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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017
Commission File Number 001-34921
 
Novelion Therapeutics Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
British Columbia, Canada
N/A
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
887 Great Northern Way, Suite 250
Vancouver, B.C., Canada
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(604) 707-7000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes   x     No   o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes   x     No   o  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer
Accelerated Filer
Non-Accelerated Filer
◻  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
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 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes   o     No   x  



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The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock as of May 5, 2017 was 18,603,188 .



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Novelion Therapeutics Inc.
INDEX
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2

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Background
On November 29, 2016, Novelion Therapeutics Inc. (“Novelion”) (formerly known as “QLT Inc.” or “QLT”) completed its acquisition of Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Aegerion”), through the merger (“the Merger”) of its indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary Isotope Acquisition Corp. (“MergerCo”) with and into Aegerion, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended, the “Merger Agreement”), dated as of June 14, 2016, among Novelion, Aegerion and MergerCo. As a result of the Merger, Aegerion became an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Novelion. The former stockholders of Aegerion received shares of Novelion as consideration in connection with the Merger. As of November 29, 2016, after giving effect to the Merger, the pre-Merger shareholders of QLT collectively owned approximately 68% and the pre-Merger stockholders of Aegerion owned approximately 32% of our outstanding common shares.
The Merger has been accounted for as a business combination in which Novelion was considered the acquirer of Aegerion. As such, the Consolidated Financial Statements of Novelion are treated as the historical financial statements of the combined companies, with the results of Aegerion being included from November 29, 2016.
For periods prior to the closing of the Merger, our discussion in this Form 10-Q relates to the historical business and operations of Novelion. Certain portions of this Form 10-Q may contain information that may no longer be material to our business related to Aegerion’s historical operations. Any comparison of pre-Merger Aegerion revenues and operations with ours may not be helpful to an understanding of our results for the three months ended March 31, 2017 or future periods.
All references in this Form 10-Q to “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” and "Novelion" refer to Novelion and its consolidated subsidiaries. For periods following the closing of the Merger, such references include Aegerion. As described more fully in this Form 10-Q, following the Merger, Novelion continues to conduct research and development related to zuretinol and Aegerion continues to develop and commercialize lomitapide and metreleptin, and each maintains its respective ownership of or licenses covering intellectual property related to such products and remains as party to the regulatory filings and approvals for such products.
Trademarks
Novelion™, Aegerion ® , JUXTAPID ® , LOJUXTA ® , MYALEPT ® and MYALEPTA ® are registered trademarks of Novelion or its subsidiary, Aegerion. All other trademarks referenced in this Form 10-Q are the property of their respective owners.


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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Novelion Therapeutics Inc.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)

 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Assets
    
 
    
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
84,756

 
$
108,927

Restricted cash
240

 
390

Accounts receivable, net
11,439

 
9,339

Inventories - current
23,532

 
15,718

Insurance proceeds receivable
22,000

 
22,000

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
8,835

 
9,762

Total current assets
150,802

 
166,136

Inventories - non-current
45,714

 
59,003

Property and equipment, net
3,941

 
4,159

Intangible assets, net
244,093

 
250,324

Other assets
2,605

 
1,160

Total assets
$
447,155

 
$
480,782

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
8,738

 
$
17,609

Accrued liabilities
34,512

 
37,180

Provision for legal settlement
63,011

 
64,010

Total current liabilities
106,261

 
118,799

Long-term liabilities:
 
 
 
Convertible Notes, net
233,325

 
225,584

Other liabilities
631

 
612

Total liabilities
340,217

 
344,995

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)

 

Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Common stock, without par value, 100,000 shares authorized at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016; 18,558 and 18,530 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
551,392

 
551,259

Additional paid-in-capital
70,602

 
69,149

Accumulated deficit
(618,223
)
 
(587,208
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
103,167

 
102,587

Total stockholders’ equity
106,938

 
135,787

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
447,155

 
$
480,782


See accompanying notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Novelion Therapeutics Inc.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Net revenues
$
29,984

 
$

Cost of product sales
16,445

 

Operating expenses
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative
24,451

 
5,936

Research and development
9,300

 
2,990

Restructuring charges
1,451

 

Total operating expenses
35,202

 
8,926

Loss from operations
(21,663
)
 
(8,926
)
Interest (expense) income, net
(9,212
)
 
75

Fair value loss on investment

 
(12,960
)
Other income (expense), net
52

 
(77
)
Loss before provision for income taxes
(30,823
)
 
(21,888
)
Provision for income taxes
(139
)
 
(6
)
Net loss
$
(30,962
)
 
$
(21,894
)
Net loss per common share—basic and diluted
$
(1.67
)
 
$
(2.07
)
Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic and diluted
18,540

 
10,565


See accompanying notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


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Novelion Therapeutics Inc.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
(in thousands)


 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Net loss
$
(30,962
)
 
$
(21,894
)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation
580

 

Other comprehensive income
580

 

Comprehensive loss
$
(30,382
)
 
$
(21,894
)
 
 
See accompanying notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


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Novelion Therapeutics Inc.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Cash used in operating activities
    
 
    
Net loss
$
(30,962
)
 
$
(21,894
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation
490

 
38

Amortization of intangible assets
6,231

 

Stock-based compensation
1,399

 

Non-cash interest expense
7,742

 

Unrealized foreign exchange gain
(72
)
 
(69
)
Fair value loss on investment

 
12,960

Deferred income taxes
(29
)
 
5

Deferred rent
10

 

Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effect of acquisition:

 
 
Accounts receivable
(2,101
)
 
(79
)
Inventories
5,474

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets
(488
)
 
(114
)
Accounts payable
(8,871
)
 
1,350

Accrued liabilities
(3,657
)
 
(1,109
)
Net cash used in operating activities
(24,834
)
 
(8,912
)
Cash used in investing activities
 
 
 
Purchases of property and equipment
(273
)
 
(69
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(273
)
 
(69
)
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
 
 
Issuance of common shares
134

 

Decrease in restricted cash
150

 

Settlement of Backstop Agreement

 
15,000

Aralez investment

 
(45,000
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
284

 
(30,000
)
Exchange rate effect on cash
652

 
13

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(24,171
)
 
(38,968
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
$
108,927

 
$
141,824

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
84,756

 
$
102,856

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
 
 
 
Cash paid for interest
$
3,250

 
$

Cash paid for taxes
$
570

 
$
2

 
See accompanying notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



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Table of Contents

Novelion Therapeutics Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2017
1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
Organization
Novelion Therapeutics Inc. is a rare disease biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing new standards of care for individuals living with rare diseases. Novelion has global operations, two commercial products, metreleptin and lomitapide, and one orphan drug-designated product candidate, zuretinol acetate (“zuretinol”). Metreleptin, a recombinant analog of human leptin, is currently marketed in the U.S. under the brand name MYALEPT (metreleptin for injection). MYALEPT is approved in the U.S. as an adjunct to diet as replacement therapy to treat the complications of leptin deficiency in patients with congenital or acquired generalized lipodystrophy (“GL”). Lomitapide, which is marketed in the United States ("U.S.") under the brand name JUXTAPID (lomitapide) capsules, is approved in the U.S. as an adjunct to a low-fat diet and other lipid-lowering treatments, including low-density lipoprotein (“LDL”) apheresis where available, to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (“LDL-C”), total cholesterol (“TC”), apolipoprotein B (“apo B”) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (“non-HDL-C”) in adult patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (“HoFH”). Lomitapide is also approved in the European Union (“EU”), under the brand name LOJUXTA, for the treatment of adult patients with HoFH, as well as in Japan, Canada, and a small number of other countries. Zuretinol is an oral synthetic retinoid that is in late stage development for the treatment of inherited retinal disease (“IRD”) caused by underlying mutations in RPE65 and LRAT genes, comprising LCA and RP.
As previously described in the "Background" section of this Form 10-Q, on November 29, 2016, Novelion completed its acquisition of Aegerion. The three months ended March 31, 2017 represent the first full quarter of combined operations of the Company and Aegerion. For periods prior to the closing of the Merger on November 29, 2016, the discussion in this Form 10-Q relates to the historical business and operations of Novelion. Certain portions of this Form 10-Q may contain information that may no longer be material to the Company's business related to Aegerion’s historical operations. Any comparison of pre-Merger Aegerion revenues and operations with the Company may not be helpful to an understanding of the Company's results for the three months ended March 31, 2017 or future periods.
At March 31, 2017, the Company had unrestricted cash of $84.8 million , but incurred a net loss of $31.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017, and used $24.8 million in cash to fund operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2017. Of the total $24.8 million of cash used in the quarter, $9.4 million was used for the payment of restructuring, merger-related and annual charges. The Company expects to fund its current and planned operating requirements principally through its cash flows from operations, as well as its existing cash resources, and other potential financing methods, including utilizing equity. The Company believes that its existing funds, when combined with cash generated from operations, are sufficient to satisfy its operating needs and its working capital, milestone payments, capital expenditure and debt service requirements for at least the next twelve months. The Company may, from time to time, also seek additional funding through strategic alliances and additional equity and debt financings or from other sources, should it identify a significant new opportunity.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (including normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for fair presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. Operating results for the current interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017 . This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (“2016 Form 10-K”).
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company operates in one segment, pharmaceuticals.

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Use of Estimates
The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance 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 Consolidated Financial Statements, and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting periods presented. Significant estimates and assumptions are required when determining the fair value of contingent assets and liabilities, the valuation of the Convertible Notes (as defined in Note 6), and the valuation of the assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination including inventory and intangible assets. Significant estimates and assumptions are also required in the determination of stock-based compensation and income tax. Our estimates often are based on complex judgments, probabilities and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable but that are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. For any given individual estimate or assumption made by us, there may also be other estimates or assumptions that are reasonable. Actual results may differ from estimates made by management. Changes in estimates are reflected in reported results in the period in which they become known.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In the first quarter of 2017, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification of related activity on the statement of cash flows. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
In the first quarter of 2017, the Company adopted ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory  (“ASU 2015-11”). ASU 2015-11 states that an entity should measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 represents a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU sets forth a new five-step revenue recognition model which replaces most existing revenue recognition guidance including industry-specific guidance.
In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14,  Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year, but permits companies to adopt one year earlier if they choose (i.e. the original effective date). As such, ASU 2014-09 will be effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. In March and April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Consideration (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) and ASU No. 2016-10 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, respectively, which clarify the guidance on reporting revenue as a principal versus agent, identifying performance obligations and accounting for intellectual property licenses. In addition, in May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients , which amends certain narrow aspects of Topic 606, and in December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which amends certain narrow aspects of Topic 606.
ASU 2014-09 and related ASUs may be adopted using either the full retrospective method, in which case the standard would be applied to each prior reporting period presented, or the modified retrospective method, in which case the cumulative effect of applying the standard would be recognized at the date of initial application.  We expect to adopt ASU 2014-09 and related ASUs on January 1, 2018, using the full retrospective transition method. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company engaged an external third party to assist with the adoption and has made significant progress in the assessment. The Company is continuing to evaluate the impact on the financial statements and processes and expects to complete its assessment in the second quarter of 2017.
On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases ("ASU 2016-02"), its new standard on accounting for leases. The new guidance will require organizations that lease assets (referred to as lessees) for terms of more than 12 months, to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities associated with the rights and obligations created by those leases. Consistent with current guidance, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of the expenses and cash flows associated with a particular

9


lease will depend on its classification as a capital or operating lease. However, unlike current GAAP, which only requires capital leases to be reflected on the balance sheet, ASU 2016- 02 will require both types of leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. ASU 2016-02 also aligns many of the underlying principles of the new lessor model with those in ASC No. 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and will require lessors to increase the transparency of their exposure to changes in value of their residual assets and how they manage the associated exposure. ASU 2016-02 will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual reporting periods. Management is currently assessing the impact ASU 2016-02 will have on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
On August 26, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments ("ASU 2016-15") , which amends the guidance in ASC No. 230 on the classification of certain items in the statement of cash flows. The primary purpose of ASU 2016-15 is to reduce the diversity in practice by making amendments that add or clarify the guidance on eight specific cash flow issues. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. ASU 2016-15 should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented, but may be applied prospectively from the earliest date practicable if retrospective application would be impracticable. Management is currently assessing the impact ASU 2016-15 will have on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
On November 17, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Restricted Cash ("ASU 2016-18"). ASU 2016-18 states that a statement of cash flows should explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period, and all updates should be applied using a retrospective transition method. The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU 2016-18 will have on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
Share Consolidation
On December 16, 2016, the Company completed a one-for-five (1:5) consolidation of all of its issued and outstanding common shares, for all common shares outstanding as of such date (the “Consolidation”), resulting in a reduction in the issued and outstanding common shares from approximately 92,653,562 to approximately 18,530,323 as of that date. Each shareholder’s percentage ownership in the Company and proportional voting power remained unchanged after the Consolidation, except for minor changes resulting from the treatment of fractional shares. In connection with the Consolidation, the conversion rate of the Convertible Notes was automatically adjusted from 24.9083 common shares per $1,000 principal amount of such Convertible Notes to 4.9817 common shares per $1,000 principal amount of such Convertible Notes. All share and per-share data included in this Form 10-Q give effect to the Consolidation unless otherwise noted.

2. Acquisition
On November 29, 2016 , the Company completed its acquisition of Aegerion (the "Merger") and each share of Aegerion’s common stock was exchanged for 1.0256 Novelion common shares. Immediately after the acquisition, the Company had approximately 18,530,323 common shares outstanding; former shareholders of Novelion held approximately 68% of the Company, and former stockholders of Aegerion held approximately 32% of the Company.
The Merger was accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method, with Novelion as the accounting acquirer and Aegerion as the “acquired” company. The acquisition consideration in connection with the Merger was approximately $62.4 million .
The estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Merger are provisional as of March 31, 2017 and are based on information that is currently available to the Company. Additional information is being gathered to finalize these provisional measurements, particularly with respect to intangible assets, inventory, and deferred income taxes. Accordingly, the measurement of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed may change significantly upon finalization of the Company’s valuations and completion of the purchase price allocation, both of which are expected to occur no later than one year from the acquisition date.
The following supplemental unaudited pro forma information presents the financial results as if the Merger had occurred on January 1, 2016 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 .

10


 
Three months ended
(in millions, except for per share information)
March 31, 2016
Net revenues
$
35.7

Net loss
(87.4
)
Basic and diluted loss per share
$
(8.28
)
This supplemental pro forma information has been prepared for comparative purposes and does not purport to reflect what the Company’s results of operations would have been had the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2016 , nor does it project the future results of operations of the Company or reflect the expected realization of any cost savings associated with the acquisition. The actual results of operations of the Company may differ significantly from the pro forma adjustments reflected here due to many factors. The unaudited supplemental pro forma financial information includes various assumptions, including those related to the provisional purchase price allocation of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed from Aegerion.

3. Inventories
The components of inventory are as follows:
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(in thousands)
Work-in-process
$
13,355


$
20,219

Finished goods
55,891


54,502

Total
69,246


74,721

Less: Inventories - current
(23,532
)

(15,718
)
Inventories - non-current
$
45,714


$
59,003

As part of the Merger, the Company acquired $76.8 million of inventory. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , charges for excess or obsolete inventory in the condensed consolidated statements of operations were immaterial. 

4. Intangible Assets
The Company acquired its definite lived intangible assets as part of the Merger. The intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment when events and changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company performed its annual impairment assessment as of December 31, 2016 , and determined there was no impairment.   Intangible asset balances as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows (in thousands):
 
March 31, 2017
 
Gross Carrying Value

Accumulated Amortization

Net Carrying Value
Developed technology - Juxtapid
$
42,300


$
(1,312
)

$
40,988

Developed technology - Myalept
210,158


(7,053
)

203,105

Total intangible assets
$
252,458


$
(8,365
)

$
244,093

 
December 31, 2016
 
Gross
Carrying
Value

Accumulated
Amortization

Net
Carrying
Value
Developed technology - Juxtapid
$
42,300


$
(328
)

$
41,972

Developed technology - Myalept
210,158


(1,806
)

208,352

Total intangible assets
$
252,458


$
(2,134
)

$
250,324


11


 
Amortization expense was $6.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2017 .
At March 31, 2017 , the estimated amortization expense of purchased intangibles for future periods is as follows (in thousands): 
Years Ending December 31,
Amount
2017 (remaining 9 months)
$
18,822

2018
25,096

2019
25,096

2020
25,096

2021 and thereafter
149,983

Total intangible assets subject to amortization
$
244,093


5. Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following:  
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
(in thousands)
Accrued employee compensation and related costs
$
3,918

 
$
7,920

Accrued sales allowances
8,235

 
7,849

Other accrued liabilities
22,359

 
21,411

Total
$
34,512

 
$
37,180


6. Convertible Notes, net
The Convertible Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Aegerion. The Convertible notes bear interest at a rate of 2.0%  per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15, and have an effective interest rate of 16.42% , established as of the Merger date. The Convertible Notes will mature on August 15, 2019, unless earlier repurchased or converted.
The outstanding Convertible Notes balances as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following (in thousands):

March 31, 2017

December 31, 2016
Principal
$
324,998


$
324,998

Less: debt discount, net
(91,673
)

(99,414
)
Net carrying amount of Convertible Notes
$
233,325


$
225,584

The following table sets forth total interest expense recognized related to the Convertible Notes during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively (in thousands):
 
Three months ended 
 
March 31, 2017

March 31, 2016
Contractual interest expense
$
1,625


$

Amortization of debt discount
7,742



Total
$
9,367


$


12


Future minimum payments under the Company’s Convertible Notes are as follows (in thousands):
Years Ending December 31,
Amount
2017 (9 months remaining)
$
3,250

2018
6,500

2019
331,498

 
341,248

Less amounts representing interest
(16,250
)
Less debt discount, net
(91,673
)
Net carrying amount of Convertible Notes
$
233,325


13


7. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value hierarchy for those instruments measured at fair value is established that distinguishes between fair value measurements based on market data (observable inputs) and those based on the Company’s own assumptions (unobservable inputs). This hierarchy maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2 — Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 — Inputs that are unobservable for the asset or liability.
The fair value measurements of the Company’s financial instruments at March 31, 2017 is summarized in the table below:  
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Balance at March 31, 2017
 
(in thousands)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
Money market funds
50,055



50,055

Restricted cash
240



240

Total assets
$
50,295

$

$

$
50,295



The fair value measurements of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2016 is summarized in the table below:

 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Balance at December 31, 2016
 
(in thousands)
Assets:
    
    
    
    
Money market funds
68,234



68,234

Restricted cash
390



390

Total assets
$
68,624

$

$

$
68,624

 
The fair value of the Convertible Notes, which differs from their carrying values, is influenced by interest rates, the Company’s share price and share price volatility and is determined by prices for the Convertible Notes observed in market trading which are Level 2 inputs. The estimated fair value of the Convertible Notes at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was $265.1 million and $240.4 million , respectively. See Note 6 - Convertible Notes, net for further information.
The Company’s financial instruments that are exposed to credit risks consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities. To limit the Company’s credit exposure, cash and cash equivalents are deposited with high-quality financial institutions in accordance with its treasury policy goal to preserve capital and maintain liquidity. The Company’s treasury policy limits investments to certain money market securities issued by governments, financial institutions and corporations with investment-grade credit ratings, and places restrictions on maturities and concentration by issuer. The Company maintains its cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in bank accounts, which, at times, exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any credit losses in these accounts and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on these funds.

