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): January 5, 2007
NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 0-24006 | 94-3134940 | ||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) |
(Commission File Number) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) |
150 Industrial Road
San Carlos, California 94070
(Address of principal executive offices and Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (650) 631-3100
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)) |
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers
(c) On January 5, 2007, the Company entered into a letter agreement with Howard W. Robin (the “Letter Agreement”). Under the terms of the Letter Agreement, Mr. Robin will be the Company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 15, 2007 (the “Start Date”), and will also be considered for appointment to the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) at the next meeting of the Board.
Mr. Robin, age 53, served as Chief Executive Officer, President and Director of Sirna Therapeutics, Inc. from July 2001 to January 2007. From January 2001 to June 2001, Mr. Robin was Chief Operating Officer, President and Director of Sirna Therapeutics. From 1991 to 2001, Mr. Robin was Corporate Vice President and General Manager at Berlex Laboratories, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company and a subsidiary of Schering, AG. From 1987 to 1991 Mr. Robin served as Berlex’s Vice President of Finance and Business Development and Chief Financial Officer. From 1984 to 1987, Mr. Robin was Director of Business Planning and Development at Berlex. Prior to his career with Berlex, he was a Senior Associate with Arthur Andersen & Co., a management consulting company. Since February 2006, Mr. Robin has served as a member of the Board of Directors of Acologix, a private healthcare company. Mr. Robin received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Farleigh Dickinson University in 1974.
Under the terms of the Letter Agreement, Mr. Robin will receive an annual base salary of $680,000 and an annual performance bonus target of at least 59% of his base annual salary (“Performance Bonus Target”), or $400,000 for 2007. The actual amount of Mr. Robin’s annual performance bonus will range from 0% to 150% of the Performance Bonus Target based on the Board’s assessment of his achievement of a combination of corporate and personal objectives. Subject to approval by the Board, Mr. Robin will be granted a stock option to purchase 600,000 shares of Company common stock (“Stock Option”) pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Company’s 2000 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2000 Plan”). The exercise price of the Stock Option will be set at the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market on the Start Date. The shares subject to the Stock Option will vest according to a 5-year vesting schedule with 20% of the shares subject to the Stock Option vesting on the one year anniversary of the Start Date and the remainder vesting monthly on a pro-rata basis over the remaining 4 years. At the Board’s discretion, Mr. Robin will be eligible to receive additional stock awards under the 2000 Plan or any successor plan. Mr. Robin is also eligible to participate in the Company’s standard executive benefits program including the change of control severance benefit plan, medical, dental and vision insurance, term life insurance, 401(k) plan, flexible health spending plan, and short & long-term disability upon the terms specified in those plans.
In the event Mr. Robin’s employment is terminated by the Company without cause or by him for good reason, the Company will enter into a severance arrangement with Mr. Robin which will, at a minimum, include the following: (i) a mutual waiver and release, (ii) a cash severance payment equal to his total annual cash compensation target (including base salary and Performance Bonus Target), (iii) pro-rata vesting credit for his Stock Option if the date of termination occurs prior to the first anniversary of the Start Date, (iv) the exercise period for the vested and unexercised portion of all stock options held by him shall be 18 months following the termination date, and (v) the Company shall pay all applicable COBRA payments for him and his family until the first anniversary of the termination date.
In the event of Mr. Robin’s death or disability, 50% of the unvested shares subject to all stock options held by him shall immediately vest and the Company shall pay Mr. Robin or, if applicable, his estate, his target bonus prorated for the portion of the last year in which he was employed by the Company prior to his death or disability. In addition, Mr. Robin and his dependents shall be entitled to continued medical, dental and vision insurance at his or their own expense under Nektar’s insurance and benefit plans.
