UNITED STATES

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 


 

FORM 8-K

 


 

 

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): July 27, 2021

 

 


 

Cytocom, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 


 

DELAWARE

001-32954

20-0077155

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)

(Commission File Number)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

 

2537 Research Boulevard, Suite 201

Fort Collins, CO 80526

 

(Address of Principal Executive Offices and zip code)

     
     
 

(888) 613-8802

 

(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 
 

Cleveland BioLabs, Inc., 73 High Street, Buffalo, NY 14203

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

 

 

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

 

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common stock, par value $0.005

CBLI

NASDAQ Capital Market

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).                                                                

 

 

Emerging growth company 

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 

 

 



 

 

 

Introductory Note

 

On July 27, 2021, Cytocom, Inc., formerly known as Cleveland BioLabs, Inc. (the “Company” or “Cleveland BioLabs”), High Street Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”), and Cytocom Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Old Cytocom”), completed their previously announced merger transaction. The merger transaction was completed pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), dated as of October 16, 2020, pursuant to which Merger Sub merged with and into Old Cytocom, with Old Cytocom continuing as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and the surviving corporation of the merger (the “Merger”). In connection with the closing of the Merger, Old Cytocom was renamed “Cytocom Subsidiary Inc.” and the Company was renamed “Cytocom, Inc.”

 

Item 2.01 Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

 

The information provided in the Introductory Note of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Merger Consideration. Upon completion of the Merger, each outstanding share of Old Cytocom common stock, each outstanding share of Old Cytocom preferred stock that was not, by its terms, converted into shares of Old Cytocom common stock immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”), and each vested restricted stock unit of Old Cytocom (excluding, in each case, dissenting shares and shares held in treasury) automatically converted into the right to receive a number of shares of Cleveland BioLabs’ common stock determined by the application of an exchange ratio formula set forth in the Merger Agreement.

 

Exchange Ratio. The exchange ratio was calculated based on the total number of outstanding shares of Cleveland BioLabs common stock and Old Cytocom common stock, each on a fully diluted basis, and the respective valuations of Cleveland BioLabs and Old Cytocom, as of immediately prior to the Effective Time. As of the effective date of the Merger Agreement, the valuation of Cleveland BioLabs was assumed to be $39 million and the valuation of Old Cytocom was assumed to be $61 million. For purposes of calculating the exchange ratio, the respective valuations of Old Cytocom and Cleveland BioLabs at the Effective Time were increased or decreased, as applicable, based on the amount of each company’s net cash at closing, inclusive of certain short- and long-term liabilities. From these imputed valuation amounts, the number of shares to be issued as merger consideration to Old Cytocom securityholders will be equal to a percentage of the fully diluted common stock of the combined company determined by dividing the adjusted Old Cytocom valuation by the adjusted combined company valuation.

 

Accordingly, based on the foregoing exchange ratio, the parties determined that 18,492,452 shares of CBLI common stock will be issued in the Merger, resulting in the former Old Cytocom securityholders owning, or holding rights to acquire, approximately 54% of the common stock of the combined company, on a fully diluted basis, and legacy CBLI securityholders owning, or holding rights to acquire, approximately 46% of the common stock of the combined company, on a fully diluted basis, in each case as of immediately following the Effective Time.

 

The shares of Cleveland BioLabs’ common stock being issued to the Old Cytocom securityholders shall be allocated among the Old Cytocom securityholders in accordance with Old Cytocom’s organizational documents. In particular, the holders of shares of Old Cytocom preferred stock that are not automatically converted into common stock immediately prior to the Effective Time will be entitled to receive an aggregate number of shares of Cleveland BioLabs common stock in the Merger having a market value of $12 million (to be allocated on a pro rata basis among such holders of such shares of Old Cytocom preferred stock), to be determined based on the volume-weighted-average trading price of such shares over the period beginning on the date of the closing of the Merger and ending 30 trading days following the closing of the Merger. Therefore, the final allocation of the number of shares of Cleveland BioLabs’ common stock issuable to former Cytocom securityholders in the Merger or subject to a restricted stock unit following the Merger will not be finally determined until after the passage of at least 30 trading days following the Effective Time. Accordingly, while a portion of the shares of Cleveland BioLabs common stock to be issued in exchange for Old Cytocom’s equity securities will be issued shortly after the Effective Time, the final allocation of such shares of Cleveland BioLabs’ common stock among the former Old Cytocom securityholders will not be determined until at least 30 trading days following the Effective Time. These provisions of the Merger Agreement only affect the allocation of the shares of Cleveland BioLabs common stock to be issued in the Merger among the former Old Cytocom securityholders, not the total number of shares to be issued by Cleveland BioLabs.

 

In addition, at the Effective Time, each unvested Old Cytocom restricted stock unit was converted into a number of restricted stock units of Cleveland BioLabs, as determined in accordance with the exchange ratio formula described above. The terms (including, without limitation, the vesting terms) of each such substitute restricted stock unit are substantially equivalent to those of the Old Cytocom restricted stock unit being replaced.

 

The shares of the Company’s Common Stock will continue to trade under the ticker symbol "CBLI" on The Nasdaq Capital Market. The Company’s Common Stock is represented by a new CUSIP number, 23284M100.

 

 

 

The foregoing description of the Merger and the Merger Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Merger Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 2.1 hereto, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 5.01 Changes in Control of Registrant.

 

Under the exchange ratio formula set forth in the Merger Agreement, immediately after the Effective Time, former Old Cytocom securityholders collectively own or hold rights to acquire approximately 54% of the outstanding shares of Cleveland BioLabs’ common stock on a fully diluted basis and stockholders of Cleveland BioLabs as of immediately prior to the Effective Time own or hold rights to acquire approximately 46% of the outstanding shares of Cleveland BioLabs’ common stock on a fully diluted basis. Additionally, beginning at the Effective Time, the Board consists of five members, three of whom were designated by Old Cytocom.

 

The information provided in the Introductory Note, Item 2.01 and Item 5.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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

 

New Directors

 

In connection with the Merger, at the Effective Time, Alexander Andryuschechkin, Daniil Talyanskiy, Anna Evdokimova and Ivan Fedyunin each resigned from the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”). The Board also reduced the number of seats on the Board from six to five, and appointed three new individuals to the Board selected by Old Cytocom, pursuant to the Merger Agreement. At the Effective Time, Michael K. Handley, Taunia Markvicka and Steve Barbarick were each appointed to serve as a director of the Company until the Company’s 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until his or her earlier resignation, removal or retirement or until his successor shall be elected and qualified to serve. Mr. Barbarick was also appointed to serve on the audit committee of the Board. Randy Saluck and Lea Verny each continue to serve on the Board, and each serve on the Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees.

 

The Company intends to evaluate its non-employee director compensation with the input of an independent compensation consultant and may revise its practices based on the results of that review. In the meantime, Mr. Barbarick will receive compensation as a nonemployee director consistent with the Company’s standard nonemployee director compensation practices and is also eligible to participate in the Cleveland BioLabs Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), pursuant to which members of the Board may receive awards or grants from time to time as recommended by the Compensation Committee of the Board and approved by the Board. A description of the Company’s standard nonemployee director compensation practices and the Plan can be found in the section titled “Management Following the Merger – Non-Employee Director Compensation” in the Company’s definitive proxy statement/prospectus dated June 10, 2021. Mr. Handley and Ms. Markvicka, as executive officers of the Company, will not be compensated for their service on the Board.

 

Other than the Merger Agreement, there are no arrangements between Messrs. Handley, Barbarick or Ms. Markvicka, respectively, and any other person pursuant to which Messrs. Handley, Barbarick or Ms. Markvicka were selected as directors. There are no related-party transactions with respect to Messrs. Handley, Barbarick or Ms. Markvicka required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

 

New Executive Officers

 

In connection with the Merger and pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the Effective Time, the following individuals were appointed to serve as executive officers of the Company.

 

Name

Age

Position

Michael K. Handley

50

President and Chief Executive Officer; Director

Taunia Markvicka, Pharm.D., M.B.A.

52

Chief Operating Officer; Director

Peter Aronstam, Ph.D.

68

Chief Financial Officer

Clifford Selsky, M.D., Ph.D.

72

Chief Medical Officer

Cozette M. McAvoy, J.D., M.S.

41

Chief Legal Officer

Robert W. Buckheit, Jr., Ph.D.

60

Chief Technology Officer

 

 

 

Also at the Effective Time, Andrei Gudkov, Ph.D., D. Sci, previously the Company’s Chief Scientific Officer, became the Company’s Global Head of Research & Development and Langdon Miller, M.D., resigned as Chief Medical Officer. Christopher Zosh, the Company’s Vice President of Finance will continue to serve in such capacity, but will no longer be the Company’s interim principal executive, financial and accounting officer.

 

Michael K. Handley, Chief Executive Officer.

 

Biographical Information. Mr. Handley has served as Chief Executive Officer and director of Old Cytocom since April 2020. Beginning in the spring of 2021, Mr. Handley has also been serving as chief executive officer and chairman of Sparta Healthcare Acquisition Corp., a newly organized blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses in the healthcare industry. Previously, Mr. Handley served as Chief Executive Officer and director of Immune Therapeutics, from July 2019 through March 2020. From 2012 through 2018, Mr. Handley served as Chief Executive Officer and director of Armis Biopharma, a development-stage healthcare company, where Mr. Handley was responsible for day-to-day operations, executing a profitable growth strategy, obtaining global product approvals, overseeing intellectual property strategy, product commercialization, business development and financing. Mr. Handley founded Vessix Vascular, Inc. in 2011 and served as Vice President of Clinical, Quality and Regulatory until 2012. Mr. Handley was also Global Head of Regulatory at Acclarent, Inc. from 2010 to 2011. Prior to this, he was Vice President of Regulatory and Chief Compliance Officer of Spectranetics (Nasdaq: SPNC) a medical device company, from 2007 until 2010. Mr. Handley was the Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of Business development, Quality and Regulatory at Accelapure Corporation, a biotechnology company, from 2005 until 2007. Mr. Handley expanded his executive skill set as a Senior Management Consultant in the healthcare field at Pittiglio Rabin Todd & McGrath (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) from 2004 until 2005. Prior to beginning his business career, Mr. Handley spent several years in various consulting and drug development roles at the public biotech companies Genetech, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNA), Amgen Inc. (Nasdaq: AMGN) and Gliatech Inc. (formerly Nasdaq: GLIA). Mr. Handley graduated cum laude from Colorado State University with Bachelor of Science degrees in molecular biology, exercise physiology and minors in chemistry, and neurobiology in 1995. Mr. Handley earned an M.B.A. from The Graziadio Business School at Pepperdine University in 2001.

 

Compensatory Information. In August 2020, Old Cytocom, now a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Handley, who currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Old Cytocom and the Company. That agreement was subsequently amended in September 2020 and again in October 2020. The agreement, as amended, provides for a three-year term and may be terminated either by Old Cytocom or Mr. Handley at any time. The employment agreement sets forth his initial annual base salary of $540,000, a sign-on bonus of $135,000 and a target annual bonus opportunity equal to 55% of base salary.

 

Mr. Handley’s employment agreement, as amended, provides for severance benefits upon a termination of his employment by Old Cytocom without “cause” or his resignation for “good reason,” subject to Mr. Handley’s execution of a general release of claims. The severance benefits include continuation of his base salary for twelve (12) months and twelve (12) months of COBRA premiums paid by Old Cytocom. In addition, if such termination without “cause” or for “good reason” occurs within the twelve (12) month period immediately following a “change in control,” Mr. Handley will also receive a payment equal to his target annual bonus for the calendar year in which the termination occurs, payable in a lump sum within 60 days of termination. As Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Handley will also be eligible to participate in the Company’s plans and arrangements that do not discriminate in scope, terms or operation in favor of executive officers or directors that are generally available to all salaried employees of the Company.

 

The foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the employment agreement, and its amendments, with Mr. Handley filed as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, which is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02.

 

Taunia Markvicka, PharmD, M.B.A., Chief Operating Officer.

 

Biographical Information. Dr. Markvicka has served as Chief Operating Officer of Old Cytocom since November 2020. Dr. Markvicka previously served as Chief Operating Officer of Polypid Ltd. (Nasdaq: PYPD), a pharmaceutical company, from April 2019 until October 2020. Prior to this, Dr. Markvicka served as Chief Commercial Officer at Symbiomix Therapeutics, a pharmaceutical company focusing in the development of gynecologic drugs from March 2016 to July 2020. Dr. Markvicka has also served as Chief Commercial Officer of Pacira Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: PCRX), from 2008 until 2016, where she assisted in the successful commercial launch of EXPAREL®. Dr. Markvicka has held commercial leadership positions with Advantage Healthcare, The Medicines Company, and Allergan plc (NYSE: AGN). Dr. Markvicka earned a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Creighton University and went on to complete a doctorate in pharmacy at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Dr. Markvicka completed a post-doctoral fellowship with Rutgers University and Sandoz Pharmaceuticals. She went on to earn an M.B.A.at St. Joseph’s University.

 

 

 

Compensatory Information. In October 2020, Old Cytocom entered into an employment agreement with Dr. Markvicka, who currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Old Cytocom and the Company. That agreement was subsequently amended in March 2021. The agreement, as amended, provides for a three-year term and may be terminated either by Old Cytocom or Dr. Markvicka at any time. The employment agreement sets forth her initial annual base salary of $420,000, a sign-on bonus of $71,000 and a target annual bonus opportunity equal to 45% of base salary.  Dr. Markvicka’s current annual base salary is $500,000.

 

Dr. Markvicka’s employment agreement, as amended, provides for severance benefits upon a termination of her employment by Old Cytocom without “cause” or her resignation for “good reason,” subject to Dr. Markvicka’s execution of a general release of claims. The severance benefits include continuation of her base salary for twelve (12) months and twelve (12) months of COBRA premiums paid by Old Cytocom. In addition, if such termination without “cause” or for “good reason” occurs within the twelve (12) month period immediately following a “change in control,” Dr. Markvicka will also receive a payment equal to her target annual bonus for the calendar year in which the termination occurs, payable in a lump sum within 60 days of termination. As Chief Operating Officer of the Company, Dr. Markvicka will also be eligible to participate in the Company’s plans and arrangements that do not discriminate in scope, terms or operation in favor of executive officers or directors that are generally available to all salaried employees of the Company.

 

The foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the employment agreement, and its amendment, with Dr. Markvicka filed as Exhibits 10.4 and 10.5 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, which is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02.

 

Peter Aronstam, Ph.D., Chief Financial Officer.

 

Biographical Information. Dr. Aronstam has served as Chief Financial Officer of Old Cytocom since its inception in 2013 and as a director of Old Cytocom since October 2020. From 2001 to 2006, Mr. Aronstam was the Chief Financial Officer of Airspan Networks, Inc., a Nasdaq-listed company in Boca Raton, Florida. He served as the CFO of private company Mainstream Holdings, LLC in West Palm Beach, Florida from 2007 to 2008, and private company The Neptune Society in Plantation, Florida from 2008 to 2009. Since 2010, Mr. Aronstam has been a partner of B2B CFO Partners, LLC, doing business as B2B CFO©. The firm provides CFO services to its clients on a part time basis. From 2012 to November 2020, Mr. Aronstam served as Chief Financial Officer of Immune Therapeutics, Inc. Mr. Aronstam earned Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Law and PhD degrees from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa.

 

Compensatory Information. In August 2020, Old Cytocom entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Aronstam, who currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of Old Cytocom and the Company. That agreement was subsequently amended in September 2020 and again in October 2020.  The agreement, as amended, provides for a three-year term and may be terminated either by Old Cytocom or Mr. Aronstam at any time. The employment agreement sets forth his initial annual base salary of $250,000, a sign-on bonus of $81,250 and a target annual bonus opportunity equal to 45% of base salary.

 

Mr. Aronstam’s employment agreement, as amended, provides for severance benefits upon a termination of his employment by Old Cytocom without “cause” or his resignation for “good reason,” subject to Mr. Aronstam’s execution of a general release of claims. The severance benefits include continuation of his base salary for twelve (12) months and twelve (12) months of COBRA premiums paid by Old Cytocom. In addition, if such termination without “cause” or for “good reason” occurs within the twelve (12) month period immediately following a “change in control,” Mr. Aronstam will also receive a payment equal to his target annual bonus for the calendar year in which the termination occurs, payable in a lump sum within 60 days of termination. As Chief Financial Officer of the Company, Mr. Aronstam will also be eligible to participate in the Company’s plans and arrangements that do not discriminate in scope, terms or operation in favor of executive officers or directors that are generally available to all salaried employees of the Company.

 

The foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the employment agreement, and its amendments, with Mr. Aronstam filed as Exhibits 10.6, 10.7 and 10.8 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, which is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02.

 

Other than the Merger Agreement, there (x) is no arrangement or understanding between Mr. Handley, Ms. Markvicka or Mr. Aronstam, respectively, and any other person pursuant to which either Mr. Handley, Ms. Markvicka or Mr. Aronstam was elected into such respective position, (y) is no family relationship between Mr. Handley, Ms. Markvicka or Mr. Aronstam, respectively, and any other director or executive officer of the Company, and (z) there are no related-party transactions with respect to Mr. Handley, Ms. Markvicka or Mr. Aronstam required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

 

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

 

In connection with the Merger, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation which effectively changed the Company’s name from “Cleveland BioLabs, Inc.” to “Cytocom, Inc.”  No other changes were made to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation.  The foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed as Exhibit 3.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, which is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.03.

 

Item 8.01 Other Events.

 

On July 28, 2021, the Company issued a press release regarding the subject matter of this Current Report, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference. 

 

 

 

Item 9.01         Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

(a) Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired.

 

To be filed by amendment not later than 71 calendar days after the date this report is required to be filed.

 

(b) Pro Forma Financial Information.

 

To be filed by amendment not later than 71 calendar days after the date this report is required to be filed.

 

 

 

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit

Number

Description

   

2.1

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 16, 2020, by and among Cleveland BioLabs, Inc., High Street Acquisition Corp. and Cytocom, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K filed October 19, 2020).

   
3.1 Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Cleveland BioLabs, Inc.
   

10.1

Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of August 19, 2020, as amended, by and among Cytocom Inc. and Michael K. Handley*

   

10.2

Amendment No. 1 to Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of September 6, 2020, by and among Cytocom Inc. and Michael K. Handley*

   
10.3 Amendment No. 2 to Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2020, by and among Cytocom Inc. and Michael K. Handley*
   
10.4 Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of October 30, 2020, as amended, by and among Cytocom Inc. and Taunia Markvicka*
   
10.5 Amendment No. 1 to Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of March 8, 2021, by and among Cytocom Inc. and Taunia Markvicka*
   
10.6 Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of August 17, 2020, as amended, by and among Cytocom Inc. and Peter Aronstam*
   
10.7 Amendment No. 1 to Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of September 6, 2020, by and among Cytocom Inc. and Peter Aronstam*
   
10.8 Amendment No. 2 to Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2020, by and among Cytocom Inc. and Peter Aronstam*
   

99.1

Press Release, dated July 28, 2021

   

* Management contract and compensatory arrangement in which any director or any named executive officer participates

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

 

Cytocom, Inc.

 

 

 

 

Date: July 28, 2021

By: /s/ Cozette M. McAvoy

 

 

Name: Cozette M. McAvoy

 

 

Title: Chief Legal Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 3.1

 

 

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
OF

RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
CLEVELAND BIOLABS, INC.

 

Cleveland BioLabs, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “Corporation”), in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, does hereby certify:

 

1.    The name of the corporation is Cleveland BioLabs, Inc.

 

2.    The Corporation’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation is hereby amended to change the name of the Corporation to “Cytocom, Inc.”.

 

3.    This Certificate of Amendment shall become effective as of 11:59 p.m. on the date first set forth below.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being an authorized officer, has executed this Certificate of Amendment as of July 27, 2021.

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Christopher Zosh 

 

 

 

Name:    Christopher Zosh

 

 

 

Title:      Authorized Officer

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

 

CYTOCOM, INC.

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of Aug 19, 2020 (the “Signature Date”), with an effective date of August 1, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), is by and between Cytocom, Inc. a Delaware-corporation (the “Company”) and Michael Handley (the “Executive”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ the Executive as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Executive desires to accept such employment, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive have mutually agreed that, as of the Effective Date, this Agreement shall govern the terms of employment between the Executive and the Company and supersede all previous agreements between the Executive and the Company.

 

WHEREAS, this agreement supersedes any previous agreements with the Executive.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE 1 EMPLOYMENT; TERM OF AGREEMENT

 

Section 1.1    Employment and Acceptance. During the Term (as defined in Section 1.2), the Company shall employ the Executive, and the Executive shall accept such employment and serve the Company, in each case, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

Section 1.2    Term. The employment relationship hereunder shall be for the period commencing on the Effective Date and, subject to earlier termination as provided in ARTICLE 4, ending on the third anniversary of the Effective Date (the “Term”). In the event that the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates, the Company’s obligation to continue to pay, after the Termination Date (as defined in Section 4.2(b)), Base Salary (as defined in Section 3.1(a)), Annual Bonus (as defined in Section 3.1(b)) and other unaccrued benefits shall terminate, except as may be provided for in ARTICLE 4.

 

ARTICLE 2 TITLE; DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS; LOCATION

 

Section 2.1    Title. The Company shall employ the Executive to render the majority of his time and services to the Company. The Executive shall serve in the capacity of Chief Executive Officer.

 

 

 

Section 2.1     Duties. The Executive shall report to the Company’s Board of Directors and be subject to the lawful direction of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). The Executive agrees to perform to the best of his ability, experience and talent those acts and duties, consistent with the position of Chief Executive Officer as the Board shall from time to time direct. During the Term, the Executive also shall serve in such other executive-level positions or capacities as may, from time to time, be reasonably requested by the Board, including, without limitation (subject to election, appointment, re-election or re-appointment, as applicable) as (a) a member of the Board and/or as a member of the board of directors or similar governing body of any of the Company’s subsidiaries or other Affiliates (as defined below), (b) an officer of any of the Company’s subsidiaries or other Affiliates, and/or (c) a member of any committee of the Company and/or any of its subsidiaries or other Affiliates, in each case, for no additional compensation. As used in this Agreement, “Affiliate” of any individual or entity means any other individual or entity that directly or individual controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the individual or entity.

 

Section 2.2    Compliance with Policies, etc. During the Term, the Executive shall be bound by, and comply fully with, all of the Company’s policies and procedures for employees in place from time to time, including, but not limited to, all terms and conditions set forth in the Company’s employee handbook, compliance manual, codes of conduct and any other memoranda and communications applicable to the Executive pertaining to the policies, procedures, rules and regulations, as currently in effect and as may be amended from time to time. These policies and procedures include, among other things and without limitation, the Executive’s obligations to comply with the Company’s rules regarding confidential and proprietary information and trade secrets.

