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Index to Financial Statements

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 20-F

 

 

(Mark One)

¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

OR

 

¨ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of event requiring this shell company report                 

Commission file number 001-35428

 

 

Prima BioMed Ltd

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter and translation of Registrant’s name into English)

 

 

Australia

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

Level 7, 151 Macquarie Street, Sydney 2000, New South Wales, Australia

(Address of principal executive offices)

Marc Voigt, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

Level 7, 151 Macquarie Street, Sydney, 2000 New South Wales, Australia

Phone +61 (0)2 9276 1224 Fax:+61 (0)2 9276 1284

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Ordinary Shares  

The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (American Depositary

Shares representing Ordinary Shares)

 

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act. None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act. None

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the Annual Report.

The number of ordinary shares, as of June 30, 2014 1,228,709,341

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.     ¨   Yes     x   No

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.     ¨   Yes     x   No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     x   Yes     ¨   No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     ¨   Yes     ¨   No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer   ¨                         Accelerated filer   ¨                         Non-accelerated filer   x

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

 

U.S. GAAP   ¨  

International Financial Reporting Standards as issued

by the International Accounting Standards Board   x

 

Other   ¨

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.     ¨   Item 17     ¨   Item 18

If this is an Annual Report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     ¨   Yes     x   No

 

 

 


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Index to Financial Statements

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         PAGE  

INTRODUCTION

     1   

PART I

       1   

Item 1

  Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers      1   

Item 2

  Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable      1   

Item 3

  Key Information      1   
 

A. Selected Financial Data

     1   
 

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

     3   
 

C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

     3   
 

D. Risk Factors

     3   

Item 4.

  Information on the Company      16   
 

A. History and Development of the Company

     16   
 

B. Business Overview

     20   
 

C. Organizational Structure

     29   
 

D. Property, Plants and Equipment

     30   

Item 4A.

  Unresolved Staff Comments      30   

Item 5.

  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects      30   
 

A. Operating Results

     30   
 

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

     34   
 

C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses

     35   
 

D. Trend Information

     35   
 

E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

     36   
 

F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

     36   

Item 6.

  Directors, Senior Management and Employees      36   
 

A. Directors and Senior Management

     36   
 

B. Compensation

     38   
 

C. Board Practices

     44   
 

D. Employees

     47   
 

E. Share Ownership

     47   

Item 7.

  Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions      48   
 

A. Major Shareholders

     48   
 

B. Related Party Transactions

     48   
 

C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

     48   

Item 8.

  Financial Information      48   
 

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

     48   
 

B. Significant Changes

     49   

Item 9.

  The Offer and Listing      49   
 

A. Offer and Listing Details

     49   
 

B. Plan of Distribution

     49   
 

C. Markets

     50   
 

D. Selling Shareholders

     50   
 

E. Dilution

     50   
 

F. Expenses of the Issue

     50   

Item 10.

  Additional Information      50   
 

A. Share Capital

     50   
 

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

     50   

 

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C. Material Contracts

     52   
 

D. Exchange Controls

     52   
 

E. Taxation

     53   
 

F. Dividends and Paying Agents

     57   
 

G. Statement by Experts

     58   
 

H. Documents on Display

     58   
 

I. Subsidiary Information

     58   

Item 11.

  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk      58   

Item 12.

  Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities      59   
 

A. Debt Securities

     59   
 

B. Warrants and Rights

     59   
 

C. Other Securities

     59   
 

D. American Depositary Shares

     59   

PART II

    

Item 13.

  Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies      61   

Item 14.

  Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds      61   

Item 15.

  Controls and Procedures      61   

Item 15T.

  Controls and Procedures      61   

Item 16.

  Reserved      61   

Item 16A.

  Audit Committee Financial Expert      61   

Item 16B.

  Code of Ethics      61   

Item 16C.

  Principal Accountant Fees and Services      62   

Item 16D.

  Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees      62   

Item 16E.

  Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers      63   

Item 16F.

  Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant      63   

Item 16G.

  Corporate Governance      64   

Item 16H.

  Mine Safety Disclosure      64   

PART III

    

Item 17.

  Financial Statements      65   

Item 18.

  Financial Statements      65   

Item 19.

  Exhibits   

 

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INTRODUCTION

Prima BioMed Ltd was incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia on May 21, 1987. The principal listing of our ordinary shares and listed options to purchase our ordinary shares is the Australian Securities Exchange, or ASX. We filed a registration statement on Form 20-F with the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission that was declared effective on April 12, 2012 and our American Depositary Shares, or ADSs, were listed on the NASDAQ Global Market, or NASDAQ, under the symbol “PBMD” on April 16, 2012. The Bank of New York Mellon acts as our depositary, and registers and delivers our ADSs, each of which represents 30 of our ordinary shares. As used in this Annual Report on Form 20-F, the terms “we,” “us,” “our”, “Prima BioMed” and the “Company” mean Prima BioMed Ltd and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated.

CVac is our trademark. Any other trademarks and trade names appearing in this Annual Report on Form 20-F are owned by their respective holders.

FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION

Our consolidated financial statements appearing in this Annual Report on Form 20-F are prepared in Australian dollars and in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, or IASB. Our consolidated financial statements appearing in this Annual Report on Form 20-F comply with both the IFRS and Australian Accounting Standards. In this Annual Report, all references to “U.S. dollars” or “US$” are to the currency of the United States of America, all references to “euro”, “€” or “EUR” are to the currency of certain states of the European Union, and all references to “Australian dollars” or “A$” are to the currency of Australia.

Statements made in this Annual Report on Form 20-F concerning the contents of any contract, agreement or other document are summaries of such contracts, agreements or documents and are not complete descriptions of all of their terms. If we filed any of these documents as an exhibit to this Annual Report or to any registration statement that we previously filed, you may read the document itself for a complete description of its terms.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Except for the historical information contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F, the statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F are “forward-looking statements” which reflect our current view with respect to future events and financial results. We urge you to consider that statements which use the terms “anticipate,” “believe,” “do not believe,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We remind investors that forward-looking statements are merely predictions and therefore inherently subject to uncertainties and other factors and involve known and unknown risks that could cause the actual results, performance, levels of activity, our achievements or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance, levels of activity, or our achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States, we undertake no obligation to publicly release any update or revision to any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances, or otherwise after the date hereof. Please see the Risk Factors section that appears in “Item 3. Key Information – D. Risk Factors.”

PART I

 

ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION

A. Selected Financial Data

Our consolidated financial statements appearing in this Annual Report on Form 20-F comply with both the International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and Australian equivalents to IFRS as developed by the Australian Accounting Standards Board, or AASB. Compliance with Australian Accounting Standards ensures that the financial statements and notes also comply with IFRS.

The following selected consolidated financial data as of June 30, 2014 and 2013 and for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 20-F. The selected consolidated financial data as of June 30, 2012, 2011, and 2010 and for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto which are not included in this Annual Report on Form 20-F. This data should be read together with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” as well as our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing in “Item 18. Financial Statements” of this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

The selected financial data are presented in Australian dollars (A$) (except as otherwise noted).

Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:

 

     Year Ended June 30,  
     2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
     (in A$, except share amounts)  

Other income

     3,140,066        4,005,394        4,202,567        1,066,196        523,734   

Depreciation & amortization

     (446,360     (254,024     (377,299     (64,287     (53,039

Research & development and intellectual property

     (11,930,857     (14,005,259     (15,118,816     (9,531,163     (5,124,522

Corporate administrative expenses

     (4,092,623     (4,851,195     (5,977,619     (5,600,988     (5,816,006

Loss on foreign exchange

     —          —          (1,181,049     —          —     

Finance expenses

     —          —          —          (6,395,818     (6,946,628

Impairment of assets

     —          —          —          (555,107     —     

Changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments

     —          (33,714     (1,488,744     —          —     

Net loss on financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

     —          —          —          —          (528,846

Other expenses

     —          —          —          —          (15,280

Income tax expense

     (13,607     (86,873     —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

     (13,343,381     (15,225,671     (19,940,960     (21,081,167     (17,960,587
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss per share – basic and diluted

     (0.0109     (0.0142     (0.0192     (0.0374     (0.0360
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding – basic and diluted

     1,220,083,929        1,075,381,168        1,037,618,752        563,696,560        499,567,326   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

 

     As of June 30,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  
     (in A$)  

Cash and cash equivalents

     14,200,042         22,023,143         16,991,716         45,918,552         5,638,342   

Working capital

     21,912,972         28,248,167         36,458,512         54,525,711         14,369,705   

Total assets

     25,377,955         32,814,298         41,612,671         57,640,661         18,050,291   

Long-term debt

     —           —           —           —           —     

Total shareholders’ equity

     22,592,320         29,248,418         37,157,871         55,099,130         15,839,939   

Contributed equity

     149,014,372         142,326,977         136,712,525         134,895,001         74,534,413   

Exchange Rate Information:

The following tables set forth, for the periods and dates indicated, certain information regarding the rates of exchange of A$1.00 into US$ based on the historical daily exchange rates of the Australian dollar by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).

Exchange rate as of August 31, 2014: A$1.00 is US$0.9349

 

Year Ended June 30,

   At Period End      Average Rate      High      Low  
     US$      US$      US$      US$  

2010

     0.8567         0.8820         0.9405         0.7723   

2011

     1.0670         0.9870         1.0958         0.8323   

2012

     1.0191         1.0319         1.1055         0.9500   

2013

     0.9275         1.0271         1.0593         0.9202   

2014

     0.9420         0.9187         0.9672         0.8716   

 

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Month

   High      Low  
     US$      US$  

July 2013

     0.9295         0.9037   

August 2013

     0.9216         0.8909   

September 2013

     0.9496         0.8969   

October 2013

     0.9672         0.9369   

November 2013

     0.9518         0.9087   

December 2013

     0.9151         0.8836   

January 2014

     0.9036         0.8716   

February 2014

     0.9057         0.8755   

March 2014

     0.9270         0.8912   

April 2014

     0.9414         0.9219   

May 2014

     0.9401         0.9235   

June 2014

     0.9439         0.9260   

July 2014

     0.9458         0.9324   

August 2014

     0.9353         0.9246   

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

Not applicable.

C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

D. Risk Factors

The following risks relate specifically to our business and should be considered carefully. Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed by any of the following risks. As a result, the trading price of our ordinary shares and our American Depositary Shares, or ADSs, could decline and the holders could lose part or all of their investment.

Risks Related to Our Business

We have a history of operating losses and may not achieve or maintain profitability in the future.

We are a development stage company at an early stage in the development of pharmaceutical products and our success is uncertain. Unless we are able to generate sufficient product revenue, we will continue to incur losses from operations and may not achieve or maintain profitability. As of June 30, 2014, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately A$128 million. At this point we do not have any products that generate revenue. We will continue to incur losses from operations and we expect the costs of drug development to increase over the next years as more patients are recruited to our trials and potential commercialization draws near. In particular, we will continue to incur significant losses in carrying out clinical trials of CVac necessary for regulatory approval. Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with the development, manufacturing, sales and marketing of therapeutic products, we may experience larger than expected future losses and may never become profitable. Our current or any future product candidate may not be successfully developed, and if successfully developed, may not generate sufficient revenue to enable us to be profitable.

If we fail to become and remain profitable, or if we are unable to fund our continuing losses, our business will be harmed and the holders of our ordinary shares and ADSs could lose all or part of their investment. There is a substantial risk that we may not be able to complete the development of our current product candidate CVac. We will rely on CVac to generate revenues for us in the future. It is possible that CVac will not be successfully commercialized, which would prevent us from ever achieving profitability.

We will require additional financing in the future to sufficiently fund our operations and research.

We have been incurring losses and will continue to do so as we expand our drug development program. Our actual cash requirements may vary from those now planned and will depend upon many factors, including: the continued progress of our research and development programs; the timing, costs and results of clinical trials; the cost, timing and outcome of submissions for regulatory approval; the commercial potential of our product candidate; our ability to increase manufacturing capabilities; the status and timing of competitive developments; and potential acquisitions or other strategic corporate transactions.

 

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We anticipate that as the trials for CVac progress and its associated costs increase we will require additional funds to achieve our long-term goals of commercialization. In addition, we will require funds to pursue regulatory applications, defend intellectual property rights, increase manufacturing capacity, develop marketing and sales capability and fund operating expenses. We intend to seek such additional funding through public or private financings and/or through licensing of our assets or other arrangements with corporate partners. However, such financing, licensing opportunities or other arrangements may not be available from any sources on acceptable terms, or at all. Any shortfall in funding could result in us having to curtail or cease our operations including our research and development activities, which would harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Ongoing and future clinical trials of our product candidate may not show sufficient safety or efficacy to obtain requisite regulatory approvals for commercial sale.

Phase I and Phase II clinical trials are not primarily designed to test the efficacy of a product candidate but rather to test safety and to understand the product candidate’s side effects at various doses and schedules. Furthermore, success in preclinical and early clinical trials does not ensure that later large-scale trials will be successful nor does it predict final results. Acceptable results in early trials may not be repeated in later trials. Further, Phase III clinical trials may not show sufficient safety or efficacy to obtain regulatory approval for marketing. We may conduct lengthy and expensive clinical trials of our product candidate, only to learn that the product candidate is not an effective treatment or not sufficiently safe. A number of companies in the biotechnology industry have suffered significant setbacks in Phase III clinical trials, even after promising results in earlier trials. In addition, clinical results are frequently susceptible to varying interpretations that may delay, limit or prevent regulatory approvals. Negative or inconclusive results or adverse medical events during a clinical trial could require that the clinical trial be redone or terminated. In addition, failure to construct appropriate clinical trial protocols could result in the test or control group experiencing a disproportionate number of adverse events and could require that a clinical trial be redone or terminated. The length of time necessary to complete clinical trials and to submit an application for marketing approval by applicable regulatory authorities may also vary significantly based on the type, complexity and novelty of the product candidate involved, as well as other factors. If we suffer any significant delays, setbacks or negative results in, or termination of, our clinical trials, we may be unable to continue the development of our products or product candidate or generate revenue and our business may be harmed.

If we do not obtain the necessary regulatory approvals we will be unable to commercialize our pharmaceutical product candidate. Even if we receive regulatory approval for CVac, profitability will depend on our ability to generate revenue from the sales or the licensing of our technology.

The clinical development, manufacturing, sales and marketing of our product, CVac is subject to extensive regulation by regulatory authorities in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia and elsewhere. These regulations vary in important and meaningful ways from country to country. Despite the substantial time and expense invested in preparation and submission of a Biologic License Application, or BLA, or equivalents in other jurisdictions, regulatory approval is never guaranteed. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, and other regulatory authorities in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia and elsewhere, exercise substantial discretion in the drug approval process. The number, size and design of preclinical studies and clinical trials that will be required will vary depending on the product, the disease or condition for which the product is intended to be used and the regulations and guidance documents applicable to any particular product. The FDA or other regulators can delay, limit or deny approval of a product for many reasons, including, but not limited to, the fact that regulators may not approve of our third-party manufacturer’s processes or facilities or that new laws may be enacted or regulators may change their approval policies or adopt new regulations requiring new or different evidence of safety and efficacy for the intended use of a product.

CVac is currently undergoing clinical trials, however, successful results in the trial and in the subsequent application for marketing approval are not guaranteed. If we are unable to obtain regulatory approvals we will not be able to generate revenue from CVac. Even if we receive regulatory approval, our profitability will depend on our ability to generate revenues from the sale of CVac or the licensing of our technology that will offset the significant and continuing expenditure required for us to advance our research, protect and extend our intellectual property rights and develop, manufacture, license, market, distribute and sell our technology and product candidate successfully.

Even if our product candidate receives regulatory approval, we may still face development and regulatory difficulties that may delay or impair future sales of our product candidate and we would be subject to ongoing regulatory obligations and restrictions, which may result in significant expense and limit our ability to commercialize our product candidate.

If we receive regulatory approval to sell CVac, the relevant regulatory authorities may, nevertheless, impose significant restrictions on the indicated uses, manufacturing, labeling, packaging, adverse event reporting, storage, advertising, promotion and

 

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record keeping or impose ongoing requirements for post-approval studies. In addition, regulatory agencies subject a marketed product, its manufacturer and the manufacturer’s facilities to continual review and periodic inspections. Potentially costly follow-up or post-marketing clinical studies may be required as a condition of approval to further substantiate safety or efficacy, or to investigate specific issues of interest to the regulatory authority. Previously unknown problems with the product candidate, including adverse events of unanticipated severity or frequency, may result in restrictions on the marketing of the product, and could include withdrawal of the product from the market. If we discover previously unknown problems with a product or our manufacturing facilities or the manufacturing facilities of a contract manufacturer, a regulatory agency may impose restrictions on that product, on us or on our third-party contract manufacturers, including requiring us to withdraw the product from the market. If we fail to comply with applicable regulatory requirements, a regulatory agency may:

 

    issue warning letters;

 

    impose civil or criminal penalties;

 

    suspend our regulatory approval;

 

    suspend any of our ongoing clinical trials;

 

    refuse to approve pending applications or supplements to approved applications filed by us;

 

    impose restrictions on our operations, including closing our contract manufacturers’ facilities or terminating licenses to manufacture Good Manufacturing Practice grade material; or

 

    seize or detain products or require a product recall.

Any of the foregoing could harm the commercialization of our product candidate and our results and operations may be harmed. Likewise, any failure to comply with ongoing regulatory requirements may significantly and adversely affect our ability to commercialize our product. In addition, the law or regulatory policies governing pharmaceuticals may change. New statutory requirements may be enacted or additional regulations may be enacted that could prevent or delay regulatory approval of our product. We cannot predict the likelihood, nature or extent of adverse government regulation that may arise from future legislation or administrative action. If we are not able to maintain regulatory compliance, we might not be permitted to market our product candidate and our business could suffer.

We have limited manufacturing experience with our product candidate. Delays in manufacturing sufficient quantities of materials may negatively impact our business and operations.

CVac differs from many therapeutic products in that it must be manufactured on a patient-by-patient basis, using the patients’ own immune cells, and therefore cannot be mass produced and stockpiled. Should we obtain regulatory approval, we may not be able to manufacture sufficient quantities in a cost-effective or timely manner which would hinder the commercialization of the product and reduce or prevent potential revenues. We may need to develop additional manufacturing resources, enter into collaborative arrangements with other parties, or have third parties manufacture our products on a contract basis. We may not have access on acceptable terms to the substantial financing that would be required to scale-up production and develop commercial manufacturing processes. We may not be able to enter into collaborative or contractual arrangements on acceptable terms with third parties that will meet our requirements for quality, quantity and timeliness. Such delays and hurdles could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

To the extent we rely significantly on contractors, we will be exposed to risks related to the business and operational conditions of our contractors.

We are a small company, with few internal staff and no capital facilities. As of June 30, 2014 we only had 31 employees. We rely on a variety of contractors to manufacture our products, to perform clinical testing and to prepare regulatory dossiers. Adverse events that affect one or more of our contractors could adversely affect us, such as:

 

    a contractor is unable to retain key staff that have been working on our business;

 

    a contractor is unable to sustain operations due to financial or other business issues;

 

    a contractor loses its permits or licenses that may be required to manufacture our products; or

 

    errors, negligence or misconduct that occur within a contractor may adversely affect our business concerns although we may not be directly responsible.

 

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To the extent we are able to enter into collaborative arrangements or strategic alliances, we will be exposed to risks related to those collaborations and alliances.

An important element of our strategy for developing, manufacturing and commercializing our product candidate is entering into partnerships and strategic alliances with other pharmaceutical companies or other industry participants to advance our programs and enable us to maintain our financial and operational capacity. We may not be able to negotiate alliances on acceptable terms, if at all. Although we are not currently party to any collaborative arrangement or strategic alliance that we believe is material to our business, in the future we may rely on collaborative arrangements or strategic alliances to complete the development and commercialization of our product candidate. Although we have no specific reason to believe that we will be at a disadvantage when negotiating such collaborative arrangements or strategic alliances, our negotiating position will be influenced by our financial capacity at the relevant time to continue the development and commercialization of the relevant product candidate, as well as the timing of any such negotiations and the stage of development of the relevant product candidate. These arrangements may result in us receiving less revenue than if we sold such products directly, may place the development, sales and marketing of our products outside our control, may require us to relinquish important rights or may otherwise be on terms unfavorable to us. Collaborative arrangements or strategic alliances will subject us to a number of risks, including the risk that:

 

    we may not be able to control the amount and timing of resources that our strategic partner/collaborators may devote to the product candidate;

 

    our strategic partner/collaborators may experience financial difficulties;

 

    we may be required to relinquish important rights such as marketing and distribution rights;

 

    business combinations or significant changes in a collaborator’s business strategy may also adversely affect a collaborator’s willingness or ability to complete its obligations under any arrangement;

 

    a collaborator could independently move forward with a competing product developed either independently or in collaboration with others, including our competitors; and

 

    collaborative arrangements are often terminated or allowed to expire, which would delay the development and may increase the cost of developing our product candidate.

Our research and development efforts will be jeopardized if we are unable to retain key personnel and cultivate key academic and scientific collaborations.

Our future success depends to a large extent on the continued services of our senior management and key scientific personnel. We have obtained key man insurance for our chief executive officer. Our former chief executive officer was replaced after the end of the business year without any interruption to the ongoing business.

Competition among biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies for qualified employees is intense and we may not be able to attract and retain personnel critical to our success. Our success depends on our continued ability to attract, retain and motivate highly qualified management, clinical and scientific personnel, manufacturing personnel, sales and marketing personnel and on our ability to develop and maintain important relationships with clinicians, scientists and leading academic and health institutions. If we fail to identify, attract, retain and motivate these highly skilled personnel, we may be unable to continue our development and commercialization activities.

Our research and development efforts will be jeopardized if we are unable to secure critical components and reagents necessary for manufacture of key components of CVac.

A key component of CVac manufacture is mononuclear cells (a type of blood cell) obtained from each patient, as CVac is made specifically for each patient. To obtain mononuclear cells, we use a process called apheresis, which requires specially trained technicians using qualified processes on a COBE ® Spectra or Spectra Optia machine from Terumo BCT. We have invested significant time and money into the training and quality control procedures for mononuclear cell collections. However, if we are unable to identify and train appropriate technicians in sufficient number, or if the equipment becomes obsolete, or if kits are no longer supplied by the manufacturer, and we are unable to arrange for qualified substitutes, the continued development and any future commercialization of CVac may be delayed.

Besides the patients’ own cells, many reagents important to CVac manufacture are common to all patients. Many of the key reagents are available from reputable commercial sources, produced under the appropriate level of quality control (e.g. GMP, ISO, etc.) and supplied with appropriate specifications and batch release documentation. We have assumed that our ongoing supply of these reagents will be available during further clinical development, that no further technology transfer from us is required and that lot-to-lot reproducibility can be assured.

Some key reagents important to CVac manufacture are custom made for Prima BioMed, in particular the CVac antigen (Mannosylated Fusion Protein or M-FP). We have scaled up manufacturing of M-FP and other key custom reagents and we have sufficient quantities stockpiled for our foreseeable development needs; however, it may be difficult to obtain the same or comparable custom reagents in the future.

 

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If we are unable to secure critical reagents from our current suppliers the continued development and any future commercialization of our product candidate may be delayed if regulatory authorities require any comparability testing or bridging studies to be performed.

Future sales of our products may suffer if they are not accepted in the marketplace by physicians, patients and the medical community.

There is a risk that CVac may not gain market acceptance among physicians, patients and the medical community, even if they are approved by the regulatory authorities. The degree of market acceptance of any of our approved products will depend on a variety of factors, including:

 

    timing of market introduction, number and clinical profile of competitive products;

 

    our ability to provide acceptable evidence of safety and efficacy and our ability to secure the support of key clinicians and physicians for our products;

 

    cost-effectiveness compared to existing and new treatments;

 

    availability of coverage, reimbursement and adequate payment from health maintenance organizations and other third-party payers;

 

    prevalence and severity of adverse side effects; and

 

    other advantages over other treatment methods.

Physicians, patients, payers or the medical community may be unwilling to accept, use or recommend our products which would adversely affect our potential revenues and future profitability.

If healthcare insurers and other organizations do not pay for our products or impose limits on its reimbursement, our future business may suffer.

Our product candidate may be rejected by the market due to many factors, including cost. The continuing efforts of governments, insurance companies and other payers of healthcare costs to contain or reduce healthcare costs may affect our future revenues and profitability. In Australia and certain foreign markets the pricing of pharmaceutical products is already subject to government control. We expect initiatives for similar government control to continue in the United States and elsewhere. The adoption of any such legislative or regulatory proposals could harm our business and prospects.

Successful commercialization of our product candidate will depend in part on the extent to which reimbursement for the cost of our products and related treatment will be available from government health administration authorities, private health insurers and other organizations. Our product candidate may not be considered cost-effective and reimbursement may not be available to consumers or may not be sufficient to allow our products to be marketed on a competitive basis. Third-party payers are increasingly challenging the price of medical products and treatment. If third party coverage is not available for our products the market acceptance of these products will be reduced. Cost-control initiatives could decrease the price we might establish for products, which could result in product revenues lower than anticipated. If the price for our product candidate decreases or if governmental and other third-party payers do not provide adequate coverage and reimbursement levels our potential revenue and prospects for profitability will suffer.

We may be exposed to product liability claims which could harm our business.

The testing, marketing and sale of therapeutic products entails an inherent risk of product liability. We face product liability exposure related to the testing of our product candidate in human clinical trials. If any of our products are approved for sale, we may face exposure to claims by an even greater number of persons than were involved in the clinical trials once we begin marketing, distribution and sales of our products commercially. Regardless of merit or eventual outcome, liability claims may result in:

 

    decreased demand for our products and product candidate;

 

    injury to our reputation;

 

    withdrawal of clinical trial participants;

 

    costs of related litigation;

 

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    substantial monetary awards to patients and others;

 

    loss of revenues; and

 

    the inability to commercialize our products and product candidate. If there is a claim made against us or some other problem that is attributable to our products or product candidate, our share price may be negatively affected. Even if we were ultimately successful in product liability litigation, the litigation would consume substantial amounts of our financial and managerial resources and may create adverse publicity, all of which would impair our ability to generate sales of our product candidate. We may incur substantial liabilities or be required to limit development or commercialization of our product candidate if we cannot successfully defend ourselves against product liability claims. Such coverage may not be available in the future on acceptable terms, or at all. Even if we have adequate insurance coverage, product liability claims or recalls could result in negative publicity and force us to devote significant managerial and financial resources to those matters, and the commercialization of our product candidate may be delayed or severely compromised.

We rely on a number of third party researchers and contractors to produce, collect, and analyze data regarding the safety and efficacy of our product candidate. We have quality control and quality assurance in place to mitigate these risks, as well as professional liability and clinical trial insurance to cover financial damages in the event that human testing is done incorrectly or the data is analyzed incorrectly. If a claim is made against us in conjunction with the research testing activities, our share price may be negatively affected. We may be at risk of needing to redo testing at a significant cost. We could face additional liability beyond our insurance limits if testing mistakes were to endanger any human subjects. Liability claims due to errors or omissions in human testing may result in injury to our reputation in the eyes of scientists, doctors, regulators, and patients.

We are currently taking advantage of certain exemptions from having to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act due to our status as an “emerging growth company”.

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. Accordingly, this allows us to postpone the date by which we must comply with some of the laws and regulations that are otherwise applicable to public companies and to reduce the amount of information we provide in our reports filed with the SEC, which could undermine investor confidence in our company and adversely affect the market price of our ordinary shares or ADSs.

For so long as we remain an “emerging growth company,” we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various requirements that are applicable to public companies that are not “emerging growth companies,” including, but not limited to, the provisions of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requiring that our independent registered public accounting firm provide an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. As a result, our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to provide an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for so long as we qualify as an “emerging growth company,” which may increase the risk that weaknesses or deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting go undetected. Similarly, so long as we qualify as an “emerging growth company,” we may elect not to provide investors with certain information, including certain financial information and certain information regarding compensation of our executive officers, that we would otherwise have been required to provide in filings we make with the SEC, which may make it more difficult for investors and securities analysts to evaluate our company.

We may take advantage of these exemptions until we are no longer an “emerging growth company.” We would cease to be an “emerging growth company” upon the earliest of: (i) the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of our common equity securities pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; (ii) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenues are $1 billion or more; (iii) the date on which we have, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt securities; or (iv) as of the end of any fiscal year in which the market value of our ordinary shares or ADSs held by non-affiliates exceeded $700 million as of the end of the second quarter of that fiscal year.

We cannot predict if investors will find our ordinary shares or ADSs less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our ordinary shares or ADSs less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for such shares, and our stock price may be more volatile and may decline.

Risks Related to Intellectual Property

Our success depends on our ability to protect our intellectual property and our proprietary technology.

Any future success will depend in large part on whether we can obtain and maintain patents to protect our own products and technologies; obtain licenses to the patented technologies of third parties; and operate without infringing on the proprietary rights of third parties. Biotechnology patent matters can involve complex legal and scientific questions, and it is impossible to predict the outcome of biotechnology and pharmaceutical patent claims. Any of our future patent applications may not be approved, or we may not develop additional products or processes that are patentable. Some countries in which we may sell our product candidate or license our intellectual property may fail to protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as the protection that may be afforded in the United States or Australia. Some legal principles remain unresolved and there has not been a consistent policy regarding the breadth or interpretation of claims allowed in patents in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia or elsewhere. In addition, the specific content of patents and patent applications that are necessary to support and interpret patent claims is highly uncertain due to the complex nature of the relevant legal, scientific and factual issues. Changes in either patent laws or in interpretations of patent laws in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union or elsewhere may diminish the value of our intellectual property or narrow the scope of our patent protection. Even if we are able to obtain patents, they may not issue in a form that will provide us with any meaningful protection, prevent competitors from competing with us or otherwise provide us with any competitive advantage. Our competitors may be able to circumvent our patents by developing similar or alternative technologies or products in a non-infringing manner.

Moreover, any of our pending applications may be subject to a third-party preissuance submission of prior art to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO, the European Patent Office, or EPO, the Australian Patent and Trademark Office and/or any patents issuing thereon may become involved in opposition, derivation, reexamination, inter partes review, post grant review, interference proceedings or other patent office proceedings or litigation, in the United States or elsewhere, challenging our patent rights. An adverse determination in any such submission, proceeding or litigation could reduce the scope of, or invalidate, our patent rights, and allow third parties to commercialize our technology or products and compete directly with us, without payment to us. In addition, if the breadth or strength of protection provided by our patents and patent applications is threatened, it could dissuade companies from collaborating with us to exploit our intellectual property or develop or commercialize current or future product candidates.

The issuance of a patent is not conclusive as to its inventorship, scope, validity or enforceability, and our patents may be challenged in the courts or patent offices in the U.S., the EU, Australia and elsewhere. Such challenges may result in loss of ownership or in patent claims being narrowed, invalidated or held unenforceable, in whole or in part, which could limit the duration of the patent protection of our technology and products. As a result, our patent portfolio may not provide us with sufficient rights to exclude others from commercializing products similar or identical to ours.

In addition, other companies may attempt to circumvent any regulatory data protection or market exclusivity that we obtain under applicable legislation, which may require us to allocate significant resources to preventing such circumvention. Such developments could enable other companies to circumvent our intellectual property rights and use our clinical trial data to obtain marketing authorizations in the EU, Australia and in other jurisdictions. Such developments may also require us to allocate significant resources to prevent other companies from circumventing or violating our intellectual property rights.

 

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Our attempts to prevent third parties from circumventing our intellectual property and other rights may ultimately be unsuccessful. We may also fail to take the required actions or pay the necessary fees to maintain our patents.

Intellectual property rights of third parties could adversely affect our ability to commercialize our products, such that we could be required to litigate with or obtain licenses from third parties in order to develop or market our products. Such litigation or licenses could be costly or not available on commercially reasonable terms.

Our commercial success depends upon our ability and the ability of our potential collaborators to develop, manufacture, market and sell CVac or other product candidates without infringing valid intellectual property rights of third parties. If a third-party intellectual property right exists that covers the composition of CVac or the uses and dosages that the regulatory authorities approve for CVac, we may not be in a position to commercialize CVac unless we successfully pursue litigation or administrative proceedings to nullify or invalidate the third-party intellectual property right concerned, or enter into a license agreement with the intellectual property right holder, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.

It is possible that we are unaware of all patents or applications relevant to the manufacture, use or commercialization of CVac. For example, we have not conducted a recent freedom to operate search in connection with CVac and its use to treat cancer. Any freedom to operate search previously conducted may not have uncovered all relevant patents and patent applications, and there may be pending or future patent applications that, if issued, would block us from commercializing CVac. For example, U.S. applications filed before November 29, 2000 and certain U.S. applications filed after that date that will not be filed outside the United States remain confidential until patents issue. Patent applications in the United States (filed November 29, 2000 or later) and elsewhere are published approximately 18 months after the earliest filing for which priority is claimed, with such earliest filing date being commonly referred to as the priority date. Therefore, patent applications covering CVac or its use to treat cancer could have been filed by others without our knowledge. In addition, pending patent applications which have been published can, subject to certain limitations, be later amended in a manner that could cover CVac or the use of CVac. As a result, we do not know whether the manufacture, use, or commercialization of CVac or any of our other product candidate will infringe any third-party patents with valid claims that have been or will in the future be issued.

Third-party intellectual property right holders, including our competitors, may bring infringement claims against us. We may not be able to successfully settle or otherwise resolve such infringement claims. If we are unable to successfully settle future claims or otherwise resolve such claims on terms acceptable to us, we may be required to engage in or continue costly, unpredictable and time-consuming litigation and may be prevented from, or experience substantial delays in, marketing our product candidate.

If we fail to settle or otherwise resolve any such dispute, in addition to being forced to pay damages, we or our potential collaborators may be prohibited from commercializing CVac or other product candidates we may develop that are held to be infringing, for the duration of the patent term. We might, if possible, also be forced to redesign our formulations so that we no longer infringe such third-party intellectual property rights. Any of these events, even if we were ultimately to prevail, could require us to divert substantial financial and management resources that we would otherwise be able to devote to our business.

If we infringe the intellectual property rights of third parties, it may increase our costs or prevent us from the commercialization of our product candidate.

There is a risk that we are or may infringe other proprietary rights of third parties of which we are unaware. There has been substantial litigation and other proceedings regarding patent and other intellectual property rights in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. To date, we have not been involved in any such third-party claims and, except as stated above, we are not aware that our product candidate infringe the intellectual property rights of third parties. As a result of intellectual property infringement claims, or to avoid potential claims, we might be:

 

    prohibited from selling or licensing any product candidate that we may develop unless the patent holder licenses the patent to us, which it is not required to do;

 

    required to expend considerable amounts of money in defending the claim;

 

    required to pay substantial royalties or grant a cross license to our patents to another patent holder;

 

    required to redesign the formulation of a product so that it does not infringe, which may not be possible or could require substantial funds and time; or

 

    required to pay substantial monetary damages.

 

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We may become involved in lawsuits to protect and defend our patents or other intellectual property, which could be expensive, time consuming and unsuccessful.

Competitors may infringe our patents or other intellectual property. To counter infringement or unauthorized use, we may be required to file claims, and any related litigation and/or prosecution of such claims can be expensive and time consuming. Any claims we assert against perceived infringers could provoke these parties to assert counterclaims against us alleging that we infringe their intellectual property. In addition, in a patent infringement proceeding, a court may decide that a patent of ours is invalid in whole or in part, unenforceable, or construe the patent’s claims narrowly allowing the other party to commercialize competing products on the grounds that our patents do not cover such products.

Even if resolved in our favor, litigation or other legal proceedings relating to intellectual property claims may cause us to incur significant expenses and could distract our technical and management personnel from their normal responsibilities. Such litigation or proceedings could substantially increase our operating losses and reduce our resources available for development activities. We may not have sufficient financial or other resources to adequately conduct such litigation or proceedings. Some of our competitors may be able to sustain the costs of such litigation or proceedings more effectively than we can because of their substantially greater financial resources. The effects of patent litigation or other proceedings could therefore have a material adverse effect on our ability to compete in the marketplace.

Confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with our employees, advisors and consultants may not adequately prevent disclosure of trade secrets and protect other proprietary information.

We consider proprietary trade secrets and/or confidential know-how and unpatented know-how to be important to our business. We may rely on trade secrets and/or confidential know-how to protect our technology, especially where patent protection is believed by us to be of limited value. However, trade secrets and/or confidential know-how can be difficult to maintain as confidential.

To protect this type of information against disclosure or appropriation by competitors, our policy is to require our employees, advisors and consultants to enter into confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with us. However, current or former employees, advisors and consultants may unintentionally or willfully disclose our confidential information to competitors, and confidentiality and invention assignment agreements may not provide an adequate remedy in the event of unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. Enforcing a claim that a third-party obtained illegally and is using trade secrets and/or confidential know-how is expensive, time consuming and unpredictable. The enforceability of confidentiality and invention assignment agreements may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

Failure to obtain or maintain trade secrets and/or confidential know-how trade protection could adversely affect our competitive position. Moreover, our competitors may independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary information and may even apply for patent protection in respect of the same. If successful in obtaining such patent protection, our competitors could limit our use of our trade secrets and/or confidential know-how.

If we are unable to keep pace with technological change or with the advances of our competitors, our technology and products may become non-competitive.

The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries are subject to rapid and significant technological change. Our competitors in Australia and elsewhere are numerous and include major pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms and other research institutions. These competitors may develop technologies and products that are more effective than any that we are developing, or which would render our technology and products non-competitive. Many of these competitors have greater financial and technical resources and manufacturing and marketing capabilities than we do, and have more experience in conducting clinical trials and obtaining FDA, Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration and other regulatory approvals. Our ability to further develop and commercialize our products may be adversely affected if our competitors were to succeed in obtaining regulatory approval for their products sooner than us.

Intellectual property rights do not address all potential threats to our competitive advantage.

The degree of future protection afforded by our intellectual property rights is uncertain because intellectual property rights have limitations, and may not adequately protect our business, or permit us to maintain our competitive advantage. The following examples are illustrative:

 

    Others may be able to make products that are similar to CVac but that are not covered by our intellectual property rights.

 

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    Others may independently develop similar or alternative technologies or otherwise circumvent any of our technologies without infringing our intellectual property rights.

 

    We or any of our collaboration partners might not have been the first to conceive and reduce to practice the inventions covered by the patents or patent applications that we own, license or will own or license.

 

    We or any of our collaboration partners might not have been the first to file patent applications covering certain of the patents or patent applications that we or they own or have obtained a license, or will own or will have obtained a license.

 

    It is possible that any pending patent applications that we have filed, or will file, will not lead to issued patents.

 

    Issued patents that we own may not provide us with any competitive advantage, or may be held invalid or unenforceable, as a result of legal challenges by our competitors.

 

    Our competitors might conduct research and development activities in countries where we do not have patent rights, or in countries where research and development safe harbor laws exist, and then use the information learned from such activities to develop competitive products for sale in our major commercial markets.

 

    Ownership of our patents or patent applications may be challenged by third parties.

 

    The patents of third parties or pending or future applications of third parties, if issued, may have an adverse effect on our business.

Changes in patent laws or patent jurisprudence could diminish the value of patents in general, thereby impairing our ability to protect our products or product candidate.

As is the case with other biopharmaceutical companies, our success is heavily dependent on intellectual property, particularly patents. Obtaining and exploiting patents in the biopharmaceutical industry involve both technological and legal complexity. Therefore, obtaining and exploiting biopharmaceutical patents is costly, time-consuming and inherently uncertain. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled on several patent cases in recent years, either narrowing the scope of patent protection available in certain circumstances or weakening the rights of patent owners in certain situations. Such examples include:

 

    Nautilus, Inc. v. Biosig Instruments, Inc. (2014), where the Court imposed a stricter requirement for clarity of claim language than previously applied by the Federal Circuit, thereby making it easier to invalidate patents for insufficiently apprising the public of the scope of the invention.

 

    Limelight Networks, Inc. v. Akamai Technologies, Inc. (2014), where the Court articulated a standard for inducement of infringement that makes it more difficult to establish liability for inducing infringement of a multi-step method claim that is performed by multiple parties.

 

    Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, Inc. (2013), where the Court held that isolated naturally-occurring DNA is patent ineligible subject matter.

 

    KSR v. Teleflex (2007), where the Court decided unanimously that the Federal Circuit Court had been wrong in taking a narrow view of when an invention is “obvious” and thus cannot be patented.

 

    EBay Inc. v. MercExchange, LLC (2006), where the Court heightened the standard for an injunction after a finding of patent infringement.

 

    Merck KGgA v. Integra Lifesciences (2004), where the Court adopted an expansive interpretation of the activities associated with regulatory approval exempt from patent infringement.

In addition, the America Invents Act, or AIA, has been recently enacted in the United States, resulting in significant changes to the U.S. patent system. In addition to increasing uncertainty with regard to our ability to obtain patents in the future, the combination of the U.S. Supreme Court decisions and AIA has created uncertainty with respect to the value of patents, once obtained. A few highlights of changes to U.S. patent law under the AIA are:

 

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    Under the AIA, a patent is awarded to the “first-inventor-to-file” rather than the first to invent.

 

    There is a new definition of prior art which removes geographic and language boundaries found in the pre-AIA law. At the same time, certain categories of “secret” prior art have been eliminated.

 

    The AIA introduced new procedures for challenging the validity of issued patents: post-grant review and inter partes review.

 

    Patent owners under the AIA may now request supplemental examination of a patent to consider, reconsider, or correct information believed to be relevant to the patent.

 

    The AIA allows third parties to submit any patent, published application, or publication relevant to examination of a pending patent application with a concise explanation for inclusion during prosecution of the patent application.

The “first-inventor-to-file” system and the new definitions of prior art apply to U.S. patent applications with claims having an effective filing date on or after March 16, 2013. Until at least 2034, patent practice will involve both pre-AIA and AIA laws.

Depending on decisions by the U.S. Congress, the federal courts, and the USPTO, the laws and regulations governing patents could change in unpredictable ways that could weaken our ability to obtain new patents or to exploit our existing patents and patents that we might obtain in the future. Similarly, the complexity and uncertainty of European patent laws has also increased in recent years. In addition, the European patent system is relatively stringent in the type of amendments that are allowed during prosecution. Changes in patent law or patent jurisprudence could limit our ability to obtain new patents in the future that may be important for our business.

We may face difficulties in certain jurisdictions, which may diminish the value of our intellectual property rights in those jurisdictions.

The laws of some jurisdictions do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws in the U.S. and the EU, and many companies have encountered significant difficulties in protecting and defending such rights in such jurisdictions. If we or our collaboration partners encounter difficulties in protecting, or are otherwise precluded from effectively protecting, the intellectual property rights important for our business in such jurisdictions, the value of these rights may be diminished and we may face additional competition from others in those jurisdictions.

Many countries have compulsory licensing laws under which a patent owner may be compelled to grant licenses to third parties. In addition, many countries limit the enforceability of patents against government agencies or government contractors. In these countries, the patent owner may have limited remedies, which could materially diminish the value of such patent. If we or any of our licensors is forced to grant a license to third parties with respect to any patents relevant to our business, our competitive position may be impaired and our business and results of operations may be adversely affected.

Risks Relating to Our Securities

Our stock price may be volatile and could decline significantly.

The market price of our ordinary shares historically has been, and we expect will continue to be, subject to significant fluctuations over short periods of time. These fluctuations may be due to factors specific to us, to changes in analysts’ recommendations and earnings estimates, to arbitrage between our Australian listed shares and our ADSs, to changes in exchange rates, or to factors affecting the biopharmaceutical industry or the securities markets in general. Market fluctuations, as well as general political and economic conditions, such as a recession, interest rate or currency fluctuations, could adversely affect the market price of our securities.

For example, during the last two fiscal years, the market price for our ordinary shares on the Australian Securities Exchange has ranged from as low as A$0.03 to a high of A$0.20. We may experience a material decline in the market price of our shares, regardless of our operating performance. Therefore, a holder of our ordinary shares or ADSs may not be able to sell those ordinary shares or ADSs at or above the price paid by such holder for such shares or ADSs. Price declines in our ordinary shares or ADSs could result from a variety of factors, including many outside our control. These factors include:

 

    the results of pre-clinical testing and clinical trials by us and our competitors;

 

    unforeseen safety issues or adverse side effects resulting from the clinical trials or the commercial use of our product candidate;

 

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    regulatory actions in respect of any of our products or the products of any of our competitors;

 

    announcements of the introduction of new products by us or our competitors;

 

    market conditions, including market conditions in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors;

 

    increases in our costs or decreases in our revenues due to unfavorable movements in foreign currency exchange rates;

 

    developments or litigation concerning patents, licenses and other intellectual property rights;

 

    litigation or public concern about the safety of our potential products;

 

    changes in recommendations or earnings estimates by securities analysts;

 

    actual and anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly operating results;

 

    deviations in our operating results from the estimates of securities analysts;

 

    rumors relating to us or our competitors;

 

    additions or departures of key personnel;

 

    changes in third-party reimbursement policies; and

 

    developments concerning current or future strategic alliances or acquisitions.

Our ordinary shares may be considered a “penny stock” under SEC regulations which could adversely affect the willingness of investors to hold our ADSs.

The SEC has adopted regulations which generally define “penny stock” to be an equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to specific exemptions. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014, our ordinary shares traded on the ASX from low of A$0.03 to a high of A$0.11 per share. In fiscal 2013 our ordinary shares traded on the ASX from low of A$0.06 to a high of A$0.20 per share. Under ASX listing rules our shares may not trade below A$0.001 per share. The low trading price of our ordinary shares may adversely affect the willingness of investors to hold our ADSs.

We may be a passive foreign investment company (PFIC) which would subject our U.S. investors to adverse tax rules.

Holders of our ADSs who are U.S. residents face income tax risks. There is a substantial risk that we are currently a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, which could result in a reduction in the after-tax return to a “U.S. Holder” of our ADSs and reduce the value of our ADSs. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will be classified as a PFIC for any taxable year in which (i) 75% or more of our gross income is passive income, or (ii) at least 50% of the average value of all of our assets for the taxable year produce or are held for the production of passive income. For this purpose, cash is considered to be an asset that produces passive income.

The determination of whether we are a PFIC is made on an annual basis and depends on the composition of our income and the value of our assets. Therefore, it is possible that we could be a PFIC in the current year as well as in future years. If we are classified as a PFIC in any year that a U.S. Holder owns ADSs, the U.S. Holder will generally continue to be treated as holding ADSs of a PFIC in all subsequent years, notwithstanding that we are not classified as a PFIC in a subsequent year. Dividends received by the U.S. Holder and gains realized from the sale of our ADSs would be taxed as ordinary income and subject to an interest charge. We urge U.S. investors to consult their own tax advisors about the application of the PFIC rules and certain elections that may help to minimize adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences in their particular circumstances.

We have never paid a dividend and we do not intend to pay dividends in the foreseeable future which means that holders of shares and ADSs may not receive any return on their investment from dividends.

To date, we have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our ordinary shares and currently intend to retain any future earnings for funding growth. We do not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future. Dividends may only be paid out of our profits. Payment of cash dividends, if any, in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors. Our holders of shares and ADSs may not receive any return on their investment from dividends. The success of your investment will likely depend entirely upon any future appreciation of the market price of our ordinary shares, which is uncertain and unpredictable. There is no guarantee that our ordinary shares will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which you purchased your ordinary shares.

Currency fluctuations may adversely affect the price of the ADSs relative to the price of our ordinary shares.

The price of our ordinary shares is quoted in Australian dollars and the price of our ADSs will be quoted in U.S. dollars. Movements in the Australian dollar/U.S. dollar exchange rate may adversely affect the U.S. dollar price of our ADSs and the U.S.

 

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dollar equivalent of the price of our ordinary shares. In the last two years, the Australian dollar has as a general trend appreciated against the U.S. dollar. Any continuation of this trend may positively affect the U.S. dollar price of our ADSs and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the price of our ordinary shares, even if the price of our ordinary shares in Australian dollars increases or remains unchanged. However, this trend may not continue and may be reversed. If the Australian dollar weakens against the U.S. dollar, the U.S. dollar price of the ADSs could decline, even if the price of our ordinary shares in Australian dollars increases or remains unchanged.

The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources and divert management’s attention and if we are unable to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in the future, the accuracy and timeliness of our financial reporting may be adversely affected.

As a publicly-traded company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Act, the listing requirements of the NASDAQ Global Market and other applicable securities rules and regulations. Compliance with these rules and regulations will increase our legal and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly and increase demand on our systems and resources. The Exchange Act requires, among other things, that we file certain reports with respect to our business and results of operations. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. In order to maintain and, if required, improve our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting to meet this standard, significant resources and management oversight are required. As a result, management’s attention may be diverted from other business concerns, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we assess the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting annually and disclosure controls and procedures quarterly. In particular, beginning with fiscal year ended on June 30, 2013, we have performed system and process evaluation and testing of our internal control over financial reporting to allow our management to report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We have in prior fiscal years identified material weaknesses that have been remediated. If we identify material weaknesses in future periods or we are not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner, our reported financial results could be restated, we could be subject to investigations or sanctions by regulatory authorities, which would require additional financial and management resources, and the market price of our stock could decline.

Our ordinary shares are listed on three separate stock markets and investors seeking to take advantage of price differences between such markets may create unexpected volatility in our share price; in addition, investors may not be able to easily move shares for trading between such markets.

Our ordinary shares are listed and traded on the ASX, NASDAQ and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Price levels for our ordinary shares could fluctuate significantly on either market, independent of our share price on the other market. Investors could seek to sell or buy our shares to take advantage of any price differences between the three markets through a practice referred to as arbitrage. Any arbitrage activity could create unexpected volatility in our share prices on either exchange and the volumes of shares available for trading on either exchange. In addition, holders of shares in either jurisdiction will not be immediately able to transfer such shares for trading on the other markets without effecting necessary procedures with our transfer agent. This could result in time delays and additional cost for our shareholders. Further, if we are unable to continue to meet the regulatory requirements for listing on the ASX, NASDAQ or the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, we may lose our listing on any of these exchanges, which could impair the liquidity of our shares.

Risks Relating to Our Location in Australia

Currency fluctuations may expose us to increased costs and revenue decreases.

Our business is affected by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Currency fluctuations could, therefore, cause our costs to increase and revenues to decline. Our expenses will be denominated in Australian dollars, U.S. dollars and European euro. In the last two years, the Australian dollar has, as a general trend, appreciated against the U.S. dollar and European euro. We conduct clinical trials in many different countries and we have manufacturing of our product candidate undertaken outside of Australia, which exposes us to potential cost increases resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates. In fiscal 2014, we made foreign exchange gains as a result of currency fluctuations of A$0.4 million. In fiscal 2013 our foreign exchange gain was A$1.4 million.

 

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Australian takeovers laws may discourage takeover offers being made for us or may discourage the acquisition of large numbers of our shares.

We are incorporated in Australia and are subject to the takeovers laws of Australia. Amongst other things, we are subject to the Corporations Act 2001 (Commonwealth of Australia). Subject to a range of exceptions, the Corporations Act prohibits the acquisition of a direct or indirect interest in our issued voting shares (including through the acquisition of ADSs) if the acquisition of that interest will lead to a person’s or someone else’s voting power in us increasing from 20% or below to more than 20%, or increasing from a starting point that is above 20% and below 90%. Exceptions to the general prohibition include circumstances where the person makes a formal takeover bid for us, if the person obtains shareholder approval for the acquisition or if the person acquires less than 3% of the voting power of us in any rolling six month period. Australian takeovers laws may discourage takeover offers being made for us or may discourage the acquisition of large numbers of our shares.

Rights as a holder of ordinary shares are governed by Australian law and our Constitution and differ from the rights of shareholders under U.S. law. Holders of our ordinary shares or ADSs may have difficulty in effecting service of process in the United States or enforcing judgments obtained in the United States.

We are a public company incorporated under the laws of Australia. Therefore, the rights of holders of our ordinary shares are governed by Australian law and our Constitution. These rights differ from the typical rights of shareholders in U.S. corporations. The rights of holders of ADSs are affected by Australian law and our Constitution but are governed by U.S. law. Circumstances that under U.S. law may entitle a shareholder in a U.S. company to claim damages may also give rise to a cause of action under Australian law entitling a shareholder in an Australian company to claim damages. However, this will not always be the case. Holders of our ordinary shares or ADSs may have difficulties enforcing, in actions brought in courts in jurisdictions located outside the U.S., liabilities under U.S. securities laws. In particular, if such a holder sought to bring proceedings in Australia based on U.S. securities laws, the Australian court might consider:

 

    that it did not have jurisdiction; and/or

 

    that it was not an appropriate forum for such proceedings; and/or

 

    that, applying Australian conflict of laws rule, U.S. law (including U.S. securities laws) did not apply to the relationship between holders of our ordinary shares or ADSs and us or our directors and officers; and/or

 

    that the U.S. securities laws were of a public or penal nature and should not be enforced by the Australian court.

Holders of our ordinary shares and ADSs may also have difficulties enforcing in courts outside the U.S. judgments obtained in the U.S. courts against any of our directors and executive officers or us, including actions under the civil liability provisions of the U.S. securities laws.

As a foreign private issuer whose shares are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market, we may follow certain home country corporate governance practices instead of certain NASDAQ requirements.

As a foreign private issuer whose shares are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market, we are permitted to follow certain home country corporate governance practices instead of certain requirements of The NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. As an Australian company listed on the NASDAQ Global Market, we may follow home country practice with regard to, among other things, the composition of the board of directors, director nomination process, compensation of officers and quorum at shareholders’ meetings. In addition, we may follow Australian law instead of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules that require that we obtain shareholder approval for certain dilutive events, such as for the establishment or amendment of certain equity based compensation plans, an issuance that will result in a change of control of the company, certain transactions other than a public offering involving issuances of a 20% or more interest in the company and certain acquisitions of the stock or assets of another company. As a foreign private issuer that has elected to follow a home country practice instead of NASDAQ requirements, we have submitted to NASDAQ a written statement from our independent counsel certifying that our practices are not prohibited by Australian laws. In addition, a foreign private issuer must disclose in its Annual Reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission each such requirement that it does not follow and describe the home country practice followed by the issuer instead of any such requirement. Accordingly, our shareholders may not be afforded the same protection as provided under NASDAQ’s corporate governance rules. Please see “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees – C. Board Practices” for further information.

Risks Related to an Investment in Our ADSs

Our ADS holders are not shareholders and do not have shareholder rights.

