necessary by the FDA to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the device. These special controls can include performance standards, post-market surveillance, patient registries and additional conditions set forth in FDA guidance documents. While most Class I devices are exempt from the 510(k) pre-market notification requirement, manufacturers of most Class II devices are required to submit to the FDA a pre-market notification under Section 510(k) of the FDCA requesting permission to commercially distribute the device. The FDAs permission to commercially distribute a device subject to a 510(k) pre-market notification is generally known as 510(k) clearance. Devices deemed by the FDA to pose the greatest risks, such as life-sustaining, life-supporting or some implantable devices are placed in Class III, requiring approval of a PMA application. Some pre-amendment devices are unclassified but are subject to the FDAs pre-market notification and clearance process in order to be commercially distributed. Novel devices that have not yet been classified are automatically classified as Class III and are subject to the PMA approval process, except that such novel devices that are low to moderate risk may obtain marketing authorization through the de novo classification process rather than the PMA process. Our currently commercialized iLet is comprised of hardware and software devices, which are classified as Class II.
The FDA has established three different classification regulations for components of glycemic control systems. These regulations establish the classification (and thus the regulatory path to market), as well as the requirements, such as special controls, to which such components must adhere. These classification regulations govern: (1) the alternate controller enabled insulin infusion pump (ACE) insulin pump; (2) the interoperable automated glycemic controller (iAGC); and (3) the iCGM, each of which is determined by the FDA to be Class II.
The FDA defines an ACE insulin pump as a device intended for the infusion of insulin into a patient. The ACE pump may include basal and bolus drug delivery at set or variable rates. ACE pumps are designed to reliably and securely communicate with external devices, such as automated insulin dosing systems, to allow drug delivery commands to be received, executed, and confirmed. ACE insulin pumps are intended to be used both alone and in conjunction with digitally connected medical devices for the purpose of insulin delivery.
The FDA defines an iAGC as a device intended to automatically calculate drug doses based on inputs such as glucose and other relevant physiological parameters, and to command the delivery of such drug doses from a connected infusion pump. iAGCs are designed to reliably and securely communicate with digitally connected devices to allow drug delivery commands to be sent, received, executed, and confirmed. iAGCs are intended to be used in conjunction with digitally connected devices for the purpose of maintaining glycemic control.
The FDA defines an iCGM as a system intended to automatically measure glucose in bodily fluids continuously or frequently for a specified period of time. iCGM systems are designed to reliably and securely transmit glucose measurement data to digitally connected devices, including automated insulin dosing systems, and are intended to be used alone or in conjunction with these digitally connected medical devices for the purpose of managing a disease or condition related to glycemic control.
The iLet pumping platform is cleared by FDA as an ACE insulin pump. Our proprietary automated dosing algorithms embedded within the iLet are cleared by FDA as an iAGC. Our partners iCGM makes up the third Class II component of our automated glycemic control system.
510(k) Clearance Process
To obtain 510(k) clearance, a manufacturer must submit a pre-market notification to the FDA demonstrating that the proposed device is substantially equivalent to a previously-cleared 510(k) device, a device that was in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976 for which the FDA has not yet called for the submission
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of PMA applications, or is a device that has been reclassified from Class III to either Class II or I. In rare cases, Class III devices may be cleared through the 510(k) process. The FDAs 510(k) clearance process usually takes from three to 12 months from the date the application is submitted and filed with the FDA, but may take significantly longer, particularly for a novel type of product. Although many 510(k) pre-market notifications are cleared without clinical data, in some cases, the FDA requires significant clinical data to support substantial equivalence. In reviewing a pre-market notification submission, the FDA may request additional information, including clinical data, which may significantly prolong the review process.
If the FDA agrees that the device is substantially equivalent to a predicate device currently on the market, it will grant 510(k) clearance to commercially market the device. If the FDA determines that the device is not substantially equivalent to a previously cleared device, the device is automatically designated as a Class III device. The device sponsor must then fulfill more rigorous PMA requirements, or can request a risk-based classification determination for the device in accordance with the de novo classification process, which is a route to market for novel medical devices that are low to moderate risk and are not substantially equivalent to a predicate device. Once a de novo application is reviewed and approved, it results in the device having a Class II status and future devices from the company or a competitor may use the companys de novo-classified device as a 510(k) predicate.
After a device receives 510(k) clearance, any subsequent modification of the device that could significantly affect its safety or effectiveness, or that would constitute a major change in its intended use, will require a new 510(k) clearance or could require a PMA. The FDA requires each manufacturer to make this determination initially, but the FDA may review any such decision and may disagree with a manufacturers determination. If the FDA disagrees with a manufacturers determination, the FDA may require the manufacturer to cease marketing and/or recall the modified device until 510(k) clearance or approval of a PMA is obtained. Under these circumstances, the FDA may also subject a manufacturer to significant regulatory fines or other penalties.
Over the last several years, the FDA has proposed reforms to its 510(k) clearance process, and such proposals could include increased requirements for clinical data and a longer review period, or could make it more difficult and costly for manufacturers to utilize the 510(k) clearance process for their products.
De Novo Classification Process
Devices of a new type that FDA has not previously classified based on risk are automatically classified into Class III, regardless of the level of risk they pose. However, the FDA may authorize such novel devices that are low- to moderate-risk through the de novo classification process. A medical device may be eligible for de novo classification if the manufacturer first submitted a 510(k) premarket notification and received a determination from the FDA that the device was not substantially equivalent or a manufacturer may request de novo classification directly without first submitting a 510(k) premarket notification to the FDA and receiving a not substantially equivalent determination. The FDA is required to classify the device within 120 days following receipt of the de novo application, although in practice, the FDAs review may take significantly longer.
When FDA grants a request for de novo classification, the device is granted marketing authorization and can serve as a predicate for future devices of that type, through a 510(k) premarket notification.
Pre-market Approval Process
A PMA application must be submitted and approved prior to marketing if the medical device is in Class III (although the FDA has the discretion to continue to allow certain pre-amendment Class III devices to use the 510(k) process) or cannot be cleared through the 510(k) process. A PMA application must be supported by, among other things, extensive technical, preclinical, and clinical trials, as well as manufacturing and labeling data to demonstrate to the FDAs satisfaction the safety and effectiveness of the device.
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After a PMA application is submitted and found to be sufficiently complete, the FDA begins an in-depth review of the submitted information. During this review period, the FDA may request additional information or clarification of information already provided. In addition, an advisory panel of experts from outside the FDA may be convened to review and evaluate the application and recommend to the FDA whether, or upon what conditions, the device should be approved. Although the FDA is not bound by the advisory panel decision, the panels recommendation is important to the FDAs overall decision-making process. Further, the FDA generally will conduct a pre-approval inspection of the manufacturing facility(ies) to evaluate compliance with QSR, which requires manufacturers to implement and follow design, testing, control, documentation and other quality assurance procedures.
FDA review of a PMA application typically takes one to three years but could take longer. The review time is often significantly extended as a result of the FDA asking for additional information or clarification of information already provided.
If an FDA evaluation of a PMA application is favorable, the FDA may issue either an approval letter, or approvable letter, which usually contains a number of conditions that must be met in order to secure final approval of the PMA. When and if those conditions have been fulfilled to the satisfaction of the FDA, the agency will issue a PMA approval letter authorizing commercial marketing of a device, subject to the conditions of approval and the limitations established in the approval letter. If the FDAs evaluation of a PMA application or manufacturing facility(ies) is not favorable, the FDA will deny approval of the PMA or issue a not-approvable letter. The FDA also may determine that additional tests or clinical trials are necessary, in which case the PMA approval may be delayed for several months or years while the trials are conducted and data is submitted in an amendment to the PMA. The PMA process can be expensive, uncertain and lengthy and a number of devices for which FDA approval has been sought by other companies have never been approved by the FDA for marketing.
New PMA applications or PMA supplements may be required for modifications to the manufacturing process, indications, labeling, device specifications, materials or design of a device that has been approved through the PMA process. PMA supplements often require submission of the same type of information as an initial PMA application, except that the supplement is limited to information needed to support any changes from the device covered by the approved PMA application and may or may not require as extensive technical or clinical data or the convening of an advisory panel. The FDA uses the same procedures and actions in reviewing PMA supplements as it does in reviewing original PMAs.
Exempt Devices
If a manufacturers device falls into a generic category of Class I or Class II devices that FDA has exempted by regulation, a premarket notification is not required before marketing the device in the United States. Manufacturers of such devices are required to register their establishments and list their devices. Some 510(k)-exempt devices are also exempt from QSR requirements, except for the QSRs complaint handling and recordkeeping requirements.
Regulation of Combination Products in the United States
Certain products may be comprised of components, such as drug components and device components, that would normally be regulated under different types of regulatory authorities, and frequently by different centers at the FDA. These products are known as combination products. Specifically, under regulations issued by the FDA, a combination product may be:
| | a product comprised of two or more regulated components that are physically, chemically, or otherwise combined or mixed and produced as a single entity; |
| | two or more separate products packaged together in a single package or as a unit and comprised of drug and device products, device and biological products, or biological and drug products; |
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| | a drug, or device, or biological product packaged separately that according to its investigational plan or proposed labeling is intended for use only with an approved individually specified drug, or device, or biological product where both are required to achieve the intended use, indication, or effect and where upon approval of the proposed product the labeling of the approved product would need to be changed, e.g., to reflect a change in intended use, dosage form, strength, route of administration, or significant change in dose; or |
| | any investigational drug, or device, or biological product packaged separately that according to its proposed labeling is for use only with another individually specified investigational drug, device, or biological product where both are required to achieve the intended use, indication, or effect. |
Under the FDCA and its implementing regulations, the FDA is charged with assigning a center with primary jurisdiction, or a lead center, for review of a combination product. The designation of a lead center generally eliminates the need to receive approvals from more than one FDA component for combination products, although it does not preclude consultations by the lead center with other components of FDA. The determination of which center will be the lead center is based on the primary mode of action of the combination product. Thus, if the primary mode of action of a drug-device combination product is attributable to the device product, the FDA center responsible for premarket review of the device product would have primary jurisdiction for the combination product. The FDA has also established an Office of Combination Products to address issues surrounding combination products and provide more certainty to the regulatory review process. That office serves as a focal point for combination product issues for agency reviewers and industry. It is also responsible for developing guidance and regulations to clarify the regulation of combination products, and for assignment of the FDA center that has primary jurisdiction for review of combination products where the jurisdiction is unclear or in dispute.
A combination product with a device primary mode of action generally would be reviewed and cleared or approved pursuant to the device review processes under the FDCA. In reviewing the PMA, 510(k), or De Novo request for such a product, however, FDA reviewers in the device center could consult with their counterparts in the drug center to ensure that the drug component of the combination product met applicable requirements regarding safety and effectiveness. In addition, under FDA regulations, combination products are subject to cGMP requirements applicable to both drugs and devices, including the QSR applicable to medical devices.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are almost always required to support a PMA or de novo classification and are sometimes required to support a 510(k) submission. All clinical investigations of devices to determine safety and effectiveness must be conducted in accordance with the FDAs investigational device exemption (IDE) regulations, which govern investigational device labeling, prohibit promotion of the investigational device, and specify an array of recordkeeping, reporting and monitoring responsibilities of study sponsors and study investigators. If the device presents a significant risk to human health, as defined by the FDA, the FDA requires the device sponsor to submit an IDE application to the FDA, which must become effective prior to commencing human clinical trials. A significant risk device is one that presents a potential for serious risk to the health, safety or welfare of a patient and either is implanted, used in supporting or sustaining human life, substantially important in diagnosing, curing, mitigating or treating disease or otherwise preventing impairment of human health, or otherwise presents a potential for serious risk to a subject. An IDE application must be supported by appropriate data, such as animal and laboratory test results, showing that it is safe to test the device in humans and that the testing protocol is scientifically sound. The IDE will automatically become effective 30 days after receipt by the FDA unless the FDA notifies the company that the investigation may not begin. If the FDA determines that there are deficiencies or other concerns with an IDE for which it requires modification, the FDA may permit a clinical trial to proceed under a conditional approval.
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In addition, the study must be approved by, and conducted under the oversight of, an Institutional Review Board (IRB) for each clinical site. The IRB is responsible for the initial and continuing review of the IDE, and may impose additional requirements for the conduct of the study. If an IDE application is approved by the FDA and one or more IRBs, human clinical trials may begin at a specific number of investigational sites with a specific number of patients, as approved by the FDA. If the device presents a non-significant risk to the patient, a sponsor may begin the clinical trial after obtaining approval for the trial by one or more IRBs without separate approval from the FDA, but must still follow abbreviated IDE requirements, such as monitoring the investigation, ensuring that the investigators obtain informed consent, and labeling and record-keeping requirements. An IDE supplement must be submitted to, and approved by, the FDA before a sponsor or investigator may make a change to the investigational plan that may affect its scientific soundness, study plan or the rights, safety or welfare of human subjects.
During a study, the sponsor is required to comply with the applicable FDA requirements, including, for example, trial monitoring, selecting clinical investigators and providing them with the investigational plan, ensuring IRB review, adverse event reporting, record keeping and prohibitions on the promotion of investigational devices or on making safety or effectiveness claims for them. The clinical investigators in the clinical study are also subject to FDAs regulations and must obtain patient informed consent, rigorously follow the investigational plan and study protocol, control the disposition of the investigational device, and comply with all reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Additionally, after a trial begins, the sponsor, the FDA or the IRB could suspend or terminate a clinical trial at any time for various reasons, including a belief that the risks to study subjects outweigh the anticipated benefits.
Although the QSR does not fully apply to investigational devices, the requirement for controls on design and development does apply. The sponsor also must manufacture the investigational device in conformity with the quality controls described in the IDE application and any conditions of IDE approval that FDA may impose with respect to manufacturing.
Investigational devices may only be distributed for use in an investigation and must bear a label with the statement: CAUTIONInvestigational device. Limited by Federal law to investigational use.
Sponsors of certain clinical trials of medical devices are required to register with clinicaltrials.gov, a public database of clinical trial information, and disclose certain clinical trial information. Information related to the product, patient population, phase of investigation, study sites and investigators, and other aspects of the clinical trial is made public as part of the registration. Sponsors are also obligated to disclose the results of these trials after completion. Disclosure of the results of these trials can be delayed until the product being studied has been approved or cleared. Competitors may use this publicly available information to gain knowledge regarding the design and progress of our development programs.
Expedited Development and Review Programs
Following passage of the 21st Century Cures Act, the FDA implemented the Breakthrough Devices Program, which is a voluntary program offered to manufacturers of certain medical devices and device-led combination products that may provide for more effective treatment or diagnosis of life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating diseases or conditions. The goal of the program is to provide patients and health care providers with more timely access to qualifying devices by expediting their development, assessment and review, while preserving the statutory standards for PMA approval, 510(k) clearance and de novo classification.
The program is available to medical devices that meet certain eligibility criteria, including that the device provides more effective treatment or diagnosis of life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating diseases or conditions, and that the device meets one of the following criteria: (i) the device represents a breakthrough technology, (ii) no approved or cleared alternatives exist, (iii) the device offers significant advantages over existing approved or cleared alternatives, or (iv) the availability of the device is in the best interest of patients.
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Breakthrough Device designation provides certain benefits to device developers, including more interactive and timely communications with FDA staff, use of post-market data collection, when scientifically appropriate, to facilitate expedited and efficient development and review of the device, opportunities for efficient and flexible clinical study design, and prioritized review of premarket submissions.
Post-Market Regulation of Medical Devices
After a medical device is placed on the market, numerous FDA regulatory requirements apply, including, but not limited to the following:
| | the QSR, which requires manufacturers to follow design, testing, control, documentation and other quality assurance procedures during the manufacturing process; |
| | establishment registration, which requires establishments involved in the production and distribution of medical devices, intended for commercial distribution in the United States, to register with the FDA; |
| | medical device listing, which requires manufacturers to list the devices they have in commercial distribution with the FDA; |
| | clearance or approval of product modifications to 510(k)-cleared devices that could significantly affect safety or effectiveness or that would constitute a major change in intended use; |
| | medical device reporting regulations, which require that a manufacturer report to the FDA if a device it markets may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury, or has malfunctioned and the device or a similar device that it markets would be likely to cause or contribute to a death or serious injury, if the malfunction were to recur; |
| | correction, removal and recall reporting regulations, which require that manufacturers report to the FDA field corrections and product recalls or removals if undertaken to reduce a risk to health posed by the device or to remedy a violation of the FDCA that may present a risk to health; |
| | complying with federal law and regulations requiring Unique Device Identifiers (UDI) on devices and also requiring the submission of certain information about each device to the FDAs Global Unique Device Identification Database; |
| | the FDAs recall authority, whereby the agency can order device manufacturers to recall from the market a product that is in violation of governing laws and regulations; |
| | labeling regulations, which prohibit misbranded devices from entering the market, as well as prohibit the promotion of products for unapproved or off-label uses and impose other restrictions on labeling; and |
| | post-market surveillance regulations, which apply when necessary to protect the public health or to provide additional safety and effectiveness data for the device. |
The manufacturing processes are required to comply with the applicable portions of the FDAs QSR that covers the methods and the facilities and controls for the design, manufacture, testing, production, processes, controls, quality assurance, labeling, packaging, distribution, installation, and servicing of finished devices intended for human use. In February 2024, the FDA issued the Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR) Final Rule to amend the QSR, incorporating by reference the international standard for medical device quality
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management systems set by the ISO, ISO 13485:2016. The rule will become effective on February 2, 2026. Until then, manufacturers are required to comply with the QSR.
The FDA has broad post-market and regulatory enforcement powers. Medical device manufacturers are subject to unannounced inspections by the FDA and other state, local and foreign regulatory authorities to assess compliance with the QSR and other applicable regulations, and these inspections may include the manufacturing facilities of any suppliers.
Failure to comply with applicable regulatory requirements may result in enforcement or other adverse action by the FDA, which may include one or more of the following sanctions:
| | untitled letters or warning letters; |
| | customer notifications for repair, replacement or refunds; |
| | fines, injunctions, consent decrees and civil penalties; |
| | mandatory recall or seizure; |
| | administrative detention or bans; |
| | operating restrictions, partial suspension or total shutdown of production; |
| | refusing requests for or denying 510(k) clearance or PMA of new product versions; |
| | revocation of 510(k) clearance or PMAs previously granted; |
| | reclassification of a marketed device; and |
| | criminal prosecution and penalties. |
Advertising and promotion of medical devices, in addition to being regulated by the FDA, are also regulated by the Federal Trade Commission depending on the type of device and by state regulatory and enforcement authorities. Promotional activities for FDA-regulated products of other companies have been the subject of enforcement action brought under healthcare reimbursement laws and consumer protection statutes.
Furthermore, under the federal U.S. Lanham Act and similar state laws, competitors and others can initiate litigation relating to advertising claims. In addition, we are required to meet regulatory requirements in countries outside the United States, which can change rapidly with relatively short notice.
FDA Regulation of Drug Products
In the U.S., pharmaceutical products are subject to extensive regulation by the FDA. The FDCA and other federal and state statutes and regulations, govern, among other things, the research, development, testing, manufacture, storage, recordkeeping, approval, labeling, promotion and marketing, distribution, post-approval monitoring and reporting, sampling, and import and export of pharmaceutical products. Failure to comply with applicable U.S. requirements may subject a company to a variety of administrative or judicial sanctions, such as clinical hold, FDA refusal to approve pending new drug applications (NDAs) warning or untitled letters, product recalls, product seizures, total or partial suspension of production or distribution, injunctions, fines, civil penalties, and criminal prosecution.
Pharmaceutical product development for a new product or certain changes to an approved product in the U.S. typically involves nonclinical laboratory and animal tests, the submission to the FDA of an investigational new drug application (IND), which must become effective before clinical testing may commence, and adequate
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and well-controlled clinical trials to establish the safety and effectiveness of the drug for each indication for which FDA approval is sought. Satisfaction of FDA pre-market approval requirements typically take many years and the actual time required may vary substantially based upon the type, complexity, and novelty of the product or disease.
A 30-day waiting period after the submission of each IND is required prior to the commencement of clinical testing in humans. If the FDA has not issued a clinical hold within this 30-day period, the clinical trial may begin. Clinical trials involve the administration of the investigational drug to healthy volunteers or patients under the supervision of a qualified investigator. Clinical trials must be conducted: (i) in compliance with federal regulations; (ii) in compliance with GCP, an international standard meant to protect the rights and health of patients and to define the roles of clinical trial sponsors, administrators, and monitors; and (iii) under protocols detailing the objectives of the trial and the criteria to be evaluated. Each protocol involving testing on U.S. patients and subsequent protocol amendments must be submitted to the FDA as part of the IND.
The FDA may order the temporary or permanent discontinuation of a clinical trial at any time or impose other sanctions if it believes that the clinical trial either is not being conducted in accordance with FDA regulations or presents an unacceptable risk to the clinical trial patients. Imposition of a clinical hold may be full or partial. The study protocol and informed consent information for patients in clinical trials must also be submitted to an IRB for approval. The IRB will also monitor the clinical trial until completed. An IRB may also require the clinical trial at the site to be halted, either temporarily or permanently, for failure to comply with the IRBs requirements, or may impose other conditions.
Clinical trials to support NDAs for marketing approval are typically conducted in three sequential phases, but the phases may overlap. In Phase 1, the initial introduction of the drug into patients, the product is tested to assess safety, dosage tolerance, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, pharmacological actions, side effects associated with drug exposure, and to obtain early evidence of a treatment effect if possible. Phase 2 usually involves trials in a limited patient population to determine the effectiveness of the drug for a particular indication, determine optimal dose and regimen, and to identify common adverse effects and safety risks. If a drug demonstrates evidence of effectiveness and an acceptable safety profile in Phase 2 evaluations, Phase 3 trials are undertaken to obtain additional information about clinical effects and confirm efficacy and safety in a larger number of patients, typically at geographically dispersed clinical trial sites, to permit the FDA to evaluate the overall benefit-risk relationship of the drug and to provide adequate information for the labeling of the product. In most cases, the FDA requires two adequate and well-controlled Phase 3 clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the drug. In rare instances, a single Phase 3 trial may be sufficient when either (1) the trial is a large, multicenter trial demonstrating internal consistency and a statistically very persuasive finding of a clinically meaningful effect on mortality, irreversible morbidity or prevention of a disease with a potentially serious outcome and confirmation of the result in a second trial would be practically or ethically impossible or (2) the single trial is supported by confirmatory evidence.
After completion of the required clinical testing, an NDA is prepared and submitted to the FDA. FDA approval of the NDA is required before marketing and distribution of the product may begin in the U.S. The NDA must include the results of all nonclinical, clinical, and other testing and a compilation of data relating to the products pharmacology, chemistry, manufacture, and controls. The cost of preparing and submitting an NDA is substantial. The submission of most NDAs is additionally subject to a substantial application user fee unless a waiver applies. Under an approved NDA, the applicant is also subject to an annual program fee. These fees typically increase annually. The FDA has 60 days from its receipt of an NDA to determine whether the application will be filed based on the FDAs determination that it is sufficiently complete to permit substantive review. Once the submission is filed, the FDA begins an in-depth review. The FDA has agreed to certain performance goals to complete the review of NDAs. Most applications are classified as Standard Review products that are reviewed within ten months of the date the FDA files the NDA; most applications classified as Priority Review are reviewed within six months of the date the FDA files the NDA. An NDA can be classified for Priority Review when the FDA determines the drug has the potential to treat a serious or life-threatening
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condition and, if approved, would be a significant improvement in safety or effectiveness compared to available therapies. The review process for both standard and priority reviews may be extended by the FDA for three or more additional months to consider certain late-submitted information or information intended to clarify information already provided in the NDA submission. Most innovative drug products (other than biological products) obtain FDA marketing approval pursuant to an NDA submitted under Section 505(b)(1) of the FDCA, commonly referred to as a traditional or full NDA. In 1984, with passage of the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act, informally known as the Hatch-Waxman Act, that established an abbreviated regulatory scheme authorizing the FDA to approve generic drugs based on an innovator or reference product, Congress also enacted Section 505(b)(2) of the FDCA, which provides a hybrid pathway combining features of a traditional NDA and a generic drug application. Section 505(b)(2) enables the applicant to rely, in part, on the FDAs prior findings of safety and efficacy data for an existing approved product, or published literature, in support of its application. Section 505(b)(2) NDAs may provide an alternate path to FDA approval for new or improved formulations or new uses of previously approved products that would require new clinical data to demonstrate safety or effectiveness. Section 505(b)(2) permits the filing of an NDA in which the applicant relies, at least in part, on information from studies made to show whether a drug is safe or effective that were not conducted by or for the applicant and for which the applicant has not obtained a right of reference or use. A Section 505(b)(2) applicant may eliminate or reduce the need to conduct certain preclinical or clinical studies, if it can establish that reliance on studies conducted for a previously approved product is scientifically appropriate. The FDA may also require companies to perform additional studies or measurements, including nonclinical and clinical studies, to support the change from the approved product. The FDA may then approve the new product for all or some of the labeled indications for which the referenced product has been approved, as well as for any new indication for which the Section 505(b)(2) NDA applicant has submitted data.
Before approving an NDA, the FDA will typically inspect one or more clinical sites to assure compliance with GCP. Additionally, the FDA will inspect the facility or the facilities at which the drug is manufactured. The FDA will not approve the product unless compliance with cGMP is satisfactory and the NDA contains data that provide evidence that the drug is safe and effective in the indication studied.
After the FDA evaluates the NDA and completes any clinical and manufacturing site inspections, it issues either an approval letter or a complete response letter. A complete response letter generally outlines the deficiencies in the NDA submission and may require substantial additional testing, or information, in order for the FDA to reconsider the application for approval. If, or when, those deficiencies have been addressed to the FDAs satisfaction in a resubmission of the NDA, the FDA will issue an approval letter. The FDA has committed to reviewing such resubmissions in two or six months depending on the type of information included. An approval letter authorizes commercial marketing and distribution of the drug with specific prescribing information for specific indications. As a condition of NDA approval, the FDA may require a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) to help ensure that the benefits of the drug outweigh the potential risks to patients. A REMS can include medication guides, communication plans for healthcare professionals, and elements to assure safe use (ETASU). An ETASU can include, but is not limited to, special training or certification for prescribing or dispensing the product, dispensing the product only under certain circumstances, special monitoring, and the use of patient-specific registries. The requirement for a REMS can materially affect the potential market and profitability of the product. Moreover, the FDA may require substantial post-approval testing and surveillance to monitor the products safety or efficacy.
Once granted, product approvals may be withdrawn if compliance with regulatory standards is not maintained or problems are identified following initial marketing. Changes to some of the conditions established in an approved NDA, including changes in indications, product labeling, or manufacturing processes or facilities, require submission and FDA approval of a new NDA or supplement to an approved NDA, before the change can
be implemented. An NDA supplement for a new indication typically requires clinical data similar to that in the
original application, and the FDA uses the same procedures and actions in reviewing NDA supplements as it does in reviewing original NDAs.
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Post-Approval Requirements
Once an NDA is approved, a product will be subject to certain post-approval requirements. For instance, the FDA closely regulates the post-approval marketing and promotion of drugs, including direct-to-consumer advertising, off-label promotion, industry-sponsored scientific and educational activities and promotional activities involving the Internet. Drugs may be marketed only for the approved indications and in accordance with the provisions of the approved labeling. The FDA and other agencies actively enforce the laws and regulations prohibiting the promotion of off-label uses, and a company that is found to have improperly promoted off-label uses may be subject to significant liability, including investigation by federal and state authorities.
Adverse event reporting and submission of periodic safety summary reports is required following FDA approval of an NDA. The FDA also may require post-marketing testing, known as Phase 4 testing, REMS, and surveillance to monitor the effects of an approved product, or the FDA may place conditions on an approval that could restrict the distribution or use of the product. In addition, quality control, drug manufacture, packaging, and labeling procedures must continue to conform to cGMPs after approval. Drug manufacturers and certain of their subcontractors are required to register their establishments with the FDA and certain state agencies. Registration with the FDA subjects entities to periodic unannounced inspections by the FDA, during which the agency inspects a drugs manufacturing facilities to assess compliance with cGMPs. Accordingly, manufacturers must continue to expend time, money, and effort in the areas of production and quality-control to maintain compliance with cGMPs. Regulatory authorities may withdraw product approvals or request product recalls if a company fails to comply with required regulatory standards, if it encounters problems following initial marketing, or if previously unrecognized problems are subsequently discovered.
Regulatory Exclusivity and Approval of Follow-on Products
Hatch-Waxman Exclusivity
In addition to enacting Section 505(b)(2) of the FDCA as part of the Hatch-Waxman Amendments to the FDCA, Congress also established an abbreviated regulatory scheme authorizing the FDA to approve generic drugs that are shown to contain the same active ingredients as, and to be bioequivalent to, drugs previously approved by the FDA pursuant to NDAs. To obtain approval of a generic drug, an applicant must submit an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) to the agency. An ANDA is a comprehensive submission that contains, among other things, data and information pertaining to the active pharmaceutical ingredient, bioequivalence, drug product formulation, specifications and stability of the generic drug, as well as analytical methods, manufacturing process validation data and quality control procedures. ANDAs are abbreviated because they cannot include preclinical and clinical data to demonstrate safety and effectiveness. Instead, in support of such applications, a generic manufacturer must rely on the preclinical and clinical testing previously conducted for a drug product previously approved under an NDA, known as the reference listed drug (RLD).
In order for an ANDA to be approved, the FDA must find that the generic version is identical to the RLD with respect to the active ingredients, the route of administration, the dosage form, the strength of the drug and the conditions of use of the drug. At the same time, the FDA must also determine that the generic drug is bioequivalent to the innovator drug. Under the statute, a generic drug is bioequivalent to an RLD if the rate and extent of absorption of the drug do not show a significant difference from the rate and extent of absorption of the listed drug. Unlike the 505(b)(2) NDA pathway that permits a follow-on applicant to conduct and submit data from additional clinical trials or nonclinical studies in order to support the proposed change(s) to the reference product, the ANDA regulatory pathway does not allow applicants to submit new clinical data other than bioavailability or bioequivalence data.
Upon approval of an ANDA, the FDA indicates whether the generic product is therapeutically equivalent to the RLD in its publication Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations, also referred to as the Orange Book. Physicians and pharmacists consider a therapeutic equivalent generic drug
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to be fully substitutable for the RLD. In addition, by operation of certain state laws and numerous health insurance programs, the FDAs designation of therapeutic equivalence often results in substitution of the generic drug without the knowledge or consent of either the prescribing physician or patient.
As part of the NDA review and approval process, applicants are required to list with the FDA each patent that has claims that cover the applicants product or method of therapeutic use. Upon approval of a new drug, each of the patents listed in the application for the drug is then published in the Orange Book. Drugs listed in the Orange Book can, in turn, be cited by potential follow-on competitors in support of approval of an ANDA or 505(b)(2) NDA.
When an ANDA applicant submits its application to the FDA, it is required to certify to the FDA concerning any patents listed for the reference product in the FDAs Orange Book. Specifically, the applicant must certify that: (i) the required patent information has not been filed; (ii) the listed patent has expired; (iii) the listed patent has not expired but will expire on a particular date and approval is sought after patent expiration; or (iv) the listed patent is invalid or will not be infringed by the new product. Moreover, to the extent that the Section 505(b)(2) NDA applicant is relying on studies conducted for an already approved product, the applicant also is required to certify to the FDA concerning any patents listed for the NDA-approved product in the Orange Book to the same extent that an ANDA applicant would.
If the follow-on applicant does not challenge the innovators listed patents, the FDA will not approve the ANDA or 505(b)(2) application until all the listed patents claiming the referenced product have expired. A certification that the new product will not infringe the already approved products listed patents, or that such patents are invalid, is called a Paragraph IV certification. If the follow-on applicant has provided a Paragraph IV certification to the FDA, the applicant must also send notice of the Paragraph IV certification to the NDA and patent holders once the ANDA has been accepted for filing by the FDA. The NDA and patent holders may then initiate a patent infringement lawsuit in response to the notice of the Paragraph IV certification. The filing of a patent infringement lawsuit within 45 days of the receipt of a Paragraph IV certification automatically prevents the FDA from approving the ANDA or 505(b)(2) NDA until the earlier of 30 months, expiration of the patent, settlement of the lawsuit, or a decision in the infringement case that is favorable to the ANDA or 505(b)(2) applicant.
An ANDA or 505(b)(2) application also will not be approved until any applicable non-patent exclusivities listed in the Orange Book for the referenced product have expired. The Hatch-Waxman Amendments to the FDCA provided a five-year period of non-patent data exclusivity within the United States to the first applicant to gain approval of an NDA for a new chemical entity (NCE). For the purposes of this provision, an NCE is a drug that contains no active moiety that has previously been approved by the FDA in any other NDA. An active moiety is the molecule or ion responsible for the physiological or pharmacological action of the drug substance. In cases where such NCE exclusivity has been granted, an ANDA or 505(b)(2) NDA may not be filed with the FDA until the expiration of five years unless the submission is accompanied by a Paragraph IV certification, in which case the applicant may submit its application four years following the original product approval.
The FDCA also provides for a period of three years of data exclusivity if an NDA or NDA supplement includes reports of one or more new clinical investigations, other than bioavailability or bioequivalence studies, that were conducted or sponsored by the applicant are deemed by the FDA to be essential to the approval of the application. This three-year exclusivity period often protects changes to a previously approved drug product, such as new indications, dosage forms, route of administration or combination of ingredients. Three-year exclusivity would be available for a drug product that contains a previously approved active moiety, provided the statutory requirement for a new clinical investigation is satisfied. Unlike five-year NCE exclusivity, an award of three-year exclusivity does not block the FDA from accepting ANDAs or 505(b)(2) NDAs seeking approval for generic versions of the drug as of the date of approval of the original drug product; rather, this three-year
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exclusivity covers only the conditions of use associated with the new clinical investigations and, as a general matter, does not prohibit the FDA from approving follow-on applications for drugs containing the original active ingredient.
Five-year and three-year exclusivity also will not delay the submission or approval of a traditional NDA filed under Section 505(b)(1) of the FDCA; however, an applicant submitting a traditional NDA would be required to conduct or obtain a right of reference to all of the preclinical studies and adequate and well-controlled clinical trials necessary to demonstrate safety and effectiveness.
Patent Term Extension
A patent claiming a prescription drug for which FDA approval is granted may be eligible for a limited patent term extension under the FDCA, which permits a patent restoration of up to five years for patent term lost during product development and the FDA regulatory review provided that certain statutory and regulatory requirements are met. The length of the patent term extension is related to the length of time the drug is under regulatory review while the patent is in force. The restoration period granted on a patent covering a new FDA-regulated medical product is typically one-half the time between the date a clinical investigation on human beings is begun and the submission date of an application for premarket approval of the product, plus the time between the submission date of an application for approval of the product and the ultimate approval date. However, the restoration period can be reduced for any time the FDA determines that the applicant did not diligently pursue approval. In addition, patent term restoration cannot be used to extend the remaining term of a patent past a total of 14 years from the products approval date. Only one patent applicable to an approved drug product is eligible for the extension, only those claims covering the approved product, a method for using it, or a method for manufacturing it may be extended, and the application for the extension must be submitted prior to the expiration of the patent in question. A patent that covers multiple products for which approval is sought can only be extended in connection with one of the marketing approvals. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) reviews and approves the application for any patent term extension or restoration in consultation with the FDA. However, the USPTO may not grant an extension because of, for example, failing to exercise due diligence during the testing phase or regulatory review process, failing to apply within applicable deadlines, failing to apply prior to expiration of relevant patents or otherwise failing to satisfy applicable requirements. Moreover, the applicable time period or the scope of patent protection afforded could be less than requested.
Foreign Government Regulation
The regulatory review processes for medical devices and drugs varies from country to country, and many countries also impose product standards, packaging requirements, environmental requirements, labeling requirements and import restrictions on devices. Each country has its own tariff regulations, duties, and tax requirements. Failure to comply with applicable foreign regulatory requirements may subject a company to fines, suspension or withdrawal of regulatory approvals, product recalls, seizure of products, operating restrictions, criminal prosecution or other consequences.
Other Healthcare Laws
Our current and future business activities are subject to healthcare regulation and enforcement by the federal government and the states and foreign governments in which we conduct our business. These laws include, without limitation, state and federal anti-kickback, fraud and abuse, false claims and healthcare professional payment transparency laws and regulations.
The federal Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) prohibits, among other things, any person or entity from knowingly and willfully offering, soliciting, receiving or providing remuneration, directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind, to induce either the referral of an individual, for an item or service or the purchasing, leasing, ordering, or arranging for or recommending the purchase, lease or order of any good,
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facility, item or service, for which payment may be made, in whole or in part, under federal healthcare programs such as the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Although there are a number of statutory exceptions and regulatory safe harbors protecting some common activities from prosecution, the exceptions and safe harbors are drawn narrowly. Practices that involve remuneration that may be alleged to be intended to induce prescribing, purchases or recommendations may be subject to scrutiny if they do not qualify for an exception or safe harbor. Failure to meet all of the requirements of a particular applicable statutory exception or regulatory safe harbor does not make the conduct per se illegal under the AKS. Instead, the legality of the arrangement will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis based on a cumulative review of all its facts and circumstances. Several courts have interpreted the statutes intent requirement to mean that if any one purpose of an arrangement involving remuneration is to induce referrals of federal healthcare covered business, the AKS has been violated. In addition, a person or entity does not need to have actual knowledge of this statute or specific intent to violate it to have committed a violation.
Additionally, the civil False Claims Act (FCA) prohibits, among other things, knowingly presenting or causing the presentation of a false or fraudulent claim for payment to, or approval by, the U.S. government. In addition to actions initiated by the government itself, the statute authorizes actions to be brought on behalf of the federal government by a private party having knowledge of the alleged fraud. Because the complaint is initially filed under seal, the action may be pending for some time before the defendant is even aware of the action. If the government intervenes and is ultimately successful in obtaining redress in the matter, or if the plaintiff succeeds in obtaining redress without the governments involvement, then the plaintiff will receive a percentage of the recovery. The federal government is using the FCA, and the accompanying threat of significant liability, in its investigation and prosecution of life sciences companies throughout the country, for example, in connection with the promotion of products for unapproved uses and other sales and marketing practices. In addition, the government may assert that a claim including items or services resulting from a violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute constitutes a false or fraudulent claim for purposes of the civil FCA. The government has obtained multi-million and multi-billion dollar settlements under the FCA in addition to individual criminal convictions under applicable criminal statutes. Given the significant size of actual and potential settlements, it is expected that the government will continue to devote substantial resources to investigating healthcare providers and manufacturers compliance with applicable fraud and abuse laws.
The civil monetary penalties statute imposes penalties against any person or entity that, among other things, is determined to have presented or caused to be presented a claim to a federal health program that the person knows or should know is for an item or service that was not provided as claimed or is false or fraudulent.
The majority of states also have analogous laws which establish similar prohibitions and, in some cases, may apply to items or services reimbursed by any third-party payor, including commercial insurers.
HIPAA created new federal criminal statutes that prohibit, among other actions, knowingly and willfully executing, or attempting to execute, a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program, including private third-party payors, and knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing or covering up a material fact or making any materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statement in connection with the delivery of or payment for healthcare benefits, items or services. Like the AKS, a person or entity no longer needs to have actual knowledge of the statute or specific intent to violate it to have committed a violation.
HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) and their respective implementing regulations, which impose, among other things, requirements on certain covered HCPs, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses and their respective business associates that perform services for them that involve the use, or disclosure of, individually identifiable health information as well as their covered subcontractors, relating to the privacy, security and transmission of individually identifiable health information without appropriate authorization. HITECH also created new tiers of civil monetary penalties, amended HIPAA to make civil and criminal penalties directly applicable to business associates, and gave state
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attorneys general new authority to file civil actions for damages or injunctions in federal courts to enforce the federal HIPAA laws and seek attorneys fees and costs associated with pursuing federal civil actions.
The Physician Payments Sunshine Act, enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and its implementing regulations, also imposed annual reporting requirements on manufacturers of certain devices, drugs and biologics for payments available under Medicare, Medicaid or the Childrens Health Insurance Program (with certain exceptions) and other transfers of value to physicians (defined to include doctors, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists and chiropractors), certain other healthcare professionals (such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners), and teaching hospitals; as well as ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members.
Finally, there are analogous state and foreign laws and regulations, such as state and foreign laws that require device manufacturers to report information related to payments and other transfers of value to physicians and other HCPs, marketing expenditures or product pricing; state and local laws that require the registration of medical device sales representatives; state and foreign laws governing the privacy and security of health information in certain circumstances, many of which differ from each other in significant ways and often are not preempted by HIPAA, thus complicating compliance efforts; and state and foreign laws governing the privacy and security of health information in certain circumstances, many of which differ from each other in significant ways and often are not preempted by HIPAA, thus complicating compliance efforts.
The shifting commercial compliance environment and the need to build and maintain robust and expandable systems to comply with different compliance and/or reporting requirements in multiple jurisdictions increase the possibility that a healthcare company may violate one or more of the requirements. If our future operations are found to be in violation of any of such laws or any other governmental regulations that apply to us, we may be subject to significant penalties, including, without limitation, administrative civil and criminal penalties, damages, fines, imprisonment, the curtailment or restructuring of our operations, additional reporting and oversight obligations, exclusion from participation in federal and state healthcare programs and imprisonment.
United States Health Reform
The United States and some foreign jurisdictions have enacted or are considering a number of health reform measures to change the healthcare system in ways that could affect our ability to sell our products profitably. Among policy makers and payors in the United States and elsewhere, there is significant interest in promoting changes in healthcare systems with the stated goals of containing healthcare costs, improving quality or expanding access.
The implementation of the ACA in the United States, for example, has changed healthcare financing and delivery by both governmental and private insurers substantially, and affected medical device manufacturers significantly. There have been executive, judicial and congressional challenges, and a number of health reform measures by the Biden administration that have impacted certain aspects of the ACA. For example, on August 16, 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) into law, which among other things, extends enhanced subsidies for individuals purchasing health insurance coverage in Affordable Care Act marketplaces through plan year 2025. It is possible that the ACA and the IRA will be subject to additional challenges in the future.
We believe that there will continue to be proposals by legislators at both the federal and state levels, regulators and third-party payors to reduce costs while expanding individual healthcare benefits. Certain of these changes could impose additional limitations on the rates we will be able to charge for our current and future products or the amounts of reimbursement available for our current and future products from governmental agencies or third-party payors. Current and future healthcare reform legislation and policies could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
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Coverage and Reimbursement
In the United States and markets in other countries, patients who are provided medical treatment for their conditions generally rely on third-party payors to reimburse all or part of the costs associated with their treatment. Adequate coverage and reimbursement from governmental healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, and commercial payors are critical to new device acceptance.
Government authorities and third-party payors, such as private health insurers and health maintenance organizations, decide which drugs and devices they will cover and the amount of reimbursement. Coverage may be more limited than the purposes for which the drug or device is approved by the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities. In the United States, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), determines whether and to what extent a new drug or device will be covered and reimbursed under Medicare and private payors tend to follow CMS to a substantial degree. However, no uniform policy of coverage and reimbursement for products exists among third-party payors. Coverage and reimbursement by a third-party payor may depend upon a number of factors, including the third-party payors determination that use of a product is:
| | a covered benefit under its health plan; |
| | safe, effective and medically necessary; |
| | appropriate for the specific patient; |
| | cost-effective; and |
| | neither experimental nor investigational. |
As a result, obtaining coverage and reimbursement approval of a product from a government or other third-party payor is a time-consuming and costly process that could require us to provide to each payor supporting scientific, clinical and cost-effectiveness data for the use of our products on a payor-by-payor basis, with no assurance that coverage and adequate reimbursement will be obtained. Even if we obtain coverage for the iLet, in either configuration for T1D or other indications, the resulting reimbursement payment rates might not be adequate for us to maintain pricing sufficient to achieve or sustain profitability or may require co-payments that patients find unacceptably high. Additionally, third-party payors may not cover, or provide adequate reimbursement for, long-term follow-up evaluations. It is also possible that CMS and other third-party payors may continue to review and modify the current coverage and reimbursement of diabetes-related products in connection with anticipated changes to the regulatory approval process for insulin pumps and related products, software applications and services. Patients are unlikely to use our devices, once approved, unless coverage is provided and reimbursement is adequate to cover a significant portion of their cost. Because the iLet may have a higher cost of goods than conventional therapies, and may require long-term follow up evaluations, coverage and reimbursement rates may be inadequate for us to achieve profitability. Moreover, increasing efforts by governmental and third-party payors in the United States and abroad to cap or reduce healthcare costs may cause such organizations to limit both coverage and the level of reimbursement for newly approved products. Further, it is possible that some third-party payors will not offer any coverage for iLet or our future products. For instance, it is possible that third-party payors may adopt policies in the future that designate one or more of our competitors as their preferred, in-network provider of insulin pumps and that such policies would discourage or prohibit the payors members from purchasing our products, which would adversely impact our ability to sell the iLet.
We are pursuing a multi-channel managed care strategy through both traditional DME and PBP channels. If covered, the iLet is typically reimbursed through traditional medical benefit channels. As a medical device company, reimbursement from government and/or commercial third-party healthcare payors, including
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Medicare and Medicaid, is an important element of our success. Our product is eligible for Medicare coverage as DME under Medicare Part B. Coverage criteria for DME is determined by CMS under national coverage determinations as well as by local Medicare Administrative Contractors under local coverage determinations. Therefore, Medicare reimbursement for the iLet is subject to various coverage conditions. We are also offering the iLet through the PBP channel. However, the commercial opportunity in the PBP channel may be limited unless a substantial portion of the sales price for the iLet is covered by third-party payors, including private insurance companies, health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, federal and state government healthcare agencies, intermediaries, Medicare, Medicaid and other managed care providers. Medicare Part D plan sponsors may provide coverage for iLet under the Medicare Part D prescription drug program, which requires negotiating with third-party payors in order to provide iLet through the PBP channel in the United States. Securing and retaining adequate coverage or reimbursement for the iLet and our future products by third-party payors, and expedient processing approvals by those payors, is necessary for sales and the health of our business, financial condition and operating results.
Data Privacy and Security Laws
In the ordinary course of our business, we may process personal or sensitive data. Accordingly, we are or may become, subject to numerous data privacy and security obligations, including federal, state, local, and foreign laws, regulations, guidance, and industry standards related to data privacy, security, and protection. Such obligations may include, without limitation, the Federal Trade Commission Act, the TCPA, COPPA, the CANSPAM, the CCPA, and Washingtons MHMD. Several states within the United States have enacted or proposed data privacy laws. For example, Virginia passed the Consumer Data Protection Act, and Colorado passed the Colorado Privacy Act. Additionally, we are, or may become, subject to various U.S. federal and state consumer protection laws which require us to publish statements that accurately and fairly describe how we handle personal data and choices individuals may have about the way we handle their personal data.
The CCPA and other similar privacy laws described herein are examples of the increasingly stringent and evolving regulatory frameworks related to personal data processing that may increase our compliance obligations and exposure for any noncompliance. For example, the CCPA imposes obligations on covered businesses to provide specific disclosures related to a businesss collecting, using, and disclosing personal data and to respond to certain requests from California residents related to their personal data (for example, requests to know of the businesss personal data processing activities, to delete the individuals personal data, and to opt out of certain personal data disclosures). Also, the CCPA provides for civil penalties and a private right of action for data breaches which may include an award of statutory damages. In addition, the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020 (CPRA) amended the CCPA effective as of January 1, 2023 by, among other things, giving California residents the ability to limit use of certain sensitive personal data, establishing restrictions on personal data retention, expanding the types of data breaches that are subject to the CCPAs private right of action, and establishing a new California Privacy Protection Agency to implement and enforce the new law.
U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) prohibits U.S. corporations and their representatives from directly or indirectly offering, promising, authorizing or making corrupt payments, gifts or transfers to any foreign government official, government staff member, political party or political candidate in an attempt to obtain or retain business. The scope of the FCPA would include interactions with certain healthcare professionals in many countries.
Facilities
Our principal office is located in Irvine, California, where we lease approximately 50,000 square feet of office, laboratory and manufacturing space. We sublease additional corporate offices in San Diego, California that consist of approximately 6,300 square feet of office space. We also lease corporate offices in Concord,
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Massachusetts that consist of approximately 13,000 square feet of office space. The lease for our office, laboratory and manufacturing space in Irvine, California expires in May 2027, the sublease for our office in San Diego, California expires in June 2032, and the lease for our office in Concord, Massachusetts expires in May 2026. We believe that our facilities are adequate for our current needs and that suitable additional or substitute space would be available if needed.
Employees and Human Capital Resources
As of September 30, 2024, we had 279 full-time employees and three part-time employees. None of our employees are represented by a labor union or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Our human capital resources objectives include identifying, recruiting, retaining, incentivizing and integrating our existing and new employees, advisors and consultants. We have not experienced any work stoppages as a result of labor disputes or strikes. We have built a strong and positive workplace culture and we pride ourselves on maintaining good relationships with our employees. All our employees enjoy a range of benefits including company-matching 401(k) contributions, participation in our incentive stock option incentive program and our payment of health insurance premiums for both the employee and the employees family.
Environmental Matters
Our research and development and manufacturing processes involve the controlled use of hazardous materials, including flammables, toxics, corrosives and biologics. Our research operations produce hazardous biological and chemical waste products. We seek to comply with applicable laws regarding the handling and disposal of such materials. Given the small volume of such materials used or generated at our facilities, we do not expect our compliance efforts to have a material effect on our capital expenditures, earnings and competitive position. However, we cannot eliminate the risk of accidental contamination or discharge and any resultant injury from these materials. We do not currently maintain separate environmental liability coverage and any such contamination or discharge could result in significant cost to us in penalties, damages and suspension of our operations.
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we may become involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. There are currently no claims or actions pending against us, the ultimate disposition of which we believe could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Regardless of outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on us because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources and other factors.
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The following table sets forth certain information for our executive officers and directors as of December 13, 2024:
| Name |
Age | Position(s) | ||||
| Executive Officers |
||||||
| Sean Saint |
49 | Chief Executive Officer and Director | ||||
| Stephen Feider |
35 | Chief Financial Officer | ||||
| Mike Mensinger |
47 | Chief Product Officer | ||||
| Steven Russell, M.D., Ph.D. |
56 | Chief Medical Officer | ||||
| Mark Hopman |
46 | Chief Commercial Officer | ||||
| Edward Damiano, Ph.D.(4) |
60 | Executive Chairman | ||||
| Non-Employee Directors |
||||||
| Amanda Black(5) |
33 | Director | ||||
| Sean Carney |
55 | Director | ||||
| James Parker Cassidy(5) |
51 | Director | ||||
| Dan Dearen |
62 | Director | ||||
| Westley Dupray(5) |
30 | Director | ||||
| Gilad Glick(4) |
51 | Director | ||||
| Christy Jones(6) |
63 | Director Nominee | ||||
| Lennox Ketner |
47 | Director | ||||
| Adam Lezack |
45 | Director | ||||
| Maria Palasis, Ph.D.(6) |
59 | Director Nominee | ||||
| (1) | Member of the audit committee. |
| (2) | Member of the compensation committee. |
| (3) | Member of the nominating and corporate governance committee. |
| (4) | Dr. Damiano, Mr. Glick and Ms. Ketner have notified us that they each intend to resign from our board of directors effective as of immediately prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. |
| (5) | Ms. Black, Mr. Cassidy and Mr. Dupray have notified us that they each intend to resign from our board of directors effective as of immediately prior to the public filing of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part (the Resignations). |
| (6) | Ms. Jones and Dr. Palasis will become members of our board of directors effective as of immediately after the Resignations and prior to the public filing of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part (the Appointments). |
Executive Officers
Sean Saint has served as our Chief Executive Officer and a member of our board of directors since August 2022. Mr. Saint co-founded Luna Diabetes, a private company focused on automated insulin delivery for multiple daily injection users and has served as a member of its board of directors since January 2021. From January 2014 to September 2020, Mr. Saint served as Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Companion Medical, Inc., a medical device company in the diabetes industry, leading the development and launch of the companys InPen, a smart insulin pen for diabetes patients, and the acquisition of the company by Medtronic in 2020. He continued to serve as Vice President of Companion Medical at Medtronic through August 2021. From July 2009 to January 2014, Mr. Saint served as Director of Mechanical Engineering and Advanced Technology at Tandem Diabetes Care, a medical device manufacturer, leading the design and implementation of a pumping mechanism for insulin infusion therapy. From August 2007 to February 2009, Mr. Saint served as Co-Founder and Vice President of Research and Development at Alure Medical, a medical developer, leading the hiring efforts of the engineering and regulatory teams, implementing a clinical trial and receiving 510(k) clearance from the FDA for the companys devices. Prior to that, from October 2003 to August 2007, Mr. Saint worked as Engineering Manager at Dexcom, a public company focused on continuous glucose monitoring systems for diabetes management, managing the development of a short-term transcutaneous sensor and an in-hospital IV-based glucose monitor. Mr. Saint received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and minor in Computer Science from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. Mr. Saint is also a certified Professional Engineer in California. We believe that Mr. Saints extensive experience in the diabetes industry qualifies him to serve on our board of directors.
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Stephen Feider has served as our Chief Financial Officer since August 2022. Previously, Mr. Feider worked at Medtronic, serving as Diabetes Finance Director from September 2020 to August 2022, and at Companion Medical (acquired by Medtronic), serving as Vice President of Finance from April 2019 to September 2020. Prior to joining Medtronic, Mr. Feider served as Corporate Controller at Marathon Health, a provider of employer population health solutions, from January 2014 to April 2019. From August 2012 to December 2013, Mr. Feider worked as a Certified Public Accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Mr. Feider received his B.A. and Masters degree in Accountancy from Butler University.
Mike Mensinger has served as our Chief Product Officer since August 2023. Previously, Mr. Mensinger co-founded Companion Medical, Inc. (acquired by Medtronic) and served as Chief Technology Officer from April 2017 to August 2023 and as Vice President, Research and Development from September 2020 to July 2023, where he led the research and development of the companys InPen, a smart insulin pen for diabetes patients. Prior to co-founding Companion Medical, Inc., Mr. Mensinger worked at Dexcom, holding various roles of increasing responsibility, including Engineering Manager from December 2003 to October 2011, Program Manager from September 2011 to March 2012, Senior Mobile and PC Software Development Manager from January 2012 to March 2014 and Director of Software Engineering from March 2014 to April 2017. Mr. Mensinger received his B.S. in Computer and Software Engineering from the University of Delaware.
Steven Russell, M.D., Ph.D. has served as our Chief Medical Officer since November 2022. Dr. Russell has served as Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School since December 2017 and previously served as Assistant Professor of Medicine from April 2012 to November 2017. His research focuses on the development and testing of technologies to improve diabetes management. Dr. Russell has also served as Attending Physician at the Massachusetts General Hospital, focusing on managing diabetes in outpatient and inpatient settings, since July 2006. Dr. Russell was the principal clinical investigator of a collaboration between Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston University to develop a wearable automated blood glucose control system for diabetes patients. Dr. Russell received his B.S. in Biochemistry from Trinity University and his M.D. and Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. He completed both his residency in internal medicine and fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at the Massachusetts General Hospital and his postdoctoral fellowship studying insulin and aging at the Joslin Diabetes Center.
Mark Hopman has served as our Chief Commercial Officer since September 2024. Previously, Mr. Hopman served as our Senior Vice President, Market Access, from March 2023 to September 2024. Prior to that, Mr. Hopman served as Vice President, Market Access, at Pear Therapeutics, a prescription digital therapeutics company, from July 2021 to March 2023. Prior to Pear Therapeutics, Mr. Hopman worked at Dexcom, holding various roles of increasing responsibility, including Director, Retail Distribution from June 2014 to July 2016, Director, Trade from August 2016 to July 2017 and Senior Director, Trade from August 2017 to June 2021. Mr. Hopman received his B.S. in Pharmacy from The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy and M.B.A. from Xavier University Williams College of Business.
Edward Damiano, Ph.D. is our Co-Founder and has served as our Executive Chairman since February 2022. Dr. Damiano was the President and CEO of Beta Bionics from its inception in October 2015 to February 2022. He has been a Research Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Boston University since July 2023 and previously served as an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Boston University from September 2004 to August 2015 and as a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Boston University from September 2015 to June 2023. Prior to that, he was an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign from September 1997 to August 2004. Ever since his son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in infancy, he set his sights on designing, developing, and testing a bionic pancreas that integrated autonomous, intelligent systems into a purpose-built, wearable medical device which led to the incorporation of Beta Bionics. Dr. Damiano received his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, and Ph.D. in Applied Mechanics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He was a postdoctoral research associate in the Bioengineering Department at the University of Utah in 1994 and a postdoctoral research fellow in the Biomedical Engineering Department at the University of Virginia from 1994 to 1997.
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Non-Employee Directors
Amanda Black has served as a member of our board of directors since August 2023. Ms. Black has served as an Investment Director at Farallon Capital Management, a global institutional asset management firm, since January 2024, which she joined in August 2021 as an Investment Analyst. Previously, Ms. Black served as a Private Equity Associate at The Carlyle Group, a private equity firm, as part of its Global Private Equity Healthcare investment team, from July 2017 to June 2019. Ms. Black also served as an Investment Banking Associate from March 2017 to May 2017, an Investment Banking Analyst from July 2015 to February 2017, and an M&A Investment Banking Analyst from July 2014 to June 2015, at Deutsche Bank. Ms. Black received her A.B. in Applied Mathematics from Harvard University and her M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. We believe that Ms. Blacks experience working in the finance and healthcare private equity industries qualifies her to serve on our board of directors.
Sean D. Carney has served as a member of our board of directors since February 2020. Mr. Carney has served as a Partner and Head of Global Investment at Hillhouse Investment, a private equity firm, since February 2017, focusing on global leveraged buyouts and carve-outs. Mr. Carney also serves on the boards of several privately held companies, including George Clinical since June 2023 and Versuni since September 2021. From November 1996 to December 2017, Mr. Carney served as a Managing Director at Warburg Pincus LLC, a private equity firm. He has previously served on numerous public and private company boards, including Bausch + Lomb, an eye health products company, Dexcom, and the Wright Medical Group N.V., a global medical device company. Mr. Carney received his A.B. in Economics from Harvard University and his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. We believe that Mr. Carneys extensive directorship experience and his experience working in the private equity industry qualifies him to serve on our board of directors.
James Parker Cassidy has served as a member of our board of directors since August 2023. Mr. Cassidy has served as a Partner at Sands Capital since August 2021. From April 2020 to June 2021, Mr. Cassidy served as Principal at RA Capital Management, L.P. From November 2015 to April 2020, Mr. Cassidy was Chief Commercial Officer at Farcast Biosciences, a medical diagnostic platform. Prior to that, Mr. Cassidy held roles of increasing responsibility at BD, a global medical technology company, including Director of Product and Business Development from September 2006 to November 2009, Managing Director of Infectious Disease Molecular Diagnostics from November 2009 to February 2011, and Vice President of Continuous Glucose Monitoring from February 2011 to February 2014. Mr. Cassidy currently serves on the boards of directors of several private biotechnology companies, including Nucleix Ltd. since November 2021 and Selux Diagnostics, Inc. since June 2018. He received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Boston University and his M.B.A. from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. We believe that Mr. Cassidys leadership experience in commercial operations and extensive directorship experience qualifies him to serve on our board of directors.
Dan Dearen has served as a member of our board of directors since October 2024. Mr. Dearen previously worked at Axonics, Inc., a medical device company, serving as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer from October 2013 to August 2018 and as President and Chief Financial Officer from August 2018 to October 2023. Previously, he served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Vessix Vascular Inc. from July 2009 to November 2012, Chief Financial Officer of Miraval Holding from December 2004 to November 2008, and Chief Financial Officer of Q3DM, Fairbanks Systems Group, ESI Software, and Medication Delivery Devices from January 1995 to November 2004. Mr. Dearen also serves on the boards of several privately held companies, including JenaValve Technology, Inc., a developer and manufacturer of transcatheter aortic valve replacement systems, since January 2023. He previously served on the board of directors of Endotronix, Inc., a developer and manufacturer of digital health management solutions for patients suffering from heart failure, from March 2021 until its acquisition by Edwards Lifesciences in August 2024. Mr. Dearen received his B.B.A. in Accounting and Business from Southern Methodist University and his M.B.A. from Boston College. We believe that Mr. Dearens extensive experience working in the medical device and pharmaceutical industries qualifies him to serve on our board of directors.
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Westley Dupray has served as a member of our board of directors since August 2023. Mr. Dupray has served as a Research Analyst at Eventide Asset Management, an asset management firm, since August 2021, focusing on healthcare investments. Prior to that, he worked at SVB Leerink, an investment bank specializing in healthcare and life sciences, serving as Vice President (Equity Research, Life Science Tools and Diagnostics) from February 2021 to July 2021 and as an Equity Research Associate from September 2018 to February 2021. Mr. Dupray has served on the board of directors of private company PreciseDx, Inc. since February 2024. He received his B.S. in Economics-Finance from Bentley University. We believe that Mr. Duprays extensive experience in life sciences asset management qualifies him to serve on our board of directors.
Gilad Glick has served as a member of our board of directors since May 2022. Mr. Glick has served as the Vice President of Venture Investments (MedTech, JJDC) at Johnson & Johnson since July 2022. From December 2021 to July 2022, Mr. Glick served as the President (ZOLL ITAMAR Division) at ZOLL Medical Corporation, a medical technology company. Prior to that, Mr. Glick was the Chief Executive Officer at Itamar Medical, a home equipment medical technology company, from July 2013 to December 2021. Mr. Glick has served on the boards of directors of several private biotechnology companies, including BioBeat Medical since November 2023, UltraSight Medical since January 2023 and eCential Robotics since August 2021. He previously served on the board of directors of Almeda Ventures, an Israeli venture fund, from October 2020 to May 2022. He received his M.B.A. in general strategic management from the Maastricht School of Management. We believe that Mr. Glicks experience working in the medical technology industry qualifies him to serve on our board of directors.
Christy Jones has been nominated to serve on our board of directors. Ms. Jones previously served on our board of directors from April 2021 to August 2023. Ms. Jones has served as Managing Director of Richmond Capital Partners, a private investment company focused on real estate, technology and growth company assets, since March 2017. Ms. Jones has also served as the Chief Executive Officer of Silk Shopping, Inc., an e-commerce application company, since April 2023. Ms. Jones previously served on the board of directors of Optiva, Inc., a publicly held cloud-native revenue management software company, from March 2017 to July 2020. She has served on the board of directors of Extend Fertility LLC, a privately held company focused on the cryopreservation of womens eggs since April 2015. Ms. Jones received her B.A. in Economics from Stanford University and her M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. We believe that Ms. Joness extensive entrepreneurial experience bringing new technologies to market qualifies her to serve on our board of directors.
Lennox Ketner has served as a member of our board of directors since August 2023. Ms. Ketner has served as a Partner at Soleus Capital Management, L.P., a life sciences fund, since November 2017. From 2015 to 2017, Ms. Ketner served as Vice President of Paulson & Co., an employee-owned private investment firm. She has served on the board of directors of QApel Medical, a privately held medical device company, since April 2024. Ms. Ketner received her B.A. from Stanford University and her J.D. from the New York University School of Law. We believe that Ms. Ketners extensive experience in life sciences investing qualifies her to serve on our board of directors.
Adam Lezack has served as a member of our board of directors since December 2023. Mr. Lezack is Co-Founder of Fortis Advisors (acquired by PNC Bank in 2018), a shareholder representative services firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and has served as Managing Director since 2011. Following Fortis Advisors acquisition by PNC Bank, Mr. Lezack led the build-out and commercialization of the PNC M&A Escrow and Payment Solutions business and served as its Managing Director. Prior to founding Fortis Advisors, Mr. Lezack worked as a Corporate Attorney at DLA Piper from May 2008 to August 2011. Mr. Lezack previously served as a member of the board of directors of the San Diego Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (now Breakthrough T1D). He received his B.Com degree from the University of Victoria, his J.D. from the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law and his LL.M. from the University of San Diego School of Law. We believe that Mr. Lezacks entrepreneurial leadership and legal experience qualify him to serve on our board of directors.
Maria Palasis, Ph.D. has been nominated to serve on our board of directors. Dr. Palasis previously served on our board of directors from September 2022 to September 2023 and has served on our Advisory Board
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since September 2023. Dr. Palasis has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Lyra Therapeutics Inc., a publicly held biotechnology company focused on developing therapies for chronic rhinosinusitis, since December 2014, and as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer from March 2011 to December 2014. Previously, she served as Executive Vice President from September 2008 to March 2011 of Arsenal Medical, Inc., a medical device company, and as President and Chief Executive Officer from December 2014 to June 2018 of both Arsenal Medical, Inc. and its spin out, 480 Biomedical, and in roles of increasing responsibility at Boston Scientific Corporation, a medical device company, from November 1995 to January 2008. She has served on the board of directors of PanTher Therapeutics, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company since September 2020 and of Lyra Therapeutics since January 2015. Previously, she also served on the board of directors of Arsenal Medical, Inc. from 2015 to 2018. Dr. Palasis received her B.S. and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati. We believe that Dr. Palasiss extensive experience in developing medical devices and drug delivery systems qualifies her to serve on our board of directors.
Family Relationships and Other Arrangements
There are no family relationships among any of our executive officers or directors. Pursuant to our amended and restated voting agreement, which will terminate upon the closing of this offering, the following directors were designated as members of our board of directors:
| | Mr. Saint, designated pursuant to his service as our Chief Executive Officer; |
| | Dr. Damiano, designated by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock; |
| | Ms. Black, designated by Zone Healthcare Holdings, LLC and its affiliates; |
| | Mr. Carney, designated by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock and Series B-2 Preferred Stock; |
| | Mr. Cassidy, designated by Sands Capital Life Sciences Pulse Fund II, L.P. and its affiliates (collectively, Sands Capital); |
| | Mr. Dearen, designated by Omega Fund VII, L.P. and its affiliates; |
| | Mr. Dupray, designated by Eventide Gilead Fund and Eventide Healthcare & Life Sciences Fund and affiliates of the foregoing (collectively, Eventide); |
| | Mr. Glick, designated by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock; |
| | Ms. Ketner, designated by Soleus Private Equity Fund II, L.P. and its affiliates; and |
| | Mr. Lezack, designated by mutual agreement of the other then-seated members of the board of directors. |
Upon the effectiveness of the Resignations, Ms. Jones will replace Mr. Cassidy as the designee of Sands Capital and Dr. Palasis will replace Mr. Dupray as the designee of Eventide.
Composition of Our Board of Directors
Our business and affairs are organized under the direction of our board of directors, which currently consists of 10 members. Effective as of immediately prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, our board of directors will consist of members. The primary
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responsibilities of our board of directors are to provide oversight, strategic guidance, counseling and direction to our management. Our board of directors meets on a regular basis and on an ad hoc basis as required. In accordance with the terms of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, which will become effective immediately prior to and upon the closing of this offering, respectively, we will divide our board of directors into three classes, as follows:
| | Class I, which will consist of , and , whose terms will expire at our first annual meeting of stockholders to be held following this offering; |
| | Class II, which will consist of , and , whose terms will expire at our second annual meeting of stockholders to be held following this offering; and |
| | Class III, which will consist of , and , whose terms will expire at our third annual meeting of stockholders to be held following this offering. |
At each annual meeting of stockholders to be held after the initial classification, the successors to directors whose terms then expire will serve until the third annual meeting following their election and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. The authorized size of our board of directors is currently ten members. The authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of our board of directors. Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be distributed between the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the directors. This classification of our board of directors may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in our control or management. Our directors may be removed for cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66-2/3% of our voting stock.
Board Leadership Structure
Our board of directors is currently chaired by Edward Damiano, Ph.D., who has authority, among other things, to call and preside over board of directors meetings, to set meeting agendas and to determine materials to be distributed to the board of directors. Accordingly, the Executive Chairman has substantial ability to shape the work of the board of directors. We believe that separation of the positions of Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer reinforces the independence of the board of directors in its oversight of our business and affairs. In addition, we have a separate chair for each committee of our board of directors. The chair of each committee is expected to report annually to our board of directors on the activities of their committee in fulfilling their responsibilities as detailed in their respective charters or specify any shortcomings should that be the case.
Role of the Board in Risk Oversight
The audit committee of our board of directors is primarily responsible for overseeing our risk management processes on behalf of our board of directors. Going forward, we expect that the audit committee will receive reports from management periodically regarding our assessment of risks. In addition, the audit committee reports regularly to our board of directors, which also considers our risk profile. The audit committee and our board of directors focus on the most significant risks we face and our general risk management strategies. While our board of directors oversees our risk management, management is responsible for day-to-day risk management processes. Our board of directors expects management to consider risk and risk management in each business decision, to proactively develop and monitor risk management strategies and processes for day-to-day activities and to effectively implement risk management strategies adopted by the audit committee and our board of directors. We believe this division of responsibilities is the most effective approach for addressing the risks we face and that our board of directors leadership structure, which also emphasizes the independence of our board of directors in its oversight of its business and affairs, supports this approach.
Committees of Our Board of Directors
Our board of directors has established an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee. Our board of directors may establish other committees to facilitate the
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management of our business. The composition and functions of each committee are described below. Members serve on these committees until their resignation or until otherwise determined by our board of directors. Our board of directors may establish other committees as it deems necessary or appropriate from time to time. Each committee has adopted a written charter that satisfies the applicable rules and regulations of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the SEC and the listing standards of Nasdaq, which we will post on our website, www.betabionics.com, upon the closing of this offering.
Audit Committee
Our audit committee will consist of Dan Dearen, Sean Carney and Maria Palasis, Ph.D. Dan Dearen serves as the chair of our audit committee. Our board of directors has determined that each of the members of our audit committee satisfies the Nasdaq and SEC independence requirements. The functions of this committee include, among other things:
| | evaluating the performance, independence and qualifications of our independent auditors and determining whether to retain our existing independent auditors or engage new independent auditors; |
| | reviewing and approving the engagement of our independent auditors to perform audit services and any permissible non-audit services; |
| | monitoring the rotation of partners of our independent auditors on our engagement team as required by law; |
| | prior to engagement of any independent auditor, and at least annually thereafter, reviewing relationships that may reasonably be thought to bear on their independence, and assessing and otherwise taking the appropriate action to oversee the independence of our independent auditor; |
| | reviewing our annual and quarterly financial statements and reports, including the disclosures contained under the caption Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and discussing the statements and reports with our independent auditors and management; |
| | reviewing, with our independent auditors and management, significant issues that arise regarding accounting principles and financial statement presentation and matters concerning the scope, adequacy and effectiveness of our financial controls; |
| | reviewing with management and our independent auditors any earnings announcements and other public announcements regarding material developments; |
| | establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by us regarding financial controls, accounting or auditing matters and other matters; |
| | preparing the report that the SEC requires in our annual proxy statement; |
| | reviewing and providing oversight of any related-person transactions in accordance with our related-person transaction policy and reviewing and monitoring compliance with legal and regulatory responsibilities, including our code of business conduct and ethics; |
| | reviewing our major financial, information security and cybersecurity risk exposures, including the guidelines and policies to govern the process by which risk assessment and risk management are implemented; |
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| | reviewing and making recommendations to the full board of directors regarding directors and officers indemnification and insurance matters; |
| | reviewing on a periodic basis our investment policy and related-person transactions policy; and |
| | reviewing and evaluating on an annual basis the performance of the audit committee and the audit committee charter. |
Our board of directors has determined that Dan Dearen qualifies as an audit committee financial expert within the meaning of SEC regulations and meets the financial sophistication requirements of the Nasdaq Listing Rules. In making this determination, our board has considered prior experience, business acumen and independence. Both our independent registered public accounting firm and management periodically meet privately with our audit committee.
We believe that the composition and functioning of our audit committee complies with all applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and all applicable SEC and Nasdaq rules and regulations. We intend to comply with future requirements to the extent they become applicable to us.
Compensation Committee
Our compensation committee will consist of Adam Lezack, Christy Jones and Maria Palasis, Ph.D. Adam Lezack serves as the chair of our compensation committee. Our board of directors has determined that each of the members of our compensation committee is a non-employee director, as defined in Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act and satisfies the Nasdaq independence requirements. The functions of this committee include, among other things:
| | reviewing, modifying and approving (or if it deems appropriate, making recommendations to the full board of directors regarding) our overall compensation strategy and policies; |
| | reviewing and approving or, in the case of our chief executive officers compensation, making recommendations to the full board of directors regarding the compensation and other terms of employment of our executive officers; |
| | reviewing and approving (or if it deems it appropriate, making recommendations to the full board of directors regarding) performance goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our executive officers and assessing their performance against these goals and objectives; |
| | reviewing and approving (or if it deems it appropriate, making recommendations to the full board of directors regarding) the equity incentive plans, compensation plans and similar programs advisable for us, as well as modifying, amending or terminating existing plans and programs; |
| | evaluating risks associated with our compensation policies and practices and assessing whether risks arising from our compensation policies and practices for our employees are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us; |
| | overseeing workplace diversity initiatives and progress; |
| | modifying and overseeing the compensation clawback or similar policies; |
| | reviewing and making recommendations to the full board of directors regarding the type and amount of compensation to be paid or awarded to our non-employee board members; |
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| | establishing policies with respect to votes by our stockholders to approve executive compensation as required by Section 14A of the Exchange Act and determining our recommendations regarding the frequency of advisory votes on executive compensation, to the extent required by law; |
| | reviewing and assessing the independence of compensation consultants, legal counsel and other advisors as required by Section 10C of the Exchange Act; |
| | administering our equity incentive plans; |
| | establishing policies with respect to equity compensation arrangements; |
| | overseeing our overall compensation practices and objectives and assessing whether such practices establish appropriate incentives in light of our specific business objectives; |
| | considering questions of possible conflicts of interest of directors as such questions arise; |
| | reviewing and making recommendations to the full board of directors regarding the terms of any employment agreements, severance arrangements, change in control protections and any other compensatory arrangements for our executive officers; |
| | reviewing with management and approving our disclosures under the caption Compensation Discussion and Analysis in our periodic reports or proxy statements to be filed with the SEC, to the extent such caption is included in any such report or proxy statement; |
| | reviewing with management and making recommendations to the full board of directors regarding the plans for succession of our chief executive officer and other key executives; |
| | preparing the report that the SEC requires in our annual proxy statement; and |
| | reviewing and assessing on an annual basis the performance of the compensation committee and the compensation committee charter. |
We believe that the composition and functioning of our compensation committee complies with all applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and all applicable SEC and Nasdaq rules and regulations. We intend to comply with future requirements to the extent they become applicable to us.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Our nominating and corporate governance committee will consist of Christy Jones, Dan Dearen and Adam Lezack. Christy Jones serves as the chair of our nominating and corporate governance committee. Our board of directors has determined that each of the members of this committee satisfies the Nasdaq independence requirements. The functions of this committee include, among other things:
| | identifying, reviewing and evaluating candidates to serve on our board of directors consistent with criteria approved by our board of directors; |
| | determining the qualifications for service on our board of directors; |
| | evaluating director performance on the board and applicable committees of the board and determining whether continued service on our board is appropriate; |
| | evaluating, nominating and recommending individuals for membership on our board of directors; |
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| | evaluating nominations by stockholders of candidates for election to our board of directors; |
| | considering and assessing the independence of members of our board of directors; |
| | developing a set of corporate governance policies and principles, periodically reviewing and assessing these policies and principles and their application and recommending to our board of directors any changes to such policies and principles; |
| | overseeing our environmental, social and governance strategies, targets, policies, performance and reporting; and |
| | reviewing and assessing on an annual basis the performance of the nominating and corporate governance committee and the nominating and corporate governance committee charter. |
We believe that the composition and functioning of our nominating and corporate governance committee complies with all applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and all applicable SEC and Nasdaq rules and regulations. We intend to comply with future requirements to the extent they become applicable to us.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of our current or former executive officers serve as a member of the compensation committee. None of our officers serve, or have served during the last completed fiscal year, on the board of directors or compensation committee, or other committee serving an equivalent function, of any other entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving as a member of our board of directors or our compensation committee. For a description of transactions between us and members of our compensation committee and affiliates of such members, see the section titled Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
In connection with this offering, we have adopted an amended written code of business conduct and ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or person performing similar functions. Following this offering, a current copy of the code will be available on the Corporate Governance section of our website, www.betabionics.com. The information contained on, or accessible through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider any information contained in, or that can be accessed through, our website as part of this prospectus or in deciding whether to purchase our common stock.
Director Independence
Under Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules, independent directors must comprise a majority of our board of directors as a public company within one year of listing.
Our board of directors has undertaken a review of the independence of each director. Based on information provided by each director concerning his or her background, employment and affiliations, our board of directors has determined that Adam Lezack, Sean Carney and Dan Dearen, and upon the effectiveness of the Appointments, Christy Jones and Maria Palasis, Ph.D. do not have relationships that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director and that each of these directors is independent as that term is defined under the Nasdaq Listing Rules. In making these determinations, our board of directors considered the current and prior relationships that each non-employee director has with our company and all other facts and circumstances our board of directors deemed relevant in determining their independence, including the beneficial ownership of our shares held by each non-employee director and the transactions described in the section titled Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.
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EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Our named executive officers for the year ended December 31, 2024, consisting of our principal executive officer and the next two most highly compensated executive officers, were:
| | Sean Saint, our President and Chief Executive Officer; |
| | , our ; and |
| | , our . |
Summary Compensation Table for the Year Ended December 31, 2024
The following table presents all of the compensation awarded to our named executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2024.
| Name and Principal Position |
Year | Salary ($) |
Bonus ($) |
Option Awards ($) |
All Other Compensation ($) |
Total ($) |
||||||||||||||||||
| Sean Saint |
2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| President and Chief Executive Officer |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Narrative to Summary Compensation Table
Annual Base Salary
The 2024 annual base salary rates for our named executive officers are set forth in the table below.
| Name |
2024 Base Salary |
|||
| Sean Saint |
$ | |||
Performance Bonus Opportunity
In addition to base salaries, our named executive officers are eligible to receive annual performance-based cash bonuses, which are designed to provide appropriate incentives to our executives to achieve defined annual corporate goals and to reward our executives for individual achievement towards these goals. The annual performance-based bonus each named executive officer is eligible to receive is generally based on the extent to which we achieve the corporate goals that our board of directors establishes each year. At the end of the year, our board of directors reviews our performance against each corporate goal and determines the extent to which we achieved each of our corporate goals.
Equity-Based Incentive Awards
Our equity-based incentive awards are designed to align our interests and those of our stockholders with those of our employees, including our executive officers. The board of directors or an authorized committee thereof is responsible for approving equity grants.
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Prior to this offering, we have granted stock options pursuant to our 2016 Stock Incentive Plan (2016 Plan) to certain of our executives. Following this offering, we will grant equity awards under the terms of our 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (2025 Plan). The terms of our equity plans are described below under the subsection titled Equity Benefit Plans.
Outstanding Equity Awards as of December 31, 2024
The following table presents the outstanding equity incentive plan awards held by each named executive officer as of December 31, 2024.
| Option Awards | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Name |
Grant Date |
Vesting Commencement Date |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable |
Option Exercise Price Per Share |
Option Expiration Date |
||||||||||||||||||
| Sean Saint |
$ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Employment Arrangements with Our Named Executive Officers
We have employment agreements or offer letters with each of our named executive officers. The material terms of each of these agreements are described below. These agreements provide for base salaries and incentive compensation, and each component reflects the scope of each named executive officers anticipated responsibilities and the individual experience they bring to our company. The employment of each of our named executive officers is at will and may be terminated at any time.
Sean Saint. We entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Saint in July 2022 and effective August 1, 2022 (Start Date), pursuant to which Mr. Saint was initially hired as a Senior Advisor and, effective August 15, 2022, as the Companys Chief Executive Officer. Pursuant to his July 2022 agreement, Mr. Saint is entitled to an annual base salary of $450,000 and an annual discretionary bonus with a target amount equal to 50% of his annual base salary based on the companys achievement against its objectives. Pursuant to his employment agreement, in July 2022 we granted two options to Mr. Saint, one to purchase 4.5% of our capital stock or 1,476,410 shares of common stock, with an exercise price of $7.92 per share, which was repriced to $3.81 per share in March 2023, subject to a four-year vesting schedule, with 25% vesting on the first anniversary of the Start Date and the balance vesting monthly over the remaining 36 months, subject to Mr. Saints continued service with us (First Grant). The second option granted to Mr. Saint, in August 2022, provides for the purchase of 0.5% of the capital stock or 164,040 shares of our common stock, also with an exercise price of $7.92 per share, which was also repriced to $3.81 per share in March 2023, which vests in 12 equal monthly installments following the four-year anniversary of the Start Date, subject to Mr. Saints continued service with us (Second Grant, and together with the First Grant, Initial Options). Pursuant to his employment agreement, in the event that we issue shares of our capital stock to investors in one or more capital raising transactions up to an aggregate of $75,000,000, Mr. Saint shall receive additional stock options to purchase Class B common stock (Top-Up Options) so that, after taking into account such new capital raising transaction, the capital stock subject to the Initial Options and the Top-Up Options together represent 5.0% of the capital stock of the company on a fully diluted basis as of immediately following each such grant. 90% of each grant of Top-Up Options, if any, shall have the same vesting commencement date as the First Grant and shall have the same vesting schedule as the First Grant, such that 90% of the Top-Up Options, if granted, shall be fully vested on the four-year anniversary of the Start Date, subject to Mr. Saints continued service with us on each such vesting date. The remaining 10% of each grant of Top-Up Options, if any, shall have the same vesting commencement date as the Second Grant and shall have the same vesting schedule as the Second Grant, such that 10% of the Top-Up Options, if granted, shall be fully vested on the five-year anniversary of the Start Date, subject to Mr. Saints continued service with us on
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each such vesting date. Mr. Saint was granted a Top-Up option in September 2023 covering 1,081,746 shares of our common stock. Mr. Saints eligibility to receive Top-Up Options terminates at the earlier of his receipt of Top-Up options as a result of the Company raising $75,000,000 in capital raising transactions and immediately prior to the consummation of our initial public offering.
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control
Regardless of the manner in which a named executive officers service terminates, each named executive officer is entitled to receive amounts earned during his or her term of service, including unpaid salary and unused vacation. In addition, Mr. Saint is entitled to certain severance benefits under his employment agreement, subject to his execution of a release of claims, return of all company property and compliance with post-termination obligations.
Mr. Saints employment agreement provides that, if his employment is terminated by us without cause (other than as a result of death or disability) or Mr. Saint resigns for good reason (each, as defined in Mr. Saints employment agreement), he will be entitled to receive continued payment of his then-current base salary for 12 months, payment for continued group healthcare benefit premiums for up to 12 months, and a lump sum payment equal to his annual bonus, pro-rated for the year of termination, and based on achievement of the performance objectives and payable at the same time as bonus payments are made to other executives of the company. In addition, if the company consummates a change in control and either (a) the Company is not the surviving entity following such change in control or (b) Mr. Saint is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason, he will be entitled to receive a lump sum cash payment equal to (i) 300% of the sum of his then-current base salary plus his then-current target bonus, if the change in control occurs within 12 months of his Start Date or (ii) 200% of the sum of his then-current base salary plus his then-current target bonus if the change in control occurs more than 12 months after his Start Date. In addition, if the Company consummates a change in control, the vesting and exercisability of all outstanding time-based stock options and other time-based equity awards will accelerate in full effective as of the date of his release agreement with the company.
For the purposes of Mr. Saints employment agreement, cause for termination means (a) Mr. Saints willful and continued failure to substantially perform reasonable, assigned duties (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), which failure is not cured, to the extent curable, within thirty (30) days after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to Mr. Saint by the board of directors; (b) dishonesty to our board of directors with respect to any material matter; (c) misappropriation of funds or property of the company; (d) misconduct by Mr. Saint, regardless of whether in the course of his employment, that would reasonably be expected to result in material injury or reputational harm to the company if he were to continue to be employed in the same position; (e) Mr. Saints conviction of, or the entry of a pleading of guilty or nolo contendere to, any crime involving moral turpitude, deceit, dishonesty or fraud, or any felony; (f) Mr. Saints willful engagement in dishonesty, illegal conduct or gross negligence; (g) a material violation of any of the companys harassment, retaliation or discrimination policies or code of conduct; (h) Mr. Saints unwillingness to consent to an assignment of his employment agreement in connection with any Change in Control (defined below) subject to certain exceptions; (i) any material breach by Mr. Saint of his employment agreement or any related agreements with the company; or (j) Mr. Saints failure to cooperate with a bona fide internal investigation or an investigation by regulatory or law enforcement authorities, after being instructed by the board of directors to cooperate, or the willful destruction or failure to preserve documents or other materials known to be relevant to such investigation or the inducement of others to fail to cooperate or to produce documents or other materials in connection with such investigation.
For the purposes of Mr. Saints employment agreement, good reason means, subject to certain notice and cure rights, (a) any material diminution in the authority, duty or responsibilities of Mr. Saint; (b) a material reduction in salary, except for across-the-board salary reductions based on the companys financial performance similarly affecting all or substantially all senior management employees of the company; or (c) material violation by the company of the terms of Mr. Saints employment agreement without his consent.
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For the purposes of Mr. Saints employment agreement, change in control means (a) the acquisition by any person or entity of more than 50% of our combined voting power, (b) the majority of our board of directors is replaced during any 12-month period by directors whose election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of our board of directors prior to such election; (c) a merger or consolidation in which we are not the surviving corporation (unless the holders of our outstanding voting stock immediately prior to the transaction own, immediately after the transaction, securities representing at least 50% of the voting power of the corporation or other entity surviving such transaction); or (d) a sale of all or substantially all of our assets.
Each of our named executive officers holds stock options that were granted subject to the general terms of our 2016 Plan. A description of the termination and change in control provisions in our 2016 Plan and applicable to the stock options granted to our named executive officers is provided below under Equity Benefit Plans and above Outstanding Equity Awards as of December 31, 2024 and Equity-Based Incentive Awards.
Other Compensation and Benefits
All of our current named executive officers are eligible to participate in our employee benefit plans, including medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, health savings and flexible spending accounts, and life and accidental dismemberment insurance plans, in each case on the same basis as all of our other employees. We pay a portion of the premiums for the medical insurance, and the full premiums for dental, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and short- and long-term disability for all our employees, including our named executive officers. We generally do not provide perquisites or personal benefits to our named executive officers. In addition, we provide the opportunity to participate in a 401(k) plan to our employees, including each of our named executive officers, as discussed in the subsection titled 401(k) Plan below.
401(k) Plan
Our named executive officers are eligible to participate in a defined contribution retirement plan that provides eligible employees with an opportunity to save for retirement on a tax advantaged basis. Eligible employees may defer eligible compensation on a pre-tax or after-tax (Roth) basis, up to the statutorily prescribed annual limits on contributions under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Code) with an annual match of up to 6% of the amount deferred. Contributions are allocated to each participants individual account and are then invested in selected investment alternatives according to the participants directions. The 401(k) plan is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code with the 401(k) plans related trust intended to be tax exempt under Section 501(a) of the Code. As a tax-qualified retirement plan, contributions to the 401(k) plan (except for Roth contributions) and earnings on those contributions are not taxable to the employees until distributed from the 401(k) plan. Our board of directors may elect to adopt qualified or nonqualified benefit plans in the future, if it determines that doing so is in our best interests.
Equity Benefit Plans
We believe that our ability to grant equity-based awards is a valuable and necessary compensation tool that aligns the long-term financial interests of our employees, consultants and directors with the financial interests of our stockholders. In addition, we believe that our ability to grant options and other equity-based awards helps us to attract, retain and motivate employees, consultants and directors, and encourages them to devote their best efforts to our business and financial success. The principal features of our equity incentive plans are summarized below. These summaries are qualified in their entirety by reference to the actual text of the plans, which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
2016 Stock Incentive Plan
Our board of directors adopted, and our stockholders approved, our 2016 Plan in February 2016. Our 2016 Plan was most recently amended in August 2023. The 2016 Plan will be terminated on the date the 2025
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Plan becomes effective, and thereafter no further stock awards will be granted under the 2016 Plan. However, any outstanding stock awards granted under the 2016 Plan will remain outstanding, subject to the terms of our 2016 Plan and award agreements, until such outstanding options are exercised or until any stock awards terminate or expire by their terms.
Types of Awards. Our 2016 Plan allows for the grant of incentive stock options to employees, including employees of any subsidiary or parent, and grants of non-qualified stock options, restricted stock awards and any other security with the value derived from the value of our shares to our employees, directors and consultants, including employees, directors and consultants of any subsidiary or parent.
Authorized Shares. As of December 31, 2024, we reserved an aggregate of shares of our common stock for the issuance of equity awards under the 2016 Plan. This number is subject to adjustment in the event of a stock split, stock dividend, or other change in our capitalization. The shares may be authorized but unissued or reacquired shares. As of December 31, 2024, only options have been granted under the 2016 Plan.
Only shares of common stock that have actually been issued under the 2016 Plan in connection with an award shall be counted against the maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock available under the 2016 Plan. Any shares of common stock that are forfeited or canceled, expire, are surrendered, or otherwise become unexercisable before the shares of common stock have been issued under the 2016 Plan shall be deemed not to have been issued for purposes of determining the maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the 2016 Plan, and such unissued shares of common stock shall become available for future grant under the 2025 Plan. Shares of common stock that have been issued under the 2016 Plan shall not be returned to the 2016 Plan and shall not become available for future issuance under the 2016 Plan.
Administration. Our board of directors or a committee or subcommittee designated by our board of directors administers our 2016 Plan, or the plan administrator. Subject to the provisions of our 2016 Plan, the plan administrator has full authority to, among other things, select recipients of awards, to determine the number of shares or the amount of other consideration subject to each award, to approve forms of award agreements for use under the 2016 Plan, to determine the terms and conditions of awards and to establish additional terms, conditions rules or procedures to accommodate the terms of any corporate transaction, award exchange program, award deferral program or other such program; provided, however, that no award shall be subject to any such additional terms, conditions, rules or procedures that are inconsistent with the provisions of the 2016 Plan. The plan administrator may also amend any outstanding award, provided that no amendment to an award may adversely affect any of the rights of a grantee under any awards previously granted without his or her consent.
Options. The exercise price per share of each stock option is determined by our plan administrator and must equal at least 100% of the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant. The term of each stock option may not exceed 10 years from the date of grant. In the case of an incentive stock option granted to a grantee who, at the time of grant of such stock option, owns stock representing more than 10% of the voting power of all of our classes of stock, or a 10% owner, the exercise price per share of our common stock underlying each such stock option must be at least equal to 110% of the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant, and the term of each stock option may not exceed five years from the date of grant. The award agreement may, but need not, include a provision whereby the grantee may elect at any time while an employee, director or consultant to exercise any part or all of the stock option before full vesting of the stock option. Any unvested shares of common stock received in accordance with such exercise shall be subject to a repurchase right in favor of us or a related entity. The plan administrator determines the methods of payment of the exercise price of a stock option as specified in the applicable award agreement or later authorized by the plan administrator under the terms of the 2016 Plan.
Termination of Service. After a grantees termination of service (other than a termination for cause and not in the event of a grantees change of status from employee, director or consultant to any other status of), the grantee generally may exercise his or her stock options, to the extent vested as of such date of termination, for
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30 days following such termination or such longer period of time as specified in the applicable award agreement; provided, that if the termination is due to death or disability, the stock option generally will remain exercisable, to the extent vested as of such date of termination, until the six month anniversary of such termination, or such longer post-termination exercise period as may be set forth in the award agreement or subsequently approved by the plan administrator in accordance with this 2016 Plan. In the event of termination of a grantees continuous service as a result of transfer by us to an entity that is not a related entity (as defined in the 2016 Plan) or as a result of grantees employer ceasing to be a related entity, the grantee may exercise the stock option within 30 days from the date of termination or such longer post-termination exercise period as may be set forth in the award agreement or subsequently approved by the plan administrator in accordance with the 2016 Plan.
Transferability or Assignability of Awards. Our awards are subject to transfer restrictions as the plan administrator may determine. The 2016 Plan generally does not allow for the transfer or assignment of options, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, or, with respect to nonqualified stock options, to a revocable trust. Only the recipient of an incentive stock option may exercise such an award during his or her lifetime.
Corporate Transaction. The 2016 Plan provides that upon the occurrence of a corporate transaction (as defined in the 2016 Plan), awards shall be treated in accordance with the agreement governing the corporate transaction. Options may be assumed, substituted for new awards of a successor entity, exercised within a period of time prior to the consummation of the corporate transaction or terminated at the effective time of such corporate transaction in exchange for a payment to holders of vested stock options equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares (as of the effective date of the corporate transaction) and the aggregate exercise price. For awards subject to a repurchase right (including options with early exercise), the award shall be (i) assumed by the successor entity in connection with the corporate transaction, (ii) substituted by the successor entity in connection with the corporate transaction or (iii) repurchased, in which case the vesting of the award (or portion that has been substituted) shall terminate as of the consummation of the corporate transaction, and the repurchase right may be exercised before the corporate transaction subject to the consummation of the corporate transaction. Except as provided otherwise in an award agreement, in the event of a corporate transaction, each award that is at the time outstanding under the 2016 Plan shall automatically become fully vested and exercisable and be released from any restrictions on transfer and repurchase or forfeiture rights, immediately before the specified effective date of the corporate transaction, for all of the shares of common stock at the time represented by such award if the award is not assumed or substituted by the successor entity in connection with the corporate transaction. An individual award agreement may provide for vesting acceleration of an award in the event of any corporate transaction, subject to certain requirements in the 2016 Plan.
Certain Adjustments. In the event of certain changes in our capitalization, the number of shares available for future grants, the number of shares covered by each outstanding award and the exercise price of each outstanding option will be proportionately adjusted.
Plan Amendment or Termination. Our board of directors may amend, suspend, or terminate the 2016 Plan at any time, subject to stockholder approval where such approval is required by applicable law and provided any such amendment, suspension or termination does not affect granted awards (subject to certain exceptions).
2025 Equity Incentive Plan
In , our board of directors adopted, and our stockholders approved, our 2025 Plan. We expect our 2025 Plan will become effective upon the execution of the underwriting agreement for this offering. Our 2025 Plan is a successor to our 2016 Plan. Once our 2025 Plan becomes effective, no further grants will be made under our 2016 Plan and any shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2016 Plan will be cancelled.
Types of Awards. Our 2025 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options (ISOs) to employees, including employees of any parent or subsidiary, and for the grant of nonstatutory stock options (NSOs), stock
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appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, performance awards and other forms of stock awards to employees, directors and consultants, including employees and consultants of our affiliates.
