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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 6, 2007

Registration No. 333-143265

 


UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


Amendment No. 1

to

Form S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 


EnteroMedics Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware   3845   48-1293684

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 


2800 Patton Road

St. Paul, Minnesota 55113

(651) 634-3003

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including

area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 


Mark B. Knudson, Ph.D.

Chief Executive Officer

EnteroMedics Inc.

2800 Patton Road

St. Paul, Minnesota 55113

(651) 634-3003

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 


Copies to:

 

Kenneth L. Cutler

Ted S. Hollifield

Dorsey & Whitney LLP

50 South Sixth Street

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402

(612) 340-2600

Fax: (612) 340-2868

 

Charles K. Ruck

B. Shayne Kennedy

Latham & Watkins LLP

650 Town Center Drive

Costa Mesa, California 92626

(714) 540-1235

Fax: (714) 755-8290

 


Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:     As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.

 


If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 check the following box:     ¨

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.     ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.     ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.     ¨

 


The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 



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The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is declared effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

Subject to Completion, Dated July 6, 2007

                 Shares

LOGO

Common Stock

 


EnteroMedics Inc. is offering                  shares of its common stock. This is our initial public offering and no public market currently exists for our shares. We anticipate that the initial public offering price will be between $           and $           per share.

We intend to apply to have our common stock quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “ETRM.”

 


Investing in our common stock involves risks. See “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page 8 of this prospectus.

 

     Per Share    Total

Initial public offering price

   $                $            

Underwriting discounts

   $                $            

Proceeds, before expenses, to EnteroMedics Inc.

   $                $            

We have granted the underwriters the right to purchase up to an additional               shares of common stock to cover over-allotments.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The underwriters expect to deliver the shares to purchasers on                     , 2007.

 


 

JPMorgan     Morgan Stanley

 


Cowen and Company

Leerink Swann & Company

                    , 2007


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LOGO

 

The Vagus Nerveand the Digestive System

Vagus nerve shown in yellow

The vagus nerve controls much of the activity of the stomach, intestine and pancreas and plays a role in food processing, including:

• Expansion of the stomach as food enters• Contractions of the stomach to break

food into smaller particles• Release of gastric acid required for

food processing• Emptying of the stomach contents into the small intestine• Secretion of digestive pancreatic enzymes that enable absorption of calories• Controlling sensations of hunger, satisfaction and fullness


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LOGO

 

Therapy

VBLOC therapy is designed to block the gastrointestinal effects of the vagus nerve by using high-frequency,

low-energy electrical impulses to intermittently interrupt naturally occurring neural impulses on the vagus nerve between the brain and the digestive system.VBLOC therapy, delivered via our Maestro System, is intended to offer patients an outpatient solution that minimizes complications. We believe that, if approved, VBLOC therapy could enable patients to lose weight and maintain long-term weight loss while enjoying a normal, healthy diet.

CAUTION: Investigational device. Limited by Federal law to investigational use and not approved for commercial sale.

The Maestro System has not been approved for sale by any regulatory authority.


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LOGO

 

We have designed our Maestro™ System to address a significant market opportunity that we believe exists

for a less-invasive therapy that is intended to be safe and effective while addressing the underlying causes of hunger and obesity. Our Maestro System is designed to offer each of the following benefits, which we believe could lead to the adoption of VBLOC therapy as the treatment of choice for obesity:

• Preserves normal anatomy• Allows continued ingestion and digestion of foods found in a

typical, healthy diet• May be implanted on an outpatient basis and adjusted non-invasively• Offers favorable safety profile• Targets multiple factors that contribute to hunger and obesity

Maestro

System

EnteroMedics


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page

Prospectus Summary

   1

Risk Factors

   8

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

   27

Use of Proceeds

   28

Dividend Policy

   28

Capitalization

   29

Dilution

   31

Selected Financial Data

   33

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

   35

Business

   45

Management

   69

Executive Compensation

   76

Principal Stockholders

   93

Related Party Transactions

   97

Description of Capital Stock

   103

Shares Eligible for Future Sale

   108

Material United States Federal Tax Consequences for Non-United States Holders of Our Common Stock

   110

Underwriting

   113

Legal Matters

   116

Experts

   116

Where You Can Find More Information

   116

Index to Financial Statements

   F-1

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus and any free-writing prospectus that we authorize to be distributed to you. We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide you with information different from or in addition to that contained in this prospectus or any related free-writing prospectus. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are offering to sell, and are seeking offers to buy, shares of common stock only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any sale of the common stock. Our business, financial conditions, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

EnteroMedics , Maestro , VBLOC vagal blocking therapy and the EnteroMedics logo are trademarks of EnteroMedics Inc. and we have applied to register these trademarks in the United States. This prospectus contains other trade names and service marks of EnteroMedics and of other companies.

 

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary highlights selected information contained in greater detail elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary may not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in our common stock. You should carefully read the entire prospectus, including “Risk Factors” beginning on page 8 and the financial statements and related notes, before making an investment decision. As used in this prospectus, references to “we,” “our,” “us” and “EnteroMedics” refer to EnteroMedics Inc. and its subsidiary unless the context requires otherwise.

Our Business

We are a development stage medical device company focused on the design and development of devices that use neuroblocking technology to treat obesity and other gastrointestinal disorders. Our proprietary neuroblocking technology, which we refer to as VBLOC therapy, is designed to intermittently block the vagus nerve using high-frequency, low-energy, electrical impulses. The vagus nerve controls much of the activity of the stomach, intestines and pancreas and plays a role in food processing. Our initial product under development is the Maestro System, which uses VBLOC therapy to limit the expansion of the stomach, reduce the frequency and intensity of stomach contractions and produce a feeling of early and prolonged fullness. Based on our understanding of vagal nerve function and nerve blocking from our preclinical studies and the results of our initial clinical trials, we believe the Maestro System may offer obese patients a minimally-invasive treatment alternative that has the potential to result in significant and sustained weight loss.

We are currently evaluating the Maestro System in human clinical trials conducted in Australia, Mexico, Norway and Switzerland. As of June 29, 2007, we have implanted the Maestro System in 66 subjects and have 12-month clinical data on 9 subjects. To date, we have not observed any mortality or any medically serious device-related complications that have required surgical attention in these subjects. Three adverse events have been observed to date, all of which were resolved without surgical attention or permanent effects.

We recently received an investigational device exemption, or IDE, for our U.S. pivotal trial of the Maestro System, the EMPOWER trial. We plan to commence enrollment in this 220 subject, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective, multi-center trial in the third quarter of 2007. We plan to use data from our EMPOWER trial to support our premarket approval, or PMA, application for the Maestro System, which we expect to submit in the first half of 2009. If the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, grants us approval, we anticipate we will be able to commercialize the Maestro System in the United States in 2010. In the event that the Maestro System receives FDA approval, we expect to recruit and retain personnel responsible for commercial operations, sales and marketing, customer service, reimbursement and technical service in order to support the commercial launch of our product. Given the time required to locate and train appropriate personnel, we expect to commence that process prior to actually receiving FDA approval. We will also need to increase production volumes of our products in connection with commercialization. We rely primarily on third-party manufacturers and suppliers to produce our products and will continue to select qualified suppliers and contract manufacturers that can supply products on a commercial scale according to our proprietary specifications.

The Obesity Epidemic

Obesity has been identified by the U.S. Surgeon General as the fastest growing cause of disease and death in the United States. In 1980, approximately 15% of the adult population in the United States was obese according to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. By 2004, the incidence of obesity had more than doubled to 32%. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, estimates that there are 65 million obese adults in the United States, with approximately 42 million having a Body Mass Index, or BMI, of 30 to 35 and approximately 23 million having a BMI greater than 35. BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in

 

 

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kilograms by the square of their height in meters. It is estimated that by 2010, as many as 83 million Americans will suffer from obesity. Obesity is also a significant health problem outside of the United States, with as many as 400 million people worldwide estimated to be obese, according to the World Health Organization.

The CDC has identified obesity as a leading public health threat in the United States. In 2005, it was estimated that there are approximately 112,000 obesity-related deaths each year in the United States. According to data from the CDC, 76% of people with a BMI above 35 have an obesity-related disease or disorder, also called a co-morbidity. According to the North American Association for the Study of Obesity and the CDC, obesity is associated with many significant weight-related co-morbidities including Type 2 diabetes, high blood-pressure, sleep apnea, certain cancers, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, osteoarthritis and stroke. In addition, a number of disorders involving the central nervous system may also be complicated by obesity, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, agoraphobia, depression and insomnia. As of 2000, the Department of Health and Human Services estimated the overall economic costs of obesity in the United States to be $117 billion per year.

We believe that the obesity epidemic will continue to grow worldwide given dietary trends in developed nations that favor highly processed sugars, larger meals and fattier foods, as well as increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Despite the growing obesity rate, increasing public interest in the obesity epidemic and significant medical repercussions and economic costs associated with obesity, there continues to be a significant unmet need for more effective treatments. We believe existing options for the treatment of obesity have seen limited adoption to date due to a range of efficacy and potential side effects including morbidity. The principal treatment alternatives available today for obesity include:

 

   

Behavioral modification .     Behavioral modification, which includes diet and exercise, is an important component in the treatment of obesity; however, most obese patients find it difficult to achieve and maintain significant weight loss with a regimen of diet and exercise alone.

 

   

Pharmaceutical therapy .     Pharmaceutical therapies often represent a first option in the treatment of obese patients within lower BMI ranges but carry significant safety risks and may present troublesome side effects.

 

   

Bariatric surgery .     In more severe cases of obesity, patients may pursue more aggressive surgical treatment options such as gastric bypass and gastric banding. These procedures promote weight loss by surgically restricting the stomach’s capacity and outlet size. While largely effective, they may present substantial side effects and carry short- and long-term safety risks that have limited their adoption.

Given the limitations of behavioral modification, pharmaceutical therapy and bariatric surgical approaches, we believe there is a substantial need for a safer and more effective solution that:

 

   

preserves normal anatomy;

 

   

allows continued ingestion and digestion of foods found in a typical, healthy diet;

 

   

enables non-invasive adjustability while reducing the need for frequent clinic visits;

 

   

minimizes the risks of re-operations, malnutrition and mortality; and

 

   

reduces the natural hunger drive of patients.

EnteroMedics’ Solution

We are designing our Maestro System to meet a significant market opportunity that exists for a safe, effective and less-invasive therapy that addresses the underlying causes of hunger and obesity. Our VBLOC therapy is designed to limit the expansion of the stomach and to reduce the frequency and intensity of stomach contractions by intermittently blocking, or interrupting, naturally occurring neural impulses on the vagus nerve.

 

 

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In addition, we believe VBLOC therapy also reduces the absorption of calories by decreasing the secretion of digestive enzymes. We believe that the physiologic effects of VBLOC therapy produce a feeling of early and prolonged fullness following smaller meal portions and a subsequent reduction in hunger.

Our Maestro System delivers VBLOC therapy via two small electrodes that are laparoscopically implanted and placed in contact with the trunks of the vagus nerve just above the junction between the esophagus and the stomach, near the diaphragm. The electrodes receive electrical impulses from a neuroregulator implanted under the skin in the abdominal region. The major components of the Maestro System include:

 

   

Neuroregulator .     The neuroregulator is an implanted device that delivers VBLOC therapy by emitting electrical pulses through the lead system.

 

   

Lead system .     The lead system is connected to the neuroregulator and delivers electrical pulses to the vagus nerve via the electrodes, which are implanted in contact with the vagus nerve.

 

   

Controller .     The controller regulates the rate and intensity of the electrical pulses delivered by the neuroregulator and maintains a log of device and treatment changes.

 

   

Transmit coil .     The transmit coil delivers radiofrequency energy and therapy control information across the skin into the neuroregulator.

 

   

Clinician programmer .     The clinician programmer connects to the controller to enable clinicians to customize therapy settings as necessary and download reports stored in system components.

Our Maestro System is expected to be implanted by a bariatric surgeon in approximately one hour during an outpatient procedure that is typically performed using a short-acting general anesthetic. The physician activates the Maestro System in a follow-up visit approximately two weeks following implantation. VBLOC therapy is then delivered intermittently each day during the patient’s waking hours.

Our Strategy

Our goal is to establish VBLOC therapy, delivered via our Maestro System, as the leading obesity management solution. The key business strategies by which we intend to achieve these objectives include:

 

   

achieve regulatory approval for VBLOC therapy using our Maestro System;

 

   

drive the adoption and endorsement of VBLOC therapy through key opinion leaders;

 

   

commercialize our products using a direct sales and marketing effort;

 

   

procure appropriate coding, coverage and payment for the Maestro System;

 

   

expand and protect our intellectual property position; and

 

   

leverage our VBLOC technology for other disease states.

Risks Associated with Our Business

Our business is subject to numerous risks discussed more fully in the section entitled “ Risk Factors ” immediately following this prospectus summary. Principal risks of our business include among others:

 

   

We are a development stage company with a limited history of operations and no commercially approved products, and we cannot assure you that we will ever have a commercialized product.

 

   

We have incurred losses since inception and we anticipate that we will continue to incur increasing losses for the foreseeable future.

 

 

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We have not received, and may never receive, approval from the FDA or the relevant regulatory body in any other country to market our Maestro System for the treatment of obesity and the FDA can delay, limit or deny approval of our PMA application for many reasons, including our inability to demonstrate safety or effectiveness to the FDA’s satisfaction.

 

   

We may be unable to complete our EMPOWER or other clinical trials, or we may experience significant delays in completing our clinical trials, which could prevent or delay regulatory approval of our Maestro System and impair our financial position.

 

   

Even if we obtain regulatory approval for our Maestro System, our efforts to commercialize our product may not succeed or may encounter delays that could significantly harm our ability to generate revenue.

 

   

Physicians may not widely adopt our Maestro System and VBLOC therapy unless they determine, based on experience, long-term clinical data and published peer reviewed journal articles, that VBLOC therapy provides a safe and effective alternative to other existing treatments for obesity.

 

   

If we are unable to obtain or maintain intellectual property rights relating to our technology and neuroblocking therapy, the commercial value of our technology and any future products will be adversely affected and our competitive position will be harmed.

Our Corporate Information

We were incorporated in Minnesota in December 2002 under the name Beta Medical, Inc. In 2003, we changed our name to EnteroMedics Inc. and in 2004 we reincorporated in Delaware. Our principal executive offices are located at 2800 Patton Road, St. Paul, Minnesota 55113, and our telephone number is (651) 634-3003. Our website address is www.enteromedics.com. The information on, or that may be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus and should not be considered a part of this prospectus.

 

 

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The Offering

 

Common stock offered by us

                 shares

Common stock to be outstanding after this offering

                 shares

Over-allotment option

                 shares

Use of proceeds

   We intend to use the net proceeds of this offering for achieving regulatory approval for our product, initiating sales and marketing efforts, research and product development activities and other working capital and general corporate purposes. See “Use of Proceeds” for additional information.

Proposed Nasdaq Global Market symbol

   ETRM

The number of shares of our common stock that will be outstanding immediately after this offering is based on 102,808,327 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2007 and assumes the issuance by us of our shares to Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. The number of outstanding shares excludes:

 

   

15,772,968 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options outstanding as of March 31, 2007, at a weighted average exercise price of $0.23 per share;

 

   

4,980,362 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants outstanding as of March 31, 2007, on an as-converted basis and at a weighted average exercise price of $0.44 per share; and

 

   

16,316,382 shares of common stock expected to be available for future issuance under our stock incentive plans upon completion of this offering.

 


Except where we state otherwise, the information we present in this prospectus reflects:

 

   

a          -for-         reverse split of our common stock;

 

   

the conversion of all of the outstanding shares of our preferred stock into 95,442,677 shares common stock upon completion of this offering;

 

   

the issuance of 1,875,000 shares of our common stock to Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research pursuant to a license agreement;

 

   

amendments to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws to be effective upon completion of this offering; and

 

   

no exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option.

 

 

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Summary Financial Data

The following tables summarize our financial data for the periods presented. The summary statement of operations data for each of the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, except for the pro forma net loss per share and pro forma weighted average number of shares data, are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary statement of operations data for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2007, except for the pro forma net loss per share and pro forma weighted average number of shares data, the statement of operations data for the period from December 19, 2002 (inception) through March 31, 2007 and the summary balance sheet data as of March 31, 2007 have been derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus. The historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future periods. You should read this data together with the consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, as well as “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the other financial information included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

     Years Ended December 31,     Three Months Ended
March 31,
   

Period from
December 19,
2002
(inception) to
March 31,

2007

 
     2004     2005     2006     2006     2007    
     (In thousands, except per share data)  

Statement of Operations Data:

            

Operating expenses:

            

Research and development

   $ 1,755     $ 8,833     $ 14,361     $ 3,645     $ 4,078     $ 31,380  

Selling, general and administrative

     1,491       2,319       3,761       846       1,348       9,054  
                                                

Total operating expenses

     3,246       11,152       18,122       4,491       5,426       40,434  
                                                

Other income (expense):

            

Interest income

     35       110       1,136       87       415       1,696  

Interest expense

     (238 )     (181 )     (710 )     (169 )     (137 )     (1,282 )

Change in value of the convertible preferred stock warrant liability

                 7             (244 )     (237 )

Other, net

           8       (1 )     (7 )     (6 )     1  
                                                

Net loss

   $ (3,449 )   $ (11,215 )   $ (17,690 )   $ (4,580 )   $ (5,398 )   $ (40,256 )
                                                

Net loss per share – basic and diluted(1)

   $ (2.68 )   $ (3.17 )   $ (3.76 )   $ (1.11 )   $ (1.01 )  
                                          

Weighted average number of shares used in per share calculations – basic and diluted(1)

     1,288       3,541       4,709       4,118       5,362    
                                          

Pro forma net loss per common share (unaudited) – basic and diluted

       $ (0.24 )     $ (0.05 )  
                        

Weighted average number of shares used in pro forma per share calculations – basic and diluted

         73,188         100,804    
                        

 


(1) Please see Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for an explanation of the method used to calculate basic and diluted net loss per common share.

 

 

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     As of March 31, 2007  
     Actual     Pro Forma
As Adjusted(1)
 
     (In thousands)  

Balance Sheet Data:

    

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

   $ 28,547     $              

Working capital (current assets less current liabilities)

     24,000    

Total assets

     30,369    

Long-term debt, net of current portion and discounts

     915    

Convertible preferred stock

     939    

Deficit accumulated during development stage

     (40,256 )          (2)

Total stockholders’ equity

     23,431            (2)

(1) On a pro forma as adjusted basis to give effect to the conversion of all of the outstanding shares of our preferred stock into 95,442,677 shares of our common stock upon the completion of this offering, our sale of               shares of common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $       per share, the mid-point of the range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses, and the application of the net proceeds from those shares. Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed public offering price of $       per share would increase (decrease) each of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, working capital, total assets and total stockholders’ equity by approximately $       million, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We may also increase or decrease the number of shares we are offering. Each increase of 1.0 million shares in the number of shares offered by us, together with a $1.00 increase in the assumed offering price of $       per share, would increase each of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, working capital, total assets and total stockholders’ equity by approximately $       million. Similarly, each decrease of 1.0 million shares in the number of shares offered by us, together with a $1.00 decrease in the assumed offering price of $       per share, would decrease each of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, working capital, total assets and total stockholders’ equity by approximately $       million. The pro forma information discussed above is illustrative only and will adjust based on the actual public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing.

 

(2) On a pro forma as adjusted basis to give effect to the issuance of 1,875,000 shares of our common stock to Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research pursuant to a license agreement upon the completion of this offering. In connection with the issuance of these shares, we will record a one-time stock-based compensation expense of $      , which amount has been computed using the mid-point of the range listed on the cover page of this prospectus.

 

 

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RISK FACTORS

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following risk factors and all other information contained in this prospectus before purchasing our common stock. If any of the following risks were to occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In these circumstances, the market price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose some or all of your investment.

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

We are a development stage company with a limited history of operations and no approved products, and we cannot assure you that we will ever have a commercialized product.

We are a development stage company with a limited operating history upon which you can evaluate our business. We currently do not have any products cleared or approved for commercialization or any other source of revenue, and we do not expect to have a commercialized product until at least 2010. We have been engaged in research and development since our inception in 2002 and have invested substantially all of our time and resources in developing our VBLOC therapy, which we intend to commercialize initially in the form of our Maestro System. The success of our business will depend on our ability to obtain regulatory approval to market our Maestro System and any products we may develop in the future and our ability to create product sales, successfully introduce new products, establish our sales force and control costs, all of which we may be unable to do. If we are unable to successfully develop, receive regulatory approval for and commercialize our Maestro System for its indicated use, we may never generate revenue or be profitable and we may have to cease operations. Our lack of a significant operating history also limits your ability to make a comparative evaluation of us, our products and our prospects.

We have incurred losses since inception and we anticipate that we will continue to incur increasing losses for the foreseeable future.

We have incurred losses in each year since our formation in 2002. As of March 31, 2007, we had a deficit accumulated during the development stage of $40.3 million. Our net losses applicable to common stockholders for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 were $2.68, $3.17 and $3.76 per share, respectively. We have funded our operations to date principally from the sale of our securities and through the issuance of indebtedness. Development of a new medical device, including conducting clinical trials and seeking regulatory approvals, is a long, expensive and uncertain process. We expect our research and development expenses to increase in connection with our currently ongoing clinical trials, upcoming EMPOWER pivotal trial and trials that we may initiate in the future. We also expect our research and development expenses to increase in connection with our ongoing and future product development initiatives. In addition, if our Maestro System is approved for marketing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, we expect to incur significant sales and marketing expenses prior to recording sufficient revenue to offset these expenses. We also expect our general and administrative expenses to increase following this offering as we implement the infrastructure to operate as a public company. For these reasons, we expect to continue to incur significant and increasing operating losses for the next several years. These losses, among other things, have had and will continue to have an adverse effect on our stockholders’ equity and working capital. Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with developing new medical devices, we are unable to predict the extent of any future losses or when we will become profitable, if ever.

We have not received, and may never receive, approval from the FDA or the regulatory body in any other country to market our Maestro System for the treatment of obesity.

We do not have the necessary regulatory approvals to market our Maestro System in the United States or in any foreign market. We plan initially to launch our product, if approved, in the United States, but ultimately will

 

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also seek to commercialize our Maestro System in countries outside the United States, such as obtaining a CE Mark for marketing in the European Community.

We cannot market our product in the United States unless it has been approved by the FDA. The FDA approval process involves, among other things, successfully completing clinical trials and obtaining a premarket approval, or PMA. The PMA process requires us to prove the safety and efficacy of our Maestro System to the FDA’s satisfaction. This process can be expensive and uncertain, requires detailed and comprehensive scientific and human clinical data, generally takes one to three years after a PMA application is filed, and notwithstanding the effort and expense incurred, may never result in the FDA granting a PMA. Because VBLOC therapy represents a novel way to effect weight loss in the treatment of obesity, and because there is a large population of obese patients who might be eligible for treatment, it is possible that the FDA and other regulatory bodies will review an application for approval of our Maestro System with greater scrutiny, which could cause that process to be lengthier and more involved than that for products without such characteristics. The FDA can delay, limit or deny approval of a PMA application for many reasons, including:

 

   

our inability to demonstrate safety or effectiveness to the FDA’s satisfaction;

 

   

the data from our preclinical studies and clinical trials may be insufficient to support approval;

 

   

the facilities of our third-party manufacturers or suppliers may not meet applicable requirements;

 

   

our compliance with preclinical, clinical or other regulations;

 

   

our inability to meet the FDA’s statistical requirements or changes in statistical tests or significance level the FDA requires for approval of a medical device, including ours; and

 

   

changes in the FDA approval policies, expectations with regard to the type or amount of scientific data required or adoption of new regulations may require additional data or additional clinical studies.

In order to market our Maestro System outside of the United States, we will need to establish and comply with the numerous and varying regulatory requirements of other countries regarding safety and efficacy. Approval procedures vary among countries and can involve additional product testing and additional administrative review periods. The time required to obtain approval in other countries may differ from that required to obtain FDA approval. The regulatory approval process in other countries may also include all of the risks detailed above regarding FDA approval in the United States. Regulatory approval in one country does not ensure regulatory approval in another, but a failure or delay in obtaining regulatory approval in one country may negatively impact the regulatory process in others. We cannot assure you when, or if, we will be able to obtain approval to market our Maestro System in countries outside the United States.

We may not obtain the necessary regulatory approvals to market our Maestro System in the United States or anywhere else. Even if we obtain approval, the FDA or other regulatory authorities may require expensive or burdensome post-market testing or controls. Any delay in, failure to receive or maintain, or significant limitation on approval for our Maestro System could prevent us from generating revenue or achieving profitability and we may be forced to cease operations.

We may be unable to complete our EMPOWER pivotal trial or other trials, or we may experience significant delays in completing our clinical trials, which could prevent or delay regulatory approval of our Maestro System and impair our financial position.

Our application for an investigational device exemption, or IDE, for the EMPOWER pivotal trial, a randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled multi-center trial of our Maestro System in the United States, has been approved by the FDA, allowing us to start the EMPOWER trial. We expect to commence the trial in the

 

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third quarter of 2007 upon receipt of approval from the relevant institutional review boards at the various sites at which we will be conducting the trial, and expect to complete enrollment in the first half of 2008. Conducting a clinical trial of this size, which involves screening, assessing, testing, treating and monitoring patients at up to 15 sites across the country, and coordinating with patients and clinical institutions, is a complex and uncertain process.

The commencement of our EMPOWER trial could be delayed for a variety of reasons, including:

 

   

reaching agreement on acceptable terms with prospective clinical trial sites;

 

   

manufacturing sufficient quantities of our Maestro System;

 

   

obtaining institutional review board approval to conduct the trial at a prospective site; and

 

   

obtaining sufficient patient enrollment, which is a function of many factors, including the size of the patient population, the nature of the protocol, the proximity of patients to clinical sites and the eligibility criteria for the trial.

Once our EMPOWER trial has begun, the completion of the EMPOWER trial, and our other ongoing clinical trials, could be delayed, suspended or terminated for several reasons, including:

 

   

ongoing discussions with regulatory authorities regarding the scope or design of our preclinical results or clinical trial or requests for supplemental information with respect to our preclinical results or clinical trial results;

 

   

our failure or inability to conduct the clinical trials in accordance with regulatory requirements;

 

   

sites currently participating in the trial may drop out of the trial, which may require us to engage new sites or petition the FDA for an expansion of the number of sites that are permitted to be involved in the trial;

 

   

patients may not enroll in, remain in or complete, clinical trials at the rates we expect;

 

   

patients may experience serious adverse events or side effects during the trial, which, whether or not related to our product, could cause the FDA or other regulatory authorities to place the clinical trial on hold;

 

   

clinical investigators may not perform our clinical trials on our anticipated schedule or consistent with the clinical trial protocol and good clinical practices;

 

   

we may be unable to obtain a sufficient supply of our Maestro System necessary for the timely conduct of the clinical trials; and

 

   

Maestro RC requires approval of an IDE supplement by the FDA and institutional review boards, which we may not be able to secure.

If our clinical trials are delayed it will take us longer to ultimately commercialize a product and generate revenue or the delay could result in our being unable to do so. Moreover, our development costs will increase if we have material delays in our clinical trials or if we need to perform more or larger clinical trials than planned.

Even if we complete our EMPOWER trial and our other clinical trials, these trials may not produce results that are sufficient to support approval of a PMA application.

We will consider our Maestro System to be effective if the EMPOWER trial demonstrates at least a 10 percentage point greater excess weight loss, or EWL, than a control group at 12 months. The FDA has indicated

 

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to us that they believe that a 20 to 25 percentage point greater EWL than a control group is the appropriate efficacy criterion for the EMPOWER trial. Thus, there is a risk that, even if we achieve our endpoint of a 10 percentage point greater EWL than the control group at 12 months, the FDA may not approve our Maestro System. To date, we have limited clinical data regarding the efficacy of our therapy at 12 months upon which to evaluate our ability to meet either our or the FDA’s proposed efficacy endpoint. Our results and our ability to obtain approval from the FDA for our Maestro System may also depend on the measurement standards we use to evaluate the excess weight loss data. In addition, there is a risk that the FDA may require us to conduct a longer clinical trial, submit additional follow-up data, or engage in other costly and time consuming activities that may delay the FDA’s approval of the Maestro System. If our clinical trials fail to produce sufficient data to support a PMA application, it will take us longer to ultimately commercialize a product and generate revenue or the delay could result in our being unable to do so. Moreover, our development costs will increase if, to achieve efficient data to support PMA, we need to perform more or larger clinical trials than planned.

Even if we obtain the necessary regulatory approvals, our efforts to commercialize our Maestro System may not succeed or may encounter delays which could significantly harm our ability to generate revenue.

If we obtain regulatory approval to market our Maestro System, our ability to generate revenue will depend upon the successful commercialization of this product. Our efforts to commercialize our Maestro System may not succeed for a number of reasons, including:

 

   

our Maestro System may not be accepted in the marketplace by physicians, patients and third-party payors;

 

   

the price of our Maestro System, associated costs of the surgical procedure and treatment and the availability of sufficient third-party reimbursement for the procedure and therapy implantation and follow-up procedures;

 

   

appropriate reimbursement coding options may not exist to enable billing for the system implantation and follow-up procedures;

 

   

we may not be able to sell our Maestro System at a price that allows us to meet the revenue targets necessary to generate revenue for profitability;

 

   

the frequency and severity of any side effects of our VBLOC therapy;

 

   

physicians and potential patients may not be aware of the perceived effectiveness and sustainability of the results of VBLOC therapy provided by our Maestro System;

 

   

we, or the investigators of our product, may not be able to have information on the outcome of the trials published in medical journals;

 

   

the availability and perceived advantages and disadvantages of alternative treatments;

 

   

patient noncompliance with wearing the external components of the Maestro RF System may render VBLOC therapy less effective in achieving long-term weight loss;

 

   

any rapid technological change may make our product obsolete;

 

   

we may not be able to have our Maestro System manufactured in commercial quantities or at an acceptable cost;

 

   

we may not have adequate financial or other resources to complete the development and commercialization of our Maestro System; and

 

   

we may be sued for infringement of intellectual property rights and could be enjoined from manufacturing or selling our products.

 

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Besides requiring physician adoption, market acceptance of our Maestro System will depend on successfully communicating the benefits of our VBLOC therapy to three additional constituencies involved in deciding whether to treat a particular patient using such therapy: (1) the potential patients themselves; (2) institutions such as hospitals, where the procedure would be performed and opinion leaders in these institutions; and (3) third- party payors, such as private healthcare insurers and Medicare, which would ultimately bear most of the costs of the various providers and equipment involved in our VBLOC therapy. Marketing to each of these constituencies requires a different marketing approach, and we must convince each of these groups of the efficacy and utility of our VBLOC therapy to be successful.

If our VBLOC therapy, or any other neuroblocking therapy for other gastrointestinal diseases and disorders that we may develop, does not achieve an adequate level of acceptance by the relevant constituencies, we may not generate significant product revenue and may not become profitable. The earliest we expect to be able to commercialize our Maestro System is 2010, if at all. If we are not successful in the commercialization of our Maestro System for the treatment of obesity we may never generate any revenue and may be forced to cease operations.

We depend on clinical investigators and clinical sites to enroll patients in our clinical trials, and on other third parties to manage the trials and to perform related data collection and analysis, and, as a result, we may face costs and delays that are outside of our control.

We rely on clinical investigators and clinical sites to enroll patients in our clinical trials, including EMPOWER, and other third parties to manage the trials and to perform related data collection and analysis. However, we may not be able to control the amount and timing of resources that clinical sites may devote to our clinical trials. If these clinical investigators and clinical sites fail to enroll a sufficient number of patients in our clinical trials, to ensure compliance by patients with clinical protocols or comply with regulatory requirements, we will be unable to complete these trials, which could prevent us from obtaining regulatory approvals for our product. Our agreements with clinical investigators and clinical trial sites for clinical testing place substantial responsibilities on these parties and, if these parties fail to perform as expected, our trials could be delayed or terminated. If these clinical investigators, clinical sites or other third parties do not carry out their contractual duties or obligations or fail to meet expected deadlines, or if the quality or accuracy of the clinical data they obtain is compromised due to their failure to adhere to our clinical protocols, regulatory requirements or for other reasons, our clinical trials may be extended, delayed or terminated, or the clinical data may be rejected by the FDA, and we may be unable to obtain regulatory approval for, or successfully commercialize, our product.

Assuming we receive regulatory approval for the Maestro System, modifications to the Maestro System may require additional approval from the FDA, which may not be obtained or may delay our commercialization efforts.

The FDA requires medical device companies to initially make and document a determination of whether or not a modification requires a new approval, supplement or clearance; however, the FDA can review a company’s decision. Any modifications to an FDA-approved device that could significantly affect its safety or efficacy, or that would constitute a major change in its intended use would require a supplemental IDE and possibly additional clinical studies and a separate PMA application. Product changes or revisions will require all the regulatory steps and associated risks discussed above including testing, an IDE supplement and clinical study. We may not be able to obtain approval of supplemental IDEs or PMAs for product modifications, new indications for our product or new products. Delays in obtaining future clearances would adversely affect our ability to introduce new or enhanced products in a timely manner, which in turn would harm our commercialization efforts and future growth.

 

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Physicians may not widely adopt our Maestro System and VBLOC therapy unless they determine, based on experience, long-term clinical data and published peer reviewed journal articles, that VBLOC therapy provides a safe and effective alternative to other existing treatments for obesity.

Physicians tend to be slow to change their medical treatment practices because of the time and skill required to learn a new procedure and the perceived liability risks arising from the use of new products and procedures, and the uncertainty of third-party coverage and reimbursement. Physicians may not widely adopt our Maestro System and VBLOC therapy unless they determine, based on experience, long-term clinical data and published peer reviewed journal articles, that the use of our VBLOC therapy provides a safe and effective alternative to other existing treatments for obesity, including pharmaceutical solutions and bariatric surgical procedures.

We cannot provide any assurance that the data collected from our current and planned clinical trials will be sufficient to demonstrate that our VBLOC therapy is an attractive alternative to other obesity treatment procedures. We rely on experienced and highly trained surgeons to perform the procedures in our clinical trials and both short- and long-term results reported in our clinical trials may be significantly more favorable than typical results of practicing physicians, which could negatively impact rates of adoption of our Maestro System and VBLOC therapy. We believe that published peer-reviewed journal articles and recommendations and support by influential physicians regarding our Maestro System and VBLOC therapy will be important for market acceptance and adoption, and we cannot assure you that we will receive these recommendations and support, or that supportive articles will be published.

If we fail to obtain adequate coding, coverage or payment levels for our product by governmental healthcare programs and other third-party payors, there may be no commercially viable markets for our Maestro System or other products we may develop or our target markets may be much smaller than expected.

Healthcare providers generally rely on third-party payors, including governmental payors, such as Medicare and Medicaid, and private healthcare insurers, to adequately cover and reimburse the cost of medical devices. Importantly, third-party payors are increasingly challenging the price of medical products and services and instituting cost containment measures to control or significantly influence the purchase of medical products and services. We expect that third-party payors will continue to attempt to contain or reduce the costs of healthcare by challenging the prices charged for healthcare products and services. If reimbursement for our Maestro System and the related surgery and facility costs is unavailable or limited in scope or amount, or if pricing is set at unsatisfactory levels, market acceptance of our Maestro System will be impaired and our future revenue, if any, would be adversely affected. As such, even if we obtain FDA clearance or approval for our Maestro System and begin to market it, the availability and level of third-party coverage and reimbursement could substantially affect our ability to commercialize our Maestro System and other products we may develop.

The efficacy, safety, ease of use and cost-effectiveness of our Maestro System and of any competing products will, in part, determine the availability and level of coverage and payment. In particular, we expect that securing coding, coverage and payment for our Maestro System will be more difficult if our EMPOWER trial does not demonstrate a percentage of excess weight loss from a pre-implementation baseline that healthcare providers and obese individuals consider clinically meaningful, whether or not regulatory agencies consider the improvement of patients treated in clinical trials to have been clinically meaningful.

In some international markets, pricing of medical devices is subject to government control. In the United States and international markets, we expect that both government and third-party payors will continue to attempt to contain or reduce the costs of healthcare by challenging the prices charged for healthcare products and services. If payment for our Maestro System and the related surgery and facility costs is unavailable or limited in scope or amount, or if pricing is set at unsatisfactory levels, market acceptance of our Maestro System will be impaired and our future revenue, if any, would be adversely affected.

 

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We cannot predict the likelihood or pace of any significant regulatory or legislative action in any of these areas, nor can we predict whether or in what form healthcare legislation being formulated by various governments will be passed. We also cannot predict with precision what effect such governmental measures would have if they were ultimately enacted into law. However, in general, we believe that such legislative activity will likely continue. If adopted, such measures can be expected to have an impact on our business.

Even if our Maestro System is approved by regulatory authorities, if we or our suppliers fail to comply with ongoing regulatory requirements, or if we experience unanticipated product problems, our Maestro System could be subject to restrictions or withdrawal from the market.

Completion of our clinical trials and commercialization of our Maestro System will require access to manufacturing facilities that meet applicable regulatory standards to manufacture a sufficient supply of our product. We rely solely on third parties to manufacture and assemble our Maestro System, and do not currently plan to manufacture or assemble our Maestro System ourselves in the future.

Any product for which we obtain marketing approval, along with the manufacturing processes, post-approval clinical data and promotional activities for such product, will be subject to continual review and periodic inspections by the FDA and other regulatory bodies. In particular we and our manufacturers and suppliers are required to comply with Good Manufacturing Practices, or GMP, which for medical devices is called the Quality System Regulation, or QSR, and other regulations which cover the methods and documentation of the design, testing, production, control, quality assurance, labeling, packaging, storage and shipping of any product for which we obtain marketing approval. The FDA enforces the QSR through unannounced inspections. We and our third-party manufacturers and suppliers have not yet been inspected by the FDA and will have to successfully complete such inspections before we receive regulatory approvals for our Maestro System. Failure by us or one of our manufacturers or suppliers to comply with statutes and regulations administered by the FDA and other regulatory bodies, or failure to adequately respond to any observations, could result in enforcement actions against us or our manufacturers or suppliers, including, restrictions on our product or manufacturing processes, withdrawal of the product from the market, voluntary or mandatory recall, fines, suspension of regulatory approvals, product seizures, injunctions or the imposition of civil or criminal penalties.

If any of these actions were to occur it would harm our reputation and cause our product sales to suffer. Furthermore, our key component suppliers may not currently be or may not continue to be in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. If the FDA or any other regulatory body finds their compliance status to be unsatisfactory, our commercialization efforts could be delayed, which would harm our business and our results of operations.

Even if regulatory approval of a product is granted, the approval may be subject to limitations on the indicated uses for which the product may be marketed. If the FDA determines that our promotional materials, training or other activities constitute promotion of an unapproved use, we could be subject to significant liability, the FDA could request that we cease, correct or modify our training or promotional materials or subject us to regulatory enforcement actions. It is also possible that other federal, state or foreign enforcement authorities might take action if they consider our training or other promotional materials to constitute promotion of an unapproved use, which could result in significant fines or penalties under other statutory authorities, such as laws prohibiting false claims for reimbursement.

We are subject to medical device reporting, or MDR, regulations that require us to report to the FDA or governmental authorities in other countries if our products cause or contribute to a death or serious injury or malfunction in a way that would be reasonably likely to contribute to death or serious injury if the malfunction were to recur. The FDA and similar governmental authorities in other countries have the authority to require the recall of our products in the event of material deficiencies or defects in design or manufacturing. A government mandated, or voluntary, recall by us could occur as a result of component failures, manufacturing errors or design

 

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defects, including defects in labeling. Any recall would divert managerial and financial resources and could harm our reputation with customers. There can be no assurance that there will not be product recalls in the future or that such recalls would not have a material adverse effect on our business. Furthermore, we may later discover previously unknown problems with our products, including unanticipated adverse events. For example, we do not have long-term data on the safety of the Maestro System. Thus, there is a risk that long-term use of our Maestro System could cause injuries or harm, including possible damage to the vagus nerve. Any discovery of previously unknown problems with our product, including unanticipated adverse events, may result in restrictions on such products, withdrawal of the products from the market, voluntary or mandatory recalls, fines, suspension of regulatory approvals, product seizures, injunctions or the imposition of civil or criminal penalties.

We depend on a limited number of manufacturers and suppliers of various critical components for our Maestro System. The loss of any of these manufacturer or supplier relationships could delay our clinical trials or prevent or delay commercialization of our Maestro System.

We rely entirely on third parties to manufacture our Maestro System and to supply us with all of the critical components of our Maestro System, including our leads, implantable batteries, neuroregulators and controllers. We have entered into two long-term supply arrangements that are exclusive and we are in the process of solidifying additional supply agreements. If any of our existing suppliers was unable or unwilling to meet our demand for product components, or if the components or finished products that they supply do not meet quality and other specifications, our EMPOWER trial or commercialization of our product could be delayed. Alternatively, if we have to switch to a replacement manufacturer or replacement supplier for any of our product components, we may face additional regulatory delays, and the manufacture and delivery of our Maestro System could be interrupted for an extended period of time, which could delay completion of our clinical trials or commercialization of our Maestro System. In addition, we may be required to obtain regulatory clearance from the FDA to use different suppliers or components.

If our device manufacturers or our suppliers are unable to provide an adequate supply of our product following the start of commercialization, our growth could be limited and our business could be harmed.

In order to produce our Maestro System in the quantities that we anticipate will be required to meet anticipated market demand, we will need our manufacturers to increase, or scale-up, the production process by a significant factor over our current level of production. There are technical challenges to scaling-up manufacturing capacity and developing commercial-scale manufacturing facilities that may require the investment of substantial additional funds by our manufacturers and hiring and retaining additional management and technical personnel who have the necessary manufacturing experience. If our manufacturers are unable to do so, we may not be able to meet the requirements for the launch of the product or to meet future demand, if at all. We may also represent only a small portion of our supplier’s or manufacturer’s business and if they become capacity constrained they may choose to allocate their available resources to other customers that represent a larger portion of their business. We currently anticipate that we will continue to rely on third-party manufacturers and suppliers for the production of the Maestro System following commercialization. If we develop and obtain regulatory approval for our product and are unable to obtain a sufficient supply of our product, our revenue, business and financial prospects would be adversely affected.

 

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If we are unable to establish sales and marketing capabilities or enter into and maintain arrangements with third parties to market and sell our Maestro System, our business may be harmed.

We do not have a sales organization and have no experience as a company in sales, marketing and distribution of our product. To generate sales we will need to develop a sales and marketing infrastructure or contract with third parties to perform that function. Developing a sales force is expensive and time consuming and could delay or limit the success of any product launch. Even if we obtain approval from the FDA to market our Maestro System, we may be unable to develop an effective sales and marketing organization on a timely basis, if at all. If we develop our own sales and marketing capabilities, our sales force will be competing with the experienced and well-funded marketing and sales organizations of our more established competitors. If we are unable to establish our own sales and marketing capabilities, we will need to contract with third parties to market and sell our product. In this event, our profit margins would likely be lower than if we performed these functions ourselves. In addition, we would necessarily be relying on the skills and efforts of others for the successful marketing of our product. If we are unable to establish and maintain effective sales and marketing capabilities, independently or with others, we may not be able to generate product revenue and may not become profitable.

We may need substantial additional funding and may be unable to raise capital when needed, which would force us to delay, reduce or eliminate our product development programs or commercialization efforts.

Our operations have consumed substantial amounts of cash since inception. We expect to continue to spend substantial amounts on research and development, including conducting clinical trials for our Maestro System. Even before we receive regulatory approval to market our Maestro System, we expect to spend significant funds commercializing the product, including development of a direct sales force. In 2006, our cash used in operations was $16.2 million. We expect cash used in operations will increase significantly in each of the next several years, and we may need additional funds to complete the development and commercialization of our Maestro System. We believe that the estimated net proceeds from this offering of approximately $       million, based on the assumed initial public offering price of $       per share, the mid-point of the range on the cover of this prospectus, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, together with our cash resources and amounts available to us under a loan agreement, will be sufficient to meet our cash needs for at least the next 36 months. After, and possibly prior to, such time we may need to raise substantial additional capital to: continue our research and development programs; commercialize our Maestro System, if approved by the FDA; and fund our operations in general.

Our future funding requirements will depend on many factors, including:

 

   

the scope, rate of progress, results and cost of our clinical trials and other research and development activities;

 

   

the cost and timing of regulatory approvals;

 

   

the cost and timing of establishing sales, marketing and distribution capabilities;

 

   

the cost of establishing clinical and commercial supplies of our Maestro System and any products that we may develop;

 

   

the rate of market acceptance of our Maestro System and VBLOC therapy and any other product candidates;

 

   

the cost of filing and prosecuting patent applications and defending and enforcing our patent and other intellectual property rights;

 

   

the cost of defending, in litigation or otherwise, any claims that we infringe third-party patent or other intellectual property rights;

 

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the effect of competing products and market developments;

 

   

the cost of explanting clinical devices;

 

   

the terms and timing of any collaborative, licensing or other arrangements that we may establish;

 

   

any revenue generated by sales of our future products; and

 

   

the extent to which we acquire or invest in businesses, products and technologies, although we currently have no commitments or agreements relating to any of these types of transactions.

Until the time, if ever, when we can generate a sufficient amount of product revenue, we expect to finance our future cash needs through public or private equity offerings, debt financings or corporate collaboration, licensing arrangements and grants, as well as through interest income earned on cash balances.

Additional capital may not be available on terms favorable to us, or at all. If we raise additional funds by issuing equity securities, our stockholders may experience dilution. Debt financing, if available, may involve restrictive covenants or additional security interests in our assets. Any additional debt or equity financing that we complete may contain terms that are not favorable to us or our stockholders. If we raise additional funds through collaboration and licensing arrangements with third parties, it may be necessary to relinquish some rights to our technologies or products, or grant licenses on terms that are not favorable to us. If we are unable to raise adequate funds, we may have to delay, reduce the scope of, or eliminate some or all of, our development programs or liquidate some or all of our assets.

We may be unable to attract and retain management and other personnel we need to succeed.

Our success depends on the services of our senior management and other key research and development employees. The loss of the services of one or more of our officers or key research and development employees could delay or prevent the successful completion of our clinical trials and the commercialization of our Maestro System. Upon receiving regulatory approval for our product, we expect to rapidly expand our operations and grow our research and development, product development and administrative operations. Our growth will require hiring a significant number of qualified clinical, scientific, commercial and administrative personnel. Accordingly, recruiting and retaining such personnel in the future will be critical to our success. There is intense competition from other companies and research and academic institutions for qualified personnel in the areas of our activities. If we fail to identify, attract, retain and motivate these highly skilled personnel, we may be unable to continue our development and commercialization activities.

We may be unable to manage our growth effectively.

Our business strategy entails significant future growth. For example, we will have to expand existing operations in order to conduct additional clinical trials, increase our contract manufacturing capabilities, hire and train new personnel to handle the marketing and sales of our product, assist patients in obtaining reimbursement for the use of our product and create and develop new applications for our technology. This growth may place significant strain on our management and financial and operational resources. Successful growth is also dependent upon our ability to implement appropriate financial and management controls, systems and procedures. Our ability to effectively manage growth depends on our success in attracting and retaining highly qualified personnel, for which the competition may be intense. If we fail to manage these challenges effectively, our business could be harmed.

We face the risk of product liability claims that could be expensive, divert management’s attention and harm our reputation and business. We may not be able to obtain adequate product liability insurance.

Our business exposes us to a risk of product liability claims that is inherent in the testing, manufacturing and marketing of medical devices. The medical device industry has historically been subject to extensive litigation

 

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over product liability claims. We may be subject to product liability claims if our Maestro System, or any other products we may sell, causes, or appears to have caused, an injury. Claims may be made by consumers, healthcare providers, third-party strategic collaborators or others selling our products.

We have $5 million of product liability insurance, which covers the use of our Maestro System and VBLOC therapy in our clinical trials, which amount we believe is appropriate. Our current product liability insurance may not continue to be available to us on acceptable terms, if at all, and, if available, the coverage may not be adequate to protect us against any future product liability claims. If we are unable to obtain insurance at an acceptable cost and on acceptable terms for an adequate coverage amount, or otherwise to protect against potential product liability claims, we could be exposed to significant liabilities, which may harm our business. A product liability claim, recall or other claim with respect to uninsured liabilities or for amounts in excess of insured liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. These liabilities could prevent or interfere with our product commercialization efforts. Defending a suit, regardless of merit, could be costly, could divert management attention and might result in adverse publicity, which could result in the withdrawal of, or inability to recruit, clinical trial volunteers or result in reduced acceptance of our Maestro System and VBLOC therapy in the market.

We may be subject to product liability claims even if it appears that the claimed injury is due to the actions of others. For example, we rely on the expertise of surgeons and other associated medical personnel to perform the medical procedure to implant and remove our Maestro System and to perform the related VBLOC therapy. If these medical personnel are not properly trained or are negligent, the therapeutic effect of our Maestro System and VBLOC therapy may be diminished or the patient may suffer critical injury, which may subject us to liability. In addition, an injury that is caused by the negligence of one of our suppliers in supplying us with a defective component that injures a patient could be the basis for a claim against us. A product liability claim, regardless of its merit or eventual outcome, could result in decreased demand for our products; injury to our reputation; diversion of management’s attention; withdrawal of clinical trial participants; significant costs of related litigation; substantial monetary awards to patients; product recalls or market withdrawals; loss of revenue; and the inability to commercialize our products under development.

We may be subject, directly or indirectly, to federal and state healthcare fraud and abuse and false claims laws and regulations. Prosecutions under such laws have increased in recent years and we may become subject to such litigation. If we are unable to, or have not fully complied with such laws, we could face substantial penalties.

If we are successful in achieving regulatory approval to market our Maestro System, our operations will be directly, or indirectly through our customers, subject to various state and federal fraud and abuse laws, including, without limitation, the federal Anti-Kickback Statute and federal False Claims Act. These laws may impact, among other things, our proposed sales, marketing and education programs.

The federal Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits persons from knowingly and willfully soliciting, offering, receiving or providing remuneration, directly or indirectly, in exchange for or to induce either the referral of an individual, or the furnishing or arranging for a good or service, for which payment may be made under a federal healthcare program such as the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Several courts have interpreted the statute’s intent requirement to mean that if any one purpose of an arrangement involving remuneration is to induce referrals of federal healthcare covered business, the statute has been violated. The Anti-Kickback Statute is broad and, despite a series of narrow safe harbors, prohibits many arrangements and practices that are lawful in businesses outside of the healthcare industry. Penalties for violations of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute include criminal penalties and civil sanctions such as fines, imprisonment and possible exclusion from Medicare, Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs. Many states have also adopted laws similar to the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, some of which apply to the referral of patients for healthcare items or services reimbursed by any source, not only the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

 

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The federal False Claims Act prohibits persons from knowingly filing, or causing to be filed, a false claim to, or the knowing use of false statements to obtain payment from the federal government. Suits filed under the False Claims Act, known as “qui tam” actions, can be brought by any individual on behalf of the government and such individuals, commonly known as “whistleblowers,” may share in any amounts paid by the entity to the government in fines or settlement. The frequency of filing qui tam actions has increased significantly in recent years, causing greater numbers of medical device, pharmaceutical and healthcare companies to have to defend a False Claim Act action. When an entity is determined to have violated the federal False Claims Act, it may be required to pay up to three times the actual damages sustained by the government, plus civil penalties for each separate false claim. Various states have also enacted laws modeled after the federal False Claims Act.

We are unable to predict whether we could be subject to actions under any of these laws, or the impact of such actions. If we are found to be in violation of any of the laws described above and other applicable state and federal fraud and abuse laws, we may be subject to penalties, including civil and criminal penalties, damages, fines, exclusion from government healthcare reimbursement programs and the curtailment or restructuring of our operations.

Provisions of federal securities laws and regulations are likely to increase our costs.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has required us to adopt new corporate governance, securities disclosure and compliance practices. In response to the requirements of that act, the Securities Exchange Commission and The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. have enacted new rules. Compliance with these new rules has increased our legal, financial and accounting costs in connection with this offering, and we expect these increased costs to continue indefinitely. These laws and regulations may also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our board of directors or members of senior management.

The financial reporting obligations of being a public company place significant demands on our management. In addition, if we are unable to satisfy regulatory requirements relating to internal control over financial reporting, or if our internal control is not effective, our business and financial results may suffer.

Prior to the consummation of this offering, we have never operated as a public company. The obligations of being a public company, including substantial public reporting and auditing obligations, will require significant additional expenditures, place additional demands on our management and require the hiring of additional personnel. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the SEC rules and regulations implementing such act will require us to conduct an annual evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting and auditor attestation of internal control. This process will increase our legal and financial compliance costs, and make some activities more difficult, time consuming or costly. If we fail to have an effectively designed and operating system of internal control, we may be unable to comply with the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner. As a result of our required compliance with Section 404, we may need to hire additional accounting and financial staff with appropriate public company experience and technical accounting knowledge to ensure such compliance.

We operate in a highly competitive industry that is subject to rapid change. If our competitors are able to develop and market products that are safer or more effective than our products, our commercial opportunities will be reduced or eliminated.

The health care industry is highly competitive, subject to rapid change and significantly affected by new product introductions and other market activities of industry participants. The obesity treatment market in which we operate has grown significantly in recent years and is expected to continue to expand as technology continues to evolve and awareness of the need to treat the obesity epidemic grows. Although we are not aware of any competitors in the neuroblocking market, we face potential competition from pharmaceutical and surgical obesity treatments. Many of our competitors in the obesity treatment field have significantly greater financial resources

 

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and expertise in research and development, manufacturing, preclinical testing, clinical trials, obtaining regulatory approvals and marketing approved products than we do. Smaller or early-stage companies may also prove to be significant competitors, particularly if they pursue competing solutions through collaborative arrangements with large and established companies, such as Allergan, Cyberonics, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic or St. Jude Medical. Our competitors may develop and patent processes or products earlier than us, obtain regulatory approvals for competing products more rapidly than we are able to and develop more effective, safer and less expensive products or technologies that would render our products non-competitive or obsolete.

We may not be successful in our efforts to utilize our VBLOC therapy to treat other gastrointestinal diseases and disorders.

As part of our long-term business strategy, we plan to research the application of our VBLOC therapy to treat other gastrointestinal diseases and disorders. Research to identify new target applications requires substantial technical, financial and human resources, whether or not any new applications for our VBLOC therapy are ultimately identified. We may be unable to identify or pursue other applications of our technology. Even if we identify potential new applications for our VBLOC therapy, investigating the safety and efficacy of our therapy requires extensive clinical testing, which is expensive and time-consuming. If we terminate a clinical trial in which we have invested significant resources, our prospects will suffer, as we will have expended resources on a program that will not provide a return on our investment and missed the opportunity to allocate those resources to potentially more productive uses. We will also need to obtain regulatory approval for these new applications, as well as achieve market acceptance and an acceptable level of reimbursement.

Risks Related to Intellectual Property

If we are unable to obtain or maintain intellectual property rights relating to our technology and neuroblocking therapy, the commercial value of our technology and any future products will be adversely affected and our competitive position will be harmed.

Our commercial success depends in part on our ability to obtain protection in the United States and other countries for our Maestro System and VBLOC therapy by establishing and maintaining intellectual property rights relating to or incorporated into our technology and products. As of June 29, 2007, we owned four issued U.S. patents, two of which pertain to treating gastrointestinal disorders, 17 U.S. patent applications (including one provisional application) and three national stage patent applications, including two European applications, in foreign jurisdictions. In addition, we are the exclusive licensee to four U.S. patent applications owned by Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, which are unrelated to our VBLOC therapy. Our pending and future patent applications may not issue as patents or, if issued, may not issue in a form that will provide us any competitive advantage. We expect to incur substantial costs in obtaining patents and, if necessary, defending our proprietary rights. The patent positions of medical device companies, including ours, can be highly uncertain and involve complex and evolving legal and factual questions. We do not know whether we will obtain the patent protection we seek, or that the protection we do obtain will be found valid and enforceable if challenged. If we fail to obtain adequate protection of our intellectual property, or if any protection we obtain is reduced or eliminated, others could use our intellectual property without compensating us, resulting in harm to our business. We may also determine that it is in our best interests to voluntarily challenge a third party’s products or patents in litigation or administrative proceedings, including patent interferences or re-examinations. In the event that we seek to enforce any of our owned or exclusively licensed patents against an infringing party, it is likely that the party defending the claim will seek to invalidate the patents we assert, which, if successful could result in the loss of the entire patent or the relevant portion of our patent, which would not be limited to any particular party. Any litigation to enforce or defend our patent rights, even if we were to prevail, could be costly and time-consuming and could divert the attention of our management and key personnel from our business operations. Even if we were to prevail in any litigation, we cannot assure you that we can obtain an injunction that prevents our competitors from practicing our patented technology. Our competitors may independently develop similar or

 

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alternative technologies or products without infringing any of our patent or other intellectual property rights, or may design around our proprietary technologies.