 

Section 2.3    Time Commitment. During the Term, the Executive shall use his/his best efforts to promote the interests of the Company (including its subsidiaries and other Affiliates) and shall devote the majority of his business time, ability and attention to the performance of his duties for the Company and shall not, directly or indirectly, render any services to any other person or organization, whether for compensation or otherwise, except with the Company’s prior written consent (see exhibit A for approved disclosures), provided that the foregoing shall not prevent the Executive from (i) participating in charitable, civic, educational, professional, Board of Director positions, community or industry affairs, or (ii) managing the Executive’s passive personal investments, so long as, in each case, such activities individually or in the aggregate do not materially interfere or conflict with the Executive’s duties hereunder or create a potential business or fiduciary conflict (in each case, as determined by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 2.4    By signing this agreement, Executive represents and warrant that: (i) Executive is not subject to any pre-existing contractual or other legal obligation with any person, company or business enterprise which may be an impediment to his/hiss employment with, or Executive providing services to, the Company as its employee or officer; and (ii) Executive has not and shall not bring onto Company premises, or use in the course of his/his employment with the Company, any confidential or proprietary information of another person, company or business enterprise to whom Executive previously provided services.

 

Section 2.5    At Will Employment. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, including but not limited to those contained in Section 1.2, Employment with the Company is “at-will.” This means that it is not for any specified period of time and may be terminated either by you or by the Company at any time, with or without advance notice, and for any or no particular reason or cause. It also means that your job duties, title, responsibilities, reporting level, compensation and benefits, as well as the Company’s personnel policies and procedures, may be changed with or without notice at any time in the sole discretion of the Company. The “at-will” nature of your employment is one aspect of our employment relationship that will not change during your tenure as an employee, except by way of written agreement expressly altering the at-will employment relationship and signed by you and by an authorized officer representative of the Company.

 

 

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ARTICLE 3 COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS; EXPENSES

 

Section 3.1    Compensation and Benefits. For all services rendered by the Executive in any capacity during the Term (including, without limitation, serving as an officer, director or member of any committee of the Company’s subsidiaries or other Affiliates), the Executive shall be compensated as follows (subject, in each case, to the provisions of ARTICLE 4 below):

 

(a)    Base Salary. In consideration of the services rendered for this part-time position during the term, the Company shall pay the Executive a base salary (the “Base Salary”) at the annualized rate of Five-hundred forty-thousand dollars ($540,000) per year less statutory deductions and withholding, payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices. The Base Salary shall be subject to annual review by the Board of Directors subject to any additional approval procedures required by the Company’s compensation policies or its Board of Directors. As used in this Agreement, the term “Base Salary” shall refer to Base Salary as may be adjusted from time-to-time.

 

(b)    Sign on & Annual Bonus. The Company shall pay the Executive a sign-on bonus of one-hundred thirty-five thousand dollars ($135,000), payable in a lump sum, within 30 days of the Signature Date. The Executive shall be eligible for annual bonuses on terms and in amounts determined by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) in accordance with this paragraph. For each calendar year ending during the Term (beginning with the calendar year ending 2020) the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus (the “Annual Bonus”) with a target amount equal to 55% percent of the Base Salary earned by the Executive for such calendar year (the “Target Annual Bonus”). The actual amount of each Annual Bonus will be based upon the level of achievement of the Company’s corporate objectives, management objectives and the Executive’s individual objectives, in each case, as established by the Board or its Compensation Committee (taking into account the input of the Board with respect to the establishment of the Executive’s individual objectives). The determination of the level of achievement of the corporate objectives, management objectives and the Executive’s individual performance objectives for a year shall be made by the Board or its Compensation Committee (taking into account the input of the Board with respect to the level of achievement of the Executive’s individual objectives), in its reasonable discretion. Each Annual Bonus for a calendar year, to the extent earned, will be paid in a lump sum in the following calendar year, within the first 45 days of such following year. The Annual Bonus shall not be deemed earned until the date that it is paid. Accordingly, in order for the Executive to receive an Annual Bonus, the Executive must be actively employed by the Company at the time of such payment.

 

(c)    Equity Compensation. The Executive will be granted five-million (5,000,000) immediately vested shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Stock Award”) by December 31, 2020. Additionally, the Executive shall receive an option to acquire up to two-million five- hundred (2,500,000) shares of the Company’s common stock by December 31, 2020 (the “Option”). The Stock Award and the Option will each be granted under the Company’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and will be subject to the terms thereof, and well as to certain additional terms specified in award agreements that will be delivered to the Executive under separate cover.

 

 

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(d)    Benefit Plans. The Executive shall be entitled to receive employee benefits as are afforded under the company’s standard written benefits package to regular full-time employees of the Company, as may be changed at the Company’s discretion from time to time. Such benefits shall include paid time off for vacation, sick days, and holidays.

 

(e)    Paid Time Off (PTO). The Executive shall be entitled to unlimited PTO as described in the Cytocom Employee Handbook’s Benefits section.

 

Section 3.2    Expense Reimbursement. The Company shall reimburse the Executive during the Term, in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies in place from time, for all reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses incurred by the Executive in the performance of his duties hereunder. In order to receive such reimbursement, the Executive shall furnish to the Company documentary evidence of each such expense in the form required to comply with the Company’s policies in place from time to time.

 

ARTICLE 4 TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

 

Section 4.1    Termination Without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason.

 

(a)    The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder at any time without Cause (other than by reason of death or Disability) upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Executive. Executive may terminate his employment hereunder for Good Reason upon written notice to the Company in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 4.1(c).

 

(b)    As used in this Agreement, “Cause” means: (i) a material act, or act of fraud, committed by the Executive that is intended to result in the Executive’s personal enrichment to the detriment or at the expense of the Company or any of its Affiliates; (ii) the Executive is convicted of a felony; (iii) gross negligence or willful misconduct by the Executive, or failure by the Executive to perform the duties or obligations reasonably assigned to the Executive by the Board from time to time, which is not cured upon ten (10) days prior written notice (unless such negligence, misconduct or failure is not susceptible to cure, as determined in the reasonable discretion of the Board); or (iv) the Executive violates the Covenants Agreement (as defined in Section 5.1 below).

 

(c)    As used in this Agreement, “Good Reason” means the occurrence of any of the following: (1) a material breach by the Company of the terms of this Agreement; (2) a material reduction in the Executive’s Base Salary; (3) a material diminution in the Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities; or (4) a material change in the geographic location (more than 60 Miles) at which the Executive performs services for the Company; provided, however, that the Executive must notify the Company within ninety (90) days of the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions that he considers it to be a “Good Reason” condition and provide the Company with at least thirty (30) days in which to cure the condition. If the Executive fails to provide this notice and cure period prior to his resignation or resigns more than six (6) months after the initial existence of the condition, his resignation will not be deemed to be for “Good Reason.”

 

 

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(d)    If the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 4.1(a) or Section 4.1(c) other than during the Post-Change in Control Period (as defined in Section 4.1(e)), the Executive shall, in full discharge of all of the Company’s obligations to the Executive, be entitled to receive, and the Company’s sole obligation to the Executive under this Agreement or otherwise shall be to pay or provide to the Executive, the following:

 

(i)    the Accrued Obligations (as defined in Section 4.2(b)); and

 

(ii)    subject to Section 4.4 and Section 4.5:

 

(A)    payments equal to six (6) months of the Executive’s Base Salary (at the rate in effect immediately prior to the Termination Date) (less applicable withholdings and authorized deductions), to be paid in equal installments bimonthly in accordance with the Company’s customary payroll practices, commencing the day following the Termination Date (the “Pre-CIC Severance Payments”); and

 

(B)    if the Executive then participates in the Company’s medical and/or dental plans and the Executive timely elects to continue and maintain group health plan coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), the Company will pay monthly, on the Executive’s behalf, a portion of the cost of such coverage for the six (6) months after the Termination Date, which payments will be equal to the amount of the monthly premium for such coverage, less the amount that the Executive would have been required to pay if the Executive had remained an active employee of the Company (the “Pre-CIC COBRA Assistance”); provided, however, that if and to the extent that the Company may not provide such Pre-CIC COBRA Assistance without incurring tax penalties or violating any requirement of the law, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable best efforts to provide substantially similar assistance in an alternative manner provided that the cost of doing so does not exceed the cost that the Company would have incurred had the Pre-CIC COBRA Assistance been provided in the manner described above or cause a violation of Section 409A (as defined in Section 5.16).

 

 

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(e)    If the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 4.1(a) during the twelve (12) months immediately following a Change in Control (as defined below) (the “Post- Change in Control Period”), the Executive shall, in full discharge of all of the Company’s obligations to the Executive (and in lieu of any payments and benefits set forth in Section 4.1(d)), be entitled to receive, and the Company’s sole obligation to the Executive under this Agreement or otherwise shall be to pay or provide to the Executive, the following:

 

(i)    the Accrued Obligations; and

 

(ii)    subject to Section 4.4 and Section 4.5:

 

(A)    payments equal to six (6) of the Executive’s Base Salary (at the rate in effect immediately prior to the Termination Date) (less applicable withholdings and authorized deductions), to be paid in equal installments bimonthly in accordance with the Company’s customary payroll practices, commencing the day following the Termination Date (the “Post-CIC Severance Payments”);

 

(B)    if the Executive then participates in the Company’s medical and/or dental plans and the Executive timely elects to continue and maintain group health plan coverage pursuant to COBRA, the Company will pay monthly, on the Executive’s behalf, a portion of the cost of such coverage for the six (6) months after the Termination Date, which payments will be equal to the amount of the monthly premium for such coverage, less the amount that the Executive would have been required to pay if the Executive had remained an active employee of the Company (the “Post-CIC COBRA Assistance”); provided, however, that if and to the extent that the Company may not provide such Post-CIC COBRA Assistance without incurring tax penalties or violating any requirement of the law, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable best efforts to provide substantially similar assistance in an alternative manner provided that the cost of doing so does not exceed the cost that the Company would have incurred had the Post-CIC COBRA Assistance been provided in the manner described above or cause a violation of Section 409A; and

 

(C)    a payment equal to the Executive’s Target Annual Bonus for the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs, payable in a lump sum on the 60th day following the Termination Date.

 

(f)    As used in this Agreement, “Change in Control” means a simple majority (50%) change in ownership of the Company under clause (i) below or (ii) a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company under clause (ii) below or (v) if the majority of the Company’s stock is traded on a public exchange:

 

(i)    Change in the Ownership of the Company. A change in the ownership of the Company shall occur on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (as defined in clause (iii) below), acquires ownership of capital stock of the Company that, together with capital stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50 percent of the total fair market value or total voting power of the capital stock of the Company. However, if any one person or more than one person acting as a group, is considered to own more than 50 percent of the total fair market value or total voting power of the capital stock of the Company, the acquisition of additional capital stock by the same person or persons shall not be considered to be a change in the ownership of the Company. An increase in the percentage of capital stock owned by any one person, or persons acting as a group, as a result of a transaction in which the Company acquires capital stock in the Company in exchange for property will be treated as an acquisition of stock for purposes of this paragraph.

 

 

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(ii)    Change in the Ownership of a Substantial Portion of the Company’s Assets. A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets shall occur on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (as defined in clause (iii) below), acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 80 percent of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions. For this purpose, gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets. There is no Change in Control under this clause (ii) when there is a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the shareholders of the Company immediately after the transfer, as provided below in this clause (ii). A transfer of assets by the Company is not treated as a change in the ownership of such assets if the assets are transferred to (a) a shareholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to its capital stock, (b) an entity, 50 percent or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (c) a person, or more than one person acting as a group, that owns, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding capital stock of the Company, or (d) an entity, at least 50 percent of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a person described in clause (ii)(c) of this paragraph. For purposes of this clause (ii), a person’s status is determined immediately after the transfer of the assets.

 

(iii)    Persons Acting as a Group. For purposes of clauses (i) and (ii) above, persons will not be considered to be acting as a group solely because they purchase or own capital stock or purchase assets of the Company at the same time. However, persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of assets or capital stock, or similar business transaction with the Company. If a person, including an entity, owns stock in both corporations that enter into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of assets or capital stock, or similar transaction, such shareholder is considered to be acting as a group with other shareholders in a corporation only with respect to the ownership in that corporation before the transaction giving rise to the change and not with respect to the ownership interest in the other corporation. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “corporation” shall have the meaning assigned such term under Treasury Regulation section 1.280G-1, Q&A-45.

 

(iv)    Each of clauses (i) through (iii) above shall be construed and interpreted consistent with the requirements of Section 409A and any Treasury Regulations or other guidance issued thereunder.

 

(v)    Public Offering. If the majority of the Company’s stock becomes public and trading on a public exchange.

 

 

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Section 4.2    Termination for Cause; Voluntary Termination; Expiration of Term.

 

(g)    The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder at any time for Cause upon written notice to the Executive. The Executive may voluntarily terminate his employment hereunder at any time without Good Reason upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Company; provided, however, the Company reserves the right, upon written notice to the Executive, to accept the Executive’s notice of resignation and to accelerate such notice and make the Executive’s resignation effective immediately, or on such other date prior to Executive’s intended last day of work as the Company deems appropriate. It is understood and agreed that the Company’s election to accelerate Executive’s notice of resignation shall not be deemed a termination by the Company without Cause for purposes of Section 4.1 of this Agreement or otherwise or constitute Good Reason (as defined in Section 4.1) for purposes of Section 4.1 of this Agreement or otherwise. The Executive’s employment shall automatically terminate upon the expiration of the Term in accordance with Section 1.2.

 

(h)    If the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 4.2(a), the Executive shall, in full discharge of all of the Company’s obligations to the Executive, be entitled to receive, and the Company’s sole obligation under this Agreement or otherwise shall be to pay or provide to the Executive, the following (collectively, the “Accrued Obligations”):

 

(i)    the Executive’s earned, but unpaid, Base Salary through the final date of the Executive’s employment by the Company (the “Termination Date”), payable in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices;

 

(ii)    expenses reimbursable under Section 3.2 above incurred on or prior to the Termination Date but not yet reimbursed; and

 

(iii)    any amounts or benefits that are vested amounts or vested benefits or that the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, program, policy or practice (with the exception of those, if any, relating to severance) on the Termination Date, in accordance with such plan, program, policy, or practice.

 

Section 4.3    Termination Resulting from Death or Disability.

 

(i)    As the result of any Disability suffered by the Executive, the Company may, upon five (5) days prior notice to the Executive, terminate the Executive’s employment under this Agreement. The Executive’s employment shall automatically terminate upon his death.

 

(j)    “Disability” means a determination by the Company in accordance with applicable law that as a result of a physical or mental injury or illness, the Executive is unable to perform the essential functions of his job with or without reasonable accommodation for a period of (i) ninety (90) consecutive days; or (ii) one hundred twenty (120) days during any twelve (12) month period.

 

 

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(k)    If the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 4.3(a), the Executive or the Executive’s estate, as the case may be, shall be entitled to receive, and the Company’s sole obligation under this Agreement or otherwise shall be to pay or provide to the Executive or the Executive’s estate, as the case may be, the Accrued Obligations.

 

Section 4.4    Release Agreement. In order to receive the Pre-CIC Severance Payments or the Post-CIC Severance Payments (collectively referred to herein as the “Severance Payments”) or the Pre-CIC COBRA Assistance or the Post-CIC COBRA Assistance (collectively referred to herein as the “COBRA Assistance”) set forth in Section 4.1 (if eligible), the Executive must timely execute (and not revoke) a separation agreement and general release (the “Release Agreement”) in a customary form as is determined to be reasonably necessary by the Company in its good faith and reasonable discretion. If the Executive is eligible for Severance Payments and COBRA Assistance pursuant to Section 4.1, the Company will deliver the Release Agreement to the Executive within seven (7) calendar days following the Termination Date. The Severance Payments and COBRA Assistance are subject to the Executive’s execution of such Release Agreement within 45 days of the Executive’s receipt of the Release Agreement and the Executive’s non-revocation of such Release Agreement.

 

Section 4.5    Post-Termination Breach. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Company’s obligations to provide the Severance Payments and the COBRA Assistance will immediately cease if the Executive breaches any of the provisions of the Covenants Agreement, the Release Agreement or any other agreement the Executive has with the Company.

 

ARTICLE 5 GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Section 5.1    Company Employee Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement. The Executive acknowledges and confirms that the Company Employee Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement executed by the Executive in favor of the Company as of the Effective Date (“Covenants Agreement”), the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference, remains in full force and effect and binding upon the Executive. The Covenants Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the Executive’s employment by the Company for the applicable period(s) set forth therein.

 

Section 5.2    Expenses. Each of the Company and the Executive shall bear its/his own costs, fees and expenses in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of this Agreement.

 

Section 5.3    Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Covenants Agreement contain the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the terms and conditions of the Executive’s employment during the Term and activities following termination of this Agreement and the Executive’s employment with the Company and supersede any and all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement or the Covenants Agreement. Each party hereto acknowledges that no representations, inducements, promises or agreements, whether oral or in writing, have been made by any party, or on behalf of any party, which are not embodied herein or in the Covenants Agreement. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company has fully satisfied, and has no further, obligations to the Executive arising under, or relating to, any other employment or consulting arrangement or understanding (including, without limitation, any claims for compensation or benefits of any kind) or otherwise. No agreement, promise or statement not contained in this Agreement or the Covenants Agreement shall be valid and binding, unless agreed to in writing and signed by the parties sought to be bound thereby.

 

 

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Section 5.4    No Other Contracts. The Executive represents and warrants to the Company that neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Executive nor the performance by the Executive of the Executive’s obligations hereunder, shall constitute a default under or a breach of the terms of any other agreement, contract or other arrangement, whether written or oral, to which the Executive is a party or by which the Executive is bound, nor shall the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Executive nor the performance by the Executive of his duties and obligations hereunder give rise to any claim or charge against either the Executive, the Company or any Affiliate, based upon any other contract or other arrangement, whether written or oral, to which the Executive is a party or by which the Executive is bound. The Executive further represents and warrants to the Company that he is not a party to or subject to any restrictive covenants, legal restrictions or other agreement, contract or arrangement, whether written or oral, in favor of any entity or person which would in any way preclude, inhibit, impair or limit the Executive’s ability to perform his obligations under this Agreement or the Covenants Agreement, including, but not limited to, non-competition agreements, non-solicitation agreements or confidentiality agreements. The Executive shall defend, indemnify and hold the Company harmless from and against all claims, actions, losses, liabilities, damages, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees and amounts paid in settlement in good faith) arising from or relating to any breach of the representations and warranties made by the Executive in this Section 5.4.

 

Section 5.5    Notices. Any notice or other communication required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or sent by nationally recognized overnight courier service (with next business day delivery requested). Any such notice or communication shall be deemed given and effective, in the case of personal delivery, upon receipt by the other party, and in the case of a courier service, upon the next business day, after dispatch of the notice or communication. Any such notice or communication shall be addressed as follows:

 

If to the Company, to:

Attn: Chief Legal Officer

3001 Aloma Ave.

Winter Park, FL 32792

Legal@cytocom.com

 

If to the Executive, to:

Michael Handley

Email: michaelkhandley@gmail.com

 

Any person named above may designate another address or phone number by giving notice in accordance with this Section to the other persons named above.

 

 

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Section 5.6    Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflicts of law. Any and all actions arising out of this Agreement or Employee’s employment by Company or termination therefrom shall be brought and heard in the state and federal courts of Delaware and the parties hereto hereby irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of any such courts. THE COMPANY AND THE EXECUTIVE HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY AND ALL MATTERS ARISING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY HEREFROM AND REPRESENT THAT THEY HAVE CONSULTED WITH COUNSEL OF THEIR CHOICE OR HAVE CHOSEN VOLUNTARILY NOT TO DO SO SPECIFICALLY WITH RESPECT TO THIS WAIVER.

 

Section 5.7    Waiver. Either party hereto may waive compliance by the other party with any provision of this Agreement. The failure of a party to insist on strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion shall not be considered a waiver or deprive that party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement. No waiver of any provision shall be construed as a waiver of any other provision. Any waiver must be in writing.

 

Section 5.8    Severability. If any one or more of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Agreement shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated and the parties will attempt to agree upon a valid and enforceable provision which shall be a reasonable substitute for such invalid and unenforceable provision in light of the tenor of this Agreement, and, upon so agreeing, shall incorporate such substitute provision in this Agreement. In addition, if any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall for any reason be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be excessively broad as to duration, geographical scope, activity or subject, it shall be construed, by limiting or reducing it, so as to be enforceable to the extent compatible with then applicable law.

 

Section 5.9    Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and each such duplicate counterpart shall constitute an original, any one of which may be introduced in evidence or used for any other purpose without the production of its duplicate counterpart. Moreover, notwithstanding that any of the parties did not execute the same counterpart, each counterpart shall be deemed for all purposes to be an original, and all such counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument, binding on all of the parties hereto.

 

Section 5.10    Advice of Counsel. This Agreement was prepared by Lowenstein Sandler LLP in its capacity as legal counsel to the Company. Both parties hereto acknowledge that they have had the opportunity to seek and obtain the advice of counsel before entering into this Agreement and have done so to the extent desired, and have fully read the Agreement and understand the meaning and import of all the terms hereof.

 

Section 5.11    Assignment. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the Company and its successors and assigns (including, without limitation, the purchaser of all or substantially all of its assets) and shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns. This Agreement is personal to the Executive, and the Executive shall not assign or delegate his rights or duties under this Agreement, and any such assignment or delegation shall be null and void.

 

 

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Section 5.12    Agreement to Take Actions. Each party to this Agreement shall execute and deliver such documents, certificates, agreements and other instruments, and shall take all other actions, as may be reasonably necessary or desirable in order to perform his or its obligations under this Agreement.

 

Section 5.13    No Attachment. Except as required by law, no right to receive payments under this Agreement shall be subject to anticipation, commutation, alienation, sale, assignment, encumbrance, charge, pledge, or hypothecation or to execution, attachment, levy or similar process or assignment by operation of law, and any attempt, voluntary or involuntary, to effect any such action shall be null, void and of no effect; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 5.13 shall preclude the assumption of such rights by executors, administrators or other legal representatives of the Executive or the Executive’s estate and their assigning any rights hereunder to the person or persons entitled thereto.

 

Section 5.14    Source of Payment. Except as otherwise provided under the terms of any applicable employee benefit plan, all payments provided for under this Agreement shall be paid in cash from the general funds of Company. The Company shall not be required to establish a special or separate fund or other segregation of assets to assure such payments, and, if the Company shall make any investments to aid it in meeting its obligations hereunder, the Executive shall have no right, title or interest whatever in or to any such investments except as may otherwise be expressly provided in a separate written instrument relating to such investments. Nothing contained in this Agreement, and no action taken pursuant to its provisions, shall create or be construed to create a trust of any kind, or a fiduciary relationship, between the Company and the Executive or any other person. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company hereunder, such right, without prejudice to rights which employees may have, shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured creditor of the Company. The Executive shall not look to the owners of the Company for the satisfaction of any obligations of the Company under this Agreement.