14


The Company is subject to credit risk from its accounts receivable related to its product sales of lomitapide and metreleptin. The majority of the Company’s accounts receivable arise from product sales in the U.S. For accounts receivable that have arisen from named patient sales outside of the U.S., the payment terms are predetermined and the Company evaluates the creditworthiness of each customer or distributor on a regular basis. The Company periodically assesses the financial strength of the holders of its accounts receivable to establish allowances for anticipated losses, if necessary. The Company does not recognize revenue for uninsured amounts billed directly to a patient until the time of cash receipt as collectability is not reasonably assured at the time the product is received. To date, the Company has not incurred any material credit losses.
8. Restructuring
    
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company incurred $1.5 million in restructuring charges related to the consolidation of similar positions during the integration of the business subsequent to the Merger. The Company accounted for these actions in accordance with ASC 420, Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations .  The restructuring charges consisted primarily of severance and benefits costs.
The following table sets forth the components of the restructuring charge and payments made against the reserve for the three months ended March 31, 2017: 
 
Restructuring Charges
 
(in thousands)
Restructuring balance at December 31, 2016
$

Costs incurred
1,451

Cash paid
(1,616
)
Other adjustments
181

Restructuring balance at March 31, 2017
$
16


9. Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Common Share
Basic net loss per common share is calculated by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period.
Diluted net loss per common share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of unrestricted common shares and dilutive common share equivalents outstanding for the period, determined using the treasury-stock and if-converted methods. Since the Company has had net losses for all periods presented, all potentially dilutive securities were determined to be anti-dilutive. Accordingly, basic and diluted net loss per common share are equal.
  The following table sets forth potential common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options, warrants, the vesting of restricted stock units and the conversion of the Convertible Notes (prior to consideration of the treasury stock and if-converted methods), which were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share because such instruments were anti-dilutive (in thousands):
 
As of March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Stock options
1,595

 
86

Unvested restricted stock units
930

 

Warrants
14,515

 

Convertible notes
1,619

 

Total
18,659

 
86


10. Income Taxes
The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The Company provides a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized .


15


The Company recorded a provision for income taxes of $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , and an insignificant amount for the three months ended March 31, 2016 . The provision for income taxes consists of current tax expense, which relates primarily to the Company’s profitable operations in its foreign tax jurisdictions.

The realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent on the generation of sufficient taxable income during future periods in which temporary differences are expected to reverse. Where the realization of such assets does not meet the more likely than not criterion, the Company applies a valuation allowance against the deferred income tax asset under consideration. The valuation allowance is reviewed periodically and if the assessment of the more likely than not criterion changes, the valuation allowance is adjusted accordingly. As of March 31, 2017 , we have a full valuation allowance applied against all of our identified tax assets.
11. Segment information
The Company currently operates in one business segment, pharmaceuticals, which is focusing on the development and commercialization of its lead products. The Company's CEO is the Company's chief operating decision maker ("CODM"). The Company does not operate any separate lines of business or separate business entities with respect to its products. Accordingly, the Company does not accumulate discrete financial information with respect to separate service lines and does not have separately reportable segments. Enterprise-wide disclosures about net revenues and long-lived assets by geographic area and information relating to major customers are presented below.
Net Revenues
The following table summarizes total net revenue from external customers by product and by geographic region, based on the location of the customer, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 .
 
U.S.

Brazil

Other Foreign Countries

Total

 
(in thousands)
Metreleptin
11,474

1,227

1,259

13,960

Lomitapide
10,876

1,640

3,508

16,024

Total
$
22,350

$
2,867

$
4,767

$
29,984

Net revenues generated from customers outside of the U.S. and Brazil, as listed in the column “Other Foreign Countries,” was primarily derived from revenues in Colombia, Greece, Japan, and Turkey.
The total net revenues from customers in Canada for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was approximately $0.5 million , which related to the sales of metreleptin.
Significant Customers
For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , two customers accounted for 49% of the Company’s net revenues, and such customers accounted for 48% of the Company’s March 31, 2017 accounts receivable balance. One customer accounted for 29% of the Company's December 31, 2016 accounts receivable balance.
Long-lived Assets
The Company’s long-lived assets primarily comprised intangible assets, inventories, and property and equipment. As of March 31, 2017 , 100% of the Company's intangible assets were held by Aegerion. Of that, 65% of the intangible assets were attributable to Aegerion's U.S. business, with the remaining 35% attributable to Aegerion's European holding company. Approximately 87% of the Company’s property and equipment was located in the U.S., 11% was located in Canada, and the remaining 2% was located in other foreign countries. For the Company's long-term inventory, approximately 60% was located in the U.S. and 40% was located in countries outside of the U.S.
12. Commitments and Contingencies
Upon the Merger, the Company assumed the assets and liabilities related to the following contingencies (in thousands):

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Insurance Proceeds Receivable

Class action lawsuit insurance proceeds
$
22,000




Provision for Legal Settlement


Class action lawsuit settlement
$
(22,250
)
DOJ and SEC settlement
(40,761
)
Total provision for legal settlement
$
(63,011
)
In late 2013, the Company's subsidiary, Aegerion received a subpoena from the Department of Justice ("DOJ"), represented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston, requesting documents regarding its marketing and sale of JUXTAPID in the U.S., as well as related disclosures.  The Company believes the DOJ is seeking to determine whether Aegerion, or any of its current or former employees, violated civil and/or criminal laws, including but not limited to, the securities laws, the Federal False Claims Act, the Food and Drug Cosmetic Act ("FDCA"), the Anti-Kickback Statute, and the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA").  The investigation is ongoing.
In late 2014, Aegerion received a subpoena from the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") requesting certain information related to its sales activities and disclosures related to JUXTAPID. The SEC also has requested documents and information on a number of other topics, including documents related to the investigations by government authorities in Brazil into whether Aegerion’s activities in Brazil violated Brazilian anti-corruption laws, and whether Aegerion’s activities in Brazil violated the FCPA.  The Company believes the SEC is seeking to determine whether Aegerion, or any of its current or former employees, violated securities laws.  The investigation is ongoing.
In May 2016, Aegerion reached preliminary agreements in principle with the DOJ and the SEC to resolve their investigations into the marketing and sales activities and disclosures relating to JUXTAPID. Under the terms of the preliminary agreement in principle with the DOJ, Aegerion would plead guilty to two misdemeanor misbranding violations of the FDCA.  One count would be based on its alleged marketing of JUXTAPID with inadequate directions for use (21 U.S.C. §§ 352(f)), and the second count would involve an alleged failure to comply with a requirement of the JUXTAPID Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies ("REMS") program (21 U.S.C. §§ 352(y)). Aegerion would separately enter into a five -year deferred prosecution agreement with regard to a charge that Aegerion violated Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ("HIPAA"). As part of the resolution of the DOJ investigation, the Company expects Aegerion to enter into a civil settlement agreement with the DOJ to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act, and a non-monetary consent decree with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"). The Company also expects to negotiate a corporate integrity agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services.
Under the terms of the preliminary agreement in principle with the SEC staff, the SEC’s Division of Enforcement will recommend that the SEC accept a settlement offer from Aegerion on a neither-admit-nor-deny basis that contains alleged negligent violations of Sections 17(a)(2) and (3) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, related to certain statements Aegerion made in 2013 regarding the conversion rate of patients receiving JUXTAPID prescriptions, with remedies that include censure, an order prohibiting future violations of the securities laws and payment of a civil penalty.
The preliminary agreements in principle provide for a consolidated monetary package that covers payments due to both the DOJ and the SEC. The consolidated monetary package covers payments due to both the DOJ and the SEC by Aegerion totaling approximately $40.0 million in the aggregate, to be payable over three years, which is updated from the originally proposed five -year payment schedule contemplated when the preliminary agreement in principle was reached in May 2016. Certain outstanding amounts would accrue interest at a rate of 1.75% per annum.  Such payments are subject to acceleration in the event of certain change of control transactions or the sale of JUXTAPID or MYALEPT. As of March 31, 2017 Aegerion had accrued an aggregate of $40.8 million for the payments to be provided to the DOJ and the SEC, under the consolidated monetary package. Additionally, Aegerion paid $1.0 million to settle related employment law and attorneys' fees claims that were accrued at December 31, 2016.
The terms of the preliminary agreements in principle described above may change following further negotiations and other terms of the final settlement remain subject to further negotiation.  The preliminary agreement in principle with the DOJ is subject to approval of supervisory personnel within the DOJ and relevant federal and state agencies, and approval by a U.S. District Court judge of the criminal plea and sentence and the civil settlement agreement.  The preliminary agreement in principle with the SEC is subject to review by other groups in the SEC and approval by the Commissioners of the SEC.

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The preliminary agreements in principle do not cover the DOJ and the SEC’s inquiries concerning Aegerion’s operations in Brazil.
DOJ inquiries into patient assistance programs
The Company continues to cooperate with the DOJ and the SEC with respect to their investigations. As part of this cooperation, the DOJ has requested documents and information related to donations Aegerion made in 2015 and 2016 to 501(c)(3) organizations that provide financial assistance to patients. As part of this inquiry, the DOJ may pursue theories that will not be covered by the preliminary agreement in principle with the DOJ. Other pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have disclosed similar inquiries regarding donations to patient assistance programs operated by independent charitable 501(c)(3) organizations.
Investigations in Brazil
In addition, federal and state authorities in Brazil are conducting an investigation to determine whether there have been violations of Brazilian laws related to the promotion of JUXTAPID in Brazil. In July 2016, the Ethics Council of Interfarma fined Aegerion approximately $0.5 million for violations of the industry association’s Code of Conduct, to which Aegerion is bound due to its affiliation with Interfarma. Aegerion paid this fine during the third quarter of 2016. The Board of Directors of Interfarma also imposed an additional penalty of suspension of Aegerion’s membership, without suspension of Aegerion’s membership contribution, for a period of 180 days for Aegerion to demonstrate the implementation of effective measures to cease alleged irregular conduct, or exclusion of its membership in Interfarma if such measures were not implemented. On March 27, 2017, after the suspension period ended, Interfarma’s Board of Directors decided to reintegrate Aegerion, enabling it to participate regularly in Interfarma activities, subject to meeting certain obligations. Aegerion also received an inquiry from a Public Prosecutor Office of the Brazilian State of Paraná in July 2016, asking it to respond to questions related to recent media coverage regarding JUXTAPID and its relationship with a patient association to which Aegerion made donations for patient support.  At this time, the Company does not know whether the Public Prosecutor’s inquiry will result in the commencement of any formal proceeding against Aegerion, but if Aegerion’s activities in Brazil are found to violate any laws or governmental regulations, Aegerion may be subject to significant civil lawsuits to be filed by the Public Prosecution office, and administrative penalties imposed by Brazilian regulatory authorities and additional damages and fines. Under certain circumstances, Aegerion could be barred from further sales to federal and/or state governments in Brazil, including sales of JUXTAPID and/or MYALEPT, due to penalties imposed by Brazilian regulatory authorities or through civil actions initiated by federal or state public prosecutors. As of the filing date of this Form 10-Q, the Company cannot determine if a loss is probable as a result of the investigations and inquiry in Brazil and whether the outcome will have a material adverse effect on its business and, as a result, no amounts have been recorded for a loss contingency.
Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit
In January 2014, a putative class action lawsuit was filed against Aegerion and certain of its former executive officers in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts (the "Court") alleging certain misstatements and omissions related to the marketing of JUXTAPID and Aegerion’s financial performance in violation of the federal securities laws. The case is captioned KBC Asset Management NV et al. v. Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. et al. , No. 14-cv-10105-MLW.  On March 11, 2015, the Court appointed co-lead plaintiffs and lead counsel. Co-lead plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on June 1, 2015. Aegerion filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint for failure to state a claim on July 31, 2015.  On August 21, 2015, co-lead plaintiffs filed a putative second amended complaint.  On September 4, 2015, Aegerion moved to strike the second amended complaint for the co-lead plaintiffs’ failure to seek leave of court to file a second amended pleading. Oral argument on the motion to strike was held on March 9, 2016. On March 23, 2016, plaintiffs filed a motion for leave to amend.  Aegerion opposed this motion to amend, and following a hearing on April 29, 2016, the Court took defendants’ motion to strike and plaintiffs’ motion for leave to amend under advisement.  On May 13, 2016, co-lead plaintiffs and defendants filed a joint motion wherein the parties stipulated that co-lead plaintiffs could file a third amended pleading within 30 days of the motion, which the Court granted on May 18, 2016, thereby mooting defendants’ pending motion to strike the second amended pleading and co-lead plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file a second amended pleading.  The Court also entered a briefing schedule for defendants to file responsive pleadings, co-lead plaintiffs to file any opposition, and defendants to file reply briefs.  A third amended complaint was filed on June 27, 2016. On July 22, 2016, co-lead plaintiffs and defendants filed a joint motion to stay the briefing schedule while they pursued mediation, which the Court granted on August 10, 2016. Through mediation, the co-lead plaintiffs and defendants reached an agreement in principle to settle the litigation on November 29, 2016. On January 17, 2017, the co-lead plaintiffs filed a stipulation of settlement with the Court that contained the settlement terms as agreed upon by the parties, including that Aegerion and its insurance carriers would contribute $22.3 million to a settlement fund for the putative class. The insurance carriers have agreed to cover $22.0 million of this amount, with Aegerion responsible for the remainder of $0.3 million . The proposed settlement is subject to a number of procedural steps and is subject to approval by the Court.  Accordingly, the Company cannot predict the outcome of this action or when it will be

18


resolved.  The Company has recorded a loss contingency of $22.3 million and an insurance proceeds receivable of $22.0 million at March 31, 2017.
Item 2.        Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our financial statements and related notes included in our audited financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2016, and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation included in our 2016 Form 10-K, to which the reader is directed for additional information. In addition to historical information, some of the information in this discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements reflecting our current expectations and that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements included or incorporated by reference into this Form 10-Q, other than statements or characterizations of historical fact, are “forward-looking statements” under applicable laws, regulations and other legal principles and constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information are often identified by words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “potential,” “guidance,” “continue,” “ongoing” and similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words.
Examples of forward-looking statements and information include our statements regarding: the commercial potential for, and market acceptance of, our products; our estimates as to the potential number of patients with the diseases for which our products are approved or for which our product candidates are being developed; our expectations with respect to reimbursement of our products in the U.S. and elsewhere; our expectations with respect to named patient sales of our products in Brazil and in other countries where such sales are permitted; the potential for and possible timing of approval of our products in countries where we have not yet obtained approval; our plans for further clinical development of our products; the potential for zuretinol to obtain a rare pediatric disease designation and/or priority review voucher, if approved; our expectations regarding future regulatory filings for our products, including potential marketing approval applications with respect to metreleptin to expand the indication for metreleptin in the U.S.; our plans for commercial marketing, sales, manufacturing and distribution of our products; our expectations with respect to the impact of competition on our future operations and results; our beliefs with respect to our intellectual property portfolio for our products and the extent to which it allows us to exclusively develop and commercialize our products and product candidates; our expectations regarding the availability of data and marketing exclusivity for our products in the U.S., the EU, Japan and other countries; our view of potential outcomes of Aegerion’s ongoing Department of Justice ("DOJ") and Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") investigations and shareholder litigation, including the terms of the agreements in principle with respect to the investigations and the agreement in principle with respect to the settlement of Aegerion’s shareholder litigation, and investigations in Brazil, and the possible impact and additional consequences of each on our business; our expectations regarding the impact on U.S. sales and patient attrition of JUXTAPID ® as a result of the implementation of the modified JUXTAPID Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy program; our expectations regarding our global consolidated tax structure and planning, our ability to achieve tax savings or utilize net operating loss carryforwards and other tax and tax planning activities, including whether we are characterized as a U.S. domestic corporation or passive foreign investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes; our forecasts regarding sales of our products, our future expenses, our cash position and the timing of any future need for additional capital to fund operations and product development opportunities; our ability to successfully integrate the businesses of Aegerion and Novelion; and our ability to manufacture and supply sufficient amounts of our products to meet demand for commercial and clinical supplies.
The forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q and in the documents incorporated into this Form 10-Q by reference are based on our current beliefs and assumptions with respect to future events, all of which are subject to change. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions regarding, for example, our financial position and execution of our business strategy, post-Merger integration and synergies, resolution of litigation and investigations, future competitive conditions and market acceptance of products, the possibility and timing of future regulatory approvals, expectations regarding our core capabilities, and the availability of sufficient liquidity, each made in light of current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including those incorporated by reference into the “Risk Factors” section of this Form 10-Q. It is not possible for us to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors may impact our operations or results. New risks may emerge from time to time. Past financial or operating performance is not necessarily a reliable indicator of future performance. Given these risks and uncertainties, we can give no assurances that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if any of them does occur, what impact such event will have on our results of operations and financial condition. Our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement in this Form 10-Q or in our other filings with the SEC.