Authorized Shares. Initially, the maximum number of shares of our common stock that may be issued under our 2025 Plan after it becomes effective will not exceed shares, which is the sum of (i) new shares, plus (ii) shares of our common stock available for issuance under our 2016 Plan; (iii) shares of our common stock that are subject to outstanding stock options or other stock awards granted under our 2016 Plan that, on or after the 2025 Plan becomes effective, terminate or expire prior to exercise or settlement; are not issued because the award is settled in cash; are forfeited or repurchased because of the failure to vest; or are reacquired or withheld to satisfy a tax withholding obligation or the purchase or exercise price, if any, as such shares become available from time to time. In addition, the number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under our 2025 Plan will automatically increase on January 1 of each calendar year, starting on January 1, 2026 (assuming the 2025 Plan becomes effective in 2025) through January 1, 2035, in an amount equal to 5 % of the total number of shares of our capital stock outstanding on the last day of the calendar month before the date of each automatic increase, or a lesser number of shares determined by our board of directors. The maximum number of shares of our common stock that may be issued on the exercise of ISOs under our 2025 Plan is shares.
Shares subject to stock awards granted under our 2025 Plan that expire or terminate without being exercised in full, or that are paid out in cash rather than in shares, do not reduce the number of shares available for issuance under our 2025 Plan. Additionally, shares become available for future grant under our 2025 Plan if they were issued stock awards under our 2025 Plan and we repurchase them or they are forfeited. This includes shares used to pay the exercise price of a stock award or to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to a stock award.
Plan Administration. Our board of directors, or a duly authorized committee of our board of directors, will administer our 2025 Plan. Our board of directors may also delegate to one or more persons or bodies the authority to do one or more of the following: (i) designate recipients (other than officers) of specified stock awards, provided that no person or body may be delegated authority to grant a stock award to themselves; (ii) determine the number of shares subject to such stock award; and (iii) determine the terms of such stock awards. Under our 2025 Plan, our board of directors has the authority to determine and amend the terms of awards and underlying agreements, including:
| | recipients; |
| | the exercise, purchase or strike price of stock awards, if any; |
| | the number of shares subject to each stock award; |
| | the vesting schedule applicable to the awards, together with any vesting acceleration; and |
| | the form of consideration, if any, payable on exercise or settlement of the award. |
Under the 2025 Plan, the board of directors also generally has the authority to effect, with the consent of any adversely affected participant:
| | the reduction of the exercise, purchase, or strike price of any outstanding award; |
| | the cancellation of any outstanding award and the grant in substitution therefore of other awards, cash, or other consideration; or |
| | any other action that is treated as a repricing under generally accepted accounting principles. |
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Stock Options. ISOs and NSOs are granted under stock option agreements adopted by the plan administrator. The plan administrator determines the exercise price for stock options, within the terms and conditions of the 2025 Plan, provided that the exercise price of a stock option generally cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Options granted under the 2025 Plan vest at the rate specified in the stock option agreement as determined by the plan administrator.
Tax Limitations on ISOs. The aggregate fair market value, determined at the time of grant, of our common stock with respect to ISOs that are exercisable for the first time by an optionholder during any calendar year under all of our stock plans may not exceed $100,000. Options or portions thereof that exceed such limit will generally be treated as NSOs. No ISO may be granted to any person who, at the time of the grant, owns or is deemed to own stock possessing more than 10% of our total combined voting power or that of any of our affiliates unless (i) the option exercise price is at least 110% of the fair market value of the stock subject to the option on the date of grant; and (ii) the option is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date of grant.
Restricted Stock Unit Awards. Restricted stock units are granted under restricted stock unit award agreements adopted by the plan administrator. Restricted stock units may be granted in consideration for any form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to our board of directors and permissible under applicable law. A restricted stock unit may be settled by cash, delivery of stock, a combination of cash and stock as deemed appropriate by the plan administrator, or in any other form of consideration set forth in the restricted stock unit agreement. Additionally, dividend equivalents may be credited in respect of shares covered by a restricted stock unit. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, restricted stock units that have not vested will be forfeited once the participants continuous service ends for any reason.
Restricted Stock Awards. Restricted stock awards are granted under restricted stock award agreements adopted by the plan administrator. A restricted stock award may be awarded in consideration for cash, check, bank draft or money order, past services to us, or any other form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to our board of directors and permissible under applicable law. The plan administrator determines the terms and conditions of restricted stock awards, including vesting and forfeiture terms. If a participants service relationship with us ends for any reason, we may receive any or all of the shares of our common stock held by the participant that have not vested as of the date the participant terminates service with us through a forfeiture condition or a repurchase right.
Stock Appreciation Rights. Stock appreciation rights are granted under stock appreciation grant agreements adopted by the plan administrator. The plan administrator determines the purchase price or strike price for a stock appreciation right, which generally cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. A stock appreciation right granted under the 2025 Plan vests at the rate specified in the stock appreciation right agreement as determined by the plan administrator.
Performance Awards. The 2025 Plan permits the grant of performance-based stock and cash awards. The plan administrator may structure awards so that the shares of our stock, cash, or other property will be issued or paid only following the achievement of certain pre-established performance goals during a designated performance period. The performance criteria that will be used to establish such performance goals may be based on any one of, or combination of, the following as determined by the plan administrator: earnings (including earnings per share and net earnings); earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; total stockholder return; return on equity or average stockholders equity; return on assets, investment, or capital employed; stock price; margin (including gross margin); income (before or after taxes); operating income; operating income after taxes; pre-tax profit; operating cash flow; sales or revenue targets; increases in revenue or product revenue; expenses and cost reduction goals; improvement in or attainment of working capital levels; economic value added (or an equivalent metric); market share; cash flow; cash flow per share; share price performance; debt reduction; customer satisfaction; stockholders equity; capital expenditures; debt levels; operating profit or net operating profit; workforce diversity; growth of net income or operating income; billings;
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preclinical development related compound goals; financing; regulatory milestones, including approval of a compound; stockholder liquidity; corporate governance and compliance; product commercialization; intellectual property; personnel matters; progress of internal research or clinical programs; progress of partnered programs; partner satisfaction; budget management; clinical achievements; completing phases of a clinical trial (including the treatment phase); announcing or presenting preliminary or final data from clinical trials, in each case, whether on particular timelines or generally; timely completion of clinical trials; submission of INDs and NDAs and other regulatory achievements; partner or collaborator achievements; internal controls, including those related to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; research progress, including the development of programs; investor relations, analysts and communication; manufacturing achievements (including obtaining particular yields from manufacturing runs and other measurable objectives related to process development activities); strategic partnerships or transactions (including in-licensing and out-licensing of intellectual property); establishing relationships with commercial entities with respect to the marketing, distribution and sale of our product candidates (including with group purchasing organizations, distributors and other vendors); supply chain achievements (including establishing relationships with manufacturers or suppliers of active pharmaceutical ingredients and other component materials and manufacturers of our product candidates); co-development, co-marketing, profit sharing, joint venture or other similar arrangements; individual performance goals; corporate development and planning goals; and other measures of performance selected by the plan administrator.
The performance goals may be based on a company-wide basis, with respect to one or more business units, divisions, affiliates or business segments, and in either absolute terms or relative to the performance of one or more comparable companies or the performance of one or more relevant indices. Unless specified otherwise (i) in the award agreement at the time the award is granted or (ii) in such other document setting forth the performance goals at the time the goals are established, we will appropriately make adjustments in the method of calculating the attainment of performance goals as follows: (1) to exclude restructuring and/or other nonrecurring charges; (2) to exclude exchange rate effects; (3) to exclude the effects of changes to generally accepted accounting principles; (4) to exclude the effects of any statutory adjustments to corporate tax rates; (5) to exclude the effects of items that are unusual in nature or occur infrequently as determined under generally accepted accounting principles; (6) to exclude the dilutive effects of acquisitions or joint ventures; (7) to assume that any business divested by us achieved performance objectives at targeted levels during the balance of a performance period following such divestiture; (8) to exclude the effect of any change in the outstanding shares of our common stock by reason of any stock dividend or split, stock repurchase, reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination or exchange of shares or other similar corporate change, or any distributions to common stockholders other than regular cash dividends; (9) to exclude the effects of stock based compensation and the award of bonuses under our bonus plans; (10) to exclude costs incurred in connection with potential acquisitions or divestitures that are required to be expensed under generally accepted accounting principles; and (11) to exclude the goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges that are required to be recorded under generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, we retain the discretion to reduce or eliminate the compensation or economic benefit due upon attainment of the goals. The performance goals may differ from participant to participant and from award to award.
Other Stock Awards. The plan administrator may grant other awards based in whole or in part by reference to our common stock. The plan administrator will set the number of shares under the stock award and all other terms and conditions of such awards.
Non-Employee Director Compensation Limit. The aggregate value of all compensation granted or paid to any non-employee director with respect to any period commencing on the date of our annual meeting of stockholders for a particular year and ending on the day immediately prior to the date of our annual meeting of stockholders for the next subsequent year (Annual Period), including stock awards granted and cash fees paid by us to such non-employee director, will not exceed $ in total value, or in the event such non-employee director is first appointed or elected to the board during such Annual Period, $ in total value (in each case, calculating the value of any such stock awards based on the grant date fair value of such stock awards for financial reporting purposes). This limitation shall apply commencing with the Annual Period that begins on our first annual meeting of stockholders following the date of execution of the underwriting agreement for this offering.
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Changes to Capital Structure. In the event there is a specified type of change in our capital structure, such as a stock split, reverse stock split or recapitalization, appropriate adjustments will be made to (i) the class and maximum number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2025 Plan, (ii) the class and maximum number of shares by which the share reserve may increase automatically each year, (iii) the class and maximum number of shares that may be issued on the exercise of ISOs and (iv) the class and number of shares and exercise price, strike price or purchase price, if applicable, of all outstanding stock awards.
Corporate Transactions. The following applies to stock awards under the 2025 Plan in the event of a corporate transaction, unless otherwise provided in a participants stock award agreement or other written agreement with us or one of our affiliates or unless otherwise expressly provided by the plan administrator at the time of grant.
In the event of a corporate transaction, any stock awards outstanding under the 2025 Plan may be assumed, continued or substituted for by any surviving or acquiring corporation (or its parent company), and any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by us with respect to the stock award may be assigned to the successor (or its parent company). If the surviving or acquiring corporation (or its parent company) does not assume, continue or substitute for such stock awards, then with respect to any such stock awards that are held by participants whose continuous service has not terminated prior to the effective time of the transaction, or current participants, the vesting (and exercisability, if applicable) of such stock awards will be accelerated in full to a date prior to the effective time of the transaction (contingent upon the effectiveness of the transaction), and such stock awards will terminate if not exercised (if applicable) at or prior to the effective time of the transaction, and any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by us with respect to such stock awards will lapse (contingent upon the effectiveness of the transaction). With respect to performance awards with multiple vesting levels depending on performance level, unless otherwise provided by an award agreement or by the administrator, the award will accelerate at 100% of target. If the surviving or acquiring corporation (or its parent company) does not assume, continue or substitute for such stock awards, then with respect to any such stock awards that are held by persons other than current participants, such awards will terminate if not exercised (if applicable) prior to the effective time of the transaction, except that any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by us with respect to such stock awards will not terminate and may continue to be exercised notwithstanding the transaction. The plan administrator is not obligated to treat all stock awards or portions of stock awards in the same manner and is not obligated to take the same actions with respect to all participants.
In the event a stock award will terminate if not exercised prior to the effective time of a transaction, the plan administrator may provide, in its sole discretion, that the holder of such stock award may not exercise such stock award but instead will receive a payment equal in value to the excess (if any) of (i) the value of the property the participant would have received upon the exercise of the stock award over (ii) any exercise price payable by such holder in connection with such exercise.
Under our 2025 Plan, a corporate transaction is defined to include: (i) a sale of all or substantially all of our assets; (ii) the sale or disposition of more than 50% of our outstanding securities; (iii) the consummation of a merger or consolidation where we do not survive the transaction; and (iv) the consummation of a merger or consolidation where we do survive the transaction but the shares of our common stock outstanding before such transaction are converted or exchanged into other property by virtue of the transaction, unless otherwise provided in an award agreement or other written agreement between us and the award holder.
Change in Control. In the event of a change in control, as defined under our 2025 Plan, awards granted under our 2025 Plan will not receive automatic acceleration of vesting and exercisability, although this treatment may be provided for in an award agreement.
Under the 2025 Plan, a change in control is defined to include: (i) the acquisition by any person or company of more than 50% of the combined voting power of our then outstanding stock; (ii) a consummated merger, consolidation or similar transaction in which our stockholders immediately before the transaction do not
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own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the combined voting power of the surviving entity (or the parent of the surviving entity); (iii) the approval by the stockholders or the board of directors of a plan of our complete dissolution or liquidation, or the occurrence of our complete dissolution or liquidation, except for a liquidation into a parent corporation; (iv) a consummated sale, lease, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets other than to an entity more than 50% of the combined voting power of which is owned by our stockholders; and (v) an unapproved change in the majority of the board of directors.
Clawback. All awards granted under the 2025 Plan will be subject to recoupment in accordance with any clawback policy that we are required to adopt pursuant to the listing standards of any national securities exchange or association on which our securities are listed or as is otherwise required by the U.S. Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or other applicable law. In addition, our board of directors may impose such other clawback, recovery or recoupment provisions in a stock award agreement as our board of directors determines necessary or appropriate.
Transferability. A participant may not transfer stock awards under our 2025 Plan other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution, or as otherwise provided under our 2025 Plan.
Plan Amendment or Termination. Our board of directors has the authority to amend, suspend or terminate our 2025 Plan, provided that such action does not materially impair the existing rights of any participant without such participants written consent. Certain material amendments also require the approval of our stockholders. No ISOs may be granted after the tenth anniversary of the date our board of directors adopted our 2025 Plan. No stock awards may be granted under our 2025 Plan while it is suspended or after it is terminated.
2025 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Our board of directors adopted, and our stockholders approved, our 2025 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) in . The ESPP will become effective upon the execution of the underwriting agreement for this offering. The purpose of the ESPP is to secure and retain the services of new employees, to retain the services of existing employees, and to provide incentives for such individuals to exert maximum efforts toward our success and that of our affiliates. Our ESPP will include two components. One component will be designed to allow eligible U.S. employees to purchase our ordinary shares in a manner that may qualify for favorable tax treatment under Section 423 of the Code. The other component will permit the grant of purchase rights that do not qualify for such favorable tax treatment in order to allow deviations necessary to permit participation by eligible employees who are foreign nationals or employed outside of the U.S. while complying with applicable foreign laws.
Share Reserve. Following this offering, the ESPP authorizes the issuance of shares of our common stock under purchase rights granted to our employees or to employees of any of our designated affiliates. The number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance will automatically increase on January 1 of each calendar year, beginning on January 1, 2026 (assuming the ESPP becomes effective in 2025) through January 1, 2035, by the lesser of (i) 1% of the total number of shares of our capital stock outstanding on the last day of the calendar month before the date of the automatic increase and (ii) shares; provided that before the date of any such increase, our board of directors may determine that such increase will be less than the amount set forth in clauses (i) and (ii). As of the date hereof, no shares of our common stock have been purchased under the ESPP.
Administration. Our board of directors, or a duly authorized committee thereof, will administer our ESPP. Our board may delegate concurrent authority to administer the ESPP to our compensation committee under the terms of the compensation committees charter. The ESPP is implemented through a series of offerings under which eligible employees are granted purchase rights to purchase shares of our common stock on specified dates during such offerings. Under the ESPP, we may specify offerings with durations of not more than 27 months and
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may specify shorter purchase periods within each offering. Each offering will have one or more purchase dates on which shares of our common stock will be purchased for employees participating in the offering. An offering under the ESPP may be terminated under certain circumstances.
Payroll Deductions. Generally, all regular employees, including executive officers, employed by us or by any of our designated affiliates, may participate in the ESPP and may contribute, normally through payroll deductions, up to % of their earnings (as defined in the ESPP) for the purchase of our common stock under the ESPP. Unless otherwise determined by our board of directors, common stock will be purchased for the accounts of employees participating in the ESPP at a price per share equal to the lower of (i) 85% of the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the first trading date of an offering; or (ii) 85% of the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of purchase.
Limitations. Employees may have to satisfy one or more of the following service requirements before participating in the ESPP, as determined by our board of directors, including: (i) being customarily employed with us or one of our affiliates for more than 20 hours per week and more than five months per calendar year; or (ii) continuous employment with us or one of our affiliates for a minimum period of time (not to exceed two years). No employee may purchase shares under the ESPP at a rate in excess of $25,000 worth of our common stock based on the fair market value per share of our common stock at the beginning of an offering for each year such a purchase right is outstanding. Finally, no employee will be eligible for the grant of any purchase rights under the ESPP if immediately after such rights are granted, such employee has voting power over 5% or more of our outstanding capital stock measured by vote or value under Section 424(d) of the Code.
Changes to Capital Structure. In the event that there occurs a change in our capital structure through such actions as a stock split, merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, reincorporation, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, large nonrecurring cash dividend, liquidating dividend, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure or similar transaction, the board of directors will make appropriate adjustments to: (i) the number of shares reserved under the ESPP; (ii) the maximum number of shares by which the share reserve may increase automatically each year; (iii) the number of shares and purchase price of all outstanding purchase rights; and (iv) the number of shares that are subject to purchase limits under ongoing offerings.
Corporate Transactions. In the event of certain significant corporate transactions, including: (i) a sale of all or substantially all of our assets; (ii) the sale or disposition of more than 50% of our outstanding securities; (iii) the consummation of a merger or consolidation where we do not survive the transaction; and (iv) the consummation of a merger or consolidation where we do survive the transaction but the shares of our common stock outstanding immediately before such transaction are converted or exchanged into other property by virtue of the transaction, any then-outstanding rights to purchase our stock under the ESPP may be assumed, continued or substituted for by any surviving or acquiring entity (or its parent company). If the surviving or acquiring entity (or its parent company) elects not to assume, continue, or substitute for such purchase rights, then the participants accumulated payroll contributions will be used to purchase shares of our common stock within ten business days before such corporate transaction, and such purchase rights will terminate immediately.
ESPP Amendment or Termination. Our board of directors has the authority to amend or terminate our ESPP, provided that except in certain circumstances such amendment or termination may not materially impair any outstanding purchase rights without the holders consent. We will obtain stockholder approval of any amendment to our ESPP as required by applicable law or listing requirements.
Non-Employee Director Compensation
The following table sets forth information regarding the compensation earned by or paid to our non-employee directors during fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. Sean Saint, our President and Chief Executive Officer is also a member of our board of directors, but does not receive any additional compensation
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for service as a director. The compensation earned by or paid to Sean Saint as a named executive officer for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 is set forth above under Executive and Director CompensationSummary Compensation Table.
| Name |
Fees Earned or Paid In Cash |
Option Awards |
Total |
|||||||||
| Amanda Black |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Sean Carney |
||||||||||||
| James Parker Cassidy |
||||||||||||
| Dan Dearen |
||||||||||||
| Francesco Draetta(1) |
||||||||||||
| Westley Dupray |
||||||||||||
| Gilad Glick |
||||||||||||
| Lennox Ketner |
||||||||||||
| Adam Lezack |
||||||||||||
| (1) | Mr. Draetta resigned from our board of directors in November 2024. |
Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy
We intend to adopt a non-employee director compensation policy, pursuant to which our non-employee directors will be eligible to receive compensation for service on our board of directors and committees of our board of directors, to be effective following the completion of this offering.
Limitations of Liability and Indemnification Matters
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which will become effective immediately prior to the closing of this offering, will contain provisions that limit the liability of our current and former directors and officers for monetary damages to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Delaware law provides that directors and officers of a corporation will not be personally liable for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duties as directors or officers, except liability for:
| | any breach of the directors or officers duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders; |
| | any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; |
| | as a director, unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions; |
| | as an officer, derivative claims brought on behalf of the corporation by a stockholder; or |
| | any transaction from which the director or officer derived an improper personal benefit. |
Such limitation of liability does not apply to liabilities arising under federal securities laws and does not affect the availability of equitable remedies such as injunctive relief or rescission.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that will be in effect immediately prior to the closing of this offering will authorize us to indemnify our directors, officers, employees and other agents to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Our amended and restated bylaws that will be in effect immediately prior to the closing of this offering will provide that we are required to indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law and may indemnify our other employees and agents. Our amended and restated bylaws that will be in effect immediately prior to the closing of this offering will also provide that, on satisfaction of certain conditions, we will advance expenses incurred by a director or officer in advance of the final disposition of any action or proceeding, and permit us to secure insurance on behalf of any officer, director, employee, or other agent for any liability arising out of his or her actions in that capacity regardless of whether
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we would otherwise be permitted to indemnify him or her under the provisions of Delaware law. We have entered into, or will enter into in connection with this offering, agreements to indemnify our directors, executive officers and other employees as determined by the board of directors. With certain exceptions, these agreements provide for indemnification for related expenses including attorneys fees, judgments, fines and settlement amounts incurred by any of these individuals in connection with any action, proceeding or investigation.
We believe that our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and these amended and restated bylaw provisions and indemnification agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and officers. We also maintain customary directors and officers liability insurance.
The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws that will be in effect immediately prior to the closing of this offering may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against our directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. They may also reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation against our directors and officers, even though an action, if successful, might benefit us and other stockholders. Further, a stockholders investment may be adversely affected to the extent that we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers as required by these indemnification provisions.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted for directors, executive officers, or persons controlling us, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The following includes a summary of transactions since January 1, 2022, to which we have been a party, in which the amount involved in the transaction exceeded the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of the average of our total assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2023, and in which any of our directors, executive officers or, to our knowledge, beneficial owners of more than 5% of our capital stock at the time of such transaction, or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other than equity and other compensation, termination, change in control and other arrangements, which are described in the sections titled Executive and Director Compensation and Executive and Director Compensation Non-Employee Director Compensation.
Convertible Preferred Stock Financings
Series C Preferred Stock and Warrant Financing
In February 2022, we issued and sold to investors in a private placement (i) an aggregate of 410,186 shares of our Series C convertible preferred stock (Series C Preferred) in our Series C convertible preferred stock financing at a purchase price of $139.0802 per share for aggregate cash proceeds of approximately $57.0 million and (ii) warrants to purchase an aggregate of 102,539 shares of Series C Preferred (Series C Warrants). In August 2023, we effected a one-for-ten stock split for each outstanding share of Series C Preferred, resulting in an increase in the total number of shares of Series C Preferred sold from 410,186 to 4,101,860 and an increase in the total number of shares of Series C Preferred issuable pursuant to the exercise of Series C Warrants from 102,539 to 1,025,390.
The following table summarizes the shares of Series C Preferred purchased by holders of more than 5% of our capital stock and entities affiliated with our directors.
| Participants |
Series C Preferred Stock (Post Stock-Split) |
Total Purchase Price |
||||||
| Entities affiliated with Eventide Asset Management(1) |
1,078,500 | $ | 14,999,799.57 | |||||
| Entities affiliated with RTW Investments(2) |
862,810 | 11,999,978.74 | ||||||
| Entities affiliated with Soleus Capital(3) |
611,150 | 8,499,886.42 | ||||||
| Zone Healthcare Holdings, LLC(4) |
539,250 | 7,499,899.79 | ||||||
| (1) | The entities affiliated with Eventide Asset Management whose shares are aggregated for purposes of reporting share ownership information are Mutual Fund Series Trust on behalf of Eventide Gilead Fund and Mutual Fund Series Trust on behalf of Eventide Healthcare & Life Sciences Fund (collectively, Eventide). Eventide beneficially owns more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock, and Westley Dupray, a member of our board of directors, is a Research Analyst and Principal at Eventide. |
| (2) | The entities affiliated with RTW Investments whose shares are aggregated for purposes of reporting share ownership information are RTW Biotech Opportunities Ltd, RTW Innovation Master Fund, Ltd. and RTW Master Fund, Ltd. (collectively, RTW Investments). RTW Investments beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock. |
| (3) | The entities affiliated with Soleus Capital whose shares are aggregated for purposes of reporting share ownership information are Soleus BB SPV, LLC, Soleus Private Equity Fund I, L.P. and Soleus Private Equity Fund II, L.P. (collectively, Soleus Capital). Soleus beneficially owns more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock, and Lennox Ketner, a member of our board of directors, is Managing Director at Soleus Capital. |
| (4) | Zone Healthcare Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Farallon Capital, beneficially owns more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock, and Amanda Black is an Investment Director at Farallon Capital. |
Series D Preferred Stock and Warrant Financing
From August to September 2023, we issued and sold to investors in a private placement (i) an aggregate of 12,107,140 shares of our Series D convertible preferred stock (Series D Preferred) in our Series D convertible preferred stock financing at a purchase price of $8.40 per share for aggregate cash proceeds of approximately $101.7 million and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 8,474,983 shares of common stock (Common Warrants).
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The following table summarizes the shares of Series D Preferred purchased by holders of more than 5% of our capital stock and entities affiliated with our directors.
| Participants |
Series D Preferred Stock |
Total Purchase Price |
||||||
| Sands Capital Life Sciences Pulse Fund II, L.P.(1) |
2,619,047 | $ | 21,999,994.80 | |||||
| Zone Healthcare Holdings, LLC(2) |
2,238,095 | 18,799,998.00 | ||||||
| Entities affiliated with Eventide Asset Management(3) |
1,190,476 | 9,999,998.40 | ||||||
| Entities affiliated with RTW Investments(4) |
1,190,476 | 9,999,998.40 | ||||||
| Entities affiliated with Soleus Capital(5) |
1,190,476 | 9,999,998.40 | ||||||
| (1) | Sands Capital Life Sciences Pulse Fund II, L.P. (Sands Capital) beneficially owns more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock, and James Parker Cassidy, a member of our board of directors, is a Partner at Sands Capital. |
| (2) | Zone Healthcare Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Farallon Capital, beneficially owns more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock, and Amanda Black is an Investment Director at Farallon Capital. |
| (3) | Eventide beneficially owns more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock, and Westley Dupray, a member of our board of directors, is a Research Analyst and Principal at Eventide. |
| (4) | RTW Investments beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock. |
| (5) | Soleus Capital beneficially owns more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock, and Lennox Ketner, a member of our board of directors, is Managing Director at Soleus Capital. |
Series E Preferred Stock Financing
In November 2024, we issued and sold to investors in a private placement an aggregate of 8,574,227 shares of our Series E convertible preferred stock (Series E Preferred) in our Series E convertible preferred stock financing at a purchase price of $6.997716 per share for aggregate cash proceeds of approximately $60.0 million.
The following table summarizes the shares of Series E Preferred purchased by holders of more than 5% of our capital stock and entities affiliated with our directors.
| Participants |
Series E Preferred Stock |
Total Purchase Price |
||||||
| Sands Capital Life Sciences Pulse Fund II, L.P.(1) |
441,913 | $ | 3,092,381.68 | |||||
| Entities affiliated with Eventide Asset Management(2) |
806,753 | 5,645,428.39 | ||||||
| Entities affiliated with RTW Investments(3) |
551,388 | 3,858,456.65 | ||||||
| Entities affiliated with Soleus Capital(4) |
408,394 | 2,857,825.23 | ||||||
| Wellington Hadley Harbor Aggregator IV, L.P.(5) |
5,716,151 | 40,000,001.32 | ||||||
| (1) | Sands Capital beneficially owns more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock, and James Parker Cassidy, a member of our board of directors, is a Partner at Sands Capital. |
| (2) | Eventide beneficially owns more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock, and Westley Dupray, a member of our board of directors, is a Research Analyst and Principal at Eventide. |
| (3) | RTW Investments beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock. |
| (4) | Soleus Capital beneficially owns more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock, and Lennox Ketner, a member of our board of directors, is Managing Director at Soleus Capital. |
| (5) | Wellington Hadley Harbor Aggregator IV, L.P. beneficially owns more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock. |
Investor Agreements
In connection with our convertible preferred stock financings, we entered into investors rights, right of first refusal and co-sale and voting agreements, which contain, among other things, registration rights, information rights, voting rights and rights of first refusal, with certain holders of our capital stock, including Wellington Hadley Harbor Aggregator IV, L.P., entities affiliated with Eventide Asset Management, Sands Capital Life Sciences Pulse Fund, L.P., Zone Healthcare Holdings, LLC, entities affiliated with RTW Investments and entities affiliated with Soleus Capital. These agreements will terminate upon the closing of this offering, except for the registration rights granted under our investors rights agreement, as more fully described
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in the section titled Description of Capital StockRegistration Rights. See also the section titled Principal and Selling Stockholders for additional information regarding beneficial ownership of our capital stock.
Our Relationship with Boston University
Edward Damiano, Ph.D., our Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, was affiliated with Boston University (BU) as of the time of the original execution and the December 2017, September 2020 and February 2022 amendments of the Device License Agreement and Control Algorithm Agreement. He currently serves as Research Professor of Biomedical Engineering at BU on a volunteer basis and has no time commitments to BU. Pursuant to the BU Intellectual Property Policy, BU is obligated to pay a specified percentage of royalties received from us on net sales of products licensed under the agreements to the inventors of the patentable inventions, which includes Dr. Damiano.
Device License Agreement
In December 2015, we and the Trustees of BU entered into a device license agreement, which was amended in December 2017, September 2020, February 2022 and November 2024 (collectively, the Device License Agreement). Under the Device License Agreement, we received a royalty-bearing license (with the right to sublicense) under certain of BUs patent rights related to a system and individual components thereof for delivering multiple medicaments to a patient without medicament mis-channeling to make, use, sell, and import products, and practice processes covered by the licensed patent rights (collectively, the Licensed Products and Licensed Processes).
In consideration for the licensed patent rights and other rights granted to us under the Device License Agreement, we issued 2,286 shares of our Class B common stock to BU, representing a specified ownership percentage on a fully diluted basis at the time of entering into the Device License Agreement, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, which have been satisfied and extinguished by the issuance of additional shares of Class B common stock. We are also required to pay (i) quarterly royalties of a mid-single-digit percentage based on net sales of all Licensed Products and Licensed Processes by us or our affiliates, (ii) quarterly royalties of a low double-digit percentage based on net sales by our sublicensees (in each case (i) and (ii), which royalties are creditable against the minimum royalty amount) and (iii) agreed to make quarterly lump sum payments of a low-double-digit percentage based on certain non-royalty sublicensing revenue received by us from our sublicensees. The foregoing payments are subject to customary increase under certain specified circumstances. We also granted BU board observer rights and agreed to bear the patent costs, including prior patent costs incurred by BU in respect of the licensed patent rights. Additionally, if we assign the Device License Agreement in connection with the sale of all or substantially all of our assets relating to the licensed patent rights, we will be required to pay BU an assignment fee to be agreed on with BU at the time of such assignment. For a further description of the Device License Agreement, see BusinessLicense and Collaboration AgreementsDevice License Agreement with Boston University.
Control Algorithm Agreement
In December 2015, we and the Trustees of BU entered into a control algorithm license agreement, which was amended in December 2017, September 2020, and February 2022 (collectively, the Control Algorithm Agreement). Under the Control Algorithm Agreement, we received a royalty-bearing license (with the right to sublicense) to (i) make, use, sell, and import products, and practice processes, covered by certain of BUs patent rights related to automated control systems for treatment of T1D and similar conditions, involving monitoring and/or delivering insulin, glucagon, and glucose (collectively, the Automated Control System Technology) and (ii) use, reproduce, prepare derivative works, perform, display, and distribute all or any part of the software, source code, object code and/or related documentation, covered by certain copyright rights, and related to (a) the Automated Control System Technology and (b) the iLet control algorithm.
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In consideration for the licensed patent rights and other rights granted to us under the Control Algorithm Agreement, we issued 2,247 shares of our Class B common stock to BU, representing a specified ownership percentage on a fully diluted basis at the time of entering into the license agreement, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, which have been satisfied and extinguished by the issuance of additional shares of Class B common stock to BU. We are also required to pay BU (i) quarterly royalties of a mid-single-digit percentage based on net sales by us and our affiliates, (ii) royalties of a low double-digit percentage of net sales by sublicensees (in each case (i) and (ii), which royalties are creditable against the minimum royalty amount) and (iii) agreed to make quarterly lump sum payments of a low double-digit percentage of the non-royalty sublicensing revenue received by us from our sublicensees. The foregoing payments are subject to customary increase under certain specified circumstances. We also granted BU board observer rights and agreed to bear the patent costs, including prior patent costs incurred by BU in respect of the licensed patent rights. Additionally, if we undergo a change of control (as defined in the Control Algorithm Agreement) we will owe BU a one-time change of control payment of $65,000. We will also be required to pay BU an assignment fee to be agreed on with BU at the time of such assignment if we assign the Control Algorithm License Agreement in connection with the sale of all or substantially all of our assets relating to the licensed patent rights and copyright. For a further description of the Control Algorithm Agreement, see BusinessLicense and Collaboration AgreementsControl Algorithm Agreement with Boston University.
Employment Arrangements and Indemnification Agreement
We have entered into employment agreements with certain of our executive officers. For more information regarding these agreements with our named executive officers, see Executive and Director CompensationEmployment Arrangements with our Named Executive Officers.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation upon the closing of this offering will contain provisions limiting the liability of directors, and our amended and restated bylaws that will be in effect upon the closing of this offering will provide that we will indemnify each of our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws upon the closing of this offering will also provide our board of directors with discretion to indemnify our employees and other agents when determined appropriate by the board.
In addition, we have entered, and intend to enter, into an indemnification agreement with each of our directors and executive officers, which requires us to indemnify them. For more information regarding these agreements, see the section titled Executive and Director CompensationLimitations of Liability and Indemnification Matters.
Stock Option Grants to Directors and Executive Officers
We have granted stock options to our directors and executive officers, as more fully described in the section titled Executive and Director Compensation.
Directed Share Program
At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to % of the shares offered by this prospectus, excluding the additional shares that the underwriters have a 30-day option to purchase, for sale to certain of our directors and officers and certain other parties related to us. See UnderwritingDirected Share Program.
Policies and Procedures for Related Party Transactions
Prior to the completion of this offering, we adopted a written related person transactions policy that sets forth our policies and procedures regarding the identification, review, consideration and continuing oversight of
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related person transactions. For purposes of our policy only, a related person transaction is a transaction, arrangement or relationship (or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships) in which we and any related person are participants involving an amount that exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years. Transactions involving compensation for services provided to us as an employee, consultant or director are not considered related person transactions under this policy. A related person is any executive officer, director, nominee to become a director or a holder of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities, including any of their immediate family members and affiliates, and entities owned or controlled by such persons or entities in which such person has a 5% or greater beneficial ownership interest.
Under the policy, where a transaction has been identified as a related person transaction, management must present information regarding the proposed related person transaction to our audit committee (or, where review by our audit committee would be inappropriate for reasons of conflict of interest or otherwise, to another independent body of our board of directors) for review. The presentation must include a description of, among other things, all of the parties thereto, the direct and indirect interests of the related persons, the purpose of the transaction, the material facts, the benefits of the transaction to us and whether any alternative transactions are available, an assessment of whether the terms are comparable to the terms available from unrelated third parties or to employees generally and managements recommendation. To identify related person transactions in advance, we rely on information supplied by our executive officers, directors and certain significant stockholders. In considering related person transactions, our audit committee or another independent body of our board of directors takes into account the relevant available facts and circumstances including, but not limited to:
| | the risks, costs and benefits to us; |
| | the impact on a directors independence in the event the related person is a director, immediate family member of a director or an entity with which a director is affiliated; |
| | the terms of the transaction; |
| | the availability of other sources for comparable services or products; and |
| | the terms available to or from, as the case may be, unrelated third parties. |
In the event a director has an interest in the proposed transaction, the director must recuse himself or herself from the deliberations and approval.
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PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our capital stock as of , 2024, as adjusted to reflect the sale of our common stock offered by us in this offering assuming no exercise of the underwriters option to purchase additional shares, for:
| | each of our named executive officers; |
| | each of our directors; |
| | all of our executive officers and directors as a group; |
| | each person or group of affiliated persons known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock; and |
| | each of the selling stockholders. |
We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC, and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Except as indicated by the footnotes below, we believe, based on information furnished to us, that the persons and entities named in the table below have sole voting and sole investment power with respect to all shares that they beneficially own, subject to applicable community property laws.
Applicable percentage ownership before the offering is based on shares of common stock outstanding as of , 2024, assuming (i) the conversion of all outstanding shares of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock and Class C common stock into shares of common stock upon the closing of this offering and (ii) the automatic conversion of all outstanding shares of our convertible preferred stock into shares of common stock upon the closing of this offering, and excluding the conversion of the outstanding warrants. Applicable percentage ownership after the offering is based on (i) the conversion of all our outstanding warrants into shares of common stock and (ii) the sale of shares of common stock by us in this offering, assuming no exercise and the full exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of our common stock from the selling stockholders. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of such person, we deemed to be outstanding all shares subject to options held by the person that are currently exercisable, or exercisable within 60 days of , 2024. However, except as described above, we did not deem such shares outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. The percentage ownership information does not reflect any potential purchases pursuant to the directed share program or otherwise of any shares of common stock in this offering by the beneficial owners identified in the table below. See UnderwritingDirected Share Program.
Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner listed below is c/o Beta Bionics, Inc., 11 Hughes, Irvine, California 92618. We believe, based on information provided to us, that each of the stockholders listed below has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned by the stockholder unless noted otherwise, subject to community property laws where applicable.
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The following table does not reflect any potential purchases by our executive officers, directors, their affiliated entities or holders of more than 5% of our common stock in this offering or any equity awards granted to our executive officers or directors contingent on this offering. If any shares are purchased by and to the extent any such equity awards have been granted to these persons or entities, the number and percentage of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by them after this offering will differ from the amounts set forth in the following table.
| Shares Beneficially Owned Prior to Offering |
Number of Shares Being Offered** |
Shares Beneficially Owned After Offering (assuming no exercise of option) |
Shares Beneficially Owned After Offering (assuming full exercise of option)** |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Name of Beneficial Owner |
Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5% or Greater Stockholders: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sands Capital Life Sciences Pulse Fund II, L.P.(1) |
% | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Zone Healthcare Holdings, LLC(2) |
% | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Entities affiliated with Eventide Asset Management(3) |
% | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Entities affiliated with RTW Investments(4) |
% | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Entities affiliated with Soleus Capital(5) |
% | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wellington Hadley Harbor Aggregator IV, L.P.(6) |
% | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Edward Damiano, Ph.D.(7) |
% | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Named Executive Officers and Directors: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sean Saint(8) |
% | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (9) |
% | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
(10) |
% | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sean Carney(11) |
% | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gilad Glick(12) |
% | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adam Lezack(13) |
% | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Edward Damiano, Ph.D.(7) |
% | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amanda Black |
% | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| James Parker Cassidy |
% | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dan Dearen |
% | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Westley Dupray |
% | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lennox Ketner |
% | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| All directors and executive officers as a group (13 persons)(14) |
% | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Selling Stockholders: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1%. |
| ** | The selling stockholders will participate in the offering only if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares of common stock. If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full, the selling stockholders will sell a total of shares of our common stock in the offering. |
| (1) | Consists of shares of common stock and shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Series D preferred stock held by Sands Capital Life Sciences Pulse Fund II, L.P. (Pulse Fund II). The sole general partner of Pulse Fund II is Sands Capital Life Sciences Pulse Fund II-GP, L.P. (Pulse Fund II GP LP), and the sole general partner of Pulse Fund II GP LP is Sands Capital Life Sciences Pulse Fund II-GP, LLC (Pulse Fund II GP LLC). Sands Capital Ventures, LLC is the investment manager for Pulse Fund II and Frank M. Sands ultimately controls the activities of Sands Capital Ventures, LLC, therefore Mr. Sands may be deemed to have voting and investment power over the shares held by Pulse Fund II. The address of all entities and the individual referenced in this footnote is 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 3000, Arlington, Virginia 22209. |
| (2) | Consists of shares of common stock, shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series B-2 preferred stock, shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series C preferred stock, shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series D preferred stock and shares of common stock subject to warrants that are exercisable within 60 days of , 2024. The manager of Zone Healthcare Holdings, LLC (Zone) is Farallon Capital Management, L.L.C. (FCM), and may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the shares held by Zone. Each of Joshua J. Dapice, Philip D. Dreyfuss, Hannah E. Dunn, Richard B. Fried, Varun N. Gehani, Nicolas Giauque, David T. Kim, Michael G. Linn, Rajiv A. Patel, Dr. Thomas G. Roberts, Jr., Edric C. Saito, William Seybold, Daniel S. Short, Andrew J.M. Spokes, John R. Warren, and Mark C. Wehrly, as a senior managing member or managing member (collectively, the Farallon Managing Members), as the case may be, of FCM, in each case with the power to exercise investment or voting discretion, may be deemed a beneficial owner of all such shares held by Zone. FCM and each of the Farallon Managing Members disclaim any beneficial ownership of all such shares. The address for Zone is c/o Farallon Capital Management, L.L.C., One Maritime Plaza, Suite 2100, San Francisco, California 94111. |
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| (3) | Consists of (i) shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series B preferred stock, shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series B-2 preferred stock, shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series C preferred stock, shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series D preferred stock and shares of common stock subject to warrants that are exercisable within 60 days of , 2024, held by Mutual Fund Series Trust on behalf of Eventide Gilead Fund (Eventide Gilead) and (ii) shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series B preferred stock, shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series B-2 preferred stock, shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series C preferred stock, shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series D preferred stock and shares of common stock subject to warrants that are exercisable within 60 days of , 2024, held by Mutual Fund Series Trust on behalf of Eventide Healthcare & Life Sciences Fund (Eventide Healthcare). Eventide Asset Management, LLC (Eventide Management), investment adviser to Eventide Gilead and Eventide Healthcare, holds voting and dispositive power over the shares held by Eventide Gilead and Eventide Healthcare. Finny Kuruvilla is the portfolio manager of Eventide Management. Eventide Management disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by Eventide Gilead and Eventide Healthcare, except to the extent of its respective pecuniary interests therein. The address for both Eventide Gilead and Eventide Healthcare is c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, 80 Arkay Drive, Suite 110, Hauppauge, New York 11788. |
| (4) | Consists of (i) shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series B preferred stock, (ii) shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series B-2 preferred stock, (iii) shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series C preferred stock, (iv) shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series D preferred stock and (v) shares of common stock subject to warrants that are exercisable within 60 days of , 2024, in each case, held in the aggregate by RTW Master Fund, Ltd. (RTW Master Fund), RTW Innovation Master Fund, Ltd. (RTW Innovation Fund), and RTW Biotech Opportunities Operating Ltd (RTW Biotech, together with RTW Master Fund and RTW Innovation Fund, the RTW Funds). RTW Investments, LP (RTW), in its capacity as the investment manager of the RTW Funds, has the power to vote and the power to direct the disposition of the shares held by the RTW Funds. Accordingly, RTW may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of such securities. Roderick Wong, M.D., as the Managing Partner of RTW, has the power to direct the vote and disposition of the securities held by RTW. Dr. Wong disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by the RTW Funds, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. The address and principal office of RTW Investments, LP is 40 10th Avenue, Floor 7, New York, NY 10014, and the address of Dr. Wong and each of the RTW Funds is c/o RTW Investments, LP, 40 10th Avenue, Floor 7, New York, NY 10014. |
| (5) | Consists of (i) shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series B-2 preferred stock, shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series C preferred stock, shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series D preferred stock and shares of common stock subject to warrants that are exercisable within 60 days of , 2024, held by Soleus BB SPV, LLC (Soleus SPV), (ii) shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series B-2 preferred stock, shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series C preferred stock and shares of common stock subject to warrants that are exercisable within 60 days of , 2024, held by Soleus Private Equity Fund I, L.P. (PE Fund I), and (iii) shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series C preferred stock, shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series D preferred stock and shares of common stock subject to warrants that are exercisable within 60 days of , 2024, held by Soleus Private Equity Fund II, L.P. (PE Fund II). Soleus Private Equity GP I, LLC (Soleus PE GP I) is the sole general partner of PE Fund I and the sole managing member of Soleus SPV. Soleus PE GP I holds voting and dispositive power over the shares held by PE Fund I and Soleus SPV. Soleus Private Equity GP II, LLC (Soleus PE GP II) is the sole general partner of PE Fund II. Soleus PE GP II holds voting and dispositive power over the shares held by PE Fund II. Soleus PE GP I, LLC is the sole managing member of Soleus PE GP I, and Soleus PE GP II, LLC is the sole manager of Soleus PE GP II. Mr. Guy Levy is the sole managing member of each of Soleus PE GP I, LLC and Soleus PE GP II, LLC. Each of Mr. Guy Levy, Soleus PE GP I, LLC, Soleus PE GP II, LLC, Soleus PE GP I and Soleus PE GP II disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by Soleus SPV, PE Fund I and PE Fund II, except to the extent of their respective pecuniary interests therein. The address for Soleus BB SPV, LLC, Soleus Private Equity Fund I, L.P. and Soleus Private Equity Fund II, L.P. is c/o Soleus Capital Management, L.P., 104 Field Point Road, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830. |
| (6) | Consists of shares of our common stock held by Wellington Hadley Harbor Aggregator IV, L.P. (Wellington Hadley Harbor IV Fund). Wellington Management Company LLP, a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, is the investment adviser to Wellington Hadley Harbor IV Fund, and Wellington Alternative Investments LLC is its general partner. Wellington Management Investment, Inc. is the managing member of Wellington Alternative Investments LLC. Wellington Management Company LLP is an indirect subsidiary of Wellington Management Group LLP. Wellington Management Group LLP and Wellington Management Company LLP may be deemed beneficial owners with shared voting and investment power over the shares held by Wellington Hadley Harbor IV Fund. Additional information about Wellington Management Company LLP is available in its Form ADV filed with the SEC. The address of all entities referenced in this footnote is 280 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210. |
| (7) | Consists of (i) shares of common stock and (ii) shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series B preferred stock held by Dr. Damiano. |
| (8) | Consists of shares of common stock subject to options held by Mr. Saint that are exercisable within 60 days of , 2024. |
| (9) | Consists of shares of common stock subject to options held by that are exercisable within 60 days of , 2024. |
| (10) | Consists of shares of common stock subject to options held by that are exercisable within 60 days of , 2024. |
| (11) | Consists of shares of common stock subject to options held by Mr. Carney that are exercisable within 60 days of , 2024. |
| (12) | Consists of shares of common stock subject to options held by Mr. Glick that are exercisable within 60 days of , 2024. |
| (13) | Consists of shares of common stock subject to options held by Mr. Lezack that are exercisable within 60 days of , 2024. |
| (14) | Consists of (i) the shares described in notes (7) to (13) above and (ii) shares of shares of common stock subject to options held by that are exercisable within 60 days of , 2024. |
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Upon the filing of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the closing of this offering, our authorized capital stock will consist of 700,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share. All of our authorized preferred stock upon the closing of this offering will be undesignated. The following is a summary of the rights of our common and preferred stockholders and some of the provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, which will become effective immediately prior to and upon the closing of this offering, respectively, and of the Delaware General Corporation Law. This summary is not complete. For more detailed information, please see our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, as well as the relevant provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law.
Common Stock
Outstanding Shares
As of September 30, 2024, there were:
| | 5,790,000 shares of Class A common stock held of record by nine stockholders, all of which will automatically convert into 5,790,000 shares of common stock immediately prior to the closing of this offering; |
| | 7,239,508 shares of Class B common stock held of record by 20 stockholders, all of which will automatically convert into 7,239,508 shares of common stock immediately prior to the closing of this offering; and |
| | 96,910 shares of Class C common stock held of record by 717 stockholders, all of which will automatically convert into 96,910 shares of common stock immediately prior to the closing of this offering. |
These amounts exclude our outstanding shares of convertible preferred stock, which will convert into 39,059,408 shares of common stock, which includes 8,574,227 shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of the shares of Series E convertible preferred stock issued and sold in November 2024, immediately prior to the closing of this offering. Based on the number of shares of Class A common stock, Class B common stock and Class C common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2024 and giving effect to (i) the conversion of all outstanding shares of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock and Class C common stock into shares of our common stock, (ii) the automatic net exercise of all outstanding Class B common stock warrants and the automatic net exercise and subsequent conversion of all outstanding Series C convertible preferred stock warrants into shares of our common stock, (iii) the conversion of all outstanding shares of our convertible preferred stock into shares of our common stock, (iv) the issuance by us of shares of common stock in this offering and (v) no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares, there will be shares of common stock outstanding upon the closing of this offering.
Voting
Each holder of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock is entitled to one vote for each share of Class A common stock and Class B common stock held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, except as otherwise expressly provided in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or required by applicable law. The holders of our Class C common stock do not have voting rights. There are no cumulative voting rights.
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In connection with the closing of this offering and the automatic conversion of Class A common stock, Class B common stock and Class C common stock into a single class of common stock, the holders of our common stock will be entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders, including the election of directors, and will not have cumulative voting rights. Accordingly, the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock entitled to vote in any election of directors will be able to elect all of the directors standing for election.
Dividends
Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any then-outstanding preferred stock, the holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors out of legally available funds.
Liquidation
In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, holders of our common stock will be entitled to share ratably in the net assets legally available for distribution to stockholders after the payment of all of our debts and other liabilities, subject to the satisfaction of any liquidation preference granted to the holders of any outstanding shares of preferred stock.
Rights, Preferences and Privileges
Holders of our common stock have no preemptive, conversion or subscription rights, and there are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to our common stock. The rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of our common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of our preferred stock that we may designate and issue in the future.
Fully Paid and Nonassessable
All of our outstanding shares of common stock are, and the shares of common stock to be issued in this offering will be, fully paid and nonassessable.
Convertible Preferred Stock
As of September 30, 2024, there were 25,366,930 shares of convertible preferred stock outstanding, held of record by 54 stockholders, which excludes the issuance of 8,574,227 shares of Series E convertible preferred stock issued and sold in November 2024.
Immediately prior to the closing of this offering, all outstanding shares of convertible preferred stock will automatically convert into 39,059,408 shares of our common stock, and we will not have any shares preferred stock outstanding. Immediately prior to the closing of this offering, our certificate of incorporation will be amended and restated and all of our previously outstanding shares of convertible preferred stock will be converted into shares of common stock.
Under the amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our board of directors will have the authority, without further action by the stockholders, to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such series, to fix the rights, preferences and privileges of the shares of each wholly unissued series and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereon and to increase or decrease the number of shares of any such series, but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding.
Our board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of the common stock. The issuance of
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preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other things, have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in our control that may otherwise benefit holders of our common stock and may adversely affect the market price of the common stock and the voting and other rights of the holders of common stock. We have no current plans to issue any shares of preferred stock.
Stock Options
As of September 30, 2024, 11,148,105 shares of common stock were issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options, issued under our 2016 Plan, at a weighted-average exercise price of $3.52 per share. For information regarding the terms of our equity incentive plans, see the section titled Executive and Director CompensationEquity Benefit Plans.
Warrants
As of September 30, 2024, we had (i) 5,270,823 outstanding immediately exercisable warrants to purchase 5,270,823 shares of our common stock (Common Warrants and, together with the Series C Warrants, the Warrants), with an exercise price of $0.01 per share and (ii) 1,025,390 outstanding immediately exercisable warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,374,866 shares of our Series C Warrants, with an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The Warrants provide that each Warrant will be deemed to have been automatically exercised pursuant to the net exercise provision of the Warrant immediately prior to such Warrants expiration. The Warrants expire on the earliest to occur of (a) 10 years after a Warrants issuance date, (b) immediately prior to the consummation of a Sale of the Company, (c) immediately prior to the consummation of an IPO, and (d) immediately prior to a SPAC Transaction (each term as defined in the applicable Warrant). The Warrants also include a cashless exercise feature allowing the holder to elect to receive upon exercise of the holders Warrant (either in whole or in part) the net number of shares determined according to a formula set forth in the applicable Warrant.
Upon the completion of this offering, the Common Warrants will be automatically net exercised for the purchase of an aggregate of shares of our common stock (based upon an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus).
Upon the completion of this offering, the Series C Warrants will be automatically net exercised for the purchase of an aggregate of shares of our common stock (based upon an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus).
Registration Rights
Upon the closing of this offering, certain holders of shares of our common stock, including those issuable upon the conversion of preferred stock, will be entitled to rights with respect to the registration of these securities under the Securities Act. These rights are provided under the terms of an amended and restated investors rights agreement (investors rights agreement) between us and holders of our preferred stock. The investors rights agreement includes demand registration rights, Form S-3 registration rights and piggyback registration rights. All fees, costs and expenses of underwritten registrations under this agreement will be borne by us and all selling expenses, including underwriting discounts and selling commissions, will be borne by the holders of the shares being registered.
Demand Registration Rights
Beginning 180 days after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, certain holders of registrable securities are entitled to demand registration rights. Under the terms of the investors rights agreement, we will be required, upon the written request of the holders of at least 40% of our outstanding registrable securities, as defined in the investors rights agreement (or a lesser percent if the
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aggregate offering price, after payment of underwriting discounts and commissions, would exceed $15.0 million), to file a registration statement and use commercially reasonable efforts to effect the registration of all or a portion of their registrable securities for public resale. We are required to effect only two registrations pursuant to this provision of the investors rights agreement.
Form S-3 Registration Rights
Pursuant to the investors rights agreement, if we are eligible to file a registration statement on Form S-3, we will be required, upon written request of the holders of at least 20% of our outstanding registrable securities, as defined in the investors rights agreement, to register their registrable securities under the Securities Act so long as the total amount of registrable shares requested to be registered has an anticipated aggregate offering price to the public, net of selling expenses, of least $2.5 million. We are required to effect only two registrations in any twelve-month period pursuant to this provision of the investors rights agreement. The right to have such shares registered on Form S-3 is further subject to other specified conditions and limitations.
Piggyback Registration Rights
If we propose to register any of our common stock under the Securities Act in another offering, either for our own account or for the account of other security holders, the holders of registrable securities will be entitled to notice of the registration and will be entitled to include their shares of common stock in the registration, subject to certain conditions and limitations, including the right of the underwriters to limit the number of shares included in such registration under specified circumstances.
Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of Our Certificate of Incorporation, Our Bylaws and Delaware Law
Delaware Anti-Takeover Law
We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (Section 203). Section 203 generally prohibits a public Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination with an interested stockholder for a period of three years following the time that such stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:
| | prior to such time the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; |
| | upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) those shares owned (i) by persons who are directors and also officers and (ii) employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or |
| | at or subsequent to such time, the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66-2/3% of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder. |
Section 203 defines a business combination to include:
| | any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder; |
| | any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition involving the interested stockholder of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation; |
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| | subject to exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder; |
| | subject to exceptions, any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; and |
| | the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation. |
In general, Section 203 defines an interested stockholder as any entity or person who beneficially owns, or within the three years prior to the time of determination of interested stockholder status did own, 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by such entity or person.
A Delaware corporation may opt out of these provisions with an express provision in its original certificate of incorporation or an express provision in its amended and restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws resulting from a stockholders amendment approved by at least a majority of the outstanding voting shares. We have not opted out of these provisions. As a result, mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts of us may be discouraged or prevented.
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws
Provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, which will become effective immediately prior to and upon the closing of this offering, respectively, may delay or discourage transactions involving an actual or potential change in our control or change in our management, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares or transactions that our stockholders might otherwise deem to be in their best interests. Therefore, these provisions could adversely affect the price of our common stock. Among other things, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws:
| | permit our board of directors to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, with any rights, preferences and privileges as they may designate (including the right to approve an acquisition or other change in our control); |
| | provide that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of the board of directors; |
| | provide that the board of directors or any individual director may only be removed with cause and the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66-2/3% of the voting power of all of our then outstanding common stock; |
| | provide that all vacancies, including newly created directorships, may, except as otherwise required by law, be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum; |
| | divide our board of directors into three classes; |
| | require that any action to be taken by our stockholders must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders and not be taken by written consent; |
| | provide that stockholders seeking to present proposals before a meeting of stockholders or to nominate candidates for election as directors at a meeting of stockholders must provide notice in writing in a timely manner and also specify requirements as to the form and content of a stockholders notice; |
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| | do not provide for cumulative voting rights (therefore allowing the holders of a majority of the shares of common stock entitled to vote in any election of directors to elect all of the directors standing for election, if they should so choose); |
| | provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by the Executive Chairman of the board, our Chief Executive Officer or by the board of directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directors; |
| | provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for: (i) any derivative claim or cause of action brought on our behalf, (ii) any claim or cause of action that is based upon a violation of a duty owed by any of our current or former director, officer, employees or stockholder, to us or our stockholders, (iii) any claim or cause of action against us or any of our current or former directors, officers or other employees, arising out of or pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law, our certificate of incorporation or our bylaws, (iv) any claim or cause of action seeking to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of our certificate of incorporation or our bylaws, (v) any claim or cause of action as to which the Delaware General Corporation Law confers jurisdiction to the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and (vi) any claim or cause of action or proceeding asserting a claim against us or any of our current or former directors, officers or other employees governed by the internal-affairs doctrine or otherwise related to our internal affairs, in all cases to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and subject to the courts having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants; provided, however, that if the designation of such court as the sole and exclusive forum for a claim or action referred to in foregoing clauses (i) through (vi) would violate applicable law, then the United States District Court for the District of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for such claim or cause of action; and |
| | provide that unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act, including all causes of action asserted against any defendant named in such complaint. For the avoidance of doubt, this provision is intended to benefit and may be enforced by us, our officers and directors, the underwriters for any offering giving rise to such complaint, and any other professional entity whose profession gives authority to a statement made by that person or entity and who has prepared or certified any part of the documents underlying the offering. The amendment of any of these provisions, with the exception of the ability of our board of directors to issue shares of preferred stock and designate any rights, preferences and privileges thereto, would require approval by the holders of at least 66-2/3% of our then-outstanding common stock. |
Exchange Listing
We have applied to list our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol . We believe that upon the completion of this offering, we will meet the standards for listing on Nasdaq, and the closing of this offering is contingent upon such listing.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock immediately prior to the closing of this offering will be Computershare Trust Company, N.A. The transfer agent and registrars address is 150 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021.
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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. Future sales of substantial amounts of common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales may occur, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Furthermore, because only a limited number of shares of our common stock will be available for sale shortly after this offering due to certain contractual and legal restrictions on resale described below, sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market after such restrictions lapse, or the anticipation of such sales, could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock and our ability to raise equity capital in the future. Although we have applied to have our common stock listed on Nasdaq, we cannot assure you that there will be an active public market for our common stock.
Following the closing of this offering, based on the number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2024 and assuming (i) the issuance of shares of common stock in this offering, (ii) the conversion of all outstanding shares of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock and Class C common stock into 13,126,418 shares of our common stock immediately prior to the closing of this offering, (iii) the automatic conversion of all outstanding shares of our convertible preferred stock into 30,485,181 shares of common stock, (iv) the automatic net exercise of all Class B common stock warrants outstanding as of September 30, 2024 into an aggregate of shares of our common stock, (v) the automatic net exercise and subsequent conversion of all Series C convertible preferred stock warrants outstanding as of September 30, 2024 into an aggregate of shares of our common stock, (vi) the issuance and sale of our Series E convertible preferred stock in November 2024 and the subsequent conversion into 8,574,227 shares of our common stock, which will automatically occur immediately prior to the closing of the offering and (vii) no exercise of the underwriters option to purchase additional shares, we will have an aggregate of approximately shares of common stock outstanding.
Of these shares, all shares of common stock sold in this offering by us, plus any shares sold by the selling stockholders upon exercise, if any, of the underwriters option to purchase additional shares of our common stock, will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, except for any shares of common stock purchased by our affiliates, as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any shares, including any shares purchased by any of our affiliates pursuant to our directed share program, subject to lock-up agreements. Shares purchased by our affiliates would be subject to the Rule 144 resale restrictions described below, other than the holding period requirement.
The remaining shares of common stock outstanding after this offering will be restricted securities, as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. These restricted securities are eligible for public sale only if they are registered under the Securities Act or if they qualify for an exemption from registration under Rule 144 or Rule 701 under the Securities Act, each of which is summarized below and, if subject to lock-up agreements, may only be sold after the expiration of the 180-day lock-up period. We expect that substantially all of these shares will be subject to a 180-day lock-up period under the lock-up and market stand-off agreements described below.
We may issue shares of common stock from time to time as consideration for future acquisitions, investments or other corporate purposes. In the event any such acquisition, investment or other transaction is significant, the number of shares of common stock that we may issue may also be significant. We may also grant registration rights covering those shares of common stock issued in connection with any such acquisition, investment or other transaction.
In addition, shares of common stock that are either subject to outstanding options or warrants or reserved for future issuance under our equity incentive plans will become eligible for sale in the public market to the extent permitted by the provisions of various vesting schedules, the lock-up agreements described below and Rules 144 and 701 under the Securities Act.
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Rule 144
In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, once we have been subject to public company reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act for at least 90 days, an eligible stockholder is entitled to sell such shares without complying with the manner of sale, volume limitation or notice provisions of Rule 144, subject to compliance with the public information requirements of Rule 144. To be an eligible stockholder under Rule 144, such stockholder must not be deemed to have been one of our affiliates for purposes of the Securities Act at any time during the 90 days preceding a sale and must have beneficially owned the shares proposed to be sold for at least six months, including the holding period of any prior owner other than our affiliates. If such a person has beneficially owned the shares proposed to be sold for at least one year, including the holding period of any prior owner other than our affiliates, then such person is entitled to sell such shares without complying with any of the requirements of Rule 144, subject to the expiration of the lock-up agreements described below.
In general, under Rule 144, as currently in effect, our affiliates or persons selling shares on behalf of our affiliates will be entitled to sell shares on expiration of the lock-up agreements described below. Beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus, within any three-month period, such stockholders may sell a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of:
| | 1% of the number of shares of our common stock then outstanding, which will equal approximately shares immediately after this offering; or |
| | the average weekly trading volume in our common stock on Nasdaq during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to such sale, provided in each case that we have been subject to the Exchange Act periodic reporting requirements for at least 90 days before the sale. |
Sales under Rule 144 by our affiliates or persons selling shares on behalf of our affiliates are also subject to certain manner of sale provisions and notice requirements and to the availability of current public information about us.
Rule 701
Rule 701 generally allows a stockholder who was issued shares under a written compensatory plan or contract and who is not deemed to have been an affiliate of our company during the immediately preceding 90 days, to sell these shares in reliance on Rule 144, but without being required to comply with the public information, holding period, volume limitation or notice provisions of Rule 144. Rule 701 also permits affiliates of our company to sell their Rule 701 shares under Rule 144 without complying with the holding period requirements of Rule 144. All holders of Rule 701 shares, however, are required by that rule to wait until 90 days after the date of this prospectus before selling those shares under Rule 701, subject to the expiration of the lock-up agreements described below and in the section titled Underwriting.
Form S-8 Registration Statement
We intend to file one or more registration statements on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register all shares of common stock subject to outstanding stock options and common stock issued or issuable under the 2016 Plan, the 2025 Plan and the ESPP. We expect to file the registration statement covering shares offered pursuant to these stock plans shortly after the date of this prospectus, permitting the resale of such shares by non-affiliates in the public market without restriction under the Securities Act and the sale by affiliates in the public market subject to compliance with the resale provisions of Rule 144.
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Lock-Up Agreements
We, the selling stockholders, our directors, executive officers and the holders of substantially all of our equity securities, have agreed with the underwriters that for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus, subject to specified exceptions as detailed further in the section titled Underwriting, we or they will not, except with the prior written consent of BofA Securities, Inc., Piper Sandler & Co. and Leerink Partners LLC, 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 sale of or otherwise dispose of or transfer any shares of common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of common stock, request or demand that we file a registration statement related to our common stock, or enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, the economic consequence of ownership of the common stock. Substantially all of our optionholders are subject to a market stand-off agreement with us which imposes similar restrictions.
Upon expiration of the lock-up period, certain of our stockholders will have the right to require us to register their shares under the Securities Act. See the sections titled Registration Rights below and Description of Capital StockRegistration Rights.
Upon the expiration of the lock-up period, substantially all of the shares subject to such lock-up restrictions will become eligible for sale, subject to the limitations discussed above.
Registration Rights
Upon the closing of this offering and the expiration or release from the terms of applicable lock-up agreements, holders of an aggregate of shares of our common stock, which includes all of the shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of our convertible preferred stock immediately prior to the closing of this offering, or their transferees, will be entitled to various rights with respect to the registration of these shares under the Securities Act. Registration of these shares under the Securities Act would result in these shares becoming fully tradable without restriction under the Securities Act immediately upon the effectiveness of the registration, except for shares subsequently purchased by affiliates. See the section titled Description of Capital StockRegistration Rights for additional information.
After to the completion of the offering, certain of our employees, including our executive officers, and/or directors may enter into written trading plans that are intended to comply with Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act. Sales under these trading plans would not be permitted until the expiration of the lock-up agreements relating to the offering described above.
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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO
NON-U.S. HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON STOCK
The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to non-U.S. holders (as defined below) of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of our common stock issued pursuant to this offering. This discussion is not a complete analysis of all potential U.S. federal income tax consequences relating thereto, does not address the potential application of the Medicare contribution tax on net investment income, the alternative minimum tax, or the special tax accounting rules under Section 451(b) of the Code, and does not address any estate or gift tax consequences or any tax consequences arising under any state, local, or non-U.S. tax laws, or any other U.S. federal tax laws. This discussion is based on the Code and applicable Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, published rulings and administrative pronouncements of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and judicial decisions, all as in effect as of the date hereof. These authorities are subject to differing interpretations and may change, possibly retroactively, resulting in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below. We have not requested a ruling from the IRS with respect to the statements made and the conclusions reached in the following summary, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will agree with such statements and conclusions.
This discussion is limited to non-U.S. holders who purchase our common stock pursuant to this offering and who hold our common stock as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). This discussion does not address all of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to a particular holder in light of such holders particular circumstances. This discussion also does not consider any specific facts or circumstances that may be relevant to holders subject to special rules under U.S. federal income tax laws, including but not limited to:
| | certain former citizens or long-term residents of the United States; |
| | controlled foreign corporations; |
| | passive foreign investment companies; |
| | corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax; |
| | banks, financial institutions, investment funds, insurance companies, brokers, dealers, or traders in securities or foreign currencies; |
| | tax-exempt organizations and governmental organizations; |
| | tax-qualified retirement plans; |
| | qualified foreign pension funds as defined in Section 897(l)(2) of the Code and entities all of the interests of which are held by qualified foreign pension funds; |
| | persons that own, or have owned, actually or constructively, more than 5% of our stock at any time; |
| | persons who have elected to mark securities to market; and |
| | persons holding our common stock as part of a hedging or conversion transaction or straddle, a constructive sale, or other risk reduction strategy or integrated investment. |
If an entity or arrangement that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our common stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the partnership and the partners thereof generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships holding our common stock and the partners in such partnerships are urged to consult their tax advisors about the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences to them of holding and disposing of our common stock.
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THIS DISCUSSION IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TAX ADVICE. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE PARTICULAR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF ACQUIRING, OWNING, AND DISPOSING OF OUR COMMON STOCK, AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER ANY STATE, LOCAL, OR NON-U.S. TAX LAWS AND ANY OTHER U.S. FEDERAL TAX LAWS.
Definition of Non-U.S. holder
For purposes of this discussion, the term non-U.S. holder means any beneficial owner of our common stock that is not a U.S. person or a partnership (including any entity or arrangement treated as a partnership) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A U.S. person is any person that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is or is treated as any of the following:
| | an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; |
| | a corporation (or entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia; |
| | an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or |
| | a trust (i) whose administration is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and which has one or more U.S. persons who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (ii) that has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person. |
Distributions on Our Common Stock
We have not paid dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. However, if we make cash or other property distributions on our common stock, such distributions will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Amounts not treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes will constitute a return of capital and will first be applied against and reduce a holders tax basis in our common stock, but not below zero. Any excess will be treated as gain realized on the sale or other disposition of our common stock and will be treated as described under the subsection titled Gain on Disposition of Our Common Stock below.
Subject to the discussions below regarding effectively connected income, backup withholding and Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (commonly referred to as FATCA), dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder generally will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30% of the gross amount of the dividends or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty. To receive the benefit of a reduced treaty rate, a non-U.S. holder must furnish us or our paying agent with a valid IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or applicable successor form) and satisfy applicable certification and other requirements. This certification must be provided to us or our paying agent before the payment of dividends and must be updated periodically. If the non-U.S. holder holds the stock through a financial institution or other agent acting on the non-U.S. holders behalf, the non-U.S. holder will be required to provide appropriate documentation to the agent, which then will be required to provide certification to us or our paying agent, either directly or through other intermediaries.
If a non-U.S. holder holds our common stock in connection with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States, and dividends paid on our common stock are effectively connected with such holders U.S. trade or business (and, if required by an applicable tax treaty, are attributable to such holders permanent establishment in the United States), the non-U.S. holder will be exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax. To
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claim the exemption, the non-U.S. holder generally must furnish a valid IRS Form W-8ECI (or applicable successor form) to us or our paying agent. However, any such effectively connected dividends paid on our common stock generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at the regular U.S. federal income tax rates in the same manner as if such holder were a resident of the United States. A non-U.S. holder that is a foreign corporation also may be subject to an additional branch profits tax equal to 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) of its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, as adjusted for certain items. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding any applicable income tax treaties that may provide for different rules.
Non-U.S. holders that do not provide the required certification on a timely basis, but that qualify for a reduced treaty rate, may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS.
Gain on Disposition of Our Common Stock
Subject to the discussions below regarding backup withholding and FATCA, a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized on the sale or other disposition of our common stock, unless:
| | the gain is effectively connected with the non-U.S. holders conduct of a trade or business in the United States, and if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States; |
| | the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of the disposition, and certain other requirements are met; or |
| | our common stock constitutes a United States real property interest (USRPI) by reason of our status as a United States real property holding corporation (USRPHC), for U.S. federal income tax purposes at any time within the shorter of the five-year period preceding the disposition or the non-U.S. holders holding period for our common stock. |
The determination of whether we are a USRPHC depends on the fair market value of our USRPIs relative to the fair market value of worldwide real property interests and our other assets used or held for use in a trade or business. We believe that we are not currently and do not anticipate becoming a USRPHC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, although there can be no assurance we will not become a USRPHC in the future. Even if we are or were to become a USRPHC, gain arising from the sale or other taxable disposition of our common stock by a non-U.S. holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax if our common stock is regularly traded (as defined by applicable Treasury Regulations) on an established securities market, and such non-U.S. holder owned, actually and constructively, 5% or less of our common stock throughout the shorter of the five-year period ending on the date of the sale or other taxable disposition or the non-U.S. holders holding period. Prospective investors are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the possible consequences to them if we are, or were to become, a USRPHC.
Gain described in the first bullet point above generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at the regular U.S. federal income tax rates in the same manner as if such holder were a resident of the United States. A non-U.S. holder that is a foreign corporation also may be subject to an additional branch profits tax equal to 30% (unless an applicable income tax treaty provides for different treatment) of its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, as adjusted for certain items. Gain described in the second bullet point above will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a flat 30% rate (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty), but may be offset by certain U.S.-source capital losses (even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States), provided that the non-U.S. holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding any applicable income tax treaties that may provide for different rules.
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Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Annual reports are required to be filed with the IRS and provided to each non-U.S. holder indicating the amount of distributions on our common stock paid to such holder and the amount of any tax withheld with respect to those distributions. These information reporting requirements apply regardless of whether such distributions constitute dividends and even if no withholding was required. This information also may be made available under a specific treaty or agreement with the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides or is established. Backup withholding, currently at a 24% rate, generally will not apply to payments to a non-U.S. holder of dividends on or the gross proceeds of a disposition of our common stock provided the non-U.S. holder furnishes the required certification for its non-U.S. status, such as by providing a valid IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or IRS Form W-8ECI, or certain other requirements are met. Backup withholding may apply if the payor has actual knowledge, or reason to know, that the holder is a U.S. person who is not an exempt recipient.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. If any amount is withheld under the backup withholding rules, the non-U.S. holder should consult with a U.S. tax advisor regarding the possibility of and procedure for obtaining a refund or a credit against the non-U.S. holders U.S. federal income tax liability, if any.
FATCA
FATCA imposes a U.S. federal withholding tax of 30% on certain payments made to a foreign financial institution (as specially defined under these rules) unless such institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. government to withhold on certain payments and to collect and provide to the U.S. tax authorities substantial information regarding certain U.S. account holders of such institution (which includes certain equity and debt holders of such institution, as well as certain account holders that are foreign entities with U.S. owners) or an exemption applies. FATCA also generally will impose a U.S. federal withholding tax of 30% on certain payments made to a non-financial foreign entity unless such entity provides the withholding agent a certification identifying certain direct and indirect U.S. owners of the entity or an exemption applies. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country may modify these requirements. Under certain circumstances, a non-U.S. holder might be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes. FATCA currently applies to dividends paid on our common stock. Under applicable Treasury Regulations and administrative guidance, withholding under FATCA would have applied to payments of gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of stock, but under proposed regulations (the preamble to which specifies that taxpayers are permitted to rely on such proposed regulations pending finalization), no withholding would apply with respect to payments of gross proceeds.
Prospective investors are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the possible implications of this legislation on their investment in our common stock.
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BofA Securities, Inc., Piper Sandler & Co. and Leerink Partners LLC are acting as representatives of each of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an underwriting agreement among us, the selling stockholders and the underwriters, we and the selling stockholders have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each of the underwriters has agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase from us, the number of shares of common stock set forth opposite its name below.
| Underwriter |
Number of |
|||
| BofA Securities, Inc. |
||||
| Piper Sandler & Co. |
||||
| Leerink Partners LLC |
||||
| Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated |
||||
| Lake Street Capital Markets, LLC |
||||
|
|
|
|||
| Total |
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|
|
|
|||
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement, the underwriters have agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase all of the shares offered by us and the selling stockholders under the underwriting agreement if any of these shares are purchased. If an underwriter defaults, the underwriting agreement provides that the purchase commitments of the nondefaulting underwriters may be increased or the underwriting agreement may be terminated.
We and the selling stockholders have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
The underwriters are offering the shares, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel, including the validity of the shares, and other conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters of officers certificates and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.
Commissions and Discounts
The representatives have advised us that the underwriters propose initially to offer the shares to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of $ per share. After the initial offering, the public offering price, concession or any other term of the offering may be changed.
The following table shows the public offering price, underwriting discounts and commissions and proceeds before expenses to us and the selling stockholders. The information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares.
| Total | ||||||||||||
| Per Share | Without Option | With Option | ||||||||||
| Public offering price |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Underwriting discounts and commissions paid by us |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Underwriting discounts and commissions paid by the selling stockholders |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Proceeds, before expenses, to us |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Proceeds, before expenses, to the selling stockholders |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
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The expenses of the offering, not including the underwriting discounts and commissions, are estimated at $ and are payable by us. We have agreed to reimburse the underwriters for certain of their expenses, up to $ .
Option to Purchase Additional Shares
The selling stockholders have granted an option to the underwriters, exercisable for 30 days after the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to additional shares at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions. If the underwriters exercise this option, each will be obligated, subject to conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, to purchase a number of additional shares proportionate to that underwriters initial amount reflected in the above table.
Directed Share Program
At our request, the underwriters have reserved up to % of the shares of our common stock offered by this prospectus, excluding the additional shares that the underwriters have a 30-day option to purchase, for sale, at the initial public offering price, to certain of our directors and officers and certain other parties related to us. Management will provide a list of potential participants to the underwriters who will administer the DSP. At this time, no indication of interest will be taken. Once the preliminary prospectus has been filed, an invitation package will be made available or sent to each person identified by management, which will include the preliminary prospectus and other directed share program documentation. An invitation to participate in the directed share program does not guarantee that the participant will receive an allocation of shares. Accordingly, we cannot provide any assurance that any director, officer, employee, or participant will receive an invitation or an allocation in the directed share program. If a potential participant is interested in participating, that participant will be required to complete the required documentation and will be required to return such documentation to the program administrator. The program administrator will not accept funds from any participant until after the registration statement for this offering is declared effective, this offering is priced, and the participants are notified of their final allocation and given an opportunity to confirm that they wish to purchase the shares allocated to them. After the registration statement has been declared effective and this offering is priced, we and the program administrator will prepare a final approved list of allocations. The program administrator will notify each participant who has been allocated shares of the number of shares that have been allocated and the total purchase price due upon confirmation of their participation. Thereafter, participants will be required to wire or transfer their funds to the program administrator. The shares under the directed share program will be allocated following pricing and settle in the same manner as the shares sold to the general public. Except for any shares purchased by our directors and officers, shares purchased pursuant to the DSP will not be subject to the 180-day lock-up restriction described in this section. The number of shares of common stock available for sale to the general public will be reduced to the extent these individuals purchase such reserved shares. Any reserved shares that are not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same basis as the other shares offered by this prospectus.
No Sales of Similar Securities
We, the selling stockholders, our executive officers and directors and our other existing security holders (each, a Lock-up Party) have agreed not to sell or transfer any common stock or securities convertible into, exchangeable for, exercisable for, or repayable with common stock, for 180 days after the date of this prospectus without first obtaining the written consent of BofA Securities, Inc., Piper Sandler & Co. and Leerink Partners LLC. Specifically, we and these other persons have agreed, with certain limited exceptions, not to directly or indirectly:
| | offer, pledge, sell or contract to sell any common stock; |
| | sell any option or contract to purchase any common stock; |
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| | purchase any option or contract to sell any common stock; |
| | grant any option, right or warrant for the sale of any common stock; |
| | lend or otherwise dispose of or transfer any common stock; |
| | request or demand that we file or make a confidential submission of a registration statement related to the common stock, or |
| | enter into any hedging, swap, loan or other agreement or transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic consequence of ownership of any common stock whether any such hedging, swap, loan or transaction is to be settled by delivery of shares or other securities, in cash or otherwise. |
This lock-up provision applies to common stock and to securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for or repayable with common stock. It also applies to common stock owned now or acquired later by the person executing the agreement or for which the person executing the agreement later acquires the power of disposition (collectively, the Lock-up Securities).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Lock-up Party may transfer shares of common stock: (i) as a bona fide gift or gifts, including, without limitation, to a charitable organization or educational institution, or for bona fide estate planning purposes; (ii) by will, testamentary document or intestate succession to the legal representative, heir, beneficiary or a member of the immediate family of the Lock-up Party; (iii) by operation of law, such as pursuant to a qualified domestic order, divorce settlement, divorce decree or separation agreement; (iv) pursuant to an order of a court or regulatory agency having jurisdiction over the Lock-up Party; (v) to any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity of which the Lock-up Party or the immediate family of the Lock-up Party are the legal and beneficial owner of all of the outstanding equity securities or similar interests; (vi) to a nominee or custodian of a person or entity to whom a disposition or transfer would be permissible under clauses (i) through (v) above; (vii) to any immediate family member or any trust, partnership, limited liability company or other entity for the direct or indirect benefit of the Lock-up Party or one or more immediate family members of the Lock-up Party, or if the Lock-up Party is a trust, to a trustor or beneficiary of the trust or to the estate of a beneficiary of such trust; (viii) if the Lock-up Party is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other business entity, (A) to another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other business entity that is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act) of the Lock-up Party, or to any investment fund or other entity controlling, controlled by, managing or managed by or under common control with the Lock-up Party or affiliates of the Lock-up Party (including, for the avoidance of doubt, where the Lock-up Party is a partnership, to its general partner or a successor partnership or fund, or any other funds managed by such partnership), or (B) as part of a distribution to limited partners, limited liability company members, managers, equityholders or stockholders of the Lock-up Party or holders of similar equity interests in the Lock-up Party; (ix) to us (A) upon the Lock-up Partys death, disability or termination of employment or other service relationship with us, provided that such common stock were issued to the Lock-up Party pursuant to an agreement or equity award granted pursuant to an employee benefit plan, option, warrant or other right disclosed in the prospectus for the public offering, or (B) pursuant to agreements under which we have the option to repurchase shares (x) to us pursuant to the vesting, settlement or exercise of restricted stock units, restricted stock, options, warrants or other rights to purchase common stock (including, in each case, by way of net or cashless exercise), including for the payment of exercise price and tax and remittance payments due as a result of the vesting, settlement or exercise of such restricted stock units, restricted stock, options, warrants or rights, provided that any such restricted stock units, restricted stock, options, warrants or rights are held by the Lock-up Party pursuant to an agreement or equity award granted under a stock incentive plan or other equity award plan, each of which is disclosed in the prospectus for the public offering; or (xi) pursuant to a bona fide third party tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, made to all holders of common stock that has been approved by our board of directors, which
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results in any person or group of persons becoming the beneficial owners (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 of the Exchange Act) of 50% of the outstanding voting securities of ours (or the surviving entity); provided that in the event that the tender offer, merger, consolidation or other such transaction is not completed, the Lock-up Securities shall remain subject to the provisions of this lock-up agreement; provided that (1) the representatives receive a signed lock-up agreement in the form of the lock-up agreement for the balance of the lock-up period from each donee, devisee, trustee, distributee, or transferee, as the case may be, (2) any such transfer shall not involve a disposition for value, (3) such transfers are not required to be reported during the lock-up period with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 4 or Form 5 in accordance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, or, in the case of clause (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (x) above, any such required filing shall clearly indicate in the footnotes thereto that the filing relates to circumstances described in such a clause, and (4) the Lock-Up Party does not otherwise voluntarily effect any public filing or report regarding such transfers during the lock-up period.
In addition, the foregoing restrictions shall not prevent or restrict (i) the conversion of the outstanding shares of our preferred stock into common stock; provided that the common stock acquired upon such exercise shall be subject to the terms of the lock-up agreement; and (ii) the establishment of a trading plan that complies with Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act (10b5-1 Trading Plan) for the transfer of Lock-up Securities, so long as there are no sales of Lock-up Securities under such plan during the lock-up period; and provided that the establishment of a 10b5-1 Trading Plan providing for sales of Lock-up Securities shall only be permitted if any public announcement or filing under the Exchange Act, if required or voluntarily made by or on behalf of the Lock-up Party or us regarding the establishment of such plan, shall include a statement to the effect that no transfer of Lock-up Securities may be made under such plan during the lock-up period.
Listing
We expect the shares to be approved for listing on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol and the closing of this offering is contingent upon such listing.
Before this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. The initial public offering price will be determined through negotiations between us and the representatives. In addition to prevailing market conditions, the factors to be considered in determining the initial public offering price are:
| | the valuation multiples of publicly traded companies that the representatives believe to be comparable to us; |
| | our financial information; |
| | the history of, and the prospects for, our company and the industry in which we compete; |
| | an assessment of our management, its past and present operations, and the prospects for, and timing of, our future revenues; |
| | the present state of our development; and |
| | the above factors in relation to market values and various valuation measures of other companies engaged in activities similar to ours. |
An active trading market for the shares may not develop. It is also possible that after the offering the shares will not trade in the public market at or above the initial public offering price.
The underwriters do not expect to sell more than 5% of the shares in the aggregate to accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority.
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Price Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids
Until the distribution of the shares is completed, SEC rules may limit underwriters and selling group members from bidding for and purchasing our common stock. However, the representatives may engage in transactions that stabilize the price of the common stock, such as bids or purchases to peg, fix or maintain that price.
In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell our common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, purchases on the open market to cover positions created by short sales and stabilizing transactions. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering. Covered short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters option to purchase additional shares from us and the selling stockholders as described above. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional shares or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the option granted to them. Naked short sales are sales in excess of such option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of our common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases of shares of common stock made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of the offering.
The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discounts and commissions received by it because the representatives have repurchased shares sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.
Similar to other purchase transactions, the underwriters purchases to cover the syndicate short sales may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our common stock. As a result, the price of our common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. The underwriters may conduct these transactions on the Nasdaq Global Market, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.
Neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of our common stock. In addition, neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation that the representatives will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
Electronic Distribution
In connection with the offering, certain of the underwriters or securities dealers may distribute prospectuses by electronic means, such as e-mail.
Other Relationships
Some of the underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in, and may in the future engage in, investment banking and other commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with us or our affiliates. They have received, or may in the future receive, customary fees and commissions for these transactions.
In addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their
247
customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.
European Economic Area
In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area (each a Relevant State), no Shares have been offered or will be offered pursuant to the offering to the public in that Relevant State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the Shares which has been approved by the competent authority in that Relevant State or, where appropriate, approved in another Relevant State and notified to the competent authority in that Relevant State, all in accordance with the Prospectus Regulation, except that offers of Shares may be made to the public in that Relevant State at any time under the following exemptions under the Prospectus Regulation:
| a. | to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined under the Prospectus Regulation; |
| b. | to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined under the Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the representatives for any such offer; or |
| c. | in any other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation, |
provided that no such offer of Shares shall require the Issuer or any Manager to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the Prospectus Regulation.
Each person in a Relevant State who initially acquires any Shares or to whom any offer is made will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed to and with the Company and the Managers that it is a qualified investor within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation.
In the case of any Shares being offered to a financial intermediary as that term is used in Article 5(1) of the Prospectus Regulation, each such financial intermediary will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed that the Shares acquired by it in the offer have not been acquired on a non-discretionary basis on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in circumstances which may give rise to an offer to the public other than their offer or resale in a Relevant State to qualified investors, in circumstances in which the prior consent of the representatives has been obtained to each such proposed offer or resale.
The Company, the representatives and their affiliates will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations, acknowledgements and agreements.
For the purposes of this provision, the expression an offer to the public in relation to any Shares in any Relevant State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any Shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for any Shares, and the expression Prospectus Regulation means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.
The above selling restriction is in addition to any other selling restrictions set out below.
In connection with the offering, the Managers are not acting for anyone other than the issuer and will not be responsible to anyone other than the issuer for providing the protections afforded to their clients nor for providing advice in relation to the offering.
248
Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom
In relation to the United Kingdom (UK), no Shares have been offered or will be offered pursuant to the offering to the public in the UK prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the Shares which has been approved by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK in accordance with the UK Prospectus Regulation and the FSMA, except that offers of Shares may be made to the public in the UK at any time under the following exemptions under the UK Prospectus Regulation and the FSMA:
| a. | to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined under the UK Prospectus Regulation; |
| b. | to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined under the UK Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the representatives for any such offer; or |
| c. | at any time in other circumstances falling within section 86 of the FSMA, |
provided that no such offer of Shares shall require the Issuer or any Manager to publish a prospectus pursuant to Section 85 of the FSMA or Article 3 of the UK Prospectus Regulation or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the UK Prospectus Regulation.
Each person in the UK who initially acquires any Shares or to whom any offer is made will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed to and with the Company and the Managers that it is a qualified investor within the meaning of the UK Prospectus Regulation.
In the case of any Shares being offered to a financial intermediary as that term is used in Article 5(1) of the UK Prospectus Regulation, each such financial intermediary will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed that the Shares acquired by it in the offer have not been acquired on a non-discretionary basis on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in circumstances which may give rise to an offer to the public other than their offer or resale in the UK to qualified investors, in circumstances in which the prior consent of the representatives has been obtained to each such proposed offer or resale.
The Company, the representatives and their affiliates will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations, acknowledgements and agreements.
For the purposes of this provision, the expression an offer to the public in relation to any Shares in the UK means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any Shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for any Shares, the expression UK Prospectus Regulation means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, and the expression FSMA means the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.
In connection with the offering, the Managers are not acting for anyone other than the issuer and will not be responsible to anyone other than the issuer for providing the protections afforded to their clients nor for providing advice in relation to the offering.
This document is for distribution only to persons who (i) have professional experience in matters relating to investments and who qualify as investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the Financial Promotion Order), (ii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) (high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.) of the Financial Promotion Order, (iii) are outside the United Kingdom, or (iv) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of
249
Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (FSMA)) in connection with the issue or sale of any securities may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as relevant persons). This document is directed only at relevant persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Switzerland
The shares may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX) or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the shares or the offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.
Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, the Company, the shares have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this document will not be filed with, and the offer of shares will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA (FINMA), and the offer of shares has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes (CISA). The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of shares.
Notice to Prospective Investors in the Dubai International Financial Centre
This prospectus relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Offered Securities Rules of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). This prospectus is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Offered Securities Rules of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this prospectus nor taken steps to verify the information set forth herein and has no responsibility for the prospectus. The shares to which this prospectus relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the shares offered should conduct their own due diligence on the shares. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus you should consult an authorized financial advisor.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Australia
No placement document, prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document has been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), in relation to the offering. This prospectus does not constitute a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act 2001 (Corporations Act), and does not purport to include the information required for a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act.
Any offer in Australia of the shares may only be made to persons (Exempt Investors) who are sophisticated investors (within the meaning of section 708(8) of the Corporations Act), professional investors (within the meaning of section 708(11) of the Corporations Act) or otherwise pursuant to one or more exemptions contained in section 708 of the Corporations Act so that it is lawful to offer the shares without disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act.
The shares applied for by Exempt Investors in Australia must not be offered for sale in Australia in the period of 12 months after the date of allotment under the offering, except in circumstances where disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act would not be required pursuant to an exemption under
250
section 708 of the Corporations Act or otherwise or where the offer is pursuant to a disclosure document which complies with Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act. Any person acquiring shares must observe such Australian on-sale restrictions.
This prospectus contains general information only and does not take account of the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. It does not contain any securities recommendations or financial product advice. Before making an investment decision, investors need to consider whether the information in this prospectus is appropriate to their needs, objectives and circumstances, and, if necessary, seek expert advice on those matters.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong
The Shares have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold in Hong Kong, by means of any document, other than (i) to professional investors as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made under that Ordinance; or (ii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a prospectus as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the Shares has been or may be issued or has been or may be in the possession of any person for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to Shares which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to professional investors as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Japan
The Shares have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (Law No. 25 of 1948, as amended) and, accordingly, will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan, or for the benefit of any Japanese Person or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to any Japanese Person, except in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines promulgated by relevant Japanese governmental or regulatory authorities in effect at the relevant time. For the purposes of this paragraph, Japanese Person shall mean any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Singapore
This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, the Shares were not offered or sold or caused to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase and will not be offered or sold or caused to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, and this prospectus or any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the Shares, has not been circulated or distributed, nor will it be circulated or distributed, whether directly or indirectly, to any person in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor (as defined in Section 4A of the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289) of Singapore, as modified or amended from time to time (SFA)) pursuant to Section 274 of the SFA, (ii) to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA) pursuant to Section 275(1) of the SFA, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A) of the SFA, and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA, or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.
Where the Shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:
| a. | a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or |
251
| b. | a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor, |
securities or securities-based derivatives contracts (each term as defined in Section 2(1) of the SFA) of that corporation or the beneficiaries rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the Shares pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except:
| a. | to an institutional investor or to a relevant person, or to any person arising from an offer referred to in Section 275(1A) or Section 276(4)(i)(B) of the SFA; |
| b. | where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer; |
| c. | where the transfer is by operation of law; or |
| d. | as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA. |
Notice to Prospective Investors in Canada
The Shares may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the Shares must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.
Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchasers province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchasers province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.
Pursuant to section 3A.3 (or, in the case of securities issued or guaranteed by the government of a non-Canadian jurisdiction, section 3A.4) of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.
The validity of the shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Cooley LLP, San Diego, California. The underwriters are being represented by Latham & Watkins LLP, New York, New York. Whalen LLP is acting as counsel for the selling stockholders in connection with this offering.
Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our financial statements at December 31, 2022 and 2023, and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2023, as set forth in their report. Weve included our financial statements in the prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement in reliance on Ernst & Young LLPs report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
252
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1, including exhibits and schedules, under the Securities Act, with respect to the shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus. This prospectus, which constitutes part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information in the registration statement and its exhibits. For further information with respect to us and the common stock offered by this prospectus, we refer you to the registration statement and its exhibits. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or any other document referred to are not necessarily complete, and in each instance, we refer you to the copy of the contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. Each of these statements is qualified in all respects by this reference.
You can read our SEC filings, including the registration statement, over the internet at the SECs website at www.sec.gov.
Upon the closing of this offering, we will be subject to the information reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and we will file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. These reports, proxy statements and other information will be available for inspection at the website of the SEC referred to above. We also maintain a website at www.betabionics.com, at which, following the closing of this offering, you may access these materials free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Information contained on or accessible through our website is not a part of this prospectus, and the inclusion of our website address in this prospectus is an inactive textual reference only.
253
| Page | ||||
| Audited Financial Statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2023 and for the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2023 |
||||
| F-2 | ||||
| F-3 | ||||
| F-4 | ||||
| Statements of Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders Deficit |
F-5 | |||
| F-6 | ||||
| F-7 | ||||
| Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements as of December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024 and for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2024 |
||||
| F-41 | ||||
| F-42 | ||||
| Condensed Statements of Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders Deficit |
F-43 | |||
| F-44 | ||||
| F-45 | ||||
F-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Beta Bionics, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Beta Bionics, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2022 and 2023, the related statements of operations and comprehensive loss, convertible preferred stock and stockholders deficit, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2022 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Companys financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Companys auditor since 2023.
San Diego, California
September 13, 2024
F-2
BETA BIONICS, INC.