(e) Reference is made to Item 5.02(c) with respect to the description of the terms and conditions of the Letter Agreement, which descriptions are incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02(e) in their entirety.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits:
| Exhibit No. | Description | |
| 10.1 | Letter Agreement, dated January 5, 2007, by and between Nektar Therapeutics and Howard W. Robin | |
| 99.1 | Press Release titled “Nektar Appoints Howard W. Robin President and CEO.” | |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| By: | /s/ Nevan C. Elam | |
| Nevan C. Elam Senior Vice President Corporate Operations and General Counsel | ||
| Date: | January 9, 2007 | |
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
| Exhibit No. | Description | |
| 10.1 | Letter Agreement, dated January 5, 2007, by and between Nektar Therapeutics and Howard W. Robin | |
| 99.1 | Press Release titled “Nektar Appoints Howard W. Robin President and CEO.” | |
Exhibit 10.1
January 5, 2007
Mr. Howard W. Robin
[Address]
Dear Howard,
On behalf of the Board of Directors (the “Board”), I am pleased and excited to offer you the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of Nektar Therapeutics (“Nektar” or the “Company”). In addition, should you accept this offer, the Board will consider your appointment as a member of the Board at the first regularly scheduled meeting of the Board after the date you start as a full-time employee (“Start Date”). Accordingly, I present you with this offer letter agreement setting forth certain terms and conditions of your employment. Capitalized terms used herein and not defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Company’s Change of Control Severance Benefit Plan, as it may be amended from time to time (the “COC Plan”).
As President and Chief Executive Officer, you shall have the general powers and duties of management usually vested in the office of chief executive officer of a corporation of the size and nature of Nektar. You shall report directly to the Board. The Chairman of the Board shall be a non-executive chairman. Your principal place of employment will be 150 Industrial Road, San Carlos, CA.
Your annual cash compensation will consist of two components: base salary and an annual performance bonus. Your base salary will be $680,000 on an annual basis and paid in accordance with Nektar’s regular payroll schedule. Your annual performance bonus target each year will be at least 59% of your annual base salary for each annual period and $400,000 for 2007 (“Target Annual Bonus”). Your base salary and Target Annual Bonus shall be subject to annual performance review by the Board for appropriate upward adjustment. The actual amount of your annual performance bonus will range from 0% to 150% of the Target Annual Bonus based on the Board’s assessment of your achievement of a combination of corporate and personal objectives agreed upon by you and the Board at the beginning of each annual performance period. Your annual performance bonus for the prior year will be paid in the first calendar quarter of each year within the period of time required to avoid taxes and penalties under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.
Subject to approval by the Board prior to and effective as of your Start Date, you will be granted a stock option to purchase 600,000 shares of Nektar common stock (the “Initial Option”, which together with any subsequent stock options you may receive, are the “Stock Options”) under Nektar’s 2000 Equity Incentive Plan (“2000 Plan”). The maximum number of shares subject to the Stock Options will be granted as incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code to the extent permissible under Section 10(d) of the 2000 Plan.
The remainder of shares subject to the Stock Options will be granted as non-statutory stock options. The exercise price will be set at the closing price of Nektar’s common stock on Nasdaq on your Start Date in the case of the Initial Option or at the date determined by the Board in the case of any subsequent Stock Options. Your Start Date shall be no later than February 1, 2007. The shares subject to the Initial Option will vest according to a 5-year vesting schedule for so long as you provide Continuous Service (as defined in the 2000 Plan) to the Company with 20% of the shares subject to the Initial Option vesting on the one year anniversary of your Start Date and the remainder vesting monthly on a pro-rata basis over the following 4 years. You will be eligible for annual equity awards, in the sole discretion of the Board, based on the Board’s review of your individual performance and annual equity compensation levels of non-founder chief executive officers of comparator companies as analyzed by a reputable, nationally-recognized, independent compensation consultancy firm.
You will also be eligible to participate in Nektar’s executive benefits program including medical, dental and vision insurance, term life insurance, 401(k), the flexible health spending plan, short & long-term disability upon the terms specified in those plans, and the COC Plan.
Your employment is by continued mutual agreement and may be terminated at will with or without cause by either you or Nektar at any time with or without advanced notice. You will also be required to enter into Nektar’s standard Employment Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit A hereto.
In the event of your death or Disability (as defined in the 2000 Plan), (a) 50% of the unvested shares under your Stock Options will automatically vest, (b) Nektar will pay to you or your estate, as applicable, all unreimbursed expenses, all of your then accrued but unpaid base salary, and your target bonus prorated for the portion of the last year in which you were employed by Nektar prior to death or Disability, and (c) you and your dependents shall be entitled to continued medical, dental, and vision insurance for yourself and your dependents, at your or their expense, at the same level of coverage as was provided to you and your dependents under Nektar’s insurance and benefits plans immediately prior to the termination by electing COBRA continuation coverage in accordance with applicable law.