19


This Form 10-Q also contains “forward-looking information” that constitutes “financial outlooks” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. This information is provided to give investors general guidance on management’s current expectations of certain factors affecting our business, including our financial results. Given the uncertainties, assumptions and risk factors associated with this type of information, including those described above, investors are cautioned that the information may not be appropriate for other purposes.
Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to revise our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date of this Form 10-Q or the respective dates of documents incorporated into this Form 10-Q by reference that include forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not assume that our silence over time means that actual events are bearing out as expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements.
Business Overview
We are a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing new standards of care for individuals living with rare diseases. On November 29, 2016, we completed the Merger with Aegerion. We, through Aegerion, now have two commercial products:
Metreleptin, a recombinant analog of human leptin, is marketed in the United States ("U.S.") under the brand name MYALEPT (metreleptin) for injection ("MYALEPT"). MYALEPT is approved in the U.S. as an adjunct to diet as replacement therapy to treat the complications of leptin deficiency in patients with congenital or acquired generalized lipodystrophy ("GL"). In December 2016, we submitted a marketing authorization application ("MAA") to the European Medicines Agency ("EMA") to seek approval for metreleptin, under the brand name MYALEPTA, as replacement therapy to treat complications of leptin deficiency in patients with GL and in a subset of patients with partial lipodystrophy ("PL"). We also expect to submit a supplemental biologics licensing application (sBLA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") in the first half of 2017, seeking to expand MYALEPT’s indication in the U.S. to the PL subset, subject to concurrence from the FDA that an additional study would not be required before approval. We also plan to file for formal regulatory approvals for metreleptin in GL and, subject to EMA feedback on the PL subset indication, the PL subset throughout 2017 and early 2018 in other key markets, including Brazil and Colombia. We offer metreleptin through expanded access programs in countries where permitted by applicable regulatory authorities and under applicable laws, and generate revenue in certain markets where named patient sales are permitted based on the approval of metreleptin in the U.S. In addition to the PL subset, we plan to use our knowledge of the diverse effects of leptin on various physiologic functions to explore new opportunities for metreleptin as a platform drug to potentially treat patients suffering from a range of low-leptin mediated metabolic diseases. We are evaluating and prioritizing these potential opportunities and plan to provide an update in the summer of 2017.
Lomitapide is marketed in the U.S. under the brand name JUXTAPID (lomitapide) capsules ("JUXTAPID"). JUXTAPID is approved in the U.S. as an adjunct to a low-fat diet and other lipid-lowering treatments, including low-density lipoprotein ("LDL") apheresis where available, to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ("LDL-C"), total cholesterol ("TC"), apolipoprotein B ("apo B") and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ("non-HDL-C") in adult patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia ("HoFH"). Lomitapide is approved in the European Union ("EU"), under the brand name LOJUXTA (lomitapide) hard capsules ("LOJUXTA") for the treatment of adult patients with HoFH, as well as in Japan, Canada, and a small number of other countries. In December 2016, Aegerion out-licensed the rights to commercialize LOJUXTA in the EU and certain other jurisdictions to Amryt Pharma plc ("Amryt") and will receive sales milestones and royalties on net sales in those jurisdictions. In December 2016, Aegerion launched JUXTAPID as a treatment for HoFH in Japan, after receiving reimbursement approval. Lomitapide is also sold, on a named patient basis, in Brazil and in a limited number of other countries outside the U.S. where such sales are permitted as a result of the approval of lomitapide in the U.S. or the EU.
We also have one orphan drug-designated product candidate, zuretinol acetate ("zuretinol"), an oral synthetic retinoid, in late stage development for the treatment of IRD caused by underlying mutations in retinal pigment epithelium protein 65 (" RPE65" ) and lecithin: retinol acyltransferase (" LRAT" ) genes, comprising Leber Congenital Amaurosis ("LCA") and Retinitis Pigmentosa ("RP"). Our clinical and regulatory pathway for the zuretinol program is currently under review, and we expect to provide an update in the summer of 2017. We are also exploring the potential of submitting to the FDA a request for Rare Pediatric Disease Designation for zuretinol for the treatment of IRD. If zuretinol is approved by the FDA after being designated a Rare Pediatric Disease and we meet certain additional criteria, we may qualify for a Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher. Zuretinol was granted orphan drug designations for the treatment of LCA (due to inherited mutations in LRAT or RPE65 genes) and RP (all mutations) by the FDA, and for the treatment of LCA and RP (all mutations) by the EMA. Both the FDA and EMA have acknowledged that the therapeutic indication of zuretinol for the treatment of IRD (patients phenotypically diagnosed as LCA or RP caused by mutations in RPE65 or LRAT genes) falls within these orphan drug designations. The drug has also been

20


granted two Fast Track designations by the FDA for the treatment of LCA and RP due to inherited mutations in the LRAT and RPE65 genes.
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, net revenues from lomitapide and metreleptin were $30.0 million , of which $22.4 million was derived from prescriptions for lomitapide and metreleptin written in the U.S., and $7.6 million from prescriptions written for and royalties on sales of lomitapide and metreleptin outside the U.S. As of March 31 2017, we had approximately $84.8 million in cash and cash equivalents. We have approximately $325.0 million principal amount of 2.0% convertible senior notes due August 15, 2019 (the "Convertible Notes"). See the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources section of this Form 10-Q for further information.
In the near-term, we expect that the majority of revenues will continue to be derived from sales of MYALEPT and JUXTAPID in the U.S. We also expect to generate revenues from (i) sales of lomitapide in those countries outside the U.S. in which we have or expect to receive marketing approval, are able to obtain pricing and reimbursement approval at acceptable levels, and elect to commercialize lomitapide, particularly in Japan and (ii) sales of both products in a limited number of other countries where they are, or may in the future be, available on a named patient sales basis as a result of existing approvals in the U.S. or EU. We expect that in the near-term, named patient sales of lomitapide and metreleptin in Brazil will continue to be our second largest source of revenues for each product, on a country-by-country basis. We received named patient sales orders for metreleptin in Argentina in 2016, and have had and expect to continue to have named patient sales of metreleptin in Brazil, Colombia and a select number of countries in the EU, including France and Turkey. We expect net revenue from named patient sales to fluctuate significantly quarter-over-quarter given that named patient sales are derived from unsolicited requests from prescribers. In some countries, including Brazil, orders for named patient sales are for multiple months of therapy, which can lead to some fluctuations in sales depending on the ordering pattern. We believe the investigations into Aegerion’s activities in Brazil have adversely affected named patient sales of lomitapide and metreleptin in that country. See Part II, Item 1 – “Legal Proceedings” for further information regarding these investigations. In addition, a proceeding is currently pending with the Brazil Supreme Federal Court to decide whether the government has an obligation to continue to provide, on a named patient sales basis, drugs that have not received regulatory and/or pricing and reimbursement approval in Brazil, like JUXTAPID and MYALEPT. We intend to file for marketing approval in Brazil for both JUXTAPID and MYALEPT, and are currently assessing the timing of these submissions. The result of the trial and other issues could significantly negatively affect product revenues from named patient sales of JUXTAPID and MYALEPT in Brazil.
We expect that our near-term efforts will be focused on the following:
building and maintaining market acceptance for MYALEPT in the U.S. for the treatment of complications of leptin deficiency in GL patients, and supporting named patient sales of metreleptin in GL in Brazil, particularly in light of local economic challenges and ongoing governmental investigations, and other key countries, including France and Turkey, where such sales are permitted as a result of the U.S. approval or under local law;

preparing for the launch of metreleptin in Europe as a treatment for complications of leptin deficiency in GL patients and a subset of PL, in the event we obtain regulatory, pricing and reimbursement approvals in the EU for metreleptin;

evaluating the potential for future clinical development of metreleptin in additional indications, including a subset of PL, if we are unable to secure approval of such indication with the current metreleptin clinical data package, as well as potentially other low-leptin mediated metabolic diseases;

stabilizing sales of JUXTAPID as a treatment for adult HoFH patients in the U.S. despite competition from PCSK9 inhibitor products, among other factors, which have had a significant adverse impact on sales of JUXTAPID, and gaining market acceptance in the other countries where lomitapide is approved and being commercialized, or may in the future receive approval and be commercialized;

managing our costs and expenses to better align with our revenues, and strengthening our capital structure, while supporting approved products in a compliant manner;

continuing to support patient access to and reimbursement for our products in the U.S. without significant restrictions, particularly given the availability of PCSK9 inhibitor products in the U.S., which has adversely impacted reimbursement of JUXTAPID, and given the considerable number of JUXTAPID patients in the U.S. who are on Medicare Part D and the significant percentage of such patients who may not be able to afford their out-of-pocket co-payments for our products, given that the only source of financial support for some of the patients may be through patient assistance programs operated by independent charitable 501(c)(3) organizations that may not provide adequate financial assistance;

21



implementing the modified JUXTAPID Risk Evaluation Management Strategy ("REMS") program in the U.S., which includes requirements to recertify all prescribers and pharmacies and a new patient counseling and acknowledgment requirement for existing and new patients, by the July 2, 2017 implementation deadline, while working to limit adult HoFH patient attrition from JUXTAPID as a result of such new requirements;

supporting the recent launch of JUXTAPID in Japan;

continuing to support sales of lomitapide as a treatment for HoFH in Brazil on a named patient basis, particularly in light of the economic challenges, ongoing government investigations, and ongoing court proceedings reviewing the regulatory framework for named patient sales in Brazil, and in other key countries where named patient sales are permitted, despite the availability of PCSK9 inhibitors on a named patient sales basis in such countries;

gaining regulatory, pricing and reimbursement approvals to market our products in countries in which the products are not currently approved and/or reimbursed or for new indications, including obtaining approval of the MAA seeking marketing approval of metreleptin in the EU as a treatment for complications of leptin deficiency in GL patients and a subset of PL; seeking approval of metreleptin in the U.S. for a subset of PL based on the existing clinical data package for metreleptin, subject to discussions with the FDA; and seeking approval of metreleptin in Brazil and other key markets as a treatment for complications of leptin deficiency in GL patients, and subject to EMA feedback on the PL subset indication, PL subset patients;

reviewing the clinical and regulatory pathway for zuretinol to determine the optimal development and business strategy for this product candidate and continuing clinical development work on zuretinol;

engaging in possible further development efforts related to our existing products, and assessing, and possibly acquiring, potential new product candidates targeted at rare diseases where we believe we can leverage our infrastructure and expertise;

minimizing the number of patients who are eligible to receive but decide not to commence treatment with our products, or who discontinue treatment, by supporting activities such as patient support programs, to the extent permitted in a particular country;

continuing to embed a culture of compliance, ethics and integrity throughout Novelion and its subsidiaries;

Aegerion reaching a definitive agreement with the DOJ and the SEC with respect to its ongoing investigations in accordance with the terms of the agreements in principle it entered into in May 2016 and managing other ongoing government investigations pertaining to its products;

Aegerion receiving final court approval of its ongoing securities class action in accordance with the terms of the agreement in principle entered into in November 2016; and

defending challenges to the patents or our claims of exclusivity for lomitapide in the U.S., including against potential generic submission with the FDA with respect to lomitapide; and expanding the intellectual property portfolio for our products.

22


Investigations and Legal Proceedings
As noted above, Aegerion has been the subject of certain ongoing investigations and other legal proceedings, including investigations of Aegerion’s marketing and sales activities of JUXTAPID by the DOJ and the SEC, an investigation by federal and state authorities in Brazil to determine whether there have been violations of Brazilian laws related to the promotion of JUXTAPID, and a putative class action lawsuit alleging certain misstatements and omissions related to the marketing of JUXTAPID and the Company’s financial performance in violation of the federal securities laws (the "Class Action Litigation"). Aegerion reached agreements in principle with the DOJ and the SEC in May 2016 that provide for Aegerion to pay a fine of $40.0 million, to plead guilty to two misdemeanor misbranding violations of the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act and to enter into a five-year deferred prosecution agreement with regard to charges that it violated the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ("HIPAA") and engaged in obstruction of justice relating to the JUXTAPID REMS program. Aegerion also entered into an agreement in principle with respect to the Class Action Litigation, which provides for a settlement payment by or on behalf of Aegerion of $22.3 million. Insurance carriers have agreed to cover $22.0 million of this amount, with Aegerion responsible for the remaining $0.3 million. See Part II, Item 1 - “Legal Proceedings” for further information regarding these investigations and legal proceedings.
Recent Corporate and Securities Transactions
Merger Transaction with Aegerion. On June 14, 2016, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended, the "Merger Agreement") with Aegerion, pursuant to which on November 29, 2016 our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Isotope Acquisition Corp, merged with and into Aegerion, with Aegerion surviving as our wholly-owned subsidiary (the "Merger"). Upon completion of the Merger, on November 29, 2016, each outstanding share of Aegerion common stock was converted into a right to receive 1.0256 Novelion (pre-Consolidation) common shares and Aegerion’ s common stock was cancelled and delisted from NASDAQ.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, we also issued certain warrants to the pre-closing shareholders of Novelion. These warrants (the "Merger Agreement Warrants") may be exercised for up to an aggregate of 11,301,791 Novelion common shares at an exercise price of $0.05 per share if (i) the previously disclosed DOJ and SEC investigations are settled for amounts in excess of $40.0 million and/or (ii) the Class Action Litigation is settled for an amount that exceeds the amounts, if any, available under Aegerion’s director and officer insurance coverage in respect of that matter (together, the negotiated thresholds). The number of Novelion common shares for which the Merger Agreement Warrants may be exercised, if any, will vary based on the extent to which the settlements of the matters described above exceed the negotiated thresholds. The Merger Agreement Warrants will not be exercisable for any shares to the extent any excess in respect of such matters is equal to or less than $1.0 million in the aggregate.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, effective upon the closing of the Merger, the Novelion board of directors is composed of four individuals designated by Aegerion, four individuals designated by Novelion, one individual designated by Broadfin Capital, LLC ("Broadfin") and one individual designated by Sarissa Capital Management LP ("Sarissa"). For a specified period of time following the Merger, Sarissa will also have the right to designate one additional member of the board of directors of Novelion.
The aggregate consideration delivered to the former holders of Aegerion common stock in connection with the Merger was approximately 6,060,288 Novelion common shares. Shareholders of Novelion immediately prior to the Merger, including the participants in the private placement pursuant to the Unit Subscription Agreement (described below), owned approximately 68% of the outstanding Novelion common shares upon completion of the Merger and stockholders of Aegerion as of immediately prior to the Merger owned approximately 32% of the outstanding Novelion common shares upon completion of the Merger.
Private Placement. Also on June 14, 2016, we entered into a unit subscription agreement (the "Unit Subscription Agreement") with the investors party thereto (the "Investors"). Pursuant to the Unit Subscription Agreement, immediately prior to the Merger, the Investors acquired units, for $8.80 per unit, on a post-Consolidation basis, consisting of (i) 2,472,727 Novelion common shares, which includes up to 568,181 Novelion common shares issuable upon exercise of fully paid-up warrants, and (ii) warrants (the "Unit Subscription Agreement Warrants") exercisable for up to an aggregate of 2,644,952 Novelion common shares at an exercise price of $0.05 per share on the same terms and conditions as the Merger Agreement Warrants (collectively with the Merger Agreement Warrants, the “Warrants”). The aggregate consideration paid under the Unit Subscription Agreement was approximately $21.8 million, which we intend to continue to use to support future operations and business development initiatives.
Share Consolidation. As noted above, on December 16, 2016, we completed the Consolidation, a one-for-five (1:5) consolidation of all of our issued and outstanding common shares, without par value, for shareholders of record as of December 16, 2016, resulting in a reduction in the issued and outstanding common shares from approximately 92,653,562 to approximately

23


18,530,323 as of that date. Each shareholder’s percentage ownership in Novelion and proportional voting power remained unchanged after the Consolidation, except for minor changes resulting from the treatment of fractional shares. In connection with the Consolidation, the conversion rate of the Convertible Notes was automatically adjusted from 24.9083 common shares per $1,000 principal amount of such Convertible Notes to 4.9817 common shares per $1,000 principal amount of such Convertible Notes.
Aralez Investment and Distribution. On December 7, 2015, we entered into an Amended and Restated Share Subscription Agreement (the "Amended and Restated Subscription Agreement") with Tribute Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. ("Tribute"), POZEN Inc. ("POZEN"), Aralez Pharmaceuticals plc, (formally known as "Aguono Limited") (Aralez Ireland), Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc. ("Aralez Canada"), Deerfield Private Design Fund II, L.P., Deerfield International Master Fund, L.P., Deerfield Partners, L.P. (together "Deerfield"), Broadfin and JW Partners, LP, JW Opportunities Fund, LLC and J.W. Opportunities Master Fund, Ltd. (together the "JW Parties") (Deerfield, Broadfin and the JW Parties are referred to herein collectively as the "Co-Investors"). The Amended and Restated Subscription Agreement amended and restated a share subscription agreement entered into on June 8, 2015 among the Company, Tribute, POZEN, Aralez Ireland, the Co-Investors and certain other investors. Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Subscription Agreement, immediately prior to and contingent upon the consummation of the merger of Tribute and POZEN (the "Aralez Merger"), Tribute agreed to sell to us and the other Co-Investors $75.0 million of the common shares of Tribute (the "Tribute Shares") in a private placement (the “Aralez Investment”) at a purchase price per share equal to: (a) the lesser of (i) $7.20, and (ii) a five percent discount off of the five-day volume weighted average price per share of POZEN common stock calculated over the five trading days immediately preceding the date of closing of the Aralez Merger, not to be less than $6.25 per share; multiplied by (b) the Aralez Merger exchange ratio of 0.1455. Upon consummation of the Aralez Merger on February 5, 2016, the Tribute Shares were exchanged for common shares of Aralez Canada (the "Aralez Shares"). We entered into the transaction contemplated by the Amended and Restated Subscription Agreement for the purpose of returning capital to our shareholders pursuant to a special election distribution, payable, at the election of each shareholder of the Company, in either Aralez Shares (approximately 0.13629 of an Aralez Share for each common share of the Company) or cash, subject to pro-ration (the "Aralez Distribution"), up to a maximum of $15.0 million funded pursuant to the terms of the Backstop Agreement (as described below).
In connection with the Aralez Distribution, on June 8, 2015, we entered into a share purchase agreement (as amended, the "Backstop Agreement") with Broadfin and the JW Parties, pursuant to which Broadfin and the JW Parties agreed to purchase up to $15.0 million of the Aralez Shares from us at $6.25 per share. This arrangement provided our shareholders with the opportunity to elect to receive, in lieu of Aralez Shares, up to an aggregate of $15.0 million in cash, subject to proration among the shareholders. As a result, on April 5, 2016 (the "Distribution Date"), we distributed 4,799,619 Aralez Shares, with a fair value of $19.3 million, and $15.0 million of cash.
Upon consummation of the Aralez Merger on February 5, 2016, we purchased 7,200,000 Aralez Shares (representing 10.1% of the issued and outstanding Aralez Shares), for an aggregate price of $45.0 million. We held the Aralez Shares from February 5, 2016 to the Distribution Date and the Aralez Shares were marked-to-market. As a result, we recognized a $10.7 million loss during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, to reflect the change in value from the acquisition date to the Distribution Date.
Terminated Merger Transactions. On June 8, 2015, QLT entered into an agreement and plan of merger (as amended and restated on each of July 16, 2015 and August 26, 2015) (the "InSite Merger Agreement") with InSite Vision Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (InSite). On September 15, 2015, the InSite Merger Agreement was terminated by InSite and InSite paid QLT a termination fee of $2.7 million. Refer to Note 3 - Terminated Merger Transactions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2016 Form 10-K for further details.
On June 25, 2014, QLT entered into an agreement and plan of merger (the Auxilium Merger Agreement) with Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Auxilium"). On October 8, 2014, the Auxilium Merger Agreement was terminated by Auxilium and Auxilium paid QLT a termination fee of $28.4 million. Refer to Note 3 - Terminated Merger Transactions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the 2016 Form 10-K for further details.
Financial Highlights
Net revenues were $30.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, representing revenue from lomitapide and metreleptin.
Costs of product sales were $16.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, representing costs of selling lomitapide and metreleptin.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased from $5.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016 to $24.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2017. This increase was primarily due to our recognition of 100% of

