UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[ X ] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to ------ ------ Commission File Number 000-25132 MYMETICS CORPORATION (formerly ICHOR Corporation) (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 25-1741849 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) |
50-52 Avenue Chanoine Cartellier
69230 Saint-Genis Laval, France
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 33 4 72 39 52 09
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
(Title of Class)
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ X ]
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant (assuming officers, directors and 10% stockholders are affiliates) was approximately $55,440,090 as of March 8, 2002, computed on the basis of the average of the bid and ask prices on such date.
As of March 26, 2002, there were 49,261,962 shares of the Registrant's Common Stock outstanding (of which 16,330,516 shares are Exchangeable Preferred Shares of 6543 Luxembourg S.A., which are directly convertible into the Registrant's Common Stock).
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
USE OF EUROS
The financial information contained in this Form 10-K is provided in Euros (E) (except in "Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters" which is provided in United Stated Dollars). See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Form 10-K for further explanation. As of March 28, 2002, 1 Euro was convertible into 0.871103 United States Dollars.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements, which are identified by the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan" and similar expressions. The statements contained herein which are not based on historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect our actual results, performance or achievements in the future and, accordingly, such actual results, performance or achievements may materially differ from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by or on our behalf. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks associated with our ability to successfully develop and protect our intellectual property; our ability to raise additional capital to fund future operations and compliance with applicable laws and changes in such laws and the administration of such laws. These risks are described below and in "Item 1. Business," "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" included in this Form 10-K. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date the statements were made.
RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the risks described below together with all of the other information included in this report on Form 10-K. An investment in the Corporation's common stock is very risky. If any of the following risks materialize, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected. In such an event, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose part or all of your investment.
We are a holding company, which through our operating subsidiary, Mymetics S.A., engages exclusively in research and development activities, focusing primarily in human and veterinary biology and medicine. When used in these risk factors, the terms "we" or "our" refer to Mymetics Corporation and its subsidiaries.
IF WE ARE UNABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY DEVELOP AND COMMERCIALIZE OUR RESEARCH AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, WE MAY NEVER GENERATE SIGNIFICANT REVENUES OR ACHIEVE PROFITABILITY.
Our current objective is to develop vaccine and therapeutic compounds and specific therapies for certain retroviral diseases or diseases with a viral autoimmune content. All of our potential products and production technologies are in the research or development stages and no revenues have been generated from product sales. The first products and applications target human and animal AIDS. We will not become profitable, if ever, unless we develop our intellectual property to a point where it can be licensed to third parties on financially favorable terms or applied in the creation and development of one or more products that can generate revenues.
Although our due diligence has indicated that Mymetics S.A.'s research and discovery regarding "mimicry" may lead to important discoveries in the scientific community regarding the human immunodeficiency virus ("HIV") infection process, other discoveries may be necessary to develop an effective vaccine, and we may never be able to develop Mymetics S.A.'s research and intellectual property into a commercially profitable product.
Our success will depend on our ability to:
- effectively commercialize the research through collaborative relationships;
- prepare acceptable protocols necessary to obtain regulatory approvals;
- effectively conclude clinical trials;
- effectively establish commercial viability; and
- effectively establish marketing and manufacturing relationships.
If we are unable to commercialize the current research, we do not have other products from which to derive revenue.
WE MUST OVERCOME SIGNIFICANT OBSTACLES TO SUCCESSFULLY DEVELOP OR MARKET PRODUCT CANDIDATES.
The development of product candidates is subject to significant risks of failure, which are inherent in the development of new medical products and products based on new technologies. These risks include:
- delays in pre-clinical testing, product development, clinical testing or
manufacturing;
- unplanned expenditures for product development, clinical testing or
manufacturing;
- failure of the technologies and products being developed to have the desired
effect or an acceptable safety profile;
- failure to receive regulatory approvals;
- emergence of equivalent or superior products;
- inability to manufacture (directly or through third parties) product
candidates on a commercial scale;
- inability to market products due to third party proprietary rights;
- inability to find collaborative partners to pursue product development; and
- failure by future collaborative partners to successfully develop products.
If these risks materialize, our research and development efforts may not result in any commercially viable products.
WE HAVE A HISTORY OF OPERATING LOSSES AND WE EXPECT TO GENERATE OPERATING LOSSES FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.
We currently are engaged in research and development activities, and do not have any commercially marketed products. The product research and development process requires significant capital expenditures, and we do not have any other sources of revenue to off-set such expenditures. Accordingly, we expect to generate additional operating losses at least until such time as we are able to generate significant revenues.
WE MAY NEED TO RAISE ADDITIONAL CAPITAL TO FUND OUR RESEARCH EFFORTS AND TO FULLY DEVELOP COMMERCIALLY VIABLE PRODUCTS. WE CANNOT ASSURE YOU THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL CAPITAL WHEN NEEDED OR THAT SUCH CAPITAL WILL BE AVAILABLE ON FAVORABLE TERMS, IF AT ALL. OUR BUSINESS WILL BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED IF WE CANNOT RAISE ADDITIONAL CAPITAL WHEN NEEDED.
The costs for us to continue our research and to develop our intellectual property will be substantial. We expect that our existing capital resources will satisfy our capital requirements through approximately December 2002. However, given the fact that we do not have any current sources of revenue, substantial additional capital will likely be needed to continue the development and commercialization of our intellectual property. Currently there are no commitments for any additional financing. Any additional equity financing may be dilutive to stockholders, and debt financing, if available, may include restrictive covenants and there can be no assurance that additional financing will be available.
The availability of and the need for future capital will depend on many factors, including:
- continued scientific progress in our research and development program;
- results of pre-clinical tests;
- results of any clinical trials;
- the time and cost involved in obtaining regulatory approvals;
- future collaborative relationships; and
- the cost of manufacturing.
If adequate funds are not available, we may be required to curtail or cease operations.
The amount of additional capital required cannot be estimated with precision, however, it may be substantial.
COMMERCIALIZATION OF OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND CREATION OF VIABLE PRODUCTS DEPENDS ON COLLABORATIONS WITH OTHERS. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO FIND COLLABORATORS IN THE FUTURE, WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO DEVELOP PROFITABLE PRODUCTS.
Our strategy for the research, development and commercialization of products requires Mymetics to enter into contractual arrangements with corporate collaborators, licensors, licensees and others. We do not have the funds to develop products on our own, and intend to depend on collaborators to develop products on our behalf. If collaborative relationships cannot be found, we may not be able to continue our development programs.
Moreover, we could become involved in disputes with collaborative partners, which could lead to delays or termination of development programs and time-consuming, expensive and distracting litigation or arbitration. Even if we fulfill our obligations under a collaborative agreement, a partner may terminate the agreement. If any collaborative partner were to terminate or breach an agreement with us, or otherwise fail to complete its obligations in a timely manner, our ability to successfully commercialize our intellectual property would be adversely affected.
IF WE ARE NOT ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE THE RESULTS OF OUR RESEARCH IN CLINICAL TRIALS, OR IF CLINICAL TRIALS ARE DELAYED, WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OBTAIN REGULATORY CLEARANCE TO MARKET OUR PRODUCTS IN THE UNITED STATES OR IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY ON A TIMELY BASIS, OR AT ALL.
Assuming we are able to successfully develop our research into potential products, such products will require regulatory approval. Before obtaining regulatory approvals for the commercial sale of any of the products under development, pre-clinical studies and clinical trials must demonstrate that the product is safe and effective for use in each target indication. If any of the products fail in clinical trials, the approval of the United States Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA") and similar agencies operating in foreign countries will not be obtained for such products, and we will not be able to generate revenues from such products.
Clinical testing is a long, expensive and uncertain process. One cannot be certain that the data collected from the clinical trials will be sufficient to support approval by the FDA or any foreign regulatory authorities, that the clinical trials will be completed on schedule or, even if the clinical trials are successfully completed and on schedule, that the FDA or any foreign regulatory authorities will ultimately approve the product for commercial use.
Clinical trials could be delayed for a variety of reasons, including:
- delays in enrolling volunteers;
- lower than anticipated retention rate of volunteers in the trials; and
- serious adverse events related to the products being developed.
Our research is presently focused on developing a vaccine against HIV. Trials will be conducted on animals prior to humans. Results of animal trials, even if successful, may not be relevant for determining the protective effect of any potential vaccine against HIV infection in humans. In addition, results from early clinical trials are not necessarily indicative of future results. A number of companies in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries have suffered significant setbacks in late stage clinical trials even after promising results in early stage development. Furthermore, pre-clinical and clinical data can be interpreted in different ways, which could delay, limit or prevent regulatory approvals. Negative or inconclusive results or interpretations could cause the trials to be unacceptable for submission to regulatory authorities.
IF WE ARE UNABLE TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN KEY EMPLOYEES AND CONSULTANTS, WE WILL BE UNABLE TO DEVELOP AND COMMERCIALIZE PRODUCTS.
We are dependent on the principal members of our management and scientific staff. In order to successfully complete our research and development activities and our commercialization plans, we will need to hire personnel with experience in clinical testing, government regulation, manufacturing, marketing and finance. We may not be able to attract and retain personnel on acceptable terms given the intense competition for such personnel among high technology enterprises, including biotechnology, pharmaceutical
and healthcare companies, universities and non-profit research institutions.
IF WE FAIL TO ENTER INTO SUCCESSFUL MARKETING ARRANGEMENTS WITH THIRD PARTIES, WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO COMMERCIALIZE PRODUCTS.
Mymetics does not currently has any sales or marketing infrastructure, and we do not have significant experience in marketing, sales and distribution. Future profitability will depend in part on plans to enter into successful marketing arrangements with third parties. To the extent that we enter into marketing and sales arrangements with other companies, revenues will depend on the efforts of others. These efforts may not be successful. If we are unable to enter into third party arrangements, we may not be able to commercialize our products.
IF WE DO NOT SUCCESSFULLY COMPETE IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND COMMERCIALIZATION OF PRODUCTS AND KEEP PACE WITH RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE, WE WILL BE UNABLE TO CAPTURE AND SUSTAIN A MEANINGFUL MARKET POSITION.
The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries are highly competitive and subject to significant and rapid technological change. We are aware of several companies that are actively engaged in research and development in areas related to our research focus. Many of these companies are addressing the same diseases and disease indications that we are addressing. As a result of this intense competition, any products that we develop may become obsolete before we are able to recover the expenses incurred in their development. Moreover, many of these companies, either alone or together with their collaborative partners, have substantially greater financial resources and larger research and development staffs. These competitors, either alone or together with their collaborative partners, also have significantly greater experience in:
- developing products;
- undertaking pre-clinical testing and human clinical trials;
- obtaining FDA and other regulatory approvals of products; and
- manufacturing and marketing products.
IF OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DOES NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECT PRODUCT CANDIDATES, WE COULD ENCOUNTER MORE DIRECT COMPETITION, WHICH COMPETITION COULD ADVERSELY IMPACT REVENUES.
Our success depends in part on our ability to:
- obtain and maintain patents or rights to patents;
- protect trade secrets;
- operate without infringing upon the proprietary rights of others; and
- prevent others from infringing on our proprietary rights.
We will be able to protect proprietary rights from unauthorized use by third parties only to the extent that our proprietary rights are covered by valid and enforceable patents or are effectively maintained as trade secrets. The patent position of biotechnology companies involves complex legal and factual questions and, therefore, enforceability cannot be predicted with certainty. Patents, if issued, may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented. Thus, any patents that are owned or licensed from third parties may not provide adequate protection against competitors. Pending patent applications, those applications that we may file in the future, or those applications that may be licensed from third parties, may not result in patents being issued. Also, patent rights may not provide adequate proprietary protection or competitive advantages against competitors with similar technologies. The laws of certain foreign countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States.
In addition to patents, we rely on trade secrets and proprietary know-how. Protection of trade secrets and know-how is sought, in part, through confidentiality and proprietary information agreements and customary principles of "work-for-hire." These agreements may not provide meaningful protection or adequate remedies in the event of unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential and proprietary information. Failure to protect proprietary rights could seriously impair our competitive position.
IF THIRD PARTIES CLAIM WE ARE INFRINGING THEIR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, WE COULD BECOME SUBJECT TO SIGNIFICANT LITIGATION OR LICENSING EXPENSES OR BE PREVENTED FROM MARKETING OUR PRODUCTS.
