Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

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

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007

 

or

 

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

 

Commission File Number: 0-24006

 

 

 

NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   94-3134940

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

201 Industrial Road

San Carlos, California 94070

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

 

650-631-3100

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

 

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

 

Title of Each Class

 

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Common Stock, $0.0001 par value   NASDAQ Global Select Market

 

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes  ¨    No  x

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ¨

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer  x   Accelerated filer  ¨
Non-accelerated filer  ¨   Smaller reporting company  ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2) Yes  ¨    No  x

 

The approximate aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the last sale price of the registrant’s common stock on the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, June 29, 2007 (based upon the closing sale price of the registrant’s common stock listed as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market), was approximately $866,817,502. This calculation excludes approximately 603,726 shares held by directors and executive officers of the registrant. Exclusion of these shares does not constitute a determination that each such person is an affiliate of the registrant.

 

As of February 25, 2008, the number of outstanding shares of the registrant’s Common Stock was 92,322,679.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed for its 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III hereof. Such Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 


Table of Contents

NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS

 

2007 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

              Page

PART I

     
  Item 1.   

Business

   4
  Item 1A.   

Risk Factors

   24
  Item 1B.   

Unresolved Staff Comments

   37
  Item 2.   

Properties

   37
  Item 3.   

Legal Proceedings

   37
  Item 4.   

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   37

PART II

     
  Item 5.   

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

   38
  Item 6.   

Selected Financial Data

   40
  Item 7.   

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

   41
  Item 7A.   

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   59
  Item 8.   

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

   61
  Item 9.   

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

   107
  Item 9A.   

Controls and Procedures

   107
  Item 9B.   

Other Information

   108

PART III

     
  Item 10.   

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

   109
  Item 11.   

Executive Compensation

   109
  Item 12.   

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

   109
  Item 13.   

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence

   109
  Item 14.   

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

   109

PART IV

     
  Item 15.   

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

   110

Signatures

   114

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This report includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of this annual report on Form 10-K, including any projections of earnings, revenue or other financial items, any statements of the plans and objectives of management for future operations, any statements concerning proposed new products or services, any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “potential” or “continue,” or the negative thereof or other comparable terminology. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations or any of the forward-looking statements will prove to be correct and actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in the forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to

 

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inherent risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the risk factors set forth in Item 1A “Risk Factors” below and for the reasons described elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. All forward-looking statements and reasons why results may differ included in this report are made as of the date hereof and we do not intend to update any forward-looking statements except as required by law or applicable regulations. Except where the context otherwise requires, in this annual report of Form 10-K, the “Company,” “Nektar,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Nektar Therapeutics, a Delaware corporation, and, where appropriate, its subsidiaries.

 

Trademarks

 

The Nektar brand and product names, including but not limited to Nektar®, contained in this document are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Nektar Therapeutics in the United States (U.S.) and certain other countries. This document also contains references to trademarks and service marks of other companies that are the property of their respective owners.

 

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PART I

 

Item 1. Business

 

Overview

 

We are a biopharmaceutical company that develops and enables differentiated therapeutics with our leading PEGylation and pulmonary drug development technology platforms. Our mission is to create differentiated, innovative products by applying our platform technologies to established or novel medicines. By doing so, we aim to raise the standards of current patient care by improving one or more performance parameters, including efficacy, safety or ease of use. Ten products using these technology platforms have received regulatory approval in the U.S. or Europe. Our two technology platforms are the basis of nearly all of our partnered and proprietary product and product candidates.

 

We create or enable potential breakthrough products in two ways. First, we develop products in collaboration with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that seek to improve and differentiate their products. All of the approved products today that use our technology platforms are a result of collaborations with partners. Second, we develop our own product candidates by applying our technologies to already approved drugs to create and develop our own differentiated, proprietary product candidates that are designed to target serious diseases in novel ways. We currently have two proprietary product candidates in mid-stage clinical development and a number of other candidates in preclinical development.