 

Section 5.15    Tax Withholding. The Company or other payor is authorized to withhold from any benefit provided or payment due hereunder, the amount of withholding taxes due any federal, state or local authority in respect of such benefit or payment and to take such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Board to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such withholding taxes. The Executive will be solely responsible for all taxes assessed against his with respect to the compensation and benefits described in this Agreement, other than typical employer- paid taxes such as FICA, and the Company makes no representations as to the tax treatment of such compensation and benefits.

 

 

Cytocom, Inc.

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Section 5.16    409A Compliance. All payments under this Agreement are intended to comply with or be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and regulations promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”). As used in this Agreement, the “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. To the extent permitted under applicable regulations and/or other guidance of general applicability issued pursuant to Section 409A, the Company reserves the right to modify this Agreement to conform with any or all relevant provisions regarding compensation and/or benefits so that such compensation and benefits are exempt from the provisions of 409A and/or otherwise comply with such provisions so as to avoid the tax consequences set forth in Section 409A and to assure that no payment or benefit shall be subject to an “additional tax” under Section 409A. To the extent that any provision in this Agreement is ambiguous as to its compliance with Section 409A, or to the extent any provision in this Agreement must be modified to comply with Section 409A, such provision shall be read in such a manner so that no payment due to the Executive shall be subject to an “additional tax” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code. If necessary to comply with the restriction in Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code concerning payments to “specified employees,” any payment on account of the Executive’s separation from service that would otherwise be due hereunder within six (6) months after such separation shall be delayed until the first business day of the seventh month following the Termination Date and the first such payment shall include the cumulative amount of any payments (without interest) that would have been paid prior to such date if not for such restriction. Each payment in a series of payments hereunder shall be deemed to be a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A. In no event may the Executive, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of payment. All reimbursements provided under this Agreement shall be made or provided in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A, including, where applicable, the requirement that (i) any reimbursement is for expenses incurred during the Executive’s lifetime (or during a shorter period of time specified in this Agreement), (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement during a calendar year may not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year, (iii) the reimbursement of an eligible expense will be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the year in which the expense is incurred, and (iv) the right to reimbursement is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Executive shall not be considered to have terminated employment with the Company for purposes of Section 4.1 unless the Executive would be considered to have incurred a “termination of employment” from the Company within the meaning of Treasury Regulation §1.409A-1(h)(1)(ii). In no event whatsoever shall the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on the Executive by Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Section 409A.

 

Section 5.17    280G Modified Cutback.

 

(a)    If any payment, benefit or distribution of any type to or for the benefit of the Executive, whether paid or payable, provided or to be provided, or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (collectively, the “Parachute Payments”) would subject the Executive to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), the Parachute Payments shall be reduced so that the maximum amount of the Parachute Payments (after reduction) shall be one dollar ($1.00) less than the amount which would cause the Parachute Payments to be subject to the Excise Tax; provided that the Parachute Payments shall only be reduced to the extent the after-tax value of amounts received by the Executive after application of the above reduction would exceed the after-tax value of the amounts received without application of such reduction. For this purpose, the after-tax value of an amount shall be determined taking into account all federal, state, and local income, employment and excise taxes applicable to such amount. Unless the Executive shall have given prior written notice to the Company to effectuate a reduction in the Parachute Payments if such a reduction is required, which notice shall be consistent with the requirements of Section 409A to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest thereunder, then the Company shall reduce or eliminate the Parachute Payments by first reducing or eliminating any cash payments (with the payments to be made furthest in the future being reduced first), and then by reducing or eliminating any other remaining Parachute Payments; provided, that no such reduction or elimination shall apply to any non- qualified deferred compensation amounts (within the meaning of Section 409A) to the extent such reduction or elimination would accelerate or defer the timing of such payment in manner that does not comply with Section 409A.

 

 

Cytocom, Inc.

Page 13 of 16

 

(b)    An initial determination as to whether any of the Parachute Payments received by the Executive in connection with the occurrence of a change in the ownership or control of the Company or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company shall be subject to the Excise Tax, and (y) the amount of any reduction, if any, that may be required pursuant to the previous paragraph, shall be made by an independent accounting firm selected by the Company (the “Accounting Firm”) prior to the consummation of such change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company. The Executive shall be furnished with notice of all determinations made as to the Excise Tax payable with respect to the Executive’s Parachute Payments, together with the related calculations of the Accounting Firm, promptly after such determinations and calculations have been received by the Company.

 

(c)    For purposes of this Section 5.17, (i) no portion of the Parachute Payments the receipt or enjoyment of which the Executive shall have effectively waived in writing prior to the date of payment of the Parachute Payments shall be taken into account; (ii) no portion of the Parachute Payments shall be taken into account which in the opinion of the Accounting Firm does not constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code; (iii) the Parachute Payments shall be reduced only to the extent necessary so that the Parachute Payments (other than those referred to in the immediately preceding clause (i) or (ii)) in their entirety constitute reasonable compensation for services actually rendered within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(4) of the Code or are otherwise not subject to disallowance as deductions, in the opinion of the auditor or tax counsel referred to in such clause (ii); and (iv) the value of any non- cash benefit or any deferred payment or benefit included in the Parachute Payments shall be determined by the Company’s independent auditors based on Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code and the regulations for applying those sections of the Code, or on substantial authority within the meaning of Section 6662 of the Code.

 

Section 5.18    Recoupment of Erroneously Awarded Compensation. Any incentive-based or other compensation paid to the Executive under this Agreement or any other agreement or arrangement with the Company which is subject to recovery under any law, government regulation, stock exchange listing requirement or any clawback policy adopted by the Company from time to time will be subject to the deductions and clawback as may be required by such law, government regulation, stock exchange listing requirement or clawback policy. In addition, if the executive is or becomes an executive officer subject to the incentive compensation repayment requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd- Frank Act”), then if required by the Dodd-Frank Act or any of its regulations he will enter into an amendment to this Agreement or a separate written agreement with the Company to comply with the Dodd-Frank Act and any of its regulations.

 

 

Cytocom, Inc.

Page 14 of 16

 

IN WITNESS WHISEOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

CYTOCOM, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By: /s/ Noreen Griffin

 

 

Noreen Griffin, President

 

     
     
  EXECUTIVE  
     
     
     
  By: /s/ Michael Handley  
  Michael Handley  

 

 

Cytocom, Inc.

Page 15 of 16

 

Appendix A – Disclosures Approved by the Company

 

1)

Aletheia Therapeutics, Inc.

2)

Forte Biotech Intl Corp.

3)

Horizon’s Discovery, Ltd.

4)

United Cell Therapies, Inc.

5)

Makamer, Inc.

 

 

Cytocom, Inc.

Page 16 of 16

 

STATEMENT REGARDING COMPANY EMPLOYEE

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AND INVENTIONS AGREEMENT

 

Attached to this statement is your Company Employee Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement (the “Agreement”).

 

Please take the time to review the Agreement carefully. It contains material restrictions on your right to disclose or use, during or after your employment, certain information and technology learned by you during your employment.

 

The Company considers this Agreement to be very important to the protection of its business. It intends to enforce the terms of the Agreement and to pursue, appropriate, injunctions, restraining orders, and money damages, should you violate the Agreement.

 

If you have any questions concerning this Agreement, you may wish to consult an attorney. The employees and agents of the Company are not authorized to, and will not, give you legal advice concerning this Agreement.

 

If you have read and understand the Agreement, and if you agree to its terms and conditions, please return a fully executed copy of it to the Company, retaining one copy for yourself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cytocom, Inc.                      CONFIDENTIAL – NOT FOR EXTERNAL DISTRIBUTION

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CYTOCOM, INC.

EMPLOYEE PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AND

INVENTIONS AGREEMENT

(INCLUDING NON-COMPETITION)

 

This EMPLOYEE PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AND INVENTIONS AGREEMENT (INCLUDING NON-COMPETITION) (this “Agreement”), dated as of Aug 19, 2020 (the “Signature Date”), with an effective date of April 1, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), is by and between Cytocom, Inc. a Delaware-corporation (the “Company”) and Michael Handley.

 

In consideration of my employment by Cytocom, Inc. (the “Company”), and the compensation I receive from the Company, I agree to certain restrictions placed by the Company on my use of information belonging to the Company. I understand that, during the course of my work as an employee of the Company, I have had and will have access to Proprietary Information (a term which is defined below) concerning the Company, its employees, its operations, its vendors and its customers. I acknowledge that the Company has developed, compiled, and otherwise obtained, often at great expense, this information and that this information has great value to the Company’s business. I agree to hold in strict confidence all Proprietary Information and will not disclose any Proprietary Information to anyone outside of the Company, as defined more fully below.

 

I.

DEFINITIONS

 

A.         The “Company”.

 

As used in this Agreement, the “Company” refers to Cytocom, Inc. and each of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies. I recognize and agree that my obligations under this Agreement and all terms of this Agreement apply to me regardless of whether I am employed by or work for Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.

 

B.         “Proprietary Information”: Definition and Ownership.

 

I understand that the Company possesses and will possess Proprietary Information which is important to its business. For purposes of this Agreement, “Proprietary Information” is information that was or will be developed, created, or discovered by or on behalf of the Company, or which became or will become known by, or was or is conveyed by a third party to the Company, which has commercial value in the Company’s business or the business of a third party disclosing such information.

 

 

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“Proprietary Information” includes, but is not limited to, the following (whether or not patentable, copyrightable, or registrable under any intellectual property laws or industrial property laws in the United States or elsewhere): information about software programs and subroutines, source and object code, databases, database criteria, user profiles, scripts, algorithms, processes, trade secrets, designs, methodologies, technology, know-how, processes, data, ideas, techniques, inventions, modules, features and modes of operation, internal documentation, works of authorship, technical, business, financial, client, marketing, and product development plans, forecasts, other employees’ positions, skill levels, duties, compensation and all other terms of their employment (unless disclosure is permitted by law), client and supplier lists, contacts at or knowledge of clients or prospective clients of the Company, and other information concerning the Company’s or its clients’ actual or anticipated products or services, business, research or development, or any information which is received in confidence by or for the Company from any other person unless (i) the information is or becomes publicly known through lawful means; (ii) the information was rightfully in my possession or part of my general knowledge prior to my employment by the Company as specifically identified and disclosed by me in Exhibit “A”; or (iii) the information is disclosed to me without confidential or proprietary restriction by a third party who rightfully possesses the information (without confidential or proprietary restriction). I understand that my employment creates a relationship of confidence and trust between me and the Company with respect to Proprietary Information.

 

All Proprietary Information and all title, patents, patent rights, copyrights, trade secret rights, trademarks, trademark rights, and other intellectual property and rights anywhere in the world (collectively “Rights”) in connection therewith shall be the sole property of the Company. I hereby assign to the Company any Rights I may have or acquire in Proprietary Information.

 

C.         “Company Materials”

 

I understand that the Company possesses or will possess “Company Materials” which are important to its business. For purposes of this Agreement, “Company Materials” are documents or other media or tangible items that contain or embody Proprietary Information or any other information concerning the business, operations or plans of the Company, whether such documents, media or items have been prepared by me or by others.

 

“Company Materials” include, but are not limited to, blueprints, drawings, photographs, charts, graphs, notebooks, customer lists, computer disks, tapes or printouts, sound recordings and other printed, typewritten or handwritten documents, sample products, prototypes and models.

 

II.

OBLIGATIONS TO PROTECT PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

 

I represent and warrant that from the time of my first contact or communication with the Company, I have held in strict confidence all Proprietary Information and have not disclosed any

 

Proprietary Information to anyone outside of the Company, or used, copied, published, or summarized any Proprietary Information except to the extent necessary to carry out my responsibilities as an employee of the Company.

 

At all times, both during my employment by the Company and after its termination, I will (a) keep in confidence and trust and will not disclose any Proprietary Information except to other Company employees, agents and representatives who need to know, or to third parties who are bound by written confidentiality agreements to the extent necessary to carry out my responsibilities as an employee of the Company and in a manner consistent with any such third party confidentiality agreements, and (b) use Proprietary Information only for the benefit of the Company.

 

 

Cytocom, Inc.                      CONFIDENTIAL – NOT FOR EXTERNAL DISTRIBUTION

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III.

MAINTENANCE AND RETURN OF COMPANY MATERIALS

 

All Company Materials are and shall be the sole property of the Company. I agree that during my employment by the Company, I will not remove any Company Materials from the business premises of the Company or deliver any Company Materials to any person or entity outside the Company, except as I am required to do in connection with performing the duties of my employment. I further agree that, immediately upon the termination of my employment by me or by the Company for any reason, or during my employment if so requested by the Company, I will return all Company Materials, apparatus, equipment and other physical property, or any reproduction of such property, excepting only (i) my personal copies of records relating to my compensation; (ii) my personal copies of any materials previously distributed generally to stockholders of the Company; and (iii) my copy of this Agreement.

 

IV.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTIONS TO THE COMPANY

 

As used in this Agreement, “Inventions” mean any work of authorship, discovery, improvement, invention, design, graphic, source, HTML and other code, trade secret, technology, algorithms, computer program or software, audio, video or other files or content, idea, design, process, technique, formula or composition, know-how and data, whether or not patentable or copyrightable. I agree to maintain adequate and current written records and promptly disclose in writing to my immediate supervisor or as otherwise designated by the Company, all Inventions, made, discovered, conceived, reduced to practice or developed by me, either alone or jointly with others, during the term of my employment.

 

I will also disclose to an officer of the Company all Inventions made, discovered, conceived, reduced to practice, or developed by me, either alone or jointly with others, within six (6) months after the termination of my employment with the Company which resulted, in whole or in part, from my prior employment by the Company. Such disclosures shall be received by the Company in confidence (to the extent such Inventions are not assigned to the Company pursuant to Section V below) and do not extend the assignment made in Section V below. I will not disclose Inventions covered by this Section IV to any person outside the Company unless I am requested to do so by management personnel of the Company.

 

V.

OWNERSHIP OF INVENTIONS

 

A.         Generally

 

I agree that all Inventions which I make, conceive, reduce to practice or develop (in whole or in part, either alone or jointly with others) during my employment shall be the sole property of the Company, and I hereby assign such Inventions and all Rights therein to the Company. No assignment in this Agreement shall extend to inventions, the assignment of which is prohibited by law. The Company shall be the sole owner of all Rights in connection therewith.

 

B.         Works Made for Hire

 

The Company shall be the sole owner of all Rights, title and interest in Inventions. I further acknowledge and agree that such Inventions, including, without limitation, any computer programs, programming documentation, and other works of authorship, are “works made for hire” for purposes of the Company’s rights under copyright laws. To the extent that any Inventions may not be considered a “work made for hire”, I hereby assign to the Company such Inventions and all Rights therein, except those Inventions, if any, the assignment of which is prohibited by law.

 

 

Cytocom, Inc.                      CONFIDENTIAL – NOT FOR EXTERNAL DISTRIBUTION

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C.         License

 

If any Inventions assigned hereunder are based on, or incorporated, or are improvements or derivatives of, or cannot be reasonably made, used, reproduced and distributed without using or violating technology or rights owned or licensed by me and not assigned hereunder, I hereby grant the company a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive and sub-licensable right and license to exploit and exercise all such technology and rights in support of the Company’s exercise or exploitation of any assigned Inventions (including any modifications, improvements and derivatives thereof).

 

D.         List of Inventions

 

I have attached hereto a complete list of all existing Inventions to which I claim ownership as of the date of this Agreement and that I desire to specifically clarify are not subject to this Agreement, and I acknowledge and agree that such list is complete. If no such list is attached to this Agreement, I represent that I have no such Inventions at the time of signing this Agreement.

 

E.         Cooperation

 

I agree to perform, during and after my employment, all acts deemed necessary or desirable by the Company to permit and assist it in further evidencing and perfecting the assignments made to the Company under this Agreement and in obtaining, maintaining, defending and enforcing Rights in connection with such Inventions and improvements thereto in any and all countries. Such acts may include, but are not limited to, execution of documents and assistance or cooperation in legal proceedings. To the extent such acts are required after the termination of my employment, the Company shall pay me a reasonable and customary consultancy fee and reimburse reasonable costs and expenses. I hereby irrevocably designate and appoint the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents, as my agents and attorney-in-fact to act for and on my behalf and instead of me, to execute and file any documents, applications or related findings and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the purposes set forth above in this Subsection E, including, without limitation, the perfection of assignment and the prosecution and issuance of patents, patent applications, copyright applications and registrations, trademark applications and registrations or other rights in connection with such Inventions and improvements thereto with the same legal force and effect as if executed by me.

 

F.         Assignment or Waiver of Moral Rights

 

Any assignment of copyright hereunder (and any ownership of a copyright as a work made for hire) includes all rights of paternity, integrity, disclosure and withdrawal and any other rights that may be known as or referred to as “moral rights” (collectively “Moral Rights”). To the extent such Moral Rights cannot be assigned under applicable law and to the extent the following is allowed by the laws in the various countries where Moral Rights exist, I hereby waive such Moral Rights and consent to any action of the Company that would violate such Moral Rights in the absence of such consent.

 

 

Cytocom, Inc.                      CONFIDENTIAL – NOT FOR EXTERNAL DISTRIBUTION

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VI.

NON-SOLICITATION

 

During the term of my employment and for one (1) year thereafter, I will not (i) encourage any employee, consultant, or person who was employed by the Company on the date of termination of my employment (or at any time during the six (6) month period prior to termination of my employment) to leave the company for any reason, nor will I solicit their services; (ii) assist any other person or entity in such encouragement or solicitation; or (iii) hire or assist in hiring or retaining any such employee or consultant.

 

VII.

NON-COMPETITION

 

I agree that during my employment with the Company I will not engage in any employment, business, or activity that is in any way competitive with the business or proposed business of the Company, and I will not assist any other person or organization in competing with the Company or in preparing to engage in competition with the business or proposed business of the Company. The provisions of this paragraph shall apply both during normal working hours and at all other times including, without limitation, nights, weekends and vacation time, while I am employed with the Company.

 

VIII.

COMPANY AUTHORIZATION FOR PUBLICATION

 

Prior to my submitting, or disclosing for possible publication or general dissemination outside the Company (such as through public speaking engagements or literature), any material prepared by me that incorporates information that concerns the Company’s business or anticipated research, I agree to deliver a copy of such material to an officer of the Company for his or her review. Within twenty (20) days following such submission, the Company agrees to notify me in writing whether the Company believes such material contains any Proprietary Information or Inventions, and I agree to make such deletions and revisions as are reasonably requested by the Company to protect its Proprietary Information and Inventions. I further agree to obtain the written consent of the Company prior to any review of such material by persons outside the Company.

 

IX.

FORMER EMPLOYER INFORMATION

 

I represent that my performance of all the terms of this Agreement and as an employee of the Company does not and will not breach any agreement to keep in confidence proprietary information, knowledge or data acquired by me in confidence or in trust prior to my employment by the Company, and I will not disclose to the Company or induce the Company to use any confidential or proprietary information or material belonging to any previous employers or others. I have not entered into and I agree I will not enter into any agreement, either written or oral, in conflict herewith or in conflict with my employment with the Company. I further agree to conform to the rules and regulations of the Company.

 

X.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT

 

I agree and understand that employment with the Company is “at-will,” meaning that it is not for any specified period of time and can be terminated by me or by the Company at any time, with or without advance notice, and for any or no particular reason or cause. I agree and understand that it also means that job duties, title and responsibility and reporting level, compensation and benefits, as well as the Company’s personnel policies and procedures, may be changed at any time at-will by the Company. I understand and agree that nothing about the fact or the content of this Agreement is intended to, nor should be construed to, alter the at-will nature of my employment with the Company.

 

 

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XI.

SEVERABILITY

 

If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, such provisions shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to comply with applicable law and the intent of the parties. If any provision of this Agreement, or application of it to any person, place, or circumstances, shall be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, unenforceable, or void, the remainder of this Agreement and such provisions as applied to other persons, places, and circumstances shall remain in full force and effect.

 

XII.

AUTHORIZATION TO NOTIFY NEW EMPLOYER

 

I hereby authorize the Company to notify my new employer about my rights and obligations under this Agreement following the termination of my employment with the Company.

 

XIII.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

 

This Agreement and the Executive Employment Agreement set[s] forth the entire agreement and understanding between the Company and me relating to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior discussions and/or agreements between us. I understand and acknowledge that (i) no other representation or inducement has been made to me, (ii) I have relied on my own judgment and investigation in accepting my employment with the Company, and (iii) I have not relied on any representation or inducement made by any officer, employee or representative of the Company. No modification of or amendment to this Agreement nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement will be effective unless in a writing signed by the CEO or President of the Company and me. I understand and agree that any subsequent change or changes in my duties, salary or compensation will not affect the validity or scope of this Agreement.

 

XIV.

EFFECTIVE DATE AND BINDING UPON SUCCESSORS

 

This Agreement shall be effective as of the first day of my employment with the Company and shall be binding upon me, my heirs, executors, and administrators and shall inure to the benefit of the Company, its subsidiaries, successors and assigns.

 

XV.

GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION

 

Although I may work for the Company outside of Delaware or the United States, I understand and agree that this Agreement shall be interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflicts of law. Any and all actions arising out of this Agreement or Employee’s employment by Company or termination therefrom shall be brought and heard in the state and federal courts of Delaware and the parties hereto hereby irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of any such courts.

 

 

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XVI.

REMEDIES

 

I recognize that nothing in this Agreement is intended to limit any remedy of any trade secret act. I recognize that my violation of this Agreement could cause the Company irreparable harm, the amount of which may be extremely difficult to estimate, making any remedy at law or in damages inadequate. Thus, I agree that the Company shall have the right to apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for an order restraining any breach or threatened breach of this Agreement and for any other relief the Company deems appropriate. This right shall be in addition to any other remedy available to the Company.

 

XVII.

APPLICATION OF THIS AGREEMENT

 

I agree that my obligation set forth in this Agreement, along with the Agreement’s definitions of Proprietary Information shall be equally applicable to Proprietary Information related to any work performed by me for the Company prior to the execution of this Agreement.

 

I HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY AND I UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS. I ACCEPT THE OBLIGATIONS WHICH IT IMPOSES UPON ME WITHOUT RESERVATION. NO PROMISES OR REPRESENTATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE TO ME TO INDUCE ME TO SIGN THIS AGREEMENT. I SIGN THIS AGREEMENT VOLUNTARILY AND FREELY. I HAVE COMPLETELY NOTED ON EXHIBIT A TO THIS AGREEMENT ANY PROPRIETARY INFORMATIO I THAT I DESIRE TO EXCLUDE FROM THIS AGREEMENT.