The areas in which we have focused our research and development have a number of competitors. This has resulted in a number of issued patents and still-pending patent applications. Patent applications in the United States are, in most cases, maintained in secrecy until the patents issue. The publication of discoveries in the scientific or patent literature frequently occurs substantially later than the date on which the underlying discoveries were made. Commercial success depends significantly on our ability to operate without infringing the patents and other proprietary rights of third parties. In the event of such infringement, we may be prevented from pursuing certain product development or commercialization and may be required to obtain a license for the use of the proprietary rights or patents. We may also be required to pay damages for past infringement.
The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries have been characterized by extensive litigation regarding patents and other intellectual property rights. The defense and prosecution of intellectual property lawsuits, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office interference proceedings and related legal and administrative proceedings in the United States and in foreign countries involve complex legal and factual questions. As a result, such proceedings are costly and time consuming to pursue and their outcome is uncertain.
Litigation may be necessary in the future to:
- enforce patents that we own or license;
- protect trade secrets or know-how that we own or license; or
- determine the enforceability, scope and validity of the proprietary rights of
others.
We believe that our technology has been independently developed and does not infringe upon the proprietary or intellectual property rights of others. We cannot, however, guarantee that our technology does not, and will not in the future, infringe upon the rights of third parties. We may be a party to legal proceedings and claims relating to the proprietary information of others from time to time in the ordinary course of our business. If we become involved in any litigation, interference or other administrative proceedings, we will incur substantial expense and the efforts of technical and management personnel will be significantly diverted. An adverse determination may subject us to loss of proprietary position or to significant liabilities, or require licenses that may not be available from third parties. We may be restricted or prevented from manufacturing and selling products, if any, in the event of an adverse determination in a judicial or administrative proceeding or if we fail to obtain necessary licenses. Costs associated with these arrangements may be substantial and may include ongoing royalties. Furthermore, the necessary licenses may not be available on satisfactory terms, if at all.
WE CAN NOT BE SURE THAT ANY FUTURE OR CURRENTLY PENDING PATENT APPLICATIONS RELATING TO OUR PRODUCTS WILL ISSUE ON A TIMELY BASIS, IF EVER.
Since patent applications in the United States are maintained in secrecy until patents issue and since publication of discoveries in the scientific or patent literature often lag behind actual discoveries, we cannot be certain that we were the first to develop the inventions covered by each of our pending patent applications or that we were the first to file patent applications for such inventions. Even if patents are issued, the degree of protection afforded by such patents will depend upon the:
- scope of the patent claims;
- validity and enforceability of the claims obtained in such patents; and
- our willingness and financial ability to enforce and/or defend them.
EVEN IF WE OBTAIN REGULATORY APPROVAL TO MARKET AND SELL OUR PRODUCTS, WE WILL BE SUBJECT TO ONGOING REGULATORY REVIEW, WHICH WILL BE EXPENSIVE AND MAY EFFECT OUR ABILITY TO SUCCESSFULLY COMMERCIALIZE OUR PRODUCTS.
Even if regulatory approval for a product is secured, such approval may be subject to limitations on the indicated uses for which the product may be marketed. Such limitations may restrict the size of the available market for the product or contain requirements for costly post-marketing surveillance studies. Manufacturers of medical products are subject to continued review and periodic inspections by the FDA and other
regulatory authorities. The subsequent discovery of previously unknown problems with the product, clinical trial subjects, or with the manufacturer or it manufacturing facility may result in the imposition of restrictions on the product or manufacturer, including withdrawal of the product from the market. If we or any of our collaborative partners fail to comply with applicable regulatory requirements, we may be subject to fines, suspension or withdrawal of regulatory approvals, product recalls, seizure of products, operating restrictions and criminal prosecution.
IF OUR PRODUCTS ARE NOT ACCEPTED BY THE MARKET, WE ARE NOT LIKELY TO GENERATE SIGNIFICANT REVENUES OR BECOME PROFITABLE.
Even if we are able to successfully develop a viable product and obtain regulatory approval of such product, such product may not gain market acceptance among physicians, patients, healthcare payors and the medical community. The degree of market acceptance of any medical product depends on a number of factors, including:
- demonstration of clinical efficacy and safety;
- cost-effectiveness;
- potential advantages over alternative therapies;
- reimbursement policies of government and third party payors;
- effectiveness of marketing and distribution capabilities; and
- the success of physician education programs.
Physicians will not recommend therapies using products until clinical data or other factors demonstrate their safety and efficacy as compared to other drugs or treatments. Even if the clinical safety and efficacy of therapies using the products is established, physicians may elect not to recommend the therapies for other reasons, including whether the mode of administration of products is effective for certain indications.
RAW MATERIALS NECESSARY TO MANUFACTURE OUR PRODUCTS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE, WHICH MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
We believe we will have access to sufficient quantities of raw materials to conduct and advance our research. We utilize third party collaborators, licensors, licensees and others to conduct research on our behalf, and we rely on these third parties to provide the necessary materials to conduct such research. If we or our third party collaborators are unable to obtain the necessary materials to conduct such research, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely affected.
OUR STOCK PRICE MAY EXPERIENCE SIGNIFICANT VOLATILITY, WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE VALUE OF YOUR INVESTMENT.
The market price of our common stock, like that of the common stock of many other development stage biotechnology companies, may be highly volatile. In addition, the stock market has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. This volatility has significantly affected the market prices of securities of many biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies for reasons frequently unrelated to or disproportionate to the operating performance of the specific companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
THE ISSUANCE OF ADDITIONAL EQUITY SECURITIES MAY DILUTE YOUR INVESTMENT.
While we currently have outstanding shares of common stock, options to purchase an aggregate of shares of common stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate of shares of common stock, we are authorized to issue up to shares of common stock without additional stockholder approval. The issuance of such common stock or of other equity securities will dilute your percentage ownership in the Corporation and may also serve to dilute the value of such ownership interest.
WE CURRENTLY DO NOT INTEND TO PAY CASH DIVIDENDS ON OUR SHARES.
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock, nor do we intend on doing so in the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends, if any, in the future is within the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon our earnings, capital requirements and financial condition as well as other relevant factors. We currently intend to retain all earnings, if any, to finance our continued growth and the
development of our business. Furthermore, our ability to declare or pay dividends may be limited in the future by the terms of any then-existing credit facilities, which may contain covenants that restrict the payment of cash dividends.
POLITICAL OR SOCIAL FACTORS MAY ADVERSELY IMPACT REVENUES BY DELAYING OR IMPAIRING THE CORPORATION'S ABILITY TO MARKET ITS PRODUCTS.
We are focused on developing vaccines and products for the treatment and prevention of HIV. Products developed to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic have been and may continue to be, subject to competing and changing political and social pressures. The political and social response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic has been highly charged and unpredictable. Such political and social forces may serve to delay or prevent introduction of the Corporation's product into the marketplace or to place restrictions upon the pricing, availability and marketing of such products.
SHORTLY AFTER THE FILING OF THIS REPORT ON FORM 10-K, WE INTEND TO REGISTER ALL CURRENTLY RESTRICTED SHARES OF OUR COMMON STOCK UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933. THE INTRODUCTION OF THESE SHARES INTO THE PUBLIC TRADING MARKET MAY CAUSE OUR STOCK PRICE TO DECLINE.
Shortly after the filing of this report on Form 10-K, we intend to register all currently restricted shares of our common stock under the Securities Act of 1933. These shares are currently outstanding, but restricted, as the term is defined in Securities Act Rule 144. After these shares are registered, they will no longer be "restricted shares," and may be sold in the public market. The introduction of these shares into the public trading market could have an adverse effect on our stock price, especially if a substantial number of these shares are sold at or close to the same time. In addition, the sale of these shares could impair our future ability to raise capital through the issuance of additional equity securities.
TABLE OF CONTENTS ----------------- PAGE ---- PART I ------ ITEM 1. BUSINESS 10 ITEM 2. PROPERTIES 16 ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 16 ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS 16 PART II ------- ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 17 ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 18 ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 18 ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 20 ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 20 ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 20 PART III -------- ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT 21 ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 21 ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT 21 ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS 21 PART IV ------- ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K 22 SIGNATURES 36 |
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
The Corporation
Mymetics Corporation is a holding company conducting business through its subsidiaries 6543 Luxembourg S.A., a joint stock company organized in 2001 under the laws of Luxembourg ("LuxCo"), and Mymetics S.A. (formerly Hippocampe S.A.), a company organized in 1990 under the laws of France ("Mymetics S.A."). Mymetics Corporation was incorporated in July 1994 pursuant to the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania under the name "PDG Remediation, Inc." In November 1996, the Corporation reincorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware and changed its name to "ICHOR Corporation." In July 2001, the Corporation changed its name to "Mymetics Corporation." LuxCo is a majority-owned subsidiary of Mymetics Corporation and Mymetics S.A. is a 99.9%-owned subsidiary of LuxCo. In this document, unless the context otherwise requires, "Mymetics" and the "Corporation" refer to Mymetics Corporation and its subsidiaries.
Development of the Corporation
From its inception in 1994 to December 1997, the Corporation operated in the environmental services industry, focusing on thermal treatment (in Florida), remediation services (in Florida and Pennsylvania) and waste oil recycling (in Illinois). In February 1995, the Corporation completed an initial public offering. In 1998 and 1999, after disposing of its thermal treatment, remediation services and waste oil recycling businesses, the Corporation provided consulting services to an industrial customer in Europe. In June 1999, the Corporation acquired a majority interest in Nazca Holdings Ltd., whose business involved the exploration for and development of groundwater resources in Chile. Following the Corporation's disposal of its interest in Nazca in July 2000, the Corporation did not have an operating business.
In March 2001, Mymetics acquired substantially all of the shares of Mymetics S.A. in consideration for shares of common stock of Mymetics and shares of preferred stock of LuxCo, which are convertible into shares of common stock of Mymetics. Prior to the share exchange, Mymetics S.A. was a biotechnology research and development company.
On June 30, 2001, the Corporation closed on a private offering of 1,333,333 shares of its common stock, at E1.77 per share, for an aggregate price of E2,355,600 (net of offering expenses). This private placement was exempt from registration pursuant to Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933, and the shares were sold to foreign investors meeting the requirements of Regulation S.
Mymetics S.A.
Mymetics S.A. is a biopharmaceutical company devoted to fundamental and applied research in the area of human and veterinary biology and medicine. Mymetics S.A.'s primary objective is to develop therapies to treat certain retroviruses, including the human immunodeficiency virus ("HIV"), the virus that leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome ("AIDS"). Additional applications of Mymetics S.A.'s research include potential treatments and/or vaccines for animal AIDS, human and animal Oncoviral Leukemias, multiple sclerosis and organ transplantation. To date, Mymetics S.A. has conducted its fundamental research in Europe.
Mymetics S.A. intends to form a new United States subsidiary during the second quarter of 2002. This new subsidiary will focus on applying our research and development to target products and on business development. Mymetics S.A. believes that this tiered structure has numerous advantages, including greater access to grants, subsidies, intellectual property and public and private research teams. To date, activities such as design of the prototype molecule, synthesis and in vitro experiments have been and will continue to be conducted mainly in Europe, while pre-clinical studies, toxicological trials, regulatory affairs, IND, Phase I, II, III, and NDA will, after the creation of the United States subsidiary, be conducted mainly in North America.
Mymetics S.A.'s research strategy is to organize and manage a collection of public and private best-in-class research teams, each of which has its own unique focus. Mymetics S.A. has segmented its primary research into modules, which are then out-sourced, under
its direct supervision, to high-level, specialized and complementary public and private research teams. Mymetics S.A. retains all intellectual property rights on the combined research and applies for domestic and international patents whenever justified. As agreed and coordinated by Mymetics S.A., the research teams are authorized to co-publish their results.
Science Overview
Virus. A virus is a noncellular organism consisting of deoxyribonucleic acid ("DNA") or ribonucleic acid ("RNA") and a protein coat. During the free and infectious stage of their life cycle, viruses do not perform the usual functions of living cells, such as respiration and growth. Rather, when viruses enter a living plant, animal or bacterial cell, they utilize the host cell's chemical energy and synthesizing ability to replicate. After the replication of the viral components by the infected host cell, virus particles are released and the host cell is often destroyed. The approximately 2450 viral species identified to date are divided into about 75 groups. HIV belongs to the group of retroviruses, so called because they contain a reverse transcriptase that copies viral RNA back into DNA (the reverse of what usually occurs when DNA is copied into RNA). Retroviruses include spumaviruses, oncoviruses (causing cancers) and lentiviruses (viruses with a slow pathogenic action, e.g. AIDS-associated lentiviruses).