24


Aegerion’s financial performance in the three months ended March 31, 2017, offset slightly by a prior year $4.0 million banker advisory fee incurred in connection with the completion of the Aralez Investment.
Research and development expenses increased from $3.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016 to $9.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2017. This increase was primarily driven by our recognition of 100% of Aegerion’s financial performance in the three months ended March 31, 2017.
We used $24.8 million of net cash from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017, due largely to a $31.0 million net loss, $5.2 million in nonrecurring payments associated with the Merger, and $4.4 million of changes in other working capital, offset by non-cash adjustments of $15.8 million . Cash and cash equivalents totaled approximately $84.8 million as of March 31, 2017.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("GAAP"). The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate these estimates and judgments, including those described below. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates and assumptions form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results and experiences may differ materially from these estimates.
While our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the consolidated financial statements appearing in the “ Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ” section of the 2016 Form 10-K, we believe that the accounting policy related to Purchase Price Allocation for Business Combinations is the most critical to aid you in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results, and affecting the more significant judgments and estimates that we use in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Business Combinations
Acquired businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that the purchase price be allocated to the net assets acquired at their respective fair values. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. We report provisional amounts when measurements are incomplete as of the end of the reporting period. We complete our purchase price allocation within a measurement period and which does not extend beyond one year after the acquisition date.
The present-value models used to estimate the fair values of acquired inventory and intangible assets incorporate significant assumptions, including, but not limited to: assumptions regarding the probability of obtaining marketing approval; estimated selling price, estimates of the timing and amount of future cash flows from potential product sales and related expenses; and the appropriate discount rate selected to measure the risks inherent in the future cash flows, the assessment of the asset’s life cycle and the competitive trends impacting the assets, including consideration of any technical, legal, regulatory or economic barrier to entry as well as expected changes in standards of practice for indications addressed by the asset and tax rates.
Recently Issued and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
See Note 1 - Description of Business and Basis of Presentation in the Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recently adopted and new accounting pronouncements.
Results of Operations
On November 29, 2016, we completed the Merger. As a result, we expect that revenues, cost of product sales, selling, general and administrative and research and development expenses and interest expense will increase significantly in 2017 and beyond compared to 2016.
Comparison of the Three Months Ended  March 31, 2017 and 2016
The following table summarizes the results of our operations for each of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, together with the changes in those items in dollars and as a percentage:

25


 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
%
Net revenues
$
29,984

 
$

 
$
29,984

 
nm

Cost of product sales
16,445

 

 
16,445

 
nm

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative
24,451

 
5,936

 
18,515

 
312
 %
Research and development
9,300

 
2,990

 
6,310

 
211
 %
Restructuring charges
1,451

 

 
1,451

 
nm

Total operating expenses
35,202

 
8,926

 
26,276

 
294
 %
Loss from operations
(21,663
)
 
(8,926
)
 
(12,737
)
 
143
 %
Interest (expense) income, net
(9,212
)
 
75

 
(9,287
)
 
nm

Fair value loss on investment

 
(12,960
)
 
12,960

 
 %
Other income (expense), net
52

 
(77
)
 
129

 
(168
)%
Loss before provision for income taxes
(30,823
)
 
(21,888
)
 
(8,935
)
 
41
 %
Provision for income taxes
(139
)
 
(6
)
 
(133
)
 
nm

Net loss
$
(30,962
)
 
$
(21,894
)
 
$
(9,068
)
 
41
 %
Net Revenues
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(in thousands)
Lomitapide
$
16,024

 
$

Metreleptin
13,960

 

Total net revenues
$
29,984

 
$


Revenues reported for the first quarter of 2017 represented net product sales and royalties from sales of MYALEPT and JUXTAPID. In the first quarter of 2016, we did not have any commercial products and did not generate any revenue.
Metreleptin
We generated revenues from MYALEPT of approximately $14.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Revenue generated was comprised primarily of sales to patients within the U.S., as well as sales made on a named patient basis in Brazil. Prospectively, outside of sales generated within the U.S., we expect that prescriptions for named patient sales in Brazil will be our largest source of revenues, on a country-by-country basis. We expect that net revenue from named patient sales in Brazil will fluctuate quarter-over-quarter given that orders for named patient sales are typically for multiple months of therapy which can lead to some fluctuation in sales depending on the ordering pattern. The future net revenue of metreleptin is highly dependent on our ability to continue to find GL patients and to build market acceptance for MYALEPT in the U.S. In addition, we will continue to pay significant Medicaid rebates for MYALEPT, which will have a negative impact in future quarters. The degree of such impact on our overall financial performance will depend on the percentage of MYALEPT patients that have Medicaid as their primary insurance coverage and the quantity of units ordered per patient. 

Lomitapide
We generated revenues from JUXTAPID of approximately $16.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. This amount is comprised primarily of sales to patients, and also includes $0.6 million related to royalty income on sales of LOJUXTA. Sales to patients were primarily made within the U.S., as well as in Japan, and on a named patient basis in Brazil and Colombia. Future revenues from lomitapide may also be negatively affected by the availability of PCSK9 inhibitor products.
Prospectively, we expect that named patient sales in Brazil for metreleptin and lomitapide will continue to be our largest source of revenues, on a country-by-country basis, in the short-term, outside the U.S. However, we expect that net product sales

26


from named patient sales in Brazil will fluctuate quarter-over-quarter given that orders for named patient sales are typically for multiple months of therapy which can lead to some fluctuation in sales depending on the ordering pattern.

Cost of Product Sales
We recorded costs of product sales of $16.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 to recognize the costs of selling MYALEPT and JUXTAPID. During the first quarter of 2016, we did not have any net revenue, and therefore we did not recognize costs of product sales. Costs of product sales in the three months ended March 31, 2017 includes the cost of inventory sold, amortization of acquired product rights, which resulted from the acquisition of Aegerion, manufacturing and supply chain costs, product shipping and handling costs, as well as estimated royalties payable related to the sales of MYALEPT and JUXTAPID. We expect cost of product sales for both products to fluctuate consistently with expected changes in net revenue.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, SG&A expenses increased by $18.5 million to $24.5 million , compared to $5.9 million for the same period in 2016. The increase is primarily attributable to our recognition of 100% of the SG&A expenses in the three months ended March 31, 2017, which are primarily comprised of employee-related expenses, including stock-based compensation, and litigation expense. This is offset slightly by a prior year $4.0 million banker advisory fee incurred in connection with the completion of the Aralez Investment and exploration of certain other strategic initiatives.
Research and Development Expenses
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, research and development ("R&D") expenditures were $9.3 million compared to $3.0 million for the same period in 2016. The $6.3 million  increase is primarily attributable to our recognition of 100% of the R&D expenses of metreleptin and lomitapide in the three months ended March 31, 2017. These are primarily comprised of employee related expenses, including stock-based compensation, as well as pharmacovigilance and manufacturing costs for the period.
Restructuring charges
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, we incurred $1.5 million in restructuring charges related to the integration of the business subsequent to the Merger.
Interest Expense, net
Interest expense was $9.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2017, an increase of $9.3 million as compared to the same period in 2016. Interest expense in the three months ended March 31, 2017 primarily relates to the Convertible Notes, for which interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year. In the prior year, we financed our operations through equity and existing resources and did not hold any debt.
Fair Value Loss on Investment
We recognized a $13.0 million fair value loss on investment for the three months ended March 31, 2016, representing a loss as a result of the mark-to-market of the Aralez shares that we held from the acquisition date of February 15, 2016 through March 31, 2016. Refer to Note 3 - Terminated Merger Transactions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the 2016 Form 10-K for further details.
Provision for Income Taxes
Our provision for income taxes was $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , an increase of $0.1 million from the same period in 2016 . The provision for income taxes consists of current tax expense, which relates primarily to profitable operations in foreign tax jurisdictions.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
General
We have historically financed our operating and capital expenditures through existing cash resources. As a result of the Merger, we now have, through Aegerion, two commercial products, metreleptin and lomitapide, which generate revenues. In connection with the Merger, we entered into the Unit Subscription Agreement with the Investors. The aggregate consideration received pursuant to the Unit Subscription Agreement was approximately $21.8 million. In August 2014, Aegerion issued the Convertible Notes, for which interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year. Aegerion’s ability to refinance this indebtedness, if it elects to do so, will depend on the capital markets and our financial condition on a

27


consolidated basis. In addition, as further described in the “Legal Proceedings” section above, Aegerion reached, in May 2016, preliminary agreements in principle with the DOJ and the SEC that provide for, among other things, a consolidated monetary package that covers payments due to both the DOJ and the SEC by Aegerion totaling approximately $40.0 million in the aggregate, to be payable over three years, changed from the originally proposed five-year payment schedule contemplated when the preliminary agreement in principle was reached in May 2016.
During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , we generated $30.0 million of revenues. As of March 31, 2017 , we had $84.8 million in cash and cash equivalents on hand.
Going forward, we expect to fund our current and planned operating requirements principally through our cash flows from operations, as well as our existing cash resources and proceeds from Aegerion’s potential refinancing of the Convertible Notes, and other potential financing methods, including utilizing equity. We believe that our existing funds, when combined with cash generated from operations, are sufficient to satisfy our operating needs and our working capital, milestone payments, capital expenditure and debt service requirements for at least one year from the date of this Form 10-Q. We may, from time to time, also seek additional funding through strategic alliances and additional equity and debt financings or from other sources, should we identify a significant new opportunity. For information related to certain risks that could negatively impact our financial position or future results of operations, see the “Risk Factors” and “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” sections of this Form 10-Q and the 2016 Form 10-K.
Cash Flows
The following table sets forth the major sources and uses of cash and cash equivalents for the periods set forth below:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(in thousands)
Net cash provided by/(used in):
 
 
 
Operating activities
$
(24,834
)
 
$
(8,912
)
Investing activities
(273
)
 
(69
)
Financing activities
284

 
(30,000
)
Effect of exchange rates on cash
652

 
13

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
$
(24,171
)
 
$
(38,968
)

Changes in net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, investing activities and financing activities in the first quarter of 2017 as compared to 2016 were mainly attributable to our recognition of 100% of the cash flow activities of Aegerion, including, among others, cash generated from the net revenue of MYALEPT and JUXTAPID, cash used to maintain inventory of those products, and cash used to support SG&A and R&D activities. In addition, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, we had $45.0 million in cash outflows related to financing activities for the funding of our investment in Alarez, offset by cash inflows of $15.0 million from the sale of Alarez shares.

We expect operating and financing cash flow activities to increase significantly throughout the remainder of 2017 and beyond compared to 2016 and prior periods, as we will incorporate a full years of cash flow activities of Aegerion.

Cash Used in Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities was $24.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared to $8.9 million for the same period in 2016. The $15.9 million increase in operating cash outflows was primarily attributable to the following:
A significant increase in the net loss recognized by the Company quarter over quarter.
A negative operating cash flow variance in the three months ended March 31, 2016 of $13.0 million related to a loss recorded based on the mark-to-market adjustment on the Aralez Investment to reflect changes in value from the acquisition date of February 5, 2016 through March 31, 2016.

28


Negative operating cash flows in the three months ended March 31, 2017 as a result of the Merger. These negative operating cash outflows were offset by non-cash expenses, including non-cash interest expense of $7.7 million , the amortization of intangible assets acquired of $6.2 million , and stock-based compensation of $1.4 million .
Changes in net working capital, which included, in the three months ended March 31, 2017, a decrease in accounts payable of $8.9 million and accrued liabilities of $3.7 million , and an increase in accounts receivable of $2.1 million . This was partially offset by decreases in inventory of $5.5 million .
Cash Used in Investing Activities

During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, cash flows used in investing activities were immaterial.

Cash Provided By (Used in) Financing Activities
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, cash flows provided by financing activities were immaterial.
During the three months ended March 31, 2016, cash flows used in financing activities included $45.0 million of cash used to fund our investment in Aralez and $15.0 million of cash received from the March 17, 2016 sale of 2,400,000 Aralez Shares to the Backstop Purchasers pursuant to the terms of the Backstop Agreement. This $15.0 million of cash was transferred to our transfer agent on March 18, 2016 for the Aralez Distribution.
Future Funding Requirements
Our need to raise additional capital in the future, and the size of any such financings, will depend on many factors, including:
the success of our commercialization efforts and the level of revenues generated from sales of metreleptin and lomitapide in the U.S.;
the level of revenue received from named patient sales of metreleptin and lomitapide in Brazil and other key countries where a mechanism exists to sell the product on a pre-approval basis in such country based on U.S. approval of such products or EU approval of lomitapide, particularly in light of the availability of a PCSK9 inhibitor product in Brazil and the ongoing court proceedings in Brazil reviewing the regulatory framework for named patient sales;
the level of physician, patient and payer acceptance of lomitapide and metreleptin;
our ability to manage our costs and expenses to better align with our revenues and strengthen our capital structure, while supporting approved products in a compliant manner;
the timing and cost of seeking regulatory approvals and conducting potential future clinical development of metreleptin in additional indications, pursuing possible lifecycle management opportunities for metreleptin, and conducting potential development of the zuretinol program, including the timing and cost of securing and supplying drug substance and drug product to support such activities;
gaining regulatory and pricing and reimbursement approvals to market our products in countries in which the products are not currently approved and/or reimbursed, where it makes business sense to seek such approval, without significant restrictions, discounts, caps or other cost containment measures, including regulatory and pricing and reimbursement approval of metreleptin in the EU, in connection with which we filed an MAA in the EMA in December 2016, and regulatory approval of metreleptin in the U.S. for a subset of PL based on the existing clinical data package for metreleptin, subject to discussions with the FDA;
the extent of the negative impact of the availability of PCSK9 inhibitor products on sales of JUXTAPID in the U.S., which, among other factors, have caused a significant number of  JUXTAPID patients to discontinue JUXTAPID and switch to a PCSK9 inhibitor product, and significantly decreased the rate at which new HoFH patients start treatment with lomitapide;
the provision of free PCSK9 inhibitor drug to adult HoFH patients by the companies that are commercializing PCSK9 inhibitor products, which such companies may have ceased, but which historically has had a negative impact on the rate at which new patients start treatment with lomitapide and has caused more patients than we expected to discontinue lomitapide and switch their treatment to PCSK9 inhibitor products;

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requirements of insurance companies, managed care organizations, other private payers, and government entities that provide reimbursement for medical costs in the U.S. to require that newly diagnosed adult HoFH patients be treated with PCSK9 inhibitor products prior to JUXTAPID, that current JUXTAPID patients switch to PCSK9 inhibitor products, and that patients fail to adequately respond to PCSK9 inhibitor products before providing reimbursement for JUXTAPID at the prices at which we offer JUXTAPID;
the willingness of insurance companies, managed care organizations, other private payers, and government entities that provide reimbursement for medical costs in the U.S. to continue to provide reimbursement for our products at the prices at which we offer our products without imposing any additional major hurdles to access or other significant restrictions or limitations, and the ability and willingness of HoFH and GL patients to pay, or to arrange for payment assistance with respect to, any patient cost-sharing amounts for our products applicable under their insurance coverage, particularly in light of recent reductions in contributions to 501(c)(3) patient organizations by pharmaceutical companies;
the cost of building and maintaining the sales and marketing capabilities necessary for the commercialization of our products for their targeted indications in the market(s) in which each has received regulatory approval and we elect to commercialize such products, to the extent reimbursement and pricing approvals are obtained, and certain other key international markets, if approved;
the timing and costs of future business development opportunities;
the cost of filing, prosecuting and enforcing patent claims, including the cost of defending any challenges to the patents or our claims of exclusivity;
the status of ongoing government investigations and lawsuits, including the disclosure of possible or actual outcomes, including regarding the preliminary agreements in principle that have been reached with the DOJ and the SEC;
the costs of our manufacturing-related activities and the other costs of commercializing our products;
the costs associated with ongoing government investigations and lawsuits, including any damages, settlement amounts, fines or other payments, or implementation of compliance related agreements or consent decrees, that may result from settlements or enforcement actions related to government investigations or whether we are successful in our efforts to defend ourselves in, or to settle on acceptable terms, ongoing or future litigation;
the levels, timing and collection of revenue received from sales of our products in the future;
the timing and costs of satisfying our debt obligations, including interest payments and any amounts due upon the maturity of such debt, including under the Convertible Notes;
the cost of our observational cohort studies and other post-marketing commitments, including to the FDA and in any other countries where our products are ultimately approved; and
the timing and cost of other clinical development activities.

We may seek additional capital due to favorable market conditions or strategic considerations, even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. The source, timing and availability of any future financing will depend principally upon equity and debt market conditions, interest rates and, more specifically, on the extent of our commercial success and our continued progress in our regulatory and development activities. There can be no assurance that external funds will be available on favorable terms, if at all.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have a lease for office space for our headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which expires in 2019. We do not currently have, nor have we ever had, any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. In addition, we do not engage in trading activities involving non-exchange traded contracts. Therefore, we are not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in these relationships.
Item 3.         Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources in this Form 10-Q, as well as Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk in our 2016 Form 10-K.
 
Item 4.        Controls and Procedures

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Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, evaluated, as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of such date were not effective due to a material weakness in the design and operating effectiveness of our internal controls over the financial reporting process related to the review and approval for business combinations.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Remediation Efforts
In response to the material weakness described above, management, with the input, oversight, and support of the Audit Committee, identified and took the following steps beginning during the first three months of 2017:
Business combination transactions will continue to be considered and evaluated by senior finance management; and
Management will seek the advice of outside consultants to assist in the design of precise controls to effectively review and approve business combination transactions.

Changes to Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, there were no changes made in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting except for our remediation efforts described above.