 

Date: Aug 19, 2020

Signature: /s/ Michael Handley

 

 

Name: Michael Handley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cytocom, Inc.                      CONFIDENTIAL – NOT FOR EXTERNAL DISTRIBUTION

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EXHIBIT A

 

1.

The following is a complete list of all Inventions relevant to the subject matter of my employment with the Company that have been made, discovered, conceived, first reduced to practice or developed by me or jointly with others prior to my employment by the Company that I desire to remove from the operation of the Employee Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement:

 

_____     No Inventions.

 

____x_             See below: Any and all Inventions regarding:

 

 

viral inhibition of noroxymorphone structures and their stereoisomers

 

noroxymorphone structures and their stereoisomers for autoimmune, inflammation and cancer.

 

 

 

_____     Additional sheets attached.

 

2.

I propose to bring to my employment the following materials and documents of a former employer:

 

____x     No materials or documents

 

______   See below:

 

 

Date: Aug 19, 2020

Signature: /s/ Michael Handley

 

 

Name: Michael Handley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Exhibit 10.2

 

 

AMENDMENT No. 1

to the EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Amendment No. 1 (“Amendment”) is entered into as of September 6, 2020 (“Amendment Effective Date”) by and between CYTOCOM, INC. a Delaware corporation (“CYTOCOM”) and Michael Handley, the “Executive”. CYTOCOM and Executive are each referred to individually as a “Party” and together as the “Parties”.

 

WHEREAS, CYTOCOM and Executive are parties to an Executive Employment Agreement dated April 1, 2020 (the “Agreement”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Parties mutually desire to amend, modify and restate certain terms and conditions of the Agreement regarding equity compensation.

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, it is mutually agreed as follows:

 

1.

DEFINITIONS. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized words in this Amendment shall have the meaning attributed to them in the Agreement.

 

2.

AMENDMENTS. The Parties agree that, as of the Amendment Effective Date, the Agreement is amended as set forth in this Section 2.

 

2.1

Section 3.1(c) is deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

 

 

“Equity Compensation. The Executive will be granted 6,125,000 shares of the company’s common stock (the “Stock Award”) at a price of $0.001. The Stock Award will be granted under the Company’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and will be subject to the terms thereof, and as well as to certain additional terms specified in award agreements that will be delivered to the Executive under separate cover.”

 

3.

INTEGRATION. Except for the sections of the Agreement specifically amended hereunder, all terms and conditions of the Agreement remain and shall remain in full force and effect. This Amendment shall hereafter be incorporated into and deemed part of the Agreement and any future reference to the Agreement shall include the terms and conditions of this Amendment.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties intending to be bound have caused this Amendment to be executed by their duly authorized representatives.

 

 

CYTOCOM, INC.

EXECUTIVE

   
By: /s/ Noreen Griffin By: /s/ Michael K. Handley
Name: Noreen Griffin Name: Michael K. Handley
Title: President Title: CEO

 

 

 

 

Page 1 of 1

Exhibit 10.3

 

 

AMENDMENT No. 2

to the EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Amendment No. 2 (“Amendment”) is entered into effective as of October 31, 2020 (“Amendment Effective Date”) by and between CYTOCOM, INC. a Delaware corporation (“CYTOCOM”) and Michael Handley (the “Executive”). CYTOCOM and Executive are each referred to individually as a “Party” and together as the “Parties”.

 

WHEREAS, CYTOCOM and Executive are parties to an Executive Employment Agreement with an effective date of August 1, 2020 (the “Agreement”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Parties mutually desire to amend, modify and restate certain terms and conditions of the Agreement regarding equity compensation.

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, it is mutually agreed as follows:

 

1.

DEFINITIONS. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized words in this Amendment shall have the meaning attributed to them in the Agreement.

 

2.

AMENDMENTS. The Parties agree that, as of the Amendment Effective Date, the Agreement is amended as set forth in this Section 2.

 

2.1

The time period of six (6) months identified in each of Sections 4.1(d)(ii)(A), 4.1(d)(ii)(B), 4.1(e)(ii)(A), and 4.1(e)(ii)(B) is hereby amended to recite that each of such time periods is twelve (12) months.

 

3.

INTEGRATION. Except for the sections of the Agreement specifically amended hereunder, all terms and conditions of the Agreement remain and shall remain in full force and effect. This Amendment shall hereafter be incorporated into and deemed part of the Agreement and any future reference to the Agreement shall include the terms and conditions of this Amendment.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties intending to be bound have caused this Amendment to be executed by their duly authorized representatives.

 

CYTOCOM, INC.     EXECUTIVE    

 

By: /s/ Peter Aronstam   By: /s/ Michael Handley  
           
Name: Peter Aronstam   Name: Michael Handley  
           
Title: CFO   Title: CEO  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Version: 30 October 2020 Page 1 of 1

 

 

Exhibit 10.4

 

CYTOCOM, INC.
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of October 30, 2020 (the “Signature Date”), with an effective date of October 31, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), is by and between Cytocom, Inc. a Delaware-corporation (the “Company”) and Taunia Markvicka (the “Executive”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ the Executive as its Chief Operating Officer, and the Executive desires to accept such employment, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive have mutually agreed that, as of the Effective Date, this Agreement shall govern the terms of employment between the Executive and the Company and supersede all previous agreements between the Executive and the Company.

 

WHEREAS, this agreement supersedes any previous agreements with the Executive.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE 1
EMPLOYMENT; TERM OF AGREEMENT

 

Section 1.1. Employment and Acceptance. During the Term (as defined in Section 1.2), the Company shall employ the Executive, and the Executive shall accept such employment and serve the Company, in each case, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

Section 1.2. Term. The employment relationship hereunder shall be for the period commencing on the Effective Date and, subject to earlier termination as provided in ARTICLE 4, ending on the third anniversary of the Effective Date (the "Term"). In the event that the Executive's employment with the Company terminates, the Company's obligation to continue to pay, after the Termination Date (as defined in Section 4.2(b)), Base Salary (as defined in Section 3.1(a)), Annual Bonus (as defined in Section 3.1(b)) and other unaccrued benefits shall terminate, except as may be provided for in ARTICLE 4.

 

ARTICLE 2
TITLE; DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS; LOCATION

 

Section 2.1. Title. The Company shall employ the Executive to render the majority of his time and services to the Company. The Executive shall serve in the capacity of Chief Operating Officer ("COO").

 

 

 

 

Section 2.2. Duties. The Executive shall report to the Company's Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"). The Executive agrees to perform to the best of his/her ability, experience and talent those acts and duties, consistent with the position of COO as the CEO shall from time to time lawfully direct. Duties of the COO include but are not limited to:

 

 

-

Provide management to staff and leadership to the organization that aligns with the companys business plan and overall strategic vision.

 

 

-

Assist executive team members in creating, growing and building a world class, industry leading organization.

 

 

-

Drive company results from both an operational and financial perspective working closely with the CFO, CEO and other key executive team members.

 

 

-

Partner with the CFO to achieve favorable financial results with respect to sales, profitability, cash flow, mergers and acquisitions, systems, reporting and controls.

 

 

-

Set challenging and realistic goals for growth, performance and profitability.

 

 

-

Create effective measurement tools to gauge the efficiency and effectiveness of internal and external processes.

 

 

-

Provide accurate and timely reports outlining the operational condition of the company.

 

 

-

Spearhead the development, communication and implementation of effective growth strategies and processes.

 

 

-

Works with other c-level executives on budgeting, forecasting and resource allocation programs.

 

 

-

Work closely with senior management team to create, implement and roll out plans for operational processes, internal infrastructures, reporting systems and company policies all designed to foster growth, profitably and efficiencies within the company.

 

 

-

Motivate and encourage employees at all levels as one of the key leaders in the company including but not limited to professional staff, management level employees and executive leadership team members.

 

 

-

Forge strategic partnerships and relationships with clients, vendors, banks, investors and all other professional business relationships.

 

 

-

Work with the CEO and CFO in the capital raise process, participate in the companys road shows. Meet, interact and present information effectively to potential investors and private equity firms.

 

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-

Foster a growth oriented, positive and encouraging environment while keeping employees and management accountable to company policies, procedures and guidelines.

 

Section 2.3. Compliance with Policies, etc. During the Term, the Executive shall be bound by, and comply fully with, all of the Company’s policies and procedures for employees in place from time to time, including, but not limited to, all terms and conditions set forth in the Company’s employee handbook, compliance manual, codes of conduct and any other memoranda and communications applicable to the Executive pertaining to the policies, procedures, rules and regulations, as currently in effect and as may be amended from time to time. These policies and procedures include, among other things and without limitation, the Executive’s obligations to comply with the Company’s rules regarding confidential and proprietary information and trade secrets.

 

Section 2.4. Time Commitment. During the Term, the Executive shall use his/her best efforts to promote the interests of the Company (including its subsidiaries and other Affiliates) and shall devote the majority of his business time, ability and attention to the performance of his/her duties for the Company and shall not, directly or indirectly, render any services to any other person or organization, whether for compensation or otherwise, except with the Company’s prior written consent (see exhibit A for approved disclosures), provided that the foregoing shall not prevent the Executive from (i) participating in charitable, civic, educational, professional, Board of Director positions, community or industry affairs, or (ii) managing the Executive’s passive personal investments, so long as, in each case, such activities individually or in the aggregate do not materially interfere or conflict with the Executive’s duties hereunder or create a potential business or fiduciary conflict (in each case, as determined by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 2.5. By signing this agreement, Executive represents and warrant that: (i) Executive is not subject to any pre-existing contractual or other legal obligation with any person, company or business enterprise which may be an impediment to his/her employment with, or Executive providing services to, the Company as its employee or officer; and (ii) Executive has not and shall not bring onto Company premises, or use in the course of his/his employment with the Company, any confidential or proprietary information of another person, company or business enterprise to whom Executive previously provided services.

 

Section 2.6. At Will Employment. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, including but not limited to those contained in Section 1.2, Employment with the Company is “at-will.” This means that it is not for any specified period of time and may be terminated either by you or by the Company at any time, with or without advance notice, and for any or no particular reason or cause. It also means that your job duties, title, responsibilities, reporting level, compensation and benefits, as well as the Company’s personnel policies and procedures, may be changed with or without notice at any time in the sole discretion of the Company. The “at-will” nature of your employment is one aspect of our employment relationship that will not change during your tenure as an employee, except by way of written agreement expressly altering the at-will employment relationship and signed by you and by an authorized officer representative of the Company.

 

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ARTICLE 3
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS; EXPENSES

 

Section 3.1. Compensation and Benefits. For all services rendered by the Executive in any capacity during the Term (including, without limitation, serving as an officer, director or member of any committee of the Company’s subsidiaries or other Affiliates), the Executive shall be compensated as follows (subject, in each case, to the provisions of ARTICLE 4 below):

 

(a)         Base Salary. In consideration of the services rendered for this part-time position during the term, the Company shall pay the Executive a base salary (the “Base Salary”) at the annualized rate of $420,000 USD less statutory deductions and withholding, payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices at the first of every month. The Base Salary shall be subject to annual review by the Board of Directors subject to any additional approval procedures required by the Company’s compensation policies or its Board of Directors. As used in this Agreement, the term “Base Salary” shall refer to Base Salary as may be adjusted from time-to- time.

 

(b)        Sign on & Annual Bonus. The Company shall pay the Executive a sign-on bonus of $71,000 USD, payable in a lump sum, within 30 days of the Signature Date. The Executive shall be eligible for annual bonuses on terms and in amounts determined by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) in accordance with this paragraph. For each calendar year ending during the Term (beginning with the calendar year ending 2020) the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus (the “Annual Bonus”) with a target amount equal to 45% percent of the Base Salary earned by the Executive for such calendar year (the “Target Annual Bonus”). The actual amount of each Annual Bonus will be based upon the level of achievement of the Company’s corporate objectives, management objectives and the Executive’s individual objectives, in each case, as established by the Board or its Compensation Committee (taking into account the input of the Board with respect to the establishment of the Executive’s individual objectives). The determination of the level of achievement of the corporate objectives, management objectives and the Executive’s individual performance objectives for a year shall be made by the Board or its Compensation Committee (taking into account the input of the Board with respect to the level of achievement of the Executive’s individual objectives), in its reasonable discretion. Each Annual Bonus for a calendar year, to the extent earned, will be paid in a lump sum in the following calendar year, within the first 45 days of such following year. The Annual Bonus shall not be deemed earned until the date that it is paid. Accordingly, in order for the Executive to receive an Annual Bonus, the Executive must be actively employed by the Company at the time of such payment.

 

(c)        Equity Compensation. The Executive will be granted 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Stock Award”) at a price of $0.0001. The Stock Award will be granted under the Company’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and will be subject to the terms thereof, and well as to certain additional terms specified in award agreements that will be delivered to the Executive under separate cover.

 

(d)        Benefit Plans. The Executive shall be entitled to receive employee benefits as are afforded under the company’s standard written benefits package to regular full-time employees of the Company, as may be changed at the Company’s discretion from time to time. Such benefits shall include paid time off for vacation, sick days, and holidays.

 

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(e)         Paid Time Off (PTO). The Executive shall be entitled to unlimited PTO as described in the Cytocom Employee Handbook’s Benefits section.

 

Section 3.2. Expense Reimbursement. The Company shall reimburse the Executive during the Term, in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies in place from time, for all reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses incurred by the Executive in the performance of his duties hereunder. In order to receive such reimbursement, the Executive shall furnish to the Company documentary evidence of each such expense in the form required to comply with the Company’s policies in place from time to time.

 

ARTICLE 4
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

 

Section 4.1.         Termination Without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason.

 

(a)         The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder at any time without Cause (other than by reason of death or Disability) upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Executive. Executive may terminate his employment hereunder for Good Reason upon written notice to the Company in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 4.1(c).

 

(b)         As used in this Agreement, “Cause” means: (i) a material act, or act of fraud, committed by the Executive that is intended to result in the Executive’s personal enrichment to the detriment or at the expense of the Company or any of its Affiliates; (ii) the Executive is convicted of a felony; (iii) gross negligence or willful misconduct by the Executive, or failure by the Executive to perform the duties or obligations reasonably assigned to the Executive by the Board from time to time, which is not cured upon ten (10) days prior written notice (unless such negligence, misconduct or failure is not susceptible to cure, as determined in the reasonable discretion of the Board); or (iv) the Executive violates the Covenants Agreement (as defined in Section 5.1 below).

 

(c)         As used in this Agreement, “Good Reason” means the occurrence of any of the following: (1) a material breach by the Company of the terms of this Agreement; (2) a material reduction in the Executive’s Base Salary; (3) a material diminution in the Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities; or (4) a material change in the geographic location (more than 60 Miles) at which the Executive performs services for the Company; provided, however, that the Executive must notify the Company within ninety (90) days of the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions that he considers it to be a “Good Reason” condition and provide the Company with at least thirty (30) days in which to cure the condition. If the Executive fails to provide this notice and cure period prior to his resignation or resigns more than six (6) months after the initial existence of the condition, his resignation will not be deemed to be for “Good Reason.”

 

(d)         If the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 4.1(a) or Section 4.1(c) other than during the Post-Change in Control Period (as defined in Section 4.1(e)), the Executive shall, in full discharge of all of the Company’s obligations to the Executive, be entitled to receive, and the Company’s sole obligation to the Executive under this Agreement or otherwise shall be to pay or provide to the Executive, the following:

 

(i)         the Accrued Obligations (as defined in Section 4.2(b)); and

 

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(ii)         subject to Section 4.4 and Section 4.5:

 

(A)         payments equal to twelve (12) months of the Executive’s Base Salary (at the rate in effect immediately prior to the Termination Date) (less applicable withholdings and authorized deductions), to be paid in equal installments bimonthly in accordance with the Company’s customary payroll practices, commencing the day following the Termination Date (the “Pre-CIC Severance Payments”); and

 

(B)         if the Executive then participates in the Company’s medical and/or dental plans and the Executive timely elects to continue and maintain group health plan coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), the Company will pay monthly, on the Executive’s behalf, a portion of the cost of such coverage for the twelve (12) months after the Termination Date, which payments will be equal to the amount of the monthly premium for such coverage, less the amount that the Executive would have been required to pay if the Executive had remained an active employee of the Company (the “Pre-CIC COBRA Assistance”); provided, however, that if and to the extent that the Company may not provide such Pre-CIC COBRA Assistance without incurring tax penalties or violating any requirement of the law, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable best efforts to provide substantially similar assistance in an alternative manner provided that the cost of doing so does not exceed the cost that the Company would have incurred had the Pre-CIC COBRA Assistance been provided in the manner described above or cause a violation of Section 409A (as defined in Section 5.16).

 

(e)         If the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 4.1(a) during the twelve (12) months immediately following a Change in Control (as defined below) (the “Post- Change in Control Period”), the Executive shall, in full discharge of all of the Company’s obligations to the Executive (and in lieu of any payments and benefits set forth in Section 4.1(d)), be entitled to receive, and the Company’s sole obligation to the Executive under this Agreement or otherwise shall be to pay or provide to the Executive, the following:

 

(i)         the Accrued Obligations; and

 

(ii)         subject to Section 4.4 and Section 4.5:

 

(A)       payments equal to twelve (12) months of the Executive’s Base Salary (at the rate in effect immediately prior to the Termination Date) (less applicable withholdings and authorized deductions), to be paid in equal installments bimonthly in accordance with the Company’s customary payroll practices, commencing the day following the Termination Date (the “Post-CIC Severance Payments”);

 

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(B)         if the Executive then participates in the Company’s medical and/or dental plans and the Executive timely elects to continue and maintain group health plan coverage pursuant to COBRA, the Company will pay monthly, on the Executive’s behalf, a portion of the cost of such coverage for the twelve (12) months after the Termination Date, which payments will be equal to the amount of the monthly premium for such coverage, less the amount that the Executive would have been required to pay if the Executive had remained an active employee of the Company (the “Post-CIC COBRA Assistance”); provided, however, that if and to the extent that the Company may not provide such Post-CIC COBRA Assistance without incurring tax penalties or violating any requirement of the law, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable best efforts to provide substantially similar assistance in an alternative manner provided that the cost of doing so does not exceed the cost that the Company would have incurred had the Post-CIC COBRA Assistance been provided in the manner described above or cause a violation of Section 409A; and

 

(C)         a payment equal to the Executive’s Target Annual Bonus for the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs, payable in a lump sum on the 60th day following the Termination Date.

 

(f)         As used in this Agreement, “Change in Control” means a simple majority (50%) change in ownership of the Company under clause (i) below or (ii) a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company under clause (ii) below or (v) if the majority of the Company’s stock is traded on a public exchange:

 

 

(i)

Change in the Ownership of the Company. A change in the ownership of the Company shall occur on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (as defined in clause (iii) below), acquires ownership of capital stock of the Company that, together with capital stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50 percent of the total fair market value or total voting power of the capital stock of the Company. However, if any one person or more than one person acting as a group, is considered to own more than 50 percent of the total fair market value or total voting power of the capital stock of the Company, the acquisition of additional capital stock by the same person or persons shall not be considered to be a change in the ownership of the Company. An increase in the percentage of capital stock owned by any one person, or persons acting as a group, as a result of a transaction in which the Company acquires capital stock in the Company in exchange for property will be treated as an acquisition of stock for purposes of this paragraph.

 

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(ii)

Change in the Ownership of a Substantial Portion of the Companys Assets. A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets shall occur on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (as defined in clause (iii) below), acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 80 percent of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions. For this purpose, gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets. There is no Change in Control under this clause (ii) when there is a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the shareholders of the Company immediately after the transfer, as provided below in this clause (ii). A transfer of assets by the Company is not treated as a change in the ownership of such assets if the assets are transferred to (a) a shareholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to its capital stock, (b) an entity, 50 percent or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (c) a person, or more than one person acting as a group, that owns, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding capital stock of the Company, or (d) an entity, at least 50 percent of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a person described in clause (ii)(c) of this paragraph. For purposes of this clause (ii), a person’s status is determined immediately after the transfer of the assets.

 

 

(iii)

Persons Acting as a Group. For purposes of clauses (i) and (ii) above, persons will not be considered to be acting as a group solely because they purchase or own capital stock or purchase assets of the Company at the same time. However, persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of assets or capital stock, or similar business transaction with the Company. If a person, including an entity, owns stock in both corporations that enter into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of assets or capital stock, or similar transaction, such shareholder is considered to be acting as a group with other shareholders in a corporation only with respect to the ownership in that corporation before the transaction giving rise to the change and not with respect to the ownership interest in the other corporation. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “corporation” shall have the meaning assigned such term under Treasury Regulation section 1.280G-1, Q&A-45.

 

 

(iv)

Each of clauses (i) through (iii) above shall be construed and interpreted consistent with the requirements of Section 409A and any Treasury Regulations or other guidance issued thereunder.

 

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(v)

Public Offering. If the majority of the Company’s stock becomes public and trading on a public exchange.

 

Section 4.2. Termination for Cause; Voluntary Termination; Expiration of Term.

 

(a)         The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder at any time for Cause upon written notice to the Executive. The Executive may voluntarily terminate his employment hereunder at any time without Good Reason upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Company; provided, however, the Company reserves the right, upon written notice to the Executive, to accept the Executive’s notice of resignation and to accelerate such notice and make the Executive’s resignation effective immediately, or on such other date prior to Executive’s intended last day of work as the Company deems appropriate. It is understood and agreed that the Company’s election to accelerate Executive’s notice of resignation shall not be deemed a termination by the Company without Cause for purposes of Section 4.1 of this Agreement or otherwise or constitute Good Reason (as defined in Section 4.1) for purposes of Section 4.1 of this Agreement or otherwise. The Executive’s employment shall automatically terminate upon the expiration of the Term in accordance with Section 1.2.

 

(b)         If the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 4.2(a), the Executive shall, in full discharge of all of the Company’s obligations to the Executive, be entitled to receive, and the Company’s sole obligation under this Agreement or otherwise shall be to pay or provide to the Executive, the following (collectively, the “Accrued Obligations”):

 

(i)            the Executive’s earned, but unpaid, Base Salary through the final date of the Executive’s employment by the Company (the “Termination Date”), payable in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices;

 

(ii)           expenses reimbursable under Section 3.2 above incurred on or prior to the Termination Date but not yet reimbursed; and

 

(iii)         any amounts or benefits that are vested amounts or vested benefits or that the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, program, policy or practice (with the exception of those, if any, relating to severance) on the Termination Date, in accordance with such plan, program, policy, or practice.

 

Section 4.3.         Termination Resulting from Death or Disability.