(In thousands, except number of shares)
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||
| Assets |
||||||||
| Current assets: |
||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 27,675 | $ | 26,566 | ||||
| Short-term investments |
| 70,179 | ||||||
| Accounts receivable, net |
| 4,448 | ||||||
| Inventories, net |
| 1,245 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
792 | 1,183 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total current assets |
28,467 | 103,621 | ||||||
| Property and equipment, net |
3,319 | 2,476 | ||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use asset |
3,548 | 3,722 | ||||||
| Restricted cash |
100 | 100 | ||||||
| Other long-term assets |
93 | 121 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total assets |
$ | 35,527 | $ | 110,040 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Liabilities, Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders Deficit |
| |||||||
| Current liabilities: |
||||||||
| Accounts payable |
$ | 430 | $ | 1,166 | ||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
6,327 | 8,128 | ||||||
| Funded R&D liabilityrelated party |
1,140 | | ||||||
| Operating lease liabilities |
976 | 1,224 | ||||||
| Deferred revenue |
| 87 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total current liabilities |
8,873 | 10,605 | ||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion |
3,157 | 2,999 | ||||||
| Deferred revenue, net of current portion |
| 255 | ||||||
| Warrant liabilities |
10,497 | 37,573 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total liabilities |
22,527 | 51,432 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 18) |
||||||||
| Convertible preferred stock (Series A, A-2, B, B-2, C and D), par value of $0.0001 per share; 15,200,000 and 26,434,390 shares authorized at December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively; 13,259,790 and 25,366,930 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively; liquidation preference of $193,462 and $295,162 at December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively |
183,034 | 261,713 | ||||||
| Stockholders deficit: |
||||||||
| Class A common stock, par value of $0.0001 per share; 6,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2022 and 2023; 5,890,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 2023 |
1 | 1 | ||||||
| Class B common stock, par value of $0.0001 per share; 38,000,000 and 65,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2022 and 2023 respectively; 3,919,100 shares and 5,875,671 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively |
| | ||||||
| Class C common stock, par value of $0.0001 per share; 5,000,000 and 100,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively; 96,910 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 2023 |
| | ||||||
| Additional paid-in capital |
15,530 | 26,421 | ||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income |
| 137 | ||||||
| Accumulated deficit |
(185,565 | ) | (229,664 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total stockholders deficit |
(170,034 | ) | (203,105 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total liabilities, convertible preferred stock and stockholders deficit |
$ | 35,527 | $ | 110,040 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-3
BETA BIONICS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(In thousands, except number of shares and per share data)
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||
| Revenue |
||||||||
| Net sales |
$ | $ | 11,995 | |||||
| Collaboration revenue |
179 | | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total revenues |
179 | 11,995 | ||||||
| Cost of sales |
5,687 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Gross profit |
179 | 6,308 | ||||||
| Operating expenses: |
||||||||
| Research and development |
31,428 | 17,943 | ||||||
| Sales and marketing |
8,827 | 11,990 | ||||||
| General and administrative |
25,768 | 12,225 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total operating expenses |
66,023 | 42,158 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Loss from operations |
(65,844 | ) | (35,850 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Other income (expense), net: |
||||||||
| Interest income |
196 | 1,777 | ||||||
| Interest and other expense |
(14 | ) | (68 | ) | ||||
| Change in fair value of warrant liabilities |
911 | (9,958 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total other income (expense), net |
1,093 | (8,249 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net loss |
$ | (64,751 | ) | $ | (44,099 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss): |
||||||||
| Unrealized gain on short-term investments |
| 137 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Comprehensive loss |
$ | (64,751 | ) | $ | (43,962 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted |
$ | (6.58 | ) | $ | (4.22 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted |
9,845,122 | 10,448,817 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-4
BETA BIONICS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT
(In thousands, except number of shares)
| Convertible Preferred Stock |
Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
Accumulated Deficit |
Total Stockholders Deficit |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2021 |
9,157,930 | $ | 138,049 | 9,665,040 | $ | 1 | $ | 9,041 | $ | | $ | (120,814 | ) | $ | (111,772 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of Series C preferred stock, net of issuance costs of $656 and net of warrant liabilities of $11,408 |
4,101,860 | 44,985 | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock option exercises |
| | 240,970 | | 389 | | | 389 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense |
| | | | 6,100 | | | 6,100 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss |
| | | | | | (64,751 | ) | (64,751 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 |
13,259,790 | 183,034 | 9,906,010 | 1 | 15,530 | | (185,565 | ) | (170,034 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of Series D preferred stock, net of issuance costs of $700 and net of warrant liabilities of $22,321 |
12,107,140 | 78,679 | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common B warrant exercises |
| | 1,954,161 | | 5,223 | | | 5,223 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock option exercises |
| | 2,410 | | 10 | | | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense |
| | | | 5,658 | | | 5,658 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gain on short-term investments |
| | | | | 137 | | 137 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss |
| | | | | | (44,099 | ) | (44,099 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2023 |
25,366,930 | $ | 261,713 | 11,862,581 | $ | 1 | $ | 26,421 | $ | 137 | $ | (229,664 | ) | $ | (203,105 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-5
BETA BIONICS, INC.
(In thousands)
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: |
||||||||
| Net loss |
$ | (64,751 | ) | $ | (44,099 | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |
||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense |
1,345 | 1,226 | ||||||
| Provision for expected credit losses |
| 46 | ||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense |
6,100 | 5,658 | ||||||
| Provision for excess and obsolete inventory |
| (58 | ) | |||||
| Change in fair value of warrant liabilities |
(911 | ) | 9,958 | |||||
| Accretion of discount on short-term investments |
| (747 | ) | |||||
| Amortization of operating lease right-of-use asset |
742 | 865 | ||||||
| Loss on disposal of property and equipment |
43 | 11 | ||||||
| Deferred offering costs |
14 | | ||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||
| Accounts receivable |
| (4,494 | ) | |||||
| Inventories |
| (1,187 | ) | |||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
119 | (391 | ) | |||||
| Other long-term assets |
86 | (28 | ) | |||||
| Accounts payable |
(77 | ) | 716 | |||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
(2,007 | ) | 1,825 | |||||
| Funded R&D liabilityrelated party |
| (1,140 | ) | |||||
| Operating lease liability |
(732 | ) | (948 | ) | ||||
| Deferred revenue |
(179 | ) | 342 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net cash used in operating activities |
(60,208 | ) | (32,445 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: |
||||||||
| Purchases of short-term investments |
| (69,295 | ) | |||||
| Proceeds on disposal of property and equipment |
3 | 4 | ||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment |
(772 | ) | (402 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net cash used in investing activities |
(769 | ) | (69,693 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: |
||||||||
| Proceeds from the issuance of convertible preferred stock, net of issuance costs |
56,393 | 101,000 | ||||||
| Proceeds from stock option exercises |
389 | 10 | ||||||
| Proceeds from common stock warrants exercise |
| 19 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities |
56,782 | 101,029 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
(4,195 | ) | (1,109 | ) | ||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period |
31,970 | 27,775 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period |
$ | 27,775 | $ | 26,666 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing information: |
||||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable |
$ | | $ | 20 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Purchases of property and equipment included in accrued expenses |
$ | 24 | $ | | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Series C convertible preferred stock warrants included in issuance costs |
$ | 11,408 | $ | | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Common B warrants issued in connection with Series D convertible preferred stock |
$ | | $ | 22,321 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use asset obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations |
$ | 4,290 | $ | 1,038 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash: |
||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 27,675 | $ | 26,566 | ||||
| Restricted cash |
100 | 100 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows |
$ | 27,775 | $ | 26,666 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-6
BETA BIONICS, INC.
1. Organization and Basis of Presentation
The Company
Beta Bionics, Inc. (the Company) is a commercial-stage medical device company engaged in the design, development, and commercialization of innovative solutions to improve the health and quality of life of insulin-requiring people with diabetes (PWD) by utilizing advanced adaptive closed-loop algorithms to simplify and improve the treatment of their disease. The Company was incorporated as a Massachusetts benefit corporation on October 21, 2015, and converted to a Delaware corporation in August 2024.
The Companys product, the iLet Bionic Pancreas (iLet), was cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in adults and children six years of age and older in May 2023, and it began commercializing the iLet in the United States in May 2023. The iLet is the first adaptive closed-loop algorithm insulin dosing system that does not require T1D users to keep a daily tabulation of their carbohydrate intake or perform calculations to determine the correct dose of insulin to take.
From its inception to December 31, 2023, the Company has devoted substantially all of its resources to organizing and staffing the Company, business planning, capital raising, establishing and engaging in collaborations, performing research and development, advancing and scaling up manufacturing capabilities, commercializing its products, establishing a sales infrastructure and providing general and administrative support for these activities. The Companys operations to date have been funded primarily through the issuance and sale of convertible preferred stock and sales of the iLet.
Basis of Presentation
The Companys financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Any reference in these notes to applicable guidance is meant to refer to the authoritative United States GAAP as found in the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
On August 30, 2024, the Company converted from a Massachusetts benefit corporation to a Delaware corporation. All outstanding shares of preferred stock, common stock, options and warrants of the Massachusetts benefit corporation were converted into an equivalent share, option or warrant of the Delaware corporation and the par value of the Companys preferred stock and common stock was adjusted to $0.0001. As this conversion was completed subsequent to balance sheet date but prior to the financial statement issuance date, the impact of the change has been given retroactive effect in the financial statements and the accompanying notes.
Emerging Growth Company Status
The Company is an emerging growth company (EGC), as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (the JOBS Act), enacted in 2012. Under the JOBS Act, EGCs can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards issued after the enactment of the JOBS Act until those standards apply to private companies. The Company has elected to use this extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until the earlier of the date that it (i) is no longer an EGC or (ii) affirmatively and irrevocably opts out of the extended transition period provided in the JOBS Act. As a result, these financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with the new or revised accounting pronouncements as of public company effective dates.
F-7
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Stock Split.
The board of directors of the Company (the Board) approved a ten-for-one stock split (the Stock Split) of the Companys authorized, issued and outstanding shares of stock, effective on August 25, 2023. All share and per share information included in these financial statements and notes thereto have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions reflected in these financial statements include, but are not limited to, certain judgements regarding revenue recognition, inventory valuation, valuation of common stock and stock-based awards, and convertible preferred stock and common stock warrants. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, known trends and other market-specific or other relevant assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates as there are changes in circumstances, facts, and experience. Changes in estimates are recorded in the period in which they become known. Actual results may differ from those estimates or assumptions.
Concentrations of Credit Risk and of Significant Suppliers
Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents in accounts at multiple accredited financial institutions and short-term investments in custodian accounts, in excess of federally insured limits. Additionally, the Company has established guidelines regarding investment instruments and their maturities, which are designed to maintain preservation of principal and liquidity. The Company does not believe that it is subject to unusual risk beyond the normal credit risk associated with commercial banking relationships.
The Company is exposed to concentration risk as it relates to its customers. The following table summarizes the percentages of total sales and accounts receivable, net for customers who accounted for 10% or more of the respective amounts for the periods presented:
| Total Sales | Accounts Receivable, net |
|||||||
| Year Ended December 31, |
December 31, | |||||||
| 2023 | 2023 | |||||||
| Distributor A |
20.6 | % | 28.9 | % | ||||
| Distributor B |
19.0 | % | 24.5 | % | ||||
| Distributor C |
16.3 | % | 12.3 | % | ||||
| Distributor D |
14.2 | % | * | |||||
| * | Amount related to the respective customer represented less than 10% for the period presented. |
F-8
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company relies on certain materials used in its development and manufacturing processes, some of which are procured from only one or a few sources. The failure of one of these suppliers to deliver on schedule could delay or interrupt the manufacturing or commercialization process and would adversely affect the Companys operating results. In addition, a disruption in the commercial supply of, or a significant increase in the cost of one of the Companys materials from these sources could have a material adverse effect on the Companys business, financial position and results of operations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less.
Short-Term Investments
In accordance with ASC 320, Investments Debt Securities, the Company classifies its short-term investments as available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair market value with net unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders deficit and as a component of other comprehensive loss within the statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company determines realized gains or losses on the sale of available-for-sale securities using the specific identification method and includes net realized gains and losses as a component of other income or expense within the statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company periodically evaluates its short-term investments for credit losses, considering the significance of the decline in value and the market and economy in general. The Company has not recognized any impairment losses related to its short-term investments during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023. All short-term investments are classified as current based on the nature of the investments and their availability for use in current operations.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses
Accounts receivable consist of amounts billed and currently due from customers. The Company maintains an allowance for its current estimate of expected credit losses and reassesses quarterly based on managements expectations of the assets collectability. Provisions for expected credit losses are based upon specific reserves for known collection issues, as well as a general reserve. Determining the allowance for credit losses involves estimation and is subject to uncertainty. The Companys allowance for credit losses is developed by using relevant available information including historical collection and loss experience, current economic conditions, and evaluations of customer balances. Uncollectible accounts are written off against the allowance after appropriate collection efforts have been exhausted and when it is deemed that a balance is uncollectible.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, determined by the first-in, first-out method. Capitalized inventory costs include raw materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead expenses associated with the production process. The Company periodically reviews inventories for potential impairment and adjusts inventory for potentially excess or obsolete goods to state inventories at their net realizable value. Factors influencing these adjustments include quantities on hand and firm purchase commitments, expectations of future use, judgments based on quality control testing data, and assessments of the likelihood of scrapping or obsoleting certain inventories based on future demand for its products and market conditions.
In addition, prior to receiving FDA clearance for the iLet in May 2023, the costs associated with the manufacture of the iLet inventory were expensed as incurred as research and development costs. This resulted in
F-9
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
approximately $1.9 million in inventory being sold during the year ended December 31, 2023, for which the associated costs had been previously expensed as research and development costs. As of December 31, 2023, the Company has approximately $0.4 million remaining in inventory with no cost basis (that was previously expensed) and expects this to continue to impact the cost of sales within the next year as the remaining pre-FDA inventory is sold to customers.
Restricted Cash
In connection with the Companys lease agreement entered into in May 2019, the Company is required to maintain a letter of credit of $0.1 million for the benefit of the landlord. As of December 31, 2022 and 2023, this amount was guaranteed by a deposit in a money market fund and classified as restricted cash on the balance sheets.
Fair Value Measurements
Certain assets and liabilities are carried at fair value under GAAP. The Company performs fair value measurements in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required to be recorded at their fair values, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the assets or liabilities, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions and risk of nonperformance. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value are to be classified and disclosed in one of the following three levels of the fair value hierarchy, of which the first two are considered observable and the last is considered unobservable:
| Level 1 | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. | |
| Level 2 | Observable inputs (other than Level 1 quoted prices), such as quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar assets or liabilities, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. | |
| Level 3 | Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to determining the fair value of the assets or liabilities, including pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, and similar techniques. | |
The Companys cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash are carried at fair value, determined according to the fair value hierarchy described above (see Note 4). The carrying value and estimated fair value of certain of the Companys common stock and preferred stock warrants were determined using the Black-Scholes pricing model as of December 31, 2023 (see Note 4). The fair values of the Companys accounts receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate their carrying values due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense are calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related assets, generally two to five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the assets or the remaining lease term. Repairs and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred.
F-10
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Costs for capital assets not yet placed into service are capitalized as construction-in-progress and depreciated once placed into service. Upon retirement or sale, the cost of assets disposed of, and the related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in loss from operations. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance that do not improve or extend the life of the respective asset are charged to expense as incurred.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
Long-lived assets consist of property and equipment. The Company continually evaluates long-lived assets to be held and used for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets may not be fully recoverable. Factors that the Company considers in deciding when to perform an impairment review include significant underperformance of the business in relation to expectations, significant negative industry or economic trends, and significant changes or planned changes in the use of the assets. The Company did not recognize any impairment losses during the years ended December 31, 2022 or 2023.
Leases
Effective January 1, 2022, the Company adopted ASC 842, Leases, using the modified retrospective transition method. Under ASC 842, leases include all agreements in which the Company obtains control of an identified asset. A lease liability is recognized at commencement date based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. When available, the Company uses the rate implicit in the lease to discount lease payments to present value; otherwise, the Company estimates the incremental borrowing rate to discount the lease payments based on information available at lease commencement.
Upon adoption, the Company elected the relief package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, as well as the short-term lease recognition exemption for all leases that qualified, meaning the Company will recognize expense on a straight-line basis and will not recognize a right-of-use asset or lease liability for these leases, upon adoption. The Company also elected to combine lease and non-lease components for all classes of underlying assets. Variable costs associated with the lease, such as maintenance and utilities, are not included in the measurement of right-to-use assets and lease liabilities but rather are expensed when the events determining the amount of variable consideration to be paid have occurred.
If a lease includes options to extend the lease term, the Company only includes the periods it is reasonably certain to exercise as of the lease commencement date. The Company monitors its plans to renew its material leases each reporting period. The Companys lease portfolio consists of office, laboratory, and manufacturing facilities. All of the Companys leases are classified as operating leases, and therefore the expense is captured in income from operations each period.
The Companys leases have non-cancelable initial lease terms of approximately two to seven years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to five years. To the extent the Company is not reasonably certain of exercising options to extend a lease, the additional term provided by options is excluded from the measurement of the right-of-use asset and lease liability. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the Companys sole discretion. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are expensed and not recorded on the balance sheet. The Companys leases provide for fixed rental payments with annual rent escalations. Variable lease costs, such as maintenance, real estate taxes, insurance and utility costs, are excluded from the measurement of the lease liability. The Company does not have any leases that are classified as financing leases.
F-11
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Classification and Accretion of Convertible Preferred Stock
The Companys convertible preferred stock is classified outside of stockholders deficit on the balance sheets because the holders of such shares have liquidation rights in the event of a deemed liquidation that, in certain situations, is not solely within the control of the Company and would require the redemption of the then-outstanding convertible preferred stock. The Companys Series A convertible preferred stock (the Series A Preferred Stock), Series A-2 convertible preferred stock (the Series A-2 Preferred Stock), Series B convertible preferred stock (the Series B Preferred Stock), Series B-2 convertible preferred stock (the Series B-2 Preferred Stock), Series C convertible preferred stock (the Series C Preferred Stock), and Series D convertible preferred stock (the Series D Preferred Stock) are not redeemable, except in the event of a deemed liquidation (see Note 11). Since convertible preferred stock is neither currently redeemable, nor probable of becoming redeemable, the carrying values of the convertible preferred stock are not being accreted to their redemption values. Subsequent adjustments to the carrying values of the convertible preferred stock would be made only when and if it either becomes currently redeemable or probable of becoming redeemable.
The issuance costs from equity financings are netted against the gross proceeds received from the equity financings.
Warrant Liabilities
Preferred Stock Warrants
The Company has classified warrants to purchase its Series C Preferred Stock as a liability on the balance sheets as these warrants are freestanding financial instruments that are exercisable for preferred stock that is contingently redeemable outside of the Companys control (see Note 4).
Common Stock Warrants
The Company has classified warrants to purchase Class B common stock issued in connection with its Series D Preferred Stock financing as a liability on the balance sheets as these warrants are freestanding financial instruments that are not indexed to the Companys common stock (see Note 4).
Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to loss contingencies, such as legal proceedings and claims arising out of its business, that cover a wide range of matters. The Company records accruals for those loss contingencies when it is probable that a liability will be incurred, and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company does not recognize gain contingencies until realized. As of December 31, 2022 and 2023, no liabilities were recorded for loss contingencies (see Note 18).
Segment Information
An operating segment is defined as a component of a business with discrete financial information that is evaluated by the chief operating decision maker decisions (CODM) in making decisions regarding the level of resource allocation and performance assessment. The Company operates as single segment, focused on the development, manufacture and sale of the iLet. The results of this single operating segment are regularly reviewed by the Companys CODM, the President and Chief Executive Officer. The Companys CODM does not manage any part of the Company separately, and the allocation of resources and assessment of performance are based on the Companys overall operating results.
F-12
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Revenue Recognition
Net Sales
Revenue is generated primarily from sales of the iLet and single-use products that are used together with the iLet, including cartridges for storing and delivering insulin, and infusion sets that connect the iLet to a users body through a network of distributors and pharmacies that resell the products to insulin-requiring PWD. In accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, the Company recognizes revenue when it transfers control of the promised goods or services to its distributor and pharmacy customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services, net of estimated returns and estimated variable consideration adjustments, including rebates, patient assistance and chargebacks.
Revenue Recognition for Arrangements with Multiple Performance Obligations
The Company considers the individual deliverables in its contracts with customers as separate performance obligations. The iLet and single-use products that are used together with the iLet, including cartridges for storing and delivering insulin, and infusion sets that connect the iLet to a users body, are deemed performance obligations that are satisfied at a point in time when the customer obtains control of the promised good, which typically is upon shipment. The Company has determined that the users ability to access the mobile application and receive unspecified software updates through the mobile application are considered distinct performance obligations that are satisfied over time, as access and support are provided throughout the typical four-year warranty period of the iLet. Accordingly, revenue related to access to the mobile application and unspecified software updates are deferred and recognized ratably over a four-year period. Given that access to the mobile application and unspecified software updates follow the same pattern of transfer to the customer and are provided over the same four-year period, the Company recognizes revenue for these performance obligations as if they were a single performance obligation.
The transaction price is determined based on the consideration expected to be received, based on the stated value in contractual arrangements. The Company allocates the consideration to the individual performance obligations based on the estimated relative standalone selling price of the performance obligations and recognizes the consideration based on when the performance obligation is satisfied, considering whether or not this occurs at a point in time or over time. Where there is no observable standalone selling price, the Company estimates standalone selling price by applying the expected cost plus a margin approach.
Variable Consideration
The amount of variable consideration that is included in the transaction price is included in revenue only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of the cumulative revenue recognized will not occur in a future period. The Company estimates reductions to revenues for rebates paid to pharmacy benefit managers (PBM). Rebates are based on contractual arrangements, which may vary by customer. The estimates are based on products sold, historical experience, trends, specific known market events and, as available, channel inventory data. Provisions for rebates and patient assistance are accounted for as a reduction of sales when revenue is recognized and are included within accrued expenses and other current liabilities within the balance sheets. Provisions for chargebacks are accounted for as a reduction of sales when revenue is recognized and are included as a reduction of accounts receivable, net within the balance sheets, as the right of offset exists. If the actual amounts of consideration that the Company receives differ from estimates, the Company adjusts these estimates, which affects reported revenue, in the period that such variances become known or at the end of each reporting period.
F-13
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Sales Returns
The Company offers a 90-day right of return to customers from the date of shipment of its iLet from one of its authorized distributors, provided a physicians confirmation of the good faith medical reason for the return is received. Estimated allowances for sales returns are based on historical returned quantities as compared to iLet shipments in those same periods of return, adjusted for known or expected changes in the marketplace when appropriate. Actual product returns have not differed materially from estimated amounts recorded in the accompanying financial statements.
Contract Costs
The Company recognizes an asset for incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if it expects to recover those costs. Amounts paid under the Companys sales incentive compensation plan qualify for capitalization since the plan is directly related to sales achieved during a period of time. However, the Company has elected the practical expedient to expense the costs as they are incurred, within sales and marketing expenses, since the amortization period is less than one year.
Product Warranty
The Company provides a four-year warranty on the iLet to end-users to replace any iLets that do not function as intended in accordance with the product specifications. Estimated warranty costs are recorded at the time of shipment. Warranty costs are estimated primarily based on the current expected product replacement cost and expected replacement rates utilizing managements understanding of the hardware. Although the Companys history of product sales is limited, management also utilizes historical warranty cost data to reevaluate the estimated warranty obligation on a regular basis. Product returns and warranty replacements to date have been consistent with amounts accrued and have not been significant. Warranty expense is recorded as a component of cost of sales in the statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
Shipping and Handling Costs
Shipping and handling costs associated with product delivery are included within cost of sales in the Companys statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company does not generally separately charge customers for shipping and handling costs, but any amounts billed to a customer for shipping and handling are reported as revenues.
Collaboration Revenue
The Company evaluates its license and/or collaboration arrangements to determine whether the arrangement (or part of the arrangement) represents a collaborative arrangement pursuant to ASC 808, Collaborative Arrangements. The Company considers the nature and contractual terms of collaborative arrangements and assesses whether the arrangement (or any part of the arrangement) involves joint operating activities pursuant to which the Company is an active participant in the activities and exposed to significant risks and rewards that are dependent on the commercial success of such activities. The Company also considered whether the relationship with the counterparty to the arrangement is more reflective of a vendor-customer relationship and therefore within the scope of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. If the Company is an active participant, is exposed to significant risks and rewards with respect to the arrangement, and the counterparty is not a customer, the Company accounts for the arrangement as a collaboration under ASC 808.
F-14
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Research and Development Costs
All research and development costs are expensed as incurred in accordance with ASC 730, Research and Development, which primarily consist of salaries and benefits associated with research and development personnel, overhead and occupancy costs, contract services costs and license costs for technology used in research and development without alternative future uses.
Patent Costs
Costs related to filing and pursuing patent applications are recorded as general and administrative expenses in the statements of operations and comprehensive loss and expensed as incurred as recoverability of such expenditures is uncertain.
Stock-Based Compensation
The cost of a stock-based award is measured at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. Forfeitures of awards are recognized as they occur. The fair value of stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which requires the input of subjective assumptions, including the fair value of the underlying Class B common stock, expected volatility, expected term, risk-free interest rate, and expected dividend yield. As the Companys stock has never been publicly traded, the expected volatility was derived from the average historical volatilities of several comparable public companies within the Companys industry over a period equivalent to the expected term of the stock-based awards. Due to the lack of historical exercise history, the expected term of the Companys stock options is determined using the simplified method. The risk-free interest rate is rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the time of grant for zero-coupon U.S. treasury notes with maturities approximately equal to expected term of the stock options. Expected dividend yield is zero based on the fact that the Company has never paid cash dividends and does not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
The fair value of Class B common stock underlying the Companys stock options was estimated by the Board, which considered, among other things, valuations of the Companys common stock.
Compensation expense for non-employee awards is recognized in the same manner as if the Company had paid cash in exchange for the goods or services, which is generally the vesting period of the respective award.
The Company classifies stock-based compensation expense in its statements of operations and comprehensive loss in the same manner in which the award recipients payroll costs are classified or in which the award recipients service payments are classified.
Comprehensive Loss
Comprehensive loss includes net loss as well as other changes in stockholders deficit that result from transactions and economic events other than those with stockholders, including unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities. For the year ended December 31, 2022, there was no difference between net loss and comprehensive loss. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the unrealized gain on short-term investments, approximately $0.1 million, was recorded in other comprehensive income.
F-15
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Net Loss Per Share
The holders of Class A common stock, Class B common stock and Class C common stock participate in earnings and losses equally on a per share basis, as if all shares of common stock were of a single class. Therefore, undistributed earnings and losses are allocated on a proportionate basis and the resulting loss per share will be the same for Class A common stock, Class B common stock, and Class C common stock on an individual or combined basis.
The Companys liability classified warrants to purchase Series C preferred stock and Class B common stock are exercisable to the holder at an exercise price of $0.01. The Company does not consider the exercise price of these warrants to be for a nominal amount of consideration as in addition to the exercise price received from the holder, the consideration received as a result of the exercise of a warrant also includes the value of the extinguishment of the associated warrant liabilities. Therefore, the Company does not consider the warrants to be contingently issuable shares and does not include the warrants in the calculation of weighted-average common shares outstanding in the computation of basic loss per share.
The Companys convertible preferred stock contractually entitles the holders of such shares to participate in any dividends declared. Therefore, convertible preferred shares are considered to be participating securities. The Companys warrants to purchase shares of Series C Preferred Stock and Class B common stock contractually require the Board to provide advanced notice to warrant holders in the event that a dividend will be declared. As a result, warrant holders would be economically compelled to exercise their warrants prior to the declaration of the dividend. Therefore, the warrants are considered to be participating securities. During periods in which the Company reports net income, the Company allocates a proportional share of net income to participating securities determined by dividing the total weighted-average participating securities by the sum of the total weighted-average common shares and participating securities (the two-class method). Participating securities have the effect of diluting both basic and diluted earnings per share during periods of income. During periods where the Company reports a net loss, the Company allocates no loss to participating securities because they have no contractual obligation to share in losses.
Income Taxes
The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded in the provision for income taxes. The Company assesses the likelihood that its deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income. To the extent the Company believes that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is established through a charge to income tax expense. When the Company establishes or reduces the valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets, its provision for income taxes will increase or decrease, respectively, in the period such determination is made.
The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements by applying a two-step process to determine the amount of tax benefit to be recognized. First, the tax position must be evaluated to determine the likelihood that it will be sustained upon external examination by the taxing authorities. If the tax position is deemed more-likely-than-not to be sustained, the tax position is then assessed to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The amount of the benefit that may be recognized is the largest amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The provision for income taxes includes the effects of any resulting tax reserves, or unrecognized tax benefits, that are considered appropriate as well as the related net interest and penalties.
F-16
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Updates (ASU) No. 2016-13, Financial InstrumentsCredit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASU 2016-13), and also issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance: ASU 2018-19, ASU 2019-04 and ASU 2019-05 (collectively, Topic 326). Topic 326 requires measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held. For public entities that are SEC filers, excluding entities eligible to be emerging growth companies, ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-10, which deferred the effective date for emerging growth companies to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted Topic 326 on January 1, 2023 and the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Companys financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (ASU 2023-09). ASU 2023-09 is intended to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. The amendments in this ASU address investor requests for more transparency about income tax information through improvements to income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. The amendments in the ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential effects of adopting the provisions of ASU No. 2023-09.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (ASU No. 2023-07). ASU 2023-07 requires that an entity disclose significant segment expenses, a description of other segment items, and the title and position of the chief operating decision maker along with an explanation of how the reported segment profit or loss is assessed and allocated. The amendments in the ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods after December 15, 2024. The amendments in this ASU will be applied retrospectively for all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the potential effects of adopting the provisions of ASU No. 2023-07.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, DebtDebt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and HedgingContracts in Entitys Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40). The standard addresses issues identified as a result of the complexity associated with applying GAAP for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. The standard reduces the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock resulting in fewer embedded conversion features being separately recognized from the host contract. The standard is effective for public companies, excluding entities eligible to be smaller reporting companies, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The FASB specified that an entity should adopt the guidance as of the beginning of its annual fiscal year. The Company is currently evaluating the potential effects of adopting the provisions of ASU No. 2020-06 using the modified retrospective adoption method.
F-17
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
3. Revenue
Net Sales
The Company disaggregates net sales by product category and reimbursement channel, which the Company believes provides a meaningful depiction of how the nature, timing and uncertainty of net sales are affected by economic factors.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Companys revenues were predominantly generated from sales of the iLet. The iLet requires the use of separately purchased single-use products which include cartridges for storing and delivering insulin, and infusion sets that connect the iLet to the users body. These single-use products generate recurring revenue for the Company, as these are typically replaced by the end-user every 2-3 days or as directed by a healthcare provider.
The Companys customers are distributors and pharmacies who sell these products to insulin-requiring PWD, through the durable medical equipment (DME) and the pharmacy benefit plan (PBP) reimbursement channels, which entail differing payment outlays. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the majority of the Companys sales were through the DME channel.
The following table summarizes the Companys disaggregated revenues:
| Year Ended December 31, |
||||
| 2023 | ||||
| (in thousands) | ||||
| DME channel |
||||
| iLet |
$ | 10,169 | ||
| Single-use products |
1,091 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Total DME channel |
11,260 | |||
| PBP channel |
||||
| iLet |
535 | |||
| Single-use products |
200 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Total PBP channel |
735 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Total net sales |
$ | 11,995 | ||
|
|
|
|||
The Company recognizes revenue at a point in time once control has transferred to the customer, as well as over time for performance obligations that may include an obligation to provide ongoing services such as unspecified software updates. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recognized no revenue from contracts with customers.
At December 31, 2023, $0.3 million was allocated to performance obligations that were not yet satisfied and is recorded in deferred revenue on the balance sheet. Of the performance obligations not yet satisfied, $0.1 million is expected to be recognized as revenue in the next 12 months, with the remainder expected to be recognized thereafter. The $0.3 million relates to amounts deferred associated with the unspecified software updates promised to users and the users access to the mobile application.
F-18
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Collaboration Revenue
Prior to FDA 510(k) clearance on May 19, 2023, the Companys source of revenue was from research, clinical and collaboration agreements with various academic, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
The Company entered into an agreement with Novo Nordisk (the Novo Collaboration Agreement) in September 2017 and concluded that its relationship with Novo Nordisk does not represent a customer relationship. The purpose of the collaboration agreement is to produce clinical data using Novo Nordisks fast-acting insulin to support its compatibility and integration with the iLet. Under the terms of the original agreement, the Company was eligible to receive potential payments based on the achievement of certain milestones. The contract was amended in December 2019, February 2021 and April 2021 resulting in additional potential payments to be received and an extension of certain milestone achievement dates.
Based on the nature of the agreement, the Company recognized collaboration revenue ratably over the estimated period of performance. The work described under the agreement was completed in 2022 and as of December 31, 2022, and 2023 no amounts were due as accounts receivable. Further, $0.2 million and $0 of revenue was recognized related to the Novo Collaboration Agreement during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
4. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements
The following tables present the Companys fair value hierarchy for its assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
| Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
| Assets | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
| Cash equivalents: |
||||||||||||||||
| Money market fund |
$ | 24,651 | $ | | $ | | $ | 24,651 | ||||||||
| Restricted cash: |
||||||||||||||||
| Money market fund |
100 | | | 100 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Total assets |
$ | 24,751 | $ | | $ | | $ | 24,751 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
| Series C warrant liabilities |
$ | | $ | | $ | 10,497 | $ | 10,497 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Total liabilities |
$ | | $ | | $ | 10,497 | $ | 10,497 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
F-19
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Assets | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
| Cash equivalents: |
||||||||||||||||
| Money market fund |
$ | 24,414 | $ | | $ | | $ | 24,414 | ||||||||
| Restricted cash: |
||||||||||||||||
| Money market fund |
100 | | | 100 | ||||||||||||
| Short-term investments |
||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury bills |
70,179 | | | 70,179 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Total assets |
$ | 94,693 | $ | | $ | | $ | 94,693 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
| Series C warrant liabilities |
$ | | $ | | $ | 9,447 | $ | 9,447 | ||||||||
| Common B warrant liabilities |
| | 28,126 | 28,126 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Total liabilities |
$ | | $ | | $ | 37,573 | $ | 37,573 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Money market funds and U.S. Treasury bills were valued by the Company based on quoted market prices, which represent a Level 1 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. There were no changes to the valuation methods during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023. The Company evaluates transfers between levels at the end of each reporting period. There were no transfers between Level 1 or Level 2 during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023.
Warrant Liabilities
In connection with the August 2023 Series D Preferred Stock financing (see Note 11), the Company granted warrants to purchase up to 8,474,983 shares of Common B common stock equal to 70% of the shares of Series D Preferred Stock purchased by the purchaser at an exercise price of $0.01 per share and expire on the earliest to occur of (i) August 28, 2033, (ii) immediately prior to the sale of the Company or a transaction that qualifies as a Deemed Liquidation Event (as defined in the Companys certificate of incorporation) or (iii) immediately prior to the consummation of a qualifying initial public offering or a SPAC Transaction (as defined in the Companys certificate of incorporation). The Common B warrants have been recorded as a liability as they represent freestanding financial instruments that are not indexed to the Companys common stock and are required to be remeasured to fair value at each reporting date. Additionally, the Common B warrants do not meet the definition of a derivative.
In connection with the February 2022 Series C Preferred Stock financing (see Note 11), the Company granted warrants to purchase up to 1,025,390 shares of Series C Preferred Stock at a price per share equal to $0.01 and with a term ending on the earliest to occur of (i) February 16, 2032, (ii) immediately prior to the sale of the Company or a transaction that qualifies as a Deemed Liquidation Event or (iii) immediately prior to the consummation of a qualifying initial public offering or a SPAC transaction. As the warrants are exercisable for preferred stock that is contingently redeemable outside of the Companys control, the warrants have been recorded as a liability and are required to be remeasured to fair value at each reporting date.
As there are significant inputs that are not observable in the market, the warrant valuations represent a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. The Companys valuations of the preferred stock and Common B warrants utilized the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which incorporates assumptions and estimates to value the preferred stock and Common B warrant.
F-20
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The quantitative elements associated with the Companys Level 3 inputs impacting the fair value measurement of the preferred stock and common stock warrant liabilities include the fair value per share of the underlying stock, expected volatility of the price of the underlying stock, the remaining contractual term of the warrant, risk-free interest rate, and expected dividend yield. The most significant assumption in the Black-Scholes option pricing model impacting the fair value of the preferred stock and common stock warrant liabilities is the fair value of the Companys Series C Preferred Stock and Class B common stock as of each remeasurement date. The Company determines the fair value per share of the underlying preferred stock by taking into consideration its most recent sales of its convertible preferred stock. Further, the Board values the Companys Class B common stock taking into consideration the most recent sales of the Companys preferred stock, results obtained from third-party valuations and additional factors the Company deems relevant and which may have changed since the date of the most recent valuation through the effective date of the warrant. The Company historically has been a private company and lacks company-specific historical and implied volatility information of its stock. Therefore, it estimates the expected stock volatility based on the historical volatility of publicly traded peer companies for a term equal to the remaining contractual term of the warrant. The risk-free interest rate is determined by reference to the U.S. Treasury yield curve for time periods approximately equal to the remaining contractual term of the warrant. The Company has estimated a 0% dividend yield based on the expected dividend yield and the fact that the Company has never paid or declared dividends.
The following table presents the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of the preferred stock warrant liabilities as of December 31, 2022 and 2023:
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||
| Fair value of Series C Preferred Stock |
$ | 10.23 | $ | 9.22 | ||||
| Strike price |
$ | 0.01 | $ | 0.01 | ||||
| Risk-free interest rate |
4.40 | % | 4.69 | % | ||||
| Expected term (in years) |
2.30 | 1.30 | ||||||
| Expected volatility |
87.00 | % | 78.00 | % | ||||
| Expected dividend yield |
0 | % | 0 | % | ||||
The following table presents the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of the common stock warrant liabilities as of the date of issuance and as of December 31, 2023:
| August 28, 2023 |
December 31, 2023 |
|||||||
| Fair value of Class B common stock |
$ | 2.64 | $ | 4.32 | ||||
| Strike price |
$ | 0.01 | $ | 0.01 | ||||
| Risk-free interest rate |
4.20 | % | 3.88 | % | ||||
| Expected term (in years) |
10 | 9.70 | ||||||
| Expected volatility |
72.69 | % | 74.64 | % | ||||
| Expected dividend yield |
0 | % | 0 | % | ||||
The Company did not have any common stock warrant liabilities as of December 31, 2022.
The Company recognizes changes in the fair value of the warrant liabilities as a component of other income (expense), net in its statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company will continue to recognize changes in the fair value of the warrant liabilities until the warrants are exercised, expire, or qualify for equity classification.
F-21
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A reconciliation of the Level 3 warrant liabilities is as follows:
| Series C Warrant Liability |
||||
| (in thousands) | ||||
| Balance at December 31, 2021 |
$ | | ||
| Issuance of Series C preferred stock warrants |
11,408 | |||
| Change in fair value |
(911 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 |
10,497 | |||
| Change in fair value |
(1,050 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|||
| Balance at December 31, 2023 |
$ | 9,447 | ||
|
|
|
|||
| Common B Warrant Liability |
||||
| (in thousands) | ||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 |
$ | | ||
| Issuance of Common B warrants in connection with Series D preferred stock |
22,321 | |||
| Common B warrant exercises |
(5,203 | ) | ||
| Change in fair value |
11,008 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Balance at December 31, 2023 |
$ | 28,126 | ||
|
|
|
|||
5. Short-Term Investments
The following represents a summary of the estimated fair value of short-term investments at December 31, 2023:
| At December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost |
Unrealized Gains |
Unrealized Losses |
Estimated Fair Value |
|||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
| Short-term investments |
||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury bills |
$ | 70,042 | $ | 137 | $ | | $ | 70,179 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Total |
$ | 70,042 | $ | 137 | $ | | $ | 70,179 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
The Company did not have short-term investments at December 31, 2022.
6. Accounts Receivable, Net
Accounts receivable, net consisted of the following:
| December 31, 2023 |
||||
| (in thousands) | ||||
| Accounts receivable |
$ | 4,494 | ||
| Less: allowance for credit losses |
(46 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|||
| Accounts receivable, net |
$ | 4,448 | ||
|
|
|
|||
F-22
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following table provides a reconciliation of the changes in the allowance for estimated credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2023:
| Year Ended December 31, 2023 |
||||
| (in thousands) | ||||
| Balance at beginning of period |
$ | | ||
| Provision for expected credit losses |
46 | |||
| Write-offs and adjustments, net of recoveries |
| |||
|
|
|
|||
| Balance at end of period |
$ | 46 | ||
|
|
|
|||
The Company did not have accounts receivable, net or an allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2022.
7. Inventories
Inventories consisted of the following:
| December 31, 2023 |
||||
| (in thousands) | ||||
| Raw materials |
$ | 803 | ||
| Work in process |
34 | |||
| Finished goods |
408 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Inventories |
$ | 1,245 | ||
|
|
|
|||
The Company did not have inventories at December 31, 2022.
8. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following:
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses |
$ | 542 | $ | 908 | ||||
| Other current assets |
250 | 275 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
$ | 792 | $ | 1,183 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
F-23
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
9. Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| Manufacturing equipment |
$ | 4,008 | $ | 4,386 | ||||
| Leasehold improvements |
951 | 951 | ||||||
| Furniture |
924 | 924 | ||||||
| Computer equipment |
628 | 468 | ||||||
| Construction in progress |
182 | 167 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total cost |
6,693 | 6,896 | ||||||
| Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization |
(3,374 | ) | (4,420 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Property and equipment, net |
$ | 3,319 | $ | 2,476 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023 was $1.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively.
10. Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following:
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| Accrued employee compensation and benefits |
$ | 5,381 | $ | 5,475 | ||||
| Accrued professional fees |
762 | 963 | ||||||
| Accrued sales returns, rebates and patient assistance |
| 592 | ||||||
| Accrued inventory in transit |
| 342 | ||||||
| Accrued royalties |
| 294 | ||||||
| Other current liabilities |
184 | 462 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
$ | 6,327 | $ | 8,128 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Reconciliations of the changes in the Companys product warranty liability, which is included in other current liabilities, were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, 2023 |
||||
| (in thousands) | ||||
| Product warranty liability at beginning of year |
$ | | ||
| Warranty expense |
84 | |||
| Changes in estimates |
| |||
| Warranty fulfillment |
(62 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|||
| Product warranty liability at end of year |
$ | 22 | ||
|
|
|
|||
F-24
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company did not have product warranty liability as of December 31, 2022 or during the year ended December 31, 2022.
11. Convertible Preferred Stock and Warrants
The Company has issued Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series B-2 Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock (collectively, the Preferred Stock).
Upon issuance of each class of Preferred Stock, the Company assessed the embedded conversion and liquidation features of the securities and determined that such features did not require the Company to separately account for these features. The Company also concluded that no beneficial conversion feature existed on the issuance date of each class of Preferred Stock.
In August 2023, the Company issued and sold 12,107,140 shares of Series D Preferred Stock, at a price of $8.40 per share, for gross proceeds of $101.7 million. The Company incurred issuance costs in connection with this transaction of $0.7 million. Each purchaser of the Series D Preferred Stock also received warrants to purchase up to a certain number of shares of Class B common stock equal to 70% of the shares of Series D Preferred Stock purchased by the purchaser. The Common B warrants are exercisable at any time, at an exercise price of $0.01 per share (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock split, stock dividend, combination or other similar recapitalization) and expire on the earliest to occur of (i) August 28, 2033, (ii) immediately prior to the sale of the Company or a transaction that qualifies as a Deemed Liquidation Event as described below or (iii) immediately prior to the consummation of a qualifying initial public offering or a SPAC transaction. During the year ended December 31, 2023, a total of 1,954,161 of the Common B warrants were exercised. The Series D Preferred Stock has an Original Issue Price and Conversion Price (each as defined in the Companys certificate of incorporation) per share of $8.40.
In February 2022, the Company issued and sold 4,101,860 shares of Series C Preferred Stock, at a price of $13.91 per share, for gross proceeds of $57.0 million. The Company incurred issuance costs in connection with this transaction of $0.7 million. Each purchaser of the Series C Preferred Stock also received a warrant to purchase additional shares of Series C Preferred Stock equal to 25% of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock purchased by the purchaser, which in the aggregate permits the purchase of up to 1,025,390 shares of Series C Preferred Stock (the Series C Warrants). The Series C Warrants are exercisable at any time, at an exercise price of $0.01 per share (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock split, stock dividend, combination or other similar recapitalization) and expire on the earliest to occur of (i) February 16, 2032, (ii) immediately prior to the sale of the Company or a transaction that qualifies as a Deemed Liquidation Event as described below or (iii) immediately prior to the consummation of a qualifying initial public offering or a SPAC transaction. The Series C Preferred Stock has an Original Issue Price and Conversion Price per share of $13.90.
As part of the Series D Preferred Stock issuance, the Company increased the number of shares of Class B common stock authorized for issuance from 38,000,000 shares to 65,000,000 shares and increased the number of shares of preferred stock authorized for issuance from 15,200,000 shares to 26,434,390 shares, of which 12,107,140 shares were designated as Series D Preferred Stock.
F-25
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
At the balance sheet dates, Preferred Stock consisted of the following:
| December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
Preferred |
Preferred |
Carrying |
Liquidation |
Common |
||||||||||||||||
| Series A Preferred Stock |
500,000 | 500,000 | $ | 6,589 | $ | 5,000 | 500,000 | |||||||||||||
| Series A-2 Preferred Stock |
500,000 | 500,000 | 6,626 | 5,000 | 500,000 | |||||||||||||||
| Series B Preferred Stock |
4,200,000 | 4,197,930 | 61,606 | 63,053 | 4,398,610 | |||||||||||||||
| Series B-2 Preferred Stock |
4,500,000 | 3,960,000 | 63,228 | 63,360 | 4,184,470 | |||||||||||||||
| Series C Preferred Stock |
5,500,000 | 4,101,860 | 44,985 | 57,049 | 4,101,860 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| 15,200,000 | 13,259,790 | $ | 183,034 | $ | 193,462 | 13,684,940 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
Preferred |
Preferred |
Carrying |
Liquidation |
Common |
||||||||||||||||
| Series A Preferred Stock |
500,000 | 500,000 | $ | 6,589 | $ | 5,000 | 624,571 | |||||||||||||
| Series A-2 Preferred Stock |
500,000 | 500,000 | 6,626 | 5,000 | 624,571 | |||||||||||||||
| Series B Preferred Stock |
4,200,000 | 4,197,930 | 61,606 | 63,053 | 5,931,111 | |||||||||||||||
| Series B-2 Preferred Stock |
4,000,000 | 3,960,000 | 63,228 | 63,360 | 5,697,891 | |||||||||||||||
| Series C Preferred Stock |
5,127,250 | 4,101,860 | 44,985 | 57,049 | 5,499,867 | |||||||||||||||
| Series D Preferred Stock |
12,107,140 | 12,107,140 | 78,679 | 101,700 | 12,107,140 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| 26,434,390 | 25,366,930 | $ | 261,713 | $ | 295,162 | 30,485,151 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
The holders of Preferred Stock have the following rights, preferences and privileges:
Voting
The holders of the Preferred Stock are entitled to vote, together with the holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock as a single class, on all matters submitted to stockholders for a vote. Each holder of Preferred Stock is entitled to the number of votes equal to the number of shares of Class B common stock into which each share of Preferred Stock is convertible as of the record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote on such matters. The holders of Class C common stock do not have voting rights. The holders of record of the Series D Preferred shares are entitled to elect five members of the Board jointly designated from time to time by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock, exclusively and voting as a separate series, (i) one of whom shall be designated by Sands Capital Life Sciences Pulse Fund II, L.P. and its affiliates, (ii) one of whom shall be designated by Omega Fund VII, L.P. and its affiliates, (iii) one of whom shall be designated by Soleus Private Equity Fund II, L.P. and its affiliates, (iv) one of whom shall be designated by Eventide Gilead Fund and Eventide Healthcare & Life Sciences Fund and affiliates of the foregoing and (v) one of whom shall be designated by Zone Healthcare Holdings, LLC and its affiliates. The holders of record of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock, exclusively and as a separate class, shall be entitled to elect one director of the Company. The holders of record of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock and Series B-2 Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class, on an as-converted basis, shall be entitled to elect one director of the Company. The holders of record of the shares of Class A common stock, exclusively and as a separate class, shall be entitled to elect one director of the Company.
F-26
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The CEO shall also serve as a director.
Conversion
Each series of Preferred Stock will automatically convert into shares of Class B common stock at the then applicable conversion rate in the event of (i) the closing of the sale of common stock to the public at a price per share equal to at least $7.41177 (subject to adjustments for stock dividends, splits, combinations and similar events) and gross proceeds to the Company of not less than $75.0 million (a Qualified IPO); (ii) the closing of a Qualified SPAC Transaction; or (iii) upon the written consent of the Requisite Holders. The conversion ratio of each series of Preferred Stock is determined by dividing the Original Issue Price of each series by the Conversion Price of each series. The Original Issue Price is $10.00 per share for Series A Preferred Stock, $10.00 per share for Series A-2 Preferred Stock, $15.02 per share for Series B Preferred Stock, $16.00 per share for Series B-2 Preferred Stock, $13.90 per share for share for Series C Preferred Stock and $8.40 per share for Series D Preferred Stock. The Conversion Price is $8.0055 per share for Series A Preferred Stock, $8.0055 per share for Series A-2 Preferred Stock, $10.63084 per share for Series B Preferred Stock, $11.11989 per share for Series B-2 Preferred Stock, $10.37275 per share for Series C Preferred Stock and $4.94118 per share for Series D Preferred Stock, each subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock split, stock dividend, combination or other similar recapitalization and other adjustments as set forth in the Companys certificate of incorporation.
In the event the Company at any time after the Series B-2 Preferred Stock original issuance date issues additional shares of common stock without consideration or for a consideration per share less than the applicable Conversion Price of each series in effect immediately prior to such issuance, the applicable Conversion Price of each series of Preferred Stock will be reduced, concurrently with such issue, to the appropriate price that will effectuate anti-dilution of existing holders of Preferred Stock.
The Series D Preferred Stock issuance triggered down round protection for existing holders of the Preferred Stock, as set forth in the Companys certificate of incorporation. As a result, as of December 31, 2023, each outstanding share of Series A Preferred Stock and Series A-2 Preferred Stock was convertible into Class B common stock on a 1.24914:1 basis, each outstanding share of Series B Preferred Stock was convertible into Class B common stock on a 1.41287:1 basis, each outstanding share of Series B-2 Preferred Stock was convertible into Class B common stock on a 1.43886:1 basis and each outstanding share of Series C Preferred Stock was convertible into Class B common stock on a 1.34082:1 basis. In connection with the triggering of the down round protections for existing holders of Preferred Stock, the Company evaluated the redemption features of the Preferred Stock, which becomes redeemable in the event of a Deemed Liquidation Event (as described below). As of December 31, 2023, the Deemed Liquidation Event was not probable and no remeasurement of the redemption price was recognized.
Dividends
The holders of shares of Series D Preferred Stock, Series A Preferred Stock and Series A-2 Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board on a pari passu basis, non-cumulative cash dividends of 4% per annum of each respective Original Issue Price, and the holders of Series B Preferred Stock, B-2 Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board on a pari passu basis, non-cumulative cash dividends of 2% per annum of each respective Original Issue Price (the Annual Dividend, for each respective series).
F-27
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company shall not declare, pay or set aside any dividends on shares of any other class or series of stock of the Company unless the holders of the Preferred Stock then outstanding shall first receive, or simultaneously receive, a dividend on each outstanding share of Preferred Stock in an amount at least equal to the greater of: (i) in the case of a dividend on common stock or any class or series of stock that is convertible into common stock, a dividend per share of Preferred Stock that would equal the product of (A) the dividend payable on each share of such class or series determined, if applicable, as if all shares of such class or series had been converted into common stock and (B) the number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of a share of Preferred Stock; or (ii) in the case of a dividend on any class or series of stock that is not convertible into common stock, at a rate per share of Preferred Stock determined by (A) dividing the amount of the dividend payable on each share of such class or series of stock by the Original Issue Price of such class or series of stock (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or other similar recapitalization with respect to such class or series) and (B) multiplying such fraction by an amount equal to the Original Issue Price of such class or series. If the Company declares, pays or sets aside, on the same date, a dividend on shares of more than one class or series of stock of the Company, the dividend payable to the holders of the Preferred Stock will be calculated based upon the dividend on the class or series of stock that would result in the highest Preferred Stock dividend.
Through December 31, 2023, no dividends had been declared on any series or class of shares.
Liquidation
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company or Deemed Liquidation Event (as described below), the holders of shares of Series D Preferred Stock are entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Company available for distribution to its stockholders before any payments are made to the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series B-2 Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock. The holders of shares of Series D Preferred Stock are entitled to an amount per share equal to the greater of (i) the Original Issue Price per share of the Series D Preferred Stock, plus any dividends declared but unpaid thereon, or (ii) the amount that would have been payable had all shares of Series D Preferred Stock been converted to common stock immediately prior to the liquidation, dissolution, winding-up or Deemed Liquidation Event. If upon any such liquidation event, the assets of the Company available for distribution are insufficient to pay the holders of the Series D Preferred Stock the full amount to which they are entitled, the holders of Series D Preferred Stock will share ratably in any distribution of the assets available for distribution in proportion to the respective amounts which would be otherwise payable in respect of the shares held by them upon such distribution if all amounts payable on or with respect to such shares of Series D Preferred Stock were paid in full.
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company or Deemed Liquidation Event (as described below), after the payment in full to the holders of shares of the Series D Preferred Stock, the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series B-2 Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock are entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Company available for distribution to its stockholders pari passu before any payments are made to holders of the common stock. The holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series B-2 Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock are entitled to an amount per share equal to the greater of (i) the applicable Original Issue Price per share of each respective share of Preferred Stock, plus any dividends declared but unpaid thereon, or (ii) the amount that would have been payable had all shares of the series been converted to common stock immediately prior to the liquidation, dissolution, winding-up or Deemed Liquidation Event. If upon any such liquidation event, the assets of the Company available for distribution are insufficient to pay the holders of Preferred Stock the full amount to which they are entitled, the holders of shares
F-28
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series B-2 Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock will share ratably in any distribution of the assets available for distribution in proportion to the respective amounts which would be otherwise payable in respect of the shares held by them upon such distribution if all amounts payable on or with respect to such shares were paid in full.
Unless both (i) the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock, voting as a separate class, which majority shall include at least one of the Lead Investors and (ii) the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock Series B-2 Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class on an as-converted basis, elect otherwise, a Deemed Liquidation Event shall include a merger, consolidation, or share exchange (other than one in which stockholders of the Company own a majority by voting power of the outstanding shares of the surviving or acquiring corporation) or a sale, lease, transfer, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.
12. Common Stock
The voting, dividend and liquidation rights of the holders of the Companys common stock are subject to and qualified by the rights, powers and preferences of the holders of the Preferred Stock set forth above.
The Company was issued a certificate of incorporation in connection with its conversion from a Massachusetts benefit corporation to a Delaware corporation. Per the certificate of incorporation, the holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are entitled to one vote for each share of Class A common stock and Class B common stock held.
Per the certificate of incorporation, the events requiring the automatic conversion of all shares of outstanding preferred stock into Class B common stock are defined as (i) the closing of a firm-commitment underwritten public offering of common stock at a price of at least $7.41177 per share (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or other similar recapitalization), resulting in at least $75.0 million of gross proceeds to the Company, (ii) the closing of a qualifying SPAC transaction or (iii) the vote or written consent of the holders of at least a majority of the then-outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class on an as-converted basis.
The holders of Class C common stock do not have voting rights.
Class B common stock reserved for the potential conversion of shares of Preferred Stock into common stock and the exercise of outstanding and available for grant stock options consisted of the following:
| December 31, 2023 |
||||
| Convertible preferred stock |
30,485,151 | |||
| Common stock options granted and outstanding |
10,249,904 | |||
| Shares available for issuance under the 2016 Stock Incentive Plan |
1,643,800 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Total common stock reserved for future issuance |
42,378,855 | |||
|
|
|
|||
In connection with its conversion from a Massachusetts benefit corporation to a Delaware corporation, the Company also amended and restated its 2016 Stock Incentive Plan (see Note 13). As amended, the number of shares of Class B common stock reserved for the exercise of outstanding and available-for-grant stock options increased by 252,250 shares, from 11,893,704 to 12,145,954.
F-29
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
13. Stock-Based Compensation
2016 Stock Incentive Plan
The Companys 2016 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (the 2016 Plan), provides for the Company to grant stock options and restricted stock awards to employees, officers, directors and consultants of the Company. The 2016 Plan is administered by the Board or, at the discretion of the Board, by a committee of the Board. The exercise prices, vesting and other restrictions are determined at the discretion of the Board, or its committee if so delegated.
The Company grants equity classified stock options for the purchase of Class B common stock. Stock options granted under the 2016 Plan with service-based vesting conditions typically vest over four years based on continuous service and expire after ten years. The total number of shares of Class B common stock that may be issued under the 2016 Plan was 12,145,954 shares as of December 31, 2023, of which 1,643,800 shares remained available for future issuance as of December 31, 2023. Shares that are expired, terminated, surrendered or canceled without having been fully exercised will be available for future grant under the 2016 Plan.
The exercise price for stock options granted may not be less than the fair value of Class B common stock as determined by the Board as of the date of grant. The Board values the Companys Class B common stock taking into consideration the most recent sales of the Companys preferred stock, results obtained from contemporaneous third-party valuations and additional factors the Company deems relevant and which may have changed since the date of the most recent valuation through the date of grant.
Stock Option Cancellation and Regrant
On March 2, 2023, and in accordance with the terms of the Companys 2016 Plan, the Board approved a stock option cancel and regrant (the 2023 Cancel and Regrant), wherein 4,478,020 previously granted stock options to acquire shares of the Companys common stock that were issued from December 2019 through December 2022 to 85 grantees were canceled and regranted at the price of the Companys common stock valuation on March 2, 2023. As of that date, the Companys common stock fair value was $3.805 per share. Aside from the reduced strike price, all regranted options kept the same terms and conditions of the canceled stock options, including vested amounts and vesting schedules. Upon the cancel and regrant, the Company recognized additional stock-based compensation from vested options of $0.4 million and a total of $0.4 million as unvested options continued to vest during the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company will recognize an additional $1.1 million stock-based compensation expense from the date of the modification through the third quarter of 2027, based on the requisite service period, as the remaining unvested options continue to vest.
F-30
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following table presents, on a weighted-average basis, the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the grant-date fair value of stock options granted:
| Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||
| Fair value of common stock |
$ | 3.81 | $ | 4.32 | ||||
| Risk-free interest rate |
2.96 | % | 3.06 | % | ||||
| Expected term (in years) |
6.01 | 5.39 | ||||||
| Expected volatility |
79.40 | % | 75.12 | % | ||||
| Expected dividend yield |
0 | % | 0 | % | ||||
| Number of Options |
Weighted- Average Exercise Price |
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term |
Aggregate Intrinsic Value |
|||||||||||||
| (in years) | (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2022 |
6,732,850 | $ | 6.40 | 7.4 | $ | 1,870 | ||||||||||
| Granted |
8,661,383 | 3.27 | ||||||||||||||
| Exercised |
(2,410 | ) | 3.96 | |||||||||||||
| Forfeited or cancelled |
(5,141,919 | ) | 7.08 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2023 |
10,249,904 | $ | 3.41 | 8.1 | $ | 535 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
| Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2023 |
10,249,904 | $ | 3.41 | 8.1 | $ | 535 | ||||||||||
| Options exercisable at December 31, 2023 |
4,095,302 | $ | 3.92 | 6.4 | $ | 525 | ||||||||||
The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the stock options and the fair value of the Companys Class B common stock for those stock options that had exercise prices lower than the fair value of the Companys Class B common stock. The total intrinsic value of options exercised ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, was $1.5 million and $0, respectively.
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023 was $2.73 per share and $2.16 per share, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023 was $3.2 million and $2.5 million, respectively.
The following table summarizes the non-vested stock options that were outstanding as of December 31, 2022 and 2023:
| Number of Options |
Weighted- Average Exercise Price |
|||||||
| Non-vested options, December 31, 2022 |
3,432,110 | $ | 7.67 | |||||
| Non-vested options, December 31, 2023 |
6,154,602 | $ | 3.07 | |||||
F-31
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
Stock-based compensation expense related to the stock options was included in the Companys statements of operations and comprehensive loss as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| Cost of sales |
$ | | $ | 239 | ||||
| Research and development |
1,554 | 1,781 | ||||||
| Sales and marketing |
384 | 610 | ||||||
| General and administrative |
4,162 | 3,028 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total stock-based compensation expense |
$ | 6,100 | $ | 5,658 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
For the year ended December 31, 2022, stock-based compensation expense included $1.1 million related to the modification of stock options held by two executives in connection with separation agreements, included in general and administrative expense.
As of December 31, 2023, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to the unvested stock-based awards was $13.8 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.1 years.
14. Employee Benefit Plan
The Company maintains a 401(k) retirement plan (the 401(k) Plan) for the benefit of eligible employees. Each participant may elect to contribute up to 100% of his or her compensation to the 401(k) Plan each year, subject to certain Internal Revenue Service limitations. Under the terms of the Plan, the Company matches 100% of the first 6% of employee contributions. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, the Company contributed $1.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively, to the 401(k) Plan.
15. Income Taxes
During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, the Company did not record income tax benefits for the net operating losses (NOLs) incurred or for the research and development tax credits generated in each year, due to its uncertainty of realizing a benefit from those items. The Company does not have any foreign operations and therefore has not provided for any foreign income taxes.
F-32
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to the Companys effective income tax rate is as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||
| Federal statutory income tax rate |
21.0 | % | 21.0 | % | ||||
| State income tax, net of federal benefit |
0.7 | % | 2.2 | % | ||||
| Federal and state research and development tax credits |
1.6 | % | 2.1 | % | ||||
| Change in fair value of warrant liabilities |
| % | (4.8 | )% | ||||
| Stock-based compensation |
| % | (1.1 | )% | ||||
| Non-deductible items |
(0.1 | )% | (0.1 | )% | ||||
| State rate change |
| % | 1.3 | % | ||||
| Uncertain tax positions |
| % | (2.2 | )% | ||||
| Other |
0.3 | % | 0.4 | % | ||||
| Change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance |
(23.5 | )% | (18.8 | )% | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Effective income tax rate |
0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
The Companys net deferred tax assets consisted of the following:
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| Deferred tax assets: |
||||||||
| NOL carryforwards |
$ | 30,592 | $ | 35,419 | ||||
| Capitalized research and development expenditures |
6,099 | 8,281 | ||||||
| Research and development tax credit carryforwards |
4,192 | 4,148 | ||||||
| Stock-based compensation |
1,786 | 2,735 | ||||||
| Operating lease liabilities |
899 | 1,007 | ||||||
| Accruals and other temporary differences |
863 | 1,256 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total deferred tax assets |
44,431 | 52,846 | ||||||
| Valuation allowance |
(43,632 | ) | (51,903 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Deferred tax assets |
799 | 943 | ||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities: |
||||||||
| Depreciation and intangibles |
(27 | ) | | |||||
| Operating lease right-of-use asset |
(772 | ) | (888 | ) | ||||
| Other |
| (55 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total deferred tax liabilities |
(799 | ) | (943 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net deferred tax assets |
$ | | $ | | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had U.S. federal NOL carryforwards of $158.3 million, which may be available to reduce future taxable income, of which $11.5 million expire at various dates beginning in 2035 while the remaining $146.8 million do not expire but are limited in their usage to an annual deduction equal to 80% of annual taxable income. In addition, as of December 31, 2023, the Company had state NOL carryforwards of $33.9 million, which may be available to reduce future taxable income, of which $31.9 million expire at various dates beginning in 2029, while $2.0 million do not expire. As of December 31, 2023, the
F-33
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Company also had U.S. federal and state research and development tax credit carryforwards of $3.0 million and $2.7 million, respectively, which may be available to reduce future tax liabilities and expire at various dates beginning in 2036 and 2032, respectively, with $2.3 million of state research and development tax credits carrying forward indefinitely.
Utilization of the U.S. federal and state NOL carryforwards and research and development tax credit carryforwards may be subject to a substantial annual limitation under Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), and corresponding provisions of state law, due to ownership changes that have occurred previously or that could occur in the future. These ownership changes may limit the amount of carryforwards that can be utilized annually to offset future taxable income or tax liabilities. In general, an ownership change, as defined by Section 382 of the Code, results from transactions increasing the ownership of certain stockholders or public groups in the stock of a corporation by more than 50% over a three-year period. The Company has not conducted a study to assess whether a change of control has occurred or whether there have been multiple changes of control since inception due to the significant complexity and cost associated with such a study. If the Company has experienced a change of control, as defined by Section 382 of the Code, at any time since inception, utilization of the NOL carryforwards or research and development tax credit carryforwards would be subject to an annual limitation under Section 382 of the Code, which is determined by first multiplying the value of the Companys stock at the time of the ownership change by the applicable long-term tax-exempt rate, and then could be subject to additional adjustments, as required. Any limitation may result in expiration of a portion of the NOL carryforwards or research and development tax credit carryforwards before their utilization.
The Company has evaluated the positive and negative evidence bearing upon its ability to realize the deferred tax assets. Management has considered the Companys history of cumulative net losses incurred since inception, results of recent commercial operations, and projected future taxable income and has concluded that it is more likely than not that the Company will not realize the benefits of the deferred tax assets. Accordingly, a full valuation allowance has been established against the net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2023. Management reevaluates the positive and negative evidence at each reporting period.
Changes in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets related primarily to the increase in NOL carryforwards and research and development tax credit carryforwards and were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| Valuation allowance as of beginning of year |
$ | 28,427 | $ | 43,632 | ||||
| Increases |
15,205 | 8,271 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Valuation allowance as of end of year |
$ | 43,632 | $ | 51,903 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
As of December 31, 2022 and 2023, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of zero and $1.1 million, respectively, none of which would affect the effective tax rate due to the existence of the valuation allowance. The Companys policy is to record interest and penalties related to income taxes as part of its income tax provision. As of December 31, 2022 and 2023, the Company had no accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions and no amounts had been recognized in the Companys statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company does not anticipate a significant change in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months.
F-34
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The changes in the Companys unrecognized tax benefits are summarized as follows:
| December 31, 2023 |
||||
| (in thousands) | ||||
| Beginning balance |
$ | | ||
| Increases related to prior year tax positions |
854 | |||
| Increases related to current year tax positions |
199 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Ending balance |
$ | 1,053 | ||
|
|
|
|||
The Company files income tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to examination by federal and state jurisdictions, where applicable. As of December 31, 2022 and 2023, there were no pending tax examinations. The Company is open to future tax examination under statute by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service from 2020 to present and by most state tax authorities from 2019 to present. However, to the extent allowed by law, the taxing authorities may have the right to examine periods where NOLs and research and development credits were generated and carried forward and make adjustments to the amount of the NOL and research credits carryforwards.
16. Net Loss Per Share
Basic net loss per share attributable to common stockholders is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period, without consideration for potentially dilutive securities.
Diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, including all potentially dilutive common shares. The impact of all potentially dilutive shares which are anti-dilutive are excluded from the calculation of net loss per share. Potentially dilutive common stock equivalents are comprised of convertible preferred stock, calculated using the if-converted method, stock options to purchase Class B common stock, warrants to purchase Series C Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase Class B common stock, each calculated using the treasury stock method. Potentially dilutive securities not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share, are as follows (in common stock equivalent shares):
| Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||
| Convertible preferred stock (as converted into shares of Class B common stock) |
13,684,940 | 30,485,151 | ||||||
| Stock options to purchase Class B common stock |
6,732,850 | 10,249,904 | ||||||
| Warrants to purchase Series C convertible preferred stock |
1,025,390 | 1,374,866 | ||||||
| Warrants to purchase Class B common stock |
| 6,520,822 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total |
21,443,180 | 48,630,743 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
F-35
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Class A, Class B and Class C common stockholders:
| Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||
| (in thousands, except share and per share data) |
||||||||
| Numerator: |
||||||||
| Net loss attributable to Class A, Class B and Class C common stockholders, basic and diluted |
$ | (64,751 | ) | $ | (44,099 | ) | ||
| Denominator: |
||||||||
| Weighted-average Class A common stock outstanding, basic and diluted |
5,904,767 | 5,890,000 | ||||||
| Weighted-average Class B common stock outstanding, basic and diluted |
3,843,445 | 4,461,907 | ||||||
| Weighted-average Class C common stock outstanding, basic and diluted |
96,910 | 96,910 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Weighted-average Class A, Class B, Class C common stock outstanding, basic and diluted |
9,845,122 | 10,448,817 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net loss per share attributable to Class A, Class B and Class C common stockholders, basic and diluted |
$ | (6.58 | ) | $ | (4.22 | ) | ||
17. Leases
In May and November 2023, the Company entered into two separate lease agreements for approximately 8,500 total square feet of office space in San Diego, California, which expire in July 2025 and February 2027. The larger of the two leases has one option to extend the lease term for an additional five years. The option to extend the lease term was not included in the right-of-use asset and lease liability as it was not reasonably certain of being exercised. The Company recognized operating lease right-of-use asset and associated operating lease liability of $1.0 million on the balance sheets in 2023.
The components of lease expense were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| Operating lease costfixed |
$ | 916 | $ | 1,008 | ||||
| Operating lease costvariable |
143 | 138 | ||||||
| Short-term lease expense |
6 | 13 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total lease expense |
$ | 1,065 | $ | 1,159 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities was $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023. No cash payments were included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2022.
F-36
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate were as follows:
| December 31, 2023 |
||||
| Weighted-average remaining lease term |
3.2 years | |||
| Weighted-average discount rate |
4.75 | % | ||
Future lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of December 31, 2023 were as follows:
| (in thousands) |
||||
| Year Ending December 31, |
||||
| 2024 |
$ | 1,258 | ||
| 2025 |
1,484 | |||
| 2026 |
1,432 | |||
| 2027 |
389 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Total future lease payments |
4,563 | |||
| Less: imputed interest |
(340 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|||
| Total lease liabilities |
$ | 4,223 | ||
|
|
|
|||
18. Commitments and Contingencies
Research Supply Agreement
In March 2020, the Company entered into a research supply agreement with the Jaeb Center for Health Research Foundation (the Jaeb Center), a contract research organization, for the regulatory sponsorship and coordination of the iLet insulin-only configuration pivotal trial. The agreement was amended in May and December 2020 to include minimum purchase commitments to fund a portion of the total costs of the pivotal trial. In June 2021 and April 2022, the agreement was further amended to provide funding for the pivotal trial.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company paid the Jaeb Center $0.3 million. As of December 31, 2022, the Company did not have any remaining purchase commitments under the research supply agreement.
Separation Agreements
In August 2022, the Company terminated employment of two executives. In connection with the termination of employment, the Company extended the post-termination exercise period of all stock options. The stock-based compensation expense related to the modification of the stock options of the former executives was $1.1 million and was recognized as general and administrative expense during the year ended December 31, 2022.
In August 2022, the Company undertook a reorganization program, including a reduction in force. The Company incurred a charge totaling $4.2 million, representing employee severance and benefit-related costs to be paid over the next 12 months. The remaining liability for accrued severance costs under the reorganization program was $2.1 million, which was included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the balance sheet as of December 31, 2022. The liability for the accrued severance costs under the reorganization program was paid in full as of December 31, 2023.
F-37
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, the Company may become involved in various legal proceedings, including those that may arise in the ordinary course of business.
The Company believes there is no litigation pending that could have, individually, or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the results of its operations, financial condition or cash flows.
19. Related Party Transactions
Boston University
Device License Agreement with Boston University
In December 2015, the Company and the Trustees of Boston University (BU) entered into a device license agreement, which was amended in December 2017, September 2020, and February 2022 (collectively, the Device License Agreement). Under the Device License Agreement, the Company received a royalty-bearing license (with the right to sublicense) under certain of BUs patent rights related to a system and individual components thereof for delivering multiple medicaments to a patient without medicament mis-channeling to make, use, sell, and import products, and practice processes covered by the licensed patent rights (collectively, the Licensed Products and Licensed Processes). The rights granted to the Company by BU under the Device License Agreement are exclusive, subject to certain reserved rights, including BUs right to practice and/or use the licensed patent rights for non-profit purposes such as sponsored research and collaborations, government rights and other third party rights. Furthermore, at BUs request, the Company will be required to negotiate a sublicense in good faith with a third party if the Company is unable or unwilling to use the patent rights licensed to the Company under the Device License Agreement to address the unmet needs of neglected people or geographic areas that such party is willing and able to address. The exclusivity may be terminated by BU if the Company fails to meet a specified percentage of the applicable minimum royalty amount for a given calendar year.
In consideration for the licensed patent rights and other rights granted to the Company under the Device License Agreement, the Company issued 2,286 shares of Class B common stock to BU, which were valued at $0.9 million, representing a specified ownership percentage on a fully diluted basis at the time of entering into the Device License Agreement, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, which have been satisfied and extinguished by the issuance of additional shares of Class B common stock. The Company is also required to pay (i) quarterly royalties of a mid-single-digit percentage based on net sales of all Licensed Products and Licensed Processes by the Company and its affiliates, (ii) quarterly royalties of a low double-digit percentage based on net sales by the Companys sublicensees (in each case (i) and (ii), which royalties are creditable against the minimum royalty amount) and (iii) agreed to make quarterly lump sum payments of a low-double-digit percentage based on certain non-royalty sublicensing revenue received by the Company from its sublicensees. The foregoing payments are subject to customary increase under certain specified circumstances. The Company also granted BU board observer rights and agreed to bear the patent costs, including prior patent costs incurred by BU in respect of the licensed patent rights. Additionally, if the Company assigns the Device License Agreement in connection with the sale of all or substantially all of the Companys assets relating to the licensed patent rights, the Company will be required to pay BU an assignment fee to be agreed on with BU at the time of such assignment.
Control Algorithm License Agreement with Boston University
In December 2015, the Company and BU entered into a control algorithm license agreement, which was amended in December 2017, September 2020, and February 2022 (collectively, the Control Algorithm Agreement). Under the Control Algorithm Agreement, the Company received a royalty-bearing license (with
F-38
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
the right to sublicense) to (i) make, use, sell, and import products, and practice processes, covered by certain of BUs patent rights related to automated control systems for treatment of T1D and similar conditions, involving monitoring and/or delivering insulin, glucagon, and glucose (collectively, the Automated Control System Technology); and (ii) use, reproduce, prepare derivative works, perform, display, and distribute all or any part of the software, source code, object code and/or related documentation, covered by certain copyright rights, and related to (a) the Automated Control System Technology and (b) the iLet control algorithm. The licenses granted by BU to the Company pursuant to the Control Algorithm Agreement are exclusive, subject to certain reserved rights including BU, BUs third party licensors and other not-for profit institutions rights to practice and/or use the patent rights for non-profit purposes such as sponsored research and collaborations and to permit other academic, government and not-for-profit institutions to make use of the same for educational purposes. Furthermore, at BUs request, the Company will be required to negotiate a sublicense in good faith with a third party if the Company is unable or unwilling to use the technology licensed to the Company under the Control Algorithm Agreement to address the unmet needs of neglected people or geographic areas that such third party is willing to address. The exclusivity may be terminated by BU if the Company fails to meet a specified percentage of the applicable minimum royalty amount for a given calendar year. Additionally, under the Control Algorithm Agreement, the Company granted a perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free license back to BU with respect to the copyrights and patents covering any derivative works of the licensed software for BUs educational and academic purposes and to practice their reserved rights.
In consideration for the licensed patent rights and other rights granted to the Company under the Control Algorithm Agreement, the Company issued 2,247 shares of Class B common stock to BU, representing a specified ownership percentage on a fully diluted basis at the time of entering into the license agreement, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, which have been satisfied and extinguished by the issuance of additional shares of Class B common stock to BU. The Company is also required to pay BU (i) quarterly royalties of a mid-single-digit percentage based on net sales by the Company and its affiliates, (ii) royalties of a low double-digit percentage of net sales by sublicensees (in each case (i) and (ii), which royalties are creditable against the minimum royalty amount) and (iii) agreed to make a quarterly lump sum payments of a low double-digit percentage of the non-royalty sublicensing revenue received by the Company from the Companys sublicensees. The foregoing payments are subject to customary increase under certain specified circumstances. The Company also granted BU board observer rights and agreed to bear the patent costs, including prior patent costs incurred by BU in respect of the licensed patent rights. Additionally, if the Company undergoes a change of control (as defined in the Control Algorithm Agreement), the Company will owe BU a one-time change of control payment of $65,000. The Company will also be required to pay BU an assignment fee to be agreed on with BU at the time of such assignment if the Company assigns the Control Algorithm License Agreement in connection with the sale of all or substantially all of the Companys assets relating to the licensed patent rights and copyright.
The Company incurred $0.5 million of royalties expense under the Control Algorithm Agreement during the year ended December 31, 2023, which was included as a component of cost of sales in the Companys statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
Under the agreements, the Company is responsible for all costs related to the amendment, prosecution and maintenance of the licensed patent rights. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, the Company paid BU $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, for reimbursed legal costs in connection with the agreements.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2023, $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, was due to BU from the Company.
F-39
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
20. Subsequent Events
For the financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company evaluated subsequent events through September 13, 2024, the date on which these financial statements were issued.
Research Supply Agreement
In February 2024, the Company entered into an investigator-initiated research supply agreement (the Supply Agreement) with the Jaeb Center. The Company will provide products for the conduct of a clinical study in which the Jaeb Center will be the sponsor-investigator. The Jaeb Center will purchase the iLet and supplies at the contracted amount, totaling approximately $0.7 million, over the expected twelve-month enrollment period. The Supply Agreement is effective until six months after the completion of the clinical study at all study sites.
Collaboration and License Agreement
In May 2024, the Company and Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Xeris) entered into a collaboration and license agreement (Collaboration and License Agreement). Under the Collaboration and License Agreement, the Company received a worldwide, exclusive, royalty-bearing, sublicensable license under certain patent rights and know-how related to Xeris proprietary non-aqueous formulation technology and technology developed during the collaboration (Xeris Technology) to develop and commercialize glucagon products that are reformulated using the Xeris Technology and developed by Xeris under a development plan under the Collaboration and License Agreement for use in a pump product or system for glycemic control (Glucagon Products) in the field of chronic glycemic control in diabetes mellitus, excluding single-dose, one-time use form for treatment of severe hypoglycemia and diagnostic uses (Field). The Company also received a worldwide, exclusive, sublicensable manufacturing license under the Xeris Technology to manufacture Glucagon Products in the Field following a future manufacturing transfer date to be agreed with Xeris and subject to a separate commercial supply agreement.
In consideration for the licenses and other rights granted to the Company under the Collaboration and License Agreement, the Company paid Xeris a one-time payment of $0.5 million and the Company will pay Xeris a one-time milestone payment of $3.0 million upon its achievement of a certain development milestone event. In addition, the Company is required to pay Xeris tiered royalties of low double-digit percentages based on net sales of Glucagon Products by the Company or its sublicensees, subject to certain customary reductions. The Companys obligation to pay Xeris royalties will commence, on a Glucagon Product-by-Glucagon Product and country-by-country basis, on the first commercial sale of such Glucagon Product in such country and expire on the later of (i) ten years after the first commercial sale of such Glucagon Product in such applicable country; (ii) expiration of the last valid claim of a specified patent right licensed by Xeris covering such Glucagon Product in such country; and (iii) expiration or termination or regulatory exclusivity for such Glucagon Product in the applicable country.
F-40
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except number of shares)
| December 31, 2023 |
September 30, 2024 |
|||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||
| Assets |
||||||||
| Current assets: |
||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 26,566 | $ | 17,481 | ||||
| Short-term investments |
70,179 | 43,416 | ||||||
| Accounts receivable, net |
4,448 | 7,464 | ||||||
| Inventories |
1,245 | 11,291 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
1,183 | 2,903 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total current assets |
103,621 | 82,555 | ||||||
| Property and equipment, net |
2,476 | 4,321 | ||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use asset |
3,722 | 6,715 | ||||||
| Restricted cash |
100 | 100 | ||||||
| Deferred offering costs |
| 3,096 | ||||||
| Other long-term assets |
121 | 151 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total assets |
$ | 110,040 | $ | 96,938 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Liabilities, Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders Deficit |
| |||||||
| Current liabilities: |
||||||||
| Accounts payable |
$ | 1,166 | $ | 2,848 | ||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
8,128 | 13,031 | ||||||
| Operating lease liabilities |
1,224 | 1,450 | ||||||
| Deferred revenue |
87 | 550 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total current liabilities |
10,605 | 17,879 | ||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion |
2,999 | 5,851 | ||||||
| Deferred revenue, net of current portion |
255 | 1,466 | ||||||
| Warrant liabilities |
37,573 | 38,876 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total liabilities |
51,432 | 64,072 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 17) |
||||||||
| Convertible preferred stock (Series A, A-2, B, B-2, C and D), par value of $0.0001 per share; 26,434,390 shares authorized at December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024; 25,366,930 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024; liquidation preference of $295,162 at December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024 |
261,713 | 261,713 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Stockholders deficit: |
||||||||
| Class A common stock, par value of $0.0001 per share; 6,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024; 5,890,000 and 5,790,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024, respectively |
1 | 1 | ||||||
| Class B common stock, par value of $0.0001 per share; 65,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024; 5,875,671 shares and 7,239,508 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024, respectively |
| | ||||||
| Class C common stock, par value of $0.0001 per share; 100,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024; 96,910 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024 |
| | ||||||
| Additional paid-in capital |
26,421 | 49,723 | ||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income |
137 | 58 | ||||||
| Accumulated deficit |
(229,664 | ) | (278,629 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total stockholders deficit |
(203,105 | ) | (228,847 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total liabilities, convertible preferred stock and stockholders deficit |
$ | 110,040 | $ | 96,938 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
F-41
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except number of shares and per share data)
| Nine Months Ended September 30, |
||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | |||||||
| Net sales |
$ | 3,645 | $ | 44,684 | ||||
| Cost of sales |
2,399 | 20,485 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Gross profit |
1,246 | 24,199 | ||||||
| Operating expenses: |
||||||||
| Research and development |
13,483 | 16,970 | ||||||
| Sales and marketing |
6,372 | 26,282 | ||||||
| General and administrative |
8,874 | 13,161 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total operating expenses |
28,729 | 56,413 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Loss from operations |
(27,483 | ) | (32,214 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Other income (expense), net: |
||||||||
| Interest income |
526 | 2,958 | ||||||
| Interest and other expense |
(13 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||
| Change in fair value of warrant liabilities |
1,719 | (7,390 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total other income (expense), net |
2,232 | (4,434 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net loss |
$ | (25,251 | ) | $ | (36,648 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss): |
||||||||
| Unrealized loss on short-term investments |
| (79 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Comprehensive loss |
$ | (25,251 | ) | $ | (36,727 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted |
$ | (2.53 | ) | $ | (2.97 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted |
9,973,545 | 12,340,972 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
F-42
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except number of shares)
| Convertible Preferred Stock |
Common Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
Accumulated Deficit |
Total Stockholders Deficit |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 |
13,259,790 | $ | 183,034 | 9,906,010 | $ | 1 | $ | 15,530 | $ | | $ | (185,565 | ) | $ | (170,034 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of Series D preferred stock, net of issuance costs of $700 and net of warrant liability of $22,321 |
12,107,140 | 78,679 | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common B warrant exercises |
| | 1,916,665 | | 5,122 | | | 5,122 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock option exercises |
| | 90 | | 1 | | | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense |
| | | | 4,082 | | | 4,082 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss |
| | | | | | (25,251 | ) | (25,251 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Balance at September 30, 2023 |
25,366,930 | $ | 261,713 | 11,822,765 | $ | 1 | $ | 24,735 | $ | | $ | (210,816 | ) | $ | (186,080 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Convertible Preferred Stock |
Common Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
Accumulated Deficit |
Total Stockholders Deficit |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2023 |
25,366,930 | $ | 261,713 | 11,862,581 | $ | 1 | $ | 26,421 | $ | 137 | $ | (229,664 | ) | $ | (203,105 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Adoption of ASU 2020-06 |
| | | | 12,317 | | (12,317 | ) | | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common B warrant exercises |
| | 1,249,999 | | 6,100 | | | 6,100 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock option exercises |
| | 13,838 | | 52 | | | 52 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense |
| | | | 4,833 | | | 4,833 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized loss on short-term investments |
| | | | | (79 | ) | | (79 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss |
| | | | | | (36,648 | ) | (36,648 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Balance at September 30, 2024 |
25,366,930 | $ | 261,713 | 13,126,418 | $ | 1 | $ | 49,723 | $ | 58 | $ | (278,629 | ) | $ | (228,847 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
F-43
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
| Nine Months Ended September 30, |
||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | |||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: |
||||||||
| Net loss |
$ | (25,251 | ) | $ | (36,648 | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |
||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense |
934 | 919 | ||||||
| Provision for expected credit losses |
| 44 | ||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense |
4,082 | 4,833 | ||||||
| Provision for excess and obsolete inventory |
(23 | ) | (184 | ) | ||||
| Change in fair value of warrant liabilities |
(1,719 | ) | 7,390 | |||||
| Accretion of discount on short-term investments |
| (2,286 | ) | |||||
| Amortization of operating lease right-of-use asset |
613 | 835 | ||||||
| Loss on disposal of property and equipment |
5 | 8 | ||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||
| Accounts receivable |
(2,017 | ) | (3,060 | ) | ||||
| Inventories |
(271 | ) | (9,862 | ) | ||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
(115 | ) | (1,721 | ) | ||||
| Other long-term assets |
1 | (30 | ) | |||||
| Accounts payable |
36 | 1,575 | ||||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
(673 | ) | 3,269 | |||||
| Funded R&D liabilityrelated party |
(1,140 | ) | | |||||
| Operating lease liability |
(664 | ) | (750 | ) | ||||
| Deferred revenue |
104 | 1,674 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net cash used in operating activities |
(26,098 | ) | (33,994 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: |
||||||||
| Purchases of short-term investments |
| (27,030 | ) | |||||
| Proceeds from maturities and redemptions of short-term investments |
| 56,000 | ||||||
| Proceeds on disposal of property and equipment |
4 | 50 | ||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment |
(89 | ) | (2,834 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities |
(85 | ) | 26,186 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: |
||||||||
| Proceeds from the issuance of convertible preferred stock, net of issuance costs |
101,000 | | ||||||
| Payments for deferred offering costs |
| (1,341 | ) | |||||
| Proceeds from stock option exercises |
1 | 52 | ||||||
| Proceeds from common stock warrants exercise |
19 | 12 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
101,020 | (1,277 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
74,837 | (9,085 | ) | |||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period |
27,775 | 26,666 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period |
$ | 102,612 | $ | 17,581 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing information: |
||||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable |
$ | | $ | 7 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Deferred offering costs included in accrued expenses |
$ | | $ | 1,634 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Deferred offering costs included in accounts payable |
$ | | $ | 120 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Unrealized loss on short-term investments |
$ | | $ | (79 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Common B warrants issued in connection with Series D convertible preferred stock |
$ | 22,321 | $ | | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use asset obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations |
$ | 160 | $ | 3,828 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash: |
||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 102,512 | $ | 17,481 | ||||
| Restricted cash |
100 | 100 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows |
$ | 102,612 | $ | 17,581 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
F-44
1. Organization and Basis of Presentation
The Company
Beta Bionics, Inc. (the Company) is a commercial-stage medical device company engaged in the design, development, and commercialization of innovative solutions to improve the health and quality of life of insulin-requiring people with diabetes (PWD) by utilizing advanced adaptive closed-loop algorithms to simplify and improve the treatment of their disease. The Company was incorporated as a Massachusetts benefit corporation on October 21, 2015, and converted to a Delaware corporation in August 2024.
The Companys product, the iLet Bionic Pancreas (iLet), was cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in adults and children six years of age and older in May 2023, and it began commercializing the iLet in the United States in May 2023. The iLet is the first adaptive closed-loop algorithm insulin dosing system that does not require T1D users to keep a daily tabulation of their carbohydrate intake or perform calculations to determine the correct dose of insulin to take.
From its inception to September 30, 2024, the Company has devoted substantially all of its resources to organizing and staffing the Company, business planning, capital raising, establishing and engaging in collaborations, performing research and development, advancing and scaling up manufacturing capabilities, commercializing its products, establishing a sales infrastructure and providing general and administrative support for these activities. The Companys operations to date have been funded primarily through the issuance and sale of convertible preferred stock and sales of the iLet.
Basis of Presentation
The Companys unaudited condensed financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission applicable to interim financial information. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Any reference in these notes to applicable guidance is meant to refer to the authoritative GAAP as found in the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC).
Interim financial results are not necessarily indicative of results anticipated for the full year or any other period(s). These unaudited condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Companys audited financial statements and accompanying notes for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, from which the balance sheet information herein was derived.
On August 30, 2024, the Company converted from a Massachusetts benefit corporation to a Delaware corporation. All outstanding shares of preferred stock, common stock, options and warrants of the Massachusetts benefit corporation were converted into an equivalent share, option or warrant of the Delaware corporation and the par value of the Companys preferred stock and common stock was adjusted to $0.0001. The impact of the change has been given retroactive effect in the unaudited condensed financial statements and the accompanying notes.
Emerging Growth Company Status
The Company is an emerging growth company (EGC), as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (the JOBS Act), enacted in 2012. Under the JOBS Act, EGCs can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards issued after the enactment of the JOBS Act until those standards apply to private companies. The Company has elected to use this extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until the earlier of the date that it (i) is no longer an EGC or (ii) affirmatively and irrevocably opts out of the extended transition period
F-45
provided in the JOBS Act. As a result, these financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with the new or revised accounting pronouncements as of public company effective dates.
Stock Split
The board of directors of the Company (the Board) approved a ten-for-one stock split (the Stock Split) of the Companys authorized, issued and outstanding shares of stock, effective on August 25, 2023. All share and per share information included in these financial statements and notes thereto have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the unaudited condensed financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions reflected in these financial statements include, but are not limited to, certain judgments regarding revenue recognition, inventory valuation, valuation of common stock and stock-based awards, and convertible preferred stock and common stock warrants. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, known trends and other market-specific or other relevant assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates as there are changes in circumstances, facts, and experience. Changes in estimates are recorded in the period in which they become known. Actual results may differ from those estimates or assumptions.
Short-Term Investments
In accordance with ASC 320, Investments Debt Securities, the Company classifies its short-term investments as available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair market value with net unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders deficit and as a component of other comprehensive loss within the unaudited condensed statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company determines realized gains or losses on the sale of available-for-sale securities using the specific identification method and includes net realized gains and losses as a component of other income or expense within the unaudited condensed statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company periodically evaluates its short-term investments for credit losses, considering the significance of the decline in value and the market and economy in general. The Company has not recognized any impairment losses related to its short-term investments during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024. All short-term investments are classified as current based on the nature of the investments and their availability for use in current operations.
Concentrations of Credit Risk and of Significant Suppliers
Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents in accounts at multiple accredited financial institutions and short-term investments in custodian accounts, in excess of federally insured limits. Additionally, the Company has established guidelines regarding investment instruments and their maturities, which are designed to maintain preservation of principal and liquidity. The Company does not believe that it is subject to unusual risk beyond the normal credit risk associated with commercial banking relationships.
F-46
The Company is exposed to concentration risk as it relates to its customers. The following table summarizes the percentages of net sales and accounts receivable, net for customers who accounted for 10% or more of the respective amounts for the periods presented:
| Net Sales | ||||||||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended September 30, |
Accounts Receivable, net | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | December 31, 2023 |
September 30, 2024 |
|||||||||||||
| Distributor A |
25.3 | % | 13.6 | % | 28.9 | % | 19.5 | % | ||||||||
| Distributor B |
12.6 | % | 18.6 | % | 24.5 | % | 10.1 | % | ||||||||
| Distributor C |
11.3 | % | 12.0 | % | 12.3 | % | 12.5 | % | ||||||||
| Distributor D |
22.8 | % | 16.6 | % | * | * | ||||||||||
| Distributor E |
* | * | * | 18.1 | % | |||||||||||
| * | Amount related to the respective customer represented less than 10% for the period presented. |
Fair Value Measurements
Certain assets and liabilities are carried at fair value under GAAP. The Company performs fair value measurements in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required to be recorded at their fair values, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the assets or liabilities, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions and risk of nonperformance. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value are to be classified and disclosed in one of the following three levels of the fair value hierarchy, of which the first two are considered observable and the last is considered unobservable:
| Level 1 | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. | |
| Level 2 | Observable inputs (other than Level 1 quoted prices), such as quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar assets or liabilities, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. | |
| Level 3 | Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to determining the fair value of the assets or liabilities, including pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques. | |
The Companys cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash are carried at fair value, determined according to the fair value hierarchy described above (see Note 4). The carrying value and estimated fair value of certain of the Companys common stock and preferred stock warrants were determined using the Black-Scholes pricing model as of September 30, 2024 (see Note 4). The fair values of the Companys accounts receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate their carrying values due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities.
Leases
In accordance with ASC 842, Leases, leases include all agreements in which the Company obtains control of an identified asset. A lease liability is recognized at commencement date based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. When available, the Company uses the rate implicit in the lease to discount lease payments to present value; otherwise, the Company estimates the incremental borrowing rate to discount the lease payments based on information available at lease commencement (see Note 16).
F-47
The Companys leases have non-cancelable initial lease terms of approximately two to seven years, with some including options to extend for up to five additional years. If a lease includes options to extend the lease term, the Company only includes the periods it is reasonably certain to exercise as of the lease commencement date. The decision to exercise of lease renewal options is at the Companys sole discretion. Variable lease costs, including maintenance and utilities, real estate taxes, and insurance are expensed as incurred and excluded from the measurement of the lease liability. Lease agreements that include lease and non-lease components are accounted for as a single lease component. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are expensed and not recorded on the balance sheet. The Companys leases provide for fixed rental payments with annual rent escalations. The Company does not have any leases that are classified as financing leases.
Classification and Accretion of Convertible Preferred Stock
The Companys convertible preferred stock is classified outside of stockholders deficit on the balance sheets because the holders of such shares have liquidation rights in the event of a deemed liquidation that, in certain situations, is not solely within the control of the Company and would require the redemption of the then-outstanding convertible preferred stock. The Companys Series A convertible preferred stock (the Series A Preferred Stock), Series A-2 convertible preferred stock (the Series A-2 Preferred Stock), Series B convertible preferred stock (the Series B Preferred Stock), Series B-2 convertible preferred stock (the Series B-2 Preferred Stock), Series C convertible preferred stock (the Series C Preferred Stock), and Series D convertible preferred stock (the Series D Preferred Stock) are not redeemable, except in the event of a deemed liquidation (see Note 11). Since convertible preferred stock is neither currently redeemable, nor probable of becoming redeemable, the carrying values of the convertible preferred stock are not being accreted to their redemption values. Subsequent adjustments to the carrying values of the convertible preferred stock would be made only when and if it either becomes currently redeemable or probable of becoming redeemable.
The issuance costs from equity financings are netted against the gross proceeds received from the equity financings.
Warrant Liabilities
Preferred Stock Warrants
The Company has classified warrants to purchase its Series C Preferred Stock as a liability on the unaudited condensed balance sheets as these warrants are freestanding financial instruments that are exercisable for preferred stock that is contingently redeemable outside of the Companys control (see Note 4).
Common Stock Warrants
The Company has classified warrants to purchase Class B common stock issued in connection with its Series D Preferred Stock financing as a liability on the unaudited condensed balance sheets as these warrants are freestanding financial instruments that are not indexed to the Companys common stock (see Note 4).
Segment Information
An operating segment is defined as a component of a business with discrete financial information that is evaluated by the chief operating decision maker decisions (CODM) in making decisions regarding the level of resource allocation and performance assessment. The Company operates as single segment, focused on the development, manufacture and sale of the iLet. The results of this single operating segment are regularly reviewed by the Companys CODM, the President and Chief Executive Officer. The Companys CODM does not manage any part of the Company separately, and the allocation of resources and assessment of performance are based on the Companys overall operating results.
F-48
Revenue Recognition
Net Sales
Revenue is generated primarily from sales of the iLet and single-use products that are used together with the iLet, including cartridges for storing and delivering insulin, and infusion sets that connect the iLet to a users body through a network of distributors and pharmacies that resell the products to insulin-requiring PWD. In accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, the Company recognizes revenue when it transfers control of the promised goods or services to its distributor and pharmacy customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services, net of estimated returns and estimated variable consideration adjustments, including rebates, patient assistance and chargebacks.
