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 ):   February 1, 2016

 

 

Medgenics, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

     

Delaware

(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)

1-35112

(Commission File Number)

99-0217544

(I.R.S. Employer Identification
Number)

 

435 Devon Park Drive, Building 700

Wayne, PA 19087

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, zip code)

 

(610) 254-4201

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

Not Applicable

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2 below):

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
¨ 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.

 

On February 3, 2016, Medgenics, Inc. (the “ Company ”) announced that Brian Piper, the Company’s Vice President of Finance and Investor Relations, will be appointed as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, effective February 9, 2016. In addition, the Company announced that John Leaman, the Company’s current Chief Financial Officer, will be leaving the Company effective February 9, 2016.

 

Mr. Piper, 44, has served as the Company’s Vice President of Finance and Investor Relations since April 2014. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Piper worked at Shire Pharmaceuticals, a global specialty pharmaceutical company, for 13 years in various finance and investor relations roles of increasing responsibility, including serving as Senior Director of Business Development from January 2010 until March 2014, and also including two years spent in Dublin, Ireland establishing Shire’s geographic expansion strategies. Prior to joining Shire, Mr. Piper worked at Celera Genomics and Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, Inc. He received a B.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and an M.B.A. from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland.

 

In connection with Mr. Piper’s appointment as Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Piper and the Company entered into an offer letter agreement (the “ Offer Letter ”) setting forth, among other things, Mr. Piper’s annual base salary of $300,000 and 2016 target bonus opportunity of 50% of annual base salary. The Offer Letter also provides that, in the event that Mr. Piper’s employment with the Company is terminated without Cause or for Good Reason (each as defined in the Offer Letter) Mr. Piper shall be entitled to a severance payment in the amount of his then-current annual base salary and target bonus, continuation of health and certain other fringe benefits for 12 months following termination and accelerated vesting of equity awards. Mr. Piper also agreed to maintain the confidentiality of all confidential business information, to disclose conflicts of interest to the Company and not to compete or solicit certain employees or other parties with which the Company does business for a period ending 12 months following the termination of his employment.

 

The foregoing description of the Offer Letter does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Offer Letter, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Form 8-K and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

In connection with the termination of Mr. Leaman’s employment, the Company and Mr. Leaman entered into an Agreement and Release and Waiver (the “ Agreement ”) on February 1, 2016. The Agreement provides for the payment of certain severance benefits to Mr. Leaman, substantially consistent with those set forth in his Employment Agreement with the Company, dated September 13, 2013 (the “ Employment Agreement ”) , including: (i) a severance payment in the amount of $965,917, fifty percent of which will be payable on the Company’s first payroll date following the termination of Mr. Leaman’s employment and fifty percent of which will be payable on the Company’s first payroll date in January 2017; (ii) the continuation of health and certain other fringe benefits until the earlier of July 31, 2017 or the date on which Mr. Leaman becomes eligible to receive comparable coverage under another employer’s group health plan; and (iii) accelerated vesting of outstanding equity awards held by Mr. Leaman, which shall remain exercisable through and including February 9, 2018. Mr. Leaman has the right to revoke the Agreement within seven days of execution.

 

Pursuant to the Employment Agreement, Mr. Leaman is restricted from competing with the Company, or soliciting certain employees or other parties with which the Company does business, for a period of 12 months following the termination of his employment.

 

The foregoing description of the Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 to this Form 8-K and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.

 

Attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 is a copy of the Company’s press release, dated February 3, 2016, regarding the matters described above.

 

 

 

 

The information furnished in this report under this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1 attached hereto, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

 

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

Exhibit
Number
Exhibit
   
10.1 Letter Agreement, by and between Medgenics, Inc. and Brian Piper, dated February 1, 2016
   
10.2 Agreement and Release and Waiver, by and between Medgenics, Inc. and John Leaman, dated February 1, 2016
   
99.1 Press Release of Medgenics, Inc. dated February 3, 2016
   
   
   
   

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

  Medgenics, Inc.
   
   
Date:  February 3, 2016 By: /s/ Scott Applebaum
    Name: Scott Applebaum
    Title: Chief Legal Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

Exhibit
Number
Exhibit
   
10.1 Letter Agreement, by and between Medgenics, Inc. and Brian Piper, dated February 1, 2016
   
10.2 Agreement and Release and Waiver, by and between Medgenics, Inc. and John Leaman, dated February 1, 2016
   
99.1 Press Release of Medgenics, Inc. dated February 3, 2016
   
   
   
   

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

 

 

February 1, 2016

  

 

Brian Piper

1029 Radley Drive

West Chester, PA 19382

 

 

Dear Brian,

 

On behalf of Medgenics, I am pleased to offer you a promotion to the position of Chief Financial Officer, reporting to me as CEO of Medgenics. The effective date of your promotion is February 9, 2016

 

The terms of your employment are as follows:

 

Compensation:

 

Annual Base Salary: $300,000 (paid in substantially equal semi-monthly installments), subject to withholding of taxes and other authorized deductions in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices. The base salary will be reviewed annually and subject to increase based on a recommendation from me, as the CEO of Medgenics and at the discretion of the Board.

 

Annual Incentive Bonus:

 

· Subject to the terms of the company’s Annual Incentive Bonus program, provided that you continue in service through the end of the calendar year, you are eligible to receive a target bonus award of 50% of your annual base salary, which will be paid on or before March 15 of the calendar year next following the calendar year during which you earned the bonus. The amount of the award is subject to the evaluation of performance at the Company and individual levels, as well as any other performance criteria that apply to your position. You and the Company will work in good faith to agree upon your performance objectives prior to the start of each calendar year.

 

· As stated above, bonuses will be paid on or before March 15 of the following year. Employees may opt to have the bonus award paid in Medgenics stock, which will be fully vested upon issuance, and will be priced as of the date that your cash bonus otherwise would have been paid.   For 2016, subject the terms of the Company’s Annual Incentive Bonus Program, the applicable percentage for your target bonus will be pro-rated between the target bonus percentage for your period of service through February 9, 2016 and the 50% target bonus percentage applicable to your service as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, based upon the number of days worked at Medgenics in each capacity for calendar year 2016.

 

401(k) Plan:

 

· Medgenics is in the process of establishing a 401(k) plan with Vanguard which is expected to be available to employees later in 2016.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

Benefits:

 

Employee and employee’s spouse and dependents will be eligible for the Company-provided health insurance plan as well as dental, vision, and life insurance. All matters of eligibility for coverage or benefits under any benefit plan shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the plan. The Company reserves the right to change, alter, or terminate any benefit plan in its sole discretion.

 

Vacation: 20 days of paid vacation per calendar year, plus 5 days of paid leave per calendar year for continuing professional education (CPE), in addition to all designated company holidays, as administered in accordance with the Company’s standard vacation policy for similarly situated employees.

 

Severance: See Exhibit A.

 

Restrictive Covenants: See Exhibit B.

 

Employment at Will:

 

Employment with Medgenics is at will (subject to the severance and acceleration provisions noted above); that is, employment is not for any specific duration and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause.

 

Please confirm your acceptance of this offer by signing this letter and Exhibit B. Please return a signed copy of each to me.

 

 

Kind regards,

  

 

Michael Cola

CEO Medgenics

 

 

I accept the offer of employment as set forth above.

 

  

  Signature: /s/ Brian Piper   Date: February 1, 2016
    Brian Piper      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A -- SEVERANCE

 

For purposes of this Exhibit A:

 

“Executive” means Brian Piper.

 

“Cause” means any of the following (in each case as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) :

 

(1)           Executive’s conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a crime of embezzlement or fraud or any felony under the laws of the United States or any state thereof;

 

(2)           An act of fraud, gross negligence, willful misconduct or dishonesty by Executive that could reasonably be expected to be materially injurious to the Company or an Affiliate;

 

(3)           A material breach by Executive of any of the provisions of the Agreement;

 

(4)           An act of moral turpitude by Executive that could reasonably be expected to lead to a material harm (financial or reputational) to the Company or an Affiliate; or

 

(5)           Executive’s alcoholism or illegal drug use or drug abuse.

 

“Good Reason” means the occurrence of any one of the following events, unless Executive agrees in writing that such event shall not constitute Good Reason:

 

(1)           A material and adverse change in the nature, scope, or status of Executive’s position, authorities, or duties; provided , however , that a change in title as a result of a merger or reorganization of the Company or an Affiliate, where Executive maintains a similar level of responsibility or oversight (including, where applicable, duties with respect to a public company officer or director), shall not constitute Good Reason or a breach of this Agreement;

 

(2)           A material reduction in Executive’s then-current Annual Base Salary, or a material reduction in Executive’s aggregate benefits or other compensation plans in effect immediately following the Effective Date;

 

(3)           A permanent relocation of Executive’s primary place of employment of more than 25 miles from initially-agreed place of employment, which relocation also causes Executive’s primary place of employment to be located further from Executive’s primary residence

 

Subject to Executive’s execution, delivery and non-revocation of a release (the “Release”) in form and substance satisfactory to the Company which becomes final and binding on or before the 28 th day following Executive’s termination of employment (the “Termination Date”):

 

Termination With Good Reason or Without Cause . Executive shall be entitled to terminate his employment for Good Reason by giving at least 10 days’, but not more than 30 days’, prior written notice of termination to the Company, in which event the date specified in the notice of termination shall be deemed the Termination Date; provided, however, that (A) prior to giving such notice of Termination for Good Reason, Executive must give the Company written notice of the existence of any condition giving rise to Good Reason within 30 days of its initial existence and the Company shall have 30 days from the date of such notice in which to cure the condition giving rise to Good Reason, if curable, and if, during such 30-day period, the Company cures the condition giving rise to Good Reason, such condition shall not constitute Good Reason and (B) any Termination for Good Reason must occur within six months of the initial existence of the condition constituting Good Reason. The Company shall be entitled to terminate Executive’s employment for any reason that does not constitute Cause, or no reason, by giving at least 10 days’ prior written notice to Executive, in which event the date specified in the notice of termination shall be deemed the Termination Date. Upon a Termination by Executive for Good Reason or a Termination by the Company without Cause, Executive shall be entitled to the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)           A lump sum payment, payable on the 45 th day following the Termination Date, in an amount equal to the sum of (x) Executive’s Annual Base Salary in effect on the Termination Date, and (y) the Target Bonus for the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurs;

 

(2)           All unvested stock options then held be Executive shall immediately vest and all vested stock options shall remain exercisable through the earlier of the 24-month anniversary of the Termination Date or the original expiration date of the applicable stock option; and

 

(3)           Medical and Dental Benefit Continuation, as follows:

 

 

If Executive’s employment is terminated as provided in this Exhibit A, then, to the extent that Executive, Executive’s spouse or any of Executive’s dependents may be covered under the terms of any medical or dental plans of the Company (or an Affiliate) for active employees immediately prior to the Termination Date and provided Executive is eligible for and elects to continue coverage (under the health care continuation rules of COBRA, provided that if, on the Termination Date, the Company is not subject to COBRA, the Company shall provide for continuation coverage as if it were subject to COBRA for the entire period to which COBRA would have applied if the Company had been subject to COBRA (collectively for purposes of this Agreement, “COBRA”)), the Company shall provide Executive, his spouse and those dependents with coverage equivalent to the coverage in effect immediately prior to the applicable Termination Date for a period of up to 12 months following the Termination Date, such that Executive shall be required to pay, on a monthly basis, the same amount as Executive would pay if Executive continued in employment with the Company during such period (“Subsidized Coverage”) and thereafter Executive shall be responsible for the full cost of such continued coverage; provided , however , that Subsidized Coverage shall be provided as described above unless the Company determines, based on a written legal opinion of counsel, that the Company’s provision of Subsidized Coverage results in the violation of non-discrimination provisions of applicable law, as may be applicable to the Company, the imposition of a material additional tax or other material penalty being imposed on the Company (or an Affiliate) or any employee participating in such plans. If the Company makes such a determination, then the Company shall pay Executive an additional severance benefit equal to the cost to the Company of the Subsidized Coverage (had such Subsidized coverage been provided) to assist Executive with the cost of COBRA or, if not available, to assist Executive with the cost of comparable coverage for Executive and his eligible dependents. In the event Executive, his spouse or any of Executive’s dependents is or becomes eligible for coverage under the terms of any other medical and/or dental plan of a subsequent employer with plan benefits that are comparable to Company (or Affiliate) plan benefits, the Company’s and its Affiliates’ obligations under the Medical and Dental Continuation Benefits paragraph of this Exhibit A shall cease with respect to the eligible Executive, spouse and/or dependent. Executive and Executive’s dependents must notify the Company of any subsequent employment and provide information regarding medical and/or dental coverage available.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Code Section 409A .

To the extent any provision of this Exhibit A or action by the Company would subject Executive to liability for interest or additional taxes under Code Section 409A, it shall be deemed null and void, to the extent permitted by law and deemed advisable by the Company. It is intended that this Offer Letter and Exhibits will comply with Code Section 409A, and shall be administered accordingly and interpreted and construed on a basis consistent with such intent. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, no termination or similar payments or benefits shall be payable hereunder on account of Executive’s termination of employment unless such Termination constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A. For purposes of Code Section 409A, all installment payments of deferred compensation made hereunder, or pursuant to another plan or arrangement, shall be deemed to be separate payments. To the extent any reimbursements or in-kind benefit payments under this Agreement are subject to Code Section 409A, such reimbursements and in-kind benefit payments shall be made in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv). This Agreement may be amended to the extent necessary (including retroactively) by the Company to avoid the application of taxes or interest under Code Section 409A, while maintaining to the maximum extent practicable the original intent of this Agreement. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if Executive is determined to be a “Specified Employee” as of the Termination Date, then, to the extent required pursuant to Code Section 409A, payments due that are deemed to be deferred compensation shall be subject to a six-month delay following the Termination Date; and all delayed payments shall be accumulated and paid in a lump-sum payment as of the first day of the seventh month following the Termination Date (or, if earlier, as of Executive’s death), with all such delayed payments being credited with interest (compounded monthly) for this period of delay equal to the prime rate in effect on the first day of such six-month period. Any portion of the benefits hereunder that were not otherwise due to be paid during the six-month period following the Termination Date shall be paid to Executive in accordance with the payment schedule established herein.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT B – RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS

 

1.           Restrictive Covenants . Executive acknowledges that Executive has been and will continue to be provided intimate knowledge of the business practices, trade secrets, and other confidential and proprietary information of the Company (including the Confidential Information), which, if exploited by Executive, would seriously, adversely, and irreparably affect the interests of the Company and the ability of the Company to continue its business. Executive further acknowledges that, during the course of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive may produce and have access to Confidential Information.

  

2.           Confidential Information . During the course of Executive’s employment and following a Termination:

 

Executive shall not directly or indirectly use, disclose, copy, or make lists of Confidential Information for the benefit of anyone other than the Company, except to the extent that such information is or thereafter becomes lawfully available from public sources, or such disclosure is authorized in writing by the Company, required by law, or otherwise as reasonably necessary or appropriate in connection with the performance by Executive of Executive’s duties to the Company.

 

If Executive receives a subpoena or other court order or is otherwise required by law to provide information to a governmental authority or other person concerning the activities of the Company or its Affiliates, or Executive’s activities in connection with the business of the Company or its Affiliates, Executive shall immediately notify the Company of such subpoena, court order, or other requirement and deliver forthwith to the Company a copy thereof and any attachments and non-privileged correspondence related thereto.

 

Executive shall take reasonable precautions to protect against the inadvertent disclosure of Confidential Information.

 

Executive shall abide by the Company’s policies, as in effect from time to time, respecting avoidance of interests conflicting with those of the Company and its Affiliates. In this regard, Executive shall not directly or indirectly render services to any person or Entity where Executive’s service would involve the use or disclosure of Confidential Information.

 

Executive shall not use any Confidential Information to guide Executive in searching publications or other publicly available information, selecting a series of items of knowledge from unconnected sources, and fitting them together to claim that Executive did not violate any terms set forth in this Agreement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.           Documents and Property . All records, files, documents, and other materials or copies thereof relating to the business of the Company or its Affiliates that Executive prepares, receives, or uses, shall be and remain the sole property of the Company and, other than in connection with the performance by Executive of Executive’s duties to the Company, shall not be removed from the premises of the Company or its Affiliates without the Company’s prior written consent, and shall be immediately returned to the Company upon a Termination, together with all copies (including copies or recordings in electronic form), abstracts, notes, or reproductions of any kind made from or about the records, files, documents, or other materials.

 

Executive acknowledges that Executive’s access to and permission to use the Company’s and its Affiliates’ computer systems, networks, and equipment, and all the Company and Affiliate information contained therein, is restricted to legitimate business purposes on behalf of the Company and reasonable personal use in accordance with the Company’s applicable policies and procedures. Any other access to or use of such systems, networks, equipment, and information is without authorization and is prohibited. The restrictions contained in this Paragraph 3 extend to any personal computers or other electronic devices of Executive that are used for business purposes relating to the Company or its Affiliates. Executive shall not transfer any Company or Affiliate information to any personal computer or other electronic device that is not otherwise used for any business purpose relating to the Company or an Affiliate. Upon a Termination, Executive’s authorization to access and permission to use the Company’s and its Affiliates’ computer systems, networks, and equipment, and any Company and Affiliate information contained therein, shall cease, and Executive shall delete any Company and Affiliate information from Executive’s personal computer or other electronic device.

 

4.           Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation . The primary service area of the Company’s business in which Executive will actively participate extends separately to each state in the United States and each country in which the Company or its Affiliates are actively engaged in or pursing business at the time of Executive’s termination of employment (the “Restricted Area”). Therefore, as an essential ingredient of and in consideration of the compensation and benefits (including the initial stock option award and the severance benefits) provided herein, this Agreement and Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive shall not, during Executive’s employment with the Company or during the Restricted Period, directly or indirectly do any of the following (all of which are collectively referred to in this Agreement as the “Restrictive Covenant”):

 

           (1)           Engage or invest in, own, manage, operate, finance, control, participate in the ownership, management, operation, or control of, be employed by, associated with, or in any manner connected with, serve as a director, officer, or consultant to, lend Executive’s name or any similar name to, lend Executive’s credit to or render services or advice to, in each case in the capacity (or any substantially similar capacity) that Executive provided services to the Company, any person, firm, partnership, corporation, other business entity, or trust that owns, operates, or is in the process of forming, a Competitor doing or planning to do business in the Restricted Area (as may be evidenced by being identified in a filing with any regulatory authority, if applicable); provided , however , that the ownership by Executive of shares of the capital stock of any Entity, which shares are listed on a securities exchange and that do not represent more than 2% of the Entity’s outstanding capital stock, shall not violate any terms of this Agreement;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           (2)           (A) Induce or attempt to induce any employee of the Company or its Affiliates to leave the employ of the Company or its Affiliates; (B) interfere with the relationship between the Company or its Affiliates and any employee of the Company or its Affiliates; or (C) induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee, advisor, consultant, or other business relation of the Company or its Affiliates with whom Executive or any reporting employee had a business relationship to cease doing business with the Company or its Affiliates or interfere with the relationship between the Company or its Affiliates and their respective customers, suppliers, licensees, advisors, consultants or other business relations with whom Executive or any reporting employee had a business relationship.

 

           (3)           Serve as the agent, broker, or representative of, or otherwise assist, any person or entity in obtaining services or products from any Competitor within the Restricted Area, with respect to products, activities, or services that Executive or any reporting employee devoted time to on behalf of the Company or any Affiliate (or any substantially similar products, activities, or services) and that compete in whole or in part with the products, activities, or services of the Company or its Affiliates.

 

           (4)           Accept employment with, provide services to, or act in any other such capacity for or with any Competitor, if in such employment or capacity Executive would inevitably use or disclose the Company’s Confidential Information in Executive’s work or service for such Competitor.

 

5.           Works Made for Hire; Ownership of Company Work Product.

The Parties understand and agree that all work prepared by Executive for the Company or for its Affiliates shall be a Work Made For Hire as such phrase is defined under the U.S. Copyright laws, 17 U.S.C. § 101 et seq. , and if such work does not qualify as a Work Made For Hire, Executive shall, and does, assign to the Company all of Executive’s right, title, and interest in and to the work, including all patent, copyright, trademark, and other proprietary rights thereto.  Executive waives and releases all moral rights in any of the works as Executive may possess by virtue of the Visual Artist’s Moral Rights Act of 1990 and various country or state laws of attribution, authorship, and integrity commonly referred to as Moral Rights Law.  Executive shall not assert any claim based upon such moral rights against the Company, the Affiliates, or any of their respective successors in interest or assigns.  Executive shall have no right, title, or interest in any of the work and shall not be entitled to any royalties or other proceeds received by the Company or its Affiliates from the commercialization in any manner of the work.

 

Executive hereby assigns to the Company any right, title, and interest in and to all Company Work Product that Executive may have, by law or equity, without additional consideration of any kind whatsoever from the Company or its Affiliates.

 

Executive shall execute and deliver any instruments or documents and do all further acts (including the giving of testimony and executing any applications, oaths, and assignments) requested by the Company (both before and after a Termination) in order to vest more fully in the Company or its Affiliates all ownership rights in the Company Work Product (including obtaining patent, copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property protection therefore in the United States and foreign countries). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Company or its Affiliates shall at all times own and have exclusive right, title, and interest in and to all Confidential Information and Company Work Product, and the Company or its Affiliates shall retain the exclusive right to use, license, sell, transfer, and otherwise exploit and dispose of the same.  Executive acknowledges the Company’s or its Affiliates’ exclusive right, title, and interest in and to the Confidential Information and Company Work Product, and shall not contest, challenge or make any claim adverse to the Company’s or its Affiliates’ ownership of or the validity of the Confidential Information and Company Work Product, any future application for registration or registration thereof, or any rights of the Company or its Affiliates therein, or which, directly or indirectly, may impair any part of the Company’s or its Affiliates’ right, title, and interest therein.

 

To the extent required by applicable state statute, this Paragraph 6 shall not apply to an invention for which no equipment, supplies, facility, or trade secret information of the Company or its Affiliates was used and that was developed entirely on Executive’s own time, unless the invention (i) relates to the business of the Company or an Affiliate or to the Company’s or an Affiliate’s actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development or (ii) results from any work performed by Executive for the Company or an Affiliate. 

 

6.           Consent and Release . From time to time, the Company’s business locations may be the subject of a Promotional Work.  Executive acknowledges that Executive is aware that Executive’s name, image, and likeness may be captured in such Promotional Work, and hereby consents and agrees that the Company may use Executive’s name, image, and likeness as captured in the Promotional Work in any manner, in connection with the Company’s products and services, and, at all times, the Company, its Affiliates, and, without limitation, their respective customers, successors, licensees, and assigns, may continue to use the Promotional Work that includes Executive’s name, image, or likeness.  Executive, Executive’s heirs, predecessors, successors, assigns, and all affiliated entities hereby fully and finally release, remise, and forever discharge the Company, its Affiliates, their respective predecessors, successors, assigns, and all affiliated entities, and each of their respective directors, officers, members, shareholders, partners, employees, customers, agents, and attorneys, to the extent that such apply, of and from any and all manner of actions, causes of action, losses, claims, demands, liabilities, obligations, suits, debts, sums of money, accounts, reckonings, bonds, bills, specialties, covenants, controversies, agreements, promises, variances, trespasses, damages, judgments, and executions, in law or in equity, that arise out of or are related to the Company’s or its Affiliates’ use of a Promotional Work that includes Executive’s name, image, or likeness.

 

7.           Company Proprietary and Intellectual Property . The Company or its Affiliates shall at all times own and have exclusive right, title, and interest in and to all Company Proprietary and Intellectual Property, and the Company or its Affiliates shall retain the exclusive right to use, license, sell, transfer, and otherwise exploit and dispose of the same.  Executive acknowledges the Company’s or its Affiliates’ exclusive right, title, and interest in and to Company Proprietary and Intellectual Property, and shall not contest, challenge, or make any claim adverse to the Company’s or its Affiliates’ ownership of or the validity of Company Proprietary and Intellectual Property, any future application for registration or registration thereof, or any rights of the Company or its Affiliates therein, or which, directly or indirectly, may impair any part of the Company’s or its Affiliates’ right, title, and interest therein.  Executive shall not use or otherwise exploit any of Company Proprietary and Intellectual Property in any manner not authorized by the Company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.           Remedies for Breach of Restrictive Covenant . Executive has reviewed the provisions of this Agreement with legal counsel, or has been given adequate opportunity to seek such counsel, and Executive acknowledges that the covenants contained in this Exhibit B are reasonable with respect to their duration, geographical area, and scope.

 

Executive acknowledges that (A) the restrictions contained in this Exhibit B are reasonable and necessary for the protection of the legitimate business interests of the Company, (B) such restrictions create no undue hardships, (C) any violation of these restrictions would seriously, adversely, and irreparably injure the Company and such interests, and (D) such restrictions were a material inducement to the Company to employ Executive and to enter into this Agreement and to provide the compensation, benefits and opportunities hereunder.

 

Executive must, and the Company may, communicate the existence and terms of this Agreement to any third party with whom Executive may seek or obtain future employment or other similar arrangement.

 

In the event of any violation or threatened violation of the restrictions contained in this Exhibit B, the Company, in addition to and not in limitation of, any other rights, remedies, or damages available to the Company under this Agreement or otherwise at law or in equity, shall not be required to provide any amounts or benefits under this Agreement and shall be entitled to preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to prevent or restrain any such violation by Executive and all persons directly or indirectly acting for or with Executive, as the case may be, without any requirement that the Company post bond.

 

If Executive violates the Restrictive Covenant and the Company brings legal action for injunctive or other relief, the Company shall not, as a result of the time involved in obtaining such relief, be deprived of the benefit of the full period of the Restrictive Covenant; accordingly, the Restrictive Covenant shall be deemed to have the duration specified herein computed from the date the relief is granted but reduced by the time between the period when the Restricted Period began to run and the date of the first violation of the Restrictive Covenant by Executive.

 

 

           This Exhibit B shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without regard to principles of conflict of laws (whether in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

 

 

I accept Exhibit B as set forth above.

  

 

  Signature: /s/ Brian Piper   Date: February 1, 2016
    Brian Piper      

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.2

 

  

Agreement and Release and Waiver

 

This Agreement and Release (“ Agreement ”) is made and entered into by and between Medgenics, Inc. (the “ Company ”) and John Leaman (“ Executive ”).

 

Whereas , Executive and the Company desire to settle fully and amicably all issues between them, including any issues arising out of Executive’s employment with the Company and the termination of that employment; and

 

Whereas , Executive and the Company are parties to that certain Employment Agreement, made and entered into as of September 13, 2013, as may have been amended (the “ Employment Agreement ”).

 

Now, therefore , for and in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein, and for other good and sufficient consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, Executive and the Company (collectively, the “ Parties ” and, individually, each a “ Party ”), intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

1.           Termination of Employment. Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate effective as of the close of business on February 9, 2016 (the “ Termination Date ”).

 

2.           Compensation and Benefits. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Company shall compensate Executive under this Agreement as follows:

 

(a)            Severance Payments . The Company will pay to the Executive the following (the “ Severance Payments ”):

 

(i) an amount equal to eight hundred forty-three thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($843,750);

 

(ii) an amount equal to ninety-three thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($93,750);

 

(iii) an amount equal to twenty-three thousand six hundred thirty dollars ($23,630); plus

 

(iv) all accrued but unused vacation pay in the amount of four thousand seven hundred eighty-seven dollars ($4,787);

 

with one-half of such aggregate amount to be paid on the first payroll date of the Company occurring after the Effective Date (as defined in Section 7 below) and the remaining one-half to be paid on the first payroll date of the Company occurring in January 2017.

 

(b)            COBRA . The Company will continue and pay the premiums of Executive’s group health plan coverage under the Company’s group health plan until July 31, 2017 (the “ COBRA Payments ”) on the same basis as if Executive had continued in employment with the Company during such period (i.e., such that Executive shall pay, on a monthly basis, that same amount that Executive would pay if Executive had continued in employment with the Company during such period (the “ Executive COBRA Payments ”)); provided, however, that the benefit described in this Section 2(b) shall immediately cease upon the date when Executive first becomes eligible to receive comparable coverage under another employer’s group health plan; and further provided, that if such benefit would violate the nondiscrimination rules under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 and related regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (“ACA”), the parties agree to reform this provision in such manner as is necessary to comply with the ACA and avoid any such penalties while keeping Executive in the same economic position; and further provided, that the benefit described in this Section 2(b) shall immediately cease if the Executive fails to pay the Executive COBRA Payments.

 

  - 1 -  

 

 

(c)            Option Acceleration . Each option to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, granted under the Medgenics, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto (the “Company Stock Options”) that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date shall become fully vested as of the Effective Date and shall remain exercisable through and including February 9, 2018 (the “ Option Acceleration ”).

 

(d)            Accrued Salary . Executive shall be entitled to a lump sum payment in an amount equal to Executive’s earned but unpaid annual base salary for the period ending on the Termination Date, with such payment to be made on the first payroll date of the Company following the Termination Date.

 

(e)            Executive Acknowledgement . Executive acknowledges that, subject to fulfillment of all obligations provided for herein, Executive has been fully compensated by the Company, including under all applicable laws, and that nothing further is owed to Executive with respect to wages, bonuses, severance, other compensation, or benefits. Executive further acknowledges that the Severance Payments (other than (b) above), COBRA Payments and Option Acceleration are consideration for Executive’s promises contained in this Agreement, and that the Severance Payments, COBRA Payments and Option Acceleration are above and beyond any wages, bonuses, severance, other compensation, or benefits to which Executive is entitled from the Company under the terms of Executive’s employment or under any other contract or law that Executive would be entitled to absent execution of this Agreement.

 

(d)            Withholding . The Severance Payments and COBRA Payments shall be treated as wages and subject to all taxes and other payroll deductions required by law.

 

3.           Termination of Benefits. Except as provided in Section 2 above or as may be required by law, Executive’s participation in all employee benefit (pension and welfare) and compensation plans of the Company shall cease as of the Termination Date. Nothing contained herein shall limit or otherwise impair Executive’s right to receive pension or similar benefit payments that are vested as of the Termination Date under any applicable tax-qualified pension or other plans, pursuant to the terms of the applicable plan.

 

4.           Release of Claims and Waiver of Rights. Executive, on Executive’s own behalf and that of Executive’s heirs, executors, attorneys, administrators, successors, and assigns, fully releases and discharges the Company, its predecessors, successors, parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, and assigns, and its and their directors, officers, trustees, employees, and agents, both in their individual and official capacities, and the current and former trustees and administrators of each retirement and other benefit plan applicable to the employees and former employees of the Company, both in their official and individual capacities (the “ Releasees ”) from all liability, claims, demands, and actions Executive now has, may have had, or may ever have, whether currently known or unknown, as of or prior to Executive’s execution of this Agreement (the “ Release ”), including liability claims, demands, and actions:

 

  - 2 -  

 

 

(a)           Arising from or relating to Executive’s employment or other association with the Company, or the termination of such employment,

 

(b)           Relating to wages, bonuses, other compensation, or benefits,

 

(c)           Relating to any employment or change in control contract,

 

(d)           Relating to any employment law, including

 

(i) The United States and States of Pennsylvania, New Jersey or New York,

 

(ii) The Civil Rights Act of 1964,

 

(iii) The Civil Rights Act of 1991,

 

(iv) The Equal Pay Act,

 

(v) The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,

 

(vi) The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (the “ ADEA ”),

 

(vii) The Americans with Disabilities Act,

 

(viii) Executive Order 11246, and

 

(ix) Any other federal, state, or local statute, ordinance, or regulation relating to employment,

 

(e)           Relating to any right of payment for disability,

 

(f)           Relating to any statutory or contractual right of payment, and

 

(g)           For relief on the basis of any alleged tort or breach of contract under the common law of the States of Pennsylvania, New Jersey or New York, or any other state, including defamation, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, promissory estoppel, and negligence.

 

Executive acknowledges that Executive is aware that statutes exist that render null and void releases and discharges of any claims, rights, demands, liabilities, actions, and causes of action that are unknown to the releasing or discharging party at the time of execution of the release and discharge. Executive waives, surrenders, and shall forego any protection to which Executive would otherwise be entitled by virtue of the existence of any such statutes in any jurisdiction, including the States of Pennsylvania, New Jersey or New York.

 

5.           Exclusions from General Release. Excluded from the Release are any claims or rights that cannot be waived by law, as well as Executive’s right to file a charge with an administrative agency or participate in any agency investigation. Executive is, however, waiving the right to recover any money in connection with a charge or investigation. Executive is also waiving the right to recover any money in connection with a charge filed by any other individual or by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other federal or state agency.

 

  - 3 -  

 

 

6.           Covenant Not to Sue.

 

(a)           A “covenant not to sue” is a legal term that means Executive promises not to file a lawsuit in court. It is different from the release of claims and waiver of rights contained in Section 4 above. Besides waiving and releasing the claims covered by Section 4 above, Executive shall never sue the Releasees in any forum for any reason covered by the Release. Notwithstanding this covenant not to sue, Executive may bring a claim against the Company to enforce this Agreement, to challenge the validity of this Agreement under the ADEA or for any claim that arises after execution of this Agreement. If Executive sues any of the Releasees in violation of this Agreement, Executive shall be liable to them for their reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs (including the costs of experts, evidence, and counsel) and other litigation costs incurred in defending against Executive’s suit. In addition, if Executive sues any of the Releasees in violation of this Agreement, the Company can require Executive to return all but a sum of $100 of the Severance Payments, COBRA Payments and amounts obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the Option Acceleration, which sum is, by itself, adequate consideration for the promises and covenants in this Agreement. In that event, the Company shall have no obligation to make any further Severance Payments, COBRA Payments or Option Acceleration.

 

(b)           If Executive has previously filed any lawsuit against any of the Releasees, Executive shall immediately take all necessary steps and execute all necessary documents to withdraw or dismiss such lawsuit to the extent Executive’s agreement to withdraw, dismiss, or not file a lawsuit would not be a violation of any applicable law or regulation.

 

7.           Representations by Executive. Executive warrants that Executive is legally competent to execute this Agreement and that Executive has not relied on any statements or explanations made by the Company or its attorneys. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been afforded the opportunity to be advised by legal counsel regarding the terms of this Agreement, including the Release. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been offered at least 21 days to consider this Agreement. After being so advised, and without coercion of any kind, Executive freely, knowingly, and voluntarily enters into this Agreement. Executive acknowledges that Executive may revoke this Agreement within seven days after Executive has signed this Agreement and acknowledges understanding that this Agreement shall not become effective or enforceable until seven days after Executive has signed this Agreement (the “Effective Date”), as evidenced by the date set forth below Executive’s signature on the signature page hereto. Any revocation must be in writing and directed to Scott Applebaum, General Counsel. If sent by mail, any revocation must be postmarked within the seven-day period described above and sent by certified mail, return receipt requested.

 

8.           Restrictive Covenants. Section Error! Reference source not found. of the Employment Agreement (entitled “Restrictive Covenants”) shall continue in full force and effect as if fully restated herein.

 

9.           Non-Disparagement. Executive shall not engage in any disparagement or vilification of the Releasees, and shall refrain from making any false, negative, critical, or disparaging statements, implied or expressed, concerning the Releasees, including regarding management style, methods of doing business, the quality of products and services, role in the community, or treatment of employees. Executive shall do nothing that would damage the Company’s business reputation or goodwill. The Company (which, for this purpose, shall be treated as limited to members of the Company’s Board of Directors, and any officer with a title of Vice President or higher rank) shall not engage in any disparagement or vilification of Executive, and shall refrain from making any false, negative, critical or disparaging statements, implied or expressed, concerning Executive.

 

  - 4 -  

 

 

10.           Company Property.

 

(a)           Executive shall return to the Company all information, property, and supplies belonging to the Company or any of its affiliates, including any confidential or proprietary information, Company autos, keys (for equipment or facilities), laptop computers and related equipment, cellular phones, smart phones or PDAs (including SIM cards), security cards, corporate credit cards, and the originals and all copies of all files, materials, and documents (whether in tangible or electronic form) containing confidential or proprietary information or relating to the business of the Company or any of its affiliates.

 

(b)           Executive shall not, at any time on or after the Termination Date, directly or indirectly use, access, or in any way alter or modify any of the databases, e-mail systems, software, computer systems, or hardware or other electronic, computerized, or technological systems of the Company or any of its affiliates. Executive acknowledges that any such conduct by Executive would be illegal and would subject Executive to legal action by the Company, including claims for damages and/or appropriate injunctive relief.

 

11.           No Admissions. The Company denies that the Company or any of its affiliates, or any of their employees or agents, has taken any improper action against Executive, and this Agreement shall not be admissible in any proceeding as evidence of improper action by the Company or any of its affiliates or any of their employees or agents.

 

12.           Confidentiality of Agreement. Executive shall keep the existence and the terms of this Agreement confidential, except for Executive’s immediate family members and Executive’s legal and tax advisors in connection with services related hereto and except as may be required by law or in connection with the preparation of tax returns.

 

13.           Non-Waiver. The Company’s waiver of a breach of this Agreement by Executive shall not be construed or operate as a waiver of any subsequent breach by Executive of the same or of any other provision of this Agreement.

 

14.           Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without regard to principles of conflict of laws (whether in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

 

15.           Legal Fees. In the event that either Party commences mediation, arbitration, litigation, or any similar action to enforce or protect such Party’s rights in accordance with and under this Agreement, the prevailing Party in any such action shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs (including the costs of experts, evidence, and counsel) and other costs relating to such action, in addition to all other entitled relief, including damages and injunctive relief.

 

  - 5 -  

 

 

16.           Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the Parties regarding the subject matter hereof, and shall be final and binding as to all claims that have been or could have been advanced on behalf of Executive pursuant to any claim arising out of or related in any way to Executive’s employment with the Company and the termination of that employment.

 

17.           Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement.

 

18.           Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company, its successors and assigns.

 

19.           Enforcement. The provisions of this Agreement shall be regarded as divisible and separable and if any provision should be declared invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby. If the scope of any restriction or requirement contained in this Agreement is too broad to permit enforcement of such restriction or requirement to its full extent, then such restriction or requirement shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and Executive hereby consents that any court of competent jurisdiction may so modify such scope in any proceeding brought to enforce such restriction or requirement. In addition, Executive stipulates that breach by Executive of restrictions and requirements under this Agreement will cause irreparable damage to the Releasees in the case of Executive’s breach and that the Company would not have entered into this Agreement without Executive binding Executive to these restrictions and requirements. In the event of Executive’s breach of this Agreement, in addition to any other remedies the Company may have, and without bond and without prejudice to any other rights and remedies that the Company may have for Executive’s breach of this Agreement, the Company shall be relieved of any obligation to provide Severance Payments, COBRA Payments and the Option Acceleration and shall be entitled to an injunction to prevent or restrain any such violation by Executive and all persons directly or indirectly acting for or with Executive. Executive stipulates that the restrictive period for which the Company is entitled to an injunction shall be extended in for a period that equals the time period during which Executive is or has been in violation of the restrictions contained herein.

 

20.           Construction. In this Agreement, unless otherwise stated, the following uses apply: (a) references to a statute refer to the statute and any amendments and any successor statutes, and to all regulations promulgated under or implementing the statute, as amended, or its successors, as in effect at the relevant time; (b) in computing periods from a specified date to a later specified date, the words “from” and “commencing on” (and the like) mean “from and including, “ and the words “to,” “until,” and “ending on” (and the like) mean “to, and including”; (c) references to a governmental or quasi-governmental agency, authority, or instrumentality also refer to a regulatory body that succeeds to the functions of the agency, authority, or instrumentality; (d) the words “include,” “includes,” and “including” (and the like) mean “include, without limitation,” “includes, without limitation,” and “including, without limitation,” (and the like) respectively; (e) all references to preambles, recitals, sections, and exhibits are to preambles, recitals, sections, and exhibits in or to this Agreement; (f) the words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereto,” “hereby,” “hereunder,” (and the like) refer to this Agreement as a whole (including exhibits); (g) any reference to a document or set of documents, and the rights and obligations of the parties under any such documents, means such document or documents as amended from time to time, and all modifications, extensions, renewals, substitutions, or replacements thereof; (h) all words used shall be construed to be of such gender or number as the circumstances and context require; (i) the captions and headings of preambles, recitals, sections, and exhibits appearing in or attached to this Agreement have been inserted solely for convenience of reference and shall not be considered a part of this Agreement, nor shall any of them affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or any of its provisions; and (j) all accounting terms not specifically defined herein shall be construed in accordance with GAAP.