 

(c)         As the result of any Disability suffered by the Executive, the Company may, upon five (5) days prior notice to the Executive, terminate the Executive’s employment under this Agreement. The Executive’s employment shall automatically terminate upon his death.

 

(d)         “Disability” means a determination by the Company in accordance with applicable law that as a result of a physical or mental injury or illness, the Executive is unable to perform the essential functions of his job with or without reasonable accommodation for a period of (i) ninety (90) consecutive days; or (ii) one hundred twenty (120) days during any twelve (12) month period.

 

(e)         If the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 4.3(a), the Executive or the Executive’s estate, as the case may be, shall be entitled to receive, and the Company’s sole obligation under this Agreement or otherwise shall be to pay or provide to the Executive or the Executive’s estate, as the case may be, the Accrued Obligations.

 

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Section 4.4. Release Agreement. In order to receive the Pre-CIC Severance Payments or the Post-CIC Severance Payments (collectively referred to herein as the “Severance Payments”) or the Pre-CIC COBRA Assistance or the Post-CIC COBRA Assistance (collectively referred to herein as the “COBRA Assistance”) set forth in Section 4.1 (if eligible), the Executive must timely execute (and not revoke) a separation agreement and general release (the “Release Agreement”) in a customary form as is determined to be reasonably necessary by the Company in its good faith and reasonable discretion. If the Executive is eligible for Severance Payments and COBRA Assistance pursuant to Section 4.1, the Company will deliver the Release Agreement to the Executive within seven (7) calendar days following the Termination Date. The Severance Payments and COBRA Assistance are subject to the Executive’s execution of such Release Agreement within 45 days of the Executive’s receipt of the Release Agreement and the Executive’s non-revocation of such Release Agreement.

 

Section 4.5. Post-Termination Breach. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Company’s obligations to provide the Severance Payments and the COBRA Assistance will immediately cease if the Executive breaches any of the provisions of the Covenants Agreement, the Release Agreement or any other agreement the Executive has with the Company.

 

ARTICLE 5
GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Section 5.1. Company Employee Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement. The Executive acknowledges and confirms that the Company Employee Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement executed by the Executive in favor of the Company as of the Effective Date (“Covenants Agreement”), the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference, remains in full force and effect and binding upon the Executive. The Covenants Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the Executive’s employment by the Company for the applicable period(s) set forth therein.

 

Section 5.2. Expenses. Each of the Company and the Executive shall bear its/his own costs, fees and expenses in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of this Agreement.

 

Section 5.3. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Covenants Agreement contain the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the terms and conditions of the Executive’s employment during the Term and activities following termination of this Agreement and the Executive’s employment with the Company and supersede any and all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement or the Covenants Agreement. Each party hereto acknowledges that no representations, inducements, promises or agreements, whether oral or in writing, have been made by any party, or on behalf of any party, which are not embodied herein or in the Covenants Agreement. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company has fully satisfied, and has no further, obligations to the Executive arising under, or relating to, any other employment or consulting arrangement or understanding (including, without limitation, any claims for compensation or benefits of any kind) or otherwise. No agreement, promise or statement not contained in this Agreement or the Covenants Agreement shall be valid and binding, unless agreed to in writing and signed by the parties sought to be bound thereby.

 

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Section 5.4. No Other Contracts. The Executive represents and warrants to the Company that neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Executive nor the performance by the Executive of the Executive’s obligations hereunder, shall constitute a default under or a breach of the terms of any other agreement, contract or other arrangement, whether written or oral, to which the Executive is a party or by which the Executive is bound, nor shall the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Executive nor the performance by the Executive of his duties and obligations hereunder give rise to any claim or charge against either the Executive, the Company or any Affiliate, based upon any other contract or other arrangement, whether written or oral, to which the Executive is a party or by which the Executive is bound. The Executive further represents and warrants to the Company that he is not a party to or subject to any restrictive covenants, legal restrictions or other agreement, contract or arrangement, whether written or oral, in favor of any entity or person which would in any way preclude, inhibit, impair or limit the Executive’s ability to perform his obligations under this Agreement or the Covenants Agreement, including, but not limited to, non-competition agreements, non-solicitation agreements or confidentiality agreements. The Executive shall defend, indemnify and hold the Company harmless from and against all claims, actions, losses, liabilities, damages, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees and amounts paid in settlement in good faith) arising from or relating to any breach of the representations and warranties made by the Executive in this Section 5.4.

 

Section 5.5. Notices. Any notice or other communication required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or sent by nationally recognized overnight courier service (with next business day delivery requested). Any such notice or communication shall be deemed given and effective, in the case of personal delivery, upon receipt by the other party, and in the case of a courier service, upon the next business day, after dispatch of the notice or communication. Any such notice or communication shall be addressed as follows:

 

If to the Company, to:

Attn: Chief Legal Officer
3001 Aloma Ave.
Winter Park, FL 32792
Legal@cytocom.com

 

If to the Executive, to:

Taunia Markvicka
[***]
TMarkvicka@yahoo.com

 

Any person named above may designate another address or phone number by giving notice in accordance with this Section to the other persons named above.

 

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Section 5.6. Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflicts of law. Any and all actions arising out of this Agreement or Employee’s employment by Company or termination therefrom shall be brought and heard in the state and federal courts of Delaware and the parties hereto hereby irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of any such courts. THE COMPANY AND THE EXECUTIVE HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY AND ALL MATTERS ARISING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY HEREFROM AND REPRESENT THAT THEY HAVE CONSULTED WITH COUNSEL OF THEIR CHOICE OR HAVE CHOSEN VOLUNTARILY NOT TO DO SO SPECIFICALLY WITH RESPECT TO THIS WAIVER.

 

Section 5.7. Waiver. Either party hereto may waive compliance by the other party with any provision of this Agreement. The failure of a party to insist on strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion shall not be considered a waiver or deprive that party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement. No waiver of any provision shall be construed as a waiver of any other provision. Any waiver must be in writing.

 

Section 5.8. Severability. If any one or more of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Agreement shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated and the parties will attempt to agree upon a valid and enforceable provision which shall be a reasonable substitute for such invalid and unenforceable provision in light of the tenor of this Agreement, and, upon so agreeing, shall incorporate such substitute provision in this Agreement. In addition, if any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall for any reason be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be excessively broad as to duration, geographical scope, activity or subject, it shall be construed, by limiting or reducing it, so as to be enforceable to the extent compatible with then applicable law.

 

Section 5.9. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and each such duplicate counterpart shall constitute an original, any one of which may be introduced in evidence or used for any other purpose without the production of its duplicate counterpart. Moreover, notwithstanding that any of the parties did not execute the same counterpart, each counterpart shall be deemed for all purposes to be an original, and all such counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument, binding on all of the parties hereto.

 

Section 5.10. Advice of Counsel. This Agreement was prepared by Lowenstein Sandler LLP in its capacity as legal counsel to the Company. Both parties hereto acknowledge that they have had the opportunity to seek and obtain the advice of counsel before entering into this Agreement and have done so to the extent desired, and have fully read the Agreement and understand the meaning and import of all the terms hereof.

 

Section 5.11. Assignment. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the Company and its successors and assigns (including, without limitation, the purchaser of all or substantially all of its assets) and shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns. This Agreement is personal to the Executive, and the Executive shall not assign or delegate his rights or duties under this Agreement, and any such assignment or delegation shall be null and void.

 

Cytocom, Inc.

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Section 5.12. Agreement to Take Actions. Each party to this Agreement shall execute and deliver such documents, certificates, agreements and other instruments, and shall take all other actions, as may be reasonably necessary or desirable in order to perform his or its obligations under this Agreement.

 

Section 5.13. No Attachment. Except as required by law, no right to receive payments under this Agreement shall be subject to anticipation, commutation, alienation, sale, assignment, encumbrance, charge, pledge, or hypothecation or to execution, attachment, levy or similar process or assignment by operation of law, and any attempt, voluntary or involuntary, to effect any such action shall be null, void and of no effect; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 5.13 shall preclude the assumption of such rights by executors, administrators or other legal representatives of the Executive or the Executive’s estate and their assigning any rights hereunder to the person or persons entitled thereto.

 

Section 5.14. Source of Payment. Except as otherwise provided under the terms of any applicable employee benefit plan, all payments provided for under this Agreement shall be paid in cash from the general funds of Company. The Company shall not be required to establish a special or separate fund or other segregation of assets to assure such payments, and, if the Company shall make any investments to aid it in meeting its obligations hereunder, the Executive shall have no right, title or interest whatever in or to any such investments except as may otherwise be expressly provided in a separate written instrument relating to such investments. Nothing contained in this Agreement, and no action taken pursuant to its provisions, shall create or be construed to create a trust of any kind, or a fiduciary relationship, between the Company and the Executive or any other person. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company hereunder, such right, without prejudice to rights which employees may have, shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured creditor of the Company. The Executive shall not look to the owners of the Company for the satisfaction of any obligations of the Company under this Agreement.

 

Section 5.15. Tax Withholding. The Company or other payor is authorized to withhold from any benefit provided or payment due hereunder, the amount of withholding taxes due any federal, state or local authority in respect of such benefit or payment and to take such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Board to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such withholding taxes. The Executive will be solely responsible for all taxes assessed against his with respect to the compensation and benefits described in this Agreement, other than typical employer- paid taxes such as FICA, and the Company makes no representations as to the tax treatment of such compensation and benefits.

 

Cytocom, Inc.

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Section 5.16. 409A Compliance. All payments under this Agreement are intended to comply with or be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and regulations promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”). As used in this Agreement, the “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. To the extent permitted under applicable regulations and/or other guidance of general applicability issued pursuant to Section 409A, the Company reserves the right to modify this Agreement to conform with any or all relevant provisions regarding compensation and/or benefits so that such compensation and benefits are exempt from the provisions of 409A and/or otherwise comply with such provisions so as to avoid the tax consequences set forth in Section 409A and to assure that no payment or benefit shall be subject to an “additional tax” under Section 409A. To the extent that any provision in this Agreement is ambiguous as to its compliance with Section 409A, or to the extent any provision in this Agreement must be modified to comply with Section 409A, such provision shall be read in such a manner so that no payment due to the Executive shall be subject to an “additional tax” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code. If necessary to comply with the restriction in Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code concerning payments to “specified employees,” any payment on account of the Executive’s separation from service that would otherwise be due hereunder within six (6) months after such separation shall be delayed until the first business day of the seventh month following the Termination Date and the first such payment shall include the cumulative amount of any payments (without interest) that would have been paid prior to such date if not for such restriction. Each payment in a series of payments hereunder shall be deemed to be a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A. In no event may the Executive, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of payment. All reimbursements provided under this Agreement shall be made or provided in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A, including, where applicable, the requirement that (i) any reimbursement is for expenses incurred during the Executive’s lifetime (or during a shorter period of time specified in this Agreement), (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement during a calendar year may not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year, (iii) the reimbursement of an eligible expense will be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the year in which the expense is incurred, and (iv) the right to reimbursement is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Executive shall not be considered to have terminated employment with the Company for purposes of Section 4.1 unless the Executive would be considered to have incurred a “termination of employment” from the Company within the meaning of Treasury Regulation §1.409A-1(h)(1)(ii). In no event whatsoever shall the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on the Executive by Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Section 409A.

 

Section 5.17. 280G Modified Cutback.

 

(a)         If any payment, benefit or distribution of any type to or for the benefit of the Executive, whether paid or payable, provided or to be provided, or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (collectively, the “Parachute Payments”) would subject the Executive to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), the Parachute Payments shall be reduced so that the maximum amount of the Parachute Payments (after reduction) shall be one dollar ($1.00) less than the amount which would cause the Parachute Payments to be subject to the Excise Tax; provided that the Parachute Payments shall only be reduced to the extent the after-tax value of amounts received by the Executive after application of the above reduction would exceed the after-tax value of the amounts received without application of such reduction. For this purpose, the after-tax value of an amount shall be determined taking into account all federal, state, and local income, employment and excise taxes applicable to such amount. Unless the Executive shall have given prior written notice to the Company to effectuate a reduction in the Parachute Payments if such a reduction is required, which notice shall be consistent with the requirements of Section 409A to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest thereunder, then the Company shall reduce or eliminate the Parachute Payments by first reducing or eliminating any cash payments (with the payments to be made furthest in the future being reduced first), and then by reducing or eliminating any other remaining Parachute Payments; provided, that no such reduction or elimination shall apply to any non- qualified deferred compensation amounts (within the meaning of Section 409A) to the extent such reduction or elimination would accelerate or defer the timing of such payment in manner that does not comply with Section 409A.

 

Cytocom, Inc.

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(b)         An initial determination as to whether any of the Parachute Payments received by the Executive in connection with the occurrence of a change in the ownership or control of the Company or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company shall be subject to the Excise Tax, and (y) the amount of any reduction, if any, that may be required pursuant to the previous paragraph, shall be made by an independent accounting firm selected by the Company (the “Accounting Firm”) prior to the consummation of such change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company. The Executive shall be furnished with notice of all determinations made as to the Excise Tax payable with respect to the Executive’s Parachute Payments, together with the related calculations of the Accounting Firm, promptly after such determinations and calculations have been received by the Company.

 

(c)         For purposes of this Section 5.17, (i) no portion of the Parachute Payments the receipt or enjoyment of which the Executive shall have effectively waived in writing prior to the date of payment of the Parachute Payments shall be taken into account; (ii) no portion of the Parachute Payments shall be taken into account which in the opinion of the Accounting Firm does not constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code; (iii) the Parachute Payments shall be reduced only to the extent necessary so that the Parachute Payments (other than those referred to in the immediately preceding clause (i) or (ii)) in their entirety constitute reasonable compensation for services actually rendered within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(4) of the Code or are otherwise not subject to disallowance as deductions, in the opinion of the auditor or tax counsel referred to in such clause (ii); and (iv) the value of any non- cash benefit or any deferred payment or benefit included in the Parachute Payments shall be determined by the Company’s independent auditors based on Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code and the regulations for applying those sections of the Code, or on substantial authority within the meaning of Section 6662 of the Code.

 

Section 5.18. Recoupment of Erroneously Awarded Compensation. Any incentive-based or other compensation paid to the Executive under this Agreement or any other agreement or arrangement with the Company which is subject to recovery under any law, government regulation, stock exchange listing requirement or any clawback policy adopted by the Company from time to time will be subject to the deductions and clawback as may be required by such law, government regulation, stock exchange listing requirement or clawback policy. In addition, if the executive is or becomes an executive officer subject to the incentive compensation repayment requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd- Frank Act”), then if required by the Dodd-Frank Act or any of its regulations he will enter into an amendment to this Agreement or a separate written agreement with the Company to comply with the Dodd-Frank Act and any of its regulations.

 

Cytocom, Inc.

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IN WITNESS WHISEOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

COMPANY

 

     
  CYTOCOM, INC.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael Handley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       
  EXECUTIVE  
     
  By: /s/ Taunia Markvicka  

 

Cytocom, Inc.

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Appendix A – Disclosures Approved by the Company

 

(1)         Afyx Therapeutics

 

(2)         Insitu Biologics

 

(3)         Hillstream Biopharma

 

 

 

Cytocom, Inc.

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Exhibit 10.5

 

AMENDMENT No. 1
to the EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Amendment No. 1 (“Amendment”) is entered into as of March 8, 2021 (“Amendment Effective Date”) by and between CYTOCOM INC., a Delaware corporation (“CYTOCOM”) and Taunia Markvicka, the “Executive”. CYTOCOM and Executive are each referred to individually as a “Party” and together as the “Parties”.

 

WHEREAS, CYTOCOM and Executive are parties to an Executive Employment Agreement with an effective date of October 31, 2020 (the “Agreement”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Parties mutually desire to amend, modify and restate certain terms and conditions of the Agreement regarding equity compensation.

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, it is mutually agreed as follows:

 

1.

DEFINITIONS. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized words in this Amendment shall have the meaning attributed to them in the Agreement.

 

2.

AMENDMENTS. The Parties agree that, as of the Amendment Effective Date, the Agreement is amended as set forth in this Section 2.

 

2.1

The Stock Award identified in Section 3.1(c) is hereby amended to recite that the Executive will be granted “a total of 1,600,000” shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Stock Award”) at a price of $0.0001, and that the Stock Award will be granted under “the Company’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan or any successively approved Company equity incentive plan (the “Plan”)”.

 

3.

INTEGRATION. Except for the sections of the Agreement specifically amended hereunder, all terms and conditions of the Agreement remain and shall remain in full force and effect. This Amendment shall hereafter be incorporated into and deemed part of the Agreement and any future reference to the Agreement shall include the terms and conditions of this Amendment.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties intending to be bound have caused this Amendment to be executed by their duly authorized representatives.

 

CYTOCOM INC.    EXECUTIVE
         
By: /s/ Michael K Handley   By: /s/ Taunia Markvicka
         
Name: Michael K Handley   Name: Taunia Markvicka
         
Title: CEO   Title: COO

 

 

 

AWARD AGREEMENT FOR RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS
UNDER THE
CYTOCOM, INC. 2020 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

 

THIS AWARD AGREEMENT FOR RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS (this “Agreement”) is made by Cytocom, Inc. (the “Company”) and Taunia Markvicka (the “Grantee”).

 

WHEREAS, the Company maintains the Cytocom, Inc. 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) for the benefit of the employees, directors, consultants and other service providers of the Company and its Affiliates; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to award Restricted Stock Units to the Grantee, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and the Plan.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and the agreements set forth herein, the parties, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:

 

1.    Grant of Restricted Stock Units. Effective March 1, 2020, the Company hereby awards to the Grantee 468,085 Restricted Stock Units, subject to the restrictions and on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan (the “Award”). The terms and provisions of the Plan are hereby incorporated into this Agreement by this reference, as though fully set forth herein. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein will have the same meaning as defined in the Plan. A copy of the Plan has been provided to the Grantee along with this Agreement.

 

2.    Vesting. The Restricted Stock Units subject to this Award will vest as follows, provided in each case that the Grantee remains in Continuous Service through the applicable vesting date or event: One-hundred percent (100%) of the Award will vest on August 16, 2023.

 

3.    Transferability. The Restricted Stock Units are not transferable or assignable otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Any attempt to transfer Restricted Stock Units, whether by transfer, pledge, hypothecation or otherwise and whether voluntary or involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise, will not vest the transferee with any interest or right in or with respect to such Restricted Stock Units.

 

4.    Termination of Service. If the Grantee’s Continuous Service ceases for any reason, all then unvested Restricted Stock Units (determined after giving effect to any accelerated vesting occurring in connection with such cessation) will be forfeited automatically and the Grantee will have no further rights hereunder.

 

5.    Settlement.

 

a.    Within 60 days following the vesting of Restricted Stock Units subject to this Award, the Company shall issue to the Grantee, either by book-entry registration or issuance of a stock certificate or certificates, a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of such Restricted Stock Units then vesting (subject to adjustment in accordance with Article 9 of the Plan). Such issuance will constitute a complete satisfaction of the Company’s obligations in respect of those Restricted Stock Units.

 

 

 

 

b.    The Grantee will not be deemed for any purpose to be, or have rights as, a stockholder of the Company by virtue of the grant of Restricted Stock Units, unless and until shares of Common Stock are issued in settlement of such Restricted Stock Units pursuant to Section 5(a) hereof. Upon the issuance of a stock certificate or the making of an appropriate book entry on the books of the transfer agent, the Grantee will have all of the rights of a stockholder.

 

6.    Merger. Without limiting the application of Article 9 of the Plan or the Board’s discretion under that Article or otherwise, in the event of a Transaction or any other merger or consolidation of the Company with another entity, the Board will make such adjustments to number and type of shares subject to this Award as it deems necessary to appropriately reflect such transaction. Such adjustments may include, without limitation, arranging for the surviving or acquiring entity (or the surviving or acquiring entity’s parent) to assume or continue this Award, unilaterally cancelling this Award in exchange for a similar award in respect of equity of the surviving or acquiring entity (or the surviving or acquiring entity’s parent), or settling this Award in equity of the surviving or acquiring entity (or the surviving or acquiring entity’s parent).

 

7.    Delays or Omissions. No delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any party hereto upon any breach or default of any party under this Agreement, will impair any such right, power or remedy of such party, nor will it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of or in any similar breach or default thereafter occurring, nor will any waiver of any single breach or default be deemed a waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character by any party of any breach or default under this Agreement, or any waiver on the part of any party or any provisions or conditions of this Agreement, must be in a writing signed by such party and will be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing.

 

8.    The Plan. The Grantee acknowledges that the Grantee has received a copy of the Plan, has read the Plan and is familiar with its terms, and accepts the Restricted Stock Units subject to all of the terms and provisions of the Plan. The Board or any committee thereof is hereby authorized to interpret this Agreement and the Plan and to adopt such rules and regulations for the administration of this Award as it deems appropriate. By accepting this Award, the Grantee acknowledges and agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Board or its committee upon any questions arising under this Agreement.

 

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9.    Company Repurchase Rights.

 

a.    If the Grantee’s service ceases for any reason, the Company or its assignee may repurchase up to all the vested shares of Common Stock that the Grantee (and his or her permitted transferee(s), if any) then holds or thereafter acquires upon exercise of an option granted by the Company during the Grantee’s service. If such cessation of the Grantee’s service ceases by reason of a termination by the Company for Cause (as defined below), the price payable by the Company or its assignee to repurchase all shares of Common Stock subject to repurchase hereunder will be, in the aggregate, $1.00. Alternatively, if such cessation of the Grantee’s service ceases for any reason other than termination by the Company for Cause, the price payable by the Company or its assignee to repurchase Common Stock pursuant to this section will be the Fair Market Value of those shares at the time the repurchase right Error! Reference source not found.is exercised. Such price may be paid (w) in cash; (x) by offset, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, of any obligation of the Grantee to the Company or its affiliates; (y) a note of the Company with a five-year term (or such longer period as may be required by any financing agreement to which the Company is a party) yielding the then-current rate of U.S. Treasury Notes with a comparable duration, subject to prepayment by the Company without penalty; or (z) a combination of the foregoing.

 

b.    With respect to each share of Common Stock subject to repurchase pursuant to this section, the Company (or its assignee) may exercise its repurchase right by delivery of written notice to the holder of such share at any time during the 365-day period following the date the Grantee’s service with the Company ceases (or, with respect to shares acquired upon exercise of an option granted by the Company during the Grantee’s service, during the 365-day period following such acquisition). All the rights of the holder of any such shares, other than the right to receive payment in the manner described in section, will terminate as of the date of delivery by the Company of the written notice described in this paragraph.

