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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

                                      

FORM 10-Q

                                      

(Mark One)

 

    Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

For the quarterly period ended March 31,   2015.

 

OR

 

    Transition Report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

For the transition period from ______ to ______.

 

Commission File Number:  001-34810

                                            

PICTURE 1

 

 

Vermillion, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

                                            

 

 

 

Delaware

 

33-0595156

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

12117 Bee Caves Road, Building Three, Suite 100, Austin, Texas

 

78738

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(512) 519-0400

(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    No 

 

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 shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes    No 

 

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.  (Check One):

 

 

 

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

 

 

Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes   No 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.  Yes   No 

 

As of April 30, 2015, the Registrant had 43,115,790 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, outstanding.

 

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VERMILLION, INC.

 

FORM 10-Q

 

Table o f   Contents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page

PART I  

Financial Information

 

Item 1  

Financial Statements

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (unaudited)

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months

 

 

ended March 31, 2015 and  2014 (unaudited)

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (unaudited)

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

Item 2  

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 3  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

15 

Item 4  

Controls and Procedures

15 

PART II  

Other Information

16 

Item 1  

Legal Proceedings

16 

Item 1A  

Risk Factors

17 

Item 6  

Exhibits

17

SIGNATURES  

19

 

Vermillion and OVA1 are registered trademarks of Vermillion, Inc.

 

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PART I - FIN A NCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

Vermillion, Inc.

Consolidated Ba lance Sheets

(Amounts in Thousands, Except Share and Par Value Amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

2015

 

2014

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

17,241 

 

$

22,965 

Accounts receivable

 

160 

 

 

167 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

684 

 

 

526 

Total current assets

 

18,085 

 

 

23,658 

Property and equipment, net

 

492 

 

 

508 

Other assets

 

98 

 

 

Total assets

$

18,675 

 

$

24,174 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

1,295 

 

$

1,123 

Accrued liabilities

 

2,190 

 

 

2,201 

Short-term debt

 

 —

 

 

1,106 

Deferred revenue

 

 —

 

 

489 

Total liabilities

 

3,485 

 

 

4,919 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 3)

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and

 

 

 

 

 

outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively

 

 —

 

 

 —

Common stock, $0.001 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized at March 31, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

  and December 31, 2014; 43,115,790 shares issued and outstanding  

 

 

 

 

 

  at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014

 

43 

 

 

43 

Additional paid-in capital

 

370,757 

 

 

370,685 

Accumulated deficit

 

(355,610)

 

 

(351,473)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

15,190 

 

 

19,255 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

18,675 

 

$

24,174 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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Vermillion, Inc.

Consolidated Stateme nts of Operations

(Amounts in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product

$

635 

 

$

191 

 

License

 

316 

 

 

114 

 

Total revenue

 

951 

 

 

305 

 

Cost of revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product

 

491 

 

 

55 

 

Gross profit

 

460 

 

 

250 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research and development (1)

 

1,105 

 

 

1,153 

 

Sales and marketing (2)

 

2,217 

 

 

2,104 

 

General and administrative (3)

 

1,400 

 

 

988 

 

Total operating expenses

 

4,722 

 

 

4,245 

 

Loss from operations

 

(4,262)

 

 

(3,995)

 

Interest income

 

 

 

14 

 

Other income (expense), net

 

116 

 

 

(6)

 

Net loss

$

(4,137)

 

$

(3,987)

 

Net loss per share - basic and diluted

$

(0.10)

 

$

(0.11)

 

Weighted average common shares used to compute
basic and diluted net loss per common share

 

43,115,790 

 

 

35,827,886 

 

Non-cash stock-based compensation expense included
in operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)  Research and development

$

31 

 

$

40 

 

(2)  Sales and marketing

 

37 

 

 

25 

 

(3)  General and administrative

 

97 

 

 

69 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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Vermillion, Inc.  

Consolidated Stat ements of Cash Flows

(Amounts in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

2015

 

2014

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

$

(4,137)

 

$

(3,987)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Gain on extinguishment of debt

 

(78)

 

 

 -

Non-cash license revenue

 

(316)

 

 

(114)

Depreciation and amortization

 

53 

 

 

27 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

165 

 

 

123 

Warrants issued for services

 

 -

 

 

11 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

 

204 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

(248)

 

 

(356)

Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities

 

202 

 

 

318 

Deferred revenue

 

(173)

 

 

269 

Net cash used in operating activities

 

(4,525)

 

 

(3,505)

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of property and equipment

 

(37)

 

 

(19)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(37)

 

 

(19)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance costs from sale of common stock and warrants

 

(93)

 

 

 -

Repayment of short-term debt

 

(1,069)

 

 

 -

Proceeds from issuance of common stock from exercise of stock options

 

 -

 

 

11 

Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities

 

(1,162)

 

 

11 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(5,724)

 

 

(3,513)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

22,965 

 

 

29,504 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

17,241 

 

$

25,991 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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Vermillion, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated F inancial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

 

1.   ORGANIZATION, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING POLICIES

Organization

 

Vermillion, Inc. (“Vermillion”; Vermillion and its wholly-owned subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the “Company”) is incorporated in the state of Delaware, and is engaged in the business of developing and commercializing diagnostic tests for gynecologic disease.  In March 2010, the Company commercially launched OVA1™ ovarian tumor triage test (“OVA1”). The Company distributes OVA1 through Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (“Quest Diagnostics”) (see Note 2) and through its wholly-owned Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (“CLIA”) certified clinical laboratory, ASPiRA LABS, Inc . (“ASPiRA LABS ”), which opened on June 23, 2014.    

Liquidity

The Company expects cash for OVA tests to be its only material, recurring source of cash in 2015. There can be no assurance that the Company will achieve or sustain profitability or positive cash flow from operations. In addition, there is no assurance of our ability to generate substantial revenues and cash flows from ASPiRA’s operations.

Our management believes that the current working capital position will be sufficient to meet the Company’s working capital needs for at least the next 12 months. However, our management also believes that the successful achievement of our business objectives will require additional financing. We expect to raise capital through a variety of sources, which may include the public equity market, private equity financing, collaborative arrangements, licensing arrangements, and/or public or private debt. If the Company is unable to obtain additional capital over the next year, it may be required to delay, reduce the scope of or eliminate key research and development activities, including a planned registry study, which would eliminate or delay our plans to launch future products. This could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. 

 

Any additional equity financing may be dilutive to stockholders, and debt financing, if available, may involve restrictive covenants and dilution to stockholders. If the Company obtains additional funds through arrangements with collaborators or strategic partners, it may be required to relinquish its rights to certain technologies or products that it might otherwise seek to retain. Additional funding may not be available when needed or on terms acceptable to the Company.

 

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management of the Company, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments necessary for the fair statement of results for the periods presented, have been included. The results of operations of any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full year or any other interim period.

The unaudited consolidated financial statements and related disclosures have been prepared with the presumption that users of the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements have read or have access to the audited consolidated financial statements for the preceding fiscal year. The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 201 4 included in this report has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP. Accordingly, these unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 201 4 , included in Vermillion’s Annual Report on Form 10-K which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 201 5 .

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimated results.

Certain reclassifications of prior year amounts have been made to conform to current year presentation.

Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies

The Company has made no significant changes in its critical accounting policies and estimates from those disclosed in Vermillion’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 201 4 .  

 

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2.   AGREEMENTS WITH QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED

Quest Diagnostics is a holder of the Company’s common stock. In July 2005, the Company entered into a Strategic Alliance Agreement (as amended, the “Strategic Alliance Agreement”) with Quest Diagnostics to develop and commercialize diagnostic tests, including OVA1, from the Company’s product pipeline.  In connection with the Strategic Alliance Agreement, the Company entered into a credit agreement with Quest Diagnostics, pursuant to which Quest Diagnostics provided the Company with a $10,000,000 secured line of credit to be used to pay for certain costs and expenses related to activities under the Strategic Alliance Agreement. This line of credit was collateralized by certain of the Company’s intellectual property assets. The credit agreement provided for the forgiveness of portions of the amounts borrowed under the secured line of credit upon the achievement of certain milestones related to the development, regulatory approval and commercialization of certain diagnostic tests. Through December 31, 2014, the entire loan was either repaid or forgiven except for $1,106,000 which was in dispute. The dispute regarding the balance of the loan was resolved on March 11, 2015 for a payment to Quest Diagnostics totaling $1,069,000 . As a result of this settlement, the Company recognized one-time items during the three months ended March 31, 2015 , including product revenue of $163,000 , license revenue of $202,000 , gain on extinguishment of debt of $78,000 and reversal of other liabilities totaling $37,000 .

Unrelated to the debt dispute described above, in August 2013, the Company sent Quest Diagnostics a notice of termination of the Strategic Alliance Agreement. Notwithstanding the termination, the Company agreed that Quest Diagnostics could continue to make OVA1 available to healthcare providers on the same financial terms following the termination while negotiating in good faith towards an alternative business structure. Quest Diagnostics disputed the effectiveness of the termination. Prior to the termination, Quest Diagnostics had the non-exclusive right to commercialize OVA1 on a worldwide basis, with exclusive commercialization rights in the clinical reference laboratory marketplace in the United States, India, Mexico, and the United Kingdom through September 2014, with the right to extend the exclusivity period for one additional year. O n March 11, 2015, we reached a settlement agreement with Quest Diagnostics that terminated all disputes related to our prior strategic alliance and loan agreements.  We also entered into a new commercial agreement with Quest Diagnostics.  Pursuant to this agreement, as amended on April 10, 2015 (the “New Quest Agreement”), Vermillion’s wholly-owned subsidiary, ASPiRA LABS, will begin to offer OVA1 testing to Quest Diagnostics customers. We expect Quest Diagnostics to transfer all OVA1 U.S. testing services to ASPiRA LABS, starting with 49 states this year, while continuing to provide blood draw and logistics support by transporting specimens from its clients to ASPiRA LABS for testing through March 11, 2017 . Pursuant to the New Quest Agreement , Quest Diagnostics will also continue to offer OVA1 services through its own labs in the remaining state , until ASPiRA LABS has obtained the state approvals required to provide those services.  Quest will receive a fee for collection and logistic support services it provides.  Per the terms of the New Quest Agreement, we will not offer to existing or future Quest Diagnostics customers CA 125-II or other tests that Quest Diagnostics offers.

 

Accounts receivable from Quest Diagnostics under the Strategic Alliance Agreement totaled $160,000 and $167,000 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

 

3.   COMMITMENT AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company leases facilities to support its business of discovering, developing and commercializing diagnostic tests in the fields of gynecologic disease. Vermillion leases its principal facility and CLIA laboratory located near Austin, Texas. The leases include an annual base rent of $130,000 and annual estimated common area charges, taxes and insurance of $62,000 and expire at various times prior to May 31, 2016 .

In April 2015, the Company agreed to purchase two laboratory instruments for a total initial payment of $250,000 and ongoing payments of approximately $7,000 per month for 36 months after delivery. The agreement also requires minimum annual purchases of reagents from the manufacturer of the equipment.

 

4.   STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

2010 Stock Incentive Plan

The Company’s employees, directors, and consultants are eligible to receive awards under the Vermillion, Inc. Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”). The 2010 Plan permits the granting of a variety of awards, including stock options, share appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted share units, unrestricted shares, deferred share units, performance and cash-settled awards, and dividend equivalent rights. The 2010 Plan provides for issuance of up to 3,622,983 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share under the 2010 Plan, subject to adjustment as provided in the 2010 Plan.

Employee Stock-Based Compensation

During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company granted 400,000 stock options with an exercise price of $1.95 per share to the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer.  These stock options vest in 48 equal monthly installments from the date of the grant. The Company also granted 275,000 stock options with an exercise price of $2.08 to certain Vermillion officers and

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45,000 stock options with an exercise price of $1.77 to certain Vermillion employees. These stock options vest 25% on the first anniversary of the grant date, and the remaining stock options vest ratably over the following 36 - month period.

On April 1 ,   2015, the Company granted 150,000 stock options with an exercise price of $1.74 per share to a Vermillion officer.   These stock options vest 25% on the first anniversary of the grant date, and the remaining stock options vest ratably over the following 36 - month period. The April 1, 2015 grant is subject to stockholder approval of an increase of 4,500,000   in the number of shares authorized to be granted under the 2010 Plan. Pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation,” there is no stock-based compensation expense recognized for this stock option grant until approval by the Company’s stockholders of an increase in the number of shares authorized under the 2010 Plan.

The allocation of employee stock-based compensation expense by functional area for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2015

 

2014

 

Research and development

 

$

31 

 

$

40 

 

Sales and marketing

 

 

37 

 

 

25 

 

General and administrative

 

 

97 

 

 

58 

 

Total

 

$

165 

 

$

123 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.   LOSS PER SHARE

The Company calculates basic loss per share using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Because the Company is in a net loss position, diluted loss per share is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and excludes the effects of 7,040,587 and 2,616,490 potential common shares as of March 31, 201 5 and 201 4 , respectively, that are anti - dilutive. Potential common shares include incremental shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants and stock options.

 

 

 

Item 2 .  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Words such as “may,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “plans,” “seeks,” “could,” “should,” “continue,” “will,” “potential,” “projects” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which this report is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and, except as required by law, Vermillion, Inc. (“Vermillion” and, together with its subsidiaries , the “Company”, “we”, “our” or “us”) does not assume any obligation to update, amend or clarify them to reflect events, new information or circumstances occurring after such date. Examples of language found in forward-looking statements include the following:

 

 

·

projections or expectations regarding our future revenue, results of operations and financial condition;

·

our plan to broaden our commercial focus from ovarian cancer to differential diagnosis of women with a range of gynecological disorders;

·

intentions to address clinical questions related to early disease detection, treatment response, monitoring of disease progression, prognosis and other issues in the fields of oncology and women’s health;

·

anticipated efficacy of our products, product development activities and product innovations;

·

plans with respect to ASPiRA LABS, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary (“ASPiRA LABS”), including plans regarding the migration of OVA1 testing from Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (“ Quest Diagnostics ”) to ASPiRA LABS, and obtaining the requisite state licensure to support this migration;

·

plans with respect to OVA2 and OvaX;

·

plans to develop and implement laboratory development tests (“LDTs”) at ASPiRA LABS;

·

expectations regarding existing and future collaborations and partnerships;

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·

achieving milestones in product development and pending regulatory submissions;

·

our ability to commercialize OVA1 in other countries;

·

anticipated future losses and our ability to continue as a going concern ;

·

expected levels of expenditures;  

·

expected market adoption of our diagnostic tests, including OVA1;

·

the amount of financing anticipated to be required to fund our planned operations; and

·

our expected reimbursement for our products, and our ability to obtain such reimbursement, from third-party payers such as private insurance companies and government insurance plans.

 

Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements due to various factors, including our ability to increase the volume of OVA1 sales; our ability to market our test through sales channels other than Quest Diagnostics including ASPiRA LABS; uncertainty in how we recognize future revenue following termination of the Quest Diagnostics Strategic Alliance Agreement; failures by third-party payers to reimburse OVA1 or changes or variances in reimbursement rates; our ability to secure additional capital on acceptable terms to execute our business plan; our ability to commercialize OVA1 outside the United States; in the event that we succeed in commercializing OVA1 outside the United States, the political, economic and other conditions affecting other countries (including foreign exchange rates); our ability to develop and commercialize additional diagnostic products and achieve market acceptance with respect to these products; our ability to compete successfully; our ability to obtain any regulatory approval required for our future diagnostic products; our or our suppliers’ ability to comply with United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) requirements for production, marketing and post-market monitoring of our products; our ability to maintain sufficient or acceptable supplies of immunoassay kits from our suppliers; our ability to continue to develop, protect and promote our proprietary technologies; future litigation against us, including infringement of intellectual property and product liability exposure; our ability to retain key employees; business interruptions; legislative actions resulting in higher compliance costs; changes in healthcare policy; our ability to comply with environmental laws; our ability to generate sufficient demand for ASPiRA LABS’ services to cover its operating costs; our ability to comply with the additional laws and regulations that apply to us in connection with the operation of ASPiRA LABS; and our ability to obtain any FDA clearance or approval required to develop and perform LDTs.   We believe it is important to communicate our expectations to our investors. However, there may be events in the future that we are not able to accurately predict or that we do not fully control that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements.

Overview

Corporate Vision:  To drive the advancement of women’s health by providing innovative methods to detect, monitor and manage the treatment of gynecologic disease – both benign and malignant cancers as well as other gynecologic diseases.

We have expanded our corporate strategy with the goal of transforming Vermillion from a technology license company to a diagnostic service and bio-analytic solutions provider.  Our plan is to broaden our commercial focus from ovarian cancer to differential diagnosis of women with a range of gynecological disorders. Our strategy will be deployed in three phases.  The three phases are a rebuild phase, which we expect to complete in the third quarter of 2015, a transformation phase, which is ongoing and is expected to span 2015, and a market expansion and growth phase, which we expect to begin in 2016.  

During the first phase, we expanded our leadership team by hiring new heads of sales and customer experience, managed markets, marketing,   operations, a chief medical officer, a   chief information officer and a chief executive officer. In addition, we expanded our commercial strategy, reestablished medical and advisory support, rebuilt our patient advocacy strategy and established a billing system and a payer strategy outside of our relationship with Quest Diagnostics.  During the second phase, we plan to obtain licensure of ASPiRA LABS in all 50 states, establish our own payer coverage for OVA1 and launch a second-generation OVA1 test, known as OVA2 (predicated on receipt of FDA approval). In the third phase , we plan to commercialize OVA2 by utilizing the full national licensure of ASPiRA LABS, managed care coverage in select markets, our sales force and existing customer base .  Unlike OVA1, OVA2 uses a global testing platform, which will allow OVA2 to be deployed internationally.  We also plan to demonstrate proof of concept for a LDT   product series, which we refer to internally as OvaX. We anticipate that OvaX will include not only biomarkers, but also clinical risk factors and patient history data in order to boost predictive value.

Mission Statement:  We are dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of novel high-value diagnostic and bio-analytical solutions that help physicians diagnose, treat and improve outcomes for women. Our tests are intended to detect, characterize and stage disease, and to help guide decisions regarding patient treatment, which may include decisions to refer patients to specialists, to perform additional testing, or to assist in monitoring response to therapy. A distinctive feature of our approach is to combine multiple biomarkers, other modalities and diagnostics, clinical risk factors and patient data into a single, reportable index score that has higher diagnostic accuracy than its constituents.  We concentrate our development of novel diagnostic tests for gynecologic disease, with an initial focus on ovarian cancer. We also intend to address clinical questions related to early disease

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detection, treatment response, monitoring of disease progression, prognosis and others through collaborations with leading academic and clinical research institutions.

Strategy:

We are focused on the execution of four core strategic business drivers in ovarian cancer diagnostics to build long-term value for our investors:

 

·

Maximizing the existing OVA1 opportunity in the United States by expanding our direct market reach beyond our current commercial agreement with Quest Diagnostics and taking the lead in payer coverage and commercialization of OVA1. This strategy includes the launch of a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (“ CLIA”) certified clinical laboratory, ASPiRA LABS, in June 2014;

 

·

Improving OVA1 performance by seeking FDA clearance of a potentially better performing biomarker panel while migrating OVA1 to a global testing platform, thus allowing for better domestic market penetration and international expansion;

 

·

Building an expanded patient base by launching a next generation multi-marker ovarian cancer test to monitor patients at risk for ovarian cancer; and

 

·

Expanding our product offerings by adding additional gynecologic bio-analytic solutions involving biomarkers, other modalities (e.g. , imaging), clinical risk factors and patient data to aid diagnosis and risk stratification of women presenting with pelvic mass disease.

 

We believe that these business drivers will contribute significantly to addressing unmet medical needs for women faced with gynecologic disease and other conditions and the continued development of our business.