 

Our two leading technology platforms enable improved performance of a variety of new and existing molecules. Our PEGylation technology is a chemical process designed to enhance the performance of most drug classes with the potential to improve solubility and stability, increase drug half-life, reduce immune responses to an active drug and improve the efficacy or safety of a molecule in certain instances. Our pulmonary technology makes drugs inhaleable to deliver them to and through the lungs for both systemic and local lung applications.

 

We were incorporated in California in 1990 and reincorporated in Delaware in 1998. We maintain our executive offices at 201 Industrial Road, San Carlos, California 94070, and our main telephone number is (650) 631-3100.

 

Our Strategy

 

The two key elements of our business strategy are described below.

 

Develop a Portfolio of Proprietary Product Candidates That Leverage Our PEGylation and Pulmonary Technology Platforms

 

We are developing a portfolio of proprietary product candidates by applying our PEGylation and pulmonary technology platforms and know-how to improving already approved drugs. Our strategy is to identify molecules that would benefit from the application of our technologies and potentially improve one or more performance parameters, including efficacy, safety and ease of use. Our objective is to create value by advancing these product candidates into clinical development and then deciding on a product-by-product basis whether we wish to continue development and commercialize on our own or seek a partner or pursue a combination of these approaches. Our most advanced proprietary product candidates are NKTR-102 (PEG-irinotecan) for the treatment of solid tumors, including colorectal cancer, and NKTR-118 (oral PEG-naloxol) for the treatment of opioid-induced bowel dysfunction, both of which entered Phase 2 clinical development in late 2007.

 

Create and Maintain Our High-Value Partnerships

 

We have collaborations or licensing arrangements with a number of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Our partnering strategy enables us to work towards developing a larger and more diversified pipeline of drug products and product candidates using our technologies. As we have shifted our focus away from being a

 

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drug delivery service provider and have researched and developed our proprietary product pipeline, we expect to engage in selecting high value partnerships in order to optimize revenue potential, probability of success and overall return on investment. Our partnering options range from a comprehensive license to a co-promotion and co-development arrangement with the structure of the partnership depending on factors such as the cost and complexity of development, commercialization needs and therapeutic area focus.

 

Our Technology Platforms

 

Our technology platforms are designed to improve the performance of new and existing drugs, including both small and macromolecules. Our two technology platforms are described below.

 

PEGylation technology. Our PEGylation technology is designed to enhance performance of a variety of drug classes, including macromolecules (i.e., biologics) and small molecules and other drugs. PEGylation is a chemical process where polyethylene glycol chains, also known as PEGs, are attached to active drugs to provide them certain unique properties and create a new biologic or chemical entity with a potentially-improved therapeutic profile to the original drug. These properties may include potentially improved drug solubility and stability, as well as potentially increased drug half-life.

 

Our PEGylation technology has the potential to offer one or more of the following benefits:

 

   

improved efficacy or safety in certain instances as a result of better pharmacokinetics of the drug in the body;

 

   

improved targeting of a drug to act at the site of disease with the potential to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity;

 

   

potential to prevent drugs from crossing the blood-brain barrier and limiting undesirable central nervous system effects;

 

   

reduced first-pass metabolism effects of certain drug classes with the potential to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity;

 

   

reduced rate of drug absorption from a subcutaneous injection and of elimination or metabolism by improving stability of the drug in the body thereby lowering the number of injections required by a patient for certain therapies; and

 

   

reduced immune response to certain macromolecules with the potential to prolong their effectiveness with repeated doses.

 

Currently our PEGylation technology is used in seven of our partnered products approved in the U.S. and two approved in the EU and Switzerland. Our two lead proprietary products, NKTR-102 (PEG-irinotecan) and NKTR-118 (oral PEG-naloxol) are also based on our small molecule PEGylation technology platform. In addition, we have a number of pre-clinical programs that utilize our PEGylation technology.

 

Pulmonary technology. Our pulmonary technology includes technologies for drug formulation, powder processing and powder filling and packaging, as well as dry powder inhaler devices and liquid nebulizer devices. The combination of these technologies creates an integrated drug delivery system that delivers therapeutics to the lung for both local lung and systemic delivery. We also have technology to deliver liquid aerosols to the deep lung in an efficient and reproducible manner to treat infections and diseases of the lung. We are currently working with a variety of different dry powder inhalers and different types of proprietary liquid nebulizers.