The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, registers and delivers our American Depositary Shares, or ADSs. Our ADS holders will not be treated as shareholders and do not have the rights of shareholders. The depositary will be the holder of the shares underlying our ADSs. Holders of our ADSs will have ADS holder rights. A deposit agreement among us, the depositary and our ADS holders, and the beneficial owners of ADSs, sets out ADS holder rights as well as the rights and obligations of the depositary. New York law governs the deposit agreement and the ADSs. For a description of ADS holder rights, see “Item 12. Description of

 

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Securities Other than Equity Securities – D. American Depositary Shares.” Our shareholders have shareholder rights. Australian law and our constitution govern shareholder rights. For a description of our shareholders’ rights, see “Item 10. Additional Information – B. Memorandum and Articles of Association.” Our ADS holders do not have the same voting rights as our shareholders. Shareholders are entitled to our notices of general meetings and to attend and vote at our general meetings of shareholders. At a general meeting, every shareholder present (in person or by proxy, attorney or representative) and entitled to vote has one vote on a show of hands. Every shareholder present (in person or by proxy, attorney or representative) and entitled to vote has one vote per fully paid ordinary share on a poll. This is subject to any other rights or restrictions which may be attached to any shares. ADS holders may exercise voting rights with respect to the underlying ordinary shares only in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement. Under the deposit agreement, ADS holders vote by giving voting instructions to the depositary. Upon receipt of instructions, the depositary will try to vote in accordance with those instructions. Otherwise, ADS holders will not be able to vote unless they withdraw the ordinary shares underlying their ADSs. ADS holders may not learn of ordinary shareholders’ meetings in time to instruct the depositary or withdraw underlying ordinary shares. If we ask for our ADS holders’ instructions, the depositary will notify our ADS holders of the upcoming vote and arrange to deliver our voting materials and form of notice to them. The depositary will try, as far as practical, subject to Australian law and the provisions of the depositary agreement, to vote the shares as our ADS holders instruct. The depositary will not vote or attempt to exercise the right to vote other than in accordance with the instructions of the ADS holders. We cannot assure our ADS holders that they will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that they can instruct the depositary to vote their shares. This means that there is a risk that our ADS holders may not be able to exercise voting rights and there may be nothing they can do if their shares are not voted as they requested.

Our ADS holders do not have the same rights to receive dividends or other distributions as our shareholders.

Subject to any special rights or restrictions attached to a share, the directors may determine that a dividend will be payable on a share and fix the amount, the time for payment and the method for payment (although we have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our ordinary stock and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future). Dividends may be paid on shares of one class but not another and at different rates for different classes. Dividends and other distributions payable to our shareholders with respect to our ordinary shares generally will be payable directly to them. Any dividends or distributions payable with respect to ordinary shares will be paid to the depositary, which has agreed to pay to our ADS holders the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on shares or other deposited securities, after deducting its fees and expenses. Our ADS holders will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of shares their ADSs represent. In addition, there may be certain circumstances in which the depositary may not pay to our ADS holders amounts distributed by us as a dividend or distribution.

There are circumstances where it may be unlawful or impractical to make distributions to the holders of our ADSs.

The deposit agreement with the depositary generally requires the depositary to convert foreign currency it receives in respect of deposited securities into U.S. dollars and distribute the U.S. dollars to ADS holders, provided the depositary can do so on a reasonable basis. If it does not convert foreign currency, the depositary may distribute the foreign currency only to those ADS holders to whom it is possible to do so. If a distribution is payable by us in Australian dollars, the depositary will hold the foreign currency it cannot convert for the account of the ADS holders who have not been paid. It will not invest the foreign currency and it will not be liable for any interest. If the exchange rates fluctuate during a time when the depositary cannot convert the foreign currency, our ADS holders may lose some of the value of the distribution. The depositary is not responsible if it decides that it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any ADS holders. This means that our ADS holders may not receive the distributions we make on our shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for us to make them available.

NASDAQ may delist our ADSs from trading on its exchange which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in our ADSs and subject us to additional trading restrictions.

We may in the future fail to comply with the NASDAQ Global Market regulations and listing requirements as to minimum stockholders’ equity, minimum market value, minimum total assets and revenue, minimum bid price, minimum public float and other requirements (the “ NASDAQ Listing Requirements ”), and as a result NASDAQ may initiate procedures to delist our ordinary shares from the NASDAQ Global Market.

In the past 52-weeks, our ADSs have been trading in a range from $0.82 to $1.95 per share, and the longest period below $1.00 was for 6 business days from October 9, 2013 through October 16, 2013, inclusive. Under NASDAQ’s Marketplace Rule 5450(a)(1) (the “ Rule ”), any company whose shares have a closing bid price less than $1.00 for 30 consecutive business days may be subject to a delisting proceeding by NASDAQ. If we fail to meet the continued listing criteria under the Rule or any of the NASDAQ Listing Requirements, our ordinary shares may be delisted from trading on the NASDAQ Global Market.

Delisting from the NASDAQ Global Market could have an adverse effect on our business and on the trading of our ADSs. If a delisting of our ADSs were to occur, such shares may trade in the over-the-counter market such as on the OTC Bulletin Board or on the “pink sheets”. The over-the-counter market is generally considered to be a less efficient market, and this could diminish investors’ interest in our ADSs as well as significantly impact the price and liquidity of our ADSs. Any such delisting may also severely complicate trading of our ADSs by our shareholders, or prevent them from re-selling their ADSs at/or above the price they paid. Furthermore, our relatively low trading volume on the NASDAQ Global Market may make it difficult for shareholders to trade ADSs or initiate any other transactions. Delisting may also make it more difficult for us to issue additional securities or secure additional financing.

 

ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

A. History and Development of the Company

Prima BioMed is a global leader in the development of personalized bio-therapeutic products for cancer. Our key product candidate in development is CVac™, an autologous dendritic cell based product in clinical trials for late stage ovarian cancer patients in complete remission.

Our registered office is located at Level 7, 151 Macquarie Street, Sydney 2000 New South Wales, Australia and our telephone number is +61 (0)2 9276 1224. Our address on the Internet is www.primabiomed.com.au . The information on, or accessible through, our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 20-F. We have included our website address in this Annual Report on Form 20-F solely as an inactive textual reference.

 

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Fiscal 2012

In August 2011, the Saxony Development Bank of the German State of Saxony, or SAB, awarded a grant of up to EUR 4.1 million to support clinical trials of CVac in Europe. Part of this grant is paid directly to Prima BioMed GmbH as reimbursement for eligible development costs. The majority of the grant is paid to the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e. V., or Fraunhofer Institute, as reimbursement for CVac manufacturing costs to support clinical trials in Europe. The amounts paid to the Fraunhofer Institute reduce the costs incurred by Prima BioMed for manufacturing CVac in Europe. In the event the SAB does not reimburse the Fraunhofer Institute for their eligible manufacturing costs, Prima BioMed GmbH is obligated to pay the Fraunhofer Institute for contract manufacturing costs.

In September 2011, we were included in the Standard & Poor’s S&P/ASX 300 Index for the first time, as part of Standard & Poor’s September 2011 quarterly review.

In October 2011, we announced the formal launch of a partnership with The City Hospital in Dubai Healthcare City to make CVac commercially available in the Middle East region. In October of 2011, we also announced the launch of another partnership with The City Hospital for a therapeutic apheresis service.

In February 2012, we enrolled the first patient in CANVAS (CANcer VAccine Study) a double blind placebo controlled Phase II/III study of CVac as maintenance treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer patients in remission.

In March 2012, we announced that we had received a manufacturing license from the Therapeutic Good Administration to produce CVac for clinical trials in Australia.

On April 16, 2012, we commenced trading on the NASDAQ Stock Market of American Depositary Shares (ADSs). Every one ADS represents 30 ordinary fully paid shares. Prima BioMed’s NASDAQ listing is a Level II ADR compliance listing. Bank of New York Mellon is Prima BioMed’s deposit agent for converting our common shares into ADSs. A registration statement relating to the ADSs was filed with, and declared effective by, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

In June 2012, we announced that we would list our ADSs on the Entry Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange as of June 5, 2012.

In June 2012, we announced that we had terminated our preclinical development for the Cripto-1 antibody program.

In June 2012, we announced that we will be winding down our business activities in Dubai due to regulatory delays and logistical challenges that would make it difficult to treat patients and achieve profitability in a reasonable amount of time.

Fiscal 2013

In October 2012, we announced positive trends in the interim data from the CAN-003 phase 2 clinical trial of CVac to treat epithelial ovarian cancer patients in remission after first-line or second line therapy.

In February 2013, we received A$1.4 million in cash rebate from the Australian federal government’s R&D tax incentive program. The cash rebate was provided essentially for expenditures incurred on eligible Australian R&D activities conducted foremost on CVac clinical trials and manufacturing during the 2011/12 financial year. Additionally, we have received A$206,605 from the SAB as a reimbursement for CVac clinical trial costs incurred in Europe.

In February 2013, we announced that we had commenced recruitment of patients into the CANVAS (CANcer VAccine Study) trial in Europe.

In March 2013, the SAB approved a grant of up to EUR 3.8 million to support phase 2 clinical trials of CVac in up to three new cancer indications as well as several manufacturing optimization programs. The majority of the grant is paid to the Fraunhofer Institute as reimbursement for CVac manufacturing costs to support clinical trials in Europe.

As of June 30, 2013 we raised A$7.7 million from our Shareholder Purchase Plan, an Option Entitlement Offer, and from a private placement to sophisticated investors of our Share Purchase Plan shortfall. After the end of fiscal year 2013, in July and August 2013, we raised a further A$6.8 million from sophisticated investors who participated in additional Share Purchase Plan shortfall placements, resulting in total funds raised from these capital raisings of A$14.6 million. These funds, in addition to co-funding from the SAB, will help us to continue with our clinical and manufacturing development plans.

 

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Fiscal 2014

In September 2013, we announced top-line results of our CAN-003 phase 2 trial of CVac for the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer patients in remission after first or second line treatment. Results indicated that CVac was well tolerated by patients, with only one serious adverse event considered possibly related to CVac treatment. The majority of adverse events were considered mild and transient in nature. Evaluation of immunological responses to CVac indicated no humoral or antibody responses as expected and importantly CVac induced a cellular T cell response in patients. The estimate of median progression-free survival at that time resulted in no observed difference between the CVac treated patients and the control arm on the CAN-003 study when looking at the first and second remission patients as a single group. The efficacy of CVac was evaluated by determining the progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). PFS was measured from the date of randomization to the earlier of the date of documented disease progression or death from any cause. Initial top line PFS data indicated divergent trends for the first and second remission populations. It was too early to make conclusions about CVac’s effect on overall survival. As of the date of analysis, eight study patients out of 58 (5 of the initial 63 patients enrolled had withdrawn their consent) were confirmed to be deceased. We anticipate, based on projecting current trends, that the overall survival data will be interpretable by approximately the end of calendar year 2014.

The phase 2/3 CANVAS trial was a trial in first remission patients who in the CAN-003 top line data appeared to show no benefit with respect to PFS and an unknown benefit with respect to OS. Additionally the CANVAS trial evaluates PFS as the primary efficacy endpoint. Prima BioMed suspended enrolment of new patients in the CANVAS trial while the CAN-003 data was reconciled and data queried and cleaned to permit amendment of the CANVAS trial based on accurate data from the CAN-003 trial. Patients screened and enrolled into the trial were permitted to remain in the trial.

In November 2013 we announced updated progression-free survival data from the CAN-003 protocol. In 20 patients in second remission on the CAN-003 trial, CVac conferred approximately a 50% increase in progression free survival as compared to patients receiving observation only (7.69 months versus 5.14 months; HR=0.41; p=0.09).

Based on these results we announced plans to move forward with an amended CAN-004 trial protocol in 210 patients for the maintenance treatment of platinum sensitive, epithelial ovarian cancer in patients in second line remission. We also announced our plans to move forward with an up to 40-patient pilot, multicenter, single-arm trial of CVac for the maintenance treatment of resected pancreatic cancer patients.

 

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In January and February 2014, the Company announced the approval by regulators of the amended CAN-004 protocol initially in Belgium and then subsequently in multiple jurisdictions including Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Ukraine and Belarus.

On the 21 February 2014, the first commercial transaction for Prima BioMed and CVac was announced with the signing of a Licensing and Distribution Agreement with the Neopharm Group in Israel.

In March 2014 the company received an AU$1.6 Million dollar Research and Development tax incentive refund from the Australian Government to offset the expenses of research and development conducted within Australia in the 2013 financial year.

In March 2014, Prima BioMed was removed from the S&P ASX 300 listing after S&P’s March Quarterly Rebalancing review.

In May, it was announced that Prima BioMed had been awarded fast track designation for CVac by the US Food and Drug Administration. The FDA’s “fast track” process is a process designed to facilitate the development, and expedite the review of drugs to treat serious conditions and fill an unmet medical need. However, there can be no assurance that CVac will be reviewed or approved (if at all) more expeditiously than would otherwise have been the case. Please see the section titled “Regulatory Authorities—Fast Track Designation.”

The final progression free-survival (PFS) data was accepted for oral presentation at the 2014 American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Conference on 31st May 2014. ASCO is among the world’s largest annual scientific events in the oncology community. It was reported that CVac demonstrated a clinically meaningful improvement in progression free survival (PFS) over standard of care in second remission ovarian cancer patients in the CAN-003 protocol. Final PFS analysis from CAN-003 indicated even stronger trends toward improved clinical outcomes for CVac treated patients than topline data announced in September 2013 had suggested. In second remission patients (n=20) from CAN-003, median PFS for CVac was estimated to be greater than 12.91 months, compared to median PFS of 4.94 months for the control group (hazard ratio=0.32; p=0.04). Consistent with conclusions drawn from the previous top-line data analysis PFS was not improved for CVac patients in first remission (hazard ratio=1.18; p=0.69).

In late May, Prima BioMed received notification from the US patent office that its patent for treating patients with CVac had been allowed. This patent proceeded to be granted in July 2014 and was given a patent term extension of almost 4 years providing for patent protection in the US for this patent until at least August 2022.

Interim overall survival (OS) for CAN-003 was announced in June 2014 In second remission patients (n=20) from CAN-003, median OS for control group patients was 26.25 months while a median for CVac patients was not yet reached after 30 months (hazard ratio=0.17; p=0.07). Medians for the control group and CVac treated patients had not yet been reached for first remission patients. Further OS data updates are expected in late 2014.

On 9 July 2014, it was announced that Mr. Marc Voigt would replace Mr. Matthew Lehman as the CEO of Prima BioMed. Mr. Lehman remains as an advisor to the company and has been instrumental in designing a clinical development plan for the company. Mr. Voigt has been with Prima BioMed since 2012 as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business Officer and an employee of its German subsidiary since 2011, where he currently serves as a Managing Director. The shift in focus of the operations of the company to Germany due to the SAB grant support made it more practicable for Mr. Voigt to take over as CEO. In addition, Mr Voigt has over the past three years as the head of our European Operations, forged strong relationships within the European medical industry. During his role as CBO and CFO he has gained an excellent knowledge of both the operational and financial aspects of the business and he has a strong investment and transactional background within the biotechnology sector. Based in Germany, he is ideally placed to assume the responsibilities as CEO.

 

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B. Business Overview

Background

Prima BioMed is a global leader in the development of personalized bio-therapeutic products for cancer. Our key product candidate in development is CVac™, an autologous dendritic cell based product in clinical trials for late stage epithelial ovarian cancer patients in complete remission. As we announced in this past fiscal year, we intend to explore the potential of CVac in resectable pancreatic cancer patients in a small pilot trial.

Operations Summary

Prima BioMed has small administrative offices in Sydney, Australia; Redwood City (which is expected to be closed during FY 15), USA and Berlin, Germany. We have a facility in Leipzig, Germany for management of our supply chain and logistics. Our contract manufacturing facilities for production of CVac are located in Melbourne, Australia; Mountain View, California; and Leipzig, Germany.

As of June 30, 2014, we employed 31 people. Our internal staff manages finances, business development, intellectual property, CVac product development, manufacturing, and CVac clinical development. We make extensive use of outside contractors and consultants to help manage manufacturing and clinical trials.

CVac Clinical Development for the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer Patients in Remission

Prima BioMed’s lead program is the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer patients who are in complete remission. Currently we are targeting patients in second remission. This area represents a significant medical need due to the high relapse rates and high morbidity associated with the disease. Prima BioMed has obtained orphan indication designation in both the United States and Europe, which confers advantages to the Company such as reduced regulatory fees and market exclusivity after product approval. Please see the section titled “Regulatory Authorities—Orphan Drug Designations.” Fast track designation was also granted in the US in May 2014, which allows for expedited review of data. Please see the section titled “Regulatory Authorities—Fast Track Designation.”

The Company estimates a potential market for CVac in the initial target indication of second line remission epithelial ovarian cancer patients alone of up to 25,000 new patients per annum in the “major markets” of the United States, Australia, Japan, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, as well as significant additional opportunities in other global markets.

CAN-003 Phase 2 Study

In October and November 2012, we reported positive interim data from our ongoing phase 2 trial of CVac as maintenance treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer (the CAN-003 study). Data suggested that CVac has minimal side effects and none of the toxicity one would expect with more traditional cancer therapies. We saw encouraging trends of increasing PFS and OS for patients on trial for patients receiving CVac versus the control group. PFS or OS analysis were not performed as the data was too immature. In the immune monitoring completed for the first cohort of seven patients tested, we also saw that CVac induces a killer T cell response that was specific to mucin 1 (this is the antigen target on the cancer cells).

In September 2013, we announced top-line results of our CAN-003 trial. Results indicate that CVac was well tolerated by patients, with only one serious adverse event marked as possibly related to CVac treatment. The majority of adverse events were considered mild and transient in nature. While there was expected biological variability, trial data indicate that CVac induced a T cell response specific to mucin 1. This is considered to be a positive signal of the immune activity of CVac. The estimate of progression-free survival of the entire ovarian cancer patient trial population resulted in no observed difference between the CVac treated patients and the control arm on the CAN-003 study.

As of the time of CAN-003 top-line analysis, it was considered too early to make conclusions about CVac’s effect on overall survival. We anticipate, based on projecting current trends, that the overall survival data would be interpretable by approximately the end of calendar year 2014.

CAN-004 Phase 2/3 Study (“CANVAS”)

The CANVAS trial was designed to assess CVac in patients in first remission and to evaluate PFS as the primary endpoint. Based on the topline CAN-003 data indicating that first remission patients showed no measurable benefit with respect to PFS and an

 

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unknown benefit with respect to OS, Prima BioMed suspended enrollment of new first remission patients on to that trial. The protocol was reviewed by advisors and key opinion leaders and amended to focus on second line remission patients based on the CAN-003 data. In order to minimize costs while maintaining feasibility we consolidated our operations and manufacturing into Europe. The amended protocol was submitted to the relevant regulators within each country we were intending to conduct our clinical trials and ethics committees for approval, clinical centers were re-educated and trained on the new protocol and, subsequently, enrolment is underway.

CAN-301 phase 2 pancreatic trial

In November 2013, we announced our plans to move forward with a 40-patient pilot, multicenter, single-arm trial of CVac for the maintenance treatment of resected pancreatic cancer patients to assess OS, PFS, adverse events, and immune monitoring. CAN-301 is a Phase 2 Trial of CVac (in patients with Resected Stage I or Stage II Adenocarcinoma (Cancer) of the Pancreas, which has been designed as a pilot study to initially assess: a) the safety and tolerability of CVac; b) duration of PFS and OS following the initiation of CVac administration; c) to evaluate the time to next treatment (TTNT); d) to evaluate immunologic response to CVac administration in this patient population; e) to investigate biomarkers, including tumor and immune characteristics, of clinical efficacy of CVac in this patient population; and f) to assess the change in quality of life (QoL) following the initiation of CVac administration in this patient population.

Personalized Immunocellular Therapeutics

To successfully produce and develop a personalized immunocellular therapeutic such as CVac, we have made significant investments in the technology and manufacturing processes that underpin our business. During fiscal 2014, we continued our efforts to optimize the four key aspects of our operational platform: (1) supply and logistics management, (2) product processing, (3) product formulation and stability, and (4) quality control. We also conducted a number of additional optimization testing programs to continuously improve and maintain our leadership in this space. These tests included transport and packaging optimization, evaluation of different cell collection systems, evaluation of different culture media conditions, optimization of wash and concentration processes, optimization of formulation and filling processes, optimization of finished packaging, validation of quality control analytical methods for CVac, and in vivo dendritic cell tracking studies.

A significant part of the costs of these optimization testing programs have been co-funded by collaboration partners, most importantly the SAB and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Center in Melbourne, Australia.

Strategic Focus

Since June 30, 2013, we have no longer continued our previous funding of early stage research into the use of super critical fluid technology for its potential applications in the reformulation of oral vaccines. While we believe the concept holds promise, the research remains too early-stage to have any practical applications that fit into our core business strategy. We remain focused on the successful clinical development of CVac as a potential treatment for ovarian cancer and resectable pancreatic cancer. Other cancer indications may be explored in the future. In addition, we intend to constantly improve the CVac manufacturing and supply process.

Intellectual Property

CVac is protected in the major markets and a number of other countries by two patent families licensed from the Burnet Institute in Melbourne, Australia, including composition of matter patents on mucin-mannan conjugates and method of composition patents of producing dendritic cells treated with M-FP. Please see the section titled “Material Contracts Related to Intellectual Property and Commercialization.”

In addition, CVac’s designation as an orphan product in ovarian cancer indications in the United States and Europe could give us market exclusivity for 7 and 10 years, respectively, in those regions. During the seven-year period in the United States, the FDA may not finally approve any other applications to market the same drug for the same disease, except in limited circumstances, such as a showing of clinical superiority to the product with orphan drug exclusivity. Orphan drug exclusivity does not prevent FDA from approving a different drug for the same disease or condition, or the same drug for a different disease or condition. Please see the section titled “Regulatory Authorities—Orphan Drug Designations.”

In addition to patent protection, we rely on unpatented trade secrets, know-how and other confidential information as well as proprietary technological innovation and expertise that are protected in part by confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with our employees, advisors and consultants.

 

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Patent matters in biotechnology are highly uncertain and involve complex legal and factual questions. The availability and breadth of claims allowed in biotechnology and pharmaceutical patents cannot be predicted. Statutory differences in patentable subject matter may limit the protection Prima BioMed can obtain on some or all of its licensed inventions or prevent us from obtaining patent protection either of which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. Since patent applications are not published until at least 18 months from their first filing date and the publication of discoveries in the scientific literature often lags behind actual discoveries, we cannot be certain that we, or any of our licensors, were the first creator of inventions covered by pending patent applications, or that we or our licensors, were the first to file patent applications for such inventions. Additionally, the grant and enforceability of a patent is dependent on a number of factors that may vary between jurisdictions. These factors may include the novelty of the invention, the requirement that the invention not be obvious in the light of prior art (including prior use or publication of the invention), the utility of the invention and the extent to which the patent clearly describes the best method of working the invention. In short, this means that claims granted in various territories may vary and thereby influence commercial outcomes.

While we have applied and will continue to file for protection as appropriate for our therapeutic products and technologies, we cannot be certain that any future patent applications filed by the company, or licensed to us, will be approved, or that Prima BioMed will develop additional proprietary products or processes that are patentable or that we will be able to license any other patentable products or processes. Prima BioMed cannot be certain that others will not independently develop similar products or processes, duplicate any of the products or processes developed or being developed by the company or licensed to us, or design around the patents owned or licensed by us, or that any patents owned or licensed by us will provide us with competitive advantages.

Furthermore, we cannot be certain that patents held by third parties will not prevent the commercialization of products incorporating the technology developed by us or licensed to us, or that third parties will not challenge or seek to narrow, invalidate or circumvent any of the issued, pending or future patents owned or licensed by us.

Our commercial success will also depend, in part, on our ability to avoid infringement of patents issued to others. If a court determines that we were infringing any third party patents, we could be required to pay damages, alter our products or processes, obtain licenses or cease certain activities. We cannot be certain that the licenses required under patents held by third parties would be made available on terms acceptable to us or at all. To the extent that we are unable to obtain such licenses, we could be foreclosed from the development, export, manufacture or commercialization of the product requiring such license or encounter delays in product introductions while we attempt to design around such patents, and any of these circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may have to resort to litigation to enforce any patents issued or licensed to us or to determine the scope and validity of third party proprietary rights. Such litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of effort by us. We may have to participate in opposition proceedings before the Australian Patent and Trademark Office or another foreign patent office, or in interference proceedings declared by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, to determine the priority of invention for patent applications filed by competitors. Any such litigation interference or opposition proceeding, regardless of outcome, could be expensive and time consuming, and adverse determinations in any such proceedings could prevent us from developing, manufacturing or commercializing our products and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

CVac is a registered trademark in Australia, the United States, Europe, New Zealand, China, and the UAE.

Patent Portfolio

The following table presents our portfolio of patents and patent applications, including their status (as at June 30, 2014) and a brief description of their respective subject matter.

 

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Patent

Family

  

Title

  

Status

  

Expires

Family 1

        

Mannan fusion

   Composition of matter patent—Mucin-Mannan conjugates, antigen carbohydrate compounds, or mucin-1 derived antigens and their use in immunotherapy.    Granted in Australia, Canada, Japan, USA (x3), UK, Italy, France, Germany, Ireland.   

2014

(Expires in November 2014 for US & Canada

and in December for Australia.

Already expired in other jurisdictions.*)

Family 3

        

Ex vivo cell therapy

   Method of producing dendritic cells pulsed with MFP (family 1).    Granted in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Japan (x2), Luxemburg, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Netherlands, Canada, USA and UK.   

2018

(expires 2022 in USA)

 

* Expiration of patent family 1 means Prima BioMed no longer has a right to sue a third party for damages if they commercially produce the oxidized mannan fusion protein (M-FP) component of the CVac vaccine that contains the mucin 1 antigen. However, we do not believe that the expiration of family 1 patents will be a significant threat to Prima BioMed in the area of autologous dendritic cell therapy because while a third party may be able to commercially produce this component, it would not be able to use it to treat dendritic cells or to reintroduce these treated dendritic cells back into patients. This component of the vaccine is still protected by the family 3 patents. We also believe that it would be difficult for a third party to produce M-FP regardless of patent protection, given the substantial proprietary manufacturing know-how Prima BioMed has developed.

Material Contracts Related to Intellectual Property and Commercialization

Biomira License Agreement

In March 2004, Cancer Vac Pty Ltd (a wholly owned subsidiary of Prima BioMed Ltd) entered into a Licence and Development Agreement with a Canadian company. Biomira Inc. (now known as Oncothyreon Inc.), regarding a license under mucin 1 peptide patents. These mucin 1 peptide patents are owned by the Imperial Cancer Research Technology (ICRT) Limited, an English Research Organisation, and were exclusively licensed to Biomira. As partial consideration for the Agreement, Biomira became a shareholder of Cancer Vac Pty Ltd and milestones and royalties as per the Licence Development Agreement were agreed. The original Agreement was subsequently amended on several occasions.

In October 2013, the Biomira License Agreement was terminated. As of the termination date, we had no further obligations to Oncothyreon Inc.

ARI License Agreement

In May 2001, a Technology License Agreement between the Burnet Institute (the Austin Research Institute at that time) and its wholly-owned subsidiary Ilexus Pty Ltd and Prima BioMed and Cancer Vac Pty Ltd. was executed. A number of variations and novations have occurred with the most significant changes made in August 2005. The 2005 variation provides Cancer Vac (subsequently novated to Prima BioMed Ltd in April 2012) with a research and development licence and a commercialization licence that provide the exclusive worldwide right to conduct research and development and to commercialize the background technology in the field of cancer. Improvements to the background technology and research results arising from Prima BioMed’s own development programs are owned by Prima BioMed.

 

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The Burnet Institute is entitled to receive a single digit royalty on any income received by Prima BioMed through the commercialization of the background technology, or research results and background technology improvements that arose out of a specific research and development program while the patents remain in force. In the event that there is a trade sale of the technology, the Burnet Institute will be entitled to a single digit percentage of the consideration. Unless terminated earlier, this agreement will continue in force for the duration of the patents/patent applications. Either party may terminate this agreement upon written notice to the other party for the other party’s uncured material breach, bankruptcy or cessation of business.

Competition

We expect Prima BioMed to face competition from other pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions that are developing both cell therapies and ovarian cancer maintenance therapies in second remission patients. We believe the competitive position of Prima BioMed in the face of such competition will be driven by a number of factors including the safety and efficacy of CVac compared with competitor products, the price value analysis, adoption by patients and physicians, timing of entry into the market in each indication, and the timing of regulatory approvals and influence of regulatory approvals such as orphan designation. The need to continuously improve and optimize manufacturing costs is also expected to be crucial to remaining competitive.

Current treatments for ovarian cancer include chemotherapeutics, angiogenesis inhibitors and antibody therapies. In the ovarian cancer maintenance therapy space, there is no currently approved standard of care once patients have entered remission.

Regulatory Authorities

United States

Government oversight of the pharmaceutical industry is usually classified into pre-approval and post-approval categories. Most of the therapeutically significant innovative products marketed today are the subject of New Drug Applications, or NDAs, or Biologics License Applications, or BLAs. Preapproval activities, based on these detailed applications, are used to assure the product is safe and effective before marketing.

In the United States, The Centre for Biologics Evaluation and Research, or CBER, is the FDA organization responsible for vaccines, blood and biologics evaluation and approval. The FDA may inspect and audit the development facilities, planned production facilities, clinical trial sites and laboratory facilities. After the product is approved and marketed, the FDA uses different mechanisms for assuring that firms adhere to the terms and conditions of approval described in the application and that the product is manufactured in a consistent and controlled manner. This is done by periodic unannounced inspections of production and quality control facilities by FDA’s field investigators and analysts.

Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and Public Health Service Act

Prescription drug and biologic products are subject to extensive pre- and post-market regulation by the FDA, including regulations that govern the testing, manufacturing, safety, efficacy, labeling, storage, record keeping, advertising and promotion of such products under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, the Public Health Service Act, and their implementing regulations. The process of obtaining FDA approval and achieving and maintaining compliance with applicable laws and regulations requires the expenditure of substantial time and financial resources. Failure to comply with applicable FDA or other requirements may result in refusal to approve pending applications, a clinical hold, warning letters, civil or criminal penalties, recall or seizure of products, partial or total suspension of production or withdrawal of the product from the market. FDA approval is required before any new drug or biologic, including a new use of a previously approved drug, can be marketed in the United States. All applications for FDA approval must contain, among other things, information relating to safety and efficacy, stability, manufacturing, processing, packaging, labeling and quality control.

Biologic License Applications (BLAs)

The FDA’s BLA approval process generally involves:

 

    completion of preclinical laboratory and animal testing in compliance with the FDA’s good laboratory practice, or GLP, regulations;

 

    submission to the FDA of an IND for human clinical testing, which must become effective before human clinical trials may begin in the United States;

 

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    performance of adequate and well-controlled human clinical trials to establish the safety, purity and potency of the proposed biologic product for each intended use;

 

    satisfactory completion of an FDA pre-approval inspection of the facility or facilities at which the product is manufactured to assess compliance with the FDA’s cGMP regulations; and

 

    submission to and approval by the FDA of a BLA.

The manufacturing and quality, as well as preclinical and clinical testing and approval process requires substantial time, effort and financial resources, and we cannot guarantee that approval for our product candidate will be granted on a timely basis, if at all. Preclinical tests include laboratory evaluation of toxicity and immunogenicity in animals. The results of preclinical tests, together with manufacturing information and analytical data, are submitted as part of an IND application to the FDA. In such a case, the IND sponsor and the FDA must resolve any outstanding concerns. Further, an independent institutional review board, or IRB, covering each medical center proposing to conduct clinical trials must review and approve the plan for any clinical trial before it commences at that center and it must monitor the study until completed. The FDA, the IRB or the sponsor may suspend a clinical trial at any time on various grounds, including a finding that the subjects or patients are being exposed to an unacceptable health risk. Clinical testing also must satisfy extensive Good Clinical Practice, or GCP, regulations, which include requirements that all research subjects provide informed consent and that all clinical studies be conducted under the supervision of one or more qualified investigators.

For purposes of an NDA submission and approval, human clinical trials are typically conducted in the following sequential phases, which may overlap:

 

    Phase I: Trials are initially conducted in a limited population to test the product candidate for safety and dose tolerance.

 

    Phase II: Trials are generally conducted in a limited patient population to identify possible adverse effects and safety risks, to determine the initial efficacy of the product for specific targeted indications and to determine dose tolerance and optimal dosage. Multiple Phase II clinical trials may be conducted by the sponsor to obtain information prior to beginning larger and more extensive Phase III clinical trials.

 

    Phase III: These are commonly referred to as pivotal studies. When Phase II evaluations demonstrate that a dose range of the product is effective and has an acceptable safety profile, Phase III clinical trials are undertaken in large patient populations to further evaluate dosage, to provide substantial evidence of clinical efficacy and to further test for safety in an expanded and diverse patient population at multiple, geographically-dispersed clinical trial sites. Generally, replicate evidence of safety and effectiveness needs to be demonstrated in two adequate and well-controlled Phase III clinical trials of a product candidate for a specific indication. These studies are intended to establish the overall risk/benefit ratio of the product and provide adequate basis for product labeling.

 

    Phase IV: In some cases, the FDA may condition approval of a BLA on the sponsor’s agreement to conduct additional clinical trials to further assess the product’s safety, purity and potency after BLA approval. Such post-approval trials are typically referred to as Phase IV clinical trials.

Progress reports detailing the results of the clinical studies must be submitted at least annually to the FDA and safety reports must be submitted to the FDA and the investigators for serious and unexpected adverse events. Concurrent with clinical studies, sponsors usually complete additional animal studies and must also develop additional information about the product and finalize a process for manufacturing the product in commercial quantities in accordance with cGMP requirements. The manufacturing process must be capable of consistently producing quality batches of the product candidate and, among other things, the manufacturer must develop methods for testing the identity, strength, quality and purity of the final product. Moreover, appropriate packaging must be selected and tested and stability studies must be conducted to demonstrate that the product candidate does not undergo unacceptable deterioration over its shelf life.

The results of product development, preclinical studies and clinical trials, along with the aforementioned manufacturing information, are submitted to the FDA as part of a BLA. BLAs must also contain extensive manufacturing information. Under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, or PDUFA, the FDA agrees to specific goals for BLA review time through a two-tiered classification system, Standard Review and Priority Review. Standard Review is applied to products that offer, at most, only minor improvement over existing marketed therapies. Standard Review BLAs have a goal of being completed within a ten-month timeframe, although a review can take a significantly longer amount of time. A Priority Review designation is given to products that offer major advances in treatment, or provide a treatment where no adequate therapy exists. A Priority Review means that the time it takes the FDA to review a BLA is six months. It is likely that our product candidate will be granted a Standard Review. The review process is often significantly extended by FDA requests for additional information or clarification. The FDA may refer the application to an advisory committee for review, evaluation and recommendation as to whether the application should be approved. The FDA is not bound by the recommendation of an advisory committee, but it generally follows such recommendations.

 

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The FDA may deny approval of a BLA if the applicable regulatory criteria are not satisfied, or it may require additional clinical data or additional pivotal Phase III clinical trials. Even if such data are submitted, the FDA may ultimately decide that the BLA does not satisfy the criteria for approval. Data from clinical trials are not always conclusive and the FDA may interpret data differently than we do. Once issued, product approval may be withdrawn by the FDA if ongoing regulatory requirements are not met or if safety problems occur after the product reaches the market. In addition, the FDA may require testing, including Phase IV clinical trials, Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies, or REMS, and surveillance programs to monitor the effect of approved products that have been commercialized, and the FDA has the power to prevent or limit further marketing of a product based on the results of these post-marketing programs. Products may be marketed only for the approved indications and in accordance with the provisions of the approved label. Further, if there are any modifications to the drug, including changes in indications, labeling or manufacturing processes or facilities, approval of a new or supplemental BLA may be required, which may involve conducting additional preclinical studies and clinical trials.

Other U.S. Regulatory Requirements

After approval, products are subject to extensive continuing regulation by the FDA, which include company obligations to manufacture products in accordance with GMP, maintain and provide to the FDA updated safety and efficacy information, report adverse experiences with the product, keep certain records and submit periodic reports, obtain FDA approval of certain manufacturing or labeling changes and comply with FDA promotion and advertising requirements and restrictions. Failure to meet these obligations can result in various adverse consequences, both voluntary and FDA-imposed, including product recalls, withdrawal of approval, restrictions on marketing, and the imposition of civil fines and criminal penalties against the BLA holder. In addition, later discovery of previously unknown safety or efficacy issues may result in restrictions on the product, manufacturer or BLA holder.

We, and any manufacturers of our products, are required to comply with applicable FDA manufacturing requirements contained in the FDA’s GMP regulations. GMP regulations require, among other things, quality control and quality assurance as well as the corresponding maintenance of records and documentation. The manufacturing facilities for our products must meet GMP requirements. We, and any third-party manufacturers, are also subject to periodic inspections of facilities by the FDA and other authorities, including procedures and operations used in the testing and manufacture of our products to assess our compliance with applicable regulations.

With respect to post-market product advertising and promotion, the FDA imposes a number of complex regulations on entities that advertise and promote pharmaceuticals, which include, among others, standards for direct-to-consumer advertising, promoting products for uses or in patient populations that are not described in the product’s approved labeling (known as “off-label use”), industry-sponsored scientific and educational activities, and promotional activities involving the Internet. Failure to comply with FDA requirements can have negative consequences, including adverse publicity, enforcement letters from the FDA, mandated corrective advertising or communications with doctors and civil or criminal penalties. Although physicians may prescribe legally available drugs for off-label uses, manufacturers may not market or promote such off-label uses.

Changes to some of the conditions established in an approved application, including changes in indications, labeling, or manufacturing processes or facilities, require submission and FDA approval of a new BLA or BLA supplement before the change can be implemented. A BLA supplement for a new indication typically requires clinical data similar to that in the original application, and the FDA uses the same procedures and actions in reviewing BLA supplements as it does in reviewing BLAs.

Adverse event reporting and submission of periodic reports is required following FDA approval of a BLA. The FDA also may require post-marketing testing, known as Phase IV testing, risk mitigation strategies, and surveillance to monitor the effects of an approved product or place conditions on an approval that could restrict the distribution or use of the product.

European Union

In addition to regulations in the United States, we will be subject to a variety of foreign regulations governing clinical trials and commercial sales and distribution of our products. Whether or not we obtain FDA approval for a product, we must obtain approval of a product by the comparable regulatory authorities of foreign countries before we can commence clinical trials or marketing of the product in those countries. The approval process varies from country to country and the time may be longer or shorter than that required for FDA approval. The requirements governing the conduct of clinical trials vary greatly from country to country.

Under European Union regulatory systems, we must submit and obtain authorization for a clinical trial application in each member state in which we intend to conduct a clinical trial. After we have completed our clinical trials, we must obtain marketing authorization before we can market our product. We may submit applications for marketing authorizations either under a centralized or decentralized procedure. The centralized procedure provides for the grant of a single marketing authorization that is valid for all European Union member states. The decentralized procedure provides for mutual recognition of national approval decisions. Under

 

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this procedure, the holder of a national marketing authorization may submit an application to the remaining member states. Within 90 days of receiving the applications and assessment report, each member state must decide whether to recognize approval. If a member state objects to the approval, an arbitration process is initiated and the final decision is made by the European Commission on the basis of an opinion of the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products for Human Use, or CHMP. The mutual recognition procedure may be used more than once for subsequent applications to other member states in relation to the same product candidate.

The European Medicines Agency, or EMA, is a decentralized body of the European Union located in London. The EMA is responsible for the scientific evaluation of medicines developed by pharmaceutical companies for use in the European Union. The EMA is involved in the scientific evaluation of medicines that fall within the scope of the centralized procedure. However, other medicines that do not fall within this scope are marketed in the European Union either in individual member states, in accordance with their national authorization procedures, or in multiple member states through the decentralized or mutual-recognition procedures. The EMA only becomes involved in the assessment of such medicines when they have been referred to the EMA due to a disagreement between two or more member states about the authorization or use of the medicine, or due to some other issue that requires resolution in the interest of protecting public health. Like the FDA there is a harmonization between regulators and the EMA may inspect and audit the development facilities, planned production facilities, clinical trial sites and laboratory facilities. Additionally, after the product is approved and marketed, the EMA uses different mechanisms for assuring that firms adhere to the terms and conditions of approval described in the application and that the product is manufactured in a consistent and controlled manner. This is done by periodic unannounced inspections of production and quality control facilities.

Australia

In Australia, the relevant regulatory body responsible for the pharmaceutical industry is the Therapeutics Goods Administration, or TGA. Blood, blood components, plasma derivatives, tissue and cellular products, and tissue and cell based derivatives are regulated under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. As with the EMA and FDA there is a harmonization and collaboration between regulatory authorities. The CTN filing in Australia references the US FDA IND but separately requires a TGA manufacturing authorization to permit manufacture of products in Australia.

Third-Party Payer Coverage and Reimbursement

Although our product candidate has not been commercialized for any indication, if they are approved for marketing, commercial success of our product candidate will depend, in part, upon the availability of coverage and reimbursement from third-party payers at the federal, state and private levels.

Fast Track Designation

In May 2014, the FDA granted fast track designation to the CVac clinical development program at Prima BioMed. Established under the FDA Modernization Act of 1997, fast track is a process designed to facilitate the development, and expedite the review of drugs to treat serious conditions and fill an unmet medical need. The purpose is to get important new drugs to the patient earlier. Fast track designation is reserved for therapies that attempt to treat diseases where no other therapy is available or where the Fast track therapy shows some advantages over available therapy.

Fast track designation confers some or all of the following benefits: more frequent meetings with FDA to discuss the drug’s development plan and ensure collection of appropriate data needed to support drug approval, more frequent written correspondence from FDA about such things as the design of the proposed clinical trials and use of biomarkers, eligibility for Accelerated Approval and Priority Review, if relevant criteria are met, and Rolling Review, which means that a drug company can submit completed sections of its Biological License Application (BLA) or New Drug Application (NDA) for review by FDA, rather than waiting until every section of the application is completed before the entire application can be reviewed. However, there can be no assurance that a drug that has been granted fast track designation will be reviewed or approved (if at all) more expeditiously than would otherwise have been the case.

Orphan Drug Designations

CVac was granted orphan drug designation by the FDA in September 2010. Under the Orphan Drug Act, the FDA may grant orphan drug designation to drugs intended to treat a rare disease or condition—generally a disease or condition that affects fewer than 200,000 individuals in the U.S. Orphan drug designation is intended to provide incentives to encourage companies to pursue cures and treatments for rare diseases by providing major benefits during the product commercialization process. Orphan drug designation must be requested before submitting an NDA. After the FDA grants orphan drug designation, the generic identity of the drug and its potential orphan use are disclosed publicly by the FDA. Orphan drug designation does not convey any advantage in, or shorten the duration of, the regulatory review and approval process. The first NDA applicant to receive FDA approval for a particular active

 

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ingredient to treat a particular disease with FDA orphan drug designation is entitled to a seven-year exclusive marketing period in the U.S. for that product, for that indication. During the seven-year exclusivity period, the FDA may not finally approve any other applications to market the same drug for the same disease, except in limited circumstances, such as a showing of clinical superiority to the product with orphan drug exclusivity. Orphan drug exclusivity does not prevent FDA from approving a different drug for the same disease or condition, or the same drug for a different disease or condition. Among the other benefits of orphan drug designation are tax credits for certain research and a waiver of the NDA application user fee.

In June 2010 CVac was also granted “Orphan Medicinal Product Designation” by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). This designation also provides major benefits during product commercialization. Key incentives include the exclusive rights to the cure or treatment for a specific condition for 10 years post approval to commercially market CVac and the provision of tax reductions.

Inflation and Seasonality

Management believes inflation has not had a material impact on our operations or financial condition. Management further believes that our operations are not currently subject to seasonal influences due to our current lack of marketed products. Moreover, ovarian cancer, which is the first indication in which CVac is being developed, is not a seasonal disease. Accordingly, once we have marketed products, management does not expect that our business will be subject to seasonal influences.

Manufacturing and Raw Materials

CVac Raw Materials

A key component of CVac manufacture is mononuclear cells (a type of blood cell) obtained from each patient, as CVac is made specifically for each patient. To obtain mononuclear cells, we use a process called leukapheresis, which requires specially trained technicians using qualified processes on a COBE ® Spectra machine or the Spectra Optia machine from Terumo BCT. We have invested significant time and money into training and quality control procedures for mononuclear cell collections. However, if we are unable to identify and train appropriate technicians in sufficient number , or if machines or kits for the collection devices are no longer supplied by the manufacturer, and we are unable to arrange for qualified substitutes, the continued development and any future commercialization of CVac may be delayed.

Besides the patients’ own cells, many of the key reagents required for CVac manufacture are available from reputable commercial sources, produced under the appropriate level of quality control (e.g. GMP, ISO, etc.) and supplied with appropriate specifications and batch release documentation. We have assumed that our ongoing supply of these reagents will be available during further clinical development, that no further technology transfer from us is required and that lot-to-lot reproducibility can be assured.

Other key reagents required for CVac manufacture are custom made for Prima BioMed, in particular the CVac antigen (Mannosylated Fusion Protein or M-FP). We have scaled up manufacturing of M-FP and other key custom reagents and we have sufficient quantities stockpiled for our foreseeable development needs; however, it may be difficult to obtain the same or comparable custom reagents in the future.

If we are unable to secure critical reagents from our current suppliers the continued development and any future commercialization of our product candidate may be delayed. In addition, even if we can secure adequate supplies of critical reagents from other suppliers, regulatory authorities may require additional tests or studies to be performed, including comparability testing or bridging studies, which could also delay the development and future commercialization of our product candidate and adversely affect our business.

CVac Manufacturing

The manufacture of CVac is conducted on a patient by patient basis. It is currently necessary to establish region-specific centralized manufacturing to ensure product can be transported within acceptable time frames between the patient and the manufacturing sites. There is a critical operational window for the delivery of mononuclear cells to a manufacturing site of less than 48 hours. Since the process must be performed for each individual patient, it is not possible to mass produce and stockpile the product in one location. It is a core requirement for our business to have sufficient facilities, materials and staff available regionally to provide each patient product. For clinical trials of CVac, we have contracts with Cell Therapies Pty Ltd in Australia, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (“FIZI”) in Germany, and Progenitor Cell Therapy LLC (“PCT”) in the United States. We have entered into manufacturing contracts with PCT and FIZI. As of the date of this filing, we are in the process of renegotiating the terms of our manufacturing contracts to reflect a suspension of CANVAS recruitment and potential changes to the CVac development plan. Currently, the manufacturing arrangements are as described below.

 

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Cell Therapies Pty Ltd

In October 2009, Cancer Vac entered into a Manufacture Agreement with Cell Therapies Pty Ltd to assume manufacturing responsibility for CVac for clinical trials in Australia. Prima BioMed entered into a Master Services Agreement, or MSA, with Cell Therapies Pty Ltd in April 2011 to supersede the previous agreement. This MSA governed the terms under which Cell Therapies manufactured CVac for clinical trials in Australia and other consulting services to be provided. We agreed to pay Cell Therapies approximately A$77,985 per calendar month (excluding tax) as well as additional fees for consulting on an hourly rate basis. Upon the suspension of the CANVAS clinical trial, the MSA was terminated and a Transfer Services Agreement was entered into with Cell Therapies Pty Ltd in December 2013 for storage and distribution of CVac, as well as some consultative work.

Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology

In March 2010, Prima BioMed entered into an Agreement on the Tasks and the Division of Responsibilities in Contract Manufacturing of Investigational Medicinal Products with Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e. V., as legal entity for Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, or FhG/FhI. Under this agreement, FhG/FhI will provide manufacturing and related services in support of CVac clinical trials in Europe, including technology transfer, application for manufacturing authorisation, comparability trials, and manufacturing of CVac for clinical trials in Europe. The estimated total cost under this agreement was €1,271,000.

In conjunction with, and as a result of, the previously mentioned SAB Grant, the 2010 agreement with FhG/FhI has been terminated. In July 2012, we entered into a Cooperation Agreement, which outlines the terms under which FhG/FhI will manufacture CVac for the CANVAS trial in Europe. The eligible costs, up to a total of EUR 3.52 million, for the manufacturing of CVac for CANVAS will be reimbursed from the SAB to FhG/FhI under the terms of the grant document. We will be responsible for any costs that are not reimbursed by the SAB to FhG/FhI for any reason. We believe we have sufficient capacity for the CANVAS and CAN-301 trial arranged under our Cooperation Agreement and we believe the SAB grant will cover a portion, but not all, of the costs related to manufacturing of CVac for the clinical studies in Europe.

Progenitor Cell Therapy LLC

In May 2009, Prima BioMed entered into a Services Agreement with Progenitor Cell Therapy, LLC. Under this agreement, Progenitor Cell Therapy provided manufacturing and related services in support of CVac clinical trials in the United States. We also reimbursed, on a costs plus basis, certain costs for materials and reagents purchased by Progenitor Cell Therapy. Prima BioMed is required to make monthly payments to Progenitor Cell Therapy for such services, the amount of which varies from stage to stage of the project. These fees were initially approximately US$100,000 per month and were reduced to approximately US$ 70,000 per month beginning in April 2013. We subsequently renegotiated the fees for Progenitor Cell Therapy to reflect the reduced patient numbers in the US following the suspension of the CANVAS trial. Consequently the monthly fees were reduced to US$25,000 beginning in October 2013 and then to US$15,000 beginning in March 2014.

We believe these three organizations have sufficient capacity and regionally based coverage to address the clinical trial requirements for patients in Australia, Europe and the United States. Standard Operating Procedures for the production of CVac have been produced and are closely aligned between processing facilities (minor adjustments may be required due to variations in equipment or facilities). Comparability testing between sites is also completed to ensure consistency of product manufacture across the three sites.

There is a risk that one or more of our contract manufacturers may not be able to manufacture CVac according to necessary timelines or according to specifications and we have limited control over the management of the contract manufacturers. We may not be able to secure such processes or facilities for CVac in a timely manner for potential commercialization of CVac. We are evaluating expansion of the facilities of existing partners and/or engagement of new manufacturing facilities within or outside of the existing territories. We may also establish our own manufacturing facilities in order to address increased manufacturing requirements or to provide product to locations not currently accessible from the existing facilities.

C. Organizational Structure

Our research and development activities were initially conducted via four of our wholly owned Australian subsidiaries but as these activities ceased in July 2010 we deregistered three of these subsidiaries. Oncomab Pty Ltd, Panvax Pty Ltd and Arthron Pty Ltd were deregistered on July 31, 2013.

 

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In October 2009, Prima BioMed Europe Limited, a 100% owned subsidiary of Prima BioMed Ltd, was incorporated in the United Kingdom. In April 2010, Prima BioMed USA Inc., a 100% owned subsidiary of Prima BioMed Ltd, was incorporated in the United States. In September 2010, Prima BioMed GmbH, a 100% owned subsidiary of Prima BioMed Ltd, was incorporated in Germany, and also in May 2011, Prima BioMed Middle East FZ LLC, a 100% owned subsidiary of Prima BioMed Ltd, was incorporated in the United Arab Emirates. These subsidiaries were established to allow us to conduct commercial and clinical operations in Europe, the United States, and the UAE. However, Prima BioMed Europe Limited was dissolved in June 2012 and Prima BioMed Middle East FZ LLC is in the process of being dissolved. In November 2011, Prima BioMed Australia Pty Ltd, a 100% owned subsidiary of Prima BioMed Ltd, was incorporated in Australia, and—in November 2011, Prima BioMed IP Pty Ltd, a 100% owned subsidiary of Prima BioMed Ltd, was incorporated in Australia.

D. Property, Plants and Equipment

We own computer equipment, office furniture and laboratory equipment placed at our own offices and laboratories and our contract manufacturers’ facilities.

 

ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

A. Operating Results

Foreign Currency Risk

The group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily with respect to the US dollar and Euro.

The group’s seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the financial performance of the group. The group uses derivative financial instruments such as foreign exchange contracts to hedge certain risk exposures. Derivatives are exclusively used for hedging purposes, i.e. not as trading or other speculative instruments. The group hedges its foreign exchange risk exposure arising from future commercial transactions and recognised assets and liabilities using forward contracts. The group uses different methods to measure different types of risk to which it is exposed.

Governmental Policies

Our ongoing research and development activities, production, and marketing of our pharmaceutical product is subject to regulation by numerous governmental authorities: (i) in Australia, principally the Therapeutics Goods Administration, or TGA; (ii) in the United States, principally the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA; and (iii) in Europe, principally the European Medicines Agency, or EMEA. Also, our ability to commercially exploit our products successfully will depend in part on the extent to which reimbursement for the cost of our products and related treatment will be available from government health administration authorities, private health coverage insurers and other organizations.

The Australian Government tax incentive scheme relating to eligible research and development activities is expected to provide us with significant benefits in future years. Such eligible R&D activities include but are not limited to:

a. Core activities, which are experimental activities whose outcome cannot be known or determined in advance, but can only be determined by applying a systematic progression of work;

b. Core activities conducted for the purpose of generating new knowledge (including new knowledge in the form of new or improved processes and materials); or

c. Supporting activities that are directly related and designed to support the above (a) and (b).

For further information regarding governmental economic, fiscal, monetary or political policies or factors that have materially affected, or could materially affect, our operations or our shareholders’ investments, see Item 3.D “Risk Factors – Risks Related to Our Business,” “– Risks Relating to Our Location in Australia” and “Item 10.E Additional Information – Exchange Controls” and “– Taxation.”

 

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Background

Prima BioMed Ltd is an Australian biotechnology company committed to the development of personalized immunocellular therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. For a description of the milestones that we have achieved since inception and through June 2014, see “Item 4. Information on the Company – A. History and Development of the Company.”

Overview

We are a development stage enterprise at an early stage in the development of our product candidate. We have incurred net losses since inception and expect to incur substantial and increasing losses for the next several years as we expand our research and development activities and move our product candidate into later stages of development. The process of carrying out the development of our products to later stages of development may require significant additional research and development expenditures, including pre-clinical testing and clinical trials, as well as for obtaining regulatory approval. To date, we have funded our operations primarily through the sale of equity securities, proceeds from the exercise of options, grants and interest income. For details of the business overview, see “Item 4. Information on the Company – B. Business Overview.”

Critical Accounting Policies

We prepare our financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). As such, we are required to make certain estimates, judgments, and assumptions that management believes are reasonable based upon the information available. These estimates, judgments and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. The significant accounting policies listed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements that management believes are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our financial condition and results of operations under IFRS are discussed below.

Income taxes

The group has not recognized deferred tax assets relating to carried forward tax losses and taxable temporary differences since the group is currently in a loss making position and unable to generate taxable income to utilize the carried forward tax losses and taxable temporary differences. The utilization of the tax losses also depends on the ability of the entity to satisfy certain tests at the time the losses are recouped. Income tax expenses in financial years 2013 and 2014 arise in Prima BioMed USA, Inc as a result of the transfer pricing arrangement it has with Prima BioMed Ltd. Significant judgment is required in determining the worldwide provision for income taxes. There are certain transactions and calculations undertaken during the ordinary course of business for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The group estimates its tax liabilities based on the group’s understanding of the tax law. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact the current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the period in which such determination is made.