 

c.    If a holder of Common Stock becomes obligated to transfer such shares to the Company or its assignee pursuant to this Agreement, that holder will endorse in blank any certificates evidencing the shares to be sold and deliver those certificates to the Company or its assignee within 15 days of receipt of the notice described above in Section 9.b. Upon such delivery, full right, title and interest in such shares will pass to the Company or its assignee. If a holder of Common Stock fails to deliver those shares in accordance with this Agreement, the Company or its assignee may, at its option, in addition to all other remedies it may have, either (i) send to that holder the purchase price for such shares, as herein specified, or (ii) deposit such amount with a trustee or escrow agent for the benefit of that holder for release upon delivery of the Common Stock in accordance with this Agreement. Thereupon, the Company or its assignee, upon written notice to the holder, will (x) cancel on its books the certificate or certificates representing the Common Stock required to be transferred, and (y) issue, in lieu thereof, in the name of the Company (or its assignee) a new certificate or certificates representing such shares.

 

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d.    For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means the occurrence of any one or more of the following: (i) the Grantee’s commission of any crime involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude; (ii) the Grantee’s attempted commission of or participation in a fraud or act of dishonesty against the Company that results in (or might have reasonably resulted in) material harm to the business of the Company; (iii) the Grantee’s material violation of any contract or agreement with the Company or its Affiliates, or any duty owed to the Company or its Affiliates; (iv) material damage to the Company’s property; (v) conduct by the Grantee that constitutes insubordination, incompetence or habitual neglect of duties and that results in (or might have reasonably resulted in) material harm to the business of the Company; or (vi) the Grantee’s failure to follow the reasonable instructions of his or her supervisor or the Board; provided, however, that the action or conduct described in clauses (iii), (v) and (vi) above will constitute “Cause” only if such action or conduct is not cured within thirty (30) after the Company has provided the Grantee with written notice thereof, provided the same is capable of being cured.

 

e.    This Section 10 will not apply if the Common Stock (or any securities issued to the Grantee in exchange for the Common Stock pursuant to a Transaction) or any other merger or consolidation of the Company with another entity) is then listed for trading on NASDAQ or any other national securities exchange.

 

10.    Right of First Refusal.

 

a.    If the Grantee proposes to sell or otherwise transfer any shares of Common Stock, the Grantee shall first give written notice of the proposed sale or transfer (the “Transfer Notice”) to the Company. The Transfer Notice shall name the proposed transferee and state the number of such shares the Grantee proposes to sell or transfer (the “Offered Shares”), the price per share and all other material terms and conditions of the sale or transfer.

 

b.    For 30 days following its receipt of such Transfer Notice, the Company shall have the option to purchase all or part of the Offered Shares at the price and upon the terms set forth in the Transfer Notice. If the Company elects to purchase all or part of the Offered Shares, it shall give written notice of such election to the Grantee within such 30-day period. Within 10 days after his receipt of such notice, the Grantee shall tender to the Company at its principal offices any certificate or certificates representing the Offered Shares to be purchased by the Company, duly endorsed in blank by the Grantee or with duly endorsed stock powers attached thereto, all in a form suitable for transfer of the Offered Shares to the Company. Promptly following receipt of such certificate or certificates, the Company shall deliver or mail to the Grantee a check in payment of the purchase price for such Offered Shares; provided that if the terms of payment set forth in the Transfer Notice were other than cash against delivery, the Company may pay for the Offered Shares on the same terms and conditions as were set forth in the Transfer Notice; and provided further that any delay in making such payment shall not invalidate the Company’s exercise of its option to purchase the Offered Shares.

 

4

 

c.    If the Company does not elect to acquire any of the Offered Shares, the Grantee may, within the 30-day period following the expiration of the option granted to the Company under Section 10(b) above, transfer the Offered Shares which the Company has not elected to acquire to the proposed transferee, provided that such transfer shall not be on terms and conditions more favorable to the transferee than those contained in the Transfer Notice. Notwithstanding any of the above, all Offered Shares transferred pursuant to this section shall remain subject to the right of first refusal and repurchase rights set forth in this Agreement and such transferee shall, as a condition to such transfer, deliver to the Company a written instrument confirming that such transferee shall be bound by such provisions.

 

d.    After the time at which the Offered Shares are required to be delivered to the Company for transfer to the Company pursuant to Section 10(b) above, the Company shall not pay any dividend to the Grantee on account of such Offered Shares or permit the Grantee to exercise any of the privileges or rights of a stockholder with respect to such Offered Shares, but shall instead treat the Company as the owner of such Offered Shares.

 

e.    Transfers of vested Common Stock shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section 10 under the following circumstances:

 

(i)      a transfer during the Grantee’s lifetime, or upon the Grantee’s death by will or intestacy, to the Grantee’s Immediate Family or a trust for the benefit of the Grantee’s Immediate Family;

 

(ii)     a transfer pursuant to an effective registration statement filed by the Company under the Securities Act; and

 

(iii)    the sale of all or substantially all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company (including pursuant to a merger or consolidation);

 

provided, however, that in the case of a transfer pursuant to clause (i) above, such shares shall remain subject to the right of first refusal and repurchase rights set forth in this Agreement and such transferee shall, as a condition to such transfer, deliver to the Company a written instrument confirming, in a form prescribed by the Company, that such transferee shall be bound by such provisions. As used herein, “Immediate Family” shall mean spouse, lineal descendant or antecedent, father, mother, brother or sister or stepchild (whether or not adopted).

 

f.    The Company may assign its rights under this Section 10 to one or more persons or entities.

 

g.    This Section 10 will not apply if the Common Stock (or any securities issued to the Grantee in exchange for the Common Stock pursuant to a Transaction) or any other merger or consolidation of the Company with another entity) is then listed for trading on NASDAQ or any other national securities exchange.

 

11.    Share Legends. The following legend will be placed on any certificates evidencing Common Stock issued to or acquired by the Grantee and his or her permitted transferees (in addition to any other legend required by the Plan, any applicable shareholder, voting or similar agreement, or applicable law):

 

5

 

  THE TRANSFERABILITY OF THIS CERTIFICATE AND THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY ARE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE CYTOCOM, INC. 2020 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN AND AN AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO BETWEEN THE GRANTEE AND CYTOCOM, INC. (WHICH TERMS AND CONDITIONS MAY INCLUDE, WITHOUT LIMITATION, CERTAIN TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS, REPURCHASE RIGHTS AND RIGHTS OF FIRST REFUSAL). COPIES OF THAT PLAN AND AGREEMENT ARE ON FILE IN THE PRINCIPAL OFFICES OF CYTOCOM, INC. AND WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE HOLDER OF THIS CERTIFICATE WITHOUT CHARGE UPON REQUEST TO THE SECRETARY OF CYTOCOM, INC.  

 

12.    Tax Consequences.

 

a.    This Award is intended to be exempt from Section 409A of the Code and should be interpreted accordingly. Nonetheless, the Company does not guarantee the tax treatment of this Award.

 

b.    No later than the date as of which an amount first becomes includible in the gross income of the Grantee for federal income tax purposes with respect to this Award, the Grantee will pay to the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Company regarding the payment of, any federal, state or local taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld.

 

13.    Additional Documents. The Grantee agrees upon request to execute any further documents or instruments necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes or intent of this Agreement.

 

14.   Electronic Delivery of Documents. The Grantee authorizes the Company to deliver electronically any prospectuses or other documentation related to this Award and any other compensation or benefit plan or arrangement in effect from time to time (including, without limitation, reports, proxy statements or other documents that are required to be delivered to participants in such arrangements pursuant to federal or state laws, rules or regulations). For this purpose, electronic delivery will include, without limitation, delivery by means of e-mail or e-mail notification that such documentation is available on the Company’s Intranet site. Upon written request, the Company will provide to the Grantee a paper copy of any document also delivered to the Grantee electronically. The authorization described in this paragraph may be revoked by the Grantee at any time by written notice to the Company.

 

15.    Representations and Warranties. By executing this Agreement, the Grantee hereby represents, warrants, covenants, acknowledges and/or agrees as follows with respect to any Common Stock issued in respect of the Restricted Stock Units awarded hereunder:

 

a.    Such shares of Common Stock would be acquired for the Grantee’s own account, for investment purposes only, and not for the account of any other person, and not with a view to the distribution thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act;

 

6

 

b.    No other person (other than the Grantee and the Company) has or will have a direct or indirect beneficial interest in this Award or any shares issuable hereunder;

 

c.    Any shares issuable hereunder have not been registered or qualified under the Securities Act or any state securities laws;

 

d.    There is no public market for the Common Stock, there can be no assurance that any such market will ever develop and, therefore, the Grantee may be required to hold indefinitely any Common Stock issued to him or her;

 

e.    In addition to complying with other restrictions contained herein, the Grantee will not sell, transfer, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of any interest in Common Stock unless such interest is registered in accordance with the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available and, if required by the Company, an opinion of counsel is delivered to the Company, in a form satisfactory to the Company, that such registration is unnecessary; and

 

f.    The Company is under no obligation to register Common Stock on behalf of the Grantee or to assist the Grantee in complying with any exemption from registration.

 

16.    General Provisions.

 

a.    This Agreement, together with the Plan, represents the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior agreements, communications and understandings, written or otherwise, regarding the compensatory issuance of equity to the Grantee by the Company. The Grantee expressly acknowledges and agrees that, except as otherwise set forth herein, the Company has no obligation to issue other equity or equity-based awards to him or her.

 

b.    This Agreement may only be modified or amended in a writing signed by both parties.

 

c.    The Grantee agrees that, both with respect to the shares issuable in respect of this Award and any other securities of the Company now owned or hereafter acquired, he or she will be subject to all policies of the Company in effect from time to time, including (without limitation) policies regarding securities trading, clawback and hedging and pledging of securities.

 

d.    The headings in this Agreement are for convenience only. They form no part of the Agreement and will not affect its interpretation.

 

7

 

e.    Neither this Agreement nor any rights or interest hereunder shall be assignable by the Grantee, his or her beneficiaries or legal representatives, and any purported assignment in violation hereof shall be null and void.

 

f.    Either party’s failure to enforce any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not in any way be construed as a waiver of any such provision or provisions, nor prevent that party thereafter from enforcing each and every other provision of this Agreement. The rights granted both parties herein are cumulative and shall not constitute a waiver of either party’s right to assert all other legal remedies available to it under the circumstances.

 

g.    The grant of Restricted Stock Units hereunder will not confer upon the Grantee any right to continue in service with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or Affiliates.

 

h.    This Agreement shall be governed by, and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the application of the principles of conflicts or choice of laws of Delaware or any other jurisdiction.

 

i.    If applicable and to the extent necessary to comply with an intended securities registration exemption, the Grantee will be entitled to receive the annual financial disclosures contemplated by Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 10, § 260.140.46.

 

j.    This Agreement may be executed, including execution by facsimile signature, in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument.

 

[Signature page follows]

 

8

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Award Agreement for Restricted Stock Units on the date(s) indicated below.

 

 

CYTOCOM, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Michael K Handley

 

 

Signature

 

 

 

 

  CEO  
  Title  
     
  3/8/2021  
  Date  
     
     
  GRANTEE  
     
  /s/ Taunia Markvicka  
  Signature  
     
  3/8/2021  
  Date  

 

9

Exhibit 10.6

 

CYTOCOM, INC.
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of August 17, 2020 (the“Signature Date”), with an effective date of May 1, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), is by and between Cytocom, Inc. a Delaware-corporation (the “Company”) and Peter Aronstam (the “Executive”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ the Executive as its Chief Financial Officer and the Executive desires to accept such employment, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive have mutually agreed that, as of the Effective Date, this Agreement shall govern the terms of employment between the Executive and the Company and supersede all previous agreements between the Executive and the Company.

 

WHEREAS, this agreement supersedes any previous agreements with the Executive.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE 1

EMPLOYMENT; TERM OF AGREEMENT

 

Section 1.1    Employment and Acceptance. During the Term (as defined in Section 1.2), the Company shall employ the Executive, and the Executive shall accept such employment and serve the Company, in each case, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

Section 1.2    Term. The employment relationship hereunder shall be for the period commencing on the Effective Date and, subject to earlier termination as provided in ARTICLE 4, ending on the third anniversary of the Effective Date (the “Term”). In the event that the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates, the Company’s obligation to continue to pay, after the Termination Date (as defined in Section 4.2(b)), Base Salary (as defined in Section 3.1(a)), Annual Bonus (as defined in Section 3.1(b)) and other unaccrued benefits shall terminate, except as may be provided for in ARTICLE 4.

 

ARTICLE 2
TITLE; DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS; LOCATION

 

Section 2.1    Title. The Company shall employ the Executive to render the majority of his time and services to the Company. The Executive shall serve in the capacity of Chief Financial Officer.

 

 

 

 

 

Section 2.2    Duties. The Executive shall report to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”). The Executive agrees to perform to the best of his/her ability, experience and talent those acts and duties, consistent with the position of Chief Financial Officer as the CEO shall from time to time lawfully direct. Duties of the Chief Financial Officer include but are not limited to:

 

Section 2.3    Compliance with Policies, etc. During the Term, the Executive shall be bound by, and comply fully with, all of the Company’s policies and procedures for employees in place from time to time, including, but not limited to, all terms and conditions set forth in the Company’s employee handbook, compliance manual, codes of conduct and any other memoranda and communications applicable to the Executive pertaining to the policies, procedures, rules and regulations, as currently in effect and as may be amended from time to time. These policies and procedures include, among other things and without limitation, the Executive’s obligations to comply with the Company’s rules regarding confidential and proprietary information and trade secrets.

 

Section 2.4    Time Commitment. During the Term, the Executive shall use his/his best efforts to promote the interests of the Company (including its subsidiaries and other Affiliates) and shall devote the majority of his business time, ability and attention to the performance of his duties for the Company and shall not, directly or indirectly, render any services to any other person or organization, whether for compensation or otherwise, except with the Company’s prior written consent (see exhibit A for approved disclosures), provided that the foregoing shall not prevent the Executive from (i) participating in charitable, civic, educational, professional, Board of Director positions, community or industry affairs, or (ii) managing the Executive’s passive personal investments, so long as, in each case, such activities individually or in the aggregate do not materially interfere or conflict with the Executive’s duties hereunder or create a potential business or fiduciary conflict (in each case, as determined by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 2.5    By signing this agreement, Executive represents and warrant that: (i) Executive is not subject to any pre-existing contractual or other legal obligation with any person, company or business enterprise which may be an impediment to his/hiss employment with, or Executive providing services to, the Company as its employee or officer; and (ii) Executive has not and shall not bring onto Company premises, or use in the course of his/his employment with the Company, any confidential or proprietary information of another person, company or business enterprise to whom Executive previously provided services.

 

Section 2.6    At Will Employment. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, including but not limited to those contained in Section 1.2, Employment with the Company is “at-will.” This means that it is not for any specified period of time and may be terminated either by you or by the Company at any time, with or without advance notice, and for any or no particular reason or cause. It also means that your job duties, title, responsibilities, reporting level, compensation and benefits, as well as the Company’s personnel policies and procedures, may be changed with or without notice at any time in the sole discretion of the Company. The “at-will” nature of your employment is one aspect of our employment relationship that will not change during your tenure as an employee, except by way of written agreement expressly altering the at-will employment relationship and signed by you and by an authorized officer representative of the Company.

 

 
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ARTICLE 3
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS; EXPENSES

 

Section 3.1    Compensation and Benefits. For all services rendered by the Executive in any capacity during the Term (including, without limitation, serving as an officer, director or member of any committee of the Company’s subsidiaries or other Affiliates), the Executive shall be compensated as follows (subject, in each case, to the provisions of ARTICLE 4 below):

 

(a)    Base Salary. In consideration of the services rendered for this part-time position during the term, the Company shall pay the Executive a base salary (the “Base Salary”) at the annualized rate of two-hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) less statutory deductions and withholding, payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices. The Base Salary shall be subject to annual review by the Board of Directors subject to any additional approval procedures required by the Company’s compensation policies or its Board of Directors. As used in this Agreement, the term “Base Salary” shall refer to Base Salary as may be adjusted from time-to-time.

 

(b)    Sign on & Annual Bonus. The Company shall pay the Executive a sign-on bonus of eighty-one thousand two-hundred fifty thousand dollars ($81,250), payable in a lump sum, within 30 days of the Signature Date. The Executive shall be eligible for annual bonuses on terms and in amounts determined by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) in accordance with this paragraph. For each calendar year ending during the Term (beginning with the calendar year ending 2020) the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus (the “Annual Bonus”) with a target amount equal to 45% percent of the Base Salary earned by the Executive for such calendar year (the “Target Annual Bonus”). The actual amount of each Annual Bonus will be based upon the level of achievement of the Company’s corporate objectives, management objectives and the Executive’s individual objectives, in each case, as established by the Board or its Compensation Committee (taking into account the input of the Board with respect to the establishment of the Executive’s individual objectives). The determination of the level of achievement of the corporate objectives, management objectives and the Executive’s individual performance objectives for a year shall be made by the Board or its Compensation Committee (taking into account the input of the Board with respect to the level of achievement of the Executive’s individual objectives), in its reasonable discretion. Each Annual Bonus for a calendar year, to the extent earned, will be paid in a lump sum in the following calendar year, within the first 45 days of such following year. The Annual Bonus shall not be deemed earned until the date that it is paid. Accordingly, in order for the Executive to receive an Annual Bonus, the Executive must be actively employed by the Company at the time of such payment.

 

(c)    Equity Compensation. The Executive will be granted five-hundred thousand (500,000) immediately vested shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Stock Award”) by December 31, 2020. Additionally, the Executive shall receive an option to acquire up to seven-hundred fifty-thousand (750,000) shares of the Company’s common stock by December 31, 2020 (the “Option”). The Stock Award and the Option will each be granted under the Company’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and will be subject to the terms thereof, and well as to certain additional terms specified in award agreements that will be delivered to the Executive under separate cover.

 

 
Cytocom, Inc.
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(d)    Benefit Plans. The Executive shall be entitled to receive employee benefits as are afforded under the company’s standard written benefits package to regular full-time employees of the Company, as may be changed at the Company’s discretion from time to time. Such benefits shall include paid time off for vacation, sick days, and holidays.

 

(e)    Paid Time Off (PTO). The Executive shall be entitled to unlimited PTO as described in the Cytocom Employee Handbook’s Benefits section.

 

Section 3.2    Expense Reimbursement. The Company shall reimburse the Executive during the Term, in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies in place from time, for all reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses incurred by the Executive in the performance of his duties hereunder. In order to receive such reimbursement, the Executive shall furnish to the Company documentary evidence of each such expense in the form required to comply with the Company’s policies in place from time to time.

 

ARTICLE 4
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

 

Section 4.1    Termination Without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason.

 

(a)    The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder at any time without Cause (other than by reason of death or Disability) upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Executive. Executive may terminate his employment hereunder for Good Reason upon written notice to the Company in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 4.1(c).

 

(b)    As used in this Agreement, “Cause” means: (i) a material act, or act of fraud, committed by the Executive that is intended to result in the Executive’s personal enrichment to the detriment or at the expense of the Company or any of its Affiliates; (ii) the Executive is convicted of a felony; (iii) gross negligence or willful misconduct by the Executive, or failure by the Executive to perform the duties or obligations reasonably assigned to the Executive by the Board from time to time, which is not cured upon ten (10) days prior written notice (unless such negligence, misconduct or failure is not susceptible to cure, as determined in the reasonable discretion of the Board); or (iv) the Executive violates the Covenants Agreement (as defined in Section 5.1 below).

 

(c)    As used in this Agreement, “Good Reason” means the occurrence of any of the following: (1) a material breach by the Company of the terms of this Agreement; (2) a material reduction in the Executive’s Base Salary; (3) a material diminution in the Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities; or (4) a material change in the geographic location (more than 60 Miles) at which the Executive performs services for the Company; provided, however, that the Executive must notify the Company within ninety (90) days of the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions that he considers it to be a “Good Reason” condition and provide the Company with at least thirty (30) days in which to cure the condition. If the Executive fails to provide this notice and cure period prior to his resignation or resigns more than six (6) months after the initial existence of the condition, his resignation will not be deemed to be for “Good Reason.”

 

 
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(d)    If the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 4.1(a) or Section 4.1(c) other than during the Post-Change in Control Period (as defined in Section 4.1(e)), the Executive shall, in full discharge of all of the Company’s obligations to the Executive, be entitled to receive, and the Company’s sole obligation to the Executive under this Agreement or otherwise shall be to pay or provide to the Executive, the following:

 

(i)    the Accrued Obligations (as defined in Section 4.2(b)); and

 

(ii)    subject to Section 4.4 and Section 4.5:

 

(A)     payments equal to six (6) months of the Executive’s Base Salary (at the rate in effect immediately prior to the Termination Date) (less applicable withholdings and authorized deductions), to be paid in equal installments bimonthly in accordance with the Company’s customary payroll practices, commencing the day following the Termination Date (the “Pre-CIC Severance Payments”); and

 

(B)     if the Executive then participates in the Company’s medical and/or dental plans and the Executive timely elects to continue and maintain group health plan coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), the Company will pay monthly, on the Executive’s behalf, a portion of the cost of such coverage for the six (6) months after the Termination Date, which payments will be equal to the amount of the monthly premium for such coverage, less the amount that the Executive would have been required to pay if the Executive had remained an active employee of the Company (the “Pre-CIC COBRA Assistance”); provided, however, that if and to the extent that the Company may not provide such Pre-CIC COBRA Assistance without incurring tax penalties or violating any requirement of the law, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable best efforts to provide substantially similar assistance in an alternative manner provided that the cost of doing so does not exceed the cost that the Company would have incurred had the Pre-CIC COBRA Assistance been provided in the manner described above or cause a violation of Section 409A (as defined in Section 5.16).

 

(e)    If the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 4.1(a) during the twelve (12) months immediately following a Change in Control (as defined below) (the “Post-Change in Control Period”), the Executive shall, in full discharge of all of the Company’s obligations to the Executive (and in lieu of any payments and benefits set forth in Section 4.1(d)), be entitled to receive, and the Company’s sole obligation to the Executive under this Agreement or otherwise shall be to pay or provide to the Executive, the following:

 

(i)    the Accrued Obligations; and

 

(ii)    subject to Section 4.4 and Section 4.5:

 

(A)     payments equal to six (6) of the Executive’s Base Salary (at the rate in effect immediately prior to the Termination Date) (less applicable withholdings and authorized deductions), to be paid in equal installments bimonthly in accordance with the Company’s customary payroll practices, commencing the day following the Termination Date (the “Post-CIC Severance Payments”);

 

 
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(B)     if the Executive then participates in the Company’s medical and/or dental plans and the Executive timely elects to continue and maintain group health plan coverage pursuant to COBRA, the Company will pay monthly, on the Executive’s behalf, a portion of the cost of such coverage for the six (6) months after the Termination Date, which payments will be equal to the amount of the monthly premium for such coverage, less the amount that the Executive would have been required to pay if the Executive had remained an active employee of the Company (the “Post-CIC COBRA Assistance”); provided, however, that if and to the extent that the Company may not provide such Post-CIC COBRA Assistance without incurring tax penalties or violating any requirement of the law, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable best efforts to provide substantially similar assistance in an alternative manner provided that the cost of doing so does not exceed the cost that the Company would have incurred had the Post-CIC COBRA Assistance been provided in the manner described above or cause a violation of Section 409A; and

 

(C)     a payment equal to the Executive’s Target Annual Bonus for the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs, payable in a lump sum on the 60th day following the Termination Date.