Revenue Recognition for Arrangements with Multiple Performance Obligations
The Company considers the individual deliverables in its contracts with customers as separate performance obligations. The iLet and single-use products that are used together with the iLet, including cartridges for storing and delivering insulin, and infusion sets that connect the iLet to a users body, are deemed performance obligations that are satisfied at a point in time when the customer obtains control of the promised good, which typically is upon shipment. The Company has determined that the users ability to access the mobile application and receive unspecified software updates through the mobile application are considered distinct performance obligations that are satisfied over time, as access and support are provided throughout the typical four-year warranty period of the iLet. Accordingly, revenue related to access to the mobile application and unspecified software updates are deferred and recognized ratably over a four-year period. Given that access to the mobile application and unspecified software updates follow the same pattern of transfer to the customer and are provided over the same four-year period, the Company recognizes revenue for these performance obligations as if they were a single performance obligation.
The transaction price is determined based on the consideration expected to be received, based on the stated value in contractual arrangements. The Company allocates the consideration to the individual performance obligations based on the estimated relative standalone selling price of the performance obligations and recognizes the consideration based on when the performance obligation is satisfied, considering whether or not this occurs at a point in time or over time. Where there is no observable standalone selling price, the Company estimates standalone selling price by applying the expected cost plus a margin approach.
Variable Consideration
The amount of variable consideration that is included in the transaction price is included in revenue only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of the cumulative revenue recognized will not occur in a future period. The Company estimates reductions to revenues for rebates paid to pharmacy benefit managers. Rebates are based on contractual arrangements, which may vary by customer. The estimates are based on products sold, historical experience, trends, specific known market events and, as available, channel inventory data. Provisions for rebates and patient assistance are accounted for as a reduction of sales when revenue is recognized and are included within accrued expenses and other current liabilities within the balance sheets. Provisions for chargebacks are accounted for as a reduction of sales when revenue is recognized and are included as a reduction of accounts receivable, net within the balance sheets, as the right of offset exists. If the actual amounts of consideration that the Company receives differ from estimates, the Company adjusts these estimates, which affects reported revenue, in the period that such variances become known or at the end of each reporting period.
F-49
Sales Returns
The Company offers a 90-day right of return to customers from the date of shipment of its iLet from one of its authorized distributors, provided a physicians confirmation of the good faith medical reason for the return is received. Estimated allowances for sales returns are based on historical returned quantities as compared to iLet shipments in those same periods of return, adjusted for known or expected changes in the marketplace when appropriate. Actual product returns have not differed materially from estimated amounts recorded in the accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements.
Contract Costs
The Company recognizes an asset for incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if it expects to recover those costs. Amounts paid under the Companys sales incentive compensation plan qualify for capitalization since the plan is directly related to sales achieved during a period of time. However, the Company has elected the practical expedient to expense the costs as they are incurred, within sales and marketing expenses, since the amortization period is less than one year.
Product Warranty
The Company provides a four-year warranty on the iLet to end-users to replace any iLets that do not function as intended in accordance with the product specifications. Estimated warranty costs are recorded at the time of shipment. Warranty costs are estimated primarily based on the current expected product replacement cost and expected replacement rates utilizing managements understanding of the hardware. Although the Companys history of product sales is limited, management also utilizes historical warranty cost data to reevaluate the estimated warranty obligation on a regular basis. Product returns and warranty replacements to date have been consistent with amounts accrued and have not been significant. Warranty expense is recorded as a component of cost of sales in the unaudited condensed statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
Net Loss Per Share
The holders of Class A common stock, Class B common stock and Class C common stock participate in earnings and losses equally on a per share basis, as if all shares of common stock were of a single class. Therefore, undistributed earnings and losses are allocated on a proportionate basis and the resulting loss per share will be the same for Class A common stock, Class B common stock, and Class C common stock on an individual or combined basis.
The Companys liability classified warrants to purchase Series C preferred stock and Class B common stock are exercisable to the holder at an exercise price of $0.01. The Company does not consider the exercise price of these warrants to be for a nominal amount of consideration as in addition to the exercise price received from the holder, the consideration received as a result of the exercise of a warrant also includes the value of the extinguishment of the associated warrant liabilities. Therefore, the Company does not consider the warrants to be contingently issuable shares and does not include the warrants in the calculation of weighted-average common shares outstanding in the computation of basic loss per share.
The Companys convertible preferred stock contractually entitles the holders of such shares to participate in any dividends declared. Therefore, convertible preferred shares are considered to be participating securities. The Companys warrants to purchase shares of Series C Preferred Stock and Class B common stock contractually require the Board to provide advanced notice to warrant holders in the event that a dividend will be declared. As a result, warrant holders would be economically compelled to exercise their warrants prior to the declaration of the dividend. Therefore, the warrants are considered to be participating securities. During periods in which the Company reports net income, the Company allocates a proportional share of net income to participating securities determined by dividing the total weighted-average participating securities by the sum of
F-50
the total weighted-average common shares and participating securities (the two-class method). Participating securities have the effect of diluting both basic and diluted earnings per share during periods of income. During periods where the Company reports a net loss, the Company allocates no loss to participating securities because they have no contractual obligation to share in losses.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Updates (ASU) No. 2016-13, Financial InstrumentsCredit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASU 2016-13), and also issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance: ASU 2018-19, ASU 2019-04 and ASU 2019-05 (collectively, Topic 326). Topic 326 requires measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held. For public entities that are SEC filers, excluding entities eligible to be emerging growth companies, ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-10, which deferred the effective date for emerging growth companies to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted Topic 326 on January 1, 2023 and the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Companys unaudited condensed financial statements.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, DebtDebt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and HedgingContracts in Entitys Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40), which simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments and equity-linked financial instruments in addition to amending the EPS guidance in ASC 260 to improve the consistency of the diluted EPS calculation. The standard addresses issues identified as a result of the complexity associated with applying U.S. GAAP for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. The standard eliminates the current models that require separation of beneficial conversion and cash conversion features from convertible instruments and simplifies the derivative scope exception guidance pertaining to equity classification of contracts in an entitys own equity. The standard is effective for public companies, excluding entities eligible to be smaller reporting companies, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2020-06 on January 1, 2024, using the modified retrospective method for its convertible preferred instruments. Consequently, prior period comparatives have not been restated to align with the current period presentation. The cumulative effect of the adoption of ASU 2020-06 resulted in an adjustment to accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2024 of $12.3 million with a corresponding adjustment to additional paid in capital. In the period of adoption there was no impact in the net loss per share.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (ASU 2023-09). ASU 2023-09 is intended to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. The amendments in this ASU address investor requests for more transparency about income tax information through improvements to income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. The amendments in the ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential effects of adopting the provisions of ASU No. 2023-09.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (ASU No. 2023-07). ASU 2023-07 requires that an entity disclose significant segment expenses, a description of other segment items, and the title and position of the chief operating decision maker along with an explanation of how the reported segment profit or loss is assessed and allocated. The amendments in the ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and
F-51
interim periods after December 15, 2024. The amendments in this ASU will be applied retrospectively for all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the potential effects of adopting the provisions of ASU No. 2023-07.
3. Revenue
The Company disaggregates net sales by product category and reimbursement channel, which the Company believes provides a meaningful depiction of how the nature, timing and uncertainty of net sales are affected by economic factors.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Companys revenues were predominantly generated from sales of the iLet. The iLet requires the use of separately purchased single-use products which include cartridges for storing and delivering insulin, and infusion sets that connect the iLet to the users body. These single-use products generate recurring revenue for the Company, as these are typically replaced by the end-user every 2-3 days or as directed by a healthcare provider.
The Companys customers are distributors and pharmacies who sell these products to insulin-requiring PWD, through the durable medical equipment (DME) and the pharmacy benefit plan (PBP), which entail differing payment outlays. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the majority of the Companys sales were through the DME channel.
The following table summarizes the Companys disaggregated revenues:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, |
||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | |||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| DME channel |
||||||||
| iLet |
$ | 3,024 | $ | 33,105 | ||||
| Single-use products |
288 | 7,740 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total DME channel |
3,312 | 40,845 | ||||||
| PBP channel |
||||||||
| iLet |
276 | 1,748 | ||||||
| Single-use products |
57 | 2,091 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total PBP channel |
333 | 3,839 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total net sales |
$ | 3,645 | $ | 44,684 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
The Company recognizes revenue at a point in time once control has transferred to the customer, as well as over time for performance obligations that may include an obligation to provide ongoing services such as unspecified software updates. Revenue recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 that was included in the deferred revenue balance as of December 31, 2023 was approximately $0.1 million.
At September 30, 2024, $2.0 million was allocated to performance obligations that were not yet satisfied and is recorded in deferred revenue on the balance sheet. Of the performance obligations not yet satisfied, $0.6 million is expected to be recognized as revenue in the next 12 months, with the remainder expected to be recognized thereafter. The $2.0 million relates to amounts deferred associated with the unspecified software updates promised to users and the users access to the mobile application.
F-52
4. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements
The following tables present the Companys fair value hierarchy for its assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
| Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
| Assets | (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
| Cash equivalents: |
||||||||||||||||
| Money market fund |
$ | 24,414 | $ | | $ | | $ | 24,414 | ||||||||
| Restricted cash: |
||||||||||||||||
| Money market fund |
100 | | | 100 | ||||||||||||
| Short-term investments |
||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury bills |
70,179 | | | 70,179 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Total assets |
$ | 94,693 | $ | | $ | | $ | 94,693 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
| Series C warrant liability |
$ | | $ | | $ | 9,447 | $ | 9,447 | ||||||||
| Common B warrant liability |
| | 28,126 | 28,126 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Total liabilities |
$ | | $ | | $ | 37,573 | $ | 37,573 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
| Assets | (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
| Cash equivalents: |
||||||||||||||||
| Money market fund |
$ | 13,710 | $ | | $ | | $ | 13,710 | ||||||||
| Restricted cash: |
||||||||||||||||
| Money market fund |
100 | | | 100 | ||||||||||||
| Short-term investments |
||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury bills |
43,416 | | | 43,416 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Total assets |
$ | 57,226 | $ | | $ | | $ | 57,226 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
| Series C warrant liability |
$ | | $ | | $ | 9,607 | $ | 9,607 | ||||||||
| Common B warrant liability |
| | 29,269 | 29,269 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Total liabilities |
$ | | $ | | $ | 38,876 | $ | 38,876 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Money market funds and U.S. Treasury bills were valued by the Company based on quoted market prices, which represent a Level 1 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. There were no changes to the valuation methods during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The Company evaluates transfers between levels at the end of each reporting period. There were no transfers between Level 1 or Level 2 during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Warrant Liabilities
In connection with the August 2023 Series D Preferred Stock financing (see Note 11), the Company granted warrants to purchase up to 8,474,983 shares of Common B common stock equal to 70% of the shares of Series D Preferred Stock purchased by the purchaser at an exercise price of $0.01 per share and expire on the earliest to occur of (i) August 28, 2033, (ii) immediately prior to the sale of the Company or a transaction that qualifies as a Deemed Liquidation Event (as defined in the Companys certificate of incorporation) or (iii) immediately prior to the consummation of a qualifying initial public offering or a SPAC Transaction (as
F-53
defined in the Companys certificate of incorporation). The Common B warrants have been recorded as a liability as they represent freestanding financial instruments that are not indexed to the Companys common stock and are required to be remeasured to fair value at each reporting date. Additionally, the Common B warrants do not meet the definition of a derivative.
In connection with the February 2022 Series C Preferred Stock financing (see Note 11), the Company granted warrants to purchase up to 1,025,390 shares of Series C Preferred Stock at a price per share equal to $0.01 and with a term ending on the earliest to occur of (i) February 16, 2032, (ii) immediately prior to the sale of the Company or a transaction that qualifies as a Deemed Liquidation Event or (iii) immediately prior to the consummation of a qualifying initial public offering or a SPAC transaction. As the warrants are exercisable for preferred stock that is contingently redeemable outside of the Companys control, the warrants have been recorded as a liability and are required to be remeasured to fair value at each reporting date.
As there are significant inputs that are not observable in the market, the warrant valuations represent a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. The Companys valuations of the preferred stock and Common B warrants utilized the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which incorporates assumptions and estimates to value the preferred stock and Common B warrant.
The quantitative elements associated with the Companys Level 3 inputs impacting the fair value measurement of the preferred stock and common stock warrant liabilities include the fair value per share of the underlying stock, expected volatility of the price of the underlying stock, the remaining contractual term of the warrant, risk-free interest rate, and expected dividend yield. The most significant assumption in the Black-Scholes option pricing model impacting the fair value of the preferred stock and common stock warrant liabilities is the fair value of the Companys Series C Preferred Stock and Class B common stock as of each remeasurement date. The Company determines the fair value per share of the underlying preferred stock by taking into consideration its most recent sales of its convertible preferred stock. Further, the Board values the Companys Class B common stock taking into consideration the most recent sales of the Companys preferred stock, results obtained from third-party valuations and additional factors the Company deems relevant and which may have changed since the date of the most recent valuation through the effective date of the warrant. The Company historically has been a private company and lacks company-specific historical and implied volatility information of its stock. Therefore, it estimates the expected stock volatility based on the historical volatility of publicly traded peer companies for a term equal to the remaining contractual term of the warrant. The risk-free interest rate is determined by reference to the U.S. Treasury yield curve for time periods approximately equal to the remaining contractual term of the warrant. The Company has estimated a 0% dividend yield based on the expected dividend yield and the fact that the Company has never paid or declared dividends.
The following table presents the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of the preferred stock warrant liabilities as of December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024:
| December 31, 2023 |
September 30, 2024 |
|||||||
| Fair value of Series C Preferred Stock |
$ | 9.22 | $ | 9.38 | ||||
| Strike price |
$ | 0.01 | $ | 0.01 | ||||
| Risk-free interest rate |
4.69 | % | 4.39 | % | ||||
| Expected term (in years) |
1.30 | 1.00 | ||||||
| Expected volatility |
78.00 | % | 65.00 | % | ||||
| Expected dividend yield |
0 | % | 0 | % | ||||
F-54
The following table presents the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of the common stock warrant liabilities as of December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024:
| December 31, 2023 |
September 30, 2024 |
|||||||
| Fair value of Class B common stock |
$ | 4.32 | $ | 5.56 | ||||
| Strike price |
$ | 0.01 | $ | 0.01 | ||||
| Risk-free interest rate |
3.88 | % | 3.74 | % | ||||
| Expected term (in years) |
9.70 | 8.90 | ||||||
| Expected volatility |
74.64 | % | 75.70 | % | ||||
| Expected dividend yield |
0 | % | 0 | % | ||||
The Company recognizes changes in the fair value of the warrant liabilities as a component of other income (expense), net in its unaudited condensed statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company will continue to recognize changes in the fair value of the warrant liabilities until the warrants are exercised, expire, or qualify for equity classification.
A reconciliation of the Level 3 warrant liabilities is as follows:
| Series C | ||||
| Warrant Liability | ||||
| (in thousands) | ||||
| Balance at December 31, 2023 |
$ | 9,447 | ||
| Change in fair value |
160 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Balance at September 30, 2024 |
$ | 9,607 | ||
|
|
|
|||
| Common B | ||||
| Warrant Liability | ||||
| (in thousands) | ||||
| Balance at December 31, 2023 |
$ | 28,126 | ||
| Common B warrant exercises |
(6,087 | ) | ||
| Change in fair value |
7,230 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Balance at September 30, 2024 |
$ | 29,269 | ||
|
|
|
|||
5. Short-Term Investments
The following represents a summary of the estimated fair value of short-term investments at December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024:
| At December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost |
Unrealized Gains |
Unrealized Losses |
Estimated Fair Value |
|||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
| Short-term investments |
||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury bills |
$ | 70,042 | $ | 137 | $ | | $ | 70,179 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Total |
$ | 70,042 | $ | 137 | $ | | $ | 70,179 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
F-55
| At September 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost |
Unrealized Gains |
Unrealized Losses |
Estimated Fair Value |
|||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
| Short-term investments |
||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury bills |
$ | 43,358 | $ | 58 | $ | | $ | 43,416 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Total |
$ | 43,358 | $ | 58 | $ | | $ | 43,416 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
6. Accounts Receivable, Net
Accounts receivable, net consisted of the following:
| December 31, 2023 |
September 30, 2024 |
|||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable |
$ | 4,494 | $ | 7,554 | ||||
| Less: allowance for credit losses |
(46 | ) | (90 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Accounts receivable, net |
$ | 4,448 | $ | 7,464 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
The following table provides a reconciliation of the changes in the allowance for estimated credit losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2024:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, |
||||
| 2024 | ||||
| (in thousands) | ||||
| Balance at beginning of period |
$ | 46 | ||
| Provision for expected credit losses |
44 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Balance at end of period |
$ | 90 | ||
|
|
|
|||
The Company did not have an allowance for credit losses at September 30, 2023.
7. Inventories
Inventories consisted of the following:
| December 31, 2023 |
September 30, 2024 |
|||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| Raw materials |
$ | 803 | $ | 4,536 | ||||
| Work in process |
34 | 775 | ||||||
| Finished goods |
408 | 5,980 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Inventories |
$ | 1,245 | $ | 11,291 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
F-56
8. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following:
| December 31, 2023 |
September 30, 2024 |
|||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses |
$ | 908 | $ | 2,598 | ||||
| Other current assets |
275 | 305 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
$ | 1,183 | $ | 2,903 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
9. Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:
| December 31, 2023 |
September 30, 2024 |
|||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| Manufacturing equipment |
$ | 4,386 | $ | 6,291 | ||||
| Leasehold improvements |
951 | 810 | ||||||
| Furniture |
924 | 924 | ||||||
| Computer equipment |
468 | 308 | ||||||
| Construction in progress |
167 | 1,011 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total cost |
6,896 | 9,344 | ||||||
| Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization |
(4,420 | ) | (5,023 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Property and equipment, net |
$ | 2,476 | $ | 4,321 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Depreciation and amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024 was $0.9 million for each period.
10. Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following:
| December 31, 2023 |
September 30, 2024 |
|||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| Accrued employee compensation and benefits |
$ | 5,475 | $ | 8,025 | ||||
| Accrued professional fees |
963 | 2,556 | ||||||
| Accrued sales returns, rebates and patient assistance |
592 | 787 | ||||||
| Accrued inventory in transit |
342 | 290 | ||||||
| Accrued royalties |
294 | 588 | ||||||
| Other current liabilities |
462 | 785 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
$ | 8,128 | $ | 13,031 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
F-57
Reconciliations of the changes in the Companys product warranty liability, which is included in other current liabilities, were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, |
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
|||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | |||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| Product warranty liability at beginning of period |
$ | | $ | 22 | ||||
| Warranty expense |
84 | 1,114 | ||||||
| Changes in estimates |
| | ||||||
| Warranty fulfillment |
(62 | ) | (704 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Product warranty liability at end of period |
$ | 22 | $ | 432 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
11. Convertible Preferred Stock and Warrants
The Company has issued Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series B-2 Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock (collectively, the Preferred Stock).
Upon issuance of each class of Preferred Stock, the Company assessed the embedded conversion and liquidation features of the securities and determined that such features did not require the Company to separately account for these features. The Company also concluded that no beneficial conversion feature existed on the issuance date of each class of Preferred Stock.
In August 2023, the Company issued and sold 12,107,140 shares of Series D Preferred Stock, at a price of $8.40 per share, for gross proceeds of $101.7 million. The Company incurred issuance costs in connection with this transaction of $0.7 million. Each purchaser of the Series D Preferred Stock also received warrants to purchase up to a certain number of shares of Class B common stock equal to 70% of the shares of Series D Preferred Stock purchased by the purchaser. The Common B warrants are exercisable at any time, at an exercise price of $0.01 per share (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock split, stock dividend, combination or other similar recapitalization) and expire on the earliest to occur of (i) August 28, 2033, (ii) immediately prior to the sale of the Company or a transaction that qualifies as a Deemed Liquidation Event as described below or (iii) immediately prior to the consummation of a qualifying initial public offering or a SPAC transaction. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, a total of 1,249,999 of the Common B warrants were exercised. The Series D Preferred Stock has an Original Issue Price and Conversion Price (each as defined in the Companys certificate of incorporation) per share of $8.40.
In February 2022, the Company issued and sold 4,101,860 shares of Series C Preferred Stock, at a price of $13.91 per share, for gross proceeds of $57.0 million. The Company incurred issuance costs in connection with this transaction of $0.7 million. Each purchaser of the Series C Preferred Stock also received a warrant to purchase additional shares of Series C Preferred Stock equal to 25% of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock purchased by the purchaser, which in the aggregate permits the purchase of up to 1,025,390 shares of Series C Preferred Stock (the Series C Warrants). The Series C Warrants are exercisable at any time, at an exercise price of $0.01 per share (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock split, stock dividend, combination or other similar recapitalization) and expire on the earliest to occur of (i) February 16, 2032, (ii) immediately prior to the sale of the Company or a transaction that qualifies as a Deemed Liquidation Event as described below or (iii) immediately prior to the consummation of a qualifying initial public offering or a SPAC transaction. The Series C Preferred Stock has an Original Issue Price and Conversion Price per share of $13.90.
As part of the Series D Preferred Stock issuance, the Company increased the number of shares of Class B common stock authorized for issuance from 38,000,000 shares to 65,000,000 shares and increased the
F-58
number of shares of preferred stock authorized for issuance from 15,200,000 shares to 26,434,390 shares, of which 12,107,140 shares were designated as Series D Preferred Stock.
At both December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024, Preferred Stock consisted of the following:
| Preferred Stock Authorized |
Preferred Stock Issued and Outstanding |
Carrying Value (in thousands) |
Liquidation Preference (in thousands) |
Common Stock Issuable Upon Conversion |
||||||||||||||||
| Series A Preferred Stock |
500,000 | 500,000 | $ | 6,589 | $ | 5,000 | 624,571 | |||||||||||||
| Series A-2 Preferred Stock |
500,000 | 500,000 | 6,626 | 5,000 | 624,571 | |||||||||||||||
| Series B Preferred Stock |
4,200,000 | 4,197,930 | 61,606 | 63,053 | 5,931,111 | |||||||||||||||
| Series B-2 Preferred Stock |
4,000,000 | 3,960,000 | 63,228 | 63,360 | 5,697,891 | |||||||||||||||
| Series C Preferred Stock |
5,127,250 | 4,101,860 | 44,985 | 57,049 | 5,499,867 | |||||||||||||||
| Series D Preferred Stock |
12,107,140 | 12,107,140 | 78,679 | 101,700 | 12,107,140 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| 26,434,390 | 25,366,930 | $ | 261,713 | $ | 295,162 | 30,485,151 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
The holders of Preferred Stock have the following rights, preferences and privileges:
Voting
The holders of the Preferred Stock are entitled to vote, together with the holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock as a single class, on all matters submitted to stockholders for a vote. Each holder of Preferred Stock is entitled to the number of votes equal to the number of shares of Class B common stock into which each share of Preferred Stock is convertible as of the record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote on such matters. The holders of Class C common stock do not have voting rights. The holders of record of the Series D Preferred shares are entitled to elect five members of the Board jointly designated from time to time by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock, exclusively and voting as a separate series, (i) one of whom shall be designated by Sands Capital Life Sciences Pulse Fund II, L.P. and its affiliates, (ii) one of whom shall be designated by Omega Fund VII, L.P. and its affiliates, (iii) one of whom shall be designated by Soleus Private Equity Fund II, L.P. and its affiliates, (iv) one of whom shall be designated by Eventide Gilead Fund and Eventide Healthcare & Life Sciences Fund and affiliates of the foregoing and (v) one of whom shall be designated by Zone Healthcare Holdings, LLC and its affiliates. The holders of record of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock, exclusively and as a separate class, shall be entitled to elect one director of the Company. The holders of record of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock and Series B-2 Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class, on an as-converted basis, shall be entitled to elect one director of the Company. The holders of record of the shares of Class A common stock, exclusively and as a separate class, shall be entitled to elect one director of the Company.
The CEO shall also serve as a director.
Conversion
Each series of Preferred Stock will automatically convert into shares of Class B common stock at the then applicable conversion rate in the event of (i) the closing of the sale of common stock to the public at a price per share equal to at least $7.41177 (subject to adjustments for stock dividends, splits, combinations and similar events) and gross proceeds to the Company of not less than $75.0 million (a Qualified IPO); (ii) the closing of a Qualified SPAC Transaction; or (iii) upon the written consent of the Requisite Holders. The conversion ratio of each series of Preferred Stock is determined by dividing the Original Issue Price of each series by the Conversion Price of each series. The Original Issue Price is $10.00 per share for Series A Preferred Stock, $10.00 per share for Series A-2 Preferred Stock, $15.02 per share for Series B Preferred Stock, $16.00 per share for Series B-2 Preferred Stock, $13.90 per share for share for Series C Preferred Stock and $8.40 per share for Series D Preferred Stock. The
F-59
Conversion Price is $8.0055 per share for Series A Preferred Stock, $8.0055 per share for Series A-2 Preferred Stock, $10.63084 per share for Series B Preferred Stock, $11.11989 per share for Series B-2 Preferred Stock, $10.37275 per share for Series C Preferred Stock and $4.94118 per share for Series D Preferred Stock, each subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock split, stock dividend, combination or other similar recapitalization and other adjustments as set forth in the Companys certificate of incorporation.
In the event the Company at any time after the Series B-2 Preferred Stock original issuance date issues additional shares of common stock without consideration or for a consideration per share less than the applicable Conversion Price of each series in effect immediately prior to such issuance, the applicable Conversion Price of each series of Preferred Stock will be reduced, concurrently with such issue, to the appropriate price that will effectuate anti-dilution of existing holders of Preferred Stock.
The Series D Preferred Stock issuance triggered down round protection for existing holders of the Preferred Stock, as set forth in the Companys certificate of incorporation. As a result, as of December 31, 2023, each outstanding share of Series A Preferred Stock and Series A-2 Preferred Stock was convertible into Class B common stock on a 1.24914:1 basis, each outstanding share of Series B Preferred Stock was convertible into Class B common stock on a 1.41287:1 basis, each outstanding share of Series B-2 Preferred Stock was convertible into Class B common stock on a 1.43886:1 basis and each outstanding share of Series C Preferred Stock was convertible into Class B common stock on a 1.34082:1 basis. In connection with the triggering of the down round protections for existing holders of Preferred Stock, the Company evaluated the redemption features of the Preferred Stock, which becomes redeemable in the event of a Deemed Liquidation Event (as described below). As of September 30, 2024, the Deemed Liquidation Event was not probable and no remeasurement of the redemption price was recognized.
Dividends
The holders of shares of Series D Preferred Stock, Series A Preferred Stock and Series A-2 Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board on a pari passu basis, non-cumulative cash dividends of 4% per annum of each respective Original Issue Price, and the holders of Series B Preferred Stock, B-2 Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board on a pari passu basis, non-cumulative cash dividends of 2% per annum of each respective Original Issue Price (the Annual Dividend, for each respective series).
The Company shall not declare, pay or set aside any dividends on shares of any other class or series of stock of the Company unless the holders of the Preferred Stock then outstanding shall first receive, or simultaneously receive, a dividend on each outstanding share of Preferred Stock in an amount at least equal to the greater of: (i) in the case of a dividend on common stock or any class or series of stock that is convertible into common stock, a dividend per share of Preferred Stock that would equal the product of (A) the dividend payable on each share of such class or series determined, if applicable, as if all shares of such class or series had been converted into common stock and (B) the number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of a share of Preferred Stock; or (ii) in the case of a dividend on any class or series of stock that is not convertible into common stock, at a rate per share of Preferred Stock determined by (A) dividing the amount of the dividend payable on each share of such class or series of stock by the Original Issue Price of such class or series of stock (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or other similar recapitalization with respect to such class or series) and (B) multiplying such fraction by an amount equal to the Original Issue Price of such class or series. If the Company declares, pays or sets aside, on the same date, a dividend on shares of more than one class or series of stock of the Company, the dividend payable to the holders of the Preferred Stock will be calculated based upon the dividend on the class or series of stock that would result in the highest Preferred Stock dividend.
Through September 30, 2024, no dividends had been declared on any series or class of shares.
F-60
Liquidation
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company or Deemed Liquidation Event (as described below), the holders of shares of Series D Preferred Stock are entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Company available for distribution to its stockholders before any payments are made to the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series B-2 Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock. The holders of shares of Series D Preferred Stock are entitled to an amount per share equal to the greater of (i) the Original Issue Price per share of the Series D Preferred Stock, plus any dividends declared but unpaid thereon, or (ii) the amount that would have been payable had all shares of Series D Preferred Stock been converted to common stock immediately prior to the liquidation, dissolution, winding-up or Deemed Liquidation Event. If upon any such liquidation event, the assets of the Company available for distribution are insufficient to pay the holders of the Series D Preferred Stock the full amount to which they are entitled, the holders of Series D Preferred Stock will share ratably in any distribution of the assets available for distribution in proportion to the respective amounts which would be otherwise payable in respect of the shares held by them upon such distribution if all amounts payable on or with respect to such shares of Series D Preferred Stock were paid in full.
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company or Deemed Liquidation Event (as described below), after the payment in full to the holders of shares of the Series D Preferred Stock, the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series B-2 Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock are entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Company available for distribution to its stockholders pari passu before any payments are made to holders of the common stock. The holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series B-2 Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock are entitled to an amount per share equal to the greater of (i) the applicable Original Issue Price per share of each respective share of Preferred Stock, plus any dividends declared but unpaid thereon, or (ii) the amount that would have been payable had all shares of the series been converted to common stock immediately prior to the liquidation, dissolution, winding-up or Deemed Liquidation Event. If upon any such liquidation event, the assets of the Company available for distribution are insufficient to pay the holders of Preferred Stock the full amount to which they are entitled, the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series B-2 Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock will share ratably in any distribution of the assets available for distribution in proportion to the respective amounts which would be otherwise payable in respect of the shares held by them upon such distribution if all amounts payable on or with respect to such shares were paid in full.
Unless both (i) the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock, voting as a separate class, which majority shall include at least one of the Lead Investors and (ii) the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock Series B-2 Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class on an as-converted basis, elect otherwise, a Deemed Liquidation Event shall include a merger, consolidation, or share exchange (other than one in which stockholders of the Company own a majority by voting power of the outstanding shares of the surviving or acquiring corporation) or a sale, lease, transfer, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.
F-61
12. Stock-Based Compensation
The following table presents, on a weighted-average basis, the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the grant-date fair value of stock options granted:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, |
||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | |||||||
| Fair value of common stock |
$ | 3.26 | $ | 5.56 | ||||
| Risk-free interest rate |
4.34 | % | 4.08 | % | ||||
| Expected term (in years) |
5.89 | 6.02 | ||||||
| Expected volatility |
82.09 | % | 86.57 | % | ||||
| Expected dividend yield |
0 | % | 0 | % | ||||
The following table summarizes stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2024:
| Number of Shares |
Weighted- Average Exercise Price |
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term |
Aggregate Intrinsic Value |
|||||||||||||
| (in years) | (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2023 |
10,249,904 | $ | 3.41 | 8.1 | $ | 535 | ||||||||||
| Granted |
1,742,517 | $ | 4.65 | |||||||||||||
| Exercised |
(13,838 | ) | $ | 3.77 | ||||||||||||
| Forfeited or cancelled |
(761,340 | ) | $ | 4.67 | ||||||||||||
| Expired |
(69,138 | ) | $ | 3.79 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
| Outstanding at September 30, 2024 |
11,148,105 | $ | 3.52 | 7.8 | $ | 22,000 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
| Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2024 |
11,148,105 | $ | 3.52 | 7.8 | $ | 22,000 | ||||||||||
| Options exercisable at September 30, 2024 |
4,948,099 | $ | 3.57 | 6.6 | $ | 9,742 | ||||||||||
The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the stock options and the fair value of the Companys Class B common stock for those stock options that had exercise prices lower than the fair value of the Companys Class B common stock. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024 were not significant.
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024 was $4.76 per share and $3.47 per share, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024, was $1.3 million and $1.8 million, respectively.
The following table summarizes the non-vested stock options that were outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024:
| Number of Options |
Weighted- Average Exercise Price |
|||||||
| Non-vested Options, December 31, 2023 |
6,154,602 | $ | 3.07 | |||||
| Non-vested Options, September 30, 2024 |
6,200,006 | $ | 3.47 | |||||
F-62
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
Stock-based compensation expense related to the stock options was included in the Companys unaudited condensed statements of operations and comprehensive loss as follows:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, |
||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | |||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| Cost of sales |
$ | 149 | $ | 201 | ||||
| Research and development |
1,411 | 844 | ||||||
| Sales and marketing |
362 | 1,150 | ||||||
| General and administrative |
2,160 | 2,638 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total stock-based compensation expense |
$ | 4,082 | $ | 4,833 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
As of September 30, 2024, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to the unvested stock-based awards was $14.8 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.87 years.
13. Employee Benefit Plan
The Company maintains a 401(k) retirement plan (the 401(k) Plan) for the benefit of eligible employees. Each participant may elect to contribute up to 100% of his or her compensation to the 401(k) Plan each year, subject to certain Internal Revenue Service limitations. Under the terms of the Plan, the Company matches 100% of the first 6% of employee contributions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024, the Company contributed $0.8 million and $1.6 million, respectively, to the 401(k) Plan.
14. Income Taxes
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024, the Company did not record income tax benefits for the net operating losses incurred or for the research and development tax credits generated in each year, due to its uncertainty of realizing a benefit from those items.
The Company files income tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to examination by federal and state jurisdictions, where applicable. As of September 30, 2024, there were no pending tax examinations. The Company is open to future tax examination under statute by the IRS from 2020 to present and by most state tax authorities from 2019 to present. However, to the extent allowed by law, the taxing authorities may have the right to examine periods where NOLs and research and development credits were generated and carried forward and make adjustments to the amount of the NOL and research credits carryforwards.
15. Net Loss Per Share
Basic net loss per share attributable to common stockholders is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period, without consideration for potentially dilutive securities.
Diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, including all potentially dilutive common shares. The impact of all potentially dilutive shares which are anti-dilutive are excluded from the calculation of net loss per share. Potentially dilutive common stock equivalents are comprised of convertible preferred stock, calculated using the if-converted method, stock options to purchase Class B
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common stock, warrants to purchase Series C Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase Class B common stock, each calculated using the treasury stock method. Potentially dilutive securities not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share, are as follows (in common stock equivalent shares):
| Nine Months Ended September 30, |
||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | |||||||
| Convertible preferred stock (as converted into shares of Class B common stock) |
30,485,151 | 30,485,151 | ||||||
| Stock options to purchase Class B common stock |
9,998,473 | 11,148,105 | ||||||
| Warrants to purchase Series C convertible preferred stock |
1,374,866 | 1,374,866 | ||||||
| Warrants to purchase Class B common stock |
6,558,318 | 5,270,823 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total |
48,416,808 | 48,278,945 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Class A, Class B and Class C common stockholders:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, |
||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | |||||||
| (in thousands, except share and per share data) |
||||||||
| Numerator: |
||||||||
| Net loss attributable to Class A, Class B and Class C common stockholders, basic and diluted |
$ | (25,251 | ) | $ | (36,648 | ) | ||
| Denominator: |
||||||||
| Weighted-average Class A common stock outstanding, basic and diluted |
5,890,000 | 5,824,307 | ||||||
| Weighted-average Class B common stock outstanding, basic and diluted |
3,986,635 | 6,419,755 | ||||||
| Weighted-average Class C common stock outstanding, basic and diluted |
96,910 | 96,910 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Weighted-average Class A, Class B, Class C common stock outstanding, basic and diluted |
9,973,545 | 12,340,972 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net loss per share attributable to Class A, Class B and Class C common stockholders, basic and diluted |
$ | (2.53 | ) | $ | (2.97 | ) | ||
16. Leases
In May and November 2023, the Company entered into two separate lease agreements for approximately 8,500 total square feet of office space in San Diego, California, which expire in July 2025 and February 2027. The larger of the two leases has one option to extend the lease term for an additional five years. The option to extend the lease term was not included in the right-of-use asset and lease liability as it was not reasonably certain of being exercised.
In September 2024, the Company amended its lease for office space and a manufacturing facility in Irvine, California to include two renewal options. The Company is reasonably certain it will exercise one of these options, extending the lease term from May 2027 to June 2032, which has been factored into the lease liability. As the amendment only resulted in the extension of the lease term, it did not meet the criteria to be accounted for as a separate contract. Accordingly, the right-of-use asset and lease liability were remeasured as of the effective date of the amendment, resulting in the recording of an additional right-of-use asset and lease liability of $3.8 million.
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The components of lease expense were as follows:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, |
||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | |||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| Operating lease cost fixed |
$ | 732 | $ | 964 | ||||
| Operating lease cost variable |
102 | 123 | ||||||
| Short-term lease expense |
7 | 13 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total lease expense |
$ | 841 | $ | 1,100 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities was $0.8 million and $0.9 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024.
The weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate were as follows:
| September 30, 2024 | ||||
| Weighted-average remaining lease term |
6.57 years | |||
| Weighted-average discount rate |
6.67% | |||
Future lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of September 30, 2024 were as follows:
| (in thousands) | ||||
| Year Ending December 31, | ||||
| 2024 |
$ | 371 | ||
| 2025 |
1,484 | |||
| 2026 |
1,431 | |||
| 2027 |
904 | |||
| 2028 |
1,050 | |||
| Thereafter |
4,010 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Total future lease payments |
9,250 | |||
| Less: imputed interest |
(1,949 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|||
| Total lease liabilities |
$ | 7,301 | ||
|
|
|
|||
| 17. | Commitments and Contingencies |
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, the Company may become involved in various legal proceedings, including those that may arise in the ordinary course of business.
The Company believes there is no litigation pending that could have, individually, or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the results of its operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Xeris Agreements
In May 2024, the Company and Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Xeris) entered into a collaboration and license agreement (Collaboration and License Agreement). Under the Collaboration and License Agreement, the Company received a worldwide, exclusive, royalty-bearing, sublicensable license under certain patent rights and know-how related to Xeris proprietary non-aqueous formulation technology and technology developed during the collaboration (Xeris Technology) to develop and commercialize glucagon products that are
F-65
reformulated using the Xeris Technology and developed by Xeris under a development plan under the Collaboration and License Agreement for use in a pump product or system for glycemic control (Glucagon Products) in the field of chronic glycemic control in diabetes mellitus, excluding single-dose, one-time use form for treatment of severe hypoglycemia and diagnostic uses (Field). The Company also received a worldwide, exclusive, sublicensable manufacturing license under the Xeris Technology to manufacture Glucagon Products in the Field following a future manufacturing transfer date to be agreed with Xeris and subject to a separate commercial supply agreement.
In consideration for the licenses and other rights granted to the Company under the Collaboration and License Agreement, the Company paid Xeris a one-time payment of $0.5 million, which was included as a component of research and development expenses in the Companys unaudited condensed statements of operations and comprehensive loss and the Company will pay Xeris a one-time milestone payment of $3.0 million upon its achievement of a certain development milestone event. The milestone was achieved and the payment of $3.0 million was made in November 2024. In addition, the Company is required to pay Xeris tiered royalties of low double-digit percentages based on net sales of Glucagon Products by the Company or its sublicensees, subject to certain customary reductions. The Companys obligation to pay Xeris royalties will commence, on a Glucagon Product-by-Glucagon Product and country-by-country basis, on the first commercial sale of such Glucagon Product in such country and expire on the later of (i) ten years after the first commercial sale of such Glucagon Product in such applicable country; (ii) expiration of the last valid claim of a specified patent right licensed by Xeris covering such Glucagon Product in such country; and (iii) expiration or termination or regulatory exclusivity for such Glucagon Product in the applicable country.
In connection with entering into phase 2 of the collaboration, during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, under its clinical supply arrangement the Company ordered clinical material totaling $0.9 million for phase 2 clinical trials and has paid a deposit equal to 30% of the estimated clinical material costs, which is recognized in prepaid expense and other current assets in the unaudited condensed balance sheets.
| 18. | Related Party Transactions |
Boston University
Edward Damiano, Ph.D., the Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of the Company, was affiliated with Boston University (BU) during the execution and amendments of key agreements and currently serves as a volunteer research professor. Under the agreements, BU and Dr. Damiano are entitled to a specified percentage of royalties from net sales of licensed products.
In December 2015, the Company executed hardware and software license agreements with the Trustees of BU under which the Company received exclusive, non-transferable, sublicensable, worldwide, royalty-bearing licenses to certain patent rights and copyrights.
The Company incurred $0.1 million and $1.5 million, respectively, of royalties expense under the control algorithm agreement during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024, which was included as a component of cost of sales in the Companys unaudited condensed statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
Under the agreements, the Company is responsible for all costs related to the amendment, prosecution and maintenance of the licensed patent rights. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024, the Company paid BU $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, for reimbursed legal costs in connection with the agreements.
As of December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024, $0.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively, was due to BU from the Company.
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| 19. | Subsequent Events |
For the condensed financial statements as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company evaluated subsequent events through November 22, 2024, the date on which these condensed financial statements were issued.
Series E Preferred Stock Issuance
On November 8, 2024, the Company issued a total of 8,574,227 shares of convertible Series E Preferred Stock to multiple investors at a purchase price of $7.00 per share for gross proceeds of approximately $60.0 million.
Xeris Collaboration and License Agreement
On November 8, 2024, the development milestone related to our Collaboration and License Agreement with Xeris was achieved and the Company paid a one-time milestone payment of $3.0 million.
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Through and including , 2025, (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in the Common Stock, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This delivery requirement is in addition to a dealers obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.
Shares
Common Stock
PROSPECTUS
BofA Securities
Piper Sandler
Leerink Partners
Stifel
Lake Street
, 2025
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The following table indicates the expenses to be incurred in connection with the offering described in this registration statement, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, all of which will be paid by us. All amounts are estimated except the SEC registration fee, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA), filing fee and the Nasdaq Global Market listing fee.
| Amount |
||||
| SEC registration fee |
* | |||
| FINRA filing fee |
* | |||
| Nasdaq Global Market listing fee |
* | |||
| Accountants fees and expenses |
* | |||
| Legal fees and expenses |
* | |||
| Transfer agents fees and expenses |
* | |||
| Printing and engraving expenses |
* | |||
| Miscellaneous |
* | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Total expenses |
$ | * | ||
|
|
|
|||
| * | To be provided by amendment. |
Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
As permitted by Sections 102 and 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, we have adopted provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws that limit or eliminate the personal liability of our directors for a breach of their fiduciary duty of care as a director. The duty of care generally requires that, when acting on behalf of the corporation, directors exercise an informed business judgment based on all material information reasonably available to them. Consequently, a director will not be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability for:
| | any breach of the directors duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders; |
| | any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; |
| | any act related to unlawful stock repurchases, redemptions or other distributions or payment of dividends; or |
| | any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. |
These limitations of liability do not affect the availability of equitable remedies such as injunctive relief or rescission. Our certificate of incorporation also authorizes us to indemnify our officers, directors and other agents to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law.
As permitted by Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, our bylaws provide that:
| | we may indemnify our directors, officers, employees and other agents to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, subject to limited exceptions; |
II-1
| | we may advance expenses to our directors, officers and employees in connection with a legal proceeding, subject to limited exceptions; and |
| | the rights provided in our bylaws are not exclusive. |
Our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws provide for the indemnification provisions described above and elsewhere herein. We have entered or will enter into, and intend to continue to enter into, separate indemnification agreements with our directors and officers that may be broader than the specific indemnification provisions contained in the Delaware General Corporation Law. These indemnification agreements generally require us, among other things, to indemnify our officers and directors against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers, other than liabilities arising from willful misconduct. These indemnification agreements also generally require us to advance any expenses incurred by the directors or officers as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified. These indemnification provisions and the indemnification agreements may be sufficiently broad to permit indemnification of our officers and directors for liabilities, including reimbursement of expenses incurred, arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act).
We have purchased and currently intend to maintain insurance on behalf of each and every person who is one of our directors or officers, within the limits and subject to the terms and conditions thereof, against any loss arising from any claim asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her in any such capacity, subject to certain exclusions.
The form of underwriting agreement to be entered into in connection with this initial public offering provides for indemnification by the underwriters of us and our officers and directors who sign this registration statement for specified liabilities, including matters arising under the Securities Act.
Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.
Set forth below is information regarding unregistered securities issued by us since January 1, 2021 to the date of this registration statement. Also included is the consideration received by us for such securities and information relating to the section of the Securities Act, or rule of the SEC, under which exemption from registration was claimed.
| (1) | In February 2022, we issued and sold to investors in a private placement (i) an aggregate of 410,186 shares of our Series C convertible preferred stock (Series C Preferred) in our Series C convertible preferred stock financing at a purchase price of $139.0802 per share for aggregate cash proceeds of approximately $57.0 million and (ii) warrants to purchase an aggregate of 102,539 shares of Series C Preferred (Series C Warrants). In August 2023, we effected a one-for-ten stock split for each outstanding share of Series C Preferred, resulting in an increase in the total number of shares of Series C Preferred sold from 410,186 to 4,101,860 and an increase in the total number of shares of Series C Preferred issuable pursuant to the exercise of Series C Warrants from 102,539 to 1,025,390. |
| (2) | From August to September 2023, we issued and sold to investors in a private placement (i) an aggregate of 12,107,140 shares of our Series D convertible preferred stock in our Series D convertible preferred stock financing at a purchase price of $8.40 per share for aggregate cash proceeds of approximately $101.7 million and (ii) warrants to purchase an aggregate of 8,474,983 shares of common stock. |
| (3) | In November 2024, we issued and sold to investors in a private placement an aggregate of 8,574,227 shares of our Series E convertible preferred stock in our Series E convertible preferred stock financing at a purchase price of $6.997716 per share for aggregate cash proceeds of approximately $60.0 million. |
II-2
| (4) | From January 2021 through the date of this registration statement, we granted under our 2016 Stock Incentive Plan stock options to purchase an aggregate of shares of our common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $ per share. From January 2021 through the date of this registration statement, we have issued an aggregate of shares of our common stock upon exercise of stock options for an approximate aggregate consideration of $ million. |
The offers, sales and issuances of the securities described in paragraphs (1) and (2) were deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) (or Regulation D promulgated thereunder). The recipients of securities in each of these transactions acquired the securities for investment only and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof and appropriate legends were affixed to the securities issued in these transactions. Each of the recipients of securities in these transactions was able to bear the investments economic risk and had access to the type of information normally provided in a prospectus for a registered securities offering.
The offers, sales and issuances of the securities described in paragraph (3) were deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance on Rule 701 in that the transactions were under compensatory benefit plans and contracts relating to compensation as provided under Rule 701 or Section 4(a)(2). The recipients of such securities were our employees, directors or bona fide consultants and received the securities under our 2016 Stock Incentive Plan.
All of the foregoing securities are deemed restricted securities for purposes of the Securities Act. All certificates representing the issued shares of capital stock described in this Item 15 included appropriate legends setting forth that the securities had not been registered and the applicable restrictions on transfer.
Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) Exhibits.
| Exhibit Number |
Description of Exhibit | |
| 1.1+ | Form of Underwriting Agreement. | |
| 3.1^ | Certificate of Incorporation, as currently in effect. | |
| 3.2 | Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, to be effective upon the completion of this offering. | |
| 3.3^ | Bylaws, as currently in effect. | |
| 3.4 | Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws, to be effective upon the completion of this offering. | |
| 4.1+ | Form of Common Stock Certificate | |
| 4.2^ | Amended and Restated Investor Rights Agreement, dated November 8, 2024, by and among the Registrant and certain of its stockholders. | |
| 5.1+ | Opinion of Cooley LLP. | |
| 10.1 | Form of Indemnification Agreement, by and between the Registrant and each of its directors and executive officers. | |
| 10.2*^ | Beta Bionics, Inc. Amended and Restated 2016 Stock Incentive Plan. | |
| 10.3*^ | Forms of Option Agreement, Notice of Stock Option Grant and Exercise Notice under the Beta Bionics, Inc. Amended and Restated 2016 Stock Incentive Plan. | |
| 10.4* | Beta Bionics, Inc. 2025 Equity Incentive Plan. | |
| 10.5* | Forms of Stock Option Grant Notice, Option Agreement and Notice of Exercise under the Beta Bionics, Inc. 2025 Equity Incentive Plan. | |
II-3
| Exhibit Number |
Description of Exhibit | |
| 10.6* | Forms of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice and Award Agreement under the Beta Bionics, Inc. 2025 Equity Incentive Plan. | |
| 10.7* | Beta Bionics, Inc. 2025 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. | |
| 10.8*+ | Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy. | |
| 10.9*^ | Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Sean Saint. | |
| 10.10*^ | Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Stephen Feider. | |
| 10.11*^ | Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Steven Russell. | |
| 10.12*^ | Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Mike Mensinger. | |
| 10.13 | Lease Agreement, dated February 3, 2020, by and between Pacific Industrial Partners, LLC and the Registrant, as amended by Amendment No. 1 dated May 19, 2020, Amendment No. 2 dated March 12, 2024 and Amendment No. 3 dated September 13, 2024. | |
| 10.14#^ | Device License Agreement, dated December 16, 2015, by and between Trustees of Boston University and the Registrant, as amended by the First Amendment dated December 11, 2017, the Second Amendment dated September 21, 2020, the Third Amendment dated February 14, 2022 and the Fourth Amendment dated November 8, 2024. | |
| 10.15#^ | Control Algorithm License Agreement, dated December 23, 2015, by and between Trustees of Boston University and the Registrant, as amended by the First Amendment dated December 11, 2017, the Second Amendment dated September 21, 2020, and the Third Amendment dated February 14, 2022. | |
| 10.16#^ | Collaboration and License Agreement, dated May 2, 2024, by and between Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and the Registrant. | |
| 10.17# | Commercialization Agreement, dated July 25, 2023, by and between DexCom, Inc. and the Registrant. | |
| 10.18#^ | Development and Commercialization Agreement, dated April 2, 2024, by and between Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. and the Registrant. | |
| 10.19*^ | Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Mark Hopman. | |
| 23.1+ | Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm. | |
| 23.2+ | Consent of Cooley LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1). | |
| 24.1+ | Power of Attorney. | |
| 99.1 | Consent of Christy Jones to be named as a director nominee. | |
| 99.2 | Consent of Maria Palasis, Ph.D. to be named as a director nominee. | |
| 107+ | Filing Fee Table. | |
| ^ | Previously filed. |
| + | To be filed by amendment. |
| # | Pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC, portions of this exhibit (indicated by [***]) have been omitted because the registrant has determined that the information is both not material and is the type that the registrant treats as private or confidential. The registrant hereby agrees to furnish supplementally to the SEC, upon its request, an unredacted copy of this exhibit. |
| | Certain schedules and exhibits to this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. A copy of any omitted schedule and/or exhibit will be furnished to the SEC upon request. |
| * | Indicates a management contract or any compensatory plan, contract or arrangement. |
II-4
(b) Financial Statement Schedules.
All financial statement schedules are omitted because the information required to be set forth therein is not applicable or is shown in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.
Item 17. Undertakings.
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriters at the closing specified in the Underwriting Agreement certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:
(a) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(b) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
II-5
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Irvine, California, on , 2025.
| BETA BIONICS, INC. | ||
| By: | ||
| Sean Saint | ||
| President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Sean Saint and Stephen Feider and each of them, as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, with the full power of substitution, for him and in his name, place or stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this registration statement (including post-effective amendments), and to sign any registration statement for the same offering covered by this registration statement that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) promulgated under the Securities Act, and all post-effective amendments thereto, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| Signature |
Title |
Date | ||
|
Sean Saint |
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) |
, 2025 | ||
|
Stephen Feider |
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
, 2025 | ||
|
Edward Damiano, Ph.D. |
Executive Chairman | , 2025 | ||
|
Amanda Black |
Director | , 2025 | ||
|
Sean Carney |
Director | , 2025 | ||
|
James Parker Cassidy |
Director | , 2025 | ||
|
Dan Dearen |
Director | , 2025 | ||
II-6
| Signature |
Title |
Date | ||
|
Westley Dupray |
Director | , 2025 | ||
|
Gilad Glick |
Director | , 2025 | ||
|
Lennox Ketner |
Director | , 2025 | ||
|
Adam Lezack |
Director | , 2025 | ||
II-7
Exhibit 3.2
AMENDED AND RESTATED
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
BETA BIONICS, INC.
Beta Bionics, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the DGCL), does hereby certify that:
ONE: The name of this corporation is Beta Bionics, Inc. The date of filing of the original certificate of incorporation of this corporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware was August 30, 2024.
TWO: This certificate of incorporation was duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Sections 242 and 245 of the DGCL, and has been duly approved by the written consent of the stockholders of this corporation in accordance with Section 228 of the DGCL.
THREE: Pursuant to Sections 242 and 245 of the DGCL, the certificate of incorporation of this corporation, as heretofore amended, is hereby amended, integrated and restated to read in its entirety as follows:
SECTION 1.
The name of this corporation is Beta Bionics, Inc. (the Corporation).
SECTION 2.
The address of the registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is 131 Continental Drive, Suite 301, Newark, Delaware 19713-4323, and the name of the registered agent of the Corporation in the State of Delaware at such address is Incorp Services, Inc.
SECTION 3.
The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the DGCL).
SECTION 4.
Section 4.1 The Corporation is authorized to issue two classes of stock to be designated, respectively, Common Stock and Preferred Stock. The total number of shares that the Corporation is authorized to issue is 710,000,000 shares, consisting of 700,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share.
Section 4.2 The Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series. The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the Board) is hereby expressly authorized to provide for the issue of all or any of the unissued and undesignated shares of the Preferred Stock, in one or more series, and to fix the number of shares of such series and to determine for each such series, such voting powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and such designation, preferences, and relative, participating, optional, or other rights and such qualifications, limitations, or restrictions thereof, as shall be set forth in a certificate of designation adopted by the Board and filed in accordance with the DGCL.
Section 4.3 Irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL, but subject to the terms of any certificate of designation filed with respect to any series of Preferred Stock, the holders of Preferred Stock and Common Stock shall vote together, and not as separate classes, on any amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation to increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock or Common Stock.
Section 4.4 Each outstanding share of Common Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote on each matter properly submitted to the stockholders of the Corporation for their vote; provided, however, that, except as otherwise required by applicable law, holders of Common Stock shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this certificate of incorporation (as amended from time to time, the 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 of Preferred Stock are entitled, either separately or together as a class with the holders of one or more other affected series of Preferred Stock, to vote thereon pursuant to applicable law or the Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation filed with respect to any series of Preferred Stock).
SECTION 5.
For the management of the business and for the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, and in further definition, limitation and regulation of the powers of the Corporation, of its directors and stockholders, or any class thereof, as the case may be, it is further provided that:
Section 5.1 MANAGEMENT OF THE BUSINESS.
Except as otherwise provided by the DGCL or the Certificate of Incorporation, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board. Subject to any rights of the holders of shares of any one or more series of Preferred Stock then outstanding to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, the number of directors that shall constitute the Board shall be fixed exclusively by the Board.
Section 5.2 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Subject to the rights of the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, the directors shall be divided into three classes designated as Class I, Class II and Class III, respectively. Each class shall consist, as nearly as practicable, of a number of directors equal to one third of the number of members of the Board authorized as provided in Section 5.1. The Board is authorized to assign members of the Board already in office to such classes at the time the classification becomes effective. At the first annual meeting of stockholders following the filing of the Certificate of Incorporation (the Filing Date), the initial term of office of the Class I directors shall expire and Class I directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At the second annual meeting of stockholders following the Filing Date, the initial term of office of the Class II directors shall expire and Class II directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At the third annual meeting of stockholders following the Filing Date, the initial term of office of the Class III directors shall expire and Class III directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. 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.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, each director shall serve until such directors successor is duly elected and qualified or until such directors earlier death, resignation or removal. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board shall remove or shorten the term of any incumbent director.
Section 5.3 REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
Subject to the rights of the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock to remove directors elected by such series of Preferred Stock, any individual director or the entire Board may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause, and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally at an election of directors, voting together as a single class.
Section 5.4 VACANCIES.
Subject to any limitations imposed by applicable law and subject to the rights of the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors or fill vacancies in respect of such directors, any vacancies on the Board resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, removal or other causes and any newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors, shall be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office, even though less than a quorum of the Board, or by a sole remaining director, and not by the stockholders. Any director elected to fill a newly created directorship or vacancy in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders held to elect the class of directors to which such director is elected and until such directors successor shall have been elected and qualified or such directors earlier death, resignation or removal.
Section 5.5 PREFERRED STOCKHOLDERS ELECTION RIGHTS.
Whenever the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock shall have the right, voting separately as a series or separately as a class with one or more such other series, to elect directors at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, the election, term of office, removal and other features of such directorships shall be governed by the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock) applicable thereto. The number of directors that may be elected by the holders of any such series of Preferred Stock shall be in addition to the number fixed pursuant to Section 5.1 hereof, and the total number of directors constituting the whole Board shall be automatically adjusted accordingly. Except as otherwise provided by the Board in the resolution or resolutions establishing such series, whenever the holders of any series of Preferred Stock having such right to elect additional directors are divested of such right pursuant to the provisions of such stock, the terms of office of all such additional directors elected by the holders of such stock, or elected to fill any vacancies resulting from the death, resignation, disqualification or removal of such additional directors, shall forthwith terminate (in which case each such director thereupon shall cease to be qualified as, and shall cease to be, a director) and the total authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall automatically be reduced accordingly.
Section 5.6 BYLAW AMENDMENTS.
The Board is expressly authorized and empowered to adopt, amend or repeal any provisions of the bylaws of the Corporation (as amended from time to time, the Bylaws) without the assent or vote of the stockholders in any manner not inconsistent with the laws of the State of Delaware or the Certificate of Incorporation. The stockholders shall also have power to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws; provided, however, that, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation
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required by applicable law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, such action by stockholders shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class.
Section 5.7 STOCKHOLDER ACTIONS.
a. The directors of the Corporation need not be elected by written ballot unless the Bylaws so provide.
b. Subject to any rights of the holders of shares of any one or more series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effected at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders and may not be effected by consent in lieu of a meeting, unless taking such action by consent in lieu of a meeting is approved by all directors of the Corporation then in office.
c. Subject to any rights of the holders of shares of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, special meetings of stockholders of the Corporation may be called only by the Chairperson of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the 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 6.
No director or officer of the Corporation shall be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the DGCL, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended. Any amendment, modification or repeal of the foregoing sentence shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director or officer of the Corporation hereunder in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such amendment, modification or repeal. Solely for purposes of this Section 6, officer shall have the meaning provided in Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL.
SECTION 7.
Section 7.1 Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and any appellate court therefrom shall be the sole and exclusive forum for: (A) any derivative claim or cause of action brought on behalf of the Corporation; (B) any claim or cause of action that is based upon a violation of a duty owed by any current or former director, officer, other employee or stockholder of the Corporation, to the Corporation or the Corporations stockholders; (C) any claim or cause of action against the Corporation or any current or former director, officer or other employee of the Corporation, arising out of or pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws; (D) any claim or cause of action seeking to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws (including any right, obligation, or remedy thereunder); (E) any claim or cause of action as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware; and (F) any claim or cause of action against the Corporation or any current or former director, officer or other employee of the Corporation, governed by the internal-affairs doctrine or otherwise related to the Corporations internal affairs, in all cases to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law; provided, however, that if the designation of such court as the sole and exclusive forum for a claim or action referred to in foregoing clauses (A) through (F) of this Section would violate applicable law, then the United States District Court for the District of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for such claim or cause of action.
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Section 7.2 Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including all causes of action asserted against any defendant named in such complaint. For the avoidance of doubt, this provision is intended to benefit and may be enforced by the Corporation, its officers and directors, the underwriters for any offering giving rise to such complaint, and any other professional entity whose profession gives authority to a statement made by that person or entity and who has prepared or certified any part of the documents underlying the offering.
SECTION 8.
Section 8.1 Any person or entity holding, owning, or otherwise acquiring any interest in any security of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation.
Section 8.2 The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal, at any time and from time to time, any provision contained in the Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, except as provided in Section 8.3, and all rights, preferences and privileges of whatsoever nature conferred upon the stockholders, directors or any other persons whomsoever by and pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation are granted subject to this reservation. For the avoidance of doubt, but subject to the rights of the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock, Section 242(d) of the DGCL shall apply to amendments to the Certificate of Incorporation.
Section 8.3 Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or any provision of applicable law that might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, but in addition to any affirmative vote of the holders of any particular class or series of capital stock of the Corporation required by applicable law or by the Certificate of Incorporation or any certificate of designation filed with respect to a series of Preferred Stock, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, shall be required to alter, amend or repeal (whether by merger, consolidation, conversion or otherwise), or adopt any provision inconsistent with, Sections 5, 6, 7 and this Section 8.
SECTION 9.
Section 9.1 If any provision or provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any circumstance for any reason whatsoever, the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of the Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
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The Corporation has caused this certificate of incorporation to be signed by a duly authorized officer of the Corporation on [__________], 2025.
| Beta Bionics, Inc. | ||
| By: |
| |
| Sean Saint | ||
| President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
Exhibit 3.4
AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS
OF
BETA BIONICS, INC.
(A DELAWARE CORPORATION)
SECTION 1.
OFFICES
Section 1.1 Registered Office. The registered office of Beta Bionics, Inc. (the Corporation) in the State of Delaware and the name of the Corporations registered agent at such address shall be as set forth in the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation (as the same may be amended and/or restated from time to time, the Certificate of Incorporation).
Section 1.2 Other Offices. The Corporation may at any time establish other offices both within and without the State of Delaware.
SECTION 2.
CORPORATE SEAL
Section 2.1 Corporate Seal. The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the Board) may adopt a corporate seal. Said seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.
SECTION 3.
STOCKHOLDERS MEETINGS
Section 3.1 Place of Meetings. Meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be held at such place, if any, either within or without the State of Delaware, as may be determined from time to time by the Board (or its designee). The Board may, in its sole discretion, determine that the meeting shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication as provided under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (DGCL) and Section 3.9 below.
Section 3.2 Annual Meetings.
(a) The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, for the purpose of election of directors and for such other business as may properly come before it, shall be held on such date and time as may be determined from time to time by the Board (or its designee). Any annual meeting of stockholders previously scheduled by the Board may be postponed, rescheduled or cancelled by the Board, or any director or officer of the Corporation to whom the Board delegates such authority, at any time before or after notice of such meeting has been given to stockholders. Nominations of persons for election to the Board and proposals
of other business to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders: (i) pursuant to the Corporations notice of meeting of stockholders (or any supplement thereto); (ii) by or at the direction of the Board or a duly authorized committee thereof; or (iii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who was a stockholder of record at the time of giving the stockholders notice provided for in Section 3.2(b) of these bylaws (as may be amended and/or restated from time to time, the Bylaws) and who is a stockholder of record at the time of the annual meeting of stockholders, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 3.2. For the avoidance of doubt, clause (iii) above shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make nominations and submit other business before an annual meeting of stockholders.
(b) At an annual meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as is a proper matter for stockholder action under the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws, and only such nominations shall be made and such business shall be conducted as shall have been properly brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures below.
| (1) | For nominations for the election to the Board to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of Section 3.2(a), the stockholder must deliver written notice to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation on a timely basis as set forth in Section 3.2(b)(3) and must update and supplement the information contained in such written notice on a timely basis as set forth in Section 3.2(c). Such stockholders notice shall include: (A) as to each nominee such stockholder proposes to nominate at the meeting: (1) the name, age, business address and residence address of such nominee, (2) the principal occupation or employment of such nominee, (3) the class or series and number of shares of each class or series of capital stock of the Corporation that are owned of record and beneficially by such nominee and list of any pledge of or encumbrances on such shares, (4) the date or dates on which such shares were acquired and the investment intent of such acquisition, (5) the questionnaire, representation and agreement required by Section 3.2(e), completed and signed by such nominee, and (6) all other information concerning such nominee as would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement soliciting proxies for the election of such nominee as a director in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved and whether or not proxies are being or will be solicited), or that is otherwise required to be disclosed or provided to the Corporation pursuant to Section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act) (including such persons written consent to being named in a proxy statement, associated proxy card and other filings as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected); and (B) all of the information required by Section 3.2(b)(4). The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as it may reasonably require to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as an independent director of the Corporation or to serve on any committee or sub-committee of the Board, in either case under any applicable stock exchange listing requirements, applicable law or the Policies, or that the Board determines, in good faith, could be material to a reasonable stockholders understanding of the background, qualifications, experience, independence, or lack thereof, of such proposed nominee. The number of nominees a stockholder may nominate for election at an annual meeting on its own behalf (or in the case of a stockholder giving the notice on behalf of a beneficial owner, the number of nominees a stockholder may nominate for election at an annual meeting on behalf of such beneficial owner) shall not exceed the number of directors to be elected at such annual meeting. A stockholder may not designate any substitute or alternate nominees unless the stockholder provides timely notice of such substitute or alternate nominee(s) in accordance with this Section 3.2, in the case of an annual meeting, or Section 3.3, in the case of a special meeting (and such notice contains all of the information, representations, questionnaires and certifications with respect to such substitute or alternate nominee(s) that are required by the Bylaws with respect to nominees for director). |
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| (2) | For business other than nominations for the election to the Board to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of Section 3.2(a), the stockholder must deliver written notice to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation on a timely basis as set forth in Section 3.2(b)(3), and must update and supplement the information contained in such written notice on a timely basis as set forth in Section 3.2(c). Such stockholders notice shall include: (A) as to each matter such stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend the Bylaws, the language of the proposed amendment), the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting, and any material interest (including any anticipated benefit of such business to any Proponent (as defined below) other than solely as a result of its ownership of the Corporations capital stock, that is material to any Proponent individually, or to the Proponents in the aggregate) in such business of any Proponent; and (B) all of the information required by Section 3.2(b)(4). |
| (3) | To be timely, the written notice required by Section 3.2(b)(1) or 3.2(b)(2) must be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the 90th day, nor earlier than the 120th day, prior to the first anniversary of the immediately preceding years annual meeting (for purposes of notice required for action to be taken at the Corporations first annual meeting of stockholders after its initial public offering of common stock, the date of the immediately preceding years annual meeting shall be deemed to have occurred on June 15); provided, however, that, subject to the last sentence of this Section 3.2(b)(3), in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced more than 30 days prior to or delayed by more than 70 days after the anniversary of the preceding years annual meeting, or if no annual meeting was held (or deemed to have been held), notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so received not earlier than the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the later of the close of business on (i) the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or (ii) the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by the Corporation. In no event shall an adjournment or postponement (or the public announcement thereof) of an annual meeting for which notice has been given, or for which a public announcement of the date of the meeting has been made by the Corporation, commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholders notice as described above. |
| (4) | The written notice required by Sections 3.2(b)(1) or 3.2(b)(2) shall also include, as of the date of the notice and as to the stockholder giving the notice, the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made and any affiliate who controls either of the foregoing stockholder or beneficial owner, directly or indirectly (each, a Proponent and collectively, the Proponents): (A) the name and address of each Proponent, including, if applicable, such name and address as they appear on the Corporations books and records; (B) the class, series and number of shares of each class or series of the capital stock of the Corporation that are, directly or indirectly, owned of record or beneficially (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the 1934 Act) by each Proponent (provided, that for purposes of this Section 3.2(b)(4), such Proponent shall in all events be deemed to beneficially own all shares of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation as to which such Proponent or any of its affiliates or associates has a right to acquire beneficial ownership whether immediately or at any time in the future); (C) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether oral or in writing) with respect to such nomination or proposal (and/or the voting of shares of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation, other than a revocable proxy given in response to a proxy solicitation made to 10 or more persons) between or among any Proponent and any of its affiliates or associates, and/or any other persons (including their names) including without limitation, any agreements, arrangements or understandings required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 5 or Item 6 of 1934 Act Schedule 13D, regardless of whether the requirement to file a Schedule 13D |
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| is applicable; (D) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of shares of the Corporation at the time of giving notice, will be entitled to vote at the meeting, and that such stockholder (or a qualified representative thereof) intends to appear at the meeting to nominate the person or persons specified in the notice (with respect to a notice under Section 3.2(b)(1)) or to propose the business that is specified in the notice (with respect to a notice under Section 3.2(b)(2)); (E) a representation whether any Proponent or any other participant (as defined in Item 4 of Schedule 14A under the 1934 Act) will engage in a solicitation with respect to such nomination or proposal and, if so, the name of each participant in such solicitation and the amount of the cost of solicitation that has been and will be borne, directly or indirectly, by each participant in such solicitation, and a representation as to whether the Proponents intend or are part of a group which intends (x) to deliver, or make available, a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporations voting shares required to approve or adopt the proposal or elect the nominee, (y) to otherwise solicit proxies or votes from stockholders in support of such proposal or nomination and/or (z) to solicit proxies in support of any proposed nominee in accordance with Rule 14a-19 promulgated under the 1934 Act; (F) a description of all Derivative Transactions (as defined below) by each Proponent during the previous 12-month period, including the date of the transactions and the class, series and number of securities involved in, and the material economic or voting terms of, such Derivative Transactions; (G) a certification regarding whether each Proponent has complied with all applicable federal, state and other legal requirements in connection with such Proponents acquisition of shares of capital stock or other securities of the Corporation and/or such Proponents acts or omissions as a stockholder or beneficial owner of the Corporation; and (H) any other information relating to each Proponent required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for, as applicable, the proposal and/or for the election of directors in an election contest pursuant to and in accordance with Section 14 of the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. |
(c) A stockholder providing the written notice required by Section 3.2(b)(1) or (2) shall update and supplement such notice in writing, if necessary, so that the information (other than the representations required by Section 3.2(b)(4)(E)) provided or required to be provided in such notice is true and correct in all material respects as of (i) the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting and (ii) the date that is five Business Days (as defined below) prior to the meeting and, in the event of any adjournment or postponement thereof, five Business Days prior to such adjourned or postponed meeting; provided, that no such update or supplement shall cure or affect the accuracy (or inaccuracy) of any representations made by any Proponent, any of its affiliates or associates, or a nominee or the validity (or invalidity) of any nomination or proposal that failed to comply with this Section 3.2 or is rendered invalid as a result of any inaccuracy therein. In the case of an update and supplement pursuant to clause (i) of this Section 3.2(c), such update and supplement must be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than five Business Days after the later of the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting or the public announcement of such record date. In the case of an update and supplement pursuant to clause (ii) of this Section 3.2(c), such update and supplement shall be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than two Business Days prior to the date for the meeting, and, in the event of any adjournment or postponement thereof, two Business Days prior to such adjourned or postponed meeting (or if there are fewer than two Business Days between the date for the meeting, or the date of the immediately preceding adjournment or postponement thereof, and the date for the adjourned or postponed meeting, not later than the day prior to such adjourned or postponed meeting).
(d) Notwithstanding anything in Section 3.2(b)(3) to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board at an annual meeting is increased and there is no public announcement by the Corporation naming all of the nominees for director or specifying the size of the increased Board at least 10 days before the last day a stockholder may deliver a notice of nomination in accordance with
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Section 3.2(b)(3), a stockholders notice required by this Section 3.2 and that complies with the requirements in Section 3.2(b)(1), other than the timing requirements in Section 3.2(b)(3), shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for the new positions created by such increase, if it shall be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.
(e) To be eligible to be a nominee for election or re-election as a director of the Corporation pursuant to a nomination under clause (iii) of Section 3.2(a) or clause (ii) of Section 3.3(c), each Proponent must deliver (in accordance with the time periods prescribed for delivery of notice under Sections 3.2(b)(3), 3.2(d) or 3.3(c), as applicable) to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation a written questionnaire with respect to the background, qualifications, stock ownership and independence of such proposed nominee and the background of any other person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made (in the form provided by the Secretary within 10 days following a written request therefor by a stockholder of record) and a written representation and agreement (in the form provided by the Secretary within 10 days following written request therefor by a stockholder of record) that such person (i) is not and will not become a party to (A) any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether oral or in writing) with, and has not given any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how such person, if elected as a director of the Corporation, will act or vote on any issue or question (a Voting Commitment) that has not been disclosed in the questionnaire or (B) any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with such persons ability to comply, if elected as a director of the Corporation, with such persons fiduciary duties under applicable law; (ii) is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether oral or in writing) with any person or entity other than the Corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation, reimbursement or indemnification in connection with service or action as a director of the Corporation or a nominee that has not been disclosed in such questionnaire; (iii) would be in compliance, if elected as a director of the Corporation, and will comply with, all applicable corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality and stock ownership and trading policies and guidelines of the Corporation that are publicly disclosed or which were provided by the Secretary with the written representation and agreement required by this Section 3.2(e) (together, the Policies); and (iv) if elected as a director of the Corporation, intends to serve the entire term until the next meeting at which such candidate would face re-election.
(f) A person shall not be eligible for election or re-election as a director, unless the person is nominated, in the case of an annual meeting, in accordance with clause (ii) or (iii) of Section 3.2(a) and in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 3.2(b), Section 3.2(c), Section 3.2(d), Section 3.2(e) and Section 3.2(f), as applicable, or in the case of a special meeting, in accordance with Section 3.3(c) of the Bylaws and the requirements thereof. Only such business shall be conducted at any annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with Section 3.2(a) and in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 3.2(b), Section 3.2(c) and Section 3.2(f), as applicable. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Bylaws, unless otherwise required by applicable law, in the event that any Proponent (i) provides notice pursuant to Rule 14a-19(b) promulgated under the 1934 Act with respect to one or more proposed nominees and (ii) subsequently (x) fails to comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-19 promulgated under the 1934 Act (or fails to timely provide reasonable evidence sufficient to satisfy the Corporation that such Proponent has met the requirements of Rule 14a-19(a)(3) promulgated under the 1934 Act in accordance with the next sentence) or (y) fails to inform the Corporation that they no longer plan to solicit proxies in accordance with the requirements of Rule 14a-19 under the 1934 Act by delivering a written notice to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation within two (2) Business Days after the occurrence of such change, then the nomination of each such proposed nominee shall be disregarded (and such nominee disqualified from standing for election or re-election), notwithstanding that the nominee is included (as applicable) as a nominee in the Corporations proxy statement, notice of meeting or other proxy materials for any stockholder meeting (or any supplement
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thereto) and notwithstanding that proxies or votes in respect of the election of such proposed nominees may have been received by the Corporation (which proxies and votes shall be disregarded). If any Proponent provides notice pursuant to Rule 14a-19(b) promulgated under the 1934 Act, such Proponent shall deliver to the Corporation, no later than five (5) Business Days prior to the applicable meeting, reasonable evidence sufficient to demonstrate that it has met the requirements of Rule 14a-19(a)(3) promulgated under the 1934 Act. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, and for the avoidance of doubt, the nomination of any person whose name is included (as applicable) as a nominee in the Corporations proxy statement, notice of meeting or other proxy materials for any stockholder meeting (or any supplement thereto) as a result of any notice provided by any Proponent pursuant to Rule 14a-19(b) promulgated under the 1934 Act with respect to such proposed nominee and whose nomination is not made by or at the direction of the Board or any authorized committee thereof shall not be deemed (for purposes of clause (i) of Section 3.2(a) or otherwise) to have been made pursuant to the Corporations notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) and any such nominee may only be nominated by a Proponent pursuant to clause (iii) of Section 3.2(a) and, in the case of a special meeting of stockholders, pursuant to and to the extent permitted under Section 3.3(c). Except as otherwise required by applicable law, the chairperson of the meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made, or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with the procedures and requirements set forth in the Bylaws (including, without limitation, compliance with Rule 14a-19 promulgated under the 1934 Act) and, if any proposed nomination or business is not in compliance with the Bylaws, or the Proponent does not act in accordance with the representations required in this Section 3.2, to declare that such proposal or nomination shall not be presented for stockholder action at the meeting and shall be disregarded (and such nominee disqualified from standing for election or re-election), or that such business shall not be transacted, notwithstanding that such proposal or nomination is set forth in (as applicable) the Corporations proxy statement, notice of meeting or other proxy materials and notwithstanding that proxies or votes in respect of such nomination or such business may have been solicited or received. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.2, unless otherwise required by applicable law, if the stockholder (or a qualified representative of the stockholder) does not appear at the annual meeting of stockholders of the Corporation to present a nomination or proposed business, such nomination shall be disregarded (and such nominee disqualified from standing for election or re-election) and such proposed business shall not be transacted, notwithstanding that such nomination or proposed business is set forth in (as applicable) the Corporations proxy statement, notice of meeting or other proxy materials and notwithstanding that proxies or votes in respect of such vote may have been solicited or received by the Corporation. For purposes of this Section 3.2, to be considered a qualified representative of the stockholder, a person must be a duly authorized officer, manager, trustee 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 of stockholders, and such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the writing or electronic transmission, shall be provided to the Secretary of the Corporation at least five Business Days prior to the meeting of stockholders.
(g) For purposes of Sections 3.2 and 3.3,
| (1) | affiliates and associates shall have the meanings set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act); |
| (2) | Business Day means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or a day on which banks are closed in New York City, New York; |
| (3) | close of business means 6:00 p.m. local time at the principal executive offices of the Corporation on any calendar day, whether or not the day is a Business Day; |
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| (4) | Derivative Transaction means any agreement, arrangement, interest or understanding entered into by, or on behalf or for the benefit of, any Proponent or any of its affiliates or associates, whether record or beneficial: (A) the value of which is derived in whole or in part from the value of any class or series of shares or other securities of the Corporation; (B) that otherwise provides any direct or indirect opportunity to gain or share in any gain derived from a change in the value of securities of the Corporation; (C) the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss, manage risk or benefit from changes in value or price with respect to any securities of the Corporation; or (D) that provides the right to vote (other than a revocable proxy given in response to a proxy solicitation made to 10 or more persons) or increase or decrease the voting power of, such Proponent, or any of its affiliates or associates, directly or indirectly, with respect to any securities of the Corporation, which agreement, arrangement, interest or understanding may include, without limitation, any option, warrant, debt position, note, bond, convertible security, swap, stock appreciation or similar right, short position, profit interest, hedge, right to dividends, voting agreement, performance-related fee or arrangement to borrow or lend shares (whether or not subject to payment, settlement, exercise or conversion in any such class or series), and any proportionate interest of such Proponent in the securities of the Corporation held by any general or limited partnership, or any limited liability company, of which such Proponent is, directly or indirectly, a general partner or managing member; and |
| (5) | public announcement means disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press, Business Wire, GlobeNewswire or comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the 1934 Act or by such other means reasonably designed to inform the public or security holders in general of such information, including, without limitation, posting on the Corporations investor relations website. |
Section 3.3 Special Meetings.
(a) Special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may only be called in the manner provided in the Certificate of Incorporation. Any special meeting of stockholders previously scheduled by the Board may be postponed, rescheduled or cancelled by the Board, or any director or officer to whom the Board has delegated such authority, at any time before or after notice of such meeting has been given to stockholders.
(b) The Board (or its designee) shall determine the date and time of such special meeting. Upon determination of the date, time and place, if any, of the meeting, the Secretary shall cause a notice of meeting to be given to the stockholders entitled to vote, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.4.
(c) Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporations notice of meeting. Nominations of persons for election to the Board may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected (i) by or at the direction of the Board or a duly authorized committee thereof or (ii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who is a stockholder of record at the time of giving notice provided for in this paragraph and who is a stockholder of record at the time of the special meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who complies with Sections 3.2(b)(1), 3.2(b)(4), 3.2(c), 3.2(e) and 3.2(f). The number of nominees a stockholder may nominate for election at a special meeting on its own behalf (or in the case of a stockholder giving the notice on behalf of a beneficial owner, the number of nominees a stockholder may nominate for election at a special meeting on behalf of such beneficial owner) shall not exceed the number of directors to be elected at such special meeting. In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of submitting a proposal to stockholders for the election of one or more directors, any such stockholder of record entitled to vote in such election of directors may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be), for election to such position(s) as specified in the Corporations notice of meeting, if written notice setting forth the information required by Sections 3.2(b)(1) and 3.2(b)(4) shall be received by the
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Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the close of business on 120th day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of (i) the 90th day prior to such meeting or (ii) the tenth day following the day on which the Corporation first makes a public announcement of the date of the special meeting at which directors are to be elected. The stockholder shall also update and supplement such information as required under Section 3.2(c). In no event shall an adjournment or a postponement (or the public announcement thereof) of a special meeting for which notice has been given, or for which a public announcement of the date of the meeting has been made by the Corporation, commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholders notice as described above.
(d) A person shall not be eligible for election or re-election as a director at the special meeting unless the person is nominated either in accordance with clause (i) or clause (ii) of Section 3.3(c). Except as otherwise required by applicable law, the chairperson of the meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination was made in accordance with the procedures and requirements set forth in the Bylaws and, if any proposed nomination is not in compliance with the Bylaws (including, without limitation, compliance with Rule 14a-19 under the 1934 Act), or if the Proponent does not act in accordance with the representations required in Section 3.2, to declare that such nomination shall not be presented for stockholder action at the meeting and shall be disregarded (and such nominee disqualified from standing for election or re-election), notwithstanding that such nomination is set forth in (as applicable) the Corporations proxy statement, notice of meeting or other proxy materials and notwithstanding that proxies or votes in respect of such nomination may have been solicited or received. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.3, unless otherwise required by applicable law, if the stockholder (or a qualified representative of the stockholder (meeting the requirements specified in Section 3.2(f)) does not appear at the special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation to present a nomination, such nomination shall be disregarded (and such nominee disqualified from standing for election or re-election), notwithstanding that the nomination is set forth (as applicable) in the Corporations proxy statement, notice of meeting or other proxy materials and notwithstanding that proxies or votes in respect of such nomination may have been solicited or received by the Corporation.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of Sections 3.2 and 3.3, a stockholder must also comply with all applicable requirements of the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in Sections 3.2 and 3.3, and any failure to comply with such requirements shall be deemed a failure to comply with Sections 3.2 or 3.3, as applicable; provided, however, that, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, any references in the Bylaws to the 1934 Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder are not intended to and shall not limit the requirements applicable to proposals and/or nominations to be considered pursuant to Sections 3.2(a)(iii) and 3.3(c). Nothing in the Bylaws shall be deemed to affect any rights of holders of any class or series of preferred stock to nominate and elect directors pursuant to and to the extent provided in any applicable provision of the Certificate of Incorporation.
Section 3.4 Notice of Meetings. Except as otherwise provided by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, notice of each meeting of stockholders shall be given not less than ten 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 such meeting. Such notice shall specify the date, time and place, if any, of the meeting, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, if such record date is different from the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at any such meeting, and, in the case of special meetings, the purpose or purposes of the meeting. Notice shall be deemed given as provided in Section 232 of the DGCL.
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Section 3.5 Quorum and Vote Required. At all meetings of stockholders, except where otherwise required by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, or by the Bylaws, the presence, in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote at the meeting shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The stockholders present at a duly called or convened meeting, at which a quorum is present, may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough stockholders to leave less than a quorum.
Unless a different or minimum vote is provided by law or by applicable stock exchange rules, or by the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, in which case such different or minimum vote shall be the applicable vote on the matter, in all matters other than the election of directors, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on such matter, voting affirmatively or negatively (excluding abstentions and broker non-votes) shall be the act of the stockholders. Except as otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote in the election of directors. Where a separate vote by a class or classes or series is required, except as required by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of such class or classes or series, present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter. Unless a different or minimum vote is provided by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws or any applicable stock exchange rules, in which case such different or minimum vote shall be the applicable vote on the matter, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority (or plurality, in the case of the election of directors) of the votes cast on such matter, voting affirmatively or negatively (excluding abstentions and broker non-votes) shall be the act of such class or classes or series.
Section 3.6 Adjournment and Notice of Adjourned Meetings. Any meeting of stockholders, whether annual or special, may be adjourned from time to time either by the chairperson of the meeting or by the stockholders by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast, voting affirmatively or negatively (excluding abstentions and broker non-votes). When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, if any, (including an adjournment taken to address a technical failure to convene or continue a meeting using remote communication) notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time and place, if any, thereof and the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed present in person and may vote at such meeting are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken or are (i) displayed, during the time scheduled for the meeting, on the same electronic network used to enable stockholders and proxy holders to participate in the meeting by means of remote communication or (ii) set forth in the notice of meeting given in accordance with Section 3.4. At the adjourned meeting, the Corporation may transact any business that 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 determination of stockholders entitled to vote is fixed for the adjourned meeting, the Board shall fix as the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, 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 so fixed for notice of such adjourned meeting.
Section 3.7 Voting Rights. For the purpose of determining those stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of the stockholders or adjournment thereof, except as otherwise provided by applicable law, only persons in whose names shares stand on the stock records of the Corporation on the record date shall be entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders. Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy. No proxy shall be voted after three years from its date of creation unless the proxy provides for a longer period. Voting at meetings of stockholders need not be by written ballot. Any stockholder directly or indirectly soliciting proxies from other stockholders must use a proxy card color other than white, which shall be reserved for the exclusive use by the Board.
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Section 3.8 List of Stockholders. The corporation shall prepare, no later than the tenth day before each meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at said meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder; provided, however, if the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote is less than ten days before the meeting date, the list shall reflect all of the stockholders entitled to vote as of the tenth day before the meeting date. Nothing in this Section 3.8 shall require the corporation 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 ten days ending on the day before the meeting date: (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 principal place of business of the Corporation. In the event that the Corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the Corporation may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the Corporation.
Section 3.9 Remote Communication; Delivery to the Corporation.
(a) If authorized by the Board in its sole discretion, and subject to such guidelines and procedures as the Board may adopt, stockholders and proxyholders not physically present at a stockholder meeting may, by means of remote communication:
| (1) | participate in a meeting of stockholders; and |
| (2) | be deemed present in person and vote at a meeting of stockholders whether such meeting is to be held at a designated place or solely by means of remote communication, provided that (i) the Corporation shall implement reasonable measures to verify that each person deemed present and permitted to vote at the meeting by means of remote communication is a stockholder or proxyholder, (ii) the Corporation shall implement reasonable measures to provide such stockholders and proxyholders a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the stockholders, including an opportunity to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting substantially concurrently with such proceedings, and (iii) if any stockholder or proxyholder votes or takes other action at the meeting by means of remote communication, a record of such vote or other action shall be maintained by the Corporation. |
(b) Whenever Section 3.2 or 3.3 requires one or more persons (including a record or beneficial owner of capital stock) to deliver a document or information to the Corporation or any officer, employee or agent thereof (including any notice, request, questionnaire, revocation, representation or other document or agreement), such document or information shall be in writing exclusively (and not in an electronic transmission) and shall be delivered exclusively by hand (including, without limitation, overnight courier service) or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and the Corporation shall not be required to accept delivery of any document not in such written form or so delivered.
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Section 3.10 Organization.
(a) At every meeting of stockholders, a person designated by the Board shall act as chairperson of the meeting of stockholders. If no chairperson of the meeting of stockholders is so designated, then the Chairperson of the Board, or if no Chairperson has been appointed, is absent or refuses to act, the Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving or the Chief Executive Officer is absent or refuses to act, the President, or, if the President is absent or refuses to act, a chairperson of the meeting chosen by the stockholders by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast, voting affirmatively or negatively (excluding abstentions and broker non-votes), shall act as chairperson of the meeting of stockholders. A person designated by the Board shall act as secretary of the meeting. If no secretary of the meeting is designated, then the Secretary, or, in the Secretarys absence, an Assistant Secretary or other officer or other person directed to do so by the chairperson of the meeting, shall act as secretary of the meeting.
(b) The Board shall be entitled to make such rules or regulations for the conduct of meetings of stockholders as it shall deem necessary, appropriate or convenient. Subject to such rules and regulations of the Board, if any, the chairperson of the meeting shall have the right and authority to convene and (for any or no reason) to recess and/or adjourn the meeting, to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such chairperson, are necessary, appropriate or convenient for the proper conduct of the meeting, including, without limitation, establishing an agenda or order of business for the meeting, rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present, limitations on participation in such meeting to stockholders of record of the Corporation and their duly authorized and constituted proxies and such other persons as the chairperson shall permit, restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof, limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants and regulation of the opening and closing of the polls for balloting on matters that are to be voted on by ballot. The date and time of the opening and closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders will vote at the meeting shall be announced at the meeting. Unless and to the extent determined by the Board or the chairperson of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with rules of parliamentary procedure.
(c) The Corporation may and shall, if required by applicable law, in advance of any meeting of stockholders, appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting and make a written report thereof. The Corporation may designate one or more persons as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. If no inspector or alternate is able to act at a meeting of stockholders, the chairperson of the meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of the duties of inspector, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of such inspectors ability. The inspectors shall: (1) ascertain the number of shares outstanding and the voting power of each; (2) determine the shares represented at a meeting and the validity of proxies and ballots; (3) count all votes and ballots; (4) determine and retain for a reasonable period a record of the disposition of any challenges made to any determination by the inspectors; and (5) certify their determination of the number of shares represented at the meeting, and their count of all votes and ballots. The inspectors may appoint or retain other persons or entities to assist the inspectors in the performance of the duties of the inspectors. In determining the validity and counting of proxies and ballots, the inspectors shall be limited to an examination of the proxies, any envelopes submitted with those proxies, any information provided in accordance with Sections 211(e) or 212(c)(2) of the DGCL, or any information provided pursuant to Sections 211(a)(2)b.(i) or (iii) of the DGCL, ballots and the regular books and records of the Corporation, except that the inspectors may consider other reliable information for the limited purpose of reconciling proxies and ballots submitted by or on behalf of banks, brokers, their nominees or similar persons which represent more votes than the holder of a proxy is authorized by the record owner to cast or more votes than the stockholder holds of record. If the inspectors consider other reliable information for the limited purpose permitted herein, the inspectors at the time they make their certification pursuant to Section 231(b)(5) of the DGCL shall specify the precise information considered by them including the person or persons from whom they obtained the information, when the information was obtained, the means by which the information was obtained and the basis for the inspectors belief that such information is accurate and reliable.
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SECTION 4.
DIRECTORS
Section 4.1 Number. The authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall be fixed in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation.
Section 4.2 Powers. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board, except as may be otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or the DGCL.
Section 4.3 Terms. The terms of directors shall be as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.
Section 4.4 Vacancies; Newly Created Directorships. Vacancies and newly created directorships on the Board shall be filled as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation, except as otherwise required by applicable law.
Section 4.5 Resignation. Any director may resign at any time by delivering such directors notice in writing or by electronic transmission to the Board or the Secretary. Such resignation shall take effect at the time of delivery of the notice or at any later time specified therein. Acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. When one or more directors shall resign from the Board, 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, and each director so chosen shall hold office for the unexpired portion of the term of the director whose place shall be vacated and until such directors successor shall have been duly elected and qualified or until such directors earlier death, resignation or removal.
Section 4.6 Removal. Directors shall be removed as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.
Section 4.7 Meetings.
(a) Regular Meetings. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, regular meetings of the Board may be held at any time or date and at any place, if any, within or outside of the State of Delaware that has been designated by the Board and publicized among all directors, either orally or in writing, by telephone, including a voice-messaging system or other system designed to record and communicate messages, facsimile or by electronic mail or other electronic means. No further notice shall be required for regular meetings of the Board.
(b) Special Meetings. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, special meetings of the Board may be held at any time and place, if any, within or without the State of Delaware as designated and called by the Chairperson of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer (if a director) or by a majority of the directors then in office.
(c) Meetings by Electronic Communications Equipment. Any member of the Board, or of any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting by such means shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
(d) Notice of Special Meetings. Notice of the time and place, if any, of all special meetings of the Board shall be given orally or in writing, by telephone, including a voice messaging system or other system or technology designed to record and communicate messages, or by electronic mail or other means of electronic transmission at least 24 hours before the date and time of the meeting. If notice is sent by U.S. mail, it shall be sent by first class mail, postage prepaid, at least three days before the date of the meeting. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any special meeting of the Board need be specified in any such notice.
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Section 4.8 Quorum and Voting.
(a) Except as otherwise required by the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, a quorum of the Board shall consist of a majority of the authorized number of directors fixed from time to time by the Board in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation; provided, however, at any meeting whether a quorum be present or otherwise, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting to another time, without notice other than by announcement at the meeting.
(b) At each meeting of the Board at which a quorum is present, all questions and business shall be determined by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present, unless a different vote be required by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws.
Section 4.9 Action without Meeting. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission. After an action is taken, such consent or consents shall be filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board or committee. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.
Section 4.10 Fees and Compensation. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, the Board, or any duly authorized committee thereof, shall have the authority to fix the compensation, including fees and reimbursement of expenses, of directors for services to the Corporation in any capacity.
Section 4.11 Committees.
(a) Committees. The Board may, from time to time, appoint such committees as may be permitted by applicable law. Such committees appointed by the Board shall consist of one or more members of the Board and to the extent permitted by applicable law and provided in the resolution of the Board shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers that may require it; but no such committee shall have the power or authority in reference to (i) approving or adopting, or recommending 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 (ii) adopting, amending or repealing any Bylaw of the Corporation.
(b) Term. The Board, subject to any requirements of any outstanding series of preferred stock and the provisions of subsection (a) of this Section 4.11, may at any time increase or decrease the number of members of a committee or terminate the existence of a committee. The membership of a committee member shall terminate on the date of such committee members death, such persons resignation from the committee or on such date that the committee member, for any reason, is no longer a member of the Board. The Board may at any time for any reason remove any individual committee member and the Board may fill any committee vacancy created by death, resignation, removal or increase in the number of members of the committee. The Board may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee, and, in addition, in
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the absence or disqualification of any 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 to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member.
(c) Meetings. Unless the Board shall otherwise provide, regular meetings of any committee appointed pursuant to this Section 4.11 shall be held at such times and places, if any, as are determined by the Board, or by any such committee, and when notice thereof has been given to each member of such committee, no further notice of such regular meetings need be given thereafter. Special meetings of any such committee may be held at such place, if any, that has been determined from time to time by such committee, and may be called by any director who is a member of such committee, upon notice to the members of such committee of the time and place, if any, of such special meeting given in the manner provided for the giving of notice to members of the Board of the time and place, if any, of special meetings of the Board. Unless otherwise provided by the Board in the resolutions authorizing the creation of the committee, the presence of at least a majority of the members of the committee then serving shall be necessary to constitute a quorum unless the committee shall consist of one or two members, in which event one member shall constitute a quorum; and all matters shall be determined by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members present at a meeting of the committee at which a quorum is present.
Section 4.12 Duties of Chairperson of the Board. The Board shall elect from its ranks a Chairperson of the Board. The Chairperson of the Board shall perform such other duties customarily associated with the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers, as the Board shall designate from time to time. The Chairperson of the Board, when present, shall preside at all meetings of the Board in accordance with Section 4.13 of the Bylaws.
Section 4.13 Organization. At every meeting of the directors, the Chairperson of the Board shall act as chairperson of the meeting. If a Chairperson has not been appointed or is absent, the Chief Executive Officer (if a director), or, if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving or the Chief Executive Officer is absent, the President (if a director), or, in the absence of any such person, a chairperson of the meeting chosen by a majority of the directors present, shall preside over the meeting. The Secretary, or in the Secretarys absence, any Assistant Secretary or other officer, director or other person directed to do so by the person presiding over the meeting, shall act as secretary of the meeting.
SECTION 5.