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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.         Legal Proceedings.
In late 2013, our subsidiary, Aegerion, received a subpoena from the DOJ, represented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston, requesting documents regarding its marketing and sale of JUXTAPID in the U.S., as well as related disclosures. We believe the DOJ is seeking to determine whether Aegerion, or any of its current or former employees, violated civil and/or criminal laws, including, but not limited to, the securities laws, the Federal False Claims Act, the FDCA, the Anti-Kickback Statute, and the FCPA.  The investigation is ongoing.
In late 2014, Aegerion received a subpoena from the SEC requesting certain information related to Aegerion’s sales activities and disclosures related to JUXTAPID. The SEC also has requested documents and information on a number of other topics, including documents related to the investigations by government authorities in Brazil into whether Aegerion’s activities in Brazil violated Brazilian anti-corruption laws, and whether Aegerion’s activities in Brazil violated the FCPA. We believe the SEC is seeking to determine whether Aegerion, or any of its current or former employees, violated securities laws. The investigation is ongoing.
In May 2016, Aegerion reached preliminary agreements in principle with the DOJ and the SEC to resolve their investigations into the marketing and sales activities and disclosures relating to JUXTAPID. Under the terms of the preliminary agreement in principle with the DOJ, Aegerion would plead guilty to two misdemeanor misbranding violations of the FDCA.  One count would be based on its alleged marketing of JUXTAPID with inadequate directions for use (21 U.S.C. §§ 352(f)), and the second count would involve an alleged failure to comply with a requirement of the JUXTAPID REMS program (21 U.S.C. §§ 352(y)). Aegerion would separately enter into a five-year deferred prosecution agreement with regard to a charge that Aegerion violated HIPAA. As part of the resolution of the DOJ investigation, we expect Aegerion to enter into a civil settlement agreement with the DOJ to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act, and a non-monetary consent decree with the FDA. We also expect to negotiate a corporate integrity agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services.
Under the terms of the preliminary agreement in principle with the SEC staff, the SEC’s Division of Enforcement will recommend that the SEC accept a settlement offer from Aegerion on a neither-admit-nor-deny basis that contains alleged negligent violations of Sections 17(a)(2) and (3) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, related to certain statements we made in 2013 regarding the conversion rate of patients receiving JUXTAPID prescriptions, with remedies that include censure, an order prohibiting future violations of the securities laws and payment of a civil penalty.
The preliminary agreements in principle provide for a consolidated monetary package that covers payments due to both the DOJ and the SEC. The consolidated monetary package covers payments due to both the DOJ and the SEC by Aegerion totaling approximately $40.0 million in the aggregate, to be payable over three years, which is updated from the originally proposed five-year payment schedule contemplated when the preliminary agreement in principle was reached in May 2016. Certain outstanding amounts would accrue interest at a rate of 1.75% per annum.  Such payments are subject to acceleration in the event of certain change of control transactions or the sale of JUXTAPID or MYALEPT.  As of March 31, 2017, Aegerion had accrued an aggregate of $40.8 million for the payments to be provided to the DOJ and the SEC under the consolidated monetary package. Additionally, Aegerion paid $1.0 million to settle related employment law and attorneys' fees claims that were accrued at December 31, 2016.
The terms of the preliminary agreements in principle described above may change following further negotiations and other terms of the final settlement remain subject to further negotiation.  The preliminary agreement in principle with the DOJ is subject to approval of supervisory personnel within the DOJ and relevant federal and state agencies, and approval by a U.S. District Court judge of the criminal plea and sentence and the civil settlement agreement.  The preliminary agreement in principle with the SEC is subject to review by other groups in the SEC and approval by the Commissioners of the SEC.
The preliminary agreements in principle do not cover the DOJ and the SEC’s inquiries concerning Aegerion’s operations in Brazil.
We continue to cooperate with the DOJ and the SEC with respect to their investigations. As part of this cooperation, the DOJ has requested documents and information related to donations Aegerion made in 2015 and 2016 to 501(c)(3) organizations that provide financial assistance to patients. As part of this inquiry, the DOJ may pursue theories that will not be covered by the preliminary agreement in principle with the DOJ. Other pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have disclosed similar inquiries regarding donations to patient assistance programs operated by independent charitable 501(c)(3) organizations.

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In addition, federal and state authorities in Brazil are conducting an investigation to determine whether there have been violations of Brazilian laws related to the promotion of JUXTAPID in Brazil. In July 2016, the Ethics Council of Interfarma fined Aegerion approximately $0.5 million for violations of the industry association’s Code of Conduct, to which Aegerion is bound due to its affiliation with Interfarma. Aegerion paid this fine during the third quarter of 2016. The Board of Directors of Interfarma also imposed an additional penalty of suspension of Aegerion’s membership, without suspension of Aegerion’s membership contribution, for a period of 180 days for Aegerion to demonstrate the implementation of effective measures to cease alleged irregular conduct, or exclusion of its membership in Interfarma if such measures were not implemented. On March 27, 2017, after the suspension period ended, Interfarma’s Board of Directors decided to reintegrate Aegerion, enabling it to participate regularly in Interfarma activities, subject to meeting certain obligations. Aegerion also received an inquiry from a Public Prosecutor Office of the Brazilian State of Paraná in July 2016, asking it to respond to questions related to recent media coverage regarding JUXTAPID and its relationship with a patient association to which Aegerion made donations for patient support.  At this time, we do not know whether the Public Prosecutor’s inquiry will result in the commencement of any formal proceeding against Aegerion, but if Aegerion’s activities in Brazil are found to violate any laws or governmental regulations, Aegerion may be subject to significant civil lawsuits to be filed by the Public Prosecution office, and administrative penalties imposed by Brazilian regulatory authorities and additional damages and fines. Under certain circumstances, Aegerion could be barred from further sales to federal and/or state governments in Brazil, including sales of JUXTAPID and/or MYALEPT, due to penalties imposed by Brazilian regulatory authorities or through civil actions initiated by federal or state public prosecutors. As of the filing date of this Form 10-Q, we cannot determine if a loss is probable as a result of the investigations and inquiry in Brazil and whether the outcome will have a material adverse effect on our business and, as a result, no amounts have been recorded for a loss contingency.
In January 2014, a putative class action lawsuit was filed against Aegerion and certain of its former executive officers in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts (the “Court”) alleging certain misstatements and omissions related to the marketing of JUXTAPID and Aegerion’s financial performance in violation of the federal securities laws. The case is captioned KBC Asset Management NV et al. v. Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. et al. , No. 14-cv-10105-MLW.  On March 11, 2015, the Court appointed co-lead plaintiffs and lead counsel. Co-lead plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on June 1, 2015. Aegerion filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint for failure to state a claim on July 31, 2015.  On August 21, 2015, co-lead plaintiffs filed a putative second amended complaint.  On September 4, 2015, Aegerion moved to strike the second amended complaint for the co-lead plaintiffs’ failure to seek leave of court to file a second amended pleading. Oral argument on the motion to strike was held on March 9, 2016. On March 23, 2016, plaintiffs filed a motion for leave to amend.  Aegerion opposed this motion to amend, and following a hearing on April 29, 2016, the Court took defendants’ motion to strike and plaintiffs’ motion for leave to amend under advisement.  On May 13, 2016, co-lead plaintiffs and defendants filed a joint motion wherein the parties stipulated that co-lead plaintiffs could file a third amended pleading within 30 days of the motion, which the Court granted on May 18, 2016, thereby mooting defendants’ pending motion to strike the second amended pleading and co-lead plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file a second amended pleading.  The Court also entered a briefing schedule for defendants to file responsive pleadings, co-lead plaintiffs to file any opposition, and defendants to file reply briefs.  A third amended complaint was filed on June 27, 2016. On July 22, 2016, co-lead plaintiffs and defendants filed a joint motion to stay the briefing schedule while they pursued mediation, which the Court granted on August 10, 2016.  Through mediation, the co-lead plaintiffs and defendants reached an agreement in principle to settle the litigation on November 29, 2016. On January 17, 2017, the co-lead plaintiffs filed a stipulation of settlement with the Court that contained the settlement terms as agreed upon by the parties, including that Aegerion and its insurance carriers would contribute $22.3 million to a settlement fund for the putative class. The insurance carriers have agreed to cover $22.0 million of this amount, with Aegerion responsible for the remainder of $0.3 million. The proposed settlement is subject to a number of procedural steps and is subject to approval by the Court.  Accordingly, we cannot predict the outcome of this action or when it will be resolved.  We have recorded a loss contingency of $22.3 million and insurance proceeds receivable of $22.0 million at March 31, 2017.
On September 22, 2015, we commenced an action in the Supreme Court of British Columbia against Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. for breach of contract under the terms of the asset purchase agreement with Valeant (the “Valeant Agreement”), entered into on September 21, 2012, pursuant to which we sold all of our assets related to Visudyne ® , including our Qcellus™ laser and certain other photodynamic therapy intellectual property, with respect to failure to pay a $5.0 million laser earn-out payment and failure to use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly obtain the laser registrations for the Qcellus laser in the U.S. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, no receivable amount has been recorded by us based on management’s assessment of collection risk, the impact of the passage of time and the potential collection costs associated with the Valeant litigation. For additional information, refer to Note 16 - Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees - Related to the Sale of Visudyne in our 2016 Form 10-K.
  Item 1A.      Risk Factors
As at the date of the filing of this Form 10-Q, management believes that there have been no material changes to the Company’s risk factors as last reported under Item 1A of the 2016 Form 10-K.

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The risks described in the 2016 Form 10-K and this Form 10-Q are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem not to be material also may materially adversely affect our business, products, financial condition and operating results.


Item 2.          Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable

Item 3.          Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not applicable
 
Item 4.          Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable
 
Item 5.          Other Information
    
Amended and Restated Supplemental Indenture
On May 8, 2017, the Company, Aegerion and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (the “Trustee”), entered into an Amended and Restated Supplemental Indenture (the “Restated Supplemental Indenture”) to the Indenture dated as of August 15, 2014 (the “Indenture”) by and between Aegerion and the Trustee pursuant to which Aegerion issued the Convertible Notes.  The Restated Supplemental Indenture amends and restates in its entirety the Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 29, 2016 by and between Aegerion and the Trustee.
Under the terms of the Restated Supplemental Indenture, the parties agree that the right under the Indenture to convert each $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes into cash, shares of Aegerion common stock or a combination of cash and Aegerion common stock was converted into the right to convert each $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes into an amount of cash, Company common shares or a combination of cash and Company common shares equal to 4.9817 Company common shares, effective as of November 29, 2016, the date of the Merger.  The obligations for the Convertible Notes remain with Aegerion under the Restated Supplemental Indenture and Aegerion will continue to determine the form of consideration upon conversion, as between cash, Company common shares or a combination thereof.
The foregoing description of the Restated Supplemental Indenture does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Restated Supplemental Indenture, which is filed as Exhibit 4.1 to this Form 10-Q and is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.
Employment Agreement with Mary Szela
On May 8, 2017, Novelion Services USA, Inc., our indirect wholly owned subsidiary (“Novelion Services”), entered into an employment agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) with Mary Szela, our Chief Executive Officer, with effect from November 29, 2016, the date of the Merger. Aegerion is party to the Employment Agreement solely with respect to certain terms related to assignment of Ms. Szela’s prior employment agreement with Aegerion to Novelion Services, confidentiality and recognition of Ms. Szela’s service to Aegerion.
Ms. Szela will receive a base salary of $689,550 per year and will be eligible to receive an annual cash bonus based on achievement of certain performance goals with a target of up to 60% of her base salary, in each case subject to upward adjustment in the discretion of, and following approval by, our Board of Directors.
If Novelion Services terminates Ms. Szela’s employment without Cause or Ms. Szela resigns with Good Reason (as each term is defined in the Employment Agreement), in each case in the absence of a Sale Event (as such term is defined in the Employment Agreement) having occurred in the 18-month period prior to the date of termination, Ms. Szela will be eligible to receive (a) payment of her accrued but unpaid base salary, any unpaid or unreimbursed expenses, any accrued but unused vacation and any accrued or vested benefits through the date of termination; (b) continued payment of her base salary and pro-rated target bonus for twelve months following the termination date; and (c) acceleration of the vesting of 100% of her then outstanding

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unvested equity awards that would have otherwise vested during the twelve-month period following the date of termination. If, within 18 months following a Sale Event, Ms. Szela’s employment is (x) terminated by Novelion Services for any reason (other than as a result of her death or disability or a with Cause termination that occurs for certain specified reasons) or (y) terminated by Ms. Szela with Good Reason, then Ms. Szela will be eligible to receive (1) payment of her accrued but unpaid base salary, any unpaid or unreimbursed expenses, any accrued but unused vacation and any accrued or vested benefits through the date of termination; (2) continued payment of her base salary and pro-rated target bonus for 18 months following the termination date; (3) acceleration of the vesting of 100% of her then outstanding unvested equity awards; and (4) an amount equal to eighteen (18) months of her annual target bonus for the year in which the termination or resignation occurs.
In addition, the Employment Agreement provides that in the event any payments made to Ms. Szela are subject to subject to excise taxes under Section 4985 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), then Ms. Szela is entitled to a gross-up payment such that on a net after-tax basis, Ms. Szela will be in the same position as if no such excise tax had been payable. Further, in the event any payments made to Ms. Szela in connection with a Sale Event are subject to excise taxes under Section 4999 of the Code, then, at the sole discretion of Ms. Szela, such payments may be reduced to an amount that would not implicate any excise taxes to be payable in respect of such payments.
Novelion Services will also, during the term of Ms. Szela’s employment, (a) provide Ms. Szela with a housing allowance of up to $7,200 per month; (b) reimburse Ms. Szela for reasonable commuting expenses for business travel to and from the Chicago, Illinois area, including air travel; (c) offset any tax liability of Ms. Szela associated with the housing allowance; (d) reimburse Ms. Szela for incurrence of fees for tax and financial planning up to $15,000 on an annual basis, subject to Novelion Services’ receipt of appropriate documentation and substantiation of the same; and (e) reimburse Ms. Szela for incurrence of reasonable expenses for independent tax consultation regarding Canadian tax obligations in connection with her employment up to $5,000 on an annual basis.
Ms. Szela was appointed as our Chief Executive Officer effective as of November 29, 2016 pursuant to the Merger Agreement. There is no arrangement or understanding between Ms. Szela and any other person pursuant to which Ms. Szela was selected as Novelion Services’ President and Chief Executive Officer. Except as described herein and in the Employment Agreement, there are no existing or currently proposed transactions to which we or any of our subsidiaries is a party and in which Ms. Szela has a direct or indirect material interest. There are no family relationships between Ms. Szela and any of our directors or officers or the directors or officers of any of our subsidiaries.
The foregoing description of the Employment Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Employment Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Form 10-Q and is incorporated herein by reference into this Item 5.
Amendments to Employment Agreements with Our Executive Officers
In addition, on May 5, 2017, Novelion Services amended the employment agreements (collectively, the “Amendments”) of certain of our executive officers, including Gregory Perry, our Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, Remi Menes, our Global Chief Commercial Officer, Benjamin Harshbarger, our General Counsel and Secretary, and Roger Louis, our Global Chief Compliance Officer.
The Amendments provide that in the event an executive officer is terminated without Cause or resigns for Good Reason (as each term is defined in the executive officers’ respective employment agreements) within 18 months following a Sale Event (as such term is defined in the Amendments), such executive officer will be eligible to receive payment of his or her annual target bonus, pro-rated based on the number of days such executive officer was employed by Novelion Services in such year through the date of termination or resignation, plus an amount equal to the annual target bonus for the year in which the termination or resignation occurs. In addition, the Amendments provide that in the event any payments made to an executive officer in connection with a Sale Event are subject to excise taxes under Section 4999 of the Code, then, at the sole discretion of such executive officer, such payments may be reduced to an amount that would not implicate any excise taxes to be payable in respect of such payments.
The foregoing description of the Amendments does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Amendments, the form of which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 to this Form 10-Q and is incorporated herein by reference into this Item 5.


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Item 6.        Exhibit List

4.1*
Amended and Restated Supplemental Indenture, by and among Aegerion, the Company, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., dated as of May 8, 2017.
10.1*
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, by and between Mary Szela and the Company, dated as of May 8, 2017.
10.2*
Form of Amendment to Employment Agreement (Executives).
31.1*
Certification of Mary Szela, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, filed pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).
31.2*
Certification of Gregory D. Perry, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, filed pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).
32.1**
Certification of Mary Szela, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).
32.2**
Certification of Gregory D. Perry, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).
101.DEF*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.INS*
XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.LAB*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

    
 
*Filed herewith
**Furnished Herewith

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
         NOVELION THERAPEUTICS INC.
 
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
Date: May 9, 2017
 
By:
/s/ Mary Szela 
 
 
 
Mary Szela
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Director
 
 
 
 
Date: May 9, 2017
 
By:
/s/ Gregory D. Perry 
 
 
 
Gregory D. Perry
 
 
 
Chief Financial and Administrative Officer (principal financial officer)


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Exhibit 4.1
 
 
AMENDED AND RESTATED SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
This Amended and Restated Supplemental Indenture (this “ Restated Supplemental Indenture ”) is dated as of May 8, 2017, by and among Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), Novelion Therapeutics Inc. (f/k/a QLT Inc.), a British Columbia corporation (“ Novelion ”), and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., a national banking association, as Trustee (the “ Trustee ”), and amends and restates in its entirety that certain Supplemental Indenture (the “ Supplemental Indenture ”), dated as of November 29, 2016, by and between the Company and the Trustee.
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Company and the Trustee are parties to that certain Indenture, dated as of August 15, 2014 (the “ Indenture ”), by and between the Company and the Trustee, pursuant to which the Company issued its 2.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2019 (the “ Securities ”), and to the Supplemental Indenture, providing for the change in the right to convert each $1,000 principal amount of Securities into an amount of Novelion common shares that a holder of a number of shares of Company common stock equal to the Conversion Rate effective as of immediately prior to the Merger (as defined below) was entitled to receive upon the Effective Time (as defined below);
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 14, 2016 (as amended and in effect on the date hereof, the “ Merger Agreement ”), by and among the Company, Novelion and Isotope Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly‑owned subsidiary of Novelion (“ MergerCo ”), MergerCo merged with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation and an indirect wholly‑owned subsidiary of Novelion (the “ Merger ”) (the time at which the Merger was effective on November 29, 2016, the “ Effective Time ”);
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each share of Company common stock was converted at the Effective Time into the right to receive 1.0256 common shares of Novelion;
WHEREAS, the Merger constituted a Merger Event, as defined in Section 4.07(a) of the Indenture;
WHEREAS, the Merger did not constitute a Fundamental Change, as defined in Section 1.01 of the Indenture;
WHEREAS, Section 4.07(a) of the Indenture provides that in connection with the Merger, Novelion shall execute with the Company and the Trustee a supplemental indenture permitted under Section 10.01(f) (as well as Section 10.01(g)) of the Indenture providing for the change in the right to convert each $1,000 principal amount of Securities into an amount of Novelion common shares that a holder of a number of shares of Company common stock equal to the Conversion Rate effective as of immediately prior to the Merger was entitled to receive upon the Effective Time, as adjusted to reflect a 1:5 consolidation of Novelion’s common shares effective December 16, 2016, notice of which was disseminated to Holders (the “ Share Consolidation ”);
WHEREAS, the Company desires that the Trustee join with it and Novelion in the execution and delivery of this Restated Supplemental Indenture and, in accordance with Sections 4.07, 10.01, 10.06, 11.02 and 11.04 of the Indenture, has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate, an Opinion of Counsel and a copy of the resolution of the Company’s Board of Directors authorizing the execution of this Restated Supplemental Indenture in connection therewith and the Trustee shall be fully protected in reliance thereon; and
WHEREAS, all conditions necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this Restated Supplemental Indenture have been complied with or have been done or performed by the parties.





NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of Holders as follows:
ARTICLE 1
Definitions
Section 1.01. Capitalized Terms . Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
ARTICLE 2
Agreements of Parties
Section 2.01. Common Stock . The definition of “Common Stock” in the Indenture is amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
Common Stock ” means the common shares of Novelion, without par value, subject to Section 4.07.
Section 2.02. Daily VWAP . The definition of “Daily VWAP” in the Indenture is amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
Daily VWAP ” means, for each of the 40 consecutive Trading Days during the relevant Observation Period, the per share volume-weighted average price as displayed under the heading “Bloomberg VWAP” on Bloomberg page “NVLN <equity> AQR” (or its equivalent successor if such page is not available) in respect of the period from the scheduled open of trading until the scheduled close of trading of the primary trading session on such Trading Day (or if such volume-weighted average price is unavailable, the market value of one share of Common Stock on such Trading Day determined, using a volume-weighted average method, by a nationally recognized independent investment banking firm retained for this purpose by the Company). The “Daily VWAP” shall be determined without regard to after-hours trading or any other trading outside of the regular trading session trading hours.
Section 2.03. Ex-Dividend Date . The definition of “Ex-Dividend Date” in the Indenture is amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
Ex-Dividend Date ” means the first date on which the shares of the Common Stock trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, without the right to receive the issuance, dividend or distribution in question, from Novelion or, if applicable, from the seller of Common Stock on such exchange or market (in the form of due bills or otherwise) as determined by such exchange or market.
Section 2.04. Novelion . The following definition is added to Section 1.01 of the Indenture:
Novelion ” means Novelion Therapeutics Inc.
Section 2.05. Conversion of Securities . In accordance with Section 4.07 of the Indenture, subject to each change in the Conversion Rate pursuant to, and in accordance with, Sections 4.04 and 4.05 of the Indenture, including the change resulting from the Share Consolidation, each $1,000 principal amount of Securities is convertible solely into 1.0256 shares of Common Stock multiplied by the Conversion Rate, which is the amount of Reference Property that a holder of a number of shares of Company common stock equal to the Conversion Rate effective as of immediately prior to the Merger would have owned or been entitled to receive upon the Effective Time; provided, however , for the avoidance of doubt, that (A) the Company shall continue to have the right to determine the form of consideration to be paid or delivered, as the case may be, upon conversion of Securities in accordance with Section 4.02 of the Indenture, and (B)(I) any amount payable in cash upon conversion of the





Securities in accordance with Section 4.02 of the Indenture shall continue to be payable in cash, (II) any shares of Company common stock that would have been required to be delivered upon conversion of the Securities in accordance with Section 4.02 of the Indenture shall instead be deliverable in Common Stock as set forth herein and (III) the Daily VWAP shall be calculated, as set forth herein, based on the market value of one share of Common Stock. The other provisions for settlement upon conversion set forth in Section 4.02 of the Indenture and the conditions specified in Section 4.01 of the Indenture continue to apply mutatis mutandis .
Section 2.06. Conversion . All references to “the Company” in Sections 4.05(a), 4.05(b), 4.05(c), 4.05(d), 4.05(e), 4.05(i), 4.05(l), 4.05(m), 4.07(a)(ii), 4.07(a)(iii), 4.07(c) and 4.09 of the Indenture are amended to reference Novelion rather than the Company, except that the final reference to the “the Company” in Section 4.05(c) is retained. References to “its” in Sections 4.07(a)(iii) and 4.09 are amended to reference Novelion. Section 4.05(g) of the Indenture is amended and restated in its entirety as follows: “Except as stated herein, the Company shall not adjust the Conversion Rate for the issuance of shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock or the right to purchase shares of Common Stock or such convertible or exchangeable securities. In addition, the Company shall not adjust the Conversion Rate for guarantees issued in respect of any of its or Novelion’s outstanding securities.”
ARTICLE 3
Miscellaneous Provisions
Section 3.01. Effectiveness; Construction . This Restated Supplemental Indenture is effective from and after the Effective Time and the Indenture is supplemented in accordance herewith. This Restated Supplemental Indenture forms a part of the Indenture for all purposes, and every Holder heretofore or hereafter authenticated and delivered under the Indenture shall be bound thereby. The Indenture and this Restated Supplemental Indenture shall henceforth be read and construed together.

Section 3.02. Indenture Remains in Full Force and Effect . Except as amended and supplemented hereby, all provisions in the Indenture remain in full force and effect.
Section 3.03. The Trustee . The Trustee shall not be under any responsibility to determine the correctness of any provisions contained in this Restated Supplemental Indenture, but may accept as conclusive evidence of the correctness hereof, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, the Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel with respect hereto delivered to the Trustee in connection with the execution hereof. All of the provisions contained in the Indenture in respect of the rights, privileges, protections, disclaimers, immunities, indemnity, powers and duties of the Trustee shall be applicable in respect of this Restated Supplemental Indenture as fully and with like force and effect as though fully set forth in full herein.
Section 3.04. Separability . In case any provision of this Restated Supplemental Indenture shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
Section 3.05. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial . THIS RESTATED SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, AND ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY OR DISPUTE ARISING UNDER OR RELATED TO THIS RESTATED SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Each of the Company and Novelion irrevocably consents and agrees, for the benefit of Holders from time to time and the Trustee, that any legal action, suit or proceeding against it with respect to obligations, liabilities or any other matter arising out of or in connection with this Restated Supplemental Indenture may be brought in the courts of the State of New York or the courts of the United States located in the Borough of Manhattan, New York City, New York and, until amounts due and to become due in respect of the Securities have been paid, hereby irrevocably consents and submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of each such court in personam , generally and unconditionally with respect to any action, suit or proceeding for itself in respect of its properties, assets and revenues.





Each of the Company and Novelion irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any of the aforesaid actions, suits or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Restated Supplemental Indenture brought in the courts of the State of New York or the courts of the United States located in the Borough of Manhattan, New York City, New York and hereby further irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that any such action, suit or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS RESTATED SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

Section 3.06. Multiple Counterparts . The parties may sign multiple counterparts of this Restated Supplemental Indenture. Each signed counterpart shall be deemed an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.
Section 3.07. Headings . The Article and Section headings herein have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part hereof and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.
[Signature page follows]







IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Restated Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed, all as of the date first above written.
AEGERION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
By:      /s/ Barbara Chan         
Name: Barbara Chan     
Title: President and Chief Accounting Officer     
NOVELION THERAPEUTICS INC.
By:      /s/ Gregory D. Perry              
Name: Gregory D. Perry     
Title: Chief Financial and      Administrative Officer

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Restated Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed, all as of the date first above written.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., as Trustee
By:      /s/ Julie Hoffman-Ramos         
Name: Julie Hoffman-Ramos
Title: Vice President     








Exhibit 10.1

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of this 8th day of May, 2017, by and between (1) Novelion Services USA, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”) and, solely with respect to Sections 2, 9(a) and 12 hereof, Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“ Aegerion ”), on the one hand, and (2) Mary T. Szela (the “ Employee ”), on the other hand.
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS, Employee was employed by Aegerion as its Chief Executive Officer immediately prior to the Effective Date pursuant to a written employment agreement with Aegerion dated as of January 7, 2016 (the “Aegerion Agreement”);
WHEREAS, as a result of a merger completed on the Effective Date (the “ Merger ”), Aegerion is now an indirect subsidiary of the Company, and the parties hereto wish to restate and replace the terms as set forth Aegerion Agreement with the terms of Employee’s employment with the Company as set out herein;
WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ Employee as its President and Chief Executive Officer and Employee desires to accept such employment;
WHEREAS, the Company desires to enter into this Agreement replacing the terms in the Aegerion Agreement and restating the terms of Employee’s employment, and Employee desires to enter into this Agreement and to accept the restated terms and provisions of such employment, as embodied in this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Aegerion wishes to enter into this Agreement in order to provide and receive those terms and covenants set out in Section 2(a), Section 9(a) and Section 12 hereof concerning the transfer of Employee’s employment from Aegerion to the Company,
NOW THEREFORE, the Company, Employee and Aegerion agree as follows:
Section 1. Definitions.

(a)      100% Accelerated Equity Benefit ” shall mean the acceleration of the vesting, such that 100% of Employee’s then outstanding unvested equity awards accelerate and vest.
(b)      12 Months Accelerated Equity Benefit ” shall mean the acceleration of the vesting, such that the portion of each of the Employee’s equity awards that would have otherwise vested during the 12 month period following the Date of Termination accelerate and vest as to that portion each such equity award, and if the termination occurs prior to December 22, 2017, the acceleration of the vesting will include the entire 25% tranche of the December 22, 2016 grant that was scheduled to vest on December 22, 2017 .
(c)      Accrued Obligations ” shall mean (i) all accrued but unpaid Base Salary through the Date of Termination, (ii) any unpaid or unreimbursed expenses incurred in accordance with Section 7





hereof, (iii) any accrued but unused vacation time through the Date of Termination, and (iv) any accrued or vested benefits through the Date of Termination.
(d)      Affiliate, ” with reference to the Company and Novelion, shall have the meaning given to it in the Delaware General Corporation Law as of the date of this Agreement and, for certainty includes, without limitation, Novelion Therapeutics Inc. and Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and any other current or future Affiliates of the Company.
(e)      Base Salary ” shall mean the salary provided for in Section 5(a) hereof.
(f)      Board ” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
(g)      Confidentiality Agreement ” shall mean the Company’s Confidentiality, Assignment of Intellectual Property and Non-Competition Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B .
(h)      Cause ” shall mean (i) Employee’s willful breach of a material policy of the Company, including but not limited to those relating to sexual harassment or ethical business conduct, and those policies otherwise set forth in the manuals or statements of policy of the Company or its Affiliates; (ii) refusal by Employee to perform Employee's duties that has, or could reasonably be expected to have, the effect of injuring the business of the Company or its Affiliates in a material respect, (iii) Employee’s conviction of, or plea of guilty or no contest to: (x) a felony or (y) any other criminal charge that has, or could be reasonably expected to have, an adverse impact on the performance of Employee’s duties to the Company or otherwise result in material injury to the reputation or business of the Company or its Affiliates, (iv) the commission by Employee of an act of fraud or embezzlement against the Company or its Affiliates, or any other like act; (v) Employee’s violation of federal or state securities laws, or (vi) Employee’s breach of this Agreement or breach of the Confidentiality Agreement.
(i)      Code ” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(j)      Date of Termination ” shall mean the date on which Employee’s employment with the Company terminates.
(k)      Disability ” shall mean any physical or mental disability or infirmity of Employee that prevents the performance of Employee’s duties for a period of (i) ninety (90) consecutive days or (ii) one hundred twenty (120) non-consecutive days during any twelve (12) month period. Any question as to the existence, extent, or potentiality of Employee’s Disability upon which Employee and the Company cannot agree shall be determined by a qualified, independent physician jointly selected by the Company and Employee or, if applicable, her guardian (which joint agreement shall not be unreasonably withheld by either party). The determination of any such physician shall be final and conclusive for all purposes of this Agreement.
(l)      Effective Date ” shall mean November 29, 2016.
(m)      Equity Documents ” has the meaning set out in Section 5(d) hereof.
(n)      Good Reason ” shall mean, without Employee’s consent, (i) a material diminution in Employee’s duties, or responsibilities, or assignment to Employee of duties not commensurate with her position, (ii) a reduction in Base Salary as set forth in Section 5(a) hereof (other than pursuant to an across-the-board reduction applicable to all similarly situated executives), (iii) any requirement by or directive from the Company or any of its Affiliates that Employee permanentlyrelocate her principal





residence, or (iv) any other material breach of a provision of this Agreement by the Company but for clarity does not include a suspension in accordance with Section 8(c)(i) hereof.
(o)      Novelion ” shall mean Novelion Therapeutics Inc., a company incorporated under the laws of British Columbia, Canada.
(p)      Novelion Board ” has the meaning set out in Section 4(a) hereof.
(q)      Pro Rata Bonus Pay at Target ” means the Employee’s target annual bonus for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs pro-rated based on the number of days the Employee is employed by the Company in the year of the Date of Termination.
(r)      Release of Claims ” shall mean a release of claims made by the Employee in favor of the Company and its Affiliates in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (with any updates necessary to comply with applicable law) and the execution of which is a condition precedent to Employee’s eligibility for Severance Benefits, the Accelerated Equity Benefit and the Pro-Rata Bonus Payment in the event her employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or is terminated by Employee for Good Reason, as described in Section 8(d) and Section 8(e) or following a Sale Event, as described in Section 8(g).
(s)      Sale Event ” shall mean (i) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Novelion on a consolidated basis to an unrelated person or entity, (ii) a merger, reorganization or consolidation pursuant to which the holders of Novelion’s outstanding voting power immediately prior to such transaction do not own a majority of the outstanding voting power of the resulting or successor entity (or its ultimate parent, if applicable) immediately upon completion of such transaction, (iii) the sale of all of the common shares of Novelion to an unrelated person or entity, (iv) the acquisition, directly or indirectly, by any person or group of persons acting jointly or in concert (other than Novelion or a person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, Novelion) of beneficial ownership of securities possessing more than 50% of the total combined voting power of Novelion’s outstanding securities pursuant to a tender offer (which for certainty, includes a takeover bid) made directly to Novelion’sstockholders .
(t)      Severance Benefits ” shall mean continued payment of Base Salary at Employee's then current rate during the Severance Term, payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices and the payment with each payroll deposit of an amount equal to the Target Bonus divided by the number of payroll periods in a year.
(u)      Severance Term ” shall mean (i) the twelve (12) month period, which commences on the first day following the Date of Termination following termination by the Company without Cause or by Employee for Good Reason or (ii) if the Date of Termination occurs within eighteen (18) months after a Sale Event, the eighteen (18) month period which commences on the first day following the Date of Termination following termination by the Company without Cause or by Employee for Good Reason.
(v)      Target Bonus ” has the meaning set out in Section 5(b) hereof.
Section 2. Assignment of Aegerion Agreement

Employee, the Company and Aegerion hereby agree that this Agreement replaces the Aegerion Agreement, and that to the extent necessary to effect this Agreement as expressly stated herein,





the Company assumes Aegerion’s obligations under the Aegerion Agreement (as restated and replaced by this Agreement) by the Company, with effect on the first minute of the Effective Date.
Section 3. Acceptance and Term.

Commencing on the Effective Date, the Company agrees to employ Employee on an at-will basis (subject to the terms of Section 8(d) and Section 8(e) hereof), and Employee agrees to accept such employment and serve the Company, in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein. The term of employment shall commence on the Effective Date and continue until terminated by either party at any time, subject to the provisions herein (referred to herein as the “ Term ”).
Section 4. Position, Duties, and Responsibilities; Place of Performance.

(a) Position, Duties, and Responsibilities . During the Term, Employee shall be employed and serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (together with such other position or positions consistent with Employee’s title) and shall have such duties and responsibilities commensurate therewith as may be assigned and/or prescribed from time to time by the Board or its designee. Pursuant to the Master Service Agreement between the Company and Novelion dated November 29, 2016 (the “ Service Agreement ”), Employee may also be required, on behalf of the Company, to perform services to Novelion and its other Affiliates. As of the Effective Date, these services shall include serving as Chief Executive Officer of Novelion, and such other duties consistent with the Service Agreement as may be assigned and/or prescribed from time to time by the Board or its designee or by board of directors of Novelion (the “ Novelion Board ”) pursuant to the Service Agreement. The Employee will report, as and when required, to the Board and the Novelion Board. On the Effective Date, the Board will also appoint Employee to serve as a member of the Board. During the Term, the Board will nominate Employee for election to the Board by the Company’s stockholders; provided that Employee will submit written notice of resignation to the Board effective as of the date on which Employee ceases to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer. Employee will also act as member of the Novelion Board, if appointed or elected to such positions; provided that Employee will submit written notice of resignation to the Novelion Board effective as of the date on which Employee ceases to serve in a capacity of a Chief Executive Officer of Novelion. For certainty, at all times Employee will be an employee of the Company and not an employee of Novelion, and when Employee provides services to Novelion she will be doing so as an employee of the Company performing contracted management services as provided to Novelion under the Service Agreement.

(b) Performance . Employee shall devote her full business time, attention, skill, and best efforts to the performance of her duties under this Agreement and shall not engage in any other business or occupation during the Term, including, without limitation, any activity that (x) conflicts with the interests of the Company or any of its Affiliates, (y) interferes with the proper and efficient performance of Employee’s duties for the Company or any of its Affiliates, or (z) interferes with Employee’s exercise of judgment in the Company’s, or any of its Affiliates’ best interests. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall preclude Employee from:(i) serving on any boards of directors of other public or private companies of non-competing businesses and charitable organizations as long as (A) in the 12 month period following the date hereof, the Employee obtains the consent in writing from the Chairman of the Board, which consent has been provided for Employee’s existing board of directors positions, subject to the conditions set forth in such written consent or (B) following that 12 month period the Employee first notifies in writing the Chairman of the Board before accepting such appointment; (ii) engaging in charitable activities and community affairs; and (iii) managing Employee’s personal investments and affairs; provided , however , that the activities set out





in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) shall be limited by Employee so as not to interfere, individually or in the aggregate, with the performance of Employee’s duties and responsibilities hereunder, pose a conflict of interest or violate any provision of this Agreement. Employee represents that she has provided the Company and Novelion with a comprehensive list of all outside professional activities with which she is currently involved or reasonably expects to become involved at the current time. In the event that, during her employment by the Company, the Employee desires to engage in other outside professional activities not included on such list, Employee will, prior to engaging in any such activities, first seek written approval from the Chairman of the Novelion Board and such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.

Section 5. Compensation.

(a) Base Salary . In exchange for Employee’s satisfactory performance of her duties and responsibilities, Employee initially shall be paid a semi-monthly Base Salary of $28,731.25 ($689,550.00 on an annualized basis), payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Company. All payments in this Agreement are on a gross, pre-tax basis and shall be subject to all applicable federal, state and local, and if applicable Canadian federal and provincial, withholding, payroll and other taxes required by law. Employee’s Base Salary will be subject to increase by the Board following approval by the Novelion Board of an increase in the Base Salary.