 

(f)    As used in this Agreement, “Change in Control” means a simple majority (50%) change in ownership of the Company under clause (i) below or (ii) a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company under clause (ii) below or (v) if the majority of the Company’s stock is traded on a public exchange:

 

(i)    Change in the Ownership of the Company. A change in the ownership of the Company shall occur on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (as defined in clause (iii) below), acquires ownership of capital stock of the Company that, together with capital stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50 percent of the total fair market value or total voting power of the capital stock of the Company. However, if any one person or more than one person acting as a group, is considered to own more than 50 percent of the total fair market value or total voting power of the capital stock of the Company, the acquisition of additional capital stock by the same person or persons shall not be considered to be a change in the ownership of the Company. An increase in the percentage of capital stock owned by any one person, or persons acting as a group, as a result of a transaction in which the Company acquires capital stock in the Company in exchange for property will be treated as an acquisition of stock for purposes of this paragraph.

 

(ii)    Change in the Ownership of a Substantial Portion of the Company’s Assets. A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets shall occur on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (as defined in clause (iii) below), acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 80 percent of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions. For this purpose, gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets. There is no Change in Control under this clause (ii) when there is a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the shareholders of the Company immediately after the transfer, as provided below in this clause (ii). A transfer of assets by the Company is not treated as a change in the ownership of such assets if the assets are transferred to (a) a shareholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to its capital stock, (b) an entity, 50 percent or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (c) a person, or more than one person acting as a group, that owns, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding capital stock of the Company, or (d) an entity, at least 50 percent of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a person described in clause (ii)(c) of this paragraph. For purposes of this clause (ii), a person's status is determined immediately after the transfer of the assets.

 

 
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(iii)    Persons Acting as a Group. For purposes of clauses (i) and (ii) above, persons will not be considered to be acting as a group solely because they purchase or own capital stock or purchase assets of the Company at the same time. However, persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of assets or capital stock, or similar business transaction with the Company. If a person, including an entity, owns stock in both corporations that enter into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of assets or capital stock, or similar transaction, such shareholder is considered to be acting as a group with other shareholders in a corporation only with respect to the ownership in that corporation before the transaction giving rise to the change and not with respect to the ownership interest in the other corporation. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “corporation” shall have the meaning assigned such term under Treasury Regulation section 1.280G-1, Q&A-45.

 

(iv)    Each of clauses (i) through (iii) above shall be construed and interpreted consistent with the requirements of Section 409A and any Treasury Regulations or other guidance issued thereunder.

 

(v)    Public Offering. If the majority of the Company’s stock becomes public and trading on a public exchange.

 

Section 4.2    Termination for Cause; Voluntary Termination; Expiration of Term.

 

(a)    The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder at any time for Cause upon written notice to the Executive. The Executive may voluntarily terminate his employment hereunder at any time without Good Reason upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Company; provided, however, the Company reserves the right, upon written notice to the Executive, to accept the Executive’s notice of resignation and to accelerate such notice and make the Executive’s resignation effective immediately, or on such other date prior to Executive’s intended last day of work as the Company deems appropriate. It is understood and agreed that the Company’s election to accelerate Executive’s notice of resignation shall not be deemed a termination by the Company without Cause for purposes of Section 4.1 of this Agreement or otherwise or constitute Good Reason (as defined in Section 4.1) for purposes of Section 4.1 of this Agreement or otherwise. The Executive’s employment shall automatically terminate upon the expiration of the Term in accordance with Section 1.2.

 

 
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(b)    If the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 4.2(a), the Executive shall, in full discharge of all of the Company’s obligations to the Executive, be entitled to receive, and the Company’s sole obligation under this Agreement or otherwise shall be to pay or provide to the Executive, the following (collectively, the “Accrued Obligations”):

 

(i)    the Executive’s earned, but unpaid, Base Salary through the final date of the Executive’s employment by the Company (the “Termination Date”), payable in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices;

 

(ii)    expenses reimbursable under Section 3.2 above incurred on or prior to the Termination Date but not yet reimbursed; and

 

(iii)    any amounts or benefits that are vested amounts or vested benefits or that the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, program, policy or practice (with the exception of those, if any, relating to severance) on the Termination Date, in accordance with such plan, program, policy, or practice.

 

Section 4.3    Termination Resulting from Death or Disability.

 

(c)    As the result of any Disability suffered by the Executive, the Company may, upon five (5) days prior notice to the Executive, terminate the Executive’s employment under this Agreement. The Executive’s employment shall automatically terminate upon his death.

 

(d)    “Disability” means a determination by the Company in accordance with applicable law that as a result of a physical or mental injury or illness, the Executive is unable to perform the essential functions of his job with or without reasonable accommodation for a period of (i) ninety (90) consecutive days; or (ii) one hundred twenty (120) days during any twelve (12) month period.

 

(e)    If the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 4.3(a), the Executive or the Executive’s estate, as the case may be, shall be entitled to receive, and the Company’s sole obligation under this Agreement or otherwise shall be to pay or provide to the Executive or the Executive’s estate, as the case may be, the Accrued Obligations.

 

Section 4.4    Release Agreement. In order to receive the Pre-CIC Severance Payments or the Post-CIC Severance Payments (collectively referred to herein as the “Severance Payments”) or the Pre-CIC COBRA Assistance or the Post-CIC COBRA Assistance (collectively referred to herein as the “COBRA Assistance”) set forth in Section 4.1 (if eligible), the Executive must timely execute (and not revoke) a separation agreement and general release (the “Release Agreement”) in a customary form as is determined to be reasonably necessary by the Company in its good faith and reasonable discretion. If the Executive is eligible for Severance Payments and COBRA Assistance pursuant to Section 4.1, the Company will deliver the Release Agreement to the Executive within seven (7) calendar days following the Termination Date. The Severance Payments and COBRA Assistance are subject to the Executive’s execution of such Release Agreement within 45 days of the Executive’s receipt of the Release Agreement and the Executive’s non-revocation of such Release Agreement.

 

 
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Section 4.5    Post-Termination Breach. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Company’s obligations to provide the Severance Payments and the COBRA Assistance will immediately cease if the Executive breaches any of the provisions of the Covenants Agreement, the Release Agreement or any other agreement the Executive has with the Company.

 

ARTICLE 5
GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Section 5.1    Company Employee Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement. The Executive acknowledges and confirms that the Company Employee Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement executed by the Executive in favor of the Company as of the Effective Date (“Covenants Agreement”), the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference, remains in full force and effect and binding upon the Executive. The Covenants Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the Executive’s employment by the Company for the applicable period(s) set forth therein.

 

Section 5.2    Expenses. Each of the Company and the Executive shall bear its/his own costs, fees and expenses in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of this Agreement.

 

Section 5.3    Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Covenants Agreement contain the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the terms and conditions of the Executive’s employment during the Term and activities following termination of this Agreement and the Executive’s employment with the Company and supersede any and all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement or the Covenants Agreement. Each party hereto acknowledges that no representations, inducements, promises or agreements, whether oral or in writing, have been made by any party, or on behalf of any party, which are not embodied herein or in the Covenants Agreement. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company has fully satisfied, and has no further, obligations to the Executive arising under, or relating to, any other employment or consulting arrangement or understanding (including, without limitation, any claims for compensation or benefits of any kind) or otherwise. No agreement, promise or statement not contained in this Agreement or the Covenants Agreement shall be valid and binding, unless agreed to in writing and signed by the parties sought to be bound thereby.

 

Section 5.4    No Other Contracts. The Executive represents and warrants to the Company that neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Executive nor the performance by the Executive of the Executive’s obligations hereunder, shall constitute a default under or a breach of the terms of any other agreement, contract or other arrangement, whether written or oral, to which the Executive is a party or by which the Executive is bound, nor shall the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Executive nor the performance by the Executive of his duties and obligations hereunder give rise to any claim or charge against either the Executive, the Company or any Affiliate, based upon any other contract or other arrangement, whether written or oral, to which the Executive is a party or by which the Executive is bound. The Executive further represents and warrants to the Company that he is not a party to or subject to any restrictive covenants, legal restrictions or other agreement, contract or arrangement, whether written or oral, in favor of any entity or person which would in any way preclude, inhibit, impair or limit the Executive’s ability to perform his obligations under this Agreement or the Covenants Agreement, including, but not limited to, non-competition agreements, non-solicitation agreements or confidentiality agreements. The Executive shall defend, indemnify and hold the Company harmless from and against all claims, actions, losses, liabilities, damages, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees and amounts paid in settlement in good faith) arising from or relating to any breach of the representations and warranties made by the Executive in this Section 5.4.

 

 
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Section 5.5    Notices. Any notice or other communication required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or sent by nationally recognized overnight courier service (with next business day delivery requested). Any such notice or communication shall be deemed given and effective, in the case of personal delivery, upon receipt by the other party, and in the case of a courier service, upon the next business day, after dispatch of the notice or communication. Any such notice or communication shall be addressed as follows:

 

If to the Company, to:

Attn: Chief Legal Officer

3001 Aloma Ave.

Winter Park, FL 32792

Legal@cytocom.com

 

If to the Executive, to:

Peter Aronstam

Address: [***]

mail: peter.aronstam@gmail.com

 

Any person named above may designate another address or phone number by giving notice in accordance with this Section to the other persons named above.

 

Section 5.6    Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflicts of law. Any and all actions arising out of this Agreement or Employee’s employment by Company or termination therefrom shall be brought and heard in the state and federal courts of Delaware and the parties hereto hereby irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of any such courts. THE COMPANY AND THE EXECUTIVE HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY AND ALL MATTERS ARISING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY HEREFROM AND REPRESENT THAT THEY HAVE CONSULTED WITH COUNSEL OF THEIR CHOICE OR HAVE CHOSEN VOLUNTARILY NOT TO DO SO SPECIFICALLY WITH RESPECT TO THIS WAIVER.

 

Section 5.7    Waiver. Either party hereto may waive compliance by the other party with any provision of this Agreement. The failure of a party to insist on strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion shall not be considered a waiver or deprive that party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement. No waiver of any provision shall be construed as a waiver of any other provision. Any waiver must be in writing.

 

 
Cytocom, Inc.
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Section 5.8    Severability. If any one or more of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Agreement shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated and the parties will attempt to agree upon a valid and enforceable provision which shall be a reasonable substitute for such invalid and unenforceable provision in light of the tenor of this Agreement, and, upon so agreeing, shall incorporate such substitute provision in this Agreement. In addition, if any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall for any reason be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be excessively broad as to duration, geographical scope, activity or subject, it shall be construed, by limiting or reducing it, so as to be enforceable to the extent compatible with then applicable law.

 

Section 5.9    Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and each such duplicate counterpart shall constitute an original, any one of which may be introduced in evidence or used for any other purpose without the production of its duplicate counterpart. Moreover, notwithstanding that any of the parties did not execute the same counterpart, each counterpart shall be deemed for all purposes to be an original, and all such counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument, binding on all of the parties hereto.

 

Section 5.10    Advice of Counsel. This Agreement was prepared by Lowenstein Sandler LLP in its capacity as legal counsel to the Company. Both parties hereto acknowledge that they have had the opportunity to seek and obtain the advice of counsel before entering into this Agreement and have done so to the extent desired, and have fully read the Agreement and understand the meaning and import of all the terms hereof.

 

Section 5.11    Assignment. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the Company and its successors and assigns (including, without limitation, the purchaser of all or substantially all of its assets) and shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns. This Agreement is personal to the Executive, and the Executive shall not assign or delegate his rights or duties under this Agreement, and any such assignment or delegation shall be null and void.

 

Section 5.12    Agreement to Take Actions. Each party to this Agreement shall execute and deliver such documents, certificates, agreements and other instruments, and shall take all other actions, as may be reasonably necessary or desirable in order to perform his or its obligations under this Agreement.

 

Section 5.13    No Attachment. Except as required by law, no right to receive payments under this Agreement shall be subject to anticipation, commutation, alienation, sale, assignment, encumbrance, charge, pledge, or hypothecation or to execution, attachment, levy or similar process or assignment by operation of law, and any attempt, voluntary or involuntary, to effect any such action shall be null, void and of no effect; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 5.13 shall preclude the assumption of such rights by executors, administrators or other legal representatives of the Executive or the Executive’s estate and their assigning any rights hereunder to the person or persons entitled thereto.

 

 
Cytocom, Inc.
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Section 5.14    Source of Payment. Except as otherwise provided under the terms of any applicable employee benefit plan, all payments provided for under this Agreement shall be paid in cash from the general funds of Company. The Company shall not be required to establish a special or separate fund or other segregation of assets to assure such payments, and, if the Company shall make any investments to aid it in meeting its obligations hereunder, the Executive shall have no right, title or interest whatever in or to any such investments except as may otherwise be expressly provided in a separate written instrument relating to such investments. Nothing contained in this Agreement, and no action taken pursuant to its provisions, shall create or be construed to create a trust of any kind, or a fiduciary relationship, between the Company and the Executive or any other person. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company hereunder, such right, without prejudice to rights which employees may have, shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured creditor of the Company. The Executive shall not look to the owners of the Company for the satisfaction of any obligations of the Company under this Agreement.

 

Section 5.15    Tax Withholding. The Company or other payor is authorized to withhold from any benefit provided or payment due hereunder, the amount of withholding taxes due any federal, state or local authority in respect of such benefit or payment and to take such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Board to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such withholding taxes. The Executive will be solely responsible for all taxes assessed against his with respect to the compensation and benefits described in this Agreement, other than typical employer-paid taxes such as FICA, and the Company makes no representations as to the tax treatment of such compensation and benefits.

 

Section 5.16    409A Compliance. All payments under this Agreement are intended to comply with or be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and regulations promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”). As used in this Agreement, the “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. To the extent permitted under applicable regulations and/or other guidance of general applicability issued pursuant to Section 409A, the Company reserves the right to modify this Agreement to conform with any or all relevant provisions regarding compensation and/or benefits so that such compensation and benefits are exempt from the provisions of 409A and/or otherwise comply with such provisions so as to avoid the tax consequences set forth in Section 409A and to assure that no payment or benefit shall be subject to an “additional tax” under Section 409A. To the extent that any provision in this Agreement is ambiguous as to its compliance with Section 409A, or to the extent any provision in this Agreement must be modified to comply with Section 409A, such provision shall be read in such a manner so that no payment due to the Executive shall be subject to an “additional tax” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code. If necessary to comply with the restriction in Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code concerning payments to “specified employees,” any payment on account of the Executive’s separation from service that would otherwise be due hereunder within six (6) months after such separation shall be delayed until the first business day of the seventh month following the Termination Date and the first such payment shall include the cumulative amount of any payments (without interest) that would have been paid prior to such date if not for such restriction. Each payment in a series of payments hereunder shall be deemed to be a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A. In no event may the Executive, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of payment. All reimbursements provided under this Agreement shall be made or provided in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A, including, where applicable, the requirement that (i) any reimbursement is for expenses incurred during the Executive’s lifetime (or during a shorter period of time specified in this Agreement), (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement during a calendar year may not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year, (iii) the reimbursement of an eligible expense will be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the year in which the expense is incurred, and (iv) the right to reimbursement is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Executive shall not be considered to have terminated employment with the Company for purposes of Section 4.1 unless the Executive would be considered to have incurred a “termination of employment” from the Company within the meaning of Treasury Regulation §1.409A-1(h)(1)(ii). In no event whatsoever shall the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on the Executive by Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Section 409A.

 

 
Cytocom, Inc.
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Section 5.17    280G Modified Cutback.

 

(a)    If any payment, benefit or distribution of any type to or for the benefit of the Executive, whether paid or payable, provided or to be provided, or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (collectively, the “Parachute Payments”) would subject the Executive to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), the Parachute Payments shall be reduced so that the maximum amount of the Parachute Payments (after reduction) shall be one dollar ($1.00) less than the amount which would cause the Parachute Payments to be subject to the Excise Tax; provided that the Parachute Payments shall only be reduced to the extent the after-tax value of amounts received by the Executive after application of the above reduction would exceed the after-tax value of the amounts received without application of such reduction. For this purpose, the after-tax value of an amount shall be determined taking into account all federal, state, and local income, employment and excise taxes applicable to such amount. Unless the Executive shall have given prior written notice to the Company to effectuate a reduction in the Parachute Payments if such a reduction is required, which notice shall be consistent with the requirements of Section 409A to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest thereunder, then the Company shall reduce or eliminate the Parachute Payments by first reducing or eliminating any cash payments (with the payments to be made furthest in the future being reduced first), and then by reducing or eliminating any other remaining Parachute Payments; provided, that no such reduction or elimination shall apply to any non-qualified deferred compensation amounts (within the meaning of Section 409A) to the extent such reduction or elimination would accelerate or defer the timing of such payment in manner that does not comply with Section 409A.

 

(b)    An initial determination as to whether any of the Parachute Payments received by the Executive in connection with the occurrence of a change in the ownership or control of the Company or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company shall be subject to the Excise Tax, and (y) the amount of any reduction, if any, that may be required pursuant to the previous paragraph, shall be made by an independent accounting firm selected by the Company (the “Accounting Firm”) prior to the consummation of such change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company. The Executive shall be furnished with notice of all determinations made as to the Excise Tax payable with respect to the Executive’s Parachute Payments, together with the related calculations of the Accounting Firm, promptly after such determinations and calculations have been received by the Company.

 

 
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(c)    For purposes of this Section 5.17, (i) no portion of the Parachute Payments the receipt or enjoyment of which the Executive shall have effectively waived in writing prior to the date of payment of the Parachute Payments shall be taken into account; (ii) no portion of the Parachute Payments shall be taken into account which in the opinion of the Accounting Firm does not constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code; (iii) the Parachute Payments shall be reduced only to the extent necessary so that the Parachute Payments (other than those referred to in the immediately preceding clause (i) or (ii)) in their entirety constitute reasonable compensation for services actually rendered within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(4) of the Code or are otherwise not subject to disallowance as deductions, in the opinion of the auditor or tax counsel referred to in such clause (ii); and (iv) the value of any non-cash benefit or any deferred payment or benefit included in the Parachute Payments shall be determined by the Company’s independent auditors based on Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code and the regulations for applying those sections of the Code, or on substantial authority within the meaning of Section 6662 of the Code.

 

Section 5.18    Recoupment of Erroneously Awarded Compensation. Any incentive-based or other compensation paid to the Executive under this Agreement or any other agreement or arrangement with the Company which is subject to recovery under any law, government regulation, stock exchange listing requirement or any clawback policy adopted by the Company from time to time will be subject to the deductions and clawback as may be required by such law, government regulation, stock exchange listing requirement or clawback policy. In addition, if the executive is or becomes an executive officer subject to the incentive compensation repayment requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), then if required by the Dodd-Frank Act or any of its regulations he will enter into an amendment to this Agreement or a separate written agreement with the Company to comply with the Dodd-Frank Act and any of its regulations.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

 
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IN WITNESS WHISEOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

COMPANY

 

CYTOCOM, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael Handley

 

 

Michael Handley, CEO

 

 

 

 

 

       
  EXECUTIVE  
       
  By: /s/ Peter Aronstam  
    Peter Aronstam  

 

 
Cytocom, Inc.
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Appendix A – Disclosures Approved by the Company

 

1.         Aronstam Management

2.         Immune Therapeutics, Inc.

3.         Forte Biotechnology International

4.         Immune Therapeutics, Inc. (not to continue beyond December 31, 2020)

5.         Krispy Kreme of South Florida LLC

6.         Cement-it Inc, Florida

7.         M2E LLC, Florida

8.         Channel International, Inc., Florida

 

Cytocom, Inc.
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STATEMENT REGARDING COMPANY EMPLOYEE
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AND INVENTIONS AGREEMENT

 

Attached to this statement is your Company Employee Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement (the “Agreement”).

 

Please take the time to review the Agreement carefully. It contains material restrictions on your right to disclose or use, during or after your employment, certain information and technology learned by you during your employment.

 

The Company considers this Agreement to be very important to the protection of its business. It intends to enforce the terms of the Agreement and to pursue, appropriate, injunctions, restraining orders, and money damages, should you violate the Agreement.

 

If you have any questions concerning this Agreement, you may wish to consult an attorney. The employees and agents of the Company are not authorized to, and will not, give you legal advice concerning this Agreement.

 

If you have read and understand the Agreement, and if you agree to its terms and conditions, please return a fully executed copy of it to the Company, retaining one copy for yourself.

 

Cytocom, Inc.                      CONFIDENTIAL – NOT FOR EXTERNAL DISTRIBUTION

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CYTOCOM, INC.
EMPLOYEE PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AND
INVENTIONS AGREEMENT
(INCLUDING NON-COMPETITION)

 

This EMPLOYEE PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AND INVENTIONS AGREEMENT (INCLUDING NON-COMPETITION) (this “Agreement”), dated as of Aug 17, 2020 (the “Signature Date”), with an effective date of May 1, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), is by and between Cytocom, Inc. a Delaware-corporation (the “Company”) and Peter Aronstam.

 

In consideration of my employment by Cytocom, Inc. (the “Company”), and the compensation I receive from the Company, I agree to certain restrictions placed by the Company on my use of information belonging to the Company. I understand that, during the course of my work as an employee of the Company, I have had and will have access to Proprietary Information (a term which is defined below) concerning the Company, its employees, its operations, its vendors and its customers. I acknowledge that the Company has developed, compiled, and otherwise obtained, often at great expense, this information and that this information has great value to the Company’s business. I agree to hold in strict confidence all Proprietary Information and will not disclose any Proprietary Information to anyone outside of the Company, as defined more fully below.

 

I.         DEFINITIONS

 

A.         The “Company”.

 

As used in this Agreement, the “Company” refers to Cytocom, Inc. and each of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies. I recognize and agree that my obligations under this Agreement and all terms of this Agreement apply to me regardless of whether I am employed by or work for Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.

 

B.         “Proprietary Information”: Definition and Ownership.

 

I understand that the Company possesses and will possess Proprietary Information which is important to its business. For purposes of this Agreement, “Proprietary Information” is information that was or will be developed, created, or discovered by or on behalf of the Company, or which became or will become known by, or was or is conveyed by a third party to the Company, which has commercial value in the Company’s business or the business of a third party disclosing such information.