HIV. HIV is a type of retrovirus, a virus of the family Retroviridae that has RNA as its nucleic acid and uses the enzyme reverse transcriptase to copy its genome into the DNA of the host cells chromosomes. Once inside the T cell, HIV uses the cell's machinery to copy its RNA into DNA by means of the reverse transcriptase. HIV is characterized by an inability to mount a normal immune response and is responsible for the fatal illness known as AIDS. AIDS is the late stage of infection caused by the HIV virus.
Two strains of HIV have been identified, HIV-1 and HIV-2. The genetic material of these two strains is approximately 60% identical. Each strain contains a number of subtypes, which are slight genetic variations of the virus. At least 32 sub-types have been identified to date. These variations result from the high mutation rate of HIV's genetic material. Most variations occur in the gene encoding the GP120 protein, and these mutations can alter the protein's structure. HIV-1 or Type 1 classified as a lentivirus is a subgroup of retroviruses that have been isolated and recognized as the cause of a disease that induces AIDS. HIV-1, like most viruses and all bacteria, plants and animals, has genetic codes made up of DNA, which uses RNA to build specific proteins. HIV's genetic material is the RNA itself. HIV inserts its own RNA into the host cell's DNA, preventing the host cell from performing its natural functions and transforming it into an HIV virus factory.
AIDS. AIDS is a fatal epidemic disease caused by an infection by HIV (HIV-1 or HIV-2). In most cases, HIV slowly attacks and destroys the immune system, the body's defense against disease, leaving the infected individual vulnerable to malignancies and infections that eventually cause death. Propagation of the HIV virus results from the invasion of the host cell and its use of the host cell's protein synthesis capability. The immune system's response (antibodies and cellular immune response) is usually sufficient to temporarily arrest progress of the infection and reduce levels of the virus in the blood. Virus replication continues, however, and gradually destroys the immune system by infecting and destroying critical white blood cells known as CD4 cells. The main cellular target of HIV is a special class of white blood cells critical to the immune system, known as helper T lymphocytes, or T4 helper cells. These cells play a principal role in normal immune responses by stimulating or activating virtually all of the other cells involved in immune protection. These cells include B lymphocytes, the cells that produce antibodies needed to fight infection; cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which destroy cells infected with virus; and macrophages and other effector cells, which attack invading pathogens. Once HIV has entered the helper T cell, it can impair the functioning of or destroy the cell. A hallmark of the onset of AIDS is a drastic reduction in the number of helper T cells in the body. HIV also can infect other cells, including certain monocytes and macrophages, as well as brain cells. Among those cells are CDA, HIV's preferred target cells due to a docking molecule called cluster designation 4 ("CD4") on their surfaces. Cells with this molecule are known as CD4-positive ("CD4+") cells. These cells normally orchestrate the immune response, signaling other cells in the immune system to perform their special functions. Destruction of CD4+ lymphocytes is the major cause of the immunodeficiency observed in AIDS, and decreasing CD4+ lymphocyte levels appear to be the best indicator of morbidity in these patients. As the infection progresses, the immune system's control of HIV levels weakens, the level of the virus in
the blood rises and the level of critical T cells declines to a fraction of their normal level.
Viral Envelope of HIV. The viral envelope of HIV is covered with mushroom-shaped spikes that enable the virus to attach itself to the target cell. The cap of each "mushroom" is comprised of GP120 molecules and its stem is comprised of GP41 molecules. GP120 is a glycoprotein that protrudes from the surface of HIV and binds to the CD4 receptor of the CD4+ T-cells. In a two-step process that allows HIV to breach the membrane of T-cells, the GP120-CD4 complex refolds to reveal a second structure that binds to CCR5 or CXCR4, one of several chemokine co-receptors used by the virus to gain entry into T cells. GP41 is a glycoprotein embedded in the outer envelope of HIV and plays a key role in HIV's infection of cells by carrying out the fusion of the viral and cell membranes. GP160 is a glycoprotein, which is the precursor of HIV envelope proteins GP120 and GP41.
Immune System. The immune system functions to protect the body against infection and foreign substances, including viruses and bacteria. This defensive function is performed by the body's white blood cells (leukocytes) and by a number of accessory cells, including B lymphocytes, the cells that produce the antibodies needed to fight infection, and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which destroy cells infected with viruses. When an immunocompetent cell recognizes foreign material or a biological invader presented by the macrophages, it normally induces a response. This recognition function relies on the immune system's ability to recognize specific foreign molecular configurations, generically referred to as antigens. T4 lymphocytes, as the central cells of the immune system, specifically recognize foreign invaders presented by macrophages. After specific recognition of a presented antigen, T4 lymphocytes play a major role in the immune response, producing interleukine-2 ("IL-2"), a central interleukine that activates all of the accessory cells previously described and the overall immune response.
Mymetics S.A.'s Focus and Competitive Advantages
Mymetics S.A.'s current objective is to develop a platform of both therapeutic compounds and vaccines. Mymetics S.A. has made a series of discoveries about how the body's immune system responds to retroviruses, specifically HIV. The foundation of Mymetics S.A.'s platform technology and product pipeline is its discovery of a subtle mimicry between the virus and the host cells. By understanding the precise dynamics of the virus's GP41 and the host-cell's IL-2, Mymetics has illuminated the path to designing specific therapeutic molecules and antibodies to disrupt or even prevent the disease. Equally important, Mymetics S.A. plans to apply these findings to a range of additional diseases, including certain oncoviruses like leukemia.
Current approaches to treating HIV focus on slowing or impeding the progress of the virus once it has infected the body's host cells. Other biotechnology firms are attempting to develop therapies that prevent the virus from fusing with host cells. If the virus cannot fuse, it cannot reproduce, and the body's immune system then succeeds in arresting the invasion. Mymetics S.A.'s approach is also based on the concept of preventing viral fusion. Mymetics S.A.'s scientific strategy is unique in that its design is based on a series of discoveries involving mimicry, and, in particular, on the inter-reaction between the viral envelope glycoprotein ("GP41") and the host cell's IL-2. Mymetics S.A. has discovered that a piece of the virus closely resembles or "mimics" the host cell's IL-2. By exploiting this mimicry, the virus unlocks the host cell and gains access to the cell's machinery. The immune system responds to the invasion, but fail to differentiate between the viral GP41 and the host cell's IL-2. As a result, we believe that the immune system attacks both of them with equal vigor. The unfortunate consequence is that the body, in turning on itself, undercuts its own defenses. By understanding these precise dynamics, Mymetics, S.A. has illuminated the path to designing specific therapeutic molecules and antibodies to disrupt the mimicry. The current scientific strategy is to create therapeutic peptides and antibodies to disrupt the mimicry, block the fusion, and "train" the body's immune system to recognize GP41 as separate and distinct from IL-2.
The Discovered Molecular Mimicry Between Trimeric GP41 AND IL-2 - A Closer Look. Mymetics S.A. discovered a molecular mimicry between the trimeric ectodomain of the transmembrane protein of immunosuppressive lentiviruses (HIV-SIV-FIV) and IL-2. Mymetics S.A.'s initial results were communicated by Pr. Luc Montagnier to the French Academy of Sciences, and published in November 2000. (Note that Pr. Luc Montagnier is not an affiliate of the Corporation.)
It was Pr. L. Montagnier, of the Institut Pasteur in Paris, who discovered the HIV virus in 1983. Mymetics S.A. has further proven that the aforementioned mimicry exists in three mammal species known to be "AIDS prone," - man, monkeys and felines. The discovered host-virus autoimmune mimicry is therefore universal and applies to all human and animal AIDS-associated retroviruses.
Autoimmune Consequences For HIV Infected Subjects. Mymetics found some of the expected autoimmune consequences of the described virus-host molecular mimicry in HIV infected subjects. As expected, HIV positive sera recognize human IL-2, and cross-reactivity was found between the structurally and physically antigenic analogous sites of GP41 (HIV-1) and human IL-2. The tests included 2352 HIV+ and HIV-sera, and the results demonstrated that 100% of HIV+ patients (stages II, III and IV) were positive for the anti IL-2 response.
The first results were presented in a Symposium organized by the Merieux Foundation and entitled "Autoimmunity induced by infection or immunization". The title of the presentation by Pierre-Francois Serres, Chief Scientific Officer of the Corporation, was "AIDS: an immune response against the immune system; The role of a precise tridimensional molecular mimicry." These results were published in the Journal of Autoimmunity in 2001 and were also presented in a poster session at the Cold Spring Harbor, NY meeting on infectious disease in December 2000.
Therapeutic and Vaccinal Use of the Mimicry Discovery
Mymetics S.A.'s current research modules focus on the following four fields:
- Fundamental research. Mymetics S.A. believes that its insight into the GP41/IL-2 mimicry can explain, in large part, the main AIDS-associated disorders: drop of peripheral IL-2, decrease of non-infected T helper lymphocytes, lymphoproliferation disorders and a2 microglobulin increase and hypergammaglobulinemia. Some of the possible effects of the tridimensional GP41 (HIV-1)/human IL-2 molecular mimicry on the AIDS-associated disorders are being evaluated by Mymetics S.A.'s research teams.
- Therapeutic molecules. Mymetics S.A. believes that, based on the mimicry, an application involving the development of particular synthetic peptides and monoclonal antibodies (some of which have already been developed) would inhibit the fusion between the HIV virus and its target cell in an infected subject. Well-designed therapeutic molecules would prevent the virus from binding to the target cell, inhibiting its attempts to reproduce. Having demonstrated that the transmission of HIV depends on the viral load, and that no transmission has been observed below 1500 viral copies/ml., treatment with therapeutic agents may provide a strategy to control AIDS epidemicity. This application would complement available antiretroviral drugs, or may even provide a substitute for the available antiretroviral drugs.
- Therapeutic and preventive vaccines. Mymetics S.A. believes that its discovery of the host-virus autoimmune mimicy opens the door to novel therapeutic and preventive vaccine strategies for both humans and animals. Mymetics S.A. believes that its specific preventive vaccine would be universal for both HIV-1 and HIV-2, and would provide an all-strain prevention.
- AIDS Cartridge. Mymetics S.A. has developed a number of therapeutic immunocartridges that would help patients infected with AIDS by reducing the viral load. These immunocartridges have been tested and approved by the Ethics Committee for the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Hemophilia A. Mymetics S.A.'s research has demonstrated that the anti IL-2 antibodies in HIV infected subjects recognize some sites of IL-2 that are crucial for its bioactivity. Therefore, Mymetics believes that the development of an "AIDS cartridge" could be efficient in the restoration of the immune system (CD4/CD8-viral load) of HIV infected subjects.
Products and Processes In Development. Four of Mymetics S.A.'s prototypes capable of commercialization include:
- Therapeutic molecules (pharmacological agents) - administered to infected
subjects to prevent cell infection by the HIV virus.
- Therapeutic vaccines (immunotherapeutic agents) - administered to infected
subjects to orient the immune system into recognizing the transmembrane
glycoprotein of the virus and not the host's IL-2.
- Preventive vaccines - administered to healthy subjects to prevent infection
by the HIV virus.
- AIDS cartridge - administered to infected subjects to selectively remove the
identified immunosuppressive antibodies present in the serum of AIDS
patients, using some peptides that have been tested for activity.
Key Staff
Peter P. McCann, Ph.D., a senior corporate executive and research scientist with 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, was named President and Chief Executive Officer and appointed to the Board of Directors of Mymetics Corporation in February 2002. Dr. McCann initially joined Marion Merrell Dow Inc., where he served in a number of senior executive capacities. He then served as President of British Biotech Inc., the North American operating unit of British Biotech Pharmaceuticals (the largest biotech company in Europe) from 1993-1998. In this capacity, he established British Biotech Inc. in Annapolis, Maryland, where he directed the company's phase II and phase III clinical trials of two major cancer drugs at more than 200 medical centers in the United States and Canada. Dr. McCann served as Interim President of the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, one of the 13 operating units of the University System of Maryland, from 1998-1999. From 1999-2001, Dr. McCann served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Oncostasis, Inc., a genomics-based cancer therapeutics company created to identify and develop new therapies. Dr. McCann entered into an employment agreement with the Corporation on March 18, 2002.
Joseph D. Mosca, Ph.D., an experienced research and development scientist in the field of immunology and AIDS virology, was named Vice President of Development of Mymetics Corporation in March 2002. Dr. Mosca joined the faculty of the Johns Hopkins University in 1982 and, subsequently, the staff of the Henry M. Jackson Foundation in Rockville, Maryland in 1989. From 1996 to 2000 Dr. Mosca held a number of management positions at Osiris Therapeutics in Baltimore, Maryland, the last of which was Director of Gene Delivery. Most recently he served as Executive Director of Research at Stemron Corporation in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
For the year ended December 31, 2001, Mymetics S.A. was focused on research and development and, as a result, did not generate any revenues or engage in any marketing activities. For the year ended December 31, 2001, Mymetics S.A. spent E482,000 on research and development activities.