(b)      Target Bonus .      In addition to the Base Salary, Employee will be eligible to earn an annual target bonus of up to 60% of her Base Salary or higher if determined by the Board in its discretion as approved by the Novelion Board (the “ Target Bonus ”). The actual amount of such bonus, if any, will be the amount authorized by the Board, which will be determined by the Novelion Board in good faith based upon the performance of Novelion against the goals for Novelion and its subsidiaries, as established by the Novelion Board in consultation with the Employee and any other factors the Novelion Board deems appropriate, in its discretion. Typically, bonuses, if any, are paid out no later than March 15 of the year following the applicable bonus year. Except as otherwise provided in Section 8 of this Agreement, Employee must be employed by the Company at the time of any such bonus payment in order to be eligible for any such payment.
(c)      Housing Allowance/Travel Costs . Employee will be allowed to continue to maintain her permanent residence in the Chicago, Illinois area. Until such time, if any, as Employee relocates her permanent residence outside the Chicago, Illinois area, Employee will receive a monthly housing allowance of up to $7,200 per month for the rental of an apartment at or near the Company's principal place of business. The amount of the monthly housing allowance will be grossed up by the Company in order to fully offset the tax liability of the Employee for such allowance. Employee will also be reimbursed for airfare and related travel expenses for business travel to and from the Chicago, Illinois area. The Company agrees to purchase an American Airlines Airpass (or a comparable pass on another airline selected by the Employee) for Employee for use during the Term.
(d)      Stock Options/Equity Grants . The Employee will be entitled to participate in those equity incentive plans and programs provided from time to time to the Employee by Novelion (the “Incentive Plans”) on the terms and conditions for such participation as established and changed from time to time by the Novelion in its sole discretion. The Incentive Plans currently include the Novelion 2016 Equity Incentive Plan as amended from time to time and at any time by Novelion in its sole discretion. Certain terms and conditions related to such equity awards shall be set forth in the applicable incentive plan and the award agreement pursuant to which the award is issued (together, the “Equity Documents”). Section 8 of this Agreement contain terms and conditions covering the acceleration of such equity awards upon the occurrence of certain events. To the extent that there is any inconsistency between





the applicable terms of Section 8 of this Agreement and the Equity Documents, this Agreement shall control.
On December 22, 2016, the Board approved grants to the Employee of options to purchase 323,520 common shares and 171,660 restricted stock units pursuant to the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan on vesting and other terms set out in the Equity Documents applicable to these grants, as supplemented by the terms applicable to such equity grants set forth in Section 8 of this Agreement. In addition, the Employee also received from Aegerion an award of 97,000 restricted stock units on May 9, 2016, which award was assumed by the Company in the Merger in accordance with its terms, including a pro rata vesting over three years on the anniversary of the grant date; given the 5:1 reverse stock split, the number of shares in this grant is now 19,896 shares.
The Employee is subject to, and will abide by, Novelion’s Insider Trading Policy, as amended by the Novelion Board from time to time, and is required to file insider reports disclosing the grant or exercise of any options and restricted stock units as well as the acquisition and sale of any shares in the Company. The Employee will comply with pre-approval, notification and other internal procedures set forth in Novelion’s Insider Trading Policy or as otherwise established by Novelion and communicated to the Employee. The Employee will also abide by the share ownership guidelines of Novelion as may be established and amended by the Novelion Board from time to time.
(e)      Annual Tax and Financial Planning Reimbursements . During the Term, the Company will, subject to receipt of appropriate documentation, reimburse Employee up to $15,000 on an annual basis to be used for tax and financial planning, prorated for any partial year of employment. In addition, for as long as Employee continues to provide management services on behalf of the Company in Canada, Employee will be entitled to annual reimbursement up to a maximum of USD $5,000 for her reasonable expenses for independent tax consultation regarding the Canadian tax implications of Employee’s work on behalf of the Company in Canada and/or preparation of Employee’s Canadian tax return.
(f) Gross up. If excise taxes are imposed pursuant to Section 4985 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), on Enployee, the Company will provide a gross-up to Employee, such that on a net after-tax basis, Employee would be in the same position as if no such excise tax had been applied.
Section 6. Employee Benefits and Vacation.

During the Term, Employee, at Employee’s election, shall be eligible to participate in health insurance and other benefits provided generally to similarly situated employees of the Company provided that the Employee acknowledges that if she makes such election, the cost of such benefit coverage will be consider as part of the overall compensation of the Employee .[ In addition to holidays recognized by the Company, Employee also shall be eligible to earn five (5) weeks of paid vacation per year. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to limit the Company’s ability to amend, suspend, or terminate any employee benefit plan or policy at any time without providing Employee notice, and the right to do so is expressly reserved, provided the same amendment, suspension, or termination without notice will apply to all other similarly situated employees. In lieu of participating in health insurance or other benefits provided by the Company, at Employee’s sole option, Company shall reimburse Employee for all costs (including insurance premiums) associated with such other health insurance or other like programs in which Employee participates.





Section 7. Reimbursement of Business Expenses.

During the Term, the Company shall pay (or promptly reimburse Employee) for documented, out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred by Employee in the course of performing her duties and responsibilities hereunder, which are consistent with the Company’s policies in effect from time to time with respect to business expenses, subject to the Company’s requirements with respect to reporting of such expenses.
Section 8. Termination of Employment and Termination Benefits.

(a) General . Employee’s employment with the Company shall terminate upon the earliest to occur of: (i) Employee’s death, (ii) a termination by reason of a Disability, (iii) a termination by the Company with or without Cause, and (iv) a termination by Employee with or without Good Reason.

(b) Termination Due to Death or Disability . Employee’s employment under this Agreement shall terminate automatically upon Employee’s death. The Company also may terminate Employee’s employment upon the occurrence of a Disability as determined pursuant to Section 1(k) above, effective upon Employee’s receipt of written notice of such termination. In the event of Employee’s termination as a result of Employee’s death or Disability, Employee (or Employee’s estates or beneficiaries, as the case may be) sole and exclusive remedy shall be receipt of the Accrued Obligations and Pro Rata Bonus Pay at Target, and Employee shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.

(c) Termination by the Company with Cause .

(i) The Company may terminate Employee’s employment at any time with Cause, effective upon Employee’s receipt of written notice of such termination; provided, however, that prior to any termination taking place under (i) (ii) and/or (v) of the definition of Cause set forth in Section 1(h) hereof, to the extent that such act or acts or failure or failures to act are curable, as determined by the Novelion Board acting reasonably, the Company will first provide Employee with a written notice providing thirty (30) days’ opportunity to cure, the notice to state the act or acts or failure or failures to act that constitute the grounds on which the proposed termination for Cause is based for such termination; and provided further that the Company may elect to suspend Employee from performing Employee’s duties hereunder with pay during such opportunity to cure period, and in no event shall any such suspension with pay constitute an event pursuant to which Employee may terminate employment with Good Reason as provided hereunder nor shall such suspension with pay alter the Company’s obligations under this Agreement during such period of suspension except that, if Executive is participating in Company benefits at the time then the Employee may not be eligible for certain benefit coverage pursuant to the terms and conditions of the applicable plan or policy . Unless Employee has fully cured such act or acts or failure or failures to act that give rise to Cause to the Company’s complete satisfaction during the thirty (30) day period, the employment of the Employee shall terminate effective at the expiration of such thirty (30) day period.

(ii) In the event that the Company terminates Employee’s employment with Cause, Employee shall be entitled only to the Accrued Obligations. Following such termination of Employee’s employment with Cause, except as set forth in this Section 8(c)(ii) or as otherwise provided in Section 8(g), Employee shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, except as provided in Section 8(g) Employee’s sole and exclusive





remedy upon a termination of employment by the Company with Cause shall be receipt of the Accrued Obligations.

(d) Termination by the Company without Cause . The Company may terminate Employee’s employment at any time without Cause effective upon Employee’s receipt of written notice of such termination. In the event that Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (other than due to death or Disability and except as provided in Section 8(g)) and provided that she fully executes and does not revoke an effective Release of Claims in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, Employee shall be eligible for:

(i)      The Accrued Obligations;

(ii)      The Severance Benefits;

(iii)      The payment of Pro Rata Bonus Pay at Target; and

(iv)      12 Months Accelerated Equity Benefit.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Severance Benefits, entitlement to Pro Rata Bonus Pay at Target and 12 Months Accelerated Equity Benefit shall immediately terminate, and the Company shall have no further obligations to Employee with respect thereto, in the event that Employee breaches any provision of the Confidentiality Agreement or the Release of Claims. Any such termination of payment or benefits shall have no effect on the Release of Claims or any of Employee’s post-employment obligations to the Company. Following such termination of Employee’s employment by the Company without Cause, except as set forth in this Section 8(d), Employee shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, except as otherwise provided in Section 8(g), Employee’s sole and exclusive remedy upon a termination of employment by the Company without Cause shall be receipt of the Accrued Obligations, Severance Benefits, Pro Rata Bonus Pay at Target and 12 Months Accelerated Equity Benefit, all subject to her execution of the Release of Claims.

(e) Termination by Employee with Good Reason . Employee may terminate her employment with Good Reason by providing the Company thirty (30) days’ written notice setting forth with reasonable specificity the event that constitutes Good Reason, which written notice, to be effective, must be provided to the Company within thirty (30) days of the time Employee knew or reasonably should have known of the occurrence of such event or the last occurrence of such event. During such thirty (30) day notice period, the Company shall have the opportunity to cure (if curable), and if not cured to the reasonable satisfaction of the Employee, then Employee’s termination will be effective upon the expiration of such cure period. Upon a termination by Employee for Good Reason, Employee shall be entitled to the same payments and benefits as provided in Section 8(d) hereof, subject to the same conditions on payment and benefits as described in Section 8(d) hereof. Following such termination of Employee’s employment by Employee with Good Reason, except as set forth in this Section 8(e) or as otherwise provided in Section 8(g), Employee shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, except as otherwise provided in Section 8(g), Employee’s sole and exclusive remedy upon a termination of employment by the Employee with Good Reason shall be receipt of the Accrued Obligations, Severance Benefits, Pro Rata Bonus Pay at Target and 12 Months Accelerated Equity Benefit, all subject to her execution of the Release of Claims.






(f) Termination by Employee without Good Reason . Employee may terminate her employment without Good Reason by providing the Company sixty (60) days’ written notice of such termination. In the event of a termination of employment by Employee under this Section 8(f), Employee shall be entitled only to the Accrued Obligations. In the event of termination of Employee’s employment under this Section 8(f), the Company may by written notice accelerate such date of termination without changing the characterization of such termination as a termination by Employee without Good Reason, provided, however , that the Company will continue to pay Employee's Base Salary for the period by which such employment termination was accelerated. Following such termination of Employee’s employment by Employee without Good Reason, except as set forth in this Section 8(f), Employee shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, Employee’s sole and exclusive remedy upon a termination of employment by Employee without Good Reason shall be receipt of the Accrued Obligations.

(g) Termination following a Sale Event . Subject to Section 12(b), in the event Employee’s employment is terminated within eighteen (18) months following a Sale Event (which for certainty includes the Merger), (a) by the Company for any reason other than as a result of Employee’s death or Disability pursuant to Section 8(b) or a with Cause termination relying on clause (iii), (iv) or (v) of the definition of Cause set forth in Section 1(h) hereof or (b) by Employee with Good Reason pursuant to Section 8(e), provided that she fully executes and does not revoke an effective Release of Claims in the form of Exhibit A hereto and continues to comply with the Confidentiality Agreement, Employee shall be eligible for (in lieu of, and not in addition to, any payments described in Section 8(c), (d), or (e) of this Agreement) the Accrued Obligations, Severance Benefits (for the Severance Term for a Sale Event as set forth in Section 1(v) above), 100% Accelerated Equity Benefit, Pro Rata Bonus Pay at Target and an amount equal to eighteen (18) months of the Target Bonus for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Severance Benefits, entitlement to Pro Rata Bonus Pay at Target and 100% Accelerated Equity Benefit shall immediately terminate, and the Company shall have no further obligations to Employee with respect thereto, in the event that Employee breaches any provision of the Confidentiality Agreement or the Release of Claims. Any such termination of payment or benefits shall have no effect on the Release of Claims or any of Employee’s post-employment obligations to the Company.

(h) Release . Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, the payment of the Severance Benefits and the Pro Rata Bonus Pay at Target or the payment of eighteen (18) months of the Target Bonus, if applicable, and the provision of the 12 Months Accelerated Equity Benefit or the 100% Accelerated Equity Benefit, pursuant to subsection (d), (e) or (g) of this Section 8, shall be conditioned upon Employee’s execution, delivery to the Company, and non-revocation of the Release of Claims (and the expiration of any revocation period contained in such Release of Claims) in accordance with the time limits set forth therein (and, in all events, within sixty (60) days following the Date of Termination). If Employee fails to execute the Release of Claims in such a timely manner, or timely revokes Employee’s acceptance of such release following its execution, Employee shall not be entitled to any of the Severance Benefits, the Pro Rata Bonus Pay at Target or the payment of eighteen (18) months of the Target Bonus, if applicable, and the 12 Months Accelerated Equity Benefit or the 100% Accelerated Equity Benefit. Payment of the Severance Benefits will commence on the first regular Company payday that is at least five (5) business days following the date the Company receives a timely, effective and non-revocable Release of Claims (the “ Payment Date ”); provided, however, that the first payment will be retroactive to the day immediately following the Date of Termination. Payment of the Pro Rata Bonus Pay at Target or the payment of eighteen (18) months of the Target Bonus, if applicable, will also be made on the Payment





Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any portion of the Severance Benefits, the Pro Rata Bonus Pay at Target or the payment of eighteen (18) months of the Target Bonus, if applicable, constitutes “non-qualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code, any payment of such portion scheduled to occur prior to the sixtieth (60th) day following the date of Employee’s termination of employment hereunder, but for the condition on executing the Release of Claims as set forth herein, shall not be made until the first regularly scheduled payroll date following such sixtieth (60th) day, after which any remaining such benefits shall thereafter be provided to Employee according to the applicable schedule set forth herein.
   
(i) Modified Economic Cutback Following a Sale Event. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement, if it is determined that any payments made to the Employee pursuant to this Agreement in relation to a Sale Event, including without limitation a payment made pursuant to section 8(g) of this Agreement, (the “Sale Event Payments”) are or will be subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the deduction of the excise tax payable will result in less net income to the Employee after regular tax withholdings are deducted than the net income the Employee would have received if the Sale Event Payments was the highest amount that could be paid to the Employee without incurring such excise tax, then, at the sole discretion of the Employee, the Sale Event Payments made pursuant to this Agreement may be reduced to the amount that would not cause any excise taxes to be payable by Employee.
Section 9. Confidentiality Agreement; Cooperation.

(a) Confidentiality Agreement . As a condition of Employee’s employment with the Company under the terms of this Agreement, Employee has executed and delivered to the Company the Employee Confidentiality, Assignment of Intellectual Property and Non-Competition Agreement " Confidentiality Agreement "), which takes effect on the Effective Date. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that this Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement shall be considered separate contracts. In addition, Employee represents and warrants that she shall be able to and will perform the duties of this position without utilizing any confidential and/or proprietary information that Employee may have obtained in connection with employment with any prior employer (with the exception of Aegerion), and that she shall not (i) disclose any such information to the Company, or (ii) induce any Company employee to use any such information, in either case in violation of any confidentiality obligation, whether by agreement or otherwise. Employee and Aegerion acknowledge and agree that the Confidentiality Agreement supersedes and replaces the Employee Confidentiality, Assignment and Noncompetition Agreement dated January 9, 2016, between Aegerion and Employee.

(b) Litigation and Regulatory Cooperation . During and after Employee’s employment, Employee shall cooperate fully with the Company in the defense or prosecution of any claims or actions now in existence or which may be brought in the future against or on behalf of the Company or its Affiliates which relate to events or occurrences that transpired while the Company employed Employee, provided, that the Employee will not have an obligation under this paragraph with respect to any claim in which the Employee has filed directly against the Company or related persons or entities or if such cooperation would be materially adverse to her own legal interests. The Employee’s full cooperation in connection with such claims or actions shall include, but not be limited to, being available to meet with counsel to prepare for discovery or trial and to act as a witness on behalf of the Company at mutually convenient times. During and after Employee’s employment, Employee also shall cooperate fully with the Company in connection with any investigation or review of any federal, state or local regulatory authority as any such investigation or review relates to events or occurrences that transpired while Employee was employed by the Company, provided Employee will not have any obligation under this





paragraph with respect to any claim in which Employee has filed directly against the Company or related persons or entities. The Company shall reimburse Employee for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with Employee’s performance of obligations pursuant to this Section 9(b).

Section 10. Taxes.

The Company may withhold from any payments made under this Agreement all applicable taxes, including but not limited to income, employment, and social insurance taxes, as shall be required by law in any applicable jurisdiction. Employee acknowledges and represents that the Company has not provided any tax advice to her in connection with this Agreement and that Employee has been advised by the Company to seek tax advice from Employee’s own tax advisors regarding this Agreement and payments that may be made to her pursuant to this Agreement, including specifically, the application of the provisions of Section 409A of the Code to such payments. The Company shall have no liability to Employee or to any other person if any of the provisions of this Agreement are determined to constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A but that do not satisfy an exemption from, or the conditions of, that section.
Section 11. Additional Section 409A Provisions.

Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary:
(a) If at the time of the Employee’s separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, the Company determines that the Employee is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, then to the extent any payment or benefit that the Employee becomes entitled to under this Agreement on account of the Employee’s separation from service is “non-qualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code and not otherwise exempt, such payment shall not be payable and such benefit shall not be provided until the date that is the earlier of (i) six months and one day after the Employee’s separation from service, or (ii) the Employee’s death. If any such delayed cash payment is otherwise payable on an installment basis, the first payment shall include a catch-up payment covering amounts that would otherwise have been paid during the six-month period but for the application of this provision, and the balance of the installments shall be payable in accordance with their original schedule.

(b) Each payment in a series of payments hereunder shall be deemed to be a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A of the Code. Neither the Company nor Employee shall have the right to accelerate or defer the delivery of any such payments except to the extent specifically permitted or required by Section 409A.

(c) To the extent that any right to reimbursement of expenses or payment of any benefit in-kind under this Agreement constitutes nonqualified deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code), (i) any such expense reimbursement or payment shall be made by the Company no later than the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expense was incurred by Employee, (ii) the right to reimbursement, payment or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, and (iii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, payment or in-kind benefits provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other taxable year; provided , that the foregoing clause shall not be violated with regard to expenses reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Section 105(b) of the Code solely because such expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect.






(d) To the extent that any payment or benefit described in this Agreement constitutes “non-qualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A of the Code, and to the extent that such payment or benefit is payable upon the Employee’s termination of employment, then such payments or benefits shall be payable only upon the Employee’s “separation from service.” The determination of whether and when a separation from service has occurred shall be made in accordance with the presumptions set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h).

(e) The parties intend that this Agreement will be administered in accordance with Section 409A of the Code. To the extent that any provision of this Agreement is ambiguous as to its compliance with Section 409A of the Code, the provision shall be read in such a manner so that all payments hereunder comply with Section 409A of the Code. The parties agree that this Agreement may be amended, as reasonably requested by either party, and as may be necessary to fully comply with Section 409A of the Code and all related rules and regulations in order to preserve the payments and benefits provided hereunder without additional cost to either party. While the payments and benefits provided hereunder are intended to be structured in a manner to avoid the implication of any penalty taxes under Section 409A of the Code, in no event whatsoever shall the Company or any of its Affiliates be liable for any additional tax, interest, or penalties that may be imposed on Employee as a result of Section 409A of the Code or any damages for failing to comply with Section 409A of the Code (other than for withholding obligations or other obligations applicable to employers, if any, under Section 409A of the Code).

