UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 12 , 2014

 

Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

001-36399

 

42-1560076

(State or other jurisdiction

 

(Commission File Number)

 

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

of incorporation)

 

 

 

 

 

2200 Powell Street, Suite 220

Emeryville, CA

 

94608

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (510) 450-3500

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligations of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

o             Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

o             Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

o             Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

o             Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 



 

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

 

(a)          Appointment of Chief Operating Officer

 

On August 12, 2014, the board of directors of Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “ Company ”) promoted Jeffrey Knapp to be the Company’s Chief Operating Officer.  Mr. Knapp previously served as the Company’s Chief Commercial Officer since February 2014.  From July 2006 to March 2013, Mr. Knapp served as Chief Commercial Officer of Affymax, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company. From November 2005 to April 2006, Mr. Knapp served as Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Abgenix, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company. From October 2004 to July 2005, Mr. Knapp served as Vice President, Sales and Marketing, North America at Pharmion Corporation, a pharmaceutical company. From November 2001 to October 2004, Mr. Knapp served as Vice President, U.S. sales and marketing at EMD Pharmaceuticals, a division of Merck KGaA, a pharmaceutical company. He has also held sales, marketing and business development positions at Eli Lilly and Company and Schering-Plough Corporation, both pharmaceutical companies. Mr. Knapp holds a B.A. from Wittenberg University.

 

In connection with Mr. Knapp’s promotion, the Company increased his annual base salary from $340,000 to $355,000 and increased his target bonus percentage from 30% to 40% of his base salary, based upon both the Company’s achievement of its performance goals and Mr. Knapp’s achievement of his personal goals .

 

(b)          Appointment of William J. Dawson as Chief Financial Officer

 

On August 12, 2014, the Company’s board of directors appointed William J. Dawson as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. In such capacity, Mr. Dawson will also serve as the Company’s principal financial officer and principal accounting officer.

 

Mr. Dawson previously served as Chief Financial Officer of Catalyst Biosciences, Inc., a privately-held biotechnology company from March 2010 to April 2012.  From August 2004 to April 2009, Mr. Dawson served as Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Cerus Corporation, a publicly-held biopharmaceutical company, where Mr. Dawson was responsible for managing Cerus’ corporate development efforts and its financial and accounting organization. Prior to joining Cerus, Mr. Dawson served in a variety of senior financial positions at companies in the biotechnology, healthcare services and information technology, investment banking, alternate energy and transportation industries.  Mr. Dawson has served as a member of the board of directors of McGrath RentCorp, a publicly held business-to-business rental company, since 1998 and as a member of the board of directors of Wellington Trust Company, a subsidiary of Wellington Management Company, LLP, a private institutional investment management company, since 2001.  Mr. Dawson received a Bachelor’s degree from Stanford’s School of Engineering, Department of Architecture with a concentration in Mechanical Engineering and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.

 

2



 

In connection with Mr. Dawson’s appointment as Chief Financial Officer, the Company entered into an offer letter with him pursuant to which the Company has agreed to pay Mr. Dawson an annual base salary of $340,000. Mr. Dawson is also eligible to earn an annual bonus of up to an additional 30% of his annual base salary based upon both the Company’s achievement of its performance goals and Mr. Dawson’s achievement of his personal goals. During Mr. Dawson’s employment, he is eligible to participate in the Company’s equity compensation plans and employee benefit plans available to other employees of the Company.  In addition, as an executive officer, Mr. Dawson is eligible to participate in the Company’s Executive Severance Plan. In connection with his appointment, he will receive an option to purchase 130,000 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the Company’s 2014 Equity Incentive Plan.  Twenty-five percent of the shares subject to the stock option will vest on the one-year anniversary of the date Mr. Dawson’s employment commenced and the remainder shall vest in monthly installments over the following 36 months, subject to Mr. Dawson’s continuous service.

 

A copy of the offer letter between the Company and Mr. Dawson is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.8.

 

(c)           Departure of Anthony Rimac

 

On August 12, 2014, the Company announced the departure of Anthony Rimac, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately.  In connection with Mr. Rimac’s departure, on August 12, 2014, the Company entered into a separation agreement with Mr. Rimac pursuant to which Mr. Rimac will receive:

 

1.               A single lump sum payment of $150,000, subject to standard payroll deductions and withholdings; and

 

2.               Payment of COBRA group health insurance premiums for Mr. Rimac and his eligible dependents until the earlier of (a) 6 months following Mr. Rimac’s separation date, (b) the expiration of Mr. Rimac’s eligibility for the continuation coverage under COBRA, and (c) the date Mr. Rimac becomes eligible for substantially equivalent health insurance coverage in connection with new employment or self-employment.

 

In addition, pursuant to the separation agreement, Mr. Rimac will continue to provide consulting services to the Company at the request, and subject to the direction, of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, up to a maximum of 20 hours per week. In connection with Mr. Rimac’s consulting services, Mr. Rimac’s outstanding options to purchase the Company’s common stock will continue to vest.  Mr. Rimac may terminate his consulting relationship at any time prior to its automatic termination on February 16, 2015.  The Company may terminate Mr. Rimac’s consulting relationship immediately if Mr. Rimac breaches any of his obligations under the separation agreement or under his confidentiality agreement with the Company.

 

Mr. Rimac’s separation was not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.

 

A copy of the separation agreement between the Company and Mr. Rimac is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.9.