Business:

Our lead product, OVA1, is a blood test designed to identify women who are at high risk of having a malignant ovarian tumor prior to surgery.  The FDA cleared OVA1 in September 2009 , and we commercially launched OVA1 in March 2010. We have completed development and validation work on a second-generation biomarker panel intended to maintain our product’s high sensitivity while improving specificity. We submitted our 510(k) clearance application to the FDA on March 6, 2015, with the goal of commencing the marketing and sale of the panel in the second half of 2015.  The product uses the Roche Cobas platform.

OVA1 addresses a clear clinical need, namely the presurgical identification of women who are at high risk of having a malignant ovarian tumor. Numerous studies have documented the benefit of referral of these women to gynecologic oncologists for their initial surgery. Prior to the clearance of OVA1, no blood test had been cleared by the FDA for physicians to use in the presurgical management of ovarian adnexal masses. OVA1 is a qualitative   serum test that utilizes five well-established biomarkers and proprietary software cleared as part of the OVA1 510(k) to determine the likelihood of malignancy in women over age 18, with a pelvic mass for whom surgery is planned. OVA1 should not be used without an independent clinical/radiological evaluation and is not intended to be a screening test or to determine whether a patient should proceed to surgery.  Incorrect use of OVA1 carries the risk of unnecessary testing, surgery and/or delayed diagnosis. OVA1 was developed through large pre-clinical studies in collaboration with numerous academic medical centers encompassing over 2,500 clinical samples. OVA1 was fully validated in a prospective multi-center clinical trial encompassing 27 sites reflective of the diverse nature of the clinical centers at which ovarian adnexal masses are evaluated.

 

In June 2014, Vermillion launched ASPiRA LABS, a CLIA certified national laboratory based near Austin, Texas, which specializes in applying biomarker-based technologies, to address critical needs in the management of gynecologic cancers. ASPiRA LABS provides expert diagnostic services using a state-of-the-art biomarker-based diagnostic algorithm to inform clinical decision making and advance personalized treatment plans. In addition, ASPiRA LABS, seeks to serve as an educational and resource hub for healthcare professionals and women facing surgery for potentially-cancerous ovarian masses and other related gynecologic conditions. The lab currently processes our OVA1 test, and we expect the lab to process the CA 125 - II test in the future in specific markets.  We plan to expand the testing provided by ASPiRA LABS to other gynecologic conditions with high unmet need.  We also plan to develop and perform LDTs at ASPiRA LABS.  ASPiRA LABS currently holds a temporary CLIA Certificate of Registration and a state laboratory license in California and Rhode Island. ASPiRA LABS is in the process of obtaining a full Certificate of Accreditation and state laboratory licensure in New York, Maryland and Pennsylvania.    The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a provider number to ASPiRA LABS on March 5, 2015.  

We terminated our Strategic Alliance Agreement with Quest Diagnostics in August 2013.  Prior to the termination , Quest Diagnostics had the right to be the exclusive clinical reference laboratory marketplace provider of OVA1 tests in its exclusive territory, which included the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom and India.  As part of the termination, we agreed that Quest Diagnostics could continue to make OVA1 available to healthcare providers under legacy financial terms following the termination

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while negotiating in good faith towards an alternative business structure .  Quest Diagnostics disputed the effectiveness of such termination.

 

O n March 11, 2015, we reached a settlement agreement with Quest Diagnostics that terminated all disputes related to our prior strategic alliance and loan agreements with Quest Diagnostics.  We also entered into a new commercial agreement with Quest Diagnostics.  Pursuant to this agreement, as amended on April 10, 2015 (the “New Quest Agreement”), Vermillion’s wholly-owned subsidiary, ASPiRA LABS, will begin to offer OVA1 testing to Quest Diagnostics customers. We expect Quest Diagnostics to transfer all OVA1 U.S. testing services to ASPiRA LABS, starting with 49 states this year, while continuing to provide blood draw and logistics support by transporting specimens from its clients to ASPiRA LABS for testing for a period of two years from the date of the New Quest Agreement. Pursuant to the agreement, Quest Diagnostics will also continue to offer OVA1 services through its own labs in the remaining state , until ASPiRA LABS has obtained the state approvals required to provide those services.  Quest will receive a fee for collection and logistic support services it provides.  Per the terms of the New Quest Agreement , we will not offer to existing or future Quest Diagnostics customers CA 125-II or other tests that Quest Diagnostics offers.

On March 27, 2015, we announced initial results from a landmark cost-effectiveness analysis study which was presented in a poster at the Annual Meeting of the American College of Medical Quality in Alexandria, Virginia.  The study was co-authored by Dr. Robert E. Bristow and Dr. Gareth K. Forde, clinicians at the UC Irvine and Dr. John Hornberger, a leading health economist at Stanford University School of Medicine. The new study, entitled: “Cost Effectiveness Analysis of a Multivariate Index Assay compared to Modified ACOG Criteria and CA-125 in the Triage of Women with Adnexal Masses”, compared the cost-effectiveness of triaging ovarian masses using OVA1 versus two important clinical benchmarks: the CA-125 biomarker and the modified ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) guideline for ovarian cancer risk assessment.

 

Study endpoints included treatment costs, quality-adjusted life-years (or QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (called ICER). The health economic model utilized OVA1 performance data from the OVA500 prospective trial, published survival, cost and QALY parameters, and a best-practice patient management decision tree. In the model, OVA1 was life-extending and QALY-increasing relative to CA-125 and modified ACOG. OVA1 use in the model resulted in fewer re-operations and pre-treatment CT scans than modified ACOG or CA-125. OVA1 also proved cost effective relative to the $50,000 accepted industry ICER threshold, at about $12,000 per QALY compared to CA125 and $35,000 per QALY versus modified ACOG. These results offer evidence of the value of OVA1 in clinical practice and suggest areas where future clinical utility may be established in future.

 

On April 14, 2015, we announced the initiation of a strategic collaboration with Kaiser Permanente's Southern California Permanente Medical Group in order to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. The ultimate goal of this collaboration is to create a "best practice" for identification and "first time right" treatment of patients with ovarian cancer. The first phase of this partnership is focused on retrospective benchmarking of ovarian cancer care study across the Kaiser-Permanente system in Southern California. The study will be directed from within the Women and Children’s Service Line of Kaiser Permanente, Orange County. Subsequent phases include the future opportunity to collaborate further in identifying a role for innovative diagnostics, such as OVA1 and succeeding second generation tests, in informing ovarian cancer treatment decisions to better serve patients and optimize the effectiveness of healthcare delivery.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates as disclosed in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 .

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Results of Operations - Three Months Ended March 31, 201 5 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 201 4

The selected summary financial and operating data of the Company for the three months ended March 31 , 201 5 and 201 4 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Increase (Decrease)

(dollars in thousands)

 

2015

 

2014

 

Amount

 

%  

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product

 

$

635 

 

$

191 

 

$

444 

 

232 

License

 

 

316 

 

 

114 

 

 

202 

 

177 

Total revenue

 

 

951 

 

 

305 

 

 

646 

 

212 

Cost of revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product

 

 

491 

 

 

55 

 

 

436 

 

793 

Gross profit

 

 

460 

 

 

250 

 

 

210 

 

84 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research and development

 

 

1,105 

 

 

1,153 

 

 

(48)

 

(4)

Sales and marketing

 

 

2,217 

 

 

2,104 

 

 

113 

 

General and administrative

 

 

1,400 

 

 

988 

 

 

412 

 

42 

Total operating expenses

 

 

4,722 

 

 

4,245 

 

 

477 

 

11 

Loss from operations

 

 

(4,262)

 

 

(3,995)

 

 

(267)

 

Interest income

 

 

 

 

14 

 

 

(5)

 

(36)

Other income (expense), net

 

 

116 

 

 

(6)

 

 

122 

 

(2,033)

Net loss

 

$

(4,137)

 

$

(3,987)

 

$

(150)

 

 

 

 

Product Revenue .  Product revenue was $635,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $191,000 for the same period in 201 4 .  Revenue for the three month s   ended March 31 , 2015 included product revenue of $ 446 ,000 related to OVA1 tests performed by Quest Diagnostics.  As a result of our March 11, 2015 agreement with Quest Diagnostics, we now realize all product revenue at the time the OVA1 test is performed. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we recognized product revenue for the sale of OVA1 through Quest Diagnostics at   only a $50 fixed fee per test. The number of OVA1 tests performed by Quest Diagnostics decreased 7 % to approximately 3,5 67 OVA1 tests during the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to approximately 3,817 OVA1 tests for the same period in 2014. In addition, ASPiRA LABS performed 216 OVA1 tests during the three months ended March 31, 2015.  Total OVA1 tests performed during the three months ended March 31, 2015 were 3,783. Product revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2015 also included the one-time recognition of $16 3,000 in deferred product revenue upon the signing of the New Quest Agreement on March 11, 2015. We expect product revenue to decrease in the second quarter of 2015 as we transition volume from Quest Diagnostics to ASPiRA LABS .  ASPiRA LABS recognizes revenue on the cash basis and thus recognition of revenue lags the performance of an OVA1 test.  In addition, we do not expect any one-time revenue items in the second quarter of 2015.

License Revenue .  License revenue was $316,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $114,000 for the same period in 2014.  Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2015 included recognition of all remaining deferred license revenue upon the signing of the New Quest Agreement on March 11, 2015 as the period of Quest Diagnostics exclusivity was formally ended. We do not expect to recognize any license revenue in future quarters.

Cost of Revenue.  Cost of product revenue was $ 491,000   for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $ 55 ,000 for the same period in 2014. The $ 436,000 incr ease is related to the ongoing costs of operating ASPiRA LABS.   We expect the cost of revenue to increase significantly in future periods due to ongoing costs of operating ASPiRA LABS and performing higher volumes of OVA1 test ing .  

Research and Development Expenses .  Research and development expenses represent costs incurred to develop our technology and carry out clinical studies, and include personnel-related expenses, regulatory costs, reagents and supplies used in research and development laboratory work, infrastructure expenses, contract services and other outside costs.  Research and development expenses also include costs related to activities performed under contracts with our collaborators and strategic partners. Research and development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2015   decreased $ 4 8 ,000 , or 4 % compared to the same period in 2014 . This decrease was primarily due to a decline in costs associated with our collaboration with Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine   after we completed the development of OVA2 , but was partially offset by $ 37,000   of internal investment in on-site and off-site R&D activities to fuel our 2015 and 2016 pipeline. We expect research and development expense to increase in future periods as we continue to invest in our product pipeline , including initiation of a new clinical registry study.

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Sales and Marketing Expenses .  Our sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of personnel-related expenses, education and promotional expenses, and infrastructure expenses.  These expenses include the costs of educating physicians, laboratory personnel and other healthcare professionals regarding OVA1. Sales and marketing expenses also include the costs of sponsoring continuing medical education, medical meeting participation, and dissemination of scientific and health economic publications. Sales and marketing expenses increased $ 113,000 , or 5 %, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 . The increase was primarily due to expenses incurred as a result of our   health economics and outcomes studies in 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 .  

General and Administrative Expenses .  General and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel-related expenses, professional fees and other costs, including legal, finance and accounting expenses and other infrastructure expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by $ 412,000 , or 42 %, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 . The change was due to an   increase in personnel costs as we added three core positions ,   one-time severance expenses, legal expenses ,   and costs associated with billing for tests performed by ASPiRA Labs .  

Other Income (Expense), Net .  Other income was $116,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to other expense of $6,000 in the same period in 2014.  Other income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 related to recognition of one-time items related to the March 11, 2015 agreement with Quest Diagnostics.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We plan to continue to expend resources in the selling and marketing of OVA1 and developing additional diagnostic tests.

We have incurred significant net losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception. At March 31, 2015 , we had an accumulated deficit of $ 355,6 10 ,000 and stockholders’ equity of $ 15,19 0 ,000 . As of March 31, 2015 , we had $ 17,241,000 of cash and cash equivalents and $ 3,48 5 ,000 of current liabilities.

The Company expects cash for OVA tests to be its only material, recurring source of cash in 2015. There can be no assurance that the Company will achieve or sustain profitability or positive cash flow from operations. In addition, there is no assurance of our ability to generate substantial revenues and cash flows from ASPiRA’s operations.

Our management believes that the current working capital position will be sufficient to meet the Company’s working capital needs for at least the next 12 months. However, our management also believes that the successful achievement of our business objectives will require additional financing. We expect to raise capital through a variety of sources, which may include the public equity market, private equity financing, collaborative arrangements, licensing arrangements, and/or public or private debt. If the Company is unable to obtain additional capital over the next year, it may be required to delay, reduce the scope of or eliminate key research and development activities, including a planned registry study, which would eliminate or delay our plans to launch future products. This could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. 

 

Any additional equity financing may be dilutive to stockholders, and debt financing, if available, may involve restrictive covenants and dilution to stockholders. If the Company obtains additional funds through arrangements with collaborators or strategic partners, it may be required to relinquish its rights to certain technologies or products that it might otherwise seek to retain. Additional funding may not be available when needed or on terms acceptable to the Company.

Cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , were $ 17,241,000 and $ 22,965,000 respectively.  Working capital was $ 14,6 0 0 ,000 and $ 18,739,000 at March 31, 2015 and December 31,  2014 respectively.

Net cash used in operating activities was $ 4,525,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015   resulting primarily from the net loss reported of $ 4,137 ,000 and non-cash license revenue of $316,000

Net cash used in operating activities was $3,505,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 resulting primarily from the net loss reported of $3,987,000 partially offset by changes in assets and liabilities of $435,000.

N et cash used in investing activities of $37,000 and $19,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, resulted from purchases of property and equipment .  

Net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 resulted from the repayment of short-term debt of $1,069,000 and offering expenses incurred of $ 93,000 .   Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $11,000 , which consists of proceeds from stock option exercises. 

Our future liquidity and capital requirements will depend upon many factors, including, among others:

  

·

resources devoted to sales, marketing and distribution capabilities;

·

the rate of product adoption by physicians and patients;

·

the insurance payer community’s acceptance of and reimbursement for OVA1;

·

the successful launch of OVA2;

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·

our plans to acquire or invest in other products, technologies and businesses; and

·

the market price of our common stock.

 

We have significant net operating loss (“NOL”) credit carryforwards as of March 31, 2015 for which a full valuation allowance has been provided due to our history of operating losses. Our ability to use our net NOL credit carryforwards may be restricted due to ownership change limitations occurring in the past or that could occur in the future, as required by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, as well as similar state provisions. These ownership changes may also limit the amount of NOL credit carryforwards that can be utilized annually to offset future taxable income and tax, respectively.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of March 31, 2015 , we had no off-balance sheet arrangements that are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

 

 

 

Item  3 .

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Per Item 305(e) of Regulation S-K, information is not required.

 

 

 

Item  4.

Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

Our senior management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, performed an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of March 31, 201 5 . Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Accounting Officer have concluded that as of March 31, 201 5 , our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in internal controls over financial reporting.

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item  1 .

Legal Proceedings

 

In the ordinary course of business, we may periodically become subject to legal proceedings and claims arising in connection with ongoing business activities. The results of litigation and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, and unfavorable resolutions are possible and could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial position. In addition, regardless of the outcome, litigation could have an adverse impact on us because of defense costs, diversion of management resources and other factors. While the outcome of these proceedings and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, there are no matters, as of March 31, 201 5 , that, in the opinion of management, will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

There have been no material changes to our risk factors from those disclosed under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10 K filed with the SEC for the year ended December 31, 201 4  (our “201 4 Annual Report”).  The risks and uncertainties in our 201 4 Annual Report are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

 

  Item 6 .   Exhibits

 

(a)   The following exhibits are filed or incorporated by reference with this report as indicated below :  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit

 

 

 

Incorporated by Reference

 

Filed

Number

 

Exhibit Description

 

Form

 

File No.

 

Exhibit

 

Filing Date

 

Herewith

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.1

 

Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vermillion, Inc. dated January 22, 2010

 

8-K

 

000-31617

 

3.1 

 

January 25, 2010

 

 

3.2

 

Certificate of Amendment of Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, effective June 19, 2014

 

10-Q

 

001-34810

 

3.2 

 

August 14, 2014

 

 

3.3

 

Fifth Amended and Restated Bylaws of Vermillion, Inc., effective June 19 ,   2014

 

10 - Q

 

001-34810

 

3.3 

 

August 14, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.1

 

Employment Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2015, by and between Vermillion, Inc. and Fred Ferrara #

 

8-K

 

001-34810

 

10.1 

 

April 6, 2015

 

 

10.2

 

Employment Agreement, dated as of January 7, 2015, by and between Vermillion, Inc. and Laura Miller #

 

8-K

 

001-34810

 

10.1 

 

January 13, 2015

 

 

10.3

 

Employment Agreement, effective as of January 1, 2015, by and between Vermillion, Inc. and Valerie B. Palmieri #

 

8-K

 

001-34810

 

99.1 

 

December 17, 2015

 

 

10.4

 

Global Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release, dated as of March 11, 2015 , by and between Vermillion, Inc. , ASPiRA LABS, Inc. and Quest Diagnostics Incorporated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

10.5

 

Testing and Services Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2015, by and between Vermillion, Inc., ASPiRA LABS, Inc. and Quest Diagnostics Incorporated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

10.6

 

Amendment No. 1 to the Testing Services Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2015, by and between Vermillion, Inc., ASPiRA LABS, Inc. and Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, dated as of April 10, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

10.7

 

Non-Exclusive License Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2015, by and between Quest Diagnostics Clinical Laboratories, Inc., Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, Vermillion, Inc. and ASPiRA LABS, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

17

 

 


 

31.1

 

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

31.2

 

Certification of the Chief Accounting Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

32.1

 

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Accounting Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  X

101

 

Interactive Data Files

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

 

 

Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are documents formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language). Users of this data are advised that, pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the interactive data file is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act and is otherwise not subject to liability under these sections.

 

 

 

 

(1)

Furnished herewith

 

 

#

Management contracts or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

 

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SIGN A TURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

Vermillion, Inc.

Date:  May 11 ,   2015

 

 

/s/ Valerie B. Palmieri

 

Valerie B. Palmieri

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Date:  May 11 ,   2015

 

 

/s/ Eric J. Schoen

 

Eric J. Schoen

Vice President, Finance and Chief Accounting Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

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Exhibit 10. 4

 

GLOBAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND MUTUAL RELEASE

This Settlement Agreement (“Settlement Agreement”) is made and entered into as of March 11, 2015 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Vermillion, Inc., a Delaware corporation (formerly known as Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc.), and ASPiRA Labs, a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Vermillion, Inc. (collectively “Vermillion”) on the one hand and Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, a Delaware corporation on the other hand.  Vermillion and Quest Diagnostics are sometimes individually referred to herein as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.” 