We cannot assure you that we will obtain any patent protection that we seek, that any protection we do obtain will be found valid and enforceable if challenged or that it will confer any significant commercial advantage. U.S. patents and patent applications may also be subject to interference proceedings and U.S. patents may be subject to re-examination proceedings in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and foreign patents may be subject to opposition or comparable proceedings in the corresponding foreign patent offices, which proceedings could result in either loss of the patent or denial of the patent application, or loss or reduction in the scope of one or more of the claims of, the patent or patent application. In addition, such interference, re-examination and opposition proceedings may be costly. Moreover, the U.S. patent laws may change, possibly making it easier to challenge patents. Some of our technology was, and continues to be, developed in conjunction with third parties, and thus there is a risk that such third parties may claim rights in our intellectual property. Thus, any patents that we own or license from others may provide limited or no protection against competitors. Our pending patent applications, those we may file in the future, or those we may license from third parties, may not result in patents being issued. If issued, they may not provide us with proprietary protection or competitive advantages against competitors with similar technology.

Non-payment or delay in payment of patent fees or annuities, whether intentional or unintentional, may result in loss of patents or patent rights important to our business. Many countries, including certain countries in Europe, have compulsory licensing laws under which a patent owner may be compelled to grant licenses to third parties. In addition, many countries limit the enforceability of patents against third parties, including government agencies or government contractors. In these countries, the patent owner may have limited remedies, which could materially diminish the value of the patent. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States, particularly in the field of medical products and procedures.

Many of our competitors have significant resources and incentives to apply for and obtain intellectual property rights that could limit or prevent our ability to commercialize our current or future products in the United States or abroad.

Many of our competitors who have significant resources and have made substantial investments in competing technologies may seek to apply for and obtain patents that will prevent, limit or interfere with our ability to make, use or sell our products either in the United States or in international markets. Our current or future U.S. or foreign patents may be challenged, circumvented by competitors or others or may be found to be invalid, unenforceable or insufficient. Since patent applications are confidential until patents are issued in the United States, or in most cases, until after 18 months from filing of the application, or corresponding applications are published in other countries, and since publication of discoveries in the scientific or patent literature often lags behind actual discoveries, we cannot be certain that we were the first to make the inventions covered by each of our pending patent applications, or that we were the first to file patent applications for such inventions.

If we are unable to protect the confidentiality of our proprietary information and know-how, the value of our technology and products could be adversely affected.

In addition to patented technology, we rely on our unpatented proprietary technology, trade secrets, processes and know-how. We generally seek to protect this information by confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants, scientific advisors and third parties. These agreements may be breached, and we may not have adequate remedies for any such breach. In addition, our trade secrets may otherwise become known or be independently developed by competitors. To the extent that our employees, consultants or contractors use intellectual property owned by others in their work for us, disputes may arise as to the rights in related or resulting know-how and inventions.

 

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Intellectual property litigation is a common tactic in the medical device industry to gain competitive advantage. If we become subject to a lawsuit, we may be required to expend significant financial and other resources and our management’s attention may be diverted from our business.

There has been a history of frequent and extensive litigation regarding patent and other intellectual property rights in the medical device industry, and companies in the medical device industry have employed intellectual property litigation to gain a competitive advantage. Accordingly, we may become subject to patent infringement claims or litigation in a court of law, or interference proceedings declared by the United States Patent and Trademarks Office, or USPTO, to determine the priority of inventions or an opposition to a patent grant in a foreign jurisdiction. We may also become subject to claims or litigation seeking payment of royalties based on sales of our product in connection with licensing or similar joint development arrangements with third parties or in connection with claims of patent infringement. The defense and prosecution of intellectual property suits, USPTO interference or opposition proceedings and related legal and administrative proceedings, are both costly and time consuming and could result in substantial uncertainty to us. Litigation or regulatory proceedings may also be necessary to enforce patent or other intellectual property rights of ours or to determine the scope and validity of other parties’ proprietary rights. Any litigation, opposition or interference proceedings, with or without merit, may result in substantial expense to us, cause significant strain on our financial resources, divert the attention of our technical and management personnel and harm our reputation. We may not have the financial resources to defend our patents from infringement or claims of invalidity. An adverse determination in any litigation could subject us to significant liabilities to third parties, require us to seek licenses from or pay royalties to third parties or prevent us from manufacturing, selling or using our proposed products, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and prospects. We are not currently a party to any patent or other litigation.

Our VBLOC therapy or Maestro System may infringe or be claimed to infringe patents that we do not own or license, including patents that may issue in the future based on patent applications of which we are currently aware, as well as applications of which we are unaware. For example, we are aware of other companies that are investigating neurostimulation, including neuroblocking, and of patents and published patent applications held by companies in those fields. While we believe that none of such patents and patent applications are applicable to our products and technologies under development, third parties who own or control these patents and patent applications in the United States and abroad could bring claims against us that would cause us to incur substantial expenses and, if such claims are successfully asserted against us, they could cause us to pay substantial damages, could result in an injunction preventing us from selling, manufacturing or using our proposed products and would divert management’s attention. Because patent applications in many countries such as the United States are maintained under conditions of confidentiality and can take many years to issue, there may be applications now pending of which we are unaware and which may later result in issued patents that our products infringe. If a patent infringement suit were brought against us, we could be forced to stop our ongoing or planned clinical trials, or delay or abandon commercialization of the product that is subject of the suit.

As a result of patent infringement claims, or to avoid potential claims, we may choose or be required to seek a license from a third party and be required to pay license fees or royalties, or both. A license may not be available at all or on commercially reasonable terms, and we may not be able to redesign our products to avoid infringement. Modification of our products or development of new products could require us to conduct additional clinical trials and to revise our filings with the FDA and other regulatory bodies, which would be time-consuming and expensive. Even if we were able to obtain a license, the rights may be nonexclusive, which could result in our competitors gaining access to the same intellectual property. Ultimately, we could be forced to cease some aspect of our business operations if, as a result of actual or threatened patent infringement claims, we are unable to enter into licenses on acceptable terms. This could harm our business significantly.

 

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Risks Relating to This Offering and Ownership of Our Common Stock

Because there has not been a public market for our common stock and our stock price may be volatile, you may not be able to resell your shares at or above the initial offering price.

Prior to this offering, you could not buy or sell our common stock publicly. An active trading market for our common stock may not develop after completion of this offering or, if developed, may not be sustained. The price of the common stock sold in this offering will not necessarily reflect the market price of our common stock after this offering. The market for medical device stocks has been volatile. The following factors, most of which are outside of our control, could cause the market price of our common stock to decrease significantly from the price you pay in this offering:

 

   

the denial or delay of regulatory clearances or approvals of our product or receipt of regulatory approval of competing products;

 

   

changes in policies affecting third-party coverage and reimbursement in the United States and other countries;

 

   

changes in government regulations and standards affecting the medical device industry and our product;

 

   

ability of our product, if it receives regulatory clearance, to achieve market success;

 

   

the performance of third-party contract manufacturers and component suppliers;

 

   

our ability to develop sales and marketing capabilities;

 

   

actual or anticipated variations in our results of operations or those of our competitors;

 

   

announcements of new products, technological innovations or product advancements by us or our competitors;

 

   

developments with respect to patents and other intellectual property rights;

 

   

sales of common stock or other securities by us or our stockholders in the future;

 

   

additions or departures of key scientific or management personnel;

 

   

disputes or other developments relating to proprietary rights, including patents, litigation matters and our ability to obtain patent protection for our technologies;

 

   

trading volume of our common stock;

 

   

changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by securities analysts, failure to obtain analyst coverage of our common stock or our failure to achieve analyst earnings estimates;

 

   

decreases in market valuations of medical device companies; and

 

   

general market conditions and other factors unrelated to our operating performance or the operating performance of our competitors.

In the past, securities class action litigation often has been initiated against a company following a period of volatility in the market price of the company’s securities. If class action litigation is initiated against us, we may incur substantial costs and our management’s attention may be diverted from our operations. All of these factors could cause the market price of our stock to decline, and you may lose some or all of your investment.

 

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If we do not achieve our projected business goals in the time frames we announce and expect, our stock price may decline.

From time to time, we estimate and publicly announce, including in this prospectus, the anticipated timing of the accomplishment of various clinical, regulatory and other product development goals. These statements, which are forward-looking statements, include our estimates regarding enrolling patients in our clinical trials, when we will complete our EMPOWER trial or our other clinical trials, when we will submit requests for and obtain FDA approval for our product and when we will begin to receive revenue. These estimates are and must necessarily be based on a variety of assumptions. The timing of the actual achievement of these milestones may vary dramatically compared to our estimates, in some cases for reasons beyond our control. Our failure to meet any publicly-announced goals may be perceived negatively by the public markets and, as a result, our stock price may decline. Please refer to our discussion under the caption “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

If equity research analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or if they issue unfavorable commentary or downgrade our common stock, the price of our common stock could decline.

The trading market for our common stock will rely in part on the research and reports that equity research analysts publish about us and our business. We do not control these analysts or the content and opinions included in their reports. Securities analysts may elect not to provide research coverage of our common stock after the completion of this offering, and such lack of research coverage may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. The price of our stock could decline if one or more equity research analysts downgrade our stock or if those analysts issue other unfavorable commentary or cease publishing reports about us or our business. If one or more equity research analysts ceases coverage of our company, we could lose visibility in the market, which in turn could cause our stock price to decline.

Future sales of our common stock by existing stockholders could cause our stock price to decline.

If our existing stockholders sell substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, the market price of our common stock could decrease significantly. The perception in the public market that our stockholders might sell shares of common stock could also depress the market price of our common stock. Substantially all of our existing stockholders prior to this offering are subject to lock-up agreements with the underwriters that restrict their ability to transfer their stock for at least 180 days after the date of this prospectus, with an extension in limited circumstances. Upon expiration of the lock-up agreements, 99,808,847 shares of our common stock will be eligible for sale in the public market pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule 701, and the volume, manner of sale and other limitations under those rules. The market price of our common stock may drop significantly when the restrictions on resale of these shares lapse and our existing stockholders are able to sell shares of our common stock into the market.

Following the offering, we also intend to increase the number of our registered shares of common stock by filing registration statements with the SEC covering all of the shares of our common stock subject to options outstanding, but not exercised, at the close of the offering and all of the shares available for future issuance under our stock incentive plan. In addition, upon completion of this offering, the holders of our preferred stock, including shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants to purchase common stock and preferred stock, will hold an aggregate of 98,999,040 shares of common stock with rights, subject to some conditions, to require us to file registration statements covering their shares or to include their shares in registration statements that we may file for ourselves or other stockholders. If we were to include in a company-initiated registration statement shares held by those holders pursuant to the exercise of their registration rights, the sale of those shares could impair our ability to raise needed capital by depressing the price at which we could sell our common stock.

A decline in the price of shares of our common stock might impede our ability to raise capital through the issuance of additional shares of our common stock or other equity securities, and may cause you to lose part or all of your investment.

 

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We have broad discretion in the use of the proceeds of this offering and may apply the proceeds in ways with which you do not agree.

Substantially all of our net proceeds from this offering will be used, as determined by management in its sole discretion, for achieving regulatory approval of our product, for initiating sales and marketing efforts, for research and development activities and for working capital and other general corporate purposes. Our management will have broad discretion over the use and investment of the net proceeds of this offering. The failure of our management to apply these funds effectively could harm our business. You will not have the opportunity, as part of your investment decision, to assess whether our proceeds are being used appropriately. Pending application of our proceeds, they may be placed in investments that do not produce income or that lose value.

Our directors and executive officers will continue to have substantial control over us after this offering and could limit your ability to influence the outcome of key transactions, including changes of control.

We anticipate that our executive officers and directors and entities affiliated with them will, in the aggregate, beneficially own       % of our outstanding common stock following the completion of this offering, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option. Our executive officers, directors and affiliated entities, if acting together, would be able to control or influence significantly all matters requiring approval by our stockholders, including the election of directors and the approval of mergers or other significant corporate transactions. These stockholders may have interests that differ from yours, and they may vote in a way with which you disagree and that may be adverse to your interests. The concentration of ownership of our common stock may have the effect of delaying, preventing or deterring a change of control of our company, could deprive our stockholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their common stock as part of a sale of our company and may affect the market price of our common stock. This significant concentration of stock ownership may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock due to investors’ perception that conflicts of interest may exist or arise.

Our organizational documents and Delaware law make a takeover of our company more difficult, which may prevent certain changes in control and limit the market price of our common stock.

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law contain provisions that may have the effect of deterring or delaying attempts by our stockholders to remove or replace management, engage in proxy contests and effect changes in control. These provisions include:

 

   

our board of directors will be authorized, without prior stockholder approval, to create and issue preferred stock which could be used to implement anti-takeover devices;

 

   

advance notice will be required for director nominations or for proposals that can be acted upon at stockholder meetings;

 

   

our board of directors will be classified such that not all members of our board are elected at one time, which may make it more difficult for a person who acquires control of a majority of our outstanding voting stock to replace all or a majority of our directors;

 

   

stockholder action by written consent will be prohibited;

 

   

special meetings of the stockholders will be permitted to be called only by the chairman of our board of directors or by a majority of our board of directors; and

 

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stockholders will not be permitted to accumulate their votes for the election of directors; and stockholders will be permitted to amend our bylaws only upon receiving a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of all outstanding shares then entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

In addition, as a Delaware corporation, we are subject to Delaware law, including Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. In general, Section 203 prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder unless certain specific requirements are met as set forth in Section 203. These provisions, alone or together, could have the effect of deterring or delaying changes in incumbent management, proxy contests or changes in control.

These provisions also could discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for you and other stockholders to elect directors and take other corporate actions. The existence of these provisions could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. Some provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may deter third parties from acquiring us, which may limit the market price of our common stock.

You will experience immediate and substantial dilution in the net tangible book value of the common stock you purchase in this offering.

If you purchase shares of our common stock in this offering, you will experience immediate dilution of $       per share based on the mid-point of the range on the cover page of this prospectus because the price that you pay will be substantially greater than the adjusted pro forma net tangible book value per share of common stock that you acquire. This dilution is due in large part to the fact that our earlier investors paid substantially less than the price of the shares being sold in this offering when they purchased their shares of our capital stock. If outstanding options to purchase our common stock are exercised, you will experience additional dilution. See the section entitled “Dilution” in this prospectus for a more detailed description of this dilution.

We have not paid dividends in the past and do not expect to pay dividends in the future, and any return on investment may be limited to the value of our common stock.

We have never paid dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends on our common stock will depend on our earnings, financial condition and other business and economic factors affecting us at such time as our board of directors may consider relevant. If we do not pay dividends, our common stock may be less valuable because a return on your investment will only occur if our stock price increases.

 

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. We generally identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar words, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements are only predictions. Although we believe that we have a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this prospectus, we caution you that these statements are based on our projections of the future that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The outcome of the events described in these forward-looking statements is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our, our customers’ or our industry’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, to differ. “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business,” as well as other sections in this prospectus, discuss some of the factors that could contribute to these differences.

The forward-looking statements made in this prospectus relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

This prospectus also contains market data related to our business and industry. These market data include projections that are based on a number of assumptions. While we believe these assumptions to be reasonable and sound as of the date of this prospectus, if these assumptions turn out to be incorrect, actual results may differ from the projections based on these assumptions. As a result, our markets may not grow at the rates projected by these data, or at all. The failure of these markets to grow at these projected rates may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and the market price of our common stock.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We estimate that the net proceeds from our sale of                           shares of common stock in this offering will be approximately $       million, or approximately $       million if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full, assuming an initial public offering price of $       per share, the mid-point of the range on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by us. A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $       per share would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by $       million, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We may also increase or decrease the number of shares we are offering. Each increase of 1.0 million shares in the number of shares offered by us, together with a $1.00 increase in the assumed offering price of $       per share, would increase the net proceeds to us from this offering by $       million. Similarly, each decrease of 1.0 million shares in the number of shares offered by us, together with a $1.00 decrease in the assumed offering price of $       per share, would decrease the net proceeds to us from this offering by $       million.

We currently expect to use our net proceeds from this offering as follows:

 

   

approximately $23.0 million for achieving regulatory approval of our product;

 

   

approximately $20.0 million for initiating sales and marketing efforts;

 

   

approximately $13.0 million for research and product development activities; and

 

   

the remainder for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

This expected use of net proceeds of this offering represents our current intentions based upon our present plans and business conditions. The amounts we actually expend in these areas may vary significantly from our current intentions and will depend upon a number of factors, including FDA approval for our product, future sales growth, success of research and product development efforts, cash generated from future operations and actual expenses to operate our business.

As of the date of this prospectus, we cannot specify with certainty all of the particular uses for the net proceeds to be received upon the completion of this offering. Accordingly, our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds, and investors will be relying on the judgment of our management regarding the application of the proceeds of this offering. The amounts and timing of these expenditures will vary depending upon a number of factors, including FDA approval for our products, future sales growth, success of research and product development efforts, cash generated from future operations and actual expenses to operate our business.

Pending the uses described above, we intend to invest the net proceeds in United States government securities and other short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing instruments.

DIVIDEND POLICY

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock. We anticipate that we will retain all of our future earnings, if any, for use in the development and expansion of our business and for general corporate purposes. Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon our financial condition and operating results.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table describes our capitalization as of March 31, 2007 on an actual basis and on a pro forma as adjusted basis to reflect:

 

   

the conversion of all of the outstanding shares of our preferred stock into 95,442,677 shares of common stock upon completion of this offering;

 

   

the conversion of all outstanding preferred stock warrants to common stock warrants;

 

   

the issuance upon the completion of this offering of 1,875,000 shares of our common stock to Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research pursuant to a license;

 

   

the filing of amendments to our certificate of incorporation effective upon completion of this offering; and

 

   

our sale of               shares of common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $       per share, the mid-point of the range on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses.

You should read this capitalization table together with the financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, as well as “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the other financial information included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

     As of March 31, 2007
     Actual     Pro Forma as
Adjusted(1)
     (In thousands, except
share and per share data)

Current liabilities

   $ 5,049     $             

Notes payable, less current portion and discounts

     915    

Convertible preferred stock warrant liability

     973    
              

Total liabilities

     6,937    
              

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Series C convertible preferred stock, $0.01 par value: 53,000,000 shares authorized, actual; 51,957,735 shares issued and outstanding, actual; no shares authorized, issued and outstanding, pro forma as adjusted

     520      

Series B convertible preferred stock, $0.01 par value: 41,089,088 shares authorized, actual; 39,002,196 shares issued and outstanding, actual; no shares authorized, issued and outstanding, pro forma as adjusted

     390      

Series A convertible preferred stock, $0.01 par value: 2,896,249 shares authorized, actual; 2,896,249 shares issued and outstanding, actual; no shares authorized, issued and outstanding, pro forma as adjusted

     29      

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value: no shares authorized, issued or outstanding, actual; 5,000,000 shares authorized and no shares issued and outstanding, pro forma as adjusted

          

Common stock, $0.01 par value: 130,000,000 shares authorized, actual; 5,490,650 shares issued and outstanding, actual; 50,000,000 shares authorized and              shares issued and outstanding, pro forma as adjusted

     55    

Additional paid-in capital

     62,754    

Deferred compensation

     (60 )  

Deficit accumulated during development stage

     (40,256 )  
              

Total stockholders’ equity

     23,432    
              

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 30,369     $  
              

(1)

A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $       per share would increase (decrease) additional paid-in capital, total stockholders’ equity and total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

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by $       million, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions. We may also increase or decrease the number of shares we are offering. Each increase of 1.0 million shares in the number of shares offered by us, together with a $1.00 increase in the assumed offering price of $       per share, would increase additional paid-in capital, total stockholders’ equity and total liabilities and stockholders’ equity by approximately $       million. Similarly, each decrease of 1.0 million shares in the number of shares offered by us, together with a $1.00 decrease in the assumed offering price of $       per share, would decrease additional paid-in capital, total stockholders’ equity and total liabilities and stockholders’ equity by approximately $       million. The pro forma information discussed above is illustrative only and will adjust based on the actual public offering price and terms of this offering determined at pricing.

The preceding table excludes:

 

   

4,980,362 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants outstanding as of March 31, 2007, on an as-converted basis and at a weighted average exercise price of $0.44 per share;

 

   

15,772,968 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options outstanding as of March 31, 2007, at a weighted average exercise price of $0.23 per share; and

 

   

16,316,382 shares of common stock expected to be available for future issuance under our stock incentive plans upon completion of this offering.

We expect to complete a       -for-      reverse split of our common stock before the closing of this offering. All share amounts have been adjusted retroactively to give effect to this stock split.

 

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DILUTION

If you invest in our common stock, your ownership interest will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per share of common stock and the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately after this offering. Our historical net tangible book value as of March 31, 2007 was $23.4 million, or $4.27 per share of common stock. Net tangible book value per share is determined by dividing our total tangible assets less our total liabilities by the number of shares of common stock outstanding. The pro forma net tangible book value of our common stock as of March 31, 2007 was approximately $24.4 million, or approximately $0.24 per share based on the number of shares outstanding as of March 31, 2007 after giving effect to the conversion of all outstanding preferred stock into common stock, the reclassification of convertible preferred stock warrants from liabilities to stockholders’ equity and the issuance of 1,875,000 shares of common stock to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research upon closing of this offering.

After giving effect to our sale of              shares of common stock at an assumed initial public offering price of $       per share, the mid-point of the range on the cover of this prospectus, and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value as of March 31, 2007 would have been $       million, or $       per share. This amount represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value to our existing stockholders of $       per share and an immediate dilution to new investors of $       per share. The following table illustrates this per share dilution:

 

Assumed initial public offering price per share

      $             

Historical net tangible book value per share as of March 31, 2007

   $                

Effect of reclassification of convertible preferred stock warrants from liabilities to stockholders’ equity

   $     
         

Pro forma net tangible book value per share before this offering

   $     
         

Pro forma increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to investors participating in this offering

   $     
         

Pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering

     
         

Pro forma dilution per share to investors participating in this offering

      $  
         

Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed public offering price of $       per share would increase (decrease) our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value by approximately $       million, or approximately $       per share, and the pro forma dilution per share to investors in this offering by approximately $       per share, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions. We may also increase or decrease the number of shares we are offering. An increase of 1.0 million shares in the number of shares offered by us, together with a $1.00 increase in the assumed offering price of $       per share, would result in a pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value of approximately $       million, or $       per share, and the pro forma dilution per share to investors in this offering would be $       per share. Similarly, a decrease of 1.0 million shares in the number of shares offered by us, together with a $1.00 decrease in the assumed public offering price of $       per share, would result in an pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value of approximately $       million, or $       per share, and the pro forma dilution per share to investors in this offering would be $       per share. The pro forma as adjusted information discussed above is illustrative only and will adjust based on the actual public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing.

If the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option to purchase additional shares in this offering, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value at March 31, 2007 would be $       million, or $       per share, representing an immediate increase in pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value to our existing stockholders of $       per share and an immediate dilution to investors participating in this offering of $       per share.

 

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The following table summarizes as of March 31, 2007, on a pro forma as adjusted basis, the number of shares of common stock purchased from us, the total consideration paid to us and the average price per share paid by our existing stockholders and by investors participating in this offering, based upon an assumed initial public offering price of $       per share, the mid-point of the range on the cover of this prospectus, and before deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by us.

 

     Shares Purchased    

Total Consideration

    Weighted
Average
Price Per
Share
     Number    Percent     Amount    Percent    

Existing stockholders

             %   $                    %   $         

Investors participating in this offering

            
                              

Total

      100 %   $             100 %  
                              

The above discussion and tables also assume no exercise of any outstanding stock options or warrants except as set forth above. As of March 31, 2007, there were:

 

   

15,772,968 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options with a weighted average exercise price of $0.23 per share;

 

   

4,980,362 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $0.44 per share; and

 

   

16,316,382 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our stock incentive plans upon completion of this offering.

Assuming the exercise in full of the outstanding options and warrants, pro forma net tangible book value before this offering at March 31, 2007 would be $0.24 per share, representing no dilution to our existing stockholders and, after giving effect to the sale of shares in this offering, there would be immediate dilution of $             per share to new investors in this offering.

The following table summarizes, on a pro forma basis as of March 31, 2007, after giving effect to the exercise of all stock options and warrants outstanding as of March 31, 2007, the differences between the number of shares of common stock purchased from us, the total consideration and the weighted average price per share paid by existing stockholders and by investors participating in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $• per share, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses:

 

     Shares Purchased     Total Consideration     Weighted
Average
Price Per
Share
     Number    Percent     Amount    Percent    

Existing stockholders

               %   $                          %   $             

Investors participating in this offering

            
                              

Total

               %   $                          %   $             
                              

The number of shares of common stock outstanding in the table above is based on the pro forma number of shares outstanding as of March 31, 2007 and assumes no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option. If the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full, the number of shares of common stock held by existing stockholders will be reduced to •% of the total number of shares of common stock to be outstanding after this offering, and the number of shares of common stock held by investors participating in this offering will be increased to •shares or •% of the total number of shares of common stock to be outstanding after this offering.

Effective upon the closing of this offering, an aggregate of 16,316,382 shares of our common stock will be reserved for future issuance under our benefit plans. To the extent that any of these options or warrants are exercised, new options are issued under our benefit plans or we issue additional shares of common stock in the future, there will be further dilution to investors participating in this offering.

 

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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected financial data should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected financial data in this section is not intended to replace our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of our future results.

Except for the pro forma net loss per share and pro forma weighted average number of shares data, we derived the statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 from our audited consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. Except for the pro forma net loss per share and pro forma weighted average number of shares data, the statement of operations data for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2007 and for the period from December 19, 2002 (inception) through March 31, 2007 and the balance sheet data as of March 31, 2007 have been derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The statements of operations data for the year ended December 31, 2003 and for the period from December 19, 2002 (inception) through December 31, 2002 and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004 are derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements not included in this prospectus.

 

      Period from
December 19,
2002
(inception) to
December 31,
2002
    Years Ended December 31,     Three Months
Ended March 31,
   

Period from
December 19,
2002
(inception) to
March 31,

2007

 
    2003     2004     2005     2006     2006     2007    

Statements of Operations Data:

    (In thousands, except per share data)  

Operating expenses:

               

Research and development

  $ 603     $ 1,750     $ 1,755     $ 8,833     $ 14,361     $ 3,645     $ 4,078     $ 31,380  

Selling, general and administrative

          135       1,491       2,319       3,761       846       1,348       9,054  
                                                               

Total operating expenses

    603       1,885       3,246       11,152       18,122       4,491       5,426       40,434  
                                                               

Other income (expense):

               

Interest income

                35       110       1,136       87       415       1,696  

Interest expense

          (16 )     (238 )     (181 )     (710 )     (169 )     (137 )     (1,282 )

Change in value of the convertible preferred stock warrant liability

                            7             (244 )     (237 )

Other, net

                      8       (1 )     (7 )     (6 )     1  
                                                               

Net loss

  $ (603 )   $ (1,901 )   $ (3,449 )   $ (11,215 )   $ (17,690 )   $ (4,580 )   $ (5,398 )   $ (40,256 )
                                                               

Net loss per share—basic and diluted(1)

  $ (0.30 )   $ (1.31 )   $ (2.68 )   $ (3.17 )   $ (3.76 )   $ (1.11 )   $ (1.01 )  
                                                         

Weighted average number of shares used in per share calculations—basic and diluted(1)

    2,000       1,446       1,288       3,541       4,709       4,118       5,362    
                                                         

Pro forma net loss per common share (unaudited)—basic and diluted

          $ (0.24 )     $ (0.05 )  
                           

Weighted average number of shares used in pro forma per share calculations—basic and diluted

            73,188         100,804    
                           

(1) Please see Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for an explanation of the method used to calculate basic and diluted net loss per common share attributable to common stockholders.

 

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     As of December 31,     As of
March 31,
2007
 
       2002     2003     2004     2005     2006    
     (In thousands)  

Balance Sheet Data:

            

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

   $     $ 664     $ 5,332     $ 10,719     $ 34,732     $ 28,547  

Working capital (current assets less current liabilities)

     20       448       5,025       8,640       29,921       24,000  

Total assets

     20       717       5,699       11,561       36,064       30,369  

Long-term debt, net of current portion and discounts

           1,155             7,344       1,727       915  

Convertible preferred stock

     6       18       240       419       939       939  

Deficit accumulated during development stage

     (603 )     (2,504 )     (5,952 )     (17,168 )     (34,858 )     (40,256 )

Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)

     20       (670 )     5,327       1,975       28,574       23,431  

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and the other financial information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those discussed in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus.

Overview

We are a development stage medical device company focused on the design and development of devices that use neuroblocking technology to treat obesity and other gastrointestinal disorders. Our proprietary neuroblocking technology, which we refer to as VBLOC therapy, is designed to intermittently block the vagus nerve using high frequency, low energy, electrical impulses. We have a limited operating history and we currently have no products approved for sale. Our initial product under development is the Maestro System, which uses VBLOC therapy to limit the expansion of the stomach, reduce the frequency and intensity of stomach contractions and produce a feeling of early and prolonged fullness. We were formerly known as Beta Medical, Inc. and were incorporated in Minnesota on December 19, 2002. We later changed our state of incorporation to Delaware on July 22, 2004. Since inception, we have devoted substantially all of our resources to the development and commercialization of our Maestro System.

Based on our understanding of vagal nerve function and nerve blocking from our preclinical studies and the results of our initial clinical trials, we believe the Maestro System may offer obese patients a minimally invasive treatment alternative that has the potential to result in significant and sustained weight loss. We believe that our Maestro System will allow bariatric surgeons to help obese patients who are concerned about the risks and complications associated with gastric banding and gastric bypass surgery. We are continuing to evaluate the Maestro System in human clinical trials conducted internationally and plan to commence enrollment in our first U.S. pivotal trial, the EMPOWER trial, in the third quarter of 2007. We plan to use data from our EMPOWER trial to support our premarket approval, or PMA, application for the Maestro System, which we expect to submit in the first half of 2009. We anticipate commercialization in the United States beginning in 2010 if and when the FDA grants us PMA. We have implanted the Maestro System in 66 subjects as of June 29, 2007.

If and when we obtain FDA approval of our Maestro System we intend to market our products in the United States through a direct sales force supported by field technical and marketing managers who provide training, technical and other support services to our customers. Outside the United States we intend to use direct, dealer and distributor sales models as the targeted geography best dictates. To date, we have relied on third-party manufacturers and suppliers for the production of our Maestro System. We currently anticipate that we will continue to rely on third-party manufacturers and suppliers for the production of the Maestro System following commercialization.

To date, we have generated no revenue from the sale of products, and we have incurred net losses in each year since our inception. As of March 31, 2007, we had a deficit accumulated during the development stage of $40.3 million. We expect our losses to continue and to increase as we continue our development activities and expand our commercialization activities. We have financed our operations primarily through private placement of our equity securities and issuance of debt.

Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Judgments and Estimates

Our management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles

 

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generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements as well as the reported expenses during the reporting periods. We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

While our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, we believe that the following accounting policies and estimates are most critical to a full understanding and evaluation of our reported financial results.

Stock-Based Compensation

Through December 31, 2005, we have accounted for stock-based employee compensation arrangements using the intrinsic value method in accordance with the recognition and measurement provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion, or APB, No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees , and related interpretations, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Interpretation No. 44, Accounting for Certain Transactions Involving Stock Compensation, an Interpretation of APB Opinion No. 25 . For periods prior to December 31, 2005, we have complied with the disclosure-only provisions required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation , as amended by SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure , an amendment to SFAS No. 123.

Under APB No. 25, we were not required to recognize stock-based compensation expense for employee stock options granted from inception through 2005 as the exercise prices, for financial reporting purposes, were determined to be at or above the deemed fair value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of our common stock was assessed and approved by our board of directors, the members of which have extensive experience in the life sciences industry and all but one of whom are non-employee directors. In determining the appropriateness of the fair value of our common stock, the board of directors considered several factors, such as our life cycle, results of research and development, recent financings and financial projections.

While our consolidated financial statements through December 31, 2005 account for stock option grants pursuant to APB No. 25, in accordance with SFAS No. 123, we disclose in the notes to our consolidated financial statements the pro forma impact on our net loss had we accounted for stock option grants using the minimum value method of accounting. We account for stock-based compensation arrangements with non-employees in accordance with SFAS No. 123, as amended by SFAS No. 148, and Emerging Issues Task Force, or EITF, No. 96-18, Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services , using a fair value approach. For stock options granted to non-employees, the fair value of the stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model. This model utilizes the estimated fair value of common stock and requires that, at the date of grant and each subsequent reporting period until the services are completed or a significant disincentive for nonperformance occurs, we make assumptions with respect to the expected term of the option, the volatility of the fair value of our common stock, risk free interest rates and expected dividend yields of our common stock. Different estimates of volatility and expected life of the option could materially change the value of an option and the resulting expense.

Adoption of SFAS No. 123R

Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, Share-Based Payment , or SFAS No. 123R, which requires compensation costs related to share-based transactions, including employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements based on fair value. SFAS No. 123R revises SFAS No. 123, as amended, and supersedes APB No. 25. We adopted SFAS No. 123R using the prospective transition method. Under this method, compensation cost is recognized for all share-based payments granted or modified subsequent to December 31, 2005. Prior to January 1, 2006, we used the minimum value method to

 

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determine values for our pro forma stock-based compensation disclosures. We have not utilized the minimum value method subsequent to our adoption of SFAS No. 123R on January 1, 2006, and the fair value of our options will be higher as a result. Our net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and for the year ended December 31, 2006, was higher than if we had continued to account for employee stock-based compensation under APB No. 25 by $81,821 and $47,479, respectively.

We selected the Black-Scholes pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options. The determination of the fair value of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model will be affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables. These variables include our estimated common stock fair value, expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors, risk-free interest rates, forfeitures and expected dividends.

The fair value of our common stock was assessed and approved by our board of directors. In determining the appropriateness of the fair value of our common stock, the board of directors considered several factors, including valuations performed by Gemini Valuation Services, LLC, or Gemini, an unrelated valuation specialist, our life cycle, results of research and development, recent financings and financial projections. The expected term represents the weighted-average period that our stock options are expected to be outstanding. The expected term is currently based on the “simplified” method described in the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin, Topic 14: Share-Based Payment. As we have been operating as a private company since inception, we are unable to use actual price volatility data. Therefore, we estimate the volatility of our common stock based on volatility of similar publicly-held entities. We base the risk-free interest rate that we use in the option pricing model on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with remaining terms similar to the expected term on the options. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future and therefore use an expected dividend yield of zero in the option pricing model. We are required to estimate forfeitures at the time of grant and revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. We use historical data to estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures and record stock-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest. We had a choice of two attribution methods for allocating compensation costs under SFAS No. 123R: the “straight-line method,” which allocates expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the last separately vesting portion of an award, or the “graded vesting attribution method,” which allocates expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards. We chose the former method and amortized the fair value of each option on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.

Calculating stock-based compensation expense requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, which represent our best estimates and involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. These estimates are consistent with the plans and estimates that we use to manage the business. There is inherent uncertainty in making these estimates. We received valuations from Gemini to support the valuation of the common stock as of April 20, 2006, July 6, 2006, January 31, 2007 and February 28, 2007. These valuations were contemporaneous with those dates with the exception of the April 20, 2006 valuation which was retrospective. We did not obtain contemporaneous documentation on the April 20, 2006 date because, at the time of issuances of stock options during this period, our efforts were focused on research and product development. Estimates of stock-based compensation expenses are significant to our consolidated financial statements, but these expenses are non-cash expenses.

The guidance in SFAS No. 123R and Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 is relatively new, and best practices are not well established. The application of these principles may be subject to further interpretation and refinement over time. There are significant differences among option valuation models, and this may result in a lack of comparability with other companies that use different models, methods and assumptions. If factors change and we employ different assumptions in the application of SFAS No. 123R in future periods, or if we decide to use a different valuation model, the compensation expense that we record in the future under SFAS No. 123R may differ significantly from what we have recorded in the current period and could materially affect our operating loss, net loss and net loss per common share.

 

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The intrinsic value of the options outstanding as of March 31, 2007, was $     million, of which $     million related to vested options and $     million related to unvested options. The intrinsic value was computed using the mid-point of the range listed on the cover page of this prospectus.

Net Operating Losses and Tax Credit Carryforwards

At December 31, 2006, we had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $17.9 million each. These net operating loss carryforwards will expire in varying amounts from 2022 through 2026, if not utilized. Under the provisions of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, substantial changes in our ownership may limit the amount of net operating loss carryforwards and certain tax credits that can be utilized annually in the future to offset taxable income. A valuation allowance has been established to reserve the potential benefits of these carryforwards and tax credits in our consolidated financial statements to reflect the uncertainty of future taxable income required to utilize available tax loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets. If a change in our ownership is deemed to have occurred or occurs in the future, our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits in any fiscal year may be significantly limited.

Financial Overview

Revenue

To date, we have not generated any revenue. We do not expect to generate revenue until at least the second quarter of 2010 and only if we receive FDA approval of our Maestro System. Any revenue from initial sales of a new product is difficult to predict and in any event will only modestly reduce our continued and increasing losses resulting from our research and development and other activities.

Research and Development Expenses

Our research and development expenses primarily consist of engineering, product development and clinical and regulatory expenses, incurred in the development of our Maestro System. Research and development expenses also include employee compensation, including stock-based compensation, consulting services, outside services, materials, supplies, depreciation and travel. We expense research and development costs as they are incurred. From inception through March 31, 2007, we have incurred a total of $31.4 million in research and development expenses.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Our selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation for executive, finance, market development and administrative personnel, including stock-based compensation. Other significant expenses include costs associated with attending medical conferences, professional fees for legal, including legal services associated with our efforts to obtain and maintain broad protection for the intellectual property related to our products, and accounting services, cash management fees, consulting fees and travel expenses. From inception through March 31, 2007, we have incurred $9.1 million in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Results of Operations

Comparison of the Three-Month Periods Ended March 31, 2006 and 2007

Research and Development Expenses .    Research and development expenses were $4.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007, compared to $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006. The increase of $433,000, or 11.9%, is primarily due to a $266,000 increase in compensation expense associated with increased headcount and a $311,000 increase in professional services primarily associated with additional

 

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resources needed to complete development of the Maestro RC System. The increase was partially offset by reduced supplies, travel and other information technology expenses of $279,000. Included in research and development expenses during the first quarter of 2007 was $133,000 of stock-based compensation due to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R and non-employee stock compensation charges compared to $14,000 in the first quarter of 2006. The increase of $119,000 is the result of adopting the prospective method prescribed in SFAS No. 123R and an increase in the fair value of our common stock from January 1, 2006 through March 31, 2007. We expect our research and development expenses to increase as we continue development and clinical trials of our Maestro RC System for the obesity market and other future applications. We also expect a significant increase to occur in the quarter in which this offering is completed as a result of the issuance of 1,875,000 shares of common stock to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, resulting in a one-time stock-based compensation expense of $            , which amount has been computed using the mid-point of the range listed on the cover page of this prospectus.

Selling , General and Administrative Expenses .    Selling, general and administrative expenses were $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007, compared to $846,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2006. The increase of $502,000, or 59.3%, is primarily due to a $234,000 increase in professional services expense related to patent filing fees and general patent support, audit fees associated with our initial public offering, public relations and reimbursement activities, and employee recruiting fees. Additional components of the increase include a $72,000 increase in compensation expense associated with increased headcount and a $98,000 increase in facility and other administrative costs. Included in selling, general and administrative expenses during the first quarter of 2007 was $112,000 of stock-based compensation due to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R and non-employee stock compensation charges compared to $1,000 in the first quarter of 2006. The increase of $111,000 is the result of adopting the prospective method prescribed in SFAS No. 123R and an increase in the fair value of our common stock from January 1, 2006 through March 31, 2007. We expect our selling, general and administrative expenses to increase substantially due to increased headcount necessary to support our continued growth in operations, the costs associated with operating as a publicly-traded company and the cost associated with the expected commercial launch of our Maestro System.

Interest Income .    Interest income was $415,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007, compared to $87,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2006. The increase of $329,000 was primarily due to higher cash, cash equivalents and short-term investment balances during the first quarter of 2007 as a result of the closing of our $46.2 million Series C preferred stock financing, debt funding and higher interest rates. We expect our interest income to increase as a result of the proceeds of this offering.

Interest Expense .    Interest expense was $137,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007, compared to $169,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2006. The decrease of $32,000 was primarily due to a decrease in the principal balance outstanding on loan agreements entered into during 2005 and 2006.

Change in Value of the Convertible Preferred Stock Warrant Liability.     Change in value of the convertible preferred stock warrant liability was $244,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007, compared to none for the three months ended March 31, 2006. This is the result of a convertible preferred stock warrant liability being recorded on December 11, 2006 when we sold an additional 1,124,480 shares of Series C convertible preferred stock. Upon closing the sale, we had insufficient authorized and unissued shares of Series C convertible preferred stock available to share settle outstanding warrants to purchase Series C convertible preferred stock, resulting in the warrants being reclassified as a liability at the estimated fair value of $735,000 on December 11, 2006 and subsequently remeasured as of December 31, 2006 and March 31, 2007. The fair market value of the warrants as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 was $973,000 and $729,000, respectively.

Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2005 and 2006

Research and Development Expenses .    Research and development expenses were $14.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to $8.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. The increase of $5.6 million, or 62.6%, was primarily due to a $1.5 million increase in compensation related expenses associated with

 

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increased headcount and a $3.9 million increase in professional services expenses associated with the continued development of our Maestro RF System and the beginning of our international clinical trials. Included in research and development expenses during 2006 was $121,000 of stock-based compensation due to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R and non-employee stock compensation charges compared to $0 in 2005.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses .    Selling, general and administrative expenses were $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. The increase of $1.5 million, or 62.1%, was primarily due to a $405,000 increase in compensation related expenses associated with increased headcount, a $511,000 increase in professional services and a $161,000 increase in facility expenses as a result of increased rent costs. Included in selling, general and administrative expenses during 2006 was $43,000 of stock-based compensation due to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R and non-employee stock compensation charges compared to $25,000 in 2005.

Interest Income .    Interest income was $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to $110,000 for the year ended December 31, 2005. The increase of $1.0 million was primarily due to higher cash, cash equivalents and short-term investment balances during 2006 as a result of the closing of our $46.2 million Series C preferred stock financing and higher interest rates.

Interest Expense.     Interest expense was $710,000 for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to $181,000 for the year ended December 31, 2005. The increase of $529,000 was primarily due to 2006 having a full year of interest on loan agreements entered into during the last half of 2005 and additional loan agreements entered into in the first half of 2006.

Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2004 and 2005

Research and Development Expenses.     Research and development expenses were $8.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. The increase of $7.0 million was primarily the result of product development activities associated with our Maestro RF System and increased activity in preparation of launching our international clinical trials. Specifically, compensation related expenses increased $1.3 million as a result of increased headcount, consulting related expenses increased $1.7 million and travel expenses increased $215,000. There was also an increase of $3.4 million in product development costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses .    Selling, general and administrative expenses were $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. The increase of $828,000, or 55.5%, was primarily due to a $265,000 increase in compensation related expenses associated with increased headcount, a $233,000 increase in office supply related purchases, a $180,000 increase in professional services due mainly to audit and legal fees and a $71,000 increase in market development expenses.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We have incurred losses since our inception in December 2002 and, as of March 31, 2007 we had a deficit accumulated during the development stage of $40.3 million. We have financed our operations to date principally through sale of capital stock, debt financing and interest earned on investments. Through March 31, 2007, we have received net proceeds of $63.2 million from the sale of common stock and preferred stock and $5.8 million in debt financing from a lender that provides $746,000 to finance equipment purchases and $5.0 million to finance working capital. As of March 31, 2007, we had $28.5 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. Our cash and investment balances are held in a variety of interest bearing instruments, including obligations of U.S. government agencies, corporate bonds, commercial paper, variable rate demand notes and money market funds. Cash in excess of immediate requirements is invested in accordance with our investment policy, primarily with a view to liquidity and capital preservation.

 

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The $5.8 million in debt financing is collateralized by a first security priority lien on all of our assets, excluding intellectual property. We have entered into account control agreements in order to perfect the lender’s first security interest in our cash and investment accounts. In the event we have less than four remaining months of liquidity, we are required to grant a temporary lien on our intellectual property. The number of remaining months of liquidity is calculated by dividing cash and cash equivalents as of the end of any particular month by the sum of our total operating expenses for each of the immediately preceding four months.

Net Cash Used in Operating Activities

Net cash used in operating activities was $16.2 million, $10.3 million and $3.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Net cash used in operating activities was $5.3 million and $4.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Net cash used in operating activities primarily reflects the net loss for those periods, which was partially offset by depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation and changes in operating assets and liabilities.

Net Cash Provided by or Used in Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $17.7 million, $450,000 and $242,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2006 was primarily related to the purchase of short-term investments and, to a lesser extent, purchase of property and equipment offset somewhat by the proceeds from the maturity of short-term investments. Net cash used in investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 was related to the purchase of property and equipment. Net cash provided by investing activities was $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to net cash used in investing activities of $62,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2006. Net cash provided by investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was primarily related to the proceeds from the maturity of short-term investments partially offset by the purchase of short-term investments and, to a lesser extent, the purchase of property and equipment.

Net Cash Provided by or Used in Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was $40.7 million, $16.1 million and $8.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Net cash used in financing activities was $630,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006. Net cash provided by financing activities was primarily attributable to the issuance of Series B preferred stock in the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, the issuance of Series C preferred stock in the year ended December 31, 2006 and proceeds from debt financing in the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005. Net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was primarily related to repayments made on outstanding loan amounts, partially offset by proceeds from the exercise of common stock options. Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2006 was primarily related to proceeds from debt financing and proceeds from the exercise of common stock options, partially offset by repayments made on outstanding loan amounts.

Operating Capital and Capital Expenditure Requirements

To date, we have not commercialized any products and we have not earned any operating revenues. We anticipate that we will continue to incur substantial net losses for the next several years as we develop our products, prepare for the potential commercial launch of our Maestro System, develop the corporate infrastructure required to sell our products and operate as a publicly-traded company as well as pursue additional applications for our technology platform.

We do not expect to generate significant product revenue until 2010. We do not anticipate generating any product revenue in the United States unless and until we successfully obtain FDA approval for our Maestro System. We believe the net proceeds from this offering, together with our cash, cash equivalents and short-term

 

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investment balances and interest income we earn on these balances will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash requirements through at least the next 36 months. If our available cash, cash equivalents and investment balances and net proceeds from this offering are insufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements, we may seek to sell additional equity or debt securities or enter into a credit facility. The sale of additional equity and debt securities may result in dilution to our stockholders. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of debt securities, these securities could have rights senior to those of our common stock and could contain covenants that would restrict our operations. We may require additional capital beyond our currently forecasted amounts. Any such required additional capital may not be available on reasonable terms, if at all. If we are unable to obtain additional financing, we may be required to reduce the scope of, delay, or eliminate some or all of, our planned research, development and commercialization activities, which could materially harm our business.

Our forecast of the period of time through which our financial resources will be adequate to support our operations, the costs to complete development of products and the cost to commercialize our products are forward-looking statements and involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results could vary materially and negatively as a result of a number of factors, including the factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus. We have based these estimates on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could utilize our available capital resources sooner than we currently expect.

Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with the development of medical devices, such as our Maestro System, we are unable to estimate the exact amounts of capital outlays and operating expenditures necessary to complete the development of the products and successfully deliver a commercial product to the market. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including but not limited to the following:

 

   

the scope, rate of progress, results and cost of our clinical trials and other research and development activities;

 

   

the cost and timing of regulatory approvals;

 

   

the cost and timing of establishing sales, marketing and distribution capabilities;

 

   

the cost of establishing clinical and commercial supplies of our Maestro System and any products that we may develop;

 

   

the rate of market acceptance of our Maestro System and VBLOC therapy and any other product candidates;

 

   

the cost of filing and prosecuting patent applications and defending and enforcing our patent and other intellectual property rights;

 

   

the cost of defending, in litigation or otherwise, any claims that we infringe third-party patent or other intellectual property rights;

 

   

the effect of competing products and market developments;

 

   

the cost of explanting clinical devices;

 

   

the terms and timing of any collaborative, licensing or other arrangements that we may establish;

 

   

any revenue generated by sales of our future products; and

 

   

the extent to which we acquire or invest in businesses, products and technologies, although we currently have no commitments or agreements relating to any of these types of transactions.

 

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Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2006 and the effect those obligations are expected to have on our financial condition and liquidity position in future periods:

 

     Payments Due By Period

Contractual Obligations

   Total    Less Than 1
Year
   1-3 Years    3-5
Years
   More than
5 Years

Operating lease

   $ 242,440    $ 138,076    $ 104,364    $ 0    $ 0

Long-term debt

     4,996,410      3,054,028      1,942,382      0      0

Other long-term liabilities

     750,000      250,000      500,000      0      0
                                  

Total contractual cash obligations

   $ 5,988,850    $ 3,442,104    $ 2,546,746    $ 0    $ 0
                                  

Our commitments for operating lease relate to the lease for our corporate headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota. There has been no material change in these obligations other than scheduled payments through March 31, 2007. Other long-term liabilities consist of obligations required under the terms of our license agreement with the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, or Mayo Foundation.

We are also obligated to issue up to 1,875,000 shares of common stock to the Mayo Foundation as consideration if future Mayo Foundation patents are issued or if the FDA approves a product patented by the Mayo Foundation or jointly patented by the Mayo Foundation and us. Upon the completion of this offering, the 1,875,000 shares of common stock become immediately issuable to the Mayo Foundation and we will record a one-time stock-based compensation expense of $            , which amount has been computed using the mid-point of the range listed on the cover page of this prospectus.

Off-balance-sheet Arrangements

Since our inception, we have not engaged in any off-balance-sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K of the SEC.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Our exposure to market risk is confined to our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments which have maturities of less than one year. The goals of our investment policy are preservation of capital, fulfillment of liquidity needs and fiduciary control of cash and investments. We also seek to maximize income from our investments without assuming significant risk. To achieve our goals, we maintain a portfolio of cash equivalents and investments in a variety of securities of high credit quality. The securities in our investment portfolio are not leveraged, are classified as either available for sale or held-to-maturity and are, due to their very short-term nature, subject to minimal interest rate risk. We currently do not hedge interest rate exposure. Because of the short-term maturities of our investments, we do not believe that an increase in market rates would have any material negative impact on the value of our investment portfolio.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 , which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. FIN 48 requires that we recognize in our financial statements the impact of a tax position if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective as of the beginning of our 2007 fiscal year, with the cumulative effect, if any, of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. The adoption of FIN 48 had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 (SFAS 157), Fair Value Measurements , which defines fair value, establishes guidelines for measuring fair value and expands disclosures regarding fair value measurements. SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements but rather eliminates inconsistencies in guidance found in various prior accounting pronouncements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Earlier adoption is permitted, provided we have not yet issued financial statements, including for interim periods, for that fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 157.

In September 2006, the United Stated Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 (SAB 108), Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements When Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements , which provides interpretive guidance on how registrants should quantify financial statement misstatements. Under SAB 108, registrants are required to consider both a “rollover” method which focuses primarily on the income statement impact of misstatements and the “iron curtain” method which focuses primarily on the balance sheet impact of misstatements. The adoption of SAB 108 had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159 (SFAS 159), The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 . SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The amendment to SFAS 115 applies to all entities with investments in available-for-sale or trading securities. The statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We have not yet determined the effect SFAS 159 will have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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BUSINESS

Overview

We are a development stage medical device company focused on the design and development of devices that use neuroblocking technology to treat obesity and other gastrointestinal disorders. Our proprietary neuroblocking technology, which we refer to as VBLOC therapy, is designed to intermittently block the vagus nerve using high-frequency, low-energy, electrical impulses. The vagus nerve controls much of the activity of the stomach, intestines and pancreas and plays a role in food processing. Our initial product under development is the Maestro System, which uses VBLOC therapy to limit the expansion of the stomach, reduce the frequency and intensity of stomach contractions and produce a feeling of early and prolonged fullness. Based on our understanding of vagal nerve function and nerve blocking from our preclinical studies and the results of our initial clinical trials, we believe the Maestro System may offer obese patients a minimally-invasive treatment alternative that has the potential to result in significant sustained weight loss.

We believe that our Maestro System will allow bariatric surgeons to help obese patients who are concerned about the risks and complications associated with gastric banding and gastric bypass surgery. We are continuing to evaluate the Maestro System in human clinical trials conducted in Australia, Mexico, Norway and Switzerland. We recently received an investigational device exemption, or IDE, for our first U.S. pivotal trial, the EMPOWER trial, and plan to commence enrollment in the third quarter of 2007. We plan to use data from our EMPOWER trial to support our application for premarket approval, or PMA, for the Maestro System, which we expect to submit in the first half of 2009. If the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, grants us approval, we anticipate we will be able to commercialize the Maestro System in the United States in 2010. As of June 29, 2007, we have implanted the Maestro System in 66 subjects and have 12-month clinical data on 9 subjects. To date, we have not observed any mortality or any medically serious device-related complications that have required surgical attention in the 66 subjects we have implanted with the Maestro System. Three adverse events have been observed to date, all of which were resolved without surgical attention or permanent effects.

Our Maestro System delivers VBLOC therapy via two small electrodes that are laparoscopically implanted and placed in contact with the trunks of the vagus nerve just above the junction between the esophagus and the stomach, near the diaphragm. The electrodes deliver the appropriate VBLOC therapy algorithm as programmed by a neuroregulator implanted under the skin in the abdominal region. Our Maestro System is designed to be implanted by a bariatric surgeon in approximately one hour during an outpatient procedure that is typically performed using a short-acting general anesthetic. The physician activates the Maestro System after an approximate two-week healing period following implantation. VBLOC therapy is then delivered intermittently each day during the patient’s waking hours.

If and when we obtain FDA approval of our Maestro System we intend to market our products in the United States through a direct sales force supported by field technical and marketing managers who provide training, technical and other support services to our customers. Initially, we anticipate that our sales representatives will exclusively target selected bariatric surgery Centers of Excellence and nationally recognized bariatric surgery centers. Outside the United States we currently intend to use direct, dealer and distributor sales models as the targeted geography best dictates.

We believe we are the only company applying neuroblocking therapy to the vagus nerve for the treatment of obesity. We believe that two of our issued patents and our patent applications broadly cover the use of neuroblocking therapy for obesity and other disorders and we intend to continue to pursue further intellectual property protection through U.S. and foreign patent applications.

The Obesity Epidemic

Obesity has been identified by the U.S. Surgeon General as the fastest growing cause of disease and death in the United States. In 1980, approximately 15% of the adult population in the United States was obese, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. By 2004, the incidence of obesity had more than

 

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doubled to 32%. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, estimates that there are 65 million obese adults in the United States, with approximately 42 million having a Body Mass Index, or BMI, of 30 to 35 and approximately 23 million having a BMI greater than 35. BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. It is estimated that by 2010, as many as 83 million Americans will suffer from obesity. Obesity is also a significant health problem outside of the United States, with as many as 400 million people worldwide estimated to be obese according to the World Health Organization.

The CDC has identified obesity as a leading public health threat in the United States and estimated that there are approximately 112,000 obesity-related deaths each year in the United States. According to data from the CDC, 76% of people with a BMI above 35 have an obesity-related disease or disorder, also called a co-morbidity. According to the North American Association for the Study of Obesity and the CDC, obesity is associated with many significant weight-related co-morbidities including Type 2 diabetes, high blood-pressure, sleep apnea, certain cancers, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, osteoarthritis and stroke. In addition, a number of disorders involving the central nervous system may also be complicated by obesity, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, agoraphobia, depression and insomnia. As of 2000, the Department of Health and Human Services estimated the overall economic costs of obesity in the United States to be $117 billion per year.

We believe that the obesity epidemic will continue to grow worldwide given dietary trends in developed nations that favor highly processed sugars, larger meals and fattier foods, as well as increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Despite the growing obesity rate, increasing public interest in the obesity epidemic and significant medical repercussions and economic costs associated with obesity, there continues to be a significant unmet need for more effective treatments.

Existing Obesity Treatments and Limitations

Existing options for the treatment of obesity include behavioral modification, pharmaceutical therapy and bariatric surgery. While behavioral modification, including nutritional and exercise counseling, is an important component in the treatment of obesity, most patients find it difficult to achieve and maintain significant weight loss with a regimen of diet and exercise alone. Studies have shown that behavioral modification alone is an ineffective treatment for obesity in approximately 95% of patients. As a result, there is a significant need for other treatments such as pharmaceutical therapy or bariatric surgery. However, we believe these alternatives have seen limited adoption to date as physicians and patients remain dissatisfied with the tradeoffs between efficacy and safety of existing treatment options.