Intellectual Property
The Corporation's policy is to extensively protect its technology products and processes pursuant to base and application patents filed in the United States, Europe and selected other countries.
Competition
Mymetics S.A. has not yet developed an actual product or generated any revenues. Mymetics S.A.'s future competitive position depends on its ability to successfully develop its intellectual property, and to either use such intellectual property to produce one or more products that can generate significant revenues or license such intellectual property to third parties on financially favorable terms. While we believe that the results of Mymetics S.A.'s research and development activities have been favorable, there are numerous entities and individuals conducting research and development activities in the area of human and veterinary biology and medicine all of which could be considered competitors of Mymetics S.A.
Mymetics S.A. faces significant competition for some of its therapeutic compounds and for its preventive vaccines.
Therapeutic Molecules (pharmacological agents). The biopharmaceutical industry is intensely competitive, especially in the field of HIV. If Mymetics S.A. is successful in developing and proving its therapeutic agents, it will compete with existing developed and approved therapies. The FDA has approved sixteen antiviral drugs to treat HIV and AIDS, which fall into two categories depending on whether they target one or two viral enzymes: either HIV protease or reverse transcriptase ("RT"). RT drugs aim to block reverse transcriptases and prevent transcription of the virus' generic material from RNA to DNA. There are two classes of RT drugs: nucleoside analogues inhibitors and non-
nucleoside inhibitors. The approved nucleoside analogues inhibitors include drugs such as Retrovir (ziduvodine; AZT), Videx (didanosine; ddl), Hivid (zalcitabine; ddc), Zerit (stavudine; d4T), Epivir (larnivudine; 3TC), Combivir (ziduvodine + lamivudine), Ziagen (abacavir; ABC). These drugs are manufactured by companies such as Glaxo Wellcome Plc, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Roche Holding AG and BioChem Pharma Inc. The approved non-nucleoside inhibitors include drugs such as Viramuno (nevlrapine), Rescriptor (delavirdine), Sustiva (efavirenz; EFV) which are produced by Boehringer Ingelhelm Gmbh, Pharmacia & Upjohn Inc. and E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company. The objective of approved protease inhibitor drugs is to prevent the assembly of new virus particles. The approved protease inhibitors include drugs such as Invirase (saquinavir), Fortovase (saquinavir), Norvir (ritonavir), Crixivan (indinavir), Viracept (nellinavir) and Agenerase (amprenavir), which are manufactured by companies including Roche Holding AG, Abbot Laboratories, Merck & Co. Inc., Agouron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated and Glaxo Wellcome Plc.
Both HIV protease and RT drugs have demonstrated their efficacy in terms of HIV blood concentration and HIV-positive period and are used to slow the progression of the disease. Furthermore, efficacy has been higher with drug combinations. None of these drugs are, however, a cure and mutations of HIV's envelope produce viral strains resistant to both classes of drugs. These drugs also produce toxic side effects on the peripheral nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. Non-compliance on combination therapies and interruptions in dosing could have an effect on and trigger accelerated viral replication.
If successful in developing and validating its therapeutic molecules, Mymetics believes that there are significant existing and future markets for the treatment of HIV and AIDS. There can be no assurance that currently approved drugs or products developed in the future for the treatment of HIV/AIDS by Mymetics S.A.'s competitors (which may include Roche Holding AG, Abbot Laboratories, Merck & Co. Inc., Agouron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Glaxo Wellcome Plc, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Trimeris, Inc., Progenics, Inc., and BioChem Pharma Inc.) will not be effectively marketed and sold. Mymetics believes, however, that its unique approach and fundamental understanding of molecular mimicry will provide an advantage over existing competitors.
Therapeutic Molecules (immunotherapeutic agent). Mymetics believes that its targeted immunotherapeutic vaccines may be innovative within the field of therapeutic research related to AIDS.
Preventive Vaccines. Mymetics is conducting research aimed at developing of a universal preventive vaccine for the HIV-1 and HIV-2 viruses, which vaccine will provide protection against all viral strains.
The worldwide vaccine market is dominated by four large multinational companies:
Merck & Co., SmithKline Beecham Plc, Wyeth Lederle Vaccines & Pediatrics (a
division of American Home Products Corporation), and Aventis S.A. Pasteur.
Companies such as The Immune Response Corporation, VaxGen Inc., Trimeris, Inc.,
and Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. are also developing preventive vaccines.
Mymetics S.A. believes that while these companies have greater financial, manufacturing, technical, human resource, marketing and distribution capabilities, and greater experience in conducting pre-clinical and clinical trials and in obtaining regulatory and Food and Drug Administration approvals, its technologies nonetheless provide a competitive advantage. Mymetics S.A.'s innovative approach to vaccine development is based on the observed immunological cross-reactivity (or mimicry) between the well preserved, antigenic and immunodominant domain of GP41 and IL-2, and relies on the observation of expected autoimmune consequences in HIV infected subjects.
Mymetics S.A. believes that its approach is most promising in comparison with the approaches that have been pursued so far, including:
- Sub-unit vaccine: a technology addressing a piece of the outer surface of
HIV, such as GP160 or GP120, produced by genetic engineering.
- Live vector vaccine: a live bacterium or virus such as vaccinia (used in the
smallpox vaccine) modified so it cannot cause disease, but can transport into
the body one or more genes that makes one or more HIV proteins.
- Vaccine combination: an example includes a "prime-boost strategy", use of a
recombinant vector vaccine to induce cellular immune responses followed by
booster shots of a sub-unit vaccine to stimulate antibody production.
- Peptide vaccine: chemically synthesized pieces of HIV proteins (peptides)
known to stimulate HIV-specific immunity.
- Virus-like particle vaccine (pseudovirion vaccine): a non-infectious HIV
look-alike that has one or more, but not all, HIV proteins.
- DNA vaccine: direct injection of genes coding for HIV proteins.
- Whole-killed virus vaccine: HIV that has been inactivated by chemicals,
irradiation or other means rendering it non-infectious.
- Live-attenuated virus vaccine: live HIV from which one or more apparent
disease-promoting genes of the virus have been deleted.
Cartridge. Mymetics S.A. believes that its cartridge or therapeutic plasmapheresis is significantly different from the cartridges being developed and provided by competitors. The more specific technique for antibody removal is known as immunoadsorption, yet all existing systems are non-specific in removal of antibodies, which limits their effectiveness and may have serious side effects. Current immunoadsorption systems selectively remove antibodies by the interposition of affinity columns in the devices. These cartridges are expensive, large, require trained technicians and are not protein specific. In addition, the cartridge is based on a biocompatible membrane based on a discovery of antibody binding, which perform a highly specific extra-corporeal immunoadsorption. When specific (as compared with selective) there is the definitive advantage of removing only the targeted pathogenic antibodies while leaving the other antibodies essential to the patients normal immune systems, and defence against infection. The main competitor with respect to cartridges appears to be Aethlon Medical with its HIV Hemopurifier.
Governmental Regulation
The Corporation contracts with third parties to perform research projects related to its business. These third parties are located in various countries throughout Europe and are subject to the applicable laws and regulations of their respective countries.
As of December 31, 2001, Mymetics S.A. had seven full-time employees; Mymetics Corporation had one full-time employee.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Mymetics S.A. currently leases approximately 170 square meters of office space in Saint-Genis Laval, France, in which the Corporation's European administrative activities are conducted. The current rent is approximately E1,641 per month, and the lease expires on January 31, 2006. Apart from the Mymetics S.A. lease, the Corporation does not own or lease any real property. All of the Corporation's research activities are conducted at the properties of third parties with whom the Corporation contracts to perform research projects.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Corporation is subject to routine litigation incidental to its business. The Corporation does not believe that the outcome of such litigation will have a material adverse effect on its business or financial condition.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
(a) Market Information. The Corporation's common stock is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the trading symbol "MYMX". The Corporation's trading symbol changed from ICHR to MYMX in July 2001, pursuant to a corporate name change from ICHOR Corporation to Mymetics Corporation. The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low sale price per share of the Corporation's common stock for the periods indicated. The prices represent inter-dealer quotations, which do not include retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
Fiscal Quarter Ended High Low -------------------- ---- --- 2000 March 31 $ 3.25 $ 1.50 June 30 2.00 0.50 September 30 0.59 0.49 December 31 3.44 0.38 2001 March 31 $ 3.25 $ 1.88 June 30 3.50 2.35 September 30 4.10 2.50 December 31 3.95 2.00 |
(b) Stockholders. At March 26, 2002, the Corporation had approximately 52 holders of record of its common stock, some of which are securities clearing agencies and intermediaries.
(c) Dividends. The Corporation has not paid any dividends on its common stock and does not anticipate that it will pay any dividends in the foreseeable future.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table reflects selected consolidated financial data for the Corporation for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
For the For the For the For the For the 11 Year Year Year Year Months Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ (Euros in thousands, except per share amounts) OPERATING DATA Operating revenues 26 13 47 42 14 Research & Development Expenses 482 101 94 70 20 General & Administrative Expenses 1,034 351 37 38 34 Loss from continuing operations 15,701 1,314 99 68 40 COMMON SHARE DATA(1) Loss from continuing operations per common share (0.37) (0.04) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands) 42,460 33,311 33,311 33,311 33,311 BALANCE SHEET DATA Working capital 565 (652) (24) (40) (46) Total assets 1,692 625 146 77 43 Long-term obligations 242 242 242 138 70 Total stockholders' equity 693 (765) (257) (158) (90) |
(1) Basic and diluted common share data is the same.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and financial condition of the Corporation for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively, should be read in conjunction with the Corporation's audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere herein.
Results of Operations--Year Ended December 31, 2001 Compared To Year Ended December 31, 2000
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2001 were E26,000 compared to E13,000 for the year ended December 31, 2000. Sales for the year ended December 31, 2001 were nil compared to E13,000 for the year ended December 31, 2000, primarily as a result of decreased contract research activity. Interest income was E26,000 and nil for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
Costs and expenses increased to E15,727,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001, compared to E1,326,000 for the year ended December 31, 2000. Research and development
expenses increased to E482,000 in the current year from E101,000 for the year 2000 as a result of an increase in research activities. General and administrative expenses increased to E1,034,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001 from E351,000 for the year ended December 31, 2000, primarily as a result of the expenses related to the reverse purchase transaction that occurred in March 2001. Bank fees increased to E14,063,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001 from E806,000 in the comparative period in 2000, primarily as a result of the reverse purchase transaction mentioned above.
The Corporation reported a net loss of E15,701,000, or E0.37 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2001, compared to a net loss of E1,314,000, or E0.04 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2000.
Results of Operations--Year Ended December 31, 2000 Compared To Year Ended December 31, 1999
Revenues of the year ended December 31, 2000 decreased to E13,000 from E47,000 in the year ended December 31, 1999, primarily as a result of decreased contract research activity.
Costs and expenses increased to E1,326,000 for the year ended December 31, 2000 from E143,000 for the year ended December 31, 1999. Research and development expenses increased to E101,000 in the current year from E94,000 in 1999 as a result of an increase in research activities. General and administrative expenses increased to E351,000 for the year ended December 31, 2000, from E37,000 in 1999, primarily as a result of higher administrative expenses relating to an increase in research activities and fees and expenses associated with the Corporation's credit facilities. In the year ended December 31, 2000, the Corporation incurred E806,000 in bank fees compared to nil for the year ended December 31, 1999.
The Corporation reported a net loss of E1,314,000, or E0.04 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2000, compared to a net loss of E99,000, or E0.00 per share, for the year ended December 31, 1999.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Corporation had cash of E888,000 as of December 31, 2001, compared to cash of E185,000 as of December 31, 2000.
Net cash used by operating activities was E2,000,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001, compared to cash provided of E145,000 for the year ended December 31, 2000. A decrease in accounts payable used cash of E508,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001 compared to an increase of accounts payable providing cash of E546,000 for the year ended December 31, 2000.
Investing activities used cash of E237,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001, compared to E250,000 in 2000. Short term investment used cash of E205,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001, compared to E122,000 for the year ended December 31, 2000.