In the event your employment is terminated for reasons not related to a Change of Control (a) by the Company without Cause; or (b) by you for a Good Reason Resignation, then you and the Company will meet in good faith to discuss the terms of an appropriate separation. In any event, at a minimum, the Company will enter into a severance arrangement with you which will include the following: (i) a fully effective mutual waiver and release in such form as the Company may reasonably require, (ii) a cash severance payment equal to your total annual cash compensation target (defined as your current monthly base salary annualized for 12 months, plus your 59% bonus target multiplied by the expected pay-out percentage used by the Company for its GAAP financial statements in the previous calendar quarter, but not to exceed 100%), payable in accordance with the severance payment schedule described in the COC Plan and subject to such delay in payment required for compliance with Section 409A, (iii) pro-rata vesting credit (based on conversion of the vesting schedule to a monthly vesting schedule) on your Initial Option through the date of termination if your termination occurs prior to the first anniversary of the Start Date, based on months completed since your Start Date, (iv) the exercise period for the vested and unexercised portion of your Stock Options shall be 18 months following the termination date and (v) the Company shall pay all applicable COBRA payments for you and your family for one year after the termination date (such payments shall cease in the event that you become eligible for comparable benefits with another employer).
In compliance with the terms of the Federal Immigration Reform and Control Act, you will be required to provide us with proof of authorization to work and proof of identity.
The terms, compensation and benefits set forth in this letter, which shall be governed by California law, without reference to principles of conflicts of laws, may not be reduced without your prior written consent and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of (a) your heirs, executors, and legal representatives upon your death and (b) any person or entity which at any time, whether by purchase, merger, or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires all or a majority of the assets, business, capital stock, or voting stock of the Nektar. Any such person or entity shall be deemed substituted for the Nektar under this letter for all purposes.
Howard, on behalf of the Board, I am delighted at the prospect of your leadership at Nektar as the President and Chief Executive Officer. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions and I look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
| /s/ Michael A. Brown |
| Michael A. Brown |
| Chairman, Organization and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors |
OFFER ACCEPTED:
| /s/ Howard W. Robin |
1/5/07 | |||
| Howard W. Robin | Date |
EXHIBIT A
EMPLOYEE AGREEMENT
In consideration of my employment or continued employment by Nektar Therapeutics, its subsidiaries or affiliates (collectively, the “Company”), I, (name) residing at (address), agree as of the date I was first employed by Company as follows:
1. Entire Agreement: This Agreement sets forth the complete and entire agreement between Company and me and supersedes any and all previous oral or written communications, discussions and agreements between Company and me with respect to the subject of this Agreement.
2. Employment:
a. Duty of Loyalty. During the period of my employment by the Company, I shall devote my full time and best efforts to the business of the Company, and I shall neither pursue any business opportunity outside the Company nor take any position with any organization other than as authorized in writing by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. While employed by the Company, I will avoid all conflicts of interest and will not compete with the Company or undertake other acts of disloyalty.
b. Change in Jobs. I agree that all of my obligations under this Agreement will remain in full force and effect should I receive a promotion, demotion or experience a change in job title or duties while employed by the Company.
c. Employment at Will. I agree that this Agreement does not guarantee my continued employment with the Company. I acknowledge that, unless I enter into a written employment agreement with the Company that provides for a specified period of employment, I am employed “at-will,” meaning that either the Company or I may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any or no reason, with or without cause or prior notice.
3. Assignment of Developments:
a. Assignment to Company. If at any time or times during my employment or other association with the Company, I shall (either alone or with others) make, conceive, create, discover, invent or reduce to practice any development that (i) relates to the business of the Company or any of the products or services being explored, developed, manufactured or sold by the Company or which may be used in relation therewith; or (ii) results from tasks assigned to me by the Company; or (iii) results from the use of premises or personal property (whether tangible or intangible) owned, leased or contracted for by the Company (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Developments”), then all such Developments and the benefits thereof are and shall immediately become the sole and absolute property of the Company and its assigns, as works made for hire or otherwise. I shall promptly disclose to the Company (or any persons
designated by it) each such Development. I hereby assign all rights (including, but not limited to, rights to inventions, patentable subject matter, copyrights and trademarks) I may have or may acquire in the Developments, as well as all benefits and/or rights resulting therefrom, to the Company and its assigns without further compensation and shall communicate, without cost or delay, and without disclosing to others the same, all available information relating thereto (with all necessary plans and models) to the Company.