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Vermillion, Inc. and Quest Diagnostics entered into a Strategic Alliance Agreement dated July 22, 2005, which the Parties amended in writing through five separate amendments each entitled as follows: Amendment No. 1 to Strategic Alliance Agreement dated as of July 22, 2005; Amendment No. 2 to Strategic Alliance Agreement dated as of October 24, 2008; Amendment to Strategic Alliance Agreement dated as of October 7, 2009; Amendment No. 4 to Strategic Alliance Agreement dated as of September 10, 2010; and Amendment No. 5 to Strategic Alliance Agreement dated as of April 2, 2011 (collectively the “SAA”);

WHEREAS, the Parties also entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of July 22, 2005 whereby Quest Diagnostics acquired shares of Vermillion, Inc.’s common stock;

WHEREAS, on or about July 22, 2005 the Parties entered in a Credit Agreement (as amended), Promissory Note and Patent Security Agreement (collectively “Loan Documents”) whereby, among other things, Quest Diagnostics loaned Vermillion, Inc. the sum of $10,000,000 and Vermillion, Inc. provided certain collateral to secure said loan;

WHEREAS, the Parties entered into the January 12, 2006 Memorialization Agreement clarifying Quest Diagnostics’ rights to exercise options under the July 22, 2005 Stock Purchase Agreement;

WHEREAS, the Parties entered into an August 23, 2007 Securities Purchase Agreement whereby Quest Diagnostics entered into a $2,000,000 subscription for Vermillion, Inc. stock and warrants;

WHEREAS, on or about August 29, 2007 the Parties entered into a Registration Rights Agreement concerning the registration of shares under both the Stock Purchase Agreement and the Securities Purchase Agreement ;


 

WHEREAS, the Loan Documents were amended as part of the October 7, 2009 amendment to the SAA;

WHEREAS, on September 11, 2009 the FDA cleared Vermillion, Inc.’s OVA1 test that had been developed under the provisions of the SAA and Quest Diagnostics began offering the OVA1 test to patients and paying royalties to Vermillion, Inc. as provided under the SAA;

WHEREAS, Quest Diagnostics began making royalty payments to the Regents of the University of California (the “Regents”) after the Regents asserted a claim that the OVA1 test was covered under the pending claims of one or more of its patent applications, which were and are licensed to Quest Diagnostics under an existing agreement with the Regents and which certain of such applications have issued as one or more granted patents;

WHEREAS, certain disputes arose between the Parties including, but not limited to, (i) whether Vermillion, Inc. was entitled to a $1,000,000 credit against the amounts due under the Credit Agreement; (ii) whether Vermillion, Inc. was in breach of the Credit Agreement by not paying all amounts due at the maturity date; (iii) whether Quest Diagnostics was in breach of the Patent Security Agreement by not releasing its collateral after Vermillion, Inc.’s demand; (iv) whether Quest Diagnostics had paid the correct amount of royalty payments to Vermillion, Inc. under the SAA; (v) whether Quest Diagnostics or Vermillion, Inc. breached the SAA; (vi) whether Quest Diagnostics could deduct the royalty payments it paid to the Regents from the royalty payments Quest Diagnostics paid to Vermillion, Inc. under the SAA; and (vii) whether Vermillion, Inc. was within their rights to purport to terminate the SAA in 2013;

WHEREAS, Quest Diagnostics had made demand on Vermillion, Inc. to remove all restrictive legends including, but not limited to, the Rule 144 legend from the Vermillion, Inc. stock certificates held by Quest Diagnostics so that Quest Diagnostics can freely sell those shares to the public;

WHEREAS, contemporaneously with the execution of this Settlement Agreement the Parties are entering into a Testing and Services Agreement in substantially the same form as the document attached hereto as Exhibit A;

WHEREAS, contemporaneously with the execution of this Settlement Agreement the Parties are entering into a Non-Exclusive License Agreement in substantially the same form as the document attached hereto as Exhibit B while they negotiate with the Regents for different license terms, which, if successful, will be incorporated into the Non-Exclusive License Agreement by amendment; and

WHEREAS, without any Party admitting any liability to any other Party, the Parties now wish to enter into this Settlement Agreement and completely resolve all known and unknown claims between them including, but not limited to, those recited above.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

1 . No Admission .  This Settlement Agreement is entered into for purposes of settlement and compromise of the disputed claims.  Nothing contained in this Settlement


 

Agreement, or done or omitted in connection with this Settlement Agreement, is intended as or shall be construed as an admission of or by any Party of any fault, liability or wrongdoing whatsoever.

 

2 . Vermillion Release .  Vermillion, on their own behalf and on behalf of their affiliates, officers, directors, managers, shareholders, employees, agents and attorneys covenant not to sue and do hereby fully release, discharge Quest Diagnostics and its affiliates, officers, directors, managers, shareholders, employees, agents, and attorneys from any and all liabilities, claims, actions, causes of action or suits, presently asserted or unasserted, accrued or unaccrued, past, present or future, known or unknown of any kind or nature that Vermillion had, now have, or may have, or could claim to have anywhere in the world that arose from the beginning of the world to the Effective Date (collectively “Vermillion Claims”) including, but not limited to, Vermillion Claims that relate in any way to any acts, omissions, statements, or events that occurred at any time before the Effective Date of this Settlement Agreement and that  in any way relate directly or indirectly to the Agreements or to any other agreements entered into by and between the Parties prior to the Effective Date.  The foregoing release is expressly intended to cover and include, without limitation, all claims, past, present or future, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, which can or may ever be asserted by successors, assigns, heirs, or otherwise, as the result of the matters herein released, or the effects or consequences thereof.  The foregoing release does not apply to the obligations under this Settlement Agreement or acts or omissions occurring after the Effective Date of this Settlement Agreement including, but not limited to, the obligations under the Testing and Services Agreement and Non-Exclusive License Agreement, each bearing the same effective date as this Settlement Agreement.

 

3. Quest Diagnostics Release Quest Diagnostics, on its own behalf and on behalf of its affiliates, officers, directors, managers, shareholders, employees, agents and attorneys covenants not to sue and does  hereby fully release, discharge Vermillion and their affiliates, officers, directors, managers, shareholders, employees, agents, and attorneys from any and all liabilities, claims, actions, causes of action or suits, presently asserted or unasserted, accrued or unaccrued, past, present or future, known or unknown of any kind or nature that it had, now has, or may have, or could claim to have anywhere in the world that arose from the beginning of the world to the Effective Date (collectively “Quest Claims”) including, but not limited to, Quest Claims that relate in any way to any acts, omissions, statements, or events that occurred that at any time before the Effective Date of this Settlement Agreement and that in any way relate directly or indirectly to the Agreements or to any other agreements entered into by and between the Parties prior to the Effective Date.  The foregoing release is expressly intended to cover and include, without limitation, all claims, past, present or future, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, which can or may ever be asserted by successors, assigns, heirs, or otherwise, as the result of the matters herein released, or the effects or consequences thereof.  The foregoing release does not apply to the obligations under this Settlement Agreement or acts or omissions occurring after the Effective Date of this Settlement Agreement including, but not limited to, the obligations under the Testing and Services Agreement and Non-Exclusive License Agreement, each bearing the same effective date as this Settlement Agreement.

 

4 . Unknown Claims.  The Parties expressly acknowledge and agree that this Settlement Agreement fully and finally releases and forever resolves all claims either may have


 

against the other including those that are unknown, unanticipated or unsuspected or that may hereafter arise as a result of the discovery of new and/or additional facts.  The Parties acknowledge and understand the significance and potential consequences of their release of unknown claims.

 

5. Credits .  As calculated in Paragraph 6 below, Quest Diagnostics shall credit the amounts payable under the Loan Documents and this Settlement Agreement by $30,000 to compensate Vermillion for audit costs incurred in connection with Vermillion’s May 23, 2013 audit request.  Quest Diagnostics shall also provide a credit of up to $100,000 with respect to any royalty payments due under the Non-Exclusive License Agreement as more fully set forth therein.

 

6. Payment .  Within one day of the Effective Date, Vermillion, Inc. shall pay to Quest Diagnostics in good funds the cash sum of $1,069,000 ($1,099,000 due under the Loan Documents less the $30,000 Audit Fee) (the “Payment”) pursuant to the following wire instructions.  Said funds shall be wired to Quest Diagnostics by 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time for delivery on the day following the Effective Date as follows:

Bank Name: Bank of New York
Bank Address: One Wall Street, New York, NY 10286
ABA Number: 021000018
Account Number 8901114308
Account Name: Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
Account Address: 3 Giralda Farms, Madison, NJ 07940
Swift Code:  IRVTUS3N

Vermillion, Inc. shall provide written confirmation that the Payment has been wired to Quest Diagnostics before Quest Diagnostics shall deliver its executed copy of this Settlement Agreement to Vermillion. 

 

7. Delivery

 

7.1.     Upon receipt of the Payment by Quest Diagnostics, Quest Diagnostics shall deliver to Vermillion a UCC-3 statement releasing all collateral under the Loan Documents in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit C.

7.2.     On the Effective Date Quest Diagnostics shall deliver all certificates representing all of Vermillion, Inc. common stock held by Quest Diagnostics (“Quest Shares”) to Vermillion, Inc.  Recognizing that time is of the essence, Vermillion, Inc. shall deliver, as soon as reasonably possible, new original   stock certificates representing the Quest Shares free and clear of all restrictive legends and otherwise in a form that permits the unrestricted sale of the Quest Shares to Vermillion’s Transfer Agent, together with such signatures and acknowledgements as the Transfer Agent may require, with direction (i) to register the Quest Shares with the Depository Trust Company in the customary form and (ii) to credit the brokerage account of Quest Diagnostics Clinical Laboratories, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Quest Diagnostics, as beneficial owner.  Quest Diagnostics shall identify the specific brokerage account location and number on or after the Effective Date.  Subject to Paragraph 8, Quest Diagnostics may take all steps Quest Diagnostics deems appropriate to facilitate the trading of Quest Shares. 


 

7.3.     Contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Settlement Agreement, each Party shall execute and deliver to the other a Testing and Services Agreement in substantially the same form as the document attached hereto as Exhibit A.

 

7.4.     Contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Settlement Agreement, each Party shall execute and deliver to the other a Non-Exclusive License Agreement in substantially the same form as the document attached hereto as Exhibit B.  The Parties shall also make a good faith effort to reach an agreement with the Regents relating to a Non-Exclusive License Agreement for at least 90 days from the Effective Date.  If such agreement is reached, the Parties shall modify the Non-Exclusive License Agreement accordingly.

 

8. Quest Shares Purchase Program and Lockup. 

 

8.1.  Vermillion, Inc. shall make a good faith effort to introduce potential purchasers of the Quest Shares to Quest Diagnostics.

 

8.2.  During the 90 days following the Effective Date, Quest Diagnostics shall not offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge, grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of any Quest Shares.  At the expiration of the 90 day period, Quest Diagnostics may sell the Quest Shares in its sole and absolute discretion.

 

9. Return or Destruction of Customer Information.  Within 30 days of the Effective Date Vermillion shall identify and return or destroy all records and materials including electronic data in Vermillion’s possession or control containing Quest Diagnostics’ customer information, including, but not limited to: name, location, marketing or sales data (both general data and data related to a specific customer), documents relating to one or more customers, past orders, order histories, communications to and from customers in all forms (electronic, email, paper, voice, etc.), financial or pricing information, business, sales or marketing plans, sales or marketing techniques, projections, other business information, confidential information belonging to any customer, billing and collection reports and histories, any materials that Vermillion or Quest Diagnostics received from a Quest customer, all summaries of any and all such information, and all other customer information (“Quest Customer Information”), provided that Vermillion may retain (i) an archival copy of such Quest Customer Information, (ii) any and all such Quest Customer Information as it is required to retain by applicable laws and regulations, and (iii) the last electronic copy of customer level information received by Vermillion for the period ending June 30, 2014, which shall be returned or destroyed within 30 days after Vermillion publically reports their 2015 financial results.  Except as provided above, within the same 30 day time period and such later period as specified above under (iii), Vermillion shall also deliver a written, unconditional certification under oath that Vermillion have permanently destroyed all electronic data containing Quest Customer Information and that all other Quest Customer Information has also been destroyed or returned to Quest Diagnostics.  A copy of this certificate is attached here to as Exhibit D. 

 

10. Termination of Past Agreements .  Notwithstanding any notice or any other contract provisions to the contrary including, but not limited to, contract provisions purporting to


 

provide for the survival of obligations after termination, the Agreements and all other agreements entered into by and between the Parties prior to the Effective Date are hereby terminated as of the Effective Date and are no longer of any force or effect. 

 

11. Mutual Representations and Warranties .  Each Party and each Person signing this Settlement Agreement on behalf of a Party represents and warrants to the other that:

 

11.1 Neither Party has entered this Settlement Agreement in reliance upon any promise, inducement, agreement, statement, or representation other than those contained in this Settlement Agreement including, but not limited to, any listed in the Recitals.

 

11.2 Each Party has the full right and power to enter into this Settlement Agreement, and the person executing this Settlement Agreement has the full right and authority to enter into this Settlement Agreement on behalf of such Party, and the full right and authority to bind such Party to the terms and obligations of this Settlement Agreement.

 

11.3 The Parties have been represented by competent and independent counsel of their own choice throughout all negotiations preceding the execution of the Settlement Agreement, and have executed this Settlement Agreement upon the advice of said competent and independent counsel regarding the meaning and legal effect of this Settlement Agreement, and regarding the advisability of making the agreements provided for herein.

 

12 . Notices All notices and requests that are required or permitted to be given in connection with this Settlement Agreement shall be deemed given as of the day they are received either by messenger, delivery service, or in the United States of America mails, postage prepaid, certified or registered, return receipt requested, and addressed as follows, or to such other address as the Party to receive the notice or request so designates by written notice to the other:

 

To Quest Diagnostics :

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
3 Giralda Farms
Madison, New Jersey 07940
Attention: General Counsel
Telephone: (973) 520-2177
Facsimile: (610) 271-8719
Email: Michael.e.prevoznik@questdiagnostics.com

To Vermillion :

Vermillion, Inc.
12117 Bee Caves Rd
Building III, Suite 100
Austin, Texas 78738
Attention: Valerie Palmieri
Telephone: (512) 519-0400
Facsimile: (512) 439-6980
Email: vpalmieri@vermillion.com


 

and

Daniel C. Minteer
Duane Morris LLP
750 B Street, Suite 2900
San Diego, California 92101
Telephone: 619-744-2286
Facsimile: 619 923 3554
Email: dminteer@duanemorris.com

and

Christopher J. Denn
Goodwin Procter LLP
53 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
Tel:  (617) 570-1000
Fax: (617) 523-1231
Email:cdenn@goodwinprocter.com

13. Governing Law .  This Settlement Agreement shall be construed and controlled by the internal laws of the State of Delaware (excluding conflict of laws principles) and applicable federal laws, and each Party consents to exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the State of Delaware.  Process may be served on either Party in the manner authorized by applicable law or court rule.

 

14. Costs, Expenses, and Attorneys’ Fees .  Except as already paid, each Party shall bear its own costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with the matters set forth in the recitals, the making of this Settlement Agreement, and its performance under this Settlement Agreement.

 

15. Settlement Agreement Binding .   This Settlement Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective owners, shareholders, affiliates, subsidiaries, officers, directors, agents, assigns, and successors. 

 

16. No Construction Against the Drafter .  This Settlement Agreement has resulted from negotiations between the Parties and their respective legal counsel, and each Party acknowledges that it has had the opportunity to negotiate modifications to the language of this Settlement Agreement.  Accordingly, each Party agrees that in any dispute regarding the interpretation or construction of this Settlement Agreement, no statutory, common law or other presumption shall operate in favor of or against any Party hereto by virtue of its role in drafting or not drafting the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 

17. Jury Trial Waiver .  Each Party hereby waives its right to a jury trial as follows:

 

TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, THE PARTIES HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVE THE RIGHT EITHER OF THEM MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO (i) ANY AND ALL ISSUES PRESENTED IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING, CLAIM OR COUNTERCLAIM BROUGHT BY ANY OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGAINST ANY OTHER PARTY OR ITS SUCCESSORS WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT, AND/OR (ii) ANY CLAIM FOR INJURY OR DAMAGE, AND/OR (iii) ANY EMERGENCY OR STATUTORY REMEDY.  THIS WAIVER BY THE PARTIES HERETO OF ANY RIGHT ANY OF THEM HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY HAS BEEN


 

NEGOTIATED AND IS AN ESSENTIAL ASPECT OF THIS SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT.

18. Severability .  If any provision of this Settlement Agreement shall be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable or otherwise in conflict with law, then the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.  If any provision(s) of this Settlement Agreement are deemed not enforceable, they shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to make them enforceable, in such manner as best reflects and preserves the intent of the provision(s) in question.

 

19. Counterparts .  This Settlement Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the different Parties on separate counterparts and each such counterpart shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same Settlement Agreement.  Execution of this Settlement Agreement may be accomplished by signing this Settlement Agreement and transmitting the signature page to opposing counsel by facsimile or email.  The Parties so executing and delivering shall promptly thereafter deliver signed originals and at least the signature page(s) to the other at the addresses listed above in Paragraph 12, but no failure to do so shall affect the validity or enforceability of this Settlement Agreement.

 

20. Headings .  Headings, paragraph titles or captions contained herein are inserted as a matter of convenience and for reference, and in no way define, limit, extend, or describe the scope of this Settlement Agreement or any provision hereof. 

 

21. Waiver .  No waiver of any provision of this Settlement Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision, whether or not similar, nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver unless expressly stated in writing by the Party making the waiver.  No waiver of any provision shall be binding in any event unless executed in writing by the Party making the waiver.

 

22. Entire Agreement .  This Settlement Agreement, the Testing and Services Agreement and, if executed, the Non-Exclusive License Agreement constitute the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous written or oral agreements or communications as to such subject matter, all of which are merged and fully integrated into this Settlement Agreement. 

 

23. Amendments .  The Parties agree that any amendments or modifications to this Settlement Agreement shall be deemed null and void unless such amendments and modifications are in writing, specifically refer to this Settlement Agreement and are signed by authorized representatives of all Parties.

 

24. Future Cooperation .  The Parties agree to perform such further acts and execute and deliver any and all further documents that may reasonably be necessary to effectuate the purpose of this Settlement Agreement.

 

25. Confidentiality of this Settlement Agreement .  From and after the Effective Date, no Party shall disclose the terms of this Settlement Agreement except: (i) with the prior


 

written consent of the other Party (including the public statement referenced below); (ii) to any governmental body having jurisdiction and specifically requiring such disclosure; (iii) for the purposes of disclosure in connection with the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any other filings, reports or disclosures that may be required under applicable laws or regulations; (iv) to a Party’s accountants, legal counsel, tax advisors and other financial, legal and other professional advisors, subject to obligations of confidentiality and/or privilege at least as stringent as those contained herein; (v) in response to a valid subpoena or as otherwise may be required by law or as required during the course of litigation; and (vi) with obligations of confidentiality at least as stringent as those contained herein, to a counterparty in connection with a merger, acquisition, sale of patents, financing or similar transaction.  If a Party is required by law to produce this Settlement Agreement in response to a valid subpoena or as otherwise required by law, the Party will give advance notice within 48 hours of receiving the subpoena to the other Parties to this Settlement Agreement so that they can take steps to seek a protective order.

 

26. Other Confidential Information.  To the extent any Party to this Settlement Agreement has the Confidential Information of any other Party as of the Effective Date in its possession or control that it did not return or destroy as provided in Paragraph 9 above, the Parties shall maintain that Confidential Information in a manner as provided in Article 11 of the SAA, the terms of which are hereby attached hereto as Exhibit E and expressly incorporated into this Settlement Agreement including, but not limited to, the definition of “Confidential Information.” 

 

27. Press Release.  On the Effective Date the Parties shall issue the press release announcing the existence of this Settlement Agreement as set forth in the press release attached hereto as Exhibit F. 


 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Settlement Agreement to be made and executed by duly authorized officers as of the Effective Date.

 

 

QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED

VERMILLION, INC.

By:  /s/ Wilson Conde

By:  /s/ Valerie Palmieri          

Name (print):  Wilson Conde

Name (print):  Valerie Palmieri

Title:  Vice President, Strategic Allicances & Clinical Franchise Business Development

Title:  President & CEO

 

 

 

 

ASPIRA LABS

 

By: /s/ Eric Schoen

 

Name (print):  Eric Schoen

 

Title:  Secretary & Treasurer

 

 


 

EXHIBIT A

 

 

TESTING AND SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

 

 

 


 

EXHIBIT B

 

 

NON-EXCLUSIVE LICENSE AGREEMENT

 

 

 


 

EXHIBIT C

 

 

UCC-3

 

 


 

EXHIBIT D

 

 

 

CUSTOMER INFORMATION CERTIFICATE

 

 

 


 

EXHIBIT E

 

 

CONFIDENTIALITY PROVISION

 


 

EXHIBIT F

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


CONFIDENTIAL MATERIAL APPEARING IN THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND RULE 24B-2 PROMULGATED THEREUNDER. OMITTED INFORMATION HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH ASTERISKS.