Share-based Payment Transactions

The consolidated entity measures the cost of equity-settled transactions with employees by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at the date at which they are granted. The fair value is determined by using the Black-Scholes model taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the instruments were granted. The accounting estimates and assumptions relating to equity-settled share-based payments would have no impact on the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next Annual Reporting period but may impact profit or loss and equity.

Research and Development

We have expensed all internal research and development expenditures incurred during the year as the costs relate to the initial expenditure for research and development of biopharmaceutical products and the generation of future economic benefits is not considered probable given the stage of development. It was considered appropriate to expense the research and development costs as they did not meet the criteria to be capitalized under AASB 138 (IAS 38).

Impairment of Assets

We assess impairment of non-financial assets at each reporting date by evaluating conditions specific to the consolidated entity and parent entity and to the particular asset that may lead to impairment. If an impairment trigger exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined. This involves fair value less costs to sell or value- in-use calculations, which incorporate a number of key estimates and assumptions.

 

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Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instrument

The fair value of forward exchange contracts is estimated by discounting the difference between the contractual forward price and the current forward price for the residual maturity of the contract. These fair values are provided by independent third parties.

Results of Operations

Comparison of Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2014 to Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2013

Other Income

Other income decreased to A$3.1 million for fiscal year 2014 from A$4.0 million for fiscal year 2013, a decrease of A$0.9 million, or 23%. Other income consists of interest income, cash tax rebates, and gain on foreign exchange. The interest income for fiscal year 2014 was A$0.7 million and A$0.9 million for fiscal year 2013. The decrease in interest income in fiscal year 2014 is due to the significant decrease in the level of cash held on term deposits and a decrease in interest rates on term deposits. Cash tax rebates and grants related to eligible research and development expenditures consists of A$2 million and A$1.6 million for fiscal year 2014 and fiscal year 2013, respectively. The foreign exchange gains of A$0.4 million for fiscal year 2014 and A$1.4 million for fiscal year 2013 was driven by the impact of changes in our U.S. and Euro cash holdings.

Research & Development and Intellectual Property Expenses

Research and development and intellectual property expenses decreased to A$12 million for fiscal year 2014 from A$14 million for fiscal year 2013, a decrease of A$2 million, or 14%. The decrease in research and development and intellectual property expenses in the fiscal year 2014 was the result of consolidating our research and development work into Europe.

Corporate Administrative Expenses

Corporate administrative expenses decreased to A$4.1 million for fiscal year 2014 from A$4.9 million for fiscal year 2013, a decrease of A$0.8 million, or 16%. The decrease in corporate administrative expenses is attributable to cost control measures implemented in this past fiscal year, resulting in a reduction of discretionary expenses, such as travel expenses.

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased to A$0.4 million for fiscal year 2014 from A$0.3 million for fiscal year 2013, an increase of A$0.1 million, or 33.33%. The increase in depreciation and amortization expenses is attributable to additional plant and equipment in the aggregate to the amount of A$0.5 million was purchased during the 2013 fiscal year.

Changes in Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments

Changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments expenses decreased to nil for fiscal year 2014 down from A$0.03 million for fiscal year 2013. There were no foreign hedging contracts entered into as at June 30, 2014.

Net Loss

Net loss decreased to A$13.3 million for fiscal year 2014 from A$15.2 million for fiscal year 2013.

Comparison of Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2013 to Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2012

Other Income

Other income decreased to A$4.0 million for fiscal year 2013 from A$4.2 million for fiscal year 2012, a decrease of A$0.2 million, or 5%. Other income consists of interest income, cash tax rebates, and gain on foreign exchange. The interest income for fiscal year 2013 was A$0.9 million and A$2.7 million for fiscal year 2012. The decrease in interest income in fiscal year 2013 is due to the significant decrease in the level of cash held on term deposits and a decrease in interest rates on term deposits. Cash tax rebates and grants related to eligible research and development expenditures consists of A$1.6 million and A$1.5 million for fiscal year 2013 and fiscal year 2012, respectively. The foreign exchange gains of A$1.4 million for fiscal year 2013 was driven by the impact of changes in our U.S. and Euro cash holdings.

Research & Development and Intellectual Property Expenses

Research and development and intellectual property expenses decreased to A$14 million for fiscal year 2013 from A$15.1 million for fiscal year 2012, a decrease of A$1.1 million, or 7%. The decrease in research and development and intellectual property expenses in the fiscal year 2013 was the result of decreasing the enrollment on our CANVAS trial and the termination of our R&D activities on the cripto-1 antibody.

Corporate Administrative Expenses

Corporate administrative expenses decreased to A$4.9 million for fiscal year 2013 from A$6.0 million for fiscal year 2012, a decrease of A$1.1 million, or 19%. The decrease in corporate administrative expenses is attributable to cost control measures implemented in this past fiscal year as well as the closure of our Dubai operations.

 

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Depreciation and Amortization Expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased to A$0.3 million for fiscal year 2013 from A$0.4 million for fiscal year 2012, a decrease of A$0.1 million, or 25%. The decrease in depreciation and amortization expenses is attributable to impairment charge on intangibles to the amount of A$0.1 million during the 2012 fiscal year.

Changes in Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments

Changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments expenses decreased to A$0.03 million for fiscal year 2013 down from A$1.5 million for fiscal year 2012. The decrease in changes in fair value of derivative financial instrument is attributed to forward exchange contracts entered into in July 2011 to protect us against adverse movements in the USD and Euro exchange rates which have been exercised in current year. The derivative financial instrument represents the change in the fair value of the contracts outstanding as at June 30, 2013.

Net Loss

Net loss decreased to A$15.2 million for fiscal year 2013 from A$19.9 million for fiscal year 2012.

For a discussion on inflation and seasonality, see “Item 4. Information on the Company – B. Business Overview – Inflation and Seasonality.”

New Accounting Standards and Interpretations Not Adopted

New and amended standards adopted by the group

The group has applied the following standards and amendments for first time for their annual reporting period commencing 1 July 2013:

 

    AASB 10 (IFRS 10) Consolidated Financial Statements, AASB 11(IFRS 11) Joint Arrangements, AASB 12 (IFRS 12) Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities, AASB 128 (IAS 28) Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, AASB 127 (IAS 27) Separate Financial Statements and AASB 2011-7 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from the Consolidation and Joint Arrangements Standards

 

    AASB 2012-10 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Transition Guidance and other Amendments which provides an exemption from the requirement to disclose the impact of the change in accounting policy on the current period

 

    AASB 13 (IFRS 13) Fair Value Measurement and AASB 2011-8 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 13 (IFRS 13)

 

    AASB 119 Employee Benefits (September 2011) and AASB 2011-10 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 119 (September 2011)

 

    AASB 2012-5 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from Annual Improvements 2009-2011 Cycle, and

 

    AASB 2012-2 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Disclosures – Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

The adoption of the above standards did not result in significant changes in accounting policies or adjustments to the amounts recognised in the financial statements. These standards only affected the disclosures in the notes to the financial statements.

New standards and interpretations not yet adopted

Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for June 30, 2014 reporting periods and have not been early adopted by the group. The group’s assessment of the impact of these new standards and interpretations is set out below.

 

Title of standard

  

Nature of change

  

Impact

  

Mandatory application date/ Date
of adoption by group

AASB 9 (IFRS 9) Financial Instruments    AASB 9 (IFRS 9) addresses the classification, measurement and derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities. Since December 2013, it also sets out new rules for hedge accounting.   

When adopted, the standard will not have any significant impact as on the financial statements unless the Company acquires financial assets and liabilities.

 

There will be no impact on the group’s accounting for financial assets, as the new requirements only affect the accounting for available-for-sale financial assets and the group does not have any such assets.

 

There will be no impact on the group’s accounting for financial liabilities, as the new requirements only affect the accounting for financial liabilities that are designated at fair value through profit or loss and the group does not have any such liabilities.

 

There will be no impact on hedge account or disclosures as the forward contracts do not qualify as hedge accounting.

   Must be applied for financial years commencing on or after January 1, 2018.

 

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There are no other standards that are not yet effective and that are expected to have a material impact on the entity in the current or future reporting periods and on foreseeable future transactions.

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

Since our inception, our operations have mainly been financed through the issuance of equity securities. Additional funding has come through convertible loans, operating grants and interest earned from cash on term deposit.

Equity Issuances

The following table summarizes our issuances of ordinary shares for cash, excluding share-based payments, executive and employee compensation in the last five fiscal years.

 

     Fiscal
Year
     Number of
Shares/Options
     Net Proceeds  
                   (in A$)  

Ordinary Shares – private placement, share purchase plan and exercise of options

     2009         115,495,026         2,391,378   

Ordinary Shares – private placement, share purchase plan, repayment of convertible loans and exercise of options

     2010         278,662,654         21,430,975   

Ordinary Shares – private placement, share purchase plan, repayment of convertible loans and exercise of options

     2011         280,428,034         55,067,573   

Ordinary Shares – exercise of options and share issuance

     2012         85,047,759         1,820,455   

Ordinary Shares – share purchase plan

     2013         77,083,450         6,166,676   

Listed Options – option entitlement offer

     2013         77,378,699         1,547,574   

Ordinary Shares – share purchase plan

     2014         85,562,503         6,845,001   

Capital Requirements

As of June 30, 2014, we had year-end cash and cash equivalents of A$14 million, and other financial assets being term deposits of between 90 days and 180 days of A$9 million. We anticipate that our current cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund our operations for more than 12 months. However, our forecast of the period of time through which our financial resources will be adequate to support our operations is a forward-looking statement that involves risks and uncertainties, and actual results could vary materially. If we are unable to raise additional capital when required or on acceptable terms, we may have to significantly delay, scale back or discontinue one or more of our clinical trials or our operations.

We anticipate that we will require substantial additional funds in order to achieve our long-term goals and complete the research and development of our current principal pharmaceutical product candidate. We do not expect to generate revenue until we obtain regulatory approval to market and sell our product candidate and sales of our product candidate have commenced. We expect to continue to incur substantial losses. Our future capital requirements are difficult to forecast and will depend on many factors, including:

 

    the costs of establishing sales, marketing and distribution capabilities;

 

    the scope, results and timing of preclinical studies and clinical trials;

 

    the costs and timing of regulatory approvals; and

 

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    the cost of filing, prosecuting, defending and enforcing any patent claims and other intellectual property rights.

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods presented:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended June 30,  
     2014     2013     2012  
     A$     A$     A$  

Net cash used in operating activities

     (14,227,161     (16,037,126     (19,120,369

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     (1,103,675     12,537,499        (11,619,991

Net cash provided by financing activities

     6,687,395        7,162,026        1,813,524   

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (8,643,441     3,662,399        (28,926,836

Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents

     820,340        1,369,028        —    

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     22,023,143        16,991,716        45,918,552   

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

     14,200,042        22,023,143        16,991,716   

Operating Activities

Net cash used in operating activities was A$14.2 million, A$16.0 million, and A$19.1 million during fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Payments to suppliers and employees account for almost all of the amounts above for R&D and administrative purposes. During fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, our payments to suppliers and employees were offset by interest income received of A$0.7 million, A$1.3 million, and A$2.6 million, respectively.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was A$1.1 million during fiscal year 2014, while net cash provided and used by investing activities was A$12.5 million, and A$11.6 million during fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively. The net cash outflow for fiscal year 2014 was lower due to net funds received on matured term deposits being lower than funds invested in term deposits and payments for plant and equipment. For fiscal years 2013 the net cash inflow was higher due to higher funds received on matured term deposits than funds invested in term deposits, and in 2012 the net cash outflow was lower due to the higher amount of funds invested in term deposits.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was A$6.7 million, A$7.2 million, and A$1.8 million for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012. Cash flows provided by financing activities during fiscal 2014 was primarily attributable to a share purchase plan (A$6.8 million), 2013 was primarily attributable to a share purchase plan and option entitlement offer (A$7.7 million) and in fiscal 2012 was attributable to exercise of options (A$1.8 million).

At June 30, 2014 we had A$14 million in cash and cash equivalents, plus A$9 million on a term deposit compared with 2013, where we had A$22 million in cash and cash equivalents plus A$8 million on a term deposit. At June 30, 2012, we had A$17 million in cash and cash equivalents plus A$21 million on a term deposit.

C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses

For a description of the amount spent during each of the last three fiscal years on company-sponsored research and development activities, as well as the four components of research and development expenses, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – A. Operating Results – Results of Operations.”

D. Trend Information

We are a development stage company and it is not possible for us to predict with any degree of accuracy the outcome of our research or commercialization efforts.

 

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Our research and development expenditure is our primary expenditure. Increases or decreases in research and development expenditure are attributable to the level of clinical trial activity and the amount of expenditure on those trials. The main clinical trials are a 210 patient Phase IIb study in second remission ovarian cancer and a pilot study in resectable pancreatic cancer in up to 40 patients which has not yet been started as at the date of filing this Form 20-F.

It is expected that as we activate new clinics and recruit more patients for our current clinical trials, that our R&D expenses will increase over the coming year.

E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

During fiscal years 2012, 2013 and 2014, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes.

F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

As of June 30, 2014 our contractual obligations were as set forth below:

 

     Payments Due by Period  
     Total      Less than 1
year
     1-3 years      3-5 years      More
than 5
years
 

Contractual Obligations

              

Trade and other payables

     2,652,277         2,652,277         —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     2,652,277         2,652,277         —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

We have agreements with clinical sites and contract research organizations. We make payments to these sites and organizations based upon the number of patients enrolled and the period of follow-up in the trial.

 

ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

A. Directors and Senior Management

The following table sets forth our directors and senior management, their age and the positions they held as of September 1, 2014. All of our directors and senior management may be contacted at our principal executive offices located at level 7, 151 Macquarie Street Sydney 2000 New South Wales, Australia.

 

Name

   Age     

Position

Lucy Turnbull AO (1)(2)

     56       Non-Executive Chairman

Albert Wong (1) (2)

     55       Non-Executive Deputy Chairman

Pete Meyers (1)

     44       Non-Executive Director

Russell Howard, Ph.D. (2)

     64       Non-Executive Director

Marc Voigt

     41       Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

Sharron Gargosky, Ph.D.

     50       Chief Technical Officer

Deanne Miller

     37       General Counsel & Company Secretary

 

(1)   Member of the Audit Committee.
(2)   Member of the Remuneration Committee.

Ms. Lucy Turnbull AO. Ms. Turnbull has served as Chairman of our Board of Directors since October 2010. From 2001 to 2002, Ms. Turnbull was the Chairman of the New South Wales Government’s Ministerial Advisory Committee on Biotechnology, from 2002 to 2006 she was a Director of the Sydney Cancer Foundation and from 1993 to 2000 she was Director and Chair of the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation. She is currently on the Board of the Cancer Institute NSW. Ms. Turnbull also has experience in commercial legal practice and investment banking. During her career Ms. Turnbull has held a number of position including Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney from 2003 to 2004 and, prior to that, Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney from 1999 to 2003. Ms. Turnbull was appointed as a Director of Sealink Travel Group Ltd in 2013. She chaired ASX listed WebCentral Ltd from 2004-06 when it was acquired by ASX listed Melbourne IT Limited. She was a director of Melbourne IT from 2006-2010. She chairs the Committee for

 

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Sydney and was Deputy Chair of the COAG Reform Council’s Cities Expert Panel advising on its Metropolitan Strategic Planning Report of the Australian Technology Park, Redfern. In 2012 she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Business by the University of NSW for her contribution to business, philanthropy and local government. In 2011 she became an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the community, local government and business.

Mr. Albert Wong . Mr. Wong has served as a Director of Prima BioMed since April 2010. He became Non-Executive acting Chairman of our Board of Directors in July 2010 and served in that position until being appointed to his current position in October 2010. Mr. Wong has been involved in the stockbroking and investment banking industry for over 30 years. He was admitted as a Member of the Australian Securities Exchange in 1988 and was the principal of Intersuisse Limited until 1995 when he established the Barton Capital group of companies, including eStar Online, both companies were listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Mr. Wong was a Founding Director of Gujarat NRE Resources NL and Pluton Resources Limited. He has been the business partner of former NSW Premier, The Hon. Neville Wran AC QC at Wran Partners from 2004-2011. He served as Chairman of Winmar Resources Ltd from 2009-2014 and Deputy Chairman of Kimberly Diamonds Limited from 2011- 2014. Mr. Wong has been widely involved in philanthropic activities including his directorships on UNSW Foundation, Ian Thorpe’s Fountain for Youth Foundation and Honorary Life Governor and President of the Physics Foundation at The University of Sydney. Mr. Wong is a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia, a Master Stockbroker of the Securities & Derivatives Industry Association and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Mr. Wong is also currently a director of the Children’s Medical Research Institute and the CMRI Foundation

Dr. Russell Howard, Ph.D. Dr. Russell Howard has served as a Director of Prima BioMed since May 2013. He is an Australian scientist, former CEO, and entrepreneur. He was recently the overall winner of the 2013 Advance Global Australian Award for his global impact on the biotechnology field and green chemistry. He was a pioneer in the field of molecular parasitology and in leading the commercialization of one of the most important methods used widely in molecular biology today called “DNA shuffling” or “molecular breeding.” He is listed as the inventor on five patents and is the author of over 140 scientific publications. After earning his Ph.D in biochemistry from the University of Melbourne, Dr. Howard has held positions at a number of leading research laboratories around the world, including the Immunoparasitology Laboratory at the Walter & Eliza Hall Institute in Melbourne and the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, where he became a tenured investigator. In industry, Dr. Howard worked at Schering-Plough’s DNAX Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology in Palo Alto, California; he was the President and Scientific Director of Affymax, Inc.; and he was the co-founder and CEO of Maxygen, Inc. after its spin-out of Affymax-GlaxoWellcome. As Maxygen’s CEO, Dr. Howard led its initial public offering and a secondary offering raising a total of US$260 million in capital. Under Dr. Howard, Maxygen successfully developed and partnered dozens of technology applications and products. After leaving Maxygen in 2008, Dr. Howard started the clean technology company Oakbio, Inc. and remains involved in a number of other innovative biotechnology companies. Dr. Howard is also currently Chairman of NeuClone Pty Ltd and was appointed as a Director of Circadian Technologies Ltd in 2013.

Mr. Pete Meyers. Mr. Meyers has served as a Director of Prima BioMed since February 2014. He is currently the Chief Financial Officer of TetraLogic Pharmaceuticals Corporation, where he led the execution of their successful IPO in December 2013. Prior to his role at TetraLogic, Mr. Meyers was an accomplished health care investment banker, holding positions of increasing responsibility at Dillon, Read & Co., Credit Suisse First Boston LLC and, most recently, as Co-Head of Global Health Care Investment Banking at Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. in New York. Mr. Meyers earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Boston College and a Master of Business Administration degree from Columbia Business School. Mr. Meyers is currently also the Chairman and President of the Thomas M Brennan Memorial Foundation Inc.  

Mr. Marc Voigt. Mr. Voigt has served as our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business Officer since 2012 and was appointed as CEO and Executive Director in July 2014. He has extensive experience in the corporate and biotechnology sectors. He joined Prima BioMed’s management team in 2011 as the General Manager of our European operations at Prima BioMed GmbH, where he currently serves as the Managing Director. He has previously worked as an investment manager for Allianz Insurance biotech venture fund, and as a personal assistant to a member of the Executive Board of Allianz Insurance. Mr. Voigt has also worked for German investment bank, net.IPO.AG, in the area of business development and German securities offerings. In the biotech sector, he has held the positions of CFO/CBO at Revotar Biopharmaceuticals AG and Medical Enzymes AG. He has a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the Freie Universität of Berlin, and is a member of the pharma licensing club Germany and a member of the judging panel of Germany’s largest business plan competition.

Dr. Sharron Gargosky, Ph.D. Dr. Gargosky is our Chief Technical Officer and has been with Prima BioMed since August 2010. Dr. Gargosky has over 19 years’ experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, and has worked in senior positions in organizations that have successfully received FDA approval for orphan drugs. She is responsible for managing the clinical team working on the CVac immunotherapy cancer vaccine. Prior to joining Prima BioMed, Dr. Gargosky was a member of ILMU consulting LLC, where she provided project management and operational expertise on pharmaceutical drug and biologic development – from early research to Phase IV Trials and the FDA approval process. Dr. Gargosky has also previously held the positions of Chief

 

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Scientific Officer at Pulse Health LLC in Portland in the USA, and Chief Scientific Officer and Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at Hyperion Therapeutics Inc. in San Francisco. At Ucyclyd Pharma she managed the approval of orphan drug products (Ammonul) and the development of the NCE, and within Medics Pharmaceuticals, the successful BLA submission and approval for Reloxin. As Vice President of Business Development for Diagnostic System Laboratories she was responsible for business expansion through evaluation and implementation of new growth opportunities and patent portfolio management. Dr. Gargosky has a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Pediatric Endocrinology from Stanford University in California, a Ph.D in biochemistry from University of Adelaide in Australia (in collaboration with CSIRO Divisions of Human Nutrition, South Australia), First Class Honors in Biochemistry from University of Adelaide, and a Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry (Distinction), Microbiology, Immunology & Virology (Distinction) from University of Adelaide.

Ms. Deanne Miller. Ms. Miller joined Prima BioMed as General Counsel and Company Secretary in October 2012. She has over 14 years of broad commercial experience having held legal, investment banking, regulatory compliance and tax advisory positions, including, Legal Counsel at RBC Investor Services, Associate Director at Westpac Group, Legal & Compliance Manager at Macquarie Group, Regulatory Compliance Analyst at the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, and Tax Advisor at KPMG. She has a Combined Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Sydney. She is admitted as a solicitor in NSW and member of the Law Society of NSW.

B. Compensation

Remuneration Principles

Remuneration of all executive and non-executive directors and officers is determined by the Remuneration Committee.

We are committed to remunerating senior executives and executive directors in a manner that is market-competitive and consistent with “Best Practice” including the interests of shareholders. Remuneration packages are based on fixed and variable components, determined by the executives’ position, experience and performance, and may be satisfied via cash or equity.

Non-executive directors are remunerated out of the aggregate amount approved by shareholders and at a level that is consistent with industry standards. Non-executive directors do not receive performance based bonuses and prior shareholder approval is required to participate in any issue of equity. No retirement benefits are payable other than statutory superannuation, if applicable.

Our remuneration policy is not directly based on our financial performance, rather on industry practice, given we operate in the biotechnology sector and our primary focus is research activities with a long term objective of developing and commercializing the research and development results.

We envisage our performance in terms of earnings will remain negative while we continue in the research and development phase.

The purpose of a performance bonus is to reward individual performance in line with our objectives. Consequently, performance based remuneration is paid to an individual where the individual’s performance clearly contributes to a successful outcome. This is regularly measured in respect of performance against key performance indicators.

We use a variety of key performance indicators to determine achievement, depending on the role of the executive being assessed. These include:

 

    Successful contract negotiations.

 

    Achievement of research project milestones within scheduled time and/or budget.

 

    Our share price reaching a targeted level on the ASX over a period of time.

 

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Executive Compensation

The following table sets forth all of the compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to each individual who served as directors and executive officers in fiscal 2014.

 

June 30, 2014

   Short-term Benefits      Post
Employment
Benefits
     Long-
term
Benefits
            Share-
based
Payments
     Total  
     Cash
salary
and fees A$
     Cash
bonus
A$
     Non
Monetary
A$
     Superannuation
A$
     Long
service
leave
A$
     Termi-
nation
benefits
A$
     Equity-
settled
A$
     A$  

Non-Executive Directors

                       

Ms. L. Turnbull, AO

     137,835         —           —           12,750         —           —           —           150,585   

Mr. A .Wong

     84,232         —           —           7,792         —           —           —           92,024   

Dr. R. Hammel 1

     63,682         —           —           —           —           —           —           63,682   

Mr. M. Rogers 2

     28,716         —           —           2,656         —           —           —           31,372   

Mr. P. Meyers 3

     —           —           —           —           —           —           —           —     

Dr. R. Howard

     90,000         —           —           —           —           —           —           90,000   

Executive Directors

                       

Mr. M. Lehman

     364,429         —           22,783         —           —           —           6,093         393,305   

Other Key Management Personnel

                       

Dr. S. Gargosky

     325,614         —           1,445         —           —           —           15,027         342,086   

Mr. M. Voigt

     232,658         17,580         4,140         —           —           —           14,021         268,399   

Ms. D. Miller

     160,000         —           —           14,800         2,379         —           6,778         183,957   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,487,166         17,580         28,368         37,998         2,379        —           41,919         1,615,410   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)   Dr. Richard Hammel stepped down as a non-executive director effective from February 12, 2014. He remained as a consultant with the company until June 30, 2014.
(2)   Mr. Martin Rogers stepped down as a non-executive director effective from November 15, 2013.
(3)   Mr. Pete Meyers was appointed as a non-executive director on February 12, 2014. Mr. Meyers will be paid up to $105,000 per annum in equity or cash in lieu of equity if the terms of the equity grant are not approved by shareholders at the next AGM. No remuneration has been paid to Mr. Meyers for the period of service to June 30, 2014.

 

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Service Agreements

The following members of senior management have service agreements as follows:

 

Mr. Marc Voigt

  

•    Chief Executive Officer, Chief Business Officer and Chief Financial Officer

 

Agreement commenced:

  

•    July 9, 2014

Details

  

•    The initial term is for a period of 3 years. Each party is to provide at least 6 months’ notice of its intention to extend the term of the contract.

 

The contract can be terminated by either party upon at least 3 months’ notice if notice is provided within the first 6 months’ of the commencement date. Thereafter it can be terminated by either party upon 6 months’ notice.

 

Prima BioMed may make payments in lieu of the period of notice, or for any unexpired part of that notice period.

The agreement can be terminated with 3 months’ notice.

 

The termination terms are payment of base salary in lieu of notice period.

Base salary including superannuation

  

•    EUR 195,000 (salary as Executive Director & CEO effective 9 July 2014. Previously EUR 157,500 as CFO & CBO)

Mr. Matthew Lehman

  

•    Former Chief Executive Officer

 

Agreement commenced:

  

•    September 1, 2012

 

Details

  

•    This agreement was terminated on 9 July 2014. Mr. Lehman is entitled to receive 6 months’ severance pay to be paid monthly over the 6 month period following his termination.

 

Base salary including superannuation

  

•    US$ 335,760

Dr. Sharron Gargosky

  

Chief Technical Officer

Agreement commenced:

  

•    June 1, 2011

Details

  

•    The agreement can be terminated with 3 months’ notice.

 

The termination terms are payment of base salary in lieu of notice period.

 

Base salary including superannuation

  

•    US$ 300,000

Ms. Deanne Miller

  

General Counsel & Company Secretary

 

Agreement commenced:

  

•    October 13, 2012

 

Details

  

•    The agreement can be terminated with 3 months’ notice.

 

The termination terms are payment of base salary in lieu of notice period.

 

Base salary including superannuation

  

•    A$ 197,100

Global Employee Share Option Plan

Any person considered to be a full time employee by our Board of Directors is eligible to participate in our Global Employee Share Option Plan, or GESOP, each an Eligible Employee. Under the GESOP, the Board of Directors may issue options to subscribe for our ordinary shares, or GESOP Options, on such terms as it determines.

 

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The maximum number of options available to be issued under the GESOP is 20,000,000. Subject to certain exceptions, the total number of ordinary shares issued as a result of exercise of GESOP Options must not exceed 5% of our issued share capital. The vesting date of a GESOP Option must not be a date less than 12 months following the issue date, or such other period as may be determined by the Board of Directors in its discretion. Any vesting conditions determined by the Board of Directors must be satisfied before the options vest and become exercisable. Options are generally granted for no consideration. When exercisable, each option issued under the GESOP entitles the holder to subscribe for one fully paid ordinary share in us. GESOP Options will expire three years after their issue date. Each ordinary share issued on exercise of an option will rank equally with all other ordinary shares then on issue.

The exercise price of each GESOP Option must be not less than 150% of the price equal to the volume weighted average price of Shares traded on ASX during the 7 trading days immediately prior to the date of grant of the option.

GESOP Options will immediately lapse on the first to occur of:

 

    the last day of the relevant exercise period;

 

    a determination by the Board of Directors that the option should lapse because the option holder:

 

    has been dismissed or removed from office for a reason which entitled us to dismiss the option holder without notice;

 

    has committed an act of fraud, dishonesty or gross misconduct in relation to our affairs;

 

    has done an act with brings us into disrepute; or

 

    has ceased to be employed by us prior to the option being exercisable, other than because of the termination or cessation of the option holder’s employment with us as a result of total and permanent disablement, death or retirement after 55 years of age.

GESOP Options will not confer a right to notices of general meetings (except as may be required by law) or a right to attend, speak or vote at general meeting. A holder of GESOP options may only participate in new issues of securities in respect of GESOP options which have been exercised and ordinary shares issued prior to the record date for the entitlements to the new issue.

In the event that, prior to the vesting of any GESOP Options, there is a reorganization (including a consolidation, subdivision, reduction or return) of our issued capital, then the number of GESOP Options and shares to which each Eligible Employee is entitled on exercise will be reorganized in the manner permitted by the ASX Listing Rules.

If a person acquires a relevant interest in more than 50% of our issued capital or the Board of Directors determines that a person who previously had not been in a position to do so, is in the position, either alone or with associates, to remove more than 50% of the Board of Directors, before the vesting date of a GESOP Option, the GESOP Option becomes exercisable irrespective of the vesting date and vesting conditions attaching to the GESOP Option.

Each GESOP Option is personal to the Eligible Employee and is not transferable, transmissible or assignable, except with the prior written consent of the Board of Directors.

The Board will be able to amend the GESOP rules subject to the requirements of the ASX Listing Rules. The GESOP is administered by the Board of Directors.

 

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Set out below are summaries of options granted under the GESOP up to June 30, 2014.

 

Grant Date

  

Expiry Date

  

Exercise Price

  Balance
at
Start of
the
Period
    Issued
During
the
Period
    Exercised
During
the
Period
    Lapsed
During
the
Period
    Balance at
End of
the
Period
 

August 26, 2011

   December 6, 2014    lower of A$0.10 or the price equal to the volume weighted average price of Shares traded on ASX during the 30 trading days immediately prior to the date of grant of the ESOP Options.     500,000        —          —          —          500,000   

November 3, 2011

   November 3, 2014    the price equal to the volume weighted average price of Shares traded on ASX during the 7 trading days immediately prior to the date of grant of the GESOP Options.     100,000        —          —          —          100,000   

January 3, 2012

   January 3, 2015    the price equal to the volume weighted average price of Shares traded on ASX during the 7 trading days immediately prior to the date of grant of the GESOP Options.     100,000        —          —          —          100,000   

August 1, 2012

   August 1, 2015    the price equal to the volume weighted average price of Shares traded on ASX during the 7 trading days immediately prior to the date of grant of the GESOP Options.     —          2,800,000        —          —          2,800,000   

November 16, 2012

   August 1, 2015    the price equal to the volume weighted average price of Shares traded on ASX during the 7 trading days immediately prior to the date of grant of the GESOP Options.     —          1,200,000        —          —          1,200,000   

February 20, 2013

   February 20, 2015    the price equal to the volume weighted average price of Shares traded on ASX during the 7 trading days immediately prior to the date of grant of the GESOP Options.     —          200,000        —          —          200,000   

Executive Incentive Plan

A new Executive Incentive Plan, or EIP, was approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting in November 2012. The key terms of the EIP are as follows:

Operation

The Board is responsible for administering the EIP in accordance with the EIP Rules. A grant of performance rights and/or options under the EIP will be subject to both the EIP Rules and the terms and conditions of the specific grant.

Eligibility

The EIP is open to employees (including Directors employed in an executive capacity) of the Company who are invited by the Board to participate in the EIP. The EIP is not open to non-executive directors of the Company. All non-executive directors are ineligible to participate in any current employee incentive scheme of the Company. The Board may invite employees to apply for performance rights and/or options under the EIP in its absolute discretion.

Grant

No payment is required on the grant of a performance right and no exercise price is payable upon the performance right vesting. No payment is required on the grant of an option. The exercise price of an option will be determined by the Board in its discretion and specified in the participant’s invitation letter.

 

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Vesting

The vesting of a performance right will be conditional on the satisfaction of any performance conditions attaching to the performance right. Performance conditions will be determined by the Board in its discretion and specified in the participant’s invitation letter. Where relevant performance conditions are met, then the performance right will vest and be automatically be exercised into Shares. The vesting of an option will be conditional on the satisfaction of any performance conditions attaching to the option. Performance conditions will be determined by the Board in its discretion and specified in the participant’s invitation letter.

Where a participant ceases to be an employee of the Company because of total and permanent disability, death, or any other circumstance determined by the Board in its discretion, the Board may determine that any of the performance rights and/or options granted to a participant will vest, whether or not any performance conditions attaching to the performance right and/or option have been met. Notwithstanding this and subject to the ASX Listing Rules:

(i) the Board may vest some or all of a participant’s performance rights and/or options even if a performance condition has not been met, if the Board considers that to do so would be in the interests of the Company; and

(ii) the vesting of a participant’s performance rights and/or options may be made subject to further conditions as determined by the Board.

Lapse of Performance Rights and Options

All performance rights and options that have not vested on or before the fifth anniversary of their grant date will automatically lapse. Performance rights and options will also lapse if the applicable performance conditions attaching to them are not met within a prescribed period determined by the Board in its discretion. If a participant ceases to be an employee of the Company (other than in the circumstances referred to in paragraph (d) above), the participant’s performance rights and/or options will lapse automatically on cessation of the participant’s employment unless the Board determines otherwise within 60 days of the date of cessation of the participant’s employment.

Conversion

A participant may at any time request the Board to convert any or all of the participant’s unvested performance rights to Options, or vice versa, at a rate of conversion determined by the Board in its absolute discretion. Any converted performance rights or Options will be subject to the same terms and conditions of the original performance rights or options (as applicable) granted to the participant unless otherwise determined by the Board in its discretion.

Dealing with Performance Rights and Options

Performance rights and Options are not transferable, except on the participant’s death, to their legal personal representative.

Shares

Each performance right will entitle a participant to one share upon vesting. Each option will entitle a participant upon vesting to subscribe for one share at the exercise price specified by the Board in the participant’s invitation letter. Shares issued as a result of the vesting of a performance right or vesting and exercise of an option will rank equally with the shares currently on issue.

Maximum Number of Performance Rights and Options

The Board may grant such number of performance rights and/or options under the EIP as the Board determines so long as no limit specified, imposed or calculated by any relevant policy or guideline of ASIC, including any regulatory guide, class order or condition for relief, is exceeded.

Takeovers

If the event of a takeover bid (as defined in the Corporations Act), a participant’s performance rights and options will vest immediately to the extent that the performance conditions attaching to those performance rights and/or options have been satisfied and the remaining performance rights and/or options will lapse.

Reconstruction of Capital

If the Company makes a bonus issue, then a participant will become entitled to a proportionately greater number of shares on vesting of the performance rights and/or options held, as if the performance rights and/or options had vested before the bonus issue. If there is any other form of capital reconstruction, the number of performance rights and/or options will be adjusted in accordance with the ASX Listing Rules. A participant is not entitled to participate in any new issue of securities in the Company other than as described above.

 

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Amendment of Incentive Plan

Subject to the ASX Listing Rules, the Board may amend the rules of the EIP, but no amendment may materially reduce the rights of participants generally in respect of the performance rights and/or options granted to them, except an amendment made primarily to enable compliance with the law governing or regulating the EIP, to correct a manifest error or mistake, to take into account changes in development in taxation law or to enable compliance with the Corporations Act or the ASX Listing Rules.

Number of securities issued under the EIP since the date of last approval.

Set out below are summaries of options granted under the EIP up to June 30, 2014.

 

Grant Date

  

Expiry Date

  

Exercise Price

  Balance
at
Start of
the
Period
    Issued
During
the
Period
    Exercised
During
the
Period
    Lapsed
During
the
Period
    Balance at
End of
the
Period
 

December 23, 2013

   June 30, 2018    The Options are exercisable at an exercise price of A$ 0.0774 per Share at any time after vesting and prior to 5pm on June 30, 2018 (Expiry Date).     —          1,758,176       —          —          1,758,176   

January 24, 2014

   June 30, 2018    The Options are exercisable at an exercise price of A$ 0.0774 per Share at any time after vesting and prior to 5pm on June 30, 2018 (Expiry Date).     —          165,116        —          —          165,116   

C. Board Practices

Introduction

Our Board of Directors is elected by and accountable to our shareholders. It currently consists of five directors, including four non-executive directors, of which one is the non-executive Chairman of our Board of Directors. The Chairman of our Board of Directors is responsible for the management of the Board of Directors and its functions.

Election of Directors

Directors are elected at our annual general meeting of shareholders. Under our Constitution, a director, other than a managing director, must not hold office for more than three years or beyond the third annual general meeting following his appointment (whichever is the longer period) without submitting himself for re-election. Our Board of Directors has the power to appoint any person to be a director, either to fill a vacancy or as an additional director (provided that the total number of directors does not exceed the maximum allowed by law), and any director so appointed may hold office only until the next annual general meeting when he or she shall be eligible for election.

Corporate Governance

ASX Corporate Governance Principles

In Australia there are no defined corporate governance structures and practices that must be observed by a company listed on the ASX. Instead, the ASX Corporate Governance Council has published the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations, which contains what are called the Recommendations which articulate eight core principles which are intended to provide a reference point for companies about their corporate governance structures and practices. Under ASX listing Rule 4.10.3, companies are required to provide a statement in their Annual Report to shareholders disclosing the extent to which they have followed the Recommendations in the reporting period and where they have not followed all the Recommendations, identify the Recommendations that have not been followed and the reasons for not following them. It is not mandatory to follow the Recommendations. We believe we are in material compliance with the Recommendations. Set forth below are the material provisions of the Recommendations together with the reasons, where applicable, for variations therefrom.

 

1. Lay solid foundations for management and oversight. Companies should establish and disclose the respective roles and responsibilities of board and management.

 

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2. Structure the Board to add value. Companies should have a board of an effective composition, size, and commitment to adequately discharge its responsibilities and duties. During the year ended June 30, 2014, we varied from the Recommendations in the following areas:

 

  a) No formal performance evaluation of the Board was conducted for the year ended June 30, 2014 as the Board believes that we are not of a size, nor are our financial affairs of such complexity, to warrant such an exercise. The Board recognizes the importance of performance evaluations and will continually assess the necessity and timing of future performance evaluation.

 

  b) The Board believes that we are not of a size, nor are our financial affairs of such complexity, to justify the establishment of a Nomination Committee of the Board of Directors. All matters which might be properly dealt with by a Nomination Committee are considered by the full Board of Directors. The Board considers the necessity to establish a Nomination Committee annually.

 

3. Promote ethical and responsible decision-making . Companies should actively promote ethical and responsible decision-making.

 

4. Safeguard integrity in financial reporting. Companies should have a structure to independently verify and safeguard the integrity of their financial reporting.

 

5. Make timely and balanced disclosure. Companies should promote timely and balanced disclosure of all material matters concerning the compliance.

 

6. Respect the rights of shareholders. Companies should respect the rights of shareholders and facilitate the effective exercise of those rights.

 

7. Recognize and manage risk. Companies should establish a sound system of risk oversight and management and internal control.

 

8. Remunerate fairly and responsibly. Companies should ensure that the level and composition of remuneration is sufficient and reasonable and that its relationship to performance is clear.

Non-Executive and Independent Directors

Australian law does not require a company to appoint a certain number of independent directors to its board of directors or audit committee. However, under the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations, the ASX recommends, but does not require, that a ASX-listed company have a majority of independent directors on its board of directors and that the audit committee be comprised of independent directors, within the meaning of the rules of the ASX. Our Board of Directors currently has five directors, of which four are non-executive directors within the meaning of the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations, and our audit committee consists of three such non-executive directors. Accordingly, we currently comply with the Recommendations.

Under NASDAQ Marketplace Rules, in general a majority of our Board of Directors must qualify as independent directors within the meaning of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules and our audit committee must have at least three members and be comprised only of independent directors, each of whom satisfies the respective “independence” requirements of NASDAQ and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Board of Directors does not have regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present. The Board of Directors does meet regularly and independent directors are expected to attend all such meetings. Our practices are consistent with the Recommendations, in that the Recommendations do not provide that independent directors should meet separately from the Board of Directors.

Our Board of Directors has determined that each of Lucy Turnbull, Albert Wong, Pete Meyers, and Russell Howard qualifies as an independent director under the requirements of the ASX, NASDAQ Marketplace Rules and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Committees of the Board of Directors

Audit Committee . NASDAQ Marketplace Rules require us to establish an audit committee comprised of at least three members, each of whom is financially literate and satisfies the respective “independence” requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and NASDAQ and one of whom has accounting or related financial management expertise at senior levels within a company.

Our Audit Committee assists our Board of Directors in overseeing the accounting and financial reporting processes of our company and audits of our financial statements, including the integrity of our financial statements, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, our independent public accountants’ qualifications and independence, the performance of our internal audit function and independent public accountants, and such other duties as may be directed by our Board of Directors. The Audit Committee is also required to assess risk management.

Our Audit Committee currently consists of three board members, each of whom satisfies the “independence” requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, NASDAQ Marketplace Rules and ASX Rules. Our Audit Committee is currently composed of Albert Wong, Lucy Turnbull and Pete Meyers. The audit committee meets at least two times per year.

 

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Remuneration Committee. Our Board of Directors has established a Remuneration Committee, which is comprised solely of independent directors, within the meaning of NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. The Remuneration Committee is responsible for reviewing the salary, incentives and other benefits of our directors, senior executive officers and employees, and to make recommendations on such matters for approval by our Board of Directors. The Remuneration Committee is also responsible for overseeing and advising our Board of Directors with regard to the adoption of policies that govern our compensation programs. Lucy Turnbull, Russell Howard and Albert Wong are the current members of the Remuneration Committee, each of whom qualifies as an “independent director” within the meaning of NASDAQ Marketplace Rules.

Nominations Committee. Our Board of Directors has not established a Nominations Committee. The Recommendations provide that the Nominations Committee of a company should have a charter that clearly sets out its roles and responsibilities, composition, structure, membership requirements and the procedures for inviting non-committee members to attend meetings. We have not established a Nominations Committee as we do not believe the size of our financial affairs justify the establishment of a separate committee at this time.

Corporate Governance Requirements Arising from Our U.S. Listing — the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, SEC Rules and the Nasdaq Global Market Marketplace Rules.

Our shares in the form of ADSs are quoted on the Nasdaq Global Market. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as related new rules subsequently implemented by the SEC, require companies which are considered to be foreign private issuers in the U.S., such as us, to comply with various corporate governance practices. In addition, Nasdaq has made certain changes to its corporate governance requirements for companies that are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market. These changes allow us to follow Australian “home country” corporate governance practices in lieu of the otherwise applicable Nasdaq corporate governance standards, as long as we disclose each requirement of Rule 5600 that we do not follow and describe the home country practice we follow in lieu of the relevant Nasdaq corporate governance standards. We intend to take all actions necessary to maintain compliance with applicable corporate governance requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, rules adopted by the SEC and listing standards of Nasdaq. We follow Australian corporate governance practices in lieu of the corporate governance requirements of the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules in respect of:

 

    Nasdaq requirement under Rule 5620(c) that a quorum consist of holders of 33 1/3% of the outstanding ordinary shares — The ASX Listing Rules do not have an express requirement that each issuer listed on ASX have a quorum of any particular number of the outstanding ordinary shares, but instead allow a listed issuer to establish its own quorum requirements. Our quorum is currently two persons who are entitled to vote. We believe this quorum requirement is consistent with the requirements of the ASX and is appropriate and typical of generally accepted business practices in Australia.

 

    The Nasdaq requirements under Rules 5605(b)(1) and (2) relating to director independence, including the requirements that a majority of the board of directors must be comprised of independent directors and that independent directors must have regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present — The Nasdaq and ASX definitions of what constitute an independent director are not identical and the requirements relating to the roles and obligations of independent directors are not identical. The ASX, unlike Nasdaq, permits an issuer to establish its own materiality threshold for determining whether a transaction between a director and an issuer affects the director’s status as independent and it does not require that a majority of the issuer’s board of directors be independent, as long as the issuer publicly discloses this fact. In addition, the ASX does not require that the independent directors have regularly scheduled meeting at which only independent directors are present. We believe that our Board composition is consistent with the requirements of the ASX and that it is appropriate and typical of generally accepted business practices in Australia.

 

    The Nasdaq requirements under Rule 5605(c)(1) and (2) relating to the composition of the audit committee and the audit committee charter — The Nasdaq and ASX audit committee requirements are not identical. Moreover, differences in the requirements of Nasdaq and ASX also arise because of the differences in the definitions of who constitutes an independent director, as discussed above. We have an audit committee and audit committee charter that are consistent with the requirements of the ASX Listing Rules and which we believe are appropriate and typical of generally accepted business practices in Australia.

 

    The Nasdaq requirements under Rules 5605(d) that compensation of an issuer’s officers must be determined, or recommended to the Board for determination, either by a majority of the independent directors, or a compensation committee comprised solely of independent directors, and that director nominees must either be selected, or recommended for the Board’s selection, either by a majority of the independent directors, or a nominations committee comprised solely of independent directors. The Nasdaq compensation committee requirements are not identical to the ASX remuneration and nomination committee requirements. Issuers listed on the ASX are recommended under applicable listing standards to establish a remuneration committee consisting of a majority of independent directors and an independent chairperson, or publicly disclose that it has not done so. We have a Remuneration Committee that is consistent with the requirements of the ASX and which we believe is appropriate and typical of generally accepted business practices in Australia.

 

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Directors’ Service Contracts

For details of directors’ service contracts providing for benefits upon termination of employment, see “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees – B. Compensation – Service Agreements.”

Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Our Constitution provides that, we may indemnify a person who is, or has been, an officer of our company, to the full extent permissible by law, out of our property against any liability incurred by such person as an officer in defending proceedings, whether civil or criminal, and whatever their outcome.

In addition, our Constitution provides that to the extent permitted by law, we may pay, or agree to pay, a premium in respect of a contract insuring a person who is or has been an officer of our company or one of our subsidiaries against any liability:

 

    incurred by the person in his or her capacity as an officer of our company or a subsidiary of our company, and

 

    for costs and expenses incurred by that person in defending proceedings relating to that person acting as an officer of Prima BioMed, whether civil or criminal, and whatever their outcome.

We maintain a directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy. We have established a policy for the indemnification of our directors and officers against certain liabilities incurred as a director or officer, including costs and expenses associated in successfully defending legal proceedings.

D. Employees

As of June 30, 2014, we had 31 employees. Of such employees, 21 were employed in research and development, one in intellectual property management and 9 general management and administration. Of these 31 employees, 2 were located in the United States of America, 6 were located in Australia, and 23 in Germany. As of the end of fiscal year 2013 we had 30 employees.

Each of our full-time employees enters into an agreement with a term of employment of between one to four years or for an unlimited term. We also engage part-time employees. We may only terminate the employment of any of our employees in accordance with the relevant employee’s contract of employment.

Our standard contract of employment for full time and part-time employees provides that we can terminate the employment of an employee without notice for serious misconduct or with between one to three months’ notice without cause (as set out in the relevant employee’s contract of employment). We can terminate the employment of a casual employee without notice. For a summary of the key terms of employment of each of our senior management, see “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees – B. Compensation – Service Agreements.”

E. Share Ownership

For a description of arrangements involving the employees in the capital of the company, including any arrangement that involves the issue or grant of options or shares or securities of the company, see “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees – B. Compensation – Global Employee Share Option Plan,” “– Employee Share Option Plan” and “– Executive Incentive Plan.”

Beneficial Ownership of Senior Management and Directors

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Ordinary shares relating to options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the date of the above table are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of the person holding such securities but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person. Except as indicated by footnote, and subject to community property laws where applicable, the persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares shown as beneficially owned by them.

The following table sets forth certain information as of June 30, 2014 regarding the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares by each of our directors and senior management and by all of our directors and senior management as a group. The shares are beneficially owned, held directly or via an entity related to the individual. The percentages shown are based on 1,228,709,341 ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2014.

 

Name

   Number of Ordinary
Shares Beneficially Owned
    Percentage of
Ownership
 

Lucy Turnbull

     20,059,576        1.63

Albert Wong

     3,537,500        *   

Russell Howard

     —          *   

Pete Meyers

     —          *   

Matthew Lehman

    

 

1,617,763

32,706

  

**  

   

 

*

1.07

  

 

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Name

   Number of Ordinary
Shares Beneficially Owned
    Percentage of
Ownership
 

Sharron Gargosky

     —          *   

Marc Voigt

    

 

720,000

150

  

**  

    *   

Deanne Miller

     —          *   

All directors and executive officers as a group (8 persons) – Ordinary shares

     25,934,839        2.11
     32,856 **      1.08

 

* Less than 1%.
** Shares held in the form of American Depositary Shares (ADSs) listed on the NASDAQ Global Market.

 

ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

A. Major Shareholders

No shareholder known to us owned beneficially 5% or more of our ordinary shares as of June 30, 2014. As of June 30, 2014, 7.45% of our ordinary shares were held in the United States by 13 holders of record. Some of the trading by our U.S. investors is done by means of ADSs that are held of record by 8 holders who held 3,046,112 ADSs which is 7.44% of our ordinary shares as of June 30, 2014. To our knowledge, we are not directly or indirectly controlled by another corporation, by any foreign government or by any other natural or legal person severally or jointly. There are no agreements known to us, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of Prima BioMed.

B. Related Party Transactions

We operate inter-company loan accounts with fully owned controlled entities. The net amount of such intercompany loans at June 30, 2014 was A$ nil, as all inter-company transactions are eliminated on consolidation.

During fiscal 2014, there were no related party transactions, other than employment matters.

C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

Our audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2012, 2013 and 2014 are included in Item 18 of this Annual Report on Form 20-F, which is found immediately following the text of this Annual Report on For 20-F. The audit report of PricewaterhouseCoopers as of June 30, 2014 and 2013, and for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2014, is included therein immediately preceding the financial statements.

Export Sales

The Company had no export sales in its latest financial year ended June 30, 2014 and, as a result, the percentage of export sales for the Company was zero.

Legal Proceedings

We are not involved in any legal or arbitration proceedings, including those relating to bankruptcy, receivership or similar proceedings and those involving any third party, which may have, or have had in the recent past, significant effects on our financial position or profitability. The company is not involved in any governmental proceedings pending or known by us to be contemplated.

 

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Dividend Distribution Policy

We have never paid cash dividends to our shareholders. We intend to retain future earnings for use in our business and do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future. Any future dividend policy will be determined by the Board of Directors and will be based upon various factors, including our results of operations, financial condition, current and anticipated cash needs, future prospects, contractual restrictions and other factors as the Board of Directors may deem relevant. There is no assurance that dividends will ever be paid. See “Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements”.

Recent Developments

On August 27, 2014 we released to the market and filed with the Australian Stock Exchange our Appendix 4E for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014. Our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014 are included in Item 18 of this Annual Report on Form 20-F. There have been no other recent developments.

B. Significant Changes

There have been no significant changes since the date of the annual financial statements included herein.

 

ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING

A. Offer and Listing Details

Australian Securities Exchange

Our ordinary shares have traded on the ASX since our initial public offering on July 9, 2001. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low market quotations for our ordinary shares as quoted on the ASX.

 

     Per Ordinary Share (A$)    Per ADS (US$)  
     High    Low    High      Low  
     A$    A$    US$      US$  

Fiscal Year Ended June 30,

           

2010

   0.28    0.05      —           —     

2011

   0.42    0.08      —           —     

2012

   0.32    0.09      7.65         2.21   

2013

   0.20    0.06      6.96         1.70   

2014

   0.11    0.03      3.43         0.82   

Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2013:

           

First Quarter

   0.20    0.10      6.96         2.21   

Second Quarter

   0.20    0.10      6.78         3.39   

Third Quarter

   0.12    0.09      4.00         2.98   

Fourth Quarter

   0.10    0.06      4.54         1.70   

Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2014:

           

First Quarter

   0.11    0.04      3.43         1.10   

Second Quarter

   0.05    0.03      1.90         0.82   

Third Quarter

   0.07    0.04      1.95         1.02   

Fourth Quarter

   0.06    0.04      1.56         0.95   

Month Ended:

           

March 2014

   0.04    0.05      1.37         1.08   

April 2014

   0.04    0.04      1.17         1.00   

May 2014

   0.06    0.04      1.56         0.95   

June 2014

   0.06    0.04      1.49         1.11   

July 2014

   0.05    0.04      1.29         1.06   

August 2014

   0.04    0.04      1.21         1.05   

For a description of the rights of our ADSs, see “Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities – D. American Depositary Shares.”

B. Plan of Distribution

Not applicable.

 

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C. Markets

Our ordinary shares are listed and traded on the Australian Securities Exchange Ltd., or ASX, on the NASDAQ Global Market where our ordinary shares in the form of ADSs are traded on the NASDAQ Global Market and on the Entry Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

D. Selling Shareholders

Not applicable.

E. Dilution

Not applicable.

F. Expenses of the Issue

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A. Share Capital

Not applicable.

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

General

Our constituent document is a Constitution. The Constitution is subject to the terms of the Listing Rules of ASX Limited and the Corporations Act 2001. The Constitution may be amended or repealed and replaced by special resolution of shareholders, which is a resolution of which notice has been given and that has been passed by at least 75% of the votes cast by shareholders entitled to vote on the resolution.

Purposes and Objects

As a public company we have all the rights, powers and privileges of a natural person. Our Constitution does not provide for or prescribe any specific objects or purposes.

The Powers of the Directors

Under the provision of our Constitution our directors may exercise all the powers of our company in relation to:

Management of Company

The business is managed by the directors who may exercise all the powers of our company that are not by the Corporations Act or by this constitution required to be exercised by shareholders in general meeting subject nevertheless to any provision of this constitution and to the provisions of the Corporations Act.

Members Approval to Significant Changes

The directors must not make a significant change (either directly or indirectly) to the nature and scale of our activities except after having disclosed full details to ASX in accordance with the requirements of the Listing Rules of the ASX and the directors must not sell or otherwise dispose of the main undertaking of our company without the approval of shareholders in general meeting in accordance with the requirements of the Listing Rules.

 

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Rights Attached to Our Ordinary Shares

The concept of authorized share capital no longer exists in Australia and as a result, our authorized share capital is unlimited. All our outstanding ordinary shares are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. The rights attached to our ordinary shares are as follows:

Dividend Rights. The directors may declare that a dividend be paid to the members according to the shareholders’ pro rata shareholdings and the directors may fix the amount, the time for payment and the method of payment. No dividend is payable except in accordance with the Corporations Act as amended from time to time and no dividend carries interest as against the Company.

Voting Rights. Holders of ordinary shares have one vote for each ordinary share held on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. Such voting rights may be affected by the grant of any special voting rights to the holders of a class of shares with preferential rights that may be authorized in the future.

The quorum required for an ordinary meeting of shareholders consists of at least two shareholders present in person, or by proxy, attorney or representative appointed pursuant to our Constitution. A meeting adjourned for lack of a quorum generally is adjourned to the same day in the following week at the same time and place. At the reconvened meeting, the required quorum consists of any two members present in person, or by proxy, attorney or representative appointed pursuant to our Constitution. The meeting is dissolved if a quorum is not present within 15 minutes from the time appointed for the meeting.

An ordinary resolution, such as a resolution for the declaration of dividends, requires approval by the holders of a majority of the voting rights represented at the meeting, in person, by proxy, or by written ballot and voting thereon. Under our Constitution, a special resolution, such as amending our Constitution, approving any change in capitalization, winding-up, authorization of a class of shares with special rights, or other changes as specified in our Constitution, requires approval of a special majority, representing the holders of no less than 75% of the voting rights represented at the meeting in person, by proxy or by written ballet, and voting thereon.

Rights in Our Profits. Our shareholders have the right to share in our profits distributed as a dividend and any other permitted distribution.

Rights in the Event of Liquidation. In the event of our liquidation, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors, our assets will be distributed to the holders of ordinary shares in proportion to the capital at the commencement of the liquidation paid up or which ought to have been paid up on the shares held by them respectively. This right may be affected by the grant of preferential dividend or distribution rights to the holders of a class of shares with preferential rights, such as the right in winding up to payment in cash of the amount then paid up on the share, and any arrears of dividend in respect of that share, in priority to any other class of shares.

Changing Rights Attached to Shares

According to our Constitution, the rights attached to any class of shares, unless otherwise provided by the terms of the class, may be varied with either the written consent of the holders of not less than 75% of the issued shares of that class or the sanction of a special resolution passed at a separate general meeting of the shares of that class.

Annual and Extraordinary Meetings

Our directors must convene an annual meeting of shareholders at least once every calendar year, within five months of our last fiscal year-end balance sheet data. Notice of at least 28 days prior to the date of the meeting is required. A general meeting may be convened by any director, or one or more shareholders holding in the aggregate at least 5% of our issued capital. A general meeting must be called not more than 21 days after the request is made. The meeting must be held not later than two months after the request is given.

Limitations on the Rights to Own Securities in Our Company

Subject to certain limitations on the percentage of shares a person may hold in our company, neither our Constitution nor the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia restrict in any way the ownership or voting of shares in our company.

Changes in Our Capital

Pursuant to the Listing Rules, our directors may in their discretion issue securities to persons who are not related parties of our company, without the approval of shareholders, if such issue, when aggregate with securities issued by our company during the previous 12 month period would be an amount that would not exceed 15% of our issued capital at the commencement of the 12 month period. Other allotments of securities require approval by an ordinary resolution of shareholders.

 

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C. Material Contracts

Please see “Item 4. Information on the Company – B. Business Overview – Material Contracts Related to Intellectual Property and Commercialization Rights.”

D. Exchange Controls

Australia has largely abolished exchange controls on investment transactions. The Australian dollar is freely convertible into U.S. dollars. In addition, there are currently no specific rules or limitations regarding the export from Australia of profits, dividends, capital or similar funds belonging to foreign investors, except that certain payments to non-residents must be reported to the Australian Cash Transaction Reports Agency, which monitors such transaction, and amounts on account of potential Australian tax liabilities may be required to be withheld unless a relevant taxation treaty can be shown to apply.

The Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975

Under Australian law, in certain circumstances foreign persons are prohibited from acquiring more than a limited percentage of the shares in an Australian company without approval from the Australian Treasurer. These limitations are set forth in the Australian Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act, or the Takeovers Act.

Under the Takeovers Act, as currently in effect, any foreign person, together with associates, or parties acting in concert, is prohibited from acquiring 15% or more of the shares in any company having total assets of A$231 million or more (or A$1,078 million or more in case of U.S. investors). “Associates” is a broadly defined term under the Takeovers Act 1975 and includes:

 

    spouses, lineal ancestors and descendants, and siblings;

 

    partners, officers of companies, the company, employers and employees, and corporations;

 

    their shareholders related through substantial shareholdings or voting power;

 

    corporations whose directors are controlled by the person, or who control a person; and

 

    associations between trustees and substantial beneficiaries of trust estates.

In addition, a foreign person may not acquire shares in a company having total assets of A$231 million or more (or A$1,078 million or more in case of U.S. investors) if, as a result of that acquisition, the total holdings of all foreign persons and their associates will exceed 40% in aggregate without the approval of the Australian Treasurer. If the necessary approvals are not obtained, the Treasurer may make an order requiring the acquirer to dispose of the shares it has acquired within a specified period of time. The same rule applies if the total holdings of all foreign persons and their associates already exceeds 40% and a foreign person (or its associate) acquires any further shares, including in the course of trading in the secondary market of the ADSs. At present, we do not have total assets of A$231 million or more. At this time, our total assets do not exceed any of the above thresholds and therefore no approval would be required from the Australian Treasurer. Nonetheless, should our total assets exceed the threshold in the future, we would will be mindful of the number of ADS that can be made available, and monitor the 40% aggregate shareholding threshold for foreign persons (together with the associates) to ensure that it will not be exceeded subject to the Australian Treasurer’s approval.

Each foreign person seeking to acquire holdings in excess of the above caps (including their associates, as the case may be) would need to complete an application form setting out the proposal and relevant particulars of the acquisition/shareholding. The Australian Treasurer then has 30 days to consider the application and make a decision. However, the Australian Treasurer may extend the period by up to a further 90 days by publishing an interim order. The Australian Treasurer has issued a guideline titled Australia’s Foreign Investment Policy which provides an outline of the policy. As for the risk associated with seeking approval, the policy provides that the Treasurer will reject an application if it is contrary to the national interest.

If the level of foreign ownership exceeds 40% at any time, we would be considered a foreign person under the Takeovers Act. In such event, we would be required to obtain the approval of the Australian Treasurer for our company, together with our associates, to acquire (i) more than 15% of an Australian company or business with assets totaling over A$231 million; or (ii) any direct or indirect ownership in Australian residential real estate and certain non-residential real estate.

The percentage of foreign ownership in our company would also be included determining the foreign ownership of any Australian company or business in which it may choose to invest. Since we have no current plans for any such acquisition and do not own any property, any such approvals required to be obtained by us as a foreign person under the Takeovers Act will not affect our current or future ownership or lease of property in Australia.

Our Constitution does not contain any additional limitations on a non-resident’s right to hold or vote our securities.

 

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Australian law requires the transfer of shares in our company to be made in writing. No stamp duty will be payable in Australia on the transfer of ADSs.

E. Taxation

The following is a discussion of Australian and United States tax consequences material to our shareholders. To the extent that the discussion is based on tax legislation which has not been subject to judicial or administrative interpretation, the views expressed in the discussion might not be accepted by the tax authorities in question or by court. The discussion is not intended, and should not be construed, as legal or professional tax advice and does not exhaust all possible tax considerations.

Holders of our ADSs should consult their own tax advisors as to the United States, Australian or other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of ADSs, including, in particular, the effect of any foreign, state or local taxes.

E.1. AUSTRALIAN TAX CONSEQUENCES

In this section we discuss the material Australian tax considerations that apply to non-Australian tax residents with respect to the acquisition, ownership and disposal of the absolute beneficial ownership of ADSs, which are evidenced by ADSs. This discussion is based upon existing Australian tax law as of the date of this Annual Report, which is subject to change, possibly retrospectively. This discussion does not address all aspects of Australian income tax law which may be important to particular investors in light of their individual investment circumstances, such as ADSs or shares held by investors subject to special tax rules (for example, financial institutions, insurance companies or tax exempt organizations). In addition, this summary does not discuss any foreign or state tax considerations, other than stamp duty. Prospective investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the Australian and foreign income and other tax considerations of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the ADSs or shares.

Nature of ADSs for Australian Taxation Purposes

Holders of our ADSs are treated as the owners of the underlying ordinary shares for Australian income tax and capital gains tax purposes. Therefore, dividends paid on the underlying ordinary shares will be treated for Australian tax purposes as if they were paid directly to the owners of ADSs, and the disposal of ADSs will be treated for Australian tax purposes as the disposal of the underlying ordinary shares. In the following analysis we discuss the application of the Australian income tax and capital gains tax rules to non-Australian resident holders of ADSs.

Taxation of Dividends

Australia operates a dividend imputation system under which dividends may be declared to be “franked” to the extent of tax paid on company profits. Fully franked dividends are not subject to dividend withholding tax. Dividends that are not franked or are partly franked and are paid to non-Australian resident stockholders are subject to dividend withholding tax, but only to the extent the dividends are not franked.

Dividends paid to a non-resident stockholder are subject to withholding tax at 30%, unless the stockholder is a resident of a country with which Australia has a double taxation agreement. In accordance with the provisions of the Double Taxation Convention between Australia and the United States, the maximum rate of Australian tax on unfranked dividends to which a resident of the United States is beneficially entitled is 15%, where the U.S. resident holds less than 10% of the voting rights in our company, or 5% where the U.S. resident holds 10% or more of the voting rights in our company. The Double Taxation Convention between Australia and the United States does not apply to limit the tax rate on dividends where the ADSs are effectively connected to a permanent establishment or a fixed base carried on by the owner of the ADSs in Australia through which the stockholder carries on business or provides independent personal services, respectively.

Tax on Sales or other Dispositions of Shares—Capital Gains Tax

Australian capital gains derived by non-Australian residents in respect of the disposal of capital assets that are not taxable Australian property will be disregarded. Non-Australian resident stockholders will not be subject to Australian capital gains tax on the capital gain made on a disposal of our shares, unless they, together with associates, hold 10% or more of our issued capital, tested either at the time of disposal or over any continuous 12 month period in the 24 months prior to disposal, and the value of our shares at the time of disposal are wholly or principally attributable to Australian real property assets.

Australian capital gains tax applies to net capital gains at a taxpayer’s marginal tax rate but for certain stockholders a discount of the capital gain may apply if the shares have been held for 12 months or more. For individuals, this discount is 50%. Net capital gains are calculated after reduction for capital losses, which may only be offset against capital gains.

 

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Tax on Sales or other Dispositions of Shares—Stockholders Holding Shares on Revenue Account

Some non-Australian resident stockholders may hold shares on revenue rather than on capital account, for example, share traders. These stockholders may have the gains made on the sale or other disposal of the shares included in their assessable income under the ordinary income provisions of the income tax law, if the gains are sourced in Australia.

Non-Australian resident stockholders assessable under these ordinary income provisions in respect of gains made on shares held on revenue account would be assessed for such gains at the Australian tax rates for non-Australian residents, which start at a marginal rate of 29% for non-Australian resident individuals. Some relief from the Australian income tax may be available to such non-Australian resident stockholders under the Double Taxation Convention between the United States and Australia, for example, because the stockholder does not have a permanent establishment in Australia.

To the extent an amount would be included in a non-Australian resident stockholder’s assessable income under both the capital gains tax provisions and the ordinary income provisions, the capital gain amount would generally be reduced, so that the stockholder would not be subject to double tax on any part of the income gain or capital gain.

Dual Residency

If a stockholder were a resident of both Australia and the United States under those countries’ domestic taxation laws, that stockholder may be subject to tax as an Australian resident. If, however, the stockholder is determined to be a U.S. resident for the purposes of the Double Taxation Convention between the United States and Australia, the Australian tax applicable would be limited by the Double Taxation Convention. Stockholders should obtain specialist taxation advice in these circumstances.

Stamp Duty

A transfer of shares of a company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange is not subject to Australian stamp duty except in some circumstances where one person, or associated persons, acquires 90% or more of the shares.

Australian Death Duty

Australia does not have estate or death duties. No capital gains tax liability is realized upon the inheritance of a deceased person’s shares. The disposal of inherited shares by beneficiaries, may, however, give rise to a capital gains tax liability.

Goods and Services Tax

The issue or transfer of shares will not incur Australian goods and services tax and does not require a stockholder to register for Australian goods and services tax purposes.

Research and Development Tax Incentives

The Australian Government tax incentive scheme, introduced on July 1, 2011, replaces the former R&D Tax Concession scheme for research and development activities in income years commencing on or after July 1, 2011. Subject to certain exclusions, the new scheme provides benefits for eligible research and development activities (R&D activities). Such eligible R&D activities include but are not limited to:

Under the R&D Tax incentive scheme, entities will be entitled to either (i) a 45% refundable tax offset for eligible companies with an aggregated turnover of less than $20 million per annum; or (ii) a non-refundable 40% tax offset for all other eligible companies. Our turnover is less than $20 million, and will therefore be entitled to claim a 45% refundable tax offset for costs relating to eligible R&D activities during the year.

 

    Core activities, which are experimental activities whose outcome cannot be known or determined in advance, but can only be determined by applying a systematic progression of work;

 

    Core activities conducted for the purpose of generating new knowledge (including new knowledge in the form of new or improved processes and materials); or

 

    Supporting activities that are directly related and designed to support (a) and (b).

Under the R&D Tax incentive scheme, entities will be entitled to either (i) a 45% refundable tax offset for eligible companies with an aggregated turnover of less than $20 million per annum; or (ii) a non-refundable 40% tax offset for all other eligible companies. Our turnover is less than $20 million, and will therefore be entitled to claim a 45% refundable tax offset for costs relating to eligible R&D activities during the year.

 

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E.2 UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

The following is a summary of material U.S. federal income tax consequences that generally apply to U.S. Holders (as defined below) who hold ADSs as capital assets. This summary is based on the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, and the bilateral taxation convention between Australia and the United States, or the Tax Treaty, all as in effect on the date hereof and all of which are subject to change either prospectively or retroactively. If you are a U.S. Holder and subject to special rules, including broker-dealers, financial institutions, certain insurance companies, investors liable for alternative minimum tax, tax-exempt organizations, regulated investment companies, non-resident aliens of the United States or taxpayers whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, persons who hold the ADSs through partnerships or other pass-through entities, persons who acquired their ADSs through the exercise or cancellation of any employee stock options or otherwise as compensation for their services, investors that actually or constructively own 10% or more of our voting shares, and investors holding ADSs as part of a straddle or appreciated financial position or as part of a hedging or conversion transaction you are strongly advised to consult your personal tax advisor. This summary does not address any state, local and foreign tax considerations or any U.S. federal estate, gift or alternative minimum tax considerations relevant to the purchase, ownership and disposition of our ADSs.

If a partnership or an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes owns ADSs, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of its partners will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A partnership should consult its tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to it and its partners of the purchase, ownership and disposition of ADSs.

For purposes of this summary, the term “U.S. Holder” means an individual who is a citizen or, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a resident of the United States; a corporation or other entity taxable as a corporation that is created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof; an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or a trust if (a) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over administration of the trust, and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (b) it has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

Distributions

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. Holders of ADSs will be treated as owning the underlying ordinary shares, or ADSs. Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below, the gross amount of any distribution received by a U.S. Holder with respect to the underlying ordinary shares, including the amount of any Australian taxes withheld there from, will be included in gross income as a dividend to the extent the distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). Distributions in excess of our earnings and profits will be treated first as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of a U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the ADSs and thereafter will be treated as gain from the sale or exchange of the ADSs. We have not maintained and do not plan to maintain calculations of earnings and profits for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, a U.S. Holder may need to include the entire amount of any such distribution in income as a dividend.

The U.S. dollar value of any distribution on the ADSs made in Australian dollars generally should be calculated by reference to the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Australian dollar in effect on the date of receipt of such distribution by the U.S. Holder regardless of whether the Australian dollars so received are in fact converted into U.S. dollars. A U.S. Holder who receives payment in Australian dollars and converts those Australian dollars into U.S. dollars at an exchange rate other than the rate in effect on such day may have a foreign currency exchange gain or loss, which would generally be treated as ordinary income or loss from sources within the United States for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.

Subject to complex limitations and certain holding period requirements, a U.S. Holder may elect to claim a credit for Australian tax withheld from distributions against its U.S. federal income tax liability. The limitations set out in the Code include computational rules under which foreign tax credits allowable with respect to specific classes of income cannot exceed the U.S. federal income taxes otherwise payable with respect to each such class of income. Dividends generally will be treated as foreign-source passive category income for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. A U.S. Holder that does not elect to claim a U.S. foreign tax credit may instead claim a deduction for Australian tax withheld. Dividends will not however be eligible for the “dividends received deduction” generally allowed to corporate shareholders with respect to dividends received from U.S. corporations.

Subject to certain limitations, dividends received by a non-corporate U.S. Holder in tax years beginning on or before December 31, 2010 are subject to tax at a reduced maximum tax rate of 15 percent. Distributions taxable as dividends generally qualify for the 15 percent rate provided that: (i) the issuer is entitled to benefits under the Tax Treaty or (ii) the shares are readily

 

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tradable on an established securities market in the United States and certain other requirements are met. We believe that we are entitled to benefits under the Tax Treaty and that the ADSs currently are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. However, no assurance can be given that the ADSs will remain readily tradable. However, the reduced rate does not apply to dividends received from PFICs. As noted below, we believe there is a material risk that we are a PFIC.

The U.S. Treasury has expressed concerns that intermediaries in the chain of ownership between the holder of an ADS and the issuer of the security underlying the ADS may be taking actions (including pre-release transactions that may be undertaken by the depositary as described in “Description of American Depositary Shares – Pre-release of ADSs”) that are inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits for U.S. holders of ADSs. Such actions would also be inconsistent with the claiming of the reduced rated of tax, described below, applicable to dividends received by certain non-corporate holders. Accordingly, the analysis of the creditability of Australian taxes and the availability of the reduced tax rate for dividends received by certain non-corporate holders, each described below, could be affected by actions taken by intermediaries in the chain of ownership between the holder of an ADS and our Company.

Disposition of ADSs

If you sell or otherwise dispose of ADSs, you will recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or other disposition and your adjusted tax basis in the ADSs. Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below, such gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if you have held the ADSs for more than one year at the time of the sale or other disposition. In general, any gain that you recognize on the sale or other disposition of ADSs will be gain from U.S. sources for purposes of the foreign tax credit limitation; losses will generally be allocated against U.S. source income. The deduction of capital losses is subject to certain limitations under the Code.

In the case of a cash basis U.S. Holder who receives Australian dollars in connection with the sale or other disposition of ADSs, the amount realized will be calculated based on the U.S. dollar value of the Australian dollars received as determined on the settlement date of such exchange. A U.S. Holder who receives payment in Australian dollars and converts Australian dollars into U.S. dollars at a conversion rate other than the rate in effect on the settlement date may have a foreign currency exchange gain or loss that would be treated as ordinary income or loss from sources within the United States for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.

An accrual basis U.S. Holder may elect the same treatment required of cash basis taxpayers with respect to a sale or disposition of ADSs, provided that the election is applied consistently from year to year. Such election may not be changed without the consent of the Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS. In the event that an accrual basis U.S. Holder does not elect to be treated as a cash basis taxpayer (pursuant to the Treasury regulations applicable to foreign currency transactions), such U.S. Holder may have a foreign currency gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes because of differences between the U.S. dollar value of the currency received prevailing on the trade date and the settlement date. Any such currency gain or loss would be treated as ordinary income or loss from sources within the United States for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.

Passive Foreign Investment Companies

There is a substantial risk that we are a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Our treatment as a PFIC could result in a reduction in the after-tax return to the U.S. Holders of our ADSs and may cause a reduction in the value of such securities.

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will be classified as a PFIC for any taxable year in which (i) 75% or more of our gross income is passive income, or (ii) at least 50% of the average value of all of our assets for the taxable year produce or are held for the production of passive income. For this purpose, cash is considered to be an asset which produces passive income. Passive income generally includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents, annuities and the excess of gains over losses from the disposition of assets which produce passive income. As a result of our substantial cash position, the decline in the value of our stock and the current composition of our gross income, we believe that there is a material risk that we are currently a PFIC and that may be a PFIC in the future.

If we are a PFIC in any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder owns ADSs, such U.S. Holder could be liable for additional taxes and interest charges upon (i) certain distributions by us (generally any distribution paid during a taxable year that is greater than 125 percent of the average annual distributions paid in the three preceding taxable years, or, if shorter, the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ADSs), and (ii) any gain realized on a sale, exchange or other disposition, including a pledge, of the ADSs, whether or not we continue to be a PFIC. In these circumstances, the tax will be determined by allocating such distributions or gain ratably over the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ADSs. The amount allocated to the current taxable year and any year prior to the first taxable year in which we are a PFIC will be taxed as ordinary income (rather than capital gain) earned in the current taxable year. The amount allocated to other taxable years will be taxed at the highest marginal rates applicable to ordinary income for each such taxable year, and an interest charge, generally that applicable to underpayments of tax, will also be imposed on the amount of taxes so derived for each such taxable year.

 

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The PFIC provisions discussed above apply to U.S. persons who directly or indirectly hold stock in a PFIC. Both direct and indirect shareholders of PFICs are subject to the rules described above. Generally, a U.S. person is considered an indirect shareholder of a PFIC if it is:

 

    A direct or indirect owner of a pass-through entity, including a trust or estate, that is a direct or indirect shareholder of a PFIC;

 

    A shareholder of a PFIC that is a shareholder of another PFIC; or

 

    A 50%-or-more shareholder of a foreign corporation that is not a PFIC and that directly or indirectly owns stock of a PFIC.

An indirect shareholder may be taxed on a distribution paid to the direct owner of the PFIC and on a disposition of the stock indirectly owned. Indirect shareholders are strongly urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of these rules.

If we cease to be a PFIC in a future year, a U.S. Holder may avoid the continued application of the tax treatment described above by electing to be treated as if it sold its ADSs on the last day of the last taxable year in which we were a PFIC. Any gain would be recognized and subject to tax under the rules described above. Loss would not be recognized. A U.S. Holder’s basis in its ADSs would be increased by the amount of gain, if any, recognized on the sale. A U.S. Holder would be required to treat its holding period for its ADSs as beginning on the day following the last day of the last taxable year in which we were a PFIC.

If the ADSs are considered “marketable stock” and if a U.S. Holder elects to “mark-to-market” its ADSs, the U.S. Holder would not be subject to tax under the excess distribution regime described above. Instead, the U.S. Holder would generally include in income any excess of the fair market value of the ADSs at the close of each tax year over the adjusted tax basis of the ADSs. If the fair market value of the ADSs had depreciated below the adjusted basis at the close of the tax year, the U.S. Holder would be entitled to deduct the excess of the adjusted basis of the ADSs over their fair market value at that time. However, such deductions generally would be limited to the net mark-to-market gains, if any, the U.S. Holder included in income with respect to such ADSs in prior years. Income recognized and deductions allowed under the mark-to-market provisions, as well as any gain or loss on the disposition of ADSs with respect to which the mark-to-market election is made, is treated as ordinary income or loss (except that loss is treated as capital loss to the extent the loss exceeds the net mark-to-market gains, if any, that a U.S. Holder included in income with respect to such ordinary shares in prior years). However, gain or loss from the disposition of ADSs (as to which a “mark-to-market” election was made) in a year in which we are no longer a PFIC, will be capital gain or loss. Our ADSs should be considered “marketable stock” if they traded at least 15 days during each calendar quarter of the relevant calendar year in more than de minimis quantities.

A U.S. Holder of ADSs will not be able to avoid the tax consequences described above by electing to treat us as a qualified electing fund. In general, a qualified electing fund is, with respect to a U.S. person, a passive foreign investment company if the U.S. person has elected to include its proportionate share of a company’s ordinary earnings and net capital gains in U.S. income on an annual basis. A qualified electing fund election can only be made with respect to us if we provide U.S. Holders with certain information on an annual basis and we do not intend to prepare the information that U.S. Holders would need to make the qualified electing fund election.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

Payments in respect of ADSs may be subject to information reporting to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and to U.S. backup withholding tax at a rate equal to the fourth lowest income tax rate applicable to individuals (which, under current law, is 28%). Backup withholding will not apply, however, if a U.S. Holder (i) is a corporation, (ii) satisfies an applicable exemption, or (iii) furnishes a correct taxpayer identification.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be credited against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. tax liability, and a U.S. Holder may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules by filing the appropriate claim for refund with the IRS.

F. Dividends and Paying Agents

Not applicable.

 

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G. Statement by Experts

Not applicable.

H. Documents on Display

We are subject to the reporting requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, as applicable to “foreign private issuers” as defined in Rule 3b-4 under the Exchange Act. As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from certain provisions of the Exchange Act. Accordingly, our proxy solicitations are not subject to the disclosure and procedural requirements of regulation 14A under the Exchange Act, transactions in our equity securities by our officers and directors are exempt from reporting and the “short-swing” profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we are not required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act. However, we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission an Annual Report on Form 20-F containing financial statements that have been examined and reported on, with and opinion expressed by an independent registered public accounting firm, and we submit reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 6-K containing (among other things) press releases and unaudited financial information for the first six months of each fiscal year. We post our Annual Report on Form 20-F on our website promptly following the filing of our Annual Report with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report.

This document and the exhibits thereto and any other document we file pursuant to the Exchange Act may be inspected without charge and copied at prescribed rates at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. by calling the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that make electronic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission using its EDGAR (Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval) system.

The documents concerning our company which are referred to in this document may also be inspected at our office located at Level 7, 151 Macquarie St, Sydney New South Wales 2000, Australia.

I. Subsidiary Information

We currently have the following subsidiaries:

 

    Prima BioMed USA Inc, a 100% owned subsidiary of Prima BioMed Ltd, incorporated in the United States.

 

    Prima BioMed GmbH, a 100% owned subsidiary of Prima BioMed Ltd, incorporated in Germany.

 

    Prima BioMed Middle East FZ LLC, a 100% owned subsidiary of Prima BioMed Ltd, incorporated in the United Arab Emirates.

 

    Prima BioMed Australia Pty Ltd, a 100% owned subsidiary of Prima BioMed Ltd, incorporated in Australia.

 

    Prima BioMed IP Pty Ltd, a 100% owned subsidiary of Prima BioMed Ltd, incorporated in Australia.

These subsidiaries were established to allow us to conduct commercial and clinical operations in Europe, the United States, and the UAE.

 

ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of cash and money market funds. We invest our excess cash and cash equivalents in interest-bearing accounts and term deposits with banks in Australia. Our primary exposure to market risk is interest income sensitivity, which is affected by changes in the general level of Australian interest rates. However, because of the short-term nature of the instruments in our portfolio, a sudden change in market interest rates would not be expected to have a material impact on our financial condition and/or results of operation.

We conduct our activities predominantly in Australia. However we are exposed to foreign currency risk via an investment in a Canadian unlisted company and trade and other payables we hold. We are required to make certain payments in U.S. dollars, Swiss Franc and other currencies. See “Note 2. Financial Risk Management – (a) Market Risk” to our notes to the financial statements for a further discussion of market risk and sensitivity analysis.

 

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Our exposure to foreign currency risk at the end of the reporting period, expressed in Australian dollar, was as follows:

 

     USD     June 30,
2014 EUR
    Other      USD     June 30,
2013 EUR
    Other  

Cash in bank

     75,802        5,273,585        —           3,015,975        10,239,231        —     

Trade and other payables

     (365,450     (17,489     —           (772,903     (824,912     —     

Forward exchange contracts - buy foreign currency

     —          —          —           (29,828     (3,885     —     

 

ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

A. Debt Securities

Not applicable.

B. Warrants and Rights

Not applicable.

C. Other Securities

Not applicable.

D. American Depositary Shares

The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, will register and deliver American Depositary Shares, also referred to as ADSs. Each ADS represents 30 ordinary shares (or a right to receive 30 ordinary shares) deposited with the principal Melbourne office of National Australia Bank Ltd, as custodian for the depositary. Each ADS will also represent any other securities, cash or other property which may be held by the depositary. The depositary’s corporate trust office at which the ADSs will be administered is located at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286. The Bank of New York Mellon’s principal executive office is located at One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286.

You may hold ADSs either (A) directly (i) by having an American Depositary Receipt, also referred to as an ADR, which is a certificate evidencing a specific number of ADSs, registered in your name, or (ii) by having ADSs registered in your name in the Direct Registration System, or (B) indirectly by holding a security entitlement in ADSs through your broker or other financial institution. If you hold ADSs directly, you are a registered ADS holder, also referred to as an ADS holder. This description assumes you are an ADS holder. If you hold the ADSs indirectly, you must rely on the procedures of your broker or other financial institution to assert the rights of ADS holders described in this section. You should consult with your broker or financial institution to find out what those procedures are.

The Direct Registration System, or DRS, is a system administered by The Depository Trust Company, also referred to as DTC, pursuant to which the depositary may register the ownership of uncertificated ADSs, which ownership is confirmed by periodic statements sent by the depositary to the registered holders of uncertificated ADSs.

As an ADS holder, we will not treat you as one of our ordinary shareholders and you will not have ordinary shareholder rights. Australian law governs ordinary shareholder rights. The depositary will be the holder of the ordinary shares underlying your ADSs. As a registered holder of ADSs, you will have ADS holder rights. A deposit agreement among us, the depositary and you, as an ADS holder, and all other persons indirectly holding ADSs sets out ADS holder rights as well as the rights and obligations of the depositary. New York law governs the deposit agreement and the ADSs.

Fees and Expenses

 

Persons depositing or withdrawing ordinary shares or ADS
holders must pay:
  For:
US$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)  

•    Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of ordinary shares or rights or other property

 

•    Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the deposit agreement terminates

 

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US$0.05 (or less) per ADS  

•    Any cash distribution to ADS holders

A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed to you had been ordinary shares and the ordinary shares had been deposited for issuance of ADSs, i.e. US$5.00 or less per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)  

•    Distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited securities which are distributed by the depositary to ADS holders

US$0.05 (or less) per ADSs per calendar year  

•    Depositary services

Registration or transfer fees  

•    Transfer and registration of ordinary shares on our ordinary share register to or from the name of the depositary or its agent when you deposit or withdraw ordinary shares

Expenses of the depositary  

•    Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions (when expressly provided in the deposit agreement)

 

•    converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars

Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian have to pay on any ADS or ordinary share underlying an ADS, for example, stock transfer taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxes  

•    As necessary

Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the deposited securities  

•    As necessary

The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deduction from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may collect any of its fees by deduction from any cash distribution payable to ADS holders that are obligated to pay those fees. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.

From time to time, the depositary may make payments to us to reimburse and/or share revenue from the fees collected from ADS holders, or waive fees and expenses for services provided, generally relating to costs and expenses arising out of establishment and maintenance of the ADS program. In performing its duties under the deposit agreement, the depositary may use brokers, dealers or other service providers that are affiliates of the depositary and that may earn or share fees or commissions.

Payment of Taxes

You will be responsible for any taxes or other governmental charges payable on your ADSs or on the deposited securities represented by any of your ADSs. The depositary may refuse to register any transfer of your ADSs or allow you to withdraw the deposited securities represented by your ADSs until such taxes or other charges are paid. It may apply payments owed to you or sell deposited securities represented by your ADSs to pay any taxes owed and you will remain liable for any deficiency. If the depositary sells deposited securities, it will, if appropriate, reduce the number of ADSs to reflect the sale and pay to the holders of ADSs holder any proceeds, or send to the holders of ADSs any property, remaining after it has paid the taxes.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, has performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of June 30, 2014, as required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, our management has concluded that, as of June 30, 2014, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2014 based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the criteria set forth in Internal Control — Integrated Framework , our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of June 30, 2014.

Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls

In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 15T. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 16. RESERVED

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

We have an independent director that meets the definition of an “audit committee financial expert”, as defined by rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS

We have adopted a code of conduct that applies to our chief executive officer and all senior financial officers of our company, including the chief financial officer, chief accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. The code of conduct is publicly available as attachment C to our Board Charter on our website at www.primabiomed.com.au. Written copies are available upon request. If we make any substantive amendment to the code of conduct or grant any waivers, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the code of conduct, we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on our website.

 

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ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

We retained PricewaterhouseCoopers as our independent registered public accounting firm. Set forth below is a summary of the fees paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers services provided in fiscal 2014 and 2013.

PricewaterhouseCoopers

 

     Fiscal 2014      Fiscal 2013  
     (in A$)  

Audit Fees

   $ 209,420       $ 257,700   

Audit-Related Fees

     —           —     

Tax Fees

     —           —     

All other fees*

   $ 12,500         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 221,920       $ 257,700   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

*Relates to assistance with the Form F-3.

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

Our Audit Committee has adopted policies and procedures for the pre-approval of audit and non-audit services rendered by our independent registered public accounting firm. Pre-approval of an audit or non-audit service may be given as a general pre-approval, as part of the audit committee’s approval of the scope of the engagement of our independent registered public accounting firm, or on an individual basis. Any proposed services exceeding general pre-approved levels also requires specific pre-approval by our audit committee. The policy prohibits retention of the independent registered public accounting firm to perform the prohibited non-audit functions defined in Section 201 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and also requires the audit committee to consider whether proposed services are compatible with the independence of the registered public accounting firm.

 

ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

Not applicable.

 

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ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

Certain directors and officers purchased ordinary shares from us in May 2013 in connection with our Share Purchase Plan and Share Purchase Plan Shortfall placement. These shares were issued to the participating directors and officers on May 17, 2013 and at the same price as available to all other eligible shareholders, i.e. A$0.08. The amount of shares subscribed for by each of the participating directors and officers is indicated in the below table.

 

Name

   (a) Total Number of
Shares Purchased
from Share Purchase
Plan and Share
Purchase Plan
Shortfall Placement
     (b) Average
Price paid
per share in
A$
     (c)Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased as
Part of
Publically
Announced
Plans
     (d)
Maximum
number of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under this
Plan in A$
 

Lucy Turnbull

     12,687,500         0.08         12,687,500         0   

Albert Wong

     187,500         0.08         187,500         0   

Martin Rogers

     187,500         0.08         187,500         0   

Richard Hammel

     187,500         0.08         187,500         0   

Matthew Lehman

     412,500         0.08         412,500         0   

Marc Voigt

     312,500         0.08         312,500         0   

 

ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT

Our Audit Committee and our Board of Directors met with MDHC Audit Assurance Pty Ltd, or MDHC, on August 30, 2011 to discuss the fact that we were moving the finance and accounting function from Melbourne to Sydney and that we would prefer our independent registered public accounting firm to be based in Sydney. MDHC acknowledged that it would be impractical for them to conduct the audit from their Melbourne location and consequently on September 7, 2011 MDHC submitted an application to the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, or ASIC, for consent to resign as our independent registered public accounting firm, effective at our next Annual General Meeting.

On September 12, 2011 ASIC advised us in writing that they had received the application from MDHC seeking ASIC’s consent to resign as our independent registered public accounting firm and that ASIC had consented to the resignation which would take effect from our next Annual General Meeting. On September 30, 2011, the resignation of MDHC was approved by our Audit Committee and our Board of Directors. This date was after completion of MDHC’s audit for the year ended June 30, 2011 and issuance of its related report dated September 27, 2011 contained in our Annual Report filed with the Australian Stock Exchange on September 30, 2011. The resignation of MDHC did not result from any dissatisfaction with the quality of professional services rendered by MDHC. On September 30, 2011 our Audit Committee and Board of Directors recommended the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers as our new independent registered public accounting firm to our shareholders for consideration at our Annual General Meeting. At the Annual General Meeting, which was held on November 3, 2011, shareholder approval was received for the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers as our new independent registered public accounting firm.

MDHC’s report on our financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles. In connection with the audits of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011, and during the period from July 1, 2011 to the effective date of their resignation on November 3, 2011, we did not have any disagreements with MDHC on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to MDHC’s satisfaction, would have caused them to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement(s) in connection with their report as described in Item 16F(a)(1)(iv). Except as discussed below there have been no reportable events as provided in Item 16F(a)(1)(v) during the two most recent fiscal years to June 30, 2011 or during the period from July 1, 2011 to the effective date of MDHC’s resignation on November 3, 2011.

On November 3, 2011 PricewaterhouseCoopers was appointed as our new independent registered public accounting firm. Neither we, nor anyone on our behalf, consulted PricewaterhouseCoopers during the two most recent fiscal years and any subsequent interim period prior the engagement of PricewaterhouseCoopers regarding any of the matters set forth in Item 16F(a)(2)(i) and (ii).

We furnished MDHC with a copy of this disclosure on September 27, 2012, providing MDHC with the opportunity to furnish us with a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission stating whether it agrees with the statements made herein in response to Item 16F(a) of this Annual Report on Form 20-F and, if not, stating the respects in which it does not agree. A letter from MDHC, dated September 27, 2012 is incorporated by reference as Exhibit 16.1 to this Annual Report on Form 20-F from our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

Restatement of Accounts for Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2011

In connection with our Registration Statement on Form 20-F, we restated our accounts for fiscal 2010 in connection with (i) an error in the valuation of share based payments to director; (ii) an error in the fair value movement of the available-for-sale financial assets; and (iii) an error in the treatment of the SpringTree loan facility.

In connection with our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended June 30, 2012, we determined that the statement of cash flows for fiscal 2011 contained errors with respect to the calculation of proceeds from the issue from shares, share issue transaction costs, interest received and payments to employees and suppliers resulting in a reclassification of amounts between the financing and operating activities sections of the statement of cash flows.

We furnished PricewaterhouseCoopers with a copy of this disclosure on September 27, 2012, providing PricewaterhouseCoopers with the opportunity to furnish us with a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission containing any new information, clarification of expression of our views, or the respects in which it does not agree with the statements made herein in response to Item 16F(a) of this Annual Report on Form 20-F. PricewaterhouseCoopers declined to furnish such a letter in connection with our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.

 

ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Under NASDAQ Stock Market Rule 5615(a)(3), foreign private issuers, such as our company, are permitted to follow certain home country corporate governance practices instead of certain provisions of the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules. A foreign private issuer that elects to follow a home country practice instead of any such NASDAQ rules must submit to NASDAQ, in advance, a written statement from an independent counsel in such issuer’s home country certifying that the issuer’s practices are not prohibited by the home country’s laws. We submitted such a written statement to NASDAQ. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees – C. Board Practices – Corporate Governance Requirements Arising from our U.S. Listing – the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, SEC Rules and the Nasdaq Global Market Marketplace Rules” for a summary of such differences.

 

ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

PART III

 

ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We have elected to furnish financial statements and related information specified in Item 18.

 

ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

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Index to Financial Statements

Prima BioMed Ltd

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

     Page  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-2   

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2014 and 2013

     F-3   

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013, and 2012

     F-4   

Consolidated Cash Flow Statements for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013, and 2012

     F-5   

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013, and 2012

     F-6   

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-7   

 

F-1


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Index to Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To Board of Directors and Shareholders of Prima BioMed Ltd:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, of cash flows and of changes in equity present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Prima BioMed Ltd and its subsidiaries at June 30, 2014 and 2013 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2014 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and International Standards on Auditing. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Sydney, Australia

September 24, 2014

 

F-2


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Index to Financial Statements

PRIMA BIOMED LTD

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in Australian dollars, except number of shares)

 

            June 30,  
            2014
A$
    2013
A$
 
     Note               

ASSETS

       

Current Assets

       

Cash and cash equivalents

     7         14,200,042        22,023,143   

Current receivables

     8         196,407        200,477   

Held-to-maturity investments

     9         9,000,000        8,000,000   

Other current assets

     10         1,287,359        1,584,679   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Current Assets

        24,683,808        31,808,299   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-Current Assets

       

Plant and equipment

     11         577,264        834,678   

Intangibles

     12         116,883        171,321   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Non-Current Assets

        694,147        1,005,999   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

        25,377,955        32,814,298   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

       

Trade and other payables

     13         2,652,277        3,468,553   

Derivative financial instruments

     14         —         33,714   

Current tax payable

        16,990        27,065   

Employee benefits

     15         101,569        30,800   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Current Liabilities

        2,770,836        3,560,132   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-Current Liabilities

       

Employee benefits

     16         14,799        5,748   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Non-Current Liabilities

        14,799        5,748   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

        2,785,635        3,565,880   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

        22,592,320        29,248,418   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

EQUITY

       

Contributed equity

     17         149,014,372        142,326,977   

Reserves

     18         1,882,674        1,882,786   

Accumulated losses

        (128,304,726     (114,961,345
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity attributable to the owners of Prima BioMed Ltd

        22,592,320        29,248,418   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL EQUITY

        22,592,320        29,248,418   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

The above consolidated balance sheets should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes

 

F-3


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Index to Financial Statements

PRIMA BIOMED LTD

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(in Australian dollars, except number of shares)

 

            Years ended June 30,  
     Note      2014
A$
    2013
A$
    2012
A$
 

OTHER INCOME

         

License income

        15,929        —         —     

Medical services income

        —          —          25,766   

Grant income

        2,004,198        1,648,725        1,494,253   

Gain on foreign exchange

        406,628        1,417,613        —     

Interest income

        713,311        939,056        2,682,548   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income

        3,140,066        4,005,394        4,202,567   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

         

Research & development and intellectual property

     5         (11,930,857     (14,005,259     (15,118,816

Corporate administrative expenses

     5         (4,092,623     (4,851,195     (5,977,619

Loss on foreign exchange

        —          —          (1,181,049

Depreciation and amortisation expenses

     5         (446,360     (254,024     (377,299

Changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments

        —          (33,714     (1,488,744
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before income tax expense

        (13,329,774     (15,138,798     (19,940,960

Income tax expense

     6         (13,607     (86,873     —     
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss after income tax expense for the year

        (13,343,381     (15,225,671     (19,940,960

Other Comprehensive Loss

         

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss

         

Exchange differences on the translation of foreign operations

        (57,421     (35,332     (117,235
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss for the year net of tax

  

     (57,421     (35,332     (117,235
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss for the year

        (13,400,802     (15,261,003     (20,058,195
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss for the year is attributable to:

         

Owners of Prima BioMed Ltd

        (13,343,381     (15,225,671     (19,940,960
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        (13,343,381     (15,225,671     (19,940,960
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss for the year is attributable to:

         

Owners of Prima BioMed Ltd

        (13,400,802     (15,261,003     (20,058,195
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        (13,400,802     (15,261,003     (20,058,195
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        Cents        Cents        Cents   

Basic earnings per share

     28         (1.09     (1.42     (1.92

Diluted earnings per share

     28         (1.09     (1.42     (1.92

The above consolidated statements of comprehensive loss should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes

 

F-4


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Index to Financial Statements

PRIMA BIOMED LTD

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in Australian dollars, except number of shares)

 

            Years Ended June 30,  
     Note      2014
A$
    2013
A$
    2012
A$
 

Cash flows related to operating activities

         

Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of GST)

        (16,928,382     (18,921,138     (23,193,709

License income

        15,929        —          —     

Medical services income

        —          —          25,766   

Interest received

        704,778        1,295,095        2,553,321   

Tax paid

        (23,684     (59,808     —     

Grant income

        2,004,198        1,648,725        1,494,253   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows used in operating activities

        (14,227,161     (16,037,126     (19,120,369
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows related to investing activities

         

Payments for held-to-maturity investments

        (9,000,000     (8,000,000     (21,045,423

Cash received from held-to-maturity investments

        8,000,000        21,045,423        10,000,000   

Payments for plant and equipment

        (103,675     (507,924     (574,568
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities

        (1,103,675     12,537,499        (11,619,991
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows related to financing activities

         

Proceeds from issue of shares and options

        6,845,001        7,714,250        1,820,455   

Share issue transaction costs

        (157,606     (552,224     (6,931
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows provided by financing activities

        6,687,395        7,162,026        1,813,524   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

        (8,643,441     3,662,399        (28,926,836

Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents

        820,340        1,369,028        —     

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

        22,023,143        16,991,716        45,918,552   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

     7         14,200,042        22,023,143        16,991,716   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The above consolidated statements of cash flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes

 

F-5


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Index to Financial Statements

PRIMA BIOMED LTD

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(in Australian dollars, except number of shares)

 

Consolidated    Contributed
Equity
A$
     Reserves
A$
    Accumulated
Losses
A$
    Total
A$
 

Balance at July 1, 2011

     134,895,001         (1,157     (79,794,714     55,099,130   

Other comprehensive loss for the year, net of tax

     —           (117,235     —          (117,235

Loss after income tax expense for the year

     —           —          (19,940,960     (19,940,960
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss for the year

     —           (117,235     (19,940,960     (20,058,195
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

         

Contributions of equity, net of transactions costs

     1,813,524         —          —          1,813,524   

Employee options scheme

     4,000         299,412        —          303,412   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2012

     136,712,525         181,020        (99,735,674     37,157,871   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Consolidated    Contributed
Equity
A$
     Reserves
A$
    Accumulated
Losses
A$
    Total
A$
 

Balance at July 1, 2012

     136,712,525         181,020        (99,735,674     37,157,871   

Other comprehensive loss for the year, net of tax

     —           (35,332     —          (35,332

Loss after income tax expense for the year

     —           —          (15,225,671     (15,225,671
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss for the year

     —           (35,332     (15,225,671     (15,261,003
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

         

Contributions of equity, net of transaction costs

     5,614,452         —          —          5,614,452   

Issue of options

     —           1,547,574        —          1,547,574   

Employee options scheme

     —           189,524        —          189,524   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2013

     142,326,977         1,882,786        (114,961,345     29,248,418   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Consolidated    Contributed
Equity
A$
     Reserves
A$
    Accumulated
Losses
A$
    Total
A$
 

Balance at July 1, 2013

     142,326,977         1,882,786        (114,961,345     29,248,418   

Other comprehensive loss for the year, net of tax

     —           (57,421     —          (57,421

Loss after income tax expense for the year

     —           —          (13,343,381     (13,343,381
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss for the year

     —           (57,421     (13,343,381     (13,400,802
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

         

Contributions of equity, net of transaction costs

     6,687,395         —          —          6,687,395   

Employee options scheme

     —           57,309        —          57,309   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2014

     149,014,372         1,882,674        (128,304,726     22,592,320   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The above consolidated statements of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes

 

F-6


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

PRIMA BIOMED LTD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in Australian dollars, unless otherwise noted)

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented, unless otherwise stated. The financial statements are for the consolidated entity consisting of the Company and its subsidiaries.

(a) Basis of preparation

These general purpose financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (‘AASB’) and the Corporations Act 2001. Prima BioMed Ltd is a for-profit entity for the purpose of preparing the financial statement.

The consolidated financial statements were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the Directors on August 27, 2014.

(i) Compliance with IFRS

The consolidated financial statements of the Prima BioMed Ltd group also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

(ii) New and amended standards adopted by the group

None of the new standards and amendments to standards that are mandatory for the first time for the financial year beginning July 1, 2013 affected any of the amounts recognised in the current period or any prior period and are not likely to affect future periods. However, amendments made to AASB 101 (IAS 1) Presentation of Financial Statements effective July 1, 2012 now require the statement of comprehensive loss to show the items of comprehensive loss grouped into those that are not permitted to be classified to profit or loss in a future period and those that may have to be reclassified if certain conditions are met.

(iii) Early adoption of standards

The group has not elected to apply any pronouncements before their operative date in the annual reporting period beginning July 1, 2013.

(iv) Historical cost convention

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for, where applicable, the revaluation of available-for-sale financial assets, financial assets and liabilities (including derivative financial instruments) at fair value through profit or loss.

(v) Critical accounting estimates

The preparation of the financial statements requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the consolidated entity’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements are disclosed in note 3.

(b) Principles of consolidation

Subsidiaries are all entities over which the group has control. The group controls an entity when the group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power to direct the activities of the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the group. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of the impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the group.

(c) Segment reporting

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker. The chief operating decision maker (CODM), who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Board of Directors.

(d) Foreign currency translation

(i) Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements of each of the group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (‘the functional currency’). The consolidated financial statements are presented in Australian dollars, which is the Prima BioMed Ltd’s functional and presentation currency.

(ii) Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in profit or loss, except when they are deferred in equity as qualifying cash flow hedges and qualifying net investment hedges or are attributable to part of the net investment in a foreign operation.

Foreign exchange gains and losses that relate to borrowings are presented in the income statement, within finance costs. All other foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in the income statement on a net basis within other income or other expenses.

Non-monetary items that are measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value was determined. Translation differences on assets and liabilities carried at fair value are reported as part of the fair value gain or loss. For example, translation differences on non-monetary assets and liabilities such as equities held at fair value through profit or loss are recognised in profit or loss as part of the fair value gain or loss and translation differences on non-monetary assets such as equities classified as available-for-sale financial assets are recognised in other comprehensive loss.

(iii) Group companies

The results and financial position of foreign operations (none of which has the currency of a hyperinflationary economy) that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:

 

    assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of that balance sheet

 

    income and expenses for each income statement and statement of comprehensive loss are translated at average exchange rates (unless this is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are translated at the dates of the transactions), and

 

    all resulting exchange differences are recognised in other comprehensive loss.

On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation of any net investment in foreign entities, and of borrowings and other financial instruments designated as hedges of such investments, are recognised in other comprehensive loss. When a foreign operation is sold or any borrowings forming part of the net investment are repaid, the associated exchange differences are reclassified to profit or loss, as part of the gain or loss on sale.

(e) Revenue recognition

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable.

The group recognises revenue when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured, it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the entity and specific criteria have been met for each of the group’s activities as described below. The group bases its estimates on historical results, taking into consideration the type of customer, the type of transaction and the specifics of each arrangement.

 

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(i) Interest Income

Interest income is recognised as interest accrues using the effective interest method. This is a method of calculating the amortized cost of a financial asset and allocating the interest income over the relevant period using the effective interest rate, which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to the net carrying amount of the financial asset.

(ii) Medical services

Medical services income is recognised when the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the service will flow to the group.

(iii) Grant Income

Grants from the governments, including Australian Research and Development Rebates and Saxony Development Bank (“Sächsische Aufbaubank”) from Germany, are recognised at their fair value when there is a reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and the Company will comply with all attached conditions. Government grants relating to operating costs are recognised in the Statements of Comprehensive loss as other income.

(f) Income tax

The income tax expense or revenue for the period is the tax payable on the current period’s taxable income based on the applicable income tax rate for each jurisdiction adjusted by changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary differences and to unused tax losses.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period in the countries where the Company’s subsidiaries operate and generate taxable income. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, deferred tax liabilities are not recognised if they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill.

Deferred income tax is also not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the end of the reporting period and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled.

Deferred tax assets are recognised for deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses only if it is probable that future taxable amounts will be available to utilise those temporary differences and losses. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are not recognised for temporary differences between the carrying amount and tax bases of investments in foreign operations where the Company is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and when the deferred tax balances relate to the same taxation authority.

Current tax assets and tax liabilities are offset where the entity has a legally enforceable right to offset and intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Prima BioMed Ltd and its wholly-owned Australian controlled entities have implemented the tax consolidation legislation. As a consequence, these entities are taxed as a single entity and the deferred tax assets and liabilities of these entities are set off in the consolidated financial statements.

Current and deferred tax is recognised in profit or loss, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive loss or directly in equity. In this case, the tax is also recognised in other comprehensive loss or directly in equity, respectively.

 

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(g) Impairment of assets

Intangible assets that have a finite useful life are subject to amortisation and tested for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they might be impaired. Other assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount.

The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash inflows which are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets (cash-generating units). Non-financial assets other than goodwill that suffered impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at the end of each reporting period.

(h) Cash and cash equivalents

For the purpose of presentation in the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions, other short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities in the balance sheet.

(i) Current receivables

Current receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. Amount receivable in relation to Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Value Added Tax (VAT) are due from the local taxation authorities and recorded based on the amount of GST and VAT paid on purchases. They are presented as current assets unless collection is not expected for more than 12 months after the reporting date.

Collectability of current receivables is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Receivables which are known to be uncollectible are written off by reducing the carrying amount. An allowance account is used when there is objective evidence that the group will not be able to collect all amounts due.

(j) Inventories

Stock on hand is stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost comprises purchase and delivery costs, net of rebates and discounts received or receivable.

(k) Investments and other financial assets

Classification

The group classifies its financial assets in the following categories: loans and receivables, available for sale investment and held-to-maturity investments. The classification depends on the purpose for which the investments were acquired.

Management determines the classification of its investments at initial recognition and, in the case of assets classified as held-to-maturity, re-evaluates this designation at the end of each reporting date.

(i) Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They are included in current assets, except for those with maturities greater than 12 months after the reporting period which are classified as non-current assets. Loans and receivables are included in trade and other receivables (note 8) in the balance sheet.

(ii) Held-to-maturity investments

Held-to-maturity investments are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments and fixed maturities that the group’s management has the positive intention and ability to hold to maturity. If the group were to sell other than an insignificant amount of held-to-maturity financial assets, the whole category would be tainted and reclassified as available-for-sale. Held-to-maturity financial assets are included in non-current assets, except for those with maturities less than 12 months from the end of the reporting period, which are classified as current assets.

Accounting policy note in relation to derivative that do not qualified to hedging, refer to note 1(l).

 

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Measurement

At initial recognition, the group measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset. Transaction costs of financial assets carried at fair value are expensed in profit or loss.

Loans and receivables and held-to-maturity investments are subsequently carried at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Available-for-sale financial assets and financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are subsequently carried at fair value. Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of the ‘financial assets at fair value through profit or loss’ category are presented in profit or loss within other income or other expenses in the period in which they arise.

Interest income from financial assets at fair value through profit or loss is recognised in profit or loss as part of revenue from continuing operations when the group’s right to receive payments is established.

Impairment

The group assesses at the end of each reporting period whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired. A financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired and impairment losses are incurred only if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (a ‘loss event’) and that loss event (or events) has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or group of financial assets that can be reliably estimated. In the case of equity investments classified as available-for-sale, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost is considered an indicator that the assets are impaired.

Assets carried at amortized cost

For loans and receivables, the amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows (excluding future credit losses that have not been incurred) discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate. The carrying amount of the asset is reduced and the amount of the loss is recognised in profit or loss.

If a loan or held-to-maturity investment has a variable interest rate, the discount rate for measuring any impairment loss is the current effective interest rate determined under the contract. As a practical expedient, the group may measure impairment on the basis of an instrument’s fair value using an observable market price.

If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised (such as an improvement in the debtor’s credit rating), the reversal of the previously recognised impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss. Impairment testing of current receivables is described in note 1(g).

(l) Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting

Certain derivative instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting. Changes in the fair value of any derivative instrument that does not qualify for hedge accounting are recognised immediately in profit or loss and are included in other income or other expenses.

(m) Plant and equipment

Plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less depreciation. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items.

Depreciation on other assets is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their cost, net of their residual values, over their estimated useful lives as follows:

 

    Computers – 3 years

 

    Plant and equipment – 3-5 years

 

    Furniture – 3-5 years

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period.

An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount (note 1(g)).

 

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Index to Financial Statements

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with carrying amount. These are included in corporate administrative expenses through the profit or loss.

(n) Intangible assets

(i) Intellectual property

Costs incurred in acquiring intellectual property are capitalized and amortized on a straight line basis over a period of up to 20 years.

Costs include only those costs directly attributable to the acquisition of the intellectual property. An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount (note 1(g)).

(ii) Research and development

Research expenditure on internal projects is recognised as an expense as incurred. Costs incurred on development projects (relating to the design and testing of new or improved products) are recognised as intangible assets when it is probable that the project will, after considering its commercial and technical feasibility, be completed and generate future economic benefits and its costs can be measured reliably. The expenditure capitalized comprises all directly attributable costs, including costs of materials, services, direct labor and an appropriate proportion of overheads. Other expenditures that do not meet these criteria are recognised as an expense as incurred.

As the Company has not met the requirement under the standard to capitalize costs in relation to development, these amounts have been expensed.

Development costs previously recognised as an expense are not recognised as an asset in a subsequent period. Capitalized development costs are recorded as intangible assets and amortized from the point at which the asset is ready for use on a straight line basis over its useful life.

(o) Trade and other payables

These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the group prior to the end of financial year which are unpaid.

The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition. Trade and other payables are presented as current liabilities unless payment is not due within 12 months from the reporting date.

(p) Finance costs

Finance costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.

(q) Employee benefits

(i) Short-term obligations

Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits and accumulating annual leave that are expected to be settled wholly within 12 months after the end of the period in which the employees render the related service are recognised in respect of employees’ services up to the end of the reporting period and are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. The liability for accumulating annual leave is recognised in the provision for employee benefits. All other short-term employee benefit obligations are presented as payables.

(ii) Other long-term employee benefit obligations

The liability for long service leave and annual leave are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months after the end of the period in which the employees render the related service. They are therefore recognised in the provision for employee benefits and measured as the present value of expected future payments to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the end of the reporting period using the projected unit credit method. Consideration is given to expected future wage and salary levels, experience of employee departures and periods of service. Expected future payments are discounted using market yields at the end of

 

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Index to Financial Statements

the reporting period of government bonds with terms and currencies that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows. Remeasurements as a result of experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are recognised in profit or loss. The obligations are presented as current liabilities in the balance sheet if the entity does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting period, regardless of when the actual settlement is expected to occur.

(iii) Retirement benefit obligations

The group does not maintain a group superannuation plan. The group makes fixed percentage contributions for all Australian resident employees to complying third party superannuation funds. The group has no statutory obligation and does not make contributions on behalf of its resident employees in the USA and Germany. The group’s legal or constructive obligation is limited to these contributions. Contributions to complying third party superannuation funds are recognised as an expense as they become payable.

(iv) Share-based payments

Share-based compensation benefits are provided to employees via the Executive Incentive Plan (EIP) and Global Employee Shares Option Plan (GESOP). Information relating to these schemes is set out in note 29.

The fair value of options granted under the EIP and GESOP are recognised as an employee benefits expense with a corresponding increase in equity. The total amount to be expensed is determined by reference to the fair value of the options granted, which includes any market performance conditions and the impact of any non-vesting conditions but excludes the impact of any service and non-market performance vesting conditions.

Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of options that are expected to vest. The total expense is recognised over the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are to be satisfied. At the end of each period, the entity revises its estimates of the number of options that are expected to vest based on the non-marketing vesting conditions. It recognises the impact of the revision to original estimates, if any, in profit or loss, with a corresponding adjustment to equity.

(v) Termination benefits

Termination benefits are payable when employment is terminated before the normal employment contract expiry date. The group recognises termination benefits when it is demonstrably committed to terminating the employment of current employees.

(vi) Bonus plan

The group recognises a liability and an expense for bonuses. The group recognises a provision where contractually obliged or where there is a past practice that has created a constructive obligation.

(r) Contributed equity

Ordinary shares are classified as equity.

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.

(s) Earnings per share

(i) Basic earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing:

 

    the profit attributable to owners of the company, excluding any costs of servicing equity other than ordinary shares

 

    by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the financial year, adjusted for bonus elements in ordinary shares issued during the year and excluding treasury shares.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

(ii) Diluted earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share adjusts the figures used in the determination of basic earnings per share to take into account:

 

    the after income tax effect of interest and other financing costs associated with dilutive potential ordinary shares, and

 

    the weighted average number of additional ordinary shares that would have been outstanding assuming the conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.

(t) Goods and Services Tax and other similar taxes (‘GST’)

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of associated GST, unless the GST incurred is not recoverable from the taxation authority. In this case it is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense.

Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of the amount of GST receivable or payable. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is included with other receivables or payables in the balance sheet.

Cash flows are presented on a gross basis. The GST components of cash flows arising from investing or financing activities which are recoverable from, or payable to the taxation authority, are presented as operating cash flows.

Commitments and contingencies are disclosed net of the amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the tax authority.

(u) New Accounting Standards and Interpretations not yet mandatory or early adopted

New and amended standards adopted by the group

The group has applied the following standards and amendments for first time for their annual reporting period commencing July 1, 2013:

 

    AASB 10 (IFRS 10) Consolidated Financial Statements, AASB 11(IFRS 11) Joint Arrangements, AASB 12 (IFRS 12) Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities, AASB 128 (IAS 28) Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, AASB 127 (IAS 27) Separate Financial Statements and AASB 2011-7 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from the Consolidation and Joint Arrangements Standards

 

    AASB 2012-10 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Transition Guidance and other Amendments which provides an exemption from the requirement to disclose the impact of the change in accounting policy on the current period

 

    AASB 13 (IFRS 13) Fair Value Measurement and AASB 2011-8 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 13 (IFRS 13)

 

    AASB 119 Employee Benefits (September 2011) and AASB 2011-10 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 119 (September 2011)

 

    AASB 2012-5 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from Annual Improvements 2009-2011 Cycle, and

 

    AASB 2012-2 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Disclosures – Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

The adoption of the above standards did not result in significant changes in accounting policies or adjustments to the amounts recognised in the financial statements. These standards only affected the disclosures in the notes to the financial statements.

New standards and interpretations not yet adopted

Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for June 30, 2014 reporting periods and have not been early adopted by the group. The group’s assessment of the impact of these new standards and interpretations is set out below.

 

Title of standard

  

Nature of change

  

Impact

  

Mandatory application date/ Date of
adoption by group

AASB 9 (IFRS 9) Financial Instruments    AASB 9 (IFRS 9) addresses the classification, measurement and derecognition of financial assets and financial    When adopted, the standard will not have any significant impact as on the financial statements unless the Company acquires financial assets and liabilities.    Must be applied for financial years commencing on or after January 1, 2018.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

Title of standard

  

Nature of change

  

Impact

  

Mandatory application date/ Date of
adoption by group

   liabilities. Since December 2013, it also sets out new rules for hedge accounting.   

There will be no impact on the group’s accounting for financial assets, as the new requirements only affect the accounting for available-for-sale financial assets and the group does not have any such assets.

 

There will be no impact on the group’s accounting for financial liabilities, as the new requirements only affect the accounting for financial liabilities that are designated at fair value through profit or loss and the group does not have any such liabilities.

 

There will be no impact on hedge account or disclosures as the forward contracts do not qualify as hedge accounting.

  

There are no other standards that are not yet effective and that are expected to have a material impact on the entity in the current or future reporting periods and on foreseeable future transactions.

(v) Parent entity financial information

The financial information for the parent entity, Prima BioMed Ltd, disclosed in note 30 has been prepared on the same basis as the consolidated financial statements, except as set out below.

(i) Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint venture entities

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for at cost in the financial statements of Prima BioMed Limited.

(ii) Tax consolidation legislation

Prima BioMed Ltd and its wholly-owned Australian controlled entities have implemented the tax consolidation legislation. The head entity, Prima BioMed Ltd, and the controlled entities in the tax consolidated group account for their own current and deferred tax amounts. These tax amounts are measured as if each entity in the tax consolidated group continues to be a stand-alone taxpayer in its own right.

The entities have also entered into a tax funding agreement under which the wholly-owned entities fully compensate for any current tax payable assumed and are compensated by the head entity for any current tax receivable and deferred tax assets relating to unused tax losses or unused tax credits that are transferred to the head entity under the tax consolidation legislation. The funding amounts are determined by reference to the amounts recognised in the wholly-owned entities’ financial statements.

The amounts receivable/payable under the tax funding agreement is due upon receipt of the funding advice from the head entity, which is issued as soon as practicable after the end of each financial year. The head entity may also require payment of interim funding amounts to assist with its obligations to pay tax installments. Assets or liabilities arising under tax funding agreements with the tax consolidated entities are recognised as current amounts receivable from or payable to other entities in the group. Any difference between the amounts assumed and amounts receivable or payable under the tax funding agreement are recognised as a contribution to (or distribution from) wholly-owned tax consolidated entities.

(iii) Share-based payments

The grant by the company of options over its equity instruments to the employees of subsidiary undertakings in the group is treated as a capital contribution to that subsidiary undertaking. The fair value of employee services received, measured by reference to the grant date fair value, is recognised over the vesting period as an increase to investment in subsidiary undertakings, with a corresponding credit to equity.

NOTE 2. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

The group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including currency risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The group’s overall risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimize potential

 

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Index to Financial Statements

adverse effects on the financial performance of the group. The group uses derivative financial instruments such as foreign exchange contracts to hedge certain risk exposures. Derivatives are exclusively used for hedging purposes, i.e. not as trading or other speculative instruments. The group hedges its foreign exchange risk exposure arising from future commercial transactions and recognised assets and liabilities using forward contracts. The group uses different methods to measure different types of risk to which it is exposed. These methods include sensitivity analysis and cash flow forecasting in the case of foreign exchange and aging analysis for credit risk.

Risk management is carried out by senior management under policies approved by the board of directors. Management identifies, evaluates and hedges financial risks in close co-operation with the group’s operating units. The board provides the principles for overall risk management, as well as policies covering specific areas, such as foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, use of derivative financial instruments and non-derivative financial instruments, and investment of excess liquidity.

(a) Market risk

Foreign exchange risk

The group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily with respect to the US dollar and Euro. Foreign exchange risk arises from future commercial transactions and recognised assets and liabilities denominated in a currency that is not the entity’s functional currency. The risk is measured using sensitivity analysis and cash flow forecasting.

Management has set up a policy to manage the company’s exchange risk within the group companies. The group hedges its foreign exchange risk exposure arising from future commercial transactions and recognised assets and liabilities using forward contracts.

It is the group policy to use forward exchange contracts to cover anticipated cash flow in USD and Euro for the next twelve months and carried as derivatives held for trading and measured through the income statement. This policy is reviewed regularly by directors from time to time.

The group’s exposure to foreign currency risk at the end of the reporting period, expressed in Australian dollar, was as follows:

 

     USD     June 30, 2014
EUR
    Other      USD     June 30, 2013
EUR
    Other  

Cash in bank

     75,802        5,273,585        —           3,015,975        10,239,231        —     

Trade payables

     (365,450     (17,489     —           (772,903     (824,912     —     

Forward exchange contracts - buy foreign currency

     —          —          —           (29,828     (3,885     —     

Sensitivity

Based on the financial instruments held at June 30, 2014, had the Australian dollar weakened/ strengthened by 10% against the US dollar with all other variables held constant, the group’s post-tax loss for the year would have been $28,965 higher/$28,965 lower (2013 – $618,702 higher/$471,691 lower), mainly as a result of foreign exchange gains/losses on translation of US dollar denominated financial instruments and from foreign forward exchange contracts which are detailed in the above table. Profit is more sensitive to movements in the Australian dollar/US dollar exchange rates in 2014 than was the position in 2013 due to the increased amount of forward foreign exchange contracts. Any impact on the equity will result from changes in retained earnings.

Based on the financial instruments held at June 30, 2014, had the Australian dollar weakened/ strengthened by 10% against the Euro with all other variables held constant, the group’s post-tax loss for the year would have been $525,610 higher/$525,610 lower (2013 – $1,330,630 higher/$1,111,729 lower), mainly as a result of foreign exchange gains/losses on translation of Euro denominated financial instruments and from foreign forward exchange.

The group’s exposure to other foreign exchange movements is not material.

(b) Credit risk

Credit risk is managed on a group basis. Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, derivative financial instruments and deposits with banks. For banks, only independently rated parties with a minimum rating of ‘A’ are accepted.

 

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The credit quality of financial assets that are neither past due nor impaired can be assessed by reference to external credit ratings:

 

     June 30,
2014 $
     June 30,
2013 $
 

Cash at bank and short-term bank deposits

     

AA-

     14,200,042         22,023,143   

Held-to-maturity investment

     

AA-

     9,000,000         8,000,000   

Derivative financial instruments

     

AA-

     —           33,714   

Held to maturity investments represent term deposits with a maturity period greater than 3 months and less than 12 months.

(c) Liquidity risk

Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash to meet obligations when due. At the end of the reporting period the group held deposits at call of $14,200,042 (2013 – $22,023,143) that are expected to readily generate cash inflows for managing liquidity risk. Management monitors rolling forecasts of the group’s liquidity reserve cash and cash equivalents (note 7) on the basis of expected cash flows. In addition, the group’s liquidity management policy involves projecting cash flows in major currencies and considering the level of liquid assets necessary to meet these.

As outlined in Note 3, the company’s monitoring of its cash requirements extends to the consideration of potential capital raising strategies and an active involvement with its institutional and retail investor base.

Maturities of financial liabilities

The tables below analyze the group’s financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on their contractual maturities for:

(a) all non-derivative financial liabilities, and

(b) net and gross settled derivative financial instruments for which the contractual maturities are essential for an understanding of the timing of the cash flows.

The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows. Balances due within 12 months equal their carrying balances as the impact of discounting is not significant.

 

Contractual maturities of financial liabilities
At June 30, 2014

   Less than 6
months
$
    6-12 months
$
    Total
contractual
cash flows
$
    Carrying
Amount
(assets) /
liabilities
$
 

Non-Derivatives

        

Trade and other payables

     2,652,277        —          2,652,277        2,652,277   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (2,652,277     —          2,652,277        2,652,277   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contractual maturities of financial liabilities
At June 30, 2013

   Less than 6
months
$
    6-12 months
$
    Total
contractual
cash flows
$
    Carrying
Amount
(assets) /
liabilities
$
 

Non-Derivatives

        

Trade and other payables

     3,468,553        —          3,468,553        3,468,553   

Derivatives

        

Gross settled (forward foreign exchange contracts – cash flow hedges)

        

(Inflow)

     (4,715,613     (13,818,639     (18,534,252     (18,534,252

Outflow

     4,706,344        13,861,622        18,567,966        18,567,966   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (9,269     42,983        33,714        33,714   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Index to Financial Statements

(d) Fair value measurements

The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities must be estimated for recognition and measurement or for disclosure purposes.

AASB 7 (IFRS 7) Financial Instruments: Disclosures requires disclosure of fair value measurements by level of the following fair value measurement hierarchy:

 

  (a) quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1)

 

  (b) inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices) (level 2), and

 

  (c) inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs) (level 3).

The following table presents the group’s assets and liabilities measured and recognised at fair value at June 30, 2014:

 

At June 30, 2013

   Level 1
$
     Level 2
$
     Level 3
$
     Total
$
 

Liabilities

           

Derivative financial instrument

     —          33,714         —          33,714   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     —          33,714         —          33,714   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets (such as publicly traded derivatives, and trading and available-for-sale securities) is based on quoted market prices at the end of the reporting period. The quoted market price used for financial assets held by the group is the current bid price. These instruments are included in level 1.

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (for example, over-the-counter derivatives) is determined using valuation techniques. These valuation techniques maximize the use of observable market data where it is available and rely as little as possible on entity specific estimates. If all significant inputs required to fair value an instrument are observable, the instrument is included in level 2.

If one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in level 3. This is the case for unlisted equity securities.

Specific valuation techniques used to value financial instruments include:

 

    The use of quoted market prices or dealer quotes for similar instruments.

 

    The fair value of interest rate swaps is calculated as the present value of the estimated future cash flows based on observable yield curves.

 

    The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts is determined using forward exchange rates at the balance sheet date.

 

    Other techniques, such as discounted cash flow analysis, are used to determine fair value for the remaining financial instruments.

There were no changes in level 1 and level 3 instruments for year ended June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013. During the year, the company settled the forward contracts disclosed as level 2 above and recognised this as a loss in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss.

NOTE 3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS, ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS

Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that may have a financial impact on the entity and that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

The group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

Income taxes

The group has not recognised deferred tax assets relating to carried forward tax losses and taxable temporary differences since the group is currently in a loss making position and unable to generate taxable income to utilize the carried forward tax losses and taxable temporary differences. The utilization of the tax losses also depends on the ability of the entity to satisfy certain tests at the

 

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Index to Financial Statements

time the losses are recouped. The group is subject to income taxes in Australia and jurisdictions where it has foreign operations. Significant judgement is required in determining the worldwide provision for income taxes. There are certain transactions and calculations undertaken during the ordinary course of business for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The group estimates its tax liabilities based on the group’s understanding of the tax law. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact the current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the period in which such determination is made.

Share-based payment transactions

The consolidated entity measures the cost of equity-settled transactions with employees by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at the date at which they are granted. The fair value is determined by using the Black-Scholes model taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the instruments were granted. The accounting estimates and assumptions relating to equity-settled share-based payments would have no impact on the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next Annual Reporting period but may impact profit or loss and equity. Refer to note 29— share based payment .

Research and development

The Group has expensed all internal research and development expenditure incurred during the year as the costs relate to the initial expenditure for research and development of biopharmaceutical products and the generation of future economic benefits are not considered certain given the current stage of development. It was considered appropriate to expense the research and development costs as they did not meet the criteria to be capitalized under AASB 138 (IAS 38) Intangible Assets .

Going Concern

The Group has experienced significant recurring operating losses and negative cash flows from operating activities since its inception. As at June 30, 2014, the Group holds cash and cash equivalents of $14,200,042 (2013: $22,023,143) and held-to-maturity investments of $9,000,000 (2013: $8,000,000) with maturities ranging from 4 to 6 months. In line with the Company’s financial risk management, the directors have carefully assessed the financial and operating implications of the above matters, including the expected cash outflows of ongoing research and development activities of the Company. Based on this consideration, the directors are of the view that the Group will be able to pay its debts as and when they fall due for at least 12 months following the date of issuance of these financial statements and that it is appropriate for the financial statements to be prepared on a going concern basis.

Monitoring and addressing the ongoing cash requirements of the Group is a key focus of the directors. This involves consideration of alternate future capital raising initiatives and an active engagement with potential retail and institutional investors alike.

Impairment of Assets

We assess impairment of non-financial assets at each reporting date by evaluating conditions specific to the consolidated entity and parent entity and to the particular asset that may lead to impairment. If an impairment trigger exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined. This involves fair value less costs to sell or value- in-use calculations, which incorporate a number of key estimates and assumptions.

NOTE 4. SEGMENT REPORTING

Identification of reportable operating segments

The consolidated entity is organized into two operating segments, being Cancer Immunotherapy and Other R&D. The internal reports that are reviewed and used by Management and the Board of Directors (who are identified as the Chief Operating Decision Makers (‘CODM’)) use this segment reporting in assessing performance and in determining the allocation of resources. There is no aggregation of operating segments. The CODM reviews earnings/loss before tax.

Types of products and services

The principal products and services of each of these operating segments are as follows:

 

    Cancer Immunotherapy

 

    Other Research & Development

In the current fiscal year, the Company has focused on cancer immunotherapy research.

 

F-19


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

Operating segment information

 

June 30, 2014    Cancer
Immunotherapy
A$
    Other
R&D
A$
     Unallocated
A$
    Consolidated
A$
 

Other income

         

Revenue

     —         —          15,929        15,929   

Grant income

     2,004,198        —          —         2,004,198   

Gain on foreign exchange

     —         —          406,628        406,628   

Interest income

     —         —          713,311        713,311   

Total other income

     2,004,198        —          1,135,868        3,140,066   

Segment Result

         

Depreciation and amortisation

     (433,074     —          (13,286     (446,360

Other expenses*

     (11,386,363     —          (1,497,051     (12,883,414

Loss before income tax expense

     (11,819,437     —          (1,510,337     (13,329,774

Income tax expense

            (13,607
         

 

 

 

Loss after income tax expense

            (13,343,381
         

 

 

 

Total segment assets

     25,377,955        —          —         25,377,955   

Total segment liabilities

     2,785,635        —          —         2,785,635   

 

* net of other income

 

June 30, 2013    Cancer
Immunotherapy
A$
    Other
R&D
A$
    Unallocated
A$
    Consolidated
A$
 

Other income

        

Grant income

     1,648,725        —         —         1,648,725   

Gain on foreign exchange

     —         —         1,417,613        1,417,613   

Interest income

     —         —         939,056        939,056   

Total other income

     1,648,725        —         2,356,669        4,005,394   

Segment Result

        

Depreciation and amortisation

     (241,814     —         (12,210     (254,024

Other expenses*

     (13,914,144     (6,317     (964,313     (14,884,774

Loss before income tax expense

     (14,155,958     (6,317     (976,523     (15,138,798

Income tax expense

           (86,873
        

 

 

 

Loss after income tax expense

           (15,225,671
        

 

 

 

Total segment assets

     32,814,298        —         —         32,814,298   

Total segment liabilities

     3,565,880        —         —         3,565,880   

 

* net of other income

 

June 30, 2012    Cancer
Immunotherapy
A$
    Other
R&D
A$
    Unallocated
A$
    Consolidated
A$
 

Other income

        

Medical service income

     —         —         25,766        25,766   

Grant income

     1,494,253        —         —         1,494,253   

Interest income

     —         —         2,682,548        2,682,548   

Total other income

     1,494,253        —         2,708,314        4,202,567   

Segment Result

        

Depreciation and amortisation

     (167,483     (177,709     (32,107     (377,299

Other expenses*

     (15,066,709     (655,702     (3,841,250     (19,563,661

Loss before income tax expense

     (15,234,192     (833,411     (3,873,357     (19,940,960

Income tax expense

           —    
        

 

 

 

Loss after income tax expense

           (19,940,960
        

 

 

 

Total segment assets

     41,612,671        —         —         41,612,671   

Total segment liabilities

     4,454,800        —         —         4,454,800   

 

* net of other income

 

 

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Index to Financial Statements

NOTE 5. EXPENSES

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2014
A$
     June 30, 2013
A$
     June 30, 2012
A$
 

Loss before income tax includes the following specific expenses:

        

Research & Development and Intellectual Property

        

Research and development

     11,825,668         13,852,477         14,929,005   

Intellectual property management

     105,189         152,782         189,811   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Research & Development and Intellectual Property

     11,930,857         14,005,259         15,118,816   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Corporate administrative expenses

        

Loss on disposal of assets

     —           —           64,679   

Auditor’s remuneration

     222,720         259,340         214,646   

Directors fee and employee expenses

     1,969,494         2,095,547         2,947,627   

Administrative expenses

     1,900,409         2,496,308         2,750,667   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total corporate administrative expenses

     4,092,623         4,851,195         5,977,619   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation

        

Plant and equipment

     370,237         186,940         132,310   

Computers

     18,987         11,039         7,349   

Furniture and fittings

     2,698         1,607         5,492   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total depreciation

     391,922         199,586         145,151   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amortisation

        

Patents

     54,438         54,438         232,148   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total depreciation and amortisation

     446,360         254,024         377,299   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 6. INCOME TAX EXPENSE

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2014
A$
    June 30, 2013
A$
    June 30, 2012
A$
 

Numerical reconciliation of income tax expense to prima facie tax payable

      

Loss before income tax expense

     (13,329,774     (15,138,798     (19,940,960

Tax at the Australian tax rate of 30%

     (3,998,932     (4,541,639     (5,982,288

Tax effect amounts which are not deductible/(taxable) in calculating taxable income:

      

Non-deductible expenses

     439,652        1,022,310        1,146,596   

Non-assessable income

     (479,616     (432,636     (448,276

Capital listing fee

     (586,143     —          —     

Others

     —          83,243        —     

Difference in overseas tax rates

     569        3,630        —     

Section 40-880 deductions

     —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (4,624,471     (3,865,092     (5,283,968

Net adjustment to deferred tax assets and liabilities for tax losses and temporary differences not recognised

     4,638,078        3,951,965        5,283,968   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense*

     13,607        86,873        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Income tax expense relates to tax payable in the United States

 

F-21


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Index to Financial Statements
     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2014
A$
    June 30, 2013
A$
     June 30, 2012
A$
 

Deferred tax assets not recognised

       

Deferred tax assets not recognised comprises temporary differences attributable to:

       

Carried forward tax losses

     27,329,078        22,562,084         18,283,488   

Temporary differences

     (402,644     147,615         462,913   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets not recognised

     26,926,434        22,709,699         18,746,401   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The above potential tax benefit, which excludes tax losses, for deductible temporary differences has not been recognised in the consolidated balance sheet as the recovery of this benefit is uncertain. There is no expiration date for the tax losses carried forward. The estimated amount of cumulative tax losses at 30 June 2014 was $91,096,926 (2013 - $75,206,946, 2012 - $60,944,960).

NOTE 7. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2014
A$
     June 30, 2013
A$
 

Cash on hand

     1,344         1,376   

Cash at bank

     9,698,698         22,021,767   

Cash on deposit

     4,500,000         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     14,200,042         22,023,143   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The above cash and cash equivalent are held in AUD, USD, and Euro. The interest rate on these deposits range from 0% to 3.54% in 2014 (2013 – 0% to 3.05%).

NOTE 8. CURRENT RECEIVABLES

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2014
A$
     June 30, 2013
A$
 

GST receivable

     196,407         200,477   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     196,407         200,477   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Due to the short term nature of these receivables, the carrying value is assumed to be their fair value and at 30 June 2014. No receivables were impaired or past due.

NOTE 9. HELD-TO-MATURITY INVESTMENT

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2014
A$
     June 30, 2013
A$
 

Term deposits

     9,000,000         8,000,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Held to maturity investments represent term deposits with a maturity period greater than 3 months and less than 12 months. These term deposits are denominated in AUD and have interest rates of 3.75% in 2014 (2013 – 4.39% to 4.50%). The group’s exposure to interest rate risk is discussed in note 2. The maximum exposure to credit risk at the end of the reporting period is the carrying amount of each class of held to maturity investment mentioned above.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

NOTE 10. OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2014
A$
     June 30, 2013
A$
 

Prepayments*

     1,090,608         1,410,249   

Security deposit

     31,252         17,463   

Accrued interest

     165,499         156,967   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,287,359         1,584,679   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  * Prepayments are in relation to the deposits paid to organizations involved in the clinical trials.

NOTE 11. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

     Plant and
Equipment
A$
    Computer
A$
    Furniture
and
fittings
A$
    Total
A$
 

At July 1, 2012

        

Cost or fair value

     622,564        23,988        12,678        659,230   

Accumulated depreciation

     (157,575     (9,855     (7,872     (175,302
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net book amount

     464,989        14,133        4,806        483,928   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year ended June 30, 2013

        

Opening net book amount

     464,989        14,133        4,806        483,928   

Exchange differences

     43,523        108        483        44,114   

Additions

     465,513        36,733        5,678        507,924   

Disposals

     —          (1,702     —          (1,702

Depreciation charge

     (186,940     (11,039     (1,607     (199,586
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Closing net book amount

     787,085        38,233        9,360        834,678   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At June 30, 2013

        

Cost or fair value

     1,119,560        59,075        12,425        1,191,060   

Accumulated depreciation

     (332,475     (20,842     (3,065     (356,382
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net book amount

     787,085        38,233        9,360        834,678   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year ended June 30, 2014

        

Opening net book amount

     787,085        38,233        9,360        834,678   

Exchange differences

     29,565        833        435        30,833   

Additions

     100,568        3,107        —          103,675   

Disposals

     —          —          —          —     

Depreciation charge

     (370,237     (18,987     (2,698     (391,922
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Closing net book amount

     546,981        23,186        7,097        577,264   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At June 30, 2014

        

Cost or fair value

     1,248,948        62,789        12,765        1,324,502   

Accumulated depreciation

     (701,967     (39,603     (5,668     (747,238
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net book amount

     546,981        23,186        7,097        577,264   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-23


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Index to Financial Statements

NOTE 12. INTANGIBLES

 

     Patents,
A$
 

At July 1, 2012

  

Cost or fair value

     1,915,671   

Accumulated amortization and impairment

     (1,689,912
  

 

 

 

Net book amount

     225,759   
  

 

 

 

Year ended June 30, 2013

  

Opening net book amount

     225,759   

Amortisation charge

     (54,438
  

 

 

 

Closing net book amount

     171,321   
  

 

 

 

At June 30, 2013

  

Cost or fair value

     1,915,671   

Accumulated amortization and impairment

     (1,744,350
  

 

 

 

Net book amount

     171,321   
  

 

 

 

Year ended June 30, 2014

  

Opening net book amount

     171,321   

Amortisation charge

     (54,438
  

 

 

 

Closing net book amount

     116,883   
  

 

 

 

At June 30, 2014

  

Cost or fair value

     1,915,671   

Accumulated amortization and impairment

     (1,798,788
  

 

 

 

Net book amount

     116,883   
  

 

 

 

NOTE 13. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2014
A$
     June 30, 2013
A$
 

Trade payables

     2,216,723         3,087,398   

Other payables

     435,554         381,155   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2,652,277         3,468,553   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 14. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2014
A$
     June 30, 2013
A$
 

Derivative financial instruments

     —           33,714   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The group has entered into forward exchange contracts which do not satisfy the requirement for hedged accounting. The group did not enter into any forward exchange contracts at June 30, 2014. The amount above was the fair value of the forward exchange contracts as at June 30, 2013. These contracts were held with National Australia Bank. These contracts were subject to the risk management policies in note 2.

NOTE 15. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2014
A$
     June 30, 2013
A$
 

Annual leave

     101,568         30,800   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The current provision for employee benefits is in relation to accrued annual leave and covers all unconditional entitlements where employees have completed the required period of service. The entire amount of the provision is presented as current, since the group does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement for any of these obligations.

 

F-24


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

NOTE 16. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2014
A$
     June 30, 2013
A$
 

Long service leave

     14,799         5,748   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 17. CONTRIBUTED EQUITY

 

           Consolidated  
     Note     June 30, 2014
A$
     June 30, 2013
A$
 

Fully paid ordinary shares

     17 (a)      139,352,418         132,665,023   

Options over ordinary shares

       9,661,954         9,661,954   
    

 

 

    

 

 

 
       149,014,372         142,326,977   
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) Ordinary Shares          June 30, 2014     June 30, 2013  
     Note     No.      A$     No.      A$  

At the beginning of reporting period

       1,143,146,838         132,665,023        1,066,063,388         127,050,571   

Shares issued during year

     (i     85,562,500         6,845,000        77,083,450         6,166,676   

Exercise of options (Shares issued during the year)

     (ii     3         1        —           —     

Transaction costs relating to share issues

       —           (157,606     —           (552,224
    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

At reporting date

       1,228,709,341         139,352,418        1,143,146,838         132,665,023   
    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

2014 Details

   Note     Number      Issue Price
A$
     Total
A$
 

Share purchase plan

     i     85,562,500         0.080         6,845,000   

Exercise of PRRO options

     ii     3         0.20         1   

Transaction costs relating to share issues

  

     (157,606
    

 

 

       

 

 

 
       85,562,503            6,687,395   
    

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

2013 Details

   Note     Number      Issue Price
A$
     Total
A$
 

Share purchase plan

     i     77,083,450         0.080         6,166,676   

Transaction costs relating to share issues

  

     (552,224
    

 

 

       

 

 

 
       77,083,450            5,614,452   
    

 

 

       

 

 

 

Ordinary shares

Ordinary shares entitle the holder to participate in dividends and the proceeds on the winding up of the company in proportion to the number of and amounts paid on the shares held. The fully paid ordinary shares have no par value.

On a show of hands every member present at a meeting in person or by proxy shall have one vote and upon a poll each share shall have one vote.

Options

Information relating to the Company’s Global Employee Share Option Plan, including details of options issued, exercised and lapsed during the financial year and options outstanding at the end of the reporting period, is set out in note 29.

 

F-25


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

Unlisted Options

 

Expiration Date

   Exercise Price      Number      Code  

November 9, 2014

   $ 0.269         1,884,253         PRRAS   

December 8, 2014

   $ 0.236         1,884,253         PRRAU   

January 12, 2015

   $ 0.227         1,061,411         PRRAY   

February 12, 2015

   $ 0.235         1,118,211         PRRAW   

March 18, 2015

   $ 0.2277         1,075,269         PRRAZ   

May 6, 2015

   $ 0.2500         500,000         PRRAC   

May 19, 2015

   $ 0.235         1,055,011         PRRAD   

December 6, 2014

   $ 0.100         2,000,000         PRRAL   

August 26, 2014

   $ 0.100         500,000         PRRAL   

February 1, 2016

   $ 0.339         740,741         PRRAL   

November 3, 2014

   $ 0.279         100,000         PRRAL   

January 3, 2015

   $ 0.2329         100,000         PRRAL   

August 1, 2015

   $ 0.185         2,800,000         PRRAL   

February 20, 2016

   $ 0.173         200,000         PRRAL   

June 30, 2018

   $ 0.0774         1,923,292         PRRAE   

Total

        16,942,441      

Share buy-back

There is no current on-market share buy-back.

Capital risk management

The consolidated entity’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern, so that they can continue to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital .

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the consolidated entity may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt.

The consolidated entity would look to raise capital when an opportunity to invest in a business or company was seen as value adding relative to the current parent entity’s share price at the time of the investment. The consolidated entity is not actively pursuing additional investments in the short term as it continues to integrate and grow its existing businesses in order to maximize synergies.

Share purchase plan and shortfall placements

In April 2013 the Company undertook a share purchase plan (SPP). This SPP was open to existing shareholders and allowed them to purchase up to $15,000 worth of fully paid ordinary shares in the company. These shares were offered at $0.08 each. The Company intended to issue up to $15 million worth of new ordinary shares in the Company with any shortfall shares from the SPP being offered to institutional and sophisticated investors at the same terms as the SPP.

We raised a total of $14,559,250 from the SPP and a series subsequent SPP shortfall placements to sophisticated investors who were offered the remaining capacity from the SPP with shares also issued at $0.08. We raised $1,062,988 from SPP shortfall placements prior to June 30, 2013 and $6,845,000 in SPP shortfall placements in this financial year.

 

F-26


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

NOTE 18. RESERVES AND RETAINED EARNINGS

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2014
A$
    June 30, 2013
A$
 

(a) Reserves

    

Options issued reserve

     1,547,574        1,547,574   

Foreign currency translation reserve

     (211,145     (153,724

Share-based payment reserve

     546,245        488,936   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     1,882,674        1,882,786   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Movement in options issued reserve were as follows:

    

Opening balance

     1,547,574        —    

Options issued during the year

     —         1,547,574   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

     1,547,574        1,547,574   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Movement in foreign currency translation reserve were as follows:

    

Opening balance

     (153,724     (118,392

Currency translation differences arising during the year

     (57,421     (35,332
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

     (211,145 )       (153,724 )  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Movement in share-based payment reserve were as follows:

    

Opening balance

     488,936        299,412   

Employee options issued during the year

     57,309        189,524   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

     546,245        488,936   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2014
A$
    June 30, 2013
A$
 

(b) Retained Earnings

    

Movement in retained earnings were as follows:

    

Opening balance

     (114,961,345     (99,735,674

Net loss for the year

     (13,343,381     (15,225,671
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance

     (128,304,726     (114,961,345
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(c) Nature and purpose of reserves

(i) Options issued reserve

In May 2013 the Company announced an options entitlement issue of one option for every 4 shares held by existing shareholders. 77,378,699 options were issued at $0.02 per option with an exercise price of $0.20. The options expire on June 19, 2017. Each option is exercisable for one ordinary share in capital of the Company. These options are exercisable at any time before its expiry date.

(ii) Foreign currency translation

Exchange differences arising on translation of the foreign controlled entity are recognised in other comprehensive loss as described in note 1(d) and accumulated in a separate reserve within equity. The cumulative amount is reclassified to profit or loss when the net investment is disposed of.

(iii) Share-based payments reserve

The options-based payments reserve is used to recognize the grant date fair value of options issued to employees but not exercised. For a reconciliation of movements in the share-based payment reserves refer to note 29.

NOTE 19. DIVIDENDS

There were no dividends paid or declared during the current or previous financial year.

 

F-27


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

NOTE 20. KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL DISCLOSURES

(a) Directors and key management personnel compensation

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2014
A$
     June 30, 2013
A$
     June 30, 2012
A$
 

Short-term employee benefits

     1,533,114         1,906,670         2,010,586   

Post-employment benefits

     40,377         52,348         73,000   

Termination benefits

     —           149,599         —     

Share-based payments

     41,919         185,594         299,412   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,615,410         2,294,211         2,382,998   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(b) Equity instrument disclosures relating to key management personnel

(i) Options provided as remuneration and shares issued on exercise of such options

For details of options provided as remuneration and shares issued on the exercise of such options, together with terms and conditions of the options, please refer to note 29.

(ii) Shareholding

The numbers of shares in the company held during the financial year by each director of and other key management personnel of the group, including their personally related parties, are set out below. There were no shares granted during the reporting period as compensation.

 

June 30, 2014    Balance at
start of the year
    Share Purchase Plan (SPP)
and shortfall placement
     Other changes during
the year
    Balance at end
of the year
 

Ordinary shares

         

Ms. Lucy Turnbull, AO

     17,759,576        —           2,300,000        20,059,576   

Mr. Albert Wong

     3,537,500        —           —          3,537,500   

Mr. Martin Rogers**

     20,542,179        —           —          20,542,179   

Dr. Richard Hammel**

     10,444,987        —           —          10,444,987   

Dr. Russell Howard

     —          —           —          —     

Mr. Pete Meyers

     —          —           —          —     

Mr. Matt Lehman

    

 

1,617,763

4,400

  

   

 

—  

—  

  

  

    

 

—  

28,306

  

   

 

1,617,763

32,706

  

Dr. Sharron Gargosky

     25,000     —           (25,000     —     

Mr. Marc Voigt

    

 

620,000

150

  

   

 

—  

—  

  

  

    

 

100,000

—  

  

  

   

 

720,000

150

  

  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total ordinary shares

     54,522,005           2,400,000        56,922,005   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total ADS Shares

     29,550        —           3,306        32,856   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* American Depositary Shares (ADS) traded on the NASDAQ
** As the date of resignation

 

June 30, 2013    Balance at
start of the year
    Share Purchase Plan (SPP)
and shortfall placement
     Other changes during
the year
    Balance at end
of the year
 

Ordinary shares

         

Ms. Lucy Turnbull, AO

     4,622,076        12,687,500         450,000        17,759,576   

Mr. Albert Wong

     3,350,000        187,500         —          3,537,500   

Mr. Martin Rogers

     30,834,179        187,500         1 (10,479,500     20,542,179   

Dr. Richard Hammel

     10,257,487        187,500         —          10,444,987   

Dr. Russell Howard

     —          —           —          —     

Mr. Ian Bangs

     100,000        —           —          100,000   

Mr. Matt Lehman

     1,100,000        412,500        105,263        1,617,763   
     —          —           4,400     4,400

Dr. Neil Frazer

     112,000        —           —          112,000   
     1,000          1,000

 

F-28


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements
June 30, 2013    Balance at
start of the year
     Share Purchase Plan (SPP)
and shortfall placement
     Other changes during
the year
    Balance at end
of the year
 

Dr. Sharron Gargosky

     —           —           25,000     25,000

Mr. Marc Voigt

           307,500        620,000   
     —           312,500         150     150
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total ordinary shares

     50,375,742         13,975,000         (9,616,737     54,734,005   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total ADS

     1,000         —           29,550        30,550   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* American Depositary Shares (ADS) traded on the NASDAQ
1   related shares sold by the director to the market

 

June 30, 2012    Balance at
start of the
year
     Received during the
year on the exercise of
options
     Other changes during
the year
    Balance at end
of the year
 

Ordinary shares

          

Ms. Lucy Turnbull, AO

     4,347,076         —           275,000        4,622,076   

Mr. Albert Wong

     3,250,000         —           100,000        3,350,000   

Mr. Martin Rogers

     20,821,500         12,345,238         (2,332,559     30,834,179   

Dr. Richard Hammel

     5,000,000         7,619,047         (2,361,560     10,257,487   

Mr. Matt Lehman

     100,000         1,500,000         (500,000     1,100,000   

Mr. Ian Bangs

     —           —           100,000        100,000   

Dr. Neil Frazer

           112,000        112,000   
     —           —        

 

1,000

 

 

1,000

Dr. Sharron Gargosky

     —           —           —          —     

Mr. Marc Voigt

     —           —           —          —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total ordinary shares

     33,518,576         21,464,285         (4,607,119     50,375,742   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total ADS

     —           —           1,000        1,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* American Depositary Shares (ADS) traded on the NASDAQ

(iii) Option holdings

The number of options over ordinary shares in the parent entity held during the financial year by each director and other members of key management personnel of the consolidated entity, including their personally related parties, is set out below:

 

June 30, 2014

   Balance at
start of
the year
     Granted      Entitlement
options
     Other
Changes
    Balance at
end
of the year
     Vested and
exercisable
     Unvested  

Options over ordinary shares

                   

Ms. Lucy Turnbull, AO

     14,439,894         —           —           (10,000,000     4,439,894         4,439,894         —     

Mr. Albert Wong

     7,500,000         —           —           (7,500,000     —           —           —     

Mr. Martin Rogers

     12,500,000         —           —           (10,000,000     2,500,000         2,500,000         —     

Dr. Richard Hammel

     5,000,000         —           —           (5,000,000     —           —           —     

Dr. Russell Howard

     —           —           —           —          —           —           —     

Mr. Pete Meyers

     —           —           —           —          —           —           —     

Mr. Matt Lehman

     2,104,441         —           —           —          2,104,441         2,104,441         —     

Ms. Deanne Miller

     —           363,636        —           —          363,636         242,424         121,212   

Dr. Sharron Gargosky

     900,000         637,275        —           —          1,537,275         1,324,850         212,425   

Mr. Marc Voigt

     528,125         643,629        —           —          1,171,754         957,211         214,543   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     42,972,460         1,644,540        —           (32,500,000     12,117,000         11,568,820         548,180   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-29


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

June 30, 2013

   Balance at
start of
the year
     Granted      Entitlement
options
     Other
Changes
     Balance at
end
of the year
     Vested and
exercisable
     Unvested  

Options over ordinary shares

                 

Ms. Lucy Turnbull, AO

     10,000,000         —          4,439,894         —          14,439,894         14,439,894         —    

Mr. Albert Wong

     7,500,000         —          —          —          7,500,000         7,500,000         —    

Mr. Martin Rogers

     10,000,000         —          2,500,000         —          12,500,000         12,500,000         —    

Dr. Richard Hammel

     5,000,000         —          —          —          5,000,000         5,000,000         —    

Dr. Russell Howard

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Mr. Matt Lehman

     500,000         1,200,000         404,441         —          2,104,441         904,441         1,200,000   

Dr. Neil Frazer

     2,000,000         —          —          —          2,000,000         2,000,000         —    

Mr. Ian Bangs

     —          450,000         100,000         —          550,000         550,000         —    

Ms. Deanne Miller

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Dr. Sharron Gargosky

     200,000         700,000         —          —          900,000         200,000         700,000   

Mr. Marc Voigt

     —          450,000         78,125         —          528,125         78,125         450,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     35,200,000         2,800,000         7,522,460         —           45,522,460         43,172,460         2,350,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

June 30, 2012

   Balance at start of
the year
     Granted      Exercised      Other
Changes
     Balance at end
of the year
     Vested and
exercisable
     Unvested  

Options over ordinary shares

                 

Ms. Lucy Turnbull, AO

     10,000,000         —          —          —          10,000,000         10,000,000         —    

Mr. Albert Wong

     7,500,000         —          —          —          7,500,000         7,500,000         —    

Mr. Martin Rogers

     22,345,238         —          12,345,238         —          10,000,000         10,000,000         —    

Dr. Richard Hammel

     12,619,047         —          7,619,047         —          5,000,000         5,000,000         —    

Mr. Matt Lehman

     —          2,000,000         1,500,000         —          500,000         500,000         —    

Dr. Neil Frazer

     2,000,000         —          —          —          2,000,000         1,000,000         1,000,000   

Mr. Ian Bangs

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Dr. Sharron Gargosky

     —          200,000         —          —          200,000         —          200,000   

Mr. Marc Voigt

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     54,464,285         2,200,000         21,464,285         —           35,200,000         34,000,000         1,200,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 21. REMUNERATION OF AUDITORS

The following fees were paid or payable for services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Australia in relation to the audit for the year-end 2014, 2013, and 2012.

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2014
A$
     June 30, 2013
A$
     June 30, 2012
A$
 

PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia

        

Audit or review of the financial report

     209,420         257,700         140,000   

All other fees*

     12,500         —          11,345   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     221,920         257,700         151,345   

Non-PwC audit firm

        

Audit or review of the financial report

     —          —          74,646   

Preparation of the tax return and other consulting services

     —          9,841         19,739   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total remuneration of non-PwC audit firm

     —          9,841         94,385   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     221,920         267,541         245,730   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

*Relates to assistance with the Form F-3.

NOTE 22. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

There were no material contingent liabilities in existence at June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013.

 

F-30


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

NOTE 23. COMMITMENTS FOR EXPENDITURE

There were no material capital or leasing commitments at June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013.

NOTE 24. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Parent entity

Prima BioMed Ltd is the parent entity.

Subsidiaries

Interests in subsidiaries are set out in note 25.

Key management personnel

Disclosures relating to key management personnel are set out in note 20.

Receivable from and payable to related parties

There were no trade receivables from or trade payables due to related parties at the reporting date.

Loans to/from related parties

There were no loans to or from related parties at the reporting date.

NOTE 25. SUBSIDIARIES

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets, liabilities and results of the following subsidiaries in accordance with the accounting policy described in note 1:

 

          Equity holding  

Name of entity

   Country of
incorporation
   June 30,
2014
%
     June 30,
2013
%
 

Arthron Pty Ltd *

   Australia      —          100.00   

Cancer Vac Pty Ltd**

   Australia      100.00         100.00   

Oncomab Pty Ltd *

   Australia      —          100.00   

Panvax Pty Ltd *

   Australia      —          100.00   

Prima BioMed USA Inc

   United States of America      100.00         100.00   

PRR Middle East FZ LLC

   United Arab Emirates      100.00         100.00   

Prima BioMed GmbH

   Germany      100.00         100.00   

Prima Biomed AUSTRALIA Pty Ltd

   Australia      100.00         100.00   

Prima Biomed IP Pty Ltd

   Australia      100.00         100.00   

 

* Companies were deregistered on July 31, 2013
** Cancer Vac Pty Ltd was deregistered on September 18, 2014

NOTE 26. EVENTS OCCURRING AFTER THE REPORTING DATE

Marc Voigt was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Prima BioMed on the July 9, 2014. Mr Voigt, Prima BioMed’s Chief Business Officer and Chief Financial Officer as well as Managing Director of the Company’s European Operations, replaces US based Matthew Lehman who stepped down from the Board but remains an adviser to the Company to facilitate an orderly transition.

The decision follows the Company’s recent shift in its operational focus to Europe, where its clinical trials and manufacturing of CVac have been centralised to generate cost savings and enhance operational efficiencies. The Company’s European manufacturing facility is based in Leipzig, Germany where Prima BioMed benefits from a significant funding grant from the Saxony Development Bank to carry out its CVac development program in Europe.

No other matter or circumstance has arisen since June 30, 2014 that has significantly affected, or may significantly affect the consolidated entity’s operations, the results of those operations or the consolidated entity’s state of affairs in future financial years.

 

F-31


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

NOTE 27. RECONCILIATION OF LOSS AFTER INCOME TAX TO NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2014
A$
    June 30, 2013
A$
    June 30, 2012
A$
 

Loss after income tax expense for the year

     (13,343,381     (15,225,671     (19,940,960

Adjustments for:

      

Depreciation and amortisation

     446,360        254,024        377,299   

(Decrease)/increase in income tax payable

     (10,077     27,065        —    

Add back share based payments

     57,309        189,524        303,412   

Add back loss on disposal of assets

     —         —         64,679   

Unrealised gain on exchange through the profit and loss

     (908,594     (1,446,771     (116,473

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables

     4,071        79,907        (244,485

Decrease in inventories

     —          191,726        22,620   

Decrease/(increase) in other operating assets

     297,320        809,055        (1,499,729

(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables

     (816,276     627,971        369,371   

Increase/(decrease) in employee benefits

     79,821        (88,926     55,153   

(Decrease)/increase in derivative financial instruments

     (33,714     (1,455,030     1,488,744   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in operating activities

     (14,227,161     (16,037,126     (19,120,369
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NOTE 28. EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2014
A$
    June 30, 2013
A$
    June 30, 2012
A$
 

Loss after income tax

     (13,343,381     (15,225,671     (19,940,960
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss after income tax attributable to the owners of Prima BioMed Ltd

     (13,343,381     (15,225,671     (19,940,960
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Number     Number     Number  

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating basic earnings per share

     1,220,083,929        1,075,381,168        1,037,618,752   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating diluted earnings per share

     1,220,083,929        1,075,381,168        1,037,618,752   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Cents     Cents     Cents  

Basic earnings per share

     (1.09     (1.42     (1.92

Diluted earnings per share

     (1.09     (1.42     (1.92

 

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Index to Financial Statements

Information concerning other notes and options issued:

The following table summarizes the convertible notes, listed options and unlisted options that were not included in the calculation of weighted average number of ordinary shares because they are anti-dilutive for the periods presented.

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2014
A$
     June 30, 2013
A$
 

Listed options

     77,378,696         77,378,699   

Unlisted options

     16,942,441         47,519,149   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 29. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

a) Executive Incentive Plan (EIP)

Equity incentives are granted under the Executive Incentive Plan (EIP) which was approved by shareholders at the 2012 Annual General Meeting. In light of our increasing operations globally the Board reviewed the Company’s incentive arrangements to ensure that it continued to retain and motivate key executives in a manner that is aligned with members’ interests. As a result of that review, an ‘umbrella’ EIP was adopted to which eligible executives are invited to apply for the grant of performance rights and/or options. Equity incentives granted in accordance with the EIP Rules are designed to provide meaningful remuneration opportunities and will reflect the importance of retaining a world-class management team. The Company endeavours to achieve simplicity and transparency in remuneration design, whilst also balancing competitive market practices in the United States, Germany, and Australia.

Set out below are summaries of options granted under the EIP:

 

2014

Grant date

   Expiry date    Exercise
price
     Balance at
start of the
year Number
     Granted
during the
year Number
     Exercised
during the
year Number
     Forfeited during
the year
Number
     Balance at
end of the
year Number
     Vested and
exercisable at
end of the year
Number
 

December 23, 2013

   30 June 2018      0.0774         —           1,758,176         —          —          1,758,176         1,172,117   

January 24, 2014

   30 June 2018      0.0774         —           165,116         —          —          165,116         165,116   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

           —           1,923,292         —          —          1,923,292         1,337,233   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average exercised price

        0.0774            0.0774               0.0774      

No options expired during the periods covered by the above tables.

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise of options exercised during the year ended June 30, 2014 was $0.077 (2013 – not applicable). The weighted average remaining contractual life of share options outstanding at the end of the period was 4 years. Options vest in three equal tranches, 33.3% vested on December 31, 2013, 33.3% vested on June 30, 2014, and 33.3% to vest on June 30, 2015. Vesting is contingent upon the employee being continuously employed in good standing through the vesting period. The options are subject to accelerated vesting according to agreed terms in each person’s employment contract.

Fair value of options granted

The assessed fair value at grant date of options granted during the year ended June 30, 2014 were $0.028 and $0.037 (2013 – not applicable). The fair value at grant date is determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model that takes into account the exercise price, the term of the option, the impact of dilution, the share price at grant date and expected price volatility of the underlying share, the expected dividend yield and the risk free interest rate for the term of the option.

The model inputs for options granted during the year ended June 30, 2014 included:

 

    Vested options are exercisable for a period of 36 months after vesting

 

    exercise price: $0.0774

 

    grant date: December 23, 2013 and January 24, 2014

 

    expiry date: June 30, 2018

 

    share price at grant date: $0.04 and $0.05

 

    expected price volatility of the Company’s shares: 112% and 116%

 

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Index to Financial Statements
    expected dividend yield: nil%

 

    risk-free interest rate: 2.92% and 2.81%

The expected price volatility is based on the historic volatility (based on the remaining life of the options), adjusted for any expected changes to future volatility due to publicly available information.

(b) Global Employee Share Option Plan (GESOP)

The establishment of the GESOP Plan was approved by shareholders at the 2011 annual general meeting. The GESOP is designed to provide long-term incentives for employees excluding directors to deliver long-term shareholder returns. Under the plan, participants are granted options based on certain performance standards being met. Participation in the plan is at the board’s discretion and no individual has a contractual right to participate in the plan or to receive any guaranteed benefits.

Options granted under the plan carry no dividend or voting rights. When exercisable, each option is convertible into one ordinary share. The exercise price of options is based on the volume weighted average price at which the company’s shares are traded on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) during the seven days up to and including the date of the grant.

Set out below are summaries of options granted under the GESOP:

 

2014

Grant date

 

Expiry date

  Exercise
price
    Balance at
start of the
year Number
    Granted
during the
year Number
    Exercised
during the
year Number
    Forfeited during
the year
Number
    Balance at
end of the
year Number
    Vested and
exercisable at
end of the year
Number
 

November 3, 2011

  November 3, 2014     0.279        100,000        —          —          —          100,000        100,000   

January 3, 2012

  January 3, 2015     0.233        100,000        —          —          —          100,000        100,000   

August 1, 2012

  August 1, 2015     0.185        1,600,000        —          —          —          1,600,000        450,000   

November 16, 2012

  August 1, 2015     0.185        1,200,000        —          —          —          1,200,000        1,200,000   

February 20, 2013

  February 20, 2016     0.173        200,000        —          —          —          200,000        200,000   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

        3,200,000        —          —          —          3,200,000        3,200,000   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average exercised price

      0.189          —              0.189     

2013

Grant date

 

Expiry date

  Exercise
price
    Balance at
start of the
year Number
    Granted
during the
year Number
    Exercised
during the
year Number
    Forfeited during
the year
Number
    Balance at
end of the
year Number
    Vested and
exercisable at
end of the year
Number
 

November 3, 2011

  November 3, 2014     0.279        100,000        —          —          —          100,000        100,000   

January 3, 2012

  January 3, 2015     0.233        100,000        —          —          —          100,000        100,000   

August 1, 2012

  August 1, 2015     0.185        —          1,600,000        —          —          1,600,000        450,000   

November 16, 2012

  August 1, 2015     0.185        —          1,200,000        —          —          1,200,000        —     

February 20, 2013

  February 20, 2016     0.173        —          200,000        —          —          200,000        —     
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

        200,000        3,000,000        —          —          3,200,000        650,000   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average exercised price

      0.189          0.184            0.189     

2012

Grant date

 

Expiry date

  Exercise
price
    Balance at
start of the
year Number
    Granted
during the
year Number
    Exercised
during the
year Number
    Forfeited during
the year
Number
    Balance at
end of the
year Number
    Vested and
exercisable at
end of the year
Number
 

November 3, 2011

  November 3, 2014     0.279        —          100,000        —          —          100,000        —     

January 3, 2012

  January 3, 2015     0.233        —          100,000        —          —          100,000        —     
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

        —          200,000        —          —          200,000        —     
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average exercised price

      0.256          0.256            0.256     

No options expired during the periods covered by the above tables.

There were no share options exercised during the year (2013—not applicable and 2012—$0.256). The weighted average remaining contractual life of share options outstanding at the end of the period was 1 year (2013—2 years). Options vested after a period of twelve months from the grant date.

Fair value of options granted

There were no options granted during the year ended June 30, 2014 (2013 - $0.06 and $0.07 cents and 2012—$0.08 per option). The fair value at grant date is determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model that takes into account the exercise price, the term of the option, the impact of dilution, the share price at grant date and expected price volatility of the underlying share, the expected dividend yield and the risk free interest rate for the term of the option.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

The model inputs for options granted during the year ended June 30, 2013 included:

 

    Vested options are exercisable for a period of 24 months after vesting

 

    exercise price: $0.185 and $0.173 and $0.233 (2012—$0.279 and $0.233)

 

    grant date: August 1, 2012, November 16, 2012, and February 20, 2013 (2012—November 3, 2011 and January 3, 2012)

 

    expiry date: August 1, 2015 and February 20, 2016 (2012—November 3, 2014 and January 3, 2015)

 

    share price at grant date: $0.12 and $0.13 (2012—$0.17 and $0.16)

 

    expected price volatility of the company’s shares: 91% and 89% (2012—96% and 97%)

 

    expected dividend yield: nil% (2012 – nil%)

 

    risk-free interest rate: 2.59%, 2.51%, and 2.88% (2012—3.79% and 3.29%)

The expected price volatility is based on the historic volatility (based on the remaining life of the options), adjusted for any expected changes to future volatility due to publicly available information.

(c) Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP)

The establishment of the ESOP Plan was approved by shareholders on April 30, 2010. The company has ceased to issue options under the ESOP. The ESOP was designed to provide long-term incentives for employees excluding directors to deliver long-term shareholder returns. Under the plan, participants were granted options based on certain performance standards being met. Participation in the plan was at the board’s discretion and no individual had a contractual right to participate in the plan or to receive any guaranteed benefits. Options under the ESOP vested on grant date.

Options granted under the ESOP carried no dividend or voting rights. Each options granted under the ESOP is convertible into one ordinary share. The exercise price of options granted under the ESOP is $0.10 per option.

Set out below are summaries of options granted under the ESOP:

 

2014

Grant date

   Expiry date      Exercise
price
     Balance at
start of the
year
Number
     Granted
during the
year
Number
     Exercised
during the
year
Number
     Forfeited during
the year
Number
     Balance at
end of the
year
Number
     Vested and
exercisable at
end of the year
Number
 

August 26, 2011

     August 26, 2014         0.10         500,000         —           —           —           500,000         500,000   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

           500,000         —           —           —           500,000         500,000   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average exercised price

        0.10                     0.10         0.10   

2013

Grant date

   Expiry date      Exercise
price
     Balance at
start of the
year
Number
     Granted
during the
year
Number
     Exercised
during the
year
Number
     Forfeited during
the year
Number
     Balance at
end of the
year
Number
     Vested and
exercisable at
end of the year
Number
 

August 26, 2011

     August 26, 2014         0.10         500,000         —           —           —           500,000         500,000   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

           500,000         —           —           —           500,000         500,000   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average exercised price

        0.10                     0.10         0.10   

2012

Grant date

   Expiry date      Exercise
price
     Balance at
start of the
year
Number
     Granted
during the
year
Number
     Exercised
during the
year
Number
     Forfeited during
the year
Number
     Balance at
end of the
year
Number
     Vested and
exercisable at
end of the year
Number
 

August 26, 2011

     August 26, 2014         0.10         —           2,000,000         1,500,000         —           500,000         500,000   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

           —           2,000,000         1,500,000         —           500,000         500,000   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average exercised price

        0.10            0.10         0.10            0.10         0.10   

No options expired during the periods covered by the above tables.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

The share price at the date of exercise of options exercised during the year ended June 30, 2014 was $nil (2013—$nil and 2012—$0.10). On the remaining contractual life of share options outstanding at the end of the period was 1 year. Options vested immediately on grant date.

Fair value of options granted

There were no options granted during the year ended June 30, 2014 (2013—not applicable and 2012—$0.127 cents). The fair value at grant date is independently determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model that takes into account the exercise price, the term of the option, the impact of dilution, the share price at grant date and expected price volatility of the underlying share, the expected dividend yield and the risk free interest rate for the term of the option.

The expected price volatility is based on the historic volatility (based on the remaining life of the options), adjusted for any expected changes to future volatility due to publicly available information, where options are issued to employees of subsidiaries within the group.

d) Options issued to directors with shareholders’ approval

At the 2010 annual general meeting, shareholders approved the issue of 34,500,000 options to the directors. Options granted under the plan carry no dividend or voting rights. When exercisable, each option is convertible into one ordinary share. The exercise price of options is $0.20 for 32,500,000 and $0.10 for 2,000,000.

Set out below are summaries of options granted with shareholders approvals:

 

2014

Grant date

   Expiry date    Exercise
price
     Balance at
start of the
year
Number
     Granted
during the
year
Number
     Exercised
during the
year
Number
     Lapsed during
the year
Number
    Balance at
end of the
year
Number
     Vested and
exercisable at
end of the year
Number
 

December 6, 2010

   December 6, 2013      0.20         32,500,000         —           —           (32,500,000     —           —     

December 6, 2010

   December 6, 2014      0.10         2,000,000         —           —           —          2,000,000         2,000,000   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

           34,500,000         —           —           (32,500,000     2,000,000         2,000,000   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average exercised price

        0.10         0.194                 0.10         0.10   

2013

Grant date

   Expiry date    Exercise
price
     Balance at
start of the
year
Number
     Granted
during the
year
Number
     Exercised
during the
year
Number
     Forfeited during
the year
Number
    Balance at
end of the
year
Number
     Vested and
exercisable at
end of the year
Number
 

December 6, 2010

   6 December 2013      0.20         32,500,000         —           —           —          32,500,000         32,500,000   

December 6, 2010

   6 December 2014      0.10         2,000,000         —           —           —          2,000,000         2,000,000   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

           34,500,000         —           —           —          34,500,000         34,500,000   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average exercised price

        0.194         0.194                 0.194         0.194   

32,500,000 options lapsed during the periods.

(e) Expenses arising from share-based payment transactions

Total expenses arising from share-based payment transactions recognised during the period as part of employee benefit expense were as follows:

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2014
A$
     June 30, 2013
A$
 

Share-based payment expense

     57,309         189,524   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Index to Financial Statements

NOTE 30. PARENT ENTITY INFORMATION

Set out below is the supplementary information about the parent entity.

Statement of comprehensive loss

 

     Parent  
     June 30, 2014
A$
    June 30, 2013
A$
    June 30, 2012
A$
 

Loss after income tax

     (15,651,281     (15,813,154     (33,498,877

Total comprehensive loss

     (15,651,281     (15,813,154     (33,498,877

Statement of financial position

 

     Parent  
     June 30, 2014
A$
    June 30, 2013
A$
 

Total current assets

     20,313,908        29,805,323   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

     20,314,845        29,811,104   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     977,777        1,925,647   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,341,709        1,931,393   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity

    

— Contributed equity

     149,014,372        142,326,977   

— Reserves

     2,093,819        2,036,509   

— Accumulated losses

     (132,135,056     (116,483,775
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     18,973,135        27,879,711   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Guarantees of financial support

There are no guarantees entered into by the parent entity.

Contingent liabilities of the parent entity

Refer to note 22 for details in relation to contingent liabilities as at June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013.

Capital commitments—Property, plant and equipment

The parent entity did not have any capital commitments for property, plant and equipment at as June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013.

 

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Index to Financial Statements
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 20-F:

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

          Incorporated by Reference  

Exhibit

  

Description

  

Schedule/
Form

    

File
Number

    

Exhibit

    

File
Date

 
1.1    Constitution of Registrant      20-F         001-35428         1.1         2/13/12   
2.1    Form of Deposit Agreement between Prima BioMed, The Bank of New York Mellon, as Depositary, and owners and holders from time to time of ADSs issued thereunder, including the Form of American Depositary Shares      20-F         001-35428         2.1         4/2/12   
4.3*    Master Services Agreement between Prima BioMed and Cell Therapies Pty Ltd, dated April 1, 2011 (terminated effective October 1, 2013)      20-F         001-35428         4.3         10/3/12   
4.4*    Technology License Agreement, among Prima BioMed, Cancer Vac Pty Ltd, Austin Research Institute and Ilexus Pty Ltd, dated May 31, 2001, as amended by Deed of Variation, dated August 24, 2005      20-F         001-35428         4.5         2/13/12   
4.4.1    Deed of Novation between The MacFarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health Ltd, Prima BioMed and Cancer Vac Pty Ltd, dated April 18, 2012      20-F         001-35428         4.4.1         10/30/13   
4.5*    Cooperation Agreement between Prima BioMed GmbH and Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e. V., dated July 4, 2012      20-F         001-35428         4.5         12/3/12   
4.6*    License and Development Agreement between Cancer Vac Pty Ltd and Biomira, Inc., dated March 9, 2004, as amended by Deed of Variation of License and Development Agreement, dated February 2007      20-F         001-35428         4.7         2/13/12   
4.6.1    Termination Agreement between Oncothyreon Inc, Prima BioMed and Cancer Vac Pty Ltd, dated October 2, 2013      20-F         001-35428         4.6.1         10/30/13   
4.7*    Collaborative Research Agreement between Prima BioMed and NewSouth Innovations Pty Limited, dated December 17, 2009      20-F         001-35428         4.8         2/13/12   
4.8*    Services Agreement between Prima BioMed and Progenitor Cell Therapy LLC, dated May 13, 2009, as amended November 10, 2009 and March 18, 2010      20-F         001-35428         4.11         2/13/12   
4.9+    Prima BioMed Employee Share Option Plan      20-F         001-35428         4.12         2/13/12   
4.10+    Prima BioMed Global Employee Share Option Plan      20-F         001-35428         4.10         10/3/12   
4.11+    Prima Executive Incentive Plan      20-F         001-35428         4.11         10/30/13   
4.12+    Amended Employment Agreement between Prima BioMed and Neil Frazer, effective March 31, 2013      20-F         001-35428         4.12         10/30/13   
4.13+    Amended Employment Agreement between Prima BioMed and Matthew Bryson Lehman, effective September 1, 2012      20-F         001-35428         4.13         10/30/13   
4.13.1+#    Separation Agreement and Release between Prima BioMed and Matthew Bryson Lehman, effective July 9, 2014            
4.14+    Employment Agreement between Prima BioMed and Sharron Gargosky, dated June 1, 2011      20-F         001-35428         4.14         10/3/12   
4.15+    Employment Agreement between Prima BioMed and Marc Voigt, effective July 1, 2012      20-F         001-35428         4.15         10/3/12   


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements
         Incorporated by Reference  

Exhibit

 

Description

  

Schedule/
Form

    

File
Number

    

Exhibit

    

File
Date

 
  4.15.1+#   Chief Executive Officer Employment Agreement between Prima BioMed and Marc Voigt, effective July 9, 2014            
  4.15.2+#   Executive and Business Manager Employment Contract between Prima Biomed GmbH and Marc Voigt, effective July 9, 2014            
  4.16+   Employment Agreement between Prima BioMed and Deanne Miller, dated October 13, 2012      20-F         001-35428         4.16         10/30/13   
  4.16.1+   Variation to Executive Employment Agreement between Prima BioMed and Deanne Miller, effective February 1, 2013      20-F         001-35428         4.16.1         10/30/13   
  4.16.2+#   Variation to Executive Employment Agreement between Prima BioMed and Deanne Miller, effective August 1, 2014            
  4.17+   Deed of Settlement and Release between Prima BioMed and Ian Bangs, dated October 25, 2012      20-F         001-35428         4.17         10/30/13   
  4.18#**   Transition Services Agreement between Prima BioMed and Cell Therapies Pty Ltd, dated December 1, 2013            
  4.19#**   Variation 1 to Transition Services Agreement between Prima BioMed and Cell Therapies Pty Ltd, dated February 26, 2014            
  4.20#**   Supply, Distribution and Licensing Agreement between Prima BioMed and Neopharm Ltd., dated February 19, 2014            
  12.1#   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934            
  13.1#   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as required by Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934            
  16.1   Letter regarding change in certifying accountant      20-F         001-35428         16.1         10/3/12   

 

* Confidential treatment has been granted with respect to certain portions of this exhibit. Omitted portions have been submitted separately with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
** Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions of this exhibit. Omitted portions have been submitted separately with the U.S. Securities and Sxchange Commission.
+ Indicates management contract or compensatory plan.
# Filed herewith.

In accordance with SEC Release Nos. 33-8238 and 34-47986, Final Rule: Management’s Reports on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and Certification of Disclosure in Exchange Act Periodic Reports, and the instructions to Form 20-F, the certifications furnished in Exhibits 13.1 and 13.2 hereto are deemed to accompany this Annual Report on Form 20-F and will not be deemed “filed” for purpose of Section 18 of the Exchange Act. Such certifications will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that we specifically incorporates it by reference.


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

SIGNATURES

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

P RIMA B IO M ED L TD
  /s/ Marc Voigt
By:   Marc Voigt
Title:   Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

Date: September 24, 2014

Exhibit 4.13.1

SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE

THIS Separation Agreement and Release (this “Agreement”) is made by and between Matthew Lehman (the “Employee”), and Prima Biomed Ltd., an Australian limited company (the “Company”).

WHEREAS, the Employee and the Company entered into an Employment Agreement dated September 1, 2012 (the “Employment Agreement”) that sets forth the terms and conditions of the Employee’s employment with the Company, and

WHEREAS, on July 9, 2014, the Employee and the Company have agreed to Early Termination of the Employment Agreement, such termination to be effective August 10, 2014 (the “Termination Date”),

NOW, THEREFORE, the Employee and the Company each intending to be legally held bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

  1. Consideration.  In consideration for a release of claims and other promises and covenants set forth herein, the Company agrees to pay the Employee such consideration as is specified in Section 4.1(a) of the Employment Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Employment Agreement, and such other consideration as the parties may expressly agree to in writing. Employee agrees to perform those duties as set forth on the attached Schedule 1 through the Termination Date, and to sign and return to the Company a second release in the form attached hereto as Exhibit “A” on or within five (5) business days after the Termination Date.

 

  2. Responsibilities through the Termination Date. Employee, as a condition of employment in good standing through the Termination Date, agrees to perform the reasonable duties as set forth by the incumbent CEO.

 

  3.

Employee’s Release. Except for the payments and benefits as provided in this Agreement, the Employee on his own behalf and together with his heirs, assigns, executors, agents and representatives hereby waives, releases and discharges the Company and its predecessors, successors (by merger or otherwise), parents, subsidiaries, affiliates and assigns, together with each and every of their present, past and future officers, managers, directors, shareholders, members, general partners, limited partners, employees and agents and the heirs and executors of same (herein collectively referred to as the “Releasees”) from any and all suits, causes of action, complaints, obligations, demands, common law or statutory claims of any kind, whether in law or in equity, direct or indirect, known or unknown (hereinafter “Claims”), which the Employee ever had or now has against the Releasees, or any one of them occurring up to and including the date of the this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Employee’s release is not and shall not be construed as a release of any future claim by the Employee against the Company, to the extent a claim may otherwise exist, for indemnity, contribution or cost of defense in connection with the Employee being made a party to a suit initiated by or on behalf of a third party, which suit is based, in whole or in part,


  upon the work performed by the Employee for the Company within the scope of the Employee’s position and duties with the Company, or any alleged misconduct by the Employee within the scope of the Employee’s former position and duties as an officer or employee of the Company. This release specifically includes, but is not limited to:

 

  a. any and all Claims for wages and benefits including, without limitation, salary, stock options, stock, royalties, license fees, health and welfare benefits, severance pay, vacation pay, and bonuses;

 

  b. any and all Claims for wrongful discharge, breach of contract, whether express or implied, violation of public policy, violation of any whistle-blower statutes, and Claims for breach of implied covenants of good faith and fair dealing;

 

  c. any and all Claims for alleged employment discrimination, harassment or retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, and/or handicap, or any other protected basis in violation of any federal, state or local statute, ordinance, judicial precedent or Executive order, including but not limited to any claims under the following statutes: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §2000e et seq.; the Civil Rights Act of 1866, 42 U.S.C. §1981; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Rehabilitation Act of 1972, as amended, 29 U.S.C. §701 et seq.; the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, 29 U.S.C. §2601, et seq.; the Fair Labor Standards Act, as amended, 29 U.S.C. §201, et seq.; the Fair Credit Reporting Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. §1681, et seq.; and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, 29 U.S.C. §1000, et seq. (“ERISA”) or any comparable state statute, law or local ordinance, including without limitation the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the California Family Rights Act, the California Labor Code, and the California Business and Professions Code;

 

  d. any and all Claims under any federal or state statute relating to employee benefits or pensions;

 

  e. any and all Claims in tort or under common law, including but not limited to, any Claims for assault, battery, fraud, misrepresentation, defamation, interference with contract or prospective economic advantage, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, duress, loss of consortium, invasion of privacy and negligence; and

 

  f. any and all Claims for penalties, damages (including liquidated or punitive damages), interest, attorneys’ fees and costs.

 

  4. Acknowledgment.  The Employee understands that the release of Claims contained in this Agreement extends to all of the aforementioned Claims and potential Claims which arose on or before the date of this Agreement, whether now known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, and that this constitutes an essential term of this Agreement. In connection with such waiver and release, Employee hereby expressly waives and relinquishes any and all claims, rights or benefits that Employee has or may have under any state or federal statute that may otherwise limit the release of unknown claims, including but not limited to California Civil Code section 1542, which provides as follows:

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

 

Prima-Lehman Separation Agreement    Page 2 of 10


The Employee further understands and acknowledges the significance and consequences of this Agreement and of each specific release and waiver, and expressly consents that this Agreement shall be given full force and effect to each and all of its express terms and provisions, including those relating to unknown and uncompensated Claims, if any, as well as those relating to any other Claims specified herein. The Employee hereby waives any right or Claim that the Employee may have to employment, reinstatement or re-employment with the Company.

 

  5. Remedies.  All remedies at law or in equity shall be available to the Releasees for the enforcement of this Agreement. This Agreement may be pleaded as a full bar to the enforcement of any Claim that the Employee may assert against the Releasees.

 

  6. No Admission.  Neither the execution of this Agreement, nor the terms hereof, constitute an admission by the Company or by the Employee of any liability to the other party.

 

  7. Employment Agreement; Terms to Survive. For the avoidance of doubt, the Company and Employee acknowledge and confirm agreement to the following:

 

  a. Section 2.1 of the Employment Agreement regarding Confidentiality shall survive termination of the Employment Agreement.

 

  b. Section 2.2 of the Employment Agreement regarding Inventions shall survive termination of the Employment Agreement for three (3) years.

 

  c. As of the Termination Date, the Employee’s commitments regarding Noncompetition in Section 2.3 of the Employment Agreement shall end.

 

  d. Section 2.4 of the Employment Agreement regarding Non-solicitation shall survive termination of the Employment Agreement for six (6) months.

 

  e.

As specified in Section 4.6(d) of the Employment Agreement, the Employee agrees, for a period of three years (3) after the termination date of Employee’s employment, and subject to any reasonable limitations posed by the terms and conditions of his then-current employment, to cooperate reasonably in regard to matters related to the Company where Employee’s availability is requested by the Company on reasonable advance notice, including matters in which Employee acted on behalf of the Company and as to which his continued advice and cooperation are reasonably regarded as necessary in order to bring such matters to a conclusion or to resolve a dispute relating thereto. Such assistance shall be scheduled at a mutually agreeable time and place in such a manner as not to

 

Prima-Lehman Separation Agreement    Page 3 of 10


  interfere with any alternative employment obtained by Employee, and this provision shall not require Employee to take a leave of absence from, give up, or otherwise materially contravene or detrimentally interfere with the terms and conditions of any subsequent employment he may have obtained or have a reasonable likelihood of obtaining. If such cooperation is requested at a time when Employee is no longer receiving severance payments pursuant to Section 4.1(a) of the Employment Agreement, the Company shall pay reasonable compensation to Employee and in all cases shall pay all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by his in connection with such cooperation, including but not limited to reasonable travel, hotel, meals, car rental and telephone expenses, as approved in advance by the Company.

 

  f. Section 5 of the Employment Agreement regarding Indemnification of Employee shall survive termination of the Employment Agreement for five (5) years.

 

  8. Entire Agreement.  This Agreement and any attachments contains the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and shall be binding upon their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns. In the event there is any inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and the Employment Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall control.

 

  9. Non-Disparagement . The parties mutually agree that they will not at any time defame, disparage or impugn the reputation of the other in any future communications with any third-party or entity. Employee will not disparage the reputation of the Company or its products, services, business affairs or financial condition, or any of the Company’s directors, officers, employees, members, clients, agents or representatives. Company agrees to respond to any employment or other inquires about Employee by only providing dates of employment, title or position held, and confirmation of salary if requested, and stating that it is Company policy not to release any additional information. “Disparage,” as used in this Agreement, means to make any statement, written or oral, that casts another party in a negative light of any kind, or implies or attributes any negative quality to another party. However, neither this Paragraph nor anything in this Agreement shall prohibit either party from making truthful statements to governmental agencies or authorities as may be required or permitted by applicable law or, with respect to the Company, to its owners, investors, creditors, insurers, agents or professional representatives as necessary for legitimate business purposes.

 

  10. Severability.  If any term or provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, then such term or provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining terms or provisions hereof, and such term or provision shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to make it enforceable.

 

  11.

Advice of Counsel; Revocation Period.  The Employee is hereby advised to seek the advice of counsel prior to signing this Agreement. The Employee hereby acknowledges that the Employee is acting of his own free will, that he has been afforded a reasonable time to read and review the terms of this Agreement, and that he is voluntarily entering into this Agreement with full knowledge of its provisions and effects. The Employee

 

Prima-Lehman Separation Agreement    Page 4 of 10


  further acknowledges that he has been given at least ten (10) days within which to consider this Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective on the date the Company receives the signed agreement from the Employee (the “Effective Date”).

 

  12. Employee’s Representation.  The Employee represents and warrants that he has not assigned any claim that he purports to release hereunder and that he has the full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and bind each of the persons and entities that the Employee purports to bind. The Employee further represents and warrants that he is bound by, and agrees to remain bound by, his post-employment obligations set forth in the Employment Agreement.

 

  13. Amendments.  Neither this Agreement nor any term hereof may be changed, waived, discharged, or terminated, except by a written agreement signed by the parties hereto.

 

  14. Governing Authority.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to the principles of conflicts of laws of any jurisdiction. The Employee agrees that the Company shall have the right to commence and maintain an action hereunder in the courts appropriate for the location at which the Company maintains its corporate offices, and the Employee hereby submits to the jurisdiction and venue of such courts.

 

  15. Fees and Costs.  The parties shall bear their own attorneys’ fees and costs in connection with the preparation and execution of this Agreement and in connection with any disputes arising under this Agreement.

 

  16. Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and delivered via facsimile or other electronic means.

 

  17. Legally Binding.  The terms of this Agreement contained herein are contractual, and not a mere recital.

*    *    *    *    *    *

 

Prima-Lehman Separation Agreement    Page 5 of 10


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Employee, acknowledging that he is acting of his own free will after having had the opportunity to seek the advice of counsel and a reasonable period of time to consider the terms of this Agreement and the Company, have caused the execution of this Agreement as of this day and year written below.

 

For Prima Biomed Ltd
Name:   Lucy Turnbull AO
Title:   Chairman of the Board
Signature:  

/s/ Lucy Turnbull

Date:   7/9/14
For Matthew Lehman
Signature:  

/s/ Matthew Lehman

Date:   7/9/14

 

Prima-Lehman Separation Agreement    Page 6 of 10


Schedule 1

To Separation Agreement and Release

During the month of July and through the Termination Date, to affect a smooth transition, Employee agrees to complete the following with the incumbent CEO, as well as other reasonable tasks as requested by the incumbent CEO:

 

  a. Business development debrief

 

  i. CVac collaboration discussions, outlicensing discussions

 

  ii. New potential opportunities that have been discussed

 

  b. Outline of competitive landscape in cancer immunotherapy and ovarian cancer

 

  c. Substantive advanced drafts of the Director’s Report and Review of Operations as necessary for the company Annual Report

 

  d. Consultation and advice on company vendors and consultants, as well as a review of contracts and budgetary considerations of ongoing clinical trials

 

  e. Assistance with communications to external stakeholders (shareholders, media, etc.) under the direction of the incumbent CEO

 

  f. Assistance with due diligence activities for ongoing potential transactions, as requested by the incumbent CEO

 

  g. Wind up operations in Redwood City. As directed by incumbent CEO, organize and transfer all documents and supplies from the Redwood City office to other Prima locations(s). Dispose of office and service leases and equipment on terms as favorable as possible, and as directed by incumbent CEO.

 

  h. As directed by incumbent CEO, transfer signing authority on any company bank and credit accounts

 

Prima-Lehman Separation Agreement    Page 7 of 10


EXHIBIT A

General Release

 

  1. Employee’s Release . Pursuant to the Separation Agreement and Release entered into between Matthew Lehman (the “Employee”), and Prima Biomed Ltd., an Australian limited company (the “Company”) dated July 9 2014,, (the “Agreement”), and except for the payments and benefits as provided in the Agreement, the Employee on his own behalf and together with his heirs, assigns, executors, agents and representatives hereby waives, releases and discharges the Company and its predecessors, successors (by merger or otherwise), parents, subsidiaries, affiliates and assigns, together with each and every of their present, past and future officers, managers, directors, shareholders, members, general partners, limited partners, employees and agents and the heirs and executors of same (herein collectively referred to as the “Releasees”) from any and all suits, causes of action, complaints, obligations, demands, common law or statutory claims of any kind, whether in law or in equity, direct or indirect, known or unknown (hereinafter “Claims”), which the Employee ever had or now has against the Releasees, or any one of them occurring up to and including the date of the this General Release (the “Release”). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Employee’s release is not and shall not be construed as a release of any future claim by the Employee against the Company, to the extent a claim may otherwise exist, for indemnity, contribution or cost of defense in connection with the Employee being made a party to a suit initiated by or on behalf of a third party, which suit is based, in whole or in part, upon the work performed by the Employee for the Company within the scope of the Employee’s position and duties with the Company, or any alleged misconduct by the Employee within the scope of the Employee’s former position and duties as an officer or employee of the Company. This release specifically includes, but is not limited to:

 

  a. any and all Claims for wages and benefits including, without limitation, salary, stock options, stock, royalties, license fees, health and welfare benefits, severance pay, vacation pay, and bonuses;

 

  b. any and all Claims for wrongful discharge, breach of contract, whether express or implied, violation of public policy, violation of any whistle-blower statutes, and Claims for breach of implied covenants of good faith and fair dealing;

 

  c.

any and all Claims for alleged employment discrimination, harassment or retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected basis in violation of any federal, state or local statute, ordinance, judicial precedent or Executive order, including but not limited to any claims under the following statutes: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §2000e et seq.; the Civil Rights Act of 1866, 42 U.S.C. §1981; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Rehabilitation Act of 1972, as amended, 29 U.S.C. §701 et seq.; the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, 29 U.S.C. §2601, et seq.; the

 

Prima-Lehman Separation Agreement    Page 8 of 10


  Fair Labor Standards Act, as amended, 29 U.S.C. §201, et seq.; the Fair Credit Reporting Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. §1681, et seq.; and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, 29 U.S.C. §1000, et seq. (“ERISA”) or any comparable state statute, law or local ordinance, including without limitation the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the California Family Rights Act, the California Labor Code, and the California Business and Professions Code;

 

  d. any and all Claims under any federal or state statute relating to employee benefits or pensions;

 

  e. any and all Claims in tort or under common law, including but not limited to, any Claims for assault, battery, fraud, misrepresentation, defamation, interference with contract or prospective economic advantage, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, duress, loss of consortium, invasion of privacy and negligence; and

 

  f. any and all Claims for penalties, damages (including liquidated or punitive damages), interest, attorneys’ fees and costs.

 

  2. Acknowledgment . The Employee understands that the release of Claims contained in this Release extends to all of the aforementioned Claims and potential Claims which arose on or before the date of this Release, whether now known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, and that this constitutes an essential term of this Release. In connection with such waiver and release, Employee hereby expressly waives and relinquishes any and all claims, rights or benefits that Employee has or may have under any state or federal statute that may otherwise limit the release of unknown claims, including but not limited to California Civil Code section 1542, which provides as follows:

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

The Employee further understands and acknowledges the significance and consequences of this Release and of each specific release and waiver, and expressly consents that this Release shall be given full force and effect to each and all of its express terms and provisions, including those relating to unknown and uncompensated Claims, if any, as well as those relating to any other Claims specified herein. The Employee hereby waives any right or Claim that the Employee may have to employment, reinstatement or re-employment with the Company.

 

  3. Payment of Final Wages . Employee represents and acknowledges that as of the Termination Date, Employee was paid for all wages earned through the Termination Date, including all accrued but unused vacation pay, and that such payment was not conditioned on Employee signing this Release.

 

Prima-Lehman Separation Agreement    Page 9 of 10


  4. Definitions . Capitalized terms used in this Release but not defined herein shall have the same meanings as set forth in the Agreement. This Release constitutes the “Second Release” as described in the Agreement.

 

  5. Voluntary Assent . The Employee hereby acknowledges that the Employee is acting of his own free will, that he has been afforded a reasonable time to read and review the terms of this Release, and that he is voluntarily entering into this Release with full knowledge of its provisions and effects, and that there has been no transfer or assignment of any of the Claims released in this Release.

 

/s/    Mathew Lehman        

Mathew Lehman
Dated: 9 July 2014

 

Prima-Lehman Separation Agreement    Page 10 of 10

Exhibit 4.15.1

Chief Executive Officer Employment Agreement

between

Prima Biomed Ltd.

Lvl 7, 151 Macquarie St

Sydney, NSW, 2145

Australia

(hereinafter, known as the “Corporation” or the “Company” )

and

Mr. Marc Voigt

(hereinafter, known as “Mr. Voigt”, “Employee” or “CEO”)

(hereinafter, the “Corporation” or the “Company” and “Mr. Voigt”, “Employee” or “CEO” are together called the “Parties” and each of them a “Party”)

Paragraph 1

Duties and Responsibilities

 

1. Mr. Voigt shall have the title and shall perform the responsibilities and duties of the Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Voigt shall perform all duties assigned to him in accordance with the terms of this Agreement by the Company’s board of directors (“Board”) principally through its Chairman, faithfully, diligently and to the best of his ability. Such duties include, without limitation, the overseeing and implementation of the business plan adopted by the Board (as may be revised from time to time by the Board). Mr. Voigt shall perform the services contemplated under this Agreement in accordance with the policies established by and under the direction of the Board. Mr. Voigt shall have such corporate power and authority as shall reasonably be required to enable him to discharge his duties under this Agreement. In addition, the Company shall continue to nominate Mr Voigt, recommend to stockholders of the Company the election of Mr Voigt, and use its other reasonable efforts to enable Mr Voigt to serve on the Board for the Employment Period.

 

2. Mr. Voigt manages the business of the Company in its sector according to the legal provisions, the provisions of the partnership agreement and the decisions of the Company meeting or the Advisory Board. Mr. Voigt attends shareholder meetings, unless otherwise regulated. Mr. Voigt represents the Company as long as otherwise provided, alone.


3. Mr. Voigt will devote his energy and all his knowledge and experience to the Company and all of its subsidiaries. Mr. Voigt’s workplace is the home/base of Prima Biomed GmbH, a 100% subsidiary of the Company in which Mr. Voigt is the executive/managing director, in Leipzig and primarily Berlin, Germany. Mr. Voigt agrees to business trips and to work abroad when required.

Paragraph 2

Agreement

 

1. Mr. Voigt was appointed on 9 July 2014 as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Company.

 

2. This Agreement commences on 9 th of July 2014 for a period of 3 years. Each Party agrees to give each other at least 6 months’ notice of its intention to extend the term of this Agreement.

 

3. Termination of this Agreement must be in writing.

 

4. The right to terminate immediately for Cause remains unaffected.

 

5. This Agreement ends with no further notice when either Mr. Voigt has reached retirement age or if he receives a pension due to disability.

 

6. This Agreement ends with no further notice when the employment contract as managing director of Prima Biomed GmbH between Mr. Voigt and Prima Biomed GmbH, a 100% subsidiary of the Company, ends.

 

7. The Company shall have the right at any time following the delivery of the notice of termination (for any reason) to relieve Mr. Voigt of his offices, duties and responsibilities and to place him on a leave of absence status.

 

8. Despite any provision of this Agreement, the Company is not required to pay or provide any amounts or benefits to Mr. Voigt which do not comply with the provisions of Part 2 D.2, Division 2 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) without the need to obtain shareholder approval. To the extent that this Agreement requires the Company to pay or provide any such amounts or benefits, Mr. Voigt agrees and acknowledges that shareholder approval must first be obtained and hereby irrevocably consents to forego those amounts or benefits if shareholder approval is not obtained.

 

9. Upon the termination of Employee’s employment for any reason, he shall, upon request by the Company:

 

  (a) immediately resign without claim for compensation from all offices held in the Company and any subsidiary (with regard to the employment contract as managing director of Prima Biomed GmbH between the CEO and Prima Biomed GmbH this clause is only applicable if the cause for termination of this Agreement is a cause according to § 626 BGB (German Civil Code)) or affiliate of the Company and membership in any organization and any office in any other company acquired by reason of or in connection with Employee’s employment under this Agreement; Employee hereby irrevocably appoints the Company to be his attorney in his name and on his behalf to execute any documents and to do any things necessary or requisite to give effect to this clause;


  (b) subject to the requirements to preserve any documents under applicable law or good clinical practices, deliver to the Company all documents (including, but not limited to, correspondence, lists of clients or customers, plans, drawings, accounts, and other documents of whatsoever nature, and all copies thereof, whether on paper, computer memory or otherwise) made, compiled or acquired by Employee during his employment with the Company that relate to the business, finances, or affairs of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company, or its or their clients or customers and any other property of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company which is in his possession, custody, care, or control. Employee shall, if requested to do so by the Company, confirm in writing and under oath his compliance with his obligations under this clause;

 

  (c) irretrievably delete any information relating to the business of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company stored on any magnetic or optical disc or memory and all matter derived therefrom which is in his possession, custody, care, or control outside the premises of the Company and if requested to do so by the Company, confirm in writing and under oath his compliance with his obligations under this clause; and

 

  (d) for a period of three years (3) after the termination date of Employee’s employment, and subject to any reasonable limitations posed by the terms and conditions of his then-current employment, cooperate reasonably in regard to matters related to the Company where Employee’s availability is requested by the Company on reasonable advance notice, including matters in which Employee acted on behalf of the Company and as to which his continued advice and cooperation are reasonably regarded as necessary in order to bring such matters to a conclusion or to resolve a dispute relating thereto. Such assistance shall be scheduled at a mutually agreeable time and place in such a manner as not to interfere with any alternative employment obtained by Employee, and this provision shall not require Employee to take a leave of absence from, give up, or otherwise materially contravene or detrimentally interfere with the terms and conditions of any subsequent employment he may have obtained or have a reasonable likelihood of obtaining. If such cooperation is requested at a time when Employee is no longer receiving severance payments the Company shall pay reasonable compensation to Employee and in all cases shall pay all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by his in connection with such cooperation, including but not limited to reasonable travel, hotel, meals, car rental and telephone expenses, as approved in advance by the Company. In the event of legal proceedings this obligation shall continue for greater than 3 years.

Paragraph 3

Compensation

 

1. Mr. Voigt receives no fixed salary under this Agreement.


2. As of 9 July 2014, Mr. Voigt will receive an annual gross salary of 195,000 Euro by Prima Biomed GmbH in fulfilment of the payment obligation of Prima Biomed GmbH under the employment contract as managing director of Prima Biomed GmbH between Mr. Voigt and Prima Biomed GmbH which will be paid in monthly installments at the end of each month. Mr. Voigt may also get a cash performance bonus from Prima Biomed GmbH in the amount of up to 15,000 Euros.

 

3. Mr. Voigt will be offered Short-Term and Long-Term Performance Incentive entitlements by the Company. The terms of his equity grants will be subject to approval of the shareholders of the Company.

 

4. Bonuses are voluntary on the part of the Company. Repeated payments do not constitute a legal claim.

 

5. Travel cost incurred due to business trips will be reimbursed according to tax guidelines and company policies.

Paragraph 4

Vacation

Mr. Voigt is entitled to 30 days (working days) vacation based on a 5 Day Week. Vacation shall be (i) arranged in such way that the concerns of the Company are not impaired and (ii) taken within the calendar year. Mr. Voigt has time until March of the following year to use his vacation days. Vacation is deemed approved if Prima Biomed GmbH approves the vacation under the employment contract as managing director of Prima Biomed GmbH between Mr. Voigt and Prima Biomed GmbH.

Paragraph 5

D & O Insurance

The Company must maintain adequate D&O protection for Mr. Voigt in his capacity as CEO. The coverage must last for 5 years after Mr. Voigt leaves the Company. The adequacy of the coverage will depend on the business performance, which is continuously monitored and adjusted as necessary.

Paragraph 6

Competition Clause

 

1. The CEO is during the duration of the employment contract subject to a non-competition clause. He may not directly or indirectly, either independently, employed or otherwise, either on its own or on behalf of others work for a company that is in business competition with the Company and / or its subsidiaries (e.g. same or similar technological approach) or that supports such a competition.

 

2. In the same way the CEO is also prohibited during the period of such a ban to set up businesses, to acquire or thereto participate directly or indirectly in such businesses which are in competition to the Company. Exempted from this prohibition are stakes in listed companies up to a level of 5.0% of the share capital.


Paragraph 8

Post-contractual Competition Clause

 

1. Mr Voigt undertakes for the duration of 24 months after this contract comes to an end not to work for a company on a freelance, dependent or other basis that is in direct or indirect competition with the Company or is affiliated with a competitive company within the meaning of section 15 of the Stock Corporation Act ( AktG ). In the same way, the Mr Voigt shall be prohibited from forming, acquiring or directly or indirectly participating in such a company during this term unless his shareholding does not enable him to exert influence over the governing bodies of the company in question. The post-contractual covenant not to compete shall also apply to the benefit of affiliates of the Company within the meaning of section 15 of the Stock Corporation Act ( AktG ). The covenant not to compete shall cover the territory of Germany, Australia and the United States of America.

 

2. The Company undertakes to pay the Mr Voigt for the duration of the post-contractual covenant not to compete compensation in the amount of 50% of the average numeration received by him over the last twelve months. The compensation shall be payable at the end of each month. The Company may at any time waive the post-contractual covenant not to compete by observing a notice period of six months; in such event, the obligation of the Company to pay compensation shall lapse.

Paragraph 9

Secrecy

 

1. Mr. Voigt is obliged to keep all entrusted to him or he otherwise became known information about the Company secret from third parties. This information includes, in particular, the operating and business secrets, internal, tax, financial and corporate relations of society, inventions, patents and know-how as well as the personal or financial circumstances of the employees of the Company and any of the other management members. In case of doubt, the Company should be consulted.

 

2. Mr. Voigt is also obligated to keep all information entrusted to him about the customers and business partners of the Company to third parties confidential. This information includes, in particular, the operating and business secrets of customers and business partners, internal, fiscal, economic and social conditions of customers and business partners, the personal or financial circumstances of the employees of customers and business partners, as well as the fact that a particular person customer or business partner of the company. In case of doubt, the Company should be consulted.

 

3. The confidentiality obligations under items 1 and 2 shall not exist where legal statement obligations which or where Mr. Voigt was in individual cases released for certain facts in advance of the confidentiality and if the disclosure in the financial interest of the Company and of an appropriate disclosure of the information society is not damage is done.

 

4. All Mr. Voigt passed or otherwise associated traditional documents and items remain the property of the Company. Mr. Voigt has all documents and objects of the Company, which were entrusted to him or which otherwise, were obtained, handed over immediately upon request of the Company.

 

5. The obligations of this Paragraph 8 continue after termination of this employment Agreement without limitation.


Paragraph 10

Records, Notes and Log

Upon leaving the Company or upon termination of Mr. Voigt’s Agreement, Mr. Voigt is obligated to hand over all documents, correspondences, and all relevant matter to the Company. Mr. Voigt is not allowed to keep any documents, unless they pertain to him personally.

Paragraph 11

Inventions

 

1. Copyrights and other intellectual property rights, in particular rights to inventions or technical improvements that Mr. Voigt has made while working for the Company or due to its experience from his work for the Company or as a result of work of the Company or due to work by the Company are owned by the Company exclusively.

 

2. The CEO hereby assigns all corresponding rights to the Company. The Company accepts such assignment. The Company is not obliged to any additional compensation in this regard.

Paragraph 12

Administration

For purposes of this Agreement, Mr Voigt agrees that employment issues will be generally administered by the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary Prima Biomed GmbH, located at Deutscher Platz 5E 04103 Leipzig, Germany. Mr Voigt, for purposes of tax, benefits, and employment law, is a resident of Germany. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall by understood to limit Mr Voigt’s obligations and rights as an officer of the Company with duties and responsibilities to Company and all of its subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide.

Paragraph 13

Miscellaneous provisions

 

1. If any provision of this Agreement is invalid, the validity of the remaining provisions shall not be affected. The parties are obliged to replace the invalid determination by a valid provision, which reaches the goal that the invalid provision is striving for as near as possible.

 

2. Changes or additions to this Agreement must be made in writing. This also applies to the determination of the change in the provisions of the preceding sentence.

 

3. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of Australia.


Definitions

Definition of Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean the Employee has, during the Employment Period:

 

  (a) defaulted or breached any of the material provisions of this Agreement, or any material provision of an agreement with any other Company affiliate;

 

  (b) been indicted, arrested or convicted of, or plead guilty or no contest to, a felony or other crime, including crimes involving fraud, larceny, embezzlement, moral turpitude or dishonesty, or engaged in any act which is a violation of any law or regulation protecting the rights of employees or relating to the conduct of the Company’s or any of its affiliates’ business;

 

  (c) intentionally committed any act, which materially detrimentally impacts on the business, business relationships or reputation of the Company, its affiliates, any employee or director of the Company or its affiliates, and such act was undertaken without the authorization of the Board;

 

  (d) during the performance of Employee’s duties been habitually under the influence of alcohol or drugs and this materially impacted the business or reputation of the Company or its affiliates or the Employee’s ability to conduct his duties under this Agreement;

 

  (e) failed to follow reasonable and lawful directives of the Board;

 

  (f) failed or refused to perform his principal duties and responsibilities as set forth in Section 1 hereof, if such failure or refusal is not cured within thirty (30) days after written notice thereof to Employee by the Company;

 

  (g) committed an act, or failed to commit an act, involving the Company or its affiliates that amounts to willful misconduct, wanton misconduct or gross negligence, including without limitation any violation of the Company’s or its affiliates’ anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies;

 

  (h) intentionally engaged in any activity that is in conflict with or adverse to the interests of the Company or its affiliates, including without limitation violation of foreign or domestic anti-corruption laws, rules and regulations;

 

  (i) breached Employee’s fiduciary duty to the Company or its affiliates (whether or not for personal profit); or

 

  (j) committed an act of self-dealing under violation of his rights and duties as CEO of the Company.


1 August 2014

   

1 August 2014

Date     Date

/s/ Marc Voigt

   

/s/ Lucy Turnbull

Marc Voigt     Prima BioMed Ltd.
    Corporation, represented by its Chairman, Lucy Turnbull

Exhibit 4.15.2

Executive- and Business Manager Employment Contract

between

Prima Biomed GmbH

Deutscher Platz 5E

04103 Leipzig

(hereinafter, known as “Company”)

and

Mr. Marc Voigt

(hereinafter, known as “Mr. Voigt” or “Executive/Managing Director”)

(hereinafter, the “Company” and “Mr. Voigt” or “Executive/Managing Director together known as the “Parties” and each of them a “Party”)

Paragraph 1

Duties and Responsibilities

 

1. Mr. Voigt manages the business of the Company in its business unit according to the legal provisions, the provisions of the articles of association and the decisions of the shareholders’ meeting or the advisory board ( Beirat ). The business unit of Mr. Voigt is regulated in the procedures of the managing directors ( Annex 1 ). Mr. Voigt attends shareholders’ meetings, unless otherwise regulated. Mr. Voigt represents the company as long as otherwise provided, alone.

 

2. Mr. Voigt will devote his energy and all his knowledge and experience to the Company. It is known that he also works for Prima Biomed Ltd. Should he take on consulting work or a secondary employment, each for valuable consideration or free of charge, he is required to attain prior written consent if this works as consultant together constraints his regular tasks and duties for the Company. This shall also apply if the Executive/Managing Director is willing to take on any posts in an honorary capacity, in an advisory board, supervisory board or similar positions.

 

3. Mr. Voigt’s workplace is the home/base of the Company as well as Berlin. Mr. Voigt agrees to business trips and to work abroad when required.


Paragraph 2

Contract

 

1. This contract goes into effect as of the 9 th of July 2014 for a period of 3 years and replaces the previous Executive- and Business Manager Employment Contract between Mr. Voigt and the Company. Each Party agrees to give each other at least 6 months’ notice of its intention to extend the term of this contract.

 

2. There is no trial period. The contract can be terminated by either Party without Cause (as defined below) by three (3) months’ notice to the end of the month if notice is provided within the first six (6) months of the commencement date. Thereafter either Party can terminate without Cause on 6 months notice to the end of a month.

 

3. Termination of this contract must be in writing.

 

4. The right to terminate for cause pursuant to § 626 BGB remains unaffected. (BGB-Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch- German Civil Code)

 

5. The contract ends with no further notice at the end of the month in which either Mr. Voigt has reached retirement age or receives a pension due to disability.

 

6. If within twelve (12) months immediately following a Change in Control, Mr. Voigt is terminated without Cause by the Company (or the successor company) or Mr. Voigt terminates his employment with the Company (or the successor company) for Good Reason (as defined below), Mr. Voigt shall be entitled to nine (9) months of his annual gross salary, payable either as a lump sum or on the same basis and the same time as previously paid, at the discretion of the Company (or the successor company).

 

7. The Company shall have the right at any time following the delivery of the notice of termination (for any reason) to relieve Mr. Voigt of his offices, duties and responsibilities and to place him on a paid leave of absence status. If the Company places Mr. Voigt on paid leave of absence status pursuant to the preceding sentence, then Mr. Voigt shall remain a full-time employee of the Company and shall continue to receive his salary compensation and other benefits set forth in this contract between receipt and effectiveness of termination.

Paragraph 3

Compensation

 

1. As of 9 July 2014, Mr. Voigt will receive an annual gross salary of 195,000 Euro which will be paid in monthly installments at the end of each month. The Parties agree, in good faith, to annually review compensation and benefits. Mr. Voigt may also get a performance bonus in the amount of up to 15,000 Euros.

 

2. Due to the above mentioned earnings of the Executive/Managing Director, all related activities are settled including those office related issues that incur after working hours. Bonuses are voluntary on the part of the Company. Repeated payments do not constitute a legal claim.

 

3. Travel cost incurred due to business trips will be reimbursed according to tax guidelines.


Paragraph 4

Sickness and Death

 

1. In case of inability to work due to illness or accident, Mr. Voigt receives the annual gross salary under § 3 para 1 for the period of 6 weeks according to the legal regulations ( Entgeltfortzahlungsgesetz ). If the Executive/Managing Director is privately insured, he should take precautions for an inability to work which exceeds the initial six (6) weeks by an insurance coverage. A claim to the payment of the annual gross salary towards the Company only exists until the date on which a claim for indemnification ( Anspruch auf Entgeltersatzleistungen ) exists by the statutory or private health insurance. A continuation of the salary payment by the Company on an ongoing inability to work more than 6 weeks is excluded.

 

2. In case of Mr. Voigt’s death within the contract period, his widow and their children who have not yet reached the age of 25 and are still in school or training, are entitled joint creditors ( Gesamtgläubiger ) to his salary for three (3) months.

Paragraph 5

Vacation

Mr. Voigt is entitled to 30 days vacation (working days) based on a 5 Day Week. Vacation shall be (i) arranged in such way that the concerns of the Company are not impaired and (ii) taken within the calendar year. Mr. Voigt has time until March of the following year to use his vacation days.

Paragraph 6

D & O Insurance

The Company must maintain adequate D&O protection for Mr. Voigt in his capacity as Executive/Managing Director (coverage of at least 1 million Euros per claim). The coverage must last for 5 years after the manager leaves the Company. The adequacy of the coverage will depend on the business performance, which is continuously monitored and adjusted as necessary.

Paragraph 7

Competition Clause

 

1. The Executive/Managing Director is during the duration of the employment contract subject to a non-competition clause. He may not directly or indirectly, either independently, employed or otherwise, either on its own or on behalf of others work for a company that is in business competition with the Company and / or its subsidiaries (e.g. same or similar technological approach) or that supports such a competition.


2. In the same way the Executive/Managing Director is prohibited during the period of such a ban to set up businesses, to acquire or thereto participate directly or indirectly in such businesses which are in competition to the Company. Exempted from this prohibition are stakes in listed companies up to a level of 5.0% of the share capital.

 

3. Items 1- 2 are eliminated should Mr. Voigt take early retirement and thus terminate his contract.

 

4. Unless stipulated otherwise above regulations §§ 74 of the HGB (German Commercial Code) apply accordingly.

Paragraph 8

Post-contractual Competition Clause

 

1. The Executive/Managing Director undertakes for the duration of 24 months after this contract comes to an end not to work for a company on a freelance, dependent or other basis that is in direct or indirect competition with the Company or is affiliated with a competitive company within the meaning of section 15 of the Stock Corporation Act ( AktG ). In the same way, the Executive/Managing Director shall be prohibited from forming, acquiring or directly or indirectly participating in such a company during this term unless his shareholding does not enable him to exert influence over the governing bodies of the company in question. The post-contractual covenant not to compete shall also apply to the benefit of affiliates of the Company within the meaning of section 15 of the Stock Corporation Act ( AktG ). The covenant not to compete shall cover the territory of Germany, Australia and the United States of America.

 

2. The Company undertakes to pay the Managing Director for the duration of the post-contractual covenant not to compete compensation in the amount of 50% of the average renumeration received by him over the last twelve months. The compensation shall be payable at the end of each month. The Company may at any time waive the post-contractual covenant not to compete by observing a notice period of six months; in such event, the obligation of the Company to pay compensation shall lapse.

Paragraph 9

Secrecy

 

1. Mr. Voigt is obliged to keep all entrusted to him or he otherwise became known information about the Company secret from third parties. This information includes, in particular, the operating and business secrets, internal, tax, financial and corporate relations of society, inventions, patents and know-how as well as the personal or financial circumstances of the employees of the Company and any of the other management members. In case of doubt, the Company should be consulted.

 

2. Mr. Voigt is also obligated to keep all information entrusted to him about the customers and business partners of the Company to third parties confidential. This information includes, in particular, the operating and business secrets of customers and business partners, internal, fiscal, economic and social conditions of customers and business partners, the personal or financial circumstances of the employees of customers and business partners, as well as the fact that a particular person customer or business partner of the Company. In case of doubt, the Company should be consulted.


3. The confidentiality obligations under items 1 and 2 shall not exist where statutory statement obligations are sufficient or where Mr. Voigt was in individual cases released for certain facts in advance from the confidentiality and where the disclosure is in the financial interest of the Company and where an appropriate transfer of the information of the information does not damage the Company.

 

4. Any documents and items that have been passed to Mr. Voigt or which were obtained by Mr. Voigt otherwise remain the property of the Company. Mr. Voigt immediately has to hand over upon request of the Company any documents and items of the Company, that have been passed to Mr. Voigt or which were obtained by Mr. Voigt otherwise.

 

5. The obligations of this Paragraph 9 continue after termination of this employment contract without limitation.

Paragraph 10

Records, Notes and Log

Without undue delay upon leaving the Company or upon termination of Mr. Voigt’s contract, Mr. Voigt is obligated to hand over all documents, correspondences, records and drafts in relation to the Company which are in his custody. Mr. Voigt is not allowed to keep any documents, unless they pertain to him personally.

Paragraph 11

Inventions

 

1. Copyrights and other intellectual property rights, in particular rights to inventions or technical improvements that Mr. Voigt has made while working for the Company or due to its experience from his work for the Company or as a result of work of the Company or due to work by the Company are owned by the Company exclusively.

 

2. The Executive/Managing Director hereby assigns all corresponding rights to the Company. The Company accepts such assignment. The Company is not obliged to any additional compensation in this regard. The Employee Invention Act ( Arbeitnehmererfindungsgesetz ) is not applicable as the Executive/Managing Director is no employee in the terms of the Employee Invention Act ( Arbeitnehmererfindungsgesetz ).

Paragraph 12

Salary Pledge

Pledges or content-assignation require the approval of the shareholders’ assembly.


Paragraph 13

Final provisions

 

1. If any provision of this contract is invalid, the validity of the remaining provisions shall not be affected. The Parties are obliged to replace the invalid determination by a valid provision, which reaches the goal that the invalid provision is striving for as near as possible.

 

2. Changes or additions to this contract must be made in writing. This also applies to the determination of the change in the provisions of the preceding sentence.

 

3. This contract is executed in the German and English languages. In the event of any inconsistencies, the English version shall prevail.