 

A copy of the press release announcing Mr. Knapp’s promotion, Mr. Dawson’s appointment and Mr. Rimac’s departure is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

 

3



 

Item 9.01          Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d)          Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

10.8

 

Offer Letter by and between Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and William J. Dawson, dated as of August 12, 2014.

10.9

 

Separation Agreement by and between Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Anthony Rimac, dated as of August 12, 2014.

99.1

 

Press Release dated August 13, 2014.

 

4



 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dated: August 13, 2014

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Gregory Went

 

 

Gregory Went

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

5



 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

10.8

 

Offer Letter by and between Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and William J. Dawson, dated as of August 12, 2014.

10.9

 

Separation Agreement by and between Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Anthony Rimac, dated as of August 12, 2014.

99.1

 

Press Release dated August 13, 2014.

 

6


Exhibit 10.8

 

 

August 12, 2014

 

William J. Dawson

[Address]

 

Dear Bill:

 

We are very excited to have you join Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“the Company”).  In this letter, I would like to set forth the terms and conditions of your employment relationship with the Company.

 

Title and Responsibilities.   I am pleased to offer you the full-time position of Chief Financial Officer reporting to me and working at our offices in Emeryville, CA .  Your position with the Company, pursuant to the terms and conditions of this letter and accompanying Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement, will commence on a mutually agreed upon start date. Your initial responsibilities will consists of financial strategy, financial planning and analysis, accounting, compliance, and SEC reporting and you will play a key role in investor relations, corporate strategy and planning. Of course, the Company may change your position, duties, and work location from time to time in its discretion.

 

Compensation.   You will initially receive an annual base salary of $340,000.  Your salary will be paid periodically in accordance with normal Company payroll practices and are subject to the usual required deductions and tax withholdings. In addition to your salary, you will be eligible to participate in the Company’s Bonus Plan, as described in the applicable Plan Document, pursuant to the terms of this Plan.  The annual target bonus for your position is thirty percent ( 30% ) of your annual base salary, and any award would be based upon both the Company’s achievement of its performance goals and your achievement of your personal goals to be set with your manager. The actual award, if any, will be prorated from your date of hire for your first year of employment and will be subject to the usual required deductions and tax withholdings.  The Company may change your compensation and benefits from time to time in its sole discretion.

 

Stock Options. In addition, subject to the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors or its Compensation Committee, it will be recommended that you be granted an option to purchase 130,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock.  The exercise price per share will be determined by the Board of Directors or Compensation Committee when the option is granted.  Such option will be subject to the terms and conditions applicable to options granted under the Company’s 2014 Stock Plan (the “Plan”) as described in the Plan and the applicable Stock Option Agreement.  If approved, and provided that you remain in continuous service to the Company on each date, you will vest in 25% of the option shares on the 12 month anniversary of your employment commencement date and the balance will vest in equal monthly installments over the next 36 months, as described in the applicable Stock Option Agreement.

 

2200 Powell St. Suite 220 Emeryville, CA 94608

Tel|510.450.3500 Fax|510.428.0519

www.adamaspharma.com

 



 

 

Benefit Plans.   During your employment with the Company, you will be eligible to participate in the employee benefit plans currently and hereafter maintained by the Company of general applicability to other employees of the Company.  Details about these benefits are provided in the Employee Handbook and Summary Plan Descriptions, available for your review. Where a particular benefit is subject to a formal plan (for example, medical insurance or life insurance), eligibility to participate in and receive any particular benefit from the plan is governed solely by the applicable plan document.

 

Paid Time Off.  As part of these benefits, you will be entitled to paid time off (“PTO”) in accordance with the Company’s PTO policy as in effect from time to time.  Currently, the Company offers full-time employees 21 days of PTO per calendar year.

 

Executive Severance Plan.  Given your position with the Company, you will initially be eligible to participate in the Executive Severance Plan pursuant to the terms of that Plan.  A copy of this Plan is enclosed with this letter.

 

Company Policies and Confidential Information.  You will be expected to abide by all Company rules and policies, and acknowledge in writing that you have read and will comply with the Company’s Employee Handbook.  The Company considers the protection of its confidential information, proprietary materials and goodwill to be extremely important.  Consequently, as a condition of your employment with the Company, you also are required to sign and fully comply with the Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement enclosed with this letter.

 

Conflicting Outside Employment.   While employed by the Company, you may not work as an employee or consultant of any other organization or engage in any other activities which conflict or interfere with your employment obligations to the Company, including working for a competitive organization, or undertaking any activities that could create a conflict of interest. The Company understands that you are currently a member of the Board of Directors for Wellington Trust and McGrath RentCorp.  As we understand it, these Board memberships do not currently create a conflict of interest nor would your service unduly interfere with your duties and obligations to the Company; accordingly, the Company is willing to allow you to continue to serve on these Boards.  However, you agree to not actively engage in any other Board memberships or consulting activities without prior approval of the Company.

 

At-Will Employment.   Your employment with the Company is “at-will,” which means that either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause, and with or without advance notice.  No provision of this offer letter or the accompanying Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement shall be construed to create an express or implied employment contract, or a promise of employment for any specific period of time.

 

Authorization to Work.   This offer is conditioned upon the following:  (1) you presenting sufficient evidence of your authorization to work in the United States and your identity sufficient to allow the Company to complete the Form I-9 required by law; (2) satisfactory completion of a background and reference check; and (3) your signature on the Confidential Information and Invention Agreement.  You agree to assist as needed and to complete any documentation at the Company’s request to meet these conditions.

 

2200 Powell St. Suite 220 Emeryville, CA 94608

Tel|510.450.3500 Fax|510.428.0519

www.adamaspharma.com

 



 

 

Integration, Modification and Governing Law.   This letter, together with your Employee Confidential Information and Invention Agreement, forms the complete and exclusive statement of your employment agreement with the Company.  It supersedes any other agreements or promises made to you by anyone, whether oral or written.  Changes in your employment terms, other than those changes expressly reserved to the Company’s discretion in this letter, require a written modification signed by an officer of the Company.  The unenforceability of any provision of this agreement will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of the agreement.  This letter will be governed by the laws of the state of California.

 

Please contact me at (510) 450-3502 if you have any questions.  I am happy to welcome you to the Company, and I look forward to your participation in the Company’s future success.  Please sign below to indicate your acceptance and agreement to the terms set forth in this offer letter and return the signed offer letter to me.

 

This offer will expire on August 15, 2014, unless accepted by you in writing prior to such date.

 

Best regards,

 

 

/s/ Greg Went

 

 

 

Greg Went

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

 

 

Enclosures:

 

Confidential Information and Inventions Agreement

Executive Severance Plan

 

ACCEPTANCE OF EMPLOYMENT OFFER

 

I, William J. Dawson, have read, understand, and accept employment on the terms and conditions outlined in this letter agreement.  I am not relying on any representations made to me by anyone other than as set forth above.

 

/s/ William J. Dawson

 

William J. Dawson

 

 

 

 

 

Aug. 12, 2014

 

Date

 

 

2200 Powell St. Suite 220 Emeryville, CA 94608

Tel|510.450.3500 Fax|510.428.0519

www.adamaspharma.com

 


Exhibit 10.9

 

August 12, 2014

 

VIA EMAIL DELIVERY

 

Tony Rimac

[Address]

 

Re:                              Separation Agreement

 

Dear Tony:

 

This letter sets forth the substance of the separation agreement (the “ Agreement ”) that Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “ Company ”) is offering to you to aid in your employment transition.

 

1.               SEPARATION DATE.   Your last day of work with the Company and your employment termination date will be August 15, 2014, (the “ Separation Date ”).  On the Separation Date, the Company will pay you all accrued salary, and all accrued and unused vacation earned through the Separation Date, subject to standard payroll deductions and withholdings.  You are entitled to these payments regardless of whether or not you sign this Agreement.

 

2.               SEVERANCE BENEFITS.   Although the Company is not required to provide you any severance benefits, if you sign and return this Agreement, and allow the releases contained herein to become effective, then the Company will provide you with the following severance benefits:

 

(a)                                  Severance Pay.   The Company will pay you a single lump sum payment of $150,000, subject to standard payroll deductions and withholdings (“ Severance Pay ”). Your Severance Pay will be paid on the first regular payday at least one week after the Effective Date (as defined in Section 14(c) herein).

 

(b)                                  COBRA .  To the extent provided by the federal COBRA law or, if applicable, state insurance laws, and by the Company’s current group health insurance policies, you will be eligible to continue your group health insurance benefits at your own expense.  Later, you may be able to convert to an individual policy through the provider of the Company’s health insurance, if you wish.  You will be provided with a separate notice of your COBRA rights.  As an additional severance benefit if you sign and return this Agreement, and if you timely elect continued coverage under COBRA, the Company will pay your COBRA group health insurance premiums for you and your eligible dependents, if applicable, until the earliest of (A) 6 months following the Separation Date, (B) the expiration of your eligibility for the continuation coverage under COBRA, and (C) the date when you become eligible for substantially equivalent health insurance coverage in connection with new employment or self-employment (such period from the Separation Date through the earliest of (A) through (C), the “ COBRA Payment Period ”).  If you become eligible for health insurance coverage under another employer’s group health plan or through self-employment, or if you otherwise cease to be eligible for COBRA coverage, you must immediately notify the Company, and the Company’s obligation to pay COBRA premiums

 



 

Tony Rimac

August 12, 2014

Page 2 of 8

 

shall cease.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that it cannot pay the COBRA payments without a substantial risk of violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company instead shall provide you with taxable monthly payments in an amount equal to the premium amount for the first month of your COBRA coverage, and such monthly payments shall be made through the remainder of the COBRA Payment Period.

 

(c)                                   Outplacement Assistance .  The Company will reimburse you for reasonable outplacement assistance expenses you incur with an outplacement assistance firm up to a maximum reimbursement of $10,000.

 

3.               CONSULTING AGREEMENT.   If:  (i) you execute this Agreement and allow all of the releases contained herein to become effective; and (ii) you comply with all of your obligations hereunder during the Transition Period; then the Company will retain you as a consultant under the terms set forth herein from the Separation Date until February 16, 2015, (the “ Consulting Period ”), unless terminated earlier as provided herein.  You acknowledge and agree that prior to entering into this Agreement, the Company is under no obligation to retain your services as a consultant after the Separation Date and therefore this Consulting Period constitutes sufficient consideration for your obligations as specified herein.

 

(a)                                  Consulting Services.   You shall provide consulting services to the Company in any area of your expertise upon request by the Company.  The Company anticipates that you will provide services at the request of, and subject to the direction of, the Chief Executive Officer such as performing special finance projects, responding to questions related to Adamas’ historical finance and accounting practices, and/or completing tasks associated with transitioning your duties and responsibilities. You agree to exercise the highest degree of professionalism and utilize your expertise and creative talents in performing these services.  You agree to make yourself available to perform such consulting services throughout the Consulting Period, up to a maximum of 20 hours per week.

 

(b)                                  Consulting Fees.   You will not charge the Company any Consulting Fees (“ Consulting Fees ”) for the services you render during the Consulting Period.  You shall seek advance written approval prior to incurring any expenses for which you will seek reimbursement in connection with your duties during the Consulting Period.

 

(c)                                   Equity Awards .  The Company has granted you options to purchase an aggregate of 260,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “ Options ”), of which, 156,666 shares will be vested and exercisable as of the Separation Date and 103,334 shares will be unvested as of the Separation Date. The Options shall continue to vest monthly during the Consulting Period as set forth in your grant documents and shall continue to be governed by the terms of the applicable grant notice, stock option agreement, and the 2007 Stock Plan.

 

(d)                                  Independent Contractor Relationship. Your relationship with the Company during the Consulting Period is that of an independent contractor, and nothing in this Agreement is intended to, or should be construed to, create a partnership, agency, joint venture or employment relationship.  Except as specifically provided in this Agreement, you will not be entitled to any of the benefits which the Company may make available to its employees, including, but not limited to, group health or life insurance, profit-sharing or retirement benefits.

 



 

Tony Rimac

August 12, 2014

Page 3 of 8

 

(f)                                    Limitations on Authority .  You will have no responsibilities or authority as a consultant to the Company other than as provided above.  You agree not to represent or purport to represent the Company in any manner whatsoever to any third party unless authorized by the Company, in writing, to do so.

 

(g)                                  Proprietary Information and Inventions. You agree that your Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement (the “ Confidentiality Agreement ”), a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A, shall govern any Company information to which you have access or which you develop, or inventions made by you, while performing services during the Consulting Period.

 

(h)                                  Other Work Activities.   Throughout the Consulting Period, you retain the right to engage in employment, consulting or other work relationships in addition to your work for the Company, provided that such work does not unduly hamper you in the performance of your consulting services.  The Company will make reasonable arrangements to enable you to perform your work for the Company at such times and in such a manner so that it will not interfere with other activities in which you may engage.  In order to protect the trade secrets and confidential and proprietary information of the Company, you agree that, during the Consulting Period, you will notify the Company, in writing, and obtain the Company’s written consent, before you obtain competitive employment, perform competitive work for any business entity, or engage in any other work activity that is competitive with the Company.  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “competitive” shall mean other companies or institutions that are researching and/or developing therapies for chronic disorders of the central nervous system.

 

4.               Termination of the Consulting Period.  The Consulting Period shall end on the earliest to occur of the following:

 

(a)                                  Expiration of the Consulting Period.  The Consulting Period shall end on February 16, 2015, unless terminated earlier as provided herein.

 

(b)                                  Your Notice .  You may terminate the Consulting Period at any time upon two weeks’ written advance notice.  If the Consulting Period is terminated by you for any reason, the Options will cease vesting as of the last date of the Consulting Period.

 

5.                                       Notice by the Company For Breach .  The Company may end the Consulting Period immediately upon written notice to you if you breach any of your obligations hereunder or breach any of your obligations under your Confidentiality Agreement.  If the Company terminates the Consulting Period pursuant to this section, the Options will cease vesting as of the last date of the Consulting Period.

 

6.               OTHER COMPENSATION OR BENEFITS.   You acknowledge that, except as expressly provided in this Agreement, you have not earned and will not receive any additional compensation, severance or benefits after the Separation Date.

 



 

Tony Rimac

August 12, 2014

Page 4 of 8

 

7.               EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS.   You agree that, within ten (10) days after the Separation Date, you will submit your final documented expense reimbursement statement reflecting all business expenses you incurred through the Separation Date, if any, for which you seek reimbursement.  The Company will reimburse you for these expenses pursuant to its regular business practice.

 

8.               RETURN OF COMPANY PROPERTY.   By no later than the close of business on the Separation Date, you shall return to the Company all Company documents (and all copies thereof) and other Company property in your possession or control.  You agree that you will make a diligent search to locate any such documents, property and information within the timeframe referenced above.  In addition, if you have used any personally owned computer, server, or e-mail system to receive, store, review, prepare or transmit any confidential or proprietary data, materials or information of the Company, then within five (5) business days after the Separation Date, you must provide the Company with a computer-useable copy of such information and then permanently delete and expunge such confidential or proprietary information from those systems without retaining any reproductions (in whole or in part); and you agree to provide the Company access to your system, as requested, to verify that the necessary copying and deletion is done.  Your timely compliance with the provisions of this paragraph is a precondition to your receipt of the severance benefits provided hereunder.

 

9.               PROPRIETARY INFORMATION OBLIGATIONS.   Both during and after your employment you acknowledge your continuing obligations under your Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement, including your obligations not to use or disclose any confidential or proprietary information of the Company.  A copy of this Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit A .

 

10.        CONFIDENTIALITY.   The provisions of this Agreement will be held in strictest confidence by you and the Company and will not be publicized or disclosed in any manner whatsoever; provided, however, that:  (a) you may disclose this Agreement to your immediate family; (b) the parties may disclose this Agreement in confidence to their respective attorneys, accountants, auditors, tax preparers, and financial advisors; (c) the Company may disclose this Agreement as necessary to fulfill standard or legally required corporate reporting or disclosure requirements; and (d) the parties may disclose this Agreement insofar as such disclosure may be necessary to enforce its terms or as otherwise required by law.  In particular, and without limitation, you agree not to disclose the terms of this Agreement to any current or former Company employee.

 

11.        NONDISPARAGEMENT.   You agree not to disparage the Company or the Company’s officers, directors, employees, shareholders, parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, and agents, in any manner likely to be harmful to them or their business, business reputation or personal reputation; provided that you may respond accurately and fully to any question, inquiry or request for information when required by legal process.

 

12.        C OOPERATION.   You agree to cooperate fully with the Company in connection with its actual or contemplated defense, prosecution, or investigation of any claims or demands by or against third parties, or other matters arising from events, acts, or failures to act that occurred

 



 

Tony Rimac

August 12, 2014

Page 5 of 8

 

during the period of your employment by the Company.  Such cooperation includes, without limitation, making yourself available to the Company upon reasonable notice, without subpoena, to provide complete, truthful and accurate information in witness interviews, depositions, and trial testimony.  The Company will reimburse you for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses you incur in connection with any such cooperation (excluding foregone wages) and will make reasonable efforts to accommodate your scheduling needs.

 

13.        NO ADMISSIONS.   You understand and agree that the promises and payments in consideration of this Agreement shall not be construed to be an admission of any liability or obligation by the Company to you or to any other person, and that the Company makes no such admission.

 

14.        RELEASE OF CLAIMS .

 

(a)                                  General Release.  In exchange for the consideration provided to you under this Agreement to which you would not otherwise be entitled, you hereby generally and completely release the Company, and its affiliated, related, parent and subsidiary entities,  and its and their current and former directors, officers, employees, shareholders, partners, agents, attorneys, predecessors, successors, insurers, affiliates, and assigns (collectively, the “ Released Parties ”) from any and all claims, liabilities and obligations, both known and unknown, that arise out of or are in any way related to events, acts, conduct, or omissions occurring prior to or on the date you sign this Agreement (collectively, the “ Released Claims ”).

 

(b)                                  Scope of Release.  The Released Claims include, but are not limited to:  (i) all claims arising out of or in any way related to your employment with the Company, or the termination of that employment; (ii) all claims related to your compensation or benefits from the Company, including salary, bonuses, commissions, vacation, expense reimbursements, severance pay, fringe benefits, stock, stock options, or any other ownership, equity, or profits interests in the Company; (iii) all claims for breach of contract, wrongful termination, and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; (iv) all tort claims, including claims for fraud, defamation, emotional distress, and discharge in violation of public policy; and (v) all federal, state, and local statutory claims, including claims for discrimination, harassment, retaliation, attorneys’ fees, or other claims arising under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the California Labor Code (as amended), and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (as amended).

 

(c)                                   ADEA Waiver .  You acknowledge that you are knowingly and voluntarily waiving and releasing any rights you may have under the ADEA (the “ ADEA Waiver ”), and that the consideration given for the ADEA Waiver is in addition to anything of value to which you are already entitled.  You further acknowledge that you have been advised, as required by the ADEA, that: (i) your ADEA Waiver does not apply to any rights or claims that may arise after the date that you sign this Agreement; (ii) you should consult with an attorney prior to signing this Agreement (although you may choose voluntarily not to do so); (iii) you have twenty-one (21) days to consider this Agreement (although you may choose voluntarily to sign it earlier); (iv) you have seven (7) days following the date you sign this Agreement to revoke the ADEA Waiver (by providing written notice of your revocation to the Company’s

 



 

Tony Rimac

August 12, 2014

Page 6 of 8

 

CEO); and (v) this Agreement will not be effective until the date upon which the revocation period has expired, which will be the eighth day after the date that this Agreement is signed by you provided that you do not revoke it (the “ Effective Date ”).

 

(d)                                  Section 1542 Waiver.   YOU UNDERSTAND THAT THIS AGREEMENT INCLUDES A RELEASE OF ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS.  In giving the release herein, which includes claims which may be unknown to you at present, you acknowledge that you have read and understand Section 1542 of the California Civil Code, which reads as follows:

 

“A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him or her must have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor.”

 

You hereby expressly waive and relinquish all rights and benefits under that section and any law of any other jurisdiction of similar effect with respect to your release of any unknown or unsuspected claims herein.

 

(e)                                   Excluded Claims.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following are not included in the Released Claims (the “ Excluded Claims ”): (i) any rights or claims for indemnification you may have pursuant to any written indemnification agreement with the Company to which you are a party or under applicable law; (ii) any rights which cannot be waived as a matter of law; and (iii) any claims for breach of this Agreement.  In addition, nothing in this Agreement prevents you from filing, cooperating with, or participating in any proceeding before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, or any other government agency, except that you acknowledge and agree that you hereby waive your right to any monetary benefits in connection with any such claim, charge or proceeding.   You represent and warrant that, other than the Excluded Claims, you are not aware of any claims you have or might have against any of the Released Parties that are not included in the Released Claims.

 

15.        REPRESENTATIONS.   You hereby represent that you have been paid all compensation owed and for all hours worked, have received all the leave and leave benefits and protections for which you are eligible, pursuant to the Family and Medical Leave Act or otherwise, and have not suffered any on-the-job injury for which you have not already filed a claim.

 

16.        GENERAL.   This Agreement, including Exhibit A, constitutes the complete, final and exclusive embodiment of the entire agreement between you and the Company with regard to this subject matter.  It is entered into without reliance on any promise or representation, written or oral, other than those expressly contained herein, and it supersedes any other such promises, warranties or representations.  This Agreement may not be modified or amended except in a writing signed by both you and a duly authorized officer of the Company.  This Agreement will bind the heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns of both you and the Company, and inure to the benefit of both you and the Company, their heirs, successors and assigns.  If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, this

 



 

Tony Rimac

August 12, 2014

Page 7 of 8

 

determination will not affect any other provision of this Agreement and the provision in question will be modified by the court so as to be rendered enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law, consistent with the intent of the parties.  This Agreement will be deemed to have been entered into and will be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of California as applied to contracts made and to be performed entirely within California.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and facsimile and electronic signatures will suffice as original signatures.

 

If this Agreement is acceptable to you, please sign below and return the original to me.

 

I wish you good luck in your future endeavors.

 

Sincerely,

 

ADAMAS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

 

 

By:

/s/ Gregory T. Went

 

 

Gregory T. Went, Ph.D

 

 

CEO and Chairman

 

 

 

Exhibit A — Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement

 

ACCEPTED AND AGREED:

 

 

/s/ Tony Rimac

 

Tony Rimac

 

 

 

 

 

August 12, 2014

 

Date

 

 



 

EXHIBIT A

 

Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement

 

 



 

 

Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement

 

This Confidential Information and Invention Disclosure Agreement (the “Agreement”), dated June 8, 2011 (the “Effective Date”) is between Adamas Pharmaceuticals Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, the “Company”) and Anthony Rimac (“Employee”).

 

As part of Employee’s employment with the Company, the Employee must protect all confidential and proprietary information and material.  Accordingly, the parties agree as follows:

 

1.  Confidential Information .  Employee shall, throughout the term of employment with the Company and thereafter, maintain the confidentiality of all Confidential Information of the Company, as follows:

 

1.1.  The term Confidential Information shall mean all confidential, proprietary and trade secret information of the Company, whether in written, oral, electronic or other form, including but not limited to, information and facts concerning Company employees and service providers, business plans, customers, future customers, suppliers, licensors, licensees, partners, investors, affiliates or others, training methods and materials, financial information, sales prospects, client lists, customer lists, inventions, or any other scientific, technical or trade secrets of the Company or of any third party provided to Employee or the Company under a condition of confidentiality, provided that Confidential Information shall not include information that is in the public domain other than through any fault or act by the Employee. The term “trade secrets,” as used in this Agreement, shall be given its broadest possible interpretation under California law and shall include, without limitation, anything tangible or intangible or electronically kept or stored, which constitutes, represents, evidences or records any secret scientific, technical, merchandising, production or management information, or any design, process, procedure, formula, invention, improvement or other confidential or proprietary information or documents.

 

1.2.  This Agreement covers all Confidential Information disclosed to Employee during employment with the Company.

 

1.3.  Employee’s obligations regarding Confidential Information continue following termination of employment.

 

1.4.  Employee shall: (a) use Confidential Information only within the scope of employment with the Company; (b) not disclose the Company’s Confidential Information to any third party without the prior written approval of the Company; (c) restrict dissemination of Confidential Information only to those of its employees who have a need to know; (d) follow all Company policies in preventing disclosure of Confidential Information to third parties; and (e) not disclose to the Company any confidential information belonging to a third party. Employee shall promptly notify the Company of any loss of Confidential Information or breach of these obligations.

 

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1900 Powell St., Suite 1050 Emeryville, CA 94608

Tel | 510.450.3508 Fax | 510.428.0519

www.adamaspharma.com

 



 

 

1.5.  Confidential Information shall not include any information that: (a) is or becomes publicly known through no wrongful act of Employee; (b) is furnished to a third party by the Company without a duty of confidentiality; or (c) is explicitly approved for release by written authorization of the Company; or (d) is ordered to be disclosed by a court of competent jurisdiction, provided Employee gives timely written notice of such order to the Company to enable it to seek a protective order.

 

1.6.  All Confidential Information is and shall remain the property of the Company. Upon termination of employment with the Company, Employee shall return all the Confidential Information to the Company along with all paper copies, and destroy all electronic copies of Confidential Information.

 

2.  Non-Solicitation . During the period in which Employee performs services for or at the request of the Company and for a period of one (1) year following the termination of Employee’s employment with the Company, Employee shall not, either individually or on behalf of or through any third party, directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of the Company:

 

2.1  (i) solicit or induce any employee of or consultant to the Company to terminate his or her relationship with the Company or any such parent, subsidiary or affiliate for any reason, or (ii) solicit the employment or engagement of any employee of or consultant to the Company while any such person is providing services to the Company; or

 

2.2  use Confidential Information to solicit or induce any vendor, supplier or strategic partner of the Company to cease doing business with the Company.

 

3.  Ownership of Ideas, Copyrights and Patents .

 

3.1  Property of the Company .  All ideas, discoveries, creations, manuscripts and properties, innovations, improvements, know-how, inventions, designs, developments, apparatus, techniques, methods, biological processes, cell lines, laboratory notebooks, formulae and other similar material (collectively the “Inventions”) which may be used in the business of the Company, whether patentable, copyrightable or not, which Employee may conceive, reduce to practice or develop while employed by the Company, alone or in conjunction with another or others, whether during or outside of regular business hours, whether or not on the Company’s premises or with the use of its equipment, and whether at the request or upon the suggestion of the Company or otherwise, shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Company, and Employee shall not publish any of the Inventions without the prior written consent of the Company.  Without limiting the foregoing, Employee also acknowledges that all original works of authorship which are made by Employee (solely or jointly with others) within the scope of your employment or which relate to the business of the Company or a Company affiliate and which are protectable by copyright are “works made for hire” pursuant to the United States Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. Section 101). During the term of employment, Employee shall assign to the

 

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1900 Powell St., Suite 1050 Emeryville, CA 94608

Tel | 510.450.3508 Fax | 510.428.0519

www.adamaspharma.com

 



 

 

Company or its designee all of Employee’s right, title and interest in and to all of the foregoing.

 

3.2  Cooperation .  At any time during or after the period of employment with the Company, Employee shall comply with all Company policies concerning Inventions and shall fully cooperate with the Company and its attorneys and agents in the preparation and filing of all papers and other documents as may be required to perfect the Company’s rights in and to any of such Inventions, including, but not limited to, joining in any proceeding to obtain letters patent, copyrights, trademarks or other legal rights with respect to any such Inventions in the United States and in any and all other countries, provided that the Company shall bear the expense of such proceedings, and that any patent or other legal right so issued to Employee personally shall be assigned by Employee to the Company or its designee without any further compensation to Employee.  Employee designates the Company as his or her agent, and grants to the Company a power of attorney with full power of substitution (which power of attorney shall be deemed coupled with an interest), for the purpose of effecting the foregoing assignments to the Company.

 

3.3  Licensing and Use of Innovations .  With respect to any Inventions, and work of any similar nature (from any source), whenever created, which Employee has not prepared or originated in the performance of employment, but which Employee provides to the Company or incorporates in any Company product or system, Employee hereby grants to the Company a royalty-free, fully paid-up, non-exclusive, perpetual and irrevocable license throughout the world to use, modify, create derivative works from, disclose, publish, translate, reproduce, deliver, perform, dispose of, and to authorize others so to do, all such Inventions.  Employee shall not include in any Inventions delivered to the Company or used on its behalf, without the prior written approval of the Company, any material which is or shall be patented, copyrighted or trademarked by Employee or others unless Employee provides the Company with the written permission of the holder of any patent, copyright or trademark owner for the Company to use such material in a manner consistent with then-current Company policy.

 

3.4  Prior Inventions .  Listed on Exhibit A to this Agreement are any and all Inventions in which Employee claims or intends to claim any right, title and interest (collectively, “Prior Inventions”), including, without limitation, patent, copyright and trademark interests, that Employee has, alone or jointly with others, made prior to the commencement of employment with the Company that Employee considers to be his or her property or the property of third parties and that shall be excluded from the scope of this Agreement.  If no such disclosure is attached, Employee represents that there are no Prior Inventions.

 

4.  Exception to Assignments .  The Company and Employee acknowledge that this Agreement does not require assignment of any Invention which qualifies fully for protection under Section 2870 of the California Labor Code (hereinafter “Section 2870”), which provides as follows:

 

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1900 Powell St., Suite 1050 Emeryville, CA 94608

Tel | 510.450.3508 Fax | 510.428.0519

www.adamaspharma.com

 



 

 

(a)                                  Any provision in an employment agreement which provides that an employee shall assign, or offer to assign, any of his or her rights in an invention to his or her employer shall not apply to an invention that the employee developed entirely on his or her own time without using the employer’s equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information except for those inventions that either:

 

(1)                                  Relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to the employer’s business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the employer; or

 

(2)                                  Result from any work performed by the employee for the employer.

 

(b)                                  To the extent a provision in this Agreement purports to require an employee to assign an invention otherwise excluded from being required to be assigned under subdivision (a), the provision is against the public policy of this state and is unenforceable.

 

5.  Reasonableness of Restrictions .  Employee acknowledges that the types of conduct which are prohibited by Sections 1, 2 and 3 are narrow and reasonable in relation to the skills which represent Employee’s principal marketable asset both to the Company and to other prospective employers.

 

6.  No Conflicting Obligations .  Employee represents that he or she has no commitments or obligations inconsistent with this Agreement, and Employee shall not enter into any such conflicting agreement during employment with the Company.

 

7.   General .

 

7.1  Assignment .  The Company may assign its rights and obligations to any person or entity that succeeds to all or substantially all of the Company’s business or that aspect of the Company’s business in which Employee is principally involved.  Employee’s rights and obligations under this Agreement may not be assigned by Employee.

 

7.2  Governing Law, Jurisdiction .  The laws of the state of California shall govern the provisions of this Agreement, and the parties agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of Alameda County, California.

 

7.3  Notices .  All notices required or permitted to be given under this Agreement to any party shall be in writing and shall be deemed given upon personal delivery or acknowledgment of facsimile transmission or three (3) days after mailing or when received (whichever is earlier) if sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, all postage and registration or certification fees prepaid and addressed as set forth on the signature page of this Agreement.

 

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1900 Powell St., Suite 1050 Emeryville, CA 94608

Tel | 510.450.3508 Fax | 510.428.0519

www.adamaspharma.com

 



 

 

7.4  Entire Agreement .  This Agreement, together with Employee’s offer letter, constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to its subject matter, and supersedes any and all prior discussions, correspondence, agreements or understanding between the parties with respect to such matters. No amendment or waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by both parties.

 

7.5  Injunctive Relief .  Employee expressly acknowledges that any breach or threatened breach of any of the terms and/or conditions set forth in Section 1, 2 or 3 of this Agreement may result in substantial, continuing and irreparable injury to the Company. Therefore, in addition to any other remedy that may be available to the Company, the Company shall be entitled to seek injunctive or other equitable relief by a court of appropriate jurisdiction in the event of any breach or threatened breach of the terms of Section  1, 2 or 3 of this Agreement.

 

7.6  Opportunity to Review .  Employee hereby acknowledges that he or she has had adequate opportunity to review these terms and conditions and to reflect upon and consider the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and has had the opportunity to consult with his/her own counsel regarding such terms.  Employee further acknowledges that he or she fully understands the terms of this Agreement and has voluntarily executed this Agreement.

 

7.7   At-Will Employment.  Employee acknowledges that nothing in this Agreement shall confer any right with respect to continuation of employment by the Company, nor shall it interfere in any way with my right or the Company’s right to terminate his or her employment at any time, for any reason, with or without cause, except as otherwise expressly provided in any written employment agreement he or she has with the Company.

 

7.8  Survival .  The provision of this Agreement, shall survive the termination of Employee’s employment with the Company for any reason.

 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

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Tel | 510.450.3508 Fax | 510.428.0519

www.adamaspharma.com

 



 

 

Authorized representatives of the parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date

 

Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,

Employee

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Gregory Went

 

/s/ Anthony Rimac

 

Name: Gregory Went

 

Name: Anthony Rimac

 

Title: CEO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

10-JUN-2011

 

Date:

10/JUN/11

 

 

 

Address:

 

708 Arimo Avenue

 

Oakland, CA 94610

 

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1900 Powell St., Suite 1050 Emeryville, CA 94608

Tel | 510.450.3508 Fax | 510.428.0519

www.adamaspharma.com

 



 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

PRIOR INVENTIONS

 

None

 

Firmwide:90719304.1 062996.1001

 

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Tel | 510.450.3508 Fax | 510.428.0519

www.adamaspharma.com

 


Exhibit 99.1

 

Adamas Pharmaceuticals Announces Management Changes

New Role of Chief Operating Officer Created; New Chief Financial Officer Named

 

Emeryville, Calif., Aug. 13, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADMS) today announced changes to its management team.

 

Jeffrey (Jeff) Knapp has been named Chief Operating Officer. In this newly created role, Mr. Knapp will continue to lead the build out of the sales and marketing organization, and will also oversee commercial operations, manufacturing, corporate development, medical affairs, alliance management and contracts.

 

Mr. Knapp joined Adamas as Chief Commercial Officer at the beginning of 2014. He brings more than 25 years of commercial and operations experience in the pharmaceutical/ biotechnology industry. Prior to Adamas, Mr. Knapp spent seven years as the Chief Commercial Officer for Affymax where he was responsible for building its U.S. commercial organization and leading the launch of the company’s first product for the treatment of anemia. Other previous roles include: Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Abgenix, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Pharmion, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for EMD Pharmaceuticals, and a number of sales, marketing, and business development roles for Eli Lilly and Schering Plough. Mr. Knapp earned his B.S. degree from Wittenberg University.

 

William (Bill) J. Dawson has been named Chief Financial Officer, replacing Anthony (Tony) Rimac.  Mr. Dawson will be responsible for financial strategy, financial planning and analysis, accounting, compliance, and SEC reporting and will play a key role in investor relations, corporate strategy and planning.

 

Mr. Dawson was most recently a consultant to a number of companies, including Adamas. Previously he served as Chief Financial Officer at Catalyst Biosciences, Inc., from 2010 to 2012. Prior to Catalyst, he was Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Cerus Corporation, a publicly traded company, from 2004 to 2009.  Mr. Dawson also spent over 25 years in senior financial positions at several companies, including McKesson Corporation and Volpe Brown Whelan & Company LLC in the healthcare and biosciences industry.  He has also served on the board of directors of McGrath RentCorp since 1998 and Wellington Trust Company, a subsidiary of Wellington Management Company, LLP, since 2001. Mr. Dawson received a Bachelor’s degree from Stanford’s School of Engineering, Department of Architecture with a concentration in Mechanical Engineering and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.

 

Both Mr. Knapp and Mr. Dawson will report to Gregory Went, PhD., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

 

“These changes reflect the company’s continuing commitment to creating a world-class management team,” said Dr. Went. “In Jeff’s new role, having already demonstrated his strengths as an effective leader and a strategic thinker, he will have broader oversight for key functions at Adamas. Bill brings a deep and wide-ranging skill set in finance, corporate strategy, and governance that is vitally important to a pre-commercial company poised for significant growth.”

 



 

Dr. Went continued, “On behalf of the board and entire management team, we thank Tony for his many contributions to Adamas over the past three years.  He played a key role during his tenure here at Adamas in helping the company move its development plans forward and completing its initial public offering.  We wish him well in his future endeavors.”

 

About Adamas

 

Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company driven to improve the lives of those affected by chronic disorders of the central nervous system. The company achieves this by modifying the pharmacokinetic profiles of approved drugs to create novel therapeutics for use alone or in fixed-dose combination products. Adamas is currently developing its lead wholly-owned product candidate, ADS-5102, for a complication of Parkinson’s disease known as levodopa-induced dyskinesia, or LID, and is evaluating other potential indications. The company’s portfolio also includes a fixed-dose combination product candidate, MDX-8704, being developed with Forest Laboratories, Inc., a subsidiary of Actavis plc, and an approved controlled-release product, Namenda XR ® , which Forest developed and is marketing in the United States under an exclusive license from Adamas. For more information, please visit www.adamaspharma.com.

 

Namenda XR ® is a registered trademark of Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KGaA.

 

 

For questions, please contact:

 

Julie Wood

Corporate Communications

Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Phone: 510-450-3528