Section 12. Recognition of Service with Aegerion

(a) Length of Service . The Company shall recognize Employee’s length of service with Aegerion for all purposes related to her employment with the Company.

(b) No Severance or Good Reason. The parties agree that (i) the cessation of the employment of the Employee with Aegerion and/or the commencement of her employment with the Company and any other changes to the terms and conditions of her employment as set out in this Agreement, and/or (ii) any changes to Employee’s duties or responsibilities that directly result from the Merger (including without limitation any such changes directly resulting from Employee’s new status as Chief Executive Officer of the Company) shall not, individually or in the aggregate, constitute Good Reason for purposes of the Aegerion Agreement or this Agreement or entitle Employee, under the Aegerion Agreement, or this Agreement, to any Severance Benefits, Accelerated Equity Benefit, Pro-Rata Bonus Payment, or any other severance benefits or the acceleration of any vesting or other rights, to which Employee might otherwise be entitled under the Aegerion Agreement or this Agreement.

(c) Accrued Obligations of Aegerion . Aegerion shall provide Employee with all accrued but unpaid Base Salary and unreimbursed expenses incurred in accordance with the Aegerion Agreement up to the Effective Date. Employee will remain eligible to receive the Target Bonus for 2016, and for certainty such bonus shall be paid by Aegerion and/or the Company, but it is understood that there shall not be duplication. The Employee will not be paid Accrued Obligations, Severance Benefits or an award of Target Bonus twice for the same period. Any vacation time that Employee accrued under Aegerion’s vacation policy as of the Effective Date, but had not used or paid as of such date, shall be “rolled over” to the Company and the Company shall credit Employee with this time for purposes of its vacation policy. Employee hereby consents to the rollover of this vacation time and acknowledges and agrees that she is not entitled to any duplication of payment or sue for this vacation time.





Section 13. Working in Canada.

(a) Right to Work in Canada . Employee shall cooperate with the Company to seek, obtain, and maintain the right to work in Canada to provide services on behalf of the Company to Novelion and its Canadian Affiliates. The Company shall pay the reasonable costs associated with Employee obtaining a permit to work in Canada.

(b) Travel to Canada. Employee acknowledges that travel will be required in connection with her employment, including travel to such locations in Canada that is required or desirable for the Company to provide its management services to Novelion and its Canadian Affiliates, including making visits to Canada as are necessary to make decisions related to the Company’s business and to manage the Company’s business, including attending at Board meetings. Any travel to Canada beyond that contemplated by this Subsection will be only where reasonably required.

(c) Canadian Employment Standards . This provision applies only if and to the extent that the employment laws of Canada apply to Employee’s employment. If the minimum standards in the British Columbia Employment Standards Act or Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 , or any other applicable employment standards legislation, as they exist from time to time are more favorable to Employee in any respect than provided for in this Agreement, including but not limited to the provisions in respect of notice of termination, the provisions of the applicable Employment Standards Act or legislation shall apply.

(d) Tax Equalization.

(i) As Employee will be subject to income tax and social security obligations arising from her services performed in Canada on behalf of the Company, the Company is prepared to address the overall tax and social security burden that Employee experiences with the intention that Employee’s total tax and social security burden while working in both the United States and Canada will be equal to what her tax and social security burden would have been had she remained working solely in Massachusetts. The Company will provide Employee with tax equalization in connection with all income tax and social security liabilities arising from the performance of her employment duties within Canada. The Company intends that the income taxes and social security levies payable by Employee on all taxable employment income and related benefits, as prescribed by the applicable tax and social security laws, should be no better or worse than the personal taxes and social security levies Employee would have been required to pay on such amounts if her employment duties had been performed solely in the state of Massachusetts. Where Employee’s annual tax and social security obligation yields a higher total obligation than if her employment duties were solely performed in the state of Massachusetts, the Company will reimburse her for the difference. Where Employee’s annual tax and social security obligations yields a lower total tax and social security impact than if her employment duties were solely performed in the state of Massachusetts, Employee will reimburse the Company for the difference.

(ii) Employee shall provide all information necessary for the preparation of a tax equalization calculation.

(iii) The Company shall pay all reasonable costs and professional fees related to calculating this equalization payment, and the process and criteria for determining the tax equalization calculation shall be in accordance with mutually accepted accounting standards. For clarity, the tax equalization payments described in this Section 13(d) will not take into consideration or apply to any





taxable income from sources other than Employee’s employment with the Company, and Employee will remain responsible for all income taxes arising from her personal income.

(iv) If Employee establishes her primary residence in Canada, the Company’s obligations under this Section 13(d) shall cease, provided that there shall be a pro-rated adjustment for any partial year.

(v) If Employee’s employment is terminated for any of the reasons described under Section 8 hereof, then between January 1 and July 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which such termination occurs, the Company shall pay Employee any remaining tax equalization payments owed in accordance with this Section 13(d) or, in the event that the reconciliation results in Employee owing money to the Company, Employee shall make such payment to the Company.

Section 14. Successors and Assigns.

(a) The Company . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the Company and its respective successors and assigns. This Agreement may not be assigned by the Company without Employee’s prior consent.

(b) Employee . Employee’s rights and obligations under this Agreement shall not be transferable by Employee by assignment or otherwise, except with the prior written consent of the Company; provided , however , that if Employee shall die, all cash amounts then payable to Employee hereunder shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to Employee’s devisee, legatee, or other designee, or if there be no such designee, to Employee’s estate.

Section 15. Aegerion’s Obligations

For certainly, Aegerion is a signatory to this Agreement for the limited purposes set forth in the introductory paragraph any shall not have any obligations under this Agreement except as set out in the sections listed therein.
Section 16. Waiver and Amendments.

Any waiver, alteration, amendment, or modification of any of the terms of this Agreement shall be valid only if made in writing and signed by each of the parties hereto; provided , however , that any such waiver, alteration, amendment, or modification must be consented to on the Company’s behalf by the Board. No waiver by either of the parties hereto of their rights hereunder shall be deemed to constitute a waiver with respect to any subsequent occurrences or transactions hereunder unless such waiver specifically states that it is to be construed as a continuing waiver.
Section 17. Severability.

If any covenants or such other provisions of this Agreement are found to be invalid or unenforceable by a final determination of a court of competent jurisdiction, (a) the remaining terms and provisions hereof shall be unimpaired, and (b) the invalid or unenforceable term or provision hereof shall be deemed replaced by a term or provision that is valid and enforceable and that comes closest to expressing the intention of the invalid or unenforceable term or provision hereof.
Section 18. Governing Law and Jurisdiction.






This is a Massachusetts contract and shall be construed under and be governed in all respects by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles of such state. With respect to any disputes concerning federal law, such disputes shall be determined in accordance with the law as it would be interpreted and applied by the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. To the extent that any court action is initiated to enforce this Agreement, the parties hereby consent to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as well as the state and federal courts of Illinois. Accordingly, with respect to any such court action, each party to the Agreement (a) submits to the personal jurisdiction of such courts; (b) consents to service of process; and (c) waives any other requirement (whether imposed by statute, rule of court, or otherwise) with respect to personal jurisdiction or service of process.
Section 19. Notices.

(a) Place of Delivery . Every notice or other communication relating to this Agreement shall be in writing, and shall be mailed to or delivered to the party for whom or which it is intended at such address as may from time to time be designated by it in a notice mailed or delivered to the other party as herein provided; provided , that unless and until some other address be so designated, all notices and communications by Employee to the Company shall be mailed or delivered to the Company at its principal executive office, and all notices and communications by the Company to Employee may be given to Employee personally or may be mailed to Employee at Employee’s last known address, as reflected in the Company’s records.

(b) Date of Delivery . Any notice so addressed shall be deemed to be given or received (i) if delivered by hand, on the date of such delivery, (ii) if mailed by courier or by overnight mail, on the first business day following the date of such mailing, and (iii) if mailed by registered or certified mail, on the third business day after the date of such mailing.

Section 20. Section Headings.

The headings of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute a part thereof or affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or of any term or provision hereof.
Section 21. Entire Agreement.

This Agreement, together with the Confidentiality Agreement and the Novelion 2016 Equity Incentive Plan, and any stock option or RSU award agreement entered into between the Company and Employee thereunder, constitute the entire understanding and agreement of the parties hereto regarding the employment of Employee. This Agreement supersedes all prior negotiations, discussions, correspondence, communications, understandings, and agreements between the parties (including without limitation the Aegerion Agreement, that certain Term Sheet dated as of December 10, 2015 and any offer letter given to Employee) relating to the subject matter of this Agreement.
Section 22. Survival of Operative Sections.

Upon any termination of Employee’s employment, the provisions of Section 8 through Section 23 of this Agreement (together with any related definitions set forth in Section 1 hereof) shall survive to the extent necessary to give effect to the provisions thereof.





Section 23. Counterparts.

This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The execution of this Agreement may be by actual or facsimile signature.
Section 24. Gender Neutral.

Wherever used herein, a pronoun in the masculine gender shall be considered as including the feminine gender unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the date first above written.
NOVELION SERVICES USA, INC.
/s/ Jason Aryeh            
By: Jason Aryeh     
Title:      Chairman of the Board
EMPLOYEE
/s/ Mary T. Szela            
By: Mary T. Szela


As to Section 15 hereof:
AEGERION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
/s/ Jennifer Fitzpatrick            
By: Jennifer Fitzpatrick     
Title:     Vice President, Corporate Counsel






    
EXHIBIT A

General Release and Waiver of Claims
In exchange for the severance benefits to be provided to me under the employment agreement between me and Novelion Services USA, Inc. (the “Company”), dated as of May 8, 2017 (the “Employment Agreement”), to which I would not otherwise be entitled, on my own behalf and that of my heirs, executors, administrators, beneficiaries, personal representatives and assigns, I agree that this General Release and Waiver of Claims (the “Release of Claims”) shall be in complete and final settlement of any and all causes of action, rights and claims, whether known or unknown, accrued or unaccrued, contingent or otherwise, that I have had in the past, now have, or might now have, in any way related to, connected with or arising out of my employment or its termination, under the Employment Agreement, or pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended by the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the wage and hour, wage payment and fair employment practices laws and statutes of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (each as amended from time to time), and/or any other federal, state or local law, regulation or other requirement and, if the employment laws of Canada apply to my employment, the Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 and the British Columbia Employment Standards Act, the Ontario Human Rights Code and the British Columbia Human Rights Code, and any other applicable Canadian or provincial law, regulation or other requirement (each as amended from time to time) (collectively, the “Claims”), and I hereby release and forever discharge the Company, its Affiliates (as defined in the Employment Agreement), and all of their respective past, present and future directors, shareholders, officers, members, managers, general and limited partners, employees, employee benefit plans, administrators, trustees, agents, representatives, successors and assigns, and all others connected with any of them (the “Releasees”), both individually and in their official capacities, from, and I hereby waive, any and all such Claims. This release shall not apply to (a) any claims that arise after I sign this Release of Claims, including my right to enforce the terms of this Release of Claims; (b) any claims that may not be waived pursuant to applicable law; (c) any right to indemnification that I may have under the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of the Company, and any indemnification agreement between me and the Company or any insurance policies maintained by the Company; or (d) any right to receive any vested benefits under the terms of any employee benefit plans and my award agreements thereunder.

I agree that the Releasees have satisfied all obligations to me under the legislation referred to in the previous paragraph in relation to my employment and the cessation of my employment, and I have considered any and all human rights complaints, concerns, or issues arising out of or in respect to my employment with the Company, I am aware of my rights under the legislation referred to in the previous paragraph, and I confirm that I am not asserting such rights or advancing a human rights claim or complaint against the Releasees.

Nothing contained in this Release of Claims shall be construed to prohibit me from filing a charge with or participating in any investigation or proceeding conducted by the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or a comparable state or local agency, provided, however, that I hereby agree to waive my right to recover monetary damages or other individual relief in any charge, complaint or lawsuit filed by me or by anyone else on my behalf.

In signing this Release of Claims, I acknowledge my understanding that I may consider the terms of this Release of Claims for up to [twenty-one (21) /forty-five (45)] To be determined by the Company at the time of termination. days from the date I receive it and that I may not sign this Release of Claims until after the date my employment with the Company terminates. I also acknowledge that I am hereby advised by the Company to seek the advice of an attorney prior to signing this Release of Claims; that I have had sufficient time to consider this





Release of Claims and to consult with an attorney, if I wished to do so, or to consult with any other person of my choosing before signing; and that I am signing this Release of Claims voluntarily and with a full understanding of its terms.

I further acknowledge that, in signing this Release of Claims, I have not relied on any promises or representations, express or implied, that are not set forth expressly in the Release of Claims. I understand that I may revoke this Release of Claims at any time within seven (7) days of the date of my signing by written notice to the Board of Directors of the Company and that this Release of Claims will take effect only upon the expiration of such seven-day revocation period and only if I have not timely revoked it.

Intending to be legally bound, I have signed this Release of Claims under seal as of the date written below.

Signature: _____________________________________
Name: Mary Szela
Date Signed: ___________________________________


EXHIBIT B

EMPLOYEE CONFIDENTIALITY, ASSIGNMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENT

[attached]






Exhibit 10.2
NVLNLOGOA01.JPG

[Date]
STRICTLY PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
[Name]
[Address]
Dear [Name]:
Re: Amendments to your Employment Agreement
Further to our recent discussions, this letter sets out our proposal to amend the terms your employment with Novelion Services USA, Inc. (“ Novelion Services ”). This letter is referred to as the Amendment Agreement.
Novelion Services proposes the following amendments to the Offer of Employment from Novelion Services dated November 28, 2016 (the “ Employment Agreement ”). The Employment Agreement incorporates terms and conditions from your employment agreement with Aergerion Pharmaceuticals Inc. dated [Date of Aegerion Agreement] (the “ Aegerion Agreement ”).
We confirm that the terms and conditions of the Employment Agreement will continue to govern your employment except as modified by this Amendment Agreement.
1.
Defined Terms: In the Employment Agreement, references to the “ Agreement ” or the “ Employment Agreement ” (or any other references to the terms and conditions of your employment) will mean the Employment Agreement as modified and supplemented by this Amendment Agreement.
2.
Change of Control Benefits upon Termination without Cause or with Good Reason: The definition of “Severance Benefits” in the Aegerion Agreement is amended by adding the underlined provisions as follows:
(l)“ Severance Benefits shall mean (i) continued payment of Base Salary during the Severance Term, payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices, and (ii) subject to the Employee’s timely election of COBRA and copayment of premium amounts at the active employees’ rate, payment of the employer portion of the premiums for the Company’s group health and dental program for the Employee in order to allow him to continue to participate in the Company’s group health and dental program until the earlier of (Y) 12 months from the Date of Termination, and (Z) the date the Employee becomes re-employed and eligible for health and/or dental insurance provided, however, that this subsection ( ii ) is to be modified, as required, and by mutual agreement of the parties, to comply with the non-discrimination rules and other provisions and requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.; and (iii) if the termination without Cause or the resignation for Good Reason occurs within eighteen (18) months after a Sale Event (as defined below), then payment of the Target Bonus for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs pro-rated based on the number of days the Employee is employed by the Company in the year of the Date of Termination plus an amount equal to the annual Target Bonus for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs.
3.
Sale Event: For all purposes under the Employment Agreement and despite Section 7(d) of the Aegerion Agreement, a “ Sale Event ” means (i) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company on a consolidated basis to an unrelated person or entity; (ii) a merger, reorganization or consolidation pursuant to





which the holders of the Company’s outstanding voting power immediately prior to such a transaction do not own a majority of the outstanding voting power of the resulting or successor entity (or its ultimate parent, if applicable) immediately upon completion of such transaction, (iii) the sale of all of the common shares of the Company to an unrelated person or entity, (iv) the acquisition, directly or indirectly, by any person or group of persons acting jointly or in concert (other than the Company or a person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company) of beneficial ownership of securities possessing more than 50% of the total combined voting power of the Company’s outstanding securities pursuant to a tender offer (which for certainty, includes a takeover bid) made directly to the Company’s stockholders.
4.
Modified Economic Cutback Following a Sale Event . The Employment Agreement is amended by adding the following paragraph:
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, if it is determined that any payments made to the Employee pursuant to this Agreement in relation to a Sale Event, including without limitation a payment made pursuant to sections 7(d) or 7(e) of this Agreement, (the “Sale Event Payments”) are or will be subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the deduction of the excise tax payable will result in less net income to the Employee after regular tax withholdings are deducted than the net income the Employee would have received if the Sale Event Payments were the highest amount that could be paid to the Employee without incurring such excise tax, then, at the sole discretion of the Employee, the Sale Event Payments made pursuant to this Agreement may be reduced to the amount that would not cause any excise taxes to be payable by Employee.
5.
The capitalized terms in this Amendment Agreement that are not defined herein have the same meaning as in the Employment Agreement. This Amendment Agreement will be effective as of the date this letter is signed by you.
All other terms of your Employment Agreement will continue to govern your employment with Novelion Therapeutics Inc.
Please confirm your agreement to this amendment to your Employment Agreement by signing where indicated below and returning to us a signed copy of this letter. We ask for your response by April ▼, 2017. Please obtain any legal or other advice that you determine is appropriate.
If you have any questions, please contact me.

Yours very truly,
Novelion Services USA. Inc.
[Name]


I agree to the terms and conditions set out above.

_________________________________                  April ________, 2017
[Employee Name]





Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Mary Szela, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Novelion Therapeutics Inc.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:  May 9, 2017  
/s/ Mary Szela 
Name:
Mary Szela
Title:
Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Director






Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Gregory D. Perry, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Novelion Therapeutics Inc.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:  May 9, 2017  
/s/ Gregory D. Perry
Name:
Gregory D. Perry
Title:
Chief Financial and Administrative Officer (principal financial officer)





Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

This certification set forth below is hereby made solely for the purpose of satisfying the requirements of Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and may not be relied upon or used for any other purposes.
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Novelion Therapeutics Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Mary Szela, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge: (1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 or other document authenticating, acknowledging or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
Date: May 9, 2017
/s/ Mary Szela 
 
Name:
Mary Szela
 
Title:
Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Director




Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

This certification set forth below is hereby made solely for the purpose of satisfying the requirements of Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and may not be relied upon or used for any other purposes.
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Novelion Therapeutics Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Gregory D. Perry, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge: (1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 or other document authenticating, acknowledging or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
Date: May 9, 2017
/s/ Gregory D. Perry
 
Name:
Gregory D. Perry
 
Title:
Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer)