UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 26, 2013

 

 

Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-31918   04-3072298

(State or Other Jurisdiction

of Incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

167 Sidney Street

Cambridge, Massachusetts

  02139
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (617) 679-5500

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 


Item 3.03. Material Modifications to Rights of Security Holders.

On July 26, 2013, a Certificate of Amendment was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware amending the Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series D Preferred Stock (the “Series D Certificate of Designations”) to:

 

   

provide that (a) the beneficial ownership limitation that prohibits the Company from paying a holder of the Company’s Series D preferred stock dividends payable in shares of the Company’s common stock to the extent the issuance of such shares would result in the holder of the Series D preferred stock and its affiliates beneficially owning more than 19.99% of the outstanding common stock (including shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series D preferred stock) would be increased from 19.99% to 35% in the event that the Nasdaq Proposal (as defined below) was approved by the Company’s stockholders and (b) the beneficial ownership limitation that prohibits a holder of Series D preferred stock from converting its shares to the extent such conversion would result in the holder and its affiliates beneficially owning more than 19.99% of the outstanding common stock (including shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series D preferred stock) would be increased from 19.99% to 35% in the event that the Nasdaq Proposal was approved by the Company’s stockholders.

 

   

eliminate the requirement that the Company pay corresponding dividends to the holders of Series D preferred stock upon payment of dividends to holders of the Company’s Series E preferred stock;

 

   

change the date after which the Company may elect to pay dividends in shares of common stock from December 31, 2014 to October 1, 2013, and to allow for the payment of such dividends in shares of a to-be-created new series of non-voting preferred stock in the event that payment of such dividends may not be made in shares of common stock as a result of the application of the beneficial ownership limitation set forth in the Series D Certificate of Designations;

 

   

eliminate the right of holders of Series D preferred stock to receive, in the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company (a “Liquidation”), an amount per share of Series D preferred stock equal to the original issue price of such share of Series D preferred stock plus any dividends accrued or declared but unpaid thereon to the extent such amount is greater than the amount that would have been payable with respect to such share had all shares of Series D preferred stock been converted into shares of common stock immediately prior to such Liquidation, such that upon a Liquidation the holders of Series D preferred stock will receive an amount per share of Series D preferred stock equal to the amount that would be payable with respect to such share had all shares of Series D preferred stock been converted into shares of common stock immediately prior to such Liquidation; and

 

2


   

provide, in the event of a sale of the Company, for the distribution of any assets that remain available for distribution to the Company’s stockholders, after payment to the holders of the Company’s Series A preferred stock and any other class of the Company’s capital stock that ranks senior to the Series D preferred stock, to the holders of Series D preferred stock on a pro rata basis with the holders of common stock, Series E preferred stock and such new series of non-voting preferred stock that was pari passu with the Series D preferred stock.

Additionally, on July 26, 2013, a Certificate of Amendment was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware amending the Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series E Preferred Stock (the “Series E Certificate of Designations”) to:

 

   

permit the Company to elect to pay dividends to the holders of Series E preferred stock in shares of common stock in lieu of cash beginning October 1, 2013, and to allow for the payment of such dividends in shares of a to-be-created new series of non-voting preferred stock in the event that payment of such dividends may not be made in shares of common stock as a result of the application of the beneficial ownership limitation set forth in the Series E Certificate of Designations; and

 

   

eliminate the right of the holders of Series E preferred stock to receive, in the event of a Liquidation, an amount per share of Series E preferred stock equal to the original issue price of such share of Series E preferred stock plus any dividends accrued or declared but unpaid thereon to the extent such amount is greater than the amount that would have been payable with respect to such share had all shares of Series E preferred stock been converted into shares of common stock immediately prior to such Liquidation, such that upon a Liquidation the holders of Series E preferred stock will receive an amount per share of Series E preferred stock equal to the amount that would be payable with respect to such share had all shares of Series E preferred stock been converted into shares of common stock immediately prior to such Liquidation.

Each of the above described amendments to the Series D Certificate of Designations and Series E Certificate of Designations were approved by the Company’s stockholders at its 2013 annual meeting of stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”). Copies of the Certificate of Amendment to Series D Certificate of Designations and Certificate of Amendment to Series E Certificate of Designation are attached hereto as Exhibit 3.1 and Exhibit 3.2, respectively, and incorporated by reference.

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

(e)

At the Annual Meeting, the Company’s stockholders approved the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2013 Plan”). The 2013 Plan had previously been adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors subject to stockholder approval.

 

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The following brief description of the 2013 Plan is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the plan, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference. Copies of the forms of incentive stock option agreement, nonstatutory stock option agreement and nonstatutory stock option agreement for non-employee directors adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors for awards granted under the 2013 Plan are also attached hereto as Exhibits 10.2, 10.3 and 10.4, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.

The 2013 Plan allows for the issuance of up to 4,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock plus such additional number of shares of common stock (up to 5,945,000) as is equal to the sum of (i) 224,460, representing the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the Company’s 2008 Stock Incentive Plan that were available for grant under the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan immediately prior to stockholder approval of the 2013 Plan and (ii) the number of shares of common stock subject to awards granted under the Company’s 2008 Stock Incentive Plan which awards expire, terminate or are otherwise surrendered, cancelled, or forfeited or repurchased by the Company at their original issuance price pursuant to a contractual repurchase right.

Employees, officers, directors, consultants and advisors of the Company and of its future parent or subsidiary corporations and any other business venture in which the Company has a controlling interest (as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors) are eligible to be granted Awards under the 2013 Plan. However, incentive stock options may only be granted to employees of the Company, employees of the Company’s present or future parent or subsidiary corporations, and employees of any other entities the employees of which are eligible to receive incentive stock options under the Code. The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized the compensation committee to administer certain aspects of the 2013 Plan, including the granting of awards to directors and executive officers. In addition, as permitted by the terms of the 2013 Plan, the Board of Directors has delegated to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company the authority to grant equity awards to non-executive employees in accordance with guidelines established by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors.

Item 5.03. Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.

At the Annual Meeting, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of the Company’s common stock from 140,000,000 shares to 280,000,000 shares. The increase in the number of authorized shares of the Company’s common stock was effected pursuant to a Certificate of Amendment to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate”) filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on July 26, 2013. A copy of the Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate is attached as Exhibit 3.3 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

Also at the Annual Meeting, the Company’s stockholders approved amendments to the Series D Certificate of Designations and the Series E Certificate of Designations to effect the changes to the Series D preferred stock and Series E preferred stock described in Item 3.03 of this Current Report on Form 8-k. The information set forth in Item 3.03 of this Current Report on Form 8-k is incorporated herein by reference.

 

4


Item 5.07. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

At the Annual Meeting, the Company’s stockholders voted in the following manner with respect to the following proposals:

1a. The proposed amendment to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation to declassify the Company’s Board of Directors was not approved.

 

For:

     31,179,529   

Against:

     229,997   

Abstain:

     22,065   

Broker Non-Votes:

     6,294,237   

1b. The proposed amendment to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation to provide that the Company’s stockholders may remove the Company’s directors with or without cause following declassification of the Company’s Board of Directors was not approved.

 

For:

     31,183,531   

Against:

     246,200   

Abstain:

     1,860   

Broker Non-Votes:

     6,294,237   

1c. The proposed amendment to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation to eliminate the supermajority voting requirement for amending or repealing Article ELEVENTH of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation was not approved.

 

For:

     31,175,535   

Against:

     249,957   

Abstain:

     6,099   

Broker Non-Votes:

     6,294,237   

Each of proposals 1(a), 1(b) and 1(c) required the affirmative vote of the stockholders of the Company holding at least 75% of the issued and outstanding shares of the common stock and Series D preferred stock entitled to vote, voting together as a single class and on an as converted basis.

2. The proposed amendment to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 140,000,000 to 280,000,000 was approved.

 

For:

     37,141,762   

Against:

     569,001   

Abstain:

     15,064   

3. A non-binding, advisory proposal on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers was approved.

 

For:

     30,749,622   

Against:

     250,689   

Abstain:

     431,280   

Broker Non-Votes:

     6,294,237   

4. The Company’s 2013 Stock Incentive Plan was approved.

 

For:

     30,729,678   

Against:

     270,258   

Abstain:

     431,655   

Broker Non-Votes:

     6,294,237   

 

5


5. The appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013 was ratified.

 

For:

     37,236,805   

Against:

     67,206   

Abstain:

     421,816   

6. The following nominees were elected to the Company’s Board of Directors as Class III directors for terms expiring at the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders.

 

     For      Withheld      Broker Non-
Votes
 

Dr. Sudhir Agrawal

     31,378,757         52,834         6,294,237   

Dr. Eve Slater

     31,381,606         49,985         6,294,237   

Mr. Youssef El Zein

     31,385,646         45,945         6,294,237   

7. The issuance and sale by the Company to certain affiliates of Pillar Invest Corporation (including the Company’s prior issuances and sales of its securities to such affiliates in November 2011 and November 2012) of a number of shares of common stock that is greater than 19.99% of the total number of issued and outstanding shares of common stock and the outstanding voting power of the Company’s securities after such issuance and sale in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(b) (the “Nasdaq Proposal”) was not approved.

Common stock and Series D preferred stock voting together as a single class and on an as-converted basis:

 

For:

     31,145,557   

Against:

     252,634   

Abstain:

     33,400   

Broker Non-Votes:

     6,294,237   

Common stock and Series D preferred stock held by the stockholders of the Company (other than the Company, Pillar Invest Corporation and their respective affiliates) voting together as a single class and on an as-converted basis:

 

For:

     18,950,739   

Against:

     233,867   

Abstain:

     30,919   

Broker Non-Votes:

     6,294,237   

Proposal 7 required the affirmative vote of (i) the stockholders of the Company holding a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of the common stock and Series D preferred stock present in person or represented by proxy and voting on the matter, voting as a single class and on an as converted basis and (ii) the stockholders of the Company (other than the Company, Pillar Invest Corporation, and their respective affiliates) holding a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of the common stock and Series D preferred stock entitled to vote and held by such stockholders, voting as a single class and on an as converted basis.

8a. The proposed amendment to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation amending the Series D Certificate of Designations to provide that, if the Nasdaq Proposal were approved by the Company’s stockholders, the beneficial ownership limitation applicable to the Series D

 

6


preferred stock would be increased from 19.99% to 35% consistent with the beneficial ownership limitations applicable to the Series E preferred stock was approved. However, because the Nasdaq Proposal was not approved by the Company’s stockholders, the beneficial ownership limitation applicable to the Series D preferred stock set forth in the Series D Certificate of Designations, as amended by the Certificate of Amendment to Series D Certificate of Designations, will remain at 19.99%.

Common stock and Series D preferred stock voting together as a single class and on an as-converted basis:

 

For:

     31,044,453   

Against:

     354,446   

Abstain:

     32,692   

Broker Non-Votes:

     6,294,237   

Series D preferred stock voting separately as a series:

 

For:

     1,124,260   

Against:

     0   

Abstain:

     0   

8b. The proposed amendment to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation amending the Series D Certificate of Designations to eliminate the requirement that the Company pay dividends to the holders of Series D preferred stock upon payment of dividends to the holders of Series E preferred stock was approved.

Common stock and Series D preferred stock voting together as a single class and on an as-converted basis:

 

For:

     30,986,167   

Against:

     408,708   

Abstain:

     36,716   

Broker Non-Votes:

     6,294,237   

Series D preferred stock voting separately as a series:

 

For:

     1,124,260   

Against:

     0   

Abstain:

     0   

8c. The proposed amendment to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation amending the Series D Certificate of Designations to (i) change the date after which the Company may elect to pay dividends to the holders of the Series D preferred stock in shares of common stock in lieu of cash from December 31, 2014 to October 1, 2013, and (ii) allow for the payment of such dividends in shares of a to-be-created new series of preferred stock in the event that payment of such dividends may not be made in shares of common stock as a result of the application of the beneficial ownership limitations set forth in the Series D Certificate of Designations was approved.

 

7


Common stock and Series D preferred stock voting together as a single class and on an as-converted basis:

 

For:

     31,043,881   

Against:

     350,102   

Abstain:

     37,608   

Broker Non-Votes:

     6,294,237   

Series D preferred stock voting separately as a series:

 

For:

     1,124,260   

Against:

     0   

Abstain:

     0   

8d. The proposed amendment to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation amending the Series D Certificate of Designations to (i) eliminate the provision of the Series D Certificate of Designations that had provided the holders of Series D preferred stock with the right to require the Company to redeem the Series D preferred stock upon the occurrence of specified fundamental changes and provide, in the event of a sale of the corporation (as defined in the Series D Certificate of Designations), for the distribution of any assets that remain available for distribution to the Company’s stockholders, after payment to the holders of the Series A preferred stock and any other class of the Company’s capital stock that ranks senior to the Series D preferred stock, to the holders of the Series D preferred stock on a pro rata basis with the holders of common stock, Series E preferred stock and any new series of non-voting preferred stock that ranks pari passu with the Series D preferred stock and (ii) eliminate the right of the holders of Series D preferred stock to receive, in the event of a Liquidation, an amount per share of Series D preferred stock equal to the original issue price of such share of Series D preferred stock plus any dividends accrued or declared but unpaid thereon to the extent such amount is greater than the amount that would have been payable with respect to such share had all shares of Series D preferred stock been converted into shares of common stock immediately prior to such Liquidation, such that upon a Liquidation the holders of Series D preferred stock will receive an amount per share of Series D preferred stock equal to the amount that would be payable with respect to such share had all shares of Series D preferred stock been converted into shares of common stock immediately prior to such Liquidation, was approved.

Common stock and Series D preferred stock voting together as a single class and on an as-converted basis:

 

For:

     30,628,244   

Against:

     342,000   

Abstain:

     461,347   

Broker Non-Votes:

     6,294,237   

 

8


Series D preferred stock voting separately as a series:

 

For:

     1,124,260   

Against:

     0   

Abstain:

     0   

9a. The proposed amendment to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation amending the Series E Certificate of Designations to (i) permit the Company to elect to pay dividends to the holders of Series E preferred stock in shares of common stock in lieu of cash commencing October 1, 2013, and (ii) allow for the payment of such dividends in shares of a to-be-created new series of preferred stock in the event that payment of such dividends may not be made in shares of common stock as a result of the application of the beneficial ownership limitations set forth in the Series E Certificate of Designations was approved.

Common stock and Series D preferred stock voting together as a single class and on an as-converted basis:

 

For:

     30,624,259   

Against:

     345,850   

Abstain:

     461,482   

Broker Non-Votes:

     6,294,237   

Series E preferred stock voting separately as a series:

 

For:

     424,242   

Against:

     0   

Abstain:

     0   

9b. The proposed amendment to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation amending the Series E Certificate of Designations to eliminate the right of the holders of Series E preferred stock to receive, in the event of a Liquidation, an amount per share of Series E preferred stock equal to the original issue price of such share of Series E preferred stock plus any dividends accrued or declared but unpaid thereon to the extent such amount is greater than the amount that would have been payable with respect to such share had all shares of Series E preferred stock been converted into shares of common stock immediately prior to such Liquidation, such that upon a Liquidation the holders of Series E preferred stock will receive an amount per share of Series E preferred stock equal to the amount that would be payable with respect to such share had all shares of Series E preferred stock been converted into shares of common stock immediately prior to such Liquidation, was approved.

Common stock and Series D preferred stock voting together as a single class and on an as-converted basis:

 

For:

     30,631,863   

Against:

     342,000   

Abstain:

     457,728   

Broker Non-Votes:

     6,294,237   

 

9


Series E preferred stock voting separately as a series:

 

For:

     424,242   

Against:

     0   

Abstain:

     0   

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)   Exhibits

See attached Exhibit Index.

 

10


SIGNATURE

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

 

    Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Date: July 29, 2013     By:  

/s/ Sudhir Agrawal, D. Phil.

     

Sudhir Agrawal, D. Phil.

     

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

11


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Description

   3.1    Certificate of Amendment to the Series D Certificate of Designations of the Company
   3.2    Certificate of Amendment to the Series E Certificate of Designations of the Company
   3.3    Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
 10.1    2013 Stock Incentive Plan
 10.2    Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement Granted Under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan
 10.3    Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement Granted Under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan
 10.4    Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement (Non-employee Directors) Granted Under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan

 

12

Exhibit 3.1

IDERA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT OF

CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATIONS, PREFERENCES AND RIGHTS OF

SERIES D PREFERRED STOCK

 

 

Pursuant to Section 242 of the

General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware

 

 

Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), in accordance with Section 103 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “General Corporation Law”), hereby certifies as follows:

A Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series D Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designations”) was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on November 4, 2011 pursuant to Section 151 of the General Corporation Law. By action of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, the Board of Directors of the Corporation duly adopted resolutions, pursuant to Section 242 of the General Corporation Law, setting forth amendments to the Certificate of Designations and declaring said amendment to be advisable. The stockholders of the Corporation duly approved said proposed amendments in accordance with Section 242 of the General Corporation Law at a meeting of stockholders held on July 26, 2013. The resolutions setting forth the proposed amendment are as follows:

RESOLVED , that Section 1.1 of the Certificate of Designations be deleted in its entirety and that the following paragraph be inserted in lieu thereof:

“1.1 Series D Preferred Dividends .

1.1.1 Each holder of Series D Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, with respect to each share of Series D Preferred Stock then outstanding and held by such holder of Series D Preferred Stock, dividends, commencing from the date of issuance of such share of Series D Preferred Stock, at the rate of seven percent (7%) per annum (on the basis of a 360 day year) of the Series D Original Issue Price (as defined below) (the “ Series D Preferred Dividends ”). The Series D Preferred Dividends shall be cumulative, whether or not earned or declared, shall be paid quarterly in arrears on the last day of December, March, June and September (a “ Quarterly Dividend Payment Date ”) in each year that Series D Preferred Stock is outstanding, with the first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date being December 31, 2011, and shall be prorated for periods shorter than one quarter. The rights of a holder of Series D Preferred Stock as Series D Preferred Dividends shall rank senior to the rights of the Corporation’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock as to dividends.

1.1.2 The Series D Preferred Dividends shall be paid to each holder of Series D Preferred Stock in cash out of legally available funds or, at the Corporation’s election, through the issuance of such number of shares of the Corporation’s Common


Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “ Common Stock ”) (rounded down to the nearest whole share with any fractional shares being issued in cash in an amount equal to the Market Price (as defined in Section 4.2 below) of such fractional share of Common Stock) determined by dividing the amount of the total accrued but unpaid dividends then outstanding on such holder’s shares of Series D Preferred Stock by the Market Price then in effect (which for this purpose may not be less than $1.46 per share, subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or other similar recapitalization with respect to the Common Stock); provided , however , that (i) the Corporation may not pay such dividends in shares of Common Stock on or prior to October 1, 2013, (ii) the Corporation may not issue shares of Common Stock in excess of that number of shares of Common Stock which, upon giving effect to such issuance, would cause (a) the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by a holder of Series D Preferred Stock and its affiliates and any other persons whose beneficial ownership of Common Stock would be aggregated with the holder’s for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”), to exceed 19.99% of the total number of issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Corporation following such issuance, or (b) the combined voting power of the securities of the Corporation beneficially owned by a holder of Series D Preferred Stock and its affiliates and any other persons whose beneficial ownership of Common Stock would be aggregated with the holder’s for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act to exceed 19.99% of the combined voting power of all of the securities of the Corporation then outstanding following such issuance, unless and until, in either case of clause (a) and clause (b) of this Section 1.1.2, the stockholders of the Corporation approve the Nasdaq Proposal (as defined by and in accordance with Section 5.11(B) of that certain Convertible Preferred Stock and Warrant Purchase Agreement, dated November 9, 2012, between the Corporation and the Purchasers named therein), in which case, the 19.99% limitation under clause (a) and (b) of this Section 1.1.2 shall be increased, with respect to any holder of Series D Preferred Stock, to 35% for purposes of both clause (a) and clause (b) of this Section 1.1.2, and (iii) if clause (ii) shall in fact limit the issuance of any shares of Common Stock in payment of a given dividend, then the Corporation’s election to pay such dividend in shares of Common Stock shall be ineffective to the extent of such limitation and such dividend shall instead thereupon be paid, at the Corporation’s election, (x) in cash by the Corporation out of legally available funds or (y) through the issuance of a number of shares of the Corporation’s Series F Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Series F Preferred Stock ”) equal to one-twentieth (1/20 th ) of the number of shares of Common Stock that the Corporation could have issued pursuant to this Section 1.1.2 with respect to such Series D Preferred Dividends but for the limitations set forth in clause (a) and clause (b) of this Section 1.1.2.

1.1.3 Any election by the Corporation to pay Series D Preferred Dividends in cash or in shares of Common Stock or Series F Preferred Stock shall be made uniformly with respect to all outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock for a given dividend period.

1.1.4 For purposes of this Section 1.1 the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock or voting securities beneficially owned by a holder of Series D Preferred

 

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Stock and its affiliates and any other persons whose beneficial ownership of Common Stock would be aggregated with the holder’s for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, shall include the shares of Common Stock to be issued as part of such dividend payment, but shall exclude the number of shares of Common Stock which would be issuable upon exercise or conversion of the unexercised, non-converted or non-cancelled portion of any other securities of the Corporation that do not have voting power (including without limitation any securities of the Corporation which would entitle the holder thereof to acquire at any time Common Stock, including without limitation any debt, preferred stock, right, option, warrant or other instrument that is at any time convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or otherwise entitles the holder thereof to receive, Common Stock), subject to a limitation on conversion or exercise analogous to the limitation contained herein beneficially owned by the holder or any of its affiliates and other persons whose beneficial ownership of Common Stock would be aggregated with the holder’s for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act.”

*            *             *

RESOLVED , that Section 1.3 of the Certificate of Designations be deleted in its entirety and that the following paragraph be inserted in lieu thereof:

“1.3 The Corporation shall not declare, pay or set aside any dividends on shares of any other class or series of capital stock of the Corporation (other than dividends on shares of Common Stock payable in shares of Common Stock, dividends on the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock in accordance with Section 2(a) of the Certificate of Designations for the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and dividends on the Series E Preferred Stock in accordance with Section 1.1 of the Certificate of Designations for the Series E Convertible Preferred Stock unless the holders of the Series D Preferred Stock then outstanding shall first receive, or simultaneously receive, a dividend on each outstanding share of Series D Preferred Stock in an amount at least equal to the sum of (i) the amount of the aggregate dividends then accrued on such share of Series D Preferred Stock and not previously paid and (ii) (A) in the case of a dividend on Common Stock or any class or series that is convertible into Common Stock, that dividend per share of Series D Preferred Stock as would equal the product of (1) the dividend payable on each share of such class or series determined, if applicable, as if all shares of such class or series had been converted into Common Stock and (2) the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of a share of Series D Preferred Stock, in each case calculated on the record date for determination of holders entitled to receive such dividend or (B) in the case of a dividend on any class or series that is not convertible into Common Stock, at a rate per share of Series D Preferred Stock determined by (1) dividing the amount of the dividend payable on each share of such class or series of capital stock by the original issuance price of such class or series of capital stock (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or other similar recapitalization with respect to such class or series) and (2) multiplying such fraction by an amount equal to the Series D Original Issue Price; provided that, if the Corporation declares, pays or sets aside, on the same date, a dividend on shares of more than one class or series of capital stock of the Corporation, the dividend payable to the holders of Series D Preferred Stock pursuant to this Section 1.3 shall be calculated based upon the dividend on the class or series of capital stock that would result in the highest Series D Preferred Stock dividend.”

*            *             *

 

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RESOLVED , that Section 2.1 of the Certificate of Designations be deleted in its entirety and that the following paragraph be inserted in lieu thereof:

“2.1 Payments to Holders of Series D Preferred Stock . In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, the holders of shares of Series D Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders before any payment shall be made to the holders of Common Stock, Series A Convertible Preferred Stock or any other class of capital stock of the Corporation ranking junior to the Series D Preferred Stock as to liquidation, by reason of their ownership thereof, an amount per share equal to such amount as would have been payable with respect to such share had all shares of Series D Preferred Stock been converted into Common Stock pursuant to Section 4 immediately prior to such liquidation, dissolution or winding up, disregarding for these purposes the limitations on conversion due to beneficial ownership set forth in Subsection 4.1.1. If upon any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders shall be insufficient to pay the holders of shares of Series D Preferred Stock the full amount to which they shall be entitled under this Subsection 2.1 , the holders of shares of Series D Preferred Stock shall share ratably in any distribution of the assets available for distribution in proportion to the respective amounts which would otherwise be payable in respect of the shares held by them upon such distribution if all amounts payable on or with respect to such shares were paid in full.”

*            *            *

RESOLVED , that Section 4.1.1 of the Certificate of Designations be deleted in its entirety and that the following paragraph be inserted in lieu thereof:

“4.1.1 Conversion Ratio . Each share of Series D Preferred Stock shall be convertible, at the option of the holder thereof, at any time and from time to time, and without the payment of additional consideration by the holder thereof, into such number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock as is determined by dividing the Series D Original Issue Price by the Series D Conversion Price (as defined below) in effect at the time of conversion. The “Series D Conversion Price” shall initially be equal to $1.6275. Such initial Series D Conversion Price, and the rate at which shares of Series D Preferred Stock may be converted into shares of Common Stock, shall be subject to adjustment as provided below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall not effect any conversion of such holder’s Series D Preferred Stock and such holder shall not be entitled to convert its shares of Series D Preferred Stock for a number of shares of Common Stock in excess of that number of shares of Common Stock which, upon giving effect to such conversion, would cause (a) the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by a holder of Series D Preferred Stock and its affiliates and

 

- 4 -


any other persons whose beneficial ownership of Common Stock would be aggregated with the holder’s for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act to exceed 19.99% of the total number of issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Corporation (including for such purpose the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Series D Preferred Stock) following such conversion, or (b) the combined voting power of the securities of the Corporation beneficially owned by a holder of Series D Preferred Stock and its affiliates and any other persons whose beneficial ownership of Common Stock would be aggregated with the holder’s for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act to exceed 19.99% of the combined voting power of all of the securities of the Corporation then outstanding following such conversion, unless, in either case, the stockholders of the Corporation approve the Nasdaq Proposal, in which case, the 19.99% limitation under clause (a) and clause (b) of this Section 4.1.1 shall be increased, with respect to any holder of Series D Preferred Stock, to 35% for purposes of both clause (a) and clause (b) of this Section 4.1.1. For purposes of this Section 4.1.1, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock or voting securities beneficially owned by the holder and its affiliates and any other persons whose beneficial ownership of Common Stock would be aggregated with the holder’s for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act shall include the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of the Series D Preferred Stock with respect to which such determination is being made, but shall exclude the number of shares of Common Stock which would be issuable upon exercise or conversion of the unexercised, non-converted or non-cancelled portion of any other securities of the Corporation that do not have voting power (including without limitation any securities of the Corporation which would entitle the holder thereof to acquire at any time Common Stock, including without limitation any debt, preferred stock, right, option, warrant or other instrument that is at any time convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or otherwise entitles the holder thereof to receive, Common Stock), subject to a limitation on conversion or exercise analogous to the limitation contained herein beneficially owned by the holder or any of its affiliates and other persons whose beneficial ownership of Common Stock would be aggregated with the holder’s for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act.”

*            *             *

RESOLVED , that Section 4.1.2 of the Certificate of Designations be deleted in its entirety and that the following paragraph be inserted in lieu thereof:

“4.1.2 Termination of Conversion Rights . In the event of a notice of redemption of any shares of Series D Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 5, the Conversion Rights of the shares designated for redemption shall terminate at the close of business on the last full day preceding the date fixed for redemption, unless the redemption price is not fully paid on such redemption date, in which case the Conversion Rights for such shares shall continue until such price is paid in full. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation or a Sale of the Corporation (as defined in Section 6.2 below), the Conversion Rights shall terminate at the close of business on the last full day preceding the date fixed for the payment of any such amounts distributable on such event to the holders of Series D Preferred Stock.”

*            *             *

 

- 5 -


RESOLVED , that Section 6 of the Certificate of Designations be deleted in its entirety and that the following paragraph be inserted in lieu thereof:

“6. Sale of the Corporation .

6.1 In the event of a Sale of the Corporation (as defined below) after payment shall be made to the holders of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and any other class of capital stock of the Corporation ranking senior to the Series D Preferred Stock upon a Sale of the Corporation, the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders shall be distributed among the holders of the shares of Series D Preferred Stock, Series E Preferred Stock and Common Stock pro rata based on the number of shares held by each such holder, treating for this purpose all such securities as if they had been converted to Common Stock pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation immediately prior to such Sale of the Corporation disregarding for these purposes the limitations on conversion due to beneficial ownership set forth in Subsection 4.1.1.

6.2 The term “ Sale of the Corporation ” shall mean each of the following events: (a) a merger or consolidation in which (i) the Corporation is a constituent party or (ii) a subsidiary of the Corporation is a constituent party and the Corporation issues shares of its capital stock pursuant to such merger or consolidation (except in the case of clause (i) and (ii), any such merger or consolidation involving the Corporation or a subsidiary in which the shares of capital stock of the Corporation outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continue to represent, or are converted into or exchanged for shares of capital stock that represent, immediately following such merger or consolidation, at least a majority, by voting power, of the capital stock of (y) the surviving or resulting corporation or (z) if the surviving or resulting corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of another corporation immediately following such merger or consolidation, the parent corporation of such surviving or resulting corporation; or (b) the sale, lease, transfer, exclusive license or other disposition, in a single transaction or series of related transactions, by the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation of all or substantially all the assets of the Corporation and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, or the sale or disposition (whether by merger or otherwise) of one or more subsidiaries of the Corporation if substantially all of the assets of the Corporation and its subsidiaries taken as a whole are held by such subsidiary or subsidiaries, except where such sale, lease, transfer, exclusive license or other disposition is to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation. For the purposes of clarity, a Sale of the Corporation shall not be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation for the purposes of this Section 6.”

*            *            *

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Certificate of Amendment has been executed by a duly authorized officer of the Corporation on this 26th day of July, 2013.

 

IDERA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Sudhir Agrawal

Name:   Sudhir Agrawal
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 3.2

IDERA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT OF

CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATIONS, PREFERENCES AND RIGHTS OF

SERIES E PREFERRED STOCK

 

 

Pursuant to Section 242 of the

General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware

 

 

Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), in accordance with Section 103 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “General Corporation Law”), hereby certifies as follows:

A Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series E Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designations”) was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on November 9, 2012 pursuant to Section 151 of the General Corporation Law. By action of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, the Board of Directors of the Corporation duly adopted resolutions, pursuant to Section 242 of the General Corporation Law, setting forth amendments to the Certificate of Designations and declaring said amendment to be advisable. The stockholders of the Corporation duly approved said proposed amendments in accordance with Section 242 of the General Corporation Law at a meeting of stockholders held on July 26, 2013. The resolutions setting forth the proposed amendment are as follows:

RESOLVED , that Section 1.1 of the Certificate of Designations be deleted in its entirety and the following new paragraph be inserted in lieu thereof:

“1.1 Series E Preferred Dividends .

1.1.1 Each holder of Series E Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive with respect to each share of Series E Preferred Stock then outstanding and held by such holder of Series E Preferred Stock, dividends, commencing from the date of issuance of such share of Series E Preferred Stock, at the Initial Dividend Rate (as defined below) per annum (on the basis of a 360 day year) of the Series E Original Issue Price (as defined below) (the “ Series E Preferred Dividends ”); provided, however, that subject to and effective upon the filing with the Delaware Secretary of State of the amendment to the Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series D Preferred Stock (the “ Series D Certificate of Designations ,” with the amendment thereto being referred to as the “ Amendment to Series D Certificate of Designations ”) as described in Section 5.11(B) of that certain Convertible Preferred Stock and Warrant Purchase Agreement, dated November 9, 2012, between the Corporation and the purchasers of the Series E Preferred Stock therein (the “ Series E Purchase Agreement ”), the dividend rate provided for in this Section 1.1 shall be increased from the Initial Dividend Rate to the rate of eight percent (8%) per annum (on the basis of a 360 day year) of the Series E Original Issue Price. The Series E Preferred Dividends shall be cumulative, whether or not earned or declared, shall be paid quarterly in arrears on the last day of March, June, September and December (a “ Quarterly Dividend Payment Date ”) in each year that Series E Preferred Stock is outstanding, with the first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date being March 31, 2013, and shall


be prorated for periods shorter than one quarter. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, as of any Quarterly Dividend Payment Date at which the dividend rate is the Initial Dividend Rate, there are no shares of the Corporation’s Series D Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding, then the dividend payable on such Quarterly Dividend Payment Date shall be calculated and paid at a rate of eight percent (8%) per annum (on the basis of a 360 day year) of the Series E Original Issue Price. In the event that the Amendment to Series D Certificate of Designations is filed with the Delaware Secretary of State and the dividend rate with respect to the Series E Preferred Dividends is increased pursuant to this Section 1.1.1, the Series E Preferred Dividends paid on the first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date after such filing and increase shall be paid at the increased rate. In the event that the Amendment to Series D Certificate of Designations is submitted to the stockholders of the Corporation as contemplated by Section 5.11 of the Series E Purchase Agreement and the Amendment to Series D Certificate of Designations is not approved, then the holders of the Series E Preferred Stock shall no longer be entitled to any Series E Preferred Dividends under this Section 1.1.1 and the Corporation shall have no further obligation to pay the Series E Preferred Dividends under this Section 1.1.1; provided, however, the Corporation shall not submit the Amendment to the Series D Certificate of Designations to the stockholders if there are no shares of Series D Preferred Stock then outstanding. The rights of a holder of Series E Preferred Stock to Series E Preferred Dividends shall rank senior to the rights of the Corporation’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and Series D Convertible Preferred Stock as to dividends. The term “ Initial Dividend Rate ” shall mean four and six tenths percent (4.6%) or such other percentage approved by the Corporation and by the holders of at least a majority of then outstanding shares of Series E Preferred Stock, with such approval given in writing or by vote at a meeting, consenting or voting (as the case may be) as a separate class.

1.1.2 The Series E Preferred Dividends shall be paid to each holder of Series E Preferred Stock in cash out of legally available funds or, at the Corporation’s election, through the issuance of such number of shares of Common Stock (as defined in Section 1.3 below) (rounded down to the nearest whole share with any fractional shares being issued in cash in an amount equal to the Market Price (as defined in Section 4.2 below) of such fractional share of Common Stock) determined by dividing the amount of the total accrued but unpaid dividends then outstanding on such holder’s shares of Series E Preferred Stock by the Market Price then in effect (which for this purpose may not be less than $0.70 per share, subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or other similar recapitalization with respect to the Common Stock); provided , however , that (i) the Corporation may not pay such dividends in shares of Common Stock on or prior to October 1, 2013, (ii) the Corporation may not issue shares of Common Stock in excess of that number of shares of Common Stock which, upon giving effect to such issuance, would cause (a) the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by a holder of Series E Preferred Stock and its affiliates and any other persons whose beneficial ownership of Common Stock would be aggregated with the holder’s for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act (as defined in Section 4.1.2), to exceed 19.99% of the total number of issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Corporation following such issuance, or (b) the combined voting power of the securities of the Corporation beneficially owned by a holder of Series E Preferred Stock and its affiliates and any other persons whose beneficial ownership of Common Stock would be aggregated with the holder’s for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act to exceed 19.99% of the combined voting power of all of the securities of the Corporation then outstanding

 

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following such issuance, unless and until, in either case of clause (a) and clause (b) of this Section 1.1.2, the stockholders of the Corporation approve the Nasdaq Proposal (as defined in Section 3.1 below), in which case, the 19.99% limitation under clause (a) and (b) of this Section 1.1.2 shall be increased, with respect to any holder of Series E Preferred Stock, to 35% for purposes of both clause (a) and clause (b) of this Section 1.1.2, and (iii) if clause (ii) shall in fact limit the issuance of any shares of Common Stock in payment of a given dividend, then the Corporation’s election to pay such dividend in shares of Common Stock shall be ineffective to the extent of such limitation and such dividend shall instead thereupon be paid, at the Corporation’s election, (x) in cash by the Corporation out of legally available funds or (y) through the issuance of a number of shares of the Corporation’s Series F Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Series F Preferred Stock ”) equal to one-twentieth (1/20 th ) of the number of shares of Common Stock that the Corporation could have issued pursuant to this Section 1.1.2 with respect to such Series E Preferred Dividends but for the limitations set forth in clause (a) and clause (b) of this Section 1.1.2.

1.1.3 Any election by the Corporation to pay Series E Preferred Dividends in cash or shares of Common Stock and/or Series F Preferred Stock shall be made uniformly with respect to all outstanding shares of Series E Preferred Stock for a given dividend period.

1.1.4 For purposes of this Section 1.1, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock or voting securities beneficially owned by a holder of Series E Preferred Stock and its affiliates and any other persons whose beneficial ownership of Common Stock would be aggregated with the holder’s for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, shall include the shares of Common Stock to be issued as part of such dividend payment, but shall exclude the number of shares of Common Stock which would be issuable upon exercise or conversion of the unexercised, non-converted or non-cancelled portion of any other securities of the Corporation that do not have voting power (including without limitation any securities of the Corporation which would entitle the holder thereof to acquire at any time Common Stock, including without limitation any debt, preferred stock, right, option, warrant or other instrument that is at any time convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or otherwise entitles the holder thereof to receive, Common Stock), subject to a limitation on conversion or exercise analogous to the limitation contained herein beneficially owned by the holder or any of its affiliates and other persons whose beneficial ownership of Common Stock would be aggregated with the holder’s for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act.”

*            *             *

RESOLVED , that Section 2.1.1 of the Certificate of Designations be deleted in its entirety and that the following paragraph be inserted in lieu thereof:

“2.1.1 In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, the holders of shares of Series E Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders before any payment shall be made to the holders of Common Stock, Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, Series D Convertible Preferred Stock or any other class of capital stock of the Corporation ranking junior to the Series E Preferred Stock as to liquidation, by reason of their ownership thereof, an amount per share equal to such amount as would have been

 

- 3 -


payable with respect to such share had all shares of Series E Preferred Stock been converted into Common Stock pursuant to Subsection 4 immediately prior to such liquidation, dissolution or winding up disregarding for these purposes the limitations on conversion due to beneficial ownership set forth in Subsection 4.1.2.”

*            *            *

RESOLVED , that Section 2.3.1 of the Certificate of Designations be deleted in its entirety and that the following paragraph be inserted in lieu thereof:

“2.3.1 In the event of a Sale of the Corporation (as defined below) after payment shall be made to the holders of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and any other class of capital stock of the Corporation ranking senior to the Series E Preferred Stock upon a Sale of the Corporation, the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders shall be distributed among the holders of the shares of Series E Preferred Stock, Series D Preferred Stock and Common Stock pro rata based on the number of shares held by each such holder, treating for this purpose all such securities as if they had been converted to Common Stock pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation immediately prior to such Sale of the Corporation disregarding for these purposes the limitations on conversion due to beneficial ownership set forth in Subsection 4.1.2.”

*            *             *

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Certificate of Amendment has been executed by a duly authorized officer of the Corporation on this 26th day of July, 2013.

 

IDERA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Sudhir Agrawal

Name:   Sudhir Agrawal
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

 

- 4 -

Exhibit 3.3

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT

TO THE

RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

IDERA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (hereinafter called the “Corporation”), organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, does hereby certify as follows:

By action of the Board of Directors of the Corporation at a meeting held on May 22, 2013, the Board of Directors of the Corporation duly adopted a resolution, pursuant to Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, setting forth an amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as amended to date (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), and declaring said amendment to be advisable. The stockholders of the Corporation duly approved said proposed amendment in accordance with Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware at a meeting of stockholders held on July 26, 2013. The resolution setting forth the amendment is as follows:

RESOLVED: That the first paragraph of Article FOURTH of the Certificate of Incorporation be and hereby is amended and restated in its entirety so that the same shall read as follows:

“FOURTH. The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is (i) Two Hundred Eighty Million (280,000,000) shares of Common Stock, $.001 par value per share (“Common Stock”), and (ii) Five Million (5,000,000) shares of Preferred Stock, $.01 par value per share (“Preferred Stock”), which may be issued from time to time in one or more series as set forth in Part B of this Article FOURTH.”

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Certificate of Amendment to be signed by its duly authorized officer this 26th day of July, 2013.

 

IDERA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Sudhir Agrawal

  Sudhir Agrawal, D. Phil.
  President and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 10.1

IDERA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

2013 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

 

1. Purpose

The purpose of this 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) of Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), is to advance the interests of the Company’s stockholders by enhancing the Company’s ability to attract, retain and motivate persons who are expected to make important contributions to the Company and by providing such persons with equity ownership opportunities and performance-based incentives that are intended to better align the interests of such persons with those of the Company’s stockholders. Except where the context otherwise requires, the term “ Company ” shall include any of the Company’s present or future parent or subsidiary corporations as defined in Sections 424(e) or (f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any regulations thereunder (the “ Code ”) and any other business venture (including, without limitation, joint venture or limited liability company) in which the Company has a controlling interest, as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”).

 

2. Eligibility

All of the Company’s employees, officers and directors, as well as consultants and advisors to the Company (as such terms are defined and interpreted for purposes of Form S-8 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), or any successor form) are eligible to be granted Awards under the Plan. Each person who is granted an Award under the Plan is deemed a “ Participant .” “ Award ” means Options (as defined in Section 5), SARs (as defined in Section 6), Restricted Stock (as defined in Section 7), Restricted Stock Units (as defined in Section 7) and Other Stock-Based Awards (as defined in Section 8).

 

3. Administration and Delegation

(a) Administration by Board of Directors . The Plan will be administered by the Board. The Board shall have authority to grant Awards and to adopt, amend and repeal such administrative rules, guidelines and practices relating to the Plan as it shall deem advisable. The Board may construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and any Award agreements entered into under the Plan. The Board may correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or any Award in the manner and to the extent it shall deem expedient and it shall be the sole and final judge of such expediency. All decisions by the Board shall be made in the Board’s sole discretion and shall be final and binding on all persons having or claiming any interest in the Plan or in any Award.

(b) Appointment of Committees . To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Board may delegate any or all of its powers under the Plan to one or more committees or subcommittees of the Board (a “ Committee ”). All references in the Plan to the “ Board ” shall mean the Board or a Committee of the Board or the officers referred to in Section 3(c) to the extent that the Board’s powers or authority under the Plan have been delegated to such Committee or officers.

(c) Delegation to Officers . To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Board may delegate to one or more officers of the Company the power to grant Options and other Awards that constitute rights under Delaware law (subject to any limitations under the Plan) to employees or officers of the Company and to exercise such other powers under the Plan as the Board may determine, provided that the Board shall fix the terms of such Awards to be granted by such officers (including the exercise price of such Awards, which may include a formula by which the exercise price will be determined) and the maximum number of shares subject to such Awards that the officers may grant; provided further , however, that no officer shall be authorized to grant such Awards to any “executive officer” of the Company (as defined by Rule 3b-7 under the Securities Exchange Act

 

D-1


of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”)) or to any “officer” of the Company (as defined by Rule 16a-1 under the Exchange Act). The Board may not delegate authority under this Section 3(c) to grant Restricted Stock, unless Delaware law then permits such delegation.

(d) Awards to Non-Employee Directors . Discretionary Awards to non-employee directors may be granted and administered only by a Committee, all of the members of which are independent directors as defined by Section 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules.

 

4. Stock Available for Awards

(a) Number of Shares; Share Counting .

(1) Authorized Number of Shares . Subject to adjustment under Section 9, Awards may be made under the Plan, any or all of which Awards may be in the form of Incentive Stock Options (as defined in Section 5(b)) for up to such number of shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of the Company (the “ Common Stock ”) as is equal to the sum of:

(A) 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock; plus

(B) such additional number of shares of Common Stock (up to 5,945,000 shares) as is equal to the sum of (x) the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Company’s 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (the “ Existing Plan ”) that remain available for grant under the Existing Plan immediately prior to the date this Plan is approved by the Company’s stockholders and (y) the number of shares of Common Stock subject to awards granted under the Existing Plan which awards expire, terminate or are otherwise surrendered, canceled, forfeited or repurchased by the Company at their original issuance price pursuant to a contractual repurchase right (subject, however, in the case of Incentive Stock Options to any limitations of the Code).

Shares issued under the Plan may consist in whole or in part of authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares.

(2) Fungible Share Pool . Subject to adjustment under Section 9, any Award that is not a Full-Value Award shall be counted against the share limits specified in Sections 4(a)(1) and 4(b)(2) as one share for each share of Common Stock subject to such Award and any Award that is a Full-Value Award shall be counted against the share limits specified in Sections 4(a)(1) and 4(b)(2) as 1.25 shares for each one share of Common Stock subject to such Full-Value Award. “Full-Value Award” means any Award of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit Award or Other Stock-Based Award (as defined below) with a per share price or per unit purchase price lower than 100% of Fair Market Value (as defined below) on the date of grant. To the extent a share that was subject to an Award that counted as one share is returned to the Plan pursuant to Section 4(a)(3), each applicable share reserve will be credited with one share. To the extent that a share that was subject to an Award that counts as 1.25 shares is returned to the Plan pursuant to Section 4(a)(3), each applicable share reserve will be credited with 1.25 shares.

(3) Share Counting . For purposes of counting the number of shares available for the grant of Awards under the Plan and under the sublimits contained in Section 4(b)(2):

(A) all shares of Common Stock covered by SARs shall be counted against the number of shares available for the grant of Awards under the Plan and against the sublimit listed in the first clause of this Section 4(a)(3); provided, however , that (i) SARs that may be settled only in cash shall not be so counted and (ii) if the Company grants an SAR in tandem with an Option for the same number of shares of Common Stock and provides that only one such Award may be exercised (a “ Tandem SAR ”), only the shares covered by the Option, and not the shares covered by the Tandem SAR, shall be so counted, and the expiration of one in connection with the other’s exercise will not restore shares to the Plan;

 

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(B) if any Award (i) expires or is terminated, surrendered or canceled without having been fully exercised or is forfeited in whole or in part (including as the result of shares of Common Stock subject to such Award being repurchased by the Company at the original issuance price pursuant to a contractual repurchase right) or (ii) results in any Common Stock not being issued (including as a result of an SAR that was settleable either in cash or in stock actually being settled in cash), the unused Common Stock covered by such Award shall again be available for the grant of Awards; provided, however , that (1) in the case of Incentive Stock Options, the foregoing shall be subject to any limitations under the Code, (2) in the case of the exercise of an SAR, the number of shares counted against the shares available under the Plan and against the sublimit listed in the first clause of this Section 4(a)(3) shall be the full number of shares subject to the SAR multiplied by the percentage of the SAR actually exercised, regardless of the number of shares actually used to settle such SAR upon exercise and (3) the shares covered by a Tandem SAR shall not again become available for grant upon the expiration or termination of such Tandem SAR;

(C) shares of Common Stock delivered (either by actual delivery, attestation, or net exercise) to the Company by a Participant to (i) purchase shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of an Award or (ii) satisfy tax withholding obligations (including shares retained from the Award creating the tax obligation) shall not be added back to the number of shares available for the future grant of Awards; and

(D) shares of Common Stock repurchased by the Company on the open market using the proceeds from the exercise of an Award shall not increase the number of shares available for future grant of Awards.

(b) Sub-limits . Subject to adjustment under Section 9, the following sub-limits on the number of shares subject to Awards shall apply:

(1) Section 162(m) Per-Participant Limit . The maximum number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which Awards may be granted to any Participant under the Plan shall be 1,500,000 per calendar year. For purposes of the foregoing limit, (i) the combination of an Option in tandem with an SAR shall be treated as a single Award and (ii) each share of Common Stock subject to an Award (including each share of Common Stock subject to a Full-Value Award) shall be counted as one share of Common Stock. The per Participant limit described in this Section 4(b)(1) shall be construed and applied consistently with Section 162(m) of the Code or any successor provision thereto, and the regulations thereunder (“ Section 162(m) ”).

(2) Limit on Awards to Directors . The maximum number of shares with respect to which Awards may be granted to directors who are not employees of the Company at the time of grant shall be 20% of the maximum number of authorized shares set forth in Section 4(a)(1).

(c) Substitute Awards . In connection with a merger or consolidation of an entity with the Company or the acquisition by the Company of property or stock of an entity, the Board may grant Awards in substitution for any options or other stock or stock-based awards granted by such entity or an affiliate thereof. Substitute Awards may be granted on such terms as the Board deems appropriate in the circumstances, notwithstanding any limitations on Awards contained in the Plan. Substitute Awards shall not count against the overall share limit set forth in Section 4(a)(1) or any sublimits contained in the Plan, except as may be required by reason of Section 422 and related provisions of the Code.

 

5. Stock Options

(a) General . The Board may grant options to purchase Common Stock (each, an “ Option ”) and determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered by each Option, the exercise price of each Option and the conditions and limitations applicable to the exercise of each Option, including conditions relating to applicable federal or state securities laws, as it considers necessary or advisable.

 

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(b) Incentive Stock Options . An Option that the Board intends to be an “incentive stock option” as defined in Section 422 of the Code (an “ Incentive Stock Option ”) shall only be granted to employees of Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., any of Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s present or future parent or subsidiary corporations as defined in Sections 424(e) or (f) of the Code, and any other entities the employees of which are eligible to receive Incentive Stock Options under the Code, and shall be subject to and shall be construed consistently with the requirements of Section 422 of the Code. An Option that is not intended to be an Incentive Stock Option shall be designated a “ Nonstatutory Stock Option .” The Company shall have no liability to a Participant, or any other party, if an Option (or any part thereof) that is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option is not an Incentive Stock Option or if the Company converts an Incentive Stock Option to a Nonstatutory Stock Option.

(c) Exercise Price . The Board shall establish the exercise price of each Option and specify the exercise price in the applicable Option agreement. The exercise price shall be not less than 100% of the fair market value per share of Common Stock as determined by (or in a manner approved by) the Board (“ Fair Market Value ”) on the date the Option is granted; provided that if the Board approves the grant of an Option with an exercise price to be determined on a future date, the exercise price shall be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on such future date.

(d) Duration of Options . Each Option shall be exercisable at such times and subject to such terms and conditions as the Board may specify in the applicable option agreement; provided, however , that no Option will be granted with a term in excess of 10 years.

(e) Exercise of Options . Options may be exercised by delivery to the Company of a notice of exercise in a form (which may be electronic) approved by the Company, together with payment in full (in the manner specified in Section 5(f)) of the exercise price for the number of shares for which the Option is exercised. Shares of Common Stock subject to the Option will be delivered by the Company as soon as practicable following exercise.

(f) Payment Upon Exercise . Common Stock purchased upon the exercise of an Option granted under the Plan shall be paid for as follows:

(1) in cash, by check or by wire transfer, payable to the order of the Company;

(2) except as may otherwise be provided in the applicable Option agreement or approved by the Board, in its sole discretion, by (i) delivery of an irrevocable and unconditional undertaking by a creditworthy broker to deliver promptly to the Company sufficient funds to pay the exercise price and any required tax withholding or (ii) delivery by the Participant to the Company of a copy of irrevocable and unconditional instructions to a creditworthy broker to deliver promptly to the Company cash or a check sufficient to pay the exercise price and any required tax withholding;

(3) to the extent provided for in the applicable Option agreement or approved by the Board, in its sole discretion, by delivery (either by actual delivery or attestation) of shares of Common Stock owned by the Participant valued at their Fair Market Value, provided (i) such method of payment is then permitted under applicable law, (ii) such Common Stock, if acquired directly from the Company, was owned by the Participant for such minimum period of time, if any, as may be established by the Board in its discretion and (iii) such Common Stock is not subject to any repurchase, forfeiture, unfulfilled vesting or other similar requirements;

(4) to the extent provided for in the applicable Nonstatutory Stock Option agreement or approved by the Board in its sole discretion, by delivery of a notice of “net exercise” to the Company, as a result of which the Participant would receive (i) the number of shares underlying the portion of the Option being exercised, less (ii) such number of shares as is equal to (A) the aggregate exercise price for the portion of the Option being exercised divided by (B) the Fair Market Value on the date of exercise;

 

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(5) to the extent permitted by applicable law and provided for in the applicable Option agreement or approved by the Board, in its sole discretion, by payment of such other lawful consideration as the Board may determine; or

(6) by any combination of the above permitted forms of payment.

(g) Limitation on Repricing . Unless such action is approved by the Company’s stockholders, the Company may not (except as provided for under Section 9): (1) amend any outstanding Option granted under the Plan to provide an exercise price per share that is lower than the then-current exercise price per share of such outstanding Option, (2) cancel any outstanding option (whether or not granted under the Plan) and grant in substitution therefor new Awards under the Plan (other than Awards granted pursuant to Section 4(c)) covering the same or a different number of shares of Common Stock and having an exercise price per share lower than the then-current exercise price per share of the cancelled option, (3) cancel in exchange for a cash payment any outstanding Option with an exercise price per share above the then-current Fair Market Value, other than pursuant to Section 9, or (4) take any other action under the Plan that constitutes a “repricing” within the meaning of the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market (“ NASDAQ ”).

(h) No Reload Options . No Option granted under the Plan shall contain any provision entitling the Participant to the automatic grant of additional Options in connection with any exercise of the original Option.

(i) No Dividend Equivalents . No option shall provide for the payment or accrual of Dividend Equivalents (as defined below).

 

6. Stock Appreciation Rights

(a) General . The Board may grant Awards consisting of stock appreciation rights (“ SARs ”) entitling the holder, upon exercise, to receive an amount of Common Stock or cash or a combination thereof (such form to be determined by the Board) determined by reference to appreciation, from and after the date of grant, in the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock over the measurement price established pursuant to Section 6(c). The date as of which such appreciation is determined shall be the exercise date.

(b) Grants . SARs may be granted in tandem with, or independently of, Options granted under the Plan.

(1) Tandem Awards . When SARs are expressly granted in tandem with Options, (i) the SAR will be exercisable only at such time or times, and to the extent, that the related Option is exercisable (except to the extent designated by the Board in connection with a Reorganization Event) and will be exercisable in accordance with the procedure required for exercise of the related Option; (ii) the SAR will terminate and no longer be exercisable upon the termination or exercise of the related Option, except to the extent designated by the Board in connection with a Reorganization Event and except that a SAR granted with respect to less than the full number of shares covered by an Option will not be reduced until the number of shares as to which the related Option has been exercised or has terminated exceeds the number of shares not covered by the SAR; (iii) the Option will terminate and no longer be exercisable upon the exercise of the related SAR; and (iv) the SAR will be transferable only with the related Option.

(2) Independent SARs . A SAR not expressly granted in tandem with an Option will become exercisable at such time or times, and on such conditions, as the Board may specify in the SAR Award.

(c) Measurement Price . The Board shall establish the measurement price of each SAR and specify it in the applicable SAR agreement. The measurement price shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on the date the SAR is granted; provided that if the Board approves the grant of an SAR effective as of a future date, the measurement price shall be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on such future date.

 

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(d) Duration of SARs . Each SAR shall be exercisable at such times and subject to such terms and conditions as the Board may specify in the applicable SAR agreement; provided, however , that no SAR will be granted with a term in excess of 10 years.

(e) Exercise of SARs . SARs may be exercised by delivery to the Company of a notice of exercise in a form (which may be electronic) approved by the Company, together with any other documents required by the Board.

(f) Limitation on Repricing . Unless such action is approved by the Company’s stockholders, the Company may not (except as provided for under Section 9): (1) amend any outstanding SAR granted under the Plan to provide a measurement price per share that is lower than the then-current measurement price per share of such outstanding SAR, (2) cancel any outstanding SAR (whether or not granted under the Plan) and grant in substitution therefor new Awards under the Plan (other than Awards granted pursuant to Section 4(c)) covering the same or a different number of shares of Common Stock and having an exercise or measurement price per share lower than the then-current measurement price per share of the cancelled SAR, (3) cancel in exchange for a cash payment any outstanding SAR with a measurement price per share above the then-current Fair Market Value, other than pursuant to Section 9, or (4) take any other action under the Plan that constitutes a “repricing” within the meaning of the rules of NASDAQ.

(g) No Reload Rights . No SAR granted under the Plan shall contain any provision entitling the grantee to the automatic grant of additional SARs in connection with any exercise of the original SAR.

(h) No Dividend Equivalents . No SAR shall provide for the payment or accrual of Dividend Equivalents.

 

7. Restricted Stock; Restricted Stock Units

(a) General . The Board may grant Awards entitling recipients to acquire shares of Common Stock (“ Restricted Stock ”), subject to the right of the Company to repurchase all or part of such shares at their issue price or other stated or formula price (or to require forfeiture of such shares if issued at no cost) from the recipient in the event that conditions specified by the Board in the applicable Award are not satisfied prior to the end of the applicable restriction period or periods established by the Board for such Award. The Board may also grant Awards entitling the recipient to receive shares of Common Stock or cash to be delivered at the time such Award vests (“ Restricted Stock Units ”) (Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units are each referred to herein as a “ Restricted Stock Award ”).

(b) Terms and Conditions for All Restricted Stock Awards . The Board shall determine the terms and conditions of a Restricted Stock Award, including the conditions for vesting and repurchase (or forfeiture) and the issue price, if any.

(c) Additional Provisions Relating to Restricted Stock .

(1) Dividends . Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award agreement, any dividends (whether paid in cash, stock or property) declared and paid by the Company with respect to shares of Restricted Stock (“ Accrued Dividends ”) shall be paid to the Participant only if and when such shares become free from the restrictions on transferability and forfeitability that apply to such shares. Each payment of Accrued Dividends will be made no later than the end of the calendar year in which the dividends are paid to stockholders of that class of stock or, if later, the 15th day of the third month following the lapsing of the restrictions on transferability and the forfeitability provisions applicable to the underlying shares of Restricted Stock.

(2) Stock Certificates . The Company may require that any stock certificates issued in respect of shares of Restricted Stock, as well as dividends or distributions paid on such Restricted Stock, shall be deposited in escrow by the Participant, together with a stock power endorsed in blank, with the Company (or its designee). At the expiration of the applicable restriction periods, the Company (or such designee) shall deliver the certificates

 

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no longer subject to such restrictions to the Participant or if the Participant has died, to his or her Designated Beneficiary. “ Designated Beneficiary ” means (i) the beneficiary designated, in a manner determined by the Board, by a Participant to receive amounts due or exercise rights of the Participant in the event of the Participant’s death or (ii) in the absence of an effective designation by a Participant, the Participant’s estate.

(d) Additional Provisions Relating to Restricted Stock Units .

(1) Settlement . Upon the vesting of and/or lapsing of any other restrictions (i.e., settlement) with respect to each Restricted Stock Unit, the Participant shall be entitled to receive from the Company one share of Common Stock or (if so provided in the applicable Award agreement) an amount of cash equal to the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock. The Board may, in its discretion, provide that settlement of Restricted Stock Units shall be deferred, on a mandatory basis or at the election of the Participant in a manner that complies with Section 409A of the Code.

(2) Voting Rights . A Participant shall have no voting rights with respect to any Restricted Stock Units.

(3) Dividend Equivalents . The Award agreement for Restricted Stock Units may provide Participants with the right to receive an amount equal to any dividends or other distributions declared and paid on an equal number of outstanding shares of Common Stock (“ Dividend Equivalents ”). Dividend Equivalents will be subject to the same restrictions on transfer and forfeitability as the Restricted Stock Units with respect to which such Dividend Equivalents were granted.

 

8. Other Stock-Based Awards

(a) General . Other Awards of shares of Common Stock, and other Awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise based on, shares of Common Stock or other property, may be granted hereunder to Participants (“ Other Stock-Based-Awards ”). Such Other Stock-Based Awards shall also be available as a form of payment in the settlement of other Awards granted under the Plan or as payment in lieu of compensation to which a Participant is otherwise entitled. Other Stock-Based Awards may be paid in shares of Common Stock or cash, as the Board shall determine.

(b) Terms and Conditions . Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Board shall determine the terms and conditions of each Other Stock-Based Award, including any purchase price applicable thereto. Dividend Equivalents will be subject to the same restrictions on transfer and forfeitability as the Other Stock-Based Awards with respect to which such Dividend Equivalents were granted.

 

9. Adjustments for Changes in Common Stock and Certain Other Events

(a) Changes in Capitalization . In the event of any stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, combination of shares, reclassification of shares, spin-off or other similar change in capitalization or event, or any dividend or distribution to holders of Common Stock other than an ordinary cash dividend, (i) the number and class of securities available under the Plan, (ii) the share counting rules and sublimits set forth in Sections 4(a) and 4(b), (iii) the number and class of securities and exercise price per share of each outstanding Option, (iv) the share and per-share provisions and the measurement price of each outstanding SAR, (v) the number of shares subject to and the repurchase price per share subject to each outstanding Restricted Stock Award and (vi) the share and per-share-related provisions and the purchase price, if any, of each outstanding Other Stock-Based Award, shall be equitably adjusted by the Company (or substituted Awards may be made, if applicable) in the manner determined by the Board. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event the Company effects a split of the Common Stock by means of a stock dividend and the exercise price of and the number of shares subject to an outstanding Option are adjusted as of the date of the distribution of the dividend (rather than as of the record date for such dividend), then an optionee who exercises an Option between the record date and the distribution date for such stock dividend shall be entitled to receive,

 

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on the distribution date, the stock dividend with respect to the shares of Common Stock acquired upon such Option exercise, notwithstanding the fact that such shares were not outstanding as of the close of business on the record date for such stock dividend.

(b) Reorganization Events .

(1) Definition . A “ Reorganization Event ” shall mean: (a) any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another entity as a result of which all of the Common Stock of the Company is converted into or exchanged for the right to receive cash, securities or other property or is cancelled, (b) any transfer or disposition of all of the Common Stock of the Company for cash, securities or other property pursuant to a share exchange or other transaction or (c) any liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

(2) Consequences of a Reorganization Event on Awards Other than Restricted Stock .

(A) In connection with a Reorganization Event, the Board may take any one or more of the following actions as to all or any (or any portion of) outstanding Awards other than Restricted Stock on such terms as the Board determines (except to the extent specifically provided otherwise in an applicable Award agreement or another agreement between the Company and the Participant): (i) provide that such Awards shall be assumed, or substantially equivalent Awards shall be substituted, by the acquiring or succeeding corporation (or an affiliate thereof), (ii) upon written notice to a Participant, provide that all of the Participant’s unexercised Awards will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such Reorganization Event unless exercised by the Participant (to the extent then exercisable) within a specified period following the date of such notice, (iii) provide that outstanding Awards shall become exercisable, realizable, or deliverable, or restrictions applicable to an Award shall lapse, in whole or in part prior to or upon such Reorganization Event, (iv) in the event of a Reorganization Event under the terms of which holders of Common Stock will receive upon consummation thereof a cash payment for each share surrendered in the Reorganization Event (the “ Acquisition Price ”), make or provide for a cash payment to Participants with respect to each Award held by a Participant equal to (A) the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the vested portion of the Award (after giving effect to any acceleration of vesting that occurs upon or immediately prior to such Reorganization Event) multiplied by (B) the excess, if any, of (I) the Acquisition Price over (II) the exercise, measurement or purchase price of such Award and any applicable tax withholdings, in exchange for the termination of such Award, (v) provide that, in connection with a liquidation or dissolution of the Company, Awards shall convert into the right to receive liquidation proceeds (if applicable, net of the exercise, measurement or purchase price thereof and any applicable tax withholdings) and (vi) any combination of the foregoing. In taking any of the actions permitted under this Section 9(b)(2), the Board shall not be obligated by the Plan to treat all Awards, all Awards held by a Participant, or all Awards of the same type, identically.

(B) Notwithstanding the terms of Section 9(b)(2)(A), in the case of outstanding Restricted Stock Units that are subject to Section 409A of the Code: (i) if the applicable Restricted Stock Unit agreement provides that the Restricted Stock Units shall be settled upon a “change in control event” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(i), and the Reorganization Event constitutes such a “change in control event”, then no assumption or substitution shall be permitted pursuant to Section 9(b)(2)(A)(i) and the Restricted Stock Units shall instead be settled in accordance with the terms of the applicable Restricted Stock Unit agreement; and (ii) the Board may only undertake the actions set forth in clauses (iii), (iv) or (v) of Section 9(b)(2)(A) if the Reorganization Event constitutes a “change in control event” as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(i) and such action is permitted or required by Section 409A of the Code; if the Reorganization Event is not a “change in control event” as so defined or such action is not permitted or required by Section 409A of the Code, and the acquiring or succeeding corporation does not assume or substitute the Restricted Stock Units pursuant to clause (i) of Section 9(b)(2)(A), then the unvested Restricted Stock Units shall terminate immediately prior to the consummation of the Reorganization Event without any payment in exchange therefor.

 

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(C) For purposes of Section 9(b)(2)(A)(i), an Award (other than Restricted Stock) shall be considered assumed if, following consummation of the Reorganization Event, such Award confers the right to purchase or receive pursuant to the terms of such Award, for each share of Common Stock subject to the Award immediately prior to the consummation of the Reorganization Event, the consideration (whether cash, securities or other property) received as a result of the Reorganization Event by holders of Common Stock for each share of Common Stock held immediately prior to the consummation of the Reorganization Event (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock); provided, however , that if the consideration received as a result of the Reorganization Event is not solely common stock of the acquiring or succeeding corporation (or an affiliate thereof), the Company may, with the consent of the acquiring or succeeding corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise or settlement of the Award to consist solely of such number of shares of common stock of the acquiring or succeeding corporation (or an affiliate thereof) that the Board determined to be equivalent in value (as of the date of such determination or another date specified by the Board) to the per share consideration received by holders of outstanding shares of Common Stock as a result of the Reorganization Event.

(3) Consequences of a Reorganization Event on Restricted Stock . Upon the occurrence of a Reorganization Event other than a liquidation or dissolution of the Company, the repurchase and other rights of the Company with respect to outstanding Restricted Stock shall inure to the benefit of the Company’s successor and shall, unless the Board determines otherwise, apply to the cash, securities or other property which the Common Stock was converted into or exchanged for pursuant to such Reorganization Event in the same manner and to the same extent as they applied to such Restricted Stock; provided , however , that the Board may provide for termination or deemed satisfaction of such repurchase or other rights under the instrument evidencing any Restricted Stock or any other agreement between a Participant and the Company, either initially or by amendment. Upon the occurrence of a Reorganization Event involving the liquidation or dissolution of the Company, except to the extent specifically provided to the contrary in the instrument evidencing any Restricted Stock or any other agreement between a Participant and the Company, all restrictions and conditions on all Restricted Stock then outstanding shall automatically be deemed terminated or satisfied.

 

10. General Provisions Applicable to Awards

(a) Transferability of Awards . Awards shall not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered by the person to whom they are granted, either voluntarily or by operation of law, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution or, other than in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, and, during the life of the Participant, shall be exercisable only by the Participant; provided, however , that the Board may permit or provide in an Award for the gratuitous transfer of the Award by the Participant to or for the benefit of any immediate family member, family trust or other entity established for the benefit of the Participant and/or an immediate family member thereof if the Company would be eligible to use a Form S-8 under the Securities Act for the registration of the sale of the Common Stock subject to such Award to such proposed transferee; provided further , that the Company shall not be required to recognize any such permitted transfer until such time as such permitted transferee shall, as a condition to such transfer, deliver to the Company a written instrument in form and substance satisfactory to the Company confirming that such transferee shall be bound by all of the terms and conditions of the Award. References to a Participant, to the extent relevant in the context, shall include references to authorized transferees. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing contained in this Section 10(a) shall be deemed to restrict a transfer to the Company.

(b) Documentation . Each Award shall be evidenced in such form (written, electronic or otherwise) as the Board shall determine. Each Award may contain terms and conditions in addition to those set forth in the Plan.

(c) Board Discretion . Except as otherwise provided by the Plan, each Award may be made alone or in addition or in relation to any other Award. The terms of each Award need not be identical, and the Board need not treat Participants uniformly.

 

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(d) Termination of Status . The Board shall determine the effect on an Award of the disability, death, retirement, termination or other cessation of employment, authorized leave of absence or other change in the employment or other status of a Participant and the extent to which, and the period during which, the Participant, or the Participant’s legal representative, conservator, guardian or Designated Beneficiary, may exercise rights under the Award.

(e) Withholding . The Participant must satisfy all applicable federal, state, and local or other income and employment tax withholding obligations before the Company will deliver stock certificates or otherwise recognize ownership of Common Stock under an Award. The Company may decide to satisfy the withholding obligations through additional withholding on salary or wages. If the Company elects not to or cannot withhold from other compensation, the Participant must pay the Company the full amount, if any, required for withholding or have a broker tender to the Company cash equal to the withholding obligations. Payment of withholding obligations is due before the Company will issue any shares on exercise, vesting or release from forfeiture of an Award or at the same time as payment of the exercise or purchase price, unless the Company determines otherwise. If provided for in an Award or approved by the Board in its sole discretion, a Participant may satisfy such tax obligations in whole or in part by delivery (either by actual delivery or attestation) of shares of Common Stock, including shares retained from the Award creating the tax obligation, valued at their Fair Market Value; provided, however , except as otherwise provided by the Board, that the total tax withholding where stock is being used to satisfy such tax obligations cannot exceed the Company’s minimum statutory withholding obligations (based on minimum statutory withholding rates for federal and state tax purposes, including payroll taxes, that are applicable to such supplemental taxable income). Shares used to satisfy tax withholding requirements cannot be subject to any repurchase, forfeiture, unfulfilled vesting or other similar requirements.

(f) Amendment of Award . Except as otherwise provided in Section 5(g) with respect to repricings, Section 10(i) with respect to Performance Awards or Section 11(d) with respect to actions requiring stockholder approval, the Board may amend, modify or terminate any outstanding Award, including but not limited to, substituting therefor another Award of the same or a different type, changing the date of exercise or realization, and converting an Incentive Stock Option to a Nonstatutory Stock Option. The Participant’s consent to such action shall be required unless (i) the Board determines that the action, taking into account any related action, does not materially and adversely affect the Participant’s rights under the Plan or (ii) the change is permitted under Section 9.

(g) Conditions on Delivery of Stock . The Company will not be obligated to deliver any shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Plan or to remove restrictions from shares previously issued or delivered under the Plan until (i) all conditions of the Award have been met or removed to the satisfaction of the Company, (ii) in the opinion of the Company’s counsel, all other legal matters in connection with the issuance and delivery of such shares have been satisfied, including any applicable securities laws and regulations and any applicable stock exchange or stock market rules and regulations, and (iii) the Participant has executed and delivered to the Company such representations or agreements as the Company may consider appropriate to satisfy the requirements of any applicable laws, rules or regulations.

(h) Acceleration . The Board may at any time provide that any Award shall become immediately exercisable in whole or in part, free of some or all restrictions or conditions, or otherwise realizable in whole or in part, as the case may be.

(i) Performance Awards .

(1) Grants . Restricted Stock Awards and Other Stock-Based Awards under the Plan may be made subject to the achievement of performance goals pursuant to this Section 10(i) (“ Performance Awards ”). Performance Awards can also provide for cash payments of up to $1,500,000 per fiscal year per individual.

 

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(2) Committee . Grants of Performance Awards to any Covered Employee (as defined below) intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) (“ Performance-Based Compensation ”) shall be made only by a Committee (or a subcommittee of a Committee) comprised solely of two or more directors eligible to serve on a committee making Awards qualifying as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m). In the case of such Awards granted to Covered Employees, references to the Board or to a Committee shall be treated as referring to such Committee (or subcommittee). “ Covered Employee ” shall mean any person who is, or whom the Committee, in its discretion, determines may be, a “covered employee” under Section 162(m)(3) of the Code.

(3) Performance Measures . For any Award that is intended to qualify as Performance-Based Compensation, the Committee shall specify that the degree of granting, vesting and/or payout shall be subject to the achievement of one or more objective performance measures established by the Committee, which shall be based on the relative or absolute attainment of specified levels of one or any combination of the following, which may be determined pursuant to generally accepted accounting principles (“ GAAP ”) or on a non-GAAP basis, as determined by the Committee: (a) earnings per share, (b) return on average equity or average assets with respect to a pre-determined peer group, (c) earnings, (d) earnings growth, (e) revenues, (f) expenses, (g) stock price, (h) market share, (i) return on sales, assets, equity or investment, (j) regulatory compliance, (k) achievement of balance sheet or income statement objectives, (l) total shareholder return, (m) net operating profit after tax, (n) pre-tax or after tax income, (o) cash flow, (p) achievement of research, development, clinical or regulatory milestones, (q) product sales, (r) business development activities, (s) the entry into an arrangement or agreement with a third party for the development, commercialization, marketing or distribution of products, services or technologies, or for conducting a research program to discover and develop a product, service or technology, and/or the achievement of milestones under such arrangement or agreement, including events that trigger an obligation or payment right, (t) achievement of domestic and international regulatory milestones, including the submission of filings required to advance products, services and technologies in clinical development and the achievement of approvals by regulatory authorities relating to the commercialization of products, services and technologies, (u) the achievement of discovery, preclinical and clinical stage scientific objectives, discoveries or inventions for products, services and technologies under research and development, (v) the entry into or completion of a phase of clinical development for any product, service or technology, such as the entry into or completion of phase 1, 2 and/or 3 clinical trials, (w) the consummation of debt or equity financing transactions, or acquisitions of business, technologies and assets, (x) new product or service releases, (y) specified levels of product sales, net income, earnings before or after discontinued operations, interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization, operating profit before or after discontinued operations and/or taxes, sales, sales growth, earnings growth, cash flow or cash position, gross margins, stock price, market share, return on sales, assets, equity or investment and (z) improvement of financial ratings. Such goals may reflect absolute entity or business unit performance or a relative comparison to the performance of a peer group of entities or other external measure of the selected performance criteria and may be absolute in their terms or measured against or in relationship to other companies comparably, similarly or otherwise situated. The Committee may specify that such performance measures shall be adjusted to exclude any one or more of (i) extraordinary items, (ii) gains or losses on the dispositions of discontinued operations, (iii) the cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles, (iv) the writedown of any asset, (v) fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates, and (vi) charges for restructuring and rationalization programs. Such performance measures: (i) may vary by Participant and may be different for different Awards; (ii) may be particular to a Participant or the department, branch, line of business, subsidiary or other unit in which the Participant works and may cover such period as may be specified by the Committee; and (iii) shall be set by the Committee within the time period prescribed by, and shall otherwise comply with the requirements of, Section 162(m). Awards that are not intended to qualify as Performance-Based Compensation may be based on these or such other performance measures as the Board may determine.

(4) Adjustments . Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan, with respect to any Performance Award that is intended to qualify as Performance-Based Compensation, the Committee may adjust downwards, but not upwards, the cash or number of shares payable pursuant to such Award, and the Committee may not waive the

 

D-11


achievement of the applicable performance measures except in the case of the death or disability of the Participant or a change in control of the Company.

(5) Other . The Committee shall have the power to impose such other restrictions on Performance Awards as it may deem necessary or appropriate to ensure that such Awards satisfy all requirements for Performance-Based Compensation. Dividend Equivalents will be subject to the same restrictions on transfer and forfeitability as the Performance Awards with respect to which such Dividend Equivalents were granted.

 

11. Miscellaneous

(a) No Right To Employment or Other Status . No person shall have any claim or right to be granted an Award by virtue of the adoption of the Plan, and the grant of an Award shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to continued employment or any other relationship with the Company. The Company expressly reserves the right at any time to dismiss or otherwise terminate its relationship with a Participant free from any liability or claim under the Plan, except as expressly provided in the applicable Award.

(b) No Rights As Stockholder . Subject to the provisions of the applicable Award, no Participant or Designated Beneficiary shall have any rights as a stockholder with respect to any shares of Common Stock to be distributed with respect to an Award until becoming the record holder of such shares.

(c) Effective Date and Term of Plan . The Plan shall become effective on the date the Plan is approved by the Company’s stockholders (the “ Effective Date ”). No Awards shall be granted under the Plan after the expiration of 10 years from the Effective Date, but Awards previously granted may extend beyond that date.

(d) Amendment of Plan . The Board may amend, suspend or terminate the Plan or any portion thereof at any time provided that (i) to the extent required by Section 162(m), no Award granted to a Participant that is intended to comply with Section 162(m) after the date of such amendment shall become exercisable, realizable or vested, as applicable to such Award, unless and until the Company’s stockholders approve such amendment in the manner required by Section 162(m); (ii) no amendment that would require stockholder approval under the rules of NASDAQ may be made effective unless and until the Company’s stockholders approve such amendment; and (iii) if the NASDAQ amends its corporate governance rules so that such rules no longer require stockholder approval of NASDAQ “material amendments” to equity compensation plans, then, from and after the effective date of such amendment to the NASDAQ rules, no amendment to the Plan (A) materially increasing the number of shares authorized under the Plan (other than pursuant to Section 4(c) or 9), (B) expanding the types of Awards that may be granted under the Plan, or (C) materially expanding the class of participants eligible to participate in the Plan shall be effective unless and until the Company’s stockholders approve such amendment. In addition, if at any time the approval of the Company’s stockholders is required as to any other modification or amendment under Section 422 of the Code or any successor provision with respect to Incentive Stock Options, the Board may not effect such modification or amendment without such approval. Unless otherwise specified in the amendment, any amendment to the Plan adopted in accordance with this Section 11(d) shall apply to, and be binding on the holders of, all Awards outstanding under the Plan at the time the amendment is adopted, provided the Board determines that such amendment, taking into account any related action, does not materially and adversely affect the rights of Participants under the Plan.

(e) Authorization of Sub-Plans (including for Grants to non-U.S. Employees) . The Board may from time to time establish one or more sub-plans under the Plan for purposes of satisfying applicable securities, tax or other laws of various jurisdictions. The Board shall establish such sub-plans by adopting supplements to the Plan containing (i) such limitations on the Board’s discretion under the Plan as the Board deems necessary or desirable or (ii) such additional terms and conditions not otherwise inconsistent with the Plan as the Board shall deem necessary or desirable. All supplements adopted by the Board shall be deemed to be part of the Plan, but each supplement shall apply only to Participants within the affected jurisdiction and the Company shall not be required to provide copies of any supplement to Participants in any jurisdiction which is not the subject of such supplement.

 

D-12


(f) Compliance with Section 409A of the Code . Except as provided in individual Award agreements initially or by amendment, if and to the extent (i) any portion of any payment, compensation or other benefit provided to a Participant pursuant to the Plan in connection with his or her employment termination constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and (ii) the Participant is a specified employee as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, in each case as determined by the Company in accordance with its procedures, by which determinations the Participant (through accepting the Award) agrees that he or she is bound, such portion of the payment, compensation or other benefit shall not be paid before the day that is six months plus one day after the date of “separation from service” (as determined under Section 409A of the Code) (the “ New Payment Date ”), except as Section 409A of the Code may then permit. The aggregate of any payments that otherwise would have been paid to the Participant during the period between the date of separation from service and the New Payment Date shall be paid to the Participant in a lump sum on such New Payment Date, and any remaining payments will be paid on their original schedule.

The Company makes no representations or warranty and shall have no liability to the Participant or any other person if any provisions of or payments, compensation or other benefits under the Plan are determined to constitute nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code but do not to satisfy the conditions of that section.

(g) Limitations on Liability . Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, no individual acting as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company will be liable to any Participant, former Participant, spouse, beneficiary, or any other person for any claim, loss, liability, or expense incurred in connection with the Plan, nor will such individual be personally liable with respect to the Plan because of any contract or other instrument he or she executes in his or her capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company. The Company will indemnify and hold harmless each director, officer, employee or agent of the Company to whom any duty or power relating to the administration or interpretation of the Plan has been or will be delegated, against any cost or expense (including attorneys’ fees) or liability (including any sum paid in settlement of a claim with the Board’s approval) arising out of any act or omission to act concerning the Plan unless arising out of such person’s own fraud or bad faith.

(h) Governing Law . The provisions of the Plan and all Awards made hereunder shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, excluding choice-of-law principles of the law of such state that would require the application of the laws of a jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware.

 

D-13

Exhibit 10.2

IDERA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

Incentive Stock Option Agreement

Granted Under 2013 Stock Incentive Plan

 

1. Grant of Option .

This agreement evidences the grant by Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), on         , 201[    ] (the “Grant Date”) to [                    ], an employee of the Company (the “Participant”), of an option to purchase, in whole or in part, on the terms provided herein and in the Company’s 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), a total of [            ] shares (the “Shares”) of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of the Company (“Common Stock”) at $[        ] per Share. Unless earlier terminated, this option shall expire at 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on [                    ] (the “Final Exercise Date”).

It is intended that the option evidenced by this agreement shall be an incentive stock option as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Code”). Except as otherwise indicated by the context, the term “Participant”, as used in this option, shall be deemed to include any person who acquires the right to exercise this option validly under its terms.

 

2. Vesting Schedule .

This option will become exercisable (“vest”) as to                     .

The right of exercise shall be cumulative so that to the extent the option is not exercised in any period to the maximum extent permissible it shall continue to be exercisable, in whole or in part, with respect to all Shares for which it is vested until the earlier of the Final Exercise Date or the termination of this option under Section 3 hereof or the Plan.

 

3. Exercise of Option .

(a) Form of Exercise . Each election to exercise this option shall be in writing, signed by the Participant, and received by the Company at its principal office, accompanied by this agreement, and payment in full in the manner provided in the Plan. The Participant may purchase less than the number of shares covered hereby, provided that no partial exercise of this option may be for any fractional share.


(b) Continuous Relationship with the Company Required . Except as otherwise provided in this Section 3, this option may not be exercised unless the Participant, at the time he or she exercises this option, is, and has been at all times since the Grant Date, an employee or officer or director of, or consultant or advisor (as such terms are defined and interpreted for purposes of Form S-8 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) to, the Company or any parent or subsidiary of the Company as defined in Section 424(e) or (f) of the Code (an “Eligible Participant”).

(c) Termination of Relationship with the Company . If the Participant ceases to be an Eligible Participant for any reason, then, except as provided in paragraphs (d) and (e) below, the right to exercise this option shall terminate three months after such cessation (but in no event after the Final Exercise Date), provided that this option shall be exercisable only to the extent that the Participant was entitled to exercise this option on the date of such cessation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Participant, prior to the Final Exercise Date, violates the non-competition or confidentiality provisions of any employment contract, confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company, the right to exercise this option shall terminate immediately upon such violation.

(d) Exercise Period Upon Death or Disability . If the Participant dies or becomes disabled (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code) prior to the Final Exercise Date while he or she is an Eligible Participant and the Company has not terminated such relationship for “cause” as specified in paragraph (e) below, this option shall be exercisable, within the period of one year following the date of death or disability of the Participant, by the Participant (or in the case of death by an authorized transferee), provided that this option shall be exercisable only to the extent that this option was exercisable by the Participant on the date of his or her death or disability, and further provided that this option shall not be exercisable after the Final Exercise Date.

(e) Termination for Cause . If, prior to the Final Exercise Date, the Participant’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause (as defined below), the right to exercise this option shall terminate immediately upon the effective date of such termination of employment. If the Participant is party to an employment or severance agreement with the Company that contains a definition of “cause” for termination of employment, “Cause” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in such agreement. Otherwise, “Cause” shall mean willful misconduct by the Participant or willful failure by the Participant to perform his or her responsibilities to the Company (including, without limitation, breach by the Participant of any provision of any employment, consulting, advisory, nondisclosure, non-competition or other similar agreement between the Participant and the Company), as determined by the Company, which determination shall be conclusive. The Participant shall be considered to have been discharged for Cause if the Company determines, within 30 days after the Participant’s resignation, that discharge for cause was warranted.

 

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4. Tax Matters .

(a) Withholding . No Shares will be issued pursuant to the exercise of this option unless and until the Participant pays to the Company, or makes provision satisfactory to the Company for payment of, any federal, state or local withholding taxes required by law to be withheld in respect of this option.

(b) Disqualifying Disposition . If the Participant disposes of Shares acquired upon exercise of this option within two years from the Grant Date or one year after such Shares were acquired pursuant to exercise of this option, the Participant shall notify the Company in writing of such disposition.

 

5. Nontransferability of Option .

This option may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered by the Participant, either voluntarily or by operation of law, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and, during the lifetime of the Participant, this option shall be exercisable only by the Participant.

 

6. Provisions of the Plan .

This option is subject to the provisions of the Plan (including the provisions relating to amendments to the Plan), a copy of which is furnished to the Participant with this option.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this option to be executed under its corporate seal by its duly authorized officer. This option shall take effect as a sealed instrument.

 

IDERA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

- 3 -


PARTICIPANT’S ACCEPTANCE

The undersigned hereby accepts the foregoing option and agrees to the terms and conditions thereof. The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Company’s 2013 Stock Incentive Plan.

 

PARTICIPANT:  

 

Address:  

 

 

 

 

- 4 -


FORM OF NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION EXERCISE

Date:                     

Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

167 Sidney Street

Cambridge, MA 02139

Attention: Treasurer

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am the holder of an Incentive Stock Option granted to me under the Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “ Company ”) 2013 Stock Incentive Plan on                      for the purchase of              shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company (“ Common Stock ”) at a purchase price of $          per share.

I hereby exercise my option with respect to              shares of Common Stock, for which I have enclosed                      in the amount of                      . Please register my stock certificate as follows:

 

Name(s):

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

 

 

Tax I.D. #:

 

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

Name:  

 

 

- 5 -

Exhibit 10.3

IDERA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement

Granted Under 2013 Stock Incentive Plan

 

1. Grant of Option .

This agreement evidences the grant by Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), on         , 201[    ] (the “Grant Date”) to [                    ], an [employee of] [consultant to] the Company (the “Participant”), of an option to purchase, in whole or in part, on the terms provided herein and in the Company’s 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), a total of [                ] shares (the “Shares”) of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of the Company (“Common Stock”) at $[        ] per Share. Unless earlier terminated, this option shall expire at 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on [                    ] (the “Final Exercise Date”).

It is intended that the option evidenced by this agreement shall not be an incentive stock option as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Code”). Except as otherwise indicated by the context, the term “Participant”, as used in this option, shall be deemed to include any person who acquires the right to exercise this option validly under its terms.

 

2. Vesting Schedule .

This option will become exercisable (“vest”) as to                     .

The right of exercise shall be cumulative so that to the extent the option is not exercised in any period to the maximum extent permissible it shall continue to be exercisable, in whole or in part, with respect to all Shares for which it is vested until the earlier of the Final Exercise Date or the termination of this option under Section 3 hereof or the Plan.

 

3. Exercise of Option .

(a) Form of Exercise . Each election to exercise this option shall be in writing, signed by the Participant, and received by the Company at its principal office, accompanied by this agreement, and payment in full in the manner provided in the Plan or indication on such notice of exercise that the Participant wishes to effect a net exercise of this option in accordance with Section 5(f)(4) of the Plan. The Participant may purchase less than the number of shares covered hereby, provided that no partial exercise of this option may be for any fractional share.

(b) Continuous Relationship with the Company Required . Except as otherwise provided in this Section 3, this option may not be exercised unless the Participant, at the time he


or she exercises this option, is, and has been at all times since the Grant Date, an employee or officer or director of, or consultant or advisor (as such terms are defined and interpreted for purposes of Form S-8 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) to, the Company or any other entity the employees, officers, consultants, or advisors of which are eligible to receive option grants under the Plan (an “Eligible Participant”).

(c) Termination of Relationship with the Company . If the Participant ceases to be an Eligible Participant for any reason, then, except as provided in paragraphs (d) and (e) below, the right to exercise this option shall terminate three months after such cessation (but in no event after the Final Exercise Date), provided that this option shall be exercisable only to the extent that the Participant was entitled to exercise this option on the date of such cessation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Participant, prior to the Final Exercise Date, violates the non-competition or confidentiality provisions of any employment contract, confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company, the right to exercise this option shall terminate immediately upon such violation.

(d) Exercise Period Upon Death or Disability . If the Participant dies or becomes disabled (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code) prior to the Final Exercise Date while he or she is an Eligible Participant and the Company has not terminated such relationship for “cause” as specified in paragraph (e) below, this option shall be exercisable, within the period of one year following the date of death or disability of the Participant, by the Participant (or in the case of death by an authorized transferee), provided that this option shall be exercisable only to the extent that this option was exercisable by the Participant on the date of his or her death or disability, and further provided that this option shall not be exercisable after the Final Exercise Date.

(e) Termination for Cause . If, prior to the Final Exercise Date, the Participant’s employment or other relationship with the Company is terminated by the Company for Cause (as defined below), the right to exercise this option shall terminate immediately upon the effective date of such termination of employment or other relationship. If the Participant is party to an employment, consulting or severance agreement with the Company that contains a definition of “cause” for termination of employment or other relationship, “Cause” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in such agreement. Otherwise, “Cause” shall mean willful misconduct by the Participant or willful failure by the Participant to perform his or her responsibilities to the Company (including, without limitation, breach by the Participant of any provision of any employment, consulting, advisory, nondisclosure, non-competition or other similar agreement between the Participant and the Company), as determined by the Company, which determination shall be conclusive. The Participant shall be considered to have been discharged for “Cause” if the Company determines, within 30 days after the Participant’s resignation, that discharge for cause was warranted.

 

4. Withholding.

No Shares will be issued pursuant to the exercise of this option unless and until the Participant pays to the Company, or makes provision satisfactory to the Company for payment of, any federal, state or local withholding taxes required by law to be withheld in respect of this option.

 

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5. Nontransferability of Option .

This option may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered by the Participant, either voluntarily or by operation of law, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and, during the lifetime of the Participant, this option shall be exercisable only by the Participant.

 

6. Provisions of the Plan.

This option is subject to the provisions of the Plan (including the provisions relating to amendments to the Plan), a copy of which is furnished to the Participant with this option.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this option to be executed under its corporate seal by its duly authorized officer. This option shall take effect as a sealed instrument.

 

IDERA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

-3-


PARTICIPANT’S ACCEPTANCE

The undersigned hereby accepts the foregoing option and agrees to the terms and conditions thereof. The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Company’s 2013 Stock Incentive Plan.

 

PARTICIPANT:

 

Address:  

 

 

 


FORM OF NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION EXERCISE

Date:                     

Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

167 Sidney Street

Cambridge, MA 02139

Attention: Treasurer

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am the holder of a Nonstatutory Stock Option granted to me under the Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “ Company ”) 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) on                      for the purchase of                  shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company (“ Common Stock ”) at a purchase price of $          per share.

I hereby exercise my option with respect to                  shares of Common Stock for which:

(Select as appropriate)

 

   

I have enclosed                      in the amount of                      .

 

   

I wish to effect a net exercise in accordance with Section 5(f)(4) of the Plan, and in connection therewith I understand that I will receive the number of shares set forth above with respect to which I am exercising my option less such number of shares as is equal to (A) the aggregate purchase price for the shares with respect to which I am exercising my option divided by (B) the fair market value per share of Common Stock (as determined under the Plan) on the date of exercise of my option. This notice shall constitute a notice of net exercise as required under Section 5(f)(4) of the Plan.

Please register my stock certificate as follows:

 

Name(s):

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

Tax I.D. #:

 

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

Name:  

 

 

-5-

Exhibit 10.4

IDERA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

Non-Employee Director

Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement

Granted Under 2013 Stock Incentive Plan

 

1. Grant of Option .

This agreement evidences the grant by Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), on             , 201[     ] (the “Grant Date”) to [                    ], a director of the Company (the “Participant”), of an option to purchase, in whole or in part, on the terms provided herein and in the Company’s 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), a total of [                ] shares (the “Shares”) of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of the Company (“Common Stock”) at $[        ] per Share. Unless earlier terminated, this option shall expire at 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on [                    ] (the “Final Exercise Date”).

It is intended that the option evidenced by this agreement shall not be an incentive stock option as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Code”). Except as otherwise indicated by the context, the term “Participant”, as used in this option, shall be deemed to include any person who acquires the right to exercise this option validly under its terms.

 

2. Vesting Schedule .

This option will become exercisable (“vest”) as to                             . [Notwithstanding the foregoing, this option shall immediately become exercisable in full in the event a Reorganization Event (as defined in the Plan) occurs.]

The right of exercise shall be cumulative so that to the extent the option is not exercised in any period to the maximum extent permissible it shall continue to be exercisable, in whole or in part, with respect to all Shares for which it is vested until the earlier of the Final Exercise Date or the termination of this option under Section 3 hereof or the Plan.

 

3. Exercise of Option .

(a) Form of Exercise . Each election to exercise this option shall be in writing, signed by the Participant, and received by the Company at its principal office, accompanied by this agreement, and payment in full in the manner provided in the Plan or indication on such notice of exercise that the Participant wishes to effect a net exercise of this option in accordance with Section 5(f)(4) of the Plan. The Participant may purchase less than the number of shares covered hereby, provided that no partial exercise of this option may be for any fractional share.


(b) Continuous Relationship with the Company Required . Except as otherwise provided in this Section 3, this option may not be exercised unless the Participant, at the time he or she exercises this option, is, and has been at all times since the Grant Date, a director or consultant (as such term is defined and interpreted for purposes of Form S-8 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) of the Company or any other entity the employees, officers, directors, consultants, or advisors of which are eligible to receive option grants under the Plan (an “Eligible Participant”).

(c) Termination of Relationship with the Company . If the Participant ceases to be an Eligible Participant for any reason, then, except as provided in paragraphs (d) and (e) below, the right to exercise this option shall terminate three months after such cessation (but in no event after the Final Exercise Date), provided that this option shall be exercisable only to the extent that the Participant was entitled to exercise this option on the date of such cessation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Participant, prior to the Final Exercise Date, violates the non-competition or confidentiality provisions of any employment contract, confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company, the right to exercise this option shall terminate immediately upon such violation.

(d) Exercise Period Upon Death or Disability . If the Participant dies or becomes disabled (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code) prior to the Final Exercise Date while he or she is an Eligible Participant and the Company has not terminated such relationship for “cause” as specified in paragraph (e) below, this option shall be exercisable, within the period of one year following the date of death or disability of the Participant, by the Participant (or in the case of death by an authorized transferee), provided that this option shall be exercisable only to the extent that this option was exercisable by the Participant on the date of his or her death or disability, and further provided that this option shall not be exercisable after the Final Exercise Date.

(e) Termination for Cause . If, prior to the Final Exercise Date, the Participant’s employment or other relationship with the Company is terminated by the Company for Cause (as defined below), the right to exercise this option shall terminate immediately upon the effective date of such termination of employment or other relationship. If the Participant is party to an employment, consulting or severance agreement with the Company that contains a definition of “cause” for termination of employment or other relationship, “Cause” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in such agreement. Otherwise, “Cause” shall mean willful misconduct by the Participant or willful failure by the Participant to perform his or her responsibilities to the Company (including, without limitation, breach by the Participant of any provision of any employment, consulting, advisory, nondisclosure, non-competition or other similar agreement between the Participant and the Company), as determined by the Company, which determination shall be conclusive. The Participant shall be considered to have been discharged for “Cause” if the Company determines, within 30 days after the Participant’s resignation, that discharge for cause was warranted.

 

-2-


4. Withholding .

No Shares will be issued pursuant to the exercise of this option unless and until the Participant pays to the Company, or makes provision satisfactory to the Company for payment of, any federal, state or local withholding taxes required by law to be withheld in respect of this option.

 

5. Nontransferability of Option .

This option may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered by the Participant, either voluntarily or by operation of law, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and, during the lifetime of the Participant, this option shall be exercisable only by the Participant.

 

6. Provisions of the Plan .

This option is subject to the provisions of the Plan (including the provisions relating to amendments to the Plan), a copy of which is furnished to the Participant with this option.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this option to be executed under its corporate seal by its duly authorized officer. This option shall take effect as a sealed instrument.

 

IDERA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

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PARTICIPANT’S ACCEPTANCE

The undersigned hereby accepts the foregoing option and agrees to the terms and conditions thereof. The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Company’s 2013 Stock Incentive Plan.

 

PARTICIPANT:

 

Address:  

 

 

 


FORM OF NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION EXERCISE

Date:                     

Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

167 Sidney Street

Cambridge, MA 02139

Attention: Treasurer

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am the holder of a Nonstatutory Stock Option granted to me under the Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “ Company ”) 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) on                      for the purchase of                  shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company (“ Common Stock ”) at a purchase price of $          per share.

I hereby exercise my option with respect to                  shares of Common Stock for which:

(Select as appropriate)

 

   

I have enclosed                              in the amount of                      .

 

   

I wish to effect a net exercise in accordance with Section 5(f)(4) of the Plan, and in connection therewith I understand that I will receive the number of shares set forth above with respect to which I am exercising my option less such number of shares as is equal to (A) the aggregate purchase price for the shares with respect to which I am exercising my option divided by (B) the fair market value per share of Common Stock (as determined under the Plan) on the date of exercise of my option. This notice shall constitute a notice of net exercise as required under Section 5(f)(4) of the Plan.

Please register my stock certificate as follows:

 

Name(s):  

 

  
 

 

  
Address:  

 

  
Tax I.D. #:  

 

  

 

Very truly yours,

 

Name:  

 

 

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