 

4. This contract shall be governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany.


Definitions

 

1. Definition of Cause. For purposes of this contract, “Cause” shall mean the Executive/Managing Director has, during the employment period:

 

  (a) defaulted or breached any of the material provisions of this contract, or any material provision of an agreement with any other affiliate of the Company within the meaning of section 15 of the Stock Corporation Act ( AktG );

 

  (b) been indicted, arrested or convicted of, or plead guilty to a felony or other crime, including crimes involving fraud, larceny, embezzlement, or engaged in any act which is a material violation of any law or regulation protecting the rights of employees or relating to the conduct of the Company’s or any of its affiliates’ within the meaning of section 15 of the Stock Corporation Act ( AktG );

 

  (c) intentionally committed any act, which materially detrimentally impacts on the business, business relationships or reputation of the Company, its affiliates within the meaning of section 15 of the Stock Corporation Act ( AktG ), any employee or director of the Company or its affiliates within the meaning of section 15 of the Stock Corporation Act ( AktG ), and such act was undertaken without the authorization of the shareholders’ assembly of the Company;

 

  (d) during the performance of the Executive/Managing Director’s duties been habitually under the influence of alcohol or drugs and this materially impacted the business or reputation of the Company or its affiliates within the meaning of section 15 of the Stock Corporation Act ( AktG ) or the Executive/Managing Director’s ability to conduct his duties under this contract;

 

  (e) failed to follow lawful directives of the shareholder’s meeting of the Company;

 

  (f) failed or refused to perform his principal duties and responsibilities as set forth in Section 1 hereof, if such failure or refusal is not cured within thirty (30) days after written notice thereof to Executive/Managing Director by the Company;

 

  (g) committed a breach of its duties, due to actions or omissions, involving the Company or its affiliates within the meaning of section 15 of the Stock Corporation Act ( AktG ) that amounts to willful misconduct, wanton misconduct or gross negligence, including without limitation any violation of the Company’s or its affiliates’ – within the meaning of section 15 of the Stock Corporation Act ( AktG ) – anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies;

 

  (h) been intentionally engaged in any activity that is in conflict with or adverse to the interests of the Company or its affiliates within the meaning of section 15 of the Stock Corporation Act ( AktG ), including without limitation violation of foreign or domestic anti-corruption laws, rules and regulations;


  (i) breached Executive/Managing Director’s fiduciary duty towards the Company or its affiliates within the meaning of section 15 of the Stock Corporation Act ( AktG ) (whether or not for personal profit); or

 

  (j) committed an act of self-dealing under violation of his rights and duties as Executive/Managing Director of the Company.

 

2. Definition of Good Reason. For purposes of this contract, the term “Good Reason” will mean one or more of the following is undertaken without the Employee’s express written consent:

 

  (a) a material breach by the Company of any material provision of this or other related agreements;

 

  (b) the assignment to Executive/Managing Director of any duties materially and substantially inconsistent with Executive/Managing Director’s position in the Company, or a materially adverse alteration in the nature or status of Executive/Managing Director’s responsibilities;

 

  (c) a reduction in Executive/Managing Director’s base salary or benefits that would substantially diminish the aggregate value of the Executive/Managing Director’s compensation and benefits; or

 

3. Definition of Change in Control. For purpose of this contract, a “Change in Control” will be deemed to occur if:

 

  (a) there will be (i) consummated any consolidation or merger of Prima Biomed Ltd. in which Prima Biomed Ltd. is not the continuing or surviving corporation or pursuant to which the stock of Prima Biomed Ltd. would be converted into cash, securities or other property, other than a merger or consolidation of Prima Biomed Ltd. in which the holders of Prima Biomed Ltd.’s stock immediately prior to the merger or consolidation hold more than fifty percent (50%) of the stock or other forms of equity of Prima Biomed Ltd. and still immediately after the merger or consolidation hold more than fifty percent (50%) of the stock or other forms of equity of the continuing or surviving corporation, or (ii) any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all, or substantially all, the assets of Prima Biomed Ltd.; or

 

  (b) the board of directors of Prima Biomed Ltd. approves any plan or proposal for liquidation or dissolution of Prima Biomed Ltd.

 

Leipzig,  

 

    Leipzig  

 

  Date 22 July 2014       Date

/s/ Marc Voigt

   

/s/ Lucy Turnbull

Marc Voigt     Prima BioMed Ltd.
      Company, represented by Lucy Turnbull

Exhibit 4.16.2

 

      LOGO
     

Level 7, 151 Macquarie Street

Sydney

NSW 2000

Australia

Ms Deanne Miller

General Counsel & Company Secretary

Prima BioMed Limited

30 July 2014

Dear Deanne

Variation to Executive Employment Agreement dated 13 October 2012 (“Agreement”) and Variation Letter dated

Further to our recent discussions, Prima BioMed Limited (“ Prima” ) agrees to vary your Agreement as set out in the attached Schedule.

This variation is effective from Friday 1 August 2014. Your new Remuneration will start being paid to you from the next payroll run, with any back pay backdated to 1 August 2014 paid on this day as well.

All other terms and conditions of your Agreement remain the same.

Please indicate your acceptance of this variation by signing (in duplicate) this letter and returning one executed copy to me.

Prima looks forward to your ongoing assistance.

Yours faithfully,

 

/s/ Marc Voigt

Marc Voigt
Chief Executive Officer
Prima BioMed Ltd

I accept the variation to the Agreement

 

/s/ Deanne Miller

Deanne Miller


Schedule

Agreed amendments to Agreement:

 

Clause

 

Agreed Amendment

5(a)   Replace “$160,000” with $180,000

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

Exhibit 4.18

Dated 1st December 2013

PRIMA BIOMED LTD

(ABN 90 009 237 889)

and

CELL THERAPIES PTY LTD

(ABN 15 100 285 916)

 

 

TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

1.

 

DEFINITIONS, INTERPRETATION

     4   

2.

 

APPOINTMENT OF CT

     7   

3.

 

TERM OF THE AGREEMENT

     7   

4.

 

PERFORMANCE OF THE SERVICES

     7   

5.

 

OBLIGATIONS OF PRIMA

     9   

6.

 

INVOICING AND PAYMENT

     9   

7.

 

APPOINTMENT OF AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVES & Periodic Review

     9   

8.

 

CONFIDENTIALITY / INFORMATION

     10   

9.

 

PRIVACY

     11   

10.

 

SERVICE RESULTS

     11   

11.

 

INSURANCE

     12   

12.

 

INDEMNITY

     13   

13.

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     13   

14.

 

TERMINATION OR EXTENSION

     14   

15.

 

ETHICS COMMITTEE APPROVAL AND PATIENT CONSENT

     16   

16.

 

RELATIONSHIP

     16   

17.

 

VARIATION

     16   

18.

 

ASSIGNMENT

     16   

19.

 

SUBCONTRACTING

     16   

20.

 

NOTICES TO PRIMA

     16   

21.

 

NOTICES TO CT

     17   

22.

 

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

     17   

23.

 

GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

     17   

24.

 

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

     18   

25.

 

NO WAIVER

     18   

26.

 

REMEDIES CUMULATIVE

     18   

27.

 

COUNTERPARTS

     18   

28.

 

SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS

     18   

29.

 

GST GENERAL PRINCIPLES

     18   

30.

 

RELEASE OF INFORMATION

     18   

SCHEDULE 1

     20   

THE SERVICES

     20   

SCHEDULE 2

     21   

FEES AND EXPENSES

     21   

SCHEDULE 3

     22   

PRIMA’s QUALITY POLICY

     22   

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


THIS MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made

BETWEEN

Cell Therapies Pty Ltd (ABN 15 100 285 916) of Ground Floor, 10 St Andrews Place, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002 Australia (“ CT ”)

AND

Prima Biomed Ltd (ABN 90 009 237 889) Level 7, 151 Macquarie Street Sydney, New South Wales 2000 Australia (“ PRIMA” ).

Each a “Party” and collectively, “Parties”

RECITALS

 

A. PRIMA is in the process of rationalising its global manufacturing resources.

 

B. This agreement is for additional services to be provided in addition to the services associated with the 31 st  December 2013 termination of a Master Services Agreement between the Parties.

 

C. The Terms and Conditions of this agreement are intended to mirror the Terms and Conditions of the last Services Agreements between the Parties.

 

D. CT is a commercial division of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (“Peter Mac”).

 

E. CT conducts all commercial activities involving the staff and facilities of Peter Mac’s Centre for Blood Cell Therapies (CBCT).

 

F. CT agrees to provide services as requested by and directed by PRIMA (“Services”), initially described in Schedule 1, and as may change from time to time as directed by PRIMA’s Authorized Representative, according to the fees and terms described in Schedule 2.

 

G. Accordingly, PRIMA wishes to engage CT to provide the Services pursuant to the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


IT IS THEREFORE AGREED AS FOLLOWS

 

1. DEFINITIONS, INTERPRETATION

 

1.1 Definitions

The following definitions apply unless the context requires otherwise:

“Authorised Representative” means the authorised contact person for a Party for all purposes connected with this Agreement;

“Commencement Date” means the 1 st of December 2013

“Confidential Information” means any information whether written, oral or otherwise relating to the past, present, future or proposed research or business of a Party or a related body corporate of Party including, without limitation:

 

  (a) all investigations, data, reports, analyses, forms, memoranda, specifications, letters, processes, procedures, research and development information, formulae, conclusions, methodologies, research plans, project descriptions, business plans and projections, profit and loss statements, management reports, arrangements and agreements with third parties, strategic planning details, business and other systems retained by the Party;

 

  (b) any financial information concerning the conduct, development, financing, managing or selling activities of the Party, relating to the Party’s business or operation; and

 

  (c) all information and data relating to the operations, dealings, property, assets, technology, activities and services of a Party, including without limitation Intellectual Property Rights, software, source and object code, trade secrets, confidential know-how, client information and information proprietary to clients, client lists, concepts not reduced to material form, designs, drawings, plans and models

but does not include information which:

 

  (d) at the time of the disclosure to the receiving Party, was already in the lawful possession of that Party in written form;

 

  (e) is in or comes into the public domain otherwise than by disclosure in breach of this Agreement or any other breach of confidentiality;

 

  (f) is independently developed by the receiving Party; or

 

  (g) is obtained lawfully by the receiving Party from a third Party otherwise than by disclosure in breach of an obligation of confidentiality.

“CT Improvements” means any improvements, mutations, enhancements, modifications, adaptations, extensions, developments, applications of and all other technical advances made to any CT Intellectual Property during the course of CT’s performance of the Services, all of which excludes PRIMA Intellectual Property and PRIMA Improvements.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


“CT Intellectual Property” means all the intellectual property owned or made available by CT to be used by CT in the performance of the Services, all of which excludes PRIMA Intellectual Property.

“Delegate” means a deputy authorised to act on behalf of an Authorised Representative;

“Facilities” means the facilities, including clean rooms, laboratories, and administrative space, provided by CT to PRIMA as a Service, or in support of Services;

“Force Majeure” means an event or cause beyond the reasonable control of the Party claiming force majeure including, without limitation:

 

  (a) act of God, lightning, storm, flood, fire, earthquake or explosion, cyclone, tidal wave, landslide, adverse weather conditions;

 

  (b) strike, lockout or other labour difficulty;

 

  (c) act of public enemy, war (declared or undeclared), sabotage, blockade, revolution, riot, insurrection, civil commotion, epidemic;

 

  (d) the effects of any applicable laws, orders, rules or regulations of any government or other competent authority;

 

  (e) breakage or accident or other damage to machinery or equipment;

 

  (f) power interruption or failure, to either or both of mainline power transmission or backup/emergency generator, howsoever caused”

Insolvency Event” means, in respect of a party:

 

  (a) the party ceases to carry on its business; or

 

  (b) the party ceases to be able to pay its debts as they become due; or

 

  (c) any step is taken to enter into an arrangement between the party and its creditors; or

 

  (d) any step is taken to appoint a receiver, receiver and manager, a trustee in bankruptcy, a liquidator, a provisional liquidator, an administrator or other like person in respect of any of the party’s assets.

“Intellectual Property Rights” means and includes all present and future intellectual and industrial property rights conferred by statute, at common law or in equity, including (without limitation):

 

  (a) any patent rights, inventions, patent, copyright, designs, rights in circuit layouts, plant breeder’s rights, trade marks, brand names, domain names, product names, trade secret, or know-how and other results of intellectual effort in the scientific, technological, bio-technological, industrial, literary or artistic and commercial fields, whether or not registered or capable of registration;

 

  (b) any application or right to apply for registration in respect of those rights;

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


  (c) any registration of any of those rights or any registration of any application referred to in Item (b); and

 

  (d) all renewals and extensions of these rights.

PRIMA Improvements ” means any improvements, mutation, enhancements, modifications, adaptations, extensions, developments, application of and all other technical advances made to any PRIMA Intellectual Property.

“PRIMA Intellectual Property” means all the intellectual property owned or made available by PRIMA to CT to be used by CT in the performance of the Services, including all Intellectual Property Rights subsisting in the Product.

Personal Information ” means information about an identifiable individual;

Privacy Laws ” means the Privacy Act 1993;

“Procedure” means, in respect of any Product, the manufacturing processes and SOP’s specified by PRIMA for its manufacture or storage;

“Product” means CVac™ as developed by PRIMA for the treatment of ovarian cancer or any other indication to be specified by PRIMA, the output of the Procedure specified by PRIMA.

“Repeat” means to do once again what ever sections of the Procedure that are required to achieve a minimum or acceptable yield.

“Services” means the services set out in Schedule 1, including any other tasks agreed by the Parties in writing;

“Services Fees” means all charges specified in Schedule 2;

“Service Results” means the materials, results, PRIMA Improvements and the deliverables which are created, discovered or developed as a result of CT’s performance of the Services but not including CT Improvements;

“SOP” means standard operating procedure as utilised in the current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) for human blood and tissue.

“Term” means the terms of this Agreement as set out in Clause 3;

 

1.2 Interpretation

Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation. The following rules apply unless the context requires otherwise.

 

  (a) The singular includes the plural and conversely.

 

  (b) A gender includes all genders.

 

  (c) If a word or phrase is defined, its other grammatical forms have a corresponding meaning.

 

  (d) A reference to a person, corporation, trust, partnership, unincorporated body or other entity includes any of them.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


  (e) A reference to a clause, paragraph, Item, Annexure or Schedule, is a reference to a clause, paragraph or Item of or an Annexure to or a Schedule to, this Agreement.

 

  (f) A reference to an agreement or document (including, without limitation, a reference to this Agreement) is to the agreement or document as amended, varied, supplemented, novated or replaced except to the extent prohibited by this Agreement or that other agreement or document.

 

  (g) A reference to a Party to this Agreement or another agreement or document includes the Party’s successors and permitted substitutes or assigns (and, where applicable, the Party’s legal personal representatives).

 

  (h) A reference to legislation or to a provision of legislation includes a modification or re-enactment of it, a legislative provision substituted for it and a regulation or statutory instrument issued under it.

 

  (i) A reference to writing includes a facsimile transmission and any means of reproducing words in a tangible and permanently visible form.

 

  (j) All amounts listed in Schedule 2 are in Australian Dollars.

 

2. APPOINTMENT OF CT

PRIMA engages CT to provide the Services for the Term of this Agreement and CT agrees to carry out the Services for the Term in accordance with this Agreement.

 

3. TERM OF THE AGREEMENT

This Agreement will commence on the Commencement Date and shall continue in full force and effect for a period of twelve (12) months from the Commencement Date unless extended or terminated in accordance with Clause 14.

 

4. PERFORMANCE OF THE SERVICES

 

  (a) CT must perform the Services in accordance with this Agreement and:

 

  (i) efficiently, with due care and skill and to the best of its knowledge and expertise;

 

  (ii) in a time and manner as reasonably requested by PRIMA’s Authorized Representative, such that these requests are within the scope of this Agreement;

 

  (iii) according to any agreed Procedures for a Product; and

 

  (iv) in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

 

  (b) If a process or procedure fails to meet expectations or specification then CT will perform a “Repeat” to either rectify or identify the source of the failure. This is a fees for service engagement and the fees in Schedule 2 will apply to the Repeat service.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


  (c) CT is to promptly notify PRIMA’s Authorised Representative in the event that the TGA, or any other competent regulatory authority, inspects or intends to inspect CT’s Facilities or any aspect of the Services provided to PRIMA. CT shall endeavour to arrange for PRIMA to have a representative present at any such inspection. In any case, CT shall provide PRIMA’s Authorised Representative with copies of all communications with the TGA or any other competent regulatory authority related to the Services.

 

  (d) When requested by PRIMA, CT shall furnish to PRIMA a comprehensive written report summarizing the data generated to date and the status of Services.

 

  (e) In performing its obligations under this Agreement, CT agrees to use its reasonable endeavours to avoid infringing the Intellectual Property Rights of any third party.

 

  (f) PRIMA acknowledges and agrees that, although CT agrees to apply the same skills and knowledge to the provision of the Services as it applies to the management of its own Therapeutic Goods Administration (“TGA”) licence, the TGA is an independent regulatory body outside the control of CT. To the extent that the TGA mandates regulations or guidelines that CT cannot predict or interpret, it cannot give any warranty or assurance as to its compliance with any such regulations and guidelines. PRIMA further acknowledges that CT is neither qualified nor authorised nor empowered to provide legal advice and no element of its provision of the Services is, or is to be regarded or interpreted as such.

 

  (g) PRIMA acknowledges and agrees that some of the Services constitute a research project and that as such no particular result or outcome can be guaranteed.

 

  (h) CT must not:

 

  (i) incur any liabilities in PRIMA’s name or on its behalf, or pledge its credit without PRIMA’s prior written approval;

 

  (ii) have or during the Term accept, any obligations to any person that will or may interfere with the CT’s ability to provide the Services in accordance with this Agreement, without the prior written approval of PRIMA.

 

  (i) CT must use its reasonable endeavours to:

 

  (i) make available its personnel and resources to provide the Services;

 

  (ii) ensure that its personnel are aware of and will comply with CT’s obligations in providing the Services in accordance with this Agreement;

In carrying out the Services CT must use its reasonable endeavours to comply with PRIMA’s Quality Policy as described in Schedule 3.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


5. OBLIGATIONS OF PRIMA

 

  (a) Subject to Schedule 2 and Clause 6, and in consideration for the performance of the Services, PRIMA must pay CT the agreed Service Fees according to agreed terms.

 

  (b) PRIMA is required to declare if there are any genetically modified organisms to be used in the processes involved in any Service.

 

  (c) PRIMA is required to declare if there is any material of non human animal origin and its status to be used in the processes involved in any Service.

 

  (d) PRIMA shall be responsible for the:

 

  (i) procurement of starting material(s) for the Product and their delivery to the CT facilities; and

 

  (ii) delivery of the Product from the CT facilities to the hospital or other site at which the Product is intended for administration to a patient.

 

6. INVOICING AND PAYMENT

 

  (a) Unless otherwise agreed in writing, PRIMA must, within [***] of receiving an invoice from CT, pay for all costs and expenses according to Schedule 2.

 

  (b) PRIMA will pay correctly rendered invoices to:

[***]

 

  (c) PRIMA may withhold payment of any invoiced amount which is in dispute.

 

7. APPOINTMENT OF AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVES & PERIODIC REVIEW

 

  (a) Both PRIMA and CT will appoint one of its staff to be the Authorised Representative of that Party. In the case of PRIMA, the Authorised Representative will be [***] or such other person as advised by PRIMA to CT in writing from time to time. In the case of CT, the Authorised Representative will be [***] or such other person as advised by CT to PRIMA in writing from time to time. Each Authorised Representative may appoint a Delegate by notice in writing to the other party.

 

  (b) CT and PRIMA must ensure that their Authorised Representatives (or their Delegates) are available for consultation with the other Party as reasonably required by the other Party and within [***] of being requested.

 

  (c) CT and PRIMA must ensure that their Authorised Representatives (or their Delegates) agree to the form and content of external communications that relate to the performance of the Services.

 

  (d) If the Parties’ Authorised Representative decides that the obligations of either Party under the Agreement should be altered, the Parties’ Authorised Representatives will negotiate in good faith appropriate revision of the Services and to the fees payable to CT under Schedules 1 and 2.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


  (e) If the Parties’ Authorised Representatives agree to amendments under this clause, the Parties must amend this Agreement in accordance with Clause 17.

 

  (f) If the Parties’ Authorised Representatives cannot agree in relation to any changes to be made pursuant to this clause, the dispute must be referred to dispute resolution in accordance with Clause 22

 

8. CONFIDENTIALITY / INFORMATION

 

  (a) CT must not disclose, and must take reasonable steps to ensure that their Affiliates and CT’s and Peter Mac’s employees, contractors and agents do not disclose, any Confidential Information of PRIMA to any third party, unless the disclosure is required by law. If disclosure is required by law, CT must immediately provide written notice to PRIMA’s Authorised Representative of the requirement for the disclosure of the Confidential Information and use its reasonable endeavours to withhold any such disclosure for at least [***].

 

  (b) CT must:

 

  (i) use Confidential Information of PRIMA only for the purpose of performing the Services in accordance with this Agreement;

 

  (ii) take all reasonable steps to secure and keep secure all Confidential Information of PRIMA in its possession or control;

 

  (iii) not use, modify, reverse engineer or make copies, notes or records of the Confidential Information of PRIMA for any purpose other than for performing the Services in accordance with this Agreement;

 

  (iv) not apply for, register or attempt to register, or authorise or assist any third party to apply for or register, under any statute or otherwise in any country any form of Intellectual Property Rights relating to or incorporating any Confidential Information of PRIMA, without the prior written approval of PRIMA.

 

  (c) CT warrants that all relevant employees of CT and Peter Mac have entered into written confidentiality agreements undertaking confidentiality obligations no less onerous than those of CT under this Agreement. On receipt of a request from PRIMA, CT covenants to provide copies of the confidentiality agreements.

 

  (d) PRIMA must not disclose, and must take reasonable steps to ensure that their Affiliates, and PRIMA’s and their Affiliates’ employees, contractors and agents do not disclose, any Confidential Information of CT to any third party, unless the disclosure is required by law or to comply with the rules of any stock exchange on which the securities of PRIMA or an Affiliate may be listed from time to time. If disclosure is required by law or to comply with the rules of any stock exchange on which the securities of PRIMA or an Affiliate may be listed from time to time, PRIMA must immediately provide written notice to CT’s Authorised Representative of the requirement for the disclosure of the Confidential Information and use its reasonable endeavours to withhold any such disclosure for at least [***].

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


  (e) Each Party agrees that any disclosure of another Party’s Confidential Information to any of its employees, consultants, Affiliates, licensees and sub licensees shall be made only if and to the extent necessary to carry out its rights and responsibilities under this Agreement, and shall be limited to the maximum extent possible consistent with such rights and responsibilities and shall only be made to persons who are bound by written confidentiality obligations to maintain the confidentiality thereof and not to use such Confidential Information except as expressly permitted by this Agreement.

 

  (f) Failure to observe the obligations contained in this Clause 8 is a serious breach and may cause irreparable damage to the relevant Party. In addition to any other remedies available to the relevant Party for disclosure of Confidential Information, the proprietor of the Confidential Information may require the permanent removal of the person who disclosed the Confidential Information from any activities associated or connected with this Agreement.

 

  (g) Clause 8 survives the termination of this Agreement.

 

9. PRIVACY

Where PRIMA or its agent provides Personal Information to CT, CT must comply with the Privacy Laws and;

 

  (a) to the extent permitted by law, not in any way respond to a request for access to Personal Information except to refer the enquirer to PRIMA and to notify PRIMA of the request; and

 

  (b) CT must:

 

  (i) only use Personal Information for the purpose of this Agreement and not for its own purpose;

 

  (ii) only disclose Personal Information if it is necessary for the purpose of this Agreement or with the prior written consent of the PRIMA; and

 

  (iii) ensure that only authorised personnel have access to Personal Information and that all Personal Information is stored securely and is protected from unauthorised access, use or disclosure; and

 

  (iv) destroy all Personal Information once this Agreement has ended.

 

10. SERVICE RESULTS

 

  (a) Nothing in this Agreement will cause the transfer of any rights in or grant any rights to another Party, other than those rights conferred pursuant to Clause 10(b) and 10(c).

 

  (b) All Services Results and any Intellectual Property Rights subsisting therein will vest in PRIMA and CT assigns to PRIMA all its current and future, legal and beneficial right, title and interest in and to Service Results and all of its Intellectual Property Rights subsisting therein, with effect on and from the date of creation of Service Results.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


  (c) All CT Improvements and any Intellectual Property Rights subsisting therein will vest in CT and PRIMA assigns to CT all its current and future, legal and beneficial right, title and interest in and to such Service Results and all of its Intellectual Property Rights, if any, subsisting therein, with effect on and from the date of creation of those Service Results.

 

  (d) Both Parties will execute all documents and do all things reasonably necessary to give effect to clauses 10(b) and 10(c) and to protect all Intellectual Property Rights arising as a result of this Agreement.

 

  (e) CT appoints PRIMA as CT’s attorney to carry out any act or execute any document or instrument to the extent necessary to give effect to the assignment under clause 10(b).

 

  (f) PRIMA appoints CT as PRIMA’s attorney to carry out any act or execute any document or instrument to the extent necessary to give effect to the assignment under clause 10(c).

 

  (g) Both parties agree that they will not and must use reasonable endeavours to ensure that its employees, officers, agents and contractors do not publish any material or make any media release in relation to or incorporating the Service Results or the parties’ relationship under this Agreement without the prior written approval of the other party (such approval may be withheld at other party’s absolute discretion).

 

  (h) Neither party may use the other’s name, nor any trade mark or logo of the other party nor of a related body corporate of that party without that party’s prior written approval.

 

  (i) Any authorised publication or media release made by CT or PRIMA in accordance with this Agreement must acknowledge the other party’s rights in the Service Results and contributions to the development of the Service Results.

 

  (j) Clause 10 survives the termination of this Agreement.

 

11. INSURANCE

 

  (a) Each party will effect and maintain adequate insurance to cover its activities under this Agreement and to indemnify itself against any loss or damage or liability which it may suffer or cause or incur. These insurances must include professional indemnity, product liability, third party liability insurance and without limiting the foregoing will include insurance in respect of data loss or corruption.

 

  (b) Each party will, upon the request of the other party, produce evidence of the currency of the above insurance policies.

 

  (c) Each party will comply with the terms of such insurance policies.

 

  (d) Each party’s obligations in respect of insurance survive expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement for a period of [***] from the date of expiry or early termination.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


12. INDEMNITY

 

  (a) PRIMA indemnifies CT, its officers, employees and agents against any claim or proceedings made, threatened or commenced, and any liability, loss, damage or expense (including damage to real, personal or intellectual property, data loss or corruption, personal injury including death and legal costs on a full indemnity basis) under statute or common law which CT incurs or suffers as a direct or indirect result of:

 

  (i) any breach or non-performance by PRIMA of this Agreement, or warranties contained in this Agreement;

 

  (ii) any wrongful, wilful or negligent act or omission of PRIMA or any of its employees, agents or contractors;

 

  (iii) any breach of third party rights including Intellectual Property Rights resulting from CT’s or PRIMA’s or any of their related bodies’ corporate use of PRIMA’s Intellectual Property or Confidential Information or the Service Results.

This indemnity does not apply to the extent that such loss or damage is caused by the negligence, act or omission of CT or Peter Mac. This indemnity survives the termination of this Agreement indefinitely.

 

  (b) CT indemnifies PRIMA, its officers, employees and agents against any claim or proceedings made, threatened or commenced, and any liability, loss, damage or expense (including damage to real, personal or intellectual property, data loss or corruption, personal injury including death and legal costs on a full indemnity basis) under statute or common law which PRIMA incurs or suffers as a direct or indirect result of:

 

  (i) any breach or non-performance by CT of this Agreement, or warranties contained in this Agreement;

 

  (ii) any wrongful, wilful or negligent act or omission of CT or any of its employees, agents or contractors

 

  (iii) any breach of third party rights including Intellectual Property Rights resulting from CT’s or PRIMA’s or any of their related bodies’ corporate use of CT Intellectual Property or CT Confidential Information.

This indemnity does not apply to the extent that such loss or damage is caused by the negligence, act or omission of PRIMA. This indemnity survives the termination of this Agreement indefinitely.

 

13. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

  (a) PRIMA and CT each represent and warrant as follows:

 

  (i) Organization . It is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and is in good standing under the laws of its respective jurisdiction, is qualified to do business and is in good standing as a corporation in each jurisdiction in which the performance of its obligations hereunder requires such qualification and has all requisite power and authority, corporate or otherwise, to conduct its business as now being conducted, to own, lease and operate its properties and to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


  (ii) Authorization . The execution, delivery and performance by it of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and do not and will not (a) require any consent or approval of its stockholders or shareholders or (b) violate any provision of any law, rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award presently in effect having applicability to it or any provision of its charter documents or constitution.

 

  (iii) Binding Agreement . This Agreement is a legal, valid and binding obligation of it enforceable against it in accordance with its terms and conditions.

 

  (iv) No Inconsistent Obligation . It is not under any obligation to any person, or entity, contractual or otherwise, that is conflicting or inconsistent in any respect with the terms of this Agreement or that would impede the diligent and complete fulfilment of its obligations.

 

  (b) CT warrants that:

 

  (i) it (and its personnel) has the expertise, resources (including without limitation financial resources), capacity, experience and ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement;

 

  (ii) it has adequate insurance policies and financial resources to sustain any potential liability incurred in relation to this Agreement;

 

  (iii) it holds and will at all relevant times hold all necessary licences and authorities legally required to perform the Services;

 

  (iv) the conduct of the Services will be of high quality and provided in a professional manner, with all due care, skill and attention and CT will use its reasonable endeavours to perform the Services in accordance with industry best practice; and

 

  (v) it will perform its obligations in a timely and efficient manner.

 

  (c) Notwithstanding anything else in this Agreement or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by law, none of PRIMA or CT will be liable with respect to any subject matter of this Agreement under any contract, negligence, strict liability or other legal or equitable theory for any indirect, incidental, consequential damages or lost profits.

 

14. TERMINATION OR EXTENSION

 

  (a) PRIMA may immediately terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to CT if CT:

 

  (i) commits a breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement which is incapable of being remedied to the reasonable satisfaction of PRIMA;

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


  (ii) for any reason whatsoever becomes incapable, in the reasonable opinion of PRIMA from performing its obligations under this Agreement;

 

  (iii) fails to remedy, to the reasonable satisfaction of PRIMA a breach or default of any of the provisions of this Agreement which is, in the opinion of PRIMA capable of being remedied, within [***] of receiving a notice from PRIMA of that breach or default; or

 

  (iv) is the subject of an Insolvency Event, or

 

  (v) if the TGA refuses to grant regulatory approval for the Product.

 

  (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, PRIMA or CT may terminate this Agreement for any reason by giving [***] written notice to the other party. If PRIMA terminates this Agreement and, in doing so, delivers to CT a request to such effect CT shall immediately commence an orderly close down of the project activities and be ready to cease performing the Services at the end of the [***] notice period.

 

  (c) An orderly termination is to include, at PRIMA’s cost, CT transferring the CVac™ manufacturing information to PRIMA’s nominated resource,

 

  (d) PRIMA may request an extension and CT agrees to negotiate in good faith a new Term and revisions of both the Services and the Fees schedules. The Parties agree that such an extension is to be negotiated at least [***] prior to the expiry of the prevailing Term.

 

  (e) CT may immediately terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to PRIMA if PRIMA

 

  (i) commits a breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement which is incapable of being remedied to the reasonable satisfaction of CT;

 

  (ii) fails to remedy, to the reasonable satisfaction of CT a breach or default of any of the provisions of this Agreement which is, in the opinion of CT, capable of being remedied, within [***] of receiving a notice from CT of that breach or default; or

 

  (iii) is the subject of an Insolvency Event.

 

  (f) A Party is not liable for any failure or delay in performance of any obligations under this Agreement if all of the following conditions are satisfied:

 

  (i) the failure or delay arose from Force Majeure; and

 

  (ii) the Party took all reasonable precautions against that Force Majeure and did its best to limit its consequences. This does not require the Party to settle a labour dispute if, in the Party’s opinion, that is not in its best interests; and

 

  (iii) the Party gave the other Parties notice of the Force Majeure as soon as practicable after becoming aware of it.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


  (g) If the Force Majeure and the resulting failure or delay lasts for more than [***] then the Parties will negotiate in good faith to overcome any difficulties associated with the Force Majeure.

 

  (h) If the Force Majeure and the resulting failure or delay lasts for more than [***] then any Party may terminate the Agreement.

 

  (i) The Term can be extended if the Parties agree in writing to the terms and conditions to apply to the extension prior to the termination date.

 

  (j) Despite any other provision of this Agreement, Clauses, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13(b), 13(c), 16, 22, 23 and this Clause 14(j) survives the expiry or termination of this Agreement.

 

15. ETHICS COMMITTEE APPROVAL AND PATIENT CONSENT

 

  (a) CT warrants that it will, if necessary, seek approval to provide the Services from the CBCT Ethics Committee, in accordance with the relevant NH&MRC Guidelines.

 

  (b) PRIMA warrants that it will ensure that all consent required to be obtained by law from patients in order for CT to perform the Services is obtained. PRIMA will ensure that copies of such consents are provided to CT within 7 days of CT requesting a copy.

 

16. RELATIONSHIP

The relationship of the Parties is that of independent contractors and nothing in this Agreement constitutes any Party, the employee, partner, agent, fiduciary, representative, trustee or joint venture of the other. No Party is liable for an act or omission of another Party except to the extent set out in this Agreement.

 

17. VARIATION

This Agreement can only be varied by the Parties in writing and signed by or on behalf of all Parties.

 

18. ASSIGNMENT

CT may not assign any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement without the written consent of PRIMA which consent must not be unreasonably withheld.

 

19. SUBCONTRACTING

CT may not subcontract any of its obligations under this Agreement unless agreed in writing by PRIMA.

 

20. NOTICES TO PRIMA

 

  (a) Any notice required to be given to PRIMA under this Agreement must be in writing and may be served:

 

  (i) by giving the notice personally to a Director of PRIMA or

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


  (ii) by delivering the notice to PRIMA’s registered office.

Attn: Managing Director

Prima BioMed Limited

Suite 1, 1233 High Street

Armadale Vic 3143

 

  (b) The notice is served at the time it is given or delivered.

 

  (c) Electronic transmission of Notices by telefax or email may be used; however, written acknowledgement of receipt must be received by the transmitting Party.

 

21. NOTICES TO CT

 

  (a) Any notice required to be given to CT under this Agreement must be in writing and may be served:

 

  (i) by giving the notice personally to the Managing Director of CT; or

 

  (ii) by delivering the notice to CT’s registered office at

Ground Floor

10 St Andrew’s Place

East Melbourne VIC 3002

 

  (b) The notice is served at the time it is given or delivered.

 

  (c) Electronic transmission of Notices by telefax or email may be used however written acknowledgement of receipt must be received by the transmitting Party.

 

22. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

If a dispute arises in relation to this Agreement, without restricting either Party from at any time making any application to the Court, either Party may give the other Parties a notice requiring that an attempt be made to resolve the dispute. The Parties will try to resolve the dispute by the help of Mr Ray Wood and a PRIMA representative nominated by PRIMA. If the dispute is not resolved within [***] of the first meeting of Mr Ray Wood and a PRIMA representative, any Party may give the other a notice requiring that an attempt be made to resolve the dispute with the help of a mediator to be appointed jointly by the Parties. If the Parties do not agree on a mediator within [***] after such notice is given, the mediator is to be appointed by The Australian Commercial Disputes Centre (“ACDC”). The mediation is to be conducted in accordance with the ACDC’s Rules for the Mediation of Commercial Disputes. Each of the Parties must pay an equal share of the fees and expenses to which the mediator is entitled.

 

23. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

This document is governed by the laws of Victoria Australia and the Parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of its courts. The Parties will not object to the exercise of jurisdiction by those courts, either for forum non conveniens or on any other basis.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


24. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the Parties in connection with it .

 

25. NO WAIVER

No failure to exercise nor any delay in exercising any right, power or remedy by a Party operates as a waiver. A single or partial exercise of any right, power or remedy does not preclude any other or further exercise of that or any other right, power or remedy. A waiver is not valid or binding on the Party granting that waiver unless made in writing.

 

26. REMEDIES CUMULATIVE

The rights, powers and remedies provided to the Parties in this Agreement are in addition to, and do not exclude or limit, any right, power or remedy provided by law or equity.

 

27. COUNTERPARTS

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts. All counterparts together will be taken to constitute one instrument. If each Party executes separate documents, this Agreement takes effect when the Parties exchange executed documents.

 

28. SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS

Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction is ineffective as to that jurisdiction to the extent of the prohibition or unenforceability. That does not invalidate the remaining provisions of this Agreement nor affect the viability or enforceability of that provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

29. GST GENERAL PRINCIPLES

 

  (a) The Parties acknowledge that the Service Fees are exclusive of GST.

 

  (b) If the Australian Tax Office determines GST is applicable then PRIMA will pay any GST assessed to CT.

 

30. RELEASE OF INFORMATION

The Parties agree that no information about the Services of this Agreement, including its existence, will be released to the Public without the prior written approval of the Parties which shall not be unreasonably withheld, except as required by law.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


EXECUTED BY THE PARTIES AS AN AGREEMENT

 

Signed for and on behalf of   )  
PRIMABIOMED LIMITED    
By its duly authorised officer   )   Prima BioMed
  )  
Matthew Lehman   )  

/s/ Dr. Sharron Gargosky

Chief Executive Officer   )  
  )  
Sharron Gargosky, PhD   )   Date:  

13 Dec 2013

Chief technical Officer    
on Behalf of Matt Lehman    
Signed for and on behalf of   )  
CELL THERAPIES Pty Ltd.   )  
By its duly authorised officer   )  
Raymond Wood   )  
Managing Director   )  

/s/ Raymond Wood

  )  
  )  
  )   Date:  

17-12-13

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


SCHEDULE 1

THE SERVICES

CT agrees to undertake the following tasks (together “Services”) under this Agreement:

 

  1. Provide MLR tech transfer and training for FIZI staff in Germany during the first week of December 2013.

 

  2. Continue to store under cGMP LN2 conditions CVac™ patient material. CT to initiate delivery of patient dose(s) to Prima’s designated clinical site(s) using Prima’s logistic procedures and protocols from the April 2011 CTPL-Prima Master Services Agreement, on an as requested basis.

The number of dose shipments is currently undetermined, however the Term (12 months) is considered adequate to support most, if not all material stored.by CTPL at the time of this agreement. This agreement allows for a seamless extension of this service if the Parties so agree.

 

  3. Continue to undertake MLR assays for [***] as documented in the April 2011 CTPL-Prima Master Services Agreement and the associated cross agreements with Prima’s designated CRO and USA and European manufacturing sites.

MLR runs can be undertaken singly or in batches of up to x3 patient material.

The timing window for individual MLR assays are determined by the recruitment timing and the clinical trial protocol. CT will, under Prima’s direction, attempt to perform all MLR runs in a cost effective manner.

While not fixed the following are the projected timing and quantities for MLR assays.

 

Jan’14       x 2 batched runs (e.g. x5 patients involving x2 and x3 patients)
Feb’14       x 2 batched runs
Mar’14       x 3 batched runs
Apr’14       x 2 to x3 batched runs
May’14       x 1 batched run
Jun’14       x 1 batched run
Jul’14 onwards TBA; possibly 1 per month maximum?

 

  4. TGA Audit

When notified of an upcoming audit by the TGA, CT to notify Prima’s representative and to re-confirm Prima’s instructions.

CT to support any TGA audit as agreed between the Party’s representatives and as required by law.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


SCHEDULE 2

FEES AND EXPENSES

In consideration for the Services provided by CT as detailed in Schedule 1:

 

  1. German Training in December 3 rd to 14 th Period

 

    Travel to and from Germany @ 50% 2 days [***]

 

    German training 8 days [***]

 

    x1 Week end at 50% [***]

 

    Total [***] + GST Plus Airfares, accommodation and meals at cost

 

  2. Storage and Dose shipment

A fixed price of [***] +GST per shipment

Plus

A monthly charge of [***]+GST to cover LN2 compliant storage costs

Prima is to arrange for and pay for shipment costs

 

  3. MLR Costs

Optimum is to batch process in lots of x3 MLR

 

    Cost per x3 per batch = [***] +GST plus any project specific consumables

If protocol timing requires a sub optimal batch size then the cost will be:

 

    Cost for x1 = [***] +GST plus any project specific consumables

 

    Cost for x2 = [***] +GST plus any project specific consumables

 

4. TGA Audit cost

An audit is due in 2014, however now that the manufacturing license has been modified we would expect the timing and costs incurred to be substantially reduced.

We propose that any fees associated with a TGA audit be charged at the fee rates below, with the understanding that CT is to keep any such costs to a minimum.

For agreed additional Services, unless otherwise agreed to by the Authorized Representatives, PRIMA shall pay CT the following daily rates (plus GST if required):

 

    Senior Clinicians [***] per day

 

    Senior Managers [***] per day

 

    Senior Scientists [***] per day

 

    Scientists and Senior Technicians [***] per day

 

    Laboratory Technicians [***] per day

Service Fees assume an 8.30am to 5.00pm work day with occasional after-hours or overtime work. If continuous or exceptional after-hours work is required, PRIMA agrees to pay for extra use of personnel and if required facilities.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


SCHEDULE 3

PRIMA’S QUALITY POLICY

Prima BioMed, Ltd. (“Prima”) is a company of integrity and high standards, listed on the Australian Stock Exchange for public investment. The Board of Directors of Prima is responsible for the corporate governance of the Company. The Board guides and monitors the business and affairs of the Company on behalf of the shareholders by whom they are elected and to whom they are accountable. In setting its standards the Company has considered the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Principles of Good Corporate Governance and Best Practice.

Prima’s mission is to be part of the cutting-edge for the fight against cancer by transforming the promise of science and biotechnology into therapies that have the power to restore health or even save lives of cancer patients.

All of Prima’s actions and business activities are guided by the principles promulgated by the Declaration of Helsinki, as amended. Prima commits to put the well-being and rights of patients before any other consideration. Prima complies with local, national and international rules and regulations and endeavours to meet and surpass all requirements and expectations related to medical research.

In support of Prima’s mission, Prima guarantees the highest quality and safety standards in the manufacture of its products. The Company has established Codes of Conduct to guide all employees in respect of ethical behaviour expected by Prima. These Codes of Conduct cover conflicts of interest, confidentiality, fair dealing, protection of assets, compliance with laws and regulations; whistle blowing, security trading and commitments to patients and other stakeholders.

Staff are made aware of this quality policy and each staff member is responsible for implementing this policy in every area of his or her work.

Equally, all service providers engaged by Prima are expected to adhere to similar ethical and quality standards.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

Exhibit 4.19

Dated 26 th  February 2014

PRIMA BIOMED LTD

(ABN 90 009 237 889)

and

CELL THERAPIES PTY LTD

(ABN 15 100 285 916)

 

 

VARIATION #1

TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

 


VARIATION #1 OF THE MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made

BETWEEN

Cell Therapies Pty Ltd (ABN 15 100 285 916) of Ground Floor, 10 St Andrews Place, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002 Australia (“ CT ”)

AND

Prima Biomed Ltd (ABN 90 009 237 889) Level 7, 151 Macquarie Street Sydney, New South Wales 2000 Australia (“ PRIMA” ).

Each a “Party” and collectively, “Parties”

As provided under Clauses 14 and 17 of Agreement 131209 CTPL-Prima Transition Services v2.docx, it is mutually agreed by the Parties that as of 26 th  February 2014 the following variations shall apply to this Agreement.

Clause 3 Term

The term is extended by at least 3 months to March 2015 or to any other date to be agreed to by the Parties

SCHEDULE 1 – THE SERVICES see following

SCHEDULE 2 – FEES AND EXPENSES see following

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


EXECUTED BY THE PARTIES AS VARIATION #1

 

Signed for and on behalf of   )  
PRIMABIOMED LIMITED    
By its duly authorised officer   )   Prima BioMed
  )  
Matthew Lehman   )  

/s/ Dr. Sharron Gargosky

Chief Executive Officer   )  
  )  
on behalf of   )   Date:  

2014-03-03

Signed for and on behalf of   )  
CELL THERAPIES Pty Ltd.   )  
By its duly authorised officer   )  
Raymond Wood   )  
Managing Director   )  

/s/ Raymond Wood

  )  
  )  
  )   Date:  

4-3-14

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


SCHEDULE 1

THE SERVICES INCLUDING VARIATION #1

CT agrees to undertake the following tasks (together “Services”) under this Agreement:

 

  1. Provide MLR tech transfer and training for FIZI staff in Germany during the first week of December 2013 . Completed

 

  2. Continue to store under cGMP LN2 conditions CVac™ patient material. CT to initiate delivery of patient dose(s) to Prima’s designated clinical site(s) using Prima’s logistic procedures and protocols from the April 2011 CTPL-Prima Master Services Agreement, on an as requested basis.

The number of dose shipments is currently undetermined, however the Term (12 months) is considered adequate to support most, if not all material stored.by CTPL at the time of this agreement. This agreement allows for a seamless extension of this service if the Parties so agree.

 

  3. Continue to undertake MLR assays for [***] as documented in the April 2011 CTPL-Prima Master Services Agreement and the associated cross agreements with Prima’s designated CRO and USA and European manufacturing sites.

MLR runs can be undertaken singly or in batches of up to x3 patient material.

The timing window for individual MLR assays are determined by the recruitment timing and the clinical trial protocol. CT will, under Prima’s direction, attempt to perform all MLR runs in a cost effective manner.

While not fixed the following are the projected timing and quantities for MLR assays.

Mar’14 to July ‘14 with patient #’s as required and agreed by the Appointed Representatives. This agreement runs through to the extended Term ending in March 2015 and by negotiation the MLR testing could be continued beyond July’14 if required.

 

  4. TGA Audit

When notified of an upcoming audit by the TGA, CT to notify Prima’s representative and to re-confirm Prima’s instructions.

CT to support any TGA audit as agreed between the Party’s representatives and as required by law

 

  5. Advisory Services

Prima requires and CT agrees to provide a one day per week support to Prima’s Appointed Representative on a take-it or lose-it basis as follows:

 

    CT to provide access to and support from Ms. Maureen Loudovaris or CT’s nominee.

 

    The support to be in the form of review, comments, opinion and advice on CVac manufacturing, QC processes and results coming from Prima’s EU based contract manufacturer, FIZI

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


    The deliverables will be in the form of annotated hard copy or teleconference dialogue

 

    The interaction is expected to be primarily via email with occasional teleconferences; no more than once per week and more likely once per month.

 

    Timing for teleconferences to be mutually agreed between the Appointed Representatives but understood at times to require out of business hours am or pm (Melbourne time) connections in order to meet the EU-USA-Pacific geography of participants

 

    For the avoidance of doubt these Services will be provided on an all care but no responsibility basis and at no time will CT be required to manage or be responsible for FIZI’s or its staff’s deliverables.

 

    The week to week operational arrangements will be based around a nominated day in the week with no more than 7.5 hours to be committed to Prima advisory activities in any one week.

 

    If more than 7.5 hours is required and agreed to be provided in any one week, see Schedule-3 para 5 below-

 

    The term of this service provision to run concurrent with the Term or as negotiated from time to time by the Parties.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


SCHEDULE 2

FEES AND EXPENSES

In consideration for the Services provided by CT as detailed in Schedule 1:

1.     German Training in December 3 rd to 14 th Period

•      Travel to and from Germany @ 50% 2 days [***]

•      German training 8 days [***]

•      x1 Week end at 50% [***]

•      Total [***] + GST Plus Airfares, accommodation and meals at cost

Completed

 

  2. Storage and Dose shipment

A fixed price of [***] +GST per shipment

Plus

A monthly charge of [***]+GST to cover LN2 compliant storage costs

Prima is to arrange for and pay for shipment costs

 

  3. MLR Costs

Optimum is to batch process in lots of x3 MLR

 

    Cost per x3 per batch = [***] +GST plus any project specific consumables

If protocol timing requires a sub optimal batch size then the cost will be:

 

    Cost for x1 = [***] +GST plus any project specific consumables

 

    Cost for x2 = [***] +GST plus any project specific consumables

 

  4. TGA Audit costs

An audit is due in 2014, however now that the manufacturing license has been modified we would expect the timing and costs incurred to be substantially reduced.

We propose that any fees associated with a TGA audit be charged at the fee rates below, with the understanding that CT is to keep any such costs to a minimum.

 

  5. Advisory Services

CT will invoice monthly at a rate of [***] per week + GST + any project specific costs as incurred and if applicable.

If it is agreed that more than one day in any one week is required and can be provided by CT, then either additional day rate fees will apply or a services hold will apply until the day per week average is re-established.

If in any period Ms Loudovaris or a suitable CT alternative is unavailable (e.g. annual leave, sickness or critical other duties) then no fee will be charged in that period.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


For agreed additional Services, unless otherwise agreed to by the Authorized Representatives, PRIMA shall pay CT the following daily rates (plus GST if required):

 

    Senior Clinicians [***] per day

 

    Senior Managers [***] per day

 

    Senior Scientists [***] per day

 

    Scientists and Senior Technicians [***] per day

 

    Laboratory Technicians [***] per day

Service Fees assume an 8.30am to 5.00pm work day with occasional after-hours or overtime work. If continuous or exceptional after-hours work is required, PRIMA agrees to pay for extra use of personnel and if required facilities.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

Exhibit 4.20

SUPPLY, DISTRIBUTION AND LICENSING AGREEMENT

This Supply, Distribution and Licensing Agreement dated as of 19 February 2014 ( “Effective Date” ) is entered into between Prima BioMed Ltd., a corporation incorporated under the laws of Australia with its principal place of business at Level 7,151 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW, 2000, Australia ( “Prima BioMed” ), and Neopharm Ltd., a corporation incorporated under the laws of Israel, with registered offices at 6 Hashiloach st Kiryat Matalon, Petach Tikva, Israel ( “Neopharm” ). “Parties” shall mean Prima BioMed and Neopharm, and “Party” shall mean either of Prima BioMed or Neopharm, as the context requires.

Recitals:

 

A. Prima BioMed and its Affiliates are engaged in the development and manufacturing of the Products (as defined below) and has represented that it owns or has all required title and rights in and to the Products, including the exclusive right to the Technology (as defined below);

 

B. Prima BioMed (on behalf of itself or through Affiliates) is interested to supply the Products to Neopharm and to grant Neopharm an exclusive License (as defined below) in accordance to pricing and payment terms contained in Schedule A;

 

C. Neopharm (by itself or through Affiliates) are engaged in the distribution of pharmaceutical and other health care Products and possess the resources, skills and experience necessary to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

In consideration of the above recitals, the parties agree as follows:

 

1. DEFINITIONS

 

  1.1. “Accessories” shall mean all accessories and complementary instruments and devices intended for use (by customers and/or their patients) with the Products.

 

  1.2. Affiliate ” shall mean any corporation, person or entity controlled by, controlling or under common control with Neopharm or Prima BioMed, as the case may be, or within their group of companies. With respect to Neopharm, any entity controlled by members of the Fuhrer family will be deemed an Affiliate, but only to the extent that the business of such corporation, person or entity is engaged in the distribution of pharmaceutical or other health care Products in the Territory. For the purpose of this clause alone, “control” shall mean the direct or indirect ownership or control of more than fifty percent (50%) of the share capital or the issued voting shares of an entity or the legal power to direct or cause the direction of the activities, general management and policies of the entity in question, or power or authority to elect more than fifty (50) per cent of the board of directors or equivalent of such entity, and “controlled” shall be construed accordingly.

 

  1.3. “Agreement” shall mean this Supply, Distribution and Licensing Agreement together with its attached Schedules.

 

  1.4. “Biological Samples” shall mean the human biological samples obtained from patients in the Territory as may be required by Prima BioMed to manufacture the Products (but does not include the Products).

 

  1.5. “Biological Samples’ Regulatory Approvals” shall mean any approvals, licenses, registrations, or authorization of any federal, state or local regulatory agency, department, bureau or other government entity, required for the full performance of Biological Samples Procedure (as describe below) in according to all applicable laws, regulations and orders.

 

  1.6. “Business Day” shall mean shall mean from 9.00am to 16.00pm on any day on which banks are open in Tel Aviv and Australia.

 

  1.7. “Claim” means any and all claims, suits, damages, cross-claims, actions, disputes, demands, proceedings, accounts, interest, costs (whether or not the subject of a court order), expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), losses, liabilities and debts (including those liabilities and debts which are prospective or contingent and those the amount of which is not ascertained) of whatever nature and however arising which the Parties may now have or at any time hereafter might have.

 

  1.8. CPP ” shall mean certificate of pharmaceutical product.


  1.9. Control ” or “ Controlled ” by a Party shall mean the possession and/or control and/or use of a Party and/or its Affiliates and/or its successors (whether directly or indirectly) by license, ownership or otherwise.

 

  1.10. “Consequential Loss” shall mean any indirect, incidental, special or consequential loss or damage, and exemplary or punitive damages, including loss or damage in relation to loss of use, loss of production, loss of revenue, loss of profits or anticipated profits, loss of business, loss of business opportunity, loss of contract, loss of reputation or opportunity, business interruptions of any nature, loss of data, data corruption rectification costs or loss or damage resulting from wasted management time.

 

  1.11. “Current Product” shall mean Prima Biomed’s autologous dendritic cell vaccine described in Schedule B and to the extent such product is enhanced during the Term by use or incorporation of any Improvement, includes the Current Product so enhanced.

 

  1.12. “Delivery Point” shall mean delivery to Prima BioMed or its designated carrier at Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel.

 

  1.13. “Economic Value” shall mean any and all net (for instance deductions for taxes and other direct costs borne by Prima BioMed associated with the Worldwide License) consideration received, directly or indirectly, by Prima BioMed and/or an Affiliate and/or any party on Prima BioMed’s behalf as consideration for the grant of a worldwide license or sublicense agreement (the “Worldwide License” ) with respect to a particular Product. Such consideration shall include without limitation any upfront, license initiation or signing fees, license maintenance fees, milestone payments, royalty payments or equity received (excluding Research & Development related payments) as consideration for the grant of the Worldwide License or an option for a sublicense to the particular Product. Economic Value shall also include the fair market value of any non-cash consideration paid to Prima Biomed and/or an Affiliate and/or any party on Prima BioMed’s behalf for such Worldwide License.

 

  1.14. “First Commercial Sale Date” shall mean the date of the first commercial sale of the Products by Neopharm in the Territory following Registration and Reimbursement Approval of the Products in the Territory. “First Commercial Sale Date” shall not include the date of any sale of the Products which is for the sole purpose of (i) obtaining regulatory approval for the Products in the Territory or, (ii) compassionate, named patient or similar use.