b. Requirement to Provide Assistance. I agree to assist the Company, or its designee, at the Company’s expense, in every proper way to secure the Company’s rights in the Developments and any copyrights, patents, trademarks, and trade secret rights or other intellectual property rights in connection with any such Developments in any and all countries, including the disclosure to the Company of all pertinent information and data with respect thereto, the execution of all applications, specifications, oaths, assignments and all other instruments which the Company shall deem necessary in order to apply for and obtain such rights and in order to assign and convey to the Company, its successors, assigns, and nominees the sole and exclusive rights, title and interest in and to such Developments, and any copyrights, patents, trademark and other intellectual property rights relating thereto. I further agree that my obligation to execute or cause to be executed, when it is in my power to do so, any such instrument or papers shall continue after the termination of this Agreement. If the Company is unable, because of my mental or physical incapacity or for any other reason, to secure my signature to apply for or to pursue any application for any United States or foreign patents or copyright registrations covering Developments or original works of authorship assigned to the Company as above, then I hereby irrevocably designate and appoint the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as my agent and attorney in fact, to act for and in my behalf and stead to execute and file any such applications and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the prosecution and issuance of letters patent or copyright registrations thereon with the same legal force and effect as if executed by me.
c. Works Made For Hire. I will promptly disclose to the Company all material which I produce, compose or write, individually or in collaboration with others, which arises out of work delegated to me by the Company. I agree that all such material constitutes a work for hire, and at the expense of the Company, I will assign to the Company all my interest in such copyrightable material and will sign all papers and do all other acts necessary to assist the Company to obtain copyrights on such material in any and all countries.
d. Ongoing Notice Obligation. I agree that for a period of one (1) year following the termination of my employment for any reason, I will notify the Company immediately of any and all creations, discoveries, inventions or other developments made by me (either alone or with others) that relate to the business of the Company or relate to research and development in which I was involved during the course of my employment by the Company. Any such creation, discovery, invention or other development relating to the Company’s business made by me (either alone or with others) within one (1) year following the termination of my employment shall be presumed to be owned by the Company.
e. Inventions Not Assigned to Company. I understand and acknowledge that the assignment of Developments under this Agreement does not apply to an invention which qualifies fully for protection under section 2870 California Labor Code section, a copy of which is attached as Appendix A, which pertains to any rights I may have acquired in connection with an invention, discovery or improvement that was developed entirely on my own time for which no equipment, supplies, facilities or trade secret information of the Company was used and (a) that does not relate directly or indirectly to the business of the Company or to the Company’s actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (b) that does not result from any work performed by me for the Company.
f. Disclosure of Prior Inventions. I represent that the creations, discoveries, inventions or other developments identified in Appendix B attached hereto (“Prior Developments”), if any, comprise all the Prior Developments that I made or conceived prior to my employment by the Company, which Prior Developments are excluded from this Agreement. I understand that it is only necessary to list the title of such Prior Developments and the purpose thereof, but not details of the Prior Development itself. IF THERE ARE ANY SUCH DEVELOPMENTS TO BE EXCLUDED, THE UNDERSIGNED SHOULD INITIAL HERE; OTHERWISE IT WILL BE DEEMED THAT THERE ARE NO SUCH EXCLUSIONS.
4. Nondisclosure of Confidential Information: I shall not at any time, whether during or after the termination of my employment, reveal to any person or entity any Confidential Information except to employees of the Company who need to know such Confidential Information for the purposes of their employment, or as otherwise authorized by the Company in writing. The term “Confidential Information” shall include any information concerning the organization, business or finances of the Company or of any third party which the Company is under an obligation to keep confidential that is maintained by the Company as confidential. Such Confidential Information shall include, but is not limited to, trade secrets or confidential information respecting methods, know-how, techniques, systems, processes, specifications, blueprints, formulae, devices, models, software programs, works of authorship, customer lists, partner lists, customer information, financial information, pricing or commission information, business plans, projects, plans and proposals. I shall keep confidential all matters entrusted to me and shall not use or attempt to use any Confidential Information except as may be required in the ordinary course of performing my duties as an employee of the Company, nor shall I use any Confidential Information in any manner which may injure or cause loss or may be calculated to injure or cause loss to the Company, whether directly or indirectly.