 

  - 6 -  

 

 

21.           Future Cooperation. In connection with any and all claims, disputes, negotiations, governmental, internal or other investigations, lawsuits, or administrative proceedings (the “ Legal Matters ”) involving the Company or any affiliate, or any of their current or former officers, employees or board members (collectively, the “ Disputing Parties ” and, individually, each a “ Disputing Party ”), Executive shall make himself reasonably available, upon reasonable notice from the Company and without the necessity of subpoena, to provide information and documents, provide declarations and statements regarding a Disputing Party, meet with attorneys and other representatives of a Disputing Party, prepare for and give depositions and testimony, and otherwise cooperate in the investigation, defense, and prosecution of any and all such Legal Matters, as may, in the good faith and judgment of the Company, be reasonably requested. The Company shall consult with Executive and make reasonable efforts to schedule such assistance so as not to materially disrupt Executive’s business and personal affairs. The Company shall reimburse all reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in connection with such assistance, including travel, meals, rental car, and hotel expenses, if any; provided such expenses are approved in advance by the Company and are documented in a manner consistent with expense reporting policies of the Company as may be in effect from time to time.

 

In witness whereof , the Parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the dates set forth below their respective signatures below.

 

 

  Medgenics, Inc.
   
   
  B y: /s/ Michael F. Cola
  Print Name: Michael F. Cola
  Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
  Date: February 1, 2016
     
     
  JOHN LEAMAN
     
  /s/ John Leaman
  Date: February 1, 2016

 

 

 

  - 7 -  

 

 

Exhibit A

Option Acceleration

 

 

Holder Quantity Outstanding Exercise Price
     
 John Leaman  800,000  $4.22
 John Leaman  10,314  $6.45
 John Leaman   140,000  $7.01

 

 

 

 

  - 8 -  

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

 

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

Medgenics Promotes Brian Piper to Chief Financial Officer

 

PHILADELPHIA, PA (February 3, 2016) - Medgenics, Inc. (NYSE MKT: MDGN) today announced that Brian Piper will become the Company’s new Chief Financial Officer effective February 9, 2016. Mr. Piper joined Medgenics in April 2014 as Vice President of Finance and Investor Relations. During that time period, Mr. Piper was highly involved with the Company’s efforts to complete two successful equity offerings, raising approximately $70 million. The Company also announced today that Dr. John Leaman, the Company’s current Chief Financial Officer, will be leaving the Company effective February 9, 2016 to pursue other interests.

 

“The Board of Directors and I are excited to work with Brian in this new capacity,” stated Mike Cola, Chief Executive Officer of Medgenics. “Brian has played a large role in the transformation of Medgenics over the past two years. He has built out our Investor Relations function, and has developed important relationships with key stakeholders throughout the industry. He has also significantly advanced the Company’s financial systems and his keen strategic insight has made him an invaluable member of my senior management team.”

 

Prior to joining Medgenics, Mr. Piper worked at Shire Pharmaceuticals for 13 years in various finance and investor relations roles of increasing responsibility, as well as spending two years in Dublin, Ireland establishing Shire’s geographic expansion strategies. Prior to joining Shire, Mr. Piper worked at Celera Genomics and Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, Inc. He received a B.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and an M.B.A. from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland.

 

Announcing the departure of Dr. Leaman, Mr. Cola stated “The Board of Directors and I appreciate the significant contributions John has made over the past two years at Medgenics including his efforts in the completion of two significant equity fundraises and expansion of the company’s strategy toward genomic medicine through our CHOP collaboration. We wish him continued success as he begins the next chapter of his career.”

 

“The last two years at Medgenics has been an extraordinary experience,” said Dr. Leaman. “It has been a privilege to work with Mike, other members of the management team, and the Board during this period of transition for the company. With the company in a strong financial position, post the neuroFix acquisition and subsequent equity fund-raise, it is time for me to explore new career opportunities and challenges.”

 

 

About Medgenics, Inc.

Medgenics is dedicated to unlocking the potential of genomic medicine to identify and treat patients with life-altering conditions. Its efforts, including its internal research and development and ongoing sponsored research and licensing agreements with a well-respected pediatric academic medical center, give Medgenics the ability to focus on the underlying genetic pathway of pediatric diseases with the goal of finding therapeutic solutions for subpopulations of both children and adults living with rare and other difficult-to-treat diseases. Medgenics is the developer of TARGT TM (Transduced Autologous Restorative Gene Therapy), a proprietary platform for the sustained production and delivery of therapeutic proteins, monoclonal antibodies and peptides in patients using ex vivo gene therapy and their own tissue for the treatment of rare and orphan diseases. For more information, visit the Company's website at www.medgenics.com .

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Forward-looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which include all statements other than statements of historical fact, including (without limitation) those regarding the Company's financial position, its development and business strategy, its product candidates and the plans and objectives of management for future operations. The Company intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created by such laws. Forward-looking statements are sometimes identified by their use of the terms and phrases such as "estimate," "project," "intend," "forecast," "anticipate," "plan," "planning, "expect," "believe," "will," "will likely," "should," "could," "would," "may" or the negative of such terms and other comparable terminology. All such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Should any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the Company's assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those included within these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, no undue reliance should be placed on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based. As a result of these factors, the events described in the forward-looking statements contained in this release may not occur.

 

 

Company Contact:

Medgenics, Inc.

Brian Piper

Brian.piper@medgenics.com

Investor Contact:

Westwicke Partners

Chris Brinzey

339-970-2843

chris.brinzey@westwicke.com