 

Exhibit 10. 5

 

TESTING AND SERVICES AGREEMENT

THIS TESTING AND SERVICES AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made and entered into as of March 11, 2015 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Vermillion, Inc. , a Delaware corporation (formerly known as Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc.), and ASPiRA Labs , a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Vermillion, Inc.   (collectively “Vermillion”) on the one hand and Quest Diagnostics Incorporated , a Delaware corporation, (“Quest” or “Quest Diagnostics”) on the other hand.  Vermillion and Quest Diagnostics are sometimes individually referred to herein as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS , Vermillion, Inc. and Quest Diagnostics entered into a Strategic Alliance Agreement dated as of July 22, 2005, for the development and commercialization of clinical laboratory tests and test kits, including the OVA1 test for ovarian cancer (The Strategic Alliance Agreement as amended shall be referenced herein as the “SAA”); and

WHEREAS, certain disputes arose between the Parties with respect to the SAA and related agreements, among other things; and

WHEREAS , the Parties have agreed to enter into a Global Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release (the “Settlement Agreement”) and a Non-Exclusive License Agreement concurrently with this Agreement; and

WHEREAS , the SAA and all past agreements between the Parties shall terminate as of the effective date of the Settlement Agreement; and

WHEREAS , under the SAA Quest Diagnostics had exclusive rights to perform OVA1 testing in the United States, Canada, Mexico, UK, and India and the Parties have now agreed to cancel Quest Diagnostics’ exclusive rights and work together to transition the OVA1 testing for Quest Diagnostics’ Accounts to Vermillion as Vermillion is able to perform such tests with Quest Diagnostics providing certain Specimen and collection services as more fully set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, Quest Diagnostics shall perform OVA1 testing that originates in states where Vermillion is not able to perform OVA1 tests or in states where the Parties agree Quest Diagnostics should perform OVA1 tests as more fully set forth herein;

WHEREAS, Quest Diagnostics shall continue to perform OVA1 testing on Specimens that originate outside the United States, except those countries where Vermillion satisfies the requirements set forth in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS , Quest Diagnostics is licensed, as required by applicable local, state and federal laws to perform Specimen collection and courier services.

 

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NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the foregoing premises and the terms and conditions set forth below, the parties agree as follows:

1. OVA1 TESTING

1.1 Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement:

1.1.1 Vermillion shall deliver up-to-date information regarding all OVA1 test kits, test kit components, OVA1 test kit materials, and other items and services as they have supplied to Quest Diagnostics in the past to enable Quest Diagnostics to perform OVA1 testing including, but not limited to, versions and updates of the OVACALC Algorithm, qualifying batches of reagents for use in OVA1 test kits, access to the website that identifies the manufacturer and qualified lot numbers for each of the five component kits to be purchased by Quest Diagnostics directly from the manufacturer of such kits (“OVA1 Materials”) as required by Quest Diagnostics.

1.1.2 Vermillion also grants to Quest Diagnostics on a worldwide non-exclusive basis all rights necessary and desirable for Quest Diagnostics to (i) perform OVA1 testing including, but not limited to, the rights to use OVA1 Materials that are needed to perform OVA1 tests; the rights to use the OVACALC Algorithm; and all updates relating to OVA1 Materials and the OVACALC Algorithm; and (ii) market and sell testing services for the OVA1 test under Vermillion’s marks relating to the OVA1 test, such as OVA1 and the OVACALC Algorithm. 

1.2 Vermillion shall not (i) directly or indirectly sell or transfer any OVA1 Materials or (ii) authorize the performance of OVA1 testing to any person or entity whose gross annual revenue exceeds $2,000,000,000 in the United States. 

1.3 Quest Diagnostics shall cooperate with Vermillion to facilitate a transition to  ASPiRA Labs providing the OVA1 testing now done by Quest Diagnostics for its Accounts in the United States as follows:

1.3.1 Vermillion shall deliver to Quest Diagnostics a written certification that Vermillion is legally authorized to perform OVA1 testing in specified states (a) in volumes consistent with Quest Diagnostics’ past testing experience and (b) consistently with the following standards: (i) ASPiRA Labs’ conformance to FDA labeling; (ii) CLIA certification and validation and state licensure if required; (iii) test result turnaround time of no more than 48 hours (2 business days) from receipt of Specimen at ASPiRA Labs; (iv) communications capability for test ordering, test reporting and all related communications satisfactory to Quest Diagnostics Accounts; and (v) customer-support capability that includes, but is not limited to, a toll-free customer-support telephone number with waiting times averaging less than three minutes over any 10-day time period, a website that provides on-line access for all reported OVA1 test results performed by ASPiRA Labs, and printing and delivery of Vermillion OVA Test Requisition Forms substantially identical to the requisition form attached hereto as Attachment 5 within 24 hours of a request from a Quest Diagnostics Account.  The written certification shall include the documentation on which Vermillion bases their certification (“Certification Documents”).  Vermillion may deliver written certifications with Certification Documents for additional states at any subsequent time.  Subject to the terms of this Agreement the Parties anticipate that the 39 states listed on Attachment 1 shall be the first Certified States to go through the Transition Process and that the remaining 11 states

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will become Certified States and subject to a second Transition Process after Vermillion becomes licensed to perform OVA1 testing on Specimens that originate in those states.

1.3.2 Quest Diagnostics shall notify Vermillion in writing within 10 business days of its actual receipt of Certification Documents whether it agrees that the Certification Documents are sufficient, and, if they are not sufficient, include in its notification a reasonably detailed description of the deficiencies identified by Quest Diagnostics.  Vermillion shall be entitled to supplement the Certification Documents to address any deficiencies.  Quest Diagnostics will respond within 10 business days from actual receipt of any supplements.  This process may continue until the Parties reach agreement or Vermillion stops supplementing their submission.  States where the parties agree Vermillion may perform OVA1 testing on Specimens originating from those states are described as “Certified States.” 

1.3.3 On the date the Parties agree Vermillion have met the requirements of Section 1.3.1 (“Certification Date”) for one or more Certified States, the Parties shall begin the transition to ASPiRA Labs performing, reporting and billing OVA1 testing on Quest Diagnostics’ Accounts   and Quest Diagnostics performing the services described in Section 3 for all Certified States, as more fully set forth herein (“Transition Process”).  As part of the Transition Process, Quest Diagnostics shall make commercially reasonable efforts to deliver a list of Accounts who ordered an OVA1 test from Quest Diagnostics in the last 24 months immediately preceding the Effective Date (excluding Accounts whose test was performed at a laboratory owned or operated by a joint venture to which Quest Diagnostics is a part owner) and a separate spreadsheet which provides a description of the type of payer (i.e. fee for service, Medicare, etc.) for Accounts in each Certified State.  Quest Diagnostics shall run these two reports for all 50 states at the same time and deliver the relevant portion promptly after the applicable Certification Date.  Quest Diagnostics will update these reports if requested by Vermillion.  Quest Diagnostics shall not be obligated to run these reports for any foreign countries.  To the extent readily available from computer generated reports with Quest Diagnostics’ current software, the Account and payer reports will include the information listed on Attachment 7.  Quest Diagnostics has no obligation to use other software, make any calculations or summaries or devote any time or money to collecting information beyond running these readily available computer generated reports.  The Parties shall work in good faith and make commercially reasonable efforts to complete the transition of OVA1 testing from Quest Diagnostics to Vermillion in each Certified State within 40 days after the applicable Certification Date.  During any Transition Process, Quest Diagnostics shall continue to perform OVA1 tests in Certified States subject to the applicable Transition Process until the Parties unconditionally agree in writing that the Transition Process is 100% complete and Vermillion is ready to start performing OVA1 tests.  Quest Diagnostics shall then stop performing OVA1 tests in the Certified States where the Transition Process is complete but continue to perform OVA1 tests originating outside of those Certified States.

(a) The Parties shall each designate one or more representatives who will be responsible for implementing each Transition Process.  The target date for the first meeting of these representatives is within 7 business days of the Effective Date.

(b) For the first Transition Process the Parties shall make commercially reasonable efforts to operate a test program to develop reasonable procedures for the handling of the Specimens under this Agreement.  The Parties contemplate that this test program will include

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two facilities designated by Quest Diagnostics that will send sample Specimens to ASPiRA Labs over a period of approximately two weeks.  The target date for Quest Diagnostics to identify the two facilities is April 1, 2015.

1.3.4 Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, Quest Diagnostics may also perform OVA1 tests in Certified States on a temporary basis in the place of Vermillion with respect to the affected or applicable Quest Diagnostics Accounts in the event and for only so long as: (a) Vermillion requests and Quest Diagnostics agrees to perform OVA1 tests on such terms as the Parties agree; (b) Vermillion directly or indirectly offers to or performs any tests in violation of Section 2.4 or announces their intent to do so and does not stop within 30 days after receipt of written notice from Quest Diagnostics; (c) Quest Diagnostics determines Vermillion is no longer meeting the standards set forth in Section 1.3.1 and Vermillion fails to meet such standards within 60 days after notice from Quest Diagnostics; (d) Vermillion authorizes any Third Party to perform OVA1 testing in violation of Section 1.2; or (e) if Vermillion is forbidden by law from performing OVA1 tests (for example, Vermillion loses a required license).  For clarity, the foregoing rights for Quest Diagnostics to perform OVA1 tests in Certified States in the place of Vermillion with respect to the affected or applicable Quest Diagnostics Accounts shall continue only for so long as the corresponding breach or condition under clauses (a), (b), (c) (d) or (e) remains uncured or in place, and such rights shall terminate 10 days after Vermillion cures the applicable breach or condition and provides Quest Diagnostics with written notice of said cure.

1.3.5 In the event Quest Diagnostics determines it is entitled to perform OVA1 testing pursuant to Section 1.3.4 Quest Diagnostics shall send written notice to Vermillion at least 30 days (or 1 day to the extent Vermillion stops performing OVA1 tests in one or more states for a period of at least 5 business days) before it starts performing OVA1 tests and said notice will set forth in reasonable detail the basis for invoking Section 1.3.4. 

1.4 Quest Diagnostics shall continue to perform OVA1 testing on Specimens that originate outside of the 50 United States, including on Specimens that originate in any of the U.S. territories, until Vermillion makes a written request to start performing OVA1 testing in one or more other countries or U.S. territories for Quest Diagnostics’ Accounts.  Upon Quest Diagnostics’ receipt of such notice, the Parties shall cooperate in the transition of the requested testing to ASPiRA Labs as follows:

1.4.1 The Parties shall attempt to negotiate an agreement whereby Quest Diagnostics would provide specimen collection and courier services, directly or through a subcontractor of Quest Diagnostics choosing, for Vermillion in each country or territory identified by Vermillion.  This section 1.4.1 is merely a statement of intent.  The Parties are not obligated to reach an agreement.  Any failure to reach such an agreement shall not constitute a breach of any agreement.

1.4.2 In the event the Parties do not reach an agreement with respect to any particular country or territory after 90 days of Quest Diagnostics’ receipt of said notice, Vermillion may provide for any services it may need in the noticed country or territory with any Third Party at its sole and absolute discretion.

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1.5 Quest Diagnostics shall promptly notify Vermillion of its receipt of any legal action, regulatory or compliance notices it receives regarding any OVA1 test.

1.6 Within 30 days of the termination or expiration of this Agreement, Vermillion shall purchase any Quest Diagnostics OVA1 or Other OVA Test reagent inventory with at least 6 months of remaining shelf-life at the same price paid by Quest Diagnostics.

2. PROCEDURES

2.1 Vermillion shall deliver to Quest Diagnostics all updates relating to the OVA1 test including, but not limited to, updates to the OVACALC Algorithm within three (3) business days after final development or Vermillion’s use in their own OVA1 test, whichever first occurs.

2.2 Vermillion shall provide to Quest Diagnostics all requested OVA1 Materials in sufficient quantities to supply all of Quest Diagnostics’ orders.  The OVA1 Materials shall meet all regulatory and legal requirements with at least the same quality that Vermillion have provided in the past. 

2.3 Vermillion shall use the information it receives from Quest Diagnostics in connection with this Agreement (“Quest Information”) for the sole purpose of performing OVA1 testing.  It shall not disclose Quest Information to Third Parties.

2.4 Vermillion cannot directly or indirectly offer to or perform tests that are on Quest Diagnostics’ Directory of Services now or in the future or which are substantially similar to those tests to an Account on the Master Account Transfer List or other Accounts disclosed by Quest Diagnostics to Vermillion, except for tests that can only be offered by Vermillion or a Vermillion Affiliate (i.e. are proprietary to Vermillion or a Vermillion Affiliate).  This Section 2.4 shall apply to Vermillion and their controlled Affiliates.  It shall not apply to the products and services of any acquirer of Vermillion involved in a Change of Control with respect to Vermillion. 

2.5 Vermillion shall perform each OVA1 test for a Quest Diagnostics Account in a manner that (a) meets or exceeds the standards set forth in Section 1.3.1, (b) is consistent with the applicable standards in the industry and (c) meets all legal and regulatory requirements.

2.6 To the extent permissible under applicable federal and state laws and regulations, Vermillion shall maintain a similar type and level of patient support services as it currently performs including, but not limited to, services to assist patients with respect to insurance coverage, reimbursement, claim denials by Third Party payors or appeals from denials, adjudication of coverage decisions by health plans and the like relating to OVA1 testing for Quest Diagnostics Accounts in states that have not become Certified States. 

2.7 Vermillion shall require that Quest Diagnostics Accounts use a separate Vermillion OVA Test Requisition Form for each Specimen to be tested and each such form shall contain a unique number sufficient to enable the tracking of each sample Specimen in the form attached hereto as Attachment 5.

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2.8 Before an Other OVA Test becomes subject to this Agreement (including the procedures described in this Article 2), Quest Diagnostics must consent, which consent may not be unreasonably withheld.

3. QUEST DIAGNOSTICS RIGHTS AN D SERVICES IN CERTIFIED STATES

3.1 Vermillion shall have completed the customer communications requirements in Section 4 prior to Quest Diagnostics being obligated to perform any of services under this Section 3.

3.2 The Specimen collection and courier services set forth in this Agreement shall apply solely with regard to biological Specimens for OVA1 tests and any Other OVA Tests to be performed, reported and billed by Vermillion that originate in any Certified State.  With respect to Specimens originating in the other U.S. states, Quest Diagnostics shall continue to collect or pick up such Specimens for the performance, reporting and billing of OVA1 tests and any Other OVA Tests at its own facilities.

3.3 For all OVA1 tests and any Other OVA Tests originating in a Certified State Quest Diagnostics agrees to collect Specimens from patients who present at its Patient Service Centers (“PSCs”) with a valid Vermillion OVA Test Requisition Form for each Specimen for the OVA1 test or any Other OVA Test from a health care provider authorized under federal and state laws to order clinical laboratory tests, for delivery, either directly by Quest Diagnostics or through a subcontractor engaged by Quest Diagnostics, to Vermillion’s ASPiRA Labs facility located at 101 Cooperative Way, Suite 220, Georgetown, TX 78626 or such other address specified by Vermillion after 30 days written notice.  As promptly as practicable but no later than the end of the first Transition Process, (a) Vermillion will develop a solution so that Quest Diagnostics staff at PSCs can print out Vermillion OVA Test Requisition Forms at the PSCs, and (b) Vermillion will train PSC staff with regard to the information that such personnel must enter into Quest Diagnostics’ Care360 system in order to facilitate the logging and tracking of the receipt and shipment of the Specimens to ASPiRA Labs and as reasonably requested by Quest Diagnostics after completion of the first Transition Process. 

3.4 Quest Diagnostics’ couriers shall pick up biological Specimens from the offices or other facilities of physicians or health care providers who order the OVA1 test or any Other OVA Test using a Vermillion OVA Test Requisition Form for each Specimen and who place such order and the accompanying Specimens in a Quest Diagnostics Specimen lockbox at such offices or facilities.  Quest Diagnostics shall make arrangements for the delivery of Specimens to Vermillion’s ASPiRA Labs for testing.  Quest Diagnostics shall not be obligated to process any Vermillion OVA Test Requisition Form that includes more than one Specimen. 

3.5 Upon receipt of Specimens at the appropriate Quest Diagnostics facility, Quest Diagnostics’ staff shall scan the barcode from each Vermillion OVA Test Requisition Form so as to enter the information related to the Specimens that Quest Diagnostics collects or picks up pursuant to this Agreement into its electronic systems, solely for Specimen tracking purposes and to be able to answer certain questions that Vermillion may have with regard to the delivery of the Specimens to Vermillion’s ASPiRA Labs.

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3.6 Without limiting Sections 3.7 and 4.1, Vermillion shall communicate to all of their customers and potential customers the requirement to order OVA1 tests and any Other OVA Tests using the Vermillion OVA Test Requisition Form and will provide such forms to their customers at least 30 days prior to the start of Quest Diagnostics providing the services set forth in this Section 3. 

3.7 With regard to any OVA1 tests and any Other OVA Tests ordered using a test requisition form other than a properly prepared Vermillion OVA Test Requisition Form by any health care provider or facility listed in the Master Account Transfer List attached to this Agreement as Attachment 4, Quest Diagnostics will contact the ordering provider or facility to require the use and submission by the Account of a properly prepared Vermillion OVA Test Requisition Form and notify ASPiRA.  ASPiRA shall use reasonable efforts to ensure that each ordering provider or facility uses the correct form thereafter.

3.8 Quest Diagnostics’ referrals staff at the various Quest Diagnostics facilities will create a log of OVA1 test and any Other OVA Test Specimens collected or picked up by Quest Diagnostics and forwarded to ASPiRA Labs and will send such log electronically to ASPiRA Labs for tracking purposes within the time period agreed upon by the parties in writing.

3.9 Quest Diagnostics will be the sole provider of the services described in this Article 3 with respect to Quest Diagnostics Accounts.  By mutual agreement of the Parties Quest Diagnostics may provide such services with respect to other Vermillion customers.

3.10 Vermillion will perform all testing on Specimens collected or picked up by Quest Diagnostics in any Certified State under this Agreement and Vermillion will be solely responsible for reporting test results to the ordering care providers, answering any queries from such providers, and for billing the responsible payers.  Quest Diagnostics is not responsible for testing, result reporting, or billing for any Vermillion OVA1 testing or any Other OVA Test testing under this Agreement.

3.11 For the avoidance of doubt, except as expressly provided in Section 3.3, Quest Diagnostics’ communications systems including, but not limited to, its electronic ordering and reporting system shall not be used by Vermillion in their communications with Quest Diagnostics Accounts. 

3.12 Quest Diagnostics and its Affiliates shall be able to offer any test that competes directly or indirectly with OVA1 or any Other OVA Test on a worldwide basis (including, but not limited to, in Certified States); however, Quest Diagnostics and its Affiliates shall not (directly or indirectly) designate as an Anchor Test during the term of this Agreement the ROMA assay or any other test approved or cleared by the FDA after the Effective Date whose FDA label indication or the indication listed in Quest Diagnostics’ directory of services is substantially the same as the FDA label indication of OVA1.  If Vermillion believes Quest Diagnostics or any of its Affiliates is violating this Section 3.12, it must notify Quest Diagnostics in a writing that specifically identifies the marketing or promotional activity that allegedly breaches this section.  Then Quest Diagnostics has the right to cure the alleged breach within 60 days of receiving said notice by stopping the specific activity identified in the written notice and making reasonable efforts to withdraw any materials identified in the notice from the public domain.