5. Nonsolicitation of Customers, Partners and Employees: I agree that the Company has invested substantial time, effort and expense in compiling its confidential and trade secret information and in assembling its present personnel. In order to protect the confidentiality of the Company’s sensitive information, I agree that, during my employment and for one (1) year thereafter, I shall not do the following:
a. approach, contact or otherwise communicate in any way with any customer or partner of the Company with the use or assistance of Confidential Information of the Company that I obtained during my employment for the purpose of engaging in or assisting in soliciting business from that customer or partner;
b. solicit, approach, counsel or attempt to induce any person who is then in the employ of the Company to leave the employ of the Company; or
c. aid, assist or counsel any other person, firm or corporation to do any of the above.
6. Return of Property: I shall keep on Company’s premises (except when required elsewhere in connection with the conduct of Company’s business) and shall deliver to Company upon termination of my employment all writings related to the business of Company, and all documents, equipment, materials and other personal property belonging to Company. I further agree not to make or retain any copy, duplication, facsimile, reproduction or replication of any of the foregoing except as necessary to perform my duties as an employee of the Company.
7. No Violation Of Prior Trade Secret Or Non-Competition Agreements: I represent that the performance of all the terms of this Agreement as an employee of this Company will not conflict with, and will not breach, any other development assignment agreement, confidentiality agreement, employment agreement or non-competition agreement to which I am or have been a party. To the extent that I have confidential information or materials of any former employer of mine, I acknowledge that the Company has directed me to not disclose such confidential information or materials to the Company or any of its employees, and that the Company prohibits me from using said confidential information or materials in any work that I may perform for the Company, and I will not bring with me to the Company, and will not use or disclose any confidential, proprietary information, or trade secrets acquired by me prior to my employment with the Company. I will not disclose to the Company or any of its employees, or induce the Company or any of its employees to use, any confidential or proprietary information or material belonging to any previous employers or others, nor will I bring to the Company or use in connection with my work for the Company copies of any software, computer files, or any other copyrighted or trademarked materials except those owned by or licensed to the Company. I am not a party to any other agreement that will interfere with my full compliance with this Agreement. I further agree not to enter into any agreement, whether written or oral, in conflict with the provisions of this Agreement.
8. Choice of Law: This Agreement shall be construed and governed by the laws of the state in which I am primarily assigned to perform my job for, or engagement with, the Company and shall in all respects be interpreted, enforced and governed under the internal and domestic laws of such state.
9. No Waiver: The waiver of any breach of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of subsequent similar of dissimilar breaches of this Agreement, or a waiver of any of the obligations contained herein.
10. Assignment: The Company shall have the right to assign this Agreement to its successors and assigns, and all covenants and agreements hereunder shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by said successors and assigns.
11. Right to Notify: I recognize the right of Company to notify any third party of the existence of this Agreement and/or its provisions and/or my agreeing to it.
12. Severability: Should a provision or part of a provision of this Agreement be found as a matter or law to be invalid, such finding shall not have the effect of invalidating the remainder of this Agreement and the provision or part thereof as to which such finding of invalidity is made shall be interpreted so as to be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity without invalidating the remainder of such provision or part thereof or any of the other provisions of this Agreement.
13. Breach: I agree that any breach of this Agreement by me will cause irreparable damage to the Company and that in the event of such breach the Company shall have, in addition to any and all remedies of law, the right to an injunction, specific performance or other equitable relief to prevent the violation of my obligations hereunder. The Company may apply for such injunctive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction without the necessity of posting any bond or other security.
| EMPLOYEE: | NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS: | |||||
| Signed: | By: | |||||
| Name: | Title: | Vice President, Human Resources | ||||
| Dated: | Dated: | |||||
APPENDIX A
Section 2870 of California Labor Code: Application of provision providing that employee shall assign or offer to assign rights in invention to employer.
a. Any provision and employment agreement which provides that an employee shall assign, or offer to assign, any of his or her rights in an invention to his or her employer shall not apply to an invention that the employee developed entirely on his or her own time without using the employer’s equipment, supplies, facilities or trade secret information except for those inventions that either:
| 1 | Relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to the employer’s business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the employer; or |
| 2 | Result from any work performed by the employee for the employer. |
b. To the extent a provision in an employment agreement purports to require an employee to assign an invention otherwise excluded from being required to be +assigned under subdivision (a), the provision is against the public policy of this state and is unenforceable.