Pharmaceutical therapy .    Several pharmaceutical products have been approved by the FDA for obesity therapy in the United States. These drug therapies often represent a first option in the treatment of obese patients within lower BMI ranges, but may carry significant safety risks or troublesome side-effects, such as high blood pressure, increased heart rate or diarrhea. In addition, patients using pharmaceutical therapy often experience a weight loss plateau after six months. We believe these side-effects and shortcomings have led to limited adoption of pharmaceutical therapy, as reflected in a September 2006 Frost & Sullivan report, which states that in 2005 less than two percent of the obese population in the United States was treated with pharmaceuticals.

Bariatric surgery .    In the more severe cases of obesity, patients may pursue more aggressive surgical treatment options. Gastric bypass and gastric banding, the most commonly employed bariatric surgeries, promote weight loss by surgically restricting the stomach’s capacity and its outlet size. Gastric bypass also affects weight loss by restricting the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. However, according to American Society for Bariatric Surgery estimates in 2006, despite recent increases in the number of bariatric surgical procedures, less than two percent of the 15 million surgically-eligible obese population underwent a bariatric surgical procedure. We believe this low adoption rate is largely due to the numerous short and long-term safety risks presented by these procedures.

The most common form of gastric bypass accounts for approximately 70% of all bariatric surgeries in the United States. Gastric bypass typically involves the surgical division of the stomach and small intestine. The surgeon creates a small walnut-sized pouch out of the upper segment of the stomach, which is connected to the

 

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severed downstream section of the small intestine, thereby bypassing the lower part of the stomach and much of the front end of the small intestine. Gastric bypass is a highly invasive, anatomy-altering surgery and patients may face many of the following:

 

   

potentially fatal post-surgical complications including pulmonary embolism, or blood clots that travel to the lungs, as well as leaks that may lead to post-surgical infection, which occur at the juncture between newly-joined or repaired sections of the digestive system;

 

   

re-operations to repair sections of the digestive system and to dilate or further reduce the surgically-created passageway between the stomach and the intestine;

 

   

nutrient deficiency resulting from the reduced capacity to absorb vitamins and minerals in the bypassed section of the small intestine;

 

   

intolerance to common foods; and

 

   

extended hospitalization.

Gastric bypass is performed as an open surgical procedure or a laparoscopic procedure. Length of stay averaged 3.7 days for open bariatric surgical procedures and 2.5 days for laparoscopic bariatric procedures. Although laparoscopic surgery can reduce the risks associated with gastric bypass surgery, it does not eliminate them entirely. These risks may include: breathing problems, irregular heart rhythm, bleeding, injury of abdominal organs including the lower esophagus, blood clots in legs and lungs, infection, temporary abdominal discomfort and loss of appetite and, in rare cases, death. The 30-day mortality rates in patients with gastric bypass range from 0.3% to over one percent. A study of 16,155 Medicare patients who underwent bariatric surgery from 1997 to 2002 showed 12-month mortality rates to be over twice as high as the 30-day rates. We believe that the perceived risk presented by these mortality rates represents a substantial barrier to adoption.

Gastric banding typically involves implantation of a silicone band around the upper portion of the stomach to restrict stomach capacity and stomach outlet size, usually to less than one centimeter. The silicone band can be adjusted by a surgeon through a needle-accessible port to restrict the diameter of the stomach pouch outlet. Although less invasive than gastric bypass, with gastric banding, patients and surgeons may face many of the following:

 

   

re-operations to correct slippage of the stomach through the band or to correct erosions of the band through the wall of the stomach. Bands that are too loose or that slip become ineffective, while those that are too tight tend to cause nausea and vomiting. Recent European research indicates that band-related complications and re-operations may occur throughout the life of the gastric band at a rate of nearly five percent per year;

 

   

intolerance to common foods such as meats and certain breads that can obstruct the restricted passageway and require patients to vomit to clear the obstruction;

 

   

ongoing clinical visits to receive physician-controlled, sometimes uncomfortable, band adjustments that require significant time for the patient and the surgeon and increase surgical staffing requirements;

 

   

complications generally associated with laparoscopic procedures as well as device failure or malfunction with possible need for additional surgery; and

 

   

an in-patient hospital stay.

We believe that gastric banding has not been more widely accepted because of the high rate of re-operation, the frequent nausea and vomiting experienced by patients, the restrictive post-operative diet and the post-operative burden placed on both the patient and physician for frequent follow-up visits.

 

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Neurostimulation as a Treatment for Obesity:     Because of the side effects and limitations involved with bariatric surgery, efforts have been made to develop alternative treatments for obesity. One alternative treatment that has been explored is neurostimulation, which uses low-frequency, electrical stimulation of either the vagus nerve or the smooth muscles and nerves of the stomach to slow the emptying of the stomach or induce a feeling of fullness. However, reports of two recent clinical studies have not shown neurostimulation to be effective in treating obesity:

 

   

In 2003, researchers using Cyberonics’ VNS system reported inconclusive results of a pilot study using bilateral vagal nerve stimulation in a small human series following earlier promising results in canines.

 

   

In December 2005, Medtronic announced that it did not meet the efficacy endpoint in the U.S. pivotal clinical trial for its gastric stimulation device.

We believe that these results suggest that stimulation therapies have limited application in the treatment of obesity.

Given the limitations of pharmaceutical therapy, bariatric surgery and neurostimulation, we believe there is a substantial need among physicians and obese individuals for a safe and effective solution that:

 

   

preserves normal anatomy;

 

   

allows continued ingestion and digestion of foods found in a typical, healthy diet;

 

   

enables non-invasive adjustability while reducing the need for frequent clinic visits;

 

   

minimizes the risks of re-operation, malnutrition and mortality; and

 

   

reduces the natural hunger drive of patients.

EnteroMedics’ Solution

We are designing our Maestro System to address many of the unmet needs of physicians and patients for an effective long-term obesity treatment that minimizes the complications presented by existing alternatives. The Maestro System delivers VBLOC therapy, which we believe is the first therapy of its kind for the treatment of obesity using neuroblocking. VBLOC therapy interrupts nerve signals along the vagus nerve to selectively block the gastrointestinal effects of the vagus nerve, unlike neurostimulation, which attempts to increase neural activity through stimulation to impact the digestive system.

The Vagus Nerve and the Digestive System

Beginning in the brain, the vagus nerve travels down alongside the esophagus to the stomach and other gastrointestinal organs and is primarily responsible for autonomic regulation involved in heart, lung and gastrointestinal function. The vagus nerve controls much of the activity of the stomach, intestine and pancreas and plays a role in food processing, including:

 

   

expansion of the stomach as food enters;

 

   

contractions of the stomach to break food into smaller particles;

 

   

release of gastric acid required for food processing;

 

   

emptying of the stomach contents into the small intestine;

 

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secretion of digestive pancreatic enzymes that enable absorption of calories; and

 

   

controlling sensations of hunger, satisfaction and fullness.

VBLOC Therapy

Several studies of the vagus nerve and its effect on the digestive system have focused on the effects of surgical vagotomy, the permanent severing of the vagus nerve at the level of the junction between the esophagus and the stomach. Given the role of the vagus nerve in regulating the release of gastric acid, early researchers originally used vagotomy as a treatment for peptic ulcers. They discovered that their patients often experienced weight loss or, at a minimum, failure to gain weight following vagotomy. However, weight loss after vagotomy alone has been disappointing, particularly over the long-term and likely dissipates as the body compensates for the anatomical disruption by partial restoration of nervous system function.

VBLOC therapy is designed to block the gastrointestinal effects of the vagus nerve by using high-frequency, low-energy electrical impulses to intermittently interrupt naturally occurring neural impulses on the vagus nerve between the brain and the digestive system. Our therapy is designed to limit the expansion of the stomach and to reduce the frequency and intensity of stomach contractions. In addition, we believe VBLOC therapy also reduces the absorption of calories by decreasing the secretion of digestive enzymes. The resulting physiologic effects of VBLOC therapy are intended to produce a feeling of early and prolonged fullness following smaller meal portions and a subsequent reduction in hunger. By intermittently blocking the vagus nerve and allowing it to return to full function between therapeutic episodes, we believe we have limited the body’s natural tendency to circumvent the therapy, which can result in long-term weight loss.

We have designed our Maestro System to address a significant market opportunity that we believe exists for a safe, effective and less-invasive therapy that is intended to address the underlying causes of hunger and obesity. Our Maestro System is designed to offer each of the following benefits, which we believe could lead to the adoption of VBLOC as the therapy of choice for obesity:

 

   

Preserves Normal Anatomy.     Our system is designed to block the neural signals that influence a patient’s hunger and sense of fullness without altering digestive system anatomy. Accordingly, patients should experience fewer and less severe side effects compared to treatments that incorporate anatomical alterations.

 

   

Allows Continued Ingestion and Digestion of Foods Found in a Typical, Healthy Diet.     Because our therapy leaves the digestive anatomy unaltered, we believe that patients will be able to maintain a more consistent nutritional balance compared to existing surgical approaches.

 

   

May be Implanted on an Outpatient Basis and Adjusted Non-Invasively.     The Maestro System is designed to be laparoscopically implanted in approximately one hour, allowing patients to leave the hospital or clinic on the same day. The implantable system is designed to be turned off and left in place for patients who reach their target weight. When desired, the follow-up physician can simply and non-invasively turn the therapy back on. Alternatively, the implantable system can be removed in a laparoscopic procedure.

 

   

Offers Favorable Safety Profile.     We have designed our EMPOWER clinical trial to demonstrate the safety of the Maestro System. In our clinical trials to date, we have not observed any mortality or any medically serious device-related complications that have required surgical attention in the 66 patients we have implanted with the Maestro System. We have also not observed any long-term problematic clinical side effects in any patients, including in the nine patients who have been using the Maestro System for more than 12 months.

 

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Targets Multiple Factors that Contribute to Hunger and Obesity .    We designed VBLOC therapy to target the multiple digestive functions of the vagus nerve and to affect the perception of hunger and fullness, which together contribute to obesity.

VBLOC therapy, delivered via our Maestro System, is intended to offer patients what we believe could be an effective, safe, outpatient solution that minimizes complications. We believe that if approved it could enable patients to lose weight and maintain long-term weight loss while enjoying a normal, healthy diet. We also believe that the Maestro System, if approved, will appeal to physicians based on the inherent physiological approach of VBLOC therapy and its anticipated favorable safety profile.

Our Business Strategy

Our goal is to establish VBLOC therapy, delivered via our Maestro System, as the leading obesity management solution. The key business strategies by which we intend to achieve these objectives include:

Achieve Regulatory Approval for VBLOC Therapy Using Our Maestro System.     We have received an Investigational Device Exemption, or IDE, from the FDA for use of the Maestro System in the United States in our EMPOWER pivotal trial, but have yet to receive regulatory approval to market the Maestro System. We plan to commence our EMPOWER pivotal trial in the United States and Australia in the third quarter of 2007. If we achieve favorable results from the EMPOWER pivotal trial, we plan to use the data from this trial to obtain a PMA from the FDA to allow us to commence sales in the United States in 2010. We also plan to complete the regulatory submissions required to enable the eventual sale of our systems internationally.

Drive the Adoption and Endorsement of VBLOC Therapy Through Key Opinion Leaders.     Our clinical development strategy is to collaborate closely with regulatory bodies, physician opinion leaders and scientific experts. We have established credible and open relationships with physician opinion leaders and scientific experts and we believe these key opinion leaders and scientific experts will be important in promoting patient awareness and gaining widespread adoption once the Maestro System is approved and commercialized.

Commercialize Our Products using a Direct Sales and Marketing Effort.     We plan to build a sales force to call directly on key opinion leaders and bariatric surgeons, primarily within bariatric Centers of Excellence. We believe this currently represents approximately 230 facilities within the United States, which we believe will enable us to target them effectively with a small sales force. We expect that our direct sales force will promote the Maestro System to physicians and patients who have concerns with current bariatric surgical procedures. We also plan to call on physicians, weight-management specialists and nurses who influence patient adoption.

Procure Appropriate Coding, Coverage and Payment for the Maestro System .     While payors are not our direct customers, their coverage and reimbursement policies influence patient and physician selection of obesity treatment. We plan to employ a focused campaign to obtain payor support for VBLOC therapy. We plan to seek specific and appropriate coding, coverage and payment for our Maestro System from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, and from private insurers.

Expand and Protect Our Intellectual Property Position .    We believe that our issued patents and our patent applications encompass a broad platform of neuromodulation therapies, including vagal blocking and combination therapy focused on obesity and other gastrointestinal disorders. We intend to continue to pursue further intellectual property protection through U.S. and foreign patent applications.

Leverage our VBLOC Technology for Other Disease States .    We intend to continue to conduct research and development for other potential applications for our VBLOC therapy and believe we have a broad technology platform that will support the development of additional clinical applications and therapies for other gastrointestinal disorders in addition to obesity.

 

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The Maestro System, Implantation Procedure and Usage

The Maestro System.     Our Maestro System delivers VBLOC therapy via two small electrodes that are laparoscopically implanted and placed in contact with the trunks of the vagus nerve just above the junction between the esophagus and the stomach, near the diaphragm. We are developing the Maestro System in two different energy configurations, the Maestro RF System and the Maestro RC System.

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The major components of the Maestro System include:

 

   

Neuroregulator.     The neuroregulator is an implanted device that controls the delivery of VBLOC therapy to the vagus nerve. It is surgically implanted just below, and parallel to, the skin, typically on the side of the body over the ribs. The neuroregulator emits short, charge-balanced electrical pulses at a high pulse rate that travel down the leads to the electrodes and intermittently block natural nerve signals on the vagus nerve.

 

   

Lead system.     Our neuroblocking leads are powered by the neuroregulator and deliver electrical pulses to the vagus nerve via the electrodes. The leads and electrodes are similar to those used in traditional neurostimulation products, are intended to be implanted and may be removed laparoscopically.

 

   

Controller/Mobile charger.     Our controller regulates the rate and intensity of the electrical pulses delivered by the neuroregulator and maintains a log of device and treatment changes. In the Maestro RF System, the controller is an external unit. In the Maestro RC System, the external controller is replaced by an external mobile charger designed to be worn approximately three hours once per week and the control logic is contained within the implanted neuroregulator.

 

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Transmit coil.     The transmit coil is positioned over the implanted neuroregulator and delivers radiofrequency energy and therapy control information across the skin into the device. The coil is held in position over the neuroregulator using either an adhesive or an adjustable elastic belt worn around the torso.

 

   

Clinician programmer.     The clinician programmer connects to the controller to enable clinicians to customize therapy settings as necessary and download reports stored in system components. The reports include patient use and system performance information used to manage therapy. The clinician programmer incorporates our proprietary software and is operated with a commercially available laptop computer.

The Maestro RF System and the Maestro RC System differ in the following ways:

 

   

The neuroregulator within the Maestro RF System is powered by a battery in the externally-worn controller, which is connected to the external transmit coil. The transmit coil needs to be properly positioned over the approximately 20 cubic centimeter neuroregulator and worn daily during the patient’s waking hours to deliver therapy. The controller is recharged nightly using AC wall power.

 

   

The neuroregulator in the Maestro RC System is powered by an internal rechargeable battery. The RC neuroregulator is approximately 70 cubic centimeters in volume to accommodate its internal battery. An external mobile charger is connected to the external transmit coil to recharge the battery and needs to be worn approximately three hours once per week in order to recharge the internal battery. The mobile charger is recharged using AC wall power.

We intend to evaluate each system as part of our clinical trial plan.

Implantation Procedure.     The Maestro System is designed to be implanted by a bariatric surgeon in approximately one hour during an outpatient procedure that will be typically performed using a short-acting general anesthetic. During the procedure, the surgeon laparoscopically implants the electrodes in contact with the vagal nerve trunks and then connects the lead wires to the neuroregulator. After the electrodes have been attached adjacent to the vagal trunks and connected to the neuroregulator, the surgeon confirms final system operation by sending electrical pulses to the leads by the neuroregulator. Once system operation has been confirmed, the surgeon implants the neuroregulator under the skin and closes all incisions. We believe that patients who are implanted with the Maestro System will be able to return home from the hospital or clinic on the same day. The implantation procedure and usage of the Maestro System carry some risks, such as the risks generally associated with laparoscopic procedure described above as well as the possibility of device malfunction. In addition, in rare circumstances during implantation, the vagus nerve or esophagus may be damaged causing problems such as difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, heartburn, belching, abdominal fullness or discomfort, diarrhea, or decreased appetite. We expect that any of these problems would be temporary without lasting effects, although there is the risk of permanent injury to the vagus nerve. Some post-operative effects that may occur after implantation of our Maestro System include movement of the leads or neuroregulator from their original positions, erosion or wire breakage and potential allergic reaction with internal or external device contacts.

Usage of the Maestro System.     The physician activates the Maestro System after an approximate two-week healing period following implantation. VBLOC therapy is then delivered intermittently each day during the patient’s waking hours through the neuroregulator. The scheduled delivery of the intermittent electrical pulses blocking the vagus nerve is customized for each patient by the physician using the clinician programmer and when necessary, therapy can also be easily and non-invasively modified by the physician. The physician determines the duration of the therapy in consultation with the patient based on the patient’s weight loss and overall treatment objectives. Patients using the Maestro RF System can elect to suspend or circumvent therapy at any time by simply not carrying the controller. Without the controller, the RF neuroregulator receives no power and cannot provide therapy. Patients using the Maestro RC System are more limited in their ability to suspend or circumvent therapy because the control logic is embedded in the implanted neuroregulator, which is generally recharged approximately once a week.

 

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The physician is able to download reports to monitor patient use and system performance information. This information is particularly useful to physicians to ensure that patients are properly using the system. Although usage of our Maestro System generally proceeds without complications, as part of the therapy or intentional weight loss, subjects in our clinical trials have observed side-effects such as heartburn, bloating, diarrhea, sweating, nausea, constipation, greasy bowel movements, tiredness and excessive feelings of fullness, especially after meals. In addition, patient noncompliance with wearing the external components of the Maestro RF System may render VBLOC therapy less effective in achieving long-term weight loss.

Maestro Clinical Development

We are developing our Maestro System to deliver VBLOC therapy for the long-term treatment of obesity. Based on our preliminary preclinical and clinical findings, we believe that our Maestro System has the potential to offer a compelling combination of efficacy and safety. We are continuing to evaluate the Maestro System in human clinical studies conducted internationally and plan to commence enrollment in our first U.S. pivotal trial, the EMPOWER trial, in the third quarter of 2007. We plan to use data from our EMPOWER trial to obtain FDA approval and anticipate filing our PMA application by the first half of 2009.

Preclinical Experience

We have completed several preclinical animal studies, primarily in pigs and rats, to evaluate the safety of our Maestro System and to refine our implantation procedure. These studies have also shown that VBLOC therapy could completely block activated nerve signals, with the nerve regaining normal function within minutes after each intermittent application of therapy. Over a 12-week period of VBLOC therapy, over 93% of all nerve fibers showed normal histology and the animals demonstrated unimpaired heart rate, respiration, blood pressure and glucose regulation. Additionally, we observed that VBLOC therapy resulted in a greater than 80% reduction in pancreatic exocrine secretions, which are composed of digestive enzymes, water and bicarbonate that facilitate food digestion and caloric intake.

As a result of the findings of our preclinical studies, we were able to refine the implant technique, demonstrate the biocompatibility of our Maestro System in animals and collect the data necessary to begin human clinical trials. Several publications resulting from these preclinical studies were peer-reviewed and accepted for podium presentation at the Digestive Disease Week meeting in May 2006, the American Society for Bariatric Surgery meeting in June 2006, and the International Federation for Surgery of Obesity meeting in August 2006.

Clinical Experience

We began evaluating VBLOC therapy with our initial Maestro System, the RF1 system, in a clinical trial in February 2006 and have now implanted the Maestro System, including the next generation RF2 system, in a total of 66 subjects as of June 29, 2007. The RF2 system is distinguished from the RF1 system by an improved user interface, improvements in the energy management within the neuroregulator and a more robust transmission link for delivering energy from the coil to the neuroregulator in the RF2 system. Our early clinical experience has shown that VBLOC therapy using the Maestro System offers physicians a programmable method to selectively and reversibly block the vagus nerve and results in clinically and statistically significant excess weight loss. Excess weight represents the difference between a subject’s actual weight and the subject’s weight assuming a BMI of 25, which is considered healthy. Excess weight loss, or EWL, is reported as the percentage of excess weight that is lost by the subject.

We have not observed any mortality or any medically serious device-related complications that have required surgical attention in any of our completed or ongoing studies. Reported effects include those associated with laparoscopic surgery or any implantable electronic device. The effects of VBLOC therapy include changes in appetite, and, in some subjects, effects that may be expected with decreased intra-abdominal vagus nerve activity, such as temporary abdominal discomfort and short episodes of belching, bloating, cramping or nausea.

 

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We expect to initiate our pivotal clinical study, the EMPOWER trial, in the third quarter of 2007 upon receipt of approval from the relevant institutional review boards. The EMPOWER trial is a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, prospective, placebo-controlled pivotal study and will be conducted in the United States and selected international centers. Upon receipt of all enrolled patients’ one-year endpoint data, we intend to use the data from this study to support our PMA application for the Maestro System for the treatment of obesity in the United States. In addition, we expect to use our clinical studies in a submission to our Notified Body for a CE Mark that would allow us to commercialize our Maestro System in the European Union.

The following table is a summary of our planned, ongoing and completed clinical studies:

 

Clinical Study

   Maestro
System
  

Description

   Sites    Number of
Subjects
   Status

VBLOC-I

   RF1    Initial safety and efficacy trial VBLOC therapy with six month follow-up    3    31    Complete

VBLOC-EC

   RF1, RF2   

Continuation of VBLOC-I

for 18 months

   3    11    In follow-up

VBLOC-GF

   RF2    Assessment of VBLOC therapy on gastric function    1    12    In follow-up

VBLOC-RF2

   RF2    Assessment of Maestro System intended for use in pivotal trial    4    Up to 33    Enrolling

VBLOC-RC

   RC    Initial trial of Maestro RC System    Up to 5    Up to 20    Enrollment
beginning Q3
2007

EMPOWER

   RF2, RC    Trial focused on obtaining safety and efficacy clinical data for PMA application    10 to 15    Minimum
220
   Enrollment
beginning Q3
2007

VBLOC-I

The VBLOC-I trial was our initial clinical trial and was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Maestro System in treating patients with obesity. We also gathered data for guidance in selection of the appropriate parameters for VBLOC therapy delivery. The trial was an international, open-label, prospective, multi-center study, involving 31 subjects with a mean BMI of 41. Of the 31 subjects, five were men and 26 were women. Additionally, none of these subjects were enrolled in any diet, behavior modification, or exercise programs so that we could focus on and isolate the impact of VBLOC therapy on weight reduction. We evaluated the efficacy of VBLOC therapy by measuring the average percentage EWL at one, three and six months. We completed our VBLOC-I trial with six months of follow-up in December 2006.

We believe the VBLOC-I trial demonstrated the feasibility of the Maestro System in treating subjects with obesity. The table below shows the average percentage EWL at follow-up months one, three and six.

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In addition to its demonstrated clinical benefits, we also believe that VBLOC-I demonstrated the safety of the Maestro System in this subject population. No deaths or unanticipated adverse device-related effects were reported during the study. Two subjects were excluded from the data for non-compliance due to lack of system use. Two readily reversible serious events related to the implant procedure occurred. One subject contracted a post-operative lower respiratory tract infection and one subject contracted a localized, subcutaneous infection at the neuroregulator site not requiring system removal. These events required a single day’s hospitalization. A third and unrelated serious adverse event occurred in one subject who experienced severe diarrhea from bacterial infection. Other nonserious adverse events were adequately resolved without permanent effects and these patients remained in the trial.

Because of the investigational stage of our Maestro System, we were required to provide subjects the opportunity to transition from VBLOC therapy to a surgical alternative once they had undergone a minimum of six months of VBLOC therapy. Of the 31 subjects in this trial, five elected to convert to an alternative procedure. Two subjects were successfully converted to an adjustable gastric band and three subjects were successfully converted to gastric bypass after six months. We believe the therapy conversions of these subjects demonstrate that the neuroregulator and the implanted leads of the Maestro System can be removed in a short laparoscopic procedure.

As part of the VBLOC-I study, we also conducted two sub-studies to evaluate secondary endpoints among subsets of the subjects enrolled in the trial.

 

   

Sub-Study 1: Weight Loss, Calorie Intake, Hunger and Fullness.     This sub-study assessed the impact of VBLOC therapy on calorie intake, hunger and fullness at one site in a population of ten female subjects with an age range of 31 to 60 years and a BMI range of 33 to 48. This sub-study analyzed a series of seven-day diet diaries, computerized calorie calculations, hunger and fullness visual analogue scales and weight before and during VBLOC therapy. Participants in this sub-study had an average percentage EWL in excess of 20% after six months of treatment with a reduction in calorie intake determined from detailed dietary analysis. Subjects reported reduced hunger, earlier fullness and reduced food intake using validated visual analogue scales. We believe that the results of this sub-study indicate that VBLOC therapy may be effective in reducing calorie intake even though no diet, exercise or behavior modification programs of any kind were provided. VBLOC therapy may also be effective in reducing hunger and increasing feelings of fullness during a period of reduced calorie intake and sustained weight loss.

 

   

Sub-Study 2: Pancreatic Polypeptide Response .     This sub-study assessed the impact of VBLOC therapy on pancreatic function, which is a test often used to evaluate vagal nerve function, in a population of 20 women and five men at two sites with an age range of 30 to 58 years and a BMI range of 33 to 48. The exocrine pancreas is responsible for production and secretion of digestive enzymes in the small intestine that are responsible for food digestion, resulting in food absorption. This sub-study showed at the three month follow-up that implantation of the Maestro System and the use of VBLOC therapy blunted the pancreatic polypeptide response, an indicator of successful vagal blocking.

VBLOC-EC Trial

VBLOC-EC is an efficacy continuation of VBLOC-I. Twenty-six of the 31 VBLOC-I subjects were assigned to a long-term safety evaluation and two sites and 11 subjects met the criteria for inclusion in the efficacy continuation arm. Enrollment in VBLOC-EC began in the first quarter of 2007. As subjects of the VBLOC-I study reached their six month follow-up point, the subjects that consented were enrolled in VBLOC-EC. To participate in the VBLOC-EC trial, subjects were required to consent to long-term follow-up, to be compliant in their use of the system and to be enrolled in sites that had implemented a formal bariatric patient follow-up program. These EC subjects started receiving diet, behavior modification and exercise advice after the first six months of VBLOC therapy.

 

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The intent of our VBLOC-I trial was to determine the effects of VBLOC therapy alone without medical weight management. We incorporated a medical weight management program into our VBLOC-EC and VBLOC-RF2 trials because we believe it is important to reinforce the impact of VBLOC therapy combined with medical weight management education. Additionally, the FDA requested that we include a medical weight management program in our EMPOWER trial with patients with VBLOC therapy turned on and patients with VBLOC therapy turned off and we wanted to have experience using a medical weight management program with VBLOC therapy prior to commencing EMPOWER.

Since we have not designed a study comparing medical weight management alone against VBLOC therapy, we will not be able to determine the effect of a medical weight management program on efficacy in VBLOC-EC or VBLOC-RF2 other than a historical comparison. Despite this, we believe that medical weight management will be supplemental to VBLOC therapy and part of the recommended treatment in our future PMA application. We anticipate the completion of our VBLOC-EC study in December 2008. To date, no deaths or unanticipated adverse device effects have been reported during the VBLOC-EC study and the safety profile is similar to VBLOC-I. Other nonserious adverse events have been as expected.

The table below shows the average percentage EWL for the 11 subjects enrolled in VBLOC-I who continued on into the VBLOC-EC trial. The follow-up periods for the VBLOC-EC trial are at nine, 12 and 24 months after implantation in the VBLOC-I trial. In general, the weight loss for the subjects in VBLOC-EC was higher than in VBLOC-I at the three month and six month periods. We believe this is due to the fact that the centers participating in VBLOC-EC had formal bariatric programs and appeared to have better selection of patients that fit the program criteria and more adequate follow-up care.

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VBLOC-GF Trial

We initiated the VBLOC-GF trial to study the effects of VBLOC therapy on gastric function in 12 subjects who consented to gastric function testing prior to system implantation and at least two times after implant. Gastric function in response to interrupted VBLOC therapy will be assessed at several points throughout the trial. The gastric function testing uses a nutrient drink test to measure the amount of food required to feel full at meals and a trace radio-labeled standard solid meal protocol to measure gastric emptying. We anticipate completion of VBLOC-GF in the second half of 2009. To date, no deaths or unanticipated adverse device effects have been reported during the VBLOC-GF trial. Other nonserious adverse events have been as expected.

VBLOC-RF2 Trial

Enrollment of the VBLOC-RF2 trial began in November 2006 and is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Maestro RF2 System in treating patients with obesity over a period of 24 months. The trial is an international, open-label, prospective, multi-center study, involving up to 33 patients. Of the 26 subjects currently enrolled, five are men and 21 are women, with a mean BMI of 39.6. One subject was excluded from the data for noncompliance due to lack of system use. We are implementing medical weight management programs and plan to evaluate the efficacy of the VBLOC therapy by measuring average percentage EWL at one month, three, six, 12 and 24 months. We also plan to use results from this trial to further optimize selection of VBLOC

 

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therapy parameters. Preliminary data indicate that the RF2 system improvements have resulted in improved therapy delivery and more consistent weight loss. To date, no deaths or unanticipated adverse device effects have been reported during the VBLOC-RF2 trial and the safety profile is similar to VBLOC-I.

The following table summarizes current average percentage EWL data from this ongoing trial. We anticipate completion of VBLOC-RF2 in the second half of 2008 and will be periodically reporting safety and EWL data during the trial. The follow-up periods for the VBLOC-RF2 trial are at follow-up months one, three, six, 12 and 24.

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VBLOC-RC Trial

VBLOC-RC is intended to demonstrate that the clinical performance of the Maestro RC is similar to that of the RF2 System. It is also intended to demonstrate that the subject can effectively recharge the implanted RC device on a weekly basis and the physician and staff can perform device programming and operation. The trial will study up to 20 subjects at sites outside the United States. Medical weight management programs such as diet, behavior modification, or exercise programs will be implemented. We plan to evaluate system performance and efficacy by measuring average percentage EWL at one, three and six months. We anticipate beginning enrollment in the third quarter of 2007 and completion of the first follow-up period at six months in the first half of 2008 and will be periodically reporting safety and weight loss data during the trial. Subjects will also be enrolled for long-term follow-up out to 24 months after completion.

EMPOWER Trial

We have received IDE approval from the FDA for use of the Maestro System in our pivotal EMPOWER clinical trial. The EMPOWER trial is designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective, multi-center study including a minimum of 220 subjects at 10 to 15 U.S. and international sites. We are in discussions with the FDA in response to questions raised as part of the approval. We are in the process of submitting the trial protocol to the institutional review boards at our anticipated trial sites. Upon approval from the institutional review boards, which we expect in the third quarter of 2007, we will commence enrollment of the trial. All EMPOWER subjects will be implanted with the Maestro System and randomized on a 2:1 basis to an active group, where therapy is turned on, or a control group, where therapy is turned off. A limited number of diabetic subjects will also be included in the trial and randomized 1:1. We intend to submit an IDE supplement to the FDA for the Maestro RC as part of the EMPOWER trial in the first half of 2008.

The purpose of the EMPOWER trial is to measure the safety and efficacy of our Maestro System in obese subjects after 12 months of VBLOC therapy. The EMPOWER trial is designed to evaluate the following objectives:

 

   

The primary efficacy objective is to demonstrate a significantly greater percentage EWL with the Maestro System after 12 months of VBLOC therapy in the active group as compared to the control group. The trial is designed to demonstrate, with greater than 80% power, that the lower 97.5% confidence bound on the

 

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difference between the active and control groups is at least 10 percentage points. The underlying assumptions for the study are based on an EWL of 25% or more at 12 months for the active group versus an EWL of 8% or less for the control group, with an actual difference between groups of at least seventeen percentage points.

 

   

A secondary efficacy objective is to compare the proportion of subjects in the active group versus the control group who achieve an EWL of 25% or more. The power associated with this evaluation exceeds 95%.

 

   

The primary safety objectives are to estimate the rate of serious system and procedure-related adverse events associated with the Maestro System and to estimate the rate of serious, therapy-related adverse events.

The EMPOWER clinical data required for the PMA application is expected to be completed in the first half of 2009. Assuming these data are favorable, we intend to prepare and file our PMA application with the FDA. If approved, we would expect to commercially launch our Maestro System in the United States in 2010. Because the EMPOWER trial will be blinded, we will not be routinely reporting safety and EWL data until after the first year of the trial. After the first year, the trial will be unblinded and all subjects, including those in the control group, will have the option to receive ongoing VBLOC therapy. Subjects will continue to be followed out to 60 months as part of the trial and we will continue to monitor and report on average percentage EWL and safety during this extended period.

Even if we complete the EMPOWER trial it may not produce results that are sufficient to support approval of a PMA application, or the FDA may require higher efficacy endpoints to approve our Maestro System. For example, the FDA has indicated to us that they believe that a 20 to 25 percentage point greater EWL than a control group is the appropriate efficacy criterion for the EMPOWER trial. Thus, there is a risk that, even if we achieve our endpoint of a 10 percentage point greater EWL than the control group at 12 months, the FDA may not approve our Maestro System. To date, we have limited clinical data regarding the efficacy of our therapy at 12 months upon which to evaluate our ability to meet either our or the FDA’s proposed efficacy endpoint. Our results and our ability to obtain approval from the FDA for our Maestro System may also depend on the measurement standards we use to evaluate the EWL data. In addition, there is a risk that the FDA may require us to conduct a longer clinical trial, submit additional follow-up data, or engage in other costly and time consuming activities that may delay the FDA’s approval of the Maestro System.

Research and Development

We have an experienced, 40-person research and development team, including clinical, regulatory affairs and quality, comprised of scientists, electrical engineers, software engineers and mechanical engineers with significant clinical knowledge and expertise. Our research and development efforts are focused in the following major areas:

 

   

identifying the effect of vagal blocking on nerve and organ function;

 

   

developing the Maestro System; and

 

   

investigating the Maestro platform for gastrointestinal disorders in addition to obesity.

We have spent a significant portion of our capital resources on research and development. Our research and development expenses were $14.4 million in 2006, $8.8 million in 2005 and $1.8 million in 2004. We expect our research and development expenditures to increase as we continue to commit resources to developing our vagal neuroblocking technology.

 

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Other Diseases and Disorders

We believe that our VBLOC therapy may be used to treat a number of additional gastrointestinal disorders, including the following:

 

   

Metabolic Syndrome.     Metabolic syndrome refers to a group of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes mellitus and affects an estimated 50 million people in the United States. We believe that VBLOC therapy has significant potential in treating metabolic syndrome as there appeared to be a beneficial relationship between EWL and diabetic control in our VBLOC-I trial. We plan to enroll a larger subset of diabetic patients in our EMPOWER trial to further explore the efficacy of VBLOC therapy in this patient population.

 

   

Pancreatitis.     Primary and recurrent cases of acute pancreatitis are estimated to number from 150,000 to 200,000 annually, resulting in approximately 80,000 hospital admissions each year in the United States. In animal and human studies, we have shown that VBLOC therapy suppresses pancreatic exocrine secretion, suggesting its potential efficacy in treating pancreatitis.

 

   

Other Gastrointestinal Disorders.     We believe that VBLOC therapy may have potential in a number of other gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.

We are considering, but have not yet initiated, studies of VBLOC therapy in these indications.

Mayo Clinic Relationship

Our research and development team works with clinicians from Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota pursuant to an exclusive know-how, license, and consulting agreement. Mayo clinicians with multiple specialties such as bariatric surgery, gastroenterology and laparoscopic surgery consult exclusively with our research and development team to advise us as we develop our devices for vagal blocking therapy to treat obesity. The agreement with Mayo Clinic also includes a similar collaboration for the development of products to address a wide variety of disorders susceptible to treatment by electrically blocking neural impulses on the vagus nerve. We retain the exclusive rights to obesity-related device inventions developed through this collaboration. The Mayo Foundation receives an annual $250,000 retainer fee which commenced in 2005 and continues through January 2009. We have also licensed-in four obesity-related patent applications from Mayo Clinic. These patent applications cover a number of novel medical device concepts for treating obesity, all of which are unrelated to our VBLOC technology. In addition to the retainer fee we also issued 2,000,000 shares of common stock to the Mayo Foundation upon execution of the agreement in 2005. These shares were issued as partial consideration for Mayo patents and future patents and the obesity group know-how. We may also be obligated to issue up to 1,875,000 shares of common stock as consideration if future Mayo patents are issued or if the FDA approves a product patented by Mayo or jointly patented by Mayo and us. The issuance of these 1,875,000 shares of common stock will be accelerated in the event of an initial public offering, regardless of whether the conditions precedent to such issuance have been achieved or satisfied.

At any time after February 3, 2008, Mayo can terminate the license agreement without cause and upon such termination, the licenses granted to us by Mayo will become non-exclusive. Mayo Clinic Rochester has indicated that it will not participate in future clinical trials, although other Mayo Clinic locations may participate in our future clinical trials. No determination has been made at this point as to the role of Mayo Clinic in these clinical trials.

 

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Medical Advisors

In addition to our collaboration with Mayo Clinic, we also have medical advisors who provide strategic guidance to our development programs, consult with us on clinical investigational plans and individual study protocols, and advise on clinical investigational site selection. Members of our medical advisory group also:

 

   

serve on our Safety Monitoring Board and our Therapy Algorithm Panel;

 

   

meet with governmental regulatory authorities;

 

   

provide consultation on professional meeting presentations and journal manuscript submissions; and

 

   

develop and participate in clinical site training programs, including study surgical technique training and study subject follow-up training.

As of June 29, 2007, our medical advisory group consisted of the following individuals:

 

Name

 

Specialty

 

Institution

Mehran Anvari, M.D., Ph.D.

  Laparoscopic surgery   McMaster University

Charles J. Billington, M.D.

  Bariatrics, endocrinology   University of Minnesota

James W. Freston, M.D., Ph.D.

 

Gastroenterology,

pharmacology

  University of Connecticut

Miguel Herrera, M.D.

  Bariatric surgery  

Instituto Nacional de

la Nutricion, SZ (Mexico)

Samuel Klein, M.D.

 

Bariatrics,

gastroenterology/nutrition

  Washington University

David E. Larson, M.D.

  Gastroenterology   Mayo Clinic Rochester

Frank G. Moody, M.D.

  Bariatric surgery  

University of Texas

Health Science Center

We retain each medical advisor according to the terms of an advisory agreement. Under such agreements, we pay advisory fees (including in the form of grants of stock options) to, and reimburse the expenses of, members of our medical advisory group for the services they provide to us, with the amounts varying depending on the nature of the services. Our medical advisors are employed by institutions other than ours, and therefore may have commitments to, or consulting or advisory agreements with, other entities or academic institutions that may limit their availability to us. We paid to, or on behalf of, the current members of our medical advisory group aggregate advisory fees and reimbursements of $142,750, $263,334 and $217,811 in the first six months of 2007, and in years 2006 and 2005, respectively. In addition, we granted options to purchase 75,000 shares of our common stock in total to current members of our medical advisory group in each of 2006 and 2005. We also granted 25,000 shares of common stock in each of 2006 and 2005, respectively. We have not granted any shares or options in 2007.

Sales and Marketing

We currently do not have a sales organization and have no experience as a company in the marketing, sale or distribution of our proposed products. In the event that the Maestro System receives FDA approval, we expect to recruit and retain personnel responsible for commercial operations, sales and marketing, customer service, reimbursement and technical service in order to support the commercial launch of our product. Given the time required to locate and train appropriate personnel, we expect to commence that process prior to actually receiving FDA approval.

 

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Finally, we expect that account management and patient registration processes used during the clinical trial will be transitioned to commercial registration structure. Centers responsible for implanting our product will be expanded, and trained to perform the patient selection, implant and manage appropriate follow-up procedures.

Initially, we anticipate that our sales representatives will exclusively target selected bariatric surgery Centers of Excellence and nationally recognized bariatric surgery centers. To be approved as a bariatric surgery Center of Excellence, a surgery center needs to perform a minimum of 125 bariatric surgical procedures per year. As of June 2007, there were approximately 255 bariatric surgery Centers of Excellence approved by the Surgical Review Corporation. As of June 2007, there were 40 Level I Centers of Excellence approved by the American College of Surgeons. In addition we expect to market our products to a small number of nationally-recognized hospitals that do not intend to pursue the Center of Excellence certification.

We plan to support our sales representatives with field clinical experts who will be responsible for training and support at various implant centers. We also expect that our sales representatives will spend time implementing joint consumer marketing programs with surgical centers and implanting surgeons. We also intend to market to potential referral source clinicians such as general practitioners, internists, endocrinologists and nurses.

The primary focus of our sales efforts will be in the United States. Outside of the United States, we plan to sell and support our products either through direct sales or medical device distributors. We plan to target countries with reasonable regulatory and reimbursement barriers and a population interested in managing their obesity. Each country we target will require specific regulatory approval from the local government or agency. In some situations, we may be able to rely on FDA approval, European CE Mark or ISO quality certificates to satisfy local regulatory requirements.

To achieve commercial success for any product that receives regulatory approval, we must either develop a sales organization or enter into arrangements with others to sell our products. Developing a direct sales force can be expensive and time consuming and can delay the success of any product launch. Any sales force we develop will likely be competing against the experienced and well-funded sales and marketing operations of our competitors.

Competition

We compete primarily in the market for obesity treatment with surgical obesity procedures and various devices used to implement neurostimulation and gastric stimulation systems. We also compete with pharmaceutical therapies. The market for obesity treatments is intensely competitive, subject to rapid technological change and significantly affected by new product development. Although we expect to compete in the market for gastric stimulation systems and other neurotechnology devices that treat obesity, there are currently no FDA-approved neuromodulation or neuroblocking therapies for the treatment of obesity. We believe we are the first and only company currently pursuing neuroblocking therapy for the treatment of obesity.

We also compete against the manufacturers of pharmaceuticals that are directed at treating obesity. We are aware of two drugs that are approved for long-term treatment of obesity in the United States: Sibutramine, marketed by Abbott Labs, Inc. as Meridia, and Orlistat, marketed by Roche as Xenical. In addition, numerous pharmaceutical companies are working on additional drug therapies that may prove effective in addressing obesity.

We compete with several private early-stage companies developing neurostimulation devices for application to the gastric region and related nerves for the treatment of obesity. These companies may prove to be significant competitors, particularly through collaborative arrangements with large and established companies. They also compete with us in recruiting and retaining qualified scientific and management personnel, establishing clinical trial sites and subject registration for clinical trials, as well as in acquiring technologies and technology licenses complementary to our programs or advantageous to our business.

 

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In addition, there are many larger potential competitors experimenting in the field of neurostimulation to treat various diseases and disorders. For example, Medtronic, which develops deep brain stimulators and spinal cord stimulators, acquired TransNeuronix, which sought to treat obesity by stimulating the smooth muscle of the stomach wall and nearby tissue. St. Jude Medical, through its acquisition of Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, is developing spinal cord stimulators. Cyberonics is developing vagus nerve stimulators to modulate epileptic seizures and other neurological disorders. Boston Scientific, through its Advanced Bionics division, is developing neurostimulation devices such as spinal cord stimulators and cochlear implants.

In addition to competition from developers of neurostimulation and gastric modulation systems, we expect our Maestro System will also compete with surgical obesity procedures, including gastric bypass, gastric banding, vertical-banded gastroplasty and biliopancreatic diversion. The leader in the field of gastric banding is Allergan, whose Lap-Band received FDA approval for marketing in 2001. Allergan also recently acquired EndoArt, a European band company that has developed the EasyBand, which uses RF telemetry to adjust the gastric band. Additionally, we are aware that Johnson & Johnson has filed for FDA approval of their gastric band product known as the Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band.

We believe that the principal competitive factors in our market include:

 

   

acceptance by healthcare professionals, patients and payors;

 

   

published rates of safety and efficacy;

 

   

reliability and high quality performance;

 

   

invasiveness and the inherent reversibility of the procedure or device;

 

   

cost and average selling price of products and relative rates of reimbursement;

 

   

effective marketing, education, sales and distribution;

 

   

regulatory and reimbursement expertise;

 

   

technological leadership and superiority; and

 

   

speed of product innovation and time to market.

Many of our competitors are either publicly-traded or are divisions of publicly-traded companies, and they enjoy several competitive advantages over us, including:

 

   

significantly greater name recognition;

 

   

established relations with healthcare professionals, customers and third-party payors;

 

   

established distribution networks;

 

   

greater experience in research and development, manufacturing, preclinical testing, clinical trials, obtaining regulatory approvals, obtaining reimbursement and marketing approved products; and

 

   

greater financial and human resources.

As a result, we cannot assure you that we will be able to compete effectively against these companies or their products.

Third-party Coverage and Reimbursement

We plan to set a market price for the Maestro System in the United States that is comparable to other high-end, active implantable devices such as implantable cardioverter defibrillators, or ICDs, neurostimulation devices for chronic pain, and cochlear implant systems. We expect that the procedure will be performed in the outpatient setting.

 

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We believe that establishing appropriate third-party coverage for the therapy should be relatively straight-forward as important structural elements are already in place. Physician claims for payment use Current Procedural Terminology, Fourth Edition, or CPT, billing codes to describe procedures and services performed. Currently, there are established CPT codes for the implantation of cranial nerve pulse generators and related leads, and we expect providers may seek payment for our therapy based on these codes. With respect to possible usage of our product in the hospital inpatient setting, hospital inpatient billing is referenced by International Classifications of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification, or ICD-9-CM procedure codes. There is an existing ICD-9-CM diagnosis code for morbid obesity and our studies are intended to provide the necessary outcomes data to link appropriate billing codes with the ICD-9 diagnosis code for morbid obesity. Our clinical trial data substantiating VBLOC therapy will also be used to seek coverage of VBLOC therapy for patients with morbid obesity and appropriate reimbursement for surgeons and hospitals under the codes already in place.

CMS, the federal agency that administers the Medicare program, has issued a national coverage determination for several specific types of bariatric surgery, which we view as positive, potential precedent and guidance to factors that CMS might use in deciding to cover our therapy. The policy indicates that Medicare will cover these bariatric surgical procedures when they are performed in an approved Bariatric Center of Excellence by a bariatric surgeon who also meets established requirements. Subjects with a BMI greater than or equal to 35, at least one obesity-related disease or disorder and who were previously unsuccessful with medical treatment for obesity are considered eligible. However, the policy reiterates that treatments for obesity alone are not covered, because such treatments are not considered reasonable and necessary. Although Medicare policies are often emulated or adopted by other third-party payors, other governmental and private insurance coverage currently varies by carrier and geographic location. We intend to actively work with major insurance carriers as well as CMS to obtain coverage for procedures using our product.

Other manufacturers of neurostimulator devices for a variety of indications have been successful in securing third-party coverage and reimbursement for use of their devices after early commercialization. We will actively pursue all similar opportunities to secure appropriate payment for our device.

Intellectual Property

Our success will depend in part on our ability to obtain and defend patent protection for our products and processes, to preserve our trade secrets and to operate without infringing or violating the proprietary rights of third parties. To date, we have four issued U.S. patents, two of which pertain to treating gastrointestinal disorders and we believe provide us with broad intellectual property protection covering electrically-induced vagal blocking and for treating obesity. Material among these is our U.S. Patent No. 7,167,750. Assuming timely payment of maintenance fees as they become due, this patent will expire in 2023. We also have 17 U.S. patent applications (including one provisional application) and three national stage patent applications (including two European applications) in foreign jurisdictions. These applications primarily pertain to our vagal blocking technology and its application to obesity as well as other gastrointestinal disorders. In addition to our patents and applications, we have a license agreement with Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research for four pending U.S. patent applications on medical device obesity treatments, which are unrelated to our VBLOC therapy.

We also register the trademarks and trade names through which we conduct our business. To date, we have applied to register the trademarks “EnteroMedics”, “Maestro” and “VBLOC” vagal blocking therapy in the United States. Those applications have been published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. In addition, we have trademark registrations or pending applications for our name and mark in Australia, China, Mexico, and the European Community. We may file additional trademark applications from time to time as deemed appropriate by management.

Our technology is the subject of several international patent applications we have filed in addition to our U.S. patents and applications. We are dedicated to continuing our patent activity to ensure that our patent portfolio remains reflective of our intellectual property development. New developments and modifications of prior developments are periodically reviewed to identify necessary additions and modifications to our patent portfolio.

 

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In addition to our patents, we rely on confidentiality and proprietary information agreements to protect our trade secrets and proprietary knowledge. These confidentiality and proprietary information agreements generally provide that all confidential information developed or made known to individuals by us during the course of their relationship with us is to be kept confidential and not disclosed to third parties, except in specific circumstances. The agreements also provide for ownership of inventions conceived during the course of such agreements. If our proprietary information is shared or our confidentiality agreements are breached, we may not have adequate remedies, or our trade secrets may otherwise become known to or independently developed by competitors.

Manufacturers and Suppliers

We have designed and developed all of the elements of our Maestro System, except for the clinician programmer hardware, which uses a commercially available laptop computer. To date, all of the materials and components of the system used in our clinical trials are procured from qualified suppliers and contract manufacturers in accordance with our proprietary specifications. We use third parties to manufacture our Maestro System to minimize our capital investment, help control costs and take advantage of the expertise these third parties have in the large-scale production of medical devices. We do not currently plan to manufacture our Maestro System ourselves. All of our key manufacturers and suppliers for our Maestro RF System, which is the only system we have manufactured to date, have experience working with commercial implantable device systems, are ISO certified and are regularly audited by us. Our key manufacturers and suppliers have a demonstrated record of compliance with international regulatory requirements.

Atrotech, located in Finland, currently manufactures our Maestro RF neuroregulators and coils under a supply agreement that extends through September 2010. Atrotech is contractually obligated to manufacture our products according to our purchase forecasts and to provide us with a one-year notice of any significant changes in its business that may negatively impact our supply of product, in which case we would receive an option to make a one-time purchase of devices in sufficient quantity to continue business with uninterrupted product supply for three years. We may solicit bids for the manufacture of our neuroregulators and coils at any time and are not required to notify Atrotech of the relevant terms of a superior bid. If we use Atrotech for commercial release of our device, Atrotech must be registered with the FDA and subject to related FDA factory inspection.

In the event that the Maestro System receives FDA approval, we expect to increase our production volume by a significant amount. Given that we rely primarily on third-party manufacturers and suppliers for the production of our products, our ability to increase production will depend upon the experience, certification levels and large scale production capabilities of our suppliers and manufacturers. Qualified suppliers and contract manufacturers have been and will continue to be selected to supply products on a commercial scale according to our proprietary specifications. This plan relies on the experience, certification levels and large scale production capabilities of the suppliers and manufacturers that support the medical device market. We also intend to increase our inventory levels to support commercial forecasts as we expand our implanting centers. Our FDA approval process requires us to name and obtain approval for the suppliers of key components of our Maestro System. Many of our parts are custom designed and in certain instances, are obtained through long-term supply arrangements that are exclusive. Due to these factors, we may not be able to quickly qualify and establish additional or replacement suppliers for the components of our Maestro System. We plan to address potential future supply interruptions by ordering sufficient inventory stock to complete our pivotal EMPOWER trial. A delay in the approval process with the FDA for our Maestro System or a delay in our EMPOWER trial as a result of the need to qualify or obtain alternate vendors for any of our components would delay our ability to sell and market the Maestro System and could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We believe that our current manufacturing and supply arrangements will be adequate to complete our EMPOWER trial. In order to produce the Maestro System in the quantities we anticipate to meet future market demand, we will need our manufacturers and suppliers to increase, or scale up, manufacturing production and supply arrangements by a significant factor over the current level of production. There are technical challenges to scaling up manufacturing capacity and developing commercial-scale manufacturing facilities that may require the

 

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investment of substantial additional funds by our manufacturers and suppliers and hiring and retaining additional management and technical personnel who have the necessary experience. If our manufacturers or suppliers are unable to do so, we may not be able to meet the requirements for the launch of the product or to meet future demand, if at all. We may also represent only a small portion of our suppliers’ or manufacturers’ business and if they become capacity constrained they may choose to allocate their available resources to other customers that represent a larger portion of their business. We currently anticipate that we will continue to rely on third-party manufacturers and suppliers for the production of the Maestro System following commercialization. If we develop and obtain regulatory approval for our product and are unable to obtain a sufficient supply of our product, our revenue, business and financial prospects would be adversely affected.

Government Regulations

United States

Our Maestro System is regulated by the FDA as a medical device under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or FFDCA, and the regulations promulgated under the FFDCA. Pursuant to the FFDCA, the FDA regulates the research, design, testing, manufacture, safety, labeling, storage, record keeping, advertising, sales and distribution, post-market adverse event reporting, production and advertising and promotion of medical devices in the United States. Noncompliance with applicable requirements can result in warning letters, fines, injunctions, civil penalties, recall or seizure of products, total or partial suspension of production, failure of the government to grant premarket approval for devices and criminal prosecution.

Medical devices are classified into one of three classes, Class I, II or III, on the basis of the amount of risk and the controls deemed by the FDA to be necessary to reasonably ensure their safety and effectiveness. Class I, low risk, devices are subject to general controls (e.g., labeling and adherence to good manufacturing practices, or GMPs). Class II, intermediate risk, devices are subject to general controls and to special controls (e.g., performance standards, and premarket notification). Generally, Class III devices are those which must receive premarket approval by the FDA to ensure their safety and effectiveness (e.g., life-sustaining, life-supporting and implantable devices, or new devices which have not been found substantially equivalent to legally marketed devices), and require clinical testing to ensure safety and effectiveness and FDA approval prior to marketing and distribution. The FDA also has the authority to require clinical testing of Class II devices. In both the United States and certain international markets, there have been a number of legislative and regulatory initiatives and changes, such as the Modernization Act, which could and have altered the healthcare system in ways that could impact our ability to sell our medical devices profitably. Recent, widely-publicized events concerning the safety of certain drug, food and medical device products have raised concerns among members of Congress, medical professionals, and the public regarding the FDA’s handling of these events and its perceived lack of oversight over regulated products. The increased attention to safety and oversight issues could result in a more cautious approach by the FDA to device clearances and approvals, as well as post- market compliance, which could prevent, delay clearance or approval of our new products or product modifications, or require us to expend additional resources on post-market studies and controls.

The FFCDA provides two basic review procedures for medical devices. Certain products may qualify for a submission authorized by Section 510(k) of the FFCDA, where the manufacturer submits to the FDA a premarket notification of the manufacturer’s intention to commence marketing the product. The manufacturer must, among other things, establish that the product to be marketed is substantially equivalent to another legally marketed product. Marketing may commence when the FDA issues a letter finding substantial equivalence. If a medical device does not qualify for the 510(k) procedure, the manufacturer must file a premarket approval, or PMA, application with the FDA. This procedure requires more extensive pre-filing clinical and preclinical testing than the 510(k) procedure and involves a significantly longer FDA review process.

Premarket Approval

Our product will require prior premarket approval from the FDA. Because our Maestro System is an implanted device, it is deemed to pose a significant risk. To market the Maestro System in the United States, the

 

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FDA must approve the device after submission of a PMA. The FDA can also impose restrictions on the sale, distribution or use of devices at the time of their clearance or approval, or subsequent to marketing. The process of obtaining premarket approval is costly, lengthy and uncertain. A PMA must be supported by extensive data including, but not limited to, technical, pre-clinical and clinical trials to demonstrate to the FDA’s satisfaction the safety and effectiveness of the device. Among other information, the PMA must also contain a full description of the device and its components, a full description of the methods, facilities and controls used for manufacturing, and proposed device labeling.

If the FDA determines that a PMA is complete, the FDA accepts the application and begins an in-depth review of the submitted information. The FDA, by statute and regulation, has 180 days to review an accepted PMA application, although the review and response activities generally occur over a significantly longer period of time, typically one year, and can take up to several years. During this review period, the FDA may request additional information or clarification of information already provided. Also during the review period, an advisory panel of experts from outside the FDA may be convened to review and evaluate the application and provide recommendations to the FDA as to the approvability of the device. In addition, the FDA will conduct a pre-approval inspection of our and our manufacturers’ facilities to evaluate compliance with the quality system regulation. Under the Medical Device User Fee and Modernization Act of 2002, the fee to submit a PMA can be up to $259,600 per PMA, but certain companies, like EnteroMedics, may qualify for a small business exemption. If the FDA’s evaluation of the PMA is favorable, the PMA is approved, and the device may be marketed in the United States. The FDA may approve the PMA with post-approval conditions intended to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the device. Failure to comply with the conditions or approval can result in material adverse enforcement action, including the loss or withdrawal of the approval. Even after approval of a PMA, new PMAs or supplemental PMAs are required for significant modifications to the manufacturing process, labeling, use and design of a device that is approved through the premarket approval process. Premarket approval supplements often require submission of the same type of information as a PMA except that the supplement is limited to information needed to support any changes from the device covered by the original PMA.