Financing activities provided cash of E2,840,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001, compared to E254,000 in 2000. Proceeds from issuance of common stock provided cash of E2,724,000 in the year ended December 31, 2001. Increases in borrowing pursuant to a revolving term facility and other short term advances provided cash of E116,000 in the year ended December 31, 2001, compared to E384,000 in 2000. The revolving term facility is in the principal amount of up to E1.3 million and matures on August 31, 2002. As of December 31, 2001, Mymetics had borrowed an aggregate of E228,000 pursuant to this revolving term facility.
The Corporation expects that it will require substantial additional capital to continue its research and development, clinical studies and regulatory activities necessary to bring its potential products to market and to establish production, marketing and sales capabilities. The Corporation anticipates its operations will require approximately E1.0 million in the year ending December 31, 2002. The Corporation will seek to raise the required capital from lenders and/or equity or debt issuances. However, there can be no assurance that the Corporation will be able to raise additional capital to finance its operations on terms satisfactory to the Corporation, or at all. In the event that the Corporation is not able to obtain such additional capital, it would be required to restrict or even halt its operations.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Mymetics is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates which could affect its financial condition and results of operations. Mymetics has not entered into derivative contracts for its own account to hedge against such risk.
Interest Rate Risk
Fluctuations in interest rates may affect the fair value of financial instruments sensitive to interest rates. An increase in interest rates may decrease the fair value and a decrease in interest rates may increase the fair value of such financial instruments. Mymetics has debt obligations which are sensitive to interest rate fluctuations. The following tables provide information about Mymetics exposure to interest rate fluctuations for the carrying amount of such debt obligations as of December 31, 2001 and 2000 and expected cash flows from these debt obligations.
Expected Future Cash Flow ------------------------------------------ Year Ending December 31, 2001 (in thousands) ----------------------------------------------- Carrying Fair Value Value 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Thereafter -------- ----- ----- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---------- Debt obligations(1) E228 E228 E228 E-- E-- E-- E-- E-- |
------------------------------------------ Year Ending December 31, 2000 (in thousands) ----------------------------------------------- Carrying Fair Value Value 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Thereafter -------- ----- ----- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---------- Debt obligations(1) E384 E384 E384 E-- E-- E-- E-- E-- |
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The consolidated financial statements and supplementary data required with respect to this Item 8, and as identified in Item 14 of this annual report, are included in this annual report commencing on page 24.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Incorporated by reference from the Corporation's definitive proxy statement to be filed within 120 days of the end of the Corporation's fiscal year.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Incorporated by reference from the Corporation's definitive proxy statement to be filed within 120 days of the end of the Corporation's fiscal year.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Incorporated by reference from the Corporation's definitive proxy statement to be filed within 120 days of the end of the Corporation's fiscal year.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Incorporated by reference from the Corporation's definitive proxy statement to be filed within 120 days of the end of the Corporation's fiscal year.
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a)(1) Index to Financial Statements
Independent Auditors' Report Consolidated Balance Sheets Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
All other schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
(3) List of Exhibits
2.1 Share Exchange Agreement dated December 13, 2001 between the Corporation and the stockholders of Mymetics S.A. listed on the signature page thereto (1)
2.2 Share Exchange Agreement dated December 13, 2001 between the Corporation and the stockholders of Mymetics S.A. listed on the signature page thereto (1)
2.3 Purchase Agreement dated October 17, 1998 between the Corporation and the majority stockholders of Nazca Holdings Ltd. (2)
2.4 Amendment to the Agreement dated October 17, 1998 between the Corporation and the majority stockholders of Nazca Holdings Ltd.
2.5 Revised Purchase Agreement dated July 28, 1999 between the Corporation and the majority stockholders of Nazca Holdings Ltd.
3(i) Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation (as amended through July 25, 2001) (5) 3(ii) Bylaws(5) 10.1 Services Agreement dated May 31, 2001 between the Corporation and MFC Merchant Bank, S.A.(5) 10.2 Employment Agreement dated May 3, 2001, between Pierre-Francois Serres and the Corporation (5) 10.3 Indemnification Agreement dated March 28, 2001 between the Corporation and MFC Bancorp Ltd. (5) 10.4 Agreement dated for reference May 15, 2000 between the Corporation and Maarten Reidel (6) 10.5 Preferred Stock Redemption and Conversion Agreement dated for reference December 21, 2000 between the Corporation and Sutton Park International Ltd. (7) 10.6 Preferred Stock Conversion Agreement dated for reference December 21, 2000 between the Corporation and Med Net International Ltd. (8) 10.7 Preferred Stock Conversion Agreement dated December 21, 2000 between the Corporation and Dresden Papier GmbH (8) 10.8 Assignment Agreement dated December 29, 2000 among the Corporation, Mymetics S.A. and MFC Merchant Bank S.A. (1) 10.9 Credit Facility Agreement dated July 27, 2000 between MFC Merchant Bank, S.A. and the Corporation (1) 10.10 2001 ICHOR Corporation Stock Option Plan (5) |
10.11 Employment Agreement dated March 18, 2002, between Peter McCann and the Corporation 21 List of Subsidiaries 24.1 Power of Attorney for Peter P. McCann 24.2 Power of Attorney for Patrice Pactol 24.3 Power of Attorney for Pierre-Francois Serres 24.4 Power of Attorney for Robert Demers 24.5 Power of Attorney for Michael K. Allio ------------------ (1) Incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Schedule 14C filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2001. (2) Incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Form 8-K dated October 20, 1998. (3) Incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Form 8-K/A dated April 9, 1999. (4) Incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Form 8-K/A dated August 12, 1999. (5) Incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2001. (6) Incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Form 8-K/A dated August 9, 2000. (7) Incorporated by reference to a Schedule 13D/A dated January 2, 2001. (8) Incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 14, 2001. |
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
None.
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders Mymetics Corporation and Subsidiary
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Mymetics Corporation (a development stage company; formerly Ichor Corporation) and Subsidiary as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, changes in shareholders' equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, and for the period from May 2, 1990 (inception) to December 31, 2001. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Mymetics Corporation (a development stage company; formerly Ichor Corporation) and Subsidiary as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, and for the period from May 2, 1990 (inception) to December 31, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
/s/ Peterson Sullivan PLLC Peterson Sullivan PLLC Seattle, Washington March 8, 2002 |
MYMETICS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
(A Development Stage Company)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2001 and 2000
(In Thousands of Euros)
U.S. Dollars (In Thousands; Information Only) ASSETS 2001 2001 2000 ---------------- ------------ ----------- Current Assets Cash $ 791 E 888 E 185 Short-term investments 315 354 149 Receivables 44 49 64 Loan fees - - 87 Prepaid expenses 28 31 11 ---------------- ------------- ----------- Total current assets 1,178 1,322 496 Patents and Other 143 161 129 Goodwill, net 187 209 - ---------------- ------------- ----------- $ 1,508 E 1,692 E 625 ================ ============= =========== LIABILITIES Current Liabilities Accounts payable $ 388 E 436 E 646 Taxes and social costs payable 74 83 109 Note payable 203 228 384 Other 9 10 9 ---------------- ------------- ----------- Total current liabilities 674 757 1,148 Payable to Shareholders 216 242 242 Shareholders' Equity Common stock,E.0114 par value; 80,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding 49,261,962 at December 31, 2001, and 33,311,361 at December 31, 2000 501 562 119 Additional paid-in capital 15,528 17,422 806 Deficit accumulated during the development stage (15,500) (17,391) (1,690) Accumulated other comprehensive income 89 100 - ---------------- ------------- ----------- 618 693 (765) ---------------- ------------- ----------- $ 1,508 E 1,692 E 625 ================ ============= =========== |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
MYMETICS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
(A Development Stage Company)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS For the Years Ended
December 31, 2001, 2000, 1999,
and the Period from May 2, 1990 (Inception) to December 31, 2001
(In Thousands of Euros, Except for Per Share Amounts)
Total accumulated during U.S. Dollars development (In Thousands; stage (May 2, Information 1990 to Only) December 31, 2001 2001 2000 1999 2001) ------------------------------------ ----------------- ----------------- ------------------- Revenues Sales $ - E - E 13 E 47 E 224 Interest 23 26 - - 26 ------------- -------------- -------------- ------------- ------------- 23 26 13 47 250 Expenses Research and development 429 482 101 94 844 General and administrative 922 1,034 351 37 1,615 Bank fee 12,525 14,063 806 - 14,869 Interest 70 79 16 - 95 Amortization 45 51 52 12 194 Other 16 18 - - 18 ------------- -------------- -------------- ------------- ------------- 14,007 15,727 1,326 143 17,635 ------------- -------------- -------------- ------------- ------------- Loss before income tax provision (13,984) (15,701) (1,313) (96) (17,385) Income tax provision - - 1 3 6 ------------- -------------- -------------- ------------- ------------- Net loss (13,984) (15,701) (1,314) (99) (17,391) Other comprehensive income Foreign currency translation adjustment 89 100 - - 100 ------------- -------------- -------------- ------------- ------------- Comprehensive loss $ (13,895) E (15,601) E (1,314) E (99) E(17,291) ============== ============== ============== ============= ============= Basic and diluted loss per share $ (.33) E (.37) E (.04) E (.00) E (.51) ============== ============== ============== ============= ============= |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
MYMETICS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
(A Development Stage Company)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS'
EQUITY For the Period from
May 2, 1990 (Inception) to
December 31, 2001
(In Thousands of Euros)
Additional Date of Number of Paid-in Transaction Shares Par Value Capital ------------------ --------------- --------------- -------------- Balance at May 2, 1990 E -- E -- Shares issued for cash June 1990 33,311,361 119 -- Net losses to December 31, 1998 -- -- -- ---------- ---------- ---------- Balance at December 31, 1998 33,311,361 119 -- Net loss for the year -- -- -- ---------- ---------- ---------- Balance at December 31, 1999 33,311,361 119 -- Bank fee -- -- 806 Net loss for the year -- -- -- ---------- ---------- ---------- Balance at December 31, 2000 33,311,361 119 806 Effect on capital structure resulting from reverse purchase March 2001 8,165,830 354 (354) Issuance of stock purchase warrants for bank fee March 2001 -- -- 14,063 Issuance of shares for bank fee March 2001 1,800,000 21 (21) Issuance of shares for bank fee June 2001 225,144 3 (3) Issuance of shares for cash June 2001 1,333,333 15 2,109 Exercise of stock purchase warrants in repayment of debt June 2001 1,176,294 13 259 Exercise of stock purchase warrants for cash December 2001 3,250,000 37 563 Net loss for the year -- -- -- Translation adjustment -- -- -- ---------- ---------- ---------- Balance at December 31, 2001 49,261,962 E 562 E 7,422 ========== ========== ========== Deficit Accumulated Accumulated During the Other Development Comprehensive Stage Income Total ------------------- ---------------- --------------- Balance at May 2, 1990 E -- E -- E -- Shares issued for cash -- -- 119 Net losses to December 31, 1998 (277) -- (277) ---------- ---------- ---------- Balance at December 31, 1998 (277) -- (158) Net loss for the year (99) -- (99) ---------- ---------- ---------- Balance at December 31, 1999 (376) -- (257) Bank fee -- -- 806 Net loss for the year (1,314) -- (1,314) ---------- ---------- ---------- Balance at December 31, 2000 (1,690) -- (765) Effect on capital structure resulting from reverse purchase -- -- -- Issuance of stock purchase warrants for bank fee -- -- 14,063 Issuance of shares for bank fee -- -- -- Issuance of shares for bank fee -- -- -- Issuance of shares for cash -- -- 2,124 Exercise of stock purchase warrants in repayment of debt -- -- 272 Exercise of stock purchase warrants for cash -- -- 600 Net loss for the year (15,701) -- (15,701) Translation adjustment -- 100 100 ---------- ---------- ---------- Balance at December 31, 2001 E (17,391) E 100 E 693 ========== ========== ========== |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
MYMETICS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
(A Development Stage Company)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH
FLOWS For the Years Ended December 31,
2001, 2000, 1999,
and the Period from May 2, 1990 (Inception) to December 31, 2001
(In Thousands of Euros)
Total accumulated during development stage (May 2, 1990 to December 31, 2001 2000 1999 2001) ---------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- Cash Flows From Operating Activities Net loss E (15,701) E (1,314) E (99) E (17,391) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Amortization 51 52 12 194 Fees paid in warrants 14,063 - - 14,063 Fee paid in common stock - 806 - 806 hanges in current assets and liabilities, net of C effects from reverse purchase Receivables 53 7 (47) (11) Accounts payable (508) 546 38 138 Taxes and social costs payable (26) 55 26 83 Other 68 (7) (1) 27 ---------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (2,000) 145 (71) (2,091) Cash Flows From Investing Activities Patents and other (45) (128) - (235) Short-term investments (205) (122) (27) (354) Cash acquired in reverse purchase 13 - - 13 ---------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- Net cash used in investing activities (237) (250) (27) (576) Cash Flows From Financing Activities Proceeds from the issuance of common stock 2,724 - - 2,843 Borrowings from shareholders - - 104 242 Increase in note payable and other short-term advances 116 384 - 500 Loan fees - (130) - (130) ---------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- Net cash provided by financing activities 2,840 254 104 3,455 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 100 - - 100 ---------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- Net increase in cash 703 149 6 888 Cash, beginning of period 185 36 30 - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- Cash, end of period E 888 E 185 E 36 E 888 ================ ================ ================= ================= |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All euro amounts are in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 1. The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
REVERSE PURCHASE TRANSACTION
Mymetics Corporation ("the Company") exchanged approximately 33 million of its common shares for 99.9% of the outstanding shares of Hippocampe SA ("Hippocampe") on March 28, 2001. This transaction has been accounted for as a reverse purchase with Hippocampe as the continuing entity. The Company changed its name from Ichor Corporation in 2001. Ichor Corporation, a United States entity, had no significant operations and its net shareholders' deficiency of E247 consisted of current monetary assets and liabilities amounting to E50 and E297, respectively, at the purchase date. As part of the reverse purchase transaction, E247 was recorded as goodwill. The Company's results of operations have been consolidated beginning April 1, 2001.