APPENDIX B
PRIOR INVENTIONS
Exhibit 99.1
| Contacts: | Joyce Strand (650) 631-3138 | |
| Jennifer Ruddock (650) 631-4954 |
Nektar Appoints Howard W. Robin President and CEO
San Carlos, Calif., January 8, 2007 – Nektar Therapeutics (Nasdaq:NKTR) today announced the appointment of Howard W. Robin as the company’s new President and CEO, effective January 15, 2007. Mr. Robin will replace Acting President and CEO Robert Chess who will remain Chairman of the Company.
Mr. Robin brings to Nektar more than 25 years of successful biopharmaceutical experience managing clinical development and commercial operations. At Sirna Therapeutics, where he was President and CEO for the past five years, he re-launched the company and created significant shareholder value that led to their acquisition by Merck for $1.1 billion. At Berlex Laboratories, as Corporate Vice President and General Manager of their U.S. Therapeutics division, Mr. Robin was responsible for the development of drugs, such as Betaseron® (Interferon beta-1b) for multiple sclerosis and Fludara® (fludarabine phosphate) for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, generating annual global sales in excess of $800 million.
“Howard is exactly the right person to lead Nektar. He has an outstanding track record of success in biopharmaceutical companies at multiple stages of growth. He is an exceptional leader, a proven businessman, and a person of absolute integrity. He has the skills and experience to lead Nektar to become a profitable, sustainable, high growth company that continues to create innovative drug-delivery based products that make a true difference in patients’ lives. I am delighted that he has decided to join Nektar as its next President and CEO,” said Robert Chess, Nektar Chairman, Acting President and CEO.
“I am absolutely thrilled to join Nektar, particularly at such a pivotal moment in the company’s history,” said newly named President and CEO Howard Robin. “Clearly, with the recent launch of Exubera® (insulin human (rDNA origin)) Inhalation Powder, easily the most innovative product to enter the diabetes market in a generation, Nektar is poised for new growth and positioned for new opportunities. I have an enormous amount of respect for the scientists, managers and intellectual property team at Nektar and look forward to working with them.”
Howard Robin, 53, for the past five years served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Sirna Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering RNAi-based therapies for serious diseases and conditions, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), hepatitis C, asthma, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Huntington’s disease. Prior to joining Sirna, Mr. Robin served in a variety of functions during 20 years at Berlex Laboratories, the U.S. pharmaceutical subsidiary of the German pharmaceutical firm Schering AG. From 1991 to 2001 he was Corporate Vice President
and General Manager of the Therapeutics Division, as well as a member of the Executive Committee. From 1987 to 1991, he served as Vice President of Finance and Business Development and CFO. Prior to joining Berlex, Mr. Robin was a senior associate with Arthur Andersen & Co.
Robert Chess, current Chairman of the Board, has been serving as interim president and CEO since March 2006 when the then President and CEO Ajit Gill retired. Mr. Chess will continue to serve as Nektar Chairman of the Board.
About Nektar
Nektar Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company that develops and enables differentiated therapeutics with its industry-leading drug delivery technologies, expertise and manufacturing capabilities. Nektar technology and know-how have enabled nine approved products for partners, which include the world’s leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Nektar also develops its own products by applying its drug delivery technologies and expertise to existing medicines to enhance performance, such as improving efficacy, safety and compliance.
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Nektar management and business prospects. Important risks and uncertainties related to these forward-looking statements are detailed in Nektar’s reports and other filings with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and its Quarterly report on 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006. Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Nektar assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments that may occur after the date of this release.
# # #
Betaseron and Fludara are registered trademarks of Berlex, Inc.
Exubera is a registered trademark of Pfizer Inc.