Clinical Trials

A clinical trial is almost always required to support a PMA. Clinical trials for a “significant risk” device such as ours require submission of an application for an IDE, to the FDA. The IDE application must be supported by appropriate data, such as animal and laboratory testing results, showing that it is safe to test the device in humans and that the testing protocol is scientifically sound. Clinical trials for a significant risk device may begin once the IDE application is allowed to proceed by the FDA and the institutional review boards overseeing the clinical trial at the various investigational sites. We have received an IDE approval from the FDA for use of the Maestro System in our pivotal EMPOWER clinical trial in a letter dated June 22, 2007.

Clinical trials require extensive recordkeeping and detailed reporting requirements. Our clinical trials must be conducted under the oversight of an institutional review board at the relevant clinical trial site and in accordance with applicable regulations and policies including, but not limited to, the FDA’s good clinical practice, or GCP, requirements. We, the trial data safety monitoring board, the FDA or the institutional review board at each site at which a clinical trial is being performed may suspend a clinical trial at any time for various reasons, including a belief that the risks to study subjects outweigh the anticipated benefits.

Pervasive and Continuing FDA Regulation

Both before and after FDA approval, numerous regulatory requirements apply. These include:

 

   

quality system regulation, which requires manufacturers to follow design, testing, control, documentation, complaint handling and other quality assurance procedures during the design and manufacturing processes;

 

   

regulations which govern product labels and labeling, prohibit the promotion of products for unapproved or “off-label” uses and impose other restrictions on labeling and promotional activities;

 

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medical device reporting regulations, which require that manufacturers report to the FDA if their device may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury or malfunctioned in a way that would likely cause or contribute to a death or serious injury if it were to recur; and

 

   

notices of correction or removal and recall regulations.

Advertising and promotion of medical devices are also regulated by the Federal Trade Commission and by state regulatory and enforcement authorities. Recently, some promotional activities for FDA-regulated products have resulted in enforcement actions brought under healthcare reimbursement laws and consumer protection statutes. In addition, under the federal Lanham Act, competitors and others can initiate litigation relating to advertising claims.

Compliance with regulatory requirements is enforced through periodic, unannounced facility inspections by the FDA. Failure to comply with applicable regulatory requirements can result in enforcement action by the FDA, which may include any of the following sanctions:

 

   

warning letters or untitled letters;

 

   

fines, injunction and civil penalties;

 

   

recall or seizure of our products;

 

   

customer notification, or orders for repair, replacement or refund;

 

   

operating restrictions, partial suspension or total shutdown of production or clinical trials;

 

   

refusing our request for premarket approval of new products;

 

   

withdrawing premarket approvals that are already granted; and

 

   

criminal prosecution.

International

International sales of medical devices are subject to foreign government regulations, which vary substantially from country to country. The time required to obtain approval by a foreign country may be longer or shorter than that required for FDA approval, and the requirements may differ. The primary regulatory environment in Europe is that of the European Economic Community, or EEC, which consists of 25 countries encompassing nearly all the major countries in Europe. Other countries that are not part of the EEC, such as Switzerland, have voluntarily adopted laws and regulations that mirror those of the EEC with respect to medical devices. The EEC has adopted Directive 90/385/EEC for implantable medical devices and numerous standards that govern and harmonize the national laws and standards regulating the design, manufacture, clinical trials, labeling and adverse event reporting for medical devices that are marketed in member states. Medical devices that comply with the requirements of the national law of the member state in which they are first marketed will be entitled to bear CE marking, indicating that the device conforms to applicable regulatory requirements, and, accordingly, can be commercially marketed within EEC states and other countries that recognize this mark for regulatory purposes.

We intend to apply for CE marking approval for sale of the Maestro System and expect to have final CE marking approval during 2008. The method of assessing conformity with applicable regulatory requirements varies depending on the class of the device, but for our Maestro System (which falls into Class III), the method involves a combination of self-assessment by the manufacturer of the safety and performance of the device, and a third-party assessment by a Notified Body, usually of the design of the device and of the manufacturer’s quality system. A Notified Body is a private commercial entity that is designated by the national government of a member state as being competent to make independent judgments about whether a product complies with applicable regulatory requirements. The manufacturer’s assessment will include a clinical evaluation of the conformity of the device with applicable regulatory requirements. We intend to use KEMA in the Netherlands as the Notified Body for our CE marking approval process.

 

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Employees

As of June 30, 2007, we had a total of 53 employees, consisting of 2 employees in reimbursement and marketing, 40 employees in research and development, including clinical, regulatory affairs and quality, and 11 employees in general and administrative functions. All of these employees are located in the United States.

From time to time we also employ independent contractors, consultants and temporary employees to support our operations. None of our employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements. We have never experienced a work stoppage and believe that our relations with our employees are good.

Properties

Our headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota comprise approximately 11,130 square feet of leased space, which we sublease from Restore Medical, Inc. In addition, we share an additional 8,517 square feet of common space with Restore Medical, Inc. The leased space includes furnished office space and various research and development labs. The sublease agreement for our St. Paul facility expires on September 30, 2008.

Legal Proceedings

We are not currently a party to any litigation and we are not aware of any pending or threatened litigation against us that could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition. The medical device industry in which we operate is characterized by frequent claims and litigation, including claims regarding patent and other intellectual property rights as well as improper hiring practices. As a result, we may be involved in various legal proceedings from time to time.

 

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MANAGEMENT

Executive Officers and Directors

The following table sets forth information regarding our executive officers and directors, including their ages, as of July 1, 2007:

 

Name

   Age   

Position

Mark B. Knudson, Ph.D.(1)

   58    President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Director

Greg S. Lea

   54    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Adrianus (Jos) Donders

   53    Senior Vice President of Operations

Russ Felkey

   57    Senior Vice President of Clinical, Quality and Regulatory Affairs

Katherine S. Tweden, Ph.D.

   47    Vice President of Research

Mark R. Stultz

   47    Vice President of Market Development and Reimbursement

Luke Evnin, Ph.D.(1)(2)

   44    Director

Catherine Friedman(3)

   46    Director

Carl Goldfischer, M.D.(2)(3)

   48    Director

Bobby I. Griffin(2)

   70    Director

Donald C. Harrison, M.D.(1)

   73    Director

Paul H. Klingenstein(2)(3)

   51    Director

Ellen Koskinas(1)

   40    Director

Nicholas L. Teti, Jr.(1)

   54    Director

(1) Member or observer of compensation committee. Dr. Knudson and Dr. Harrison are observers.

 

(2) Member or observer of nominating and governance committee. Mr. Griffin is an observer.

 

(3) Member of audit committee.

Mark B. Knudson, Ph.D. has served as our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the board since December 2002. Dr. Knudson also serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Venturi Group LLC and Venturi Development Inc., positions he has held since 1999 and 2001, respectively. From 1999 to the present, Dr. Knudson has also served as Chairman of the board of Restore Medical, Inc., a publicly-held medical device company focused on the treatment of sleep disordered breathing. Dr. Knudson is also a member of the audit committee of Restore Medical. Dr. Knudson received a Bachelor of Science in biology from Pacific Lutheran University and a Ph.D. in physiology from Washington State University.

Greg S. Lea has served as our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since May 21, 2007. Prior to joining us, Mr. Lea served as Chief Financial Officer of Pemstar Inc. from July 2002 through January 2007 when it was acquired by Benchmark Electronics, Inc. Mr. Lea also served as a director of Pemstar from April 2001 through January 2007 and held the position of Corporate Controller from April 2002 through July 2002. From 1993 to April 2002, Mr. Lea served as a corporate Vice President for Jostens Corporation, a commemorative and affiliation products manufacturer, serving most recently as corporate Vice President-Business Ventures. Prior to that, Mr. Lea held several financial management and administrative positions at IBM

 

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Corporation from 1974 to 1993 and was President and a director of the Ability Building Center, Inc. from 1981 to 1993. Mr. Lea holds a B.S. in Accounting/Business Management from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Adrianus (Jos) Donders has served as our Senior Vice President of Operations since April 2005. From September 2003 to April 2005, Mr. Donders was Director Communication Systems Engineering for Medtronic USA. From June 2000 to August 2003, Mr. Donders served as Director Clinical Study Management and Research and Development Europe for Medtronic Europe. Mr. Donders received a degree equivalent to a Masters of Electrical Engineering from the Institute of Technology Eindhoven Netherlands.

Russ Felkey has served as our Senior Vice President of Clinical, Quality and Regulatory Affairs since April 2007 and our Vice President of Clinical, Quality and Regulatory Affairs since January 2005. From 2003 to 2005, Mr. Felkey was Group Vice President, Cardiovascular Regulatory Affairs for Boston Scientific Corporation. From 2002 to 2003, Mr. Felkey was Senior Director of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs for Medtronic Inc. Mr. Felkey also served as Executive Vice President, Secretary to the board of directors for ATS Medical from 1991 to 2002. Prior to that Mr. Felkey held regulatory positions at Cardiovascular Imaging Systems, Inc., GV Medical, Inc. and Medtronic, Inc. Mr. Felkey received a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from the University of Iowa.

Katherine S. Tweden, Ph.D. has served as our Vice President of Research since January 2003. From November 2002 to January 2003, Dr. Tweden was a consultant to Venturi Group, a medical device incubator company. From January 2003 through August 2004, Dr. Tweden worked for Venturi Development Inc. as a consultant to us. From July 1997 to October 2002, Dr. Tweden held positions including Director of Research and Vice President of Research for HeartStent Corporation. Dr. Tweden received a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from Gustavus Adolphus College and a Masters degree and Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Iowa State University.

Mark R. Stultz has served as our Vice President of Market Development and Reimbursement since April 2006 and as a consultant from July 2005 to April 2006. From April 2004 to July 2005, he served as Director of the Women’s Health Business Unit at Gyrus Medical and from December 2001 to January 2004 he served as Director of Marketing for Female Pelvic Health at American Medical Systems. Prior to 2002, Mr. Stultz served in various management positions at Medtronic and at Advanced Bionics where he was involved in the marketing and development of multiple active implantable technologies including spinal cord stimulation, deep brain stimulation and cochlear stimulation. Mr. Stultz received a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy and a Masters degree in human factors engineering and ergonomics from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Luke Evnin, Ph.D. has served as one of our directors since inception in 1999. Dr. Evnin has served as a General Partner at MPM Capital since he joined as a co-founder in 1998. Prior to joining MPM, Dr. Evnin was at Accel Partners from 1991 to 1997 serving as a General Partner from 1994 to 1997. Dr. Evnin is also a director of Metabasis Therapeutics, Inc., a publicly-held biopharmaceutical company and Restore Medical, Inc., a publicly-held medical device company focused on the treatment of sleep disordered breathing. Dr. Evnin has served as director of other public companies, including Epix Medical, Inc., Sonic Innovations, Inc., and Signal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and is currently a director of several private healthcare companies.

Catherine Friedman has served as one of our directors since May 2007. Ms. Friedman currently is an independent financial consultant serving private and public companies in the lifesciences. Prior to that, Ms. Friedman held numerous positions over a 24 year investment banking career with Morgan Stanley. Most recently, Ms. Friedman was Managing Director at Morgan Stanley from 1997 to 2006 and Head of West Coast Healthcare and Co-Head of the Biotechnology Practice at Morgan Stanley from 1993 to 2006.

Carl Goldfischer, M.D. has served as one of our directors since July 2004. Dr. Goldfischer is currently an Investment Partner and Managing Director of Bay City Capital, serving as a member of the board of directors and executive committee, and has been with the firm since December 2000. His background includes extensive

 

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public and private investment and transaction work, as well as clinical trial development knowledge. Prior to joining Bay City Capital, Dr. Goldfischer was Chief Financial Officer of ImClone Systems Incorporated, a public-held biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutic oncology products. Dr. Goldfischer is a member of the board of directors of Poniard Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a publicly-held biopharmaceutical company focused on commercializing innovative oncology products, and also serves on the boards and audit committees of several private companies.

Bobby I. Griffin has served as one of our directors since September 2006. In 1998, Mr. Griffin retired from a 25 year career with Medtronic Corporation, where he held various positions, including Executive Vice President from 1985 to 1998 and President of Medtronic’s Pacemaker Business from 1991 to 1998. Since his retirement, Mr. Griffin has been a private investor, managing his own fund of companies as well as serving on the advisory boards of Affinity Capital Management Fund III and IV and Sapient Capital Management Fund, in which he also invests. In addition, Mr. Griffin has served on the board of directors of several public companies, including MTS Systems Corporation and Urologix, Inc. and is currently a director of several private companies.

Donald C. Harrison, M.D. has served as one of our directors since September 2003. He is currently Managing Partner of Charter Life Sciences, a venture capital firm, where he has served since 2003. From 1986 to 2003, Dr. Harrison was Chief Executive Officer of the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Dr. Harrison is a member of the board of Kendle International Inc., a publicly-held global clinical research organization, and AtriCure, Inc., a publicly-held company that develops innovative products for tissue ablation during surgical procedures, and also serves on the audit committees of both of these companies.

Paul H. Klingenstein has served as one of our directors since July 2006. He has served as Managing Partner of Aberdare Ventures since its formation in 1999. Formerly, he served as a General Partner of Accel Partners, as a Consultant to the Rockefeller Foundation, and as an employee of E.M. Warburg, Pincus & Co. Mr. Klingenstein serves on the boards and audit committees of several private companies.

Ellen Koskinas has served as one of our directors since July 2006. Ms. Koskinas currently serves as a Partner with InterWest Partners, a venture capital firm focused on early stage investments in the medical technology sector. She joined InterWest in May 2002. Prior to joining InterWest, Ms. Koskinas was a Managing Director of a private equity firm in San Francisco and also started a new business in minimally invasive cardiac surgery for Guidant Corporation. Earlier in her career, she was an Engagement Manager for McKinsey & Company, managing consulting projects for a range of health care clients. Ms. Koskinas serves on the boards of several private companies.

Nicholas L. Teti, Jr. has served as one of our directors since May 2007. Mr. Teti is currently Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Isolagen, Inc., a biotechnology company which develops emergent, novel skin and tissue rejuvenation technologies, positions he has held since June 2006. From 2001 to 2006, Mr. Teti was President and Chief Executive Officer of Inamed Corporation, primarily an aesthetics based company with business in saline and silicone breast implants, collagen and hyaluronic-based wrinkle correcting devices and the LAP-BAND ® Adjustable Gastric Banding System, a surgically implantable device for obesity treatment. Mr. Teti also served as a member of the board of Inamed during 2001 and was Chairman of the Board from 2002 to 2006. Prior to that, Mr. Teti spent 25 years at DuPont and DuPont Merck where he held a number of senior management positions including President and CEO of DuPont Pharmaceuticals.

There are no family relationships among any of our directors or our executive officers. Each executive officer is elected or appointed by, and serves at the discretion of, our board of directors.

Board of Directors

Our board of directors currently consists of nine directors, all of whom were elected as directors pursuant to a voting agreement among the Company and its stockholders that is contained within the Company’s investors

 

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rights agreement. The provisions of the voting agreement will terminate upon the completion of the offering made by this prospectus. We have not yet adopted procedures by which security holders may elect nominees to our board of directors, but plan to do so upon the completion of this offering. Dr. Knudson is currently Chairman of our board.

Upon completion of this offering, our bylaws will be amended and restated to provide that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of the board of directors. Upon the closing of this offering, our board of directors will be divided into three classes with staggered three-year terms. At each annual meeting of stockholders, the successors to directors whose terms then expire will be elected to serve from the time of election and qualification until the third annual meeting following election or until their earlier death, resignation or removal. Our directors have been divided among the three classes as follows:

 

   

Class I directors will be Drs. Goldfischer and Harrison and Ms. Koskinas, and their terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2008;

 

   

Class II directors will be Messrs. Griffin and Klingenstein and Dr. Evnin, and their terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2009; and

 

   

Class III directors will be Dr. Knudson, Ms. Friedman and Mr. Teti, and their terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2010.

This classification of the board of directors, together with the ability of the stockholders to remove our directors only for cause and the inability of stockholders to call special meetings, may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control or management. See “Description of Capital Stock—Anti-takeover Provisions” for a discussion of other anti-takeover provisions found in our certificate of incorporation.

Commencing in fiscal year 2007, our board of directors will review at least annually the independence of each director. During these reviews, the board will consider transactions and relationships between each director (and his or her immediate family and affiliates) and our company and its management to determine whether any such transactions or relationships are inconsistent with a determination that the director is independent. This review will be based primarily on responses of the directors to questions in a directors’ and officers’ questionnaire regarding employment, business, familial, compensation and other relationships with EnteroMedics and our management.

In July 2007, our board of directors determined that no transactions or relationships existed that would disqualify any of our directors under Nasdaq Stock Market rules or require disclosure under Securities Exchange Commission rules, with the exception of Dr. Knudson, our President and Chief Executive Officer, because of his employment relationship with EnteroMedics, and Mr. Griffin and Dr. Harrison, because of their consulting relationships with EnteroMedics. Based upon that finding, our board determined that Drs. Evnin and Goldfischer, Mses. Friedman and Koskinas and Messrs. Klingenstein and Teti are “independent” and that the composition of our board of directors meets the requirements for independence under the current requirements of the Nasdaq Global Market. Each of our Audit, Nominating and Governance and Compensation Committees is composed only of independent directors. As required by the Nasdaq Global Market, we anticipate that our independent directors will meet in regularly scheduled executive sessions at which only independent directors are present. We intend to comply with future governance requirements to the extent they become applicable to us.

Corporate Governance

We believe that good corporate governance is important to ensure that, as a public company, we will be managed for the long-term benefit of our stockholders. In preparation for the offering being made by this prospectus, we and our board of directors have been reviewing the corporate governance policies and practices of other public companies, as well as those suggested by various authorities in corporate governance. We have also considered the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the rules of the SEC and the Nasdaq Global Market.

 

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Based on this review, our board of directors has taken steps to implement many of these provisions and rules. In particular, we have established and adopted charters for the audit committee, compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee, as well as a code of business conduct and ethics applicable to all of our directors, officers and employees.

Board Committees

Our board of directors has established a standing audit committee, a compensation committee, and a nominating and governance committee. In July 2007, our board determined that the members of each of these standing committees were independent as defined under the rules of the Nasdaq Global Market and, in the case of the audit committee, satisfied the independence requirements contemplated by Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Audit Committee.     Ms. Friedman, Dr. Goldfischer and Mr. Klingenstein serve on our audit committee. Ms. Friedman serves as chair of the audit committee and Ms. Friedman and Dr. Goldfischer are the audit committee’s financial experts within the meaning of the regulations of the SEC. In July 2007, our board determined that all members of the audit committee met the composition requirements of the Nasdaq Global Market, including the requirements regarding financial literacy and financial sophistication. We believe they will find that these requirements have been met. The audit committee’s primary responsibilities include:

 

   

appointing, approving the compensation of, and assessing the qualifications and independence of our independent registered public accounting firm, which currently is Deloitte & Touche LLP;

 

   

overseeing the work of our independent registered public accounting firm, including the receipt and assessment of reports from the independent registered public accounting firm;

 

   

reviewing and discussing with management and our independent registered public accounting firm our annual and quarterly financial statements and related disclosures;

 

   

preparing the audit committee report required by SEC rules to be included in our annual proxy statements;

 

   

monitoring our internal control over financial reporting, disclosure controls and procedures;

 

   

reviewing our risk management status;

 

   

establishing policies regarding hiring employees from our independent registered public accounting firm and procedures for the receipt and retention of accounting related complaints and concerns;

 

   

meeting independently with our independent registered public accounting firm and management; and

 

   

monitoring compliance with the code of ethics for financial management.

All audit and non-audit services must be approved in advance by the audit committee. Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for the audit committee which will be available on our website at www.enteromedics.com upon the completion of this offering.

Compensation Committee.     Ms. Koskinas, Mr. Teti and Dr. Evnin serve on our compensation committee. Dr. Evnin is the chair and Drs. Harrison and Knudson are observers. The compensation committee’s responsibilities include:

 

   

annually reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to compensation of our chief executive officer;

 

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determining the compensation of our chief executive officer;

 

   

reviewing and approving, or making recommendations to our board of directors with respect to, the compensation of our other executive officers;

 

   

overseeing an evaluation of our senior executives; and

 

   

overseeing and administering our cash and equity incentive plans.

The Chief Executive Officer makes compensation recommendations for our other executive officers and initially proposes the corporate and departmental performance objectives under our Management Incentive Plan to the compensation committee. From time to time, the compensation committee may use outside compensation consultants to assist it in analyzing our compensation programs and in determining appropriate levels of compensation and benefits, although the compensation committee has not used the services of a compensation consultant to date. For more information on the processes and procedures followed by the compensation committee for the consideration and determination of executive compensation see the section entitled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.” Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for the compensation committee which will be available on our website at www.enteromedics.com upon the completion of this offering.

Nominating and Governance Committee.     Drs. Goldfischer and Evnin and Mr. Klingenstein serve on our nominating and governance committee. Dr. Goldfischer is the chair and Mr. Griffin is an observer. The nominating and governance committee’s responsibilities include:

 

   

identifying individuals qualified to become members of our board of directors;

 

   

recommending to our board the persons to be nominated for election as directors and to each of our board’s committees;

 

   

reviewing and making recommendations to our board with respect to management succession planning;

 

   

developing, updating and recommending to our board corporate governance principles and policies;

 

   

overseeing the evaluation of our board; and

 

   

reviewing and making recommendations to our board with respect to director compensation.

Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for the nominating and governance committee which will be available on our website at www.enteromedics.com upon the completion of this offering.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

None of our executive officers serves as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee, or other committee serving an equivalent function, of any other entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving as a member of our board of directors or its compensation committee. None of the current members of the compensation committee of our board has ever been one of our employees.

Director Compensation

Prior to this offering, non-employee members of our board of directors did not receive any cash compensation for service on our board, including attending board meetings. However, we did reimburse our non-employee directors for travel, lodging and other reasonable expenses incurred in attending board and committee meetings. In addition, from time to time we have granted stock options to some of our directors. In

 

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fiscal year 2006, Bobby I. Griffin was the only non-employee director who received compensation in the form of equity in connection with his service as a non-employee director. We granted Mr. Griffin an option to purchase 1,000,000 shares of our common stock at $0.21 per share in September 2006 pursuant to our 2003 Stock Incentive Plan. Mr. Griffin’s stock option vests twenty-five percent on the first anniversary of the grant with the remainder vesting monthly thereafter in 36 equal monthly installments.

Upon the effectiveness of this offering, each of our non-employee directors who has been a member of our board of directors for at least one year prior to completion of this offering will receive an option to purchase 25,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price equal to the offering price to the public of our common stock. Twenty-five percent of these options will vest immediately with the remainder to vest in 36 equal monthly installments following the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Following this offering, each non-employee director will receive an annual retainer of $7,500. In addition, each non-employee director will receive $2,500 per meeting of the board of directors attended in person or $1,000 per meeting attended telephonically, and each committee member will receive $750 per meeting attended of their respective committees.

Each non-employee director who serves on the audit committee, other than the chairperson of the audit committee, will receive an additional annual retainer of $1,500. The chairpersons of the audit committee, the compensation committee and the nominating and corporate governance committee will also receive additional annual retainers of $10,000, $4,000 and $4,000, respectively.

Each non-employee director who first becomes a member of our board of directors after the completion of this offering will be granted an option to purchase 25,000 shares of our common stock. Twenty-five percent of these options will vest immediately with the remainder to vest in 36 equal monthly installments following the offering. After the completion of this offering, each non-employee director that continues as a non-employee director will be entitled to receive an annual option grant to purchase 10,000 shares of our common stock. Twenty-five percent of these options will vest immediately with the remainder to vest in 36 equal monthly installments following the offering. Each such option will have an exercise price equal to the price of the last trade of our common stock on the date of grant and will have a ten-year term subject to earlier termination in connection with a termination of directorship.

The following table sets forth a summary of the compensation received by our only non-employee director who received compensation during our fiscal year ended December 31, 2006:

Director Compensation

 

Name

   Option
Awards ($)(1)
   Total ($)

Bobby I. Griffin

   $ 7,949    $ 7,949

(1) The amount in this column is the compensation cost recognized by us in fiscal year 2006 related to grants of stock options, as prescribed under the SFAS 123R and based on the financial statement compensation expense as reported in our consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, excluding the impact of forfeitures. For a discussion of valuation assumptions, see Note 13 (Stock Options) to our audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 included as part of this prospectus. Mr. Griffin received a stock option grant in 2006 of 1,000,000 shares with a SFAS 123R grant date fair value based on the Black-Scholes model of option valuation of $0.127 per share. This option vests over a four-year period with 25% vesting on the one-year anniversary and the remainder vesting monthly thereafter for three years. As of December 31, 2006, Mr. Griffin was our only non-employee director with outstanding options. He held 1,500,000 options as of that date.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes the compensation policies and programs for our named executive officers, which consist of our Chief Executive Officer, our Controller, who served as our principal financial and accounting officer during fiscal year 2006, our three next most highly paid executive officers as determined under the rules of the SEC, and Virginia M. Kirby, our former Vice President of Clinical and Reimbursement, and Richard R. Wilson, our former Vice President of Clinical and Chief Medical Officer, who would have been one of our three most highly paid executive officers as of December 31, 2006, but whose employment ended effective April 14, 2006 and July 15, 2006, respectively.

From July 2006 to April 2007, the compensation committee, acting together with the board of directors, determined the compensation programs for our executive officers. Commencing April 27, 2007, our board of directors appointed independent directors to the compensation committee and formally adopted a charter outlining the responsibilities of the committee. This new compensation committee oversees our compensation programs. The compensation committee reviews and approves the compensation programs and all forms of compensation for our Chief Executive Officer and recommends for approval by our board the compensation programs and all forms of compensation for our other executive officers. The Chief Executive Officer participates as an observer at the compensation committee’s meetings at the committee’s request by making recommendations with respect to other executives’ compensation; however, he does not participate in the final determination of his own compensation. His final compensation package is set by the compensation committee in its sole discretion.

Compensation Philosophy

We are committed to attracting, hiring and retaining an experienced management team. Our fundamental executive compensation philosophy is to provide executive officers with compensation we believe to be comparable with similarly situated executives in other companies of similar size and stage of development operating in the medical device industry, taking into account our relative performance and our own strategic goals. Our objective is to have each executive officer’s total compensation be contingent upon both our overall company performance and each executive officer’s individual performance. To achieve this objective, our compensation committee has maintained and expects to continue to implement and maintain compensation programs that tie a portion of the executives’ overall compensation to key strategic, financial and operational goals, such as clinical trial progress, continued research and development, continued establishment of intellectual property and implementation of appropriate financing strategies, while also recognizing not only individual executive responsibilities and breadth of experience but also competitive market compensation paid by other companies for similar positions. Accordingly, the compensation package for each executive officer is comprised of three elements: (i) a base salary that reflects individual responsibilities and experience and is intended to be competitive in the context of base salaries paid by comparable companies for similar positions; (ii) cash incentive payments that are contingent upon our achievement of specific pre-determined performance objectives as communicated to the executives following their determination by the board of directors on an annual basis, thereby making such objectives vary from year to year; and (iii) stock-based incentive awards, which reward long-term performance and align the mutuality of interests between our executive officers and our stockholders.

Compensation Determination Process and Components

During 2006 and prior years, compensation was based generally on programs and compensation levels that were historically in place. Thus, 2006 salaries reflect salaries in place in 2005 and prior years. Historically, the board of directors established the performance objectives of the annual cash incentive Management Incentive Plan during the first half of the year. Commencing in 2007, the compensation committee adopted a practice of reviewing each element of total compensation on an annual basis in the first half of the year in connection with

 

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the review or our annual performance. For the 2007 compensation review process, the compensation committee began by reviewing the 2006 MEDIC Executive Compensation Survey, a third-party survey, using base salaries paid by comparably-sized, private and publicly-traded medical device companies with annual revenues less than $100 million to benchmark our competitive position. Although we have not adopted any formal guidelines for benchmarking base salaries or other forms of compensation, we believe that our executives’ base salaries are generally at the 50 th percentile, compared to such companies. Base salaries for our executive officers were set preliminarily using the 2006 MEDIC Executive Compensation Survey as a reference point. The 2006 MEDIC Executive Compensation Survey covers compensation at 53 public and 12 private medical device companies for benchmarking purposes. Our policy for determining the allocation between long-term and currently-paid compensation is to ensure adequate base compensation to attract and retain our executive officers, while providing incentives to maximize long-term value for the company and our stockholders. We provide cash compensation in the form of base salary that is competitive with the base salaries paid by comparable companies and provide cash bonus compensation to reward performance against specific short-term goals. These short-term goals vary depending on the individual executive and also vary year-to-year as they are established by the compensation committee annually. They relate generally to strategic, financial and operational factors such as clinical trial progress, research and development projects, continued establishment of intellectual property and implementation of appropriate financing strategies. For a description of the short-term goals set for fiscal 2006 and 2007, see the “Annual Cash Incentives” section below. The compensation committee believes that the annual performance bonus provides incentives necessary to retain executive officers and reward them for our short-term company performance.

In particular, with respect to our Chief Executive Officer, the compensation committee reviews and approves corporate goals and objectives relevant to the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation, evaluates the Chief Executive Officer’s performance in light of those goals and objectives and determines and approves the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation based on this evaluation.

The Chief Executive Officer participates in the compensation committee’s meetings at the committee’s request. Management does not participate in the final determination or recommendation of the amount or form of executive compensation, except that the Chief Executive Officer makes compensation recommendations for the other executive officers, which the compensation committee may, but is not required, to consider. The Chief Executive Officer does not participate in any way at the compensation committee’s meetings other than in making compensation recommendations for the other executive officers. The Chief Executive Officer’s final compensation package is set by the compensation committee in its sole discretion. For 2006, the Chief Executive Officer’s base salary and annual cash incentive were consistent with his executive employment agreement entered into on June 22, 2005, and his stock-based incentive award was determined by the compensation committee without the participation of the Chief Executive Officer.

The compensation committee has the authority to use outside compensation consultants to assist it in analyzing our compensation programs and determining appropriate levels of compensation and benefits or to retain outside counsel and other advisors to assist it in the performance of its functions. The decision to retain consultants and, if so, which consultants to retain, is made solely by the compensation committee. The compensation committee has not used the services of a compensation consultant to date; however, it will continue to consider the need to retain a compensation consultant following this offering.

Base Salary

Base salaries are designed to provide recurring compensation for the fulfillment of the duties and responsibilities associated with job roles, and are paid in cash on a semi-monthly basis. The base salaries for our executive officers are structured to be market-competitive and to attract and retain these key employees. An executive’s base salary is also determined by reviewing the executive’s other compensation to ensure that the executive’s total compensation is in line with our overall compensation philosophy. The base salaries for each of our named executive officers for 2006, except Dr. Tweden and Mr. Brooks, were determined by the board of directors at the time of hire and were unchanged in 2006. Our Chief Executive Officer set the amount of base

 

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compensation received in 2006 by Dr. Tweden and Mr. Brooks. The agreement with our Chief Executive Officer, which was entered into in June 2005, provides for a minimum base salary of $300,000. In 2007, the compensation committee reviewed each individual’s experience, each individual’s performance during the prior year, market factors including the salary levels of comparable positions in the medical device industry using third-party survey information, and other publicly available data of comparable companies. For 2007, the compensation committee approved an across the board salary increase of four percent for all named executive officers, except for Mr. Brooks who received a $5,000 market-based compensation adjustment and a five percent increase of his adjusted salary. The four percent across the board salary increase was based on the judgment of the compensation committee, taking into account the 50 th percentile of the average 2007 projected salary merit increase in the 2006 MEDIC Executive Compensation Survey.

The compensation committee has adopted a practice of reviewing base salaries annually. Additionally, we may adjust base salaries as warranted throughout the year for promotions or other changes in the scope or breadth of an executive’s role or responsibilities.

Annual Cash Incentives

Our Management Incentive Plan, which commenced with our 2005 fiscal year, is designed to provide executive officers with annual incentive compensation based on the achievement of certain pre-established corporate and departmental performance objectives. This program blends objective and subjective performance factors critical to our success. At the beginning of each year, the objectives are initially proposed by our Chief Executive Officer. In 2005 and 2006, the objectives were then reviewed, revised and approved by the board of directors. Beginning in 2007, the objectives were recommended by the compensation committee and approved by the board of directors. “Target” objectives are assigned to each performance measure to determine payouts. If targets are not met, the board of directors has the discretion to consider the extent to which the targets were met in awarding bonuses, if any. As necessary, the compensation committee may modify or re-weight the objectives during the course of the fiscal year to reflect changes in our business plan. No modifications were made during 2006.

For fiscal year 2006, our performance objectives consisted of the corporate goals of enrolling our target number of subjects in our VBLOC-I clinical trial and performing related post-implantation follow-up and the financial goal of closing our Series C financing. The financial goal was weighted to represent 33% of the total bonus, and the corporate goals were weighted to represent an aggregate 67% of the total bonus. These percentages were determined at the time that the performance objectives were set and were based upon a relative-weighting concept whereby the compensation committee determined that the achievement of the Company’s strategic corporate goals was of greater benefit to the Company’s overall performance given the Company’s development stage status. If these objectives were met, the named executive officers were entitled to receive a bonus equal to a certain percentage of their base salary for the year set forth in the table below:

 

Mark B. Knudson

   30 %

Adrianus (Jos) Donders

   25 %

Russ Felkey

   20 %

Katherine S. Tweden

   20 %

David Brooks

   15 %

At its February 6, 2007 meeting, the compensation committee reviewed the achievement of the financial and corporate objectives in awarding bonuses under the Management Incentive Plan, and concluded that 100% of the 2006 performance objectives had been met. The board of directors, upon the recommendation of the compensation committee, approved the bonus awards for FY 2006 performance on February 6, 2007. As a result, bonus awards of $90,000, $17,0 81, $58,750, $46,000 and $40,000 were awarded to Dr. Knudson, Mr. Brooks, Mr. Donders, Mr. Felkey and Dr. Tweden during the first quarter of fiscal year 2007. Ms. Kirby and Dr. Wilson did not receive bonus awards under the 2006 Management Incentive Plan because their employment with us was terminated on April 14, 2006 and July 15, 2006, respectively.

 

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In the first half of 2006, the board, after review of the company’s accomplishments and performance, established an employee bonus pool and awarded bonuses to persons who were not participants in the Management Incentive Plan for fiscal 2005. As a result, Mr. Brooks and Dr. Tweden were awarded bonuses out of the employee pool of $700, and $2,500, respectively.

In the first quarter of 2007, the compensation committee established the performance objectives under the Management Incentive Plan for 2007 and included an individual performance component for certain executive officers, weighted as follows:

 

Title

   Corporate Objective
Weighting
    Individual Objective
Weighting
 

President and CEO

   100 %   0 %

Senior Vice President

   90 %   10 %

Vice President

   75 %   25 %

Controller

   40 %   60 %

In addition, the compensation committee established corporate performance objectives for 2007 consisting of the completion of certain milestones related to our VBLOC clinical trials, including our EMPOWER pivotal trial, expanding our management team and meeting financial budgetary goals related to revenue and expense objectives. In the event that some but not all of the corporate goals are achieved, the board, in its discretion, may determine to award partial payment of annual cash incentive compensation.

Long-Term Incentives

Our 2003 Stock Incentive Plan allows us the opportunity to grant stock options, restricted stock and other equity-based awards. Currently, long-term incentives are awarded to our executive officers through the grant of stock options. In 2003, we also sold shares of restricted stock to our executive officers and other employees for $0.01 per share, the then fair market value of the common stock, which shares were subject to a Share Restriction Agreement, that gives us the option to repurchase all unvested shares when the executive ceases to provide services to us. The shares vest 1/48 th per month.

Our stock option grants are designed to align the long-term interests of each executive officer with those of our stockholders by providing executive officers with an incentive to manage our business from the perspective of an owner with an equity stake in the business. The compensation committee has used stock options, rather than other forms of long-term incentives, because they create value for the executive only if stockholder value is increased through an increased share price. In general, we view stock option grants as incentives for future performance and not as compensation for past accomplishments. We also believe that equity awards reward continued employment by an executive officer, with an associated benefit to us of employee continuity and retention.

Executive officers are granted stock options at the time they commence their employment with us. New hire grants occur at regularly scheduled board meetings. Executive officers are also eligible for annual grants thereafter, which are expected to occur at the first regularly scheduled board meeting of each fiscal year. Stock options granted to our executive officers generally vest twenty-five (25%) percent on the first anniversary of the date of grant, or the date of hire if it is associated with a new hire grant, and then 1/36 th  per month for 36 months thereafter and expire ten years after the date of grant subject to earlier termination in the event of a termination of employment. The vesting of some stock options issued to our executive officers may be tied to specified performance milestones. Stock option grants are made with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Prior to May 1, 2006, the grant date was the same as an employee’s hire date, the date an agreement was entered into with a consultant or the date the board of directors approved the option grant. Since May 1, 2006, the stock option grant date has consistently been the day the board of directors approves the option grant.

The board of directors does not award stock options according to a prescribed formula or target. In determining the number of stock options granted to executive officers, individual responsibilities and experience,

 

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as well as contributions and achievements are considered, and, in appropriate circumstances, the compensation committee considers the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer. The objectives utilized to assess individual contributions and achievements vary depending on the individual executive, but relate generally to strategic factors such as clinical trial progress and enrollment, research and development, continued establishment of intellectual property and implementation of appropriate financing strategies. While the Chief Executive Officer may provide recommendations to the compensation committee regarding the number of stock option grants from time to time, he has not historically made a recommendation to the committee as to the number of stock options he is granted. Beginning in 2007, a review of each component of the executive’s compensation is conducted when determining annual equity awards to ensure that an executive’s total compensation is in line with our overall compensation philosophy.

In 2006, the named executive officers, were awarded stock options in the amounts indicated in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table. This includes grants to Dr. Knudson, Mr. Brooks, Mr. Donders, Mr. Felkey and Dr. Tweden in April 2006 and a grant to Mr. Brooks in December 2006.

Other Compensation

We provide our executive officers with benefits, including health insurance, life and disability insurance and dental insurance, that we believe are reasonable, competitive and consistent with our overall executive compensation program in order to attract and retain talented executives. Specifically, we fund the executive’s Flex Spending Accounts and we pay 100% of the health and dental insurance premium costs for the families of our executive officers. The compensation committee periodically reviews the levels of benefits provided to executive officers.

We provide a 401(k) retirement savings plan in which all full-time employees, including the executive officers, may participate. Eligible employees may elect to reduce their current compensation by an amount no greater than the statutorily prescribed annual limit and may have that amount contributed to the 401(k) plan. Participation of the executive officers is on the same terms as any other participant in the plan. Matching contributions may be made by us to the 401(k) plan at the discretion of our board of directors. To date, we have not made any matching contributions to the 401(k) plan.

Executive Employment Agreements and Severance Benefits

We have entered into executive employment agreements with Dr. Knudson and Messrs. Lea, Donders and Felkey. These agreements establish a specified minimum base compensation and a maximum percentage of annual incentive compensation that may be earned by the each of these executive officers in a given year. In addition, these agreements provide for the payment of severance benefits upon certain termination events with Dr. Knudson and Messrs. Lea, Donders and Felkey and for the right to certain benefits upon a change in control of EnteroMedics. The purpose of these agreements is to attract and retain high caliber executive officers, recognizing that termination and change in control protections are commonly provided at comparable companies with which we compete for executive talent. In addition, the compensation committee believes change in control protections enhance the impartiality and objectivity of the executive officers in the event of a change in control transaction and better ensure that stockholder interests are protected. A more complete description of the executive employment agreements is found in the sections entitled “Employment Agreements” and “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.”

Compliance with Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m)

As a result of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), we will not be allowed a federal income tax deduction for compensation paid to certain executive officers to the extent that compensation exceeds $1 million per officer in any one year. This limitation will apply to all compensation paid to the covered executive officers which is not considered to be performance-based. Compensation which does qualify as performance-based compensation will not have to be taken into account for purposes of this limitation.

 

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Section 162(m) of the Code did not affect the deductibility of compensation paid to our executive officers in 2006 and it is anticipated it will not affect the deductibility of such compensation expected to be paid in the foreseeable future. The compensation committee will continue to monitor this matter and may propose additional changes to the executive compensation program if warranted.

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth information regarding compensation earned by our named executive officers during our fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.

Summary Compensation Table

 

Name and

Principal Position

   Year    Salary ($)    Bonus
($)(1)
   Option
Awards
($)(2)
   Non-equity
Incentive
Plan
Compen-
sation
($)(3)
   All Other
Compen-
sation
($)(4)
    Total ($)

Mark B. Knudson

    President and Chief Executive Officer

   2006    $ 300,000    $    $ 1,911    $ 90,000    $ 5,073     $ 396,984

David C. Brooks(5)

    Controller

   2006      109,417      700      862      17,081            128,060

Adrianus (Jos) Donders

    Senior Vice President of Operations

   2006      235,000           1,627      58,750      5,546       300,923

Russ Felkey

    Senior Vice President of Clinical, Quality and Regulatory Affairs

   2006      230,000           1,162      46,000      5,627       282,789

Katherine S. Tweden

    Vice President of Research

   2006      191,875      2,500      749      40,000      5,546       240,670

Virginia M. Kirby(6)

    Former Vice President of Clinical and Reimbursement

   2006      63,461           1,224           86,145 (7)     150,830

Richard R. Wilson(8)

    Former Vice President of Clinical and Chief Medical Officer

   2006      123,933           10,922           101,602 (9)     236,457

(1) Under current reporting rules, only discretionary or guaranteed bonuses are disclosed in this column. Mr. Brooks and Dr. Tweden received bonus payments in 2006 related to the employee bonus pool. Employee bonuses are paid at the discretion of the board.

 

(2)

The amount in this column is based on the compensation cost we recognized for financial statement reporting purposes with respect to the year ended December 31, 2006 in accordance with SFAS 123R, excluding the impact of forfeitures and assuming that we used the minimum value method prescribed by APB 25 for reporting awards granted prior to January 1, 2006. The assumptions we used for calculating the compensation cost are disclosed in Note 13 (Stock Options) to our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 included as part of this prospectus. The amounts in this column reported for Ms. Kirby and Dr. Wilson are the compensation costs related to options that were revalued

 

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during fiscal year 2006 in accordance with SFAS 123R as a result of modifications to the original stock option grants. See footnotes (6) and (7) to the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table for more details regarding these revaluations.

 

(3) Represents bonuses earned in 2006 under our Management Incentive Plan. All of our executive officers participate in the Management Incentive Plan. The details of the Management Incentive Plan are discussed further above under the heading “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”

 

(4) The amounts in this column include company contributions to each executive officer’s Flex Spending Account (FSA) and premiums paid by the company for health care and dental coverage for the dependents of each of our executive officers. With respect to the FSA spending contribution, the maximum contribution amount is included regardless of actual amounts used by the executives in 2006. With respect to the dependent health care and dental coverage, the amounts only include the 20% additional coverage paid by the company for executive officers as the company covers 80% of this expense for all employees.

 

(5) Mr. Brooks served as our principal financial and accounting officer during fiscal year 2006. On May 17, 2007, Gregory S. Lea accepted our offer as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and commenced his employment with us effective May 21, 2007.

 

(6) Ms. Kirby’s employment with the company was terminated effective April 14, 2006.

 

(7) Includes $11,583 for paid time off (PTO) that was cashed out upon Ms. Kirby’s termination and $71,375 paid to Ms. Kirby pursuant to a consulting agreement she entered into with the company to provide three-months of transition services following her departure. Ms. Kirby did not receive any severance payments in connection with her termination.

 

(8) Mr. Wilson’s employment with the company was terminated effective July 15, 2006.

 

(9) Includes $26,400 for paid time off (PTO) that was cashed out upon Dr. Wilson’s termination and $71,500 paid to Dr. Wilson pursuant to a consulting agreement he entered into with the company following his termination. Dr. Wilson continues to provide services to us pursuant to this agreement. Dr. Wilson did not receive any severance payments in connection with his termination.

 

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Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The table below sets forth information regarding all plan-based awards granted to our named executive officers during fiscal year 2006.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

 

Name

 

Grant

Date

  Estimated future payouts under
non-equity incentive plan
awards(1)
  All other
option awards:
number of
securities
underlying
options (#)
    Exercise
or base
price of
option
awards
($/Sh)
 

Grant date
fair value

of option
awards

($)(2)

 
      Threshold
($)
  Target
($)
  Maximum
($)
     

Mark B. Knudson

  2/16/06
4/20/06
  $
 

  $
 
90,000
  $
 

 
370,000
 
(3)
  $
 

0.05
  $
 

11,467
 
 

David C. Brooks

  2/16/06
4/20/06
4/20/06
12/7/06
   
 
 
 



   
 
 
 
17,081


   
 
 
 



 
5,000
15,000
247,100
 
(4)
(3)
(5)
   
 
 
 

0.05
0.05
0.21
   
 
 
 

132
465
31,311
 
 
 
 

Adrianus (Jos) Donders

  2/16/06
4/20/06
   
 

   
 
58,750
   
 

 
315,000
 
(3)
   
 

0.05
   
 

9,762
 
 

Russ Felkey

  2/16/06
4/20/06
   
 

   
 
46,000
   
 

 
225,000
 
(3)
   
 

0.05
   
 

6,973
 
 

Katherine S. Tweden

  2/16/06
4/20/06
   
 

   
 
40,000
   
 

 
145,000
 
(3)
   
 

0.05
   
 

4,494
 
 

Virginia M. Kirby

  2/16/06
   
 

   
 
44,000
   
 

 
 
 
   
 

   
 

1,224
 
(6)

Richard R. Wilson

  2/16/06
   
 

   
 
45,760
   
 

 
 
 
   
 

   
 

10,922
 
(7)

(1) Represents the potential value of bonuses that could have been earned under our Management Incentive Plan. The target bonus for each executive officer will be a percentage of the respective base salary for the executive officer. Under the Management Incentive Plan for 2006, Dr. Knudson could have earned a bonus up to 30% of his base salary, Mr. Donders could have earned a bonus of 25% of his base salary, Mr. Felkey and Drs. Wilson and Tweden and Ms. Kirby could have earned a bonus of 20% of each of their respective base salaries and Mr. Brooks could have earned a bonus of 15% of his base salary. Under the Management Incentive Plan, the board of directors establishes certain target financial and corporate objectives for each fiscal year. If these objectives are met, then the target bonus is payable. If any of the objectives are not met, or if they are exceeded, the board of directors has the discretion to make appropriate adjustments, but the plan does not provide for any formulaic adjustments or payments to be made in those circumstances. Commencing in 2007, the bonuses are reviewed by the compensation committee and, upon the recommendation of the compensation committee, approved by the board of directors. The actual awards earned by the executive officers in 2006 are reported in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column in the Summary Compensation Table and are discussed further above under the heading “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”

 

(2) The amounts shown represent the grant date fair value based on the Black-Scholes model of option valuation, as prescribed under SFAS 123R. The assumptions used to arrive at the Black-Scholes value are disclosed in Note 13 (Stock Options) to our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 included as part of this prospectus, excluding the impact of forfeitures.

 

(3)

These stock options were granted under our 2003 Stock Incentive Plan and vest 25% on the first anniversary of the date of grant, and 1/36 th  per month for 36 months thereafter.

 

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(4) This stock option was granted under our 2003 Stock Incentive Plan and vests 100% upon the date of grant.

(5)

This stock option was granted under our 2003 Stock Incentive Plan and vests 25% on December 1, 2007, and 1/36 th per month for 36 months thereafter.

 

(6) In connection with Ms. Kirby’s termination, the board of directors approved a modification to her stock options on April 20, 2006, which eliminated the cliff vesting to give her the right to exercise the six months worth of options she had vested through her termination date. The amount in the table above represents the incremental fair value for this modification to the original stock option grant computed as of April 20, 2006 in accordance with SFAS 123R.
(7) Following his termination, Dr. Wilson entered into a consulting agreement pursuant to which his remaining outstanding options continued to vest in accordance with our standard vesting terms. As a non-employee, these options are remeasured at the end of each reporting period under SFAS 123R and pursuant to the guidance of EITF 96-18. The amount in the table above represents the incremental fair value for the remeasurements on September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2006, which was $5,484 and $5,438, respectively.

Employment Agreements

Executive Employment Agreement With Mark B. Knudson

On June 22, 2005, we entered into an executive employment agreement with Dr. Knudson, our Chief Executive Officer and President. The agreement has an initial term of two years and automatically renews for successive one year terms unless either party delivers written notice 90 days prior to the expiration of the current term or unless it is earlier terminated as described below. Pursuant to the agreement, Dr. Knudson is entitled to a base salary of not less than $300,000, or a higher annual rate if approved by the board of directors, and to cash and equity awards pursuant to our incentive compensation plan, contingent on Dr. Knudson meeting certain annual objectives agreed to by him and the compensation committee. The agreement establishes that the target amount of Dr. Knudson’s annual incentive compensation may not exceed 30% of his base salary for that year. Dr. Knudson’s executive employment agreements also provides for the receipt of certain benefits upon the occurrence of particular termination events or a change in control. See the section entitled “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” for a more detailed discussion of these benefits. In addition, Dr. Knudson’s agreement includes a non-disclosure and assignment provision and non-competition, non-solicitation and no recruitment commitments each lasting for a period of one year following termination.

Executive Employment Agreements With Greg S. Lea, Adrianus (Jos) Donders and Russ Felkey

In 2007, we also entered into executive employment agreements with Mr. Lea, our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Donders, our Senior Vice President of Operations, and Mr. Felkey, our Senior Vice President of Clinical, Quality and Regulatory Affairs. These agreements have an initial term of one year and automatically renew for successive one year terms unless either party delivers written notice 90 days prior to the expiration of the current term or unless it is earlier terminated as described below. Pursuant to these agreements, these executive officers are entitled to a base salary, as set forth in the table below, or a higher annual rate if approved by the board of directors, and to cash and equity awards pursuant to our incentive compensation plan, contingent on the executive officers meeting certain annual objectives agreed to by them and the Chief Executive Officer. The agreements establish that the target amount of these executives’ annual incentive compensation may not exceed 25% of their respective base salary for that year.

 

Greg S. Lea

   $ 245,000

Adrianus (Jos) Donders

     235,000

Russ Felkey

     230,000

These agreements also provide for the receipt of certain benefits upon the occurrence of particular termination events or a change in control. See the section entitled “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” for a more detailed discussion of these benefits. In addition, these agreements include non-disclosure and assignment provisions and non-competition, non-solicitation and no recruitment commitments each lasting for a period of one year following termination.

 

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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table summarizes the outstanding equity award holdings held by our named executive officers at December 31, 2006. Virginia M. Kirby did not hold any outstanding equity awards on December 31, 2006, due to the termination of her employment on April 14, 2006.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

 

Name

  Option awards   Stock awards
 

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options

(#)
Exercisable

 

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options

(#)
Unexercisable

   

Option
Exercise
Price

($)

  Option
Expiration
Date
 

Number of
Shares or Units

of Stock Held
That Have Not
Vested

(#)(1)

   

Market Value
of Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested

($)(2)

Mark B. Knudson

  493,672
432,200
  138,328

370,000
(3)
(4)
(5)
  $
 
 
0.05
0.05
0.05
  8/16/14
4/27/15
4/20/16
 
37,500
 
(7)
 
  $—

David C. Brooks

  29,115
5,000

  78,385

15,000
247,100
(8)
(9)
(5)
(6)
   
 
 
 
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.21
  11/21/15
4/20/16
4/20/16
12/7/16
 


 
 
 
 
 


Adrianus (Jos) Donders

  333,336
200,000
  466,664

315,000
(8)
(4)
(5)
   
 
 
0.05
0.05
0.05
  4/11/15
4/27/15
4/20/16
 

 
 
 
 

Russ Felkey

  69,381
  192,701
225,000
(8)
(5)
   
 
0.05
0.05
  1/1/15
4/20/16
 
 
 
 

Katherine S. Tweden

  402,129
10,000
  154,371

145,000
(10)
(4)
(5)
   
 
 
0.05
0.05
0.05
  8/16/14
4/27/15
4/20/16
  3,334
4,011
(7)
(11)
 
 

Richard R. Wilson(12)

    191,656 (13)     0.05   8/16/14      

(1)

Represents shares purchased by the executive in 2003 and currently unvested pursuant to Share Restriction Agreements. The unvested shares are subject to a right of repurchase that lapses as to 1/48 th of the shares on the last day of each month beginning on a date specified in the agreements. See footnotes (6) and (10) below. The repurchase right allows us to purchase the unvested shares from the named executive officer at the original purchase price from such officer in the event that he or she no longer provides services to us as either an employee or consultant. Such repurchase right also lapses in full in the event of a change in control and such officer’s employment is involuntary or constructively terminated.

 

(2) The market value of the shares of stock that have not vested has been calculated by multiplying the number of shares times $      , which is the mid-point of the range listed on the cover page of this prospectus.

 

(3)

Stock options vest 300,000 shares immediately upon the date of grant, which was August 16, 2004, and then 25% on the first anniversary of the date of grant and 1/36 th  per month for 36 months thereafter.

 

(4) Stock options vest 100% upon the achievement of a milestone, which was defined for purposes of these grants as the implant of the Maestro RF System in 12 patients. These grants did not provide for any time restrictions with respect to the milestone, besides the ten-year term of the option. The milestone was achieved in March 2006.

 

(5)

Stock options vest 25% on the first anniversary of the date of grant and 1/36 th  per month for 36 months thereafter.

 

(6)

Stock options vest 25% on December 1, 2007, and 1/36 th  per month for 36 months thereafter.

 

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(7) The right to repurchase with respect to these shares lapses, as described in footnote (1) above, beginning on April 30, 2003.

 

(8)

Stock options vest 25% on the first anniversary of the date of grant and 1/36 th  per month for 36 months thereafter. Since these grants were made prior to May 1, 2006, the date of grant for these options is the hire date, rather than the board approval date. See the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” for further detail. The hire dates related to these options are November 21, 2005, April 11, 2005 and January 1, 2005 for Messrs. Brooks, Donders and Felkey, respectively.

 

(9) Stock options vest 100% immediately upon the date of grant.

 

(10)

Stock options vest 186,000 shares immediately upon the date of grant, which was August 16, 2004, and then 25% on the first anniversary of the date of grant and 1/36 th  per month for 36 months thereafter.

 

(11) The right to repurchase with respect to these shares lapses, as described in footnote (2) above, beginning on November 30, 2003.

 

(12) Dr. Wilson’s employment with the company was terminated effective July 14, 2006. Dr. Wilson subsequently entered into a consulting agreement with the company pursuant to which his remaining outstanding options continued to vest in accordance with our standard vesting terms.

 

(13)

Stock options continue to vest at 1/36 th per month.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table summarizes the option exercises by our named executive officers and the vesting of stock options held by such officers during our fiscal year ended December 31, 2006:

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

 

     Option Awards    Stock Awards

Name

  

Number of Shares
Acquired on
Exercise

(#)

   Value Realized
on Exercise
($)(1)
  

Number of Shares
Acquired on
Vesting

(#)(2)

   Value Realized
on Vesting
($)(3)

Mark B. Knudson

      $    112,500    $       

David C. Brooks

               

Adrianus (Jos) Donders

               

Russ Felkey

   157,918           

Katherine S. Tweden

           14,375   

Virginia M. Kirby

   46,250           

Richard R. Wilson

   163,344           

(1) The value realized is determined by multiplying the number of shares acquired on exercise by $      , which is the mid-point of the range listed on the cover page of this prospectus, net of the exercise price for acquiring the shares.

 

(2)

Vesting relates to shares purchased by the executives in 2003 and subject to Share Restriction Agreements dated October 3, 2003 and October 20, 2003. The shares are subject to a right of repurchase by the company that lapses as to 1/48 th of the shares on the last day of each month beginning on April 30, 2003 or November 30, 2003 as specified in the agreements. The right of repurchase fully lapsed with respect to Dr. Knudson’s 450,000 shares and Dr. Tweden’s 40,000 shares as of April 30, 2007. The right of repurchase will fully lapse with respect to Dr. Tweden’s additional 17,500 shares as of November 30, 2007.

 

(3) The value realized is determined by multiplying the number of shares vested by $          , which is the mid-point of the range listed on the cover page of this prospectus.

Pension Benefits

None of our named executive officers participate in or have account balances in qualified or non-qualified defined benefit plans sponsored by us.

 

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Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation

We currently do not have any non-qualified defined contribution plans or other deferred compensation plans.

Potential Payments and Benefits Upon Termination or Change in Control

We have entered into Executive Employment Agreements with Mark B. Knudson, Greg S. Lea, Adrianus (Jos) Donders and Russ Felkey providing for the receipt of certain payments and benefits upon particular termination events or change in control.