OFFICERS
Section 5.1 Officers Designated. The officers of the Corporation shall include, if and when designated by the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, one or more Vice Presidents, the Secretary, the Chief Financial Officer and the Treasurer. The Board may also appoint one or more Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers and such other officers and agents with such powers and duties as it shall deem appropriate or necessary. The Board may assign such additional titles to one or more of the officers as it shall deem appropriate. Any one person may hold any number of offices of the Corporation at any one time unless specifically prohibited therefrom by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws.
Section 5.2 Tenure and Duties of Officers.
(a) General. All officers shall hold office at the pleasure of the Board and until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified, subject to such officers earlier death, resignation or removal. If the office of any officer becomes vacant for any reason, the vacancy may be filled by the Board or by a committee thereof to which the Board has delegated such responsibility or, if so authorized by the Board, by the Chief Executive Officer or another officer of the Corporation.
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(b) Duties of Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer shall preside, if a director, at all meetings of the Board, unless a Chairperson of the Board has been appointed and is present thereat. The Chief Executive Officer shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation and, subject to the supervision, direction and control of the Board, shall have the general powers and duties of supervision, direction, management and control of the business and officers of the Corporation as are customarily associated with the position of Chief Executive Officer. To the extent that a Chief Executive Officer has been appointed and no President has been appointed, all references in the Bylaws to the President shall be deemed references to the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer shall perform other duties customarily associated with the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers, as the Board shall designate from time to time.
(c) Duties of President. The President shall preside, if a director, at all meetings of the Board, unless a Chairperson of the Board or Chief Executive Officer has been appointed and is present and willing to act. Unless another officer has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, the President shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation and, subject to the supervision, direction and control of the Board, shall have the general powers and duties of supervision, direction, management and control of the business and officers of the Corporation as are customarily associated with the position of chief executive officer. The President shall perform other duties customarily associated with the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers, as the Board (or the Chief Executive Officer, if the Chief Executive Officer and President are not the same person and the Board has delegated the designation of the Presidents duties to the Chief Executive Officer) shall designate from time to time.
(d) Duties of Secretary and Assistant Secretary. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board and shall record, or cause to be recorded, all acts, votes and proceedings thereof in the minute books of the Corporation. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice in conformity with the Bylaws of all meetings of the stockholders and of all meetings of the Board and any committee thereof requiring notice. The Secretary shall perform all other duties provided for in the Bylaws and other duties customarily associated with the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers, as the Board or the Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President shall designate from time to time. The Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President may direct any Assistant Secretary or other officer to assume and perform the duties of the Secretary in the absence or disability of the Secretary, and each Assistant Secretary shall perform other duties customarily associated with the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board or the Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President shall designate from time to time.
(e) Duties of Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer. The Treasurer shall keep or cause to be kept the books of account of the Corporation in a thorough and proper manner and shall render statements of the financial affairs of the Corporation in such form and as often as required by the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President. The Treasurer, subject to the order of the Board, shall have the custody of all funds and securities of the Corporation. The Treasurer shall perform other duties customarily associated with the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board or the Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President shall designate from time to time. The Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President may direct any Assistant Treasurer or other officer to assume and perform the duties of the Treasurer in the absence or disability of the Treasurer, and each Assistant Treasurer shall perform other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board or the Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President shall designate from time to time.
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Section 5.3 Delegation of Authority. The Board may from time to time delegate the powers or duties of any officer to any other officer or agent, notwithstanding any provision hereof.
Section 5.4 Resignations. Any officer may resign at any time by giving notice in writing or by electronic transmission to the Board, the Chairperson of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Secretary. Any such resignation shall be effective when received by the person or persons to whom such notice is given, unless a later time is specified therein, in which event the resignation shall become effective at such later time. Unless otherwise specified in such notice, the acceptance of any such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Any resignation shall be without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the Corporation under any contract with the resigning officer.
Section 5.5 Removal. Any officer may be removed from office at any time, either with or without cause, by the Board, or by any duly authorized committee thereof or any officer upon whom such power of removal may have been conferred by the Board.
SECTION 6.
EXECUTION OF CORPORATE INSTRUMENTS AND VOTING OF SECURITIES OWNED BY THE CORPORATION
Section 6.1 Execution of Corporate Instruments. The Board may, in its discretion, determine the method and designate the signatory officer or officers, or other person or persons, to execute, sign or endorse on behalf of the Corporation any corporate instrument or document, or to sign on behalf of the Corporation the corporate name without limitation, or to enter into contracts on behalf of the Corporation, except where otherwise provided by applicable law or the Bylaws, and such execution or signature shall be binding upon the Corporation.
(a) All checks and drafts drawn on banks or other depositaries on funds to the credit of the Corporation or in special accounts of the Corporation shall be signed by such person or persons as the Board shall from time to time authorize so to do.
(b) Unless otherwise specifically determined by the Board or otherwise required by applicable law, the execution, signing or endorsement of any corporate instrument or document by or on behalf of the Corporation may be effected manually, by facsimile or (to the extent not prohibited by applicable law and subject to such policies and procedures as the Corporation may have in effect from time to time) by electronic signature.
(c) Unless authorized or ratified by the Board or within the agency power of an officer, no officer, agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the Corporation by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable for any purpose or for any amount.
Section 6.2 Voting of Securities Owned by the Corporation. All stock and other securities of or interests in other corporations or entities owned or held by the Corporation for itself, or for other parties in any capacity, shall be voted, and all proxies and consents with respect thereto shall be executed, by the person authorized so to do by resolution of the Board, or, in the absence of such authorization, by the Chairperson of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, or the President.
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SECTION 7.
SHARES OF STOCK
Section 7.1 Form and Execution of Certificates. The shares of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates, or shall be uncertificated if so provided by resolution or resolutions of the Board. Certificates for the shares of stock of the Corporation, if any, shall be in such form as is consistent with the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law. Every holder of stock in the Corporation represented by certificates shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by or in the name of the Corporation by any two authorized officers of the Corporation (including, without limitation, the Chairperson of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary and any Assistant Secretary), certifying the number, and the class or series, of shares owned by such holder in the Corporation in certificated form. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be facsimiles. In case any officer, transfer agent, or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent, or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued with the same effect as if he were such officer, transfer agent, or registrar at the date of issue.
Section 7.2 Lost Certificates. The Corporation may issue a new certificate or certificates or uncertificated shares in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen, or destroyed. The Corporation may require, as a condition precedent to the issuance of a new certificate or certificates, the owner of such lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate or certificates, or the owners legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond (or other adequate security) sufficient to indemnify the Corporation against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed or the issuance of such new certificate(s) or uncertificated shares.
Section 7.3 Transfers.
(a) Transfers of record of shares of stock of the Corporation shall be made only upon its books by the holders thereof, in person or by attorney duly authorized, and, in the case of stock represented by certificate, upon the surrender of a properly endorsed certificate or certificates for a like number of shares.
(b) The Corporation shall have power to enter into and perform any agreement with any number of stockholders of any one or more classes or series of stock of the Corporation to restrict the transfer of shares of stock of the Corporation of any one or more classes or series owned by such stockholders in any manner not prohibited by the DGCL.
Section 7.4 Fixing Record Dates.
(a) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board 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, and which record date shall, subject to applicable law, not be more than 60 nor less than ten days before the date of such meeting. If the Board so fixes a record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting of stockholders, such date shall also be the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting, unless the Board determines, at the time it fixes the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of such meeting, that a later date on or before the date of the meeting shall be the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting. If no record date is fixed by the Board, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting
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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 may fix a new record date for determining the 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 determining the stockholders entitled to vote in accordance with the provisions of this Section 7.4(a).
(b) In order that the Corporation 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 may fix, in advance, 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 adopts the resolution relating to such action.
Section 7.5 Registered Stockholders. The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of Delaware.
Section 7.6 Additional Powers of the Board. In addition to, and without limiting, the powers set forth in the Bylaws, the Board shall have power and authority to make all such rules and regulations as it shall deem expedient concerning the issue, transfer, and registration of certificates for shares of stock of the Corporation, including the use of uncertificated shares of stock, subject to the provisions of the DGCL, other applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws. The Board may appoint and remove transfer agents and registrars of transfers, and may require all stock certificates to bear the signature of any such transfer agent and/or any such registrar of transfers.
SECTION 8.
OTHER SECURITIES OF THE CORPORATION
Section 8.1 Execution of Other Securities. All bonds, debentures and other corporate securities of the Corporation, other than stock certificates (covered in Section 7.1), may be signed by the Chairperson of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, or the President, or such other person as may be authorized by the Board; provided, however, that where any such bond, debenture or other corporate security shall be authenticated by the manual signature, or where permissible facsimile signature, of a trustee under an indenture pursuant to which such bond, debenture or other corporate security shall be issued, the signatures of the persons signing and attesting the corporate seal on such bond, debenture or other corporate security may be the imprinted facsimile of the signatures of such persons. Interest coupons appertaining to any such bond, debenture or other corporate security, authenticated by a trustee as aforesaid, shall be signed by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer of the Corporation or such other person as may be authorized by the Board, or bear imprinted thereon the facsimile signature of such person. In case any officer who shall have signed or attested any bond, debenture or other corporate security, or whose facsimile signature shall appear thereon or on any such interest coupon, shall have ceased to be such officer before the bond, debenture or other corporate security so signed or attested shall have been delivered, such bond, debenture or other corporate security nevertheless may be adopted by the Corporation and issued and delivered as though the person who signed the same or whose facsimile signature shall have been used thereon had not ceased to be such officer of the Corporation.
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SECTION 9.
DIVIDENDS
Section 9.1 Declaration of Dividends. Dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law, if any, may be declared by the Board. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of capital stock or other securities of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law.
Section 9.2 Dividend Reserve. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board from time to time, in its absolute discretion, determines proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or for such other purpose or purposes as the Board shall determine to be conducive to the interests of the Corporation, and the Board may modify or abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.
SECTION 10.
FISCAL YEAR
Section 10.1 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the Board and may be changed by the Board.
SECTION 11.
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 11.1 Indemnification of Directors, Executive Officers, Other Officers, Employees and Other Agents.
(a) Directors and Executive Officers. The Corporation shall indemnify to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than such law permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such amendment), any person who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in a Proceeding, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or executive officer (for the purposes of this Section 11.1, executive officer has the meaning defined in Rule 3b-7 promulgated under the 1934 Act) of the Corporation, or while serving as a director or executive officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, whether the basis of such Proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director or executive officer or in any other capacity while serving as a director or executive officer, against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such person in connection therewith; provided, however, that the Corporation will not be required to indemnify or advance expenses to any director or executive officer in connection with any Proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person unless (i) the Proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board or (ii) the Proceeding (or part thereof) is initiated to enforce rights to indemnification or advancement of expenses as provided under subsection (d) of this Section 11.1 or is a compulsory counterclaim brought by such person.
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(b) Other Officers, Employees and Other Agents. The Corporation shall have power to indemnify and advance expenses to its other officers, employees and other agents to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL.
(c) Expenses. The Corporation shall advance to any current or former director or executive officer of the Corporation, or to any person, who while serving as a director or executive officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding, promptly following request therefor, all expenses incurred by such person in defending (or participating as a witness in) any Proceeding referred to in Section 11.1(a), or in connection with a Proceeding (or part thereof) brought to establish or enforce a right to indemnification or advancement of expenses under subsection (d) of this Section 11.1, provided, however, that any advancement of expenses incurred by a current or former director or executive officer in such directors or executive officers capacity as a director or executive officer will be made only upon delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it is ultimately determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that such indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified or entitled to advancement for such expenses under this Section 11.1 or otherwise.
(d) Enforcement. Without the necessity of entering into an express contract, all rights to indemnification and advances to current and former directors and executive officers under this Section 11.1 will be deemed to be contractual rights and be effective to the same extent and as if provided for in a contract between the Corporation and such director or executive officer. Any right to indemnification or advancement of expenses granted by this Section 11.1 to a current or former director or executive officer will be enforceable by or on behalf of the person holding such right in any court of competent jurisdiction if (i) the claim for indemnification or advancement of expenses is denied, in whole or in part, (ii) no disposition of a claim for indemnification is made within 60 days of request therefor, or (iii) no disposition of a claim for an advance is made within 30 days of request therefor. The indemnitee in such enforcement action, if successful in whole or in part, or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, will be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting or defending the claim to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. In (i) any suit brought to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought to enforce a right to an advancement of expenses) it shall be a defense that, and (ii) any suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final adjudication that, the indemnitee has not met any applicable standard for indemnification set forth in the DGCL. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board, independent legal counsel or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because such person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board, independent legal counsel or its stockholders) that the indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, will be a defense to the action or create a presumption that the indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct. In any suit brought by a current or former director or executive officer to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the director or executive officer is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Section 11.1 or otherwise is on the Corporation.
(e) Non-Exclusivity of Rights. The rights conferred on any person by this Section 11.1 are not exclusive of any other right that such person may have or hereafter acquire under any applicable law, provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such persons official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding office. The Corporation is specifically authorized to enter into individual contracts with any or all of its directors, officers, employees or agents respecting indemnification and advances, to the fullest extent not prohibited by the DGCL.
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(f) Survival of Rights. The rights conferred on any person by this Section 11.1 will continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or executive officer and will inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.
(g) Insurance. To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, the Corporation may purchase insurance on behalf of any person required or permitted to be indemnified pursuant to this Section 11.1.
(h) Amendments. Any repeal or modification of this Section 11.1 is only prospective and does not affect the rights under this Bylaw in effect at the time of the alleged occurrence of any action or omission to act that is the cause of any Proceeding against any current or former director or executive officer of the Corporation.
(i) Saving Clause. If this Section 11 or any portion hereof is invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Corporation will nevertheless indemnify and advance expenses to each director and executive officer to the full extent not prohibited by any applicable portion of this Section 11 that has not been invalidated, or by any. If this Section 11 is invalid due to the application of the indemnification and advancement provisions of another jurisdiction, then the Corporation will indemnify and advance expenses to each director and executive officer to the full extent under applicable law.
(j) Certain Definitions. For the purposes of this Section 11, the following definitions apply:
| (1) | The term Proceeding is to be broadly construed and includes, without limitation, the investigation, preparation, prosecution, defense, settlement, arbitration and appeal of, and the giving of testimony in, any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative. |
| (2) | The term expenses is to be broadly construed and includes, without limitation, court costs, attorneys fees, witness fees, fines, amounts paid in settlement or judgment and any other costs and expenses of any nature or kind incurred in connection with any proceeding. |
| (3) | The term the Corporation includes, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger that, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, stands in the same position under the provisions of this Section 11 with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as such person would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued. |
| (4) | References to fines include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan. |
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SECTION 12.
NOTICES
Section 12.1 Notices.
(a) Notice to Stockholders. Notice to stockholders of stockholder meetings shall be given as provided in Section 3.4. Without limiting the manner by which notice may otherwise be given effectively to stockholders under any agreement or contract with such stockholder, and except as otherwise required by applicable law, notice to stockholders for purposes other than stockholder meetings may be sent by U.S. mail or courier service, facsimile or by electronic mail or other means of electronic transmission in accordance with Section 232 of the DGCL.
(b) Notice to Directors. Any notice required to be given to any director may be given by the method stated in subsection (a) or as otherwise provided in the Bylaws, with notice other than one that is delivered personally to be sent to such address or electronic mail address as such director shall have filed in writing with the Secretary, or, in the absence of such filing, to the last known address or electronic mail address of such director.
(c) Affidavit of Mailing. An affidavit of notice, executed by a duly authorized and competent employee of the Corporation or its transfer agent appointed with respect to the class of stock affected, or other agent, specifying the name and address or the names and addresses of the stockholder or stockholders, or director or directors, to whom any such notice or notices was or were given, and the time and method of giving the same, shall in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts therein contained.
(d) Methods of Notice. It shall not be necessary that the same method of giving notice be employed in respect of all recipients of notice, but one permissible method may be employed in respect of any one or more, and any other permissible method or methods may be employed in respect of any other or others.
(e) Notice to Person with Whom Communication is Unlawful. Whenever notice is required to be given, under applicable law or any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation or 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 that 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 Corporation is such as to require the filing of a certificate under any provision of 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.
(f) Notice to Stockholders Sharing an Address. Except as otherwise prohibited under the DGCL, any notice given under the provisions of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or the 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. Such consent shall have been deemed to have been given if such stockholder fails to object in writing to the Corporation within 60 days of having been given notice by the Corporation of its intention to send the single notice. Any consent shall be revocable by the stockholder by written notice to the Corporation.
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(g) Waiver. Whenever notice is required to be given under any provision of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or the 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 stated therein, 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, directors or members of a committee of directors need be specified in any written waiver of notice or any waiver by electronic transmission unless so required by the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws.
SECTION 13.
AMENDMENTS
Section 13.1 Amendments. Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 11.1(h) or the Certificate of Incorporation, the Board is expressly empowered to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation. The stockholders also shall have power to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation; provided, however, that, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by applicable law or by the Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation)), such action by stockholders shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class.
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Exhibit 10.1
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
This Indemnification Agreement is dated as of _________, 2025 (this Agreement) and is between BETA BIONICS, INC, a Delaware corporation (the Company), and [Name] (Indemnitee).
Background
The Company believes that in order to attract and retain highly competent persons to serve as directors or in other capacities, including as officers, it must provide such persons with adequate protection through indemnification against the risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their services to and activities on behalf of the Company.
The Company desires and has requested Indemnitee to serve as a director and/or officer of the Company and, in order to induce the Indemnitee to serve in such capacity, the Company is willing to grant the Indemnitee the indemnification provided for herein. Indemnitee is willing to so serve on the basis that such indemnification be provided.
The parties by this Agreement desire to set forth their agreement regarding indemnification and the advancement of expenses.
In consideration of Indemnitees service to the Company, the covenants and agreements set forth below and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
Section 1. Indemnification.
To the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the DGCL):
(a) The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee if Indemnitee was or is made or is threatened to be made a party to, or is otherwise involved in, as a witness or otherwise, any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (brought in the right of the Company or otherwise), whether civil, criminal, administrative, regulatory or investigative and whether formal or informal, including appeals, by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was or has agreed to serve as a director and/or officer of the Company, or, while serving in such capacity, is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent (which, for purposes hereof, shall include a trustee, fiduciary, partner or manager or similar capacity) of another corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in any such capacity, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement or advancement of expenses can be provided under this Agreement.
(b) The indemnification provided by this Section 1 shall be from and against all loss and liability suffered and expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, including any appeals.
(c) If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for a portion of any expenses, losses, liabilities, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement incurred by Indemnitee, but not for the total amount thereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for such portion.
Section 2. Advance Payment of Expenses. To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, expenses (including attorneys fees) incurred by Indemnitee in appearing at, participating in or defending any action, suit or proceeding or in connection with an enforcement action as contemplated by Section 3(e), shall be paid by the Company in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding within 30 days after receipt by the Company of a statement or statements from Indemnitee requesting such advance or advances (including any invoices received by Indemnitee, which invoices may be redacted as necessary to avoid the waiver of any privilege accorded by applicable law) from time to time. The Indemnitee hereby undertakes to repay any amounts advanced (without interest) to the extent that it is ultimately determined that Indemnitee is not entitled under this Agreement to be indemnified by the Company in respect thereof. Such repayment obligation shall be unsecured and shall not bear interest. The Company shall not impose on Indemnitee additional conditions to advancement or require from Indemnitee additional undertakings regarding repayment other than the execution of this Agreement. The Company agrees that for the purposes of any advancement of expenses for which Indemnitee has made a written demand in accordance with this Agreement, all expenses included in such demand that are certified by affidavit of Indemnitees counsel as being reasonable shall be presumed conclusively to be reasonable. This Section 2 shall be subject to Section 3(b) and shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to Section 6 and Section 7.
Section 3. Procedure for Indemnification; Notification and Defense of Claim.
(a) Promptly after receipt by Indemnitee of notice of the commencement of any action, suit or proceeding, Indemnitee shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the Company hereunder, notify the Company in writing of the commencement thereof. The failure to promptly notify the Company of the commencement of the action, suit or proceeding, or of Indemnitees request for indemnification, will not relieve the Company from any liability that it may have to Indemnitee hereunder, except to the extent the Company is actually and materially prejudiced in its defense of such action, suit or proceeding as a result of such failure. To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request therefor including such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to enable the Company to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification.
(b) With respect to any action, suit or proceeding of which the Company is so notified as provided in this Agreement, the Company shall, subject to the last two sentences of this paragraph, be entitled to assume the defense of such action, suit or proceeding, with counsel reasonably acceptable to Indemnitee, 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 under this Agreement for any subsequently-incurred fees of separate counsel engaged by Indemnitee with respect to the same action, suit or proceeding unless the employment of separate counsel by Indemnitee has been previously authorized in writing by the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Indemnitee, based on the advice of his or her counsel, shall have reasonably concluded (with written notice being given to the Company setting forth the basis for such conclusion) that, in the conduct of any such defense, there is or is reasonably likely to be a conflict of interest or position between the Company and Indemnitee with respect to a significant issue, then the Company will not be entitled, without the written consent of Indemnitee, to assume such defense. In addition, the Company will not be entitled, without the written consent of Indemnitee, to assume the defense of any claim brought by or in the right of the Company.
(c) To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, the Companys assumption of the defense of an action, suit or proceeding in accordance with paragraph 3(b) will constitute an irrevocable acknowledgement by the Company that any loss and liability suffered by Indemnitee and expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement by or for the account of Indemnitee incurred in connection therewith are indemnifiable by the Company under Section 1 of this Agreement.
(d) The determination whether to grant Indemnitees indemnification request shall be made promptly and in any event within 30 days following the Companys receipt of a request for indemnification in accordance with Section 3(a). If the Company determines that Indemnitee is entitled to such indemnification or, as contemplated by paragraph 3(c) the Company has acknowledged such entitlement, the Company will make payment to Indemnitee of the indemnifiable amount within such 30 day period. If the Company is not deemed to have so acknowledged such entitlement or the Companys determination of whether to grant Indemnitees indemnification request shall not have been made within such 30 day period, the requisite determination of
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entitlement to indemnification shall, subject to Section 6, nonetheless be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitees statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under the DGCL.
(e) In the event that (i) the Company determines in accordance with this Section 3 that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, in whole or in part, under this Agreement, (ii) the Company fails to respond or make a determination of entitlement to indemnification within 30 days following receipt of a request for indemnification as described above, (iii) payment of indemnification is not made within such 30 day period, (iv) advancement of expenses is not timely made in accordance with Section 2, or (v) the Company or any other person 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, the Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication in any court of competent jurisdiction of his or her entitlement to such indemnification or advancement of expenses. Indemnitees expenses (including attorneys fees) incurred in connection with successfully establishing Indemnitees right to indemnification or advancement of expenses, in whole or in part, in any such proceeding or otherwise shall also be indemnified by the Company to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL.
(f) Indemnitee shall be presumed to be entitled to indemnification and advancement of expenses under this Agreement upon submission of a request therefor in accordance with Section 2 or Section 3 of this Agreement, as the case may be. The Company shall have the burden of proof in overcoming such presumption, and such presumption shall be used as a basis for a determination of entitlement to indemnification and advancement of expenses unless the Company overcomes such presumption by clear and convincing evidence.
Section 4. Insurance and Subrogation.
(a) The Company may purchase and maintain a policy or policies of insurance, providing Indemnitee with coverage for any liability asserted against, and incurred by, Indemnitee or on Indemnitees behalf by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was or has agreed to serve as a director and/or officer of the Company, or, while serving in such capacity, is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent (which, for purposes hereof, shall include a trustee, fiduciary, partner or manager or similar capacity) of another corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, or arising out of Indemnitees status as such, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify Indemnitee against such liability under the provisions of this Agreement. If the Company has such insurance in effect at the time the Company receives from Indemnitee any notice of the commencement of an action, suit or proceeding, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such action, suit or proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the policy. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable 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 policy.
(b) In the event of any payment by the Company under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee with respect to any insurance policy. Indemnitee 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 in accordance with the terms of such insurance policy. The Company shall pay or reimburse all expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with such subrogation.
(c) The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment of amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder (including, but not limited to, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement) if and to the extent that Indemnitee has otherwise actually received such payment under this Agreement or any insurance policy, contract, agreement or otherwise.
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Section 5. Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) The term action, suit or proceeding shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, the investigation, preparation, prosecution, defense, settlement, arbitration and appeal of, and the giving of testimony in, any threatened, pending or completed claim, action, suit, arbitration, alternative dispute mechanism or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative.
(b) The term by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was or has agreed to serve as a director and/or officer of the Company, or, while serving in such capacity, is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent (which, for purposes hereof, shall include a trustee, partner or manager or similar capacity) of another corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, any actual or alleged act or omission to act.
(c) The term expenses shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, all direct and indirect costs of any type or nature whatsoever (including, without limitation, all attorneys fees and related disbursements, appeal bonds, other out-of-pocket costs and reasonable compensation for time spent by Indemnitee for which Indemnitee is not otherwise compensated by the Company or any third party), actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with either the investigation, defense or appeal of an action, suit or proceeding or establishing or enforcing a right to indemnification under this Agreement or otherwise incurred in connection with a claim that is indemnifiable hereunder.
(d) The term judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, all direct and indirect payments of any type or nature whatsoever, as well as any penalties or excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan).
Section 6. Limitation on Indemnification. Notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be obligated pursuant to this Agreement:
(a) Claims Initiated by Indemnitee. To indemnify or advance expenses to Indemnitee with respect to an action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof), however denominated, initiated by Indemnitee, except with respect to any compulsory counterclaim brought by Indemnitee or an action, suit or proceeding brought to establish or enforce a right to indemnification or advancement of expenses under this Agreement (which shall be governed by the provisions of Section 6(b) of this Agreement), unless such action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized or consented to by the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board).
(b) Action for Indemnification. To indemnify Indemnitee for any expenses incurred by Indemnitee with respect to any action, suit or proceeding instituted by Indemnitee to enforce or interpret this Agreement, unless Indemnitee is successful in such action, suit or proceeding in establishing Indemnitees right, in whole or in part, to indemnification or advancement of expenses hereunder (in which case such indemnification or advancement shall be to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL), or unless and to the extent that the court in such action, suit or proceeding shall determine that, despite Indemnitees failure to establish their right to indemnification, Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification for such expenses; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 6(b) is intended to limit the Companys obligations with respect to the advancement of expenses to Indemnitee in connection with any such action, suit or proceeding instituted by Indemnitee to enforce or interpret this Agreement, as provided in Section 2 hereof.
(c) Certain Exchange Act Claims. To indemnify Indemnitee in connection with any action, suit or proceeding made against Indemnitee for (i) an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law, (ii) any reimbursement of the Company by the Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by the Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Company, as required in each case under the Exchange 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
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Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act) or (iii) any reimbursement of the Company by Indemnitee of any compensation pursuant to any compensation recoupment or clawback policy adopted by the Board or the compensation committee of the Board, including but not limited to any such policy adopted to comply with stock exchange listing requirements implementing Section 10D of the Exchange Act.
(d) Fraud or Willful Misconduct. To indemnify Indemnitee on account of conduct by Indemnitee where such conduct has been determined by a final (not interlocutory) judgment or other adjudication of a court or arbitration or administrative body of competent jurisdiction as to which there is no further right or option of appeal or the time within which an appeal must be filed has expired without such filing to have been knowingly fraudulent or constitute willful misconduct.
(e) Prohibited by Law. To indemnify Indemnitee in any circumstance where such indemnification has been determined by a final (not interlocutory) judgment or other adjudication of a court or arbitration or administrative body of competent jurisdiction as to which there is no further right or option of appeal, or the time within which an appeal must be filed has expired without such filing having been made, to be prohibited by law.
Section 7. Certain Settlement Provisions. The Company shall have no obligation to indemnify Indemnitee under this Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of any action, suit or proceeding without the Companys prior written consent. The Company shall not settle any action, suit or proceeding in any manner that would impose any fine or other obligation on Indemnitee without Indemnitees prior written consent. Neither the Company nor Indemnitee will unreasonably withhold his, her, its or their consent to any proposed settlement.
Section 8. Savings Clause. If any provision or provisions (or portion thereof) of this Agreement shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee if Indemnitee was or is made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (brought in the right of the Company or otherwise), whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative and whether formal or informal, including appeals, by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was or has agreed to serve as a director and/or officer of the Company, or, while serving in such capacity, is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent (which, for purposes hereof, shall include a trustee, partner or manager or similar capacity) of another corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity, from and against all loss and liability suffered and expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement reasonably incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, including any appeals, to the fullest extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Agreement that shall not have been invalidated.
Section 9. Contribution. In order to provide for just and equitable contribution in circumstances in which the indemnification provided for herein is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unavailable to Indemnitee in whole or in part, it is agreed that, in such event, the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, contribute to the payment of all of Indemnitees loss and liability suffered and expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement reasonably incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with any action, suit or proceeding, including any appeals, in an amount that is just and equitable in the circumstances; provided that, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, such contribution shall not be required where such holding by the court is due to any limitation on indemnification set forth in Section 4(c), 6 (other than clause (e)) or 7 hereof.
Section 10. Form and Delivery of Communications. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (a) delivered by hand, upon receipt by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, (b) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is so mailed, (c) mailed by reputable overnight courier, one day after deposit with such courier and with written verification of receipt, or (d) sent by email or facsimile transmission, with receipt of oral
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confirmation that such transmission has been received. Notice to the Company shall be directed to Beta Bionics, Inc., Attention: The General Counsel, or if no individual currently holds such position, then the Companys Vice President of Legal and Business Development (or his or her designee) at [XXX@XXX.com], facsimile: [(XXX)-XXX-XXXX], confirmation number: [(XXX)-XXX-XXXX]. Notice to Indemnitee shall be directed to [XXXXXX], email: [XXX@XXX.com], facsimile: [(XXX)-XXX-XXXX], confirmation number: [(XXX)-XXX-XXXX].
Section 11. Nonexclusivity. The provisions for indemnification and advancement of expenses set forth in this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights which Indemnitee may have under any provision of law, in any court in which a proceeding is brought, the Companys certificate of incorporation or by-laws, other agreements or otherwise, and Indemnitees rights hereunder shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of Indemnitee. No amendment or alteration of the Companys certificate of incorporation or by-laws or any other agreement shall adversely affect the rights provided to Indemnitee under this Agreement.
Section 12. No Construction as Employment Agreement. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as giving Indemnitee any right to be retained as a director of the Company or in the employ of the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, the indemnification and advancement of expenses provided under this Agreement shall continue as to the Indemnitee even though Indemnitee may have ceased to be a director or officer of the Company.
Section 13. Interpretation of Agreement. It is understood that the parties hereto intend this Agreement to be interpreted and enforced so as to provide indemnification to Indemnitee to the fullest extent now or hereafter permitted by the DGCL.
Section 14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the documents expressly referred to herein constitute the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the matters covered hereby, and any other prior or contemporaneous oral or written understandings or agreements with respect to the matters covered hereby are expressly superseded by this Agreement.
Section 15. Modification and Waiver. No supplement, modification, waiver or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by both of the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision hereof (whether or not similar) nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver. For the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement may not be terminated by the Company without Indemnitees prior written consent.
Section 16. Successor and Assigns. All of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, shall inure to the benefit of and shall be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators and legal representatives. The Company shall require and cause any direct or indirect successor (whether by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.
Section 17. Service of Process and Venue. The Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (a) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware (the Delaware Court), and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (b) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (c) appoint, to the extent such party is not otherwise subject to service of process in the State of Delaware, irrevocably Incorp Services, Inc. located at 131 Continental Drive, Suite 301, Newark, Delaware 19713-4323 as its agent in the State of Delaware as such partys 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, (d) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court, and (e) waive, and agree not to
plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.
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Section 18. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware. If a court of competent jurisdiction shall make a final determination that the provisions of the law of any state other than Delaware govern indemnification by the Company of Indemnitee, then the indemnification provided under this Agreement shall in all instances be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted under such law, notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary.
Section 19. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument, notwithstanding that both parties are not signatories to the original or same counterpart.
Section 20. Headings and Section References. The section and subsection headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Section references are to this Agreement unless otherwise specified.
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This Indemnification Agreement has been duly executed and delivered to be effective as of the date stated above.
| BETA BIONICS, INC. | ||
| By | ||
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
| INDEMNITEE | ||
| Signature of Indemnitee | ||
| Print or Type Name of Indemnitee | ||
Exhibit 10.4
BETA BIONICS, INC.
2025 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: [_____], 2025
APPROVED BY THE STOCKHOLDERS: [_____], 2025
IPO DATE: [_____], 2025
1. GENERAL.
(a) Successor to and Continuation of Prior Plan. The Plan is the successor to and continuation of the Prior Plan. As of the Effective Date, (i) no additional awards may be granted under the Prior Plan; (ii) the Prior Plans Available Reserve will become available for issuance pursuant to Awards granted under this Plan; (iii) any Prior Plans Returning Shares will become available for issuance pursuant to Awards granted under this Plan as described in Section 2(a) below; and (iv) all outstanding awards granted under the Prior Plan will remain subject to the terms of the Prior Plan; provided, however, that any Prior Plans Returning Shares will become available for issuance pursuant to Awards granted under this Plan. All Awards granted under this Plan will be subject to the terms of this Plan.
(b) Plan Purpose. The Company, by means of the Plan, seeks to secure and retain the services of Employees, Directors and Consultants, to provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for the success of the Company and any Affiliate and to provide a means by which such persons may be given an opportunity to benefit from increases in value of the Common Stock through the granting of Awards.
(c) Available Awards. The Plan provides for the grant of the following Awards: (i) Incentive Stock Options; (ii) Nonstatutory Stock Options; (iii) SARs; (iv) Restricted Stock Awards; (v) RSU Awards; (vi) Performance Awards; and (vii) Other Awards.
(d) Adoption Date; Effective Date. The Plan will come into existence on the Adoption Date, but no Award may be granted prior to the Effective Date.
2. SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.
(a) Share Reserve. Subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 2(c) and any adjustments as necessary to implement any Capitalization Adjustments, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to Awards will not exceed [______] shares, which number is the sum of: (i) [______] new shares, plus (ii) the number of shares ([______]) subject to the Prior Plans Available Reserve, plus (iii) a number of shares equal to the Prior Plans Returning Shares, if any, as such shares become available from time to time. In addition, subject to any adjustments as necessary to implement any Capitalization Adjustments, such aggregate number of shares of Common Stock will automatically increase on January 1 of each year for a period of ten years commencing on January 1, 2026 and ending on (and including) January 1, 2035, in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total number of shares of Capital Stock outstanding on December 31 of the preceding year; provided, however, that the Board may act prior to January 1st of a given year to provide that the increase for such year will be a lesser number of shares of Common Stock.
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(b) Aggregate Incentive Stock Option Limit. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 2(a) and subject to any adjustments as necessary to implement any Capitalization Adjustments, the aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options is three times the Share Reserve.
(c) Share Reserve Operation.
(i) Limit Applies to Common Stock Issued Pursuant to Awards. For clarity, the Share Reserve is a limit on the number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to Awards and does not limit the granting of Awards, except that the Company will keep available at all times the number of shares of Common Stock reasonably required to satisfy its obligations to issue shares pursuant to such Awards. Shares may be issued in connection with a merger or acquisition as permitted by, as applicable, Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c), NYSE Listed Company Manual Section 303A.08, NYSE American Company Guide Section 711 or other applicable rule, and such issuance will not reduce the number of shares available for issuance under the Plan.
(ii) Actions that Do Not Constitute Issuance of Common Stock and Do Not Reduce Share Reserve. The following actions do not result in an issuance of shares under the Plan and accordingly do not reduce the number of shares subject to the Share Reserve and available for issuance under the Plan: (1) the expiration or termination of any portion of an Award without the shares covered by such portion of the Award having been issued; (2) the settlement of any portion of an Award in cash (i.e., the Participant receives cash rather than Common Stock); (3) the withholding of shares that would otherwise be issued by the Company to satisfy the exercise, strike or purchase price of an Award; or (4) the withholding of shares that would otherwise be issued by the Company to satisfy a tax withholding obligation in connection with an Award.
(iii) Reversion of Previously Issued Shares of Common Stock to Share Reserve. The following shares of Common Stock previously issued pursuant to an Award and accordingly initially deducted from the Share Reserve will be added back to the Share Reserve and again become available for issuance under the Plan: (1) any shares that are forfeited back to or repurchased by the Company because of a failure to meet a contingency or condition required for the vesting of such shares; (2) any shares that are reacquired by the Company to satisfy the exercise, strike or purchase price of an Award; and (3) any shares that are reacquired by the Company to satisfy a tax withholding obligation in connection with an Award.
3. ELIGIBILITY AND LIMITATIONS.
(a) Eligible Award Recipients. Subject to the terms of the Plan, Employees, Directors and Consultants are eligible to receive Awards.
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(b) Specific Award Limitations.
(i) Limitations on Incentive Stock Option Recipients. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees of the Company or a parent corporation or subsidiary corporation thereof (as such terms are defined in Sections 424(e) and (f) of the Code).
(ii) Incentive Stock Option $100,000 Limitation. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time of grant) of Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Optionholder during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Affiliates) exceeds $100,000 (or such other limit established in the Code) or otherwise does not comply with the rules governing Incentive Stock Options, the Options or portions thereof that exceed such limit (according to the order in which they were granted) or otherwise do not comply with such rules will be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options, notwithstanding any contrary provision of the applicable Option Agreement(s).
(iii) Limitations on Incentive Stock Options Granted to Ten Percent Stockholders. A Ten Percent Stockholder may not be granted an Incentive Stock Option unless (1) the exercise price of such Option is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant of such Option, and (2) the Option is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date of grant of such Option.
(iv) Limitations on Nonstatutory Stock Options and SARs. Nonstatutory Stock Options and SARs may not be granted to Employees, Directors and Consultants who are providing Continuous Service only to any parent of the Company (as such term is defined in Rule 405) unless the stock underlying such Awards is treated as service recipient stock under Section 409A because the Awards are granted pursuant to a corporate transaction (such as a spin off transaction) or unless such Awards otherwise comply with the distribution requirements of Section 409A.
(c) Aggregate Incentive Stock Option Limit. The aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options is the number of shares specified in Section 2(b).
(d) Non-Employee Director Compensation Limit. The aggregate value of all compensation granted or paid, as applicable, to any individual for service as a Non-Employee Director with respect to any period commencing on the date of the Companys Annual Meeting of Stockholders for a particular year and ending on the day immediately prior to the date of the Companys Annual Meeting of Stockholders for the next subsequent year (the Annual Period), including Awards granted and cash fees paid by the Company to such Non-Employee Director, will not exceed (i) $[_____] in total value or (ii) in the event such Non-Employee Director is first appointed or elected to the Board during such Annual Period, $[_____] in total value, in each case, calculating the value of any equity awards based on the grant date fair value of such equity awards for financial reporting purposes. The limitations in this Section 3(d) shall apply commencing with the Annual Period that begins on the Companys first Annual Meeting of Stockholders following the Effective Date.
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4. OPTIONS AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS.
Each Option and SAR will have such terms and conditions as determined by the Board. Each Option will be designated in writing as an Incentive Stock Option or Nonstatutory Stock Option at the time of grant; provided, however, that if an Option is not so designated or if an Option designated as an Incentive Stock Option fails to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, then such Option will be a Nonstatutory Stock Option, and the shares purchased upon exercise of each type of Option will be separately accounted for. Each SAR will be denominated in shares of Common Stock equivalents. The terms and conditions of separate Options and SARs need not be identical; provided, however, that each Option Agreement and SAR Agreement will conform (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the Award Agreement or otherwise) to the substance of each of the following provisions:
(a) Term. Subject to Section 3(b) regarding Ten Percent Stockholders, no Option or SAR will be exercisable after the expiration of ten years from the date of grant of such Award or such shorter period specified in the Award Agreement.
(b) Exercise or Strike Price. Subject to Section 3(b) regarding Ten Percent Stockholders, the exercise or strike price of each Option or SAR will not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant of such Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Option or SAR may be granted with an exercise or strike price lower than 100% of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant of such Award if such Award is granted pursuant to an assumption of or substitution for another option or stock appreciation right pursuant to a Corporate Transaction and in a manner consistent with the provisions of Sections 409A and, if applicable, 424(a) of the Code.
(c) Exercise Procedure and Payment of Exercise Price for Options. In order to exercise an Option, the Participant must provide notice of exercise to the Plan Administrator in accordance with the procedures specified in the Option Agreement or otherwise provided by the Company. The Board has the authority to grant Options that do not permit all of the following methods of payment (or otherwise restrict the ability to use certain methods) and to grant Options that require the consent of the Company to utilize a particular method of payment. The exercise price of an Option may be paid, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law and as determined by the Board, by one or more of the following methods of payment to the extent set forth in the Option Agreement:
(i) by cash or check, bank draft or money order payable to the Company;
(ii) pursuant to a cashless exercise program developed under Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board that, prior to the issuance of the Common Stock subject to the Option, results in either the receipt of cash (or check) by the Company or the receipt of irrevocable instructions to pay the exercise price to the Company from the sales proceeds;
(iii) by delivery to the Company (either by actual delivery or attestation) of shares of Common Stock that are already owned by the Participant free and clear of any liens, claims, encumbrances or security interests, with a Fair Market Value on the date of exercise that does not exceed the exercise price, provided that (1) at the time of exercise the Common Stock is publicly traded, (2) any remaining balance of the exercise price not satisfied by such delivery is
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paid by the Participant in cash or other permitted form of payment, (3) such delivery would not violate any Applicable Law or agreement restricting the redemption of the Common Stock, (4) any certificated shares are endorsed or accompanied by an executed assignment separate from certificate, and (5) such shares have been held by the Participant for any minimum period necessary to avoid adverse accounting treatment as a result of such delivery;
(iv) if the Option is a Nonstatutory Stock Option, by a net exercise arrangement pursuant to which the Company will reduce the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise by the largest whole number of shares with a Fair Market Value on the date of exercise that does not exceed the exercise price, provided that (1) such shares used to pay the exercise price will not be exercisable thereafter, and (2) any remaining balance of the exercise price not satisfied by such net exercise is paid by the Participant in cash or other permitted form of payment; or
(v) in any other form of consideration that may be acceptable to the Board and permissible under Applicable Law.
(d) Exercise Procedure and Payment of Appreciation Distribution for SARs. In order to exercise any SAR, the Participant must provide notice of exercise to the Plan Administrator in accordance with the SAR Agreement. The appreciation distribution payable to a Participant upon the exercise of a SAR will not be greater than an amount equal to the excess of (i) the aggregate Fair Market Value on the date of exercise of a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of Common Stock equivalents that are vested and being exercised under such SAR, over (ii) the strike price of such SAR. Such appreciation distribution may be paid to the Participant in the form of Common Stock or cash (or any combination of Common Stock and cash) or in any other form of payment, as determined by the Board and specified in the SAR Agreement.
(e) Transferability. Options and SARs may not be transferred to third party financial institutions for value. The Board may impose such additional limitations on the transferability of an Option or SAR as it determines. In the absence of any such determination by the Board, the following restrictions on the transferability of Options and SARs will apply, provided that except as explicitly provided herein, neither an Option nor a SAR may be transferred for consideration and provided, further, that if an Option is an Incentive Stock Option, such Option may be deemed to be a Nonstatutory Stock Option as a result of such transfer:
(i) Restrictions on Transfer. An Option or SAR will not be transferable, except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and will be exercisable during the lifetime of the Participant only by the Participant; provided, however, that the Board may permit transfer of an Option or SAR in a manner that is not prohibited by applicable tax and securities laws upon the Participants request, including to a trust if the Participant is considered to be the sole beneficial owner of such trust (as determined under Section 671 of the Code and applicable U.S. state law) while such Option or SAR is held in such trust, provided that the Participant and the trustee enter into a transfer and other agreements required by the Company.
(ii) Domestic Relations Orders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to the execution of transfer documentation in a format acceptable to the Company and subject to the approval of the Board or a duly authorized Officer, an Option or SAR may be transferred pursuant to a domestic relations order.
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(f) Vesting. The Board may impose such restrictions on or conditions to the vesting and/or exercisability of an Option or SAR as determined by the Board. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, vesting of Options and SARs will cease upon termination of the Participants Continuous Service.
(g) Termination of Continuous Service for Cause. Except as explicitly otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, if a Participants Continuous Service is terminated for Cause, the Participants Options and SARs will terminate and be forfeited immediately upon such termination of Continuous Service, and the Participant will be prohibited from exercising any portion (including any vested portion) of such Awards on and after the date of such termination of Continuous Service and the Participant will have no further right, title or interest in such forfeited Award, the shares of Common Stock subject to the forfeited Award, or any consideration in respect of the forfeited Award.
(h) Post-Termination Exercise Period Following Termination of Continuous Service for Reasons Other than Cause. Subject to Section 4(i), if a Participants Continuous Service terminates for any reason other than for Cause, the Participant may exercise his or her Option or SAR to the extent vested, but only within the following period of time or, if applicable, such other period of time provided in the Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate; provided, however, that in no event may such Award be exercised after the expiration of its maximum term (as set forth in Section 4(a)):
(i) three months following the date of such termination if such termination is a termination without Cause (other than any termination due to the Participants Disability or death);
(ii) 12 months following the date of such termination if such termination is due to the Participants Disability;
(iii) 18 months following the date of such termination if such termination is due to the Participants death; or
(iv) 18 months following the date of the Participants death if such death occurs following the date of such termination but during the period such Award is otherwise exercisable (as provided in (i) or (ii) above).
Following the date of such termination, to the extent the Participant does not exercise such Award within the applicable Post-Termination Exercise Period (or, if earlier, prior to the expiration of the maximum term of such Award), such unexercised portion of the Award will terminate, and the Participant will have no further right, title or interest in the terminated Award, the shares of Common Stock subject to the terminated Award, or any consideration in respect of the terminated Award.
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(i) Restrictions on Exercise; Extension of Exercisability. A Participant may not exercise an Option or SAR at any time that the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon such exercise would violate Applicable Law. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, if a Participants Continuous Service terminates for any reason other than for Cause and, at any time during the last thirty days of the applicable Post-Termination Exercise Period: (i) the exercise of the Participants Option or SAR would be prohibited solely because the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon such exercise would violate Applicable Law, or (ii) the immediate sale of any shares of Common Stock issued upon such exercise would violate the Companys Trading Policy, then the applicable Post-Termination Exercise Period will be extended to the last day of the calendar month that commences following the date the Award would otherwise expire, with an additional extension of the exercise period to the last day of the next calendar month to apply if any of the foregoing restrictions apply at any time during such extended exercise period, generally without limitation as to the maximum permitted number of extensions; provided, however, that in no event may such Award be exercised after the expiration of its maximum term (as set forth in Section 4(a)).
(j) Non-Exempt Employees. No Option or SAR, whether or not vested, granted to an Employee who is a non-exempt employee for purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, will be first exercisable for any shares of Common Stock until at least six months following the date of grant of such Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in accordance with the provisions of the Worker Economic Opportunity Act, any vested portion of such Award may be exercised earlier than six months following the date of grant of such Award in the event of (i) such Participants death or Disability, (ii) a Corporate Transaction in which such Award is not assumed, continued or substituted, (iii) a Change in Control, or (iv) such Participants retirement (as such term may be defined in the Award Agreement or another applicable agreement or, in the absence of any such definition, in accordance with the Companys then current employment policies and guidelines). This Section 4(j) is intended to operate so that any income derived by a non-exempt employee in connection with the exercise or vesting of an Option or SAR will be exempt from his or her regular rate of pay.
(k) Whole Shares. Options and SARs may be exercised only with respect to whole shares of Common Stock or their equivalents.
5. AWARDS OTHER THAN OPTIONS AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS.
(a) Restricted Stock Awards and RSU Awards. Each Restricted Stock Award and RSU Award will have such terms and conditions as determined by the Board; provided, however, that each Restricted Stock Award Agreement and RSU Award Agreement will conform (through incorporation of the provisions hereof by reference in the Award Agreement or otherwise) to the substance of each of the following provisions:
(i) Form of Award.
(1) Restricted Stock Awards: To the extent consistent with the Companys Bylaws, at the Boards election, shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award may be (A) held in book entry form subject to the Companys instructions until such shares become vested or any other restrictions lapse, or (B) evidenced by a certificate, which certificate will be held in such form and manner as determined by the Board. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, a Participant will have voting and other rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any shares subject to a Restricted Stock Award.
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(2) RSU Awards: An RSU Award represents a Participants right to be issued on a future date the number of shares of Common Stock that is equal to the number of restricted stock units subject to the RSU Award. As a holder of an RSU Award, a Participant is an unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to the Companys unfunded obligation, if any, to issue shares of Common Stock in settlement of such Award and nothing contained in the Plan or any RSU Award Agreement, and no action taken pursuant to its provisions, will create or be construed to create a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate or any other person. A Participant will not have voting or any other rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any RSU Award (unless and until shares are actually issued in settlement of a vested RSU Award).
(ii) Consideration.
(1) Restricted Stock Awards: A Restricted Stock Award may be granted in consideration for (A) cash or check, bank draft or money order payable to the Company, (B) past services to the Company or an Affiliate, or (C) any other form of consideration (including future services) as the Board may determine and permissible under Applicable Law.
(2) RSU Awards: Unless otherwise determined by the Board at the time of grant, an RSU Award will be granted in consideration for the Participants services to the Company or an Affiliate, such that the Participant will not be required to make any payment to the Company (other than such services) with respect to the grant or vesting of the RSU Award, or the issuance of any shares of Common Stock pursuant to the RSU Award. If, at the time of grant, the Board determines that any consideration must be paid by the Participant (in a form other than the Participants services to the Company or an Affiliate) upon the issuance of any shares of Common Stock in settlement of the RSU Award, such consideration may be paid in any form of consideration as the Board may determine and permissible under Applicable Law.
(iii) Vesting. The Board may impose such restrictions on or conditions to the vesting of a Restricted Stock Award or RSU Award as determined by the Board. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, vesting of Restricted Stock Awards and RSU Awards will cease upon termination of the Participants Continuous Service.
(iv) Termination of Continuous Service. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, if a Participants Continuous Service terminates for any reason, (1) the Company may receive through a forfeiture condition or a repurchase right any or all of the shares of Common Stock held by the Participant under his or her Restricted Stock Award that have not vested as of the date of such termination as set forth in the Restricted Stock Award Agreement, and (2) any portion of his or her RSU Award that has not vested will be forfeited upon such termination and the Participant will have no further right, title or interest in the RSU Award, the shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to the RSU Award, or any consideration in respect of the RSU Award.
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(v) Dividends and Dividend Equivalents. Dividends or dividend equivalents may be paid or credited, as applicable, with respect to any shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award or RSU Award, as determined by the Board and specified in the Award Agreement.
(vi) Settlement of RSU Awards. An RSU Award may be settled by the issuance of shares of Common Stock or cash (or any combination thereof) or in any other form of payment, as determined by the Board and specified in the RSU Award Agreement. At the time of grant, the Board may determine to impose such restrictions or conditions that delay such delivery to a date following the vesting of the RSU Award.
(b) Performance Awards. With respect to any Performance Award, the length of any Performance Period, the Performance Goals to be achieved during the Performance Period, the other terms and conditions of such Award, and the measure of whether and to what degree such Performance Goals have been attained will be determined by the Board.
(c) Other Awards. Other forms of Awards valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, Common Stock, including the appreciation in value thereof (e.g., options or stock rights with an exercise price or strike price less than 100% of the Fair Market Value at the time of grant), may be granted either alone or in addition to Awards provided for under Section 4 and the preceding provisions of this Section 5. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Board will have sole and complete discretion to determine the persons to whom and the time or times at which such Other Awards will be granted, the number of shares of Common Stock (or the cash equivalent thereof) to be granted pursuant to such Other Awards and all other terms and conditions of such Other Awards.
6. ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN COMMON STOCK; OTHER CORPORATE EVENTS.
(a) Capitalization Adjustments. In the event of a Capitalization Adjustment, the Board shall appropriately and proportionately adjust: (i) the class(es) and maximum number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Plan and the maximum number of shares by which the Share Reserve may annually increase pursuant to Section 2(a); (ii) the class(es) and maximum number of shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options pursuant to Section 2(b); and (iii) the class(es) and number of securities and exercise price, strike price or purchase price of Common Stock subject to outstanding Awards. The Board shall make such adjustments, and its determination shall be final, binding and conclusive. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no fractional shares or rights for fractional shares of Common Stock shall be created in order to implement any Capitalization Adjustment. The Board shall determine an appropriate equivalent benefit, if any, for any fractional shares or rights to fractional shares that might be created by the adjustments referred to in the preceding provisions of this Section.
(b) Dissolution or Liquidation. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, in the event of a dissolution or liquidation of the Company, all outstanding Awards (other than Awards consisting of vested and outstanding shares of Common Stock not subject to a forfeiture condition or the Companys right of repurchase) will terminate immediately prior to the completion of such dissolution or liquidation, and the shares of Common Stock subject to the Companys repurchase rights or subject to a forfeiture condition may be repurchased or reacquired
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by the Company notwithstanding the fact that the holder of such Award is providing Continuous Service, provided, however, that the Board may determine to cause some or all Awards to become fully vested, exercisable and/or no longer subject to repurchase or forfeiture (to the extent such Awards have not previously expired or terminated) before the dissolution or liquidation is completed but contingent on its completion.
(c) Corporate Transaction. The following provisions will apply to Awards in the event of a Corporate Transaction, unless otherwise provided in the instrument evidencing the Award or any other written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant or unless otherwise expressly provided by the Board at the time of grant of an Award.
(i) Awards May Be Assumed. In the event of a Corporate Transaction, any surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or the surviving or acquiring corporations parent company) may assume or continue any or all Awards outstanding under the Plan or may substitute similar awards for Awards outstanding under the Plan (including but not limited to, awards to acquire the same consideration paid to the stockholders of the Company pursuant to the Corporate Transaction), and any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company in respect of Common Stock issued pursuant to Awards may be assigned by the Company to the successor of the Company (or the successors parent company, if any), in connection with such Corporate Transaction. A surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or its parent) may choose to assume or continue only a portion of an Award or substitute a similar award for only a portion of an Award, or may choose to assume, continue or substitute the Awards held by some, but not all Participants. The terms of any assumption, continuation or substitution will be set by the Board.
(ii) Awards Held by Current Participants. In the event of a Corporate Transaction in which the surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or its parent company) does not assume or continue such outstanding Awards or substitute similar awards for such outstanding Awards, then with respect to Awards that have not been assumed, continued or substituted and that are held by Participants whose Continuous Service has not terminated prior to the effective time of the Corporate Transaction (referred to as the Current Participants), the vesting of such Awards (and, with respect to Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, the time when such Awards may be exercised) will be accelerated in full to a date prior to the effective time of such Corporate Transaction (contingent upon the effectiveness of the Corporate Transaction) as the Board determines (or, if the Board does not determine such a date, to the date that is five days prior to the effective time of the Corporate Transaction), and such Awards will terminate if not exercised (if applicable) at or prior to the effective time of the Corporate Transaction, and any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company with respect to such Awards will lapse (contingent upon the effectiveness of the Corporate Transaction). With respect to the vesting of Performance Awards that will accelerate upon the occurrence of a Corporate Transaction pursuant to this subsection (ii) and that have multiple vesting levels depending on the level of performance, unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, the vesting of such Performance Awards will accelerate at 100% of the target level upon the occurrence of the Corporate Transaction in which the Awards are not assumed, continued or substituted in accordance with Section 6(c)(i). With respect to the vesting of Awards that will accelerate upon the occurrence of a Corporate Transaction pursuant to this subsection (ii) and are settled in the form of a cash payment, such cash payment will be made no later than 30 days following the occurrence of the Corporate Transaction or such later date as required to comply with Section 409A of the Code.
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(iii) Awards Held by Persons other than Current Participants. In the event of a Corporate Transaction in which the surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or its parent company) does not assume or continue such outstanding Awards or substitute similar awards for such outstanding Awards, then with respect to Awards that have not been assumed, continued or substituted and that are held by persons other than Current Participants, such Awards will terminate if not exercised (if applicable) prior to the occurrence of the Corporate Transaction; provided, however, that any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company with respect to such Awards will not terminate and may continue to be exercised notwithstanding the Corporate Transaction.
(iv) Payment for Awards in Lieu of Exercise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event an Award will terminate if not exercised prior to the effective time of a Corporate Transaction, the Board may provide, in its sole discretion, that the holder of such Award may not exercise such Award but will receive a payment, in such form as may be determined by the Board, equal in value, at the effective time, to the excess, if any, of (1) the value of the property the Participant would have received upon the exercise of the Award (including, at the discretion of the Board, any unvested portion of such Award), over (2) any exercise price payable by such holder in connection with such exercise.
(d) Appointment of Stockholder Representative. As a condition to the receipt of an Award under this Plan, a Participant will be deemed to have agreed that the Award will be subject to the terms of any agreement governing a Corporate Transaction involving the Company, including, without limitation, a provision for the appointment of a stockholder representative that is authorized to act on the Participants behalf with respect to any escrow, indemnities and any contingent consideration.
(e) No Restriction on Right to Undertake Transactions. The grant of any Award under the Plan and the issuance of shares pursuant to any Award does not affect or restrict in any way the right or power of the Company or the stockholders of the Company to make or authorize any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the Companys capital structure or its business, any merger or consolidation of the Company, any issue of stock or of options, rights or options to purchase stock or of bonds, debentures, preferred or prior preference stocks whose rights are superior to or affect the Common Stock or the rights thereof or which are convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock, or the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or any sale or transfer of all or any part of its assets or business, or any other corporate act or proceeding, whether of a similar character or otherwise.
7. ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Administration by Board. The Board will administer the Plan unless and until the Board delegates administration of the Plan to a Committee or Committees, as provided in subsection (c) below.
(b) Powers of Board. The Board will have the power, subject to, and within the limitations of, the express provisions of the Plan:
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(i) To determine from time to time (1) which of the persons eligible under the Plan will be granted Awards; (2) when and how each Award will be granted; (3) what type or combination of types of Award will be granted; (4) the provisions of each Award granted (which need not be identical), including the time or times when a person will be permitted to receive an issuance of Common Stock or other payment pursuant to an Award; (5) the number of shares of Common Stock or cash equivalent with respect to which an Award will be granted to each such person; (6) the Fair Market Value applicable to an Award; and (7) the terms of any Performance Award that is not valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, the Common Stock, including the amount of cash payment or other property that may be earned and the timing of payment.
(ii) To construe and interpret the Plan and Awards granted under it, and to establish, amend and revoke rules and regulations for its administration. The Board, in the exercise of this power, may correct any defect, omission or inconsistency in the Plan or in any Award Agreement, in a manner and to the extent it deems necessary or expedient to make the Plan or Award fully effective.
(iii) To settle all controversies regarding the Plan and Awards granted under it.
(iv) To accelerate the time at which an Award may first be exercised or the time during which an Award or any part thereof will vest, notwithstanding the provisions in the Award Agreement stating the time at which it may first be exercised or the time during which it will vest.
(v) To prohibit the exercise of any Option, SAR or other exercisable Award during a period of up to 30 days prior to the consummation of any pending stock dividend, stock split, combination or exchange of shares, merger, consolidation or other distribution (other than normal cash dividends) of Company assets to stockholders, or any other change affecting the shares of Common Stock or the share price of the Common Stock, including any Corporate Transaction, for reasons of administrative convenience.
(vi) To suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. Suspension or termination of the Plan will not Materially Impair rights and obligations under any Award granted while the Plan is in effect except with the written consent of the affected Participant.
(vii) To amend the Plan in any respect the Board deems necessary or advisable; provided, however, that stockholder approval will be required for any amendment to the extent required by Applicable Law. Except as provided above, rights under any Award granted before amendment of the Plan will not be Materially Impaired by any amendment of the Plan unless (1) the Company requests the consent of the affected Participant, and (2) such Participant consents in writing.
(viii) To submit any amendment to the Plan for stockholder approval.
(ix) To approve forms of Award Agreements for use under the Plan and to amend the terms of any one or more Awards, including, but not limited to, amendments to provide terms more favorable to the Participant than previously provided in the Award Agreement, subject to any specified limits in the Plan that are not subject to Board discretion; provided however, that, a Participants rights under any Award will not be Materially Impaired by any such amendment unless (1) the Company requests the consent of the affected Participant, and (2) such Participant consents in writing.
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(x) Generally, to exercise such powers and to perform such acts as the Board deems necessary or expedient to promote the best interests of the Company and that are not in conflict with the provisions of the Plan or Awards.
(xi) To adopt such procedures and sub-plans as are necessary or appropriate to permit and facilitate participation in the Plan by, or take advantage of specific tax treatment for Awards granted to, Employees, Directors or Consultants who are non-U.S. nationals or employed outside the United States (provided that Board approval will not be necessary for immaterial modifications to the Plan or any Award Agreement to ensure or facilitate compliance with the laws of the relevant non-U.S. jurisdiction).
(xii) To effect, at any time and from time to time, subject to the consent of any Participant whose Award is Materially Impaired by such action, (1) the reduction of the exercise price (or strike price) of any outstanding Option or SAR; (2) the cancellation of any outstanding Option or SAR and the grant in substitution therefor of (A) a new Option, SAR, Restricted Stock Award, RSU Award or Other Award, under the Plan or another equity plan of the Company, covering the same or a different number of shares of Common Stock, (B) cash and/or (C) other valuable consideration (as determined by the Board); or (3) any other action that is treated as a repricing under generally accepted accounting principles.
(c) Delegation to Committee.
(i) General. The Board may delegate some or all of the administration of the Plan to a Committee or Committees. If administration of the Plan is delegated to a Committee, the Committee will have, in connection with the administration of the Plan, the powers theretofore possessed by the Board that have been delegated to the Committee, including the power to delegate to another Committee or a subcommittee of the Committee any of the administrative powers the Committee is authorized to exercise (and references in this Plan to the Board will thereafter be to the Committee or subcommittee), subject, however, to such resolutions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as may be adopted from time to time by the Board. Each Committee may retain the authority to concurrently administer the Plan with the Committee or subcommittee to which it has delegated its authority hereunder and may, at any time, revest in such Committee some or all of the powers previously delegated. The Board may retain the authority to concurrently administer the Plan with any Committee and may, at any time, revest in the Board some or all of the powers previously delegated.
(ii) Rule 16b-3 Compliance. To the extent an Award is intended to qualify for the exemption from Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act that is available under Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act, the Award will be granted by the Board or a Committee that consists solely of two or more Non-Employee Directors, as determined under Rule 16b-3(b)(3) of the Exchange Act and thereafter any action establishing or modifying the terms of the Award will be approved by the Board or a Committee meeting such requirements to the extent necessary for such exemption to remain available.
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(d) Effect of Boards Decision. All determinations, interpretations and constructions made by the Board or any Committee in good faith will not be subject to review by any person and will be final, binding and conclusive on all persons.
(e) Delegation to Other Person or Body. The Board or any Committee may delegate to one or more persons or bodies the authority to do one or more of the following to the extent permitted by Applicable Law: (i) designate recipients, other than Officers, of Options and SARs (and, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, other Awards), provided that no person or body may be delegated authority to grant an Award to themself; (ii) determine the number of shares subject to such Awards; and (iii) determine the terms of such Awards; provided, however, that the Board or Committee action regarding such delegation will fix the terms of such delegation in accordance with Applicable Law, including without limitation Sections 152 and 157 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Unless provided otherwise in the Board or Committee action regarding such delegation, each Award granted pursuant to this section will be granted on the applicable form of Award Agreement most recently approved for use by the Board or the Committee, with any modifications necessary to incorporate or reflect the terms of such Award. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, neither the Board nor any Committee may delegate to any person or body (who is not a Director or that is not comprised solely of Directors, respectively) the authority to determine the Fair Market Value.
8. TAX WITHHOLDING
(a) Withholding Authorization. As a condition to acceptance of any Award under the Plan, a Participant authorizes withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to such Participant, and otherwise agrees to make adequate provision for (including), any sums required to satisfy any U.S. federal, state, local and/or non-U.S. tax or social insurance contribution withholding obligations of the Company or an Affiliate, if any, which arise in connection with the exercise, vesting or settlement of such Award, as applicable. Accordingly, a Participant may not be able to exercise an Award even though the Award is vested, and the Company shall have no obligation to issue shares of Common Stock subject to an Award, unless and until such obligations are satisfied.
(b) Satisfaction of Withholding Obligation. To the extent permitted by the terms of an Award Agreement, the Company may, in its sole discretion, satisfy any U.S. federal, state, local and/or non-U.S. tax or social insurance withholding obligation relating to an Award by any of the following means or by a combination of such means: (i) causing the Participant to tender a cash payment; (ii) withholding shares of Common Stock from the shares of Common Stock issued or otherwise issuable to the Participant in connection with the Award; (iii) withholding cash from an Award settled in cash; (iv) withholding payment from any amounts otherwise payable to the Participant; (v) by allowing a Participant to effectuate a cashless exercise pursuant to a program developed under Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board; or (vi) by such other method as may be set forth in the Award Agreement.
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(c) No Obligation to Notify or Minimize Taxes; No Liability to Claims. Except as required by Applicable Law, the Company has no duty or obligation to any Participant to advise such holder as to the time or manner of exercising such Award. Furthermore, the Company has no duty or obligation to warn or otherwise advise such holder of a pending termination or expiration of an Award or a possible period in which the Award may not be exercised. The Company has no duty or obligation to minimize the tax consequences of an Award to the holder of such Award and will not be liable to any holder of an Award for any adverse tax consequences to such holder in connection with an Award. As a condition to accepting an Award under the Plan, each Participant (i) agrees to not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates related to tax liabilities arising from such Award or other Company compensation, and (ii) acknowledges that such Participant was advised to consult with his or her own personal tax, financial and other legal advisors regarding the tax consequences of the Award and has either done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so. Additionally, each Participant acknowledges any Option or SAR granted under the Plan is exempt from Section 409A only if the exercise or strike price is at least equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant as determined by the Internal Revenue Service and there is no other impermissible deferral of compensation associated with the Award. Additionally, as a condition to accepting an Option or SAR granted under the Plan, each Participant agrees to not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates in the event that the Internal Revenue Service asserts that such exercise price or strike price is less than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant as subsequently determined by the Internal Revenue Service.
(d) Withholding Indemnification. As a condition to accepting an Award under the Plan, in the event that the amount of the Companys and/or its Affiliates withholding obligation in connection with such Award was greater than the amount actually withheld by the Company and/or its Affiliates, each Participant agrees to indemnify and hold the Company and/or its Affiliates harmless from any failure by the Company and/or its Affiliates to withhold the proper amount.
9. MISCELLANEOUS.
(a) Source of Shares. The stock issuable under the Plan will be shares of authorized but unissued or reacquired Common Stock, including shares repurchased by the Company on the open market or otherwise.
(b) Use of Proceeds from Sales of Common Stock. Proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock pursuant to Awards will constitute general funds of the Company.
(c) Corporate Action Constituting Grant of Awards. Corporate action constituting a grant by the Company of an Award to any Participant will be deemed completed as of the date of such corporate action, unless otherwise determined by the Board, regardless of when the instrument, certificate, or letter evidencing the Award is communicated to, or actually received or accepted by, the Participant. In the event that the corporate records (e.g., Board consents, resolutions or minutes) documenting the corporate action approving the grant contain terms (e.g., exercise price, vesting schedule or number of shares) that are inconsistent with those in the Award Agreement or related grant documents as a result of a clerical error in the Award Agreement or related grant documents, the corporate records will control and the Participant will have no legally binding right to the incorrect term in the Award Agreement or related grant documents.
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(d) Stockholder Rights. No Participant will be deemed to be the holder of, or to have any of the rights of a holder with respect to, any shares of Common Stock subject to such Award unless and until (i) such Participant has satisfied all requirements for exercise of the Award pursuant to its terms, if applicable, and (ii) the issuance of the Common Stock subject to such Award is reflected in the records of the Company.
(e) No Employment or Other Service Rights. Nothing in the Plan, any Award Agreement or any other instrument executed thereunder or in connection with any Award granted pursuant thereto will confer upon any Participant any right to continue to serve the Company or an Affiliate in the capacity in effect at the time the Award was granted or affect the right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate at will and without regard to any future vesting opportunity that a Participant may have with respect to any Award (i) the employment of an Employee with or without notice and with or without cause, (ii) the service of a Consultant pursuant to the terms of such Consultants agreement with the Company or an Affiliate, or (iii) the service of a Director pursuant to the Bylaws of the Company or an Affiliate, and any applicable provisions of the corporate law of the U.S. state or non-U.S. jurisdiction in which the Company or the Affiliate is incorporated, as the case may be. Further, nothing in the Plan, any Award Agreement or any other instrument executed thereunder or in connection with any Award will constitute any promise or commitment by the Company or an Affiliate regarding the fact or nature of future positions, future work assignments, future compensation or any other term or condition of employment or service or confer any right or benefit under the Award or the Plan unless such right or benefit has specifically accrued under the terms of the Award Agreement and/or Plan.
(f) Change in Time Commitment. In the event a Participants regular level of time commitment in the performance of his or her services for the Company and any Affiliates is reduced (for example, and without limitation, if the Participant is an Employee and the Employee has a change in status from a full-time Employee to a part-time Employee or takes an extended leave of absence) after the date of grant of any Award to the Participant, the Board may determine, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, to (i) make a corresponding reduction in the number of shares or cash amount subject to any portion of such Award that is scheduled to vest or become payable after the date of such change in time commitment, and (ii) in lieu of or in combination with such a reduction, extend the vesting or payment schedule applicable to such Award. In the event of any such reduction, the Participant will have no right with respect to any portion of the Award that is so reduced or extended.
(g) Execution of Additional Documents. As a condition to accepting an Award under the Plan, the Participant agrees to execute any additional documents or instruments necessary or desirable, as determined in the Plan Administrators sole discretion, to carry out the purposes or intent of the Award, or facilitate compliance with securities and/or other regulatory requirements, in each case at the Plan Administrators request.
(h) Electronic Delivery and Participation. Any reference herein or in an Award Agreement to a written agreement or document will include any agreement or document delivered electronically, filed publicly at www.sec.gov (or any successor website thereto) or posted on the Companys intranet (or other shared electronic medium controlled by the Company to which the Participant has access). By accepting any Award the Participant consents to receive documents by electronic delivery and to participate in the Plan through any on-line electronic system established and maintained by the Plan Administrator or another third party selected by the Plan Administrator. The form of delivery of any Common Stock (e.g., a stock certificate or electronic entry evidencing such shares) shall be determined by the Company.
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(i) Clawback/Recovery. All Awards granted under the Plan will be subject to recoupment in accordance with 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 Companys securities are listed or as is otherwise required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or other Applicable Law and any clawback policy that the Company otherwise adopts, to the extent applicable and permissible under Applicable Law. In addition, the Board may impose such other clawback, recovery or recoupment provisions in an Award Agreement as the Board determines necessary or appropriate, including but not limited to a reacquisition right in respect of previously acquired shares of Common Stock or other cash or property upon the occurrence of Cause. No recovery of compensation under such a clawback policy will be an event giving rise to a Participants right to voluntarily terminate employment upon a resignation for good reason, or for a constructive termination or any similar term under any plan of or agreement with the Company.
(j) Securities Law Compliance. A Participant will not be issued any shares in respect of an Award unless either (i) the shares are registered under the Securities Act or (ii) the Company has determined that such issuance would be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Each Award also must comply with other Applicable Law governing the Award, and a Participant will not receive such shares if the Company determines that such receipt would not be in material compliance with Applicable Law.
(k) Transfer or Assignment of Awards; Issued Shares. Except as expressly provided in the Plan or the form of Award Agreement, Awards granted under the Plan may not be transferred or assigned by the Participant. After the vested shares subject to an Award have been issued, or in the case of a Restricted Stock Award and similar awards, after the issued shares have vested, the holder of such shares is free to assign, hypothecate, donate, encumber or otherwise dispose of any interest in such shares provided that any such actions are in compliance with the provisions herein, the terms of the Trading Policy and Applicable Law.
(l) Effect on Other Employee Benefit Plans. The value of any Award granted under the Plan, as determined upon grant, vesting or settlement, shall not be included as compensation, earnings, salaries, or other similar terms used when calculating any Participants benefits under any employee benefit plan sponsored by the Company or any Affiliate, except as such plan otherwise expressly provides. The Company expressly reserves its rights to amend, modify, or terminate any of the Companys or any Affiliates employee benefit plans.
(m) Deferrals. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Board, in its sole discretion, may determine that the delivery of Common Stock or the payment of cash, upon the exercise, vesting or settlement of all or a portion of any Award may be deferred and may also establish programs and procedures for deferral elections to be made by Participants. Deferrals will be made in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A.
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(n) Section 409A. Unless otherwise expressly provided for in an Award Agreement, the Plan and Award Agreements will be interpreted to the greatest extent possible in a manner that makes the Plan and the Awards granted hereunder exempt from Section 409A, and, to the extent not so exempt, in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A. If the Board determines that any Award granted hereunder is not exempt from and is therefore subject to Section 409A, the Award Agreement evidencing such Award will incorporate the terms and conditions necessary to avoid the consequences specified in Section 409A(a)(1) of the Code, and to the extent an Award Agreement is silent on terms necessary for compliance, such terms are hereby incorporated by reference into the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan (and unless the Award Agreement specifically provides otherwise), if the shares of Common Stock are publicly traded, and if a Participant holding an Award that constitutes deferred compensation under Section 409A is a specified employee for purposes of Section 409A, no distribution or payment of any amount that is due because of a separation from service (as defined in Section 409A without regard to alternative definitions thereunder) will be issued or paid before the date that is six months and one day following the date of such Participants separation from service or, if earlier, the date of the Participants death, unless such distribution or payment can be made in a manner that complies with Section 409A, and any amounts so deferred will be paid in a lump sum on the day after such six month period elapses, with the balance paid thereafter on the original schedule.
(o) Choice of Law. This Plan and any controversy arising out of or relating to this Plan shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles that would result in any application of any law other than the law of the State of Delaware.
10. COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY.
The Company will seek to obtain from each regulatory commission or agency, as may be deemed to be necessary, having jurisdiction over the Plan such authority as may be required to grant Awards and to issue and sell shares of Common Stock upon exercise or vesting of the Awards; provided, however, that this undertaking will not require the Company to register under the Securities Act the Plan, any Award or any Common Stock issued or issuable pursuant to any such Award. If, after reasonable efforts and at a reasonable cost, the Company is unable to obtain from any such regulatory commission or agency the authority that counsel for the Company deems necessary or advisable for the lawful issuance and sale of Common Stock under the Plan, the Company will be relieved from any liability for failure to issue and sell Common Stock upon exercise or vesting of such Awards unless and until such authority is obtained. A Participant is not eligible for the grant of an Award or the subsequent issuance of Common Stock pursuant to the Award if such grant or issuance would be in violation of any Applicable Law.
11. SEVERABILITY.
If all or any part of the Plan or any Award Agreement is declared by any court or governmental authority to be unlawful or invalid, such unlawfulness or invalidity shall not invalidate any portion of the Plan or such Award Agreement not declared to be unlawful or invalid. Any Section of the Plan or any Award Agreement (or part of such a Section) so declared to be unlawful or invalid shall, if possible, be construed in a manner which will give effect to the terms of such Section or part of a Section to the fullest extent possible while remaining lawful and valid.
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12. TERMINATION OF THE PLAN.
The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. No Incentive Stock Options may be granted after the tenth anniversary of the earlier of: (a) the Adoption Date, or (b) the date the Plan is approved by the Companys stockholders. No Awards may be granted under the Plan while the Plan is suspended or after it is terminated.
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13. DEFINITIONS.
As used in the Plan, the following definitions apply to the capitalized terms indicated below:
(a) Acquiring Entity means the surviving or acquiring corporation (or its parent company) in connection with a Corporate Transaction.
(b) Adoption Date means the date the Plan is first approved by the Board or Compensation Committee, as applicable.
(c) Affiliate means, at the time of determination, any parent or subsidiary of the Company as such terms are defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act. The Board may determine the time or times at which parent or subsidiary status is determined within the foregoing definition.
(d) Applicable Law means the Code and any applicable U.S. and non-U.S. securities, exchange control, tax, federal, state, material local or municipal or other law, statute, constitution, principle of common law, resolution, ordinance, code, edict, decree, rule, listing rule, regulation, judicial decision, ruling or requirement issued, enacted, adopted, promulgated, implemented or otherwise put into effect by or under the authority of any Governmental Body (including under the authority of any applicable self-regulating organization such as the Nasdaq Stock Market, New York Stock Exchange, or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority).
(e) Award means any right to receive Common Stock, cash or other property granted under the Plan (including an Incentive Stock Option, a Nonstatutory Stock Option, a Restricted Stock Award, an RSU Award, a SAR, a Performance Award or any Other Award).
(f) Award Agreement means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and a Participant evidencing the terms and conditions of an Award. The Award Agreement generally consists of the Grant Notice and the agreement containing the written summary of the general terms and conditions applicable to the Award and which is provided, including through electronic means, to a Participant along with the Grant Notice.
(g) Board means the Board of Directors of the Company (or its designee). Any decision or determination made by the Board shall be a decision or determination that is made in the sole discretion of the Board (or its designee), and such decision or determination shall be final and binding on all Participants.
(h) Capital Stock means each and every class of common stock of the Company, regardless of the number of votes per share.
(i) Capitalization Adjustment means any change that is made in, or other events that occur with respect to, the Common Stock subject to the Plan or subject to any Award after the Effective Date without the receipt of consideration by the Company through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, reincorporation, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, large nonrecurring cash dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, liquidating dividend, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure or any similar equity restructuring transaction, as that term is used in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (or any successor thereto). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the conversion of any convertible securities of the Company will not be treated as a Capitalization Adjustment.
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(j) Cause has the meaning ascribed to such term in any written agreement between the Participant and the Company defining such term and, in the absence of such agreement, such term means, with respect to a Participant, the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) such Participants commission of any felony or any crime involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude under the laws of the United States or any state thereof; (ii) such Participants attempted commission of, or participation in, a fraud or act of dishonesty against the Company; (iii) such Participants material violation of any contract or agreement between the Participant and the Company or of any statutory duty owed to the Company; (iv) such Participants unauthorized use or disclosure of the Companys confidential information or trade secrets; (v) such Participants gross misconduct; (vi) such Participants failure or refusal to comply with a lawful material directive from the Board, the Participants supervisor or, if applicable, the board of directors of any Affiliate; or (vii) such Participants breach of a fiduciary duty to the Company. The determination that a termination of the Participants Continuous Service is either for Cause or without Cause will be made by the Board with respect to Participants who are executive officers of the Company and by the Companys Chief Executive Officer with respect to Participants who are not executive officers of the Company. Any determination by the Company that the Continuous Service of a Participant was terminated with or without Cause for the purposes of outstanding Awards held by such Participant will have no effect upon any determination of the rights or obligations of the Company or such Participant for any other purpose.
(k) Change in Control or Change of Control means the occurrence, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, of any one or more of the following events:
(i) any Exchange Act Person becomes the Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Companys then outstanding securities other than by virtue of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur (1) on account of the acquisition of securities of the Company directly from the Company, (2) on account of the acquisition of securities of the Company by an investor, any affiliate thereof or any other Exchange Act Person that acquires the Companys securities in a transaction or series of related transactions the primary purpose of which is to obtain financing for the Company through the issuance of equity securities, or (3) solely because the level of Ownership held by any Exchange Act Person (the Subject Person) exceeds the designated percentage threshold of the outstanding voting securities as a result of a repurchase or other acquisition of voting securities by the Company reducing the number of shares outstanding, provided that if a Change in Control would occur (but for the operation of this sentence) as a result of the acquisition of voting securities by the Company, and after such share acquisition, the Subject Person becomes the Owner of any additional voting securities that, assuming the repurchase or other acquisition had not occurred, increases the percentage of the then outstanding voting securities Owned by the Subject Person over the designated percentage threshold, then a Change in Control shall be deemed to occur;
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(ii) there is consummated a merger, consolidation or similar transaction involving (directly or indirectly) the Company and, immediately after the consummation of such merger, consolidation or similar transaction, the stockholders of the Company immediately prior thereto do not Own, directly or indirectly, either (1) outstanding voting securities representing more than 50% of the combined outstanding voting power of the Acquiring Entity in such merger, consolidation or similar transaction or (2) more than 50% of the combined outstanding voting power of the parent of the Acquiring Entity in such merger, consolidation or similar transaction, in each case in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such transaction;
(iii) the stockholders of the Company approve or the Board approves a plan of complete dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or a complete dissolution or liquidation of the Company shall otherwise occur, except for a liquidation into a parent corporation;
(iv) there is consummated a sale, lease, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, other than a sale, lease, license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries to an Entity, more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are Owned by stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such sale, lease, license or other disposition; or
(v) individuals who, on the Adoption Date, are members of the Board (the Incumbent Board) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board; provided, however, that if the appointment or election (or nomination for election) of any new Board member was approved or recommended by a majority vote of the members of the Incumbent Board then still in office, such new member shall, for purposes of this Plan, be considered as a member of the Incumbent Board.
Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Plan, (1) the term Change in Control shall not include a sale of assets, merger or other transaction effected exclusively for the purpose of changing the domicile of the Company, (2) the definition of Change in Control (or any analogous term) in an individual written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant shall supersede the foregoing definition with respect to Awards subject to such agreement; provided, however, that if no definition of Change in Control or any analogous term is set forth in such an individual written agreement, the foregoing definition shall apply, and (3) with respect to any nonqualified deferred compensation that becomes payable on account of the Change in Control, the transaction or event described in clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) also constitutes a Section 409A Change in Control if required in order for the payment not to violate Section 409A of the Code.
(l) Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including any applicable regulations and guidance thereunder.
(m) Committee means the Compensation Committee and any other committee of one or more Directors to whom authority has been delegated by the Board or Compensation Committee in accordance with the Plan.
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(n) Common Stock means, as of the IPO Date, the common stock of the Company.
(o) Company means Beta Bionics, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
(p) Compensation Committee means the Compensation Committee of the Board.
(q) Consultant means any person, including an advisor, who is (i) engaged by the Company or an Affiliate to render consulting or advisory services and is compensated for such services, or (ii) serving as a member of the board of directors of an Affiliate and is compensated for such services. However, service solely as a Director, or payment of a fee for such service, will not cause a Director to be considered a Consultant for purposes of the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a person is treated as a Consultant under this Plan only if a Form S-8 Registration Statement under the Securities Act is available to register either the offer or the sale of the Companys securities to such person.
(r) Continuous Service means that the Participants service with the Company or an Affiliate, whether as an Employee, Director or Consultant, is not interrupted or terminated. A change in the capacity in which the Participant renders service to the Company or an Affiliate as an Employee, Director or Consultant or a change in the Entity for which the Participant renders such service, provided that there is no interruption or termination of the Participants service with the Company or an Affiliate, will not terminate a Participants Continuous Service; provided, however, that if the Entity for which a Participant is rendering services ceases to qualify as an Affiliate, as determined by the Board, such Participants Continuous Service will be considered to have terminated on the date such Entity ceases to qualify as an Affiliate. For example, a change in status from an Employee of the Company to a Consultant of an Affiliate or to a Director will not constitute an interruption of Continuous Service. To the extent permitted by law, the Board or the chief executive officer of the Company, in that partys sole discretion, may determine whether Continuous Service will be considered interrupted in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Board or chief executive officer, including sick leave, military leave or any other personal leave, or (ii) transfers between the Company, an Affiliate, or their successors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a leave of absence will be treated as Continuous Service for purposes of vesting in an Award only to such extent as may be provided in the Companys leave of absence policy, in the written terms of any leave of absence agreement or policy applicable to the Participant, or as otherwise required by law. In addition, to the extent required for exemption from or compliance with Section 409A, the determination of whether there has been a termination of Continuous Service will be made, and such term will be construed, in a manner that is consistent with the definition of separation from service as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h) (without regard to any alternative definition thereunder).
(s) Corporate Transaction means the consummation, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, of any one or more of the following events:
(i) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all, as determined by the Board, of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries;
(ii) a sale or other disposition of at least 50% of the outstanding securities of the Company;
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(iii) a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is not the surviving corporation; or
(iv) a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is the surviving corporation but the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately preceding the merger, consolidation or similar transaction are converted or exchanged by virtue of the merger, consolidation or similar transaction into other property, whether in the form of securities, cash or otherwise.
(t) determine or determined means as determined by the Board or the Committee (or its designee) in its sole discretion.
(u) Director means a member of the Board.
(v) Disability means, with respect to a Participant, such Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, as provided in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, and will be determined by the Board on the basis of such medical evidence as the Board deems warranted under the circumstances.
(w) Effective Date means the IPO Date, provided this Plan is approved by the Companys stockholders prior to the IPO Date.
(x) Employee means any person employed by the Company or an Affiliate. However, service solely as a Director, or payment of a fee for such services, will not cause a Director to be considered an Employee for purposes of the Plan.
(y) Employer means the Company or the Affiliate that employs the Participant.
(z) Entity means a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity.
(aa) Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(bb) Exchange Act Person means any natural person, Entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act), except that Exchange Act Person will not include (i) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, (ii) any employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company or any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, (iii) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to a registered public offering of such securities, (iv) an Entity Owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of stock of the Company, or (v) any natural person, Entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act) that, as of the Effective Date, is the Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Companys then outstanding securities.
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(cc) Fair Market Value means, as of any date, unless otherwise determined by the Board, the value of the Common Stock (as determined on a per share or aggregate basis, as applicable) determined as follows:
(i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or traded on any established market, the Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such stock as quoted on such exchange or market (or the exchange or market with the greatest volume of trading in the Common Stock) on the date of determination, as reported in a source the Board deems reliable.
(ii) If there is no closing sales price for the Common Stock on the date of determination, then the Fair Market Value will be the closing selling price on the last preceding date for which such quotation exists.
(iii) In the absence of such markets for the Common Stock, or if otherwise determined by the Board, the Fair Market Value will be determined by the Board in good faith and in a manner that complies with Sections 409A and 422 of the Code.
(dd) Governmental Body means any: (i) nation, state, commonwealth, province, territory, county, municipality, district or other jurisdiction of any nature; (ii) U.S. or non-U.S. federal, state, local, municipal or other government; (iii) governmental or regulatory body, or quasi-governmental body of any nature (including any governmental division, department, administrative agency or bureau, commission, authority, instrumentality, official, ministry, fund, foundation, center, organization, unit, body or Entity and any court or other tribunal, and for the avoidance of doubt, any tax authority) or other body exercising similar powers or authority; or (iv) self-regulatory organization (including the Nasdaq Stock Market, New York Stock Exchange, and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority).
(ee) Grant Notice means the notice provided to a Participant that he or she has been granted an Award under the Plan and which includes the name of the Participant, the type of Award, the date of grant of the Award, number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Award or potential cash payment right, (if any), the vesting schedule for the Award (if any) and other key terms applicable to the Award.
(ff) Incentive Stock Option means an option granted pursuant to Section 4 of the Plan that is intended to be, and qualifies as, an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.
(gg) IPO Date means the date of the underwriting agreement between the Company and the underwriter(s) managing the initial public offering of the Common Stock, pursuant to which the Common Stock is priced for the initial public offering.
(hh) Materially Impair means any amendment to the terms of the Award that materially adversely affects the Participants rights under the Award. A Participants rights under an Award will not be deemed to have been Materially Impaired by any such amendment if the Board, in its sole discretion, determines that the amendment, taken as a whole, does not materially impair the Participants rights. For example, the following types of amendments to the terms of an Award do not Materially Impair the Participants rights under the Award: (i) imposition of
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reasonable restrictions on the minimum number of shares subject to an Option or SAR that may be exercised; (ii) to maintain the qualified status of the Award as an Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the Code; (iii) to change the terms of an Incentive Stock Option in a manner that disqualifies, impairs or otherwise affects the qualified status of the Award as an Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the Code; (iv) to clarify the manner of exemption from, or to bring the Award into compliance with or qualify it for an exemption from, Section 409A; or (v) to comply with other Applicable Laws.
(ii) Non-Employee Director means a Director who either (i) is not a current employee or officer of the Company or an Affiliate, does not receive compensation, either directly or indirectly, from the Company or an Affiliate for services rendered as a consultant or in any capacity other than as a Director (except for an amount as to which disclosure would not be required under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act (Regulation S-K)), does not possess an interest in any other transaction for which disclosure would be required under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K, and is not engaged in a business relationship for which disclosure would be required pursuant to Item 404(b) of Regulation S-K; or (ii) is otherwise considered a non-employee director for purposes of Rule 16b-3.
(jj) Nonstatutory Stock Option means any option granted pursuant to Section 4 of the Plan that does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
(kk) Officer means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
(ll) Option means an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option to purchase shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to the Plan.
(mm) Option Agreement means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and the Optionholder evidencing the terms and conditions of the Option grant. The Option Agreement includes the Grant Notice for the Option and the agreement containing the written summary of the general terms and conditions applicable to the Option and which is provided including through electronic means, to a Participant along with the Grant Notice. Each Option Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(nn) Optionholder means a person to whom an Option is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Option.
(oo) Other Award means an award based in whole or in part by reference to the Common Stock which is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 5(c).
(pp) Other Award Agreement means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and a holder of an Other Award evidencing the terms and conditions of an Other Award grant. Each Other Award Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(qq) Own, Owned, Owner, Ownership means that a person or Entity will be deemed to Own, to have Owned, to be the Owner of, or to have acquired Ownership of securities if such person or Entity, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting, with respect to such securities.
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(rr) Participant means an Employee, Director or Consultant to whom an Award is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Award.
(ss) Performance Award means an Award that may vest or may be exercised or a cash award that may vest or become earned and paid contingent upon the attainment during a Performance Period of certain Performance Goals and which is granted under the terms and conditions of Section 5(b) pursuant to such terms as are approved by the Board. In addition, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, the Board may determine that cash or other property may be used in payment of Performance Awards. Performance Awards that are settled in cash or other property are not required to be valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, the Common Stock.
(tt) Performance Criteria means the one or more criteria that the Board will select for purposes of establishing the Performance Goals for a Performance Period. The Performance Criteria that will be used to establish such Performance Goals may be based on any one of, or combination of, the following as determined by the Board: earnings (including earnings per share and net earnings); earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; total stockholder return; return on equity or average stockholders equity; return on assets, investment, or capital employed; stock price; margin (including gross margin); income (before or after taxes); operating income; operating income after taxes; pre-tax profit; operating cash flow; sales or revenue targets; increases in revenue or product revenue; expenses and cost reduction goals; improvement in or attainment of working capital levels; economic value added (or an equivalent metric); market share; cash flow; cash flow per share; share price performance; debt reduction; customer satisfaction; stockholders equity; capital expenditures; debt levels; operating profit or net operating profit; workforce diversity; growth of net income or operating income; billings; preclinical development related compound goals; financing; regulatory milestones, including approval of a compound; stockholder liquidity; corporate governance and compliance; product commercialization; intellectual property; personnel matters; progress of internal research or clinical programs; progress of partnered programs; partner satisfaction; budget management; clinical achievements; completing phases of a clinical trial (including the treatment phase); announcing or presenting preliminary or final data from clinical trials, in each case, whether on particular timelines or generally; timely completion of clinical trials; submission of INDs and NDAs and other regulatory achievements; partner or collaborator achievements; internal controls, including those related to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; research progress, including the development of programs; investor relations, analysts and communication; manufacturing achievements (including obtaining particular yields from manufacturing runs and other measurable objectives related to process development activities); strategic partnerships or transactions (including in-licensing and out-licensing of intellectual property); establishing relationships with commercial entities with respect to the marketing, distribution and sale of the Companys products (including with group purchasing organizations, distributors and other vendors); supply chain achievements (including establishing relationships with manufacturers or suppliers of active pharmaceutical ingredients and other component materials and manufacturers of the Companys products); co-development, co-marketing, profit sharing, joint venture or other similar arrangements; individual performance goals; corporate development and planning goals; and other measures of performance selected by the Board or Committee.
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(uu) Performance Goals means, for a Performance Period, the one or more goals established by the Board for the Performance Period based upon the Performance Criteria. Performance Goals may be based on a Company-wide basis, with respect to one or more business units, divisions, Affiliates, or business segments, and in either absolute terms or relative to the performance of one or more comparable companies or the performance of one or more relevant indices. Unless specified otherwise by the Board (i) in the Award Agreement at the time the Award is granted or (ii) in such other document setting forth the Performance Goals at the time the Performance Goals are established, the Board will appropriately make adjustments in the method of calculating the attainment of Performance Goals for a Performance Period as follows: (1) to exclude restructuring and/or other nonrecurring charges; (2) to exclude exchange rate effects; (3) to exclude the effects of changes to generally accepted accounting principles; (4) to exclude the effects of any statutory adjustments to corporate tax rates; (5) to exclude the effects of items that are unusual in nature or occur infrequently as determined under generally accepted accounting principles; (6) to exclude the dilutive effects of acquisitions or joint ventures; (7) to assume that any business divested by the Company achieved performance objectives at targeted levels during the balance of a Performance Period following such divestiture; (8) to exclude the effect of any change in the outstanding shares of Common Stock by reason of any stock dividend or split, stock repurchase, reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination or exchange of shares or other similar corporate change, or any distributions to common stockholders other than regular cash dividends; (9) to exclude the effects of stock based compensation and the award of bonuses under the Companys bonus plans; (10) to exclude costs incurred in connection with potential acquisitions or divestitures that are required to be expensed under generally accepted accounting principles; and (11) to exclude the goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges that are required to be recorded under generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, the Board retains the discretion to reduce or eliminate the compensation or economic benefit due upon attainment of Performance Goals and to define the manner of calculating the Performance Criteria it selects to use for such Performance Period. Partial achievement of the specified criteria may result in the payment or vesting corresponding to the degree of achievement as specified in the Award Agreement or the written terms of a Performance Award.
(vv) Performance Period means the period of time selected by the Board over which the attainment of one or more Performance Goals will be measured for the purpose of determining a Participants right to vesting or exercise of an Award. Performance Periods may be of varying and overlapping duration, at the sole discretion of the Board.
(ww) Plan means this Beta Bionics, Inc. 2025 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.
(xx) Plan Administrator means the person, persons, and/or third-party administrator designated by the Company to administer the day-to-day operations of the Plan and the Companys other equity incentive programs.
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(yy) Post-Termination Exercise Period means the period following termination of a Participants Continuous Service within which an Option or SAR is exercisable, as specified in Section 4(h).
(zz) Prior Plan means the Beta Bionics, Inc. Amended and Restated 2016 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.
(aaa) Prior Plans Available Reserve means the number of shares available for the grant of new awards under the Prior Plan as of immediately prior to the Effective Date.
(bbb) Prior Plans Returning Shares means shares subject to outstanding stock awards granted under the Prior Plan and that following the Effective Date: (i) are not issued because such stock award or any portion thereof expires or otherwise terminates without all of the shares covered by such stock award having been issued; (ii) are not issued because such stock award or any portion thereof is settled in cash; (iii) are forfeited back to or repurchased by the Company because of the failure to meet a contingency or condition required for the vesting of such shares; (iv) are withheld or reacquired to satisfy the exercise, strike or purchase price; or (v) are withheld or reacquired to satisfy a tax withholding obligation.