 

We believe our pulmonary technology has the potential to offer one or more of the following benefits:

 

   

non-invasive delivery of certain peptides and proteins for systemic distribution;

 

   

systemic delivery of molecules that require fast onset of action; and

 

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local lung targeting to treat pulmonary disease while reducing systemic exposure.

 

Our pulmonary technology is being used in one approved product and six product candidates in clinical development, including:

 

   

a rapid-acting human insulin dry powder inhaled prior to eating using a handheld inhaler, Exubera inhalation powder, which is approved in the U.S. and EU, Brazil, Mexico and other countries for the treatment of adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes for the control of hyperglycemia;

 

   

a next generation form of dry powder inhaled insulin and proprietary inhaler device, also known as NGI, that is currently in Phase 1 clinical development;

 

   

an inhaled formulation of tobramycin being developed in partnership with Novartis Pharma AG for the treatment of lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis and currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials;

 

   

an inhaled formulation of Ciprofloxacin being developed in partnership with Bayer AG for the treatment of lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis and currently undergoing Phase 2 clinical trials;

 

   

an inhaled delivery system using a specially formulated amikacin (NKTR-061), an aminoglycoside antibiotic, being developed in partnership with Bayer AG for inhalation deep into the lung for adjunctive treatment of Gram-negative pneumonias; and

 

   

two proprietary product candidates in preclinical development.

 

Approved Products and Clinical Pipeline

 

The following table summarizes select proprietary and partnered products and product candidates, including product candidates in clinical development, products for which a New Drug Application (NDA) or Biologics License Application (BLA) has been filed and products that have received regulatory approval in one or more jurisdictions. The table includes the type of molecule or drug, the primary indication for the product or product candidate and the status of the program. Approval status applies to the U.S. market unless otherwise noted.

 

Molecule

 

Primary Indication

 

Partner

 

Status(1)

Pulmonary technology      
Partnered      

Tobramycin inhalation powder (TIP)

  Lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients   Novartis Pharma AG   Phase 3

NKTR-061 (inhaled amikacin)

  Gram-negative pneumonias   Bayer AG   Phase 2

Ciprofloxacin Inhalation Powder (CIP)

  Lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients   Bayer AG   Phase 2

Pulmonary dronabinol (Dronabinol metered dose inhaler)

  Migraine (with and without aura)   Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc.   Phase 2

Exubera® (insulin human [rDNA origin]) inhalation powder

  Adult Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes   Formerly partnered with Pfizer Inc**   Approved

Next-generation inhaled insulin

  Adult Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes   Formerly partnered with Pfizer Inc**   Phase 1
PEGylation technology      
Partnered      

Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim)

  Neutropenia   Amgen Inc.   Approved

PEGASYS® (peginterferon alfa-2a)

  Hepatitis-C   Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.   Approved

Somavert® (pegvisomant)

  Acromegaly   Pfizer Inc   Approved

PEG-INTRON® (peginterferon alfa-2b)

  Hepatitis-C   Schering-Plough Corporation   Approved

Macugen® (pegaptanib sodium injection)

  Age-related macular degeneration   OSI Pharmaceuticals (formerly Eyetech)   Approved U.S. EU & Canada

CIMZIA(TM) (certolizumab pegol, CDP870)

  Crohn’s disease   UCB Pharma   Filed in U.S. & EU; Approved and launched in Switzerland

 

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Molecule

 

Primary Indication

 

Partner

 

Status(1)

MIRCERA® (C.E.R.A.) (Continuous Erythropoietin Receptor Activator)

 

Renal anemia

Chronic kidney disease

  Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.  

Approved in the U.S. and EU

(Launched only in the EU)*

CIMZIA(TM) (certolizumab pegol, CDP870)

  Rheumatoid arthritis   UCB Pharma   Filed in the U.S.