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3.13 In the event that Vermillion develops or obtains rights to commercialize any additional clinical laboratory tests and/or test kits for which Quest Diagnostics does not already offer (or have the right to offer) the same test, the Parties may discuss the terms and conditions under which said test might be added to this Agreement.  Vermillion is not contractually obligated to initiate such discussions and Quest Diagnostics is not contractually obligated to provide any additional services beyond the terms of this Agreement. 

3.14 The Quest Diagnostics services set forth in this Article 3 shall be performed in a manner consistent with Quest Diagnostics then existing practices and procedures.  Quest Diagnostics is under no obligation to modify any of its practices and procedures. 

4. CLIENT COMMUNICATIONS

4.1 Vermillion will obtain written approval from Quest Diagnostics for all communications to Quest Diagnostics’ Accounts, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.  At least 10 days prior to the start of Quest Diagnostics providing the services set forth in Section 3 of this Agreement for each Account in each Certified State, Vermillion with the assistance of Quest Diagnostics shall have completed at least three written communications to each Quest Diagnostics Account informing each Quest Diagnostics Account of the transition of OVA1 testing to Vermillion and providing all reasonably necessary information and instructions to those Accounts including, but not limited to, a copy of the Vermillion OVA Test Requisition Form and instructions on its use.  Said communications will be in substantially the same form as those attached hereto as Attachment 6. 

4.2 Vermillion shall not use Quest Diagnostics’ trade name, trademarks or service marks with respect to anything that may enter the public domain without the express written consent of Quest Diagnostics.  Except as necessary to perform its obligations under this Agreement, Quest Diagnostics shall not use Vermillion’s trade name, trademarks or service marks with respect to anything that may enter the public domain without the express written consent of Vermillion.

4.3 With respect to Quest Diagnostics Accounts in Certified States where Vermillion is responsible for OVA1 testing, Vermillion shall be solely responsible for handling all matters relating to providing OVA1 testing services independently of Quest Diagnostics. For the avoidance of doubt, Vermillion is solely responsible for marketing, sales, customer service, operations, billing, and test reporting for Quest Diagnostics Accounts relating to the delivery of OVA1 testing services it performs in each Certified State. 

5. TERM AND TERMINATION

The Term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and continue until terminated as set forth below.

5.1 At any time by the mutual written agreement of all the Parties to this Agreement or as provided in Section 16.11.

5.2 If there is a determination that this Agreement is not in compliance with any applicable law, regulation, or government requirement, and the Agreement is not amended to

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correct such compliance, either Party may terminate this agreement immediately upon written notice to the other Party.

5.3 This Agreement shall terminate in two years from the Effective Date unless extended by the written agreement of the Parties.

5.4 If any Party materially violates, breaches or fails to perform any term or covenant of this Agreement, then the other Party may give written notice of such default to such Party.  If such Party does not cure such default within ninety (90) days of the date of a Notice of Default, the other Party will have the right to terminate this Agreement by a second written notice to such Party.  Such right to terminate is in addition to all other remedies available to such Party in equity or at law, but it also subject to the limitations in Article 11 and any other applicable provisions of this Agreement.

5.5 In the event of a Change of Control of any Party any other Party may terminate this Agreement immediately by delivery of written notice.

5.6 In the event of an assignment for the benefit of creditors or a filing of a petition in bankruptcy by or against Vermillion or Quest Diagnostics that is not cancelled, terminated or dismissed within 60 days, any other Party may terminate this Agreement immediately by delivery of written notice.

5.7 Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, following the termination or expiration of this Agreement, all rights granted to any Party herein shall immediately terminate and each Party shall return or destroy all records and materials in its possession or control containing any other Party’s Confidential Information and destroy all electronic copies thereof within 60 days of termination.  Each Party shall send a written notice to each other Party certifying its compliance with this Section 5.6 within the same 60 day time period.

6. VERMILLION REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Vermillion represents and warrants that:

 

6.1 Vermillion shall perform all of their OVA1 testing to the performance standards set forth in Section 1.3.1. 

6.2 Vermillion have all the rights to sell OVA1 Materials, use the OVACALC Algorithm and grant the rights Vermillion is granting to Quest Diagnostics under this Agreement including, but not limited to, all intellectual property rights necessary for Quest Diagnostics to perform OVA1 testing on a worldwide basis under Vermillion’s applicable marks.

6.3 Vermillion shall maintain sufficient equipment and skilled personnel to perform OVA1 testing services in a manner consistent with the applicable industry standards in all Certified States.

6.4 Vermillion shall develop and maintain a quality management system that meets the applicable industry standards and regulatory requirements including, but not limited to, the FDA’s current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations (cGMP, Title 21 CFR, Part 820) and ISO 13485

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standard (for Products shipped internationally).  In addition, Vermillion shall require that their own suppliers of raw materials and any other products used by Vermillion or their designees to manufacture the OVA1 Materials or materials for Other OVA Tests sold or provided hereunder to Quest Diagnostics also maintain a quality management system that meets applicable sections of GMP (domestic) or ISO 13485 (international).

6.5 Vermillion shall continue to support the Roche Elecsys 2010 instrument for the performance of the CA-125 II assay to the same extent Vermillion have supported this instrument in the past.

7. VERMILLION AND QUEST DIAGNOSTICS REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

7.1 Each entity is duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the state where it is domiciled, and (a) has the complete and unrestricted power and right to enter into this Agreement, perform its obligations hereunder, and (b) has taken all necessary action on its part required to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of its obligations hereunder.

7.2 This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such Party and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Party enforceable against such Party in accordance with its terms except as enforceability may be limited by law or principles of equity.

7.3 The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by such Party do not conflict with any agreement, instrument or understanding, oral or written, to which such Party is a party or by which such Party may be bound, nor violate any law or regulation of any court, governmental body or administrative or other agency having authority over such Party.

7.4 All consents, approvals and authorizations of any kind required to be obtained in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been obtained.

7.5 As of the Effective Date, there are no actions, suits, proceedings or other forms of litigation pending or, to the best of such Party’s knowledge, threatened against such Party of any kind or nature relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or that could reasonably be expected to materially affect the ability of such Party to enter into this Agreement or to perform its obligations hereunder.

8. COMPENSATION

8.1 In addition to any other fees set forth elsewhere in this Agreement, including Attachment 2, Vermillion shall pay Quest Diagnostics *** (*** dollars) per OVA1 Specimen collected and shipped to ASPiRA Labs.  Quest Diagnostics will not bill any other party for the services it provides hereunder.  The same *** price shall apply for Other OVA Tests, if Quest Diagnostics’ projected costs are the same or less than its costs relating to OVA1 tests.  If Quest Diagnostics projected costs for collecting and shipping Other OVA Tests are higher than its costs relating to OVA1 tests, Quest Diagnostics shall have no obligation to provide any services under this Agreement with respect to Other OVA Tests, unless the Parties agree on a higher price.

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8.2 Attachment 2 sets forth the description and amounts of deliverables that Vermillion will pay to Quest Diagnostics as consideration for the performance of the services under this Agreement.

8.3 Vermillion agrees to compensate Quest Diagnostics within sixty (60) days of the date of Quest Diagnostics invoices for services and deliverables set forth in this Agreement as specified in the invoice. 

8.4 With respect to OVA1 tests performed by Quest Diagnostics after the Effective Date, as evidenced by a test report from which all protected health information (as such term is defined under the privacy and security regulations of the Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) has been removed, Quest Diagnostics shall pay Vermillion a fixed fee of *** (*** dollars) for each OVA1 test.  This fee is considered earned at the time each OVA1 test is reported.  Quest Diagnostics shall provide Vermillion with a monthly report of the number of OVA1 tests reported by Quest Diagnostics during such calendar month, including the 3 digit-level zip code of Specimens tested by Quest Diagnostics, within 30 days after the end of said month.  This monthly report shall also state the total amount payable by Quest Diagnostics to Vermillion in connection therewith.  Quest Diagnostics will pay Vermillion the amount due for each calendar month, as reported in each report, within 60 days of the date of said report.  Such payments shall be by wire transfer in accordance with the following wire transfer instructions: 

 

 

FOR CREDIT OF:

Vermillion, Inc.

CREDIT ACCOUNT #:

***

BANK NAME:

Compass Bank

ABA #:

062001186

SWIFT CODE:

CPASUS44

BY ORDER OF:

Quest Diagnostics

 

8.5 The Parties understand and acknowledge that prior to the Effective Date, Quest Diagnostics has been reporting to Vermillion the number of monthly OVA1 tests performed by Quest Diagnostics on approximately the 8 th day following the end of that month and has made payments to Vermillion of amounts owed to Vermillion in accordance with the terms of the SAA the following day via wire transfer.  Vermillion agrees that Quest Diagnostics has fully paid Vermillion for all test results through January 2015.  For OVA1 test result reports performed by Quest Diagnostics between February 1, 2015 and the Effective Date, Quest Diagnostics shall pay Vermillion *** for each reported test result instead of the formula used under the SAA and on the same terms as provided in this Agreement.

8.6 For each instance where Quest Diagnostics is required to notify an Account of the need to use the correct Vermillion OVA Test Requisition Form as more fully described in Section 3.7, or for each time Quest Diagnostics services an Account that was on the Master Account Transfer List and that has not complied with the information and instructions contained in the communications referred to in Section 4.1 or for each instance Quest Diagnostics is required to notify an Account that the Specimen submitted for OVA1 testing or Other OVA Test testing does not meet the specifications of a Specimen, Quest Diagnostics will charge Vermillion and Vermillion shall pay to Quest Diagnostics *** (*** dollars).  For any Accounts that were erroneously omitted from the Master Account Transfer List, the foregoing charges shall only apply

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to a second or subsequent offense that occurs more than 60 days after Quest Diagnostics has provided notice to Vermillion of the initial offense.

8.7 In the event Quest Diagnostics makes an erroneous shipment to Vermillion and Vermillion is required or asked to return the shipment, Quest Diagnostics shall reimburse Vermillion for the return shipping costs.

8.8 Any payment obligations set forth in this Agreement shall survive termination or expiration of this Agreement.

9. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

9.1 It is understood that each Party is performing under this Agreement in the capacity of an independent contractor and not in any respect or under any circumstances as an employee, representative, agent or partner of any other Party.  No Party has authority to enter into contracts or assume any obligations for or on behalf of any other Party or to speak for or on behalf of any other Party.  No Party shall make any public representations to the contrary.

10. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

10.1 In performing the Specimen collection services under this Agreement as provided in Section 3, and for that function alone, the Parties agree that Quest Diagnostics is performing a function on behalf of Vermillion and is acting as Vermillion’s Business Associate for purposes of HIPAA.  Otherwise, Quest Diagnostics is a clinical laboratory that is a covered entity under HIPAA.  With regard to Quest Diagnostics in its role as Vermillion’s Business Associate, the parties agree to and shall comply with the Business Associate terms and conditions set forth in Attachment 3, which is hereby made a part of this Agreement.

10.2 Without limiting the above, the Parties further agree that Quest Diagnostics shall comply with Bloodborne Pathogen and Universal Precautions Standards issued by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (and equivalent state agency), or other requirements applicable to the collection and handling of Specimens.

10.3 It is the intent of the Parties to comply with the Federal Anti-Kickback (42 USC 1320a-7b) and the “Stark” Physician Anti-Self-Referral (42 USC 1395nn) Statutes and any related regulations (including amendments and any similar state requirements).  In the event of a determination that this Agreement is not in compliance with these laws, then the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to conform this Agreement.

10.4 Each Party represents and warrants that it has not been excluded, debarred or suspended from participating in any federal or state health care program.  Each Party shall notify the other immediately if its status for participating in such health care programs changes.

11. INDEMNIFICATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

11.1 Vermillion and Quest Diagnostics shall indemnify, defend and save the other harmless (including the respective Affiliates, employees, officers and directors of each Party) against any and all losses, claims, suits, damages, liabilities and expenses (including without

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limitation, reasonable attorney’s fees) based upon, arising out of or attributable to the acts and/or omissions of such Party, such Party’s Affiliates and their respective employees, officers, directors, subcontractors and/or agents that result in a claim from a Third Party.  In the event two or more Parties contributed to the claim, each will indemnify the other to the extent each contributed to the claim brought by a Third Party.  For the avoidance of doubt Vermillion have a duty to indemnify Quest Diagnostics in the event it is the subject of patent infringement claim based on its performing OVA1 or Other OVA Test testing or related services.  Each Party has no obligation to indemnify the other except as provided in this Article 11. 

11.2 Any Party with a Third Party claim (“Third Party Claim”) for which it seeks indemnity (the “Indemnitee”) shall promptly notify the alleged “Indemnitor” (including multiple Indemnitors) of the existence of such a claim (“Claim Notice”), however, any delay in giving the Claim Notice shall not prejudice the Indemnitee’s rights except to the extent such delay materially prejudices any defense or other right with respect to the defense of the underlying claim.  The Indemnitor shall respond to the Claim Notice in writing within 15 days and specify whether the Indemnitor will take over the defense of the underlying claim and whether it will indemnify the Indemnitee from any liability arising from the Third Party Claim.  The Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to agree on the choice of counsel for any Third Party Claim.  The Parties shall agree on settlement terms for any Third Party Claim, such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed.  If the Indemnitor unconditionally agrees to defend and indemnify the Indemnitee, the Indemnitor shall have the sole power to direct the defense at its expense except as follows: (i) where the Third Party Claim involves criminal liability on the part of the Indemnitee or its employees, (ii) the Third Party Claim includes injunctive relief against the Indemnitee, (iii) the Indemnitee determines the Indemnitor does not have the financial strength to adequately protect the Indemnitee, or (iv) the Indemnitor is not defending the Third Party Claim in good faith.  If the Indemnitor assumes the Indemnitee’s defense, the Indemnitee may participate in the defense through its own counsel at its own cost.  If the Indemnitee does not cooperate in the defense of the Third Party Claim or refuses to enter into a reasonable settlement of the Third Party Claim, the Indemnitor may withdraw its defense of the Indemnitee subject to the Indemnitee’s right to collect the fees and costs incurred as a result of such withdrawal, if it later establishes its cooperation in the defense of the Third Party Claim or that the proposed settlement was not reasonable for the Indemnitee, as applicable. 

11.3 The amount of each Party’s liability for Third Party indemnity claims is limited to $3,000,000.

11.4 EACH PARTY AND THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS OR AFFILIATES SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR AND WILL IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EXPENSES, LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS, INTERRUPTIONS OF BUSINESS OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OF ANY KIND OR CHARACTER WHATSOEVER ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR RESULTING FROM THE DEVELOPMENT, PROVIDING, MANUFACTURE, HANDLING, MARKETING, SALE DISTRIBUTION OR USE OF TESTS OR TEST KITS. 

11.5 IN NO EVENT SHALL QUEST DIAGNOSTICS’ TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT

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EXCEED THE GREATER OF (i) $1,000,000 AND (ii) AMOUNTS PAID BY QUEST DIAGNOSTICS TO VERMILLION PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE AND DURING THE TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO SUCH LIABILITY. 

11.6 IN NO EVENT SHALL VERMILLION’S TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (i) $1,000,000 AND (ii) AMOUNTS PAID BY VERMILLION TO QUEST DIAGNOSTICS PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE AND DURING THE TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO SUCH LIABILITY. 

11.7 NO ACTION REGARDLESS OF FORM, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO BREACH OF ANY REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY OR COVENANT UNDER THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE BROUGHT BY EITHER PARTY MORE THAN TWO (2) YEARS AFTER SUCH PARTY HAS KNOWLEDGE OF THE OCCURRENCE THAT GAVE RISE TO THE CAUSE OF SUCH ACTION.  THE FOREGOING LIMITATIONS SHALL APPLY REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF ACTION, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE EVEN IF SUCH PARTY WAS ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES AND NOTWITHSTANDING THE FAILURE OF ANY REMEDY OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE. 

12. INSURANCE

12.1 Vermillion and Quest Diagnostics agree to maintain general and professional liability insurance in amounts adequate to cover their respective acts and omissions.  The parties agree that such coverage shall be, at a minimum, $1,000,000 per claim and $3,000,000 aggregate.  Quest Diagnostics may comply with the insurance obligations hereunder through self-insured retention. 

12.2 In the event that any insurance referred to herein is of the “claims made” type, each Party with such insurance coverage agrees that the insurance shall be continued for a period of at least four (4) years after the termination of this Agreement, or the Party shall purchase extended reporting period insurance (also known as “tail coverage”) to extend the insurance for a minimum of four (4) years after the termination of this Agreement.  The provisions of this Section 12.2 shall survive termination of this Agreement.

12.3 Vermillion and Quest Diagnostics agree to furnish each other with a current and valid Certificate of Insurance, or proof of adequate self-insurance, evidencing their general liability and professional liability insurance coverage.  Any material modification or alteration in such coverage shall be promptly communicated to the other Party.

13. CONFIDENTIALITY

13.1 “Confidential Information” means any information or material, in whatever form or manner relating to the business of a party (a “Disclosing Party”) and disclosed to the other Party (the “Receiving Party”) which (a) is not generally known other than by the Disclosing Party, and (b) which Receiving Party may obtain knowledge of through or as a result of the relationship

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established hereunder with the Disclosing Party, access to the Disclosing Party’s premises, or communications with the Disclosing Party’s employees or independent contractors.  Confidential Information includes but is not limited to the following types of information, and other information of a similar nature: processes, standard operating procedures (SOPs), protocols and procedures; algorithms; software (including source code); systems; equipment; designs; drawings; formulas; data; reports; memoranda; notes; records; research; experiments; business plans and strategies; marketing techniques and materials; marketing plans; account names and other information related to accounts; patient information; pricing information; cost information, sales volumes and sales projections; commercial opportunities; and organizational, technical (including without limitation know-how, patent applications, invention disclosures, trade secrets and technology that are not fully developed, patented or patentable) and financial information.  Confidential Information also includes the existence of this Agreement and the terms hereof, both written and oral.  The term “Confidential Information” does not include (a) information that is in the possession of the Receiving Party without obligation of confidence; (b) information that is now or later becomes publicly available without violation of this Agreement by Receiving Party; and (c) developments by Receiving Party independent of its receipt of information from Disclosing Party.

13.2 The Parties recognize and acknowledge that, by virtue of entering into this Agreement, the Parties may have access to Confidential Information of the other party.  The Parties warrant and covenant to each other that neither Receiving Party will at any time, either during or subsequent to the term of this Agreement, disclose to others, use, copy or permit to be copied, without the Disclosing Party’s express prior written consent, except pursuant to the performance of services duties hereunder, any Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party which is not otherwise available to the public.  By way of example, no Party will disclose any other Party’s Confidential Information to potential investors or acquirers.

13.3 Vermillion shall not use Quest Diagnostics Confidential Information, including without limitation those Account and payer lists provided pursuant to Section 1.3.3, outside of the performance of this Agreement, including without limitation to solicit any Accounts of Quest Diagnostics for services that are not covered by this Agreement.  Quest Diagnostics shall not use any Vermillion Confidential Information for any purpose outside of the performance of this Agreement.

13.4 Vermillion and Quest Diagnostics agree to use, maintain, and transfer patient health data in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and government requirements concerning the confidentiality or privacy of such data.

13.5 If any Party receives a subpoena or other legal process purporting to require the disclosure of any other Party’s Confidential Information, that Party shall immediately notify the affected Party and fully cooperate in any efforts by that Party to prevent or limit the disclosure of its Confidential Information.  No party will produce any other Party’s Confidential Information pursuant to any subpoena or other legal process before providing the notice set forth herein.