These agreements may be terminated prior to the expiration of the term by mutual written agreement of the parties, in the event of death or disability, by us for cause ( i.e. , for uncured willful breach of duties or this agreement, conviction of any felony or crime involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude or participation in any fraud against or affecting us or any of our subsidiaries, affiliates, suppliers, clients, agents or employees or an act of personal dishonesty intended to result in personal enrichment at our expense or any other act we determine constitutes gross or willful misconduct) or by these executives for good reason ( i.e. , a significant change and substantial reduction in their responsibilities or a relocation to more than 25 miles from our current facility). In addition, either party may terminate the executive’s employment at any time for any reason or no reason, including after a change in control, with 30 days written notice. For purposes of these agreements, a change in control includes: (1) a change in beneficial ownership of our securities after the date of the agreement resulting in a new beneficial owner holding 50% or more of the combined voting power of our securities; (2) a majority of the board ceases to be composed of continuing directors (as defined in the agreement); (3) any consolidation or merger involving the company where the company is not the surviving corporation or the shares of the company’s capital stock are converted into cash, securities or other property, except if the company is the surviving corporation and its stockholders immediately prior to the transaction maintain a proportionate ownership in the company’s stock following the transaction, (4) any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of the assets of the company; (5) any liquidation or dissolution of the company; or (6) a majority of the continuing directors determine, in their sole and absolute discretion, that there has been a change in control.

Payments Made Upon Termination Due to Death or Disability.

In the event that Dr. Knudson’s employment is terminated due to death or disability (as defined in the agreement), he, or in the event of his death, his then spouse, is entitled to 12 months of continued health benefits. In the event that Messrs. Donders or Felkey’s employment is terminated due to death or disability, each of them, or in the event of their death, their then spouses, are entitled to six months of continued health benefits.

Payments Made Upon Termination Without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason.

In the event that Dr. Knudson resigns for good reason or his employment is terminated without cause prior to the end of the term of his agreement, he is entitled to (1) receive base salary at the rate then currently in effect for a period of 12 months following the termination date, (2) exercise all vested options and those that would have vested within one year of the termination date for a period of five years following his termination, and (3) receive continued health benefits for a period of 12 months following the termination date. In the event that Messrs. Lea, Donders or Felkey resigns for good reason or is terminated without cause prior to the end of the term of their agreements, they are entitled to (1) receive base salary at the rate then currently in effect for a period of six months following the termination date, (2) exercise all vested options and those that would have vested within one year of the termination date for a period of five years following their termination and (3) receive continued health benefits for a period of six months following the termination date. Dr. Knudson and Messrs. Lea, Donders and Felkey’s severance pay is subject to signing, and not rescinding, a general release of all claims against the company.

 

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Benefits Upon Change in Control.

In the event of a change in control in which the employment of these executive officers is not terminated, the agreement provides that 50% of the remaining unvested portion of their stock options will automatically vest and be exercisable for a period of five years following termination of employment. In the event of a change in control in which the employment of these executive officers is terminated, 100% of the remaining unvested portion of their options will immediately vest and be exercisable for a period of five years following termination of employment. However, with respect to either of these provisions, if these executive officers receive a cash payment for their options in connection with the change in control equal to the difference between the per share amount paid to the common stockholders in the transaction and the exercise price of the option, their options will be cancelled in exchange for the cash payment.

In addition, in the event of a change in control and termination of employment, our right to repurchase shares of restricted stock subject to the Share Restriction Agreements will immediately and fully lapse. The only named executive officers holding such shares are Drs. Knudson and Tweden. At December 31, 2006, the value of the shares held by Drs. Knudson and Tweden for which this repurchase right had not lapsed is provided above in the “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End” table. On April 30, 2007, the repurchase right fully lapsed with respect to Dr. Knudson’s 37,500 shares and Dr. Tweden’s 3,334 shares and on November 30, 2007, it will fully lapse with respect to Dr. Tweden’s other 4,011 shares.

 

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Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

The table below shows our reasonable estimates of potential payments and benefits payable to the named executive officers and Mr. Lea upon termination without cause, resignation for good reason and change in control of EnteroMedics, with or without termination, based on the mid-point of the range listed on the cover of this prospectus. The amounts shown assume that termination or change in control was effective as of December 29, 2006, the last business day of the fiscal year, assuming that each executive’s employment agreement was effective as of such date and are estimates of the amounts that would be paid to the executive officer in addition to the base salary and bonus earned by the executives during 2006. Also excluded are benefits payable to all employees, such as accrued vacation and life insurance premiums. The actual amounts to be paid can only be determined at the actual time of an executive officer’s termination.

 

Name(1)

   Type of Payment   Payments
Upon Change
in Control
With
Termination
($)(2)
   Payments
Upon Change
in Control
Without
Termination
($)(2)
   Payments Upon
Termination
Without
Cause or
Resignation for
Good Reason
($)

Mark B. Knudson

   Severance Pay   $     —    $     —    $   300,000
   Value of Stock Options
Accelerated(3)
       
   Health Care Benefits(4)               17,110
                      
   Total        
                      

Greg S. Lea

   Severance Pay     $    —      $    —      $  122,500
   Value of Stock Options
Accelerated(3)
       
   Health Care Benefits(4)            
                      
   Total        
                      

Adrianus (Jos) Donders

   Severance Pay     $    —      $    —      $  117,500
   Value of Stock Options
Accelerated(3)
       
   Health Care Benefits(4)               9,527
                      
   Total        
                      

Russ Felkey

   Severance Pay     $    —      $    —      $  115,000
   Value of Stock Options
Accelerated(3)
       
   Health Care Benefits(4)               9,929
                      
   Total        
                      

(1) We entered into executive employment agreements with Messrs. Lea, Donders and Felkey on May 21, 2007, February 9, 2007 and May 16, 2007, respectively, however, we have included in this table the benefits that would have been paid to them under these agreements assuming these agreements were in effect as of the assumed termination or change in control date of December 29, 2006.

 

(2) Assumes that options were not cashed out in connection with change in control. Additional amounts may be payable if the termination is without cause or is a resignation for good reason, as specified in the third column.

 

(3) Value computed based on the difference between $          , which is the mid-point of the range listed on the front cover of this prospectus and the exercise price for each option accelerated.

 

(4) Amount represents the estimated full premiums to be paid by the company for health and dental coverage for the executive officer and his family for the duration of the 12 or six month severance period, as applicable, based on current premiums paid.

 

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Other Termination Arrangements

Effective as of April 14, 2006, Virginia M. Kirby terminated her employment and entered into a three-month consulting agreement under which she agreed to provide us with certain transition-related services for a total payment of $71,375. Ms. Kirby was not entitled to any severance benefits under this agreement or any other agreement with the company; however, pursuant to her departure, on April 20, 2006, the board approved a modification to her stock options, which eliminated the cliff vesting to give her the right to exercise the six months worth of options she had vested through her termination date.

Effective as of July 15, 2006, Richard R. Wilson terminated his employment and entered into a consulting agreement with us, which provides fee payments of $3,000 per week, based on 20 hours per week. Dr. Wilson continues to provide services to us in connection with this agreement. In addition, pursuant to his entering this consulting agreement, Dr. Wilson’s outstanding options were reclassified as non-qualified stock options and continue to vest in accordance with the terms of his stock option agreement.

Employee Benefit Plans

2003 Stock Incentive Plan

Our 2003 Stock Incentive Plan, which we refer to as our 2003 plan, was adopted in October 2003. Our stockholders have approved an amendment to the 2003 plan to be effective upon the completion of this offering, whereby the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the 2003 plan will be 35,500,000 shares. As of May 15, 2007, options to purchase an aggregate of 16,707,968 shares of common stock were outstanding under the 2003 plan and an aggregate of 1,275,650 shares of common stock had been issued upon the exercise of stock options under the 2003 plan. Any options granted under the 2003 plan that expire or are terminated prior to exercise and any shares of common stock that were purchased by exercise of options granted under the 2003 plan and that we repurchase will be eligible for issuance under the 2003 plan.

The 2003 plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options and nonstatutory stock options. Our officers, employees, directors, consultants, independent directors and affiliates are eligible to receive options under the 2003 plan; however, incentive stock options may only be granted to our employees.

Our compensation committee administers the 2003 plan. Our board of directors, or a committee to which it has delegated its authority, may select the recipients of options and determine, subject to any limitations in the 2003 plan:

 

   

the number of shares of common stock covered by options and the dates upon which those options become exercisable;

 

   

the exercise prices of options;

 

   

the duration of options; and

 

   

the method of payment of the exercise price.

Option agreements issued pursuant to the 2003 plan provide that upon the occurrence of a change in control event (as defined in the option agreements under the 2003 plan), 50% of the unvested options outstanding as of the date of the change of control will become immediately exercisable unless the options are to be cancelled within 5 days of the change in control in which case 100% of the unvested options will be immediately exercisable. We have also entered into executive employment agreements with certain of our executive officers that provide that 100% of the unvested options outstanding will become immediately exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control event in which the executive officer is terminated. See “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” for a more detailed description of the vesting provisions of these agreements.

 

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Our compensation committee may amend, modify or terminate any outstanding award, only with the consent of the holder, unless the compensation committee or our board of directors determines that the amendment, modification or termination would not adversely affect the holder. Our board of directors may at any time suspend or terminate the 2003 plan, except that, to the extent determined by our board, no amendment requiring stockholder approval under any applicable legal, regulatory or listing requirement will become effective until the requisite stockholder approval is obtained.

Management Incentive Plan

For our fiscal year ending December 31, 2007, we adopted a management incentive plan for our executive and senior officers, including our senior vice presidents, vice presidents and controller, that provides an annual bonus payout in cash based on certain metrics set forth in the plan. In the first quarter of 2007, our compensation committee recommended and the board of directors approved the performance objectives for the 2007 Management Incentive Plan and the percentage of the bonus attributable to the achievement of corporate and individual performance objectives. For fiscal year 2007, the corporate performance objectives consist of the completion of certain milestones related to our VBLOC clinical trials, including our EMPOWER pivotal trial, expanding our management team and meeting financial budgetary goals. The individual performance objectives were set separately and specifically for each participating executive officer. For a more detailed description of our Management Incentive Plan, see the section entitled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”

401(k) Plan

Our retirement plan, which we refer to as the 401(k) plan, is qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code, and provides retirement benefits to all full-time employees. Eligible employees may elect to reduce their current compensation by an amount no greater than the statutorily prescribed annual limit and may have that amount contributed to the 401(k) plan. Matching contributions may be made to the 401(k) plan at the discretion of our board. To date, we have not made any contributions to the 401(k) plan.

Indemnification of Officers and Directors

Article 6 of our certificate of incorporation, to become effective upon the completion of the offering made pursuant to this registration statement, provides that no director of our company shall be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director, notwithstanding any provision of law imposing such liability, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to our company or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involved intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

Article 8 of our bylaws provides that we will indemnify each person who was or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person of whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer of our company or is or was serving at the request of our company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee or agent (all such persons are referred to as an indemnitee), shall be indemnified and held harmless by our company, against all expenses, liability and loss (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such indemnitee in connection with such action, suit or proceeding and any appeal therefrom, if such indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, our best interests, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, he or she had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. Our bylaws provide that we will indemnify any indemnitee seeking indemnity in connection with a

 

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proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by our board of directors. We will indemnify the indemnitee for expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition to the extent not prohibited by law. Such indemnification will only be made if the indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, our best interests, except that no indemnification shall be made with respect to any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to us, unless a court determines that, despite such adjudication but in view of all of the circumstances, he or she is entitled to indemnification of such expenses. Expenses must be advanced to an indemnitee under certain circumstances.

As a condition precedent to the right of indemnification, an indemnitee must give us notice of the action for which indemnity is sought and we have the right to participate in such action or assume the defense thereof.

Article 8 of our bylaws further provides that the indemnification provided therein is not exclusive, and provides that no amendment, termination or repeal of the relevant provisions of the Delaware law statute or any other applicable law will diminish the rights of any Indemnitee to indemnification under our certificate of incorporation.

At present, there is no pending litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officers or employees in which indemnification is sought, nor are we aware of any threatened litigation that may result in claims for indemnification.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers and controlling persons under our certificate of incorporation or bylaws or the indemnification agreements we have entered into with our directors and officers, we have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC this indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.

 

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PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of June 30, 2007 for:

 

   

each beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding common stock;

 

   

each of our named executive officers and directors; and

 

   

all of our executive officers and directors as a group.

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC. These rules generally attribute beneficial ownership of securities to persons who possess sole or shared voting power or investment power with respect to those securities and include shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options, warrants or other convertible securities that are immediately exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after June 30, 2007. Except as otherwise indicated, all of the shares reflected in the table are shares of common stock and all persons listed below have sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned by them, subject to applicable community property laws. The information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose.

Percentage ownership calculations for beneficial ownership prior to this offering are based on 102,839,327 shares outstanding, on an as-converted basis, as of June 30, 2007. Percentage ownership calculations for beneficial ownership after this offering also include the               shares we are selling in this offering. Except as otherwise indicated in the table below, addresses of named beneficial owners are in care of EnteroMedics Inc., 2800 Patton Road, St. Paul, Minnesota 55113.

 

     Beneficial Ownership Prior to Offering     Beneficial Ownership
After Offering

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

   Outstanding
Shares
Beneficially
Owned
  

Right to
Acquire
Within 60
Days After

June 30,

2007

   Shares Beneficially Owned     Shares Beneficially
Owned
         Number    Percentage     Number    Percentage

5% Stockholders:

                

MPM Capital(1)

    601 Gateway Blvd., Ste. 360

    S. San Francisco, CA 94080

   30,943,209    1,146,204    32,089,413    30.9 %     

Bay City Capital(2)

    750 Battery St., Ste. 400

    San Francisco, CA 94111

   20,570,571    500,000    21,070,571    20.4 %     

Aberdare Ventures(3)

    One Embarcadero Ctr., Ste. 400

    San Francisco, CA 94111

   13,215,466    384,280    13,599,746    13.2 %     

InterWest Partners(4)

    2710 Sand Hill Rd., Second Floor

    Menlo Park, CA 94025

   12,369,280       12,369,280    12.0 %     

Onset Ventures(5)

    2400 Sand Hill Rd., Ste. 150

    Menlo Park, CA 94025

   7,871,360       7,871,360    7.7 %     

Charter Life Sciences(6)

    3130 Highland Ave., Ste. 3205

    Cincinnati, OH 45219

   5,665,157    150,000    5,815,157    5.6 %     

 

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     Beneficial Ownership Prior to Offering     Beneficial Ownership
After Offering

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

   Outstanding
Shares
Beneficially
Owned
   Right to
Acquire
Within 60
Days After
June 30,
2007
   Shares Beneficially Owned     Shares Beneficially
Owned
         Number    Percentage     Number    Percentage

Executive Officers and Directors:

                

Mark B. Knudson, Ph.D.(7)

   1,419,814    1,132,238    2,552,052    2.5 %     

Greg S. Lea(8)

      250,000    250,000    *       

David C. Brooks(9)

      57,037    57,037    *       

Adrianus (Jos) Donders(10)

      771,674    771,674    *       

Russ Felkey(11)

   157,918    206,055    363,973    *       

Katherine S. Tweden(12)

   57,500    522,215    579,715    *       

Virginia M. Kirby

   46,250       46,250    *       

Richard R. Wilson(13)

   547,940    87,859    635,799    *       

Luke Evnin, Ph.D.(14)

   30,943,209    1,146,204    32,089,413    30.9 %     

Catherine Friedman(15)

      83,336    83,336    *       

Carl Goldfischer, M.D.(16)

   20,570,571    500,000    21,070,571    20.4 %     

Bobby I. Griffin

   1,124,480       1,124,480    1.1 %     

Donald C. Harrison(17)

   5,822,850    159,231    5,982,081    5.8 %     

Paul H. Klingenstein(18)

   13,744,098    399,600    14,143,698    13.7 %     

Ellen Koskinas(19)

   12,369,280       12,369,280    12.0 %     

Nicholas L. Teti, Jr.(20)

      83,336    83,336    *       

All executive officers and directors as a group (14 persons)(21)

   86,209,720    5,529,095    91,738,815    84.7 %     

* Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1%.

 

(1) Consists of 1,731,272 shares and warrants to purchase 64,131 shares held by MPM BioVentures III, L.P. (“BV3LP”); 25,749,390 shares and warrants to purchase 953,814 shares held by MPM BioVentures III-QP, L.P. (“BV3QP”); 2,175,924 shares and warrants to purchase 80,600 shares held by MPM BioVentures III GmbH & Co. Beteiligungs KG (“BV3KG”); 777,909 shares and warrants to purchase 28,815 shares held by MPM BioVentures III Parallel Fund L.P. (“BV3PF”); and 508,714 shares and warrants to purchase 18,844 shares held by MPM Asset Management Investors 2002 BV3 (“BV3 AM 2002”). MPM BioVentures III GP, L.P. (“BV3GP”) and MPM BioVentures III LLC (“BV3LLC”) are the direct and indirect general partners of BV3LP, BV3QP, BV2KG and BV3PF. Ansbert Gadicke, Nicholas Galakatos, Michael Steinmetz, Dennis Henner, Nicholas Simon III, Kurt Wheeler and Luke Evnin, one of our directors, are general partners of BV3LLC and BV3 AM 2002 and therefore hold shared voting and investment power over the shares held by BV3LP, BV3QP, BV3KG, BV3PF and BV3 AM 2002. Each of these general partners disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned by these entities except to the extent of their proportionate pecuniary interest therein.

 

(2) Consists of 20,136,533 shares and warrants to purchase 489,450 shares held by Bay City Capital Fund IV, L.P.; 434,038 shares and warrants to purchase 10,550 shares held by Bay City Capital IV Co-Investment Fund IV, L.P. (collectively, the “Bay City Capital Funds”). Bay City Capital Management IV, L.P. is the general partner of the Bay City Capital Funds and Bay City Capital LLC (“BCC”) is a manager and member of Bay City Capital Management IV, LP. BCC has sole voting and investment power over the shares held by the Bay City Capital Funds. BCC, BF4 GP Investors LLC, Fred Craves and Carl Goldfischer, one of our directors, are members of Bay City Capital Management IV, L.P. Mr. Craves and Dr. Goldfischer are also managing directors and members of BCC. Each of these individuals disclaim beneficial ownership with respect to the shares owned by the Bay City Capital Funds except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein.

 

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(3) Consists of 10,811,333 shares and warrants to purchase 375,760 shares held by Aberdare Ventures II, L.P.; 245,113 shares and warrants to purchase 8,520 shares held by Aberdare Ventures II (Bermuda), L.P.; 2,159,020 shares held by Aberdare II Annex Fund, L.P. (collectively, the “Aberdare Funds”). Aberdare GP II, LLC is the general partner of the Aberdare Funds and thereby has sole voting and investment power over the shares owned by the Aberdare Funds. Paul H. Klingenstein, one of our directors, is a managing partner of the Aberdare Funds and has shared voting and investment power over the shares held by these entities; however, Mr. Klingenstein disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. See footnote (17).

 

(4) Consists of 12,369,280 shares held by InterWest Partners IX, L.P. InterWest Management Partners IX, LLC is the general partner of InterWest Partners IX, L.P. and thereby has sole voting and investment power over the shares owned by InterWest Partners IX, L.P. Harvey B. Cash, Philip T. Gianos, W. Stephen Holmes, Gilbert H. Kliman, Arnold L. Oronsky, Thomas L. Rosch and Michael B. Sweeney are managing directors of InterWest Management Partners IX, LLC and Michael D. Boich, Bruce A. Cleveland, Christopher B. Ehrlich, Nina Kjellson, Douglas A. Pepper, H. Ronald Nash, Khalad A. Nasr, Victor A. Westerlind and Ellen Koskinas, one of our directors, are venture members of InterWest Management Partners IX, LLC. Each of these managing directors and venture members of InterWest Management Partners IX, LLC have shared voting and investment power over the shares owned by InterWest Partners IX, L.P. and disclaim beneficial ownership over such shares except to the extent of their pro rata partnership interest therein.

 

(5) F. Leslie Bottorf, Robert F. Kuhling, Jr., Susan A. Mason and Terry L. Opdendyk are managing directors of Onset V, L.P. and have shared voting and investment power over the shares owned by Onset V, L.P. and disclaim beneficial ownership over such shares, except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein.

 

(6) Consists of 5,665,157 shares and warrants to purchase 150,000 shares held by Charter Life Sciences. Donald C. Harrison, one of our directors, is a managing partner of Charter Life Sciences and has shared voting and investment power over the shares held by this entity; however, Dr. Harrison disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. See footnote (16).

 

(7) Includes 1,168,838 shares and warrants to purchase 18,463 shares held by the Mark B. Knudson Revocable Trust u/a dtd 4/28/03; 175,507 shares held by the Knudson Family Limited Partnership; 75,468 shares and warrants to purchase 9,231 shares held by the Susan J. Knudson Revocable Trust u/a dtd 4/18/03. Also includes of options to purchase 1,104,544 shares that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of June 30, 2007 held by Dr. Knudson.

 

(8) Consists of options to purchase 250,000 shares that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of June 30, 2007.

 

(9) Consists of options to purchase 57,037 shares that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of June 30, 2007.

 

(10) Consists of options to purchase 771,674 shares that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of June 30, 2007.

 

(11) Consists of options to purchase 206,055 shares that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of June 30, 2007.

 

(12) Consists of options to purchase 522,215 shares that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of June 30, 2007.

 

(13) Consists of warrants to purchase 20,771 shares and options to purchase 67,088 shares that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of June 30, 2007.

 

(14) Consists of 30,943,209 shares and warrants to purchase 1,146,204 shares owned by MPM Capital Funds. See footnote (1). Dr. Evnin, one of our directors, also holds shared voting and investment power over the shares held by BV3LP, BV3QP, BV3KG, BV3PF and BV3 AM 2002. Dr. Evnin disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned by these entities except to the extent of his proportionate pecuniary interest therein.

 

(15) Consists of options to purchase 83,336 shares that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of June 30, 2007.

 

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(16) Consists of 20,570,571 shares and warrants to purchase 500,000 shares held by the Bay City Capital Funds. See footnote (2). Carl Goldfischer, one of our directors, also holds shared voting and investment power over the shares held by the Bay City Capital Funds. Dr. Goldfischer disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned by the Bay City Capital Funds except to the extent of his proportionate pecuniary interest therein.

 

(17) Consists of 157,693 shares and 9,231 warrants to purchase shares held by Donald C. Harrison. Also consists of 5,665,157 shares and warrants to purchase 150,000 shares held by Charter Life Sciences. See footnote (5). Dr. Harrison, one of our directors, also holds shared voting and investment power over the shares held by Charter Life Sciences. Dr. Harrison disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned by Charter Life Sciences except to the extent of his proportionate pecuniary interest therein.

 

(18) Consists of 528,632 shares and warrants to purchase 15,320 shares held by Paul H. Klingenstein. Also consists of 13, 215,466 shares and warrants to purchase 384,280 shares held by the Aberdare Funds. See footnote (3). Mr. Klingenstein, one of our directors, also holds shared voting and investment power over the shares held by the Aberdare Funds. Mr. Klingenstein disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned by Aberdare Ventures except to the extent of his proportionate pecuniary interest therein.

 

(19) Consists of 12,369,280 shares held by InterWest Partners. See footnote (4). Ellen Koskinas, one of our directors, also holds shared voting and investment power over the shares held by InterWest Partners. Ms. Koskinas disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned by InterWest Partners except to the extent of her pro rata partnership interest therein.

 

(20) Consists of options to purchase 83,336 shares that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of June 30, 2007.

 

(21) Includes warrants to purchase 2,232,729 shares and 3,296,366 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of June 30, 2007 held by all of the executive officers and directors named in the table above, excluding Virginia Kirby and Richard Wilson, who terminated their employment with us in 2006, and including Mark Stultz, Vice President of Marketing and Reimbursement.

 

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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Since January 1, 2004, we have entered into the following transactions with our directors, director-nominees, officers and holders of more than five percent of our voting securities and affiliates of our directors, director-nominees, officers and five percent stockholders. All share and per share amounts pertaining to common stock have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to a         -for-       reverse stock split of our common stock to be effected before the completion of this offering. As a result of the         -for-       reverse stock split to be effected before the completion of this offering, each share of outstanding preferred stock is convertible into        of a share of our common stock.

Registration Rights

We have granted registration rights to certain holders of our preferred stock and warrants to purchase our common and preferred stock, pursuant to the terms of an investor rights agreement. As of the date of this prospectus, the holders of preferred stock held an aggregate of 93,856,180 shares of preferred stock and warrants to purchase 2,272,363 shares of common and preferred stock. Upon the completion of this offering, all of the outstanding shares of our preferred stock, including shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants to purchase common and preferred stock, will automatically convert into a total of 100,423,039 shares of our common stock. The holders of 98,999,040 of these common shares will have the right to require us to register these shares. After registration pursuant to these rights, these shares will become freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act. The following related parties have registration rights:

 

Name of Stockholder

   Number of
Registrable Shares

Directors and Officers

  

Mark B. Knudson, Ph.D.(1)

   362,508

Bobby I. Griffin

   1,124,480

Donald Harrison, M.D.

   73,174

Paul H. Klingenstein(2)

   543,952

5% Stockholders

  

MPM Capital(3)

   32,089,413

Bay City Capital(4)

   21,070,571

Aberdare Ventures(5)

   13,599,746

Charter Life Sciences, L.P.

   5,815,157

Interwest Partners IX, L.P.

   12,369,280

Onset V, L.P.

   7,871,360

Total:

   94,919,641

(1) Consists of 277,809 registrable shares held by the Mark B. Knudson Revocable Trust and 84,699 registrable shares held by the Susan J. Knudson Revocable Trust.

 

(2) Paul H. Klingenstein, a member of our board of directors, is also the managing partner of Aberdare Ventures.

 

(3) Consists of 1,795,403 registrable shares held by MPM BioVentures III, L.P., 26,703,204 registrable shares held by MPM BioVentures III-QP, L.P., 2,256,524 registrable shares held by MPM BioVentures III GmbH & Co. Parallel-Beteiligungs KG, 806,724 registrable shares held by MPM BioVentures III Parallel Fund, L.P. and 527,558 registrable shares held by MPM Asset Management Investors 2002 BVIII LLC. Luke B. Evnin, a member of our board of directors, is a general partner of MPM Capital.

 

(4) Consists of 20,625,983 registrable shares held by Bay City Capital Fund IV, L.P. and 444,588 registrable shares held by Bay City Capital Fund IV Co-Investment Fund, L.P. Carl Goldfischer, a member of our board of directors, is a managing director of Bay City Capital.

 

(5) Consists of 11,187,093 registrable shares held by Aberdare Ventures II, L.P., 253,633 registrable shares held by Aberdare Ventures II (Bermuda), L.P. and 2,159,020 registrable shares held by Aberdare II Annex Fund, L.P.

 

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Securities Issued to Insiders

The following summarizes purchases of our securities since January 1, 2004 by our executive officers, directors and holders of more than 5% of our common stock other than compensatory arrangements. All share and per share amounts pertaining to common stock have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to a         -for-       reverse stock split of our common stock to be effected before the completion of this offering. As a result of the         -for-       reverse stock split to be effected before the completion of this offering, each share of outstanding preferred stock is convertible into        of a share of our common stock.

Series C Preferred Stock

On July 6, 2006 and December 11, 2006, we entered into agreements with 25 individuals and entities, including Mark B. Knudson, Ph.D., MPM Capital, Bay City Capital, Aberdare Ventures, Charter Life Sciences, L.P., Interwest Partners IX, L.P., Onset V, L.P., Donald C. Harrison, M.D., Paul H. Klingenstein and Bobby I. Griffin to sell, in a private placement, an aggregate of 51,957,735 shares of our Series C preferred stock. The total aggregate offering price for these sales was $46,206,019. All shares of Series C preferred stock will be automatically converted into 51,957,735 shares of our common stock upon the completion of this offering.

Of the 51,957,735 shares of Series C preferred stock sold pursuant to the Series C financing, 49,491,882 shares of Series C preferred stock were sold to the following related parties:

 

Purchaser

   Series C Shares    Purchase Price(1)

Directors and Executive Officers

     

Mark B. Knudson, Ph.D.(2)

   86,440    $ 76,871

Bobby I. Griffin

   1,124,480      1,000,000

Donald C. Harrison, M.D.

   17,288      15,374

Paul H. Klingenstein(3)

   175,066      155,686

5% Stockholders

     

MPM Capital(4)

   12,266,612      10,908,699

Bay City Capital(5)

   9,031,221      8,031,465

Aberdare Ventures(6)

   4,346,784      3,865,595

Charter Life Sciences, L.P.

   2,203,351      1,959,440

Interwest Partners IX, L.P.

   12,369,280      11,000,001

Onset V, L.P.

   7,871,360      7,000,000

(1) Of the aggregate $44,013,131 purchase price paid by related parties, an aggregate amount of $5,215,849 was paid by converting all of the outstanding promissory notes, including accrued interest payable, that were convertible into our Series C preferred stock.

 

(2) Consists of 57,627 shares held by the Mark B. Knudson Revocable Trust and 28,813 shares held by the Susan J. Knudson Revocable Trust.

 

(3) Paul H. Klingenstein, a member of our board of directors, is also the managing partner of Aberdare Ventures.

 

(4) Consists of 686, 317 shares of Series C preferred stock held by MPM BioVentures III, L.P., 10,207,663 shares of Series C preferred stock held by MPM BioVentures III-QP, L.P., 862,588 shares of Series C preferred stock held by MPM BioVentures III GmbH & Co. Parallel-Beteiligungs KG, 308,382 shares of Series C Preferred held by MPM BioVentures III Parallel Fund, L.P. and 201,662 shares of Series C preferred stock held by MPM Asset Management Investors 2002 BVIII LLC. Luke B. Evnin, a member of our board of directors, is a general partner of MPM Capital.

 

(5) Consists of 190,558 shares of Series C preferred stock held by Bay City Capital Fund IV, L.P. and 8,840,663 shares of Series C preferred stock held by Bay City Capital Fund IV Co-Investment Fund, L.P. Carl Goldfischer, a member of our board of directors, is a managing director of Bay City Capital.

 

(6) Consists of 2,139,283 shares of Series C preferred stock held by Aberdare Ventures II, L.P., 48,481 shares of Series C preferred stock held by Aberdare Ventures II (Bermuda), L.P. and 2,159,020 shares of Series C preferred stock held by Aberdare II Annex Fund, L.P.

 

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Convertible Note Offering

On December 12, 2005, we entered into a Convertible Note Purchase Agreement with 18 individuals and entities, including Mark B. Knudson, Ph.D., MPM Capital, Bay City Capital, Aberdare Ventures, Charter Life Sciences, L.P., Donald C. Harrison, M.D. and Paul H. Klingenstein to sell convertible promissory notes totaling $5,250,003 (2005 Notes). The 2005 Notes were converted into 6,050,839 shares of our Series C Preferred Stock. Of the 6,050,839 shares of Series C Preferred issued upon conversion of the 2005 Notes, 5,865,112 shares were issued to the related parties below.

Of the $5,250,003 of 2005 Notes that were sold pursuant to Convertible Note Purchase Agreement, 5,088,857 of the 2005 Notes were sold to the following related parties:

 

Purchaser

   Note Purchase Price    Series C Shares

Directors and Executive Officers

     

Mark B. Knudson, Ph.D.(1)

   $ 75,000    86,440

Donald C. Harrison, M.D.

     15,000    17,288

Paul H. Klingenstein(2)

     45,819    52,808

5% Stockholders

     

MPM Capital(3)

     1,862,228    2,146,292

Bay City Capital(4)

     1,494,178    1,722,101

Aberdare Ventures(5)

     1,148,378    1,323,552

Charter Life Sciences, L.P.

     448,254    516,631

(1) Consists of $50,000 of 2005 Notes purchased by the Mark B. Knudson Revocable Trust and $25,000 of 2005 Notes purchased by the Susan J. Knudson Revocable Trust.

 

(2) Paul H. Klingenstein, a member of our board of directors, is also the managing partner of Aberdare Ventures.

 

(3) Consists of $104,192 of 2005 Notes purchased by MPM BioVentures III, L.P., $1,549,653 of 2005 Notes purchased by MPM BioVentures III-QP, L.P., $130,952 of 2005 Notes purchased by MPM BioVentures III GmbH & Co. Parallel-Beteiligungs KG, $46,816 of 2005 Notes purchased by MPM BioVentures III Parallel Fund, L.P. and $30,615 of 2005 Notes purchased by MPM Asset Management Investors 2002 BVIII LLC. Luke B. Evnin, a member of our board of directors, is a general partner of MPM Capital.

 

(4) Consists of $1,462,651 of 2005 Notes purchased by Bay City Capital Fund IV, L.P. and $31,527 of 2005 Notes purchased by Bay City Capital Fund IV Co-Investment Fund, L.P. Carl Goldfischer, a member of our board of directors, is a managing director of Bay City Capital.

 

(5) Consists of $1,122,923 of 2005 Notes purchased by Aberdare Ventures II, L.P. and $25,455 of 2005 Notes purchased by Aberdare Ventures II (Bermuda), L.P.

Series B Preferred Stock and Common Stock Warrants

On July 30, 2004, June 17, 2005 and December 12, 2005 we entered into agreements with 18 individuals and entities, including Mark B. Knudson, Ph.D., MPM Capital, Bay City Capital, Aberdare Ventures, Charter Life Sciences, L.P., Donald C. Harrison, M.D. and Paul H. Klingenstein to sell, in a private placement, an aggregate of 39,002,196 shares of our Series B preferred stock. The total aggregate offering price for these sales was $16,899,654. All shares of Series B preferred stock will be automatically converted into 39,002,196 shares of our common stock upon the completion of this offering.

On December 12, 2005, in connection with the closing of our Series B preferred stock financing, we issued an aggregate of 1,550,000 warrants to purchase our common stock to 12 individuals and entities, including MPM Capital, Bay City Capital, Aberdare Ventures, Charter Life Sciences and Paul H. Klingenstein. The total aggregate offering price for these warrants was $15,500.00.

 

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Of the 39,002,196 shares of Series B preferred stock and 1,550,000 warrants to purchase common stock sold pursuant to the Series B financing, 38,792,811 shares of Series B preferred stock and 1,549,600 warrants to purchase common stock were sold to the following related parties:

 

Purchasers

   Series B
Shares
   Purchase
Price(1)
   Common
Warrants

Directors and Executive Officers

        

Mark B. Knudson, Ph.D.(2)

   141,004    $ 61,097   

Donald C. Harrison, M.D.

   46,655      20,216   

Paul H. Klingenstein(3)

   353,566      153,200    15,320

5% Stockholders

        

MPM Capital(4)

   14,381,748      6,231,611    500,000

Bay City Capital(5)

   11,539,350      5,000,000    500,000

Aberdare Ventures(6)

   8,868,682      3,842,800    384,280

Charter Life Sciences, L.P.

   3,461,806      1,500,001    150,000

(1) Of the aggregate $16,808,925 purchase price paid by related parties, an aggregate amount of $1,512,923.72 was paid by converting all of the outstanding promissory notes that were convertible into our Series B preferred stock.

 

(2) Consists of 94,349 shares of Series B preferred stock held by the Mark B. Knudson Revocable Trust and 46,655 shares of Series B preferred stock held by the Susan J. Knudson Revocable Trust.

 

(3) Paul H. Klingenstein, a member of our board of directors, is also the managing partner of Aberdare Ventures.

 

(4) Consists of 804,658 shares of Series B preferred stock and 27,976 common stock warrants held by MPM BioVentures III, L.P., 11,967,771 shares of Series B preferred stock and 416,076 common stock warrants held by MPM BioVentures III-QP, L.P., 1,011,323 shares of Series B preferred stock and 35,159 common stock warrants held by MPM BioVentures III GmbH & Co. Parallel-Beteiligungs KG, 361,555 shares of Series B preferred stock and 12,569 common stock warrants held by MPM BioVentures III Parallel Fund, L.P. and 236,441 shares of Series B preferred stock and 8,220 common stock warrants held by MPM Asset Management Investors 2002 BVIII LLC. Luke B. Evnin, a member of our board of directors, is a general partner of MPM Capital.

 

(5) Consists of 11,295,870 shares of Series B preferred stock and 489,450 common stock warrants held by Bay City Capital Fund IV, L.P. and 243,480 shares of Series B preferred stock and 10,550 common stock warrants held by Bay City Capital Fund IV Co-Investment Fund, L.P. Carl Goldfischer, a member of our board of directors, is a managing director of Bay City Capital.

 

(6) Consists of 8,672,050 shares of Series B preferred stock and 375,760 common stock warrants held by Aberdare Ventures II, L.P. and 196,632 shares of Series B preferred stock and 8,520 common stock warrants held by Aberdare Ventures II (Bermuda), L.P.

Bridge Loan Financing

On November 13, 2003, we entered into a bridge loan agreement with 12 individuals and entities, which was later amended on April 23, 2004 and June 30, 2004 (Bridge Financing). Pursuant to this bridge loan agreement, certain investors lent a total of $1,564,843 to the company in 2003 and 2004 in exchange for convertible promissory notes bearing interest of 4% per annum (Bridge Notes). In connection with the bridge loan agreement, the company also issued warrants to purchase a total of 722,363 shares of Series B preferred stock. The Bridge Notes were converted into 3,691,784 shares of Series B Preferred. The Bridge Notes held by the related parties below were converted into 3,491,631 shares of Series B Preferred in connection with the Series B financing.

 

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Of the $1,564,843 of Bridge Notes and 722,362 Series B Warrants sold pursuant to the Bridge Financing, $1,479,852 of Bridge Notes and 683,128 Series B Warrants were sold to the following related parties:

 

Name

   Note Purchase Price    Series B Shares    Series B Warrants

Directors and Executive Officers

        

Mark B. Knudson, Ph.D.(1)

   $ 59,994    141,004    27,694

Donald C. Harrison, M.D.

     19,998    46,655    9,231

5% Stockholders

        

MPM Capital(2)

     1,399,860    3,303,972    646,204

(1) Consists of $39,996 of Bridge Notes purchased by Mark B. Knudson and $19,998 of Bridge Notes purchased by Susan J. Knudson.

 

(2) Consists of $78,322 of Bridge Notes and 36,155 Series B Warrants purchased by MPM BioVentures III, L.P., $1,164,894 of Bridge Notes and 537,738 Series B Warrants purchased by MPM BioVentures III-QP, L.P., $98,438 of Bridge Notes and 45,441 of Series B Warrants purchased by MPM BioVentures III GmbH & Co. Parallel-Beteiligungs KG, $35,192 of Bridge Notes and 16,246 of Series B Warrants purchased by MPM BioVentures III Parallel Fund, L.P. and $23,014 of Bridge Notes and 10,624 of Series B Warrants purchased by MPM Asset Management Investors 2002 BVIII LLC. Luke B. Evnin, a member of our board of directors, is a general partner of MPM Capital.

Additional Security Issuances

In addition to the transactions set forth above, we have also entered in the following transactions with our officers, directors and holders of more than five percent of our voting securities:

 

   

On October 1, 2003, Dr. Knudson purchased 450,000 shares of restricted stock and Dr. Harrison purchased 73,750 shares of restricted stock for $0.01 per share and we entered into a restricted stock agreement with each of Dr. Knudson and Dr. Harrison in connection with these purchases. The stock restriction agreements provide us with a right to repurchase the shares that lapses in increments of 1/48 each month.

 

   

On April 23, 2004, we amended these restricted stock agreements to provide continued vesting for the holder as long as he or she is a director, officer or employee of the company or makes himself or herself available for advice and consultation following dissolution of Venturi II, LLC. We also entered into a consulting agreement with Dr. Harrison, which provided for continued vesting of his restricted stock pursuant to his restricted stock agreement if he performed certain services for us. Pursuant to his consulting agreement, Dr. Harrison has assisted us with the set up and design of our pre-clinical and clinical trials and continues to provide such services to us as needed. Our repurchase option for the stock held by Drs. Knudson and Harrison lapsed on April 30, 2007.

Consulting Agreements

Effective January 2, 2003, we entered into a consulting agreement with Venturi Development, Inc., or VDI. The consulting agreement provided for VDI to receive compensation in the form of cash for services provided. Initially, VDI provided us with management support and advice on legal and contractual matters, especially with respect to our relationship with Mayo Clinic. However, after Dr. Knudson formally joined EnteroMedics in 2004, VDI no longer provided management services to us and its consulting role has been minimal. The consulting agreement with VDI was terminated effective as of June 30, 2007. The total cash payments were $1,230,000 in 2004, $46,000 in 2005, $29,000 in 2006 and $21,000 through the termination date in 2007. The majority of the consulting services provided by VDI were recorded as research and development and general and administrative. Mark B. Knudson, our President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of our Board of Directors, is the President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of VDI.

 

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Effective September 21, 2006, we entered into a consulting agreement with Bobby I. Griffin, who is a member of our Board of Directors. The consulting agreement provides for the consultant to receive compensation, in the form of an option to purchase common stock for services provided. Mr. Griffin has assisted us with product development and has advised us with respect to the conduct of our clinical trials in connection with this agreement. Pursuant to this consulting agreement, Mr. Griffin received a one-time option grant to purchase 500,000 shares of common stock at $0.21 per share that vest 25% on the first anniversary the date the consulting agreement was entered into and 1/36 th  per month each month thereafter for 36 months.

Sublease Agreement

Effective September 2005, we entered into a sublease agreement for office and warehouse space with Restore Medical, Inc. Mark B. Knudson, our President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of our Board of Directors, is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Restore Medical, Inc. The lease expires on September 30, 2008. Under the terms of the sublease agreement, the monthly base rent ranges from $11,476 to $11,596. Rent expense recognized for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 was $127,766 and $22,555, respectively. Rent expense recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $30,064. We also reimburse Restore Medical, Inc. for various facility and personnel related expenses, which for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 were approximately $128,000 and $52,000, respectively. Facility and personnel related expense paid to Restore for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $46,000.

Indemnification Agreements

We expect to enter into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. Each indemnification agreement provides that we will indemnify the director or executive officer to the fullest extent permitted by law for claims arising in his or her capacity as our director, officer, employee or agent, provided that he or she acted in good faith and in a manner that he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, our best interests and, with respect to any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. If the claim is brought by us or on our behalf, we will not be obligated to indemnify the director or executive officer if he or she is found liable to us, unless the court determines that, despite the adjudication of liability, in view of all the circumstances of the case the director is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity. In the event that we do not assume the defense of a claim against our director or executive officer, we are required to advance his or her expenses in connection with his or her defense, provided that he or she undertakes to repay all amounts advanced if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified by us.

Director and Executive Compensation

Please see “Management—Director Compensation” and “—Executive Compensation” for information regarding the compensation of our non-employee directors and executive officers.

Review of Related Party Transactions

Upon the closing of this offering and in accordance with its written charter, our Audit Committee will be responsible for reviewing all related party transactions as they are presented, and the approval of the Audit Committee will be required for all such transactions. The term “related party transactions” refers to transactions required to be disclosed in our filings with the SEC pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K. Additionally, following this offering we will require each of our directors and executive officers to annually complete a directors’ and officers’ questionnaire that elicits information about related party transactions. Our Nominating and Governance Committee and board of directors will annually review all transactions and relationships disclosed in the director and officer questionnaires, and the Board makes a formal determination regarding each director’s independence.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

General

The following description of our capital stock is intended as a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and to Delaware law. The descriptions of our common stock and preferred stock reflect changes to our capital structure that will occur prior to or upon the completion of this offering. We refer in this section to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation as our certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws as our bylaws.

Upon consummation of this offering, our authorized capital stock will consist of 50,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, all of which preferred stock will be undesignated.

As of June 30, 2007, we had issued and outstanding:

 

   

5,521,650 shares of common stock, held by 27 holders of record;

 

   

2,896,249 shares of Series A convertible preferred stock, held by 7 holders of record;

 

   

39,002,196 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock, held by 19 holders of record; and

 

   

51,957,735 shares of Series C convertible preferred stock, held by 25 holders of record.

Upon the completion of this offering, all of the outstanding shares of our preferred stock will automatically convert into a total of 95,442,677 shares of our common stock and there will be no preferred stock outstanding. Approximately               shares of our common stock will be outstanding immediately after this offering, assuming no exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option. This number excludes 5,908,055 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants outstanding as of June 30, 2007, on an as-converted basis and at a weighted average exercise price of $0.51 per share; 17,876,968 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options outstanding as of June 30, 2007, at a weighted average exercise price of $0.31 per share; and 16,316,382 shares of common stock expected to be available for future issuance under our stock incentive plans upon completion of this offering.

Common Stock

The holders of our common stock are generally entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders and do not have any cumulative voting rights. Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive proportionally any dividends declared by our board of directors, subject to any preferential dividend rights of outstanding preferred stock.

In the event of our liquidation or dissolution, holders of our common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of all debts and other liabilities, subject to the prior rights of any outstanding preferred stock. Holders of our common stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. All outstanding shares of our common stock are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The shares to be issued by us in this offering will be, when issued and paid for, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of our common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of holders of shares of any series of preferred stock that we may designate and issue in the future.

 

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Preferred Stock

Our certificate of incorporation provides that we may issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series as may be determined by our board of directors. Our board has broad discretionary authority with respect to the rights of any new series of preferred stock and may establish the following with respect to the shares to be included in each series, without any vote or action of the stockholders:

 

   

the number of shares;

 

   

the designations, preferences and relative rights, including voting rights, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation preferences; and

 

   

any qualifications, limitations or restrictions.

We believe that the ability of our board of directors to issue one or more series of preferred stock will provide us with flexibility in structuring possible future financings and acquisitions, and in meeting other corporate needs that may arise. The authorized shares of preferred stock, as well as authorized and unissued shares of common stock, will be available for issuance without action by our stockholders, unless such action is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which our securities may be listed or traded.

Our board of directors may authorize, without stockholder approval, the issuance of preferred stock with voting and conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power and other rights of holders of common stock. Although our board has no current intention of doing so, it could issue a series of preferred stock that could, depending on the terms of such series, impede the completion of a merger, tender offer or other takeover attempt of our company. Our board could also issue preferred stock having terms that could discourage an acquisition attempt through which an acquiror may be able to change the composition of our board, including a tender offer or other transaction that some, or a majority, of our stockholders might believe to be in their best interests or in which stockholders might receive a premium for their stock over the then-current market price. Any issuance of preferred stock therefore could have the effect of decreasing the market price of our common stock.

Our board of directors will make any determination to issue such shares based on its judgment as to the best interests of our company and stockholders. We have no current plan to issue any preferred stock after this offering.

Registration Rights

We have granted the registration rights described below to the holders of our preferred stock and to certain holders of warrants to purchase our common stock and preferred stock, pursuant to the terms of an investor rights agreement. Upon the completion of this offering, all of the outstanding shares of our preferred stock, including shares that are issued upon exercise of outstanding warrants to purchase preferred stock, will automatically convert into a total of 98,873,039 shares of our common stock. The holders of 98,999,040 of shares of common stock will have the right to require us to register these shares, together with other shares of common stock they hold, under the Securities Act under the circumstances set forth below. After registration pursuant to these rights, these shares will become freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act. The following description of the terms of the registration rights agreement is intended as a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the investor rights agreement filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

Demand Registration Rights.     Any time after six months after our initial public offering and on no more than one occasion during any twelve-month period, the holders of at least 50% of our registrable shares will have

 

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the right to request that we register all or a portion of the registrable shares then held by the requesting stockholders, provided that the shares requested to be registered have an aggregate value of at least $5.0 million. Such a registration is referred to as a demand registration and we are required to use our best efforts to cause any such demand registration to become effective under the Securities Act. The demand registration rights will cease after we have effected two such demand registrations. In addition to the demand registration rights, the holders of registrable shares will have the right to request that we register on Form S-3 all or a portion of the registrable shares held by them, provided that the holders propose to sell registrable securities at an aggregate price of at least $1,000,000 (less any underwriter discounts or fees) pursuant to such registration statement on Form S-3. Such registration is referred to as a Form S-3 registration. We will not be obligated to effect a demand registration or a Form S-3 registration within 180 calendar days of the effective date of an immediately preceding Form S-3 registration of our securities.

Incidental Registration Rights.     If we propose to register shares of our common stock under the Securities Act (other than a registration relating solely to the initial public offering of our securities, the sale of securities of participants in our stock option plan, a registration relating to a corporate reorganization or transaction under Rule 145 of the Securities Act, a registration on any form that does not include substantially the same information as would be required to be included in a registration statement covering the sale of registrable securities, or a registration in which the only common stock being registered is common stock issuable upon conversion of debt securities that are also being registered), the holders of registrable shares will have the right to require us to register all or a portion of the registrable shares then held by them. In the event that any registration in which the holders of registrable shares participate pursuant to the registration rights agreement is an underwritten public offering, the number of registrable shares to be included may, in specified circumstances, be limited due to market conditions.

The registration rights described in the investor rights agreement are subject to customary restrictions such as minimums, blackout periods and, if a registration is underwritten, any limitations on the number of shares to be included in the underwritten offering imposed by the managing underwriter. The investor rights agreement also contains customary indemnification and contribution provisions.

All expenses of registration under the investor rights agreement, including the legal fees of one counsel for the holders, but excluding underwriting discounts and commission will be paid by us. The investor rights agreement is governed by Delaware law.

Anti-takeover Effects of Provisions of Delaware Law and Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

We have elected to be governed by the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which generally will have an anti-takeover effect for transactions not approved in advance by our board of directors, including discouraging attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for our common stock. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly-held Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a three-year period following the time that the stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. A “business combination” includes, among other things, a merger, asset or stock sale, or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. An “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns, or did own within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status, 15% or more of the corporation’s voting stock. Under Section 203, a business combination between a corporation and an interested stockholder is prohibited unless it satisfies one of the following conditions:

 

   

before the stockholder became interested, the board of directors approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;

 

   

upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation

 

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outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding, shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers, and employee stock plans, in some instances; or

 

   

at or after the time the stockholder became interested, the business combination was approved by the board and authorized at a stockholder meeting by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock not owned by the interested stockholder.

Upon the closing of this offering, our certificate of incorporation and bylaws will provide for the board to be divided into three classes of directors serving staggered, three-year terms. The classification of the board has the effect of requiring at least two annual stockholder meetings, instead of one, to replace a majority of members of the board. Subject to the rights of the holders of any outstanding series of preferred stock, our certificate of incorporation will authorize only the board to fill vacancies, including newly created directorships. Accordingly, this provision could prevent a stockholder from obtaining majority representation on the board by enlarging the board of directors and filling the new directorships with its own nominees. Our certificate of incorporation will also provide that directors may be removed by stockholders only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our voting stock.

Under our bylaws, any vacancy on our board of directors resulting from an enlargement of our board or the death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or other cause (other than removal for cause), may only be filled by vote of a majority of our directors then in office, even if less than a quorum. The limitations on the removal of directors and filling of vacancies could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or of discouraging a third party from attempting to acquire, control of us.

The affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of our voting stock is required to amend or repeal or to adopt any provisions inconsistent with any of the provisions of our certificate of incorporation or bylaws described in the prior two paragraphs.

Our certificate of incorporation provides that stockholders may not take any action by written consent in lieu of a meeting and our bylaws limit the business that may be conducted at an annual meeting of stockholders to those matters properly brought before the meeting. In addition, our bylaws provide that only our board of directors or our chairman may call a special meeting of stockholders. Business transacted at any special meeting of stockholders must be limited to matters relating to the purpose stated in the notice of the special meeting.

To be “properly brought” before an annual meeting, the proposals or nominations must be:

 

   

specified in the notice of meeting;

 

   

brought before the meeting by or at the direction of our board of directors; or

 

   

brought before the meeting by a stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting who has given to our corporate secretary the required advance written notice, in proper form, of the stockholder’s intention to bring that proposal or nomination before the meeting and who was a stockholder of record on the date on which notice is given.

In addition to other applicable requirements, for a stockholder proposal or nomination to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder generally must have given notice in proper written form to our corporate secretary not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting of stockholders. In the event that no annual meeting was held in the previous year or the annual meeting is called for a date that is not within 30 days from the anniversary date of the preceding year’s annual meeting date, written notice by a stockholder in order to be timely must be received not later than the 10th day following the day on which the first public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting

 

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was made. Although our bylaws do not give our board of directors the power to approve or disapprove stockholder nominations of candidates or proposals regarding other business to be conducted at a special or annual meeting, our bylaws may have the effect of precluding the consideration of some business at a meeting if the proper procedures are not followed or may discourage or defer a potential acquiror from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us.

Delaware law provides generally that the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on any matter is required to amend a corporation’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws, unless the certificate of incorporation or bylaws require a greater percentage. Our bylaws may be amended or repealed by a majority vote of our board of directors, subject to any limitations set forth in the bylaws, and may also be amended or repealed by the stockholders by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes that all the stockholders would be entitled to cast in any annual election of directors. The majority stockholder vote would be in addition to any separate class vote that might in the future be required pursuant to the terms of any series of preferred stock that might be outstanding at the time any of these amendments are submitted to stockholders.

Liability Limitations and Indemnification

Our bylaws provide that we must indemnify our directors and officers and that we must advance expenses, including attorneys’ fees, to our directors and officers in connection with legal proceedings, subject to very limited exceptions. In addition, our certificate of incorporation provides that our directors will not be personally liable for monetary damages to us for breaches of their fiduciary duty as directors, except to the extent that the Delaware law statute prohibits the elimination or limitation of liability of directors for breaches of fiduciary duty. For additional information, please see “Management—Liability Limitations and Indemnification.”

These provisions may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against our directors for breach of their fiduciary duties. These provisions may also have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders. Furthermore, you may lose some or all of your investment in our common stock if we pay the costs of settlement or damage awards against our directors and officers under these provisions. We believe these provisions, the director and officer insurance we maintain, and the indemnification agreements we have entered into with our directors and officers are necessary to attract and retain talented and experienced directors and officers.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

Listing

Application has been made for the quotation of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “ETRM.”

 

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

Prior to the offering made by this prospectus, there has been no market for our common stock, and we cannot assure you that a liquid trading market for our common stock will develop or be sustained after this offering. Future sales of substantial numbers of shares of our common stock, including shares issued upon exercise of options, in the public market after this offering, or the anticipation of those sales, could adversely affect market prices of our common stock prevailing from time to time and could impair our ability to raise capital through sales of our equity securities.

Upon completion of this offering, we will have outstanding               shares of common stock, after giving effect to the conversion of all outstanding shares of our preferred stock into an aggregate of 95,442,677 shares of common stock prior to the completion of this offering.

The               shares sold in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act unless purchased by our “affiliates,” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. The remaining shares of common stock to be outstanding after this offering will be “restricted securities” under Rule 144. Substantially all of these restricted securities will be subject to the 180-day lock-up period, which may be extended in specified circumstances described below. Within 180 days of the date of this prospectus 3,419,832 shares will qualify for resale under Rule 144(k), 97,298,767 additional shares will qualify for resale under Rule 144, subject to volume limitations, and 245,728 additional shares will qualify for resale under Rule 701.

Restricted securities may be sold in the public market only if they have been registered or if they qualify for an exemption from registration under Rule 144 or 701 under the Securities Act.

Rule 144

In general, under Rule 144, beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus, a person who has beneficially owned shares of our common stock for at least one year would be entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of:

 

   

1% of the number of shares of common stock then outstanding, which will equal approximately               shares immediately after this offering; and

 

   

the average weekly trading volume of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to the sale.

Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to manner of sale provisions, notice requirements and the availability of current public information about us.

Rule 144(k)

Subject to the lock-up agreements described below, shares of our common stock eligible for sale under Rule 144(k) may be sold immediately upon the completion of this offering. In general, under Rule 144(k), a person may sell shares of common stock acquired from us immediately upon completion of this offering, without regard to the manner or volume of sale or the availability of public information about us, if:

 

   

the person is not our affiliate and has not been our affiliate at any time during the three months preceding such a sale; and

 

   

the person has beneficially owned the shares proposed to be sold for at least two years, including the holding period of any prior owner other than an affiliate.

 

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Rule 701

In general, under Rule 701 of the Securities Act, any of our employees, consultants or advisors who purchased shares from us in connection with a qualified compensatory stock plan or other written agreement is eligible to resell those shares 90 days after the date of this prospectus in reliance on Rule 144, but without compliance with the holding period or certain other restrictions contained in Rule 144.

Lock-Up Agreements

Each of our officers and directors, and substantially all of our other stockholders and holders of options to purchase our common stock, have agreed not to offer, sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of, or enter into any transaction that is designed to, or could be expected to, result in the disposition of any shares of our common stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of our common stock or derivatives of our common stock owned by these persons prior to this offering or common stock issuable upon exercise of options held by these persons for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus without the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated.

J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated do not have any pre-established conditions to waiving the terms of the lock-up agreements. Any determination to release any shares subject to the lock-up agreements would be based on a number of factors at the time of determination, including but not necessarily limited to the market price of the common stock, the liquidity of the trading market for the common stock, general market conditions, the number of shares proposed to be sold and the timing, purpose and terms of the proposed sale.

The 180-day restricted period described above will be extended if:

 

   

during the last 17 days of the 180-day restricted period we issue an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to us occurs; or

 

   

prior to the expiration of the 180-day restricted period, we announce that we will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the 180-day restricted period,

in which case the restrictions described in the preceding paragraph will continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the occurrence of the material news or material event.

Registration Rights

After this offering, holders of 98,999,040 shares of our common stock, including shares that are issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants, will have the right to require us to register these shares under the Securities Act under specific circumstances. After registration pursuant to these rights, these shares will become freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act. See “Description of Capital Stock—Registration Rights.”

Equity Plans

As of June 30, 2007, we had outstanding options to purchase 17,876,968 shares of our common stock. Following this offering, we intend to file registration statements on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register all of the shares of common stock issued or issuable under our 2003 plan.

 

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MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX CONSEQUENCES FOR

NON-UNITED STATES HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON STOCK

The following is a general discussion of the material United States federal income and estate tax considerations applicable to non-United States holders with respect to their ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock purchased in this offering. This discussion is for general information only and is not tax advice. Accordingly, all prospective non-United States holders of our common stock should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the United States federal, state, local and non-United States tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our common stock. In general, a non-United States holder means a beneficial owner of our common stock who is not for United States federal income tax purposes:

 

   

an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

   

a corporation, partnership or any other organization taxable as a corporation or partnership for United States federal tax purposes, created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States or of any state thereof or the District of Columbia; or

 

   

an estate, the income of which is included in gross income for United States federal income tax purposes regardless of its source; or

 

   

a trust if (a) a United States court is able to exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and (b) one or more United States persons have the authority to control all of the trust’s substantial decisions.

This discussion is based on current provisions of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, existing and proposed United States Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, current administrative rulings and judicial decisions, in effect as of the date of this prospectus, all of which are subject to change or to differing interpretation, possibly with retroactive effect. Any change could alter the tax consequences to non-United States holders described in this prospectus. We assume in this discussion that a non-United States holder holds shares of our common stock as a capital asset (generally, property held for investment).

This discussion does not address all aspects of United States federal income and estate taxation that may be relevant to a particular non-United States holder in light of that non-United States holder’s individual circumstances, nor does it address any aspects of United States state or local or non-United States taxes. This discussion also does not consider any specific tax consequences that may be relevant to a non-United States holder in light of such holder’s particular circumstances and does not address the special tax rules applicable to particular non-United States holders, such as:

 

   

insurance companies;

 

   

tax-exempt organizations;

 

   

financial institutions;

 

   

brokers or dealers in securities;

 

   

partnerships or other pass-through entities;

 

   

regulated investment companies or real estate investment trusts;

 

   

pension plans;

 

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owners of more than 5% of our common stock;

 

   

“controlled foreign corporations” or “passive foreign investment companies”;

 

   

corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax;

 

   

owners that hold our common stock as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion transaction, synthetic security or other integrated investment; and

 

   

certain United States expatriates.

There can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) will not challenge one or more of the tax consequences described herein, and we have not obtained, nor do we intend to obtain, an opinion of counsel or ruling from the IRS with respect to the United States federal income or estate tax consequences to a non-United States holder of the purchase, ownership or disposition of our common stock. We urge prospective investors to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the United States federal, state and local and non-United States income and other tax considerations of purchasing, owning and disposing of shares of our common stock.

Distributions on Our Common Stock

Any distributions on our common stock paid to non-United States holders of common stock generally will constitute dividends for United States federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under United States federal income tax principles. If a distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits, the excess will be treated as a tax-free return of the non-United States holder’s investment, up to such holder’s tax basis in the common stock. Any remaining excess will be treated as capital gain, subject to the tax treatment described below in “— Gain on Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of Our Common Stock.” Dividends paid to a non-United States holder generally will be subject to withholding of United States federal income tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be provided by an applicable income tax treaty between the United States and such holder’s country of residence.

Dividends that are treated as effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by a non-United States holder within the United States (and, if an applicable income tax treaty so provides, are also attributable to a permanent establishment or a fixed base maintained within the United States by such non-United States holder) are generally exempt from the 30% withholding tax if the non-United States holder satisfies applicable certification and disclosure requirements. However, such United States effectively connected income, net of specified deductions and credits, is taxed at the same graduated United States federal income tax rates applicable to United States persons. Any United States effectively connected income received by a non-United States holder that is a corporation may also, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be provided by an applicable income tax treaty between the United States and such holder’s country of residence.

In order to claim the benefit of a tax treaty or to claim exemption from withholding because dividends paid on our common stock are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States, a non-United States holder must provide a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN for treaty benefits or W-8ECI for effectively connected income, or such successor forms as the IRS designates, prior to the payment of dividends. These forms must be periodically updated. Non-United States holders may be eligible to obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS.

 

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Gain on Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of Our Common Stock

In general, a non-United States holder will not be subject to any United States federal income tax or withholding tax on any gain realized upon such holder’s sale, exchange or other disposition of shares of our common stock unless:

 

   

the gain is effectively connected with a United States trade or business (and, if an applicable income tax treaty so provides, is also attributable to a permanent establishment or a fixed base maintained within the United States by such non-United States holder), in which case the graduated United States federal income tax rates applicable to United States persons will apply, and, if the non-United States holder is a foreign corporation, the additional branch profits tax described above in “—Distributions on Our Common Stock” may also apply;

 

   

the non-United States holder is a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the disposition and certain other conditions are met, in which case the non-United States holder will be subject to a 30% tax on the net gain derived from the disposition, which may be offset by United States-source capital losses of the non-United States holder, if any; or

 

   

we are or have been, at any time during the five-year period preceding such disposition (or the non-United States holder’s holding period, if shorter) a “United States real property holding corporation,” and our common stock has ceased to be traded on an established securities market prior to the beginning of the calendar year in which the disposition occurs.

We believe that we have not been and are not currently, and we do not anticipate becoming in the future, a “United States real property holding corporation” for United States federal income tax purposes.

United States Federal Estate Tax

Shares of our common stock that are owned or treated as owned by an individual non-United States holder at the time of death are considered United States situs assets and will be included in the individual’s gross estate for United States federal estate tax purposes. Such shares, therefore, may be subject to United States federal estate tax, unless an applicable estate tax or other treaty provides otherwise.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

Information reporting and backup withholding (currently at a 28% rate of tax) may apply to dividends paid with respect to our common stock and to proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our common stock. In certain circumstances, non-United States holders may avoid information reporting and backup withholding if they certify under penalties of perjury as to their status as non-United States holders or otherwise establish an exemption and certain other requirements are met. Non-United States holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of the information reporting and backup withholding rules to them.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a non-United States holder can be refunded or credited against the non-United States holder’s United States federal income tax liability, if any, provided that an appropriate claim is timely filed with the IRS.

 

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UNDERWRITING

J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated are acting as joint book-running managers of this offering and, together with Cowen and Company, LLC and Leerink Swann & Co., Inc., are acting as the managing underwriters of this offering. Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus, the underwriters named below have severally agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to them, the number of shares of common stock indicated in the table below:

 

Underwriter

   Number of
Shares

J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.

  

Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated

  

Cowen and Company, LLC

  

Leerink Swann & Co., Inc.

  
    

Total

  
    

The underwriters are offering the shares of common stock subject to their acceptance of the shares from us and subject to prior sale. The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the several underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and to other conditions. The underwriters are obligated to take and pay for all of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus if any such shares are taken. However, the underwriters are not required to take or pay for the shares covered by the underwriters’ over-allotment option described below.

The underwriters initially propose to offer part of the shares of common stock directly to the public at the public offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus, less underwriting discounts and commissions, and part to certain dealers at a price that represents a concession not in excess of $       a share under the public offering price. After the initial offering of the shares of common stock, the offering price and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by the representatives.

We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to an aggregate of        additional shares of common stock at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The underwriters may exercise this option solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the offering of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus. To the extent the option is exercised, each underwriter will become obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase approximately the same percentage of the additional shares of common stock as the number listed next to the underwriter’s name in the preceding table bears to the total number of shares of common stock listed next to the names of all underwriters in the preceding table. If the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full, the total price to the public would be $      , the total underwriters’ discounts and commissions would be $       and the total proceeds to us would be $      .

The following table shows the per share and total underwriting discounts and commissions that we are to pay to the underwriters in connection with this offering. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ option.

 

     No
Exercise
   Full
Exercise

Per Share

   $              $          

Total

     

 

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In addition, we estimate that the expenses of this offering other than underwriting discounts and commissions payable by us will be approximately $       million.

The underwriters have informed us that they do not intend sales to discretionary accounts to exceed 5% of the total number of shares of common stock offered by them.

We, all of our directors and officers and holders of substantially all of our outstanding stockholders and holders of securities exercisable for or convertible into shares of common stock have agreed that, without the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, on behalf of the underwriters, we and they will not, during the period beginning on the date of this prospectus and ending 180 days thereafter:

 

   

offer, pledge, sell, announce the intention to sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock;

 

   

enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of common stock; or

 

   

make any demand for or exercise any right with respect to, the registration of any shares of common stock or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock;

whether any such transaction described above is to be settled by delivery of common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise.

The restrictions described in the preceding paragraphs do not apply to:

 

   

the sale by us of shares to the underwriters in connection with the offering;

 

   

transactions by any person other than us relating to shares of common stock or other securities convertible or exchangeable into common stock acquired in open market transactions after the completion of the offering of the shares;

 

   

the issuance by us of shares of common stock upon the exercise of an option or a warrant or the conversion of a security outstanding on the date of this prospectus of which the underwriters have been advised in writing;

 

   

the grant of options or the issuance of shares of common stock by us to employees, officers, directors, advisors or consultants pursuant to equity incentive plans and the issuance by us of any shares of common stock upon the exercise of such options; or

 

   

the transfer of shares of common stock or any security convertible or exchangeable into shares of common stock as a bona fide gift, as a distribution to general or limited partners, stockholders, members or affiliates of our stockholders, or by will or intestate succession to a member of the immediate family of our stockholders, or to a trust for the benefit of such immediate family member.

With respect to the last bullet, it shall be a condition to the transfer or distribution that the transferee provide prior written notice of such transfer or distribution to J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, execute a copy of the lock-up agreement, that no filing by any donee or transferee with the SEC shall be required or shall be made voluntarily in connection with such transfer or distribution, other than a filing on Form 5, and no such transfer or distribution may include a disposition for value.

 

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The 180-day restricted period described in the preceding paragraph will be extended if:

 

   

during the last 17 days of the 180-day restricted period we issue an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to us occurs; or

 

   

prior to the expiration of the 180-day restricted period, we announce that we will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the 180-day restricted period,

in which case the restrictions described in the preceding paragraph will continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the occurrence of the material news or material event.

In order to facilitate this offering of common stock, the underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the common stock. Specifically, the underwriters may sell more shares than they are obligated to purchase under the underwriting agreement, creating a short position. A short sale is covered if the short position is no greater than the number of shares available for purchase by the underwriters under the over-allotment option. The underwriters can close out a covered short sale by exercising the over-allotment option or by purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out a covered short sale, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the open market price of shares compared to the price available under the over-allotment option. The underwriters may also sell shares in excess of the over-allotment option, creating a naked short position. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering. In addition, to stabilize the price of the common stock, the underwriters may bid for and purchase shares of common stock in the open market. Finally, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer for distributing the common stock in the offering, if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed common stock to cover syndicate short positions or to stabilize the price of the common stock. These activities may raise or maintain the market price of the common stock above independent market levels or prevent or retard a decline in the market price of the common stock. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time.

We have applied to have our common stock approved for quotation on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “ETRM.”

We and the underwriters have agreed to indemnify each other against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the shares of common stock. The initial public offering price will be determined by negotiations between us and the representatives of the underwriters. Among the factors to be considered in determining the initial public offering price will be our future prospects and those of our industry in general; sales, earnings and other financial operating information in recent periods; and the price-earnings ratios, price-sales ratios and market prices of securities and certain financial and operating information of companies engaged in activities similar to ours. The estimated initial public offering price range set forth on the cover page of this preliminary prospectus is subject to change as a result of market conditions and other factors. An active trading market for the shares may not develop, and it is possible that after the offering the shares will not trade in the market above their initial offering price. A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the web sites maintained by one or more of the underwriters, and one or more of the underwriters may distribute prospectuses electronically. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of shares to underwriters for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the underwriters that make Internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

Dorsey & Whitney LLP will pass upon the validity of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus. Latham & Watkins LLP, Costa Mesa, California is acting as counsel for the underwriters.

EXPERTS

The financial statements included in this prospectus have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports appearing herein, and are included in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

Gemini Valuation Services, LLC has consented to reference in this prospectus of its report setting forth the appraisal of our securities, and to the use in this prospectus of its name and any statements contained in such reports.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus. This prospectus does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement, portions of which are omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information pertaining to us and the common stock to be sold in this offering, you should refer to the registration statement and its exhibits. Whenever we make reference in this prospectus to any of our contracts, agreements or other documents, the references are not necessarily complete, and you should refer to the exhibits attached to the registration statement for copies of the actual contract, agreement or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement or such other document, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference. On the completion of this offering, we will be subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act and will be required to file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. We anticipate making these documents publicly available, free of charge, on our website at www.enteromedics.com as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such documents with the SEC.

You can read the registration statement and our future filings with the SEC over the Internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at its public reference facility at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also obtain copies of the documents at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference facilities.

 

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EnteroMedics Inc.

Index to Financial Statements

 

     Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F-2

Financial Statements

  

Consolidated Balance Sheets

   F-3

Consolidated Statements of Operations

   F-4

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit )

   F-6

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   F-14

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-16

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

EnteroMedics Inc.

St. Paul, Minnesota

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of EnteroMedics Inc. and subsidiary (a development stage company) (the “Company”), as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficit) and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of EnteroMedics Inc. at December 31, 2006 and 2005 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2006 the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment.”

/s/    DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

May 21, 2007

 

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Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

                     

Pro Forma

at

March 31,

2007

(Note 2)

 
    December 31,          
    2006     2005     March 31,
2007
   
                (Unaudited)  
ASSETS  

Current assets:

       

Cash and cash equivalents (Note 2)

  $ 17,536,472     $ 10,718,501     $ 14,472,734    

Short-term investments available for sale

    5,755,000             5,555,000    

Short-term investments held to maturity

    11,440,540             8,519,499    

Interest receivable

    109,401             141,154    

Other receivables

    46,120       21,601       46,098    

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    67,646       141,636       314,831    
                         

Total current assets

    34,955,179       10,881,738       29,049,316    

Property and equipment, net

    1,102,327       642,548       1,305,605    

Other assets

    6,395       36,564       13,712    
                         

Total assets

  $ 36,063,901     $ 11,560,850     $ 30,368,633    
                         
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY  

Current liabilities:

       

Current portion of notes payable

  $ 2,651,336     $ 998,055     $ 2,836,621    

Accounts payable

    678,762       316,850       852,409    

Accrued expenses

    1,704,231       914,473       1,360,493    

Accrued interest payable

          12,658          
                         

Total current liabilities

    5,034,329       2,242,036       5,049,523    

Convertible notes payable

          5,250,003          

Notes payable, less current portion (net discounts of $90,075, $33,586 and $76,141 at December 31, 2006 and 2005 and March 31, 2007 (unaudited), respectively)

    1,726,959       2,094,259       914,954    

Convertible preferred stock warrant liability

    728,841             972,916     $  
                         

Total liabilities

    7,490,129       9,586,298       6,937,393    
                         

Stockholders’ equity:

       

Series C convertible preferred stock, $0.01 par value

53,000,000 shares authorized; 51,957,735 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2006 and March 31, 2007 (unaudited) (liquidation value of $46,206,014); no shares issued and outstanding pro forma (unaudited)

    519,577             519,577        

Series B convertible preferred stock, $0.01 par value

41,089,088 shares authorized; 39,002,196 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2006 and 2005 and March 31, 2007 (unaudited) (liquidation value of $16,899,652); no shares issued and outstanding pro forma (unaudited)

    390,022       390,022       390,022        

Series A convertible preferred stock, $0.01 par value

2,896,249 shares authorized; 2,896,249 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2006 and 2005 and March 31, 2007 (unaudited) (liquidation value of $2,087,616); no shares issued and outstanding pro forma (unaudited)

    28,963       28,963       28,963        

Common stock, $0.01 par value 130,000,000 shares authorized; 5,275,922, 4,369,000 and 5,490,650 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2006 and 2005 and March 31, 2007 (unaudited), respectively; 100,933,327 shares issued and outstanding pro forma (unaudited)

    52,759       43,690       54,907       1,009,334  

Additional paid-in capital

    62,506,986       18,766,983       62,753,818       63,710,869  

Deferred compensation

    (66,479 )     (87,527 )     (60,167 )     (60,167 )

Deficit accumulated during development stage

    (34,858,056 )     (17,167,579 )     (40,255,880 )     (40,255,880 )
                               

Total stockholders’ equity

  $ 28,573,772     $ 1,974,552     $ 23,431,240     $ 24,404,156  
                               

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $ 36,063,901     $ 11,560,850     $ 30,368,633    
                         

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Consolidated Statements Of Operations

 

                                 

Period From
December 19,
2002

(Inception) to

March 31,

2007

 
    Years Ended December 31,     Three Months Ended
March 31,
   
    2006     2005     2004     2007     2006    
                      (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  

Operating expenses:

           

Research and development

  $ 14,361,226     $ 8,832,722     $ 1,754,537     $ 4,077,897     $ 3,644,727     $ 31,379,510  

Selling, general and administrative

    3,760,590       2,319,561       1,491,254       1,347,983       846,200       9,054,244  
                                               

Total operating expenses

    18,121,816       11,152,283       3,245,791       5,425,880       4,490,927       40,433,754  

Other income (expense):

           

Interest income

    1,135,855       109,884       34,857       415,318       86,611       1,695,914  

Interest expense

    (710,108 )     (181,151 )     (237,818 )     (136,789 )     (168,918 )     (1,281,518 )

Change in value of the convertible preferred stock warrant liability

    6,597                   (244,075 )           (237,478 )

Other, net

    (1,005 )     8,359             (6,398 )     (6,364 )     956  
                                               

Net loss

  $ (17,690,477 )   $ (11,215,191 )   $ (3,448,752 )   $ (5,397,824 )   $ (4,579,598 )   $ (40,255,880 )
                                               

Net loss per share—basic and diluted

  $ (3.76 )   $ (3.17 )   $ (2.68 )   $ (1.01 )   $ (1.11 )  
                                         

Shares used to compute basic and diluted net loss per share

    4,709,008       3,540,896       1,288,312       5,361,719       4,117,984    
                                         

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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F-5


Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

Period from December 19, 2002 (Inception) to March 31, 2007

 

   

Series C Convertible

Preferred Stock

 

Series B Convertible

Preferred Stock

 

Series A Convertible

Preferred Stock

 
    Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Shares     Amount  

Common stock issued at inception of Alpha Medical, Inc. on December 19, 2002 at $0.01 per share for cash

    $     $       $  

Common stock issued at inception of Beta Medical, Inc. on December 19, 2002 at $0.01 per share for cash

                     

Alpha Medical, Inc. Series A convertible preferred stock issued on December 31, 2002 at $1.00 per share for cash

              301,674       3,017  

Beta Medical, Inc. Series A convertible preferred stock issued on December 31, 2002 at $1.00 per share for cash

              301,674       3,017  

Net loss for the period ended December 31, 2002

                     

Alpha Medical, Inc. Series A convertible preferred stock issued on October 1, 2003 at $1.00 per share for cash

              350,000       3,500  

Beta Medical, Inc. Series A convertible preferred stock issued on October 1, 2003 at $1.00 per share for cash

              850,000       8,500  

Cancellation of Alpha Medical, Inc. Series A convertible preferred stock and common stock upon merger with Beta Medical, Inc. effective October 1, 2003 (Note 1)

              (651,674 )     (6,517 )

Issuance of Series A convertible preferred stock upon merger of Alpha Medical, Inc. and Beta Medical, Inc. effective October 1, 2003 (Note 1)

              600,000       6,000  

Common stock issued in October 2003 at $0.01 per share for cash

                     

Warrants issued for the purchase of 214,000 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock for cash at $0.0005 per share in connection with the November 13, 2003 convertible bridge notes

                     

Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2003

                     
                                 

Balance, December 31, 2003 (unaudited)

    $     $   1,751,674     $ 17,517  
                                 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-6


Table of Contents

 

         

Additional

Paid-In Capital

   

Deferred

Compensation

 

Deficit Accumulated
During the

Development Stage

   

Total Stockholders’

Equity (Deficit)

 
Common Stock          
Shares   Amount          
1,000,000  



$



10,000

    $


    $  —   $     $ 10,000  
1,000,000  

 
10,000    

 
                10,000  
          298,657                 301,674  
          298,657                 301,674  
                    (603,348 )     (603,348 )
          346,500                 350,000  
          841,500                 850,000  
(1,000,000)     (10,000 )     (645,157 )               (661,674 )
          655,674                 661,674  
1,050,000     10,500                       10,500  
          107                 107  
                    (1,900,288 )     (1,900,288 )
                                       
2,050,000   $ 20,500     $ 1,795,938     $   $ (2,503,636 )   $ (669,681 )
                                       

 

F-7


Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(Deficit) (Continued)

Period from December 19, 2002 (Inception) to March 31, 2007

 

   

Series C Convertible

Preferred Stock

 

Series B Convertible

Preferred Stock

 

Series A Convertible

Preferred Stock

    Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount

Balance, December 31, 2003

    $     $   1,751,674   $ 17,517

Warrants issued for the purchase of 59,000 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock for cash at $0.0005 per share in connection with the April 23, 2004 convertible bridge notes

                 

Exercise of 1,144,575 Series A convertible preferred stock warrants on April 23, 2004 for cash at $0.163949 per share

              1,144,575     11,446

Warrants issued for the purchase of 39,998 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock for cash at $0.0005 per share in connection with the June 30, 2004 convertible bridge notes

                 

Fair value of warrants related to convertible bridge notes

                 

Series B convertible preferred stock issued upon conversion of $1,564,843 of convertible bridge notes and $34,809 of accrued interest payable on July 30, 2004 at $0.4333 per share

        3,691,784     36,918      

Series B convertible preferred stock issued on July 30, 2004 for cash at $0.4333 per share, net of financing costs of $94,776

        17,424,419     174,244      

Warrants issued for the purchase of 412,532 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock on December 1, 2004 valued at $0.1181 per warrant for debt commitment

                 

Issuance of 208,500 common stock options to nonemployees in 2004 valued at $0.0173 per option

                 

Amortization of deferred compensation

                 

Net loss

                 
                             

Balance, December 31, 2004

    $   21,116,203   $ 211,162   2,896,249   $ 28,963
                             

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-8


Table of Contents

 

 

Common Stock  

Additional

Paid-In Capital

  Deferred
Compensation
   

Deficit Accumulated

During the
Development Stage

   

Total Stockholders’
Equity (Deficit)

 
Shares   Amount        
2,050,000   $ 20,500   $1,795,938   $     $ (2,503,636 )   $ (669,681 )
      30                 30  
      176,206                 187,652  
      20                 20  
      153,722                 153,722  
      1,562,734                 1,599,652  
      7,280,981                 7,455,225  
      48,720                 48,720  
      3,610     (3,610 )            
          830             830  
                (3,448,752 )     (3,448,752 )
                                   
2,050,000   $ 20,500   $11,021,961   $ (2,780 )   $ (5,952,388 )   $ 5,327,418  
                                   

 

F-9


Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(Deficit) (Continued)

Period from December 19, 2002 (Inception) to March 31, 2007

 

   

Series C Convertible

Preferred Stock

 

Series B Convertible

Preferred Stock

 

Series A Convertible

Preferred Stock

    Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount

Balance, December 31, 2004

    $   21,116,203   $ 211,162   2,896,249   $ 28,963

Series B convertible preferred stock issued on June 17, 2005 for cash at $0.4333 per share, net of financing costs of $5,218

        6,923,610     69,236      

Warrants issued for the purchase of 634,664 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock in September 2005 valued at $0.1176 per warrant for debt commitment and funding

                 

Warrants issued for the purchase of 1,550,000 shares of common stock on December 12, 2005 for cash at $0.01 per warrant

                 

Series B convertible preferred stock issued on December 12, 2005 at $0.4333 per share, net of financing costs of $11,085

        10,962,383     109,624      

Common stock issued to non-employees in 2005 valued at $0.05 per share

                 

Issuance of 423,500 common stock options to non-employees in 2005 valued at $0.0172
per option

                 

Exercise of 269,000 common stock options in 2005 for cash at $0.05 per share

                 

Amortization of deferred compensation

                 

Net loss

                 
                             

Balance, December 31, 2005

    $  —   39,002,196   $ 390,022   2,896,249   $ 28,963
                             

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Common Stock  

Additional

Paid-In
Capital

  Deferred
Compensation
   

Deficit Accumulated

During the
Development Stage

   

Total Stockholders’
Equity (Deficit)

 
Shares   Amount        
2,050,000   $ 20,500   $ 11,021,961   $ (2,780 )   $ (5,952,388 )   $ 5,327,418  
        2,925,546                 2,994,782  
        74,636                 74,636  
        15,500                 15,500  

 

        4,629,292                 4,738,916  
2,050,000     20,500     82,000     (102,500 )            

 

        7,288     (7,288 )            
269,000     2,690     10,760                 13,450  
            25,041             25,041  
                  (11,215,191 )     (11,215,191 )
                                     
4,369,000   $ 43,690   $ 18,766,983   $ (87,527 )   $ (17,167,579 )   $ 1,974,552  
                                     

 

F-11


Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(Deficit) (Continued)

Period from December 19, 2002 (Inception) to March 31, 2007

 

   

Series C Convertible

Preferred Stock

 

Series B Convertible

Preferred Stock

 

Series A Convertible

Preferred Stock

    Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount

Balance, December 31, 2005

    $   39,002,196   $ 390,022   2,896,249   $ 28,963

Warrants issued for the purchase of 317,322 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock in March 2006 valued at $0.3215 per warrant for debt funding

                 

Series C convertible preferred stock issued upon conversion of $5,250,003 of convertible bridge notes and $131,013 of accrued interest payable on July 6, 2006 at $0.8893 per share

  6,050,839     60,508            

Series C convertible preferred stock issued on July 6, 2006 for cash at $0.8893 per share, net of financing costs of $2,222,342

  44,782,416     447,824            

Warrants issued for the purchase of 1,343,472 shares of Series C convertible preferred stock on July 6, 2006 valued at $0.5474 per warrant for equity financing

                 

Series C convertible preferred stock issued on December 11, 2006 for cash at $0.8893 per share

  1,124,480     11,245            

Series C convertible preferred stock warrants reclassified to convertible preferred stock warrant liability on December 11, 2006

                 

Common stock issued to nonemployees in 2006 valued at $0.05 per share

                 

Common stock issued to nonemployees in 2006 valued at $0.21 per share

                 

Employee stock-based compensation expense

                 

Non-employee stock-based compensation expense

                 

Exercise of 791,922 common stock options in 2006 for cash at $0.05 per share

                 

Amortization of deferred compensation

                 

Net loss

                 
                             

Balance, December 31, 2006

  51,957,735     519,577   39,002,196     390,022   2,896,249     28,963

Employee stock-based compensation expense (Unaudited)

                 

Non-employee stock-based compensation expense (Unaudited)

                 

Exercise of 214,728 common stock options in 2007 for cash at $0.05 per share (Unaudited)

                 

Amortization of deferred compensation (Unaudited)

                 

Net loss (Unaudited)

                 
                             

Balance, March 31, 2007 (Unaudited)

  51,957,735   $ 519,577   39,002,196   $ 390,022   2,896,249   $ 28,963
                             

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

Common Stock  

Additional
Paid-In

Capital

    Deferred
Compensation
    Deficit Accumulated
During the
Development Stage
    Total Stockholders’
Equity (Deficit)
 
Shares   Amount        
4,369,000   $ 43,690   $ 18,766,983     $ (87,527 )   $ (17,167,579 )   $ 1,974,552  
        102,022                   102,022  
        5,320,508                   5,381,016  
        37,154,837                   37,602,661  
        735,438                   735,438  
        988,755                   1,000,000  
        (735,438 )                 (735,438 )
90,000     900     3,600       (4,500 )            
25,000     250     5,000       (5,250 )            
        47,479                   47,479  
        86,125                   86,125  
791,922     7,919     31,677                   39,596  
              30,798             30,798  
                    (17,690,477 )     (17,690,477 )
                                       
5,275,922     52,759     62,506,986       (66,479 )     (34,858,056 )     28,573,772  
        81,821                   81,821  
        156,421                   156,421  
214,728     2,148     8,590                   10,738  
              6,312             6,312  
                    (5,397,824 )     (5,397,824 )
                                       
5,490,650   $ 54,907   $ 62,753,818     $ (60,167 )   $ (40,255,880 )   $ 23,431,240  
                                       

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

    Years Ended December 31,     Three Months Ended
March 31,
   

Period from

December 19,

2002

(Inception) to

March 31,

2007

 
    2006     2005     2004     2007     2006    
                      (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  

Cash flows from operating activities:

           

Net loss

  $ (17,690,477 )   $ (11,215,191 )   $ (3,448,752 )   $ (5,397,824 )   $ (4,579,598 )   $ (40,255,880 )

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

           

Depreciation

    175,194       58,407       5,085       67,440       31,732       307,295  

Loss on sale of equipment

                2,361                   2,361  

Employee stock-based compensation

    47,479                   81,821       1,631       129,300  

Nonemployee stock-based compensation

    116,923       25,041       830       162,733       13,493       305,527  

Amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount

    77,097       84,824       208,716       13,934       27,063       394,517  

Amortization of short-term investment discount

    (156,442 )                 (59,281 )           (215,723 )

Change in carrying value of warrant liability

    (6,597 )                 244,075             237,478  

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

           

Interest receivable

    (109,401 )                 (31,753 )           (141,154 )

Other receivables

    (24,519 )     (9,570 )     (11,999 )     22       16,140       (46,098 )

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    73,990       (88,625 )     (36,051 )     (247,185 )     (99,387 )     (314,831 )

Other assets

    (1,395 )     (5,000 )           (7,317 )           (13,712 )

Accounts payable

    361,912       159,311       134,714       173,647       (132,074 )     852,409  

Accrued expenses

    789,758       700,055       10,769       (343,738 )     321,093       1,360,493  

Accrued interest payable

    118,355       12,658       29,103             56,963       165,822  
                                               

Net cash used in operating activities

    (16,228,123 )     (10,278,090 )     (3,105,224 )     (5,343,426 )     (4,342,944 )     (37,232,196 )
                                               

Cash flows from investing activities:

           

Purchases of short-term investments available for sale

    (5,755,000 )                             (5,755,000 )

Maturities of short-term investments available for sale

                      200,000             200,000  

Purchases of short-term investments held to maturity

    (14,284,098 )                 (1,769,678 )           (16,053,776 )

Maturities of short-term investments held to maturity

    3,000,000                   4,750,000             7,750,000  

Purchases of property and equipment

    (634,973 )     (449,811 )     (241,664 )     (270,718 )     (61,537 )     (1,615,261 )
                                               

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

    (17,674,071 )     (449,811 )     (241,664 )     2,909,604       (61,537 )     (15,474,037 )
                                               

Cash flows from financing activities:

           

Proceeds from stock options exercised

    39,596       13,450             10,738       7,896       63,784  

Proceeds from warrants issued

          15,500       50                   15,657  

Proceeds from warrants exercised

                187,652                   187,652  

Proceeds from sale of common stock

                                  30,500  

Proceeds from sale of Series A convertible preferred stock

                                  1,803,348  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-14


Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)

 

    Years Ended December 31,     Three Months Ended
March 31,
   

Period from

December 19,

2002

(Inception) to

March 31,

2007

 
    2006     2005     2004     2007     2006    
                      (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  

Proceeds from sale of Series B convertible preferred stock

          7,750,001       7,550,001                   15,300,002  

Series B convertible preferred stock financing costs

          (16,303 )     (94,776 )                 (111,079 )

Proceeds from sale of Series C convertible preferred stock

    40,825,003                               40,825,003  

Series C convertible preferred stock financing costs

    (1,486,904 )                             (1,486,904 )

Proceeds from convertible notes payable

          5,250,003       494,950                   6,814,846  

Proceeds from notes payable

    2,620,221       3,125,900                   2,500,000       5,831,121  

Repayments on notes payable

    (1,277,751 )           (85,000 )     (640,654 )     (21,384 )     (2,003,405 )

Debt issuance costs

          (23,748 )     (37,971 )                 (91,558 )
                                               

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    40,720,165       16,114,803       8,014,906       (629,916 )     2,486,512       67,178,967  
                                               

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    6,817,971       5,386,902       4,668,018       (3,063,738 )     (1,917,969 )     14,472,734  

Cash and cash equivalents:

           

Beginning of year

    10,718,501       5,331,599       663,581       17,536,472       10,718,501        
                                               

End of year

  $ 17,536,472     $ 10,718,501     $ 5,331,599     $ 14,472,734     $ 8,800,532     $ 14,472,734  
                                               

Supplemental disclosure:

           

Interest paid

  $ 514,655     $ 83,669     $     $ 122,855     $ 84,893     $ 721,179  

Noncash investing and financing activities:

           

Cancellation of Alpha Medical, Inc. Series A convertible preferred stock and common stock

  $     $     $     $     $     $ (661,674 )

Issuance of Beta Medical, Inc. Series A convertible preferred stock in exchange for Alpha Medical, Inc. Series A convertible preferred stock and common stock

                                  661,674  

Value of warrants issued with debt

    102,022       37,318       153,722             102,022       293,062  

Value of warrants issued for debt commitment

          37,318       48,720                   86,038  

Value of warrants issued with Series C financing

    735,438                               735,438  

Conversion of notes payable to Series B convertible preferred shares

                1,564,843                   1,564,843  

Conversion of interest payable to Series B convertible preferred shares

                34,809                   34,809  

Conversion of notes payable to Series C convertible preferred shares

    5,250,003                               5,250,003  

Conversion of interest payable to Series C convertible preferred shares

    131,013                               131,013  

Value of options issued for deferred compensation

          7,288       3,610                   10,898  

Common stock issued for deferred compensation

    9,750       102,500                   4,500       112,250  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-15


Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(1) Formation and Business of the Company

EnteroMedics Inc. (EnteroMedics or the Company) is developing implantable systems to treat obesity and other gastrointestinal disorders. The Company was incorporated in the state of Minnesota on December 19, 2002, originally as two separate legal entities, Alpha Medical, Inc. (Alpha) and Beta Medical, Inc. (Beta), both of which were owned 100% by a common stockholder. Effective October 1, 2003, the two entities were combined and changed its name to EnteroMedics Inc. The Company changed its state of incorporation to Delaware on July 22, 2004. The Company is in the development stage and since inception has devoted substantially all of its resources to recruiting personnel, developing its product technology, obtaining patents to protect its intellectual property and raising capital, and has not derived revenues from its primary business activity. Accordingly, the Company is in the development stage, as defined by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 7, Accounting and Reporting by Development Stage Enterprises. The Company is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations , the term business combinations excludes transfer of net assets or exchange of equity interest between entities under common control. The merger of Alpha into Beta was a merger between entities under common control and, therefore, related assets and liabilities were recorded at their carrying amount at the date of merger and prior period statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows are shown as previously reported. At the time of the merger, each share of common stock and Series A convertible preferred stock of Alpha was converted into Series A convertible preferred stock of Beta, the surviving entity, at a rate of 0.363267812 per share. Alpha had 1,000,000 shares of common stock and 651,674 shares of Series A convertible preferred stock outstanding, which were converted into 600,000 shares of Beta Series A convertible preferred stock.

EnteroMedics Europe Sárl (EnteroMedics Europe), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was formed in January 2006. EnteroMedics Europe is a Switzerland entity established as a means to conduct clinical trials in Switzerland. Upon establishment there were 20 shares of EnteroMedics Europe issued and outstanding with a par value of 1,000 Swiss Francs. EnteroMedics purchased 100% of the shares and then issued one share to a fiduciary agent. The one share is the property of EnteroMedics and is held by the fiduciary in a fiduciary capacity under terms of the Fiduciary Agreement. Pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 52, Foreign Currency Translation , the functional currency of EnteroMedics Europe has been determined to be the U.S. Dollar.

Since inception, EnteroMedics has incurred losses through March 31, 2007 totaling approximately $40.3 million and has not generated positive cash flows from operations. The Company expects such losses to continue into the foreseeable future as it continues to develop and commercialize its technologies. The Company may need to obtain additional financing and there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in obtaining additional financing on favorable terms, or at all. If adequate funds are not available, the Company may have to delay development or commercialization of products or license to third parties the rights to commercialize products or technologies that the Company would otherwise seek to commercialize.

(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Unaudited Interim Financial Information

The accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2007, the consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 and for the period from December 19, 2002 (inception) to March 31, 2007 and the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity (deficit) for the three months ended March 31, 2007 are unaudited. The unaudited interim financial statements

 

F-16


Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 

have been prepared on the same basis as the annual financial statements and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position and results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 and for the period from inception to March 31, 2007. The financial data and other information disclosed in these notes to the consolidated financial statements related to the three-month periods are unaudited. The results of the three months ended March 31, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2007 or for any other interim period or for any other future year.

Unaudited Pro Forma Presentation

The unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet data presented as of March 31, 2007 reflects the conversion of all outstanding shares of convertible preferred stock as of that date into 95,442,677 shares of common stock, which will occur upon closing of the proposed initial public offering, as if the conversion had occurred on March 31, 2007. It does not include 1,875,000 shares issued to the Mayo Foundation discussed at Note 16. Upon issuance of these shares related to an initial public offering, the Company will record a one-time stock-based compensation expense at the then current fair value with an off-setting increase to common stock and additional paid-in capital. The unaudited pro forma information assumes a public offering price greater than $2.64 per share and aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of at least $30 million and reflects the conversion of all the outstanding shares of Series A convertible preferred stock, par value of $0.01 per share, Series B convertible preferred stock, par value of $0.01 per share, and Series C convertible preferred stock, par value of $0.01 per share, as defined in the certificate of incorporation. Upon closing of the proposed initial public offering, the Company’s authorized capital stock will consist of 50,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share.

Basis of Presentation

The Company has prepared the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Company’s fiscal year ends on December 31.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

Concentration of Credit Risk and Other Risks and Uncertainties

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. Cash and cash equivalents are deposited in demand and money market accounts at two financial institutions. At times, such deposits may be in excess of insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses on its deposits of cash and cash equivalents.

 

F-17


Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 

Most of the products developed by the Company will require clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or corresponding foreign regulatory agencies prior to commercial sales. There can be no assurance the Company’s products will receive the necessary clearances. If the Company is denied clearance or clearance is delayed, it will have a material adverse impact on the Company.

The medical device industry is characterized by frequent and extensive litigation and administrative proceedings over patent and other intellectual property rights. Whether a product infringes a patent involves complex legal and factual issues, the determination of which is often difficult to predict, and the outcome may be uncertain until the court has entered final judgment and all appeals are exhausted. The Company’s competitors may assert that its products or the use of the Company’s products are covered by U.S. or foreign patents held by them.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Carrying amounts of certain of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to their short maturities. The fair values of investments in debt and equity securities are disclosed in Note 3. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is $4,612,710 as of December 31, 2006 based on borrowing rates available to the Company.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers highly liquid investments with maturities of 90 days or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates market value. The Company’s cash equivalents are primarily in money market funds and commercial paper. The Company deposits its cash and cash equivalents in high-quality credit institutions. Under terms of the Company’s notes payable agreements (see Note 6), in the event of default, the lender has the right to enforce account control agreements and restrict the Company’s access to their cash and investment accounts.

Short-Term Investments

The Company considers all investments with maturities greater than three months and less than one year at the time of purchase as short-term investments and classifies them as either available for sale or held to maturity.

Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices, with the unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive income within stockholders’ equity (deficit) in the consolidated balance sheets. Realized gains and losses and declines in value judged to be other than temporary on available-for-sale securities are included in interest and other income. Interest and dividends on securities classified as available for sale are included in interest income. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.

Short-term investments in debt securities which the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are reported at cost, adjusted for premiums and discounts that are recognized in interest income, using the interest method, over the period to maturity. Unrealized losses on held-to-maturity securities reflecting a decline in value determined to be other than temporary are charged to income.

 

F-18


Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation of property and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of three to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of their useful life or the term of the lease. Upon retirement or sale, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the consolidated balance sheets and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates its long-lived assets for indicators of possible impairment by comparison of the carrying amounts to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by such assets when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Should an impairment exist, the impairment loss would be measured based on the excess carrying value of the asset over the asset’s fair value or estimates of future discounted cash flows. The Company has not identified any such impairment losses to date.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets is recorded when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. The Company has provided a full valuation allowance against the gross deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 (see Note 12). The Company’s policy is to classify interest and penalties related to income taxes as income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses are charged to expense as incurred. Research and development expenses include, but are not limited to, product development, clinical and regulatory expenses, payroll and other personnel expenses, materials, supplies, and consulting costs.

Patent Costs

Costs associated with the submission of a patent application are expensed as incurred given the uncertainty of the patents resulting in probable future economic benefits to the Company. Patent-related legal expenses included in general and administrative costs were $274,665, $214,300 and $129,272 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and $763,034 for the period from December 19, 2002 (inception) to March 31, 2007 (unaudited). Patent-related legal expenses included in general and administrative costs for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 were $131,810 (unaudited) and $23,622 (unaudited), respectively.

 

F-19


Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 

Derivative Instruments

The Company accounts for the Series C preferred stock warrants as derivatives under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities , and related Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) interpretations and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules, which require that the warrants be classified as a liability and measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized currently in earnings, when there are not enough authorized shares to be issued upon exercise of the warrants. The Company has recorded changes in fair value as interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

Stock-Based Compensation

Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for stock-based employee compensation arrangements in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (APB 25), Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees , and related interpretations, and followed the minimum value disclosure provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (SFAS 123), Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation . Under APB 25, compensation expense is based on the difference, if any, on the date of the grant, between the fair value of the Company’s stock and the exercise price. Employee stock-based compensation determined under APB 25 is recognized over the option vesting period.

 

F-20


Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R (SFAS 123R), Share-Based Payment , which supersedes its previous accounting under APB 25. SFAS 123R requires the recognition of compensation expense, using a fair-value-based method, for costs related to all share-based payments including stock options. SFAS 123R requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The Company adopted SFAS 123R using the prospective transition method, which requires that for nonpublic entities that used the minimum value method for either pro forma or financial statement recognition purposes, SFAS 123R shall be applied to option grants or modifications to existing options after the required effective date. For options granted prior to the new SFAS 123R effective date and for which the requisite service period has not been performed as of January 1, 2006, the Company will continue to apply the intrinsic value provisions of APB 25 on the remaining unvested awards. All option grants valued after January 1, 2006 will be expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation arrangements with nonemployees in accordance with the Emerging Issues Task Force Abstract No. 96-18, Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling Goods or Services. The Company records the expense of such services based on the estimated fair value of the equity instrument using the Black-Scholes pricing model. The value of the equity instrument is charged to earnings over the term of the service agreement.

Net Loss Per Share

Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The Company’s potential dilutive shares, which include outstanding common stock options, unvested common shares subject to repurchase, convertible preferred stock and warrants, have not been included in the computation of diluted net loss per share for all periods as the result would be anti-dilutive. Such potentially dilutive shares are excluded when the effect would be to reduce a net loss per share.

 

    

Year Ended

December 31,

   

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 
     2006     2005     2004     2007     2006  
                       (Unaudited)  

Numerator:

          

Net loss

   $ (17,690,477 )   $ (11,215,191 )   $ (3,448,752 )   $ (5,397,824 )   $ (4,579,598 )
                                        

Denominator for historical and basic and diluted net loss per share:

          

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     4,945,426       4,039,814       2,050,000       5,434,643       4,453,408  

Weighted-average unvested common shares subject to repurchase

     (236,418 )     (498,918 )     (761,688 )     (72,924 )     (335,424 )
                                        

Denominator for net loss per common share—basic and diluted

     4,709,008       3,540,896       1,288,312       5,361,719       4,117,984  
                                        

Net loss per share—basic and diluted

   $ (3.76 )   $ (3.17 )   $ (2.68 )   $ (1.01 )   $ (1.11 )
                                        

 

F-21


Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 

The following table sets forth the potential shares of common stock that are not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share because to do so would be anti-dilutive as of the end of each period presented:

 

     December 31,    March 31,
     2006    2005    2004    2007    2006
                    (Unaudited)

Convertible preferred stock

   93,856,180    41,898,445    24,012,452    93,856,180    41,898,445

Stock options outstanding

   11,482,396    7,028,800    3,102,600    15,772,968    7,529,625

Warrants to purchase convertible preferred stock

   3,430,362    1,769,558    1,134,894    3,430,362    2,086,890

Warrants to purchase common stock

   1,550,000    1,550,000       1,550,000    1,550,000

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 , which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. FIN 48 requires that the Company recognize in its financial statements the impact of a tax position if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective as of the beginning of the Company’s 2007 fiscal year, with the cumulative effect, if any, of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. The adoption of FIN 48 had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 (SFAS 157), Fair Value Measurements , which defines fair value, establishes guidelines for measuring fair value and expands disclosures regarding fair value measurements. SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements but rather eliminates inconsistencies in guidance found in various prior accounting pronouncements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Earlier adoption is permitted, provided the company has not yet issued financial statements, including for interim periods, for that fiscal year. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 157.

In September 2006, the United Stated Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 (SAB 108), Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements When Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements , which provides interpretive guidance on how registrants should quantify financial statement misstatements. Under SAB 108, registrants are required to consider both a “rollover” method which focuses primarily on the income statement impact of misstatements and the “iron curtain” method which focuses primarily on the balance sheet impact of misstatements. SAB 108 was effective for 2006 and had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159 (SFAS 159), The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 . SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The amendment to SFAS 115 applies to all entities with investments in available-for-sale or trading securities. The statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company has not yet determined the effect SFAS 159 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

F-22


Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 

(3) Short-term Investments

The amortized cost and fair value of short-term investments available for sale, with gross unrealized gains and losses, were as follows:

As of March 31, 2007 (unaudited)

 

          Gross Unrealized     
     Cost    Gains    Losses    Fair value

State and municipal tax-exempt bonds

   $ 1,000,000    $    $    $ 1,000,000

Corporate debt

     4,555,000                4,555,000
                           

Total investment securities available for sale

   $ 5,555,000    $    $    $ 5,555,000
                           

As of December 31, 2006

 

          Gross Unrealized     
     Cost    Gains    Losses    Fair value

State and municipal tax-exempt bonds

   $ 1,000,000    $    $    $ 1,000,000

Corporate debt

     4,755,000                4,755,000
                           

Total investment securities available for sale

   $ 5,755,000    $    $    $ 5,755,000
                           

Short-term investments available for sale at March 31, 2007 (unaudited) and December 31, 2006 consist solely of variable rate demand notes with a seven-day put option and interest rates that reset on a weekly basis. There were no short-term investments available for sale as of December 31, 2005.

The amortized cost and fair value of short-term investments held to maturity, with gross unrealized gains and losses, were as follows:

As of March 31, 2007 (unaudited)

 

          Gross Unrealized      
     Cost    Gains    Losses     Fair value

Corporate debt

   $ 5,252,326    $ 156    $ (502 )   $ 5,251,980

U.S. Treasury and agencies

     1,475,918      646            1,476,564

Commercial paper

     1,791,255      183      (87 )     1,791,351
                            

Total investment securities held to maturity

   $ 8,519,499    $ 985    $ (589 )   $ 8,519,895
                            

 

F-23


Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 

As of December 31, 2006

 

          Gross unrealized      
     Cost    Gains    Losses     Fair value

Corporate debt

   $ 6,998,355    $ 1,572    $ (606 )   $ 6,999,321

U.S. Treasury and agencies

     2,945,510      2,289            2,947,799

Commercial paper

     1,496,675                 1,496,675
                            

Total investment securities held to maturity

   $ 11,440,540    $ 3,861    $ (606 )   $ 11,443,795
                            

There were no short-term investments held to maturity as of December 31, 2005.

 

(4) Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consist of the following as of:

 

     March 31,
2007
    December 31,  
       2006     2005  
     (Unaudited)              

Furniture and equipment

   $ 1,157,187     $ 943,159     $ 359,900  

Computer hardware and software

     315,730       255,609       170,265  

Leasehold improvements

     137,923       142,821       176,451  
                        
     1,610,840       1,341,589       706,616  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (305,235 )     (239,262 )     (64,068 )
                        

Property and equipment, net

   $ 1,305,605     $ 1,102,327     $ 642,548  
                        

Depreciation expense included in general and administrative costs was $175,194, $58,407 and $5,085 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and $307,295 for the period from December 19, 2002 (inception) to March 31, 2007 (unaudited). Depreciation expense included in general and administrative costs for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 was $67,440 (unaudited) and $31,732 (unaudited), respectively.

 

(5) Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consist of the following as of December 31:

 

     March 31,
2007
   December 31,
        2006    2005
     (Unaudited)          

Professional service related expenses

   $ 731,740    $ 694,953    $ 414,824

Payroll related expenses

     515,818      601,733      345,200

Other expenses

     112,935      407,545      154,449
                    

Accrued expenses

   $ 1,360,493    $ 1,704,231    $ 914,473
                    

 

F-24


Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 

(6) Notes payable

Notes payable consists of the following as of:

 

     March 31,
2007
    December 31,  
       2006     2005  
     (Unaudited)              

Equipment loan dated June 7, 2005

   $ 109,442     $ 128,170     $ 199,450  

Equipment loan dated June 7, 2005

     25,017       29,607       46,710  

Growth capital loan dated September 30, 2005 (net discounts of $14,927 (unaudited), $18,659 and $33,586 at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively)

     1,347,750       1,637,427       2,466,414  

Equipment loan dated December 30, 2005

     248,608       278,763       337,023  

Equipment loan dated December 30, 2005

     31,288       35,219       42,717  

Growth capital loan dated March 31, 2006 (net discounts of $12,243 (unaudited) and $14,283 at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively)

     377,289       431,136        

Growth capital loan dated March 31, 2006 (net discounts of $48,971 (unaudited) and $57,133 at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively)

     1,509,158       1,724,543        

Equipment loan dated April 28, 2006

     86,187       94,867        

Equipment loan dated April 28, 2006

     16,836       18,563        
                        

Total debt

     3,751,575       4,378,295       3,092,314  

Less current portion

     (2,836,621 )     (2,651,336 )     (998,055 )
                        

Total long-term debt

   $ 914,954     $ 1,726,959     $ 2,094,259  
                        

The Company entered into a loan agreement on December 1, 2004 that provided for equipment loans and growth capital loans up to an aggregate original principal amount of $250,000 and $3,000,000, respectively, through June 30, 2005. In conjunction with this loan agreement, the Company issued detachable warrants to acquire 412,532 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock (Series B) at $0.4333 per share. The warrants have a seven and a half year life. The fair value of the warrants at the time of issuance was determined to be $48,720 and was recorded as interest expense over the term of the commitment. $41,760 and $6,960 was recorded in 2005 and 2004, respectively. This fair value was calculated using a Black-Scholes valuation model and the following assumptions: volatility of 60%, dividend rate of 0%, risk-free interest rate of 4.38% and the seven and a half year warrant life.

The above December 1, 2004 loan agreement was amended on September 29, 2005. The amendment provided for additional lender commitments for equipment loans and growth capital loans to the Company up to an aggregate original principal amount of $500,000 and $2,000,000, respectively. The termination date of the original growth capital loan commitment was amended to September 30, 2005 and the termination date for the additional equipment loans and growth capital loans was March 31, 2006 (see below). In conjunction with the amendment, the Company issued detachable warrants to acquire 317,332 shares of Series B stock at $0.4333 per share or shares of Series C convertible preferred stock (Series C) having an aggregate exercise price of $137,500. On June 21, 2006, prior to the close of the Series C stock financing round, the lender informed the Company of its intent to have the warrants be for Series B stock. The warrants have a seven and a half year life. The fair value

 

F-25


Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 

of the warrants at the time of issuance was determined to be $37,318 and was recorded as interest expense over the term of the commitment. $18,659 was recorded in both 2006 and 2005. This fair value was calculated using a Black-Scholes valuation model and the following assumptions: volatility of 55%, dividend rate of 0%, risk-free interest rate of 4.29% and the seven and a half year warrant life.

The aggregate amount funded by the lender as noted above was $5,746,121 and $3,125,900 as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The Company entered into two separate equipment loans (aggregate of $120,221) during 2006 and four separate equipment loans (aggregate of $625,900) during 2005 with the below terms:

 

1. Equipment Loan Dated June 7, 2005 —Face amount of $199,450 payable in 30 equal principal and interest installments beginning January 1, 2006 through May 2008 with a final payment of $17,283 on June 1, 2008 at an annual percentage rate of 8.023%. Interest only payments for the first six months of the loan are at an annual percentage rate of 10%.

 

2. Equipment Loan Dated June 7, 2005 —Face amount of $46,710 payable in 30 equal principal and interest installments beginning January 1, 2006 through June 1, 2008 at an annual percentage rate of 11.461%. Interest only payments for the first six months of the loan are at an annual percentage rate of 10%.

 

3. Equipment Loan Dated December 30, 2005 —Face amount of $337,023 payable in 30 equal principal and interest installments beginning July 1, 2006 through November 2008 with a final payment of $29,384 on December 1, 2008 at an annual percentage rate of 9.273%. Interest only payments for the first six months of the loan are at an annual percentage rate of 10%.

 

4. Equipment Loan Dated December 30, 2005 —Face amount of $42,717 payable in 30 equal principal and interest installments beginning July 1, 2006 through December 1, 2008 at an annual percentage rate of 12.71%. Interest only payments for the first six months of the loan are at an annual percentage rate of 10%.

 

5. Equipment Loan Dated April 28, 2006 —Face amount of $100,537 payable in 30 equal principal and interest installments beginning November 1, 2006 through March 2009 with a final payment of $8,787 on April 1, 2009 at an annual percentage rate of 9.773%. Interest only payments for the first six months of the loan are at an annual percentage rate of 10%.

 

6. Equipment Loan Dated April 28, 2006 —Face amount of $19,684 payable in 30 equal principal and interest installments beginning November 1, 2006 through April 1, 2009 at an annual percentage rate of 13.21%. Interest only payments for the first six months of the loan are at an annual percentage rate of 10%.

The Company entered into a growth capital loan on September 30, 2005 with a face amount of $2,500,000 payable in 23 equal principal and interest installments beginning April 1, 2006 through February 2008 with a final payment of $237,825 on March 1, 2008 at an annual percentage rate of 8.486%, an effective rate of 10.12%. Interest only payments for the first six months of the loan are at an annual percentage rate of 10.999%. In conjunction with the funding of the growth capital loan, the Company issued detachable warrants to acquire 317,332 shares of Series B stock at $0.4333 per share or shares of Series C stock having an aggregate exercise price of $137,500. On June 21, 2006, prior to the close of the Series C stock financing round, the lender informed the Company of its intent to have the warrants be for Series B stock. The warrants have a seven and a half year life. The fair value of the warrants at the time of issuance was determined to be $37,318 and is recorded as

 

F-26


Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 

interest expense over the term of the loan. $14,927 and $3,732 was recorded in 2006 and 2005, respectively. Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 was $3,732 (unaudited) and $3,732 (unaudited), respectively. This fair value was calculated using a Black-Scholes valuation model and the following assumptions: volatility of 55%, dividend rate of 0%, risk-free interest rate of 4.33% and the seven and a half year warrant life.

The Company entered into two separate growth capital loans on March 31, 2006 with a combined face amount of $2,500,000 payable in 23 equal principal and interest installments beginning October 1, 2006 through August 2008 with a final payment of $238,875 on September 1, 2008 at an annual percentage rate of 9.49%, an effective rate of 14.07%. Interest only payments for the first six months of the loan are at an annual percentage rate of 10.999%. In conjunction with the funding of the growth capital loan, the Company issued detachable warrants to acquire 317,332 shares of Series B stock at $0.4333 per share or shares of Series C stock having an aggregate exercise price of $137,500. On June 21, 2006, prior to the close of the Series C stock financing round, the lender informed the Company of its intent to have the warrants be for Series B stock. The warrants have a seven year life. The fair value of the warrants at the time of issuance was determined to be $102,022 and is recorded as interest expense over the term of the loan. $30,606 was recorded in 2006. Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $10,202 (unaudited). This fair value was calculated using a Black-Scholes valuation model and the following assumptions: volatility of 54%, dividend rate of 0%, risk-free interest rate of 4.85% and the seven year warrant life.

Each of the above loans is collateralized by a first security priority lien on all of the Company’s assets, excluding intellectual property. In the event we have less than four remaining months of liquidity, we are required to grant a temporary lien on our intellectual property. The number of remaining months of liquidity is calculated by dividing cash and cash equivalents as of the end of any particular month by the sum of our total operating expenses for each of the immediately preceding four months.