Hematide™ (synthetic peptide-based, erythropoiesis- stimulating agent)

  Anemia   Affymax, Inc.   Phase 3

Macugen® (pegaptanib sodium injection)

  Diabetic macular edema (DME)   OSI Pharmaceuticals (Eyetech)   Phase 2

Macugen® (pegaptanib sodium injection)

  Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)   OSI Pharmaceuticals (Eyetech)   Phase 2

CDP 791 (PEG-antibody fragment angiogenesis inhibitor)

  Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer   UCB Pharma   Phase 2
Proprietary      

NKTR-102 (PEG-irinotecan)

  Colorectal cancer     Phase 2

NKTR-118 (oral PEG-naloxol)

 

Opioid-induced constipation and other manifestations of opioid bowel dysfunction

    Phase 2

 

(1) Status definitions are:

Approved—regulatory approval to market and sell product obtained in the U.S., EU and other countries.

Phase 3 or Pivotal—product in large-scale clinical trials conducted to obtain regulatory approval to market and sell the drug (these trials are typically initiated following encouraging Phase 2 trial results).

Phase 2—product in clinical trials to establish dosing and efficacy in patients.

Phase 1— product in clinical trials, typically in healthy subjects, to test safety.

* Product launch is on hold pending patent litigation lawsuit in the U.S.

** On November 9, 2007, we entered into a termination agreement and mutual release with Pfizer for Exubera and the next-generation inhaled insulin (NGI) programs. Under the termination agreement, if a new partner for Exubera and/or NGI is identified subject to certain terms, conditions and limitations, Pfizer has agreed to transfer all of its remaining rights in Exubera and NGI to the new partner without additional consideration except for reimbursement of incremental costs incurred by Pfizer.

 

Nektar Proprietary Product Development Programs

 

We develop our own product candidates by applying our technologies to already approved drugs to create and develop our own differentiated, proprietary product candidates that are designed to target serious diseases in novel ways. We currently have two proprietary product candidates in mid-stage clinical development and a number of other candidates in preclinical development. Research and development of proprietary products was a key emphasis for us in 2007 and will be a significant part of our business strategy in the future.

 

Overview of Selected Proprietary Product Development Programs

 

NKTR-102 (PEG-Irinotecan)

 

We are developing NKTR-102, a PEGylated form of irinotecan, which was developed by us using our small molecule PEGylation technology. Irinotecan, also known as Camptosar®, is a chemotherapeutic agent used for the treatment of solid tumors, including colorectal and lung cancers. By applying our small molecule PEGylation technology to irinotecan, NKTR-102 has the potential to be a more effective and tolerable anti-tumor agent. NKTR-102 entered Phase 2 clinical development in late 2007.

 

Preclinical studies demonstrated that treatment with NKTR-102 resulted in significant suppression of tumor growth in an irinotecan-resistant mouse colorectal tumor model. Administration of NKTR-102 in an animal model resulted in a significantly improved time-concentration profile for the active metabolite of irinotecan as compared to treatment with irinotecan. As a result, in addition to its potential anti-tumor activity, NKTR-102 may significantly reduce the neutropenia and severe diarrhea associated with irinotecan.

 

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The Phase 2 clinical program is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of NKTR-102 for the treatment of patients with solid tumors. The first study in the program will investigate NKTR-102 in combination with cetuximab as a second-line colorectal cancer treatment in irinotecan-naive patients as compared to treatment with standard irinotecan in combination with cetuximab. The colorectal study is comprised of two sequential stages. The Phase 2a is an open-label, dose-finding trial in multiple solid tumor types that are refractory to standard curative or palliative therapies. The Phase 2b is an open-label, randomized, double-arm study in patients with second-line metastatic colorectal cancer and study participants will be randomized in one of two arms of the trial (1:1) to receive either NKTR-102 and cetuximab or standard irinotecan and cetuximab. The Phase 2b stage is expected to begin in mid-year 2008 and is planned to be conducted in over 40 centers worldwide. The primary endpoint of the Phase 2b trial is progression-free survival. Secondary endpoints include response rate, response duration, overall survival, standard pharmacokinetics and incidence of toxicities, including diarrhea and neutropenia.