14. NOTICES

14.1 Any notice required to be given hereunder will be deemed to have been served properly, if mailed by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid (or Federal Express or

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equivalent courier), properly addressed and posted in a United States depository to the respective parties hereto at the following addresses:

 

 

 

To Vermillion:

Vermillion, Inc.
12117 Bee Caves Rd., Building III, Suite 100
Austin, TX 78738
Attn: President and CEO
Telephone: (512) 519-0400
Facsimile: (512) 439-6960
Email: vpalmieri@vermillion.com

 

 

 

With copy to:

Goodwin Procter LLP

 

Exchange Place

 

Boston, MA 02109

 

Attn: Christopher J. Denn

 

Telephone: (617) 570-1000

 

Facsimile: (617) 523-1232

 

Email: cdenn@goodwinprocter.com   

 

 

 

To Quest Diagnostics:

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated

 

3 Giralda Farms

 

Madison, NJ 07940

 

Attn: Executive Director, Business Development

 

Telephone: (973) 520-2163

 

Facsimile: (973) 520-2005

 

Email:  Nicholas.j.conti@questdiagnostics.com

 

 

 

With a copy to:

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated

 

3 Giralda Farms

 

Madison, NJ 07940

 

Attn: General Counsel

 

Telephone: (973) 520-2177

 

Facsimile: (610) 271-8719

 

Email: Michael.e.prevoznik@questdiagnostics.com

 

15. Legislative/Regulatory Modification

15.1 In the event any applicable laws, rules, regulations or payment policies, or any rules or policies of any Third Party payer, or any other federal, state or local law, rule, regulation, policy, or any interpretation thereof, at any time during the term of this Agreement, is modified, implemented, threatened to be implemented, or determined to prohibit, restrict or in any way materially change the services to be provided under this Agreement, including the method or amount of reimbursement or compensation, then the parties to this Agreement shall negotiate in good faith to amend this Agreement to conform to the changed requirements.

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15.2 It is the intent of the parties to comply with the Federal Anti-Kickback (42 USC 1320a-7b) and the “Stark” Physician Anti-Self-Referral (42 USC 1395nn) Statutes and any related regulations (including amendments and any similar state requirements).  In the event of a determination that this Agreement is not in compliance with these laws, then the parties shall negotiate in good faith to conform this Agreement.

15.3 If a circumstance set forth in Sections 15.1 or 15.2 arises, and this Agreement is not amended as set forth in this Article 15, then this Agreement shall be terminated in accordance with Section 5.2, unless otherwise agreed upon by the parties in writing.

16. MISCELLANEOUS

16.1 Definitions.  Capitalized terms used in this Agreement have the meaning respectively ascribed to them when first used in this Agreement or as set forth in Schedule A hereto.

16.2 Assignment.  No Party may assign its rights or delegate its obligations under this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any Third Party without the prior written consent of the other Parties, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Party may assign all of its rights and obligations under this Agreement to its subsidiary, successor, or parent corporation.  As a condition of such an assignment, the assignor must unconditionally guarantee the full performance by the assignee of all applicable terms and conditions of this Agreement for the benefit of the other Parties to this Agreement.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section, nothing contained in this Section shall release the assigning Party from any liabilities or obligations it may have under this Agreement.

16.3 Waiver The Parties covenant and agree that if a Party fails or neglects for any reason to take advantage of any of the terms provided for the termination of this Agreement or if a Party, having the right to declare this Agreement terminated, shall fail to do so, any such failure or neglect by such Party shall not be a waiver or be deemed or be construed to be a waiver of any cause for the termination of this Agreement subsequently arising, or as a waiver of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of this Agreement or of the performance thereof. None of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Agreement may be waived by a Party except by its written consent. 16.4 Severability.  It is the intention of the Parties that the provisions of this Agreement will be enforceable to the fullest extent permissible under all applicable laws, regulations, and government requirements, and that the unenforceability of any provisions under such laws or requirements will not render unenforceable, or impair, the remainder of the Agreement.  If any provisions hereof are deemed invalid or unenforceable, either in whole or in part, this Agreement will be deemed amended to delete or to modify, as necessary, the offending provisions and to alter the bounds thereof in order to render it valid and enforceable. 16.5 Entire Agreement.  This Agreement, the Global Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release and the Non-Exclusive License Agreement all being executed concurrently herewith constitute the entire Agreement between Vermillion and Quest Diagnostics with respect to the subject matter hereof.  As provided in Section 22 of the Settlement Agreement, this Agreement, the Settlement Agreement and the Non-Exclusive License Agreement supersedes any prior understandings or agreements between the Parties.  No modification of this Agreement will have any force or effect unless such modification specifically indicates it is a modification of this Agreement, is in writing and signed by authorized

17

 


 

 

representatives of all parties.

16.6 Survival .  The provisions of Articles 9, 11, 13, 14, 16 and Sections 1.6, 4.2, 5.6, 8.8 and 12.2 shall survive termination of this Agreement.

16.7 Arbitration and Governing Law .  This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of New Jersey without regard to the conflict of law provisions thereof.  Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or under this Agreement, or its performance, shall first be negotiated in good faith by the parties, and if an acceptable resolution does not result, shall be submitted to arbitration which shall be exclusive, final, binding, and conducted by one arbitrator in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) applicable to commercial disputes.  The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and in writing, setting forth the award and the reasons therefor.  All hearings in the arbitration shall be held in Bergen County, New Jersey.  Each Party shall bear its own fees and expenses, including attorneys’ fees.  The fees and expenses of the arbitrator and the cost of the arbitration shall be borne equally by the parties.  Any decision of the arbitrator may be entered as a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction and may be enforced as such in accordance with the provisions of the award.  This agreement to arbitrate shall be specifically enforceable by the parties. 

16.8 No Third Party Rights .  No provision of this Agreement shall be deemed or construed in any way to result in the creation of any rights or obligations in any Third Party not a Party to this Agreement.

16.9 Press Release .  Neither Party shall issue any press releases relating to this Agreement or the activities to be conducted hereunder without submitting a draft copy of such press release to the other Parties for approval at least ten business days prior to issuance, except for press releases that are reasonably required for compliance with applicable laws and regulations and the rules of any stock exchange which must be submitted for approval one business day in advance.  Press release approvals shall not be unreasonably withheld by any Party.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parties will agree upon and release a mutual press release in the form attached to the Settlement Agreement as Exhibit G; thereafter, each Party may each disclose the information contained in such press release or any other subsequently approved press release without the need for further approval by the other Party.

16.10 Headings .  The descriptive headings of this Agreement are for convenience only, and will be of no force or effect in construing or interpreting any of the provisions of this Agreement.

16.11 Force Majeure .  No Party to this Agreement shall be liable for failure to perform any duty or obligation that said Party may have under the Agreement where such failure has been caused by any event, foreseen or unforeseen, outside the reasonable control of the Party who had the duty to perform and that renders performance impossible or impracticable including, but not limited to, acts of God, terrorist acts, fire, strike, inevitable accident, war, or any other event, like or unlike those listed above (collectively, “Force Majeure Event”), but only to the extent prevented by the Force Majeure Event. Any Party may terminate this Agreement if a Force Majeure event results in a Party suspending performance of any obligation for more than six months. 

16.12 Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in two counterparts, each of which will constitute an original document, but both of which will constitute one and the same instrument.

18

 


 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties intending to be legally bound, have set their hands the date and year first above written.

 

QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED

 

VERMILLION, INC.

By:

   /s/ Wilson R. Conde

By:

 /s/ Valerie B. Palmieri

Print Name:

 Wilson R. Conde

Print Name:

 Valerie B. Palmieri

Title:

 Vice President, Strategic Alliances & Clinical Franchise Business Development

Title:

 President and CEO

Date:

 3/11/15

Date:

 3/11/15

 

 

 

 

 

ASPIRA LABS, INC.

 

By:

/s/ Eric Schoen

 

Print Name:

Eric Schoen

 

Title:

Secretary and Treasurer

 

Date:

3/11/15

 

 

 

 

19

 


 

 

SCHEDULE A

 

DEFINITIONS

 

 

Account ” or “ Accounts ” means the Third Party ordering an OVA1 test or Other OVA Test through Quest Diagnostics.

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Party, any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such Party, during and for such time as such control exists.  For these purposes, “control” will refer to the ownership, directly or indirectly, of at least fifty percent (50%) of the voting securities or other ownership interest of the relevant entity.

Anchor Test ” means a test offered by Quest Diagnostics that is the subject of a specific and unique compensation program for salespeople for selling such a test or is part of a senior management level directed promotional campaign that includes the preparation of marketing materials and sales scripts prepared specifically for that campaign.  For the sake of clarity all other promotional activities associated with a particular test including, but not limited to: distributing a data sheet describing the test, including the test in any list of tests performed by Quest Diagnostics, answering questions about a particular test, including the test in sales presentations; making statements (verbal or written) about the test, or agreeing to specific financial terms, such as a volume discount, do not make that test an Anchor Test.

Change of Control ” means the sale of all or substantially all the assets of a Party; any merger, consolidation or acquisition of a Party with, by or into another Third Party; or any change in the ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting capital stock of a Party in one or more related transactions.

Other OVA Test ” means a Vermillion test (i) developed and marketed as a replacement, next generation or successor version of OVA1, (ii) whose indication is the same or substantially the same as the FDA label indication of OVA1, and (iii) which has received all required approvals, clearances and/or licenses by the FDA or other federal or state body or administrative or other agency having authority over such matters.

 “ OVA1 ” means a Vermillion test that includes the following biomarkers: CA 125, Beta 2 microglobulin, Transferrin, Apolipoprotein A1 and Prealbumin (Transthyretin),   and that is intended for assessing the likelihood an ovarian mass is malignant prior to a planned surgery.  OVA1, as of the Effective Date, was developed pursuant to the SAA between Vermillion, Inc. and Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

OVACALC Algorithm ” is the algorithm Vermillion provides to Quest Diagnostics for scoring OVA1 tests and Other OVA Tests.

Third Party ” means any person or entity other than Vermillion, Inc., ASPiRA Labs, Quest Diagnostics or any of their respective Affiliates and employees.

Transition Process ” is defined in Section 1.3.3.

20

 


 

 

Specimen ” means, with respect to an OVA1 Test, one Specimen collection tube containing 6.5ml of separated serum to be used to perform one OVA1 test transported in a single Serum Separation Tube (Tiger Top Tube), and with respect to any Other OVA Test, the Parties will agree on an appropriate definition and execute a written amendment to this Agreement pursuant to Section 16.5.

Vermillion OVA Test Requisition Form ” means a test ordering form created by Vermillion and approved in writing by Quest Diagnostics for use by Accounts for each Specimen that is the subject of an OVA1 test or Other OVA Test order.  This form shall contain a unique number for each Specimen that will enable the tracking of each Specimen sample and be substantially identical to the form attached hereto as Attachment 5.

 

21

 


 

 

 

ATTACHMENT 1 TO
TESTING AND SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN
QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED, VERMILLION, INC. AND ASPIRA LABS
DATED MARCH 11, 2015

LIST OF INITIAL 39 CERTIFIED STATES WHOSE SPECIMENS QUEST DIAGNOSTICS WILL FORWARD TO VERMILLION FOR OVA1 TESTING

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

Alabama

16.

Michigan

29.

Oregon

2.

Alaska

17.

Minnesota

30.

South Carolina

3.

Arizona

18.

Mississippi

31.

South Dakota

4.

Arkansas

19.

Missouri

32.

Texas

5.

Connecticut

20.

Montana

33.

Utah

6.

Georgia

21.

Nebraska

34.

Vermont

7.

Hawaii

22.

Nevada

35.

Virginia

8.

Idaho

23.

New Hampshire

36.

Washington

9.

Indiana

24.

New Mexico

37.

West Virginia

10.

Iowa

25.

North Carolina

38.

Wisconsin

11.

Kansas

26.

North Dakota

39.

Wyoming

12.

Kentucky

27.

Ohio

 

 

13.

Louisiana

28.

Oklahoma

 

 

14.

Maine

 

 

 

 

15.

Massachusetts

 

 

 

 

 

LIST OF 11 STATES WHOSE SPECIMENS QUEST DIAGNOSTICS WILL CONTINUE TO TEST FOR OVA1 UNTIL THEY BECOME CERTIFIED STATES

 

 

 

1.

California

2.

Colorado

3.

Florida

4.

Delaware

5.

Illinois

6.

Maryland

7.

New York

8.

New Jersey

9.

Pennsylvania

10.

Rhode Island

11.

Tennessee

 

 

22

 


 

 

 

ATTACHMENT 2 TO
TESTING AND SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN
QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED, VERMILLION, INC. AND ASPIRA LABS
DATED MARCH 11, 2015

Agreed upon cost of services and deliverables to Vermillion/ASPIRA

One Time Transition Expenses to be Paid by Vermillion

25-Jan-15

 

 

Description

Final Cost

Data Pulls

customer list for 39 states

***

payer list for 39 states

***

customer list for remaining 11 states to be delivered at time of the applicable transition

***

payer list for remaining 11 states to be delivered at time of the applicable transition

***

 

each updated report for customer lists or payer lists

***

CARE 360

care360 announcement

***

care360 field adjustments for PSCs

***

Total for Care360 (estimates)

***

TIGER TEAM:

1st year

5 full time months project manager

***

25% FTE for Referral team - 25%

***

Marketing -10%

***

Chantilly representative - 10%

***

customer service - 10%

***

MML

C

3 MMLC reviews for letters

***

Internal training

Compliance reviews

***

PSC training

***

Accessioning and referrals training

***

Customer service training

***

Sales rep training

***

Medical Director/other training

***

Uploads to Qforce and other internal dissemination

***

1

 


 

 

interviews

One hour interview with Laure Park, launch leader for OVA-1

***

One hour interview with John McLaughlin, CMS health plan coverage

***

Interviews with other staff involved in OVA-1, not to exceed 5 hours

***

Total up front

***

IT accessioning / tracking

IT fixes to allow trackability for a pass-through - standard sites

 

 

IT fixes to allow trackability for a pass-through - non-standard sites

***

 

TOTAL COST

***

 

 

 

2

 


 

 

 

ATTACHMENT 3 TO
TESTING AND SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN
QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED, VERMILLION, INC. AND ASPIRA LABS
DATED MARCH 11, 2015

Business Associate Terms and Conditions

1. AUTHORIZED USES OR DISCLOSURES OF PHI .  Quest Diagnostics shall use or disclose PHI only for performing the Services set forth in this Agreement, for its proper management and administration, or as required by law.

 

2. DEFINITIONS . ..” HIPAA” means the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, and any amendments thereto as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (the “HITECH Act”).  The term “HIPAA Regulations” refers to all of the regulations in effect from time to time issued pursuant to HIPAA and applicable to the privacy or the security of Individually Identifiable Health Information found at Title 45, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 160, 162, and 164.  “PHI” means protected health information received, transmitted, maintained or created by Quest Diagnostics for or on behalf of Client.  “Business Associate” shall generally have the same meaning as the term “business associate” at 45 CFR 160.103.  ”Covered Entity” shall generally have the same meaning as the term “covered entity” at 45 CFR 160.103.  All other capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the same meaning as those terms defined in the HIPAA Regulations or any successor law.

 

3. HIPAA COMPLIANCE .  To the extent Quest Diagnostics is acting as a Business Associate of Client in performing the Services, the provisions of this Agreement shall apply, and Quest Diagnostics shall be subject to the penalty provisions of HIPAA as specified in 45 CFR Part 160.  To the extent Quest Diagnostics is to carry out an obligation of Client under the HIPAA Regulations, Quest Diagnostics shall comply with the requirements of the HIPAA Regulations that apply to a Covered Entity in the performance of such obligation .

 

4. DUTIES RELATED TO PHI

 

a. Use and Disclosure .  Quest Diagnostics agrees not to use or disclose any PHI, other than as permitted by this Agreement, for its proper management and administration or as required by applicable law or regulations.  Quest Diagnostics may use and disclose PHI as necessary to perform the Services, provided that such uses and disclosures would not violate the HIPAA Regulations if done by Client.

 

b. Minimum Necessary .  Quest Diagnostics shall limit its uses, disclosures and requests for PHI, when practical, to the information making up a Limited Data Set (as set forth at 45 CFR § 164.514), and in all other cases to the minimum necessary PHI to accomplish the intended purpose of the use, disclosure or request.

 

c. Patient Rights .  Quest Diagnostics shall:

i) forward to Client any requests it receives from an Individual where the Individual

1

 


 

 

requests access to the Individual’s PHI held by Quest Diagnostics, which request shall be responded to by Client; and

ii) maintain a record of accountable disclosures of PHI by Quest Diagnostics as required for Client to make an accounting to the Individual as required by the HIPAA Regulations.

 

d. Access to Books and Records .  Quest Diagnostics shall make its internal practices, books, and records relating to the receipt, transmission, creation, maintenance, use and disclosure of an Individual’s PHI available to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) to the extent required for determining compliance with this Agreement and the HIPAA Regulations.

 

e. Reporting .  Quest Diagnostics shall promptly report to Client any use or disclosure of PHI not provided for by this Agreement and any Security Incident (as that term is defined in the HIPAA Regulations) of which Quest Diagnostics becomes aware, including breaches of unsecured PHI as required by § 164.410.

 

f. Subcontractors .  In accordance with 45 CFR §§ 164.308(b)(2) and 164.502(e)(1)(i), in the event Quest Diagnostics contracts with any subcontractor or agent that creates, receives, maintains or transmits PHI on behalf of Quest Diagnostics, Quest Diagnostics shall ensure that such subcontractor or agent agrees in writing to be bound by the same restrictions and conditions that apply to Quest Diagnostics with respect to PHI.

 

g. Security .  Quest Diagnostics shall use appropriate safeguards to prevent the use or disclosure of PHI other than as provided for by this Agreement (“Quest Diagnostics Safeguards”).  In addition, Quest Diagnostics agrees to comply with the applicable requirements of 45 CFR Part 164, Subpart C of the HIPAA Regulations with respect to electronic PHI and any guidance issued by the Secretary of HHS.

 

5. NOTIFICATION IN CASE OF BREACH

 

a. In the event that Quest Diagnostics discovers that a Breach has occurred, Quest Diagnostics shall promptly notify the Client Privacy Officer, but in no event later than the time required by applicable state law or thirty (30) days, whichever is shorter, after discovering the Breach.  Such notifications shall be sent to Privacy Officer, Vermillion, Inc., 12117 Bee Caves Rd., Building III, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78738, telephone: (512) 519-0400.  The notification shall include information regarding the nature of the Breach, including a description of what happened, the date of the Breach and the date the Breach was discovered; specific elements of PHI that were subject to the Breach; and identification of each Individual who has been, or is reasonably believed by Quest Diagnostics to have been, affected by the Breach.

b. Quest Diagnostics shall work with Client, promptly and as reasonably required by Client, to identify all individuals whose PHI has been breached, to gather any other information required to be reported under 45 CFR 164.404 and to ensure that the cause giving rise to the Breach has been remediated.

6. CLIENT’S OBLIGATIONS .     Client shall notify Quest Diagnostics of: (i) any limitations in its Notice of Privacy Practices (ii) any changes in, or revocation of permission by Individuals to

2

 


 

 

use or disclose PHI, and (iii) any restriction to the use or disclosure of PHI that Client has agreed to, to the extent such actions may affect Quest Diagnostics’ obligations hereunder.