The goodwill was amortized over a five-year life using the straight-line method. However, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, the Company will no longer amortize goodwill after December 31, 2001. Amortization of this goodwill amounted to E38 in 2001. Beginning in 2002, goodwill will be tested for potential impairment at least annually.
The following unaudited pro forma information presents the results of operations of the Company as if this transaction had taken place on January 1, 2000. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred had the transaction taken place at the beginning of the periods presented. Further, the pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of future results.
December 31 ------------------------------------- 2001 2000 ---------------- ---------------- Revenues E 29 E 64 Net loss E (16,019) E (2,058) Basic loss per share E (.38) E (.05) |
DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY
Hippocampe was created in 1990 as a French company for the purpose of engaging in research and development of human health products. All of Hippocampe's activities have been conducted in France. Its main research efforts have been concentrated in the prevention and treatment of the AIDS virus. Hippocampe has established a network over the past eleven years enabling it to work with education centers, research centers, pharmaceutical laboratories and biotechnology companies.
Note 1. (Continued)
These financial statements have been prepared treating the Company as a development stage company. As of December 31, 2001, the Company had not performed any clinical testing and a commercially viable product is not expected for several more years. As such, the Company has not generated significant revenues. Revenues reported by the Company consist of incidental serum by-products of the Company's research and development activities and interest income. For the purpose of these financial statements, the development stage started May 2, 1990, which is the date when Hippocampe was originally organized in France.
FOREIGN CURRENCY
Consistent with the location of its present activities, beginning January 1, 1999, the Company adopted the euro as its corporate currency. Accordingly, the
Company prepared its 2001, 2000 and 1999 financial statements in euros. The financial statements for prior years were prepared using French francs as the reporting currency and were restated in euros for each period presented using the Official Fixed Conversion Rate of E1 = FRF 6.55957. Therefore, the financial statements for prior years depict the same trends that would have been presented had they been presented in French francs. However, because they were originally prepared using French francs, they are not necessarily comparable to financial statements of a company which originally prepared its financial statements in a European currency other than the French francs and restated them in euros. All assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses have been reported using the above exchange rate, and no foreign exchange gains or losses have been recorded in relation to exchanging French francs.
As a result of the reverse purchase, the 2001 financial statements include the U.S. operations of the Company which were translated from U.S. dollars to euros. As a result of this translation,E100 exchange gain has been included as part of comprehensive loss. No income tax has been provided on this gain because of available U.S. income tax losses.
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiary. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
CASH
Cash balances are occasionally in excess of insured amounts. Interest paid was E42 in 2001 and none in either 2000 or 1999. Income tax paid in 2001, 2000 and 1999 was nil.
Note 1. (Continued)
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
Short-term investments consist of certificates of deposit stated at cost. The fair value approximates cost based on the length to maturity and interest rate.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company records the sale of products when the products are delivered and the Company has only a security interest in the products should a customer default on payment.
PATENTS
Patents represent fees paid to the French patent office. These fees are stated at historical cost and are amortized over five years.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
TAXES ON INCOME
The Company accounts for income taxes under an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company's financial statements or tax returns. In estimating future tax consequences, the Company generally considers all expected future events other than enactments of changes in the tax laws or rates.
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the
period. The weighted average number of shares was 42,459,784 for the year ended December 31, 2001, and 33,311,361 for both 2000 and 1999. The weighted average number of shares for the period May 2, 1990 through December 31, 2001, was 34,095,573. Diluted earnings per share takes into consideration common shares outstanding (computed under basic earnings per share) and potentially dilutive securities. Warrants and options were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive.
Note 1. (Continued)
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Compensation expense for stock options is measured as the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the Company's stock at the date of the grant over the amount an employee is required to pay for the stock. There is no stock-based compensation included in these consolidated financial statements.
ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," is to be applied starting with years beginning after December 15, 2001. This standard addresses how intangible assets, other than those acquired in a business combination, should be accounted for. Goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives will no longer be amortized but will be tested annually for impairment.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," is effective for years beginning after June 15, 2002. This standard addresses accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and associated retirement costs.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," is effective for years beginning after December 15, 2001. This standard supersedes the previous standard on this issue as well as others which dealt with accounting for discontinued operations and the elimination of an exception to consolidation.
Management has not determined the effect, if any, these standards may have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Note 2. Receivables
2001 2000 ----------- ----------- Trade receivables E 37 E 37 Refunds due from suppliers 6 6 Value added tax 31 55 Other 9 - ----------- ----------- 83 98 Allowance for doubtful accounts (34) (34) ----------- ----------- E 49 E 64 =========== ============ |
No collateral was required for the above receivables and they are expected to be collected in the normal course.
Note 3. Taxes and Social Costs Payable
2001 2000 ------------ ----------- Social security and other social benefits E 75 E 97 Income tax - 2 Value added tax 3 8 Other 5 2 ------------ ----------- Social security and other social benefits E 83 E 109 ============ =========== |
Note 4. Transactions With Affiliates
During 2000, Hippocampe agreed to pay a fee in common stock of the Company to MFC Merchant Bank SA ("MFC Bank") for locating Ichor and assisting with the reverse purchase discussed in Note 1. The parent of MFC Bank was an Ichor shareholder. The common shares were not issued in 2000. According to the agreement, MFC Bank was to receive 4% of Ichor's issued and outstanding common shares on a fully diluted basis which was calculated in 2000 to be 50,625,590 shares. The fair value of the shares at the measurement date, amounting to E806 (which may not be indicative of the value of the Company as a whole), was included in additional paid-in capital at December 31, 2000. In 2001, a total of 2,025,144 common shares were issued to MFC Bank which resulted in E24 being reclassified to common stock based on the par value of the shares.
Note 4. (Continued)
In July 2000, Hippocampe entered into a revolving term credit facility with MFC Bank which was assumed by the Company. The facility allowed the Company to borrow up to E1,300 at LIBOR plus 4% (approximately 7.35% at December 31, 2001) repayable on August 2002, as extended, and is collateralized by all of the Company's assets plus any future patents. The Company borrowed E228 and E384 under this facility as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The fair value of this note approximates carrying value because the note is short-term and has a market rate of interest. MFC Bank had also advanced E400 to the Company in 2000 under an open account which was paid in 2001.
In connection with the term credit facility, the Company agreed to pay MFC Bank an arrangement fee of E130 and E10 per month for nine months as a retainer fee. The arrangement fee was amortized over the original term of the loan and the retainer fee was expensed monthly beginning August 2000.
In March 2001, the Company granted warrants under the agreements with MFC Bank which entitle MFC Bank to purchase 6,001,693 of the Company's common shares. The warrants allow MFC Bank to convert to shares an amount equal to the maximum of the credit facility including unpaid interest plus the arrangement and retainer fees. The warrants are exercisable within a three-year period beginning August 2000 at approximately E.2319 per common share. The intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion feature amounting to E14,063 (which may not be indicative of the value of the Company as a whole) was calculated on March 28, 2001, the grant date, using the Black-Scholes model. This amount was recorded as paid-in capital of E14,063 and allocated to bank fee expense in 2001. During 2001, MFC Bank exercised warrants to acquire 1,176,294 common shares in exchange for the arrangement fee and the retainer fee plus E52 in accrued interest. MFC also exercised warrants to acquire 3,250,000 common shares for cash in 2001.
In June 2001, the Company issued additional warrants to MFC Bank to purchase 103,559 common shares at U.S. $1.725 per share exercisable during a three-year period. These warrants were issued in connection with MFC Bank's placement of 1,333,333 of the Company's common shares. The warrants were valued at E118
based on the fair value of the placement fees rendered and was a cost of the placement. None of these warrants have been exercised.
Sales to a shareholder were none in 2001, E9 in 2000 and E29 in 1999. Trade receivables include E23 from this shareholder at both December 31, 2001 and 2000.
The amounts payable to shareholders bear no interest, have no collateral, and are repayable upon the Company becoming profitable. Since the timing of the Company becoming profitable cannot be determined, the fair value of the amounts payable to shareholders cannot be determined. The Company is not expected to become profitable in the near-term, therefore, the amounts payable to shareholders have been classified as long-term.
Note 4. (Continued)
During 2001, the Company incurred fees to its Chairman of E82 for director fees and for consulting from a company owned by him, and E27 from a company owned by the former CFO of the Company. Accounts payable at December 31, 2001, includes E14 of these fees.
Note 5. Income Taxes
The reconciliation of income tax on income computed at the federal statutory rates to income tax expense is as follows:
2001 2000 1999 ------------ ------------ ------------ U.S. Federal statutory rates on loss from operations E (5,338) E (446) E (21) Tax differential on foreign loss - - (12) Nondeductible fee paid in warrants 4,781 - - Effect of U.S. tax on French losses 550 - - Nondeductible fee paid in common stock - 275 - Change in valuation allowance (6) 172 36 Other 13 - - ------------ ------------ ------------ Income tax expense E - E 1 E 3 ============ ============ ============ |
Deferred tax asset is composed of the following:
December 31, 2001 December 31, 2000 ---------------- ---------------- Difference in book and tax basis of amounts payable to shareholder and payable to MFC Bank E 82 E 218 Legal and similar fees deducted for French tax purposes in 2001 - 43 Net operating loss carryforward 173 - ---------------- ---------------- 255 261 Less valuation allowance for deferred tax asset (255) (261) ---------------- ---------------- Net deferred tax asset E - E - ================ ================ |
Note 5. (Continued)
The Company's provision for income taxes was derived from U.S. and French operations. The Company had no net operating loss carryforwards as of December 31, 2001, in France and E509 in the United States which expire in year 2021.
Note 6. Stock Option Plans
1994 AMENDED STOCK OPTION PLAN
The Company's 1994 stock option plan provides for the issuance of up to 350,000 shares of the Company's common stock to employees and non-employee directors. The following table summarizes information with respect to this plan:
Weighted Average Number of Exercise Shares Price ----------------- ---------------- Outstanding at December 31, 1999 193,750 U.S. $ 1.55 Canceled - Reusable (120,000) 2.00 ----------------- Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2001 and 2000 73,750 U.S. $ .82 ================= ================ Reserved for future grants at December 31, 2001 265,000 ================= |
1995 QUALIFIED INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION PLAN
The Company's board of directors approved a stock option plan on August 15, 1996 which provides for the issuance of up to 150,000 shares of the Company's common stock to key employees. The following table summarizes information with respect to this plan:
Weighted Average Number of Exercise Shares Price ----------------- ---------------- Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 100,000 U.S. $ .75 ================= ================ Reserved for future grants at December 31, 2001 50,000 ================= |
Note 6. (Continued)
2001 QUALIFIED INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION PLAN
The Company's board of directors approved a stock option plan on June 15, 2001, which provides for the issuance of up to 5,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock to employees and non-employee directors. The weighted average fair value of these options at the grant date was E2.24 per option. The following table summarizes information with respect to this plan.