 

NKTR-118 (oral PEG-naloxol)

 

NKTR-118 is an oral drug that combines our small molecule PEGylation technology with naloxol, a derivative of the opioid-antagonist drug naloxone. The peripheral opioid antagonist NKTR-118 targets opioid receptors within the enteric nervous system, which mediate opioid-induced bowel dysfunction (OBD), a symptom resulting from opioid use that encompasses constipation, bloating, abdominal cramping and gastroesophageal reflux. Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is the hallmark of this syndrome and is generally its most prominent component. Currently, there are no specific drugs approved or specifically indicated to treat OBD or OIC. NKTR-118 has been studied in two Phase 1 trials evaluating the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of single and repeated dose administration of the drug. NKTR-118 entered Phase 2 clinical development in late 2007.

 

In preclinical studies, our PEGylation technology has been shown to prevent oral NKTR-118 from crossing the blood-brain barrier, an important potential advance for this therapy. In a single-dose Phase 1 trial, NKTR-118 was shown to reverse the effects of morphine on gastrointestinal transit time at doses that do not reverse a central opiate effect as measured by pupillometry, demonstrating the potential of the drug to relieve constipation while not reversing central analgesic effects.

 

The Phase 2 clinical trial for NKTR-118 is a multi-center, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation trial. Patients experiencing OIC will be randomized 1:1 to NKTR-118 or placebo in addition to their opioid treatment. Therapy will be administered orally once-daily (QD) over a five-week treatment period. The primary efficacy endpoint of the clinical trial will be the increase from baseline in spontaneous bowel movements per week. Additional endpoints include monitoring of other symptoms of OBD, which will include the patient assessment of constipation symptoms outcomes tool, and other quality of life measures. Maintenance of opioid analgesic effect will be assessed by measuring changes from baseline in mean daily opioid requirements and daily pain scores. Safety and tolerability will be assessed and pharmacokinetics of NKTR-118 will be evaluated. The trial is planned to be conducted in approximately 50 centers in North America and Europe.

 

Preclinical and Clinical Proprietary Product Development Programs

 

We have a number of proprietary product candidates in preclinical stages that use either our PEGylation or pulmonary technology. We are also evaluating various other drug candidates, including generically-available drugs and proprietary third-party drugs.

 

Our Partnered Product Development Programs

 

We develop products in collaboration with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that seek to improve and differentiate their products. All of the approved products today that use our technology platforms are a result of collaborations with partners.

 

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In a typical collaboration involving our PEGylation technology, we license our proprietary intellectual property related to our PEGylation technology or proprietary conjugated drug molecules in consideration for upfront payments, development milestone payments and royalties from sales of the resulting commercial product as well as sales milestones. We also manufacture and supply PEG reagents to our partners typically on a cost-plus basis.

 

In a typical collaboration involving our pulmonary technology, we license our intellectual property and provide our pulmonary expertise through contract research support and our partner funds research and development, obtain regulatory approvals and market and sell the approved commercial product. We may also manufacture and supply the proprietary drug formulation or provide for contract manufacturing of our proprietary inhaler devices. Under the terms of our collaboration agreements, we typically receive reimbursement for research and development, development milestone payments and royalties or profit sharing from commercial product sales as well as sales milestones. In addition, we may receive revenue from the clinical and/or commercial manufacture of specialty drug formulations or manufacture and supply of our proprietary inhaler devices.

 

Overview of Selected Partnered Product Development Programs

 

Exubera Product and Next-Generation Inhaled Insulin Development Program (NGI) (Formerly Partnered with Pfizer Inc.)

 

In 1995, we entered into a collaborative development and licensing agreement with Pfizer to develop and market Exubera® and, in 2006 and 2007, we entered into a series of interim letter agreements with Pfizer to develop a next generation form of dry powder inhaled insulin and proprietary inhaler device, also known as NGI. In January 2006, Exubera received marketing approval in the U.S. and EU for the treatment of adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes for the control of hyperglycemia. NGI is currently in Phase 1 clinical development. Our total revenue from Pfizer was $189.1 million and $139.9 million, representing 69% and 64% of total revenue, for the years ending December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