7. TERM AND TERMINATION .

 

a. This Agreement shall become effective upon signature by the Quest Diagnostics.

b. This Agreement shall terminate when the arrangement for Quest Diagnostics to provide the Services terminates or if Client determines that Quest Diagnostics has violated a material term of this Agreement, or applicable law, that is not cured within thirty (30) calendar days after delivery of notice of the specific violation(s) to Quest Diagnostics.  In the event of such a violation, Client, in its sole discretion, may report the breach to the Secretary.

c. Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, Quest Diagnostics and its subcontractors and agents agree to return or to destroy all PHI and retain no copies unless Quest Diagnostics determines that returning or destroying such PHI is infeasible.  If Quest Diagnostics retains PHI due to infeasibility, for as long as Quest Diagnostics retains any PHI, Quest Diagnostics shall extend the protections of this Agreement to the PHI that Quest Diagnostics maintains and shall limit its further use or disclosure of such PHI to those purposes that make return or destruction of the PHI infeasible.  If such reasons of infeasibility are removed, Quest Diagnostics agrees to promptly comply with the first part of this paragraph.

8. BENEFIT This Agreement is not intended to create any right in, or obligations to any person or entity that is not a party to this Agreement, including Individuals and shall not create any agency relationship between the parties.

9. AMENDMENT .     This Agreement may only be amended in a writing signed by Quest Diagnostics and Client.  Client and Quest Diagnostics agree to amend this Agreement in such manner as is necessary for Client to comply with any amendment of 1) HIPAA or other applicable law, or 2) the HIPAA Regulations, or other applicable regulations.  If the parties are unable to agree on an amendment within 30 days of notice from Client to Quest Diagnostics of the requirement to amend the Agreement, Client may, at its option, terminate this Agreement.

10. NO WAIVER .     No waiver of any term of this Agreement shall be construed as a waiver of any other term.  In addition, no failure to exercise any right or demand performance of any obligation under this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of such right or obligation.

11. SURVIVAL To the extent Quest Diagnostics and/or its subcontractors and agents retain any PHI after the termination of this Agreement, Quest Diagnostics’ obligations under Sections 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 shall survive termination of this Agreement.

12. INTERPRETATION Any ambiguity in this Agreement shall be resolved in favor of a meaning that permits the parties to comply with the HIPAA Regulations.

 

 

3

 


 

 

 

ATTACHMENT 4 TO
TESTING AND SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN
QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED, VERMILLION, INC. AND ASPIRA LABS
DATED MARCH 11, 2015

MASTER ACCOUNT TRANSFER LIST

[TO BE PROVIDED WITHIN 24 HOURS OF EFFECTIVE DATE]

 

 

 

 

 

1

 


 

 

 

ATTACHMENT 5 TO
TESTING AND SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN
QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED, VERMILLION, INC. AND ASPIRA LABS
DATED MARCH 11, 2015

 

VERMILLION OVA TEST REQUISITION FORM

 

 

 

 

1

 


 

 

PICTURE 13

2

 


 

 

PICTURE 12

 

3

 


 

 

 

PICTURE 1                           PICTURE 2

ATTACHMENT 6 TO
TESTING AND SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN
QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED, VERMILLION, INC. AND ASPIRA LABS DATED MARCH 11, 2015

 

CUSTOMER COMMUNICATIONS

 

 

 


 

 

PICTURE 22                             PICTURE 4

 

[Enter Date]

[Enter MD Name]

[Enter Client Name]

[Enter address]

[Enter City, State & Zip]

 

Dear [Enter MD Name],

 

Thank you for being a valued user of OVA1 ® , the FDA-cleared test used to evaluate an ovarian mass for malignancy prior to planned surgery. We are pleased to inform you that Vermillion Inc., the developer of OVA1 ® , has established a wholly-owned, specialized women’s health reference laboratory, ASPiRA LABS™.  Effective [give date], ASPiRA LABS™ will be providing your OVA1 ® testing services in concert with Quest Diagnostics. 

 

We have designed the transition to Aspira Labs to minimize the impact of this change on your practice.  As you can see in the attached diagram, you will order OVA1 on a paper requisition specific to OVA1.  Specimens drawn in your office will continue to be picked up by the Quest Diagnostics driver.  You may also send patients with an OVA1 requisition to a Quest Diagnostic Patient Service Center (PSC) for a specimen to be drawn.  ASPiRA LABS™ will be delivering the same rapid turn-around and quality results you have come to expect with OVA1 ® , along with a personalized approach to managing your ovarian mass patients.  A sample copy of the ASPiRA LABS™ OVA1 ® test report is also attached for your review. 

 

If you have any questions or billing concerns, please do not hesitate to call ASPiRA LABS™ customer service at 1.844.277.4721.

 

Thank you for your loyalty and we look forward to working with you in the future

 

Sincerely,

 

Add Electronic Signatures

 

 

 

Dr. Kenneth L. Sisco, MD

Dr. Herbert A. Fritsche, PhD

Laboratory Director

Laboratory Director

Quest Diagnostics

ASPiRA LABS

 

 

 


 

 

PICTURE 23                             PICTURE 6

 

PICTURE 3

Contact ASPiRA LABS™ (1.844.ASPiRA1, 1.844.277.4721) if you have any questions regarding OVA1 test results or billing inquiries.

 

Contact Quest Diagnostics (1.866.MYQUEST, 1.866.697.8378) with questions regarding testing supplies or scheduling a specimen draw, pick up, or drop box location.

 

 


 

 

 

PICTURE 10

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

ATTACHMENT 7 TO
TESTING AND SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN
QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED, VERMILLION, INC. AND ASPIRA LABS
DATED MARCH 11, 2015

NEW ACCOUNT AND PAYER VARIABLES TO THE EXTENT QUEST DIAGNOSTICS CAN RUN COMPUTER GENERATED REPORTS WITH ITS EXISTING SOFTWARE THAT CONTAIN THIS INFORMATION, AND TO THE EXTENT QUEST DIAGNOSTICS CAN PROVIDE SUCH INFORMATION WITHOUT VIOLATING CONTRACTUAL CONFIDENTIALITY OBLIGATIONS. QUEST DIAGNOSTICS IS NOT REQUIRED TO ANYTHING MORE THAN RUN CURRENTLY AVAILABLE COMPUTER GENERATED REPORTS.

 

Account List Variables

1. Account Name

2. Contact name

3. Account Address on File

4. Account phone and fax

5. NPI#  if possible

6. Test Volume per month for the period of the report

7. Billing types (3 rd party insurance, Patient, client bill)

8. Payer type per account

9. Payer type per account

10. Test volumes and revenue per account per month during the period of the report

11. Reporting Method (Fax, hard copy, LIS, portal)

12. Multiple physicians at same location, Yes/No, Name/NPI# for each

 

Payer Variables:

1. Volume by Payer

2. Average Unit Price by payer

3. Denial volume per payer

4. Denial codes per payer

5. Payer volume by State where aggregated

 

 

1

 


CONFIDENTIAL MATERIAL APPEARING IN THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND RULE 24B-2 PROMULGATED THEREUNDER. OMITTED INFORMATION HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH ASTERISKS.

 

Exhibit 10. 6

 

AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO TESTING AND SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1 is made and entered into as of this 10th day of April, 2015 by and between Quest Diagnostics Incorporated , a Delaware corporation (“Quest Diagnostics”) on the one hand and Vermillion, Inc., a Delaware corporation and ASPiRA Labs , a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Vermillion, Inc. (collectively “Vermillion”) on the other hand with respect to that certain Testing and Services Agreement dated as of March 11, 2015 (the “TSA”).  Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein are used with the meanings attributed to them in the TSA.  All references to section numbers refer to section numbers in the TSA.

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS , the Parties are working together to implement the terms of the TSA;

WHEREAS , the Parties now anticipate that the first Transition Process will include 49 states instead of 39 states;

WHEREAS , the Parties also now want to change when Quest Diagnostics will deliver the Account and payer reports, provide for the collection and shipment of test kits, and provide for the potential use of Quest Diagnostics tracking, inquiry or customer services systems in connection with Specimen collection and shipment services by Third Parties; and

WHEREAS , the Parties hereby amend the TSA to address these issues.

NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. The Parties agree that the reference to the Parties anticipating that the 39 states listed on Attachment 1 would be the first Certified States to go through the Transition Process in Section 1.3.1 does not preclude Vermillion from including all other states except New York in the first Transition Process provided all other applicable requirements under the TSA are met.

2. Notwithstanding the language in Section 1.3.3 whereby Quest Diagnostics would run Account and payer reports for the 50 states at the same time and deliver the relevant portions of those reports after the applicable Certification Date, the Parties now agree that Quest Diagnostics shall deliver both reports for all 50 states after the first Certification Date, if at that time 49 states have met the requirements of Section 1.3.1.

3. A new Section 3.15 is hereby added to the TSA as follows:

3.15 Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, Quest Diagnostics may authorize Third Parties, such as a physician’s practice, hospital, or other clinical laboratories, to collect Specimens or ship Specimens to ASPiRA Labs and delegate all or a portion of its duties under this Agreement to such authorized Third Parties.


 

 

 

4. Section 8.1 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

8.1 In addition to any other fees set forth elsewhere in this Agreement, including Attachment 2, Vermillion shall pay Quest Diagnostics *** (*** dollars) per OVA1 Specimen collected and shipped to ASPiRA Labs where either (a) Quest Diagnostics collected the Specimens at its own PSCs or other facility and transported or made arrangements for the transportation of such Specimens to ASPiRA Labs or (b) a Third Party collects Specimens and delivers them to a Quest Diagnostics facility from which the Specimens are then forwarded to ASPiRA Labs or delivers them directly to ASPiRA Labs as permitted in Section 3.15 above, and any of Quest Diagnostics’ tracking, inquiry, or customer service system is utilized during any part of the collection and shipment process with regard to the Specimens collected and/or transported by such Third Party.  Quest Diagnostics will not bill any other party for the services covered by this *** fee. The same *** price shall apply for Other OVA Tests, if Quest Diagnostics’ projected costs are the same or less than its costs relating to OVA1 tests.  If Quest Diagnostics projected costs for collecting and shipping Other OVA Tests are higher than its costs relating to OVA1 tests, Quest Diagnostics shall have no obligation to provide any services under this Agreement with respect to Other OVA Tests, unless the Parties agree on a higher price.

5. The definition of “Specimen” in Schedule A to the TSA is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

“Specimen” means, with respect to an OVA1 Test, one Specimen collection tube or kit package containing separated serum to be used to perform one OVA1 test transported in a single serum separation tube or kit package, and with respect to any Other OVA Test, the Parties will agree on an appropriate definition and execute a written amendment to this Agreement pursuant to Section 16.5.

 

 

 

[Intentionally left blank]

2

 


 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties intending to be legally bound, have set their hands the date and year first above written.

QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED

VERMILLION, INC.

By:  __ /s/ Wilson R. Conde _______________

By:  __ /s/ Valerie B. Palmieri ______________

 

 

Print Name:  _ Wilson R. Conde ____________

Print Name:  __ Valerie B. Palmieri _________

 

 

Title:  _ Vice President, Strategic Alliances & Clinical Franchise Business Development ____

Title:  _ President and CEO ________________

 

 

Date:  _ 4/30/2015 _______________________

Date:  _ 4/20/2015 _______________________

 

 

 

 

 

ASPIRA LABS, INC.

 

By:  __ /s/ Eric Schoen ____________________

 

 

 

Print Name:  _ Eric Schoen ________________

 

 

 

Title:  __ Secretary and Treasurer ___________

 

 

 

Date:  __ 5/1/2015 _______________________

 

 

 

3

 


 

Exhibit 10.7

 

NON-EXCLUSIVE LICENSE AGREEMENT

This Non-Exclusive License Agreement (“Agreement”) shall be effective as of March 11, 2015 (“Effective Date”) by and between Quest Diagnostics Clinical Laboratories, Inc., a Delaware corporation, as successor-in-interest to Pathway Diagnostics, and its parent company Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, a Delaware corporation having a principal place of business at 3 Giralda Farms, Madison, New Jersey 07940 (together, the “Licensor”), and Vermillion, Inc., a Delaware corporation (formerly known as Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc.) (“Vermillion”), and Aspira Labs, a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Vermillion having a principal place of business at 101 Cooperative Way, Suite 220,Georgetown, TX 78626 (together with Vermillion, “Licensee”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, following its acquisition of Pathway Diagnostics in 2008, the Licensor has certain rights under the Licensed Patent Rights (as defined below) pursuant to that certain Exclusive License Agreement between The Regents of the University of California (“The Regents”) and Pathway Diagnostics for “Biomarkers for the Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer” (U.C. Case No. 2004-159) dated January 3, 2007, as amended by that certain First Amendment to the License Agreement (U.C. Control No. 2007-04-0358) dated September 17, 2010 (together, the “Original Agreement”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Licensor is willing to grant a royalty-bearing, non-exclusive sublicense under the Original Agreement to the Licensed Patent Rights to Licensee on the terms set forth herein; and

 

WHEREAS, Licensee and Licensor are also parties to that certain Testing and Services Agreement of even date herewith (the “Testing and Services Agreement”) and that certain Settlement Agreement of even date herewith (the “Settlement Agreement”); and

 

WHERAS, Licensee does not believe it needs a license under the Licensed Patent Rights, is only entering into this Agreement in an effort to resolve the disputes under the Settlement Agreement, and would not otherwise enter into this Agreement without receiving from Licensor the Credit described in Section 4.3 below.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises below and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto expressly agree as follows:

 

1. DEFINITIONS

 

1.1. Affiliate ” shall mean any corporation or other business entity (i) in which


 

Licensee owns or controls, directly or indirectly, at least fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding stock or other voting rights entitled to elect directors or (ii) which owns or controls, directly or indirectly, at least fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding stock or other voting rights of Licensee entitled to elect directors.

 

1.2. Change of Control ” means the sale of all or substantially all the assets of a Party; any merger, consolidation or acquisition of a Party with, by or into another Third Party; or any change in the ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting capital stock of a Party in one or more related transactions.

 

1.3. “Certified State(s) ” shall have the meaning specified in the Testing and Services Agreement.

1.4. Confidential Information ” shall mean all confidential information disclosed by one Party to the other Party under this Agreement and marked or designated by the disclosing Party as confidential by appropriate legend or instruction.  Confidential Information shall not include information which the receiving Party can demonstrate: (i) was at the time of disclosure in the public domain; (ii) has come into the public domain after disclosure through no fault of the receiving Party; (iii) was known to the receiving Party prior to disclosure thereof by the disclosing Party; (iv) was lawfully disclosed to the receiving Party by a third party which was not under an obligation of confidence to the disclosing Party with respect thereto; (v) which the receiving Party can reasonably demonstrate was independently developed by the receiving Party without use of the disclosing party’s Confidential Information.

 

1.5. Customer ” shall mean any individual or entity that receives a Licensed Product, provided however, that Licensee or any Affiliate of Licensee shall be deemed a Customer only if it receives a Licensed Product for its own end-use and not resale.

 

1.6. Field ” shall mean in vitro diagnostics for screening, diagnosing and monitoring for Ovarian Cancer in humans in the form of OVA1 tests solely for sale to or by Quest Diagnostics, Aspira Labs, and any other person or entity that has revenue in the United States of less than $2,000,000,000 per year.

 

1.7. Final Sale ” shall mean any sale, transfer, lease, exchange or other disposition, or provision of a Licensed Product and/or a Licensed Method to a Customer.  A Final Sale shall be deemed to have occurred upon the earliest to occur of the following (as applicable): (a) the transfer of title to such Licensed Product to a Customer, (b) the shipment of such Licensed


 

Product to a Customer, (c) the provision of a Licensed Method to a Customer, (d) the provision of an invoice for such Licensed Product or Licensed Method to a Customer, or (e) payment by the Customer for a Licensed Product or Licensed Method.

 

1.8. Licensed Method ” shall mean any process or method which is covered by the Licensed Patent Rights whose use or practice absent a license would constitute an infringement of any valid claim within the License Patent Rights.

 

1.9. Licensed Patent Rights ” shall mean the patents and patent applications set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto; any continuing applications thereof, including divisions; but excluding continuations in part except to the extent of claims entirely supported in the specification and entitled to the priority date of the parent application; any patents issuing on these applications including reissues and reexaminations; and any patents that take priority therefrom; all of which will be automatically incorporated in and added to Appendix A and made part of this Agreement.

1.10. Licensed Product ” shall mean any article, composition, apparatus, substance, chemical or any other material covered by the Licensed Patent Rights to the extent whose manufacture, use or sale, absent a license, would constitute an infringement of any valid claim within the Licensed Patent Rights, or any service, article, composition, apparatus, chemical, substance or any other material made, used, or sold by or utilizing or practicing a Licensed Method.  This definition of Licensed Product also includes a service either used by Licensee, or provided by Licensee, when such service requires the use of a Licensed Product or performance of a Licensed Method.  Additionally, for the avoidance of doubt, if such product is a component of a larger unit, such as a kit, composition of matter or combination, such kit composition of matter or combination is deemed to be a Licensed Product for purposes of this definition.

 

1.11. Net Sales ” shall mean the total of the gross amount invoiced or otherwise charged (whether consisting of cash or any other forms of consideration) for the Final Sale of Licensed Products or Licensed Methods by Licensee to Customers in the Field in the Territory, less the following deductions (to the extent included in and not already deducted from the gross amount invoiced or otherwise charged) to the extent reasonable and customary: cash, trade or quantity discounts actually granted to Customer; sales, use, tariff, import/export duties or other excise taxes imposed on particular sales (excepting value added taxes or income taxes); transportation charges, including insurance to the extent actually paid by the Customer; and allowances or credits to Customers because of rejections or returns.  Where Licensee is the Customer, then Net Sales shall be based on the gross amount normally invoiced or otherwise charged to other Customers in an arms’ length transaction for such Licensed Products or Licensed Methods.  For the avoidance of doubt, if Licensee supplies (directly or indirectly) a product that constitutes a Licensed Product to any Affiliate, and such Affiliate includes such


 

product in another product, then Net Sales shall be based on the total gross amount invoiced or otherwise charged for such other product in its entirety.

1.12. “Party ” shall mean either Licensee or Licensor, as applicable, and “Parties” shall mean both Licensee and Licensor.

 

1.13. Territory ” shall mean all Certified States and those countries wherein Licensee shall have satisfied the conditions specified in Section 1.4 of the Testing and Services Agreement with jurisdictions where Licensed Patent Rights exist.

 

2. GRANT OF LICENSE

 

2.1. License Grant .  Subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement, and the Original Agreement, the Licensor hereby grants to Licensee a non-exclusive right and license, without the right to sublicense, under the Licensed Patent Rights as licensed to Licensor pursuant to the Original Agreement, to make, have made, use, sell, offer for sale and import Licensed Products and to practice the Licensed Methods in the Field in the Territory to the extent permitted by law.

 

2.2. Retained Rights .  The Licensor shall at all times retain the right to:

 

(i) use the Licensed Patent Rights for all purposes permitted under the Original Agreement;

(ii) grant non-exclusive licenses and other rights to the Licensed Patent Rights to third parties, whether such be commercial entities, academic institutions or other persons; and

(iii) assign its rights hereunder to The Regents at the option of The Regents upon termination of the Original Agreement for any reason.

 

3. NO ADMISSION

This Agreement is entered into for the convenience of the Parties and for purposes of compromise of the disputed claims covered by the Settlement Agreement.  Nothing contained in this Agreement, or done or omitted in connection with this Agreement, is intended as or


 

shall be construed as an admission of or by any Party of any infringement, fault, liability or wrongdoing whatsoever.  This Agreement shall not be admissible or otherwise relied upon in connection with any proceeding alleging that any product or service of Licensee infringes any of the Licensed Patent Rights.

4. CONSIDERATION

 

4.1. Running Royalty .  Licensee shall pay the Licensor a running royalty of two percent (2%) of Net Sales. Such running royalties shall be payable as provided in Section 5.1.