Weighted Average Number of Shares Exercise Price ----------------- ---------------- Granted 100,000 U.S. $ 2.86 ----------------- Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2001 100,000 U.S. $ 2.86 ================= ================ Reserved for future grants at December 31, 2001 4,900,000 ================= |
Almost all options have an expiration date ten years after issuance.
PROFORMA INFORMATION
Had compensation expense been recognized on the basis of fair value of the options granted under the plans, proforma net income and per share data would have been as follows compared to the amounts reported:
Total Accumulated During Development Stage (May 2, 1990 to December 31, Net Loss 2001 2001) ---------------------------------------------------- ---------------- --------------------------- As reported E (15,701) E (17,391) Proforma E (15,922) E (17,612) Loss per share - as reported Basic and fully diluted E (.37) E (.51) Loss per share - proforma Basic and fully diluted E (.38) E (.52) |
Note 6. (Continued)
The fair value of each option granted was estimated for proforma purposes on the grant date using the Black-Scholes Model (use of this Model for proforma purposes is not intended to indicate the value of the Company as a whole). The assumptions used in calculating fair value are as follows:
2001 ----------------------- Risk-free interest rate 4.5% Expected life of the options 8 years Expected volatility 63.91%-160.97% Expected dividend yield 0% |
There is no proforma effect for 2000 and 1999.
Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company leases property under noncancelable operating leases through January 2006. Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases are as follows:
2002 E 7 2003 7 2004 7 2005 7 2006 1 |
Total rent expense per year was E7 for 2001, 2000 and 1999.
The Company is involved in various matters of litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the estimated outcome of such issues will not have a material effect on the Company's financial statements.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: March 28, 2002 MYMETICS CORPORATION By: /s/ John M. Musacchio ---------------------------- John M. Musacchio Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Director |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Peter P. McCann
President, Chief Executive
Officer and Director
By: /s/ John M. Musacchio March 28, 2002 -------------------------- Signing on behalf of Peter P. McCann pursuant to a Power of Attorney /s/ John M. Musacchio March 28, 2002 -------------------------------- John M. Musacchio Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Director |
Pierre-Francois Serres
Chief Scientific Officer and
Director
By: /s/ John M. Musacchio March 28, 2002 -------------------------- Signing on behalf of Pierre-Francois Serres pursuant to a Power of Attorney |
Patrice Pactol
Director
By: /s/ John M. Musacchio March 28, 2002 -------------------------- Signing on behalf of Patrice Pactol pursuant to a Power of Attorney |
Robert Demers
Director
By: /s/ John M. Musacchio March 28, 2002 -------------------------- Signing on behalf of Robert Demers pursuant to a Power of Attorney |
Michael K. Allio
Director
By: /s/ John M. Musacchio March 28, 2002 -------------------------- Signing on behalf of Michael K. Allio pursuant to a Power of Attorney |
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number Description ------- ----------- 2.1 Share Exchange Agreement dated December 13, 2001 between the Corporation and the stockholders of Mymetics S.A. listed on the signature page thereto (1) 2.2 Share Exchange Agreement dated December 13, 2001 between the Corporation and the stockholders of Mymetics S.A. listed on the signature page thereto (1) 2.3 Purchase Agreement dated October 17, 1998 between the Corporation and the majority stockholders of Nazca Holdings Ltd. (2) 2.4 Amendment to the Agreement dated October 17, 1998 between the Corporation and the majority stockholders of Nazca Holdings Ltd. (3) 2.5 Revised Purchase Agreement dated July 28, 1999 between the Corporation and the majority stockholders of Nazca Holdings Ltd. (4) 3(i) Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation (as amended through July 25, 2001) (5) 3(ii) Bylaws(5) 10.1 Services Agreement dated May 31, 2001 between the Corporation and MFC Merchant Bank, S.A.(5) 10.2 Employment Agreement dated May 3, 2001, between Pierre-Francois Serres and the Corporation (5) 10.3 Indemnification Agreement dated March 28, 2001 between the Corporation and MFC Bancorp Ltd. (5) 10.4 Agreement dated for reference May 15, 2000 between the Corporation and Maarten Reidel (6) 10.5 Preferred Stock Redemption and Conversion Agreement dated for reference December 21, 2000 between the Corporation and Sutton Park International Ltd. (7) 10.6 Preferred Stock Conversion Agreement dated for reference December 21, 2000 between the Corporation and Med Net International Ltd. (8) 10.7 Preferred Stock Conversion Agreement dated December 21, 2000 between the Corporation and Dresden Papier GmbH (8) 10.8 Assignment Agreement dated December 29, 2000 among the Corporation, Mymetics S.A. and MFC Merchant Bank S.A. (1) 10.9 Credit Facility Agreement dated July 27, 2000 between MFC Merchant Bank, S.A. and the Corporation (1) 10.10 2001 ICHOR Corporation Stock Option Plan (5) 10.11 Employment Agreement dated March 18, 2002, between Peter McCann and the Corporation 21 List of Subsidiaries 24.1 Power of Attorney for Peter P. McCann 24.2 Power of Attorney for Patrice Pactol 24.3 Power of Attorney for Pierre-Francois Serres 24.4 Power of Attorney for Robert Demers 24.5 Power of Attorney for Michael K. Allio ------------------ (1) Incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Schedule 14C filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2001. (2) Incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Form 8-K dated October 20, 1998. (3) Incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Form 8-K/A dated April 9, 1999. (4) Incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Form 8-K/A dated August 12, 1999. (5) Incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2001. (6) Incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Form 8-K/A dated August 9, 2000. (7) Incorporated by reference to a Schedule 13D/A dated January 2, 2001. (8) Incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 14, 2001. |
Exhibit 10.11
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Agreement is entered into this 18th day of March, 2002 by and between MYMETICS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"), and Dr. Peter P. McCann (hereinafter referred to as "Executive") under the following terms and conditions:
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, the Company and Executive desire to set forth the terms and conditions on which (i) the Company shall employ Executive, (ii) Executive shall render services to the Company, and (iii) the Company shall compensate Executive for such services; and
WHEREAS, in connection with the employment of Executive by the Company, the Company desires to restrict Executive's rights to compete with the business of the Company;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1. EMPLOYMENT.
The Company hereby employs Executive and Executive hereby accepts employment with the Company upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.
2. TERM.
2.1 The initial term of this Agreement (the "Initial Term") shall be for a one (1) year period commencing on the Effective Date (as defined in Subsection 2.3 below) of this Agreement, subject, however, to termination as provided herein in Sections 6 and 7 below.
2.2 Each year, prior to the anniversary date, the Company and Executive shall meet to determine any additional compensation, if any, for the remaining contract term.
2.3 The effective date of this Agreement shall be February 11, 2002 (the "Effective Date").
3. COMPENSATION.
3.1 For all services rendered by Executive under this Agreement, the Company shall pay or cause one or more of its subsidiaries to pay Executive during the term hereof a salary at the rate of One Hundred Seventy Thousand Dollars ($170,000) per year. The Company shall pay such compensation to Executive monthly in accordance with its standard practice for payment of compensation to its employees.
3.2 Executive shall be entitled to periodic cash bonuses in addition to stock bonuses in accordance with the Company's stock option and incentive plans now in effect or hereafter adopted, any other incentive bonus plans or other forms of compensation, at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors, dependent upon Employee's performance.
3.3 Executive shall be entitled to normal benefits for all Company employees, plus additional benefits which may be added as the benefits plan is developed.
3.4 All compensation shall be subject to customary withholding tax and other employment taxes as are required with respect to compensation paid by a corporation to an employee.
4. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
4.1 Executive shall, during the Term of this Agreement unless otherwise agreed by management, devote his full attention and expend his best efforts, energies,
and skills on a full-time basis, to the business of the Company and any corporation controlled by the Company (each, a "Subsidiary"). The Company acknowledges that Executive may from time to time be engaged in other business activities separate from and outside the scope of the business of the Company. The Company agrees that the devotion of reasonable amounts of time to such other business activities will not violate the terms of this Agreement on the conditions that (i) such activities are not corporate opportunities of the Company; and (ii) such activities do not interfere with the performance of Executive's duties hereunder. For purposes of this Agreement, the term the "Company" shall mean the Company and all Subsidiaries.
4.2 During the Term of this Agreement, Executive shall serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company or in such other capacities as determined by the Board of Directors except as provided for under Subsection 7.1. In the performance of all of his responsibilities hereunder, Executive shall be subject to all of the Company's policies, rules, and regulations applicable to its executive of comparable status and shall report directly to, and shall be subject to, the direction and control of the Board of Directors of the Company and shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to him by the Board of Directors. In performing such duties, Executive will be subject to and abide by, and will use his best efforts to cause other employees of the Company to be subject to and abide by, all policies and procedures developed by the Board of Directors.
4.3 To induce the Company to enter into this Agreement, Executive represents and warrants to the Company that (i) Executive is not a party or subject to any employment agreement or arrangement with other person, firm, company, corporation or other business entity, (ii) Executive is subject to no restraint, limitation or restriction by virtue of any law or rule of law or otherwise which would impair Executive's right or ability (a) to enter the employ of the Company, or (b) to perform fully his duties and obligations pursuant to this Agreement.
5. RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS.
5.1 Executive acknowledges that (i) he has a major responsibility for the operation, administration, development and growth of the Company's business, (ii) the Company's business has become international in scope, (iii) his work for the Company has brought him and will continue to bring him into close contact with confidential information of the Company and its customers, and (iv) the agreements and covenants contained in this Subsection 5.1 are essential to protect the business interests of the Company and that the Company will not enter into this Agreement but for such agreements and covenants. Accordingly, Executive covenants and agrees as follows:
5.1.1 Except as otherwise provided for in this Agreement, during the Term of this Agreement and for a period of two years thereafter Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, compete with respect to any services or products of the Company which are either offered or are being developed by the Company as of the date of termination; or, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, by or become, or agree to be or become, interested in or associated with, in any capacity (whether as a partner, shareholder, owner, officer, director, Executive, principal, agent, creditor, trustee, consultant, co-venturer or otherwise) any individual, corporation, firm, association, partnership, joint venture or other business entity, which competes with respect to any services or products of the Company which are either offered or are being developed by the Company as of the date of termination; provided, however, that Executive may own, solely as an investment, not more than one percent (1%) of any class of securities of any publicly held corporation in competition with the Company whose securities are traded on any securities exchange.
5.1.2 During the Term of this Agreement and, for a period of two years thereafter (the "Termination Period"), Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, (i) induce or attempt to influence any employee of the Company to leave its employ, (ii) aid or agree to aid any competitor, customer or supplier of the Company in any attempt to hire any person who shall have been employed by the Company within the one (1) year period preceding such requested aid, (iii) induce or attempt to influence any person or business entity who was a customer or supplier of the Company during any portion of said period to transact business with a competitor of the Company in Company's business, or (iv) induce or attempt to influence any of the research partners and contract researchers of the Company, which had a contractual relationship with the Company during the term of
this Agreement, to terminate or otherwise adversely affect their relationship with the Company or any affiliate of the Company.
5.1.3 During the Term of this Agreement, the Termination Period and any time thereafter, Executive shall not disclose to anyone any information about the confidential or proprietary affairs of the Company, including, without limitation, trade secrets, trade "know-how", inventions, customer lists, business plans, operational methods, pricing policies, marketing plans, sales plans, identity of suppliers or customers, sales, profits or other financial information, which is confidential to the Company or is not generally known in the relevant trade, nor shall Executive make use of any such information for his own benefit.
5.2 If Executive breaches Subsection 5.1 (the "Restrictive Covenants"), the Company shall have the following rights and remedies, each of which shall be enforceable, and each of which is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights and remedies available to the Company at law or in equity.
5.2.1 Executive acknowledges and agrees that in the event of a violation or threatened violation of any of the provisions of Subsection 5.1.1, the Company shall have no adequate remedy at law and shall therefore be entitled to enforce each such provision by temporary or permanent injunctive or mandatory relief obtained in any court of competent jurisdiction without the necessity or proving damages, posting any bond or other security, and without prejudice to any other rights and remedies which may be available at law or in equity.
5.3 If any of the Restrictive Covenants, or any part thereof, is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the same shall not affect the remainder of the covenant or covenants, which shall be given full effect, without regard to the invalid or unenforceable portions. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if any of the Restrictive Covenants, or any part thereof, is held to be unenforceable because of the duration of such provision or the area covered thereby, the parties hereto agree that the court making such determination shall have the power to reduce the duration and/or area of such provision and, in its reduced form, such provision shall then be enforceable.