The Company also entered into account control agreements for each cash and investment account held by the Company. The lender has the right to enforce the account control agreements in the event of default. If enforced, the lender has the ability to withdraw funds from the accounts and restrict the Company’s access to the funds.

The Company was in compliance with all covenants related to the notes payable at March 31, 2007 (unaudited) and December 31, 2006, and has not incurred any events of default as described in the terms of the notes payable agreements.

Scheduled debt principal payments are as follows as of March 31, 2007 (unaudited):

 

Years Ending December 31:

      

2007

   $ 2,010,682  

2008

     1,794,877  

2009

     22,157  
        
     3,827,716  

Less: Original issue discount

     (76,141 )
        

Notes payable, net

   $ 3,751,575  
        

 

F-27


Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 

Scheduled debt principal payments are as follows as of December 31, 2006:

 

Years Ending December 31:

      

2007

   $ 2,651,336  

2008

     1,794,877  

2009

     22,157  
        
     4,468,370  

Less: Original issue discount

     (90,075 )
        

Notes payable, net

   $ 4,378,295  
        

 

(7) Convertible notes payable

On December 12, 2005, the Company issued convertible notes payable, to various investors, including some officers of the Company, with an original aggregate face amount of $5,250,003. The convertible notes payable accrued interest at a fixed rate per annum equal to 4.34%. Accrued interest payable on the convertible notes payable was $12,658 as of December 31, 2005.

Accrued interest and principal were due in full at the earliest to occur of (i) the maturity date (December 12, 2008), (ii) an equity conversion event, or (iii) an acquisition conversion event. On July 6, 2006, the Company completed an equity conversion event when it closed a Series C convertible preferred stock financing. As a result, the outstanding principal balance of $5,250,003 and the accrued interest payable balance of $131,013 were automatically converted into 6,050,839 shares of Series C convertible preferred stock at $0.8893 per share.

See Note 9 for details of the Series C convertible preferred stock financing.

 

(8) Convertible Bridge Notes

November 13, 2003 Convertible Bridge Note

On November 13, 2003, the Company entered into a 4% Bridge Loan Agreement with various investors, including some officers of the Company. The Company received aggregate proceeds in the amount of $1,069,893. Accrued interest and principal was convertible contingent upon subsequent financing. The due date was May 31, 2004 provided a definitive term sheet for an equity sale had been executed by the Company on or before April 30, 2004. In consideration for entering into the Bridge Loan Agreement, the Company issued Series B stock warrants with an exercise price equal to the price paid per share at the next equity financing. The number of warrants to be issued were defined as the committed capital balance multiplied by 0.2 and divided by the price paid per share at the next equity financing. In closing the November 13, 2003 Bridge Loan Agreement, the price paid per share at the next equity financing was estimated to be $1.00, resulting in 214,000 warrants. The Company received cash consideration for the 214,000 warrants at a rate of $0.0005 per share or an aggregate amount of $107, which was recorded as additional paid-in capital during 2003. Upon closing the Series B equity financing on July 30, 2004, the price paid per share was set at $0.4333 resulting in a total of 493,888 seven-year warrants being issued.

The fair value of the warrants at the time of issuance was determined to be $103,320 and was recorded as additional paid-in capital and interest expense in 2004. The fair value was calculated using a Black-Scholes valuation model and the following assumptions: volatility of 66%, dividend rate of 0%, risk-free interest rate of 4.27%, and the maximum seven-year warrant life.

 

F-28


Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 

April 23, 2004 Convertible Bridge Note

On April 23, 2004, the Company amended the November 13, 2003 Bridge Loan Agreement to provide for additional capital. The terms and investors of the November 13, 2003 Bridge Loan Agreement remained the same with the only changes being to the amount of capital being committed and the number of warrants being issued as additional consideration. The Company received additional aggregate proceeds in the amount of $294,970 for a combined outstanding total of $1,364,863. In consideration for entering into the Amended Bridge Loan Agreement, the Company issued additional Series B stock warrants with an exercise price equal to the price paid per share at the next equity financing. The number of warrants to be issued were defined as the committed capital balance multiplied by 0.2 and divided by the price paid per share at the next equity financing. In closing the Amended Bridge Loan Agreement, the price paid per share at the next equity financing was estimated to be $1.00, resulting in 59,000 additional warrants. The Company received cash consideration for the 59,000 warrants at a rate of $0.0005 per share or an aggregate amount of $30, which was recorded as additional paid-in capital during 2004. Upon closing the Series B equity financing on July 30, 2004, the price paid per share was set at $0.4333 resulting in a total of 136,162 seven-year warrants being issued.

The fair value of the warrants at the time of issuance was determined to be $30,038 and was recorded as additional paid-in capital and interest expense in 2004. The fair value was calculated using a Black-Scholes valuation model and the following assumptions: volatility of 65%, dividend rate of 0%, risk-free interest rate of 4.45%, and the maximum seven-year warrant life.

June 30, 2004 Convertible Bridge Note

On June 30, 2004, the Company amended the November 13, 2003 Bridge Loan Agreement for a second time to provide for additional capital. The terms and investors of the November 13, 2003 Bridge Loan Agreement remained the same with the only changes being to the amount of capital being committed and the number of warrants being issued as additional consideration and a due date of July 31, 2004. The Company received additional aggregate proceeds in the amount of $199,980 for a combined outstanding total of $1,564,843. In consideration for entering into the Second Amended Bridge Loan Agreement, the Company issued additional Series B stock warrants with an exercise price equal to the price paid per share at the next equity financing. The number of warrants to be issued were defined as the committed capital balance multiplied by 0.2 and divided by the price paid per share at the next equity financing. In closing the Second Amended Bridge Loan Agreement, the price paid per share at the next equity financing was estimated to be $1.00, resulting in 39,998 additional warrants. The Company received cash consideration for the 39,998 warrants at a rate of $0.0005 per share or an aggregate amount of $20, which was recorded as additional paid-in capital during 2004. Upon closing the Series B equity financing on July 30, 2004, the price paid per share was set at $0.4333 resulting in a total of 92,312 seven-year warrants being issued.

The fair value of the warrants at the time of issuance was determined to be $20,364 and was recorded as additional paid-in capital and interest expense in 2004. The fair value was calculated using a Black-Scholes valuation model and the following assumptions: volatility of 65%, dividend rate of 0%, risk-free interest rate of 4.62%, and the maximum seven-year warrant life.

See Note 10 for the conversion of the above convertible notes payable to Series B convertible preferred stock.

A total of 722,362 warrants to purchase Series B convertible preferred stock were issued as a result of the three convertible bridge loans.

 

F-29


Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 

(9) Series C Convertible Preferred Stock Financing

On July 6, 2006, the Company closed the Series C convertible preferred stock (Series C) financing. The Company sold 44,782,416 shares of Series C stock for $0.8893 per share, or total gross proceeds of $39,825,003. In addition, $5,250,003 of Convertible Notes Payable principal and $131,013 of accrued interest payable were converted into 6,050,839 shares of Series C stock. The Company incurred $2,222,342 in costs, which were recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital. Included in the Series C financing costs was $735,438 of value related to 1,343,472 Series C warrants issued to the private placement underwriter. The fair value of the warrants was calculated using a Black-Scholes valuation model and the following assumptions: volatility of 55%, dividend rate of 0%, risk-free interest rate of 5.18%, and the maximum seven-year warrant life. The fair value of the warrants was recorded in additional paid-in capital.

On December 11, 2006, the Company sold an additional 1,124,480 shares of Series C stock for $0.8893 per share, or total gross proceeds of $1,000,000.

As of the closing date of the additional sale of 1,124,480 shares of Series C stock, the Company had insufficient authorized and unissued Series C stock available to share settle the Series C warrants which requires the instrument to be accounted for under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 and classified as a liability in accordance with EITF 00-19, Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company’s Own Stock . The fair market value of the warrant as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 was $972,916 (unaudited) and $728,841, respectively. The change in fair value is recorded separately in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

(10) Series B Convertible Preferred Stock Financing

On July 30, 2004, the Company closed the first tranche of the Series B convertible preferred stock (Series B) financing. The Company sold 17,424,419 shares of Series B stock for $0.4333 per share, or total gross proceeds of $7,550,001. In addition, $1,564,843 of Convertible Bridge Loan principal and $34,809 of accrued interest were converted into 3,691,784 shares of Series B stock. The Company incurred $94,776 in costs, which were recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital.

During 2005, the Company closed the final two tranches of the Series B convertible preferred stock financing. On June 17, 2005, the Company sold 6,923,610 shares of Series B stock for $0.4333 per share, or total gross proceeds of $3,000,000. On December 12, 2005, the Company sold 10,962,383 shares of Series B stock for $0.4333 per share, or total gross proceeds of $4,750,001. The Company incurred a total of $16,303 in costs related to the 2005 closings, which were recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital.

The Company also issued 1,550,000 common stock warrants on December 12, 2005 to various Series B stockholders at a price of $0.01 per share. The warrants have an exercise price of $0.05 and terminate in five years. The fair value of the warrants at the time of issuance was determined to be $15,500 and was recorded as additional paid-in capital. The fair value was calculated using a Black-Scholes valuation model and the following assumptions: volatility of 49%, dividend rate of 0%, risk-free interest rate of 4.55%, and the maximum five-year warrant life.

 

(11) Convertible Participating Preferred Stock

The Company has 2,896,249 shares of Series A convertible preferred stock (Series A) and 39,002,196 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock outstanding as of March 31, 2007 (unaudited) and December 31, 2006 and 2005, and 51,957,735 shares of Series C convertible preferred stock outstanding as of March 31, 2007

 

F-30


Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 

(unaudited) and December 31, 2006. The following are preferred stock terms in accordance with the certificate of incorporation:

Redemption Rights

No class of preferred stock has redemption rights.

Liquidation Preferences

The stockholders of Series C and Series B convertible preferred stock share senior liquidation rights on a pari passu basis of $0.8893 and $0.4333 per share, respectively, prior to Series A’s liquidation preference of $0.7208 per share. After all of the above liquidation preferences have been paid, any remaining liquidation proceeds are paid to common stockholders and all classes of preferred stock on an as-if converted basis.

A liquidation of the Company includes the sale, lease, exchange, exclusive licensing or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or intellectual property; the merger, business combination, reorganization, or consolidation of the Company with another entity gaining more than 50% ownership; or a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.

Dividends

Series C and Series B stockholders are entitled to a noncumulative dividend on a pari passu basis prior to the payment of dividends on Series A and common stock. The Series C and Series B dividend rates are $0.0711 per annum (8%) and $0.0347 per annum (8%), respectively. After payment of the combined Series C and Series B dividends and prior to the payment of dividends to common stockholders, Series A stockholders are entitled to a non-cumulative dividend of $0.0577 per annum (8%). After all preferred stock dividend preferences have been paid, the common stockholders participate with preferred stockholders on an as-if converted basis.

Anti-dilution Rights

If the Company issues equity or convertible instruments that are not subject to defined carve out provisions, below the then applicable conversion price for each preferred stock series, the conversion price to common stock will be adjusted on a weighted average basis.

Conversion Rights

All classes of preferred stock are convertible into common stock at the option of the holder. As noted above, the conversion price of all outstanding preferred stock issuances is subject to weighted average anti-dilution protection. At March 31, 2007 (unaudited) and December 31, 2006, Series A, Series B and Series C shares are convertible into 4,482,746, 39,002,196 and 51,957,735 shares of common stock based on the terms of the agreement, respectively.

All classes of preferred stock are mandatorily convertible upon a qualified initial public offering whereby the public offering price is not less than $2.64 per share (as adjusted for any stock splits, stock dividends, combinations, subdivisions, recapitalizations or the like) and results in gross proceeds to the Company of at least

 

F-31


Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 

$30 million in the aggregate after deducting underwriting commissions and discounts, as defined in the certificate of incorporation.

Voting Rights

Preferred stockholders have the same voting rights as common stockholders. Preferred stockholders have one vote for each share of common stock deemed held, as determined by the then current conversion price. As a result of the preferred stockholders’ board of directors’ representation and voting rights, they effectively control the affairs of the Company, including its liquidation.

Registration Rights

Holders of preferred stock and certain holders of warrants have been granted registration rights pursuant to the terms of an investor rights agreement. These holders of preferred stock and warrants will automatically convert to common shares in a public offering and they have the right to require registration of those common shares.

 

(12) Income Taxes

The Company has incurred net operating losses (NOLs) since inception. The Company has not reflected any benefit of such net operating loss carryforwards in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

The income tax expense benefit differed from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 34% to income before income taxes as a result of the following:

 

     2006     2005     2004  

Computed ‘expected’ tax benefit

   34.0 %   34.0 %   34.0 %

Other permanent adjustments

   -0.4 %   -0.4 %   -2.4 %

Federal research and development credit

   2.3 %   3.5 %   2.9 %

State income taxes, net of federal benefit

   6.0 %   7.0 %   6.6 %

Effect of foreign operations

   -1.5 %   0.0 %   0.0 %

Change in federal valuation allowance

   -40.4 %   -44.1 %   -41.1 %
                  
   0.0 %   0.0 %   0.0 %
                  

The tax effect of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets as of December 31 is presented below:

 

     2006     2005  

Deferred tax assets (liabilities):

    

Start-up costs

   $ 5,505,000     $ 2,315,000  

Reserves and accruals

     157,000       38,000  

Property and equipment

     16,000       1,000  

Research and development credit

     1,107,000       692,000  

Net operating loss carry forwards

     7,784,000       4,444,000  
                

Total gross deferred tax assets

     14,569,000       7,490,000  

Valuation allowance

     (14,569,000 )     (7,490,000 )
                

Net deferred tax assets

   $     $  
                

 

F-32


Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 

In assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during periods in which those temporary differences become deductible.

Based on the level of historical taxable losses and projections of future taxable income (losses) over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management currently believes that it is more likely than not that the Company will not realize the benefits of these deductible differences. Accordingly, the Company has provided a valuation allowance against the gross deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2006 and 2005.

As of December 31, 2006, the Company has U.S. federal net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $17,856,000. The federal net operating loss carry forwards expire in the years 2022 through 2026.

Federal tax laws impose significant restrictions on the utilization of net operating loss carry forwards and research and development credits in the event of a change in ownership of the Company, as defined by the Internal Revenue Code Section 382. The Company’s net operating loss carry forwards and research and development credits may be subject to the above limitations.

In July 2006 the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes . FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 (SFAS 109), Accounting for Income Taxes . This interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition of tax benefits, classification on the balance sheet, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. The Company adopted FIN 48 effective January 1, 2007. At the date of adoption of FIN 48, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits and expected no significant changes in unrecognized tax benefits in the next 12 months. The adoption of this statement did not result in a cumulative accounting adjustment and did not impact the financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In accordance with FIN 48, paragraph 19, the Company has decided to classify any interest and penalties as a component of tax expense. To date, there have been no interest or penalties charged to us in relation to the underpayment of income taxes.

 

(13) Stock Options

The Company has adopted the EnteroMedics Inc. 2003 Stock Incentive Plan (the Plan) that includes both incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options to be granted to employees, officers, consultants, independent contractors, directors and affiliates of the Company. At March 31, 2007 (unaudited) and December 31, 2006, according to the Plan, 21,724,838 shares and 15,724,838 shares, respectively, have been authorized and reserved. The board of directors establishes the terms and conditions of all stock option grants, subject to the Plan and applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Incentive stock options must be granted at an exercise price not less than the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date. The options granted to participants owning more than 10% of the Company’s outstanding voting stock must be granted at an exercise price not less than 110% of fair market value of the common stock on the grant date. The options expire on the date determined by the board of directors, but may not extend more than 10 years from the grant date, while incentive stock options granted to participants owning more than 10% of the Company’s outstanding voting stock expire five years from the grant date. The vesting period for employees is generally over four years. The vesting period for non-employees is determined based on the services being provided.

 

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Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 

Stock option activity is as follows:

 

     Shares
Available For
Grant
    Outstanding Options    Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
       Number of
Shares
    Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
  

Shares reserved at Plan inception

   390,000         $   
                 

Balance, December 31, 2003 (unaudited)

   390,000             

Shares reserved

   4,000,000             

Options granted

   (3,137,600 )   3,137,600       0.05   

Options exercised

               

Options cancelled

   35,000     (35,000 )     0.05   
                 

Balance, December 31, 2004

   1,287,400     3,102,600       0.05   

Shares reserved

   6,177,900             

Options granted

   (4,588,800 )   4,588,800       0.05   

Options exercised

       (269,000 )     0.05   

Options cancelled

   393,600     (393,600 )     0.05   
                 

Balance, December 31, 2005

   3,270,100     7,028,800       0.05   

Shares reserved

   5,156,938             

Options granted

   (6,186,750 )   6,186,750       0.13   

Options exercised

       (791,922 )     0.05   

Options cancelled

   941,232     (941,232 )     0.05   
                     

Balance, December 31, 2006

   3,181,520     11,482,396       0.09    $ 1,362,935
             

Shares reserved (unaudited)

   6,000,000             

Options granted (unaudited)

   (4,540,300 )   4,540,300       0.57   

Options exercised (unaudited)

       (214,728 )     0.05   

Options cancelled (unaudited)

   35,000     (35,000 )     0.21   
                     

Balance, March 31, 2007 (unaudited)

   4,676,220     15,772,968     $ 0.23    $ 5,372,339
                     

During the 12-month period ended March 31, 2007, the Company granted stock options with exercise prices as follows:

 

Grants Made During Quarter Ended

   Number of
Options Granted
   Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
   Weighted-Average
Fair Value
per Share
   Weighted-Average
Intrinsic Value
per Share

June 30, 2006

   2,192,700    $ 0.05    $ 0.05    $ —  

September 30, 2006

   2,504,950      0.21      0.21      —  

December 31, 2006

   459,100      0.21      0.21      —  

March 31, 2007

   4,540,300      0.57      0.57      —  

The Company received valuations from an unrelated valuation specialist to help support the valuation of the common stock as of April 20, 2006, July 6, 2006, January 31, 2007 and February 28, 2007. These valuations were contemporaneous with those dates with the exception of the April 20, 2006 valuation which was retrospective.

 

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Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 

The options outstanding, vested and currently exercisable by exercise price at March 31, 2007 (unaudited):

 

Outstanding Options and Expected to Vest

  Options Exercisable and Vested

Exercise

Price

 

Number of
Shares
Outstanding

  Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(Years)
 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

  Number
of Options
  Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
  Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
           

$0.05

  8,303,618   8.3   $ 4,317,881   3,821,565   $ 0.05   $ 1,987,214

$0.21

  2,929,050   9.5     1,054,458   5,000   $ 0.21     1,800

$0.57

  4,540,300   9.9       20,000   $ 0.57    
                       
  15,772,968     $ 5,372,339   3,846,565   $ 0.05   $ 1,989,014
                       

The options outstanding, vested and currently exercisable by exercise price at December 31, 2006:

 

Outstanding Options and Expected to Vest

  Options Exercisable and Vested

Exercise

Price

  Number of
Shares
Outstanding
  Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(Years)
  Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
  Number
of Options
  Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
  Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

$ 0.05

  8,518,346   8.6   $ 1,362,935   3,474,921   $ 0.05   $ 555,987

$ 0.21

  2,964,050   9.8       5,000   $ 0.21    
                       
  11,482,396     $ 1,362,935   3,479,921   $ 0.05   $ 555,987
                       

Stock-Based Compensation for Non-employees

Stock-based compensation expenses related to stock options granted to nonemployees is recognized on an accelerated basis as the stock options are earned. The Company believes that the fair value of the stock options is more reliably measurable than the fair value of the services received. The fair value of the stock options granted is calculated at each reporting date, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, until the award vests or there is a substantial disincentive for the non-employee not to perform the required services. The fair value for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, and for the three months ended March 31, 2007 (unaudited) was calculated using the following assumptions:

 

    

Three Months

Ended

March 31,

2007

   Years Ended December 31,
        2006    2005    2004

Risk-free interest rates

   4.65%–4.76%    4.48%–5.14%    4.14%–4.56%    4.22%–4.47%

Expected life

   10 years    10 years    10 years    10 years

Expected dividends

   0%    0%    0%    0%

Expected volatility

   62.88%–63.25%    62.83%–66.57%    62.67%–69.60%    64.50%–73.75%

Stock-based compensation expense charged to operations on options granted to nonemployees for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $90,840, $5,354 and $830, respectively, and $253,445 for the period from December 19, 2002 (inception) to March 31, 2007 (unaudited). Stock-based compensation expense charged to operations on options granted to non-employees for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 was $156,421 (unaudited) and $3,681 (unaudited), respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 

Employee Stock-Based Awards Granted on or Subsequent to January 1, 2006

On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123R, using the prospective transition method. Under this transition method, beginning January 1, 2006, compensation cost recognized includes: (a) compensation cost for all stock-based awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of December 31, 2005, based on the intrinsic value method in accordance with the provisions of APB 25, and (b) compensation cost for all stock-based payments granted or modified subsequent to December 31, 2005, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123R.

As a result of adopting SFAS 123R on January 1, 2006, the Company’s net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and for the year ended December 31, 2006 was $81,821 (unaudited) and $47,479, respectively, higher than if it had continued to account for employee stock-based compensation under APB 25.

Under SFAS 123R, compensation cost for employee stock-based awards is based on the estimated grant-date fair value and is recognized over the vesting period of the applicable award on a straight-line basis. For the period from January 1, 2006 to March 31, 2007, the Company issued employee stock-based awards in the form of stock options. The weighted average estimated fair value of the employee stock options granted for the three months ended March 31, 2007 (unaudited) and for the year ended December 31, 2006 was $0.344 and $0.075 per share, respectively.

The Company uses the Black-Scholes pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options. The determination of the fair value of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables. These variables include our expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors, risk-free interest rates and expected dividends. The estimated grant-date fair values of the employee stock options were calculated using the Black-Scholes valuation model, based on the following assumptions for the three months ended March 31, 2007 (unaudited) and for the year ended December 31, 2006:

 

    

Three Months Ended
March 31,

2007

  

Year Ended
December 31,

2006

Risk-free interest rates

   4.65%–4.76%    4.39%–5.04%

Expected life

   6.25 years    5 years–6.25 years

Expected dividends

   0%    0%

Expected volatility

   58.63%    55.17%–62.86%

Expected Life.     The expected life is based on the “simplified” method described in the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin, Topic 14: Share-Based Payment .

Volatility.     Since the Company is a private entity with no historical data regarding the volatility of its common stock, the expected volatility used for 2006 and 2007 is based on volatility of similar entities, referred to as “guideline” companies. In evaluating similarity, the Company considered factors such as industry, stage of life cycle and size.

Risk-Free Interest Rate.     The risk-free rate is based on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with remaining terms similar to the expected term on the options.

 

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Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 

Dividend Yield.     The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends and does not plan to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future, and, therefore, used an expected dividend yield of zero in the valuation model.

Forfeitures.     SFAS No. 123R also requires the Company to estimate forfeitures at the time of grant, and revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The Company uses historical data to estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures and record stock-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest. All stock-based payment awards are amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards, which are generally the vesting periods. If the Company’s actual forfeiture rate is materially different from its estimate, the stock-based compensation expense could be significantly different from what the Company has recorded in the current period.

As of March 31, 2007 (unaudited) and December 31, 2006, there was $1,770,657 and $358,474, respectively, of total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested stock option awards granted after January 1, 2006, which are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.76 years and 3.61 years, respectively.

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of stock options granted to employees for the three months ended March 31, 2007 (unaudited) and for the year ended December 31, 2006 was $0.34 and $0.08, respectively, per share. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options (the amount by which the market price of the stock on the date of exercise exceeded the exercise price of the option) exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2007 (unaudited) and for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, was $34,356, $13,198 and $0, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 

(14) Warrants

Stock warrant activity is as follows:

 

    Common
Shares
  Price(1)   Series A
Preferred
Shares
    Price(1)   Series B
Preferred
Shares
  Price(1)   Series C
Preferred
Shares
  Price(1)

Balance as of:

               

December 31, 2002 (unaudited)

                 

Granted

      1,144,575     $ 0.10   214,000   $ 0.4333    

Exercised

                 

Cancelled

                 
                                         

December 31, 2003 (unaudited)

      1,144,575     $ 0.10   214,000   $ 0.4333    

Granted

            920,894   $ 0.4333    

Exercised

      (1,144,575 )   $ 0.16        

Cancelled

                 
                                         

December 31, 2004

            1,134,894   $ 0.4333    

Granted

  1,550,000   $ 0.05         634,664   $ 0.4333    

Exercised

                 

Cancelled

                 
                                         

December 31, 2005

  1,550,000   $ 0.05         1,769,558   $ 0.4333    

Granted

            317,332   $ 0.4333   1,343,472   $ 0.8893

Exercised

                 

Cancelled

                 
                                         

December 31, 2006

  1,550,000   $ 0.05         2,086,890   $ 0.4333   1,343,472   $ 0.8893

Granted (unaudited)

                 

Exercised (unaudited)

                 

Cancelled (unaudited)

                 
                                         

March 31, 2007 (unaudited)

  1,550,000   $ 0.05         2,086,890   $ 0.4333   1,343,472   $ 0.8893
                                         

(1) Represents weighted-average exercise price per share.

At March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the weighted-average remaining contractual life of outstanding warrants was 4.98 (unaudited) and 5.22 years, respectively.

The aggregate number of common shares that could be issued if all warrants were exercised and converted to common stock at the option of the holder would be 4,980,362.

See Notes 6 and 8 for discussions relating to the Series B stock warrants issued during 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and Note 9 for discussion related to the Series C stock warrants issued during 2006.

On November 13, 2003 the Company granted Venturi II, LLC (Venturi), sole Series A stockholder, 1,144,575 shares of Series A stock warrants with an initial exercise price of $0.10 and a term of 10 years. The warrants were granted as part of Venturi’s dissolution plans and were granted with the understanding that they

 

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Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 

would be exercised as soon as practicable. As the warrants were granted as part of a dissolution plan, no charge related to the warrant grant was required in 2003.

The 1,144,575 warrants granted to Venturi were exercised on April 23, 2004 at a price of $0.163949 per share resulting in gross proceeds of $187,652. Once exercised, Venturi owned 950,000 shares of EnteroMedics common stock and 2,896,249 shares of EnteroMedics Series A convertible preferred stock. Venturi dissolved on April 22, 2004 and transferred its ownership in EnteroMedics common stock and Series A convertible preferred stock to Venturi investors who held Class A Units and Class B Units, respectively, on a pro rata basis.

 

(15) Related Party Transactions

The Company shares space with Restore Medical, Inc. (Restore), a related party who has directors and stockholders that are officers of the Company. The Company reimburses Restore for various facility expenses, including property taxes, common area maintenance charges, payroll for the use of personnel, and shipping charges. In 2006 and 2005, the Company also reimbursed Restore for rent expense related to the sublease agreement discussed in Note 16. Total expenses recorded were approximately $256,000, $75,000 and $55,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and approximately $476,000 for the period from December 19, 2002 (inception) to March 31, 2007 (unaudited). Total expenses recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006 were approximately $76,000 (unaudited) and $65,000 (unaudited), respectively. The majority of expenses are included in general and administrative costs on the consolidated statements of operations. Included in accounts payable and accrued expenses is a total of $64,126 (unaudited), $66,076 and $12,603 due to Restore as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

The Company obtains consulting services from Venturi Development Inc. (VDI), whose stockholders and officers are investors in the Company. The consultants receive cash compensation for services provided. Total expenses recorded were approximately $29,000, $46,000 and $1,230,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and approximately $2,650,000 for the period from December 19, 2002 (inception) to December 31, 2006. Total expenses recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006 were approximately $21,000 (unaudited) and $13,000 (unaudited), respectively. Expenses paid to VDI are primarily included in research and development and general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of operations. On March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company had an outstanding payable balance to VDI of $0 (unaudited), $0 and $5,380, respectively.

Effective September 21, 2006, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Bobby I. Griffin, who is a member of the Board of Directors. The consulting agreement provides for the consultant to receive compensation, in the form of an option to purchase common stock for services provided. Pursuant to this consulting agreement, Mr. Griffin received a one-time option grant to purchase 500,000 shares of common stock at $0.21 per share that vests 25% on the first anniversary of the date the consulting agreement was entered into and 1/36th per month each month thereafter for 36 months. The Company is accounting for this transaction under the guidance of Emerging Issues Task Force Abstract No. 96-18, Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling Goods or Services.

 

(16) Commitments and Contingencies

In September 2005, the Company entered into a three-year noncancelable operating sublease agreement for office/warehouse space with Restore. The lease expires on September 30, 2008 with monthly base rent ranging

 

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Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 

from $7,518 to $7,676. Effective January 1, 2007, the sublease was amended to include additional square footage. Under the amended sublease agreement, the monthly base rent ranges from $11,476 to $11,596. Rent expense recognized for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 was $127,766 and $22,555, respectively. Rent expense recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 was $30,064 (unaudited) and $22,555 (unaudited), respectively. The Company also reimburses Restore for various facility and personnel related expenses discussed in Note 15. Prior to entering into the sublease agreement with Restore, the Company assumed VDI’s sublease agreement with Integ Inc. (Integ) and paid Integ directly for rent and other facility charges in the amount of $32,370 and $41,648 for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and $111,953 for the period from December 19, 2002 (inception) to December 31, 2005. Facility related expenses are included as general and administrative costs on the consolidated statements of operations.

The following is a schedule of total future minimum lease payments due as of March 31, 2007 (unaudited):

 

Periods ending December 31:

  

2007

     103,647

2008

     104,364
      
   $ 208,011
      

The following is a schedule of total future minimum lease payments due as of December 31, 2006:

 

Years ending December 31:

  

2007

     138,076

2008

     104,364
      
   $ 242,440
      

The Company is exposed to product liability claims that are inherent in the testing, production, marketing and sale of medical devices. Management believes any losses that may occur from these matters are adequately covered by insurance, and the ultimate outcome of these matters will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In 2005, EnteroMedics entered into an exclusive collaborative obesity device research and development agreement with the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (Mayo Foundation), Rochester, Minnesota. Through this agreement, EnteroMedics will collaborate with a group of physicians and researchers at Mayo Clinic in the field of obesity. Under the terms of this five-year agreement, EnteroMedics and this group of Mayo specialists will collectively work toward the development of new and innovative medical devices for the treatment of obesity. The agreement also includes a similar collaboration for the development of products to address a wide variety of disorders susceptible to treatment by electrically blocking neural impulses on the vagus nerve.

Under this agreement, the Company issued 2,000,000 shares of common stock to the Mayo Foundation in 2005 and recorded $100,000 as deferred compensation, which is being amortized over the term of the five-year agreement. Unamortized deferred compensation related to the agreement was $56,667 (unaudited), $61,667 and $81,667 at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. EnteroMedics may also be obligated to issue up to 1,875,000 shares of common stock as consideration if future Mayo patents are issued or if the FDA approves a product patented by the Mayo or jointly patented by the Mayo and EnteroMedics. Should the Company complete an initial public offering (IPO) prior to the achievement of the previously discussed milestones, the 1,875,000 shares of common stock become immediately issuable to the Mayo Foundation. Upon

 

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Table of Contents

EnteroMedics Inc.

(A development stage company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 

issuance of these shares related to an IPO, the Company will record a one-time stock-based compensation expense at the then current fair value.

The Company is also obligated to pay the Mayo Foundation, under certain circumstances, earned royalty payments, subject to a minimum annual royalty as defined by the agreement, for the commercial sale of products developed and patented by the Mayo Foundation, jointly patented by the Company and the Mayo Foundation, or a product where the Mayo Foundation provided know-how as defined by the agreement. The Mayo Foundation receives an annual $250,000 retainer fee which commenced in 2005 and continues through January 2009. The annual retainer fee paid to the Mayo Foundation is recorded on the statement of operations as research and development expense.

 

(17) Retirement Plan

The Company has a 401(k) profit-sharing plan that provides retirement benefits to employees. Eligible employees may contribute a percentage of their annual compensation, subject to Internal Revenue Service limitations. The Company’s matching is at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors. For the three months ended March 31, 2007 (unaudited) and the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 and for the period from December 19, 2002 (inception) to March 31, 2007 (unaudited), the Company did not provide any matching of employees’ contributions.

 

(18) Subsequent Events

On May 14, 2007 the Company filed an amended certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Series C stock to 55,000,000. As a result of the amendment, the Company had sufficient authorized and unissued Series C stock available to share settle the Series C warrants described in Note 9. The fair market value of the warrant on May 14, 2007 was determined to be $1,090,345. The change in fair value from March 31, 2007 to the amendment date of $117,429 will be recorded as expense and the convertible preferred stock liability will be reclassified to additional paid-in capital in the second quarter of 2007.

On May 17, 2007 the Company entered into a $15.0 million debt facility. The initial commitment under the debt facility is for $10.0 million and allows for two $5.0 million draw periods, the first of which was required upon closing and the second of which is available through August 31, 2007. Upon close of the initial commitment, the Company issued 618,462 Series C stock warrants with an exercise price of $0.8893 per share and an expiration date of August 31, 2014. The Company entered into a growth capital loan on May 22, 2007 with a face amount of $5.0 million payable in 29 equal principal and interest installments beginning December 1, 2007 through April 1, 2010 with a final payment of $343,050 on May 1, 2010 at an annual percentage rate of 10.25%. Interest only payments for the first six months of the loan are at an annual percentage rate of 12.48%. In conjunction with the funding of the growth capital loan, the Company issued detachable warrants to acquire 309,231 shares of Series C stock at an exercise price of $0.8893 per share and an expiration date of August 31, 2014.

The additional $5.0 million available to the Company under the terms of the debt facility is subject to the Company closing a next round of financing and would be available to be drawn on by the Company through 2008. The Company is not required to pay any additional equity consideration for this portion of the facility unless it is utilized.

 

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Table of Contents

Through and including                     , 2007 (25 days after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that buy, sell or trade our common stock, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This delivery requirement is in addition to the obligation of dealers to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.

                 Shares

LOGO

Common Stock

 


PROSPECTUS

 


 


 

JPMorgan   Morgan Stanley

 


Cowen and Company

Leerink Swann & Company

                            , 2007

 



Table of Contents

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 13.     Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

The following table sets forth the costs and expenses, other than the underwriting discounts and commission, payable by us in connection with the sale of common stock being registered. All amounts are estimated except the fees payable to the SEC and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.

 

SEC registration fee

   $ 2,648

National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. fee

     9,125

Nasdaq Global Market listing fee

     100,000

Printing and mailing

     *

Legal fees and expenses

     *

Accounting fees and expenses

     *

Transfer agent fees

     *

Miscellaneous

     *
      
   $ *
      

* To be completed by amendment.

ITEM 14.     Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Article 6 of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, to become effective upon the completion of the offering made pursuant to this registration statement, provides that no director of our company shall be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director, notwithstanding any provision of law imposing such liability, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to our company or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involved intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

Article 8 of our bylaws provides that we will indemnify each person who was or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person of whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer of our company or is or was serving at the request of our company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee or agent (all such persons are referred to as an indemnitee), shall be indemnified and held harmless by our company, against all expenses, liability and loss (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such indemnitee in connection with such action, suit or proceeding and any appeal therefrom, if such indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, our best interests, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, he or she had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. Our bylaws provide that we will indemnify any indemnitee seeking indemnity in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by our board of directors. We will indemnify the indemnitee for expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition to the extent not prohibited by law. Such indemnification will only be made if the indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, our best interests, except that no indemnification shall be made with respect to any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to us, unless a court determines that, despite such adjudication but in view of all of the circumstances, he or she is entitled to indemnification of such expenses. Expenses must be advanced to an indemnitee under certain circumstances.

 

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As a condition precedent to the right of indemnification, an indemnitee must give us notice of the action for which indemnity is sought and we have the right to participate in such action or assume the defense thereof.

Article 8 of our bylaws further provides that the indemnification provided therein is not exclusive, and provides that no amendment, termination or repeal of the relevant provisions of the Delaware law statute or any other applicable law will diminish the rights of any Indemnitee to indemnification under our certificate of incorporation.

Section 145 of the Delaware law statute provides that a corporation has the power to indemnify a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation and certain other persons serving at the request of the corporation in related capacities against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlements actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with an action, suit or proceeding to which he or she is or is threatened to be made a party by reason of such position, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, in any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful, except that, in the case of actions brought by or in the right of the corporation, no indemnification shall be made with respect to any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or other adjudicating court determines that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all of the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses that the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

We have obtained director and officer insurance providing for indemnification for our directors and officers for certain liabilities and expect that, prior to the consummation of this offering, such insurance will provide for indemnification of our directors and officers for liabilities under the Securities Act.

In the underwriting agreement we enter into in connection with the sale of common stock being registered hereby, the underwriters will agree to indemnify, under certain conditions, us, our directors, our officers and persons who control us within the meaning of the Securities Act against certain liabilities.

ITEM 15.     Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

Set forth below is information regarding all unregistered securities sold by us within the past three years and does not give effect to the       -for-       reverse split of our common stock to be effected prior to the completion of this offering. Also included is the consideration, if any, received by us for such shares, warrants, promissory notes and options and information relating to the section of the Securities Act, or rules of the SEC, under which exemption from registration was claimed. Some of the transactions described below involved directors, officers and five percent stockholders.

Since January 1, 2004, we have granted options under our 2003 Stock Incentive Plan to purchase an aggregate of 20,638,450 shares of our common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $0.28 per share to our employees, officers, directors and advisors.

Since January 1, 2004, we have issued an aggregate of 1,306,650 shares of our common stock to our employees, officers, directors and advisors pursuant to the exercise of stock options for an aggregate consideration of $65,333.

On November 13, 2003, we entered into a bridge loan agreement with MPM Capital and certain individuals, which was later amended on April 23, 2004 and June 30, 2004. Pursuant to this bridge loan agreement, certain investors lent a total of $1,564,843 to the company in 2003 and 2004 in exchange for convertible promissory notes bearing interest of 4% per annum. In connection with the bridge loan agreement, we also issued warrants to purchase a total of 722,362 shares of Series B preferred stock.

 

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In July 2004, we entered into an agreement with MPM Capital, Bay City Capital, Aberdare Ventures, Charter Life Sciences and certain individuals to sell, in a private placement, an aggregate of 39,002,196 shares of Series B preferred stock. Of these shares, 6,923,610 were sold in a closing in June 2005 and 10,962,383 were sold in a closing in December 2005. The total aggregate offering price for these sales was $16,899,654. In connection with the closing on December 2005, we issued warrants to purchase 1,550,000 shares of common stock to MPM Capital, Bay City Capital, Aberdare Ventures and certain individuals in exchange for an aggregate purchase price of $15,500. The warrants have an exercise price of $0.05 per share and terminate in five years.

In December 2004, we entered into a loan agreement with Venture Lending and Leasing IV, Inc., (VLL IV), an affiliate of Western Technology Investments, providing for equipment loans and growth capital loans up to an aggregate original principal amount of $250,000 and $3,000,000. In connection with the loan agreement, on December 1, 2004 we issued VLL IV a warrant to acquire 412,532 shares of Series B preferred stock at $0.4333 per share.

In September 2005, we amended the loan agreement with VLL IV to provide for additional commitments for equipment loans and growth capital loans up to an aggregate amount of $500,000 and $2,000,000. In connection with the commitment, on September 29, 2005 we issued VLL IV a warrant to purchase 317,332 shares of our Series B Preferred Stock.

In December 2005, we entered into a convertible note purchase agreement with MPM Capital, Bay City Capital, Aberdare Ventures, Charter Life Sciences and certain individuals, to sell, in a private placement, an aggregate of $5,250,003 of convertible promissory notes.

In July 2006, we entered into an agreement with Interwest Partners, Onset V, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Pacific Asset Partners, MPM Capital, Bay City Capital, Aberdare Ventures, Charter Life Sciences and certain other individuals, to sell, in a private placement, an aggregate of 50,833,255 shares of our Series C preferred stock. In December 2006, we sold an additional 1,124,480 shares of Series C preferred stock to Bobby I. Griffin. The total aggregate offering price for these sales was $46,206,019. In July 2006 we issued a warrant to purchase 1,343,472 shares of Series C preferred stock to Piper Jaffray & Co., which acted as our private placement agent in connection with the Series C private placement.

In May 2007, we entered into a loan and security agreement with VLL IV and Venture Lending and Leasing V, Inc. (VLL V), affiliates of Western Technology Investments, to provide for a $10,000,000 growth line of credit with a commitment for an additional $5,000,000 under the growth line of credit if we close on at least $15,000,000 in equity financing. In connection with the commitment, on May 17, 2007 we issued warrants to VLL IV and VLL V to purchase an aggregate of 618,462 shares of Series C preferred stock. On May 22, 2007, we drew $5,000,000 on the growth line of credit and issued warrants to VLL IV and VLL V to purchase an aggregate of 309,231 shares of Series C preferred stock.

The issuance of stock options and the common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options as described in this Item 15 were issued pursuant to written compensatory plans or arrangements with our employees, officers, directors and advisors, in reliance on the exemption provided by Rule 701 promulgated under Section 3(b) of the Securities Act. All recipients either received adequate information about us or had access, through employment or other relationships, to such information.

All other issuances described above were exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. With respect to each transaction listed above, no general solicitation was made by either the company or any person acting on its behalf; the securities sold are subject to transfer restrictions, and the certificates for the shares contained an appropriate legend stating such securities have not been registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold absent registration or pursuant to an exemption therefrom. No underwriters were involved in connection with the sales of securities referred to in this Item 15.

 

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ITEM 16.     Exhibits

(a)     Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number
   

Description

1.1 *   Form of Underwriting Agreement
3.1 **   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as currently in effect
3.2     Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, to become effective upon completion of the offering
3.3 **   Bylaws of the Registrant, as currently in effect
3.4     Amended and Restated Bylaws, to become effective upon completion of the offering
4.1 *   Specimen certificate for shares of common stock
4.2 **   Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement, dated as of July 6, 2006, by and between the Registrant and the parties named therein.
5.1 *   Opinion of Dorsey & Whitney LLP
10.1 #**   Licensing Agreement, by and between Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research and the Registrant, dated February 3, 2005.
10.2 #**   Supply Agreement, by and between Atrotech OY and the Registrant, dated September 11, 2006.
10.3 **   Loan and Security Agreement, dated December 1, 2004, between the Registrant and Venture Lending and Leasing IV, Inc.
10.4 **   Supplement to the Loan and Security Agreement, dated December 1, 2004, between the Registrant and Venture Lending and Leasing IV, Inc.
10.5 **   Amendment No. 1, dated as of September 29, 2005, to Supplement to the Loan and Security Agreement, dated December 1, 2004, between the Registrant and Venture Lending and Leasing IV, Inc.
10.6 **   Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2007, between the Registrant, Venture Lending and Leasing IV, Inc. and Venture Lending and Leasing V, Inc.
10.7 **   Supplement to the Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2007, between the Registrant, Venture Lending and Leasing IV, Inc. and Venture Lending and Leasing V, Inc.
10.8 †**   Executive Employment Agreement, dated June 22, 2005, by and between the Registrant and Mark B. Knudson.
10.9 †**   Executive Employment, dated May 21, 2007, by and between the Registrant and Greg Lea.
10.10 †**   Executive Employment Agreement, dated February 9, 2007, by and between the Registrant and Adrianus Donders.
10.11 †**   Executive Employment Agreement, dated May 16, 2007, by and between the Registrant and Russell Felkey.
10.12 †**   2003 Stock Incentive Plan
10.13 †**  

Standard form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement pursuant to the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan

10.14 †**  

Standard form of Non-Incentive Stock Option Agreement pursuant to the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan

10.15 †**  

Standard form of Restricted Stock Agreement

10.16 †*  

Management Incentive Plan

10.17     Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into by and between the Registrant and each of its executive officers and directors

 

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Exhibit
Number
  

Description

10.18      Consulting Agreement, dated April 23, 2004, by and between the Registrant and Donald C. Harrison.
10.19      Consulting Agreement, dated September 21, 2006, by and between the Registrant and Bobby I. Griffin.
14.1**   

Code of Conduct and Ethics, to become effective upon completion of the offering

23.1       

Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

23.2*     

Consent of Dorsey & Whitney (included in Exhibit 5.1)

23.3       

Consent of Gemini Valuation Services, LLC

24.1**   

Powers of Attorney


* To be filed by amendment.

 

** Previously filed.

 

Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

# Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions of this exhibit. Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(b)     Financial Statements Schedules .

None.

ITEM 17.     Undertakings

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriter at the completion of the offering specified in the underwriting agreements, certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act, and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by the controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of Prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4), or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

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(3) For the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, if the registrant is subject to Rule 430C, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

(4) For the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities: The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(A) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

(B) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(C) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(D) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of St. Paul, State of Minnesota, on July 6, 2007.

 

E NTERO M EDICS I NC .
By  

/s/    Mark B. Knudson, Ph.D.

  Mark B. Knudson, Ph.D.
  President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on July 6, 2007.

 

Signature

  

Title

/s/    Mark B. Knudson, Ph.D.        

Mark B. Knudson, Ph.D.

  

President, Chief Executive Officer,

Chairman and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

  

/s/    Greg S. Lea        

Greg S. Lea

   Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
  

*

   Director
Luke Evnin, Ph.D.   

*

   Director
Catherine Friedman   

*

   Director
Carl Goldfischer, M.D.   

*

   Director
Bobby I. Griffin   

*

   Director
Donald C. Harrison M.D.   

*

   Director
Paul H. Klingenstein   

*

   Director
Ellen Koskinas   

*

   Director
Nicholas L. Teti, Jr.   
*By:   /s/    Mark B. Knudson, Ph.D.
 

Mark B. Knudson, Ph.D.

As Attorney-in-Fact

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number
  

Description

  1.1*    Form of Underwriting Agreement
  3.1**    Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as currently in effect
  3.2    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, to become effective upon completion of the offering
  3.3**    Bylaws of the Registrant, as currently in effect
  3.4    Amended and Restated Bylaws, to become effective upon completion of the offering
  4.1*    Specimen certificate for shares of common stock
  4.2**    Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement, dated as of July 6, 2006, by and between the Registrant and the parties named therein.
  5.1*    Opinion of Dorsey & Whitney LLP
10.1#**    Licensing Agreement, by and between Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research and the Registrant, dated February 3, 2005.
10.2#**    Supply Agreement, by and between Atrotech OY and the Registrant, dated September 11, 2006.
10.3**    Loan and Security Agreement, dated December 1, 2004, between the Registrant and Venture Lending and Leasing IV, Inc.
10.4**    Supplement to the Loan and Security Agreement, dated December 1, 2004, between the Registrant and Venture Lending and Leasing IV, Inc.
10.5**    Amendment No. 1, dated as of September 29, 2005, to Supplement to the Loan and Security Agreement, dated December 1, 2004, between the Registrant and Venture Lending and Leasing IV, Inc.
10.6**    Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2007, between the Registrant, Venture Lending and Leasing IV, Inc. and Venture Lending and Leasing V, Inc.
10.7**    Supplement to the Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2007, between the Registrant, Venture Lending and Leasing IV, Inc. and Venture Lending and Leasing V, Inc.
10.8†**    Executive Employment Agreement, dated June 22, 2005, by and between the Registrant and Mark B. Knudson.
10.9†**    Executive Employment, dated May 21, 2007, by and between the Registrant and Greg Lea.
10.10†**    Executive Employment Agreement, dated February 9, 2007, by and between the Registrant and Adrianus Donders.
10.11†**    Executive Employment Agreement, dated May 16, 2007, by and between the Registrant and Russell Felkey.
10.12†**    2003 Stock Incentive Plan
10.13†**    Standard form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement pursuant to the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan
10.14†**    Standard form of Non-Incentive Stock Option Agreement pursuant to the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan
10.15†**    Standard form of Restricted Stock Agreement
10.16†*    Management Incentive Plan
10.17    Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into by and between the Registrant and each of its executive officers and directors
10.18    Consulting Agreement, dated April 23, 2004, by and between the Registrant and Donald C. Harrison.
10.19    Consulting Agreement, dated September 21, 2006, by and between the Registrant and Bobby I. Griffin.


Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
 

Description

14.1**   Code of Conduct and Ethics, to become effective upon completion of the offering
23.1   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
23.2*   Consent of Dorsey & Whitney (included in Exhibit 5.1)
23.3   Consent of Gemini Valuation Services, LLC
24.1**   Power of Attorney

* To be filed by amendment.

 

** Previously filed.

 

Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

# Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions of this exhibit. Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

EXHIBIT 3.2

THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

ENTEROMEDICS INC.

EnteroMedics Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (as amended from time to time, the “General Corporation Law”), does hereby certify as follows:

FIRST: The name of the corporation is EnteroMedics Inc. and the name under which the corporation was originally incorporated is EnteroMedics Inc.

SECOND: The date of filing the original Certificate of Incorporation of this corporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware was July 22, 2004.

THIRD: This Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, having been duly adopted in accordance with Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law and by the written consent of a majority of the stockholders of this corporation in accordance with Section 228 of the General Corporation Law, restates and integrates and further amends the provisions of the original Certificate of Incorporation as amended or supplemented heretofore. As so restated and integrated and further amended, the Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the corporation (the “Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation”) reads as follows:

ARTICLE I

NAME

The name of the corporation (hereinafter called the “Corporation”) is EnteroMedics Inc.

ARTICLE II

REGISTERED OFFICE

The address of the registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, and the name of the registered agent of the Corporation in the State of Delaware at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

ARTICLE III

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law.

 


ARTICLE IV

CAPITAL STOCK

1. Authorized Stock . The Corporation is authorized to issue two classes of shares to be designated respectively Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share. The total number of shares of Preferred Stock authorized is 5,000,000. The total number of shares of Common Stock authorized is 50,000,000.

2. Common Stock .

All shares of Common Stock shall be identical and shall entitle the holders thereof to the same rights and privileges. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, and subject to any other provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive such dividends and other distributions in cash, stock of any corporation or property of the Corporation as may be declared thereon by the Board of Directors from time to time out of assets or funds of the Corporation legally available therefor. When and as dividends are declared on the Common Stock, whether payable in cash, in property or in securities of the Corporation, the holders of the Common Stock shall be entitled to share equally, share for share, in such dividends.

Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, after the payment in full of all amounts to which the holders of each series, if any, of the Preferred Stock shall be entitled, the remaining assets of the Corporation to be distributed ratably to the holders of the stock of the Corporation shall be distributed ratably among the holders of the shares of Common Stock, together with the holders of the shares of any class of stock on a parity with the Common Stock. For purposes of this paragraph, unless otherwise provided with respect to any series of Preferred Stock, the voluntary sale, conveyance, lease, exchange or transfer (for cash, shares of stock, securities or other consideration) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation or a consolidation or merger of the Corporation with one or more other corporations (whether or not the Corporation is the corporation surviving such consolidation or merger) shall not be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up, either voluntary or involuntary.

The holders of shares of the Common Stock shall be entitled to vote on all matters to be voted on by the stockholders of the Corporation; provided, however, that, except as otherwise required by law, holders of Common Stock shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation filed with respect to any series of Preferred Stock) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together as a class with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon by law or pursuant to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation filed with respect to any series of Preferred Stock). On all matters to be voted on by the holders of the Common Stock, the holders shall be entitled to one vote in person or by proxy for each share thereof held of record.

Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, stockholders of the Corporation shall not have any preemptive rights to subscribe for, purchase or receive any part of

 

2


any new or additional issue of stock of the Corporation and no stockholder will be entitled to cumulate votes at any election of directors.

3. Preferred Stock . The Board of Directors is authorized, subject to limitations prescribed by law, to provide by resolution or resolutions for the issuance of shares of Preferred Stock from time to time in one or more series, and, by filing a certificate pursuant to the applicable law of the State of Delaware (each a “Preferred Stock Designation”), to establish the number of shares to be included in each such series, and to fix the voting powers (if any), designations, powers, preferences, and relative, participating, optional or other rights, if any, of the shares of each such series, and any qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof. The shares of Preferred Stock of any one series shall be identical with each other in all respects except as to the dates from and after which dividends thereon shall cumulate, if cumulative.

The authority of the Board of Directors with respect to each series shall include, but not be limited to, determination of the following:

(a) the designation of the series, which may be by distinguishing number, letter or title;

(b) the number of the shares of the series, which number the Board of Directors may thereafter (except where otherwise provided in the Preferred Stock Designation) increase or decrease (but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding);

(c) whether dividends, if any, shall be cumulative or noncumulative and the dividend rate of the series;

(d) the dates at which dividends, if any, shall be payable;

(e) the redemption rights and price or prices, if any, for shares of the series;

(f) the terms and amount of any sinking fund provided for the purchase or redemption of shares of the series;

(g) the amounts payable on, and the preferences, if any, of shares of the series in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation;

(h) whether the shares of the series shall be convertible or exchangeable into shares of any other class or series, or any other security, of the Corporation or any other corporation, and, if so, the specification of such other class or series or of such other security, the conversion price or prices or exchange rate or rates, any adjustments thereof, the date or dates at which such shares shall be convertible or exchangeable and all other terms and conditions upon which such conversion or exchange may be made;

(i) restrictions on the issuance of shares of the same series or of any other class or series;

 

3


(j) the voting rights, if any, of the holders of shares of the series; and

(k) such other powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof as the Board of Directors shall determine.

ARTICLE V

BYLAWS

In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute and except as provided herein or in the bylaws, the Board of Directors shall have the power to adopt, amend, repeal or otherwise alter, from time to time, the bylaws without any action on the part of the stockholders in accordance with the bylaws; provided, however, that any bylaws made by the Board of Directors and any and all powers conferred by any of said bylaws may be amended, altered or repealed by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (“Voting Stock”), voting together as a single class.

ARTICLE VI

LIMITATION OF DIRECTORS’ LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION

A director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involved intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the General Corporation Law, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. Each person who is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, and each person who serves or served at the request of the Corporation as a director or officer of another enterprise, shall be indemnified by the Corporation in accordance with, and to the fullest extent authorized by, the General Corporation Law.

If the General Corporation Law is hereafter amended to authorize the further elimination or limitation of the liability of a director, then the liability of a director of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law as so amended.

Any repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this Article VI by the stockholders of the Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification with respect to acts or omissions occurring prior to such repeal or modification.

ARTICLE VII

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The election of directors need not be by written ballot unless the bylaws of the Corporation shall so provide.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1. Business and Quorum. The business of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. A majority of the whole Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Any director may tender his resignation at any time.

2. Number; Classes and Term. Subject to the rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect directors, the number of directors of the Corporation shall be established exclusively by the Board of Directors. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, the Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes designated as Class I, Class II and Class III, respectively. The terms of office of the Class I directors shall expire and Class I directors shall be elected for a full term of three years at the annual meeting of stockholders in 2008. The term office of the Class II directors shall expire and Class II directors shall be elected for a full term of three years at the annual meeting of stockholders in 2009. The term of office for the Class III directors shall expire and Class III directors shall be elected for a full term of three years at the annual meeting in 2010. At each succeeding annual meeting of stockholders, directors shall be elected for a full term of three years to succeed the directors of the class whose terms expire at such annual meeting. The Board of Directors is authorized to assign members of the Board of Directors already in office to Class I, Class II or Class III.

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, each director shall serve until his successor is duly elected and qualified or until his death, resignation or removal. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director. If the number of directors is hereafter changed, any increase or decrease shall be apportioned among the classes so as to maintain the number of directors in each class as nearly equal as possible, except as may be expressly provided as to any directors who may be elected by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock.

3. Removal of Directors. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, any director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed from office at any time, only for cause, and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the Voting Stock.

4. Vacancies. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or any vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, or other cause may be filled only by a majority vote of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, and shall not be filled by the stockholders, with the director so elected to serve for the remainder of the term of the director being replaced or, in the case of an additional director, for the remainder of the term of the class to which the director has been assigned. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

 

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ARTICLE IX

STOCKHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT

Action shall be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation only at annual or special meetings of the stockholders, and stockholders may not act by written consent. Special meetings of the stockholders, for any purpose or purposes prescribed in the notice of the meeting, may be called by (a) the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directors (whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships at the time any such resolution is presented to the Board for adoption) or (b) the Chairman of the Board, and shall be held at such place, on such date, and at such time as they shall fix. Business transacted at special meetings shall be confined to the purpose or purposes stated in the notice.

ARTICLE X

AMENDMENT

The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred upon stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation; provided, however , that no Preferred Stock Designation shall be amended after the issuance of any shares of the series of Preferred Stock created thereby, except in accordance with the terms of such Preferred Stock Designation and the requirements of applicable law.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, EnteroMedics Inc. has caused this Amended and Restated Certificate to be signed by Mark B. Knudson, its Chief Executive Officer, this           day of                      , 2007.

 

By:      
  Name: Mark B. Knudson
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

6

Exhibit 3.4

 


AMENDED AND RESTATED

BYLAWS

OF

ENTEROMEDICS INC.