 

“Proprietary Information” includes, but is not limited to, the following (whether or not patentable, copyrightable, or registrable under any intellectual property laws or industrial property laws in the United States or elsewhere): information about software programs and subroutines, source and object code, databases, database criteria, user profiles, scripts, algorithms, processes, trade secrets, designs, methodologies, technology, know-how, processes, data, ideas, techniques, inventions, modules, features and modes of operation, internal documentation, works of authorship, technical, business, financial, client, marketing, and product development plans, forecasts, other employees’ positions, skill levels, duties, compensation and all other terms of their employment (unless disclosure is permitted by law), client and supplier lists, contacts at or knowledge of clients or prospective clients of the Company, and other information concerning the Company’s or its clients’ actual or anticipated products or services, business, research or development, or any information which is received in confidence by or for the Company from any other person unless (i) the information is or becomes publicly known through lawful means; (ii) the information was rightfully in my possession or part of my general knowledge prior to my employment by the Company as specifically identified and disclosed by me in Exhibit “A”; or (iii) the information is disclosed to me without confidential or proprietary restriction by a third party who rightfully possesses the information (without confidential or proprietary restriction). I understand that my employment creates a relationship of confidence and trust between me and the Company with respect to Proprietary Information.

 

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All Proprietary Information and all title, patents, patent rights, copyrights, trade secret rights, trademarks, trademark rights, and other intellectual property and rights anywhere in the world (collectively “Rights”) in connection therewith shall be the sole property of the Company. I hereby assign to the Company any Rights I may have or acquire in Proprietary Information.

 

C.         “Company Materials”

 

I understand that the Company possesses or will possess “Company Materials” which are important to its business. For purposes of this Agreement, “Company Materials” are documents or other media or tangible items that contain or embody Proprietary Information or any other information concerning the business, operations or plans of the Company, whether such documents, media or items have been prepared by me or by others.

 

“Company Materials” include, but are not limited to, blueprints, drawings, photographs, charts, graphs, notebooks, customer lists, computer disks, tapes or printouts, sound recordings and other printed, typewritten or handwritten documents, sample products, prototypes and models.

 

II.         OBLIGATIONS TO PROTECT PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

 

I represent and warrant that from the time of my first contact or communication with the Company, I have held in strict confidence all Proprietary Information and have not disclosed any

 

Proprietary Information to anyone outside of the Company, or used, copied, published, or summarized any Proprietary Information except to the extent necessary to carry out my responsibilities as an employee of the Company.

 

At all times, both during my employment by the Company and after its termination, I will (a) keep in confidence and trust and will not disclose any Proprietary Information except to other Company employees, agents and representatives who need to know, or to third parties who are bound by written confidentiality agreements to the extent necessary to carry out my responsibilities as an employee of the Company and in a manner consistent with any such third party confidentiality agreements, and (b) use Proprietary Information only for the benefit of the Company.

 

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III.         MAINTENANCE AND RETURN OF COMPANY MATERIALS

 

All Company Materials are and shall be the sole property of the Company. I agree that during my employment by the Company, I will not remove any Company Materials from the business premises of the Company or deliver any Company Materials to any person or entity outside the Company, except as I am required to do in connection with performing the duties of my employment. I further agree that, immediately upon the termination of my employment by me or by the Company for any reason, or during my employment if so requested by the Company, I will return all Company Materials, apparatus, equipment and other physical property, or any reproduction of such property, excepting only (i) my personal copies of records relating to my compensation; (ii) my personal copies of any materials previously distributed generally to stockholders of the Company; and (iii) my copy of this Agreement.

 

IV.         DISCLOSURE OF INVENTIONS TO THE COMPANY

 

As used in this Agreement, “Inventions” mean any work of authorship, discovery, improvement, invention, design, graphic, source, HTML and other code, trade secret, technology, algorithms, computer program or software, audio, video or other files or content, idea, design, process, technique, formula or composition, know-how and data, whether or not patentable or copyrightable. I agree to maintain adequate and current written records and promptly disclose in writing to my immediate supervisor or as otherwise designated by the Company, all Inventions, made, discovered, conceived, reduced to practice or developed by me, either alone or jointly with others, during the term of my employment.

 

I will also disclose to an officer of the Company all Inventions made, discovered, conceived, reduced to practice, or developed by me, either alone or jointly with others, within six (6) months after the termination of my employment with the Company which resulted, in whole or in part, from my prior employment by the Company. Such disclosures shall be received by the Company in confidence (to the extent such Inventions are not assigned to the Company pursuant to Section V below) and do not extend the assignment made in Section V below. I will not disclose Inventions covered by this Section IV to any person outside the Company unless I am requested to do so by management personnel of the Company.

 

V.         OWNERSHIP OF INVENTIONS

 

A.         Generally

 

I agree that all Inventions which I make, conceive, reduce to practice or develop (in whole or in part, either alone or jointly with others) during my employment shall be the sole property of the Company, and I hereby assign such Inventions and all Rights therein to the Company. No assignment in this Agreement shall extend to inventions, the assignment of which is prohibited by law. The Company shall be the sole owner of all Rights in connection therewith.

 

B.         Works Made for Hire

 

The Company shall be the sole owner of all Rights, title and interest in Inventions. I further acknowledge and agree that such Inventions, including, without limitation, any computer programs, programming documentation, and other works of authorship, are “works made for hire” for purposes of the Company’s rights under copyright laws. To the extent that any Inventions may not be considered a “work made for hire”, I hereby assign to the Company such Inventions and all Rights therein, except those Inventions, if any, the assignment of which is prohibited by law.

 

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C.         License

 

If any Inventions assigned hereunder are based on, or incorporated, or are improvements or derivatives of, or cannot be reasonably made, used, reproduced and distributed without using or violating technology or rights owned or licensed by me and not assigned hereunder, I hereby grant the company a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive and sub-licensable right and license to exploit and exercise all such technology and rights in support of the Company’s exercise or exploitation of any assigned Inventions (including any modifications, improvements and derivatives thereof).

 

D.         List of Inventions

 

I have attached hereto a complete list of all existing Inventions to which I claim ownership as of the date of this Agreement and that I desire to specifically clarify are not subject to this Agreement, and I acknowledge and agree that such list is complete. If no such list is attached to this Agreement, I represent that I have no such Inventions at the time of signing this Agreement.

 

E.         Cooperation

 

I agree to perform, during and after my employment, all acts deemed necessary or desirable by the Company to permit and assist it in further evidencing and perfecting the assignments made to the Company under this Agreement and in obtaining, maintaining, defending and enforcing Rights in connection with such Inventions and improvements thereto in any and all countries. Such acts may include, but are not limited to, execution of documents and assistance or cooperation in legal proceedings. To the extent such acts are required after the termination of my employment, the Company shall pay me a reasonable and customary consultancy fee and reimburse reasonable costs and expenses. I hereby irrevocably designate and appoint the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents, as my agents and attorney-in-fact to act for and on my behalf and instead of me, to execute and file any documents, applications or related findings and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the purposes set forth above in this Subsection E, including, without limitation, the perfection of assignment and the prosecution and issuance of patents, patent applications, copyright applications and registrations, trademark applications and registrations or other rights in connection with such Inventions and improvements thereto with the same legal force and effect as if executed by me.

 

F.         Assignment or Waiver of Moral Rights

 

Any assignment of copyright hereunder (and any ownership of a copyright as a work made for hire) includes all rights of paternity, integrity, disclosure and withdrawal and any other rights that may be known as or referred to as “moral rights” (collectively “Moral Rights”). To the extent such Moral Rights cannot be assigned under applicable law and to the extent the following is allowed by the laws in the various countries where Moral Rights exist, I hereby waive such Moral Rights and consent to any action of the Company that would violate such Moral Rights in the absence of such consent.

 

Cytocom, Inc.                      CONFIDENTIAL – NOT FOR EXTERNAL DISTRIBUTION

 

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VI.         NON-SOLICITATION

 

During the term of my employment and for one (1) year thereafter, I will not (i) encourage any employee, consultant, or person who was employed by the Company on the date of termination of my employment (or at any time during the six (6) month period prior to termination of my employment) to leave the company for any reason, nor will I solicit their services; (ii) assist any other person or entity in such encouragement or solicitation; or (iii) hire or assist in hiring or retaining any such employee or consultant.

 

VII.         NON-COMPETITION

 

I agree that during my employment with the Company I will not engage in any employment, business, or activity that is in any way competitive with the business or proposed business of the Company, and I will not assist any other person or organization in competing with the Company or in preparing to engage in competition with the business or proposed business of the Company. The provisions of this paragraph shall apply both during normal working hours and at all other times including, without limitation, nights, weekends and vacation time, while I am employed with the Company.

 

VIII.         COMPANY AUTHORIZATION FOR PUBLICATION

 

Prior to my submitting, or disclosing for possible publication or general dissemination outside the Company (such as through public speaking engagements or literature), any material prepared by me that incorporates information that concerns the Company’s business or anticipated research, I agree to deliver a copy of such material to an officer of the Company for his or her review. Within twenty (20) days following such submission, the Company agrees to notify me in writing whether the Company believes such material contains any Proprietary Information or Inventions, and I agree to make such deletions and revisions as are reasonably requested by the Company to protect its Proprietary Information and Inventions. I further agree to obtain the written consent of the Company prior to any review of such material by persons outside the Company.

 

IX.         FORMER EMPLOYER INFORMATION

 

I represent that my performance of all the terms of this Agreement and as an employee of the Company does not and will not breach any agreement to keep in confidence proprietary information, knowledge or data acquired by me in confidence or in trust prior to my employment by the Company, and I will not disclose to the Company or induce the Company to use any confidential or proprietary information or material belonging to any previous employers or others. I have not entered into and I agree I will not enter into any agreement, either written or oral, in conflict herewith or in conflict with my employment with the Company. I further agree to conform to the rules and regulations of the Company.

 

X.         AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT

 

I agree and understand that employment with the Company is “at-will,” meaning that it is not for any specified period of time and can be terminated by me or by the Company at any time, with or without advance notice, and for any or no particular reason or cause. I agree and understand that it also means that job duties, title and responsibility and reporting level, compensation and benefits, as well as the Company’s personnel policies and procedures, may be changed at any time at-will by the Company. I understand and agree that nothing about the fact or the content of this Agreement is intended to, nor should be construed to, alter the at-will nature of my employment with the Company.

 

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XI.         SEVERABILITY

 

If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, such provisions shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to comply with applicable law and the intent of the parties. If any provision of this Agreement, or application of it to any person, place, or circumstances, shall be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, unenforceable, or void, the remainder of this Agreement and such provisions as applied to other persons, places, and circumstances shall remain in full force and effect.

 

XII.         AUTHORIZATION TO NOTIFY NEW EMPLOYER

 

I hereby authorize the Company to notify my new employer about my rights and obligations under this Agreement following the termination of my employment with the Company.

 

XIII.         ENTIRE AGREEMENT

 

This Agreement and the Executive Employment Agreement set[s] forth the entire agreement and understanding between the Company and me relating to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior discussions and/or agreements between us. I understand and acknowledge that (i) no other representation or inducement has been made to me, (ii) I have relied on my own judgment and investigation in accepting my employment with the Company, and (iii) I have not relied on any representation or inducement made by any officer, employee or representative of the Company. No modification of or amendment to this Agreement nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement will be effective unless in a writing signed by the CEO or President of the Company and me. I understand and agree that any subsequent change or changes in my duties, salary or compensation will not affect the validity or scope of this Agreement.

 

XIV.         EFFECTIVE DATE AND BINDING UPON SUCCESSORS

 

This Agreement shall be effective as of the first day of my employment with the Company and shall be binding upon me, my heirs, executors, and administrators and shall inure to the benefit of the Company, its subsidiaries, successors and assigns.

 

XV.         GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION

 

Although I may work for the Company outside of Delaware or the United States, I understand and agree that this Agreement shall be interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflicts of law. Any and all actions arising out of this Agreement or Employee’s employment by Company or termination therefrom shall be brought and heard in the state and federal courts of Delaware and the parties hereto hereby irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of any such courts.

 

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XVI.         REMEDIES

 

I recognize that nothing in this Agreement is intended to limit any remedy of any trade secret act. I recognize that my violation of this Agreement could cause the Company irreparable harm, the amount of which may be extremely difficult to estimate, making any remedy at law or in damages inadequate. Thus, I agree that the Company shall have the right to apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for an order restraining any breach or threatened breach of this Agreement and for any other relief the Company deems appropriate. This right shall be in addition to any other remedy available to the Company.

 

XVII. APPLICATION OF THIS AGREEMENT

 

I agree that my obligation set forth in this Agreement, along with the Agreement’s definitions of Proprietary Information shall be equally applicable to Proprietary Information related to any work performed by me for the Company prior to the execution of this Agreement.

 

I HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY AND I UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS. I ACCEPT THE OBLIGATIONS WHICH IT IMPOSES UPON ME WITHOUT RESERVATION. NO PROMISES OR REPRESENTATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE TO ME TO INDUCE ME TO SIGN THIS AGREEMENT. I SIGN THIS AGREEMENT VOLUNTARILY AND FREELY. I HAVE COMPLETELY NOTED ON EXHIBIT A TO THIS AGREEMENT ANY PROPRIETARY INFORMATIO I THAT I DESIRE TO EXCLUDE FROM THIS AGREEMENT.

 

Date:    Aug 17, 2020                        

Signature:     /s/ Peter Aronstam     

 

  Name: Peter Aronstam  

 

 

 

 

 

Cytocom, Inc.                      CONFIDENTIAL – NOT FOR EXTERNAL DISTRIBUTION

Page 8 of 9

 

EXHIBIT A

 

 

1.

The following is a complete list of all Inventions relevant to the subject matter of my employment with the Company that have been made, discovered, conceived, first reduced to practice or developed by me or jointly with others prior to my employment by the Company that I desire to remove from the operation of the Employee Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement:

 

      X

No Inventions.

 

_____

See below: Any and all Inventions regarding:

 

_____

Additional sheets attached.

 

 

 

2.

I propose to bring to my employment the following materials and documents of a former employer:

 

 

_____

No materials or documents                                          Documents from Immune Therapeutics, Inc, as they apply to Cytocom Inc

 

___X__

See below:

 

 Date: Aug 17, 2020                              

Signature:     /s/ Peter Aronstam       

 

   Name: Peter Aronstam  

 

 

 

 

 

Cytocom, Inc.                      CONFIDENTIAL – NOT FOR EXTERNAL DISTRIBUTION

Page 9 of 9

Exhibit 10.7

 

AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO THE EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Amendment No. 1 (“Amendment”) is entered into as of September 6, 2020 (“Amendment Effective Date”) by and between CYTOCOM, INC. a Delaware corporation (“CYTOCOM”) and Peter Aronstam, the “Executive”. CYTOCOM and Executive are each referred to individually as a “Party” and together as the “Parties”.

 

WHEREAS, CYTOCOM and Executive are parties to an Executive Employment Agreement with an effective date of May 1, 2020 (the “Agreement”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Parties mutually desire to amend, modify and restate certain terms and conditions of the Agreement regarding equity compensation.

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, it is mutually agreed as follows:

 

1.

DEFINITIONS. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized words in this Amendment shall have the meaning attributed to them in the Agreement.

 

2.

AMENDMENTS. The Parties agree that, as of the Amendment Effective Date, the Agreement is amended as set forth in this Section 2.

 

2.1

Section 3.1(c) is deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

 

“Equity Compensation. The Executive will be granted 1,125,000 shares of the company’s common stock (the “Stock Purchase”) at a price of $0.001. The Stock Award will be granted under the Company’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and will be subject to the terms thereof, and as well as to certain additional terms specified in award agreements that will be delivered to the Executive under separate cover.”

 

3.

INTEGRATION. Except for the sections of the Agreement specifically amended hereunder, all terms and conditions of the Agreement remain and shall remain in full force and effect. This Amendment shall hereafter be incorporated into and deemed part of the Agreement and any future reference to the Agreement shall include the terms and conditions of this Amendment.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties intending to be bound have caused this Amendment to be executed by their duly authorized representatives.

 

CYTOCOM, INC.   EXECUTIVE  
           
By: /s/ Michael K. Handley   By: /s/ Peter Aronstam  
           
Name: Michael K. Handley   Name: Peter Aronstam  
           
Title: CEO    Title: Chief Financial Officer  

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.8

 

AMENDMENT No. 2

to the EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Amendment No. 2 (Amendment”) is entered into as of October 31, 2020 (Amendment Effective Date”) by and between CYTOCOM, INC. a Delaware corporation (CYTOCOM”) and Peter Aronstam, the “Executive”. CYTOCOM and Executive are each referred to individually as a “Party” and together as the “Parties”.

 

WHEREAS, CYTOCOM and Executive are parties to an Executive Employment Agreement with an effective date of May 1, 2020 (the “Agreement”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Parties mutually desire to amend, modify and restate certain terms and conditions of the Agreement regarding equity compensation.

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, it is mutually agreed as follows:

 

1.

DEFINITIONS. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized words in this Amendment shall have the meaning attributed to them in the Agreement.

 

2.

AMENDMENTS. The Parties agree that, as of the Amendment Effective Date, the Agreement is amended as set forth in this Section 2.

 

2.1

The time period of six (6) months identified in each of Sections 4.1(d)(ii)(A), 4.1(d)(ii)(B), 4.1(e)(ii)(A), and 4.1(e)(ii)(B) is hereby amended to recite that each of such time periods is twelve (12) months.

 

3.

INTEGRATION. Except for the sections of the Agreement specifically amended hereunder, all terms and conditions of the Agreement remain and shall remain in full force and effect. This Amendment shall hereafter be incorporated into and deemed part of the Agreement and any future reference to the Agreement shall include the terms and conditions of this Amendment.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties intending to be bound have caused this Amendment to be executed by their duly authorized representatives.

 

CYTOCOM, INC.   EXECUTIVE
         
By: /s/ Michael Handley    By: /s/ Peter Aronstam
         
Name: Michael Handley   Name: Peter Aronstam
         
Title: CEO   Title: CFO

                     

 

 

Version: 30 October 2020 Page 1 of 1

 

 

 

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Exhibit 99.1

 

 

Cytocom Inc. Announces Completed Merger with Cleveland BioLabs

 

New company to operate as Cytocom, Inc. with its common stock traded on Nasdaq

 

FORT COLLINS, Colo., July 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cytocom Inc. (“Cytocom” or “Company”), a leading biopharmaceutical company creating next-generation therapies that focus on immune homeostasis, today announced the completion of its merger with Cleveland BioLabs, Inc. The all-stock transaction was first announced on October 19, 2020.

 

Shares of the new Cytocom’s common stock will begin trading on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “CBLI,” at the opening bell on Wednesday, July 28, 2021.

 

As previously reported, the newly combined company will operate as “Cytocom, Inc.” under the leadership of the existing Cytocom management team led by CEO Michael K. Handley. Mr. Handley now serves as the new company’s President and CEO.

 

“With the merger completed, we look forward to further advancing our late-stage clinical programs and expanding what we believe to be one of the largest toll-like receptor platforms in the industry,” said Michael K. Handley. “This merger, coupled with our acquisition of ImQuest Life Sciences and the listing of the new Cytocom common shares on Nasdaq, represents a transformative growth opportunity and fits firmly with our goal of becoming a recognized leader in immune-modulating therapies targeting cancer, ARS, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and viruses, including COVID-19. Looking forward, we anticipate achieving multiple commercial, regulatory and clinical milestones over the next 12 to 18 months that should enable us to showcase the power of our drug development platform and further generate shareholder value.”

 

McGuireWoods LLP represented Cleveland BioLabs and Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP represented Cytocom in the merger.

 

About Cytocom

Cytocom, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel immunotherapies targeting autoimmune, inflammatory, infectious diseases and cancers based on a proprietary platform designed to rebalance the body’s immune system and restore homeostasis. The company also has one of the largest platforms of toll-like immune receptors (TLR4, TLR5 and TLR9) in the biopharmaceutical industry, addressing conditions such as radiation sickness and cancer treatment side effects. Cytocom is developing therapies designed to elicit directly within patients a robust and durable response of antigen-specific killer T-cells and antibodies, thereby activating essential immune defenses against autoimmune, inflammatory, infectious diseases, and cancers. Specifically, Cytocom has several clinical-stage development programs for Crohn’s disease, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis and pancreatic cancer. To learn more about Cytocom, Inc., please visit www.cytocom.com.

 

 

 

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Forward Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of current or historical fact contained in this press release, including statements regarding the future financial position, business strategy, new products, budgets, liquidity, cash flows, projected costs, regulatory approvals, the impact of any laws or regulations applicable to the company, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. The words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "should," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "will," and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on the current expectations about future events held by management of both companies. While we believe these expectations are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of either company. The companys actual future results may differ materially from those discussed here for various reasons. The company discusses many of these risks under the heading "Risk Factors" in the proxy statement/prospectus filed with the SEC, as updated by the companys other filings with the SEC. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, the outcome of any legal proceedings that have been or may be instituted against the company related to the merger agreement or the Merger; unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the Merger; our need for additional financing to meet our business objectives; our history of operating losses; our ability to successfully develop, obtain regulatory approval for, and commercialize our products in a timely manner; our plans to research, develop and commercialize our product candidates; our ability to attract collaborators with development, regulatory and commercialization expertise; our plans and expectations with respect to future clinical trials and commercial scale-up activities; our reliance on third-party manufacturers of our product candidates; the size and growth potential of the markets for our product candidates, and our ability to serve those markets; the rate and degree of market acceptance of our product candidates; regulatory requirements and developments in the United States, the European Union and foreign countries; the performance of our third-party suppliers and manufacturers; the success of competing therapies that are or may become available; our ability to attract and retain key scientific or management personnel; our reliance on government funding for a significant portion of our operating costs and expenses; government contracting processes and requirements; the exercise of significant influence over our company by our largest individual stockholder; the impact of the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic on our business, operations and clinical development; the geopolitical relationship between the United States and the Russian Federation as well as general business, legal, financial and other conditions within the Russian Federation; our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for our product candidates; our potential vulnerability to cybersecurity breaches; and other factors discussed in our SEC filings, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020and the risk factors discussed under the heading Risk Factors in the proxy statement/prospectus the company filed in connection with the merger.

 

 

 

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Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. We do not undertake any obligation to update any such statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of such statements to reflect future events or developments.

 

Contacts:

 

Cytocom, Inc.

Nichol Ochsner

Senior V.P. Investor Relations and Corporate Communications

(732) 754-2545

nichol.ochsner@cytocom.com

 

Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.

Maureen McEnroe, CFA (Investors)

(212) 375-2664

mmcenroe@tiberend.com

 

Johanna Bennett (Media)
(212) 375-2686 
jbennett@tiberend.com