(ccc) Prospectus means the document containing the Plan information specified in Section 10(a) of the Securities Act.
(ddd) Restricted Stock Award means an Award of shares of Common Stock which is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 5(a).
(eee) Restricted Stock Award Agreement means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and a holder of a Restricted Stock Award evidencing the terms and conditions of a Restricted Stock Award grant. The Restricted Stock Award Agreement includes the Grant Notice for the Restricted Stock Award and the agreement containing the written summary of the general terms and conditions applicable to the Restricted Stock Award and which is provided including by electronic means, to a Participant along with the Grant Notice. Each Restricted Stock Award Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(fff) RSU Award or RSU means an Award of restricted stock units representing the right to receive an issuance of shares of Common Stock which is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 5(a).
(ggg) RSU Award Agreement means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and a holder of an RSU Award evidencing the terms and conditions of an RSU Award grant. The RSU Award Agreement includes the Grant Notice for the RSU Award and the agreement containing the written summary of the general terms and conditions applicable to the RSU Award and which is provided including by electronic means, to a Participant along with the Grant Notice. Each RSU Award Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(hhh) Rule 16b-3 means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect from time to time.
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(iii) Rule 405 means Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act.
(jjj) SAR Agreement means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and a holder of a SAR evidencing the terms and conditions of a SAR grant. The SAR Agreement includes the Grant Notice for the SAR and the agreement containing the written summary of the general terms and conditions applicable to the SAR and which is provided, including by electronic means, to a Participant along with the Grant Notice. Each SAR Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(kkk) Section 409A means Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and other guidance thereunder.
(lll) Section 409A Change in Control means a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Companys assets, as provided in Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(v) of the Code and Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) (without regard to any alternative definition thereunder).
(mmm) Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(nnn) Share Reserve means the number of shares available for issuance under the Plan as set forth in Section 2(a).
(ooo) Stock Appreciation Right or SAR means a right to receive the appreciation on Common Stock that is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 4.
(ppp) Subsidiary means, with respect to the Company, (i) any corporation of which more than 50% of the outstanding capital stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether, at the time, stock of any other class or classes of such corporation will have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency) is at the time, directly or indirectly, Owned by the Company, and (ii) any partnership, limited liability company or other entity in which the Company has a direct or indirect interest (whether in the form of voting or participation in profits or capital contribution) of more than 50%.
(qqq) Ten Percent Stockholder means a person who Owns (or is deemed to Own pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Affiliate.
(rrr) Trading Policy means the Companys policy permitting certain individuals to sell Company shares only during certain window periods and/or otherwise restricts the ability of certain individuals to transfer or encumber Company shares, as in effect from time to time.
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Exhibit 10.5
Standard Form
BETA BIONICS, INC.
STOCK OPTION GRANT NOTICE
(2025 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN)
Beta Bionics, Inc. (the Company) has granted to you (Optionholder) an option to purchase the number of shares of the Common Stock set forth below (the Option) under the Beta Bionics, Inc. 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (the Plan). Your Option is subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth in this Stock Option Grant Notice (the Grant Notice), the Stock Option Agreement (the Option Agreement), the Notice of Exercise and the Plan, all of which are attached hereto and incorporated herein in their entirety. Capitalized terms not explicitly defined in this Grant Notice but defined in the Option Agreement or the Plan will have the same definitions as in the Option Agreement or the Plan, as applicable.
| Optionholder: |
| |
| Date of Grant: |
| |
| Vesting Commencement Date: |
| |
| Number of Shares of Common Stock Subject to Option: |
| |
| Exercise Price (Per Share): |
| |
| Total Exercise Price: |
| |
| Expiration Date: |
|
| Type of Grant: | [Incentive Stock Option] OR [Nonstatutory Stock Option] | |
| Exercise and Vesting Schedule: |
Subject to the Optionholders Continuous Service through each applicable vesting date, the Option will vest as follows: | |
| [__________________________________________________________] | ||
Optionholder Acknowledgements: By your signature below or by electronic acceptance or authentication in a form authorized by the Company, you understand and agree that:
| | The Option is governed by this Grant Notice, the Option Agreement, the Notice of Exercise and the Plan, all of which are made a part of this document. Unless otherwise provided in the Plan, this Grant Notice and the Option Agreement may not be modified, amended or revised except in a writing signed by you and a duly authorized officer of the Company. |
| | [If the Option is an Incentive Stock Option, it (plus other outstanding Incentive Stock Options granted to you) cannot be first exercisable for more than $100,000 in value (measured by exercise price) in any calendar year. Any excess over $100,000 is a Nonstatutory Stock Option.] |
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| | You consent to receive this Grant Notice, the Option Agreement, the Plan, the Prospectus and any other Plan-related documents by electronic delivery and to participate in the Plan through an online or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or another third party designated by the Company. |
| | You have read and are familiar with the provisions of this Grant Notice, the Option Agreement, the Notice of Exercise, the Plan and the Prospectus. In the event of any conflict between the provisions in this Grant Notice, the Option Agreement or the Prospectus and the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan will control. |
| | As of the Date of Grant, this Grant Notice, the Option Agreement, the Notice of Exercise and the Plan set forth the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding the Option, with the exception of (i) other equity awards previously granted to you and Common Stock previously issued to you; (ii) any applicable compensation recovery or clawback policy that is adopted by the Company or is required by Applicable Law; and (iii) any written employment, offer letter, severance or other agreement, or any written severance plan or policy, in each case that specifies the terms that should govern the Option. |
| | Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or other applicable law) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered will be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes. |
| BETA BIONICS, INC.
By: Signature
Title:
Date: |
OPTIONHOLDER:
Signature
Date: |
ATTACHMENTS: Stock Option Agreement, 2025 Equity Incentive Plan, Notice of Exercise
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Standard Form
ATTACHMENT I
BETA BIONICS, INC.
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
(2025 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN)
As reflected by your Stock Option Grant Notice (the Grant Notice) and this Stock Option Agreement (the Option Agreement), Beta Bionics, Inc. (the Company) has granted you an option under the Beta Bionics, Inc. 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (the Plan) to purchase a number of shares of Common Stock at the exercise price indicated in your Grant Notice (the Option). Capitalized terms not explicitly defined in this Option Agreement but defined in the Grant Notice or the Plan will have the same definitions as in the Grant Notice or Plan, as applicable.
The general terms and conditions applicable to your Option are as follows:
1. GOVERNING PLAN DOCUMENT. Your Option is subject to all the provisions of the Plan, including but not limited to the provisions in:
(a) Section 6 regarding the impact of a Capitalization Adjustment, dissolution, liquidation, or Corporate Transaction on your Option;
(b) Section 9(e) regarding the Companys retained rights to terminate your Continuous Service notwithstanding the grant of the Option; and
(c) Section 8 regarding certain tax consequences of your Option.
Your Option is further subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations, which may from time to time be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan. In the event of any conflict between the Option Agreement and the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan will control.
2. VESTING. Your Option will vest as provided in your Grant Notice, subject to the provisions contained herein and the terms of the Plan. Vesting will cease upon the termination of your Continuous Service.
3. EXERCISE.
(a) You may generally exercise the vested portion of your Option for whole shares of Common Stock at any time during its term by delivery of payment of the exercise price and applicable withholding taxes and other required documentation to the Plan Administrator in accordance with the exercise procedures established by the Plan Administrator, which may include an electronic submission. Please review Sections 4(i), 4(j) and 7(b)(v) of the Plan, which may restrict or prohibit your ability to exercise your Option during certain periods.
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(b) To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, you may pay your Option exercise price as follows:
(i) cash, check, bank draft or money order;
(ii) subject to Company and/or Committee consent at the time of exercise, pursuant to a cashless exercise program as further described in Section 4(c)(ii) of the Plan if at the time of exercise the Common Stock is publicly traded;
(iii) subject to Company and/or Committee consent at the time of exercise, by delivery of previously owned shares of Common Stock as further described in Section 4(c)(iii) of the Plan; or
(iv) subject to Company and/or Committee consent at the time of exercise, if the Option is a Nonstatutory Stock Option, by a net exercise arrangement as further described in Section 4(c)(iv) of the Plan.
(c) By accepting your Option, you agree that you will not sell, dispose of, transfer, make any short sale of, grant any option for the purchase of, or enter into any hedging or similar transaction with the same economic effect as a sale with respect to any shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company held by you, for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act or such longer period as the underwriters or the Company will request to facilitate compliance with FINRA Rule 2241 or any successor or similar rules or regulation (the Lock-Up Period); provided, however, that nothing contained in this Section 3(c) will prevent the exercise of a repurchase option, if any, in favor of the Company during the Lock-Up Period. You further agree to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company or the underwriters that are consistent with the foregoing or that are necessary to give further effect thereto. In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to your shares of Common Stock until the end of such period. You also agree that any transferee of any shares of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company held by you will be bound by this Section 3(c). The underwriters of the Companys stock are intended third party beneficiaries of this Section 3(c) and will have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto.
4. TERM. You may not exercise your Option before the commencement of its term or after its term expires. The term of your Option commences on the Date of Grant and expires upon the earliest of the following:
(a) immediately upon the termination of your Continuous Service for Cause;
(b) three months after the termination of your Continuous Service for any reason other than Cause, Disability or death;
(c) 12 months after the termination of your Continuous Service due to your Disability;
(d) 18 months after your death if you die during your Continuous Service;
(e) immediately upon a Corporate Transaction if the Board has determined that the Option will terminate in connection with a Corporate Transaction;
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(f) the Expiration Date indicated in your Grant Notice; or
(g) the day before the 10th anniversary of the Date of Grant.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if you die during the period provided in Section 4(b) or 4(c) above, the term of your Option will not expire until the earlier of (i) 18 months after your death, (ii) upon any termination of the Option in connection with a Corporate Transaction, (iii) the Expiration Date indicated in your Grant Notice, or (iv) the day before the tenth anniversary of the Date of Grant. Additionally, the Post-Termination Exercise Period of your Option may be extended as provided in Section 4(i) of the Plan.
To obtain the federal income tax advantages associated with an Incentive Stock Option, the Code requires that at all times beginning on the date of grant of your Option and ending on the day three months before the date of your Options exercise, you must be an Employee, except in the event of your death or Disability. If the Company provides for the extended exercisability of your Option under certain circumstances for your benefit, your Option will not necessarily be treated as an Incentive Stock Option if you exercise your Option more than three months after the date your employment terminates.
5. WITHHOLDING OBLIGATIONS. As further provided in Section 8 of the Plan: (a) you may not exercise your Option unless the applicable tax withholding obligations are satisfied; and (b) at the time you exercise your Option, in whole or in part, or at any time thereafter as requested by the Company, you hereby authorize withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to you, and otherwise agree to make adequate provision for (including by means of a cashless exercise pursuant to a program developed under Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board to the extent permitted by the Company), any sums required to satisfy the federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax withholding obligations, if any, which arise in connection with the exercise of your Option in accordance with the withholding procedures established by the Company. Accordingly, you may not be able to exercise your Option even though the Option is vested, and the Company will have no obligation to issue shares of Common Stock subject to your Option, unless and until such obligations are satisfied. In the event that the amount of the Companys withholding obligation in connection with your Option was greater than the amount actually withheld by the Company, you agree to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any failure by the Company to withhold the proper amount.
6. INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION DISPOSITION REQUIREMENT. If your Option is an Incentive Stock Option, you must notify the Company in writing within 15 days after the date of any disposition of any of the shares of the Common Stock issued upon exercise of your Option that occurs within two years after the date of your Option grant or within one year after such shares of Common Stock are transferred upon exercise of your Option.
7. TRANSFERABILITY. Except as otherwise provided in Section 4(e) of the Plan, your Option is not transferable, except by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution, and is exercisable during your life only by you.
8. CORPORATE TRANSACTION. Your Option is subject to the terms of any agreement governing a Corporate Transaction involving the Company, including, without limitation, a provision for the appointment of a stockholder representative that is authorized to act on your behalf with respect to any escrow, indemnities and any contingent consideration.
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9. NO LIABILITY FOR TAXES. As a condition to accepting the Option, you hereby (a) agree to not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates related to tax liabilities arising from the Option or other Company compensation and (b) acknowledge that you were advised to consult with your own personal tax, financial and other legal advisors regarding the tax consequences of the Option and have either done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so. Additionally, you acknowledge that the Option is exempt from Section 409A only if the exercise price is at least equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant as determined by the Internal Revenue Service and there is no other impermissible deferral of compensation associated with the Option. Additionally, as a condition to accepting the Option, you agree not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates in the event that the Internal Revenue Service asserts that such exercise is less than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant as subsequently determined by the Internal Revenue Service.
10. SEVERABILITY. If any part of this Option Agreement or the Plan is declared by any court or governmental authority to be unlawful or invalid, such unlawfulness or invalidity will not invalidate any portion of this Option Agreement or the Plan not declared to be unlawful or invalid. Any Section of this Option Agreement (or part of such a Section) so declared to be unlawful or invalid will, if possible, be construed in a manner which will give effect to the terms of such Section or part of a Section to the fullest extent possible while remaining lawful and valid
11. OTHER DOCUMENTS. You hereby acknowledge receipt of or the right to receive a document providing the information required by Rule 428(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Act, which includes the Prospectus. In addition, you acknowledge receipt of the Companys Trading Policy.
12. QUESTIONS. If you have questions regarding these or any other terms and conditions applicable to your Option, including a summary of the applicable federal income tax consequences please see the Prospectus.
* * * *
4
Standard Form
ATTACHMENT II
2025 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
1
Standard Form
ATTACHMENT III
BETA BIONICS, INC.
NOTICE OF EXERCISE
(2025 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN)
BETA BIONICS, INC.
11 Hughes
| Irvine, CA 92618 | Date of Exercise: _______________ |
This Notice of Exercise (the Notice of Exercise) constitutes notice to Beta Bionics, Inc. (the Company) that I elect to purchase the below number of shares of Common Stock of the Company (the Shares) by exercising my Option for the price set forth below. Capitalized terms not explicitly defined in this Notice of Exercise but defined in the Grant Notice, the Option Agreement or the Plan will have the same definitions as in the Grant Notice, the Option Agreement or the Plan, as applicable. Use of certain payment methods is subject to Company and/or Committee consent and certain additional requirements set forth in the Option Agreement and the Plan.
| Type of Option (check one): | Incentive ☐ | Nonstatutory ☐ | ||
| Date of Grant: | ______________ | |||
| Number of Shares as to which Option is exercised: | ______________ | |||
| Certificates to be issued in name of: | ______________ | |||
| Total exercise price: | $______________ | |||
| Cash, check, bank draft or money order delivered herewith: |
$______________ | |||
| Value of ________ Shares delivered herewith: |
$______________ | |||
| Regulation T Program (cashless exercise): |
$_____________ | |||
| Value of _______ Shares pursuant to net exercise: |
$_____________ | |||
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By this exercise, I agree (i) to provide such additional documents as the Company may require pursuant to the terms of the Plan, (ii) to satisfy the tax withholding obligations, if any, relating to the exercise of this Option as set forth in the Option Agreement, and (iii) if this exercise relates to an Incentive Stock Option, to notify the Company in writing within 15 days after the date of any disposition of any of the Shares issued upon exercise of this Option that occurs within two years after the Date of Grant or within one year after such Shares are issued upon exercise of this Option.
I further agree that I will not sell, dispose of, transfer, make any short sale of, grant any option for the purchase of, or enter into any hedging or similar transaction with the same economic effect as a sale with respect to any Shares or other securities of the Company that I hold, for a period of 180 days following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act or such longer period as the underwriters or the Company will request to facilitate compliance with FINRA Rule 2241 or any successor or similar rules or regulation (the Lock-Up Period); provided, however, that nothing contained in this paragraph will prevent the exercise of a repurchase option, if any, in favor of the Company during the Lock-Up Period. I further agree to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company or the underwriters that are consistent with the foregoing or that are necessary to give further effect thereto. I further agree that in order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to Shares that I hold until the end of such period. I also agree that any transferee of any Shares (or other securities of the Company) that I hold will be bound by this paragraph. The underwriters of the Companys stock are intended third party beneficiaries of this paragraph and will have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto.
| Very truly yours, |
|
|
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Exhibit 10.6
BETA BIONICS, INC.
RSU AWARD GRANT NOTICE
(2025 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN)
Beta Bionics, Inc. (the Company) has awarded to you (the Participant) the number of restricted stock units (the RSUs) specified and on the terms set forth below (the RSU Award) under the Beta Bionics, Inc. 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (the Plan). Your RSU Award is subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth in this RSU Award Grant Notice (the Grant Notice), the RSU Award Agreement (the Award Agreement) and the Plan, which are attached hereto and incorporated herein in their entirety. Capitalized terms not explicitly defined in this Grant Notice but defined in the Award Agreement or the Plan will have the same definitions as in the Award Agreement or the Plan, as applicable.
| Participant: |
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| Date of Grant: |
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| Vesting Commencement Date: |
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| Number of RSUs: |
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| Consideration: | Participants Services |
| Vesting Schedule: | Subject to the Participants Continuous Service through each applicable vesting date, the RSU Award will vest as follows: [_____] |
| Issuance Schedule: | One share of Common Stock will be issued for each RSU which vests at the time set forth in Section 6 of the Award Agreement. |
Participant Acknowledgements: By your signature below or by electronic acceptance or authentication in a form authorized by the Company, you understand and agree that:
| | The RSU Award is governed by this Grant Notice, the Award Agreement and the Plan, all of which are made a part of this document. Unless otherwise provided in the Plan, this Grant Notice and the Award Agreement may not be modified, amended or revised except in a writing signed by you and a duly authorized officer of the Company. |
| | You consent to receive this Grant Notice, the Award Agreement, the Plan, the Prospectus and any other Plan-related documents by electronic delivery and to participate in the Plan through an online or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or another third party designated by the Company. |
| | You have read and are familiar with the provisions of this Grant Notice, the Award Agreement, the Plan and the Prospectus. In the event of any conflict between the provisions in this Grant Notice, the Award Agreement or the Prospectus and the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan will control. |
| | As of the Date of Grant, this Grant Notice, the Award Agreement and the Plan set forth the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding the Award and supersedes all prior oral and written agreements, promises and/or representations regarding the Award, with the exception of (i) other equity awards previously granted to you and Common Stock previously issued to you; (ii) any applicable compensation recovery or clawback policy that is adopted by the Company or is required by Applicable Law; and (iii) any written employment, offer letter, severance or other agreement, or any written severance plan or policy, in each case that specifies the terms that should govern the Award. |
| BETA BIONICS, INC. | PARTICIPANT: | |||||||
| By: |
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| ||||||
| Signature | Signature | |||||||
| Title: |
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Date: |
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| Date: |
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ATTACHMENTS: RSU Award Agreement, 2025 Equity Incentive Plan
2
ATTACHMENT I
BETA BIONICS, INC.
RSU AWARD AGREEMENT
(2025 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN)
As reflected by your RSU Award Grant Notice (Grant Notice) and this RSU Award Agreement (the Award Agreement), Beta Bionics, Inc. (the Company) has granted you an RSU Award under the Beta Bionics, Inc. 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (the Plan) for the number of restricted stock units (the RSUs) as indicated in your Grant Notice (the RSU Award). Capitalized terms not explicitly defined in this Award Agreement but defined in the Grant Notice or the Plan will have the same definitions as in the Grant Notice or Plan, as applicable.
The general terms applicable to your RSU Award are as follows:
1. GOVERNING PLAN DOCUMENT. Your RSU Award is subject to all the provisions of the Plan, including but not limited to the provisions in:
(a) Section 6 of the Plan regarding the impact of a Capitalization Adjustment, dissolution, liquidation, or Corporate Transaction on your RSU Award;
(b) Section 9(e) of the Plan regarding the Companys retained rights to terminate your Continuous Service notwithstanding the grant of the RSU Award; and
(c) Section 8 of the Plan regarding certain tax consequences of your RSU Award.
Your RSU Award is further subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations, which may from time to time be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan. In the event of any conflict between this Award Agreement and the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan will control.
2. GRANT OF THE RSU AWARD. This RSU Award represents your right to be issued on a future date the number of shares of Common Stock that is equal to the number of RSUs indicated in the Grant Notice as modified to reflect any Capitalization Adjustment and subject to your satisfaction of the vesting conditions set forth therein. Any additional RSUs that become subject to the RSU Award pursuant to Capitalization Adjustments as set forth in the Plan and the provisions of Section 4 below, if any, will be subject, in a manner determined by the Board, to the same forfeiture restrictions, restrictions on transferability, and time and manner of delivery as applicable to the other RSUs covered by your RSU Award.
3. VESTING. Your RSUs will vest, if at all, in accordance with the vesting schedule provided in the Grant Notice, subject to the provisions contained herein and the terms of the Plan. Vesting will cease upon the termination of your Continuous Service.
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4. DIVIDENDS. You may become entitled to receive payments equal to any cash dividends and other distributions paid with respect to a corresponding number of shares of Common Stock to be issued in respect of the RSUs covered by your RSU Award. Any such dividends or distributions will be subject to the same forfeiture restrictions as apply to the RSUs and will be paid at the same time that the corresponding shares are issued in respect of your vested RSUs, provided, however that to the extent any such dividends or distributions are paid in shares of Common Stock, then you will automatically be granted a corresponding number of additional RSUs subject to the RSU Award (the Dividend Units), and further provided that such Dividend Units will be subject to the same forfeiture restrictions and restrictions on transferability, and same timing requirements for issuance of shares, as apply to the RSUs subject to the RSU Award with respect to which the Dividend Units relate.
5. WITHHOLDING OBLIGATIONS. As further provided in Section 8 of the Plan, you hereby authorize withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to you, and otherwise agree to make adequate provision for, any sums required to satisfy the federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax withholding obligations, if any, which arise in connection with your RSU Award (the Withholding Obligation) in accordance with the withholding procedures established by the Company. Unless the Withholding Obligation is satisfied, the Company will have no obligation to deliver to you any Common Stock in respect of the RSU Award. In the event the Withholding Obligation of the Company arises prior to the delivery to you of Common Stock or it is determined after the delivery of Common Stock to you that the amount of the Withholding Obligation was greater than the amount withheld by the Company, you agree to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any failure by the Company to withhold the proper amount.
6. DATE OF ISSUANCE.
(a) The issuance of shares in respect of the RSUs is intended to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) and will be construed and administered in such a manner. Subject to the satisfaction of the Withholding Obligation, if any, in the event one or more RSUs vests, the Company will issue to you one share of Common Stock for each RSU (subject to any adjustment under Section 4 above, and subject to any different provisions in the Grant Notice) that vests on the applicable vesting date(s) or on a later date as determined by the Company but in no event later than the Issuance Deadline (as defined below).
(b) In addition, the following provisions will apply to the extent applicable at a vesting date when shares of Common Stock are registered under the Securities Act, unless otherwise determined by the Company. If:
(i) the applicable vest date does not occur (1) during an open window period applicable to you, as determined by the Company in accordance with the Companys then-effective policy on trading in Company securities, or (2) on a date when you are otherwise permitted to sell shares of Common Stock on an established stock exchange or stock market (including but not limited to under a previously established written trading plan that meets the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act and was entered into in compliance with the Companys policies (a 10b5-1 Arrangement) or under such other policy expressly approved by the Company), and
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(ii) either (1) a Withholding Obligation does not apply, or (2) the Company decides, prior to the applicable vest date, (A) not to satisfy the Withholding Obligation by withholding shares of Common Stock from the shares otherwise due to you under this Award, and (B) not to permit you to enter into a same day sale commitment with a broker-dealer (including but not limited to a commitment under a 10b5-1 Arrangement) and (C) not to permit you to pay your Withholding Obligation in cash,
then the shares that would otherwise be issued to you on the applicable vest date will not be delivered on such applicable vest date and will instead be delivered on the first business day when you are not prohibited from selling shares of Common Stock in the open public market or on such other date determined by the Company, but in no event later than the Issuance Deadline.
The Issuance Deadline means (a) December 31 of the calendar year in which the applicable vest date occurs (that is, the last day of your taxable year in which the applicable vest date occurs), or (b) if and only if permitted in a manner that complies with Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4), no later than the date that is the 15th day of the third calendar month of the applicable year following the year in which the shares of Common Stock issuable as a result of the applicable vest date under this Award are no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(d).
7. LOCK-UP PERIOD. By accepting your RSU Award, you agree that you will not sell, dispose of, transfer, make any short sale of, grant any option for the purchase of, or enter into any hedging or similar transaction with the same economic effect as a sale with respect to any shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company held by you, for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act or such longer period as the underwriters or the Company will request to facilitate compliance with FINRA Rule 2241 or any successor or similar rules or regulation (the Lock-Up Period); provided, however, that nothing contained in this Section 7 will prevent the exercise of a repurchase option, if any, in favor of the Company during the Lock-Up Period. You further agree to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company or the underwriters that are consistent with the foregoing or that are necessary to give further effect thereto. In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to your shares of Common Stock until the end of such period. You also agree that any transferee of any shares of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company held by you will be bound by this Section 7. The underwriters of the Companys stock are intended third party beneficiaries of this Section 7 and will have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto.
8. TRANSFERABILITY. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, your RSU Award is not transferable, except by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution.
9. CORPORATE TRANSACTION. Your RSU Award is subject to the terms of any agreement governing a Corporate Transaction involving the Company, including, without limitation, a provision for the appointment of a stockholder representative that is authorized to act on your behalf with respect to any escrow, indemnities and any contingent consideration.
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10. NO LIABILITY FOR TAXES. As a condition to accepting the RSU Award, you hereby (a) agree to not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates related to tax liabilities arising from the RSU Award or other Company compensation and (b) acknowledge that you were advised to consult with your own personal tax, financial and other legal advisors regarding the tax consequences of the RSU Award and have either done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so.
11. SEVERABILITY. If any part of this Award Agreement or the Plan is declared by any court or governmental authority to be unlawful or invalid, such unlawfulness or invalidity will not invalidate any portion of this Award Agreement or the Plan not declared to be unlawful or invalid. Any Section of this Award Agreement (or part of such a Section) so declared to be unlawful or invalid will, if possible, be construed in a manner which will give effect to the terms of such Section or part of a Section to the fullest extent possible while remaining lawful and valid.
12. OTHER DOCUMENTS. You hereby acknowledge receipt of or the right to receive a document providing the information required by Rule 428(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Act, which includes the Prospectus. In addition, you acknowledge receipt of the Companys Trading Policy.
13. QUESTIONS. If you have questions regarding these or any other terms and conditions applicable to your RSU Award, including a summary of the applicable federal income tax consequences please see the Prospectus.
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ATTACHMENT II
2025 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
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Exhibit 10.7
BETA BIONICS, INC.
2025 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: [_____], 2025
APPROVED BY THE STOCKHOLDERS: [_____], 2025
IPO DATE: [_____], 2025
| 1. | GENERAL; PURPOSE. |
(a) The Plan provides a means by which Eligible Employees of the Company and certain Designated Companies may be given an opportunity to purchase shares of Common Stock. The Plan permits the Company to grant a series of Purchase Rights to Eligible Employees under an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. In addition, the Plan permits the Company to grant a series of Purchase Rights to Eligible Employees that do not meet the requirements of an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
(b) The Plan includes two components: a 423 Component and a Non-423 Component. The Company intends (but makes no undertaking or representation to maintain) the 423 Component to qualify as an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The provisions of the 423 Component, accordingly, will be construed in a manner that is consistent with the requirements of Section 423 of the Code. In addition, this Plan authorizes grants of Purchase Rights under the Non-423 Component that do not meet the requirements of an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan or determined by the Board, the Non-423 Component will operate and be administered in the same manner as the 423 Component. In addition, the Company may make separate Offerings which vary in terms (provided that such terms are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan or the requirements of an Employee Stock Purchase Plan to the extent the Offering is made under the 423 Component), and the Company will designate which Designated Company is participating in each separate Offering.
(c) The Company, by means of the Plan, seeks to retain the services of Eligible Employees, to secure and retain the services of new Employees and to provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for the success of the Company and its Related Corporations.
| 2. | ADMINISTRATION. |
(a) The Board will administer the Plan unless and until the Board delegates administration of the Plan to a Committee or Committees, as provided in Section 2(c). References herein to the Board shall be deemed to refer to the Committee except where context dictates otherwise.
(b) The Board will have the power, subject to, and within the limitations of, the express provisions of the Plan:
(i) To determine how and when Purchase Rights will be granted and the provisions of each Offering (which need not be identical).
(ii) To designate from time to time (A) which Related Corporations will be eligible to participate in the Plan as Designated 423 Companies, (B) which Related Corporations or Affiliates will be eligible to participate in the Plan as Designated Non-423 Companies, (C) which Affiliates or Related Corporations may be excluded from participation in the Plan, and (D) which Designated Companies will participate in each separate Offering (to the extent that the Company makes separate Offerings).
(iii) To construe and interpret the Plan and Purchase Rights, and to establish, amend and revoke rules and regulations for its administration. The Board, in the exercise of this power, may correct any defect, omission or inconsistency in the Plan, in a manner and to the extent it deems necessary or expedient to make the Plan fully effective.
(iv) To settle all controversies regarding the Plan and Purchase Rights granted under the Plan.
(v) To suspend or terminate the Plan at any time as provided in Section 12.
(vi) To amend the Plan at any time as provided in Section 12.
(vii) Generally, to exercise such powers and to perform such acts as it deems necessary or expedient to promote the best interests of the Company and its Related Corporations and to carry out the intent that the Plan be treated as an Employee Stock Purchase Plan with respect to the 423 Component.
(viii) To adopt such rules, procedures and sub-plans as are necessary or appropriate to permit or facilitate participation in the Plan by Employees who are non-U.S. nationals or employed or located outside the United States. Without limiting the generality of, and consistent with, the foregoing, the Board specifically is authorized to adopt rules, procedures, and sub-plans regarding, without limitation, eligibility to participate in the Plan, the definition of eligible earnings, handling and making of Contributions, establishment of bank or trust accounts to hold Contributions, payment of interest, conversion of local currency, obligations to pay payroll tax, determination of beneficiary designation requirements, withholding procedures and handling of share issuances, any of which may vary according to applicable requirements, and which, if applicable to a Designated Non-423 Company, do not have to comply with the requirements of Section 423 of the Code.
(c) The Board may delegate some or all of the administration of the Plan to a Committee or Committees. If administration is delegated to a Committee, the Committee will have, in connection with the administration of the Plan, the powers theretofore possessed by the Board that have been delegated to the Committee, including the power to delegate to a subcommittee any of the administrative powers the Committee is authorized to exercise (and references in this Plan and any applicable Offering Document to the Board will thereafter be to the Committee or subcommittee), subject, however, to such resolutions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as may be adopted from time to time by the Board. Further, to the extent not prohibited by Applicable Law, the Board or Committee may, from time to time, delegate some or all of its authority under the Plan to one or more Officers or other persons or groups of persons as it deems necessary, appropriate or advisable under conditions or limitations that it may set at or
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after the time of the delegation. The Board may retain the authority to concurrently administer the Plan with the Committee (or its delegate) and may, at any time, revest in the Board some or all of the powers previously delegated. Whether or not the Board has delegated administration of the Plan to a Committee (or a delegate of the Committee), the Board will have the final power to determine all questions of policy and expediency that may arise in the administration of the Plan.
(d) All determinations, interpretations and constructions made by the Board in good faith will not be subject to review by any person and will be final, binding and conclusive on all persons.
| 3. | SHARES OF COMMON STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN. |
(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 11(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan will not exceed [_____] shares of Common Stock, plus the number of shares of Common Stock that are automatically added on January 1st of each year for a period of up to ten years, commencing on January 1, 2026 and ending on (and including) January 1, 2035 in an amount equal to the lesser of (x) one percent (1%) of the total number of shares of Capital Stock outstanding on December 31st of the preceding calendar year, and (y) [_____] shares of Common Stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may act prior to the first day of any calendar year to provide that there will be no January 1st increase in the share reserve for such calendar year or that the increase in the share reserve for such calendar year will be a lesser number of shares of Common Stock than would otherwise occur pursuant to the preceding sentence. For the avoidance of doubt, up to the maximum number of shares of Common Stock reserved under this Section 3(a) may be used to satisfy purchases of Common Stock under the 423 Component and any remaining portion of such maximum number of shares may be used to satisfy purchases of Common Stock under the Non-423 Component.
(b) If any Purchase Right granted under the Plan terminates without having been exercised in full, the shares of Common Stock not purchased under such Purchase Right will again become available for issuance under the Plan.
(c) The stock purchasable under the Plan will be shares of authorized but unissued or reacquired Common Stock, including shares repurchased by the Company on the open market.
| 4. | GRANT OF PURCHASE RIGHTS; OFFERING. |
(a) The Board may from time to time grant or provide for the grant of Purchase Rights to Eligible Employees under an Offering (consisting of one or more Purchase Periods) on an Offering Date or Offering Dates selected by the Board. Each Offering will be in such form and will contain such terms and conditions as the Board will deem appropriate, and with respect to the 423 Component, will comply with the requirement of Section 423(b)(5) of the Code that all Employees granted Purchase Rights will have the same rights and privileges. The terms and conditions of an Offering shall be incorporated by reference into the Plan and treated as part of the Plan. The provisions of separate Offerings need not be identical, but each Offering will include (through incorporation of the provisions of this Plan by reference in the document comprising the Offering or otherwise) the period during which the Offering will be effective, which period will not exceed 27 months beginning with the Offering Date, and the substance of the provisions contained in Sections 5 through 8, inclusive.
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(b) If a Participant has more than one Purchase Right outstanding under the Plan, unless such Participant otherwise indicates in forms delivered to the Company or a third party designated by the Company (each, a Company Designee): (i) each form will apply to all of such Participants Purchase Rights under the Plan, and (ii) a Purchase Right with a lower exercise price (or an earlier-granted Purchase Right, if different Purchase Rights have identical exercise prices) will be exercised to the fullest possible extent before a Purchase Right with a higher exercise price (or a later-granted Purchase Right if different Purchase Rights have identical exercise prices) will be exercised.
(c) The Board will have the discretion to structure an Offering so that if the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the first Trading Day of a new Purchase Period within that Offering is less than or equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the Offering Date for that Offering, then (i) that Offering will terminate immediately as of that first Trading Day, and (ii) the Participants in such terminated Offering will be automatically enrolled in a new Offering beginning on the first Trading Day of such new Purchase Period.
| 5. | ELIGIBILITY. |
(a) Purchase Rights may be granted only to Employees of the Company or, as the Board may designate in accordance with Section 2(b), to Employees of a Related Corporation or an Affiliate. Except as provided in Section 5(b) or as required by Applicable Law, an Employee will not be eligible to be granted Purchase Rights unless, on the Offering Date, the Employee has been in the employ of the Company, the Related Corporation or the Affiliate, as the case may be, for such continuous period preceding such Offering Date as the Board may (unless prohibited by Applicable Law) require, but in no event will the required period of continuous employment be equal to or greater than two years. In addition, the Board may provide (unless prohibited by Applicable Law) that no Employee will be eligible to be granted Purchase Rights under the Plan unless, on the Offering Date, such Employees customary employment with the Company, the Related Corporation or the Affiliate is more than 20 hours per week and more than five months per calendar year or such other criteria as the Board may determine consistent with Section 423 of the Code with respect to the 423 Component. The Board may also exclude (unless prohibited by Applicable Law) from participation in the Plan or any Offering Employees who are highly compensated employees (within the meaning of Section 423(b)(4)(D) of the Code) of the Company, a Related Corporation or an Affiliate, or a subset of such highly compensated employees.
(b) The Board may provide that each person who, during the course of an Offering, first becomes an Eligible Employee will, on a date or dates specified in the Offering which coincides with the day on which such person becomes an Eligible Employee or which occurs thereafter, receive a Purchase Right under that Offering, which Purchase Right will thereafter be deemed to be a part of that Offering. Such Purchase Right will have the same characteristics as any Purchase Rights originally granted under that Offering, as described herein, except that:
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(i) the date on which such Purchase Right is granted will be the Offering Date of such Purchase Right for all purposes, including determination of the exercise price of such Purchase Right;
(ii) the period of the Offering with respect to such Purchase Right will begin on its Offering Date and end coincident with the end of such Offering; and
(iii) the Board may provide that if such person first becomes an Eligible Employee within a specified period of time before the end of the Offering, such individual will not receive any Purchase Right under that Offering.
(c) No Employee will be eligible for the grant of any Purchase Rights under the 423 Component if, immediately after any such Purchase Rights are granted, such Employee owns stock possessing five percent or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Company or of any Related Corporation. For purposes of this Section 5(c), the rules of Section 424(d) of the Code will apply in determining the stock ownership of any Employee, and stock which such Employee may purchase under all outstanding Purchase Rights and options will be treated as stock owned by such Employee.
(d) As specified by Section 423(b)(8) of the Code, an Eligible Employee may be granted Purchase Rights under the 423 Component only if such Purchase Rights, together with any other rights granted under all Employee Stock Purchase Plans of the Company and any Related Corporations, do not permit such Eligible Employees rights to purchase stock of the Company or any Related Corporation to accrue at a rate which, when aggregated, exceeds $25,000 of Fair Market Value of such stock (determined at the time such rights are granted, and which, with respect to the Plan, will be determined as of their respective Offering Dates) for each calendar year in which such rights are outstanding at any time.
(e) Officers of the Company and any Designated Company, if they are otherwise Eligible Employees, will be eligible to participate in Offerings under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may (unless prohibited by Applicable Law) provide in an Offering that Employees who are highly compensated Employees within the meaning of Section 423(b)(4)(D) of the Code will not be eligible to participate.
(f) Notwithstanding anything in this Section 5 to the contrary, in the case of an Offering under the Non-423 Component, an Eligible Employee (or group of Eligible Employees) may be excluded from participation in the Plan or an Offering if the Board has determined, in its sole discretion, that participation of such Eligible Employee(s) is not advisable or practical for any reason.
| 6. | PURCHASE RIGHTS; PURCHASE PRICE. |
(a) On each Offering Date, each Eligible Employee, pursuant to an Offering made under the Plan, will be granted a Purchase Right to purchase up to that number of shares of Common Stock purchasable either with a percentage of earnings (as defined by the Board in each Offering) or with a maximum dollar amount, as designated by the Board, but in either case not exceeding 15% of such Employees earnings (as defined by the Board in each Offering), during the period that begins on the Offering Date (or such later date as the Board determines for a particular Offering) and ends on the date stated in the Offering, which date will be no later than the end of the Offering.
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(b) The Board will establish one or more Purchase Dates during an Offering on which Purchase Rights granted for that Offering will be exercised and shares of Common Stock will be purchased in accordance with such Offering.
(c) In connection with each Offering made under the Plan, the Board may specify (i) a maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be purchased by any Participant on any Purchase Date during such Offering, (ii) a maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be purchased by all Participants pursuant to such Offering and/or (iii) a maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be purchased by all Participants on any Purchase Date under the Offering. If the aggregate purchase of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of Purchase Rights granted under the Offering would exceed any such maximum aggregate number, then, in the absence of any Board action otherwise, a pro rata (based on each Participants accumulated Contributions) allocation of the shares of Common Stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) available will be made in as nearly a uniform manner as will be practicable and equitable.
(d) The purchase price of shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to Purchase Rights will be no less than the lesser of:
(i) an amount equal to 85% of the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock on the Offering Date; or
(ii) an amount equal to 85% of the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock on the applicable Purchase Date.
| 7. | PARTICIPATION; WITHDRAWAL; TERMINATION. |
(a) An Eligible Employee may elect to participate in an Offering and authorize payroll deductions as the means of making Contributions by completing and delivering to the Company or a Company Designee, within the time specified in the Offering, an enrollment form provided by the Company or a Company Designee. The enrollment form will specify the amount of Contributions not to exceed the maximum amount specified by the Board. Each Participants Contributions will be credited to a bookkeeping account for such Participant under the Plan and will be deposited with the general funds of the Company except where Applicable Law requires that Contributions be deposited with a third party. If permitted in the Offering, a Participant may begin such Contributions with the first payroll occurring on or after the Offering Date (or, in the case of a payroll date that occurs after the end of the prior Offering but before the Offering Date of the next new Offering, Contributions from such payroll will be included in the new Offering). If permitted in the Offering, a Participant may thereafter reduce (including to zero) or increase such Participants Contributions. If required under Applicable Law or if specifically provided in the Offering and to the extent permitted by Section 423 of the Code with respect to the 423 Component, in addition to or instead of making Contributions by payroll deductions, a Participant may make Contributions through the payment by cash, check or wire transfer prior to a Purchase Date.
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(b) During an Offering, a Participant may cease making Contributions and withdraw from the Offering by delivering to the Company or a Company Designee a withdrawal form provided by the Company. The Company may impose a deadline before a Purchase Date for withdrawing. Upon such withdrawal, such Participants Purchase Right in that Offering will immediately terminate and the Company will distribute as soon as practicable to such Participant all of such Participants accumulated but unused Contributions and such Participants Purchase Right in that Offering shall thereupon terminate. A Participants withdrawal from that Offering will have no effect upon such Participants eligibility to participate in any other Offerings under the Plan, but such Participant will be required to deliver a new enrollment form to participate in subsequent Offerings.
(c) Unless otherwise required by Applicable Law, Purchase Rights granted pursuant to any Offering under the Plan will terminate immediately if the Participant either (i) is no longer an Employee for any reason or for no reason (subject to any post-employment participation period required by Applicable Law) or (ii) is otherwise no longer eligible to participate. The Company will distribute as soon as practicable to such individual all of such individuals accumulated but unused Contributions.
(d) Unless otherwise determined by the Board, a Participant whose employment transfers or whose employment terminates with an immediate rehire (with no break in service) by or between the Company and a Designated Company or between Designated Companies will not be treated as having terminated employment for purposes of participating in the Plan or an Offering; however, if a Participant transfers from an Offering under the 423 Component to an Offering under the Non-423 Component, the exercise of the Participants Purchase Right will be qualified under the 423 Component only to the extent such exercise complies with Section 423 of the Code. If a Participant transfers from an Offering under the Non-423 Component to an Offering under the 423 Component, the exercise of the Purchase Right will remain non-qualified under the Non-423 Component. The Board may establish different and additional rules governing transfers between separate Offerings within the 423 Component and between Offerings under the 423 Component and Offerings under the Non-423 Component.
(e) During a Participants lifetime, Purchase Rights will be exercisable only by such Participant. Purchase Rights are not transferable by a Participant, except by will, by the laws of descent and distribution, or, if permitted by the Company, by a beneficiary designation as described in Section 10.
(f) Unless otherwise specified in the Offering or required by Applicable Law, the Company will have no obligation to pay interest on Contributions.
| 8. | EXERCISE OF PURCHASE RIGHTS. |
(a) On each Purchase Date, each Participants accumulated Contributions will be applied to the purchase of shares of Common Stock, up to the maximum number of shares of Common Stock permitted by the Plan and the applicable Offering, at the purchase price specified in the Offering. No fractional shares will be issued unless specifically provided for in the Offering.
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(b) Unless otherwise provided in the Offering, if any amount of accumulated Contributions remains in a Participants account after the purchase of shares of Common Stock and such remaining amount is less than the amount required to purchase one share of Common Stock on the final Purchase Date of an Offering, then such remaining amount will be held in such Participants account for the purchase of shares of Common Stock under the next Offering under the Plan, unless such Participant withdraws from or is not eligible to participate in such next Offering, in which case such amount will be distributed to such Participant after the final Purchase Date without interest (unless the payment of interest is otherwise required by Applicable Law). If the amount of Contributions remaining in a Participants account after the purchase of shares of Common Stock is at least equal to the amount required to purchase one (1) whole share of Common Stock on the final Purchase Date of an Offering, then such remaining amount will be distributed in full to such Participant after the final Purchase Date of such Offering without interest (unless otherwise required by Applicable Law).
(c) No Purchase Rights may be exercised to any extent unless the shares of Common Stock to be issued upon such exercise under the Plan are covered by an effective registration statement pursuant to the Securities Act and the Plan is in material compliance with all applicable U.S. and non-U.S. federal, state and other securities, exchange control and other laws applicable to the Plan. If on a Purchase Date the shares of Common Stock are not so registered or the Plan is not in such compliance, no Purchase Rights will be exercised on such Purchase Date, and, subject to Section 423 of the Code with respect to the 423 Component, the Purchase Date will be delayed until the shares of Common Stock are subject to such an effective registration statement and the Plan is in material compliance, except that the Purchase Date will in no event be more than 27 months from the Offering Date. If, on the Purchase Date, as delayed to the maximum extent permissible, the shares of Common Stock are not registered and the Plan is not in material compliance with all Applicable Laws, as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, no Purchase Rights will be exercised and all accumulated but unused Contributions will be distributed to the Participants without interest (unless the payment of interest is otherwise required by Applicable Law).
| 9. | COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY. |
The Company will seek to obtain from each U.S. and non-U.S. federal, state or other regulatory commission, agency or other Governmental Body having jurisdiction over the Plan such authority as may be required to grant Purchase Rights and issue and sell shares of Common Stock thereunder unless the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that doing so is not practical or would cause the Company to incur costs that are unreasonable. If, after commercially reasonable efforts, the Company is unable to obtain the authority that counsel for the Company deems necessary for the grant of Purchase Rights or the lawful issuance and sale of Common Stock under the Plan, and at a commercially reasonable cost, the Company will be relieved from any liability for failure to grant Purchase Rights and/or to issue and sell Common Stock upon exercise of such Purchase Rights.
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| 10. | DESIGNATION OF BENEFICIARY. |
(a) The Company may, but is not obligated to, permit a Participant to submit a form designating a beneficiary who will receive any shares of Common Stock and/or Contributions from the Participants account under the Plan if the Participant dies before such shares and/or Contributions are delivered to the Participant. The Company may, but is not obligated to, permit the Participant to change such designation of beneficiary. Any such designation and/or change must be on a form approved by the Company.
(b) If a Participant dies, and in the absence of a valid beneficiary designation, the Company will deliver any shares of Common Stock and/or Contributions to the executor or administrator of the estate of the Participant. If no executor or administrator has been appointed (to the knowledge of the Company), the Company, in its sole discretion, may deliver such shares of Common Stock and/or Contributions, without interest (unless the payment of interest is otherwise required by Applicable Law), to the Participants spouse, dependents or relatives, or if no spouse, dependent or relative is known to the Company, then to such other person as the Company may designate.
| 11. | ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN COMMON STOCK; CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS. |
(a) In the event of a Capitalization Adjustment, the Board will appropriately and proportionately adjust: (i) the class(es) and maximum number of securities subject to the Plan pursuant to Section 3(a), (ii) the class(es) and maximum number of securities by which the share reserve is to increase automatically each year pursuant to Section 3(a), (iii) the class(es) and number of securities subject to, and the purchase price applicable to outstanding Offerings and Purchase Rights, and (iv) the class(es) and number of securities that are the subject of the purchase limits under each ongoing Offering. The Board will make these adjustments, and its determination will be final, binding and conclusive.
(b) In the event of a Corporate Transaction, then: (i) any surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or the surviving or acquiring corporations parent company) may assume or continue outstanding Purchase Rights or may substitute similar rights (including a right to acquire the same consideration paid to the stockholders in the Corporate Transaction) for outstanding Purchase Rights, or (ii) if any surviving or acquiring corporation (or its parent company) does not assume or continue such Purchase Rights or does not substitute similar rights for such Purchase Rights, then the Participants accumulated Contributions will be used to purchase shares of Common Stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) within ten business days (or such other period specified by the Board) prior to the Corporate Transaction under the outstanding Purchase Rights, and the Purchase Rights will terminate immediately after such purchase.
| 12. | AMENDMENT, TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION OF THE PLAN. |
(a) The Board may amend the Plan at any time in any respect the Board deems necessary or advisable. However, except as provided in Section 11(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, stockholder approval will be required for any amendment of the Plan for which stockholder approval is required by Applicable Law.
(b) The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. No Purchase Rights may be granted under the Plan while the Plan is suspended or after it is terminated.
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(c) Any benefits, privileges, entitlements and obligations under any outstanding Purchase Rights granted before an amendment, suspension or termination of the Plan will not be materially impaired by any such amendment, suspension or termination except (i) with the consent of the person to whom such Purchase Rights were granted, (ii) as necessary to facilitate compliance with any laws, listing requirements, or governmental regulations (including, without limitation, the provisions of Section 423 of the Code and the regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder relating to Employee Stock Purchase Plans) including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be issued or amended after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board, or (iii) as necessary to obtain or maintain favorable tax, listing, or regulatory treatment. To be clear, the Board may amend outstanding Purchase Rights without a Participants consent if such amendment is necessary to ensure that the Purchase Right and/or the Plan complies with the requirements of Section 423 of the Code with respect to the 423 Component or with respect to other Applicable Laws. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or any Offering Document to the contrary, the Board will be entitled to: (i) establish the exchange ratio applicable to amounts withheld in a currency other than U.S. dollars; (ii) permit Contributions in excess of the amount designated by a Participant in order to adjust for mistakes in the Companys processing of properly completed Contribution elections; (iii) establish reasonable waiting and adjustment periods and/or accounting and crediting procedures to ensure that amounts applied toward the purchase of Common Stock for each Participant properly correspond with amounts withheld from the Participants Contributions; (iv) amend any outstanding Purchase Rights or clarify any ambiguities regarding the terms of any Offering to enable the Purchase Rights to qualify under and/or comply with Section 423 of the Code with respect to the 423 Component; and (v) establish other limitations or procedures as the Board determines in its sole discretion advisable that are consistent with the Plan. The actions of the Board pursuant to this paragraph will not be considered to alter or impair any Purchase Rights granted under an Offering as they are part of the initial terms of each Offering and the Purchase Rights granted under each Offering.
| 13. | TAX QUALIFICATION; TAX WITHHOLDING. |
(a) Although the Company may endeavor to (i) qualify a Purchase Right for special tax treatment under the laws of the United States or jurisdictions outside of the United States or (ii) avoid adverse tax treatment, the Company makes no representation to that effect and expressly disavows any covenant to maintain special or to avoid unfavorable tax treatment, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan. The Company will be unconstrained in its corporate activities without regard to the potential negative tax impact on Participants.
(b) Each Participant will make arrangements, satisfactory to the Company and any applicable Related Corporation, to enable the Company or the Related Corporation to fulfill any withholding obligation for Tax-Related Items. Without limitation to the foregoing, in the Companys sole discretion and subject to Applicable Law, such withholding obligation may be satisfied in whole or in part by (i) withholding from the Participants salary or any other cash payment due to the Participant from the Company or a Related Corporation; (ii) withholding from the proceeds of the sale of shares of Common Stock acquired under the Plan, either through a voluntary sale or a mandatory sale arranged by the Company; or (iii) any other method deemed acceptable by the Board. The Company shall not be required to issue any shares of Common Stock under the Plan until such obligations are satisfied.
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(c) The 423 Component is exempt from the application of Section 409A of the Code, and any ambiguities herein shall be interpreted to so be exempt from Section 409A of the Code. The Non-423 Component is intended to be exempt from the application of Section 409A of the Code under the short-term deferral exception and any ambiguities shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent. In furtherance of the foregoing and notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, if the Committee determines that an option granted under the Plan may be subject to Section 409A of the Code or that any provision in the Plan would cause an option under the Plan to be subject to Section 409A, the Committee may amend the terms of the Plan and/or of an outstanding option granted under the Plan, or take such other action the Committee determines is necessary or appropriate, in each case, without the Participants 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 of the Code, but only to the extent any such amendments or action by the Committee would not violate Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall have no liability to a Participant or any other party if the option under the Plan that is intended to be exempt from or compliant with Section 409A of the Code is not so exempt or compliant or for any action taken by the Committee with respect thereto.
| 14. | EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN. |
The Plan will become effective immediately prior to and contingent upon the IPO Date. No Purchase Rights will be exercised unless and until the Plan has been approved by the stockholders of the Company, which approval must be within 12 months before or after the date the Plan is adopted (or if required under Section 12(a) above, materially amended) by the Board.
| 15. | MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. |
(a) Proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock pursuant to Purchase Rights will constitute general funds of the Company.
(b) A Participant will not be deemed to be the holder of, or to have any of the rights of a holder with respect to, shares of Common Stock subject to Purchase Rights unless and until the Participants shares of Common Stock acquired upon exercise of Purchase Rights are recorded in the books of the Company (or its transfer agent).
(c) The Plan and Offering do not constitute an employment contract. Nothing in the Plan or in the Offering will in any way alter the at will nature of a Participants employment or amend a Participants employment contract, if applicable, or be deemed to create in any way whatsoever any obligation on the part of any Participant to continue in the employ of the Company or a Related Corporation or an Affiliate, or on the part of the Company, a Related Corporation or an Affiliate to continue the employment of a Participant.
(d) The provisions of the Plan will be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware without resort to that states conflict of laws rules.
(e) If any particular provision of the Plan is found to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable, such provision will not affect the other provisions of the Plan, but the Plan will be construed in all respects as if such invalid provision were omitted.
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(f) If any provision of the Plan does not comply with Applicable Law, such provision shall be construed in such a manner as to comply with Applicable Law.
| 16. | DEFINITIONS. |
As used in the Plan, the following definitions will apply to the capitalized terms indicated below:
(a) 423 Component means the part of the Plan, which excludes the Non-423 Component, pursuant to which Purchase Rights that satisfy the requirements for an Employee Stock Purchase Plan may be granted to Eligible Employees.
(b) Affiliate means any entity, other than a Related Corporation, whether now or subsequently established, which is at the time of determination, a parent or subsidiary of the Company as such terms are defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act. The Board may determine the time or times at which parent or subsidiary status is determined within the foregoing definition.
(c) Applicable Law means the Code and any applicable U.S. and non-U.S. securities, exchange control, tax, federal, state, material local or municipal or other law, statute, constitution, principle of common law, resolution, ordinance, code, edict, decree, rule, listing rule, regulation, judicial decision, ruling or requirement issued, enacted, adopted, promulgated, implemented or otherwise put into effect by or under the authority of any Governmental Body (or under the authority of the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq Stock Market or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority).
(d) Board means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(e) Capital Stock means each and every class of common stock of the Company, regardless of the number of votes per share.
(f) Capitalization Adjustment means any change that is made in, or other events that occur with respect to, the Common Stock subject to the Plan or subject to any Purchase Right after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board without the receipt of consideration by the Company through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, reincorporation, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, large nonrecurring cash dividend, stock split, liquidating dividend, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure or other similar equity restructuring transaction, as that term is used in Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (or any successor thereto). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the conversion of any convertible securities of the Company will not be treated as a Capitalization Adjustment.
(g) Code means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including any applicable regulations and guidance thereunder.
(h) Committee means a committee of one or more members of the Board to whom authority has been delegated by the Board in accordance with Section 2(c).
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(i) Common Stock means, as of the IPO Date the common stock of the Company.
(j) Company means Beta Bionics, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
(k) Contributions means the payroll deductions and other additional payments specifically provided for in the Offering that a Participant contributes to fund the exercise of a Purchase Right. A Participant may make additional payments into his or her account if specifically provided for in the Offering, and then only if the Participant has not already had the maximum permitted amount withheld during the Offering through payroll deductions and, with respect to the 423 Component, to the extent permitted by Section 423.
(l) Corporate Transaction means the consummation, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, of any one or more of the following events:
(i) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion, of the consolidated assets of the Company and its subsidiaries;
(ii) a sale or other disposition of more than 50% of the outstanding securities of the Company;
(iii) a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is not the surviving corporation; or
(iv) a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is the surviving corporation but the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately preceding the merger, consolidation or similar transaction are converted or exchanged by virtue of the merger, consolidation or similar transaction into other property, whether in the form of securities, cash or otherwise.
(m) Designated 423 Company means any Related Corporation selected by the Board as participating in the 423 Component.
(n) Designated Company means any Designated Non-423 Company or Designated 423 Company, provided, however, that at any given time, a Related Corporation participating in the 423 Component shall not be a Related Corporation participating in the Non-423 Component.
(o) Designated Non-423 Company means any Related Corporation or Affiliate selected by the Board as participating in the Non-423 Component.
(p) Director means a member of the Board.
(q) Eligible Employee means an Employee who meets the requirements set forth in the document(s) governing the Offering for eligibility to participate in the Offering, provided that such Employee also meets the requirements for eligibility to participate set forth in the Plan.
(r) Employee means any person, including an Officer or Director, who is employed for purposes of Section 423(b)(4) of the Code by the Company or a Related Corporation or solely with respect to the Non-423 Component, an Affiliate. However, service solely as a Director, or payment of a fee for such services, will not cause a Director to be considered an Employee for purposes of the Plan.
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(s) Employee Stock Purchase Plan means a plan that grants Purchase Rights intended to be options issued under an employee stock purchase plan, as that term is defined in Section 423(b) of the Code.
(t) Exchange Act means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(u) Fair Market Value means, as of any date, the value of the Common Stock determined as follows:
(i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or traded on any established market, the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock will be, unless otherwise determined by the Board, the closing sales price for such stock as quoted on such exchange or market (or the exchange or market with the greatest volume of trading in the Common Stock) on the date of determination, as reported in such source as the Board deems reliable. Unless otherwise provided by the Board, if there is no closing sales price for the Common Stock on the date of determination, then the Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price on the last preceding date for which such quotation exists.
(ii) In the absence of such markets for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value will be determined by the Board in good faith in compliance with Applicable Laws and regulations and, to the extent applicable as determined in the sole discretion of the Board, in a manner that complies with Sections 409A of the Code
(iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, for any Offering that commences on the IPO Date, the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock on the Offering Date will be the price per share at which shares are first sold to the public in the Companys initial public offering as specified in the final prospectus for that initial public offering.
(v) Governmental Body means any: (i) nation, state, commonwealth, province, territory, county, municipality, district or other jurisdiction of any nature; (ii) U.S. or non-U.S. federal, state, local, municipal or other government; (iii) governmental or regulatory body, or quasi-governmental body of any nature (including any governmental division, department, administrative agency or bureau, commission, authority, instrumentality, official, ministry, fund, foundation, center, organization, unit, body or entity and any court or other tribunal, and for the avoidance of doubt, any tax authority) or other body exercising similar powers or authority; or (iv) self-regulatory organization (including the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Stock Market and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority).
(w) IPO Date means the date of the underwriting agreement between the Company and the underwriter(s) managing the initial public offering of the Common Stock, pursuant to which the Common Stock is priced for the initial public offering.
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(x) Non-423 Component means the part of the Plan, which excludes the 423 Component, pursuant to which Purchase Rights that are not intended to satisfy the requirements for an Employee Stock Purchase Plan may be granted to Eligible Employees.
(y) Offering means the grant to Eligible Employees of Purchase Rights, with the exercise of those Purchase Rights automatically occurring at the end of one or more Purchase Periods. The terms and conditions of an Offering will generally be set forth in the Offering Document approved by the Board for that Offering.
(z) Offering Date means a date selected by the Board for an Offering to commence.
(aa) Officer means a person who is an officer of the Company or a Related Corporation within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
(bb) Participant means an Eligible Employee who holds an outstanding Purchase Right.
(cc) Plan means this Beta Bionics, Inc. 2025 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended from time to time, including both the 423 Component and the Non-423 Component.
(dd) Purchase Date means one or more dates during an Offering selected by the Board on which Purchase Rights will be exercised and on which purchases of shares of Common Stock will be carried out in accordance with such Offering.
(ee) Purchase Period means a period of time specified within an Offering, generally beginning on the Offering Date or on the first Trading Day following a Purchase Date, and ending on a Purchase Date. An Offering may consist of one or more Purchase Periods.
(ff) Purchase Right means an option to purchase shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to the Plan.
(gg) Related Corporation means any parent corporation or subsidiary corporation of the Company whether now or subsequently established, as those terms are defined in Sections 424(e) and (f), respectively, of the Code.
(hh) Securities Act means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(ii) Tax-Related Items means any income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefit tax, payment on account or other tax-related items arising out of or in relation to a Participants participation in the Plan, including, but not limited to, the exercise of a Purchase Right and the receipt of shares of Common Stock or the sale or other disposition of shares of Common Stock acquired under the Plan.
(jj) Trading Day means any day on which the exchange(s) or market(s) on which shares of Common Stock are listed, including but not limited to the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, the Nasdaq Capital Market or any successors thereto, is open for trading.
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Exhibit 10.13
STANDARD INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL SINGLE-TENANT LEASE NET
(DO NOT USE THIS FORM FOR MULTI-TENANT BUILDINGS)
1. Basic Provisions (Basic Provisions).
1.1 Parties. This Lease (Lease), dated for reference purposes only February 3, 2020, is made by and between Pacific Industrial Partners, LLC (Lessor) and Beta Bionics, Inc. (Lessee), (collectively the Parties, or individually a Party).
1.2 Premises: That certain real property, including all improvements therein or to be provided by Lessor under the terms of this Lease, commonly known as (street address, city, state, zip): 11 Hughes, Irvine, CA 92618 (Premises). The Premises are located in the County of Orange, and are generally described as (describe briefly the nature of the property and, if applicable, the Project, if the property is located within a Project): an approximately 50,020 square foot building situated on 129,702 square feet of land. (See also Paragraph 2)
1.3 Term: 7 years and 0 months (Original Term) commencing June 1, 2020 (Commencement Date) and ending May 31, 2027 (Expiration Date). (See also Paragraph 3)
1.4 Early Possession: If the Premises are available Lessee may have non-exclusive possession of the Premises commencing April 1, 2020 (Early Possession Date). (See also Paragraphs 3.2 and 3.3)
1.5 Base Rent: $37,515 per month (Base Rent), payable on the 1st day of each month commencing June 1, 2020. (See also Paragraph 4)
☒ If this box is checked, there are provisions in this Lease for the Base Rent to be adjusted. See Paragraph 51.
1.6 Base Rent and Other Monies Paid Upon Execution:
| (a) | Base Rent: $37,515 for the period June 1, 2020 - June 31, 2020. |
| (b) | Security Deposit: $63,525 (Security Deposit). (See also Paragraph 5) |
| (c) | Association Fees: N/A for the period . |
| (d) | Other: N/A for . |
| (e) | Total Due Upon Execution of this Lease: $101,040. |
1.7 Agreed Use: General office, manufacturing, testing related to the distribution and storage of medical devices. (See also Paragraph 6)
1.8 Insuring Party. Lessor is the Insuring Party unless otherwise stated herein. (See also Paragraph 8)
1.9 Real Estate Brokers. (See also Paragraph 15 and 25)
(a) Representation: Each Party acknowledges receiving a Disclosure Regarding Real Estate Agency Relationship, confirms and consents to the following agency relationships in this lease with the following real estate brokers (Broker(s)) and/or their agents (Agent(s)):
Lessors Brokerage Firm CBRE License No. 00409987 is the broker of (check one): ☐ the Lessor; or ☒ both the Lessee and Lessor (dual agent).
Lessors Agent Jeff Carr License No. 01009600 is (check one): ☐ the Lessors Agent (salesperson or broker associate); or ☒ both the Lessees Agent and the Lessors Agent (dual agent).
Lessees Brokerage Firm CBRE License No. 00409987 is the broker of (check one): ☐ the Lessee; or ☒ both the Lessee and Lessor (dual agent).
Lessees Agent Jeff Carr License No. 01009600 is (check one): ☐ the Lessees Agent (salesperson or broker associate); or ☒ both the Lessees Agent and the Lessors Agent (dual agent).
(b) Payment to Brokers. Upon execution and delivery of this Lease by both Parties, Lessor shall pay to the Brokers the brokerage fee agreed to in a separate written agreement.
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1.11 Attachments. Attached hereto are the following, all of which constitute a part of this Lease:
☒ an Addendum consisting of Paragraphs 51 through 60;
☒ a plot plan depicting the Premises; Exhibit A, Premises A
☐ a current set of the Rules and Regulations;
☐ a Work Letter;
☒ other(specify): Exhibit B (Signage Criteria), Exhibit C (Move-Out Conditions), Exhibit D (Demolition Plan and Space Plan) & Exhibit E (estimated monthly base NNN charges).
2. Premises.
2.1 Letting. Lessor hereby leases to Lessee, and Lessee hereby leases from Lessor, the Premises, for the term, at the rental, and upon all of the terms, covenants and conditions set forth in this Lease. While the approximate square footage of the Premises may have been used in the marketing of the Premises for purposes of comparison, the Base Rent stated herein is NOT tied to square footage and is not subject to adjustment should the actual size be determined to be different. NOTE: Lessee is advised to verify the actual size prior to executing this Lease.
2.2 Condition. Lessor shall deliver the Premises to Lessee broom clean and free of debris on the Commencement Date or the Early Possession Date, whichever first occurs (Start Date), and, so long as the required service contracts described in Paragraph 7.1(b) below are obtained by Lessee and in effect within thirty days following the Start Date, warrants that the existing electrical, plumbing, fire sprinkler, lighting, heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems (HVAC), loading doors, sump pumps, if any, and all other such elements in the Premises, other than those constructed by Lessee, shall be in good operating condition on said date, that the structural elements of the roof, bearing walls and foundation of any buildings on the Premises (the Building) shall be free of material defects, and that the Premises do not contain hazardous levels of any mold or fungi defined as toxic under applicable state or federal law. If a non-compliance with said warranty exists as of the Start Date, or if one of such systems or elements should malfunction or fail within the appropriate warranty period, Lessor shall, as Lessors sole obligation with respect to such matter, except as otherwise provided in this Lease, promptly after receipt of written notice from Lessee setting forth with specificity the nature and extent of such non-compliance, malfunction or failure, rectify same at Lessors expense. The warranty periods shall be as follows: (i) 6 months as to the HVAC systems, and (ii) 30 days as to the remaining systems and other elements of the Building. If Lessee does not give Lessor the required notice within the appropriate warranty period, correction of any such non-compliance, malfunction or failure shall be the obligation of Lessee at Lessees sole cost and expense. Lessor also warrants, that unless otherwise specified in writing, Lessor is unaware of (i) any recorded Notices of Default affecting the Premise; (ii) any delinquent amounts due under any loan secured by the Premises; and (iii) any bankruptcy proceeding affecting the Premises.
2.3 Compliance. Lessor warrants that to the best of its knowledge the improvements on the Premises comply with the building codes, applicable laws, covenants or restrictions of record, regulations, and ordinances (Applicable Requirements) that were in effect at the time that each Improvement, or portion thereof, was constructed. Said warranty does not apply to the use to which Lessee will put the Premises, modifications which may be required by the Americans with Disabilities Act or any similar laws as a result of Lessees use (see Paragraph 49), or to any Alterations or Utility installations (as defined in Paragraph 7.3(a)) made or to be made by Lessee. NOTE: Lessee is responsible for determining whether or not the Applicable Requirements, and especially the zoning, are appropriate for Lessees intended use, and acknowledges that past uses of the Premises may no longer be allowed. If the Premises do not comply with said warranty, Lessor shall, except as otherwise provided, promptly after receipt of written notice from Lessee setting forth with specificity the nature and extent of such non-compliance, rectify the same at Lessors expense. If Lessee or the appropriate governmental agency does not give lessor written notice of a non-compliance with this warranty within 6 months following the Start Date, correction of that non-compliance shall be the obligation of Lessee at Lessees sole cost and expense. If the Applicable Requirements are hereafter changed so as to require during the term of this Lease the construction of an addition to or an alteration of the Premises and/or Building, the remediation of any Hazardous Substance, or the reinforcement or other physical modification of the Unit, Premises and/or Building (Capital Expenditure), Lessor and Lessee shall allocate the cost of such work as follows:
(a) Subject to Paragraph 2.3(c) below, if such Capital Expenditures are required as a result of the specific and unique use of the Premises by Lessee as compared with uses by tenants in general, lessee shall be fully responsible for the cost thereof, provided, however, that if such Capital Expenditure is required during the last 2 years of this Lease and the cost thereof exceeds 6 months Base Rent, Lessee may Instead terminate this Lease unless Lessor notifies Lessee, in writing, within 10 days after receipt of Lessees termination notice that Lessor has elected to pay the difference between the actual cost thereof and an amount equal to 6 months Base Rent. If Lessee elects termination, Lessee shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, cease the use of the Premises which requires such Capital Expenditure and deliver to Lessor written notice specifying a termination date at least 90 days thereafter. Such termination date shall, however, in no event be earlier than the last day that Lessee could legally utilize the Premises without commencing such Capital Expenditure.
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(b) if such Capital Expenditure is not the result of the specific and unique use of the Premises by Lessee (such as, governmentally mandated seismic modifications), then Lessor shall pay for such Capital Expenditure and Lessee shall only be obligated to pay, each month during the remainder of the term of this Lease or any extension thereof, on the date that on which the Base Rent is due, an amount equal to 1/144th of the portion of such costs reasonably attributable to the Premises. Lessee shall pay interest on the balance but may prepay its obligation at any time. If, however, such Capital Expenditure is required during the last 12 months of this Lease or if Lessor reasonably determines that it is not economically feasible to pay its share thereof, Lessor shall have the option to terminate this Lease upon 90 days prior written notice to Lessee unless Lessee notifies Lessor, in writing, within 10 days after receipt of Lessors termination notice that Lessee will pay for such Capital Expenditure. If Lessor does not elect to terminate, and fails to tender its share of any such Capital Expenditure, Lessee may advance such funds and deduct same, with Interest, from Rent until Lessors share of such costs have been fully paid. If Lessee is unable to finance Lessors share, or if the balance of the Rent due and payable for the remainder of this Lease is not sufficient to fully reimburse Lessee on an offset basis, Lessee shall have the right to terminate this Lease upon 30 days written notice to Lessor.
(c) Notwithstanding the above, the provisions concerning Capital Expenditures are intended to apply only to non-voluntary, unexpected, and new Applicable Requirements. If the Capital Expenditures are instead triggered by Lessee as a result of an actual or proposed change in use, change in intensity of use, or modification to the Premises then, and in that event, Lessee shall either: (i) as soon as reasonably practicable, cease such changed use or intensity of use and/or take such other steps as may be necessary to eliminate the requirement for such Capital Expenditure, or (ii) complete such Capital Expenditure at its own expense. Lessee shall not, however, have any right to terminate this Lease.
2.4 Acknowledgements. Lessee acknowledges that: (a) it has been given an opportunity to inspect and measure the Premises, (b) it has been advised by Lessor and/or Brokers to satisfy itself with respect to the size and condition of the Premises (including but not limited to the electrical, HVAC and fire sprinkler systems, security, environmental aspects, and compliance with Applicable Requirements and the Americans with Disabilities Act), and their suitability for Lessees Intended use, (c) Lessee has made such investigation as it deems necessary with reference to such matters and assumes all responsibility therefor as the same relate to its occupancy of the Premises, (d) It is not relying on any representation as to the size of the Premises made by Brokers or Lessor, (e) the square footage of the Premises was not material to Lessees decision to lease the Premises and pay the Rent stated herein, and (f) neither Lessor, Lessors agents, nor Brokers have made any oral or written representations or warranties with respect to said matters other than as set forth in this Lease. In addition, Lessor acknowledges that: (i) Brokers have made no representations, promises or warranties concerning Lessees ability to honor the Lease or suitability to occupy the Premises, and (ii) it is Lessors sole responsibility to investigate the financial capability and/or suitability of all proposed tenants.
3. Term.
3.1 Term. The Commencement Date, Expiration Date and Original Term of this Lease are as specified In Paragraph 1.3.
3.2 Early Possession. Any provision herein granting Lessee Early Possession of the Premises is subject to and conditioned upon the Premises being available for such possession prior to the Commencement Date. Any grant of Early Possession only conveys a non-exclusive right to occupy the Premises. If Lessee totally or partially occupies the Premises prior to the Commencement Date, the obligation to pay Base Rent shall be abated for the period of such Early Possession. All other terms of this Lease (including but not limited to the obligations to pay Real Property Taxes and insurance premiums and to maintain the Premises) shall be in effect during such period. Any such Early Possession shall not affect the Expiration Date.
3.3 Delay In Possession. Lessor agrees to use Its best commercially reasonable efforts to deliver possession of the Premises to Lessee by the Commencement Date. If, despite said efforts, Lessor is unable to deliver possession by such date, Lessor shall not be subject to any liability therefor, nor shall such failure affect the validity of this Lease or change the Expiration Date. Lessee shall not, however, be obligated to pay Rent or perform its other obligations until Lessor delivers possession of the Premises and any period of rent abatement that Lessee would otherwise have enjoyed shall run from the date of delivery of possession and continue for a period equal to what Lessee would otherwise have enjoyed under the terms hereof, but minus any days of delay caused by the acts or omissions of Lessee. If possession is not delivered within 60 days after the Commencement Date, as the same may be extended under the terms of any Work Letter executed by Parties, Lessee may, at its option, by notice in writing within 10 days after the end of such 60 day period, cancel this Lease, in which event the Parties shall be discharged from all obligations hereunder. If such written notice is not received by Lessor within said 10 day period, Lessees right to cancel shall terminate. If possession of the Premises is not delivered within 120 days after the Commencement Date, this Lease shall terminate unless other agreements are reached between Lessor and Lessee, in writing.
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3.4 Lessee Compliance. Lessor shall not be required to tender possession of the Premises to Lessee until Lessee complies with its obligation to provide evidence of insurance (Paragraph 8.5). Pending delivery of such evidence, Lessee shall be required to perform all of its obligations under this Lease from and after the Start Date, including the payment of Rent, notwithstanding Lessors election to withhold possession pending receipt of such evidence of insurance. Further, if Lessee is required to perform any other conditions prior to or concurrent with the Start Date, the Start Date shall occur but Lessor may elect to withhold possession until such conditions are satisfied.
4. Rent.
4.1 Rent Defined. All monetary obligations of Lessee to Lessor under the terms of this Lease (except for the Security Deposit) are deemed to be rent (Rent).
4.2 Payment. Lessee shall cause payment of Rent to be received by Lessor in lawful money of the United States, without offset or deduction (except as specifically permitted in this Lease), on or before the day on which it is due. All monetary amounts shall be rounded to the nearest whole dollar. In the event that any invoice prepared by Lessor is inaccurate such inaccuracy shall not constitute a waiver and Lessee shall be obligated to pay the amount set forth in this Lease. Rent for any period during the term hereof which is for less than one full calendar month shall be prorated based upon the actual number of days of said month. Payment of Rent shall be made to Lessor at its address stated herein or to such other persons or place as Lessor may from time to time designate in writing. Acceptance of a payment which is less than the amount then due shall not be a waiver of Lessors rights to the balance of such Rent, regardless of Lessors endorsement of any check so stating. In the event that any check, draft, or other instrument of payment given by Lessee to Lessor is dishonored for any reason, Lessee agrees to pay to Lessor the sum of $25 in addition to any Late Charge and Lessor, at its option, may require all future Rent be paid by cashiers check. Payments will be applied first to accrued late charges and attorneys fees, second to accrued interest, then to Base Rent, Insurance and Real Property Taxes, and any remaining amount to any other outstanding charges or costs.
5. Security Deposit. See Addendum Paragraph #53 Lessee shall deposit with Lessor upon execution hereof the Security Deposit as security for Lessees faithful performance of its obligations under this Lease. If Lessee fails to pay Rent, or otherwise Defaults under this Lease, Lessor may use, apply or retain all or any portion of said Security Deposit for the payment of any amount already due Lessor, for Rents which will be due in the future, and/ or to reimburse or compensate Lessor for any liability, expense, loss or damage which Lessor may suffer or incur by reason thereof. If Lessor uses or applies all or any portion of the Security Deposit, Lessee shall within 10 days after written request therefor deposit monies with Lessor sufficient to restore said Security Deposit to the full amount required by this Lease. Should the Agreed Use be amended to accommodate a material change in the business of Lessee or to accommodate a sublessee or assignee, Lessor shall have the right to increase the Security Deposit to the extent necessary, in Lessors reasonable judgment, to account for any increased wear and tear that the Premises may suffer as a result thereof. If a change in control of Lessee occurs during this Lease and following such change the financial condition of Lessee is, in Lessors reasonable judgment, significantly reduced, Lessee shall deposit such additional monies with Lessor as shall be sufficient to cause the Security Deposit to be at a commercially reasonable level based on such change in financial condition. Lessor shall not be required to keep the Security Deposit separate from its general accounts. Within 90 days after the expiration or termination of this Lease, Lessor shall return that portion of the Security Deposit not used or applied by Lessor. Lessor shall upon written request provide Lessee with an accounting showing how that portion of the Security Deposit that was not returned was applied. No part of the Security Deposit shall be considered to be held in trust, to bear interest or to be prepayment for any monies to be paid by Lessee under this Lease. THE SECURITY DEPOSIT SHALL NOT BE USED BY LESSEE IN LIEU OF PAYMENT OF THE LAST MONTHS RENT.
6. Use.
6.1 Use. Lessee shall use and occupy the Premises only for the Agreed Use, and for no other purpose. Lessee shall not use or permit the use of the Premises in a manner that is unlawful, creates damage, waste or a nuisance, or that disturbs occupants of or causes damage to neighboring premises or properties. Other than guide, signal and seeing eye dogs, Lessee shall not keep or allow in the Premises any pets, animals, birds, fish, or reptiles. Lessor shall not unreasonably withhold or delay its consent to any written request for a modification of the Agreed Use, so long as the same will not impair the structural integrity of the improvements on the premises or the mechanical or electrical systems therein, and/or is not significantly more burdensome to the Premises. If Lessor elects to withhold consent, Lessor shall within 7 days after such request give written notification of same, which notice shall include an explanation of Lessors objections to the change In the Agreed Use.
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6.2 Hazardous Substances.
(a) Reportable Uses Require Consent. The term Hazardous Substance as used in this Lease shall mean any product, substance, or waste whose presence, use, manufacture, disposal, transportation, or release, either by itself or in combination with other materials expected to be on the Premises, is either: (i) potentially injurious to the public health, safety or welfare, the environment or the Premises, (ii) regulated or monitored by any governmental authority, or (iii) a basis for potential liability of Lessor to any governmental agency or third party under any applicable statute or common law theory. Hazardous Substances shall include, but not be limited to, hydrocarbons, petroleum, gasoline, and/or crude oil or any products, by-products or fractions thereof. Lessee shall not engage in any activity in or on the Premises which constitutes a Reportable Use of Hazardous Substances without the express prior written consent of Lessor and timely compliance (at Lessees expense) with all Applicable Requirements. Reportable Use shall mean (i) the installation or use of any above or below ground storage tank, (ii) the generation, possession, storage, use, transportation, or disposal of a Hazardous Substance that requires a permit from, or with respect to which a report, notice, registration or business plan is required to be filed with, any governmental authority, and/or (iii) the presence at the Premises of a Hazardous Substance with respect to which any Applicable Requirements requires that a notice be given to persons entering or occupying the Premises or neighboring properties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessee may use any ordinary and customary materials reasonably required to be used in the normal course of the Agreed Use, ordinary office supplies (copier toner, liquid paper, glue, etc.) and common household cleaning materials, so long as such use is in compliance with all Applicable Requirements, is not a Reportable Use, and does not expose the Premises or neighboring property to any meaningful risk of contamination or damage or expose Lessor to any liability therefor. In addition, Lessor may condition its consent to any Reportable Use upon receiving such additional assurances as Lessor reasonably deems necessary to protect itself, the public, the Premises and/or the environment against damage, contamination, injury and/or liability, including, but not limited to, the installation (and removal on or before Lease expiration or termination) of protective modifications (such as concrete encasements) and/or increasing the Security Deposit.
(b) Duty to Inform Lessor. If Lessee knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, that a Hazardous Substance has come to be located in, on, under or about the Premises, other than as previously consented to by Lessor, Lessee shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, give written notice of such fact to Lessor, and provide Lessor with a copy of any report, notice, claim or other documentation which it has concerning the presence of such Hazardous Substance.
(c) Lessee Remediation. Lessee shall not cause or permit any Hazardous Substance to be spilled or released in, on, under, or about the Premises (including through the plumbing or sanitary sewer system) and shall promptly, at Lessees expense, comply with all Applicable Requirements and take all investigatory and/or remedial action reasonably recommended, whether or not formally ordered or required, for the cleanup of any contamination of, and for the maintenance, security and/or monitoring of the Premises or neighboring properties, that was caused or materially contributed to by Lessee, or pertaining to or involving any Hazardous Substance brought onto the Premises during the term of this Lease, by or for Lessee, or any third party.
(d) Lessee Indemnification. Except to the extent caused by the negligence or misconduct of Lessor, Lessee shall indemnify, defend and hold Lessor, its agents, employees, lenders and ground lessor, if any, harmless from and against any and all loss of rents and/or damages, liabilities, judgments, claims, expenses, penalties, and attorneys and consultants fees arising out of or involving any Hazardous Substance brought onto the Premises by or for Lessee, or any third party (provided, however, that Lessee shall have no liability under this Lease with respect to underground migration of any Hazardous Substance under the Premises from adjacent properties not caused or contributed to by Lessee). Lessees obligations shall include, but not be limited to, the effects of any contamination or injury to person, property or the environment created or suffered by Lessee, and the cost of investigation, removal, remediation, restoration and/or abatement, and shall survive the expiration or termination of this Lease. No termination, cancellation or release agreement entered into by Lessor and Lessee shall release Lessee from its obligations under this Lease with respect to Hazardous Substances, unless specifically so agreed by Lessor in writing at the time of such agreement.
(e) Lessor Indemnification. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph 8.7, Lessor and its successors and assigns shall indemnify, defend, reimburse and hold Lessee, its employees and lenders, harmless from and against any and all environmental damages, including the cost of remediation, which result from Hazardous Substances which existed on the Premises prior to Lessees occupancy or which are caused by the negligence or misconduct of Lessor, its agents or employees. Lessors obligations, as and when required by the Applicable Requirements, shall Include, but not be limited to, the cost of investigation, removal, remediation, restoration and/or abatement, and shall survive the expiration or termination of this Lease.
(f) Investigations and Remediations. Lessor shall retain the responsibility and pay for any investigations or remediation measures required by governmental entities having jurisdiction with respect to the existence of Hazardous Substances on the Premises prior to Lessees occupancy, unless such remediation measure is required as a result of Lessees use (including Alterations, as defined in paragraph 7.3(a) below) of the Premises, in which event Lessee shall be responsible for such payment. Lessee shall cooperate fully in any such activities at the request of Lessor, including allowing Lessor and Lessors agents to have reasonable access to the Premises at reasonable times in order to carry out Lessors investigative and remedial responsibilities.
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(g) Lessor Termination Option. If a Hazardous Substance Condition (see Paragraph 9.1(e)) occurs during the term of this Lease, unless Lessee is legally responsible therefor (in which case Lessee shall make the investigation and remediation thereof required by the Applicable Requirements and this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, but subject to Lessors rights under Paragraph 6.2(d) and Paragraph 13), Lessor may, at Lessors option, either (i) investigate and remediate such Hazardous Substance Condition, if required, as soon as reasonably possible at Lessors expense, in which event this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, or (ii) if the estimated cost to remediate such condition exceeds 12 times the then monthly Base Rent or $100,000, whichever is greater, give written notice to Lessee, within 30 days after receipt by Lessor of knowledge of the occurrence of such Hazardous Substance Condition, of Lessors desire to terminate this Lease as of the date 60 days following the date of such notice. In the event Lessor elects to give a termination notice, Lessee may, within 10 days thereafter, give written notice to Lessor of Lessees commitment to pay the amount by which the cost of the remediation of such Hazardous Substance Condition exceeds an amount equal to 12 times the then monthly Base Rent or $100,000, whichever is greater. Lessee shall provide Lessor with said funds or satisfactory assurance thereof within 30 days following such commitment. In such event, this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, and Lessor shall proceed to make such remediation as soon as reasonably possible after the required funds are available. If Lessee does not give such notice and provide the required funds or assurance thereof within the time provided, this Lease shall terminate as of the date specified in Lessors notice of termination.
6.3 Lessees Compliance with Applicable Requirements. Except as otherwise provided in this Lease, Lessee shall, at Lessees sole expense, fully, diligently and in a timely manner, materially comply with all Applicable Requirements, the requirements of any applicable fire insurance underwriter or rating bureau, and the recommendations of Lessors engineers and/or consultants which relate in any manner to the Premises, without regard to whether said Applicable Requirements are now in effect or become effective after the Start Date. Lessee shall, within 10 days after receipt of Lessors written request, provide Lessor with copies of all permits and other documents, and other information evidencing Lessees compliance with any Applicable Requirements specified by Lessor, and shall immediately upon receipt, notify Lessor in writing (with copies of any documents involved) of any threatened or actual claim, notice, citation, warning, complaint or report pertaining to or involving the failure of Lessee or the Premises to comply with any Applicable Requirements. Likewise, Lessee shall immediately give written notice to Lessor of: (i) any water damage to the Premises and any suspected seepage, pooling, dampness or other condition conducive to the production of mold; or (ii) any mustiness or other odors that might indicate the presence of mold in the Premises. In addition, Lessee shall provide copies of all relevant material safety data sheets (MSDS) to Lessor within 10 days of the receipt of a written request therefor. In addition, Lessee shall provide Lessor with copies of its business license, certificate of occupancy and/or any similar document within 10 days of the receipt of a written request therefor.
6.4 Inspection; Compliance. Lessor and Lessors Lender (as defined in Paragraph 30) and consultants authorized by Lessor shall have the right to enter into Premises at any time, in the case of an emergency, and otherwise at reasonable times after reasonable notice, for the purpose of inspecting and/or testing the condition of the Premises and/or for verifying compliance by Lessee with this Lease. The cost of any such inspections shall be paid by Lessor, unless a violation of Applicable Requirements, or a Hazardous Substance Condition (see paragraph 9.1) is found to exist or be imminent, or the inspection is requested or ordered by a governmental authority. In such case, Lessee shall upon request reimburse Lessor for the cost of such inspection, so long as such Inspection is reasonably related to the violation or contamination. In addition, Lessee shall provide copies of all relevant material safety data sheets (MSDS) to Lessor within 10 days of the receipt of a written request therefor. Lessee acknowledges that any failure on its part to allow such inspections or testing will expose Lessor to risks and potentially cause Lessor to incur costs not contemplated by this Lease, the extent of which will be extremely difficult to ascertain. Accordingly, should the Lessee fail to allow such inspections and/or testing in a timely fashion the Base Rent shall be automatically increased, without any requirement for notice to Lessee, by an amount equal to 10% of the then existing Base Rent or $100, whichever is greater for the remainder to the Lease. The Parties agree that such increase in Base Rent represents fair and reasonable compensation for the additional risk/costs that Lessor will incur by reason of Lessees failure to allow such inspection and/or testing. Such increase in Base Rent shall in no event constitute a waiver of Lessees Default or Breach with respect to such failure nor prevent the exercise of any of the other rights and remedies granted hereunder.
7. Maintenance; Repairs; Utility Installations; Trade Fixtures and Alterations. See Addendum Paragraph #54
7.1 Lessees Obligations.
(a) In General. Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 2.2 (Condition), 2.3 (Compliance), 6.3 (Lessees Compliance with Applicable Requirements), 7.2 (Lessors Obligations), 9 (Damage or Destruction), and 14 (Condemnation), Lessee shall, at Lessees sole expense, keep the Premises, Utility Installations (intended for Lessees exclusive use, no matter where located), and Alterations in good order, condition and repair (whether or not the portion of the Premises requiring repairs, or the means of repairing the same, are reasonably or readily accessible to Lessee, and whether or not the need for such repairs occurs as a result of Lessees use, any prior use, the elements or the age of such portion of the Premises), including, but not limited to, all equipment or facilities, such as plumbing, HVAC equipment, electrical, lighting facilities, boilers, pressure vessels, fire protection system, fixtures, walls (Interior and exterior), foundations, ceilings, roofs, roof drainage systems, floors, windows, doors, plate glass, skylights, landscaping, driveways, parking lots, fences, retaining walls, signs, sidewalks and parkways located in, on, or adjacent to the Premises. Lessee, in keeping the Premises in good order, condition and repair, shall exercise and perform good maintenance practices, specifically including the procurement and maintenance of the service contracts required by Paragraph 7.1(b) below. Lessees obligations shall include restorations, replacements or renewals when necessary to keep the Premises and all improvements thereon or a part thereof in good order, condition and state of repair. Lessee shall, during the term of this Lease, keep the exterior appearance of the Building in a first-class condition (including, e.g. graffiti removal) consistent with the exterior appearance of other similar facilities of comparable age and size in the vicinity, including, when necessary, the exterior repainting of the Building.
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(b) Service Contracts. Lessee shall, at Lessees sole expense, procure and maintain contracts, with copies to Lessor, in customary form and substance for, and with contractors specializing and experienced in the maintenance of the following equipment and improvements, if any, if and when installed on the Premises: (i) HVAC equipment, (ii) boiler, and pressure vessels, (iii) fire extinguishing systems, including fire alarm and/or smoke detection, (iv) landscaping and irrigation systems, (v) roof covering and drains, and (vi) clarifiers. However, Lessor reserves the right, upon notice to Lessee, to procure and maintain any or all of such service contracts, and Lessee shall reimburse Lessor, upon demand, for the cost thereof.
(c) Failure to Perform. If Lessee fails to perform Lessees obligations under this Paragraph 7.1, Lessor may enter upon the Premises after 10 days prior written notice to Lessee (except in the case of an emergency, in which case no notice shall be required), perform such obligations on Lessees behalf, and put the Premises in good order, condition and repair, and Lessee shall promptly pay to Lessor a sum equal to 115% of the cost thereof.
(d) Replacement. Subject to Lessees indemnification of Lessor as set forth in Paragraph 8.7 below, and without relieving Lessee of liability resulting from Lessees failure to exercise and perform good maintenance practices, if an item described in Paragraph 7.1(b) cannot be repaired other than at a cost which is in excess of 50% of the cost of replacing such item, then such item shall be replaced by Lessor, and the cost thereof shall be prorated between the Parties and Lessee shall only be obligated to pay, each month during the remainder of the term of this Lease, on the date on which Base Rent is due, an amount equal to the product of multiplying the cost of such replacement by a fraction, the numerator of which is one, and the denominator of which is 144 (ie. 1/144th of the cost per month). Lessee shall pay Interest on the unamortized balance but may prepay its obligation at any time.
7.2 Lessors Obligations. Subject to the provisions of Paragraphs 2.2 (Condition), 2.3 (Compliance), 9 (Damage or Destruction) and 14 (Condemnation), it is intended by the Parties hereto that Lessor have no obligation, in any manner whatsoever, to repair and maintain the Premises, or the equipment therein, all of which obligations are intended to be that of the Lessee. It is the intention of the Parties that the terms of this Lease govern the respective obligations of the Parties as to maintenance and repair of the Premises.
7.3 Utility Installations; Trade Fixtures; Alterations.
(a) Definitions. The term Utility Installations refers to all floor and window coverings, air and/or vacuum lines, power panels, electrical distribution, security and fire protection systems, communication cabling, lighting fixtures, HVAC equipment, plumbing, and fencing in or on the Premises. The term Trade Fixtures shall mean Lessees machinery and equipment that can be removed without doing material damage to the Premises. The term Alterations shall mean any modification of the improvements, other than Utility Installations or Trade Fixtures, whether by addition or deletion. Lessee Owned Alterations and/or Utility Installations are defined as Alterations and/or Utility Installations made by Lessee that are not yet owned by Lessor pursuant to Paragraph 7.4(a).
(b) Consent. Lessee shall not make any Alterations or Utility Installations to the Premises without Lessors prior written consent. Lessee may, however, make non-structural Alterations or Utility Installations to the interior of the Premises (excluding the roof) without such consent but upon notice to Lessor, as long as they are not visible from the outside, do not involve puncturing, relocating or removing the roof or any existing walls, will not affect the electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and/or life safety systems, do not trigger the requirement for additional modifications and/or improvements to the Premises resulting from Applicable Requirements, such as compliance with Title 24, and the cumulative cost thereof during this Lease as extended does not exceed a sum equal to $150,000 in any one year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessee shall not make or permit any roof penetrations and/or install anything on the roof without the prior written approval of Lessor. Lessor may, as a precondition to granting such approval, require Lessee to utilize a contractor chosen and/or approved by Lessor. Any Alterations or Utility Installations that Lessee shall desire to make and which require the consent of the Lessor shall be presented to Lessor in written form with detailed plans. Consent shall be deemed conditioned upon Lessees: (i) acquiring all applicable governmental permits, (ii) furnishing Lessor with copies of both the permits and the plans and specifications prior to commencement of the work, and (iii) compliance with all conditions of said permits and other Applicable Requirements in a prompt and expeditious manner. Any Alterations or Utility Installations shall be performed in a workmanlike manner with good and sufficient materials. Lessee shall promptly upon completion furnish Lessor with as-built plans and specifications. For work which costs an amount in excess of one months Base Rent, Lessor may condition its consent upon Lessee providing a lien and completion bond in an amount equal to 150% of the estimated cost of such Alteration or Utility Installation and/or upon Lessees posting an additional Security Deposit with Lessor.
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(c) Liens; Bonds. Lessee shall pay, when due, all claims for labor or materials furnished or alleged to have been furnished to or for Lessee at or for use on the Premises, which claims are or may be secured by any mechanics or materialmens lien against the Premises or any interest therein. Lessee shall give Lessor not less than 10 days notice prior to the commencement of any work in, on or about the Premises, and Lessor shall have the right to post notices of non-responsibility. If Lessee shall contest the validity of any such lien, claim or demand, then Lessee shall, at its sole expense defend and protect itself, Lessor and the Premises against the same and shall pay and satisfy any such adverse judgment that may be rendered thereon before the enforcement thereof. If Lessor shall require, Lessee shall furnish a surety bond in an amount equal to 150% of the amount of such contested lien, claim or demand, indemnifying Lessor against liability for the same. If Lessor elects to participate in any such action, Lessee shall pay Lessors attorneys fees and costs.
7.4 Ownership; Removal; Surrender; and Restoration.
(a) Ownership. Subject to Lessors right to require removal or elect ownership as hereinafter provided, all Alterations and Utility Installations made by Lessee shall be the property of Lessee, but considered a part of the Premises. Lessor may, at any time, elect in writing to be the owner of all or any specified part of the Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations. Unless otherwise instructed per paragraph 7.4(b) hereof, all Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations shall, at the expiration or termination of this Lease, become the property of Lessor and be surrendered by Lessee with the Premises.
(b) Removal. Lessor may impose, as a condition to its consent to any and all utility installations, the requirement that, with respect to alterations or utility installations consisting of non-general office improvements, Lessee shall, at Lessees sole expense, remove any alterations or utility installations upon the expiration or any early termination of the Term; provided that Lessee is notified of such requirement at the time of consent to such alteration or utility installation. Lessor may require the removal at any time of all or any part of any Lessee Owned Alterations or Utility Installations made without the required consent.