5.4 The parties hereto intend to and hereby confer jurisdiction to enforce the Restrictive Covenants upon the courts of any jurisdiction within the geographical scope of such Restrictive Covenants. In the event that the courts of any one or more of such jurisdictions shall hold such Restrictive Covenants wholly unenforceable by reason of the breadth of such scope or otherwise, it is the intention of the parties hereto that such determination not bar or in any way affect the Company's right of the relief provided above in the courts of any other jurisdictions within the geographical scope of such Restrictive Covenants, as to breaches of such covenants in such other respective jurisdictions, the above covenants as they relate to each jurisdiction being, for this purpose, severable into diverse and independent covenants.
6. TERMINATION.
6.1 Following the Initial Term, this Agreement shall automatically be renewed for additional one-year terms on the anniversary date of this Agreement (each a "Renewal Term" and, together with each Initial Term, the "Term"), unless the Company or the Executive elects to terminate the Agreement by giving 60 days prior written notice. At any time during the Initial Term or any Renewal Term, either party may terminate this Agreement, for any reason or no reason at all, upon 60 days prior written notice to the other party; provided, that if the Company terminates the Executive during the Initial Term for reasons other than for "Cause" (defined below), compensation as defined in Sections 3.1 (base salary) above, shall continue for the remainder of the Initial Term or six months, whichever is greater. If the Company terminates the Executive during any Renewal Term for reasons other than for "Cause", compensation as defined in Sections 3.1 (base salary) above, shall continue for a period of 24 months from the effective date of such termination.
6.2 The Company also may terminate Executive's employment under this Agreement effective immediately at any time for Cause. "Cause" shall exist for such termination if Executive (i) is adjudicated guilty of illegal activities involving moral turpitude by a court of competent jurisdiction, (ii) commits any act of fraud or intentional misrepresentation that may harm the Company, (iii) has engaged in serious misconduct, which conduct has, or would, if generally known, materially adversely affect the good will or reputation of the Company, (iv) is in material breach under this
Agreement, or (v) Executive habitually fails to perform the duties and responsibilities of his employment as set forth in Section 4 of this Agreement or as may be assigned or delegated to him from time to time by the Company, the Board, or the Executive Committee of the Board.
6.3 If the Company terminates Executive's employment under this Agreement pursuant to the provisions of Subsections 6.2, Executive shall not be entitled to receive any severance pay.
6.4 If Executive's employment with the Company is terminated as the result of Executive's purely voluntary resignation for reasons other than those set forth in Section 7 below, Executive shall not be entitled to compensation after the effective date of such resignation.
7. TERMINATION COMPENSATION.
7.1 Compensation as defined in Sections 3.1 (base salary) above shall continue for a period of one (1) year following the date of termination in the event the Executive resigns due to a substantial change in ownership or Board of Directors membership as defined below.
7.2 A substantial change in ownership shall mean: (i) the sale of over 50% of the corporation's assets, or (ii) a change in ownership of over 40% (in a block) of the outstanding stock of the Company or (iii) the replacement or change of over 75% of the Board of Directors in one fiscal year.
8. EXPENSES.
8.1 Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement of all reasonable expenses actually incurred in the course of his employment. Executive shall submit to the Company a standardized expense report form, provided by the Company, and shall attach thereto receipts for all expenditures. Expenses shall include business travel.
8.2 The Company shall reimburse Executive within thirty (30) days after submission by Executive of his expense report in correct and appropriate form.
9. THE COMPANY'S AUTHORITY.
Executive agrees to observe and comply with the reasonable rules and regulations of the Company as adopted by the Company's Board of Directors, either orally or in writing, respecting performances of his duties and to carry out and perform orders, directions, and policies stated by the Board of Directors, to him from time to time, either orally or in writing.
10. PAID VACATION; SICK LEAVE; INSURANCE.
10.1 Executive shall be entitled to a paid vacation each year equal to not less than four (4) weeks per year in addition to the paid holidays on which the Company's offices are closed pursuant to Company policy relating to paid holidays.
10.2 Executive shall be entitled to reasonable periods of paid sick leave during the Term of the Agreement in accordance with the Company's policy regarding such sick leave.
10.3 The Company shall provide Executive, at the Company's expense, participation in group medical, accident and health insurance, and life insurance plans of the Company as may be provided by the Company from time to time to Company executives of comparable status, subject to, and to the extent that, Executive is eligible under such benefit plans in accordance with their respective terms.
11. LEGAL DEFENSE; AND INDEMNIFICATION.
The Company acknowledges that the medical/pharmaceutical industry is a litigious industry whereby many regulatory fines, penalties and third-party suits are directed at the individuals involved in ownership and operations. The Company agrees to pay all legal fees, judgments, awards, bonds, fines, penalties and costs related to the defense and outcome whereby Executive was acting in his corporate capacity. The Company acknowledges that from time to time the Executive becomes contingently liable for obligations of the Company. The Company will make whole the Executive in case such contingent obligations becomes direct. Also, in the event that Executive leaves the employ of the Company for any reason, the Company will use its best efforts to remove the Executive from such liabilities, whether contingent or direct.
12. MISCELLANEOUS.
12.1 The Company may, from time to time, apply for and take out, in its own name and at its own expense, life, health, accident, disability or other insurance upon Executive in any sum or sums that it may deem necessary to protect its interests, and Executive agrees to aid and cooperate in all reasonable respects with the Company in procuring any and all such insurance, including without limitation, submitting to the usual and customary medical examinations, and by filling out, executing and delivering such applications and other instruments in writing as may be reasonably required by an insurance company or companies to which an application or applications for such insurance may be made by or for the Company.
12.2 This Agreement is a personal contract, and the rights and interests of Executive hereunder may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated except as otherwise expressly permitted by the provisions of this Agreement. Executive shall not under any circumstances have any option or right to require payment hereunder otherwise than in accordance with the terms hereof. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, Executive shall not have any power of anticipation, alienation or assignment of payments contemplated hereunder, and all rights and benefits of Executive shall be for the sole personal benefit of Executive, and no other person shall acquire any right, title or interest hereunder by reason of any sale, assignment, transfer, claim or judgment or bankruptcy proceedings against Executive; provided, however, that in the event of Executive's death, Executive's estate, legal representative or beneficiaries (as the case may be) shall have the right to receive all of the benefit that accrued to Executive pursuant to, and in accordance with, the terms of this Agreement.
12.3 The Company shall have the right to assign this Agreement to any successor of substantially all of its business or assets, and any such successor and Executive shall be bound by all of the provisions hereof.
13. NOTICES.
All notices, requests, demands and other communications provided for by this Agreement shall be in writing and (unless otherwise specifically provided herein) shall be deemed to have been given three (3) days after having been mailed in any general or branch United States Post office, enclosed in a registered or certified postpaid envelope, addressed to the parties stated below or to such changed address as such party may have fixed by notice:
TO THE COMPANY: Mymetics Corporation At the then current office address for the Secretary or Acting Secretary
COPY TO: James D. Chiafullo, Esq.
Cohen & Grigsby, P.C.
11 Stanwix Street, 15th Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
EXECUTIVE: Dr. Peter P. McCann
1669 Chinford Trail
Annapolis, MD 21401
14. ENTIRE AGREEMENT.
This Agreement supersedes any and all Agreements, whether oral or written, between the parties hereto, with respect to the employment of Executive by the Company and contains all of the covenants and Agreements between the parties with respect to the rendering of such services in any manner whatsoever. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that no representations, inducements, promises or agreements, orally or otherwise, have been made by any party, or anyone acting on behalf of any party, which are not embodied herein, and that no other agreement, statement or promise with respect to such employment not contained in this Agreement shall be valid or binding. Any modification of this Agreement will be effective only if it is writing and signed by the parties hereto.
15. PARTIAL INVALIDITY.
If any provision in this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless continue in full force and effect without being impaired or invalidated in any way.
16. ATTORNEYS FEES.
Except with respect to paragraphs 5.3 and 5.4 which issues are reserved for the court, any dispute regarding the negotiations leading up to the execution of this Release and/or the interpretation or application of this Agreement or the alleged breach hereof, or any act which allegedly has, or would, violate any provision of this Agreement must be submitted to arbitration before a neutral arbitrator. The arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the rules of American Arbitration Association. A written demand for arbitration pursuant to Section 638 of the Code of Civil Procedure must be made within sixty (60) days of the alleged breach. The results of arbitration will be the exclusive, final and binding remedy for such claim or dispute.
17. GOVERNING LAW.
This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.
18. BINDING NATURE.
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective representatives, heirs, successors and assigns.
19. WAIVER.
No waiver of any of the provisions of this 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. No waiver shall be binding unless executed in writing by the party making the waiver.
20. CORPORATE APPROVALS.
The Company represents and warrants that the execution of this Agreement by its corporate officer named below has been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company, is not in conflict with any Bylaw or other agreement and will be a binding obligation of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date above written.
MYMETICS CORPORATION
By:/s/ John M. Musacchio ------------------------------------ John M. Musacchio, Member of Board of Directors |
EXECUTIVE:
/s/ Dr. Peter P. McCann ----------------------------------- Dr. Peter P. McCann |
Exhibit 21
Subsidiaries
Mymetics Corporation has two subsidiaries:
1. 6543 Luxembourg S.A. (a majority-owned subsidiary of Mymetics Corporation) is a joint stock company organized under the laws of Luxembourg and does business under the name "6543 Luxembourg S.A."
2. Mymetics S.A. (a 99.9%-owned subsidiary of 6543 Luxembourg S.A.) is a company organized under the laws of France and does business under the name "Mymetics S.A."
Exhibit 24.1
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director of Mymetics Corporation, a Delaware Corporation, does make, constitute and appoint John M. Musacchio, with full power and authority, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for him and his name, place and stead in any and all capacities, to sign the Annual Report of Mymetics Corporation on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, and to file such Annual Report, so signed, with all exhibits thereto, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby further granting unto said attorney-in-fact full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts and things requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney and agent shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THE UNDERSIGNED HAS HEREUNTO SET HIS HAND AND SEAL
THIS 21ST DAY OF MARCH, 2002.
/s/ Peter P. McCann -------------------------- Peter P. McCann, Director |
Exhibit 24.2
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director of Mymetics Corporation, a Delaware Corporation, does make, constitute and appoint John M. Musacchio, with full power and authority, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for him and his name, place and stead in any and all capacities, to sign the Annual Report of Mymetics Corporation on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, and to file such Annual Report, so signed, with all exhibits thereto, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby further granting unto said attorney-in-fact full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts and things requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney and agent shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THE UNDERSIGNED HAS HEREUNTO SET HIS HAND AND SEAL
THIS 21ST DAY OF MARCH, 2002.
/s/ Patrice Pactol -------------------------- Patrice Pactol, Director |
Exhibit 24.3
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director of Mymetics Corporation, a Delaware Corporation, does make, constitute and appoint John M. Musacchio, with full power and authority, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for him and his name, place and stead in any and all capacities, to sign the Annual Report of Mymetics Corporation on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, and to file such Annual Report, so signed, with all exhibits thereto, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby further granting unto said attorney-in-fact full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts and things requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney and agent shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THE UNDERSIGNED HAS HEREUNTO SET HIS HAND AND SEAL
THIS 21ST DAY OF MARCH, 2002.
/s/ Pierre-Francois Serres ---------------------------------- Pierre-Francois Serres, Director |
Exhibit 24.4
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director of Mymetics Corporation, a Delaware Corporation, does make, constitute and appoint John M. Musacchio, with full power and authority, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for him and his name, place and stead in any and all capacities, to sign the Annual Report of Mymetics Corporation on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, and to file such Annual Report, so signed, with all exhibits thereto, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby further granting unto said attorney-in-fact full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts and things requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney and agent shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THE UNDERSIGNED HAS HEREUNTO SET HIS HAND AND SEAL
THIS 21ST DAY OF MARCH, 2002.
/s/ Robert Demers -------------------------- Robert Demers, Director |
Exhibit 24.5
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director of Mymetics Corporation, a Delaware Corporation, does make, constitute and appoint John M. Musacchio, with full power and authority, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for him and his name, place and stead in any and all capacities, to sign the Annual Report of Mymetics Corporation on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, and to file such Annual Report, so signed, with all exhibits thereto, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby further granting unto said attorney-in-fact full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts and things requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney and agent shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THE UNDERSIGNED HAS HEREUNTO SET HIS HAND AND SEAL
THIS 21ST DAY OF MARCH, 2002.
/s/ Michael K. Allio ---------------------------------- Michael K. Allio, Director |