4.2 Annual Minimum Royalty .  Beginning on the one year anniversary of the Effective Date, and on each anniversary thereof during the Term, Licensee shall pay to Licensor an Annual Minimum Royalty equal to a pro rata portion of Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) allocated across all Net Sales of Licensed Product and Licensed Methods under this Agreement, the Original Agreement and all other agreements between Licensor and any third party sublicensee of the Licensed Patent Rights, which amount will be credited against the earned royalties due and owing for the calendar year in which the minimum payment was made. 

 

4.3 Credit .  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parties acknowledge and agree that, pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, Licensor has granted to Licensee a credit in the amount of up to One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) which may be applied against the Annual Minimum Royalty under Section 4.2 and any running royalties due pursuant to Section 4.1 until such credit amount is exhausted.

 

5. PAYMENTS AND REPORTS

 

5.1. Payment Due .  Payment of the royalties specified in Section 4.1 above shall be made by Licensee to the Licensor within forty five (45) days after March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year during the term of this Agreement covering Net Sales of Licensed Products during the preceding calendar quarter.

 

5.2. Final Payment . Within forty five (45) days of termination or expiration of this Agreement, a final payment shall be made by Licensee covering Net Sales of Licensed Product during the whole or partial calendar quarter preceding such termination or expiration.

 

5.3. Quarterly Report .  Each quarterly payment shall be accompanied by a written statement of Net Sales of Licensed Products by Licensee during such calendar quarter. Such written statements shall be duly signed by an authorized signatory of Licensee on behalf of


 

Licensee and shall show in reasonably specific detail, on a country by country basis, (a) the gross sales of each Licensed Product sold by Licensee during the reporting period and the calculation of Net Sales from such gross sales; (b) the royalties payable in United States dollars, if any, which shall have accrued hereunder based upon Net Sales of each Licensed Product; (c) the withholding taxes, if any, required by law to be deducted in respect of such sales, subject to Section 5.7 below; and (d) the exchange rates used in determining the amount of United States dollars.

 

5.4. Termination for Non-Payment .  Should Licensee fail to make any payment whatsoever due and payable to the Licensor hereunder, the Licensor may, at its sole option, terminate this Agreement as provided in Section 8.2.

 

5.5. U.S. Currency .  The gross sales, Net Sales, and royalties payable shall be expressed in United States dollars.  .

 

5.6. Taxes .  Licensee may withhold taxes on the amounts otherwise payable to the Licensor under this agreement as required by applicable law. The parties agree to cooperate in good faith to reduce or eliminate the amount of any such withholding taxes under the provisions of applicable law, include the provisions of any applicable income tax treaty.  As may be required under applicable law in order to reduce or eliminate the amount of any withholding tax, Licensor shall be entitled to timely provide to Licensee a duly and properly executed certificate of exemption from withholding tax or certificate of reduced withholding tax, or such other forms as may be required under applicable law to reduce or eliminate the amount of withholding tax, and Licensee shall withhold taxes in accordance with such duly and properly executed certificate or forms. Licensee shall remit any withheld taxes to the relevant authorities on behalf of Licensor and upon request of Licensor, Licensee shall provide to Licensor appropriate evidence of the payment to the relevant authorities of the amounts withheld and remitted to the relevant authorities on behalf of Licensor.

 

5.7. Past Due Amounts .  In the event that any payment due hereunder is not made when due, the payment shall accrue simple interest of ten percent (10%) per annum to be calculated from the date payment was due until it was actually received by Licensor, provided, however, that in no event shall said annual interest rate exceed the maximum legal interest rate for corporations. Each such royalty payment when made shall be accompanied by all interest so accrued. Said interest and the payment and acceptance thereof shall not negate or waive the right of the Licensor to seek any other remedy, legal or equitable, to which it may be entitled because of the delinquency of any payment.

 


 

5.8. If License pays a third party royalties in consideration for patent rights which arc necessary in order to practice the Licensed Patent Rights, then Licensee, as the case may be, may deduct 0.333% from the royalty rate due to Licensor under this Agreement for every percentage point paid to such third party in royalties, provided that in no event shall royalties or other amounts due to Licensor in any reporting period be reduced to less than 50%, of what would otherwise be due to Licensor.

 

5.9. In the event that a Licensed Product is sold as a combination product containing the Licensed Product and one or more other product(s) not covered by the Licensed Patent Rights (“Other Components”), Net Sales shall be calculated by multiplying the gross amount invoiced for the sale of the combination product by the fraction A/A+B where A is the average gross selling price of the Licensed Product sold separately by Licensee and B is the average gross selling price of such Other Components sold separately by Licensee during the relevant royalty payment period. In the event a substantial number of such separate sales were not made during the relevant royalty payment period, the Net Sales of such combination products shall be reasonably allocated between such Licensed Product and such Other Components based on their relative importance or value. For the avoidance of doubt, third party royalties owed on such Other Components shall not be subject to the stacking provisions set forth in Paragraph 5.8 above.

 

6. RECORDS AND INSPECTION

 

6.1. Records .  Licensee shall maintain or cause to be maintained a true and correct set of records pertaining to the Net Sales by Licensee under this Agreement, and preserve such records for at least five (5) years from the date of the royalty payment to which they pertain.

 

6.2. Audits .  During the term of this Agreement and for a one (1) year thereafter, Licensee agrees to permit an independent accountant selected and paid by the Licensor and reasonably acceptable to Licensee to have access at Licensee’s offices during ordinary business hours of Licensee to such records as are maintained by Licensee as may be necessary to determine the correctness of any royalty report and/or payment made under this Agreement. In the event that the audit reveals an underpayment of totally annual royalties by more than five percent (5%), the cost of the audit shall be paid by Licensee. In the event that the audit reveals an overpayment of any royalties, such amounts shall be promptly refunded to Licensee. Such accountant shall maintain in confidence, and shall not disclose to the Licensor, any information concerning Licensee or its operations or properties other than information directly relating to the correctness of such reports and payments.

 


 

7. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

 

7.1. Confidentiality .  Each Party shall maintain the Confidential Information of the other Party in strict confidence, and agrees not to use such Confidential Information except in accordance with this Agreement. The receiving Party shall have the right to disclose Confidential Information of the disclosing Party only to those employees, consultants, agents, representatives, officers and directors as necessary on a need-to-know basis.  The foregoing obligation of confidentiality shall survive termination of this Agreement. Each Party acknowledges that the unauthorized disclosure or use of Confidential Information of the other Party may result in substantial damage to the disclosing Party which cannot be quantified.  Therefore, each Party agrees that the other Party may seek equitable relief such as an injunction or specific performance, in addition to monetary damages and all other remedies available at law or equity, as a remedy for any such breach of this Agreement, and such disclosing Party waives any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in connection with such remedy.

7.2. Use of Names and Trademarks .  Neither Party is permitted to use any name, trade name, trademark or other designation of the other Party or its employees (including contraction, abbreviation or simulation of any of the foregoing) in any advertising, publicity or other promotional activity.  Unless required by law Licensee is expressly prohibited from using the name “The Regents of the University of California” or the name of any campus of the University of California in any advertising, publishing, or other promotional activity.

7.3. Third Party Infringement .  Licensee shall promptly inform Licensor of any suspected infringement in the Field of any claims in the Licensed Patent Rights by a third party.  Licensor shall not be obligated to enforce any rights in the Licensed Patent Rights, but if, in its sole discretion, Licensor determines to do so, or to bring such infringement to The Regents for enforcement pursuant to the Original Agreement, Licensee shall cooperate with Licensor and/or The Regents at Licensor’s expense in any such action.

 

8. TERM AND TERMINATION

8.1. Term .  Unless earlier terminated as hereinafter provided, this Agreement is in force from the Effective Date and remains in effect for the life of the last-to-expire patent in the Licensed Patent Rights, or until the Original Agreement is terminated prior to expiration for any reason and either The Regents or Licensee do not consent to an assignment of this Agreement from Licensor to The Regents.  

8.2. Termination for Breach . In the event of default or failure by Licensee to perform any of the terms, covenants or provisions of this Agreement, Licensee shall have thirty (30) days after receiving written notice of such default from Licensor to correct such default. If such default is not corrected within such thirty (30) day period, Licensor shall have the right, at its


 

option, to cancel and terminate this Agreement. The failure of Licensor to exercise such right of termination shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any right Licensor might have, nor shall such failure preclude Licensor from exercising or enforcing said right upon any subsequent failure by Licensee.

8.3. Termination for Insolvency .  The Licensor shall have the right, at its option, to cancel and terminate this Agreement in the event that Licensee shall (i) become involved in insolvency, dissolution, or receivership proceedings affecting the operation of its business or (ii) make an assignment of all or substantially all of its assets for the benefit of creditors, or in the event that (iii) a receiver or trustee is appointed for Licensee and Licensee shall, after the expiration of ninety (90) days following any of the events enumerated above, have been unable to secure a dismissal, stay or other suspension of such proceedings.

8.4. Termination for Change of Control .  The Licensor shall have the right, at its option, to cancel and terminate this Agreement following ninety (90) days prior written notice to the Licensee in the event of a Change of Control of Licensee.

8.5. Termination for Convenience .  Licensee may terminate this Agreement at any time following ninety (90) days prior written notice to the Licensor.

8.6. Effect of Termination .  At the date of termination of this Agreement, as of the receipt or provisions by Licensee of notice of such termination, Licensee shall immediately cease using any of the Licensed Patent Rights and return all tangible embodiments of Licensor’s Confidential Information in its possession, if any; provided, however, that Licensee may dispose of any Licensed Products previously made or partially made prior to the effective date of termination, subject to Licensee's paying to the Licensor running royalties in accordance with Section 4 (pro-rated for a partial year as applicable) with respect thereto and otherwise complying with the terms of this Agreement. 

8.7. Survival .  No termination of this Agreement shall constitute a termination or a waiver of any rights of either Party against the other Party accruing at or prior to the time of such termination. The obligations of Sections 5, 6, 7.1, 7.2, 8.4, 8.5, 9, 11, 14, 15 and 17 shall survive termination of this Agreement.

 

9. INDEMNITY

Licensee agrees that it will defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Licensor, The Regents, and its and their employees, consultants, officers, representatives, directors, and agents and each of them (the “Indemnified Parties”), from and against any and all claims, causes of action, lawsuits or other proceedings filed or otherwise instituted by a third party against any of the Indemnified Parties related to or arising out of exercise of this license (each, a “Claim”).  Such


 

indemnity includes but is not limited to products liability.  Licensee will also assume responsibility for all costs and expenses related to such Claim for which it is obligated to indemnify the Indemnified Parties pursuant to this Section 9, including, but not limited to, the payment of all reasonable attorneys' fees and costs of litigation or other defense.  The parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to agree on the choice of counsel for any Claim.   The parties shall agree on settlement terms for any Claim, such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed.   If there is a conflict of interest to be represented by counsel chosen by Licensee to defend The Regents or Licensor, as applicable, in accordance with this Section 9, then The Regents and/or Licensor may retain counsel of its choice to represent it, and Licensee will pay all expenses for such representation.

10. INSURANCE

Licensee shall for so long as Licensee manufactures, uses or sells any Licensed Product(s), maintain in full force and effect policies of (i) worker's compensation and/or employers' liability insurance within statutory limits, (ii) general liability insurance (with broad form general liability endorsement) with limits of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence and five million dollars ($5,000,000) annual aggregate and (iii) products liability insurance, with limits of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence and five million dollars ($5,000,000) annual aggregate. Such coverage(s) shall be purchased from a carrier or carriers deemed acceptable to the Licensor and shall name the Licensor as an additional insured. Upon request by the Licensor, Licensee shall provide to the Licensor copies of said policies of insurance.

11. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

11.1. No Liability .  Neither the Licensor, nor any of its officers, employees, consultants, directors, representatives or agents assume any responsibility for the manufacture, product specifications, sale or use of the Licensed Patent Rights or the Licensed Products which are manufactured by or sold by Licensee or Licensed Methods performed by Licensee, including without limitation any losses incurred as the result of an action for infringement brought against Licensee as the result of Licensee's exercise of any right granted under this Agreement. The decision to defend or not defend any such claim shall be in Licensee's sole discretion.

11.2. Limitation on Liability .  IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, REVENUE, DATA OR USE, WHETHER IN AN ACTION IN CONTRACT OR TORT, EVEN IF SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

11.3. Disclaimer .  LICENSOR MAKES NO WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WARRANTIES OF FITNESS, NON-INFRINGEMENT OR MERCHANTABILITY, REGARDING OR WITH RESPECT TO THE LICENSED PATENT RIGHTS OR LICENSED


 

PRODUCTS OR LICENSED METHODS AND LICENSOR MAKES NO WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, OF THE PATENTABILITY OF THE LICENSED PATENT RIGHTS OR LICENSED PRODUCTS OR LICENSED METHODS OR OF THE ENFORCEABILITY OF ANY PATENTS ISSUING THEREUPON, IF ANY, OR THAT THE LICENSED PATENT RIGHTS OR LICENSED PRODUCTS OR LICENSED METHODS ARE OR SHALL BE FREE FROM INFRINGEMENT OF ANY PATENT OR OTHER RIGHTS OF OR BY THIRD PARTIES.

12. ASSIGNABILITY

This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties and their successors and assigns. Licensee shall not assign this Agreement without the written consent of the Licensor, provided, that the consent of the Licensor shall not be required if the assignment is in conjunction with the transfer of all or substantially all of the business of Licensee to which this Agreement relates.

13. GOVERNMENTAL COMPLIANCE

Licensee shall at all times during the term of this Agreement and for so long as it shall sell Licensed Products in the Field under this Agreement comply with all applicable laws that may control the import, export, manufacture, use, sale, marketing, distribution and other commercial exploitation of Licensed Products in the Field or any other activity undertaken pursuant to this Agreement.

14. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be deemed to be subject to, and have been made under, and shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California. This Agreement is expressly acknowledged to be subject to all federal laws including but not limited to the Export Administration Act of the United States of America. No conflict-of-laws rule or law that might refer such construction and interpretation to the laws of another state, republic, or country shall be considered. The Parties mutually agree that personal jurisdiction and venue shall be proper in any court of competent jurisdiction.

15. ADDRESSES

Any payment, notice or other communication pursuant to this Agreement shall be sufficiently made or given on the date of mailing if sent to such Party by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to it at its address below or as it shall designate by written notice given to the other Party:

 

 

 

In the case of the Licensor:

With a copy to:

 

 

General Counsel

Chief Intellectual Property Counsel

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated

Quest Diagnostics, Incorporated

3 Giralda Farms

33608 Ortega Highway

Madison, NJ 07940

San Juan Capistrano, CA  92675


 

 

 

 

In the case of the Licensee:

With a copy to:

 

 

Valerie Palmieri

Christopher J. Denn

Vermillion, Inc.

Goodwin Procter LLP

12117 Bee Caves Rd.

53 State Street

Building III, Suite 100

San Juan Capistrano, CA  92675

Austin, Texas 78738

Boston, MA 02109

 

 

16. FORCE MAJEURE

 

No Party to this Agreement shall be liable for failure to perform any duty or obligation that said Party may have under the Agreement where such failure has been caused by any event, foreseen or unforeseen, outside the reasonable control of the Party who had the duty to perform and that renders performance impossible or impracticable including, but not limited to, acts of God, terrorist acts, fire, strike, inevitable accident, war, or any other event, like or unlike those listed above (collectively, “Force Majeure Event”), but only to the extent prevented by the Force Majeure Event. Any Party may terminate this Agreement if a Force Majeure event results in a Party suspending performance of any obligation for more than six months.

   

17. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

 

17.1. Independent Contractors . It is understood that each Party is performing under this Agreement in the capacity of an independent contractor and not in any respect or under any circumstances as an employee, representative, agent or partner of any other Party.  No Party has authority to enter into contracts or assume any obligations for or on behalf of any other Party or to speak for or on behalf of any other Party.  No Party shall make any public representations to the contrary..

17.2. Non-Waiver . The Parties covenant and agree that if a Party fails or neglects for any reason to take advantage of any of the terms provided for the termination of this Agreement or if a Party, having the right to declare this Agreement terminated, shall fail to do so, any such failure or neglect by such Party shall not be a waiver or be deemed or be construed to be a waiver of any cause for the termination of this Agreement subsequently arising, or as a waiver of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of this Agreement or of the performance thereof. None of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Agreement may be waived by a Party except by its written consent.

17.3. Reformation . If any word, sentence, paragraph or clause or combination thereof of this Agreement is found, by a court or executive body with judicial powers having jurisdiction over this Agreement or any of its Parties hereto, in a final unappealed order to be in violation of


 

any such provision in any country or community or association of countries, such words, sentences, paragraphs or clauses or combination shall be inoperative in such country or community or association of countries, and the remainder of this Agreement shall remain binding upon the Parties hereto.

17.4. Entire Agreement . The terms and conditions herein constitute the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all previous agreements, either oral or written, between the Parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. No agreement of understanding bearing on this Agreement shall be binding upon either Party hereto unless it shall be in writing and signed by the duly authorized officer or representative of each of the Parties and shall expressly refer to this Agreement.

 

17.5. Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank.]

 


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed and delivered this Agreement in multiple originals by their duly authorized officers and representatives on the respective dates shown below, but effective as of the Effective Date.

 

Licensee:

 

Licensee:

Licensor:

VERMILLION, INC.

QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED

By:  /s/ Valerie Palmieri

By:  /s/ Wilson Conde

Name (print):  Valerie Palmieri

Name (print):  Wilson Conde

Title:  President & CEO

Title:  Vice President, Strategic Allicances & Clinical Franchise Business Development

Date: March 11, 2015

Date: March 11, 2015

 

 

 

ASPiRA LABS

QUEST DIAGNOSTICS CLINCAL LABORATORIES, INC.

By: /s/ Eric Schoen

By:  /s/ Wilson Conde

Name (print):  Eric Schoen

Name (print):  Wilson Conde

Title:  Secretary & Treasurer

Title:  Vice President, Strategic Allicances & Clinical Franchise Business Development

Date: March 11, 2015

Date: March 11, 2015

 

 


 

EXHIBIT A

LICENSED PATENT RIGHTS

U.S. Patent Application No. PCT/US05/24985 entitled “Biomarkers for the Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer” filed 07/14/2005 (UCLA Case No. 2004-159-3) by Dr(s). Robin Farias-Eisner and Srinivasa Reddy, and assigned to The Regents, incorporating the provisional patent application no. 60/588,007 filed 07/14/2004 (UCLA Case No. 2004-159-1) and the provision patent application no. 60/674,489 filed 04/25/2005 (UCLA Case No. 2004-159-2).

 


Exhibit 31.1

 

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002

 

I, Valerie B. Palmieri , certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Vermillion, 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 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 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 1 1 , 201 5

 

/s/ Valerie B. Palmieri

 

Valerie B. Palmieri

President and Chief Executive Officer

 


E xhibit 31.2

 

Certification of the Chief Accounting Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002

 

I, Eric J. Schoen , certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Vermillion, 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 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 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 1 1 , 201 5

/s/ Eric J. Schoen

 

Eric J. Schoen

Vice President, Finance and Chief Accounting Officer

 


 

E xhibit 32. 1

 

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Vice President, Finance and Chief Accounting Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

with Respect to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

for the Period Ended March 31, 2015

 

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), each of the undersigned officers of Vermillion, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), does hereby certify, to the best of such officer’s knowledge, that:

 

1.

The Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2015 , (the “Form 10-Q”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

 

2.

Information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

 

 

Date:  May 11, 2015

/s/ Valerie B. Palmieri

 

Valerie B. Palmieri

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

Date:  May 11, 2015

/s/ Eric J. Schoen

 

Eric J. Schoen

Vice President, Finance and Chief Accounting Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

The certification set forth above is being furnished as an Exhibit solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and is not being filed as part of the Form 10-Q or as a separate disclosure document of the Company or the certifying officers.