(c) Surrender; Restoration. Lessee shall surrender the Premises by the Expiration Date or any earlier termination date, with all of the improvements, parts and surfaces thereof broom clean and free of debris, and in good operating order, condition and state of repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted. Ordinary wear and tear shall not include any damage or deterioration that would have been prevented by good maintenance practice. Notwithstanding the foregoing and the provisions of Paragraph 7.1(a), if the Lessee occupies the Premises for 12 months or less, then Lessee shall surrender the Premises in the same condition as delivered to Lessee on the Start Date with NO allowance for ordinary wear and tear. Lessee shall repair any damage occasioned by the installation, maintenance or removal of Trade Fixtures, Lessee owned Alterations and/or Utility Installations, furnishings, and equipment as well as the removal of any storage tank installed by or for Lessee. Lessee shall also remove from the Premises any and all Hazardous Substances brought onto the Premises by or for Lessee, or any third party (except Hazardous Substances which were deposited via underground migration from areas outside of the Premises) to the level specified in Applicable Requirements. Trade Fixtures shall remain the property of Lessee and shall be removed by Lessee. Any personal property of Lessee not removed on or before the Expiration Date or any earlier termination date shall be deemed to have been abandoned by Lessee and may be disposed of or retained by Lessor as Lessor may desire. The failure by Lessee to timely vacate the Premises pursuant to this Paragraph 7.4(c) without the express written consent of Lessor shall constitute a holdover under the provisions of Paragraph 26 below.
8. Insurance; Indemnity.
8.1 Payment For Insurance. Lessee shall pay for all insurance required under Paragraph 8 except to the extent of the cost attributable to liability insurance carried by Lessor under Paragraph 8.2(b) in excess of $2,000,000 per occurrence. Premiums for policy periods commencing prior to or extending beyond the Lease term shall be prorated to correspond to the Lease term. Payment shall be made by Lessee to Lessor within 10 days following receipt of an invoice.
8.2 Liability Insurance.
(a) Carried by Lessee. Lessee shall obtain and keep in force a Commercial General Liability policy of insurance protecting Lessee and Lessor as an additional insured against claims for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage based upon or arising out of the ownership, use, occupancy or maintenance of the Premises and all areas appurtenant thereto. Such insurance shall be on an occurrence basis providing single limit coverage in an amount not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence with an annual aggregate of not less than $2,000,000. Lessee shall add Lessor as an additional insured by means of an endorsement at least as broad as the Insurance Service Organizations Additional Insured-Managers or Lessors of Premises Endorsement. The policy shall not contain any intra-insured exclusions as between insured persons or organizations, but shall include coverage for liability assumed under this Lease as an Insured contract for the performance of Lessees Indemnity obligations under this Lease. The limits of said insurance shall not, however, limit the liability of Lessee nor relieve Lessee of any obligation hereunder. Lessee shall provide an endorsement on its liability policy(ies) which provides that its insurance shall be primary to and not contributory with any similar insurance carried by Lessor, whose insurance shall be considered excess insurance only.
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(b) Carried by Lessor. Lessor shall maintain liability insurance as described in Paragraph 8.2(a), in addition to, and not in lieu of, the insurance required to be maintained by Lessee. Lessee shall not be named as an additional insured therein.
8.3 Property InsuranceBuilding, Improvements and Rental Value.
(a) Building and Improvements. The Insuring Party shall obtain and keep in force a policy or policies in the name of Lessor, with loss payable to Lessor, any ground-lessor, and to any Lender insuring loss or damage to the Premises. The amount of such insurance shall be equal to the full insurable replacement cost of the Premises, as the same shall exist from time to time, or the amount required by any Lender, but in no event more than the commercially reasonable and available insurable value thereof. Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations, Trade Fixtures, and Lessees personal property shall be insured by Lessee not by Lessor. If the coverage is available and commercially appropriate, such policy or policies shall insure against all risks of direct physical loss or damage (except the perils of flood and/or earthquake unless required by a Lender), including coverage for debris removal and the enforcement of any Applicable Requirements requiring the upgrading, demolition, reconstruction or replacement of any portion of the Premises as the result of a covered loss. Said policy or policies shall also contain an agreed valuation provision in lieu of any coinsurance clause, waiver of subrogation, and inflation guard protection causing an increase in the annual property insurance coverage amount by a factor of not less than the adjusted U.S. Department of Labor Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for the city nearest to where the Premises are located. If such insurance coverage has a deductible clause, the deductible amount shall not exceed $10,000 per occurrence, and Lessee shall be liable for such deductible amount in the event of an Insured Loss.
(b) Rental Value. The Insuring Party shall obtain and keep in force a policy or policies in the name of Lessor with loss payable to Lessor and any Lender, insuring the loss of the full Rent for one year with an extended period of indemnity for an additional 180 days (Rental Value insurance). Said insurance shall contain an agreed valuation provision in lieu of any coinsurance clause, and the amount of coverage shall be adjusted annually to reflect the projected Rent otherwise payable by Lessee, for the next 12 month period. Lessee shall be liable for any deductible amount in the event of such loss.
(c) Adjacent Premises. If the Premises are part of a larger building, or of a group of buildings owned by Lessor which are adjacent to the Premises, the Lessee shall pay for any increase in the premiums for the property insurance of such building or buildings if said increase is caused by Lessees acts, omissions, use or occupancy of the Premises.
8.4 Lessees Property; Business Interruption Insurance; Workers Compensation Insurance.
(a) Property Damage. Lessee shall obtain and maintain insurance coverage on all of Lessees personal property, Trade Fixtures, and Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations. Such insurance shall be full replacement cost coverage with a deductible of not to exceed $1,000 per occurrence. The proceeds from any such Insurance shall be used by Lessee for the replacement of personal property, Trade Fixtures and Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations.
(b) Business Interruption. Lessee shall obtain and maintain loss of income and extra expense insurance in amounts as will reimburse Lessee for direct or indirect loss of earnings attributable to all perils commonly insured against by prudent lessees in the business of Lessee or attributable to prevention of access to the Premises as a result of such perils.
(c) Workers Compensation Insurance. Lessee shall obtain and maintain Workers Compensation Insurance in such amount as may be required by Applicable Requirements. Such policy shall include a Waiver of Subrogation endorsement. Lessee shall provide Lessor with a copy of such endorsement along with the certificate of insurance or copy of the policy required by paragraph 8.5.
(d) No Representation of Adequate Coverage. Lessor makes no representation that the limits or forms of coverage of insurance specified herein are adequate to cover Lessees property, business operations or obligations under this Lease.
8.5 Insurance Policies. Insurance required herein shall be by companies maintaining during the policy term a General Policyholders Rating of at least A-, VII, as set forth in the most current issue of Bests Insurance Guide, or such other rating as may be required by a Lender. Lessee shall not do or permit to be done anything which invalidates the required insurance policies. Lessee shall, prior to the Start Date, deliver to Lessor certified copies of policies of such insurance or certificates with copies of the required endorsements evidencing the existence and amounts of the required insurance. No such policy shall be cancelable or subject to modification except after 30 days prior written notice to Lessor. Lessee shall, at least 10 days prior to the expiration of such policies, furnish Lessor with evidence of renewals or insurance binders evidencing renewal thereof, or Lessor may increase his liability insurance coverage and charge the cost thereof to Lessee, which amount shall be payable by Lessee to Lessor upon demand. Such policies shall be for a term of at least one year, or the length of the remaining term of this Lease, whichever is less. If either Party shall fail to procure and maintain the insurance required to be carried by it, the other Party may, but shall not be required to, procure and maintain the same.
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8.6 Waiver of Subrogation. Without affecting any other rights or remedies, Lessee and Lessor each hereby release and relieve the other, and waive their entire right to recover damages against the other, for loss of or damage to its property arising out of or incident to the perils required to be Insured against herein. The effect of such releases and waivers is not limited by the amount of insurance carried or required, or by any deductibles applicable hereto. The Parties agree to have their respective property damage insurance carriers waive any right to subrogation that such companies may have against Lessor or Lessee, as the case may be, so long as the Insurance is not invalidated thereby.
8.7 Indemnity. Except for Lessors gross negligence or misconduct, Lessee shall indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless the Premises, Lessor and its agents, Lessors master or ground lessor, partners and Lenders, from and against any and all claims, loss of rents and/or damages, liens, judgments, penalties, attorneys and consultants fees, expenses and/or liabilities arising out of, involving, or in connection with, a Breach of the Lease by Lessee and/or the use and/or occupancy of the Premises and/or Project by Lessee and/or by Lessees employees, contractors or invitees. If any action or proceeding is brought against Lessor by reason of any of the foregoing matters, Lessee shall upon notice defend the same at Lessees expense by counsel reasonably satisfactory to Lessor and Lessor shall cooperate with Lessee in such defense. Lessor need not have first paid any such claim in order to be defended or indemnified.
8.8 Exemption of Lessor and Its Agents from Liability. Notwithstanding the negligence or breach of this Lease by Lessor or its agents, neither Lessor nor its agents shall be liable under any circumstances for: (i) injury or damage to the person or goods, wares, merchandise or other property of Lessee, Lessees employees, contractors, invitees, customers, or any other person in or about the Premises, whether such damage or injury is caused by or results from fire, steam, electricity, gas, water or rain, indoor air quality, the presence of mold or from the breakage, leakage, obstruction or other defects of pipes, fire sprinklers, wires, appliances, plumbing, HVAC or lighting fixtures, or from any other cause, whether the said injury or damage results from conditions arising upon the Premises or upon other portions of the building of which the Premises are a part, or from other sources or places, (ii) any damages arising from any act or neglect of any other tenant of Lessor or from the failure of Lessor or its agents to enforce the provisions of any other lease in the Project, or (iii) injury to Lessees business or for any loss of income or profit therefrom. Instead, it is intended that Lessees sole recourse in the event of such damages or injury be to file a claim on the insurance policy(ies) that Lessee is required to maintain pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 8.
8.9 Failure to Provide Insurance. Lessee acknowledges that any failure on its part to obtain or maintain the Insurance required herein will expose Lessor to risks and potentially cause Lessor to incur costs not contemplated by this Lease, the extent of which will be extremely difficult to ascertain. Accordingly, for any month or portion thereof that Lessee does not maintain the required insurance and/or does not provide Lessor with the required binders or certificates evidencing the existence of the required insurance, the Base Rent shall be automatically increased, without any requirement for notice to Lessee, by an amount equal to 10% of the then existing Base Rent or $100, whichever is greater. The parties agree that such increase in Base Rent represents fair and reasonable compensation for the additional risk/costs that Lessor will incur by reason of Lessees failure to maintain the required insurance. Such increase in Base Rent shall in no event constitute a waiver of Lessees Default or Breach with respect to the failure to maintain such insurance, prevent the exercise of any of the other rights and remedies granted hereunder, nor relieve Lessee of its obligation to maintain the insurance specified in this Lease.
9. Damage or Destruction.
9.1 Definitions.
(a) Premises Partial Damage shall mean damage or destruction to the improvements on the Premises, other than Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations, which can reasonably be repaired in 6 months or less from the date of the damage or destruction. Lessor shall notify Lessee in writing within 30 days from the date of the damage or destruction as to whether or not the damage is Partial or Total.
(b) Premises Total Destruction shall mean damage or destruction to the Premises, other than Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations and Trade Fixtures, which cannot reasonably be repaired in 6 months or less from the date of the damage or destruction. Lessor shall notify Lessee in writing within 30 days from the date of the damage or destruction as to whether or not the damage is Partial or Total.
(c) Insured Loss shall mean damage or destruction to improvements on the Premises, other than Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations and Trade Fixtures, which was caused by an event required to be covered by the insurance described in Paragraph 8.3(a), irrespective of any deductible amounts or coverage limits involved.
(d) Replacement Cost shall mean the cost to repair or rebuild the improvements owned by Lessor at the time of the occurrence to their condition existing immediately prior thereto, including demolition, debris removal and upgrading required by the operation of Applicable Requirements, and without deduction for depreciation.
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(e) Hazardous Substance Condition shall mean the occurrence or discovery of a condition involving the presence of, or a contamination by, a Hazardous Substance, in, on, or under the Premises which requires restoration.
9.2 Partial DamageInsured Loss. If a Premises Partial Damage that is an Insured Loss occurs, then Lessor shall, at Lessors expense, repair such damage (but not Lessees Trade Fixtures or Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations) as soon as reasonably possible and this Lease shall continue in full force and effect; provided, however, that Lessee shall, at Lessors election, make the repair of any damage or destruction the total cost to repair of which is $10,000 or less, and, in such event, Lessor shall make any applicable Insurance proceeds available to Lessee on a reasonable basis for that purpose. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the required insurance was not in force or the insurance proceeds are not sufficient to effect such repair, the Insuring Party shall promptly contribute the shortage in proceeds (except as to the deductible which is Lessees responsibility) as and when required to complete said repairs. In the event, however, such shortage was due to the fact that, by reason of the unique nature of the improvements, full replacement cost insurance coverage was not commercially reasonable and available, Lessor shall have no obligation to pay for the shortage in insurance proceeds or to fully restore the unique aspects of the Premises unless Lessee provides Lessor with the funds to cover same, or adequate assurance thereof, within 10 days following receipt of written notice of such shortage and request therefor. If Lessor receives said funds or adequate assurance thereof within said 10 day period, the party responsible for making the repairs shall complete them as soon as reasonably possible and this Lease shall remain in full force and effect. If such funds or assurance are not received, Lessor may nevertheless elect by written notice to Lessee within 10 days thereafter to: (i) make such restoration and repair as is commercially reasonable with Lessor paying any shortage in proceeds, in which case this Lease shall remain in full force and effect, or (ii) have this Lease terminate 30 days thereafter. Lessee shall not be entitled to reimbursement of any funds contributed by Lessee to repair any such damage or destruction. Premises Partial Damage due to flood or earthquake shall be subject to Paragraph 9.3, notwithstanding that there may be some insurance coverage, but the net proceeds of any such insurance shall be made available for the repairs if made by either Party.
9.3 Partial DamageUninsured Loss. If a Premises Partial Damage that is not an Insured Loss occurs, unless caused by a negligent or willful act of Lessee (in which event Lessee shall make the repairs at Lessees expense), Lessor may either: (i) repair such damage as soon as reasonably possible at Lessors expense, in which event this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, or (ii) terminate this Lease by giving written notice to Lessee within 30 days after receipt by Lessor of knowledge of the occurrence of such damage. Such termination shall be effective 60 days following the date of such notice. In the event Lessor elects to terminate this Lease, Lessee shall have the right within 10 days after receipt of the termination notice to give written notice to Lessor of Lessees commitment to pay for the repair of such damage without reimbursement from Lessor. Lessee shall provide Lessor with said funds or satisfactory assurance thereof within 30 days after making such commitment. In such event this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, and Lessor shall proceed to make such repairs as soon as reasonably possible after the required funds are available. If Lessee does not make the required commitment, this Lease shall terminate as of the date specified in the termination notice.
9.4 Total Destruction. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, if a Premises Total Destruction occurs, this Lease shall terminate 60 days following such Destruction. If the damage or destruction was caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Lessee, Lessor shall have the right to recover Lessors damages from Lessee, except as provided in Paragraph 8.6.
9.5 Damage Near End of Term. If at any time during the last 6 months of this Lease there is damage for which the cost to repair exceeds one months Base Rent, whether or not an Insured Loss, Lessor may terminate this Lease effective 60 days following the date of occurrence of such damage by giving a written termination notice to Lessee within 30 days after the date of occurrence of such damage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Lessee at that time has an exercisable option to extend this Lease or to purchase the Premises, then Lessee may preserve this Lease by, (a) exercising such option and (b) providing Lessor with any shortage in insurance proceeds (or adequate assurance thereof) needed to make the repairs on or before the earlier of (i) the date which is 10 days after Lessees receipt of Lessors written notice purporting to terminate this Lease, or (ii) the day prior to the date upon which such option expires. If Lessee duly exercises such option during such period and provides Lessor with funds (or adequate assurance thereof) to cover any shortage in insurance proceeds, Lessor shall, at Lessors commercially reasonable expense, repair such damage as soon as reasonably possible and this Lease shall continue in full force and effect. If Lessee fails to exercise such option and provide such funds or assurance during such period, then this Lease shall terminate on the date specified in the termination notice and Lessees option shall be extinguished.
9.6 Abatement of Rent; Lessees Remedies.
(a) Abatement. In the event of Premises Partial Damage or Premises Total Destruction or a Hazardous Substance Condition for which Lessee is not responsible under this Lease, the Rent payable by Lessee for the period required for the repair, remediation or restoration of such damage shall be abated in proportion to the degree to which Lessees use of the Premises is impaired. All other obligations of Lessee hereunder shall be performed by Lessee, and Lessor shall have no liability for any such damage, destruction, remediation, repair or restoration except as provided herein.
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(b) Remedies. If Lessor is obligated to repair or restore the Premises and does not commence, in a substantial and meaningful way, such repair or restoration within 90 days after such obligation shall accrue, Lessee may, at any time prior to the commencement of such repair or restoration, give written notice to Lessor and to any Lenders of which Lessee has actual notice, of Lessees election to terminate this Lease on a date not less than 60 days following the giving of such notice. If Lessee gives such notice and such repair or restoration is not commenced within 30 days thereafter, this Lease shall terminate as of the date specified in said notice. If the repair or restoration is commenced within such 30 days, this Lease shall continue in full force and effect. Commence shall mean either the unconditional authorization of the preparation of the required plans, or the beginning of the actual work on the Premises, whichever first occurs.
9.7 Termination; Advance Payments. Upon termination of this Lease pursuant to Paragraph 6.2(g) or Paragraph 9, an equitable adjustment shall be made concerning advance Base Rent and any other advance payments made by Lessee to Lessor. Lessor shall, in addition, return to Lessee so much of Lessees Security Deposit as has not been, or is not then required to be, used by Lessor.
10. Real Property Taxes.
10.1 Definition. As used herein, the term Real Property Taxes shall include any form of assessment; real estate, general, special, ordinary or extraordinary, or rental levy or tax (other than inheritance, personal income or estate taxes); improvement bond; and/or license fee imposed upon or levied against any legal or equitable interest of Lessor in the Premises or the Project, Lessors right to other income therefrom, and/or Lessors business of leasing, by any authority having the direct or indirect power to tax and where the funds are generated with reference to the Building address. Real Property Taxes shall also include any tax, fee, levy, assessment or charge, or any increase therein: (I) imposed by reason of events occurring during the term of this Lease, including but not limited to, a change in the ownership of the Premises, and (ii) levied or assessed on machinery or equipment provided by Lessor to Lessee pursuant to this Lease.
10.2 Payment of Taxes. In addition to Base Rent, Lessee shall pay to Lessor an amount equal to the Real Property Tax installment due at least 20 days prior to the applicable delinquency date. If any such installment shall cover any period of time prior to or after the expiration or termination of this Lease, Lessees share of such installment shall be prorated. In the event Lessee incurs a late charge on any Rent payment, Lessor may estimate the current Real Property Taxes, and require that such taxes be paid in advance to Lessor by Lessee monthly in advance with the payment of the Base Rent. Such monthly payments shall be an amount equal to the amount of the estimated installment of taxes divided by the number of months remaining before the month in which said installment becomes delinquent. When the actual amount of the applicable tax bill is known, the amount of such equal monthly advance payments shall be adjusted as required to provide the funds needed to pay the applicable taxes. If the amount collected by Lessor is insufficient to pay such Real Property Taxes when due, Lessee shall pay Lessor, upon demand, such additional sum as is necessary. Advance payments may be intermingled with other moneys of Lessor and shall not bear interest. In the event of a Breach by Lessee in the performance of its obligations under this Lease, then any such advance payments may be treated by Lessor as an additional Security Deposit.
10.3 Joint Assessment. If the Premises are not separately assessed, Lessees liability shall be an equitable proportion of the Real Property Taxes for all of the land and improvements included within the tax parcel assessed, such proportion to be conclusively determined by Lessor from the respective valuations assigned in the assessors work sheets or such other information as may be reasonably available.
10.4 Personal Property Taxes. Lessee shall pay, prior to delinquency, all taxes assessed against and levied upon Lessee Owned Alterations, Utility Installations, Trade Fixtures, furnishings, equipment and all personal property of Lessee. When possible, Lessee shall cause its Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations, Trade Fixtures, furnishings, equipment and all other personal property to be assessed and billed separately from the real property of Lessor. If any of Lessees said property shall be assessed with Lessors real property, Lessee shall pay Lessor the taxes attributable to Lessees property within 10 days after receipt of a written statement setting forth the taxes applicable to Lessees property.
11. Utilities and Services. Lessee shall pay for all water, gas, heat, light, power, telephone, trash disposal and other utilities and services supplied to the Premises, together with any taxes thereon. If any such services are not separately metered or billed to Lessee, Lessee shall pay a reasonable proportion, to be determined by Lessor, of all charges jointly metered or billed. There shall be no abatement of rent and Lessor shall not be liable in any respect whatsoever for the inadequacy, stoppage, interruption or discontinuance of any utility or service due to riot, strike, labor dispute, breakdown, accident, repair or other cause beyond Lessors reasonable control or in cooperation with governmental request or directions.
Within fifteen days of Lessors written request, Lessee agrees to deliver to Lessor such information, documents and/or authorization as Lessor needs in order for Lessor to comply with new or existing Applicable Requirements relating to commercial building energy usage, ratings, and/or the reporting thereof.
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12. Assignment and Subletting. See Addendum Paragraph #55
12.1 Lessors Consent Required.
(a) Lessee shall not voluntarily or by operation of law assign, transfer, mortgage or encumber (collectively, assign or assignment) or sublet all or any part of Lessees interest in this Lease or in the Premises without Lessors prior written consent.
(b) Unless Lessee is a corporation and its stock is publicly traded on a national stock exchange, a change in the control of Lessee shall constitute an assignment requiring consent. The transfer, on a cumulative basis, of 50% or more of the voting control of Lessee shall constitute a change in control for this purpose.
(c) The involvement of Lessee or its assets in any transaction, or series of transactions (by way of merger, sale, acquisition, financing, transfer, leveraged buy-out or otherwise), whether or not a formal assignment or hypothecation of this Lease or Lessees assets occurs, which results or will result in a reduction of the Net Worth of Lessee by an amount greater than 25% of such Net Worth as it was represented at the time of the execution of this Lease or at the time of the most recent assignment to which Lessor has consented, or as it exists immediately prior to said transaction or transactions constituting such reduction, whichever was or is greater, shall be considered an assignment of this Lease to which Lessor may withhold its consent. Net Worth of Lessee shall mean the net worth of Lessee (excluding any guarantors) established under generally accepted accounting principles.
(d) An assignment or subletting without consent shall, at Lessors option, be a Default curable after notice per Paragraph 13.1(d), or a noncurable Breach without the necessity of any notice and grace period. If Lessor elects to treat such unapproved assignment or subletting as a noncurable Breach, Lessor may either: (i) terminate this Lease, or (ii) upon 30 days written notice, increase the monthly Base Rent to 110% of the Base Rent then in effect. Further, in the event of such Breach and rental adjustment, (i) the purchase price of any option to purchase the Premises held by Lessee shall be subject to similar adjustment to 110% of the price previously in effect, and (ii) all fixed and non-fixed rental adjustments scheduled during the remainder of the Lease term shall be increased to 110% of the scheduled adjusted rent.
(e) Lessees remedy for any breach of Paragraph 12.1 by Lessor shall be limited to compensatory damages and/or injunctive relief.
(f) Lessor may reasonably withhold consent to a proposed assignment or subletting if Lessee is in Default at the time consent is requested.
(g) Notwithstanding the foregoing, allowing a de minimis portion of the Premises, ie. 20 square feet or less, to be used by a third party vendor in connection with the installation of a vending machine or payphone shall not constitute a subletting.
12.2 Terms and Conditions Applicable to Assignment and Subletting.
(a) Regardless of Lessors consent, no assignment or subletting shall: (i) be effective without the express written assumption by such assignee or sublessee of the obligations of Lessee under this Lease, (ii) release Lessee of any obligations hereunder, or (iii) alter the primary liability of Lessee for the payment of Rent or for the performance of any other obligations to be performed by Lessee.
(b) Lessor may accept Rent or performance of Lessees obligations from any person other than Lessee pending approval or disapproval of an assignment. Neither a delay in the approval or disapproval of such assignment nor the acceptance of Rent or performance shall constitute a waiver or estoppel of Lessors right to exercise its remedies for Lessees Default or Breach.
(c) Lessors consent to any assignment or subletting shall not constitute a consent to any subsequent assignment or subletting.
(d) In the event of any Default or Breach by Lessee, Lessor may proceed directly against Lessee, any Guarantors or anyone else responsible for the performance of Lessees obligations under this Lease, including any assignee or sublessee, without first exhausting Lessors remedies against any other person or entity responsible therefor to Lessor, or any security held by Lessor.
(e) Each request for consent to an assignment or subletting shall be in writing, accompanied by information relevant to Lessors determination as to the financial and operational responsibility and appropriateness of the proposed assignee or sublessee, including but not limited to the intended use and/or required modification of the Premises, if any, together with a fee of $500 as consideration for Lessors considering and processing said request. Lessee agrees to provide Lessor with such other or additional information and/or documentation as may be reasonably requested. (See also Paragraph 36)
(f) Any assignee of, or sublessee under, this Lease shall, by reason of accepting such assignment, entering into such sublease, or entering into possession of the Premises or any portion thereof, be deemed to have assumed and agreed to conform and comply with each and every term, covenant, condition and obligation herein to be observed or performed by Lessee during the term of said assignment or sublease, other than such obligations as are contrary to or inconsistent with provisions of an assignment or sublease to which Lessor has specifically consented to in writing.
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(g) Lessors consent to any assignment or subletting shall not transfer to the assignee or sublessee any Option granted to the original Lessee by this Lease unless such transfer is specifically consented to by Lessor in writing. (See Paragraph 39.2)
12.3 Additional Terms and Conditions Applicable to Subletting. The following terms and conditions shall apply to any subletting by Lessee of all or any part of the Premises and shall be deemed included in all subleases under this Lease whether or not expressly incorporated therein:
(a) Lessee hereby assigns and transfers to Lessor all of Lessees interest in all Rent payable on any sublease, and Lessor may collect such Rent and apply same toward Lessees obligations under this Lease; provided, however, that until a Breach shall occur in the performance of Lessees obligations, Lessee may collect said Rent. In the event that the amount collected by Lessor exceeds Lessees then outstanding obligations any such excess shall be refunded to Lessee. Lessor shall not, by reason of the foregoing or any assignment of such sublease, nor by reason of the collection of Rent, be deemed liable to the sublessee for any failure of Lessee to perform and comply with any of Lessees obligations to such sublessee. Lessee hereby irrevocably authorizes and directs any such sublessee, upon receipt of a written notice from Lessor stating that a Breach exists in the performance of Lessees obligations under this Lease, to pay to Lessor all Rent due and to become due under the sublease. Sublessee shall rely upon any such notice from Lessor and shall pay all Rents to Lessor without any obligation or right to inquire as to whether such Breach exists, notwithstanding any claim from Lessee to the contrary.
(b) In the event of a Breach by Lessee, Lessor may, at its option, require sublessee to attorn to Lessor, in which event Lessor shall undertake the obligations of the sublessor under such sublease from the time of the exercise of said option to the expiration of such sublease; provided, however, Lessor shall not be liable for any prepaid rents or security deposit paid by such sublessee to such sublessor or for any prior Defaults or Breaches of such sublessor.
(c) Any matter requiring the consent of the sublessor under a sublease shall also require the consent of Lessor.
(d) No sublessee shall further assign or sublet all or any part of the Premises without Lessors prior written consent.
(e) Lessor shall deliver a copy of any notice of Default or Breach by Lessee to the sublessee, who shall have the right to cure the Default of Lessee within the grace period, if any, specified in such notice. The sublessee shall have a right of reimbursement and offset from and against Lessee for any such Defaults cured by the sublessee.
13. Default; Breach; Remedies.
13.1 Default; Breach. A Default is defined as a failure by the Lessee to comply with or perform any of the terms, covenants, conditions or Rules and Regulations under this Lease. A Breach is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following Defaults, and the failure of Lessee to cure such Default within any applicable grace period:
(a) The abandonment of the Premises; or the vacating of the Premises without providing a commercially reasonable level of security, or where the coverage of the property insurance described in Paragraph 8.3 is jeopardized as a result thereof, or without providing reasonable assurances to minimize potential vandalism.
(b) The failure of Lessee to make any payment of Rent or any Security Deposit required to be made by Lessee hereunder, whether to Lessor or to a third party, when due, to provide reasonable evidence of insurance or surety bond, or to fulfill any obligation under this Lease which endangers or threatens life or property, where such failure continues for a period of 3 business days following written notice to Lessee. THE ACCEPTANCE BY LESSOR OF A PARTIAL PAYMENT OF RENT OR SECURITY DEPOSIT SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE A WAIVER OF ANY OF LESSORS RIGHTS, INCLUDING LESSORS RIGHT TO RECOVER POSSESSION OF THE PREMISES.
(c) The failure of Lessee to allow Lessor and/or its agents access to the Premises or the commission of waste, act or acts constituting public or private nuisance, and/or an illegal activity on the Premises by Lessee, where such actions continue for a period of 3 business days following written notice to Lessee. In the event that Lessee commits waste, a nuisance or an illegal activity a second time then, the Lessor may elect to treat such conduct as a non-curable Breach rather than a Default.
(d) The failure by Lessee to provide (i) reasonable written evidence of compliance with Applicable Requirements, (ii) the service contracts, (iii) the rescission of an unauthorized assignment or subletting, (iv) an Estoppel Certificate or financial statements, (v) a requested subordination, (vi) evidence concerning any guaranty and/or Guarantor, (vii) any document requested under Paragraph 42, (viii) material safety data sheets (MSDS), or (ix) any other documentation or information which Lessor may reasonably require of Lessee under the terms of this Lease, where any such failure continues for a period of 10 business days following written notice to Lessee.
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(e) A Default by Lessee as to the terms, covenants, conditions or provisions of this Lease, or of the rules adopted under Paragraph 40 hereof, other than those described in subparagraphs 13.1(a), (b), (c) or (d), above, where such Default continues for a period of 30 days after written notice; provided, however, that if the nature of Lessees Default is such that more than 30 days are reasonably required for its cure, then it shall not be deemed to be a Breach if Lessee commences such cure within said 30 day period and thereafter diligently prosecutes such cure to completion.
(f) The occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the making of any general arrangement or assignment for the benefit of creditors; (ii) becoming a debtor as defined in 11 U.S.C. § 101 or any successor statute thereto (unless, in the case of a petition filed against Lessee, the same is dismissed within 60 days); (iii) the appointment of a trustee or receiver to take possession of substantially all of Lessees assets located at the Premises or of Lessees interest in this Lease, where possession is not restored to Lessee within 30 days; or (iv) the attachment, execution or other judicial seizure of substantially all of Lessees assets located at the Premises or of Lessees interest in this Lease, where such seizure is not discharged within 30 days; provided, however, in the event that any provision of this subparagraph is contrary to any applicable law, such provision shall be of no force or effect, and not affect the validity of the remaining provisions.
(g) The discovery that any financial statement of Lessee or of any Guarantor given to Lessor was materially false.
(h) If the performance of Lessees obligations under this Lease is guaranteed: (i) the death of a Guarantor, (ii) the termination of a Guarantors liability with respect to this Lease other than in accordance with the terms of such guaranty, (iii) a Guarantors becoming insolvent or the subject of a bankruptcy filing, (iv) a Guarantors refusal to honor the guaranty, or (v) a Guarantors breach of its guaranty obligation on an anticipatory basis, and Lessees failure, within 60 days following written notice of any such event, to provide written alternative assurance or security, which, when coupled with the then existing resources of Lessee, equals or exceeds the combined financial resources of Lessee and the Guarantors that existed at the time of execution of this Lease.
13.2 Remedies. If Lessee fails to perform any of its affirmative duties or obligations, within 10 days after written notice (or in case of an emergency, without notice), Lessor may, at its option, perform such duty or obligation on Lessees behalf, including but not limited to the obtaining of reasonably required bonds, insurance policies, or governmental licenses, permits or approvals. Lessee shall pay to Lessor an amount equal to 115% of the costs and expenses incurred by Lessor in such performance upon receipt of an invoice therefor. In the event of a Breach, Lessor may, with or without further notice or demand, and without limiting Lessor in the exercise of any right or remedy which Lessor may have by reason of such Breach:
(a) Terminate Lessees right to possession of the Premises by any lawful means, in which case this Lease shall terminate and Lessee shall immediately surrender possession to Lessor. In such event Lessor shall be entitled to recover from Lessee: (i) the unpaid Rent which had been earned at the time of termination; (ii) the worth at the time of award of the amount by which the unpaid rent which would have been earned after termination until the time of award exceeds the amount of such rental loss that the Lessee proves could have been reasonably avoided; (iii) the worth at the time of award of the amount by which the unpaid rent for the balance of the term after the time of award exceeds the amount of such rental loss that the Lessee proves could be reasonably avoided; and (iv) any other amount necessary to compensate Lessor for all the detriment proximately caused by the Lessees failure to perform its obligations under this Lease or which in the ordinary course of things would be likely to result therefrom, including but not limited to the cost of recovering possession of the Premises, expenses of reletting, including necessary renovation and alteration of the Premises, reasonable attorneys fees, and that portion of any leasing commission paid by Lessor in connection with this Lease applicable to the unexpired term of this Lease. The worth at the time of award of the amount referred to in provision (iii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall be computed by discounting such amount at the discount rate of the Federal Reserve Bank of the District within which the Premises are located at the time of award plus one percent. Efforts by Lessor to mitigate damages caused by Lessees Breach of this Lease shall not waive Lessors right to recover any damages to which Lessor is otherwise entitled. If termination of this Lease is obtained through the provisional remedy of unlawful detainer, Lessor shall have the right to recover in such proceeding any unpaid Rent and damages as are recoverable therein, or Lessor may reserve the right to recover all or any part thereof in a separate suit. If a notice and grace period required under Paragraph 13.1 was not previously given, a notice to pay rent or quit, or to perform or quit given to Lessee under the unlawful detainer statute shall also constitute the notice required by Paragraph 13.1. In such case, the applicable grace period required by Paragraph 13.1 and the unlawful detainer statute shall run concurrently, and the failure of Lessee to cure the Default within the greater of the two such grace periods shall constitute both an unlawful detainer and a Breach of this Lease entitling Lessor to the remedies provided for in this Lease and/or by said statute.
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(b) Continue the Lease and Lessees right to possession and recover the Rent as it becomes due, in which event Lessee may sublet or assign, subject only to reasonable limitations. Acts of maintenance, efforts to relet, and/or the appointment of a receiver to protect the Lessors interests, shall not constitute a termination of the Lessees right to possession.
(c) Pursue any other remedy now or hereafter available under the laws or judicial decisions of the state wherein the Premises are located. The expiration or termination of this Lease and/or the termination of Lessees right to possession shall not relieve Lessee from liability under any indemnity provisions of this Lease as to matters occurring or accruing during the term hereof or by reason of Lessees occupancy of the Premises.
13.3 Inducement Recapture. Any agreement for free or abated rent or other charges, the cost of tenant improvements for Lessee paid for or performed by Lessor, or for the giving or paying by Lessor to or for Lessee of any cash or other bonus, inducement or consideration for Lessees entering into this Lease, all of which concessions are hereinafter referred to as Inducement Provisions, shall be deemed conditioned upon Lessees full and faithful performance of all of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease. Upon Breach of this Lease by Lessee, any such Inducement Provision shall automatically be deemed deleted from this Lease and of no further force or effect, and any rent, other charge, bonus, Inducement or consideration theretofore abated, given or paid by Lessor under such an Inducement Provision shall be immediately due and payable by Lessee to Lessor, notwithstanding any subsequent cure of said Breach by Lessee. The acceptance by Lessor of rent or the cure of the Breach which initiated the operation of this paragraph shall not be deemed a waiver by Lessor of the provisions of this paragraph unless specifically so stated in writing by Lessor at the time of such acceptance.
13.4 Late Charges. Lessee hereby acknowledges that late payment by Lessee of Rent will cause Lessor to incur costs not contemplated by this Lease, the exact amount of which will be extremely difficult to ascertain. Such costs include, but are not limited to, processing and accounting charges, and late charges which may be imposed upon Lessor by any Lender. Accordingly, if any Rent shall not be received by Lessor within 5 days after such amount shall be due, then, without any requirement for notice to Lessee, Lessee shall immediately pay to Lessor a one-time late charge equal to 10% of each such overdue amount or $100, whichever is greater. The Parties hereby agree that such late charge represents a fair and reasonable estimate of the costs Lessor will incur by reason of such late payment. Acceptance of such late charge by Lessor shall in no event constitute a waiver of Lessees Default or Breach with respect to such overdue amount, nor prevent the exercise of any of the other rights and remedies granted hereunder. In the event that a late charge is payable hereunder, whether or not collected, for 3 consecutive installments of Base Rent, then notwithstanding any provision of this Lease to the contrary, Base Rent shall, at Lessors option, become due and payable quarterly in advance.
13.5 Interest. Any monetary payment due Lessor hereunder, other than late charges, not received by Lessor, when due shall bear interest from the 31st day after it was due. The interest (Interest) charged shall be computed at the rate of 10% per annum but shall not exceed the maximum rate allowed by law. Interest is payable in addition to the potential late charge provided for in Paragraph 13.4.
13.6 Breach by Lessor.
(a) Notice of Breach. Lessor shall not be deemed in breach of this Lease unless Lessor fails within a reasonable time to perform an obligation required to be performed by Lessor. For purposes of this Paragraph, a reasonable time shall in no event be less than 30 days after receipt by Lessor, and any Lender whose name and address shall have been furnished to Lessee in writing for such purpose, of written notice specifying wherein such obligation of Lessor has not been performed; provided, however, that if the nature of Lessors obligation is such that more than 30 days are reasonably required for its performance, then Lessor shall not be in breach if performance is commenced within such 30 day period and thereafter diligently pursued to completion.
(b) Performance by Lessee on Behalf of Lessor. In the event that neither Lessor nor Lender cures said breach within 30 days after receipt of said notice, or if having commenced said cure they do not diligently pursue it to completion, then Lessee may elect to cure said breach at Lessees expense and offset from Rent the actual and reasonable cost to perform such cure, provided, however, that such offset shall not exceed an amount equal to the greater of two months Base Rent or the Security Deposit, reserving Lessees right to seek reimbursement from Lessor for any such expense in excess of such offset. Lessee shall document the cost of said cure and supply said documentation to Lessor.
14. Condemnation. If the Premises or any portion thereof are taken under the power of eminent domain or sold under the threat of the exercise of said power (collectively Condemnation), this Lease shall terminate as to the part taken as of the date the condemning authority takes title or possession, whichever first occurs. If more than 10% of the Building, or more than 25% of that portion of the Premises not occupied by any building, is taken by Condemnation, Lessee may, at Lessees option, to be exercised in writing within 10 days after Lessor shall have given Lessee written notice of such taking (or in the absence of such notice, within 10 days after the condemning authority shall have taken possession) terminate this Lease as of the date the condemning authority takes such possession. If Lessee does not terminate this Lease in accordance with the foregoing, this Lease shall remain in full force and effect as to the portion of the Premises remaining, except that the Base Rent shall be reduced in proportion to the reduction in utility of the Premises caused by such Condemnation. Condemnation awards and/or payments shall be the property of Lessor, whether such award shall be made as compensation for diminution in value of the leasehold, the value of the part taken, or for severance damages; provided, however, that Lessee shall be entitled to any compensation paid by the condemnor for Lessees relocation expenses, loss of business goodwill and/or Trade Fixtures, without regard to whether or not this Lease is terminated pursuant to the provisions of this Paragraph. All Alterations and Utility Installations made to the Premises by Lessee, for purposes of Condemnation only, shall be considered the property of the Lessee and Lessee shall be entitled to any and all compensation which is payable therefor. In the event that this Lease is not terminated by reason of the Condemnation, Lessor shall repair any damage to the Premises caused by such Condemnation.
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15. Brokerage Fees.
15.1 Representations and Indemnities of Broker Relationships. Lessee and Lessor each represent and warrant to the other that it has had no dealings with any person, firm, broker, agent or finder (other than the Brokers and Agents, if any) in connection with this Lease, and that no one other than said named Brokers and Agents is entitled to any commission or finders fee in connection herewith. Lessee and Lessor do each hereby agree to indemnify, protect, defend and hold the other harmless from and against liability for compensation or charges which may be claimed by any such unnamed broker, finder or other similar party by reason of any dealings or actions of the indemnifying Party, including any costs, expenses, attorneys fees reasonably incurred with respect thereto.
16. Estoppel Certificates.
(a) Each Party (as Responding Party) shall within 10 business days after written notice from the other Party (the Requesting Party) execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Requesting Party a statement in writing in form similar to the then most current Estoppel Certificate form published BY AIR CRE, plus such additional information, confirmation and/or statements as may be reasonably requested by the Requesting Party.
(b) If the Responding Party shall fail to execute or deliver the Estoppel Certificate within such 10 day period, the Requesting Party may execute an Estoppel Certificate stating that: (i) the Lease is in full force and effect without modification except as may be represented by the Requesting Party, (ii) there are no uncured defaults in the Requesting Partys performance, and (iii) if Lessor is the Requesting Party, not more than one months rent has been paid in advance. Prospective purchasers and encumbrancers may rely upon the Requesting Partys Estoppel Certificate, and the Responding Party shall be estopped from denying the truth of the facts contained in said Certificate. In addition, Lessee acknowledges that any failure on its part to provide such an Estoppel Certificate will expose Lessor to risks and potentially cause Lessor to incur costs not contemplated by this Lease, the extent of which will be extremely difficult to ascertain. Accordingly, should the Lessee fail to execute and/or deliver a requested Estoppel Certificate in a timely fashion the monthly Base Rent shall be automatically increased, without any requirement for notice to Lessee, by an amount equal to 10% of the then existing Base Rent or $100, whichever is greater for remainder of the Lease. The Parties agree that such increase in Base Rent represents fair and reasonable compensation for the additional risk/costs that Lessor will incur by reason of Lessees failure to provide the Estoppel Certificate. Such increase in Base Rent shall in no event constitute a waiver of Lessees Default or Breach with respect to the failure to provide the Estoppel Certificate nor prevent the exercise of any of the other rights and remedies granted hereunder.
(c) If Lessor desires to finance, refinance, or sell the Premises, or any part thereof, Lessee and all Guarantors shall within 10 days after written notice from Lessor deliver to any potential lender or purchaser designated by Lessor such financial statements as may be reasonably required by such lender or purchaser, including but not limited to Lessees financial statements for the past 3 years. All such financial statements shall be received by Lessor and such lender or purchaser in confidence and shall be used only for the purposes herein set forth.
17. Definition of Lessor. The term Lessor as used herein shall mean the owner or owners at the time in question of the fee title to the Premises, or, if this is a sublease, of the Lessees interest in the prior lease. In the event of a transfer of Lessors title or interest in the Premises or this Lease, Lessor shall deliver to the transferee or assignee (in cash or by credit) any unused Security Deposit held by Lessor. Upon such transfer or assignment and delivery of the Security Deposit, as aforesaid, the prior Lessor shall be relieved of all liability with respect to the obligations and/or covenants under this Lease thereafter to be performed by the Lessor. Subject to the foregoing, the obligations and/or covenants in this Lease to be performed by the Lessor shall be binding only upon the Lessor as hereinabove defined.
18. Severability. The invalidity of any provision of this Lease, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, shall in no way affect the validity of any other provision hereof.
19. Days. Unless otherwise specifically indicated to the contrary, the word days as used in this Lease shall mean and refer to calendar days.
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20. Limitation on Liability. The obligations of Lessor under this Lease shall not constitute personal obligations of Lessor, or its partners, members, directors, officers or shareholders, and Lessee shall look to the Premises, including insurance, and to no other assets of Lessor, for the satisfaction of any liability of Lessor with respect to this Lease, and shall not seek recourse against Lessors partners, members, directors, officers or shareholders, or any of their personal assets for such satisfaction.
21. Time of Essence. Time is of the essence with respect to the performance of all obligations to be performed or observed by the Parties under this Lease.
22. No Prior or Other Agreements; Broker Disclaimer. This Lease contains all agreements between the Parties with respect to any matter mentioned herein, and no other prior or contemporaneous agreement or understanding shall be effective. Lessor and Lessee each represents and warrants to the Brokers that it has made, and is relying solely upon, its own investigation as to the nature, quality, character and financial responsibility of the other Party to this Lease and as to the use, nature, quality and character of the Premises. Brokers have no responsibility with respect thereto or with respect to any default or breach hereof by either Party.
23. Notices.
23.1 Notice Requirements. All notices required or permitted by this Lease or applicable law shall be in writing and may be delivered in person (by hand or by courier) or may be sent by regular, certified or registered mail or U.S. Postal Service Express Mail, or other reputable overnight carrier such as UPS or Federal Express with postage prepaid, or by facsimile transmission, or by email, and shall be deemed sufficiently given if served in a manner specified in this Paragraph 23. The addresses noted adjacent to a Partys signature on this Lease shall be that Partys address for delivery or mailing of notices. Either Party may by written notice to the other specify a different address for notice, except that upon Lessees taking possession of the Premises, the Premises shall constitute Lessees address for notice. A copy of all notices to Lessor shall be concurrently transmitted to such party or parties at such addresses as Lessor may from time to time hereafter designate in writing.
23.2 Date of Notice. Any notice sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, shall be deemed given on the date of delivery shown on the receipt card, or if no delivery date is shown, the postmark thereon. If sent by regular mail the notice shall be deemed given 72 hours after the same is addressed as required herein and mailed with postage prepaid. Notices delivered by United States Express Mail or overnight courier that guarantees next day delivery shall be deemed given 24 hours after delivery of the same to the Postal Service or courier. Notices delivered by hand, or transmitted by facsimile transmission or by email shall be deemed delivered upon actual receipt. If notice is received on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, it shall be deemed received on the next business day.
23.3 Options. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in order to exercise any Options (see paragraph 39), the Notice must be sent by Certified Mail (return receipt requested), Express Mail (signature required), courier (signature required) or some other methodology that provides a receipt establishing the date the notice was received by the Lessor.
24. Waivers.
(a) No waiver by Lessor of the Default or Breach of any term, covenant or condition hereof by Lessee, shall be deemed a waiver of any other term, covenant or condition hereof, or of any subsequent Default or Breach by Lessee of the same or of any other term, covenant or condition hereof. Lessors consent to, or approval of, any act shall not be deemed to render unnecessary the obtaining of Lessors consent to, or approval of, any subsequent or similar act by Lessee, or be construed as the basis of an estoppel to enforce the provision or provisions of this Lease requiring such consent.
(b) The acceptance of Rent by Lessor shall not be a waiver of any Default or Breach by Lessee. Any payment by Lessee may be accepted by Lessor on account of monies or damages due Lessor, notwithstanding any qualifying statements or conditions made by Lessee in connection therewith, which such statements and/or conditions shall be of no force or effect whatsoever unless specifically agreed to in writing by Lessor at or before the time of deposit of such payment.
(c) THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE TERMS OF THIS LEASE SHALL GOVERN WITH REGARD TO ALL MATTERS RELATED THERETO AND HEREBY WAIVE THE PROVISIONS OF ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE STATUTE TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH STATUTE IS INCONSISTENT WITH THIS LEASE.
25. Disclosures Regarding The Nature of a Real Estate Agency Relationship.
(a) When entering into a discussion with a real estate agent regarding a real estate transaction, a Lessor or Lessee should from the outset understand what type of agency relationship or representation it has with the agent or agents in the transaction. Lessor and Lessee acknowledge being advised by the Brokers in this transaction, as follows:
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(i) Lessors Agent. A Lessors agent under a listing agreement with the Lessor acts as the agent for the Lessor only. A Lessors agent or subagent has the following affirmative obligations: To the Lessor: A fiduciary duty of utmost care, integrity, honesty, and loyalty in dealings with the Lessor. To the Lessee and the Lessor: (a) Diligent exercise of reasonable skills and care in performance of the agents duties. (b) A duty of honest and fair dealing and good faith. (c) A duty to disclose all facts known to the agent materially affecting the value or desirability of the property that are not known to, or within the diligent attention and observation of, the Parties. An agent is not obligated to reveal to either Party any confidential Information obtained from the other Party which does not involve the affirmative duties set forth above.
(ii) Lessees Agent. An agent can agree to act as agent for the Lessee only. In these situations, the agent is not the Lessors agent, even if by agreement the agent may receive compensation for services rendered, either in full or in part from the Lessor. An agent acting only for a Lessee has the following affirmative obligations. To the Lessee: A fiduciary duty of utmost care, integrity, honesty, and loyalty in dealings with the Lessee. To the Lessee and the Lessor: (a) Diligent exercise of reasonable skills and care in performance of the agents duties. (b) A duty of honest and fair dealing and good faith. (c) A duty to disclose all facts known to the agent materially affecting the value or desirability of the property that are not known to, or within the diligent attention and observation of, the Parties. An agent is not obligated to reveal to either Party any confidential information obtained from the other Party which does not involve the affirmative duties set forth above.
(iii) Agent Representing Both Lessor and Lessee. A real estate agent, either acting directly or through one or more associate licenses, can legally be the agent of both the Lessor and the Lessee in a transaction, but only with the knowledge and consent of both the Lessor and the Lessee. In a dual agency situation, the agent has the following affirmative obligations to both the Lessor and the Lessee: (a) A fiduciary duty of utmost care, integrity, honesty and loyalty in the dealings with either Lessor or the Lessee. (b) Other duties to the Lessor and the Lessee as stated above in subparagraphs (i) or (ii). In representing both Lessor and Lessee, the agent may not, without the express permission of the respective Party, disclose to the other Party confidential information, including, but not limited to, facts relating to either Lessees or Lessors financial position, motivations, bargaining position, or other personal information that may impact rent, including Lessors willingness to accept a rent less than the listing rent or Lessees willingness to pay rent greater than the rent offered. The above duties of the agent in a real estate transaction do not relieve a Lessor or Lessee from the responsibility to protect their own interests. Lessor and Lessee should carefully read all agreements to assure that they adequately express their understanding of the transaction. A real estate agent is a person qualified to advise about real estate. If legal or tax advice is desired, consult a competent professional. Both Lessor and Lessee should strongly consider obtaining tax advice from a competent professional because the federal and state tax consequences of a transaction can be complex and subject to change.
(b) Brokers have no responsibility with respect to any default or breach hereof by either Party. The Parties agree that no lawsuit or other legal proceeding involving any breach of duty, error or omission relating to this Lease may be brought against Broker more than one year after the Start Date and that the liability (including court costs and attorneys fees), of any Broker with respect to any such lawsuit and/or legal proceeding shall not exceed the fee received by such Broker pursuant to this Lease; provided, however, that the foregoing limitation on each Brokers liability shall not be applicable to any gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Broker.
(c) Lessor and Lessee agree to identify to Brokers as Confidential any communication or information given Brokers that is considered by such Party to be confidential.
26. No Right To Holdover. Lessee has no right to retain possession of the Premises or any part thereof beyond the expiration or termination of this Lease. In the event that Lessee holds over, for the thirty (30) days following the expiration of the initial term the last base rent shall apply, then the Base Rent shall be increased to 150% of the Base Rent applicable immediately preceding the expiration or termination. Holdover Base Rent shall be calculated on monthly basis. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as consent by Lessor to any holding over by Lessee.
27. Cumulative Remedies. No remedy or election hereunder shall be deemed exclusive but shall, wherever possible, be cumulative with all other remedies at law or in equity.
28. Covenants and Conditions; Construction of Agreement. All provisions of this Lease to be observed or performed by Lessee are both covenants and conditions. In construing this Lease, all headings and titles are for the convenience of the Parties only and shall not be considered a part of this Lease. Whenever required by the context, the singular shall include the plural and vice versa. This Lease shall not be construed as if prepared by one of the Parties, but rather according to its fair meaning as a whole, as if both Parties had prepared it.
29. Binding Effect; Choice of Law. This Lease shall be binding upon the Parties, their personal representatives, successors and assigns and be governed by the laws of the State in which the Premises are located. Any litigation between the Parties hereto concerning this Lease shall be initiated in the county in which the Premises are located. Signatures to this Lease accomplished by means of electronic signature or similar technology shall be legal and binding.
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30. Subordination; Adornment; Non-Disturbance.
30.1 Subordination. This Lease and any Option granted hereby shall be subject and subordinate to any ground lease, mortgage, deed of trust, or other hypothecation or security device (collectively, Security Device), now or hereafter placed upon the Premises, to any and all advances made on the security thereof, and to all renewals, modifications, and extensions thereof. Lessee agrees that the holders of any such Security Devices (in this Lease together referred to as Lender) shall have no liability or obligation to perform any of the obligations of Lessor under this Lease. Any Lender may elect to have this Lease and/or any Option granted hereby superior to the lien of its Security Device by giving written notice thereof to Lessee, whereupon this Lease and such Options shall be deemed prior to such Security Device, notwithstanding the relative dates of the documentation or recordation thereof.
30.2 Attornment. In the event that Lessor transfers title to the Premises, or the Premises are acquired by another upon the foreclosure or termination of a Security Device to which this Lease is subordinated (i) Lessee shall, subject to the non-disturbance provisions of Paragraph 30.3, attorn to such new owner, and upon request, enter into a new lease, containing all of the terms and provisions of this Lease, with such new owner for the remainder of the term hereof, or, at the election of the new owner, this Lease will automatically become a new lease between Lessee and such new owner, and (ii) Lessor shall thereafter be relieved of any further obligations hereunder and such new owner shall assume all of Lessors obligations, except that such new owner shall not: (a) be liable for any act or omission of any prior lessor or with respect to events occurring prior to acquisition of ownership; (b) be subject to any offsets or defenses which Lessee might have against any prior lessor, (c) be bound by prepayment of more than one months rent, or (d) be liable for the return of any security deposit paid to any prior lessor which was not paid or credited to such new owner.
30.3 Non-Disturbance. With respect to Security Devices entered into by Lessor after the execution of this Lease, Lessees subordination of this Lease shall be subject to receiving a commercially reasonable non-disturbance agreement (a Non-Disturbance Agreement) from the Lender which Non-Disturbance Agreement provides that Lessees possession of the Premises, and this Lease, including any options to extend the term hereof, will not be disturbed so long as Lessee is not in Breach hereof and attorns to the record owner of the Premises. Further, within 60 days after the execution of this Lease, Lessor shall, if requested by Lessee, use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a Non-Disturbance Agreement from the holder of any pre-existing Security Device which is secured by the Premises. In the event that Lessor is unable to provide the Non-Disturbance Agreement within said 60 days, then Lessee may, at Lessees option, directly contact Lender and attempt to negotiate for the execution and delivery of a Non-Disturbance Agreement.
30.4 Self-Executing. The agreements contained in this Paragraph 30 shall be effective without the execution of any further documents; provided, however, that, upon written request from Lessor or a Lender in connection with a sale, financing or refinancing of the Premises, Lessee and Lessor shall execute such further writings as may be reasonably required to separately document any subordination, attornment and/or Non-Disturbance Agreement provided for herein.
31. Attorneys Fees. If any Party or Broker brings an action or proceeding involving the Premises whether founded in tort, contract or equity, or to declare rights hereunder, the Prevailing Party (as hereafter defined) in any such proceeding, action, or appeal thereon, shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys fees. Such fees may be awarded in the same suit or recovered in a separate suit, whether or not such action or proceeding is pursued to decision or judgment. The term, Prevailing Party shall include, without limitation, a Party or Broker who substantially obtains or defeats the relief sought, as the case may be, whether by compromise, settlement, judgment, or the abandonment by the other Party or Broker of its claim or defense. The attorneys fees award shall not be computed in accordance with any court fee schedule, but shall be such as to fully reimburse all attorneys fees reasonably incurred. In addition, Lessor shall be entitled to attorneys fees, costs and expenses incurred in the preparation and service of notices of Default and consultations in connection therewith, whether or not a legal action is subsequently commenced in connection with such Default or resulting Breach ($200 is a reasonable minimum per occurrence for such services and consultation).
32. Lessors Access; Showing Premises; Repairs. Lessor and Lessors agents shall have the right to enter the Premises at any time, in the case of an emergency, and otherwise at reasonable times after reasonable prior notice for the purpose of showing the same to prospective purchasers, lenders, or tenants, and making such alterations, repairs, improvements or additions to the Premises as Lessor may deem necessary or desirable and the erecting, using and maintaining of utilities, services, pipes and conduits through the Premises and/or other premises as long as there is no material adverse effect on Lessees use of the Premises. All such activities shall be without abatement of rent or liability to Lessee.
33. Auctions. Lessee shall not conduct, nor permit to be conducted, any auction upon the Premises without Lessors prior written consent. Lessor shall not be obligated to exercise any standard of reasonableness in determining whether to permit an auction.
34. Signs. Lessor may place on the Premises ordinary For Sale signs at any time and ordinary For Lease signs during the last 6 months of the term hereof. Except for ordinary for sublease signs, Lessee shall not place any sign upon the Premises without Lessors prior written consent. All signs must comply with all Applicable Requirements. See Addendum Paragraph #56
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35. Termination; Merger. Unless specifically stated otherwise in writing by Lessor, the voluntary or other surrender of this Lease by Lessee, the mutual termination or cancellation hereof, or a termination hereof by Lessor for Breach by Lessee, shall automatically terminate any sublease or lesser estate in the Premises; provided, however, that Lessor may elect to continue any one or all existing subtenancies. Lessors failure within 10 days following any such event to elect to the contrary by written notice to the holder of any such lesser interest, shall constitute Lessors election to have such event constitute the termination of such interest.
36. Consents. All requests for consent shall be in writing. Except as otherwise provided herein, wherever in this Lease the consent of a Party is required to an act by or for the other Party, such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Lessors actual reasonable costs and expenses (including but not limited to architects, attorneys, engineers and other consultants fees) incurred in the consideration of, or response to, a request by Lessee for any Lessor consent, including but not limited to consents to an assignment, a subletting or the presence or use of a Hazardous Substance, shall be paid by Lessee upon receipt of an invoice and supporting documentation therefor. Lessors consent to any act, assignment or subletting shall not constitute an acknowledgment that no Default or Breach by Lessee of this Lease exists, nor shall such consent be deemed a waiver of any then existing Default or Breach, except as may be otherwise specifically stated in writing by Lessor at the time of such consent. The failure to specify herein any particular condition to Lessors consent shall not preclude the imposition by Lessor at the time of consent of such further or other conditions as are then reasonable with reference to the particular matter for which consent is being given. In the event that either Party disagrees with any determination made by the other hereunder and reasonably requests the reasons for such determination, the determining party shall furnish its reasons in writing and in reasonable detail within 10 business days following such request.
38. Quiet Possession. Subject to payment by Lessee of the Rent and performance of all of the covenants, conditions and provisions on Lessees part to be observed and performed under this Lease, Lessee shall have quiet possession and quiet enjoyment of the Premises during the term hereof.
39. Options. If Lessee Is granted any Option, as defined below, then the following provisions shall apply. See Addendum Paragraph #51
39.1 Definition. Option shall mean: (a) the right to extend or reduce the term of or renew this Lease or to extend or reduce the term of or renew any lease that Lessee has on other property of Lessor; (b) the right of first refusal or first offer to lease either the Premises or other property of Lessor; (c) the right to purchase, the right of first offer to purchase or the right of first refusal to purchase the Premises or other property of Lessor.
39.2 Options Personal To Original Lessee. Any Option granted to Lessee in this Lease is personal to the original Lessee, and cannot be assigned or exercised by anyone other than said original Lessee and only while the original Lessee is in full possession of the Premises and, if requested by Lessor, with Lessee certifying that Lessee has no intention of thereafter assigning or subletting.
39.3 Multiple Options. In the event that Lessee has any multiple Options to extend or renew this Lease, a later Option cannot be exercised unless the prior Options have been validly exercised.
39.4 Effect of Default on Options.
(a) Lessee shall have no right to exercise an Option: (i) during the period commencing with the giving of any notice of Default and continuing until said Default is cured, (ii) during the period of time any Rent is unpaid (without regard to whether notice thereof is given Lessee), (iii) during the time Lessee is in Breach of this Lease, or (iv) in the event that Lessee has been given 3 or more notices of separate Default, whether or not the Defaults are cured, during the 12 month period Immediately preceding the exercise of the Option.
(b) The period of time within which an Option may be exercised shall not be extended or enlarged by reason of Lessees inability to exercise an Option because of the provisions of Paragraph 39.4(a).
(c) An Option shall terminate and be of no further force or effect, notwithstanding Lessees due and timely exercise of the Option, if, after such exercise and prior to the commencement of the extended term or completion of the purchase, (i) Lessee fails to pay Rent for a period of 30 days after such Rent becomes due (without any necessity of Lessor to give notice thereof), or (ii) if Lessee commits a Breach of this Lease.
40. Multiple Buildings.
41. Security Measures. Lessee hereby acknowledges that the Rent payable to Lessor hereunder does not include the cost of guard service or other security measures, and that Lessor shall have no obligation whatsoever to provide same. Lessee assumes all responsibility for the protection of the Premises, Lessee, its agents and invitees and their property from the acts of third parties.
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42. Reservations. Lessor reserves to itself the right, from time to time, to grant, without the consent or joinder of Lessee, such easements, rights and dedications that Lessor deems necessary, and to cause the recordation of parcel maps and restrictions, so long as such easements, rights, dedications, maps and restrictions do not unreasonably interfere with the use of the Premises by Lessee. Lessee agrees to sign any documents reasonably requested by Lessor to effectuate any such easement rights, dedication, map or restrictions.
43. Performance Under Protest. If at any time a dispute shall arise as to any amount or sum of money to be paid by one Party to the other under the provisions hereof, the Party against whom the obligation to pay the money is asserted shall have the right to make payment under protest and such payment shall not be regarded as a voluntary payment and there shall survive the right on the part of said Party to institute suit for recovery of such sum. If it shall be adjudged that there was no legal obligation on the part of said Party to pay such sum or any part thereof, said Party shall be entitled to recover such sum or so much thereof as it was not legally required to pay. A Party who does not initiate suit for the recovery of sums paid under protest within 6 months shall be deemed to have waived its right to protest such payment.
44. Authority; Multiple Parties; Execution.
(a) if either Party hereto is a corporation, trust, limited liability company, partnership, or similar entity, each individual executing this Lease on behalf of such entity represents and warrants that he or she is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Lease on its behalf. Each Party shall, within 30 days after request, deliver to the other Party satisfactory evidence of such authority.
(b) If this Lease is executed by more than one person or entity as Lessee, each such person or entity shall be jointly and severally liable hereunder. It is agreed that any one of the named Lessees shall be empowered to execute any amendment to this Lease, or other document ancillary thereto and bind all of the named Lessees, and Lessor may rely on the same as if all of the named Lessees had executed such document.
(c) This Lease may be executed by the Parties in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
45. Conflict. Any conflict between the printed provisions of this Lease and the typewritten or handwritten provisions shall be controlled by the typewritten or handwritten provisions.
46. Offer. Preparation of this Lease by either Party or their agent and submission of same to the other Party shall not be deemed an offer to lease to the other Party. This Lease is not intended to be binding until executed and delivered by all Parties hereto.
47. Amendments. This Lease may be modified only in writing, signed by the Parties in interest at the time of the modification. As long as they do not materially change Lessees obligations hereunder, Lessee agrees to make such reasonable non-monetary modifications to this Lease as may be reasonably required by a Lender in connection with the obtaining of normal financing or refinancing of the Premises.
48. Waiver of Jury Trial. THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING INVOLVING THE PROPERTY OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT.
49. Arbitration of Disputes. An Addendum requiring the Arbitration of all disputes between the Parties and/or Brokers arising out of this Lease ☐ is ☒ is not attached to this Lease.
50. Accessibility; Americans with Disabilities Act.
(a) The Premises:
☒ have not undergone an inspection by a Certified Access Specialist (CASp). Note: A Certified Access Specialist (CASp) can inspect the subject premises and determine whether the subject premises comply with all of the applicable construction-related accessibility standards under state law. Although state law does not require a CASp inspection of the subject premises, the commercial property owner or lessor may not prohibit the lessee or tenant from obtaining a CASp inspection of the subject premises for the occupancy or potential occupancy of the lessee or tenant, if requested by the lessee or tenant. The parties shall mutually agree on the arrangements for the time and manner of the CASp inspection, the payment of the fee for the CASp inspection, and the cost of making any repairs necessary to correct violations of construction-related accessibility standards within the premises.
In the event that the Premises have been issued an inspection report by a CASp the Lessor shall provide a copy of the disability access inspection certificate to Lessee within 7 days of the execution of this Lease.
(b) Since compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other state and local accessibility statutes are dependent upon Lessees specific use of the Premises, Lessor makes no warranty or representation as to whether or not the Premises comply with ADA or any similar legislation. In the event that Lessees use of the Premises requires modifications or additions to the Premises in order to be in compliance with ADA or other accessibility statutes, Lessee agrees to make any such necessary modifications and/or additions at Lessees expense.
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| STN-27.22, Revised 06-10-2019 |
LESSOR AND LESSEE HAVE CAREFULLY READ AND REVIEWED THIS LEASE AND EACH TERM AND PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN, AND BY THE EXECUTION OF THIS LEASE SHOW THEIR INFORMED AND VOLUNTARY CONSENT THERETO. THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE THAT, AT THE TIME THIS LEASE IS EXECUTED, THE TERMS OF THIS LEASE ARE COMMERCIALLY REASONABLE AND EFFECTUATE THE INTENT AND PURPOSE OF LESSOR AND LESSEE WITH RESPECT TO THE PREMISES.
ATTENTION: NO REPRESENTATION OR RECOMMENDATION IS MADE BY AIR CRE OR BY ANY BROKER AS TO THE LEGAL SUFFICIENCY, LEGAL EFFECT, OR TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THIS LEASE OR THE TRANSACTION TO WHICH IT RELATES. THE PARTIES ARE URGED TO:
1. SEEK ADVICE OF COUNSEL AS TO THE LEGAL AND TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THIS LEASE.
2. RETAIN APPROPRIATE CONSULTANTS TO REVIEW AND INVESTIGATE THE CONDITION OF THE PREMISES. SAID INVESTIGATION SHOULD INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO: THE POSSIBLE PRESENCE OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES, THE ZONING OF THE PREMISES, THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY, THE CONDITION OF THE ROOF AND OPERATING SYSTEMS, AND THE SUITABILITY OF THE PREMISES FOR LESSEES INTENDED USE.
WARNING: IF THE PREMISES ARE LOCATED IN A STATE OTHER THAN CALIFORNIA, CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE LEASE MAY NEED TO BE REVISED TO COMPLY WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE IN WHICH THE PREMISES ARE LOCATED.
The parties hereto have executed this Lease at the place and on the dates specified above their respective signatures.
Signatures on following page
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| STN-27.22, Revised 06-10-2019 |
| Executed at: | ENCINO, CA | Executed at: |
| On: | On: |
| By LESSOR: | By LESSOR: | |||||||
| Pacific Industrial Partners, LLC | Beta Bionics, Inc. | |||||||
| By: | /s/ Adam Milstern | By: | /s/ Edward R. Damiano | |||||
| Name Printed: Adam Milstern | Name Printed: Edward R. Damiano | |||||||
| Title: | Manager | Title: | President, CEO and Chairman of | |||||
| the Board | ||||||||
| Phone: | Phone: [***] | |||||||
| Fax: | Fax: |
| Email: | Email: [***] | |||||||
| By: | /s/Robert Neal | By: | ||||||
| Name Printed: | Robert Neal | Name Printed: |
| Title: | Manager | Title: |
| Phone: | Phone: |
| Fax: | Fax: |
| Email: | Email: |
| Address: | Address: | |||||||
| Federal ID No.: | Federal ID No.: |
| BROKER | BROKER | |||||||
|
| ||||||||
| Attn: | Attn: | |||||||
| Title: | Title: |
| Address: | Address: |
| Phone: | Phone: |
| Fax: | Fax: |
| Email: | Email: |
| Federal ID No.: | Federal ID No.: |
| Broker DRE License #: | Broker DRE License #: |
| Agent DRE License #: | Agent DRE License #: |
AIR CRE * https://www.aircre.com * 213-687-8777 * contracts@aircre.com
NOTICE: No part of these works may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing.
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| STN-27.22, Revised 06-10-2019 |
OPTION(S) TO EXTEND
STANDARD LEASE ADDENDUM
Dated: February 3, 2020
By and Between
Lessor: Pacific Industrial Partners, LLC
Lessee: Beta Bionics, Inc.
Property Address: 11 Hughes, Irvine, CA 92618
(street address, city, state, zip)
Paragraph: 51
A. OPTION(S) TO EXTEND:
Lessor hereby grants to Lessee the option to extend the term of this Lease for 1 additional 60 month period(s) commencing when the prior term expires upon each and all of the following terms and conditions:
(i) In order to exercise an option to extend, Lessee must give written notice of such election to Lessor and Lessor must receive the same at least 9 but not more than 12 months prior to the date that the option period would commence, time being of the essence. If proper notification of the exercise of an option is not given and/or received, such option shall automatically expire. Options (if there are more than one) may only be exercised consecutively.
(ii) The provisions of paragraph 39, including those relating to Lessees Default set forth in paragraph 39.4 of this Lease, are conditions of this Option.
(iii) Except for the provisions of this Lease granting an option or options to extend the term, all of the terms and conditions of this Lease except where specifically modified by this option shall apply.
(iv) This Option is personal to the original Lessee, and cannot be assigned or exercised by anyone other than said original Lessee and only while the original Lessee is in full possession of the Premises and without the intention of thereafter assigning or subletting.
(v) The monthly rent for each month of the option period shall be calculated as follows, using the method(s) indicated below:
(Check Method(s) to be Used and Fill in Appropriately)
☒ II Market Rental Value Adjustment(s) (MRV)
a. On (Fill in MRV Adjustment Date(s)) the first day of the month following the expiration of the lease the Base Rent shall be adjusted to the Market Rental Value of the property as follows:
(1) Four months prior to each Market Rental Value Adjustment Date described above, the Parties shall attempt to agree upon what the new MRV will be on the adjustment date. If agreement cannot be reached, within thirty days, then:
(a) Lessor and Lessee shall immediately appoint a mutually acceptable appraiser or broker to establish the new MRV within the next 30 days. Any associated costs will be split equally between the Parties, or
(b) Both Lessor and Lessee shall each immediately make a reasonable determination of the MRV and submit such determination, in writing, to arbitration in accordance with the following provisions:
(i) Within 15 days thereafter, Lessor and Lessee shall each select an independent third party ☐ appraiser or ☒ broker (Consultant -check one) of their choice to act as an arbitrator (Note: the parties may not select either of the Brokers that was involved in negotiating the Lease). The two arbitrators so appointed shall immediately select a third mutually acceptable Consultant to act as a third arbitrator.
(ii) The 3 arbitrators shall within 30 days of the appointment of the third arbitrator reach a decision as to what the actual MRV for the Premises is, and whether Lessors or Lessees submitted MRV is the closest thereto. The decision of a majority of the arbitrators shall be binding on the Parties. The submitted MRV which is determined to be the closest to the actual MRV shall thereafter be used by the Parties.
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| STN-27.22, Revised 06-10-2019 |
(iii) If either of the Parties fails to appoint an arbitrator within the specified 15 days, the arbitrator timely appointed by one of them shall reach a decision on his or her own, and said decision shall be binding on the Parties.
(iv) The entire cost of such arbitration shall be paid by the party whose submitted MRV is not selected, ie. the one that is NOT the closest to the actual MRV.
(2) When determining MRV, the Lessor, Lessee and Consultants shall consider the terms of comparable market transactions which shall include, but not limited to, rent, rental adjustments, abated rent, lease term and financial condition of tenants.
(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the new Base Rent shall not be less than the rent payable for the month immediately preceding the rent adjustment increased by 3%.
b. Upon the establishment of each New Market Rental Value:
(1) the new MRV will become the new Base Rent for the purpose of calculating any further Adjustments, and
(2) the first month of each Market Rental Value term shall become the new Base Month for the purpose of calculating any further Adjustments.
(3) the new Base Rent identified above, in II. Market Value Adjustment(s), shall be increased by 3% on June 1 of each year of the option period.
☐ IV. Term Adjustments
B. NOTICE:
Unless specified otherwise herein, notice of any rental adjustments, other than Fixed Rental Adjustments, shall be made as specified in paragraph 23 of the Lease.
AIR CRE * https://www.aircre.com * 213-687-8777 * contracts@aircre.com
NOTICE: No part of these works may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing.
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| STN-27.22, Revised 06-10-2019 |
ADDENDUM TO STANDARD INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL SINGLE-TENANT LEASE -NET, DATED FEBRUARY 3, 2020 (LEASE) BETWEEN PACIFIC INDUSTRIAL PARTNERS, LLC, A CALIFORNIA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, AND BETA BIONICS, INC., A MASSACHUSETTS PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION (LESSEE)
In the event of any inconsistency or contradiction between the terms and conditions of this Addendum and the terms and conditions of the Lease, the terms and conditions of this Addendum shall prevail. Unless otherwise defined in this Addendum, all capitalized terms herein shall have the same meaning and effect as set forth in the Lease.
51. Option
See AIR Addendum Form Paragraph #51.
52. Rent Adjustment
| From |
To | Monthly Base Rent | ||||||
| 6/1/2020 |
5/31/2021 | $ | 37,515 | |||||
| 6/1/2021 |
5/31/2022 | $ | 42,517 | |||||
| 6/1/2022 |
5/31/2023 | $ | 53,521 | |||||
| 6/1/2023 |
5/31/2024 | $ | 56,022 | |||||
| 6/1/2024 |
5/31/2025 | $ | 58,523 | |||||
| 6/1/2025 |
5/31/2026 | $ | 61,024 | |||||
| 6/1/2026 |
5/31/2027 | $ | 63,525 | |||||
53. Security Deposit
In the event that Lessee exercises its option to extend the term of this lease, the security deposit shall increase to be equivalent to the final months rent for the option term.
54. Operating Expenses
Lessee shall be responsible for the payment of the property taxes, property insurance, exterior common area maintenance, utilities and a management fee (equal to 3% of the base rent). These charges will be estimated by Lessor annually and billed to Lessee on a monthly basis. The monthly charges for operating expenses (1/12th of the annual estimate) will be due and payable each month at the time that the base rent is due. All operating expenses will be reconciled annually by Lessor.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessee shall not be responsible for the replacement of the roof structure, foundations, and exterior walls. Lessee shall not be responsible for the replacement of below grade plumbing due to any latent defects in the property and not arising from the actions of Lessor or any of its agents.
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55. Assignment and Subletting
Lessors Consent to Assignment, Subletting or Other Transfer. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Lease and in particular, in Par. 36 thereof, Lessee shall have the right to sublease a portion of the premises for the first 24 months of the Lease, subject to the approval of Lessor. Such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Beginning in month 25, Lessors consent to any request to assign, hypothecate or transfer Lessees interest in the Lease, or to allow Lessee to sublet or license the Premises, may be withheld by Lessor for any reason, or no reason at all, and Lessor shall be under no obligation to consider any such request from Lessee. Tenant shall have the right to assign or sublease all or any portion of the Premises during the initial term and any renewal term without the consent of the Lessor, to (i) any entity resulting from a merger or consolidation, (ii) any entity succeeding in the business and assets of Lessee, (iii) any entity arising from the transaction pursuant to which Lessee becomes a publicly traded company; or (iv) any subsidiary or affiliate of Tenant of Parent companies.
Lessors Recapture Right. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Lease, whenever Lessee has obtained an offer or entered into an agreement to assign this Lease or to sublease all or part of the Premises, Lessee shall provide to Lessor the name and address of the proposed assignee or sublessee and the rent offered, the proposed use by the proposed assignee or sublessee, the proposed effective date of the assignment or subletting, and any other business terms which are material to the offer or agreement and which differ from the provisions of this Lease (Notice of Offer). Lessee shall also provide to Lessor information concerning the nature of the business to be conducted at the Premises, and financial statements and a business experience resume for the immediately preceding five (5) years for the proposed assignee or sublessee, and such other information concerning such proposed assignee or sublessee as Lessor may require, including a copy of the proposed assignment or sublease. The foregoing information shall be in writing and shall be provided to Lessor not less than forty-five (45) days prior to the effective date of the proposed assignment or sublease.
Excess Profits Payable to Lessor-Subletting. Should Lessee sublet or license all or any portion of the Premises, Lessee shall pay to Lessor on a monthly basis, as additional Rent, within ten (10) days after receipt by Lessee, fifty percent (50%) of the Subletting Transfer Consideration, which term shall mean: (i) the excess of the Rent payable by the sublessee or licensee over the amount of Base Rent and additional Rent payable by Lessee under this Lease for the subleased or licensed space, less any brokerage commission fees and costs paid by Lessee to procure the sublease or license, as the case may be; and (ii) any non-rent consideration paid or payable by the sublessee in connection with the sublease, including any key money, other sums paid by or on behalf of the sublessee or licensee for the use or occupancy of the Premises, and any non-monetary consideration received by Lessee. Any such brokerage commissions shall be amortized on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the sublease and credited (on a monthly basis) against the amount of the Subletting Transfer Consideration payable to Lessor until such credit is extinguished. In the event that the subleased space is less than the total square footage of the Premises, the amount of the excess Rent shall be calculated on a pro rata basis taking into consideration the Rent per square foot charged to sublessee, as compared to the Rent payable by Lessee to Lessor calculated on a per square foot basis. The provisions of this Paragraph shall apply regardless of whether or not such subleasing or licensing is made in compliance with the terms of this Lease. Any payments made to Lessor pursuant to this Paragraph shall not cure or waive any default under this Lease arising from such subletting or licensing arrangement.
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56. Signage Criteria
Prior to April 1, 2020, Lessor shall remove any existing signage on or at the Premises at Lessors sole expense.
Lessee shall not make any changes to the exterior of the Premises, install any exterior lights, decorations, balloons, flags, pennants, banners, or painting, or erect or install any signs, windows or door lettering, placards, decorations, or advertising media of any type which can be viewed from the exterior of the Premises, without Lessors prior written consent, which consent may be withheld in Lessors sole discretion.
Lessee shall obtain all applicable governmental permits and approvals for sign and exterior treatments. All signs, decorations, advertising media, blinds, draperies and other window treatment or bars or other security installations visible from outside the Premises shall be subject to Lessors approval and conform in all respects to Lessors Signage Criteria as depicted on the attached Exhibit B. Lessor reserves the right to revise, update, or otherwise amend the approved installation requirements upon written notice to Lessee.
Upon surrender or vacation of the Premises, Lessee, at Lessees sole cost, shall have removed all signs and repair, paint, and/or replace the building facia surface to which its signs are attached. Lessees repair work shall be completed in accordance with Lessors Signage Criteria as depicted on the attached Exhibit B.
57. Tenant Improvements
Lessor, at Lessors sole cost and expense, shall complete the following upon delivery of the premises:
| | Lessor shall paint the interior office area; paint color to be mutually determined by Lessor and Lesse |
| | Lessor shall install new carpet tiles in all office areas; carpet color and style to be mutually determined by Lessor and Lessee; |
| | Lessor shall demolish two (2) existing rooms in warehouse; or Lessee may elect to apply the equivalent cost of such demolition ($15,000) towards interior tenant improvements |
| | Lessor shall install one (1) loading door with ramp access; |
| | Lessor shall slurry and stripe the parking lot; |
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| | Lessor shall install two (2) dual electric vehicle charging stations at a location to be mutually determined by Lessor and Lessee. |
| | Lessor shall provide ADA compliant access to the parking lot and front entrance of the premises |
| | Lessor shall provide roof maintenance/repair services |
The following process shall apply to any Tenant Improvements that fall outside of the scope delineated above:
| | Lessee shall have the right to use its own interior designer or architect and project management firm(s) for the design and construction of the Tenant Improvements, subject to Lessors reasonable approval; |
| | During normal business hours, Lessor shall provide all utilities for the construction of the Tenant Improvements at no cost to Lessee. |
58. Other Terms and Conditions
All other terms and conditions of the Lease shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.
59. Counterparts
The Lease may be executed by facsimile and in counterparts, and a fully executed facsimile copy of the Lease shall be deemed to be an original for all purposes.
60. Qualified Exchange Accommodation Agreement
Lessor, Pacific Industrial Partners, LLC, is currently the property manager and tenant for Smart 1031, LLC (Property Owner) under the rules and provisions of a Qualified Exchange Accommodation Agreement (QEAA). During the term of the QEAA, Pacific Industrial Partners, LLC retains the right to execute any lease or sublease of the Premises on any terms, in its sole discretion and for its sole benefit. Upon the successful completion of the QEAA, Pacific Industrial Partners, LLC will become the Property Owner of the Premises and Smart 1031, LLC shall be dissolved.
Signature page to follow
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| LESSOR: | ||
| By: | Pacific Industrial Partners, LLC a California limited liability company | |
| By: | /s/ Adam Milstein | |
| Adam Milstein | ||
| Manager | ||
| Dated: | 2/4/2020 | |
| By: | /s/ Robert Neal | |
| Robert Neal | ||
| Manager | ||
| Dated: | 2/4/2020 | |
| LESSEE: | ||
| By: | Beta Bionics, Inc. | |
| a Massachusetts public benefit corporation | ||
| By: | /s/ Edward Damiano | |
| Name: | Edward Damiano | |
| Title: | President & CEO | |
| Dated: | Feb 3, 2020 | |
| 6 | ||||
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Exhibit A
Premises
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Exhibit B
SIGNAGE CRITERIA
A. LESSEE SIGN CRITERIA:
The following sign criteria has been established for the purpose of maintaining the overall appearance of 11 Hughes, Irvine, for the benefit of Lessee. No deviation from these criteria will be permitted without Lessors prior approval in writing. The criteria has also been established to provide maximum continuity with the environment and an architectural Integration with the project.
B. ADMINISTRATION:
1) Lessee is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and removal of its Primary Identification sign in a manner acceptable to and consistent with the high standards of Lessor. All costs incurred to provide sign maintenance will be at Lessees expense. Lessee is responsible for obtaining approval of exterior signage from the Lessor and the City of Irvine prior to installation. All costs associated with sign permit approval are the responsibility of the Lessee. Inside signs that will be visible from outside the building must be approved by Lessor.
2) Upon termination of Lessees Lease, the sign will be removed at the Lessees expense and any damage to the building shall be repaired at the Lessees expense.
3) No additional exterior signage will be allowed on the face of the structure.
4) Signs installed without approval or contrary to the criteria, will be removed by Lessor at Lessees expense. A scale drawing showing proposed signage and the building elevation must be submitted to Lessor for approval.
5) In the event of any conflict between Lessee and Lessor in regard to the application of these criteria, the Lessors decision shall be final and binding upon the Lessee.
C. SIGN SPECIFICATIONS:
1) Lessee Signage
| a) | Lessees names will be limited to the upper concrete wall facade of the individual lessee space. Lessees shall locate signage over main entry doors or as close thereto as practical. |
| b) | The letters for lessee signs shall be 18 minimum height, 2 minimum thickness (unless a variation is approved by Lessor), HDU #10 signfoam mounted to the building with VHB tape and silicone adhesive. All signs should be non-illuminated and painted of a color approved by the Lessor. Maximum sign coverage will not exceed 36 square feet and must be placed on the concrete panel to the right of Lessees main entry door(s). Lessee signage may contain logos or more than one row of information provided that the total sign area does not exceed 24 in height and 18 feet in width and presents a professional appearance. |
| /s/ RN | ||||||
| /s/ AM | /s/ERD | |||||
| INITIALS | INITIALS |
2) Store Front/Window Signs
| a) | Each lessee is allowed to display their company name and logo and business hours on the glass panel to the left or right of their entrance door. |
| b) | All window signs will be pressure-sensitive vinyl in a color to be mutually determined by Lessor and Lessee. |
3) Monument Signage
| a) | Lessee shall be allowed to install monument signage in conformance with the City requirements and the CC&Rs of the surrounding area. Lessor shall reserve the right to approve such signage. |
(4) Banners, Posters and Sandwich Boards
| a) | Banners, posters, sandwich boards, etc. will only be allowed to be hung in the windows or placed in other locations of the Lessee space on a temporary basis and only with prior written lessor approval. |
| /s/ RN | ||||||
| /s/ AM | /s/ERD | |||||
| INITIALS | INITIALS |
Exhibit C
Move Out Conditions
| | All lighting is to be placed into good working order. This includes replacement of bulbs, ballasts, and lenses as needed. |
| | All truck doors and dock levels should be serviced and placed in good operating order (including, but not limited to, overhead door springs, rollers, tracks and motorized door operator). This would include the necessary (a) replacement of any dented truck door panels, broken panels and cracked lumber, and (b) adjustment of door tension to insure proper operation. All door panels that are replaced shall be painted to match the building standard. |
| | All structural steel columns in the warehouse and office should be inspected for damage and must be repaired. Repairs of this nature shall be pre-approved by the Landlord prior to implementation. |
| | HVAC system shall be in good working order, including the necessary replacement of any part to return the unit to a well-maintained condition. This includes, but is not limited to, filters, thermostats, and exhaust fans. Upon move out, Landlord will have an exit inspection performed by a certified mechanical contractor to determine the condition of the HVAC system. |
| | All holes in the sheet rock wall shall be repaired prior to move-out. All walls shall be clean. |
| | The carpets and vinyl tiles shall be in a clean condition and shall not have any holes or chips in them. Lessor shall accept normal wear on the carpet, tiles, and flooring, provided they appear to be in a maintained condition. Flooring shall be free of excessive dust, dirt, grease, oil and stains. Cracks in concrete and asphalt shall be acceptable as long as they are ordinary wear and tear and are not the result of misuse. |
| | Facilities shall be returned in a clean condition, including, but not limited to, the cleaning of the coffee bar, restroom areas, windows, and other portions of the Premises. |
| | There shall be no protrusion of anchors from the warehouse floor and all holes shall be patched. If machinery/equipment is removed, the electrical lines shall be properly terminated at the nearest junction box. |
| /s/ RN | ||||||
| /s/ AM | /s/ERD | |||||
| INITIALS | INITIALS |
| | All mechanical and electrical systems shall be left in a condition that conforms to the code that was applicable at the time of installation of such system. Bare wires and dangerous installations shall be corrected to Landlords reasonable satisfaction. |
| | All plumbing fixtures shall be in good working order, including, but not limited to, the water heater. Faucets and toilets shall not leak. |
| | All dock bumpers shall be left in place and well-secured. |
| | Drop grid ceiling shall be free of excessive dust from lack of changing filters. |
| | No ceiling tiles may be missing, stained or damaged. |
| | All trash shall be removed from both inside and outside of the building. |
| | All signage including but not limited to building surface mounted, monuments and on glass shall be removed. |
| /s/ RN | ||||||
| /s/ AM | /s/ERD | |||||
| INITIALS | INITIALS |
Exhibit D
Demolition Plan
Cross hatched portions indicate the proposed demolition area
| /s/ RN | ||||||
| /s/ AM | /s/ERD | |||||
| INITIALS | INITIALS |
Exhibit D
Proposed Space Plan
First Floor
| /s/ RN | ||||||
| /s/ AM | /s/ERD | |||||
| INITIALS | INITIALS |
Exhibit D
Proposed Space Plan
Second Floor
| /s/ RN | ||||||
| /s/ AM | /s/ERD | |||||
| INITIALS | INITIALS |
11 Hughes, Irvine2020 Estimated Expense
Estimated Expenses 2020
| PROPERTY TOTAL Annualized |
|
|||||||
| Utilities |
Annual Estimates | Monthly Estimates |
||||||
| Trash Services* |
$ | | $ | | ||||
| Electric Service* |
$ | | $ | | ||||
| Solar Energy** |
$ | | $ | | ||||
| Water & Sewer Service* |
$ | | $ | | ||||
| Gas* |
$ | | $ | | ||||
| Waste Management* |
$ | | $ | | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Utility Subtotal |
$ | | $ | | ||||
| Alarm System |
||||||||
| Monitoring/Maintenance*** |
$ | 2,400.00 | $ | 200.00 | ||||
| Telephone*** |
$ | 900.00 | $ | 75.00 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Alarm Subtotal |
$ | 3,300.00 | $ | 275.00 | ||||
| Fire System |
||||||||
| Monitoring/Maintenance*** |
$ | 900.00 | $ | 75.00 | ||||
| Telephone*** |
$ | 500.00 | $ | 41.67 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Fire System Subtotal |
$ | 1,400.00 | $ | 116.67 | ||||
| Exterior R&M |
||||||||
| Landscaping*** |
$ | 18,600.00 | $ | 1,550.00 | ||||
| Parking Lot Sweeping*** |
$ | 3,540.00 | $ | 295.00 | ||||
| Window Washing*** |
$ | 2,560.00 | $ | 213.33 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| HVAC R&M Subtotal |
$ | 24,700.00 | $ | 2,058.33 | ||||
| HVAC R&M |
||||||||
| Maintenance* |
$ | | $ | | ||||
| Misc |
$ | | $ | | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| HVAC R&M Subtotal |
$ | | $ | | ||||
| Insurance |
||||||||
| General Liability/Property |
$ | 5,726.00 | $ | 477.17 | ||||
| DIC Coverage |
$ | 3,444.00 | $ | 287.00 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Insurance Subtotal |
$ | 9,170.00 | $ | 764.17 | ||||
| Management Fee (3% of Base Rent) |
$ | 13,505.40 | $ | 1,125.45 | ||||
| Property Tax |
||||||||
| OC County Property Tax |
$ | 79,992.00 | $ | 6,666.00 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENSES FOR 2020 |
$ |
132,067.40 |
|
$ | 11,005.62 | |||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Less Reimbursements Paid for 2020 |
||||||||
| Estimated Expenses for Balance of 2020 |
$ | 66,033.70 | ||||||
| Payments Left in 2020 |
6 | |||||||
| PER MONTH OPERATING EXPENSE PAYMENT FOR 2020 |
$ | 11,005.62 | ||||||
| BASE RENT (6/1/2020-12/31/2020) |
$ | 37,515.00 | ||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
| TOTAL DUE MONTHLY BEGINNING June 1, 2020 |
$ | 48,520.62 | ||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
| * | Expense directly payable by Lessee |
| ** | Solar energy is directly payable by Lessee on a quarterly basis (kWh Rate for February 3, 2020 - February 2, 2021 Is $0.183 per kwH) |
| *** | Expense for estimate purposes, expense is directly payable by tenant |
| /s/ RN | ||||||
| /s/ AM | /s/ERD | |||||
| INITIALS | INITIALS |
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO LEASE
THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO LEASE (First Amendment) is made as of May 19, 2020, by and between Beta Bionics, Inc., a Massachusetts public benefit corporation (Lessee) and Pacific Industrial Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (Lessor).
RECITALS
A. Whereas Lessee and Lessor (collectively Parties) are Parties to that certain STANDARD INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL SINGLE-TENANT LEASE - NET dated February 3, 2020, between Lessor and Lessee, with respect to the Premises (as defined therein) (Lease).
B. Whereas, the Parties now wish to amend and to modify the Lease to incorporate additional provisions required by the California State Board of Pharmacy and applicable statutes and regulations.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants set forth herein and in the Lease, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Lessor and Lessee agree hereby as follows:
| 1. | Definitions. Unless otherwise provided herein, capitalized terms used herein shall have the meaning attributed thereto in the Lease. |
| 2. | Section 6.5. The Parties hereby insert the following Section 6.5 into the Lease immediately after Section 6.4 and immediately before Section 7 of the Lease in order to clarify the lease with respect to Landlords ability to access the premises: |
6.5 Compliance with BOP Requirements. Lessee shall during the Term, at Lessees expense, in all material respects, subject to Lessees right of Contest, comply with the following California Board of Pharmacy (BOP) requirements:
6.5.1 No person shall be permitted entry into the portion of the Premises licensed by the BOP unless a registered pharmacist is present at all times pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 4116;
6.5.2 As required under Title 16, Section 1714(d) of the California Code of Regulations, only a licensed pharmacist may have a key to an area where dangerous drugs and controlled substances are stored.
6.5.3 This provision applies to Lessee, its agents, representatives, and designees and Lessor, its agents, representatives, and designees (collectively Lessor Parties) with regard to the Lessor Parties access and right of inspection pursuant to Section 6.5 of the Lease.
1
| 3. | Miscellaneous. |
| a. | This Amendment sets forth the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the matters set forth herein. There have been no additional oral or written representations or agreements. |
| b. | Except as herein modified or amended, all other provisions of the Lease are hereby ratified and approved and shall remain in full force and effect. |
| c. | In the case of any inconsistency between the provisions of the Lease and this Amendment, the provisions of this Amendment shall govern and control. |
| d. | Each signatory of this Amendment represents hereby that he or she has the authority to execute and deliver the same on behalf of the party hereto for which such signatory is acting. |
| e. | This Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Lessor and Lessee and their respective successors, assigns and related entities. |
| f. | This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute but one and the same instrument. Signatures to this Amendment transmitted by scan/email/.pdf or other electronic medium shall be valid and effective to bind the party so signing, it being expressly agreed that each party to this Amendment shall be bound by its own scanned/emailed/.pdf/otherwise electronically transmitted signature and shall accept the scanned/emailed/.pdf/otherwise electronically transmitted signature of the other party to this Amendment. |
| g. | This Amendment shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the internal laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of laws principles. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Lessor and Lessee have executed this Amendment as of the day and year first above written.
| Lessor: | ||
| Pacific Industrial Partners, LLC | ||
| /s/ Adam Milstein | ||
| By: | Adam Milstein | |
| Its: | Manager | |
| /s/ Robert Neal | ||
| By: | Robert Neal | |
| Its: | Manager | |
Signatures continued on following page
2
| Lessee: | ||
| Beta Bionics, Inc. | ||
| /s/ Serafina Raskin | ||
| By: | Serafina Raskin | |
| Its: | VP, General Counsel and | |
| Corporate Secretary | ||
3
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO LEASE
THIS AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO LEASE (Second Amendment) is made as of March 12, 2024, by and between Beta Bionics, Inc., a Massachusetts public benefit corporation (Lessee) and Pacific Industrial Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (Lessor).