 

  1.15. Improvement ” shall mean any modification, development or improvement of the Technology including, but not limited to, drugs, any delivery method, any dosage form, any dosage strength, any formulation containing the product(s), including any manufacturing process improvements, any regulatory variation or updated related to the product(s) and/or any other similar modifications to the products that are Controlled by Prima BioMed at any time during the Term of this Agreement.

 

  1.16. “Intellectual Property” shall mean all legal rights, titles and interests, evidenced by or embodied in: (i) Patents; (ii) all trademarks, service marks, copyrights, designs, trade styles, logos, trade dress, and corporate names, including all goodwill associated therewith; (iii) any work of authorship, regardless of copyright ability, all compilations, all copyrights (including the droit morale); (iv) all trade secrets, and proprietary processes, licenses; and (v) all derivative works of the above and all other proprietary rights and any other intellectual property rights of any kind and nature however designated which are Controlled by Prima BioMed as of the Effective Date or at any time during the Term of this Agreement.

 

  1.17. “International Regulatory Approvals” shall mean any Marketing Approval of each Product (including, Certification of Pharmaceutical Product) by any federal, state or local regulatory agency, department, bureau or other government entity of either United States of America, European Union and, Australia.

 

  1.18.

“Know-how” shall mean any and all existing or future data and materials, whether proprietary or not and whether patentable or not, including, without limitation, regulatory, medical, scientific, technical and commercial data relating to the Products required for its Registration, marketing, importing, distribution, using, selling or otherwise commercializing of the Products, whether in tangible or intangible form or otherwise that are Controlled by Prima BioMed. Without derogating from the above, “Know-how” shall include, inter alia , Prima BioMed’s and its Affiliate’s

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


  proprietary and beneficial interest of the technology, specifications and test methods (Products, raw material, packaging, stability and other applicable specifications), pharmaceutical manufacturing and packaging instructions, master formula, validation reports (process, analytical methods and cleaning), stability data, analytical methods, records of complaints, product reviews, and other master documents necessary to control, and for the release of the Products, as well as Prima BioMed and its Affiliate’s know-how, trade secrets, confidential information, inventions (whether or not patentable but which are not disclosed or claimed in Prima BioMed’s or its Affiliate’s Patents), data, clinical and preclinical results and any other information, including but not limited to commercial business information, methods of business, logistical processes and procedures, sales order processing, customer information, marketing and business plans which is Controlled by Prima BioMed as of the Effective Date or at any time during the Term of this Agreement.

 

  1.19. “License” as defined in clause 2.1.3.

 

  1.20. “Marketing Approval” means the applicable marketing authorization granted by a relevant regulatory authority permitting the placing on the market of a Product for sale, and subject to applicable rules and regulations.

 

  1.21. “Other Confidential Information” shall mean information, other than the Scientific Information and Know-how, which relates to the Product, including financial statements, costs and expense data, marketing distribution and consumer data, regulatory correspondence or any other information which is not generally ascertainable from public or public domain published information, regardless of whether such information was provided under this Agreement, by request of the other party or in any other manner. The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall also be considered as Confidential Information.

 

  1.22. “Patents” shall mean any and all, patents (including inventor’s certificates) and applications (whether pending or not) therefore owned or Controlled by Prima BioMed (as of the Effective Date and at any time during the Term of this Agreement), including without limitation any substitutions, any provisional applications, extensions or restorations by existing or future extension or restoration mechanisms, confirmations, re-examinations, reissues, renewals, divisions, patents-of-addition, continuations or continuations-in-part thereof or therefor, which cover or claim the Products, or the use, manufacturing or commercialization thereof.

 

  1.23. Prima BioMed Trademarks” means the Trademarks owned by Prima BioMed and/or Controlled by Prima BioMed under which Prima Biomed will supply the Products and which shall be used by Neopharm in respect to the Products.

 

  1.24. “Products” or “Product” shall mean the Current Product and any additional products, Accessories, assays or kits which shall be amended from time to time to Schedule B of this Agreement in accordance to the provisions of the clause 2.2 below or otherwise by mutual agreement of the Parties. To the extent such Product or Products are enhanced during the Term by use or incorporation of any Improvement, “Product” includes the Product so enhanced.

 

  1.25. “Product Use” means the use of the Products by the end user of the Products in accordance with the Marketing Approval and to all applicable laws and regulations in the Territory.

 

  1.26. “Registration” shall mean any approvals, licenses, registrations, or authorization of any state or local regulatory agency, department, bureau or other government entity, required for the importation, marketing and sale of Products in the Territory, including Marketing Approval and the release of first batch of the Products for marketing in the Territory.

 

  1.27. “Regulatory Data Requirements” shall mean any and all material, documentation, test results and data in English which are required by Neopharm to obtain or maintain the Registration and Reimbursement Approval of each Product in the Territory, including, but not limited to, a copy of all new drug submissions, the registration dossier for each Product, the respective the approval letter, new indications, line extensions, new processes, supplements, variations and amendments thereto as submitted to and/or approved by any and all of United States of America’s Federal Drug Agency (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the corresponding Certificate of a Pharmaceutical Product.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


  1.28. “Reimbursement Approval” shall mean the appearance of the Product on the national list of reimbursed medicines in the Territory (“national healthcare basket”) as published by the Israeli Ministry of Health from time to time.

 

  1.29. “Scientific Information” shall mean all the scientific documentation and data on the Products that is required for Registration and the Reimbursement Approval, including any data related to clinical development activities or results.

 

  1.30. “Specification” shall mean the specification for the Products as described in the Marketing Approval of each Product in the Territory.

 

  1.31. Technology ” shall mean the Intellectual Property, Know-How, Scientific Information and Other Confidential Information in relation to the Products.

 

  1.32. Term ” is defined in clause 13.

 

  1.33. “Territory” shall mean the State of Israel, the Palestinian Authority and any successor hereafter.

 

  1.34. “Trademark” shall mean any and all intellectual propriety rights (including trademarks and trade names, trademarks and trade names applications, designs, drawings, brand names and/or logos) and any other property rights, whether recognized or protected under any applicable laws or not, either in English or Hebrew.

 

2. APPOINTMENT

 

  2.1. Prima BioMed (by itself and/or through its Affiliates) hereby grants to Neopharm:

 

  2.1.1. a sole and exclusive sub licensable assignable right to register, market, sell, distribute and import the Product, in accordance with the Product Use, in the Territory; and

 

  2.1.2. a sole and exclusive perpetual, sub licensable assignable, right and license to use the Technology in the Territory for the purpose of undertaking the rights granted in 2.1.1;

 

  2.1.3. The rights and licenses granted under clauses 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 together shall be referred as the “License” .

 

  2.2. In the event that obtaining of Marketing Approval by Prima BioMed, its Affiliates or its successors for the Current Product in either United States of America or European Union is no longer reasonably achievable (for example without limitation: following failure of clinical trial of the Product), Neopharm shall be entitled to elect adding automatically the subsequent product of Prima Biomed to the Current Product for which US or EU approval is sought and obtained, into Annex B (i.e. such product shall be considered as a “Product” to this Agreement) and the provisions of this Agreement shall apply mutatis mutandis with respect to such product for any and all matter. The Parties may agree in good faith on any reasonable changes to material commercial terms of this Agreement, if any, which are required for the implementation of this Agreement on such new product.

 

  2.3. Subject to the provisions of clause 2.2 above, in the event that Prima BioMed, its Affiliates or its successors wishes to enter into any agreement which would permit the registration, license, sale, marketing, use or other commercialization of any additional products (including Accessories, assays or kits and any Improvements of such products) Controlled by Prima BioMed, its Affiliates or its successors at any time during the Term of this Agreement, including by way of a license in the Territory or including the Territory, by itself or through third parties (the “ New Products ”), it shall first give a written notice to Neopharm (the “ Notice ”). The Notice shall include payment terms of the proposed license or distribution of the New Products and any other material terms of such license or distribution right. Upon receipt of the Notice, Neopharm shall be entitled to respond in writing within [***] as to whether it accepted the offer to license or distribute the New Products (the “ Acceptance Notice ”). The Acceptance Notice shall be binding on Prima BioMed and its Affiliates in accordance with the terms of the Notice. In the event that Neopharm has not delivered an Acceptance Notice in accordance with this clause, Prima BioMed shall be free, within [***] of the date of expiration of Neopharm’s option, to license or distribute the New Products on terms contained in the Notice. It is further agreed that the Prima BioMed shall issue to Neopharm Notice with respect to each New Product prior to the earliest day on which such New Product obtains Marketing Approval in United States of America, European Union or Australia.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


  2.4. Neopharm shall refrain from (i) establishing any branches, sales offices or warehouses outside the Territory for the sale of the Products outside the Territory; or (ii) registering or actively promoting, distributing, and selling the Products outside the Territory.

 

  2.5. Prima BioMed shall not grant any license to be used in the Territory (including License or any part thereof) nor appoint, directly or indirectly, any other person or entity as its distributor, representative or agent for the import, sale, marketing or promotion of the Products to customers and/or end user in the Territory, nor undertake such activities itself or use such license itself, and shall direct all inquiries from the Territory to Neopharm. Prima BioMed and its Affiliates shall not sell or otherwise provide the Products outside the Territory if it has reason to believe that such Products are to be sold, directly or indirectly, in the Territory and shall take reasonable measures in order to prevent such sale in the Territory. Furthermore, Prima BioMed and its Affiliates shall refrain from establishing any branches, sales offices or warehouses or the sale of the Products in the Territory

 

  2.6. Neopharm shall pay Prima BioMed, subject to terms of this Agreement and Prima BioMed performing any and all its representations, obligations, liabilities and warranties thereof, Licenses and Rights Granted Consideration and Milestone Payments as described in and subject to Schedule A.

 

3. POST-APPROVAL CLINICAL STUDY, MARKETING AND SALE

 

  3.1. The Parties shall negotiate in good faith to coordinate and agree on design and implementation of a post-approval clinical study that will be performed in selected medical centers in the Territory aiming to enhance the acceptance of the Product by the medical community in the Territory, (the “Post Approval Study” ). Neopharm shall bear all and any local costs and expenses associated with the Post Approval Study. Prima BioMed shall supply to Neopharm free-of-charge the Products’ quantity which is reasonably required for the Post Approval Study.

 

  3.2. Following Registration of the Product in the Territory, Neopharm will use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain Reimbursement Approval in the Territory for the Products and promote the sale, marketing, distribution, and use of the Products in the Territory and in conformity with all applicable rules, regulations and guidance of any governmental authority in the Territory.

 

  3.3. Prima BioMed shall provide to Neopharm, in the English language, Products training sessions, reasonable quantities of brochures and other scientific, promotional and marketing materials and literature for the Products in the English language, and published articles or studies in the English language relating to the Products.

 

  3.4. Prima BioMed shall provide Neopharm with its global medical, marketing and pricing strategies and the value dossier of the Product.

 

  3.5. Each party shall invite the other party to attend international conferences and meetings in which that party participates, displays or discusses the Products and will invite the other party to attend Prima BioMed’s Products marketing and medical meetings. In addition, each party will notify the other party of scientific meetings or satellite symposia conventions, and sales meetings which are of relevance to the Product and provide the other party with copies of scientific papers relating to the Product which it has in its possession.

 

  3.6. Prima BioMed will, at its own expense, provide commercially reasonable marketing support in the form of pricing data and marketing information (including, but not limited to representative copies of promotional items, a copy of medical articles, medical educational strategies and related materials) regarding the marketing of the Products in the United States and other territories, as Neopharm may reasonably request from time to time. Prima BioMed will include Neopharm’s sales force in sales training activities for all scientific, medical and product strategy activities and will include the Neopharm sales force in all global marketing meetings, conferences, and other similar activities. Prima BioMed will make available to Neopharm samples of materials used for promotion and training in the Territory from time to time.

 

  3.7. Subject to the terms of Schedule A, Neopharm shall be entitled to resell the Products to its customers in the Territory at such prices as it may determine at its sole discretion, subject to all applicable laws, regulations and guidelines of the Territory. Such customers shall be bona fide and appropriately licensed.

 

  3.8. Neopharm shall Store and distribute the Products in accordance with applicable Good Distribution Practice (GDP) principles and guidelines in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of the Territory.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


4. REGULATORY MATTERS

 

  4.1. Filing of Regulatory Approvals.

 

  4.1.1. Neopharm shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain and maintain Registration of the Products in the Territory, at its cost, provided that Prima BioMed has supplied to Neopharm the regulatory materials and information which are reasonably requested by Distributor to obtain or maintain such Registration of the Products in the Territory.

 

  4.1.2. Prima BioMed and its Affiliates shall make commercially reasonable efforts to complete the development of the Products and shall make all appropriate filings to obtain the International Regulatory Approvals. Prima BioMed shall cooperate with and assist Neopharm as reasonably necessary in obtaining the Registration and shall provide to Neopharm, for no additional consideration, the Regulatory Data Requirements for each Product promptly as they become available.

 

  4.1.3. Prima BioMed shall be solely responsible to obtain and maintain, on its own expense, all International Regulatory Approvals and the Biological Samples’ Regulatory Approvals for the Term of the Agreement.

 

  4.2. Both Parties shall comply with all applicable present and future orders, regulations, requirements and laws in the Territory relating to the promotion, marketing, sale, use and distribution of the Products.

 

  4.3. Each Party shall keep the other fully informed of all governmental and regulatory requirements which may materially affect sales of Products in the Territory.

 

  4.4. Upon Prima BioMed’s request, Neopharm shall provide Prima BioMed a right to access the data and information comprising or relating to the Registration of the Product in the Territory for reasonable business purposes, subject to Neopharm’s discretion, not to be unreasonably withheld, and subject to confidentiality undertakings.

 

  4.5. Any safety information and statement of respective regulatory obligations shall be handled in a separate safety and pharmacovigilance agreement between the Parties (the: “Safety Agreement” ). The Safety Agreement shall be entered no later than [***] prior to shipment of first clinical trial material to Israel.

 

5. OBLIGATIONS OF PRIMA BIOMED

Without derogating from Prima BioMed’s obligations under this Agreement, Prima BioMed shall have the following obligations during the Term:

 

  5.1. Prima BioMed shall provide any information and support relating to the Technology as reasonably requested by Neopharm to enable Neopharm to properly and efficiently discharge its duties under this Agreement, including but not limited to the Registration and/or the distribution, marketing, importing, selling and use of the Products in the Territory.

 

  5.2. Prima BioMed shall provide any information and support relating to the Products as reasonably requested by Neopharm to enable Neopharm properly and efficiently to discharge its duties under this Agreement, including but not limited to the periodic updates regarding its research and development activities and results with respect to each Product.

 

  5.3. Inform Neopharm of any changes in the Specifications or other changes that affect the Registration and/or use of the Products in the Territory at least [***] in advance to allow changes in the applicable Registration in the Territory or as soon as reasonably practicable, and any and all costs and expenses associated with such changes and the outcome of such changes shall be borne and paid by Prima BioMed.

 

  5.4. Prima BioMed (by itself or through its Affiliates) shall be responsible for the registration of the Patents (if any) and their Improvements thereof (if any) for each Product in the Territory, and for the maintenance and update of such registrations (if any), all at its own expense.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


6. OBLIGATIONS OF NEOPHARM

Without derogating from Neopharm’s obligations under this Agreement, Neopharm shall use reasonable commercial efforts to perform the following obligations during the Term:

 

  6.1. To achieve the Registration, pricing and reimbursement for the Product(s) subject to the provisions of clause 4.1, to promote the use and sale of the Product(s), and to increase sales of the Product(s) in the Territory, in accordance to terms and conditions of this Agreement, all at its own expense.

 

  6.2. To provide commercial, medical and sales personnel equivalent or greater in size than that of a commercially reasonable party, that in good faith believes it would make in similar circumstances for its own operations at that time, all at its own expense.

 

  6.3. To utilize scientific and marketing materials provided by Prima BioMed and will produce local scientific, marketing and promotional materials used by Neopharm in the Territory at its own expense (if required).

 

  6.4. To conduct medical meetings and advisory boards, at Neopharm’s sole discretion and at its own expense.

 

7. MANUFACTURING, PACKAGING AND LABELING

 

  7.1. Prima BioMed and its Affiliates shall manufacture the Products according to the requirements of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), in conformity to the Specifications for the Products and the warranties contained herein.

 

  7.2. Prima BioMed shall be exclusively responsible for the quality of the Products and will comply with the requirements of all laws and regulations governing product quality, standards, safety and efficacy as well as with the Specifications, Registration of the Products in the Territory, the Biological Samples’ Regulatory Approvals and all warranties. Prima BioMed and Neopharm will enter into quality agreement no less than [***] from the first transfer of clinical trial material to the Territory (the: “Quality Agreement” ).

 

  7.3. Prima BioMed shall supply the Products packaged and labeled ready for Product Use according to applicable laws and regulations as required by regulatory authorities in the Territory.

 

  7.4. Neopharm shall sell the Products under and by reference to the Prima BioMed Trademarks and it shall also have the right to use and display its Trademarks, alone or together with Prima BioMed Trademarks on promotional, literature, advertising and other materials relevant to promotion and marketing of the Products in the Territory (whether provided by Prima BioMed or created by Neopharm).

 

8. ORDERS, DELIVERY AND SUPPLY TERMS

 

  8.1. During the Term of this Agreement, Prima BioMed shall supply Neopharm the Products and Neopharm shall purchase from Prima BioMed the Products for sale in the Territory according to the terms and conditions contained herein and subject to the Territory laws and regulation, under the pricing and payment terms described in Schedule A attached hereto and incorporated herein.

 

  8.2. Neopharm shall collect and deliver to Prima BioMed, in accordance to Prima BioMed’s written instructions, the Biological Samples. Neopharm shall deliver the Biological Samples to Prima BioMed or Delivery Point. All risks and liabilities with regards to the Biological Samples, including risk of loss, shall pass to Prima BioMed at the Delivery Point.

 

  8.3. The Products shall be delivered by Prima BioMed to Neopharm CIF, Neopharm’s warehouse in the Territory [***]. Upon delivery of the Products, Prima BioMed shall convey good title in and to the Products to Neopharm.

 

  8.4. Prima BioMed shall Supply the Products to Neopharm in finished ready-to-administer form together with a Certificate of Conformity, Certificate of Analysis complying with the then current Registration of the Products in the Territory, Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product and all relevant statutory requirements under applicable laws, rules and regulations in the Territory.

 

  8.5.

If for any reason Prima BioMed is in good faith unable to supply any or all of the quantities of the Products required to be supplied hereunder, it shall provide Neopharm with reasonable prior written notice thereof, and, as soon as practicable, appoint a third party designee for the supply of the Products to Neopharm. In the event of a shortfall in Prima BioMed’s ability to supply the Products,

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


  as a result of a Force Majeure Event or otherwise it shall use its good faith efforts to provide Neopharm with as much quantity of the Products as possible. In no event shall Prima BioMed single Neopharm out as the only party to whom a shortfall is applicable and shall not be unfairly prejudiced relative to other third parties in the event of such shortfall.

 

  8.6. All sales made by Prima BioMed to Neopharm shall, except where otherwise agreed in writing, be subject to the terms herein. Any inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and any other applicable conditions of sale shall be governed by the terms of this Agreement.

 

  8.7. Any complaint regarding impairment (including any shortage, imperfection, defects, or case of non-conformance to the Specifications or Registration) of the Products (the “Impairment” ) supplied by Prima BioMed will be notified by Neopharm to Prima BioMed, providing details of the problem and any available documentation, if visible Impairment within [***] of receipt of the Products to Neopharm’s warehouse in the Territory, or if latent Defect , within [***] after discovery of the same (the: “Rejected Products” ). Prima BioMed shall immediately refund Neopharm for the Rejected Products and notify Neopharm within [***], at Prima BioMed’s direction and expense, to either destroy or return (if permissible by applicable law and regulation) to Prima BioMed the Rejected Products. Prima BioMed shall bear and pay any costs, expenses and/or damages incurred by Neopharm in connection with the Rejected Products. In addition, if at any time the Ministry of Health or Neopharm’s Qualified Pharmacists rejects any batch or sample or notice of any non-conformity, Neopharm shall have the right to return to Prima BioMed (if permissible by applicable law and regulation) or destroy such batch or sample and Prima BioMed fully refund Neopharm for the said rejected Products.

 

9. INSPECTION

Provided reasonable written notice has been given, either Party may appoint qualified delegates to inspect, no more than [***] of the Term, and during normal working hours, the place where the other Party stores the Products and stock rotation, inventory and storage systems and with respect to Prima BioMed also the place of manufacturing of the Products, subject to the prior execution of any confidentiality terms as either party may require.

 

10. CONFIDENTIALITY

 

  10.1. Neopharm and Prima BioMed and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents advisors (“Representatives”), undertake that during the Term and for a period of [***] following the expiration or any termination of the Agreement for any reason: (1) all information in relation to the Technology (“Technology Information”) which is transmitted by one party to the other party on the basis of the Agreement shall be treated in confidence by the latter and shall not be used by the receiving party (including such receiving party’s Affiliates and its Representatives) or furnished to any third party for any purpose inconsistent with the Agreement and (2) receiving party shall take all commercially reasonable and appropriate precautions to observe confidentiality, and for its Representatives and Affiliates to do so, and shall not disclose such information to any third party other than for the purpose of performing this Agreement. In this connection, receiving party (including its Representatives and its Affiliates) shall take all commercially reasonable measures to ensure that employees or third party collaborators (as approved in writing beforehand by disclosing party) observe strict secrecy in respect of any of the said nonpublic Technology Information and that such disclosure is limited to only those persons who have a need to know same for the purpose of performing the Agreement.

 

  10.2. The foregoing obligations of the receiving party (including those of the receiving party’s Representatives and Affiliates) contained in the previous paragraphs shall not apply to Technology Information, which the receiving party can so show:

 

  a) is generally available or becomes generally available to the public or within the pharmaceutical market with no fault of the receiving party;

 

  b) had already been known to the receiving party at the time it was divulged;

 

  c) is received by the recipient lawfully from a third party; or

 

  d)

required to be disclosed to a tribunal or governmental agency or regulatory authorities (to the extent necessary to obtain Registration; if receiving party, any of receiving Representatives or Affiliates are requested or required to disclose any such information, receiving party

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


  shall, unless the party so required is restricted by law or order, promptly notify in writing disclosing party of such request or requirement so that disclosing party (or its designated Affiliate) may seek a protective order, and/or take any other mutually agreed action.

 

  10.3. Neopharm shall be entitled to represent itself as the Prima BioMed’s sole and exclusive licensee and authorized distributor in accordance with clause 2.1 within the Territory.

 

11. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES;

 

  11.1. Prima BioMed and its Affiliates warrant and represents that the Products supplied to Neopharm (i) will be ready for administration and distribution to the end-users in the Territory, and (ii) will be adequately contained, packaged and labeled for administration in the Territory, conform to the affirmations of facts on their delivery papers and will fully comply with all local legal and regulatory requirements in the Territory, and (iii) have been manufactured in accordance with the Products’ Specifications including as set forth in the Registration, and in accordance with GMP and the Quality Agreement and (iv) will have at least 80% remaining shelf life upon delivery and (iv) will be fully suitable for their intended use, will not be defective in any way and will not endanger or otherwise be hazardous to the users thereof, and (v) to Prima Biomed’s knowledge, they themselves and any trademark, trade name or other names, signs or marks applied thereto will not infringe the rights of any third party, whether registered or not, including, but not limited to, proprietary rights or other intellectual property rights of any third party and (vi) will be free of all liens and/or rights of third parties of any kind whatsoever. and (iii) will not be adulterated or misbranded

 

  11.2. Prima BioMed and its Affiliates further warrant and represents the following:

 

  11.2.1. It has the full right and legal capacity in and to the Products (including manufacture, supply and sell the Products), the Prima BioMed Trademarks and Technology and to grant to Neopharm the rights granted herein, including the sole, exclusive and unencumbered right to grant the License, without intentionally violating rights of any third parties and that there are no adverse proceedings, claims or actions, pending or threatened, relating to Neopharm’s ability to distribute and sell the Products and/or to use the License and the Technology;

 

  11.2.2. To the best of its knowledge, the use of the Prima BioMed or its Affiliates Intellectual Property, Trademarks, Patents, Technology or Products will not infringe any rights of any third party, whether registered or not, including, but not limited to, proprietary rights or other intellectual property rights of any third party.

 

  11.2.3. It shall perform any and all its obligations, commitments, undertakings and responsibilities under clauses 2.2 and 2.3 above, in good faith and in transparency, in order that Neopharm shall exercise any and all of its rights and interest under said clauses.

 

12. RESPONSIBILITY INDEMNIFICATIONS AND INSURANCE COVER

 

  12.1. Neopharm shall be liable under the applicable law for and shall defend, indemnify and hold Prima BioMed, its Affiliates officers, directors, employees, and agents harmless against any and all third party claims for direct losses, damages, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) resulting specifically and proximately due to the selling and distribution of the Products by Neopharm in violation of the terms of this Agreement or due to any breach or non performing by Neopharm of this Agreement or due to any wrongful, willful or gross negligent act or omission by Neopharm or by any of its officers, employees, agents or contractors with respect to its performance of its obligations under this Agreement, provided that Neopharm’s liability under this Agreement shall never exceed its liability under applicable law; except that Neopharm shall have no obligation to indemnify Prima BioMed pursuant to this clause 12.1 to the extent that Prima BioMed is obligated to indemnify and hold harmless Neopharm under clause 12.2.

 

  12.2. Prima BioMed shall be liable towards Neopharm as well as towards any third party for and shall defend, indemnify and hold Neopharm and its Affiliates, officers, directors, agents and employees (the “Neopharm Indemnitees” ) free and harmless from and against any and all Claims arising out of or in any way resulting from:

 

  (a) any failure by Prima BioMed and its Affiliates to comply with any applicable laws, regulations and/or administrative decision regarding the Registration of each Product in the Territory and CPP) and/or the Product in the Territory;

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


  (b) any Claim with regards to the Biological Samples Procedure (as defined below), including any failure to apply to regulatory requirements and/or claims for loss or mishandling;

 

  (c) Prima BioMed’s or its Affiliate’ transportation, storage, use, and handling of the Products and the disposal of hazardous materials in connection with the manufacture thereof;

 

  (d) any losses or damages (including product related death, injury to person or damage to property) arising out of or in connection with the Products, under use of the Products in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or Marketing Approval or the applicable laws and Regulations in the Territory ;

 

  (e) any breach or non-performing by Prima BioMed or its Affiliates of any representation, warranty, covenant or obligation contained in this Agreement; or

 

  (f) any wrongful, willful or gross negligent act or omission by Prime BioMed or by any of its officers, employees, agents or contractors with respect to its performance of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

  12.3. Without derogating from any and all Prima BioMed obligations, liabilities, responsibilities and warranties with regards to the Products, Prima BioMed shall be solely responsible and liable for the Biological Samples from the Delivery Point and thereafter, including but not limiting to obtaining the Biological Samples’ Regulatory Approvals, all logistics aspects of the Biological Samples from, through and outside the Territory and from, through and outside any country outside the Territory (including required insurance), the handling of the Biological Samples, their disposal, their testing and the consequence of such testing and any procedure done with or to the Biological Samples, all in according with the Registration, the International Regulatory Approval, the Biological Samples’ Regulatory Approvals, the Specification and any applicable laws and regulations (including data security and privacy laws). All cost and expenses related to the Biological Samples Procedure shall be born on Prima BioMed sole cost and expense and no additional payment shall be required from Neopharm (the “Biological Samples Procedure” ). For clarification, Neopharm sole responsibilities, with respect to the Biological Samples, is to deliver the Biological Samples to the Delivery Point according to Prima BioMed written instructions.

 

  12.4. A Party seeking indemnification pursuant to this clause 12 (the “Indemnified Party” ) shall notify within [***] the Party from whom such indemnification is sought (the “Indemnifying Party”) of any claim or action and render all reasonable assistance to the Indemnifying Party in connection with defending such claim or action. The Indemnified Party shall allow the Indemnifying Party to control the defence of any such claim or action; provided that the Indemnifying Party shall keep the indemnified Party informed of the status of such claim or action and shall not settle such claim or action without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

  12.5. Without derogating from Prima BioMed’s and its Affiliates’ liability pursuant to this agreement or in law, Prima BioMed undertakes to effect and to maintain, at its own expense, from the date of first transfer of a Product to the Territory intended for human administration, with a duly licensed and reputable insurance company, the insurance policy specified hereafter (hereafter: “the Prima BioMed insurance”), Product Hazard insurance - covering Prima BioMed’s legal liability in respect of bodily injury or property damage caused as a result of and/or in connection with the Products, up to a Limit of Liability of A$10,000,000 (ten million Australian dollars) per event and in the aggregate for the period of insurance. This policy will include Neopharm as an additional insured as a “Vendor”, subject to a Cross Liability Clause

 

  12.6.

Neopharm undertakes to effect and to maintain, at its own expense, from the date of first transfer of a Product to the Territory intended for human administration, with a duly licensed and reputable insurance company, the insurance policy specified hereafter (hereafter: “ the Neopharm insurance ”), throughout the entire term as define in this agreement, and for an additional [***] after the ending the Term. Neopharm undertakes, at the request of Prima BioMed, to provide evidence of such insurance: Products Liability combined professional liability Insurance - covering Neopharm’s legal liability in respect of any loss or damage caused as a result of and/or in connection with its importation, marketing and supply of the Products up to a Limit of Liability of US$500,000 (five hundred thousand US Dollars) per event and in the aggregate for the period of insurance. This policy will include Prima BioMed as an additional insured, in respect of its liability

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


  due an act or omission of Neopharm and/or due of the products, subject to a Cross Liability Clause. Neopharm’s insurance will include an express condition according to which the Neopharm’s insurance policy will not be cancelled and/or reduced during the period of insurance without advance notification of [***] being provided to Prima BioMed by registered mail. Neopharm’s insurance will contain an express condition according to which the policy will take precedence to any insurance effected by Prima BioMed and that the insurer waives any demand and/or claim of participation of Prima BioMed’s insurance.

 

  12.7. The Parties further agree that the insurance provisions described in clauses 12.5 and 12.6 above shall be reasonably and in good faith negotiated and amended by the Parties prior to the date of first transfer of a Product to the Territory intended for human administration.

 

  12.8. Neither Neopharm or Prima BioMed will be liable to each other for any Consequential Loss arising out of or in connection with this Agreement irrespective of whether the liability for the loss or damage arises in or under contract, statute, tort (including negligence), equity or otherwise at Law, except with respect to any liabilities and/or indemnification obligations under clause 12.2.

 

13. TERM, TERMINATION AND EFFECT OF TERMINATION OF THE AGREEMENT;

 

  13.1. This Agreement shall be in force from the Effective Date and shall continue in force in respect of each Product until twenty (20) years from First Commercial Sale Date, as defined above, of such Product.

 

  13.2. Upon expiration of this Agreement, the License (as defined in clause 2.1 above) of each Product, shall be converted into a fully paid up, perpetual, royalty free, irrevocable License and, in addition, clause 16.3 shall apply with respect to Prima BioMed Trademarks License. The parties agree to negotiate further supply terms in good faith.

 

  13.3. Either Party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement with [***] prior written notice to the other Party for a proven repeated material breach of this Agreement by the other Party, if the breaching Party did not cure such a breach within the said notice period. Any notice of material breach shall specify the breach in reasonable detail.

 

  13.4. Either Party shall have the right to terminate the Agreement immediately by giving written notice if, at any point the other Party is liquidated, declared bankrupt or otherwise made subject to insolvency proceedings and such proceedings are not dismissed or suspended within [***];

 

  13.5. Neopharm shall have the right to terminate the Agreement effective immediately, if Neopharm can demonstrate that there are reasonable good faith grounds to believe there is a safety concern related to the Products or in case of withdrawal of an investigational authorization or withdrawal of a registration for the Products anywhere in the world.

 

  13.6. Prima BioMed shall have the right to terminate the Agreement : (i) if Neopharm actively and knowingly institutes, prosecutes or otherwise participates in (or in any way actively and knowingly aids any third party in instituting, prosecuting or participating in) any administrative, legal or regulatory action that challenges, attacks, disputes the Products and/or the intellectual property relating to the Products or (ii) if Neopharm manufactures the Product or purchases the Product from any third-party for sale in the Territory.

 

  13.7. In the event of Change of Control (as defined in this clause 13.7 below) at one party, Neopharm and/or Prima BioMed, following which the new owner or controller is a direct competitor (of Neopharm and/or Prima BioMed respectively) of the Product in the Territory, the other party shall be entitled to terminate the Agreement within [***] after the announcement of such change of control event. In case Prima BioMed terminates, Prima BioMed and its Affiliates is obliged to [***] with additional interest rate of [***] per annum.

Change of Control shall mean change of ownership or control of more than fifty percent (50%) of the share capital or the issued voting shares or the power or authority to elect more than fifty percent (50%) of the board of directors.

 

  13.8.

Prima BioMed reserves the right to terminate the agreement, only with respect to any specific Product, in the event that a third party demands from Prima BioMed to terminate the Agreement with Neopharm (with respect to the specific Product) as a last and final condition to enter into Worldwide License transaction for the specific Product with Prima BioMed, provided however

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


  that Neopharm has not yet registered any Product in the Territory. In the event of such termination by Prima BioMed, Neopharm shall be entitled to compensation equal to the greater of (a) [***], or (b) [***].

 

  13.9. Termination of the Agreement shall be without prejudice to any rights that shall have accrued to the benefit of either party before such termination. The provisions of clauses, 5.4, 10 (for [***] after termination), 11, 12, 13.2, 14, 16 (except clause 16.6) and 17.6, and the Quality Agreement and the Safety Agreement shall survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement.

 

14. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

 

  14.1. The Agreement shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England. For the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding the above, the parties exclude the application of any international statutes on the sales of goods, including the United Nations Convention on International Contracts for the Sales of Goods. The Agreement shall be in the English language and the English version of the Agreement shall be deemed the official and governing instrument, notwithstanding any translations thereof.

 

  14.2. In the event of any dispute, either Party may provide written notice of such dispute to the other Party. The parties shall try to settle those conflicts amicably between themselves. If the parties shall be unable to resolve any such dispute within [***] after such notice is received by the other party ( “First Period” ), the matter shall be referred to the President of Prima BioMed and to the President of Neopharm for further review and resolution. If they fail to agree within a second [***] period commencing the end of the first period, any controversy, dispute or claim which may arise out of or in connection with the Agreement, or the breach, termination or validity thereof, shall be referred to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent court located within the jurisdiction of the party not initiating the claim. i.e. the defendant party.

 

15. REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS

 

  15.1. Representations and Covenants of Neopharm.

Neopharm makes the following representations, warranties and covenants:

 

  (a) Corporate Power . Neopharm is duly organized and validly existing under the laws of Israel and has full corporate power and authority to enter into the Agreement and to carry out its provisions.

 

  (b) Due Authorization . Neopharm is duly authorized to execute and deliver the Agreement and to perform its obligations under the Agreement. The person executing the Agreement on Neopharm’s behalf has been duly authorized to do so by all requisite corporate action.

 

  (c) Binding Agreement . The Agreement is a legal and valid obligation binding upon Neopharm and enforceable in accordance with its terms. The execution, delivery and performance of the Agreement by Neopharm will not be prevented or impaired by any agreement, instrument or understanding, oral or written, to which Neopharm, is a party or by which Neopharm may be bound, nor violate any material law or regulation of any court, governmental body or administrative or other agency having jurisdiction over it.

 

  (d) Validity . Neopharm is aware of no action, suit or inquiry or investigation instituted by any local, country, U.S. or other governmental or regulatory agency or by any other person or company that questions or threatens the validity of the Agreement.

 

  15.2. Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Prima BioMed.

Prima BioMed makes the following representations, warranties and covenants:

 

  (a) Corporate Power . Prima BioMed is duly organized and validly existing under the laws of Australia and has full corporate power and authority to enter into the Agreement and carry out the provisions of the Agreement.

 

  (b) Due Authorization . Prima BioMed is duly authorized to execute and deliver the Agreement and to perform its and its Affiliates obligations under the Agreement. The person executing the Agreement on Prima BioMed’s behalf has been duly authorized to do so by all requisite corporate action.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


  (c) Binding Agreement . The Agreement is a legal and valid obligation binding upon Prima BioMed, and enforceable in accordance with its terms. The execution, delivery and performance of the Agreement by Prima BioMed and its Affiliates does not conflict with any agreement, instrument or understanding, oral or written, to which Prima BioMed or any of its Affiliates is a party or by which it may be bound, nor violate any material law or regulation of any court, governmental body or administrative or other agency having jurisdiction over it.

 

  (d) Validity. Prima BioMed is not aware of any action, suit or inquiry or investigation instituted by any local, country, U.S. or other governmental or regulatory agency or by any other person or company that questions or threatens the validity of the Agreement.

 

16. TRADEMARKS AND TRADEMARKS LICENSE

 

  16.1. Neopharm shall sell the Products under or by reference to the Prima BioMed Trademarks specified by Prima BioMed. The Prima BioMed Trademarks are and shall remain the exclusive property of Prima BioMed, whether or not such ownership is specifically recognized or protected under any applicable laws. Neopharm agrees not to take any action inconsistent with such ownership.

 

  16.2. Prima BioMed hereby grants to Neopharm a royalty free, non-exclusive, assignable, license and right to use and display Prima BioMed’s Trademarks in the Territory in connection with the registration, sale, marketing, distribution of the Products in the Territory and as may be require to perform Neopharm’s obligations in accordance with this Agreement (the “Prima BioMed Trademarks License” ). Prima BioMed hereby represents and warrants that it is entitled to grant such rights to Neopharm. Upon Neopharm’s request, Prima BioMed will register, at Neopharm’s cost, Neopharm as a registered user of the Prima BioMed Trademarks in the Territory.

 

  16.3. Upon expiration of the Agreement, the Prima BioMed Trademarks License shall continue except that it will be converted into a fully paid up, perpetual, royalty free, exclusive, irrevocable, assignable, sub licensable, license of Neopharm for the Product in the Territory.

 

  16.4. The Parties agree that all use of the Prima BioMed Trademarks by Neopharm shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of Prima BioMed and the benefits of the goodwill and reputation accrued in connection with the use of the Trademarks shall accrue to Prima BioMed. In the event Neopharm acquires any right, title or interest in or to or relating to the Prima BioMed Trademarks for any reason, Neopharm hereby assigns, at no cost, all such right, title and interest, together with any related goodwill or reputation, to Prima BioMed and it agrees to promptly execute all documents reasonably requested by Prima BioMed in connection with such assignment.

 

  16.5. Without derogating from the above, Neopharm may use and display any or all trademarks, trade names, designs, drawings, brand names, logos and other property rights of NeoPharm and/or its Affiliates and/or Controlled by Neopharm, in respect to the Products ( “NeoPharm Trademarks” ), alone and/or with the Prima BioMed Trademarks to identify Neopharm as licensee and distributor of the Products.

 

  16.6. Neopharm hereby grant to Prima BioMed a royalty free, non-exclusive, license and right to use and display Neopharm’s Trademarks to identify Neopharm as licensee and distributor of the Products, in connection with the registration, sale, marketing, distribution of the Products in the Territory and as may be required to perform Prima BioMed’s obligations in accordance with this Agreement (the “Neopharm Trademarks License” ). Neopharm hereby represents and warrants that it is entitled to grant such rights to Prima BioMed.

 

  16.7. The Parties agree that all use of the NeoPharm Trademarks shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of Neopharm and the benefits of the goodwill and reputation accrued in connection with the use of the NeoPharm Trademarks shall accrue to Neopharm. In the event Prima BioMed acquires any right, title or interest in or to or relating to the NeoPharm Trademarks for any reason, Prima BioMed hereby assigns, at no cost, all such right, title and interest, together with any related goodwill or reputation, to Neopharm. Prima BioMed agrees to promptly execute all documents reasonably requested by Neopharm in connection with such assignment.

 

  16.8. Prima Biomed warrants that it (or its Affiliate) is the applicant or owner of the Prima BioMed Trademarks and that to the best of its knowledge the Trademarks do not infringe on any intellectual property rights of third parties in the Territory.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


17. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

  17.1. It is hereby agreed, that Neopharm may use its Affiliates to perform any of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

  17.2. Assignment . Neither Party may assign or transfer this Agreement or any licenses, rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other, not to be unreasonably withheld. Any attempted assignment or transfer of this Agreement or rights or obligations hereunder that is not in compliance with this clause 17.2 shall be void. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, all successors and assignees permitted under this clause.

 

  17.3. Further Actions . Each party agrees to execute, acknowledge and deliver such further instruments, and to do all such other acts, as may be necessary or appropriate in order to carry out the purposes and intent of the Agreement.

 

  17.4. Force Majeure . Neither party shall be responsible for delays or failures in performance of its undertakings resulting from acts beyond such party’s control which could not be reasonably prevented (including acts of God, governmental restrictions, war, whether declared or not), provided however that either party shall give prompt written notice of such cause to the other party and promptly fulfills its obligations under this Agreement immediately after such force majeure event ceases

 

  17.5. No Other Rights . Except as otherwise expressly provided in the Agreement, no other right, express or implied, is granted by the Agreement.

 

  17.6. Public Announcements. Neither party shall make any press release, statement or public announcement (including by means of advertising or sales promotional materials) concerning the Agreement or the subject matter of the Agreement (including by mentioning or referring in any way to Prima BioMed or Neopharm or names of their employees), unless such announcement shall, in the opinion of such party’s legal counsel, be required by law or unless such announcement is agreed in writing in advance by the parties.

 

  17.7. Notices . All notices and other communications under the Agreement shall be in writing in the English language and shall be deemed given if delivered personally or by facsimile transmission (receipt verified), mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested), postage prepaid, or sent by express courier service, to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice; notices of a change of address shall be effective only upon receipt thereof):

If to Prima BioMed, addressed to:

Attention: CEO

Address: Level 7, 151 Macquarie Street

Sydney, NSW, 2000

Australia

Facsimile: + 61 2 9276 1284

If to Neopharm, addressed to:

Attention: CEO

Neopharm Building,

6 Hashiloach St

Kiryat Matalon

Petach Tikva, 49170

Israel

Facsimile: +972 3 9393770

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


All notices shall be deemed delivered on the next business day if sent by fax, on delivery if personally delivered or delivered by courier, and seven days after posting if sent by first class air mail.

 

  17.8. Amendment . No amendment, modification or supplement of any provision of the Agreement shall be valid or effective unless made in writing and signed by a duly authorized officer or director of each party.

 

  17.9. Waiver . No provision of the Agreement shall be waived by any act, omission or knowledge of any party or its agents or employees except by an instrument in writing expressly waiving such provision and signed by a duly authorized officer or director of the waiving party.

 

  17.10. Counterparts . The Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which need not contain the signature of more than one party but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

  17.11. Severability . Whenever possible, each provision of the Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of the Agreement is held to be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of the Agreement.

 

  17.12. Independent Contractors . The relationship between Prima BioMed and Neopharm created by the Agreement is one of independent contractors and neither party shall have the power or authority to bind or obligate the other. There is no employee-employer relationship between Prima BioMed and Neopharm.

 

  17.13. Local Law Requirements . Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, each party shall at their own expense in their respective countries, take such steps as may be required to satisfy any laws or requirements with respect to declaring, filing, recording or otherwise rendering the Agreement valid.

 

  17.14. Taxes and Set-off . All payments hereunder shall be made subject to any deduction or withholding as required under any applicable law. Each party acknowledges that the purchase price for the goods and services provided hereunder does not include any value-added Taxes, which may be charged in addition if legally owed by Prima BioMed. Each party shall bear any taxes imposed on such party in connection with the performance of this Agreement. Each party shall have the right to set-off any amounts due to the other for any purpose under this Agreement or otherwise.

 

  17.15. Entire Agreement of the Parties . The Agreement (including the Schedules) shall constitute and contain the complete, final and exclusive understanding and agreement of the parties and cancels and supersedes any and all prior negotiations, correspondence, understanding and agreements, whether oral or written, between Prima BioMed and Neopharm respecting the subject matter thereof, and as of the Effective Date the Terms for License and Supply Agreement dated October 2013 and the Non Disclose Agreement dated May 2013 shall be canceled and void.

[ Signature Page Follows ]

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


Intending to be legally bound, the parties have caused the Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized officers or directors as of the Effective Date.

 

PRIMA BIOMED LTD.

/s/ Matthew Lehman

By:   Matthew Lehman
Its:   CEO
By  

 

Its:  

 

NEOPHARM LTD.

/s/ Tal Fuhrer

By   Tal Fuhrer
Its:   VP. Bus. Dev.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


SCHEDULE A

LICENSE AND RIGHT GRANTED CONSIDERATION, PROFIT SHARING, PURCHASE PRICE, PAYMENT TERMS AND MILESTONES PAYMENTS

 

1. DEFINITIONS :

 

  1.1. “Net Profits” shall mean, with respect to each Product, Net Selling Price less Supply Price and less Commercialization Expenses.

 

  1.2. “Net Selling Price” shall mean, with respect to each Product, the gross amount invoiced by Neopharm for sale of Products to third parties, less the following deductions relating to sales of the Products:

 

  1.2.1. Sales returns and allowances actually paid or granted with respect to invoiced amounts, including trade, quantity and cash discounts and any other adjustments, discounts, rebates etc., whether direct discounts and bonuses, or indirect discounts calculated periodically, including those granted on account of price adjustments, billing errors, rejected goods, damaged or defective goods, returns, chargeback rebates, reimbursements or similar payments or credits granted or given to wholesalers or other distributors, including but not limited to payments to Promedico Limited, buying groups, health care insurance carriers or other institutions;

 

  1.2.2. Adjustments arising from consumer discount programs or other similar programs;

 

  1.2.3. allowances, discounts, adjustments, rebates, reimbursements and similar payments or credits in respect of sales to any Government Authority or any government-subsidized program or managed care organization;

 

  1.2.4. customs or excise duties, sales tax, consumption tax, VAT and other taxes (except income taxes) or duties relating to Product sales;

 

  1.2.5. actual freight costs and shipping insurance (to the extent Neopharm bears the cost of freight and shipping insurance);

 

  1.2.6. any invoiced amounts not collected or received by Neopharm within [***] of invoicing (net of the above adjustments previously taken); provided, however, that if any such invoiced amounts are paid to Neopharm at a later date such amounts shall be included in gross invoiced sales of Products; and

Transfers or dispositions of Products in commercially reasonable quantities and without receipt of compensation for pre-clinical, clinical, regulatory, governmental purposes etc. shall be excluded from Net Selling Price calculations for all purposes.

 

  1.3. “Supply Price” shall mean, with respect to each Product, actual direct costs, to the extent related to the Manufacturing (as defined below) of the Products for sale in the Territory during the Term of the Agreement. “Supply Price” shall not include VAT, import taxes, duties or any other required taxes. Costs of third parties related to the Manufacturing, if any, shall be supported by invoices.

 

  1.4. “Manufacturing” shall mean, with respect to each Product, all direct activities by or on behalf of Prima BioMed directed solely to the manufacturing of the Products, including, but not limited to, the producing, processing, primary packaging, final packaging, quality assurance testing and release, shipping and storage of Products; costs of release of Products; costs of raw materials; conversion costs; labor compensation expenses for time spent by manufacturing employees on manufacturing the Products; storage, warehousing, testing, tooling, and physical inventory adjustments, shipping and insurance costs for the Products. Manufacturing charges will also include a [***] overhead charge to cover indirect costs such as reasonable administration charges, repairs to equipment and maintenance activities associated with manufacturing.

 

  1.5. Commercialization Expenses ” shall mean, with respect to each Product, the sum of Marketing Expenses (as defined in clause 1.6 below) and Selling and Distribution Expenses (as defined in clause 1.8 below). Commercialization Expenses will also include a [***] overhead charge to cover indirect costs such as reasonable administration charges, repairs to equipment and other maintenance activities associated with Selling and Distribution.

 

  1.6. “Marketing Expenses” shall mean, with respect to each Product, actual direct costs, to the extent related to the Marketing (as defined below) of the Products for sale in the Territory during the Term of the Agreement. Marketing Expenses shall not include cost and expenses of activities that promote Neopharm’s business as a whole without being specific related to the Products.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.


  1.7. Marketing ” shall mean, with respect to each Product, all direct activities by or on behalf of Neopharm directed solely to marketing and promotion of the Products, including but not limited to, promotion, samples, advertising, lobbying, promotional materials, compensation expenses for time spent by marketing employees on marketing of the Products, professional education, public relation, relationship with opinion leaders and professional societies, market research and other similar activities related to marketing and promotion of the Products.

 

  1.8. “Selling and Distribution Expenses” shall mean, with respect to each Product, actual direct costs, to the extent related to the Selling and Distribution (as defined below) of the Products for sale in the Territory during the Term of the Agreement.

 

  1.9. Selling and Distribution ” shall mean, with respect to each Product, all direct activities by or on behalf of Neopharm directed solely to selling and distribution of the Products and any costs and expenses associated with the selling and distribution of the Products, including, but not limited to securing and executing the orders, logistics, transportation, delivery and dispatch of finished Products, labeling, warehousing, storage, physical distribution, customer service, destructions, regulatory fees and expenses, returns, handling Biological Samples, insurance, governmental fees and duties, importation related cost and expenses, labor compensation expenses associate with the sell and distribution of the Products, inventory handling, credit and collection, administrative expenses.

 

2. PRODUCT PURCHASE PRICE .

Prima BioMed shall supply each Product to Neopharm (CIF, Neopharm warehouse in the Territory, [***] in consideration for the Supply Price. Neopharm shall pay for all purchases of Products not later than ninety [***] after delivery of such Product to Neopharm.

 

3. PROFIT SHARING.

Prima BioMed and Neopharm shall each receive [***] of the Net Profits from all sales of each Product in the Territory during the Term. The Parties shall cooperate to reconcile and settle the Net Profit of each Product on a quarterly basis within [***] after the end of each calendar quarter.

 

4. LICENSES AND RIGHT GRANTED CONSIDERATION .

Neopharm will pay to Prima BioMed a one-time consideration in the sum of [***], within [***] of the Effective Date in consideration to the licenses and all other rights granted to Neopharm under this Agreement.

 

5. MILESTONES PAYMENTS

 

  5.1. Subject to the other terms of this Agreement and Prima BioMed performing all its respective obligations under this Agreement, Neopharm shall pay the following one-time milestone payments to Prima BioMed, within [***] after Neopharm notify Prima BioMed in writing that the responding milestone event set forth below has been achieved:

 

  5.2. [***] due and payable upon completion of Registration of the first Product in the Territory.

 

  5.3. [***] due and payable upon the first time that the Net Selling Price of the first Product in the Territory per a full calendar year is above [***].

 

6. For the avoidance of doubt, each of the above Milestones Payments and the Licenses and Right Granted Consideration payments shall be due not more than once in any event and will be no-refundable and non creditable.

 

7. ADDITIONAL PAYMENT TERMS

 

  7.1. All payments will be made in U.S. dollars by bank wire or electronic transfer (same day funds) to the account and pursuant to the instructions designated by Prima BioMed in writing. Net Profits in the Territory shall be calculated using the representative rate of exchange for the currency in the Territory, as published by the Bank of Israel and known at the time of payment.

 

  7.2. Any income or other taxes on any monies payable to Prima Biomed which Neopharm is required by law to pay or withhold on behalf of Prima BioMed, shall be deducted by Neopharm from such monies due. Any such tax required to be paid or withheld shall be an expense of and borne solely by Prima Biomed.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


8. AUDIT RIGHTS.

During the Term, each Party shall keep complete and accurate records pertaining to the disposition of the Products and amounts payable under this Agreement in sufficient detail to permit the other Party to confirm the accuracy of all payments made or due hereunder. Each Party shall have the right to appoint an independent third party to audit the books of account of the other Party in order to determine whether the other Party has properly reported and accounted for any fees or payments due to such Party pursuant to this Agreement. Audits may be performed during regular business hours, not more than [***] during the Term and for [***] thereafter and upon reasonable prior notice to the other Party. The audit fees shall be borne by the requesting Party unless such audit reveals that difference between the amount paid to the requesting Party and the amount actually due the requesting Party is [***] or more of the amount actually due the requesting Party, in which case the audit fees shall be borne by the other Party.

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


SCHEDULE B

CURRENT PRODUCT

The CVac TM “Product” is an autologous dendritic cell vaccine for use in the field of oncology; currently in clinical trials for epithelial ovarian cancer.

The current vaccine product comprises a patient’s own (autologous or self) white blood cells that have been removed via the process of apheresis and then processed to concentrate their mononuclear white blood cells including dendritic cells. The cells are then cultured in the presence of a proprietary adjuvant known as mannan fusion protein or MFP. MFP consists of oxidised polymannose (a sugar) chemically conjugated to a peptide of a cancer antigen; in this case mucin 1. After culture, the cells are washed, cryopreserved and stored prior to injection (administration) back into the original white blood cell donor (end user).

Mucin 1 is a self- protein that is known to be overexpressed in epithelial cancers in an under glycosylated form. The current CVac product utilises a mucin 1 peptide sequence from the variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) region. While the current CVac product is in trials for patients with epithelial ovarian cancer in first and second remission it may also potentially be used in the future (future product) for treatment of other epithelial cancers expressing the mucin 1 antigen.

Under the terms of this Supply Agreement, Neopharm will be responsible for the collection of white blood cells from patients and their delivery to Prima BioMed according to specifications to be provided. Prima BioMed will be responsible for the processing of the cell samples and return the CVac product to Neopharm in accordance with product specification and regulatory requirements. Neopharm will be responsible for the supply and administration (sale) of the final CVac product to the end user (original donor) in accordance with specifications provided by Prima BioMed.

A Technology License Agreement for 2 intellectual property families from the Burnet Institute of Medical Research (Melbourne, Australia) allows Prima BioMed to manufacture MFP in the field of cancer and to culture dendritic cells from patients in the presence of MFP before readministering to the end user (original donor) to generate cytotoxic T cells. These patents are not currently held in Israel or Palestine. In the event of patentable product improvements, applications will be filed in the Territory

 

[***] = Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Exhibit 12.1

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as required by

Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

I, Marc Voigt, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Prima BioMed Ltd;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  4. I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under my supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under my supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report my conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and


  5. I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date:   September 24, 2014
 

/s/ Marc Voigt

Marc Voigt
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 13.1

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as required by

Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Pursuant to the requirement set forth in Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. §1350), Marc Voigt, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Prima BioMed Ltd (the “Company”), hereby certifies that, to the best of his knowledge:

 

  1. The Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the period ended June 30, 2014, to which this Certification is attached as Exhibit 13.1 (the “Annual Report”), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act; and

 

  2. The information contained in the Annual Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

Date:  

September 24, 2014

/s/ Marc Voigt

Marc Voigt
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer

This certification accompanies the Form 20-F to which it relates, is not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of Prima BioMed Ltd under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (whether made before or after the date of the Form 20-F), irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.