                     , 2007

 


 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page

ARTICLE I MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

   1

Section 1.1

   Annual Meeting    1

Section 1.2

   Special Meetings    1

Section 1.3

   Notice of Meetings    1

Section 1.4

   Quorum    2

Section 1.5

   Organization    2

Section 1.6

   Conduct of Business; Remote Communication    2

Section 1.7

   Notice of Stockholder Business    2

Section 1.8

   Proxies and Voting    3

Section 1.9

   Stock List    4

ARTICLE II BOARD OF DIRECTORS

   4

Section 2.1

   Number and Term of Office    4

Section 2.2

   Vacancies and Newly Created Directorships    5

Section 2.3

   Removal and Resignation    5

Section 2.4

   Regular Meetings    5

Section 2.5

   Special Meetings    6

Section 2.6

   Quorum    6

Section 2.7

   Participation in Meetings by Conference Communications Equipment    6

Section 2.8

   Conduct of Business    6

Section 2.9

   Powers    6

Section 2.10

   Action Without Meeting    7

Section 2.11

   Compensation of Directors    7

Section 2.12

   Nomination of Director Candidates    7

ARTICLE III COMMITTEES

   8

Section 3.1

   Committees of the Board of Directors    8

Section 3.2

   Conduct of Business    9

ARTICLE IV OFFICERS

   9

Section 4.1

   Generally    9

Section 4.2

   Powers and Duties of Executive Officers    9

Section 4.3

   Chairman of the Board    9

Section 4.4

   President    9

Section 4.5

   Vice President    10

Section 4.6

   Treasurer    10

Section 4.7

   Secretary    10

Section 4.8

   Delegation of Authority    10

 

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        Section 4.9   Resignation; Removal; Vacancies    10
        Section 4.10   Action With Respect to Securities of Other Corporations    11
ARTICLE V STOCK    11
        Section 5.1   Certificates of Stock    11
        Section 5.2   Transfers of Stock    11
        Section 5.3   Record Date    11
        Section 5.4   Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates    12
        Section 5.5   Stockholders of Record    12
        Section 5.6   Regulations    12
ARTICLE VI NOTICES    12
        Section 6.1   Notices    12
        Section 6.2   Waivers    13
ARTICLE VII MISCELLANEOUS    13
        Section 7.1   Facsimile Signatures    13
        Section 7.2   Corporate Seal    13
        Section 7.3   Reliance Upon Books, Reports and Records    13
        Section 7.4   Fiscal Year    14
        Section 7.5   Time Periods    14
        Section 7.6   Form of Records    14
        Section 7.7   Transactions With Interested Parties    14
        Section 7.8   Definitions    14
ARTICLE VIII INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS    14
        Section 8.1   Right to Indemnification    14
        Section 8.2   Right of Claimant to Bring Suit    16
        Section 8.3   Indemnification of Employees and Agents    16
        Section 8.4   Non-Exclusivity of Rights    16
        Section 8.5   Indemnification Contracts    16
        Section 8.6   Insurance    16
        Section 8.7   Effect of Amendment    16
        Section 8.8   Savings Clause    17
ARTICLE IX AMENDMENTS    17

 

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AMENDED AND RESTATED

BYLAWS OF ENTEROMEDICS INC.

(as adopted on                      , 2007)

ARTICLE I

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Section 1.1     Annual Meeting . An annual meeting of the stockholders, for the election of directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting, shall be held at such place, on such date, and at such time as the Board of Directors shall each year fix. The Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, determine that the meeting shall not be held at any place, but shall be held solely by means of remote communication, subject to such guidelines and procedures as the Board of Directors may adopt, as permitted by applicable law. Subject to Section 1.7, any other proper business may be transacted at an annual meeting.

Section 1.2     Special Meetings . Special meetings of the stockholders, for any purpose or purposes prescribed in the notice of the meeting, may be called by (a) the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directors (whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships at the time any such resolution is presented to the Board for adoption) or (b) the Chairman of the Board, and shall be held at such place, on such date, and at such time as they shall fix. The Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, determine that the special meeting shall not be held at any place, but shall be held solely by means of remote communications, subject to such guidelines and procedures as the Board of Directors may adopt, as permitted by applicable law. Business transacted at special meetings shall be confined to the purpose or purposes stated in the notice.

Section 1.3     Notice of Meetings . Written notice of the place, date, and time of all meetings of the stockholders, the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called shall be given, not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date on which the meeting is to be held, to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting, except as otherwise provided herein or required by law (meaning, here and hereinafter, as required from time to time by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as may be amended from time to time (the “General Corporation Law”) or the Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation (as amended or restated from time to time, the “Certificate of Incorporation”)).

When a meeting is adjourned to another place, date or time, written notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the place, date and time thereof and the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed present in person and vote at such adjourned meeting are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken; provided, however , that if the date of any adjourned meeting is more than thirty (30) days after the date for which the meeting was originally noticed, or if a new record


date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, written notice of the place, date, and time of the adjourned meeting shall be given in conformity herewith. At any adjourned meeting, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the original meeting.

Section 1.4     Quorum . At any meeting of the stockholders, the holders of a majority of all of the shares of the stock entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for all purposes, unless or except to the extent that the presence of a larger number may be required by law. If a quorum is present when a meeting is convened, the subsequent withdrawal of stockholders, even though less than a quorum remains, shall not affect the ability of the remaining stockholders lawfully to transact business.

If a quorum shall fail to attend any meeting, the chairman of the meeting or the holders of a majority of the shares of stock entitled to vote who are present, in person or by proxy, may adjourn the meeting to another place, date, or time until a quorum is present.

Section 1.5     Organization . Such person as the Board of Directors may have designated or, in the absence of such a person, the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, or in the absence of such officer, the President of the Corporation or, in the absence of such officer, such person as may be chosen by the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote who are present, in person or by proxy, shall call to order any meeting of the stockholders and act as chairman of the meeting. The secretary of the meeting shall be such person as the chairman appoints.

Section 1.6     Conduct of Business; Remote Communication . The chairman of any meeting of stockholders shall determine the order of business and the rules, regulations and procedure at the meeting, including such regulation of the manner of voting and the conduct of discussion as seem to him in order.

If authorized by the Board of Directors in accordance with the Bylaws of this Corporation and applicable law, stockholders and proxyholders not physically present at a meeting of stockholders may, by means of remote communication, (1) participate in a meeting of stockholders and (2) be deemed present in person and vote at a meeting of stockholders, whether such meeting is to be held at a designated place or solely by means of remote communication, provided that (i) the Corporation shall implement reasonable measures to verify that each person deemed present and permitted to vote at the meeting by means of remote communication is a stockholder or proxyholder, (ii) the Corporation shall implement reasonable measures to provide such stockholders and proxyholders a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the stockholders, including an opportunity to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting substantially concurrently with such proceedings, and (iii) if any stockholder or proxyholder votes or takes other action at the meeting by means of remote communication, a record of such vote or other action shall be maintained by the Corporation.

Section 1.7     Notice of Stockholder Business . At an annual or special meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been properly brought before the meeting. To be properly brought before a meeting, business must be (a) specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, (b) properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of

 

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Directors, or (c) properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder and if, and only if, the notice of a special meeting provides for business to be brought before the meeting by stockholders, properly brought before the special meeting by a stockholder. For business to be properly brought before a meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal offices of the Corporation no less than (i) in the case of an annual meeting, ninety (90) days nor more than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting, ( provided, however , that in the event that no annual meeting was held in the previous year or the annual meeting is called for a date that is not within thirty (30) days from the anniversary date of the preceding year’s annual meeting date, written notice by a stockholder in order to be timely must be received not later than the tenth (10th) day following the day on which the first public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting was made), and (ii) in the case of a special meeting, ten (10) days prior to date of such meeting. Delivery shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. In no event shall the public disclosure of an adjournment of an annual meeting commence a new time period for the giving of stockholder’s notice as described above. A stockholder’s notice to the Secretary shall set forth as to each matter the stockholder proposes to bring before the annual or special meeting (1) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual or special meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual or special meeting, (2) the name and address, as they appear on the Corporation’s books, of the stockholder proposing such business, (3) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote with respect to such business and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to move the consideration of such business, (4) the class and number of shares of the Corporation that are beneficially owned by the stockholder, and (5) any material interest of the stockholder in such business. Notwithstanding anything in the Bylaws to the contrary, no business shall be conducted at an annual or special meeting except in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 1.7. The chairman of an annual or special meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that business was not properly brought before the meeting and in accordance with the provisions of this Section 1.7, and in such event, such business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted.

Section 1.8     Proxies and Voting . At any meeting of the stockholders, every stockholder entitled to vote may vote in person or by proxy authorized by an instrument in writing filed in accordance with the procedure established for the meeting.

Each stockholder shall have one vote for every share of stock entitled to vote which is registered in his name on the record date for the meeting, except as otherwise provided herein or required by law.

All voting, including on the election of directors, and except where otherwise required by law, may be by a voice vote; provided, however , that upon demand therefor by a stockholder entitled to vote or by his proxy, a stock vote shall be taken. Every stock vote shall be taken by ballots, each of which shall state the name of the stockholder or proxy voting and such other information as may be required under the procedure established for the meeting. Every vote taken by ballots shall be counted by an inspector or inspectors appointed by the chairman of the meeting.

 

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All elections shall be determined by a plurality of the votes cast, and except as otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of this Corporation, all other matters shall be decided by the vote of the holders of stock having a majority of the votes cast by the holders of all stock entitled to vote on such question that are present in person or proxy at the meeting.

Section 1.9     Stock List . A complete list of stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders, arranged in alphabetical order for each class of stock and showing the address of each such stockholder and the number of shares registered in his name, shall be open to the examination of any such stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, for a period of at least ten days prior to the meeting: (i) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting, or (ii) during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the Corporation. In the event that the Corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the Corporation may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the Corporation. If the meeting is to be held at a place, the list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present. If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, the list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder during the whole time thereof on a reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information required to access such list shall be provided with the notice of the meeting. The stock ledger shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list of stockholders or the books of the Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.

ARTICLE II

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 2.1     Number and Term of Office . The number of directors shall initially be nine (9), and the number shall be fixed from time to time exclusively by the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directors (whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships at the time any such resolution is presented to the Board for adoption).

Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, the Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes designated as Class I, Class II and Class III, respectively. The terms of office of the Class I directors shall expire and Class I directors shall be elected for a full term of three years at the annual meeting of stockholders in 2008. The term office of the Class II directors shall expire and Class II directors shall be elected for a full term of three years at the annual meeting of stockholders in 2009. The term of office for the Class III directors shall expire and Class III directors shall be elected for a full term of three years at the annual meeting in 2010. At each succeeding annual meeting of stockholders, directors shall be elected for a full term of three years to succeed the directors of the class whose terms expire at such annual meeting. The Board of Directors is authorized to assign members of the Board of Directors already in office to Class I, Class II or Class III.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, each director shall serve until his successor is duly elected and qualified or until his death, resignation or removal. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director. If the number of directors is hereafter changed, any increase or decrease shall be apportioned among the classes so as to maintain the number of directors in each class as nearly equal as possible, except as may be expressly provided as to any directors who may be elected by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock.

Section 2.2     Vacancies and Newly Created Directorships . Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or any vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, or other cause may be filled only by a majority vote of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, and shall not be filled by the stockholders, with the director so elected to serve for the remainder of the term of the director being replaced or, in the case of an additional director, for the remainder of the term of the class to which the director has been assigned. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

Section 2.3     Removal and Resignation . Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, any director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed from office at any time, only for cause, and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of its then outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

Any director may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Chairman of the Board, if any, the President or the Secretary. Unless otherwise stated in a notice of resignation, it shall take effect when received by the officer to whom it is directed, without any need for its acceptance.

Section 2.4     Regular Meetings . Unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, a regular annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held, without call or notice, immediately after and, if the annual meeting of stockholders is held at a place, at the same place as the annual meeting of stockholders, for the purpose of organizing the Board of Directors, electing officers and transacting any other business that may properly come before such meeting. Additional regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such place or places, on such date or dates, and at such time or times as shall have been established by the Board of Directors and publicized among all directors. A notice of each regular meeting shall not be required.

 

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Section 2.5     Special Meetings . Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by three (3) of the directors then in office, by the Chairman of the Board or by the Chief Executive Officer and shall be held at such place, on such date, and at such time as may be fixed by the person or persons calling the special meeting. Notice of the place, date, and time of each such special meeting shall be given to each director who does not waive the right to a notice by (i) mailing written notice not less than five (5) days before the meeting, (ii) sending notice one (1) day before the meeting by an overnight courier service and two (2) days before the meeting if by overseas courier service, or (iii) by telephoning, telecopying, telegraphing or personally delivering the same not less than twenty-four (24) hours before the meeting. Unless otherwise indicated in the notice thereof, any and all business may be transacted at a special meeting.

Section 2.6     Quorum . At any meeting of the Board of Directors, a majority of the total number of authorized directors shall constitute a quorum for all purposes. If a quorum shall fail to attend any meeting, a majority of those present may adjourn the meeting to another place, date, or time, without further notice or waiver thereof.

Section 2.7     Participation in Meetings by Conference Communications Equipment . Members of the Board of Directors, or of any committee of the Board of Directors, may participate in a meeting of such Board or committee by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other and such participation shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

Section 2.8     Conduct of Business . At any meeting of the Board of Directors, business shall be transacted in such order and manner as the Board may from time to time determine, and all matters shall be determined by the vote of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present, except as otherwise provided herein or required by law.

Section 2.9     Powers . The Board of Directors may, except as otherwise required by law, exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the unqualified power:

(a) To declare dividends from time to time in accordance with law;

(b) To purchase or otherwise acquire any property, rights or privileges on such terms as it shall determine;

(c) To authorize the creation, making and issuance, in such form as it may determine, of written obligations of every kind, negotiable or non-negotiable, secured or unsecured, and to do all things necessary in connection therewith;

(d) To remove any officer of the Corporation with or without cause, and from time to time to pass on the powers and duties of any officer upon any other person for the time being;

(e) To confer upon any officer of the Corporation the power to appoint, remove and suspend subordinate officers, employees and agents;

 

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(f) To adopt from time to time such stock option, stock purchase, bonus or other compensation plans for directors, officers, employees and agents of the Corporation and its subsidiaries as it may determine;

(g) To adopt from time to time such insurance, retirement, and other benefit plans for directors, officers, employees and agents of the Corporation and its subsidiaries as it may determine; and

(h) To adopt from time to time regulations, not inconsistent with these Bylaws, for the management of the Corporation’s business and affairs.

Section 2.10     Action Without Meeting . Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors, or of any committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board of Directors or such committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing (which may be in counterparts) or by electronic transmission, and the written consent or consents or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or such committee. Such filing shall be made in paper form if the minutes of the Corporation are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.

Section 2.11     Compensation of Directors . Directors, as such, may receive, pursuant to resolution of the Board of Directors or a committee of the Board of Directors, reimbursement of their reasonable expenses, if any, of attendance at meetings and fixed fees and other compensation for their services as directors, including, without limitation, their services as members of committees of the Board of Directors.

Section 2.12     Nomination of Director Candidates . Subject to any limitations stated in the Certificate of Incorporation, nominations for the election of directors may be made by the Board of Directors or a proxy committee appointed by the Board of Directors or by any stockholder entitled to vote in the election of directors generally who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.12. Any stockholder entitled to vote in the election of directors generally may nominate one or more persons for election as directors at a meeting only if written notice of such stockholder’s intent to make such nomination or nominations has been timely given, to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal offices of the Corporation not less than (i), with respect to an election to be held at an annual meeting of stockholders, ninety (90) days nor more than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting ( provided, however , that in the event that no annual meeting was held in the previous year or the annual meeting is called for a date that is not within thirty (30) days from the anniversary date of the preceding year’s annual meeting, written notice by a stockholder in order to be timely must be received not later than the tenth (10th) day following the day on which the first public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting was made), and (ii), with respect to the election to be held at a special meeting of stockholders for the election of directors, the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the date on which the first public disclosure of the date of the special meeting was made. Delivery shall be by hand, or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. In no event shall the public announcement of an

 

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adjournment of any annual or special meeting commence a new time period for giving of a stockholder notice as described above. A stockholder’s notice to the Secretary shall set forth (x) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or re-election as a director: (1) the name, age, business address and residence address of such person, (2) the principal occupation or employment of such person, (3) the class and number of shares of stock of the Corporation that are beneficially owned by such person, (4) any other information relating to such person that would be required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for the election of such person as a director of the Corporation pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), had the nominee been nominated by the Board of Directors, and (5) such person’s written consent to being named in any proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected; and (y) as to the stockholder giving notice: (1) the name and address, as they appear on the Corporation’s records, of such stockholder, (2) the class and number of shares of stock of the Corporation that are beneficially owned by such stockholder (determined as provided in clause (x)(3) above), (3) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote on the election of directors at such meeting and that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the person or persons specified in the notice, and (4) a description of all agreements, arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and each nominee of the stockholder and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the nomination or nominations are to be made by the stockholder. At the request of the Board of Directors any person nominated by the Board of Directors for election as a director shall furnish to the Secretary that information required to be set forth in a stockholder’s notice of nomination that pertains to the nominee. The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may reasonably be required by the Corporation to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation. The presiding officer of the meeting shall refuse to acknowledge the nomination of any person not made in compliance with the foregoing procedure.

ARTICLE III

COMMITTEES

Section 3.1     Committees of the Board of Directors . The Board of Directors shall have three (3) standing committees, which shall be designated the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee, and each of which shall be governed by its charter as approved by the Board of Directors and which shall comply with the applicable provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (as amended from time to time, “Sarbanes-Oxley”) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) applicable to Board committees of such nature. The Board of Directors, by a vote of a majority of the whole Board, may from time to time designate one or more other committees of the Board, with such lawfully delegable powers and duties as it thereby confers, to serve at the pleasure of the Board. All committees of the Board of Directors shall be comprised of one or more directors, to the extent practicable, to comply with the applicable provisions of Sarbanes-Oxley and the rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq applicable to such committees of the Board. The Board of Directors may, if it desires, designate directors as alternate members who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of a committee.

 

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Any committee so designated may exercise the power and authority of the Board of Directors to declare a dividend, to authorize the issuance of stock or to adopt a certificate of ownership and merger if the resolution that designates the committee or a supplemental resolution of the Board of Directors shall so provide. In the absence or disqualification of any member of any committee and any alternate member in his place, the member or members of the committee present at the meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not a quorum, may by unanimous vote appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of the absent or disqualified member.

Section 3.2     Conduct of Business . Each committee may determine the procedural rules for meeting and conducting its business and shall act in accordance therewith, except as otherwise provided herein, or required by law. In the absence of such rules, each committee shall conduct its business in the same manner as the Board of Directors conducts its business pursuant to Article II of these Bylaws.

ARTICLE IV

OFFICERS

Section 4.1     Generally . The officers of the Corporation shall consist of a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer. The Corporation may also have, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, a Chairman of the Board, a Chief Executive Officer, one or more Vice Presidents, and such other officers as may from time to time be appointed by the Board of Directors. Officers shall be elected by the Board of Directors, which shall consider that subject at its first meeting after every annual meeting of stockholders. Each officer shall hold office at the pleasure of the Board, until his successor is elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation or removal. Any number of offices may be held by the same person.

Section 4.2     Powers and Duties of Executive Officers . The officers of the Corporation shall have such powers and duties in the management of the Corporation as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors and, to the extent not so provided, as generally pertain to their respective offices, subject to the control of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may require any officer, agent or employee to give security for the faithful performance of his or her duties.

Section 4.3     Chairman of the Board . The Chairman of the Board, if there shall be such an officer, shall, if present, preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors, and exercise and perform such other powers and duties as may be from time to time assigned to him by the Board of Directors or as provided by these Bylaws.

Section 4.4     President . Subject to such supervisory powers, if any, as may be given by the Board of Directors to the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer, if there be such officers, the President shall be the general manager and chief executive officer of the Corporation and shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, have general supervision, direction, and control of the business and other officers, employees and agents of the Corporation. The President shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders. The President shall have the general powers and duties of management usually vested in the office of president of a corporation, and shall have such other powers and duties as may be prescribed by the Board of

 

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Directors or by these Bylaws. The President shall have power to sign all stock certificates, contracts and other instruments of the Corporation that are authorized by the Board of Directors.

Section 4.5     Vice President . In the absence or disability of the President, the Vice Presidents, if any, in order of their rank as fixed by the Board of Directors, or if not ranked, the Vice President designated by the Board of Directors, shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting shall have all the powers of, and be subject to all the restrictions upon, the President. The Vice Presidents, if any, shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as from time to time may be prescribed for them respectively by the Board of Directors or these Bylaws.

Section 4.6     Treasurer . The Treasurer shall keep and maintain or cause to be kept and maintained, adequate and correct financial books and records of account of the Corporation in written form or any other form capable of being converted into written form. The Treasurer shall deposit all monies and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the Corporation with such depositaries as may be designated by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall disburse all funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, shall render to the President and Directors, whenever they request it, an account of all transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation, and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws.

Section 4.7     Secretary . The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, a book of minutes in written form of the proceedings of the Board of Directors, committees of the Board, and stockholders. Such minutes shall include all waivers of notice, consents to the holding of meetings, or approvals of the minutes of meetings executed pursuant to these Bylaws or the General Corporation Law. The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept at the principal executive office or at the office of the Corporation’s transfer agent or registrar, a record of its stockholders, giving the names and addresses of all stockholders and the number and class of shares held by each.

The Secretary shall give or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board of Directors required by these Bylaws or by law to be given, and shall keep the seal of the Corporation in safe custody, and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or these Bylaws.

Section 4.8     Delegation of Authority . The Board of Directors may from time to time delegate the powers or duties of any officer to any other officers or agents, notwithstanding any provision hereof.

Section 4.9     Resignation; Removal; Vacancies . Subject to the rights and obligations set forth in a written employment agreement, if any, any officer of the Corporation may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by the Board of Directors. Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Chairman of the Board, if any, the President or the Secretary. A vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation may be filled for the unexpired portion of the term thereof by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting.

 

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Section 4.10     Action With Respect to Securities of Other Corporations . Unless otherwise directed by the Board of Directors, the President or any officer of the Corporation authorized by the President shall have power to vote and otherwise act on behalf of the Corporation, in person or by proxy, at any meeting of stockholders of or with respect to any action of stockholders of any other corporation in which this Corporation may hold securities and otherwise to exercise any and all rights and powers that this Corporation may possess by reason of its ownership of securities in such other corporation.

ARTICLE V

STOCK

Section 5.1     Certificates of Stock . The Corporation’s shares of stock shall be represented by certificates, provided that the Board of Directors may, subject to the limits imposed by law, provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series shall be uncertificated shares. Any stock certificates that are issued shall be numbered in the order of their issue and shall be signed by, or in the name of the Corporation by, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or a Vice President, and the Secretary, an Assistant Secretary or the Treasurer. Any or all the signatures on a certificate may be facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent, or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile, stamp or other imprint signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such officer, transfer agent, or registrar continued to be such at the date of issue.

Section 5.2     Transfers of Stock . Registration of transfer of shares of the Corporation’s stock shall be made only on the books of the Corporation at the request of the registered holder or of the registered holder’s duly authorized attorney (as evidenced by a duly executed power of attorney provided to the corporation) and upon surrender to the Corporation or the transfer agent of the Corporation of a certificate for stock of the Corporation, if any, duly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer or, if the relevant stock certificate is claimed to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon compliance with the provisions of Section 5.4 of these Bylaws, and upon payment of applicable taxes with respect to such transfer, and in compliance with any restrictions on transfer applicable to such shares of which the Corporation shall have notice and subject to such rules and regulations as the Board of Directors may from time to time deem advisable concerning the transfer and registration of stock certificates. Transfers of stock shall be made only upon the transfer books of the Corporation kept at an office of the Corporation or by transfer agents designated to transfer shares of the stock of the Corporation.

Section 5.3     Record Date . The Board of Directors may fix a record date, which shall not be more than sixty (60) nor fewer than ten (10) days before the date of any meeting of stockholders, nor more than sixty (60) days prior to the time for the other action hereinafter described, as of which there shall be determined the stockholders who are entitled: (i) to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof; (ii) to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights; (iii) to exercise any rights with respect to any change, conversion or exchange of stock; or (iv) to take, receive or participate in any other lawful action.

 

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If no record date is fixed, (i) the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held; and (ii) the record date for determining stockholders for any other purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting, but the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

Section 5.4     Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates . In the event of the loss, theft or destruction of any certificate of stock, the Corporation may issue a new certificate for stock in the place of any such certificate, and the Corporation may require the owner of the lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or such stockholder’s legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of such new certificate.

Section 5.5     Stockholders of Record . The Corporation shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any stock of the Corporation as the holder thereof and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such stock on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise required by the laws of the State of Delaware.

Section 5.6     Regulations . The issue, transfer, conversion and registration of certificates of stock shall be governed by such other regulations as the Board of Directors may establish.

ARTICLE VI

NOTICES

Section 6.1     Notices . Except as otherwise specifically provided herein or required by law, all notices required to be given to any stockholder, director, officer, employee or agent shall be in writing and may in every instance be effectively given by hand delivery to the recipient thereof, by depositing such notice in the mails, postage paid, or by sending such notice by prepaid telegram, mailgram or commercial courier service or any other reliable means permitted by applicable law (including, subject to the next paragraph, electronic transmission). Any such notice shall be addressed to such stockholder, director, officer, employee or agent at his last known address as the same appears on the books of the Corporation. The time when such notice is received by such stockholder, director, officer, employee or agent, or by any person accepting such notice on behalf of such person, if hand delivered, or dispatched, if delivered through the mails or by telegram, courier or mailgram, shall be the time of the giving of the notice. Such requirement for notice shall also be deemed satisfied, except in the case of stockholder meetings, if actual notice is received orally or by other writing by the person entitled thereto as far in advance of the event with respect to which notice is being given as the minimum notice period required by law or these Bylaws.

 

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Without limiting the foregoing, any notice to stockholders given by the Corporation pursuant to these Bylaws shall be effective if given by a form of electronic transmission consented to by the stockholder to whom the notice is given. Any such consent shall be revocable by the stockholder by written notice to the Corporation and shall also be deemed revoked if (1) the Corporation is unable to deliver by electronic transmission two consecutive notices given by the Corporation in accordance with such consent and (2) such inability becomes known to the Secretary of the Corporation, the transfer agent or other person responsible for the giving of notice; provided, however , that the inadvertent failure to treat such inability as a revocation shall not invalidate any meeting or other action. Notice given by a form of electronic transmission in accordance with these Bylaws shall be deemed given: (i) if by facsimile telecommunication, when directed to a number at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (ii) if by electronic mail, when directed to an electronic mail address at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (iii) if by a posting on an electronic network, together with separate notice to the stockholder of such specific posting, upon the later of such posting and the giving of such separate notice; and (iv) if by another form of electronic transmission, when directed to the stockholder.

Section 6.2     Waivers . A written waiver of any notice, signed by a stockholder, director, officer, employee or agent, whether before or after the time of the event for which notice is to be given, shall be deemed equivalent to the notice required to be given to such stockholder, director, officer, employee or agent. Neither the business nor the purpose of any meeting need be specified in such a waiver. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice for such meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, and does in fact object, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

ARTICLE VII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 7.1     Facsimile Signatures . In addition to the provisions for use of facsimile signatures elsewhere specifically authorized in these Bylaws, facsimile signatures of any officer or officers of the Corporation may be used whenever and as authorized by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof.

Section 7.2     Corporate Seal . The Board of Directors may provide a suitable seal, containing the name of the Corporation, which seal shall be in the charge of the Secretary. If and when so directed by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof, duplicates of the seal may be kept and used by the Treasurer or by an Assistant Secretary or other officer designated by the Board of Directors.

Section 7.3     Reliance Upon Books, Reports and Records . Each director, each member of any committee designated by the Board of Directors, and each officer of the Corporation shall, in the performance of his duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the books of account or other records of the Corporation, including reports made to the Corporation by any of its officers, by an independent certified public accountant, or by an appraiser.

 

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Section 7.4     Fiscal Year . The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors.

Section 7.5     Time Periods . In applying any provision of these Bylaws that require that an act be done or not done a specified number of days prior to an event or that an act be done during a period of a specified number of days prior to an event, calendar days shall be used, the day of the doing of the act shall be excluded, and the day of the event shall be included.

Section 7.6     Form of Records . Any records maintained by the Corporation in the regular course of its business, including its stock ledger, books of account, and minute books, may be kept on, or be in electronic format or any other information storage device, provided that the records so kept can be converted into clearly legible form within a reasonable time. The Corporation shall so convert any records so kept upon the request of any person entitled to inspect the same.

Section 7.7     Transactions With Interested Parties . No contract or transaction between the Corporation and one or more of the directors or officers, or between the Corporation and any other corporation, partnership, association, or other organization in which one or more of the directors or officers are directors or officers, or have a financial interest, shall be void or voidable solely for this reason, or solely because the director or officer is present at or participates in the meeting of the Board of Directors or a committee of the Board of Directors at which the contract or transaction is authorized or solely because any such director’s or officer’s votes are counted for such purpose if (a) the material facts as to the director’s or officer’s relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the Board of Directors or the committee, and (b) the Board of Directors or the committee in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative votes of a majority of the disinterested directors, even though the disinterested directors be less than a quorum. Interested directors may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board of Directors or of a committee that authorizes the contract or transaction.

Section 7.8     Definitions . (a) For purposes of these Bylaws, “electronic transmission” means any form of communication, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper, that creates a record that may be retained, retrieved and reviewed by a recipient thereof, and that may be directly reproduced in paper form by such a recipient through an automated process.

(b) For purposes of these Bylaws, “public disclosure” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or comparable national news service, or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the SEC pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

ARTICLE VIII

INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

Section 8.1     Right to Indemnification . Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (“Proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person of whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer

 

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of the Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, whether the basis of such Proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee or agent, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the General Corporation Law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such amendment) against all expenses, liability and loss (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such person in connection therewith and such indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators; provided, however , that, except as provided in Section 8.2, the Corporation shall indemnify any such person seeking indemnity in connection with a Proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if such Proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation. Such right shall be a contract right and shall include the right to be paid by the Corporation expenses incurred in defending any such Proceeding in advance of its final disposition to the extent not prohibited by Sarbanes-Oxley; provided, however , that, if required by the General Corporation Law, the payment of such expenses incurred by a director or officer in his or her capacity as a director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such person while a director or officer, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) in advance of the final disposition of such Proceeding, shall be made only upon delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such director or officer, to repay all amounts so advanced if it should be determined ultimately that such director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified under this Section 8.1 or otherwise.

Any indemnification as provided herein (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of a director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the General Corporation Law. Such determination shall be made (1) by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, or (2) if such a quorum is not obtainable, or, even if obtainable a quorum of disinterested directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (3) by the stockholders.

For purposes of this Article VIII: (i) any reference to “other enterprise” shall include all plans, programs, policies, agreements, contracts and payroll practices and related trusts for the benefit of or relating to employees of the Corporation and its related entities (“employee benefit plans”); (ii) any reference to “fines”, “penalties”, “liability” and “expenses” shall include any excise taxes, penalties, claims, liabilities and reasonable expenses (including reasonable legal fees and related expenses) assessed against or incurred by a person with respect to any employee benefit plan; (iii) any reference to “serving at the request of the Corporation” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or trustee or administrator of any employee benefit plan that imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants, beneficiaries, fiduciaries, administrators and service providers; and (iv) any reference to serving at the request

 

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of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of a partnership or trust shall include service as a partner or trustee.

Section 8.2     Right of Claimant to Bring Suit . If a claim under Section 8.1 is not paid in full by the Corporation within ninety (90) days after a written claim has been received by the Corporation, the claimant may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim and, if successful in whole or in part, the claimant shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting such claim. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in defending any Proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the required undertaking, if any, has been tendered to the Corporation) that the claimant has not met the standards of conduct that make it permissible under the General Corporation Law for the Corporation to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the General Corporation Law, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

Section 8.3     Indemnification of Employees and Agents . The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors, grant rights to indemnification, and to the advancement of related expenses to the extent not prohibited by Sarbanes-Oxley, to any employee or agent of the Corporation to the fullest extent of the provisions of this Article VIII with respect to the indemnification of and advancement of expenses to directors and officers of the Corporation.

Section 8.4     Non-Exclusivity of Rights . The rights conferred on any person by Sections 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3 shall not be exclusive of any other right that such persons may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

Section 8.5     Indemnification Contracts . The Board of Directors is authorized to enter into a contract with any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or any person serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including employee benefit plans, providing for indemnification rights equivalent to those provided for in this Article VIII.

Section 8.6     Insurance . The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any such director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture trust or other enterprise against any such expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expenses, liability or loss under the General Corporation Law.

Section 8.7     Effect of Amendment . Any amendment, repeal or modification of any provision of this Article VIII by the stockholders or the directors of the Corporation shall not

 

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adversely affect any right or protection of a director or officer of the Corporation existing at the time of such amendment, repeal or modification.

Section 8.8     Savings Clause . If this Article VIII or any portion hereof shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify each director, officer, employee and agent of the Corporation as to costs, charges and expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement with respect to any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, including an action by or in the right of the Corporation, to the fullest extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Article VIII that shall not have been invalidated and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

ARTICLE IX

AMENDMENTS

The Board of Directors is expressly empowered to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation, subject to the right of the stockholders to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation. Any adoption, amendment or repeal of the Bylaws of the Corporation by the Board of Directors shall require the approval of a majority of the total number of authorized directors (whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships at the time any resolution providing for adoption, amendment or repeal is presented to the Board). The stockholders shall also have power to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation upon the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

 

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EXHIBIT 10.17

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) dated as of                      , 2007 by and between EnteroMedics Inc. (the “ Company ”), a Delaware corporation, and                                      (“ Indemnitee ”):

WHEREAS , competent persons are reluctant to serve a corporation as a director or in another capacity unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance or adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of corporations;

WHEREAS , the Board of Directors of the Company has determined that the ability to attract and retain such persons is in to the best interests of the Company’s stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future; and

WHEREAS , it is reasonable, prudent and necessary for the Company contractually to obligate itself to indemnify such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law so that they will serve or continue to serve the Company free from undue concern that they will not be so indemnified; and

WHEREAS , Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that Indemnitee be so indemnified;

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises, the mutual agreements herein set forth below and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1.     Definitions . For purposes of this Agreement the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

(a)    “ Board ” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

(b)    “ Corporate Status ” describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company or of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise which such person is or was serving at the express written request of the Company.

(c)    “ Disinterested Director ” means a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

(d)    “ Enterprise ” shall mean the Company and any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the express written request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary.

 


(e)    “ Expenses ” shall include all reasonable attorneys’ fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in a Proceeding.

(f)    “ Good Faith ” shall mean Indemnitee having acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, having had no reasonable cause to believe Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful.

(g)    “ Independent Counsel ” means a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “ Independent Counsel ” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement.

(h)    “ Proceeding ” includes any action, suit, arbitration, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, other than one initiated by Indemnitee. For purposes of the foregoing sentence, a “ Proceeding ” shall not be deemed to have been initiated by Indemnitee where Indemnitee seeks pursuant to Section 8 of this Agreement to enforce Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement.

2.     Term of Agreement . This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the later of: (a) 10 years after the date that Indemnitee has ceased to serve as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company or of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise which Indemnitee served at the express written request of the Company or (b) the final termination of all pending Proceedings in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement of expenses hereunder and of any proceeding commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 8 of this Agreement relating thereto.

3.     Services by Indemnitee, Notice of Proceedings .

(a)     Services . Indemnitee agrees to serve as a director of the Company. Indemnitee may at any time and for any reason resign from such position (subject to any other contractual obligation or any obligation imposed by operation of law).


(b)     Notice of Proceeding . Indemnitee agrees promptly to notify the Company in writing upon being served with any summons, citation, subpoena, complaint, indictment, information or other document relating to any Proceeding or matter that may be subject to indemnification or advancement of Expenses covered hereunder.

 


4.     Indemnification

(a)     In General . In connection with any Proceeding, the Company shall indemnify and advance Expenses to Indemnitee as provided in this Agreement and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law in effect on the date hereof and to such greater extent as applicable law may thereafter from time to time permit.

(b)     Proceedings Other Than Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company . Indemnitee shall be entitled to the rights of indemnification provided in this Section 4(b) if, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to any Proceeding, other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company. Indemnitee shall be indemnified against Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlements actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in Good Faith.

(c)     Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company . Indemnitee shall be entitled to the rights of indemnification provided in this Section 4(c) if, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, Indemnitee is or is threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Indemnitee shall be indemnified against Expenses, judgments, penalties and amounts paid in settlement, actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with such Proceeding if Indemnitee acted in Good Faith. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter in such Proceeding as to which Indemnitee shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Company if applicable law prohibits such indemnification; provided, however , that, if applicable law so permits, indemnification shall nevertheless be made by the Company in such event if and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, or the court in which such Proceeding shall have been brought or is pending, shall determine.

(d)     Indemnification of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, a party to and is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding, Indemnitee shall be indemnified to the maximum extent permitted by law against all Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement, actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection therewith. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such Proceeding, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the maximum extent permitted by law, against all Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement, actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter. For purposes of this Section 4(d) and without limitation, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter, so long as there has been no finding (either adjudicated or pursuant to Section 6) that Indemnitee did not act in Good Faith.


(e)     Indemnification for Expenses of a Witness . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, a witness in any Proceeding, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection therewith.

(f)     Assumption of Defense and Settlement . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, with respect to any such Proceeding as to which the Indemnitee gives notice to the Company of the commencement thereof:

(1) the Company will be entitled to participate therein at its own expense;

(2) the Company, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the Indemnitee. If the Company assumes the defense of the Indemnitee, it shall notify the Indemnitee, and after the Indemnitee receives such notice, the Company shall not be liable to the Indemnitee under this Agreement for any Expenses incurred by the Indemnitee after the date such notice was received. The Indemnitee shall be entitled to employ Indemnitee’s own counsel at Indemnitee’s own expense. Nevertheless, the Company shall pay for Indemnitee’s own counsel if (1) the Company agrees to do the same, (2) the Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between the Company and the Indemnitee regarding the defense of such action, or (3) the Company shall not in fact have employed counsel to assume the defense of the Proceeding. The Company shall not be entitled to assume the defense of any Proceeding brought by or on behalf of the Company or as to which the Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between the Company and the Indemnitee regarding the defense of such Proceeding; and

(3) the Company shall not be liable to the Indemnitee under this Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of any Proceeding unless the Company consents to such settlement. The Company shall not settle any Proceeding in any manner that would impose any penalty or limitation on the Indemnitee without the Indemnitee’s written consent. Neither the Company nor the Indemnitee will unreasonably withhold their consent to any proposed settlement.]

5.     Advancement of Expenses . Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in Section 6, the Company shall advance all reasonable Expenses which, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, were incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding, within 20 days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements from Indemnitee requesting such advance or advances, whether prior to or after final disposition of such Proceeding. Such statement or statements shall reasonably evidence the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee and shall be preceded or accompanied by an undertaking by or on behalf of Indemnitee to repay any Expenses if it shall ultimately be determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified against such Expenses. Any advance and undertakings to repay pursuant to this Section 5 shall be unsecured and interest free.


6.     Procedures for Determination of Entitlement to Indemnification

(a)     Initial Request . To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification. The Secretary of the Company shall promptly advise the Board in writing that Indemnitee has requested indemnification.

(b)     Method of Determination . A determination (if required by applicable law) with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification shall be made by the Board by a majority vote of Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum. In the event that there are no Disinterested Directors or if such Disinterested Directors so direct, the determination shall be made by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee.

(c)     Selection, Payment, Discharge, of Independent Counsel . In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement, the Independent Counsel shall be selected, paid and discharged in the following manner:

(1) The Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board, and the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising Indemnitee of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected.

(2) Following the initial selection described in clause (1) of this Section 6(c), Indemnitee or the Company, as the case may be, may, within seven days after such written notice of selection has been given, deliver to the other party a written objection to such selection. Such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in this Agreement, and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If such written objection is made, the Independent Counsel so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until a court has determined that such objection is without merit.

(3) Either the Company or Indemnitee may petition any court of competent jurisdiction if the parties have been unable to agree on the selection of Independent Counsel within 20 days after submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 6(a) of this Agreement. Such petition may request a determination whether an objection to the party’s selection is without merit and/or seek the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person selected by the Court or by such other person as the Court shall designate. A person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under Section 6(b) of this Agreement.

(4) The Company shall pay any and all reasonable fees and expenses of Independent Counsel incurred by such Independent Counsel in connection with acting pursuant to this Agreement, and the Company shall pay all reasonable fees and expenses incident to the procedures of this Section 6(c), regardless of the manner in which such Independent Counsel was selected or appointed.


(5) Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to Section 8(c) of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).

(d)     Cooperation . Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or entity making the determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any costs or expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements) incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom.

(e)     Payment . If it is determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within 10 days after such determination.

7.     Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings

(a)     Burden of Proof . In making a determination with respect to entitlement to Indemnification hereunder, the person or persons or entity making such determination shall presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with Section 6(a), and the Company shall have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption.

(b)     Effect of Other Proceedings . The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) of itself adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in Good Faith.

(c)     Reliance as Safe Harbor . For purposes of any determination of Good Faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in Good Faith if Indemnitee’s action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the officers of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Enterprise. The provisions of this Section 7(c) shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which the Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.

(d)     Actions of Others . The knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.


8.     Remedies of Indemnitee

(a)     Application . This Section 8 shall apply in the event of a Dispute. For purposes of this article, “Dispute” shall mean any of the following events:

(1) a determination is made pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement;

(2) advancement of Expenses is not timely made pursuant to Section 5 of this Agreement;

(3) if the determination of entitlement to be made pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement is to be made by the Board and the Board has not made such determination within 60 days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification;

(4) if the determination of entitlement to be made pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement is to be made by Independent Counsel and Independent Counsel has not made such determination within 90 days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification;

(5) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Section 4(e) of this Agreement within 10 days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefore; or

(6) payment of indemnification is not made within 10 days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification or such determination is deemed to have been made pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement.

(b)     Adjudication . In the event of a Dispute, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication in an appropriate court in the State of Delaware, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction, of Indemnitee’s entitlement to such indemnification or advancement of Expenses. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at Indemnitee’s option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Indemnitee shall commence such proceeding seeking an adjudication or an award in arbitration within 180 days following the date on which Indemnitee first has the right to commence such proceeding pursuant to this Section 8(b). The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.

(c)     De Novo Review . In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 8 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any such proceeding or arbitration, the Company shall have the burden of proving that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement of Expenses, as the case may be.


(d)     Company Bound . If a determination shall have been made or deemed to have been made pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

(e)     Procedures Valid . The Company shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 8 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all of the provisions of this Agreement.

(f)     Expenses of Adjudication . In the event that Indemnitee, pursuant to this Section 8, seeks a judicial adjudication of or an award in arbitration to enforce Indemnitee’s rights under, or to recover damages for breach of, this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be entitled to recover from the Company, and shall be indemnified by the Company against, any and all expenses (of the types described in the definition of Expenses in this Agreement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in such adjudication or arbitration, but only if Indemnitee prevails therein. If it shall be determined in such adjudication or arbitration that Indemnitee is entitled to receive part but not all of the indemnification or advancement of expenses sought, the expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with such adjudication or arbitration shall be appropriately prorated.

9.     Non-exclusivity, Insurance, Subrogation

(a)     Non-Exclusivity . The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement of Expenses as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. No amendment, alteration, rescission or replacement of this Agreement or any provision hereof shall be effective as to Indemnitee with respect to any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in Indemnitee’s Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration, rescission or replacement.

(b)     Insurance . The Company may maintain an insurance policy or policies against liability arising out of this Agreement or otherwise.

(c)     Subrogation . In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights.

(d)     No Duplicative Payment . The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment of amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder if and to the extent that Indemnitee has otherwise actually received such payment under any insurance policy, contract, agreement or otherwise.


10.     Miscellaneous Provisions

(a)     Entire Agreement . This Agreement contains the entire understanding between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior understandings, agreements or representations, written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof.

(b)     Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which will be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement, and any party hereto may execute this Agreement by signing any such counterpart.

(c)     Severability . Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such a manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable under any applicable law or rule, the validity, legality and enforceability of the other provision of this Agreement will not be affected or impaired thereby.

(d)     Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, personal representatives and successors and assigns.

(e)     Modification, Amendment, Waiver or Termination . No provision of this Agreement may be modified, amended, waived or terminated except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties to this Agreement. No course of dealing between the parties will modify, amend, waive or terminate any provision of this Agreement or any rights or obligations of any party under or by reason of this Agreement.

(f)     Notices . All notices, consents, requests, instructions, approvals or other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and delivered by personal delivery, overnight courier, mail, electronic facsimile or e-mail addressed to the receiving party at the address set forth herein. All such communications shall be effective when received.

EnteroMedics Inc.

2800 Patton Road

St. Paul, MN 55113

Attn: Chief Executive Officer

Any party may change the address set forth above by notice to each other party given as provided herein.

(g)     Headings . The headings and any table of contents contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.


(h)     Governing Law . ALL MATTERS RELATING TO THE INTERPRETATION, CONSTRUCTION, VALIDITY AND ENFORCEMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CHOICE OF LAW PROVISIONS THEREOF .

(i)     Third-Party Benefit . Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any other person any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities of any nature whatsoever.

(j)     Jurisdiction and Venue . THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE ENFORCED IN ANY FEDERAL COURT OR STATE COURT SITTING IN DELAWARE, AND EACH PARTY CONSENTS TO THE JURISDICTION AND VENUE OF ANY SUCH COURT AND WAIVES ANY ARGUMENT THAT VENUE IN SUCH FORUM IS NOT CONVENIENT. IF ANY PARTY COMMENCES ANY ACTION UNDER ANY TORT OR CONTRACT THEORY ARISING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY FROM THE RELATIONSHIP CREATED BY THIS AGREEMENT IN ANOTHER JURISDICTION OR VENUE, ANY OTHER PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT SHALL HAVE THE OPTION OF TRANSFERRING THE CASE TO THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED VENUE OR JURISDICTION OR, IF SUCH TRANSFER CANNOT BE ACCOMPLISHED, TO HAVE SUCH CASE DISMISSED WITHOUT PREJUDICE .

(k)     Remedies . The parties agree that money damages may not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement and that any party may, in its discretion, apply to any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction for specific performance and injunctive relief in order to enforce or prevent any violations this Agreement, and any party against whom such proceeding is brought hereby waives the claim or defense that such party has an adequate remedy at law and agrees not to raise the defense that the other party has an adequate remedy at law.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have executed this Indemnification Agreement as of the date set forth in the first paragraph.

 

ENTEROMEDICS INC.
By:      
Name:       
Its:       
 
 
   
[Indemnitee]  

EXHIBIT 10.18

ENTEROMEDICS INC.

CONSULTING AGREEMENT

This AGREEMENT is made effective the 23rd day of April, 2004 by and between EnteroMedics Inc. (the “Company”), a Minnesota corporation, and the undersigned consultant (the “Consultant”). In consideration of the mutual covenants and promises set forth herein, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. Term. Unless terminated as hereafter provided, the initial term of this Agreement shall begin on the above effective date and end on the one-year anniversary thereof unless earlier terminated below or upon earlier completion of the duties assigned under this agreement. This Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one-year renewal terms unless earlier terminated in accordance with the terms set forth herein.

2. Duties. Duties will be assigned to the Consultant by the Board of Directors or Chief Executive Officer of the Company from time to time at the Company’s discretion and may involve the provision of business consulting services and assistance in dealing with customers, suppliers, employees, distributors and others currently having business relationships with the Company.

3. Consideration. The Consultant will provide services to the Company in exchange for continued vesting of the Consultant’s restricted stock pursuant to the Stock Restriction Agreement, dated October 1, 2003, between the Consultant and the Company.

4. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by the Company, with or without cause, by giving the Consultant 30 days written notice of intention to terminate. The Consultant may terminate this Agreement immediately upon delivery of written notice to the Company of intention to terminate the Agreement.

5. Authority. In rendering services hereunder, the Consultant shall be acting as an independent contractor and not as an employee or agent of the Company. As an independent contractor, the Consultant shall have no authority, express or implied, to commit or obligate the Company in any manner whatsoever, except as specifically authorized from time to time in writing by an authorized representative of the Company, which authorization may be general or specific.

6. Confidential Information. Because of the confidential nature of the information which will be disclosed to the Consultant under this Agreement, the Consultant will not, except as authorized by the Company, use such confidential information or disclose such confidential information to any other third party or company. The obligation of confidentiality shall not be applicable with respect to such information which: (a) was known to the Consultant prior to disclosure; (b) is or becomes known to the public by general publication without violation of this


Agreement; (c) is given to the Consultant by a third party having a right to do so, or (d) is independently developed by the Consultant without the use of information supplied by the Company under this Agreement.

7. Ownership of Intellectual Property. The Consultant shall and hereby does assign to the Company any invention, work of authorship, mask work, idea or know-how (whether or not patentable) that is conceived, learned or reduced to practice in the course of performance under this Agreement and any intellectual and industrial property rights of any sort with respect thereto. Consultant agrees to take any action reasonably requested by the Company to evidence, perfect, obtain, maintain, enforce or defend the foregoing.

8. Notices. All notices required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered in person or sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt required, postage paid to the addresses stated below or to such address as either party may designate. All mailing notices shall be deemed effective upon depositing in the mail.

9. Waiver. The waiver of either party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate as or be construed as a continuing waiver or as a consent to or waiver of such subsequent breach.

10. Modification. This Agreement may only be modified in writing signed by both parties.

11. Non-assignable. Since the services to be provided under this Agreement are personal, all duties to be executed by the Consultant shall be performed by the Consultant and may not be assigned or delegated without written consent of the Company.

12. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all previous agreements and understandings whether oral or written between the parties with respect to the subject hereof.

13. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota, without giving effect to any choice of law provision thereof.

 

ENTEROMEDICS INC.     CONSULTANT
By:   /s/ Mark B. Knudson, Ph.D.     By:   /s/ Donald C. Harrison, M.D.
Name:   Mark B. Knudson, Ph.D.     Name:   Donald C. Harrison, M.D.
Title:   Chief Executive Officer     Address:      
Address:   2800 Patton Road, St. Paul, MN 55113          

 

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EXHIBIT 10.19

EnteroMedics Inc.

CONSULTING AGREEMENT

This Agreement is made effective the 21st day of September, 2006 by and between EnteroMedics Inc. (“EnteroMedics”), whose principal place of business is 2800 Patton Road, St. Paul, MN 55113, and Bobby I. Griffin, 8085 Wayzata Blvd, Golden Valley, 55426 (“Consultant”).

In consideration of the mutual covenants and promises set forth herein, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

  1. Term : Unless terminated as hereafter provided, this Agreement shall begin on the above effective date and end on the one-year anniversary thereof unless earlier terminated below or upon earlier completion of Duties. The parties may negotiate one or more renewals of this Agreement.

 

  2. Duties : Duties will be assigned by EnteroMedics and will involve consulting in the area of advising EnteroMedics on the development of obesity therapy pertaining to EnteroMedics business and technology development.

 

  3. Compensation : Consultant will receive an NQ stock option grant of 500,000 shares which will vest as follows: 25% on the first year anniversary, and monthly thereafter for 36 months. Stock option grants are subject to approval by the Board of Directors. EnteroMedics will reimburse Consultant for actual incidental expenses (with no increase for handling or other mark-up) incurred in performing this Agreement, but such expenses shall not exceed $100 per month without EnteroMedics’ prior written consent. Travel expenses must be approved in advance by EnteroMedics. Consultant shall provide EnteroMedics with appropriate documentation for tax purposes for all expenses paid by EnteroMedics. Consultant shall submit monthly invoices for expenses.

 

  4. Termination : This Agreement may be terminated at any time in writing by either party on thirty day notice or by mutual consent.

 

  5. Nonemployee Status : Consultant is self-employed and not an employee of EnteroMedics.

 

  6. Authority : Consultant shall not have the right to bind EnteroMedics or commit EnteroMedics to any agreement or understanding whatsoever.

 

  7. Confidential Information : Because of the confidential nature of the information which will be disclosed to Consultant under this Agreement, Consultant will not, except as authorized by EnteroMedics, disclose such confidential information to any other third party or company. The obligation of confidentiality shall not be applicable with respect to such information which: (A) was known to Consultant prior to disclosure, (B) is or becomes known to the public by general publication without violation of this Agreement, (C) is given to Consultant by a third party having a right to do so, or (D) is independently developed by Consultant without the use of information supplied by EnteroMedics under this Agreement.


  8. Ownership of Inventions and Patents : If any patentable inventions result from performance of this Agreement, all rights under any patents that may issue on those inventions shall belong exclusively to EnteroMedics. Consultant hereby assigns and agrees to assign in the future all such inventions to EnteroMedics without further payment from EnteroMedics. Consultant also agrees that, upon EnteroMedics’ request and at EnteroMedics’ expense, he/she would provide reasonable assistance to EnteroMedics in prosecuting patents covering those inventions. All information, including copyrights, developed by Consultant under this agreement shall belong to EnteroMedics and all copyrightable works are works made for hire and Consultant hereby assigns and agrees to assign to EnteroMedics such rights now and in the future. The obligations to assign inventions and copyrights to EnteroMedics shall not apply to any invention or copyright for which no equipment, supplies, facility or trade secret information of EnteroMedics was used and which was developed entirely on the Consultant’s own time, and (1) which does not relate (a) directly to the business of EnteroMedics or (b) to EnteroMedics’ actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (2) which does not result from any work performed by the Consultant for EnteroMedics. Consultant hereby irrevocably designates and appoints Company as its agents and attorneys-in-fact, coupled with an interest, to act for and on Consultant’s behalf to execute and file any document and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the foregoing with the same legal force and effect as if executed by Consultant.

 

  9. Notice of Superior Rights : If Consultant owns in whole or part or is aware of any third party’s ownership of any intellectual property rights (including patent or trade secrets rights) which would be exploited or violated by the Company’s planned research, development or commercialization or incorporation of any suggestions of Consultant, then Consultant shall so notify Company of such rights at the time of such suggestions or before any initiation or continuation of any project of the Company in a timely manner to permit Company to consideration acquisition of rights to practice such intellectual property or consider alternatives to such intellectual property.

 

  10. Notices : All notices required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered in person or sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt required, postage paid to the addresses stated above or to other’s address as either party may designate. All mailing notices shall be deemed effective upon depositing in the mail.

 

  11. Waiver : The waiver of either party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate as or be construed as a continuing waiver or as a consent to or waiver of such subsequent breach.

 

  12. Modification : This Agreement may only be modified in writing signed by both parties.

 

  13. Nonassignable : Since the services to be provided under this Agreement are personal, all duties to be executed by Consultant shall be performed by Bobby I. Griffin and may not be assigned or delegated without written consent of EnteroMedics.

 

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  14. In the event of termination of the agreement according to paragraph 4, the provision of paragraphs 7 and 8 shall remain in full force and effect for a period of five (5) years following the date of termination.

 

  15. Entire Agreement : This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all previous agreements and understandings rather oral or written between the parties with respect to the subject hereof.

 

  16. Governing Law : This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota.

In witness thereof, the parties have set forth their hand hither and to on the date indicated below.

 

ENTEROMEDICS, INC.     CONSULTANT
By:   /s/ Mark B. Knudson     By:   /s/ Bobby I. Griffin
Printed Name: Mark B. Knudson, CEO     Printed Name: Bobby I. Griffin
      Fed Tax ID or SS #: _________________________________
Date: September 22, 2006     Date: September 21, 2006

 

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EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the use in this Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-143265 of our report dated May 21, 2007 (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the January 1, 2006 adoption of the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment”) relating to the consolidated financial statements of EnteroMedics Inc. and subsidiary appearing in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

We also consent to the reference to us under the headings “Selected Financial Data” and “Experts” in such Prospectus.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Minneapolis, MN

July 6, 2007

Exhibit 23.3

[Logo]

June 27, 2007

Mr. David Brooks

Controller

EnteroMedics, Inc.

2800 Patton Road

St. Paul, MN 55113

Dear Mr. Brooks,

This letter hereby gives full consent to EnteroMedics, Inc. (“EnteroMedics”) to refer to or quote, in whole or in part, in any registration statement, prospectus, public filing, loan agreement, or other agreement or document all previously completed reports issued by Gemini Valuation Services, LLC (“GVS”) for the purpose of providing an independent and supportable opinion of the fair market value of EnteroMedic’s common stock in connection with the issuance of stock options and stock grants to management, employees and consultants for the purpose of satisfying the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. These reports and conclusions are not intended by GVS, and should not be construed by the reader, to be investment advice in any manner whatsoever.

 

Sincerely,
/s/ Jim Dykstra
Jim Dykstra
President
Gemini Valuation Services, LLC

10880 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 500

Los Angeles, CA 90024

T: 310-694-4001

F: 323-784-7848