RECITALS
| A. | Whereas Lessee and Lessor (collectively Parties) are Parties to that certain STANDARD INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL SINGLE-LESSEE LEASE NET dated February 2, 2020, and that certain AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO LEASE dated May 19, 2020, between Lessor and Lessee, with respect to the Premises (as defined therein) (Lease). |
| B. | Whereas, Section 7 of the Lease currently includes provisions regarding the maintenance and use of solar panels installed on the rooftop of the premises; and |
| C. | Whereas, Green Lease, Inc., the original owner of the solar panels, has dissolved its business and no longer claims ownership of the panels as per the signed Notice of Commencement of Voluntary Dissolution of Green Lease, Inc. and signed Letter to Customers dated November 15, 2023, RE: Solar Agreement with Green Lease, Inc., dated February 3, 2005; and |
| D. | Whereas, a recent assessment of the solar panels has indicated that the majority of the solar panels are at or near the end of their useful life. |
AMENDMENT PROVISIONS:
| 1. | Ownership: Lessor and Lessee both acknowledge and agree that Green Lease, Inc. has indicated that it has dissolved its business and relinquished all claims to ownership of the solar panels as per the aforementioned documentation. As of the date of this Amendment, as between Lessor and Lessee, ownership of the solar panels shall be in the name of Lessor. |
| 2. | Maintenance Responsibility: In accordance with Section 7 of the Lease, Lessee shall be solely responsible for all maintenance and shall keep the solar panels in good working condition or as they may choose, not restore or replace the solar panels, so long as the solar panels do not have any negative impacts on the roofs or roofs drainage systems or any other part of the Premises. Lessee may use the solar panels and reap all power benefits of the solar panels at Lessees sole cost and expense. |
| 3. | End of Useful Life: Considering the recent assessment indicating that the majority of the solar panels are at or near the end of their useful life, Lessee shall not be required to replace any of the solar panels at lease termination nor restore them in any way (other than in Paragraph 2 above). Lessor acknowledges and agrees that Lessee shall not be held responsible for the replacement or restoration of the solar panels. |
| Initials /s/ SF | Page 1 of 3 | Initials /s/ AM /s/ RN |
| 4. | Miscellaneous: |
| a. | All other terms and conditions of the Lease shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect. |
| b. | This amendment sets forth the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the matters set forth herein. There have been no additional oral or written representations or agreements. |
| c. | In the case of any inconsistency between the provisions of the Lease and this Amendment, the provisions of this Amendment shall govern and control. |
| d. | Each signatory of this Amendment represents hereby that he or she has the authority to execute and deliver the same on behalf of the party hereto for which such signatory is acting. |
| e. | This Amendment shall be binding upon and insure to the benefit of Lessor and Lessor and their respective successors, assigns, and related entities. |
| f. | This Second Amendment may be executed by facsimile, PDF and/or electronic transmission, and in counterparts and a fully executed facsimile or PDF copy of this Second Amendment shall be deemed to be an original for all purposes. |
| g. | This Amendment shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the internal laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of laws principles. |
Signatures On Following Page
| Initials /s/ SF | Page 2 of 3 | Initials /s/ AM /s/ RN |
| AGREED & ACCEPTED: | ||
| LESSOR: | ||
| Pacific Industrial Partners, LLC a California limited liability company | ||
| By: | /s/ Adam Milstein | |
| Name: | Adam Milstein | |
| Title: | Manager | |
| By: | /s/ Robert Neal | |
| Name: | Robert Neal | |
| Title: | Manager | |
| LESSEE: | ||
| Beta Bionics, Inc. | ||
| By: | /s/ Stephen Feider | |
| Name: | Stephen Feider | |
| Title: | CFO | |
| Dated: | 3/11/2024 | |
| Initials /s/ SF | Page 3 of 3 | Initials /s/ AM /s/ RN |
AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO LEASE
THIS AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO LEASE (Third Amendment) is made as of September 13, 2024, by and between Beta Bionics, Inc., a Massachusetts public benefit corporation (Lessee) and Pacific Industrial Partners, LLC, a California limited liability company (Lessor).
RECITALS
| A. | Whereas Lessee and Lessor (collectively Parties) are Parties to that certain STANDARD INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL SINGLE-LESSEE LEASE NET dated February 3, 2020, that certain AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO LEASE dated May 19, 2020, and that certain AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO LEASE dated March 12, 2024 between Lessor and Lessee, with respect to the Premises (as defined therein) (Lease). |
| B. | Whereas, the Parties now wish to amend, modify and extend the Lease under the following terms. |
AMENDMENT PROVISIONS:
Now, therefore, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants set forth herein and in the Lease, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Lessor and Lesse agree hereby as follows:
| 1. | Expiration Date: The Expiration Date as defined in paragraph 1.3 of the Lease is hereby extended from May 31, 2027 to June 30, 2032 (Extended Lease Term). |
| 2. | Extended Lease Term Base Rent: The Base Rent for the Extended Lease Term (Extended Term Base Rent) as defined in Section 1.5 will be $83,033.00 per month, subject to the below annual Extended Term Base Rent Adjustments. |
| 3. | Extended Term Base Rent Adjustments: |
| From |
To | Base Rent | ||||
| 06/01/2027 | 06/30/2027 | $ | 0.00 | * | ||
| 07/01/2027 | 05/31/2028 | $ | 83,033.00 | |||
| 06/01/2028 | 05/31/2029 | $ | 86,355.00 | |||
| 06/01/2029 | 05/31/2030 | $ | 89,809.00 | |||
| 06/01/2030 | 05/31/2031 | $ | 93,401.00 | |||
| 06/01/2031 | 06/30/2032 | $ | 97,137.00 | |||
| * | Extended Term Base Rent shall be abated for month one (1) of the Extended Lease Term |
| Initials /s/ SF | Page 1 of 4 | Initials /s/ AM /s/ RN |
| 4. | Option to Extend: See attached AIR form Paragraph #4. |
| 5. | Restoration Requirements Regarding Lessees Option to Extend: Lessee desires to modify the Premises as shown here as Exhibit A (Exhibit A Improvements). In the event that Lessee exercises its Option to Extend (Option), as provided in Paragraph #4 of this Amendment, or otherwise renews the Lease for a period of 5 years or more beyond the Extended Lease Term, and provided all of Lessees obligations under the Lease have been met in full, Lessor agrees to waive Lessees obligation to restore the Premises under Section 7.4 of the Lease with regards to the Exhibit A Improvements. However, should Lessee fail to exercise the Option, fail to fulfill its obligations under the Option, elect to renew for a period of less than 5 years, or otherwise have Breached the Lease as defined in Paragraph # 13 of the Lease, Lessee shall be required to restore the Premises from the Ceiling Up. This restoration shall include, but is not limited to, the restoration of the T-bar ceiling grid, acoustic grid tiles, lighting, fire suppression system, and HVAC ducting and related systems to modern office standards. |
| 6. | Security Deposit: Lessor currently holds a Security Deposit in the amount of $63,525.00. The Security Deposit shall be increased to $97,137.00 and is due upon execution of this Amendment. |
| 7. | Lessee Conversion: Lessee and Lessor acknowledge that Lessee, formerly known as Beta Bionics, Inc., a Massachusetts public benefit corporation, has been converted to Beta Bionics, Inc., a Delaware corporation. As such, Beta Bionics, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is hereby recognized as the successor-in-interest to the original Lessee, assuming all rights, obligations, references, and liabilities under the Lease. |
| 8. | Miscellaneous: |
| a. | All other terms and conditions of the Lease shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect. |
| b. | This amendment sets forth the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the matters set forth herein. There have been no additional oral or written representations or agreements. |
| c. | In the case of any inconsistency between the provisions of the Lease and this Amendment, the provisions of this Amendment shall govern and control. |
| d. | Each signatory of this Amendment represents hereby that he or she has the authority to execute and deliver the same on behalf of the party hereto for which such signatory is acting. |
| e. | This Amendment shall be binding upon and insure to the benefit of Lessor and Lessor and their respective successors, assigns, and related entities. |
| Initials /s/ SF | Page 2 of 4 | Initials /s/ AM /s/ RN |
| f. | This Amendment may be executed by facsimile, PDF and/or electronic transmission, and in counterparts and a fully executed facsimile or PDF copy of this Amendment shall be deemed to be an original for all purposes. |
| g. | This Amendment shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the internal laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of laws principles. |
Signatures On Following Page
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*
*
*
*
*
*
*
| Initials /s/ SF | Page 3 of 4 | Initials /s/ AM /s/ RN |
| AGREED & ACCEPTED: | ||
| LESSOR: | ||
| Pacific Industrial Partners, LLC a California limited liability company | ||
| By: | /s/ Adam Milstein | |
| Name: | Adam Milstein | |
| Title: | Manager | |
| By: | /s/ Robert Neal | |
| Name: | Robert Neal | |
| Title: | Manager | |
| LESSEE: | ||
| Beta Bionics, Inc. a Delaware corporation | ||
| By: | /s/ Stephen Feider | |
| Name: | Stephen Feider | |
| Title: | CFO | |
| Dated: | 9/18/2024 | |
| Initials /s/ SF | Page 4 of 4 | Initials /s/ AM /s/ RN |
OPTION(S) TO EXTEND TERM
STANDARD LEASE ADDENDUM
Dated: September 13, 2024
By and Between
Lessor: Pacific Industrial Partners, LLC
Lessee: Beta Bionics, Inc.
Property Address: 11 Hughes, Irvine, CA 92618
(street address, city, state, zip)
Paragraph: 4 OPTION(S) TO EXTEND TERM. Subject to the terms, conditions and provisions of Paragraph 39, Lessor grants Lessee one (1) option(s) to extend the term of the Lease (Extension Option(s)), with each Extension Option being for a term of sixty (60) months, commencing when the prior term expires (Option Term(s)). In order to exercise an Extension Option, Lessee must give written notice of such election to Lessor and Lessor must receive such notice at least nine (9) but not more than twelve (12) months prior to the date that the applicable Option Term would commence, time being of the essence. If timely and proper notification of the exercise of an Extension Option is not given by Lessee and/or received by Lessor, such Extension Option shall automatically expire. Except as specifically modified, the terms, conditions and provisions of the Lease shall apply during Option Terms but the amount of Rent during Option Terms shall be established by using the method(s) selected below (check method(s) to be used and fill in appropriately):
☐ I. Consumer Price Index.
(a) During the Option Term(s) which start(s) on , the
monthly Base Rent shall be increased on and every
months thereafter during such Option Term(s) (Option Term CPI Increase Date(s)) commensurate with the increase in the Option Term CPI (as herein defined) determined as follows: the monthly Base Rent scheduled for the month
immediately preceding the first occurring Option Term CPI Increase Date shall be multiplied by a fraction the denominator of which is the Option Term Base CPI (as herein defined), and the numerator of which is the Option Term Comparison CPI (as
herein defined). The amount so calculated shall constitute the new Base Rent until the next Option Term CPI Increase Date during the applicable Option Term, but in no event shall any such new Base Rent be less than the Base Rent for the month
immediately preceding the applicable Option Term CPI Increase Date.
(b) The term Option Term CPI shall mean the Consumer Price Index of the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor for (select
one): ☐ CPIW (Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers) or ☐ CPI U (All Urban Consumers), for (fill in Urban Area): or
☐ the area in which the Premises is located, All Items (1982-1984 = 100). The term
Option Term Comparison CPI shall mean the CPI of the calendar month which is 2 full months prior to the applicable Option Term CPI Increase Date. The term Option Term Base CPI shall mean the CPI of the calendar
month which is 2 full months prior to (select one): ☐ Commencement Date of the
Original Term, ☐ start of the applicable Option Term, or ☐ (fill in month).
.
(c) If compilation and/or publication of the CPI is
transferred to another governmental department, bureau or agency or is discontinued, then instead the index most nearly the same as the CPI shall be used to calculate the Base Rent increases hereunder. If the Parties cannot agree on such alternative
index, then the matter shall be submitted for decision to the American Arbitration Association in accordance with the then rules of said association and the decision of the arbitrators shall be binding upon the parties, with the cost of such
arbitration being paid equally by the Parties.
☐ II. Fixed Percentage. During the Option Term(s) which start(s) on
, the monthly Base Rent shall be increased on and every
months thereafter during such Option Term(s) (Option Term Percentage Increase Date(s)) by
percent ( %) of the monthly Base Rent scheduled to be paid for the month immediately preceding the applicable Option Term Percentage Increase Date.
☒ III. Fair Market Value.
(a) During the Option Term(s) which start(s) on July 1, 2032 , the amount of Rent shall be the amount forecasted to be the fair market rental value of the Premises during such Option Term established pursuant to the procedures, terms, assumptions and conditions set forth herein (Fair Market Value); provided, however, regardless of such Fair Market Value, Base Rent during an Option Term shall not be less than the Base Rent scheduled as of when the prior term expires plus four percent (4%). Starting as of Lessees exercise of the applicable Extension Option (but not earlier than six (6) months before start of the applicable Option Term), the Parties shall for thirty (30) days (Negotiation Period) attempt to agree upon the Fair Market Value. If during the Negotiation Period the Parties do not agree on the Fair Market Value, then the Fair Market Value shall be established pursuant to the procedures set forth herein, which shall be binding.
(b) Each Party shall, within fifteen (15) days after the end of the Negotiation Period, in writing submit to the other Party such Partys determination of the Fair Market Value (Submitted Value(s)). If a Party fails to timely provide a Submitted Value, then the other Partys Submitted Value shall be the Fair Market Value. If both Parties timely provide Submitted Values, then each Party shall, within fifteen (15) days after both Parties have exchanged Submitted Values, in writing notify the other Party of such Partys selected valuator who shall meet the qualifications set forth herein (Advocate Valuator(s)). Lessor and Lessee may select an Advocate Valuator who is favorable to such Partys position and may, prior to or after appointment of an Advocate Valuator, consult with such Partys Advocate Valuator. If a Party fails to timely and properly provide notice of such Partys chosen Advocate Valuator, then the other Partys Submitted Value shall be the Fair Market Value.
(c) If both Parties timely and properly designate Advocate Valuators, then such Advocate Valuators shall, within fifteen (15) days after their selection, choose a third (3rd) neutral valuator who shall meet the qualifications set forth herein (Neutral Valuator). The Neutral Valuator shall be engaged jointly by Lessor and Lessee. If Advocate Valuators fail to agree upon and timely appoint a Neutral Valuator, then the President of AIR CRE shall appoint such Neutral Valuator within fifteen (15) days after request by either Party. If the President of AIR CRE does not timely appoint the Neutral Valuator, then either Party may file an appropriate legal action for a judge with competent jurisdiction over the Parties to appoint the Neutral Valuator.
| /s/ SF | /s/ AM /s/ RN | |||
| INITIALS | INTIALS | |||
| © 2017 AIR CRE. All Rights Reserved. | Last Edited: 9/13/2024 3:30 PM | |||
| OE-7.02, Revised 01-13-2023 | Page 1 of 2 |
(d) The Advocate Valuators and the Neutral Valuator (Valuator(s)) shall be duly licensed real estate brokers or salespersons in good standing in the state in which the Premises is located, shall have been active over the five (5) year period before their appointment in the leasing of properties similar to the Premises within the general real estate market of the Premises. The Neutral Valuator shall additionally not be related to or affiliated with either Party or Advocate Valuator, and shall not have previously represented in a real estate transaction a Party or anyone related to or affiliated with a Party. All matters to be determined by the Valuators shall be decided by a majority vote of the Valuators, with each Valuator having one (1) vote. The Valuators may, as the Valuators determine, hold hearings and require briefs, including market data and additional information.
(e) Within thirty (30) days after selection of the Neutral Valuator, the Valuators shall first determine the Fair Market Value established by taking into account the terms, assumptions and conditions set forth herein (Valuators Market Value), then decide which Partys Submitted Value is closer in monetary amount to the Valuators Market Value (Selected Market Value), then provide the Parties a copy of the Valuators Market Value and finally notify the Parties of the Selected Market Value. The Selected Market Value shall be the Fair Market Value. The Valuators shall have no right to decide a Selected Market Value which is a compromise to (or modification of) the Submitted Values. The decision of the Valuators shall be binding upon the Parties. The Party whose Submitted Value is not the Selected Market Value shall, within ten (10) days after the Valuators decide the Selected Market Value, pay the fees and costs of all three (3) Valuators.
(f) If the Fair Market Value has not been established before the start of the applicable Option Term, then Lessee shall continue to pay to Lessor rent in the amount payable for the month immediately preceding the start of such Option Term and Lessors acceptance of such rent shall not waive, adversely affect or prejudice the Parties right to complete establishment of the Fair Market Value or Lessors right to collect the full amount of the Fair Market Value once the Fair Market Value is established. Lessee shall, within ten (10) days after establishment of the Fair Market Value, pay to Lessor any deficiency in rent then due for the Option Term. Following establishment of Fair Market Value, the Parties shall, within ten (10) days after request by either Party, sign an amendment to this Lease to confirm the Fair Market Value and the expiration date of this Lease, but the Parties failure to request or to sign such an amendment shall not affect establishment of the Fair Market Value or extension of the Lease term.
(g) The Valuators, in deciding the Valuators Market Value, shall take into account rent rates, rent abatements, periodic rent increases, real property taxes, insurance premiums and other operating expenses, tenant improvement and other applicable allowances, building services, length of lease term and other factors professional real estate brokers and/or appraisers customarily consider in determining fair market rent of property in an arms length transaction by ready, willing and able parties for space of comparable location, size, age, condition, quality, parking, visibility, view, signage and accessibility if the Premises were marketed in a normal and customary manner for a reasonable length of time on the open market to be leased to a tenant with financial strength and credit worthiness comparable to Lessee and guarantors (if any) of this Lease (as of Lessees exercise of the Extension Option) for a term comparable to the length of the applicable Option Term and used for the Agreed Use (or other reasonably comparable uses). The Valuators, in deciding the Valuators Market Value, shall not consider as a comparable transaction any of the following: a sublease, lease assignment, lease renewal or extension; lease with a tenant that has equity, is related to or affiliated with the landlord; or a lease of space that was subject to a right of first refusal, right of first offer, expansion option or other encumbrances. The Valuators, in deciding the Valuators Market Value, shall reduce the Fair Market Value on account of Alterations and improvements made by Lessee to the extent the cost thereof was paid solely by Lessee (in excess of any applicable improvement allowance, abated rent in lieu of improvement allowance or other consideration provided by Lessor for Lessees improvement of the Premises), shall not reduce the Fair Market Value on account of any real estate brokerage commission savings by Lessor, and shall not reduce the Fair Market Value on account of deferred maintenance or repair of the Premises for which Lessee was responsible under the Lease but did not perform.
☐ IV. Fixed Rental
Adjustment(s) (FRA).
The monthly Base
Rent shall be increased to the following amounts on the dates set forth below:
☒ v. Continuation of Original Term Adjustments.
The monthly Base Rent during the Option Term(s) which start(s) on July 1, 2032 shall be increased in accordance with the same formula provided in the Lease to be used to calculate increases in the Base Rent during the Original Term of the Lease. The Base Rent during the Option Term shall escalate at 4% per year.
BROKERS FEE: For each adjustment in Base Rent specified above,
the Brokers shall be paid a Brokerage Fee in accordance with paragraph 15 of the Lease or if applicable, paragraph 9 of the Sublease.
AIR CRE * https://www.aircre.com * 213-687-8777 * contracts@aircre.com
NOTICE: No part of these works may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing.
| /s/ SF | /s/ AM /s/ RN | |||
| INITIALS | INTIALS | |||
| © 2017 AIR CRE. All Rights Reserved. | Last Edited: 9/13/2024 3:30 PM | |||
| OE-7.02, Revised 01-13-2023 | Page 2 of 2 |
EXHIBIT A
Phase 1 Demolish drywall demising office walls, safe off electrical to nearest junction box, update ACT grid system to clean room compatible, install rolled vinyl flooring, install automatic clean room doors, fur out and seal windows, pull electrical/compressed air and install ceiling drops, install central vac system, install new HVAC ducting w ith low returns. Phase 2 Demolish drywall demising office walls, safe off electrical to nearest junction box, update ACT grid system to clean room compatible, install rolled vinyl flooring, install automatic clean room doors, fur out and seal windows, pull electrical/compressed air and install ceiling drops, install central vac system, install new HVAC ducting w ith low returns. Enlarge and centralize breakroom, update fixtures and equipment, update lobby
Exhibit 10.17
CERTAIN INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS EXHIBIT,
MARKED BY [***], HAS BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS
EXHIBIT BECAUSE THE REGISTRANT HAS DETERMINED
THAT IT IS BOTH NOT MATERIAL AND IS THE TYPE THAT
THE REGISTRANT TREATS AS PRIVATE OR CONFIDENTIAL.
COMMERCIALIZATION AGREEMENT
This Commercialization Agreement (this Agreement) is made and entered into as of July 25, 2023 (the Effective Date) by and between Beta Bionics, Inc., a Massachusetts public benefit corporation having a principal place of business at 11 Hughes, Irvine, CA 92618 (Beta Bionics) and DexCom, Inc., a Delaware corporation having a principal place of business at 6340 Sequence Drive, San Diego, CA 92121 (DexCom). In this Agreement, Beta Bionics and DexCom are each a Party and, collectively, the Parties. Capitalized terms used and not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Development Agreement.
RECITALS
A. DexCom is in the business of developing and commercializing continuous glucose monitoring systems and related technologies.
B. Beta Bionics is in the business of developing and commercializing an autonomous blood glucose management system.
C. The Parties entered into a Development Agreement dated December 7, 2016 (as may be amended by mutual written agreement of the Parties from time to time, the Development Agreement), pursuant to which Beta Bionics developed an adapted solution that identifies, receives, and/or displays information from the DexCom System.
D. The Parties now desire to commercialize such adapted solution on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
Accordingly, the Parties agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
| 1. | DEFINITIONS |
| 1.1 | Affiliate means, with respect to a Party, any corporation or other entity that is directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with such Party. For the purposes of this definition, control means the direct or indirect ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of the capital stock of the subject entity entitled to vote in the election of directors (or, in the case of an entity that is not a corporation, interests entitled to vote in the election of the corresponding managing authority). |
| 1.2 | Aggregate Data means information that is collected from individuals and compiled into data summaries as a result of statistical analysis. |
| 1.3 | Agreed Market means each country or jurisdiction in which the Parties have mutually agreed to commercialize the Combined Platform, as listed on Schedule 1.3, as may be amended from time to time in accordance with Section 17.11. |
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| 1.4 | Anonymized Data means information which does not relate to an identified or identifiable natural person and/or Personal Data rendered anonymous in such a manner that it cannot be re-associated with the underlying Personal Data or used to re-identify an individual. Anonymized Data also includes Aggregate Data where aggregation of the individual values into summary data no longer contains details related to a specific individual. |
| 1.5 | Anti-Corruption Laws means the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the United States Anti-Kickback Statute, the United Kingdom Bribery Act, and any other laws of a similar nature for the prevention of inter alia, fraud, corruption, racketeering, money laundering and terrorism, in each case as they may be amended from time to time. |
| 1.6 | Applicable Law(s) means all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including any rules, regulations, guidance or other requirements of any Regulatory Authority, that may be in effect from time to time and are applicable to a particular activity hereunder, including, in each case, to the extent applicable, (i) regulations and guidance documents of the FDA and, if and as appropriate under the circumstances, International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) guidance or other comparable regulation and guidance of any applicable Regulatory Authority in the Agreed Markets, (ii) Anti-Corruption Laws, (iii) Privacy Laws, (iv) Transparency Laws, (v) cGCP, (vi) cGDP, and (vii) cGMP. |
| 1.7 | Beta Bionics Confidential Information means Confidential Information of Beta Bionics. The Beta Bionics Confidential Information includes the Beta Bionics [***] Data. |
| 1.8 | Beta Bionics [***] Data means [***]. For clarity, the Beta Bionics [***] Data shall not include any DexCom [***] Data. |
| 1.9 | Beta Bionics Trademarks shall mean [***] and such other Beta Bionics trademarks as Beta Bionics may designate in writing to DexCom from time to time. |
| 1.10 | cGCP means all applicable current Good Clinical Practice standards for the design, conduct, performance, monitoring, auditing, recording, analyses and reporting of Clinical Studies, including, as applicable, (i) as set forth in the ICH Harmonised Tripartite Guideline for Good Clinical Practice (CPMP/ICH/135/95) and any other guidelines for good clinical practice for trials on medicinal products in the Agreed Markets, (ii) the Declaration of Helsinki (2004) as last amended at the 52nd World Medical Association in October 2000 and any further amendments or clarifications thereto, (iii) U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, Parts 50 (Protection of Human Subjects), 56 (Institutional Review Boards) and 312 (Investigational New Drug Application), as may be amended from time to time, and (iv) the equivalent applicable laws in any relevant country, each as may be amended and applicable from time to time and in each case, that provide for, among other things, assurance that the clinical data and reported results are credible and accurate and protect the rights, integrity, and confidentiality of trial subjects. |
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| 1.11 | cGDP means the then current standards for all good distribution practices relevant to any product hereunder, including, as applicable, (i) the principles detailed in the U.S. Current Good Manufacturing Practices, 21 C.F.R. Sections 210, 211, (ii) European Directive 2013/C 68/01 and Eudralex 4, (iii) WHO TRS 957 Annex 5, (iv) USP <1079>, (v) any state or other local laws or regulations governing the licensing of distributors or manufacturers of pharmaceutical products or medical devices, and (vi) the equivalent applicable laws in any relevant country, each as may be amended and applicable from time to time. |
| 1.12 | CGM means continuous glucose monitoring. |
| 1.13 | [***] Data means [***]. |
| 1.14 | cGMP means the then-current Good Manufacturing Practices that apply to the manufacture (including clinical or commercial supply) of any product hereunder, including, as applicable, (i) the United States regulations set forth under Title 21 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations, parts 4, 210, 211 and 820, (ii) applicable guidance published from time-to-time by the FDA, (iii) the International Conference on Harmonisation Guidelines ICH Q7A Good Manufacturing Practice Guidance for the principles, guidelines of Good Manufacturing Practices for Medicinal Products as defined with EC Directive 2003/94/EC and associated EC Guide to Good Manufacturing Practice, and (iv) the equivalent applicable laws in any relevant country, each as may be amended and applicable from time to time. |
| 1.15 | Change of Control means with respect to a Party: |
| (a) | that a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such Party become beneficially owned directly or indirectly by any Third Party (or group of Third Parties acting in concert) that did not own a majority of the voting securities of such Party as of the Effective Date; |
| (b) | possession of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Party, whether through ownership of the outstanding voting securities, by contract or otherwise, becomes vested in one or more individuals or entities that did not possess such power as of the Effective Date; |
| (c) | that such Party consolidates with or merges into another corporation or entity, or any corporation or entity consolidates with or merges into such Party, in either event pursuant to a transaction in which more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the securities outstanding of the surviving entity normally entitled to vote in elections of directors is not held by the individuals or entities holding at least fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding securities of such entity preceding such consolidation or merger; or |
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| (d) | that such Party conveys or transfers all or substantially all of its assets or the assets to which the subject matter of this Agreement relates to any Third Party. |
For clarity, a Change of Control shall not mean any action by a Party that results in a change of control of a Third Party, e.g., if a Party acquires all or substantially all of the assets of a Third Party.
| 1.16 | Clinical Study means any pre or post approval clinical study involving the administration of and/or use of a Combined Platform with a human subject, whether conducted before or after Regulatory Approval of a Combined Platform, including clinical studies to support such Regulatory Approval process or as otherwise required by a Regulatory Authority. |
| 1.17 | Combined Platform means the adapted technology solution referred to as the iLetTM bionic pancreas system [***]. The initial architecture of the Combined Platform is shown in Exhibit A hereto. |
| 1.18 | Commercially Reasonable Efforts means [***]. |
| 1.19 | Commercialization Costs means all costs and expenses of any kind, incurred by or on behalf of, a Party in performing its obligations under the Commercialization Plan or that are otherwise directly attributable to such Party with respect to commercializing the Combined Platform pursuant to and in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. |
| 1.20 | Committee means the Joint Steering Committee, Commercial Working Team, Development Working Team and each other Subcommittee (if any), as applicable. |
| 1.21 | Co-Promotion Material means all advertising, promotional and communication materials, in whatever form or medium, for marketing, advertising and/or promotion of the Combined Platform in the Agreed Markets for distribution to (i) a Third Party (including potential Customers) and/or (ii) a Partys Sales Team. |
| 1.22 | Copyrights means works of authorship and copyrightable subject matter. |
| 1.23 | Customer means an individual end-user of the Combined Platform, DexCom System or Beta Bionics System, as applicable. |
| 1.24 | Data means the Beta Bionics [***] Data and/or the DexCom [***] Data (including any Personal Data), as applicable. |
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| 1.25 | Development Plan means the written plan setting forth the activities and related obligations to be performed by the Parties with respect to the development and validation of the Combined Platform, as such plan may be updated from time to time by the Development Working Team as set forth below, [***]. |
| 1.26 | DexCom [***] Data means all [***]. For clarity, the DexCom [***] Data shall not include the Beta Bionics [***] Data. |
| 1.27 | DexCom Confidential Information means the Confidential Information of DexCom. [***]. |
| 1.28 | DexCom System means DexComs sixth-generation continuous glucose monitoring system (DexComs G6® CGM device) and/or its next subsequent generation continuous glucose monitoring system, intended for use with automated insulin delivery (e.g., a DexCom G7® CGM device that is intended for use with automated insulin delivery), if so agreed to in writing by DexCom in its sole and absolute discretion. |
| 1.29 | DexCom Trademarks are set forth in Schedule 1.29 and shall include such other DexCom trademarks or logos as DexCom may designate in writing to Beta Bionics from time to time. |
| 1.30 | Direct Competitor means (i) with respect to Dexcom [***] and (ii) with respect to Beta Bionics [***]. |
| 1.31 | First Commercial Launch means, with respect to an Agreed Market, the first date that the Combined Platform is made available to a potential Customer for purchase in such Agreed Market following Regulatory Approval in such Agreed Market. |
| 1.32 | Ineligible Person shall mean any individual or entity who: (a) is currently excluded, debarred or otherwise ineligible to participate in the federal health care programs or in federal procurement or non-procurement programs; or (b) has been convicted of a criminal offense related to the provision of health care items or services, but has not yet been excluded, debarred or otherwise declared ineligible. |
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| 1.33 | [***] Data means all [***] data, [***]. |
| 1.34 | Insulin Delivery Device means a connected or non-connected insulin pump or any other insulin delivery device, and may include a DexCom CGM-Enabled Beta Bionics Device. |
| 1.35 | Intellectual Property Rights means, collectively: copyright rights (including the exclusive rights to use, reproduce, modify, distribute, publicly display and publicly perform the copyrighted work), trademark rights (including trade names, trademarks, service marks, and trade dress and associated goodwill), patent rights (including the exclusive right to make, use, sell, offer for sale and import), rights in trade secrets, rights of publicity, authors rights, database rights, and all other intellectual property rights as may exist now and/or hereafter come into existence and all renewals and extensions thereof, including supplemental protection certificates, regardless of whether such rights arise under the laws of the United States or any other state, country or jurisdiction worldwide. |
| 1.36 | Major Release means a new version of a product that adds material features and functionality [***], and designated by the provider as a replacement for a prior version, as opposed to inter-generational releases adding functionality [***] (Minor Release). |
| 1.37 | Personal Data has the meaning assigned to the terms personal information, personal data, and/or protected health information under Privacy Laws and shall, at a minimum, include any information which relates to an identified or identifiable natural person. |
| 1.38 | Pricing Approval means, with [***], the approval, agreement, determination or decision by [***] Regulatory Authority(ies) establishing the pricing [***]. |
| 1.39 | Privacy Laws means all applicable foreign, federal, state, and local laws governing the receipt, collection, compilation, use, storage, processing, sharing, safeguarding, security, disclosure or transfer of Personal Data and other health information (including electronic transaction sets, medical code sets, provider identifier, employer identifier, and patient identifier), as amended from time to time, including, in each case, to the extent applicable, (i) the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104191 (HIPAA), as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, Title XIII of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, (ii) the EU General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR), (iii) California Consumer Privacy Act, and (iv) the CAN-SPAM Act, Canadas Anti-Spam Legislation and other laws governing telemarketing, including any such laws or regulations prohibiting unsolicited telephone calls to persons or entities listed on Do Not Call registries or similar lists or prohibiting unsolicited e-mails, spam or faxes to any person. |
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| 1.40 | Product Claims means assertions relating to the features and/or benefits of the Combined Platform excluding any assertions solely relating to the features and/or benefits of the DexCom System or Beta Bionics System alone. |
| 1.41 | Pseudonymized Data means a category of Personal Data that has been processed in such a manner that the Personal Data can no longer be attributed to a specific living natural person without the use of additional information (an identifier key), provided that such additional information is kept separately and is subject to technical and organisational measures to ensure that the Personal Data is not attributed to an identified or identifiable living natural person |
| 1.42 | Quality Agreement means the quality agreement between DexCom and Beta Bionics dated as of April 26, 2023, as amended from time to time. |
| 1.43 | Regulatory Approval means, with respect to a country, any and all classifications, clearances, approvals, licenses, registrations or authorizations of any Regulatory Authority (including any required approvals for reimbursement) necessary to commercially distribute, sell or market a product in such country, including, as may be applicable, a premarket notification (510(k)) or a de novo application in the United States or analogous clearance or approval in other jurisdictions, including a CE marking approval in the EU; [***]. |
| 1.44 | Regulatory Authority means the FDA or any supranational, national or local agency, authority, department, inspectorate, ministry official, parliament or public or statutory person of any government of any country having jurisdiction over any of the activities contemplated by this Agreement or the Parties, including any national supervisory authority with jurisdiction under the Privacy Laws, or any successor bodies thereto. |
| 1.45 | Regulatory Documentation means any and all (a) applications, registrations, licenses, authorizations and approvals (including Regulatory Approvals); and (b) correspondence, reports and other submissions submitted to or received from Regulatory Authorities and all supporting documents with respect thereto, including all adverse event files and complaint files. |
| 1.46 | Representatives means the employees, officers, directors, consultants and legal, technical and business advisors of a Party and its Affiliates. |
| 1.47 | Sales Team means, with respect to each Party, all of the Partys employees or agents involved in the promotion and sale of the Combined Platform, including any field based commercial representatives. |
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| 1.48 | System means (i) with respect to DexCom, the DexCom System as used in the Combined Platform, and (ii) with respect to Beta Bionics, the Beta Bionics System as used in the Combined Platform. |
| 1.49 | Third Party means any entity or person other than DexCom or Beta Bionics or their respective Affiliates. |
| 1.50 | Transaction Agreement means this Agreement, the Development Agreement and the Quality Agreement. |
| 1.51 | Additional Definitions. Each of the following terms has the meaning described in the corresponding section of this Agreement indicated below: |
| Accuser | Section 15.4 | |||
| Agreement | preamble to this Agreement | |||
| Alliance Manager | Section 2.3 | |||
| Beta Bionics | preamble to this Agreement | |||
| Beta Bionics Indemnitees | Section 14.1 | |||
| Beta Bionics System | Development Agreement | |||
| Breaching Party | Section 15.2 | |||
| CGM Improvement License | Section 8.4.4(ii) | |||
| CGM Improvements | Section 8.4.4(ii) | |||
| Co-Promotion Requirements | Section 6.2.1 | |||
| Combined Platform Infringement Action | Section 14.4 | |||
| Commercial Working Team | Section 2.4.1 | |||
| Commercialization Plan | Section 2.1.1 | |||
| Communication Protocol | Development Agreement | |||
| Confidential Information | Section 13.1 | |||
| Consent | Section 8.1.2(iv) | |||
| Controller | Section 8.1.1 | |||
| Development Agreement | Recitals to this Agreement | |||
| Development Working Team | Section 2.5.1 | |||
| DexCom | preamble to this Agreement | |||
| DexCom CGM-Enabled Beta Bionics Device | Development Agreement | |||
| DexCom CGM Smartphone App | Development Agreement | |||
| DexCom Indemnitees | Section 14.2 | |||
| DexCom Sensor | Development Agreement | |||
| Disclosing Party | Section 13.1 | |||
| Effective Date | preamble to this Agreement | |||
| Enforcement Action | Section 15.4 | |||
| ICH | Section 1.6 | |||
| IDD Improvements | Section 8.4.5(ii) | |||
| IDD Improvement License | Section 8.4.5(ii) | |||
| Indemnitee | Section 14.5 | |||
| Indemnitor | Section 14.5 | |||
| Initial Term | Section 15.1 | |||
| Joint Steering Committee | Section 2.6.1 | |||
| Losses | Section 14.1 | |||
| Managed Care Reimbursement | Section 5.3.1 |
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| Notifying Party | Section 8.3.2 | |||
| Party and Parties | preamble to this Agreement | |||
| Raw Data | Development Agreement | |||
| Receiving Party | Section 13.1 | |||
| Security Incident | Section 8.3.2 | |||
| Subcommittee | Section 2.6.1(iii) | |||
| Term | Section 15.1 | |||
| Transparency Laws | Section 7.2 |
| 2. | COMMERCIALIZATION, GOVERNANCE, PARTY RESPONSIBILITIES |
| 2.1 | Commercialization Generally. |
2.1.1 Commercialization Plan. As soon as reasonably practicable following the Effective Date, the Parties will jointly agree on a detailed plan defining each Partys responsibilities for commercializing the Combined Platform in each Agreed Market, but which shall not be a condition precedent to commercial launch (the Commercialization Plan). The Commercialization Plan will include for each Agreed Market each Partys respective responsibilities for, inter alia: [***] The initial Commercialization Plan is attached hereto as Exhibit B.
2.1.2 Efforts. The Parties will use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to commercialize the Combined Platform in the Agreed Markets, provided that neither Party shall be obligated to [***] Each Party will use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to [***].
2.1.3 Costs. Unless otherwise mutually agreed to by the Parties, [***].
| 2.2 | Exclusivity. [***]. |
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| 2.3 | Alliance Managers. Each of Beta Bionics and DexCom shall appoint one (1) Representative who possesses a general understanding of development and commercialization issues to act as its alliance manager (each, an Alliance Manager). Each of Beta Bionics and DexCom may change its designated Alliance Manager from time to time upon written notice to the other Party. Any Alliance Manager may designate another Representative of its Party as a substitute to temporarily perform the functions of that Alliance Manager upon written notice to the other Partys Alliance Manager. The Alliance Managers shall attend all Committee meetings as non-voting participants and support the Committee members in the discharge of their responsibilities. |
2.3.1 Responsibilities. In accordance with, and without limiting the terms of this Agreement and the Development Agreement, each Alliance Manager shall:
[***].
| 2.4 | Commercial Working Team. |
2.4.1 The Parties shall establish a management team for the implementation of the Commercialization Plan that shall be comprised of [***] (Commercial Working Team) (who shall be Representatives of the appointing Party and at least one of which shall be a member of the Joint Steering Committee). Each Party may replace its Commercial Working Team members at any time by notice to the other Party.
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2.4.2 In accordance with the provisions and objectives of this Agreement (including the Commercialization Plan), the Commercial Working Team shall, subject to Section 2.9:
[***].
| 2.5 | Development Working Team. |
2.5.1 Within [***] from the Effective Date, the Parties shall establish a management team for the implementation and oversight of the Development Plan that shall be comprised of [***] (Development Working Team) (who shall be Representatives of the appointing Party and at least one of which shall be a member of the Joint Steering Committee). Each Party may replace its Development Working Team members at any time by notice to the other Party.
2.5.2 In accordance with the provisions and objectives of the Development Agreement, the Development Working Team shall, subject to Section 2.9:
[***]
| 2.6 | Joint Steering Committee. |
2.6.1 The Parties shall establish a management team for oversight of the development and commercialization of the Combined Platform that shall be comprised of [***] (Joint Steering Committee). Each Party may replace its Joint Steering Committee members at any time by notice to the other Party. In accordance with the provisions and objectives of this Agreement (including the Commercialization Plan) and the Development Agreement (including any written Development Plan that may be attached thereto), the Joint Steering Committee shall:
[***].
| 2.7 | Committee Meetings; Information Sharing; Costs. |
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2.7.1 Committee Meetings. Each Committee shall meet as needed but not less often than [***] during the Term, except as may otherwise be agreed by the Parties. Committee meetings shall be held at times and places or in such form, such as by telephone or video conference, as the Committee determines, except that in-person meetings of the Committee will alternate between the Parties offices, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Parties. Subject to such substitute or additional Representatives being bound by written agreement(s) concerning confidentiality under this Agreement, (i) any Committee member may designate by notice to the other members (which may be provided by e-mail) at any time before the start of the applicable meeting a suitable substitute Representative to attend and perform the functions of that Committee member at any Committee meeting that such member cannot attend; and (ii) each Party may invite additional Representatives to attend Committee meetings as observers or to make presentations, in each case without any voting authority, on written notice to the other Party before the Committee meeting that the Representative(s) will attend.
2.7.2 Information Sharing. Each Committee shall keep each Party fully informed of the status and progress of the Parties activities under the Development Agreement and the Commercialization Plan. For avoidance of doubt, the Parties are under no obligation to disclose information relating to any other commercial efforts not related to the Commercialization Plan.
2.7.3 Costs. [***]
| 2.8 | Decision-Making; Escalation. |
2.8.1 Decision-Making. [***] All decisions of each Committee shall be [***], and no vote may be taken unless at least one Representative of each Party that is a member of such Committee (or properly designated substitute) is present. Each Committee shall make all decisions and take other actions in good faith and with due care, after consideration of the information that is reasonably available to it. Decisions of the Development Working Team or the Commercial Working Team (or any of their respective Subcommittees) shall be made with the intention that the resulting decision or action shall maintain or increase the likelihood that the Parties will achieve the purposes and goals of the Development Plan or the Commercialization Plan, as applicable.
2.8.2 Escalation. If any Subcommittee cannot reach a [***] decision on a matter within its authority at a regularly scheduled Subcommittee meeting or within [***] thereafter, then either Party may, by notice to the other Party, refer such matter to the Joint Steering Committee for resolution. If the Joint Steering Committee cannot reach a [***] decision on any matter at a regularly scheduled Joint Steering Committee meeting or within [***] thereafter (or, in the case of an unresolved Subcommittee matter referred to the Joint Steering Committee, within [***] following such referral), then the following shall apply:
(i) [***].
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| 2.9 | Governance Limitations. Each Committee has only the powers specifically delegated to it by this Agreement and has no authority to act on behalf of any Party in connection with any Third Party. Without limiting the foregoing, and notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no Committee has any authority to, and shall not purport to or attempt to: |
(i) amend this Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement;
(ii) approve or take any action that would breach or conflict with any provision of this Agreement or of any other Transaction Agreement;
(iii) negotiate agreements on behalf of any Party;
(iv) make representations or warranties on behalf of any Party;
(v) determine compliance or non-compliance with any provision of this Agreement or of any other Transaction Agreement; provided, that the Joint Steering Committee shall have the right to discuss any such non-compliance;
(vi) waive any rights of any Party;
(vii) extend credit on behalf of any Party; or
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(viii) take or grant licenses of, transfer ownership or otherwise encumber Intellectual Property Rights on behalf of any Party.
| 2.10 | Responsibilities. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Commercialization Plan and Development Agreement, or unless agreed by the Parties, each Party shall [***]. |
| 3. | INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OWNERSHIP AND LICENSES |
| 3.1 | Intellectual Property Ownership. The Parties intend that all development activities related to the Combined Platform, including any Clinical Study or any continuous technology upgrades to the Combined Platform and integration and testing of Major Releases and Minor Releases of a Partys System with the Combined Platform, will be conducted under the Development Agreement and subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein. For clarity, the ownership and rights of each Party with respect to Intellectual Property Rights arising from the continued development of the Combined Platform or any component thereof, including development work resulting from any Clinical Sturdy or any continuous technology upgrades to the Combined Platform, will be governed by the terms and conditions of the Development Agreement including Section 3 thereof. |
| 3.2 | Beta Bionics Granted Licenses in Trademarks. Subject to the restrictions, limitations, reservations and conditions set forth in this Agreement, Beta Bionics hereby grants to DexCom a [***] nonexclusive [***] license [***] to use the Beta Bionics Trademarks solely to perform DexComs obligations and exercise DexComs rights under the Commercialization Plan, [***]. All goodwill arising from DexComs use of the Beta Bionics Trademarks pursuant to the license grant in this Section 3.2 shall inure to Beta Bionics. |
| 3.3 | DexCom Granted Licenses in Trademarks. |
3.3.1 DexCom Granted Licenses under Specifications and Communication Protocol. Under DexComs Copyrights in the Specifications and/or the Communication Protocol, DexCom hereby grants Beta Bionics, subject to the terms and conditions in this Agreement and the Development Agreement (including Section 3.3 of the Development Agreement), a [***] nonexclusive [***] license [***] to use the Specifications and the Communication Protocol solely as necessary to perform Beta Bionics obligations under the Development Plan, the Commercialization Plan or otherwise under this Agreement. Section 3.2 of the Development Agreement shall no longer apply.
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3.3.2 DexCom Granted Licenses in Trademarks. Subject to terms, conditions, restrictions and approval rights set forth in this Agreement, DexCom hereby grants to Beta Bionics a [***] nonexclusive [***] license [***] to use the DexCom Trademarks solely as necessary to perform Beta Bionics obligations and exercise Beta Bionics rights under the Commercialization Plan, [***]. All goodwill arising from Beta Bionics use of the DexCom Trademarks pursuant to the license grant in this Section 3.3.2 shall inure to DexCom.
| 3.4 | Mutual Granted License in Copyrights. Subject to the terms, conditions, restrictions and approval rights set forth in this Agreement, each Party hereby grants to the other Party under such Partys Copyright interests in the Co-Promotion Materials a [***] nonexclusive [***] license [***] to use, reproduce and distribute the Co-Promotion Materials solely to perform its obligations and exercise its rights under the Commercialization Plan. |
| 3.5 | Sublicenses. Any sublicense rights licensed under this Section 3 shall be subject to the following requirements: (i) each sublicensee must agree to be bound by terms and restrictions, including as to the protection of Confidential Information, at least as protective of the licensor of such rights as those contained in this Agreement, and (ii) any license rights may only be sublicensed for the purposes of and subject to any restrictions contained in this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither Party may grant a sublicense under rights licensed under this Section 3 to any person or entity [***]. For clarity, the foregoing covenant shall not be construed to affect the validity or enforceability of any sublicense granted before any such action, suit or proceeding is brought. |
| 3.6 | All Other Rights Retained. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, neither Party grants to the other Party any rights or license in or to any Intellectual Property Rights owned or controlled by such Party, whether by implication, estoppel, or otherwise. |
| 3.7 | No Representations Regarding Licenses. All rights granted under this Section 3 are granted as is with no representations or warranties made regarding the validity, utility or performance of any data or Intellectual Property Rights licensed hereunder. |
| 4. | REGULATORY MATTERS |
| 4.1 | System Regulatory Responsibilities. Each Party will be responsible for obtaining and maintaining all Regulatory Approvals for its System necessary to commercialize the Combined Platform in the Agreed Markets, including (i) overseeing, monitoring, and coordinating all interactions with Regulatory Authorities; (ii) preparing, filing and maintaining all Regulatory Documentation; and (iii) maintaining all regulatory records as required by Applicable Law. In particular, (a) DexCom will be responsible for performing and leading all regulatory testing and related tasks, and for any Regulatory Documentation, associated with the DexCom System (including the DexCom CGM Smartphone App) and all necessary related translations, and (b) Beta Bionics will be responsible for performing and leading all regulatory testing and related tasks, and for any Regulatory Documentation, associated with the Beta Bionics System (including the DexCom CGM-Enabled Beta Bionics Device) and all necessary related translations. |
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| 4.2 | Combined Platform Regulatory Responsibilities. Beta Bionics will be primarily responsible for obtaining and maintaining Regulatory Approval for the Beta Bionics System as part of the Combined Platform in the Agreed Markets. DexCom will be responsible for obtaining and maintaining Regulatory Approval for the DexCom System as part of the Combined Platform in the Agreed Markets. Each Party will provide reasonable cooperation to the other Party as may be required by the other Party for such other Party to obtain and maintain Regulatory Approvals in the Agreed Markets for use of the other Partys System in the Agreed Markets in the Combined Platform as necessary to support commercialization thereof in the Agreed Markets, [***]. |
| 4.3 | Clinical Studies. Beta Bionics shall provide to DexCom a copy of Beta Bionics, or in the case of an investigator initiated study, such investigators, (proposed and final) protocols for any pre or post approval clinical study (including any Clinical Study) that involves any DexCom System and shall not conduct, nor permit, in the case of an investigator initiated study, such clinical study without DexComs written consent. Beta Bionics shall not sell, give, transfer, distribute or market any system that includes a DexCom System for use in clinical studies, without DexComs written consent. Beta Bionics shall keep DexCom reasonably informed of any such clinical studies conducted, supported or sponsored by Beta Bionics through regular updates, which updates shall address the nature, anticipated timing and progress with each such clinical study. Without limiting the foregoing, Beta Bionics shall provide DexCom with [***] Beta Bionics shall not use the DexCom System in [***]. In the event of publication arising from any such investigator initiated studies, the person or entity publishing shall furnish copies of any proposed publication or presentation to DexCom at least [***] before submission. During that time, DexCom shall have the right to review the material for its Confidential Information and use of its name. At DexComs request, the person or entity publishing shall delete DexComs Confidential Information and/or name from the proposed publication or presentation. |
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| 4.4 | Regulatory Obligations and Expenses. In connection with obtaining or maintaining Regulatory Approvals and Pricing Approvals, interacting with Regulatory Authorities, filing or maintaining Regulatory Documentation, or maintaining regulatory records (in each case in relation to a Partys System or the Combined Platform), unless required to comply with Applicable Laws or agreed by the Parties, in no instance shall either Party [***] For clarity, in the event Beta Bionics [***], Beta Bionics shall be responsible for [***]. |
| 5. | MANUFACTURING AND DISTRIBUTION |
| 5.1 | Manufacturing. Each Party shall be solely responsible, at its own cost, for manufacturing its System, or components thereof, in connection with commercialization of the Combined Platform. Each Party shall manufacture its System in accordance with any agreed upon specifications for the Combined Platform and all Applicable Laws. |
| 5.2 | Distribution. |
5.2.1 General. Subject to the terms and conditions herein and the Commercialization Plan, each Party shall be responsible for the pricing, sale and distribution of its System or components thereof to Customers in the Agreed Markets in connection with commercialization of the Combined Platform. [***].
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5.2.2 [***].
5.2.3 Ordering Process. As part of the Commercialization Plan, Beta Bionics and DexCom agree to establish a process whereby each Party will deliver its System or components thereof to Customers as near in time to the other Partys delivery as is reasonably possible. As part of the Commercialization Plan, the Parties may also establish customer service satisfaction metrics, as agreed to by the Commercial Working Team, for maintaining a minimum level of customer service satisfaction and requirements for each Party to implement adjustments to its customer service practices should such metrics fall below the agreed upon threshold.
5.2.4 Combined Platform Sales Reporting. With effect from the First Commercial Launch, Beta Bionics shall provide to DexCom, within [***], a report summarizing the sales of the Beta Bionics System in the preceding [***] (the Reporting Period), which report shall include the following details: [***].
5.2.5 Labeling and Packaging. Subject to all Applicable Laws and the conditions of any applicable Regulatory Approval, [***]. Except as may be set forth in the Commercialization Plan, and subject to Section 6.3, each Party shall [***].
| 5.3 | Reimbursement. |
5.3.1 Managed Care Reimbursement. [***]. Each Party agrees that it shall not take any action, directly or indirectly, that adversely affects the pricing and/or Managed Care Reimbursement of the other Partys System.
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5.3.2 Combined Platform. [***]. In addition, the responsible employees and authorized consultants or agents of either Party shall not make any statement, or take any action with any governmental entity or payor, that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the other Partys coverage and/or reimbursement status for such Partys products.
| 5.4 | [***]. |
| 6. | MARKETING; BRAND POSITIONING |
| 6.1 | Marketing Plan. The Parties agree to collaborate in good faith to support the commercial launch and marketing of the Combined Platform in the Agreed Markets. In connection therewith, the Parties will include details in the Commercialization Plan setting forth each Partys responsibilities in connection with launching and promoting the Combined Platform in the Agreed Markets, including details for the Parties to collaborate on an email campaign promoting the launch of the Combined Platform. The Commercialization Plan will also set forth the Parties joint promotion efforts to be undertaken with respect to the Combined Platform in the Agreed Markets, in accordance with Section 6.5, which joint efforts may include: |
[***]
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(ix) other aspects as jointly determined to be of benefit by the Parties.
| 6.2 | Promotional Materials. |
6.2.1 Co-Promotion Requirements. Each of the Parties shall prepare the Co-Promotion Materials in accordance with the Commercialization Plan and any content with respect to the other Partys system included in such Co-Promotion Materials shall be in full accordance with this Agreement and all guidelines and instructions as such other Party may deliver to such Party from time to time in its sole discretion (collectively, the Co-Promotion Requirements), with oversight by the Commercialization Working Group. Each Party will promptly notify the other Party and take all necessary corrective action in the event such Party learns that any of the Co-Promotions Materials prepared or used by or on behalf of such Party does not comply with the Co-Promotion Requirements. Each Party shall have the right to request, in writing, an audit of the Co-Promotion Materials prepared or used by or on behalf of the other Party in the [***] preceding such written request. Upon the other Partys receipt of such written request, such Party shall provide copies of all such Co-Promotion Materials to such other Party within [***] of such written request. If a Party identifies any Co-Promotion Material(s) of the other Party that do not comply with the Co-Promotion Requirements, such Party shall notify such other Party, and such other Party shall promptly take all necessary corrective actions to modify or replace such Co-Promotion Materials to be in compliance with such Co-Promotion Requirements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary (including anything contained in the Co-Promotion Requirements), Co-Promotion Materials will not contain Product Claims unless such claims (a) have been approved by the Commercialization Working Group, (b) conform to DexCom claims and information as to the DexCom System and to Beta Bionics claims and information as to the Beta Bionics System, and (c) conform to all Applicable Law and Regulatory Approval requirements.
6.2.2 Other Materials. Except as provided in Section 6.2.1 with respect to Co-Promotion Materials, prior to a Partys usage of the other Partys Trademarks in connection with the marketing of its System, the Party that has created such materials shall submit them to the other Party for review and written approval, which may be given or withheld in the other Partys sole discretion. Each Party shall conduct its review of any materials submitted to it pursuant to this Section 6.2.2 within [***] of receipt. If such approval is given, the Party that has created such materials may use them solely in the manner that has been approved, until such time as it receives a written notice from the other Party stating that such use must stop or be modified.
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| 6.3 | Branding. Without limiting Section 6.5, and subject to all Applicable Laws and the conditions of any applicable Regulatory Approval, Beta Bionics agrees, with respect to any Beta Bionics System that works with a DexCom System, that: [***]. |
| 6.4 | Training. The Parties shall, in accordance with the Commercialization Plan, collaborate in good faith to continually update and provide Co-Promotion Materials for training the Parties respective Sales Teams with respect to promoting the Combined Platform in the Agreed Markets in compliance with Applicable Law. In connection therewith, each Party agrees to reasonably make its relevant Sales Team available for training from time to time. |
| 6.5 | Equal Opportunities. Without limiting the foregoing (including Sections 2.2 and 6.3): |
6.5.1 Equal Marketing Opportunities. To the extent Beta Bionics intends to engage in any promotional or marketing (or co-promotional or co-marketing) activities in or with respect to any Agreed Market (i) endorsing or otherwise supporting any Third Party CGM products or services, or (ii) with any Third Party CGM providers or other collaboration partners, then in each case (i) and (ii), Beta Bionics shall [***].
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| 6.5.2 | [***]. |
| 7. | COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS |
| 7.1 | General. Each of DexCom and Beta Bionics shall perform and shall procure that their respective Affiliates and its and their agents perform, their obligations under this Agreement in accordance with Applicable Law. Neither Party nor any of its Affiliates shall, or shall be required to, undertake any activity pursuant to this Agreement which violates, or which it believes, in good faith, may violate, any Applicable Law or any of its internal policies and procedures. |
| 7.2 | Transparency Reporting. Each Party will comply with Applicable Law relating to the tracking and reporting of payments and transfers of value provided to health care professionals, health care organizations, and other relevant individuals and entities, including, to the extent applicable, the Physician Payments Sunshine Act (Section 6002 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) (collectively, Transparency Laws). Each Party agrees to cooperate with the other in good faith to provide to the other Party with all information necessary for such Party to comply with any Transparency Laws. |
| 7.3 | Privacy Laws. Each Party agrees to collect, process and store Personal Data in its System in strict compliance with Privacy Laws. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Party agrees to: (i) obtain and store all authorizations and/or lawful bases necessary to process and share Personal Data (identified and de-identified) in connection with the Combined Platform, (ii) timely enter into legally required agreements with Third Parties regarding the processing of Personal Data (e.g., Business Associate agreements as defined by HIPAA); (iii) implement and maintain appropriate organizational and technical security measures to protect Personal Data; (iv) only transfer Personal Data from any jurisdiction to any other jurisdiction (the European Economic Area constituting a single jurisdiction for this purpose), pursuant to an appropriate data transfer agreement or other mechanism appropriate to comply with Applicable Law; (v) provide Customers with a mechanism to withdraw their consent for or otherwise object to/opt-out of processing for Personal Data that it controls or possesses. |
| 7.4 | Reporting of Compliance Violations; Written Certification. Each of the Parties shall report to the other Party hereto at the name and address listed in Section 17.9 of this Agreement, any violations of the compliance obligations set forth in this Section 7 and shall, upon written request, provide a written certification to the other Party of compliance with such laws, regulations and company policies as set forth in this Section 7. |
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| 8. | DATA RIGHTS |
| 8.1 | Data Protection. |
8.1.1 Where DexCom processes Personal Data under this Agreement, it is processing such Personal Data for its own purposes (including the transfer of the Personal Data to Beta Bionics for DexComs commercial purposes), and so DexCom is acting as the data controller, covered entity or equivalent applicable term (as defined in the Privacy Laws) (in each case, a Controller). Furthermore, the recipient Party becomes the data controller of all Personal Data transferred to such recipient Party by the other Party hereunder upon the receipt by such recipient Party of such Personal Data from such other Party. The Parties acknowledge and agree that each is a separate Controller with respect to such separate data processing purposes and nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted as any of the Parties acting as a data processor or joint controllers (as defined in the Privacy Laws) to the other Party.
8.1.2 The Parties hereby agree and acknowledge that with respect to Data and the Combined Platform:
(i) Any and all Data shared between the Parties shall be shared in compliance with the requirements outlined in this Agreement (including this Section 8).
(ii) Each Party represents and warrants that all Data has been collected, transferred, stored and/or otherwise processed in accordance with all Privacy Laws. Each Party shall comply with all Privacy Laws when collecting, transferring, storing and/or otherwise processing Personal Data in connection with this Agreement.
(iii) With respect to the Data, each Party shall maintain a documented, reasonably comprehensive, written information security program that complies with and addresses all Privacy Laws.
(iv) Each Party, when required under Privacy Laws or as agreed upon in writing by the Parties, shall obtain any and all necessary consents and authorizations, or permitted waivers of the same (collectively referred to as Consent), and take any other actions, required by Privacy Laws or as agreed upon in writing by the Parties, prior to disclosing any Data to the other Party.
(v) Each Party is responsible for ensuring that the sharing and transferring of Data to the receiving Party is in compliance with the Privacy Laws which apply to the Party transferring the Data.
(vi) Each Party, where applicable and when required under Privacy Laws or as agreed upon in writing by the Parties, shall ensure an appropriate process is established to verify that Consent has been collected for each data set before any transfer of Data hereunder to a receiving Party and to ensure that any transfer of Data from the transferring Party to the receiving Party, when necessary and/or requested by the receiving Party, includes documentation that Consent has been provided, i.e., by sharing the consent information. As the applicable Consent may be updated and/or changed over time, the consent information established and shared between the Parties shall include information making it possible to determine, which version of the Consent has been provided for each data set. For clarity, the terms and conditions of this Agreement (including this Section 8) shall govern and control to the extent this Agreement is more restrictive than any applicable Consent (a) obtained by Beta Bionics with respect to Beta Bionics use of the DexCom [***] Data; and/or (b) obtained by DexCom with respect to DexComs use of the Beta Bionics [***] Data.
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(vii) Each Party shall provide, in a timely manner all necessary and reasonable co-operation and assistance to the other Party (i) to enable it to comply and respond to a request, query or complaint from a user of the Combined Platform in relation to their Personal Data; and (ii) to enable it to comply with and respond to such a request or documentation of compliance with Privacy Laws by any Regulatory Authority, in connection with any investigations, audits or inquiries made by a Regulatory Authority.
(viii) The Parties shall reasonably cooperate with respect to data subject requests, including undertaking the following commitments: (1) DexCom shall notify Beta Bionics of and assist Beta Bionics in complying with data subject requests received by DexCom relating to Beta Bionics processing of Personal Data and (2) Beta Bionics shall notify DexCom of and assist DexCom in complying with data subject requests received by Beta Bionics relating to DexComs processing of Personal Data.
(ix) Each Party acknowledges that Privacy Laws may require the Parties to enter into additional agreements or undertakings, including international data transfer agreements, in the event of certain cross-border transfers of Personal Data. Each Party agrees to enter into all such other necessary agreements or undertake any other necessary measures to effectuate a legally valid method of data sharing pursuant to this Section 8.
(x) Each Party represents and warrants to the other Party that they will use adequate safeguards designed to ensure that the Data, when transferred to the other Party, shall not contain any virus, Trojan horse, worm, backdoor, time bomb, drop dead device, or other malicious software.
(xi) Each Party will identify a contact point within such Party that is authorized to respond to inquiries concerning processing of the Data, and will cooperate in good faith with the other Party, the data subject and any Regulatory Authority concerning all inquiries within a reasonable time; and that it will respond in a reasonable time and to the extent reasonably possible to any inquiries from any Regulatory Authority or data subject. The Parties agree to mutually cooperate for the purpose of carrying out any data protection impact assessment in relation to the processing and data sharing covered by this Agreement (including this Section 8).
| 8.2 | Data Sharing. The Parties acknowledge and agree that nothing in this Agreement is intended to limit (a) DexComs rights to collect, use, transfer and/or otherwise process DexCom [***] Data or any other [***] Data generated by any DexCom product in connection with the performance of the activities contemplated under the Development Agreement; or (b) Beta Bionics rights to collect, use, transfer and/or otherwise process Beta Bionics [***] Data. Such rights shall be determined solely by Applicable Laws and the applicable Partys terms, conditions, agreements and privacy notices governing the use of such Partys System. |
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| 8.3 | Data Security. |
8.3.1 Data Security. Each Party shall implement administrative, technical, physical and organizational data security measures and controls designed to protect the Data received from the other Party with at least the same degree of care as protecting its own user data and confidential information, but no less than reasonable care, and specifically including measures and controls designed to protect Personal Data collected, transmitted, stored or otherwise processed in connection with this Agreement against accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, and unauthorized disclosure or access, and as required by Privacy Laws.
8.3.2 Security Incidents. Upon becoming aware of a Security Incident, each Party (Notifying Party) agrees to provide written notice to the other Party without undue delay. The Notifying Party shall be solely responsible for remediating the Security Incident, including the provision of any legally required notice to affected individuals and (without limiting Section 4.2) any Regulatory Authority required under Data Protection Laws. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Security Incident affects both Parties, the Parties agree to coordinate with respect to any communications or notifications that are sent to government authorities and/or data subjects regarding such Security Incident. The Notifying Party agrees to provide the other Party with such information as may be reasonably requested by such other Party with respect to the Security Incident, and any investigation, corrective action, and remediation process, in each case, as it relates to such other Partys Data and the Combined Platform and to consider in good faith any comments provided by such other Party with respect thereto. For purposes of this Section 8.3.2, Security Incident means any actual (a) unauthorized access to, acquisition of, transmission, or use of Personal Data; (b) unauthorized or accidental loss, alteration, disclosure, or destruction of Personal Data; (c) compromise, intrusion, interference with, or unauthorized access to networks, systems, databases, servers, or electronic or other media on which Personal Data is processed or from which Personal Data may be accessed, including those of an agent or subcontractor.
| 8.4 | Data Use and Disclosure. |
8.4.1 Beta Bionics or DexCom may, upon request of a user of the Combined Platform and subject to Privacy Laws, export Beta Bionics [***] Data for that user to the users HCP, caregivers, and/or clinical investigators.
8.4.2 Beta Bionics may not, unless required under Privacy Laws, transfer any DexCom [***] Data to [***].
8.4.3 DexCom may not, unless required under Privacy Laws, transfer any Beta Bionics [***] Data, to [***].
8.4.4 License to DexCom.
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(i) Subject to DexComs compliance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement (including this Section 8), Beta Bionics hereby grants to DexCom a [***] nonexclusive [***] license to use the Beta Bionics [***] Data [***] to use the Beta Bionics [***] Data to support and develop the DexCom System (including for use in the Combined Platform) and DexCom and its Affiliates products and services [***].
(ii) Subject to the foregoing Section 8.4.4(i), to the extent Beta Bionics [***] Data is used by or on behalf of DexCom to develop any improvements or enhancements to any DexCom Sensor (such improvements and enhancements developed using such Beta Bionics [***] Data, the CGM Improvements), (i) [***].
(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, DexCom shall not [***].
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8.4.5 License to Beta Bionics.
(i) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement (including this Section 8), DexCom hereby grants to Beta Bionics a [***] nonexclusive [***] license to use the DexCom [***] Data [***] to use the DexCom [***] Data to support and develop the Beta Bionics System. [***].
(ii) Subject to the foregoing Section 8.4.5(i), to the extent [***].
(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, Beta Bionics shall not [***].
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(iv) No Access to Raw Data. Beta Bionics shall not access, or attempt to access, any Raw Data.
(v) [***].
8.4.6 Publication of Data. DexCom, with respect to the Beta Bionics [***] Data, and Beta Bionics, with respect to the DexCom [***] Data, may not publish (including posters, abstracts, clinical studies or podium presentations) such Data or cite the other Party as the source of such Data in research or materials intended for external audiences without such other Partys [***]. If the Parties agree to such a publication, the publishing Party shall furnish copies of any proposed publication or presentation to the other Party at least [***] before submission. During that time, the reviewing Party shall have the right to review the material for its Confidential Information and use of its name. At the reviewing Partys request, the publishing Party shall delete the reviewing Partys Confidential Information and/or name from the proposed publication or presentation. For clarity, all marketing activities and materials with respect to the Combined Platform shall meet the requirements of this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, with respect to any publication by Beta Bionics that uses or is based upon DexCom [***] Data, including with respect to any clinical study, including any investigator initiated study, that involved the use of any DexCom product, such publication must reference DexCom in the publications title and abstract and prominently reference DexCom and acknowledge the use of the DexCom product and the DexCom [***] Data [***].
9. QUALITY AGREEMENT. The Quality Agreement is hereby incorporated into this Agreement. In the event of any conflict between this Agreement and the Quality Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall prevail, except for specific quality-related issues, for which the Quality Agreement shall prevail.
| 10. | CUSTOMER SERVICE; SUPPLY. |
| 10.1 | Responsibility. Each Party shall be solely responsible, at its own cost, for providing customer service support to Customers of its System or any component thereof. |
| 10.2 | Coordination. The Parties shall jointly review and update the system used to evaluate, triage, and transfer customer support calls (or other methods of inquiry) relating to the Combined Platform to the appropriate Party, as outlined in the Quality Agreement. The heads of each Partys customer service team will meet to agree on such system and test it prior to First Commercial Launch. |
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| 10.3 | Supply. Each Party shall, in accordance with the Commercialization Plan, collaborate in good faith [***] For clarity, any samples may only be used for the specific purpose designated by the providing Party (for example, no such samples may be used in any clinical trial without the providing Partys prior written consent). |
| 11. | LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT |
| 11.1 | Improvements and Technology Upgrades. During the Term, the Parties will collaborate on the (i) on-going development, maintenance, and support of the Combined Platform, and (ii) continuous improvement and technology upgrades for the Combined Platform or any component thereof. Upon request by DexCom, Beta Bionics will [***]. |
| 11.2 | Version Support. |
11.2.1 Each Party agrees to keep the other reasonably informed, through the Development Working Team and/or the Joint Steering Committee, of any new product pipelines and advancements, obsolescence and discontinuation plans for its System or any component thereof.
11.2.2 Beginning on [***], Beta Bionics agrees for the Term to use [***] to provide and support development of the Combined Platform with respect to any Minor Release or Major Release of its System or component thereof, which development activities will be conducted under, and pursuant to, the terms and conditions of the Development Agreement. The Parties acknowledge and agree that they intend that Beta Bionics will commercially launch a Combined Platform that works with the forthcoming G7 DexCom System. [***].
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11.2.3 Beginning on [***] each Party shall provide the other Party with at least [***] advance written notice with respect to a Major Release for any component of its System that would result in discontinuation or end-of-life of the current version of such component. Any such notice shall be treated as the releasing Partys Confidential Information until the releasing Party publicly announces that it is discontinuing its support of its then current System (or component thereof).
| 11.3 | DexCom Discontinuation. DexCom may, in its sole discretion, (i) discontinue its support of the then current DexCom System at any time commencing [***] and (ii) discontinue its support of features of its System that are fixed or altered in connection with any Minor Release for the DexCom System or any component thereof at any time commencing [***]. For clarity, Dexcom will have no obligation to support the G6 DexCom System for use with the Combined Platform after [***]. |
| 12. | REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS |
| 12.1 | Mutual Representations and Warranties. Each Party hereby represents and warrants to the other Party that as of the Effective Date: |
12.1.1 it is duly organized and validly existing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or formation;
12.1.2 it is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Agreement, the person or persons executing this Agreement on its behalf have been duly authorized to do so by all requisite corporate action, and this Agreement is legally binding upon it and enforceable in accordance with its terms;
12.1.3 it has full corporate right, power and authority to perform its respective obligations under this Agreement, including the right to grant the rights and licenses granted to the other Party hereunder;
12.1.4 it will obtain and maintain all licenses, permits and other authorizations necessary to perform its obligations hereunder, and will fully cooperate in obtaining and maintaining any approvals from Regulatory Authorities necessary to implement this Agreement;
12.1.5 it will perform its obligations hereunder in compliance with all Applicable Law, and it has in place a compliance program and internal policies and procedures for its employees and agents to comply with Applicable Law (including Anti-Corruption Law and Privacy Law) as contemplated by Section 7, including training on such policies and procedures and reporting obligations for non-compliance; and
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12.1.6 as of the Effective Date of this Agreement, neither it nor its Representatives performing under this Agreement are an Ineligible Person. During the Term of this Agreement, each Party agrees to immediately disclose in writing to the other Party: (i) any debarment, exclusion or other event that makes such Party or any such Representative, an Ineligible Person; or (ii) if such Party or any such Representative is charged with a criminal offense related to any federal health care program, or is proposed for exclusion from the provision of health care items or services. Each Party hereto shall immediately notify the other Party hereto of any threatened, proposed or actual exclusion or debarment of such Party or any of its Representatives performing under this Agreement of which it becomes aware. In the event any Party performing under this Agreement becomes an Ineligible Person, this Agreement shall, as of the effective date of such Party becoming an Ineligible Person, automatically terminate. In the event any such Representative of a Party becomes an Ineligible Person during the Term of this Agreement, such Representative shall immediately cease performing under this Agreement, and the other Party shall have the option of immediately terminating this Agreement.
| 12.2 | Representations and Warranties of Beta Bionics. Beta Bionics represents, warrants and covenants to DexCom that Beta Bionics shall not use or display any DexCom [***] Data in any manner that: (a) is not consistent with the then-current Regulatory Approval for the applicable DexCom System or any Applicable Law, (b) is not consistent with this Agreement, or that is misleading or inaccurate or otherwise may cause any risk to the health, safety or general wellbeing of any Combined Platform user or any other product or service of DexCom, or (c) is not consistent with any notice or disclosure provided by Beta Bionics to a Combined Platform user, or any authorization granted to Beta Bionics by a Combined Platform user, or that requires any authorization not obtained by Beta Bionics. |
| 12.3 | Disclaimer of Warranties. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION 12, EACH OF BETA BIONICS AND DEXCOM MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, VALIDITY AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. THE [***] ARE MADE AVAILABLE BY DEXCOM AS-IS. BETA BIONICS EXPRESSLY AGREES THAT ANY USE OF THE [***] AND THE BETA BIONICS SYSTEM IS AT BETA BIONICS SOLE RISK. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, DEXCOM DOES NOT WARRANT THE AVAILABILITY OF THE [***] OR THAT ANY OF THEM WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, TIMELY, SECURE, OR ERROR-FREE OR THAT ANY ERRORS WILL BE CORRECTED. |
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| 12.4 | Insurance. During the Term and for a period of [***] thereafter, Beta Bionics will obtain and maintain in full force and effect, at Beta Bionics cost, the following insurance coverage [***]. Promptly upon DexComs request, Beta Bionics will provide DexCom with current certificates of insurance evidencing that Beta Bionics has coverage meeting the requirements set forth herein. Beta Bionics will provide DexCom with [***] prior written notice of termination or reduction in coverage. |
| 13. | CONFIDENTIALITY |
| 13.1 | Confidential Information. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, during the Term and for [***] thereafter, any Party (including its Affiliates and Representatives) receiving Confidential Information, as defined below (the Receiving Party), will not publish or otherwise disclose and will not use such Confidential Information for any purpose other than carrying out Receiving Partys obligations under this Agreement and exercising the Receiving Partys rights under this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, Confidential Information means any information furnished by a Party (including its Affiliates and Representatives) (the Disclosing Party) pursuant to this Agreement, which is confidential or proprietary to the Disclosing Party, including, without limitation, this existence and content of this Agreement and all schedules and exhibits hereto, but excluding Personal Data. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information will not include information that, in each case as demonstrated by the Receiving Party with reliable written documentation: |
(i) was already known to the Receiving Party, other than under an obligation of confidentiality owed to the Disclosing Party, at the time of disclosure;
(ii) was generally available to the public or otherwise part of the public domain at the time of its disclosure to the Receiving Party;
(iii) became generally available to the public or otherwise part of the public domain after its disclosure hereunder and other than through any act or omission of the Receiving Party in breach of this Agreement or the Development Agreement; or
(iv) was subsequently lawfully disclosed to the Receiving Party by a person without breaching a duty of confidentiality or developed by the Receiving Party without use of, reliance on, or reference to any information or materials disclosed by the Disclosing Party.
| 13.2 | Permitted Disclosures. Notwithstanding Section 13.1, a Receiving Party may use or disclose Confidential Information solely to the extent such use or disclosure is reasonably necessary in complying with an order of a court of law, prosecuting or defending litigation, complying with applicable governmental regulations, filing and prosecuting patent applications owned by the Receiving Party, submitting information to tax or other governmental authorities, or conducting clinical trials; provided that if a Receiving Party is required to make any such disclosure of Confidential Information, it will give the other Party [***] of the disclosure, and use its reasonable efforts to secure confidential treatment of the information prior to its disclosure (whether through protective orders or otherwise). |
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| 13.3 | Return of Confidential Information. Within [***] after the effective date of any termination of this Agreement, each Party will return to the other Party (where practicable), or at the Receiving Partys option, destroy and provide written certification of the destruction of, all tangible materials that contain the Disclosing Partys Confidential Information, except to the extent that retention of such Confidential Information is reasonably necessary for the Receiving Party to exploit any continuing rights it may have and/or to fulfill its obligations contemplated herein, including its obligations of non-disclosure and non-use hereunder. The return and/or destruction of such Confidential Information as provided above shall not relieve the Receiving Party of its obligations under this Agreement. This Section 13.3 shall not apply to copies of electronically exchanged Confidential Information made as a matter of routine information technology backup and to Confidential Information or copies thereof which must be stored by the Receiving Party according to provisions of Applicable Law or the Receiving Partys internal policies and procedures. |
| 13.4 | Confidentiality Terms; Confidentiality of Agreement; No Press Release. Except as explicitly permitted under this Agreement and to the extent required to comply with Applicable Law, neither Party will make any disclosure to any Third Party (other than on a confidential basis to its Representatives, or existing or potential investors), and no press release will issue, relating to the existence of this Agreement, any term hereof, or any transaction contemplated herein unless required in the normal course of business and under Applicable Law. Where a press release or other public disclosure is so required, or where the Parties have otherwise mutually agreed to the issuance of a press release or other public disclosure, no Party shall issue a press release or make such public disclosure, without first giving the other Party reasonable opportunity to review and approve the proposed public disclosure or press release. |
| 13.5 | Records. At its own expense, each Party will create and maintain and provide access to upon reasonable request all records that relate to this Agreement and to a Partys performance under this Agreement (i) to the extent required by this Agreement and Applicable Laws, (ii) sufficient to demonstrate the accuracy of reports submitted to either Party under this Agreement; and (iii) sufficient to enable a Party to comply with Applicable Laws and other legal obligations, to the extent that such Party has or reasonably should have knowledge of those Applicable Laws and other legal obligations. Each of the Parties will maintain all such records for [***]. |
| 13.6 | Personal Data; DexCom [***] Data and Beta Bionics [***] Data. To the extent any Personal Data, DexCom [***] Data and/or Beta Bionics [***] Data is collected, received or shared by a Party or its Affiliates with or from the other Party or its Affiliates in connection with activities contemplated by this Agreement or the Development Agreement, the use of such data shall be governed solely by Section 8 of this Agreement. |
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| 14. | INDEMNIFICATION AND DEFENSE OF INFRINGEMENT |
| 14.1 | DexCom will defend and indemnify Beta Bionics, its Affiliates, and each of its directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns (collectively, Beta Bionics Indemnities), against all Third Party claims, suits and proceedings, and will hold the Beta Bionics Indemnitees harmless against all judgments, settlements, costs, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees and litigation costs) (collectively, Losses) payable to Third Parties in connection with such claims, suits and proceedings, to the extent arising from or occurring as a result of: [***]. |
| 14.2 | Beta Bionics will defend and indemnify DexCom, its Affiliates, and each of its directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns (collectively, DexCom Indemnitees), against all Third Party claims, suits and proceedings, and will hold the DexCom Indemnitees harmless against all Losses payable to Third Parties in connection with such claims, suits and proceedings, to the extent arising from or occurring as a result of: [***]. |
| 14.3 | If the activities of the Parties under this Agreement result in a claim, suit or proceeding in which DexCom and Beta Bionics are both entitled to indemnification by the other Party pursuant to Sections 14.1 and 14.2, then the Parties will discuss in good faith their cooperation in connection with such matter, and shall discuss in good faith an equitable allocation of each Partys indemnification obligations under this Section 14. |
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| 14.4 | If the activities of the Parties under this Agreement result in a Third Party claim, suit, allegation, action or proceeding against Beta Bionics or DexCom alleging infringement of a claim of a patent or alleges infringement or misappropriation of some other Intellectual Property Right of such Third Party and (i) neither DexCom nor Beta Bionics is or (ii) both DexCom and Beta Bionics are (or would be if the Third Party claim, suit, allegation, action or proceeding was taken against both Parties), entitled to indemnification pursuant to Sections 14.1 and 14.2 (a Combined Platform Infringement Action), such Party will promptly notify the other Party in writing. The Parties agree that in connection with a Combined Platform Infringement Action, they will [***] The Parties will [***]. |
| 14.5 | At either Partys request, the Parties shall promptly enter into a common-interest agreement to protect any available attorney-client privileges and the like, on reasonable and customary terms. |
| 14.6 | Any Party seeking indemnification hereunder (the Indemnitee) will promptly notify the indemnifying Party (the Indemnitor) of any claim, loss, or expense likely to lead to a claim for indemnification, along with all material related information. The Indemnitor will have the right to [***]. The Indemnitee may not enter into any settlement of any such claim without the prior written consent of Indemnitor. The Indemnitee will reasonably cooperate with the Indemnitor in the defense of any such claim. The Indemnitee may hire its own counsel, at its own expense, to monitor the defense. In addition, the Indemnitee may elect to assume control of the defense of such claim, in which case the Indemnitor will have no obligation to indemnify (unless such assumption was due to the Indemnitors failure to faithfully discharge its obligations under this Section 14) or further defend the Indemnitee with respect to such claim. |
| 14.7 | Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Indemnitor under this Section 14 has no obligation for any Losses to the extent resulting from [***]. |
| 14.8 | In the event of any actual or alleged infringement or misappropriation of any Third Party Intellectual Property Rights by the Beta Bionics System ([***]), (a) Beta Bionics shall have the right to modify the Beta Bionics System [***] to render such Beta Bionics System non-infringing or to be no longer misappropriating such Third Party Intellectual Property Rights and (b) if Beta Bionics cannot reasonably modify the Beta Bionics System to be non-infringing or to no longer be misappropriating such Third Party Intellectual Property Rights, Beta Bionics shall have the right to terminate this Agreement upon [***] written notice to DexCom. |
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| 14.9 | In the event of any actual or alleged infringement or misappropriation of any Third Party Intellectual Property Rights by the DexCom System ([***]), (a) DexCom shall have the right to modify the DexCom System ([***]) to render such DexCom System non-infringing or to be no longer misappropriating such Third Party Intellectual Property Rights and (b) if DexCom cannot reasonably modify the DexCom System to be non-infringing or to no longer be misappropriating such Third Party Intellectual Property Rights, DexCom shall have the right to terminate this Agreement upon [***] written notice to Beta Bionics. |
| 14.10 | In the event that either Party is entitled to indemnification of any Third Party claim, suit or proceeding under both (a) this Agreement, and (b) the Development Agreement, then such Party shall only be entitled to seek indemnification for such claim, suit or proceeding (and only entitled to recover for a particular Loss) one time under either this Agreement or the Development Agreement and in no event shall such Party be permitted to seek indemnification for such claim, suit or proceeding (or recover for any particular Loss) under both this Agreement and the Development Agreement. |
| 15. | TERM AND TERMINATION |
| 15.1 | Term. The initial term of this Agreement will commence on the Effective Date and will continue for a period of three (3) years from date of First Commercial Launch of any Combined Platform (the Initial Term), unless terminated earlier pursuant to the other provisions of this Section 15. Following the Initial Term, this Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one (1) year periods (the Initial Term and any renewal terms, collectively, the Term), unless either Party delivers to the other Party a termination notice [***] before the expiration of the Initial Term or the then-current renewal term. |
| 15.2 | Termination for Material Breach. Either Party shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement upon [***] prior written notice to the other Party (the Breaching Party) if the Breaching Party materially breaches any material term of this Agreement and, if such breach is curable within such [***], fails to cure such breach within such period. In the event of termination under this Section 15.2: |
15.2.1 the Breaching Party shall, at the other Partys option, continue to support all current and new Customers on the version of its System used in the Combined Platform as of the effective date of termination under this Section 15.2 for [***] following such effective date of termination; and
15.2.2 this Agreement will terminate except that the license grants in Sections 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4 shall continue solely to the extent necessary for the Parties to comply with their obligations in Section 15.2.1.
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15.2.3 Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Breaching Party in good faith disputes such material breach or the failure to cure such material breach, then such Breaching Party shall provide the other Party written notice of that dispute putting forward in reasonable detail the rationale for disputing the alleged breach or failure to cure. In such event, the Parties shall promptly undertake good faith efforts to resolve such dispute, in which case, such termination shall not be effective until [***] after the resolution as to whether such material breach has occurred (and, if it is determined that there was a material breach that remains uncured at the expiration of such [***] period); provided, that, during the pendency of any such dispute resolution the Parties shall continue performing their respective obligations, and exercising their respective rights, under this Agreement. The Parties hereby agree to take such steps as may be reasonably necessary to complete such dispute resolution as expeditiously as possible given the circumstances.
| 15.3 | Termination for Change of Control. Beta Bionics shall notify Dexcom in writing within the later of [***] after or as soon as permitted under Applicable Laws after undergoing a Change of Control. If Beta Bionics undergoes a Change of Control [***], then any time within [***] following receipt of a notice pursuant to this Section 15.3, Dexcom shall have the right (but not the obligation) to terminate this Agreement effective [***]. For clarity, (a) the foregoing shall apply regardless of the number of times Beta Bionics undergoes a Change of Control [***] (e.g., if Beta Bionics undergoes a Change of Control [***] twice during the Term, and Dexcom declines to terminate pursuant to this Section 15.3 the first time, Dexcom will still have the right to terminate pursuant to this Section 15.3 on the second Change of Control event); and (b) in the event Beta Bionics undergoes a Change of Control [***], notwithstanding such Change of Control, [***]. |
| 15.4 | [***]. If a Party [***]. |
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| 15.5 | Termination for Insolvency. Each Party may terminate this Agreement by notice in writing to the other Party if the other Party (i) becomes insolvent or admits inability to pay its debts generally as they become due; (ii) becomes subject, voluntarily or involuntarily, to any proceeding under any domestic or foreign bankruptcy or insolvency law, which is not fully stayed within [***] or is not dismissed or vacated within [***] after filing; (iii) is dissolved or liquidated or takes any corporate action for such purpose; (iv) makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or (v) has a receiver, trustee, custodian, or similar agent appointed by order of any court of competent jurisdiction to take charge of or sell any material portion of its property or business. |
| 15.6 | Effect of Termination. |
15.6.1 General. In the case of expiration or termination of this Agreement, all rights and obligations of the Parties shall cease [***], unless otherwise indicated in this Agreement.
15.6.2 Accrued Rights and Obligations. Expiration or termination of this Agreement shall not relieve the Parties of any obligation accrued prior to such expiration or termination, nor shall expiration or any termination of this Agreement preclude either Party from pursuing all rights and remedies it may have under this Agreement, at law or in equity, with respect to breach of this Agreement nor prejudice any Partys right to obtain performance of any obligation.
15.6.3 Post-Termination Support. Upon any expiration or termination of this Agreement, the Parties will (i) ensure continued provision of support services to the then-current Customers for the applicable System, as set forth in the then-current warranty terms covering such System (or such longer period as may be required under Applicable Laws) and (ii) agree upon a commercially reasonable plan to effect the orderly wind-down of the activities contemplated under this Agreement with respect to the Combined Platform; provided that in no event shall such winddown activities under clause (ii) continue for more than [***] after termination (or such longer period as may be required under Applicable Laws). Subject to the requirements of any Applicable Laws, any continuation of support for the Combined Platform by DexCom after such time shall be at [***]. The license grants set forth in Sections 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4 of this Agreement shall continue for the length of the wind-down, provided that upon any expiration or termination of this Agreement, all such license grants will immediately and automatically be limited to the extent necessary to support the units of the Combined Platform for such then-current Customers.
15.6.4 Survival. In the event of any expiration or termination of this Agreement, Sections 1, 3.1, 3.6, 3.7, 4.3, 7, 8, and 12-17 (other than the last sentence of Section 17.2.1) will survive such expiration or termination, provided that, in the event any Section identified above expressly sets forth a limited period of time with respect to the duration or survival of such right or obligation beyond the expiration or termination of this Agreement, then such right or obligation shall survive only for such expressly identified period of time.
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16. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. OTHER THAN WITH RESPECT TO ANY BREACH OF AN OBLIGATION OF CONFIDENTIALITY UNDER SECTION 13 OR MISSAPPROPRIATION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER OR ANY OTHER ENTITY FOR COSTS OF PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS, LOST PROFITS, OR ANY SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, HOWEVER CAUSED AND UNDER ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), OR OTHERWISE. THESE LIMITATIONS ARE WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO THE PARTIES INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS UNDER SECTION 14 AND SHALL APPLY WHETHER OR NOT THE BREACHING PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES AND NOTWITHSTANDING ANY FAILURE OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF ANY LIMITED REMEDY PROVIDED HEREIN. IF EITHER PARTY TERMINATES THIS AGREEMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY OF ITS PROVISIONS, NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER, BECAUSE OF SUCH TERMINATION, FOR COMPENSATION, REIMBURSEMENT OR DAMAGES ON ACCOUNT OF THE LOSS OF PROSPECTIVE PROFITS OR ANTICIPATED SALES OR ON ACCOUNT OF EXPENDITURES, INVENTORY, INVESTMENTS, LEASES OR COMMITMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE BUSINESS OR GOODWILL OF BETA BIONICS OR DEXCOM.
| 17. | MISCELLANEOUS |
| 17.1 | Non-Disparagement; Comparative Statements. |
17.1.1 Neither Party shall disparage the other Partys System (or any component thereof or services related thereto) or engage in any unfair, misleading or deceptive practices regarding the other Partys System (or any component thereof or services related thereto).
17.1.2 No Party shall make any public statement [***].
| 17.2 | Third Party Products; KOL Relationships. |
17.2.1 During the Term and for a period of [***] after termination in the event of (i) a Change of Control or (ii) election by Beta Bionics to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 15.1, Beta Bionics shall not [***]. Notwithstanding the foregoing, but without limiting Section 2.2, Beta Bionics may engage in development and commercialization activities, including research and development activities, marketing and educational activities, with Third Parties for which Beta Bionics may receive a monetary or other consideration, as long as such activities are general in nature and not specifically targeting at the replacement of DexComs device with that of a Third Party. DexCom shall not [***].
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17.2.2 [***].
| 17.3 | Audit. During the Term and for [***] thereafter, Beta Bionics agrees to permit DexCom or its designee, upon reasonable advance notice, during regular business hours and not more often than [***], to inspect and examine Beta Bionics facilities, policies, procedures, plans, and other records and documentation as reasonably necessary to verify Beta Bionics compliance with this Agreement. |
| 17.4 | No Exclusivity. Beta Bionics recognizes that DexCom may be engaged in the research, development, marketing or commercialization of products and services that are similar to those of Beta Bionics, which products and services may be competitive with those of Beta Bionics (including through collaborations with Beta Bionics Direct Competitors). Without limiting DexComs obligations under this Agreement with respect to Beta Bionics Confidential Information, nothing in this Agreement is to be construed to prevent DexCom from engaging in such activities. |
| 17.5 | Subcontractors. Either Party may subcontract the performance of its obligations under this Agreement to an Affiliate or Third Party, provided that such subcontractor is bound by terms and conditions consistent with this Agreement, including restrictions with respect to the protection and use of Confidential Information which are no less stringent than those set forth in this Agreement, and each Party shall be fully responsible for the performance of its subcontractors. |
| 17.6 | Force Majeure. Nonperformance of any Party (except for payment obligations) will be excused to the extent that performance is rendered impossible by strike, fire, earthquake, flood, governmental acts or orders or restrictions, or any other reason where failure to perform is beyond the reasonable control of the nonperforming Party. |
| 17.7 | No Implied Waivers; Rights Cumulative. No failure on the part of DexCom or Beta Bionics to exercise and no delay in exercising any right under this Agreement, or provided by statute or at law or in equity or otherwise, will impair, prejudice or constitute a waiver of any such right, nor will any partial exercise of any such right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. |
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| 17.8 | Independent Contractors. Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended implicitly, or is to be construed, to constitute DexCom or Beta Bionics as partners in the legal sense. No Party hereto will have any express or implied right or authority to assume or create any obligations on behalf of or in the name of any other Party or to bind any other Party to any contract, agreement or undertaking with any Third Party. |
| 17.9 | Notices. All notices, requests and other communications hereunder will be in writing and will be personally delivered or sent by overnight courier or registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, in each case to the respective address specified below, or such other address as may be specified in writing to the other Parties hereto: |
| Beta Bionics: | Beta Bionics, Inc. | |||
| 11 Hughes | ||||
| Irvine, California 92618 | ||||
| [***] | ||||
| DexCom: | DexCom, Inc. | |||
| 6340 Sequence Drive | ||||
| San Diego, California 92121 | ||||
| [***] | ||||
| 17.10 | Assignment. Except as otherwise expressly provided under this Agreement, neither Party may assign or otherwise transfer this Agreement or any right or obligation hereunder without the express prior written consent of the other Party; provided that: either Party shall be permitted to effect such an assignment or other transfer of this Agreement in its entirety without the written consent of the other Party (i) to any of its present or future Affiliates, or (ii) without limiting Section 15.3, in the event of a Change of Control. Any attempt to assign or transfer this Agreement not in compliance with this Section 17.10 will be void. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement is binding upon and will inure to the benefit of each of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. |
| 17.11 | Modifications. No amendment or modification of any provision of this Agreement will be effective unless in writing signed by all Parties hereto. No provision of this Agreement will be varied, contradicted or explained by any oral agreement, course of dealing or performance or any other matter not set forth in an agreement in writing and signed by all Parties. |
| 17.12 | Severability. If any provision hereof should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, all other provisions hereof will remain in full force and effect in such jurisdiction and will be liberally construed in order to carry out the intentions of the Parties hereto as nearly as may be possible. Such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. |
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| 17.13 | Governing Law; Choice of Forum. |
17.13.1 This Agreement and any dispute arising from the performance or breach hereof will be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware without regard for conflicts of laws principles. Disputes as to matters within the authority of the Joint Steering Committee will be resolved as set forth in Section 2.8.2; provided that any dispute as to the application of such Section 2.8.2 shall be subject to this Section 17.13.
17.13.2 The Parties hereby submit and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of any state or federal court located in [***], and irrevocably agree that all actions or proceedings relating to this Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement shall be litigated in such courts, and each of the Parties waives any objection which it may have based on improper venue or forum non conveniens to the conduct of any such action or proceeding in such court.
17.13.3 Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, either Party may seek interim equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction in connection with any alleged breach or violation of Section 7.1, Section 13 or Intellectual Property Rights.
| 17.14 | Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, and all of which together, will constitute one and the same instrument. |
| 17.15 | Headings; Interpretation. The headings and captions used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement. This Agreement shall be deemed to comprise the language mutually chosen by the Parties and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any Party. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein or the context of this Agreement otherwise requires, (a) words such as herein, hereof, hereby and hereunder refer to this Agreement as a whole; (b) the words include(s), including, such as, in particular and for example shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase but not limited to, without limitation or words of similar import unless otherwise specified; (c) the word or shall be deemed to mean and/or; (d) the terms will and shall shall be deemed to have the same meaning; (e) unless otherwise provided herein, any reference to days means calendar days; and (f) references to Applicable Law includes any amendment or modification to such Applicable Law. |
| 17.16 | Entire Agreement; Order of Precedence. This Agreement (including all Exhibits and Schedules to this Agreement), together with the other Transaction Agreements, constitutes the entire understanding and agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous understandings or agreements, whether written or oral, between the Parties with respect to such subject matter, including, without limitation, the Materials Transfer Agreement between the Parties dated October 31, 2015. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, in the event of any conflict between this Agreement and the Development Agreement, the terms of this Agreement will control and govern. |
[Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be signed by duly authorized officers or representatives as of the Effective Date.
| DEXCOM, INC. | BETA BIONICS, INC. | |||||||
| By: | /s/ Jereme M. Sylvain | By: | /s/ Sean Saint | |||||
| Print Name: | Jereme M. Sylvain | Print Name: | Sean Saint | |||||
| Title: | EVP, Chief Financial Officer | Title: | CEO | |||||
| Date: | 7/25/2023 | Date: | 7/26/2023 |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO COMMERCIALIZATION AGREEMENT]
Exhibit A
[***]
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
[***]
Exhibit B-1
Exhibit C
[***]
Schedule 1.3
Agreed Markets
[***]
* * * * *
2
Schedule 1.29
DexCom Trademarks
[***]
* * * * *
Exhibit 99.1
CONSENT TO BE NAMED AS A DIRECTOR NOMINEE
Beta Bionics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), is filing a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the Registration Statement) with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), in connection with a public offering (the Public Offering) of its common stock. In connection with the Public Offering, I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of the Company in the Registration Statement, and any amendments and supplements thereto. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and any amendments and supplements thereto.
| /s/ Christy Jones |
| Name: Christy Jones |
| Date: December 13, 2024 |
Exhibit 99.2
CONSENT TO BE NAMED AS A DIRECTOR NOMINEE
Beta Bionics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), is filing a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the Registration Statement) with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), in connection with a public offering (the Public Offering) of its common stock. In connection with the Public Offering, I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of the Company in the Registration Statement, and any amendments and supplements thereto. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and any amendments and supplements thereto.
| /s/ Maria Palasis |
| Name: Maria Palasis |
| Date: December 13, 2024 |