Exubera is rapid-acting powder human insulin that is inhaled normally through the mouth into the lungs prior to eating using a handheld Exubera inhaler. The Exubera inhaler weighs four ounces and, when closed, is about the size of an eyeglass case. The Exubera inhaler produces a cloud of insulin powder in its chamber, which is designed to pass rapidly into the bloodstream to regulate the body’s blood sugar levels. In patients with Type 2 diabetes, Exubera can be used alone or in combination with diabetes pills or longer-acting insulin. In patients with Type 1 diabetes, Exubera is used in combination with longer-acting insulin. We developed both the dry powder insulin formulation and inhaler devices for Exubera using our pulmonary technology. Under the collaborative development and licensing agreement, Pfizer had sole responsibility for marketing and selling Exubera. We performed all of the manufacturing of the Exubera dry powder insulin, and through third party contract manufacturers, we manufacture all the Exubera inhalers. Pfizer filled the blisters of dry powder insulin for use in the Exubera inhalers and also packaged the final Exubera product.

 

On October 18, 2007, Pfizer announced that it was exiting the Exubera business and gave notice of termination under the collaborative development and licensing agreement. On November 9, 2007, we entered into a termination agreement and mutual release with Pfizer. Under the termination agreement and mutual release, we received a one-time payment of $135.0 million in November 2007 from Pfizer in satisfaction of all outstanding contractual obligations under our then-existing agreements relating to Exubera and NGI. In addition, Pfizer agreed to continue to perform a number of maintenance activities for Exubera and NGI for a limited time and to transfer all of its rights to Exubera and NGI if we find a new marketing and development partner within a certain time period, as described more fully below. All agreements between Pfizer and us, other than the termination agreement and mutual release, terminated on November 9, 2007.

 

On October 18, 2007, in connection with its Exubera announcement, Pfizer notified doctors prescribing Exubera and patients taking Exubera that Exubera would remain available until January 16, 2008, after which

 

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time Exubera patients would be required to transition to other available glucose lowering therapies. In January 2008, Pfizer notified doctors and patients that it was providing an extended use program to patients on Exubera for a limited time. Pfizer noted that it had limited supplies of Exubera and that, due to expiration dating, Exubera would only be available through September 2008 unless another company begins marketing and developing Exubera in collaboration with us.

 

We are currently seeking a new marketing and development partner for Exubera and NGI. Under the termination agreement and mutual release, if we identify a potential new marketing and development partner for Exubera and/or NGI within a certain time period, Pfizer will use commercially reasonable efforts to complete an agreement with the potential new partner pursuant to which Pfizer will transfer all of its rights in Exubera and/or NGI to the potential new partner without additional consideration (including without any prospective economic value, such as a royalty or profit sharing), other than reimbursement of certain out-of-pocket and incremental costs actually incurred by Pfizer in relation to maintenance and transfer activities performed by Pfizer. In addition, Pfizer has agreed to undertake a number of activities designed to continue to transition all of its rights in Exubera and NGI to any new partner for at least three months following completion of an agreement with the new partner, if any, or such longer transition period as regulatory requirements may require. If a new partner is identified, Pfizer has agreed to the following transition obligations subject to reimbursement of certain out-of-pocket and actual incremental costs incurred by Pfizer:

 

   

transfer all new drug applications and investigational new drug applications (and foreign equivalents) and data contained in such applications for Exubera and NGI;

 

   

continue Food & Drug Administration (FDA) mandated Exubera clinical trials;

 

   

transfer ownership of the Exubera trademark;

 

   

grant any necessary residual licenses to intellectual property, if any, owned or controlled by Pfizer reasonably necessary to support marketing and manufacturing activities;

 

   

transfer other necessary technology and supply sources;

 

   

transfer assets and inventory as necessary at 50% of value;

 

   

provide necessary manufacturing activities for Exubera in Pfizer facilities; and

 

   

transfer NGI clinical program activities and data generated with respect to NGI.

 

For a designated period in the first half of 2008, prior to the time we identify a new partner, if any, for Exubera and/or NGI, Pfizer has also agreed, subject to certain limitations, to undertake certain Exubera and NGI maintenance activities at Pfizer’s cost, unless otherwise agreed, including: (i) maintaining a compassionate patient access program for Exubera, (ii) continuing Phase 4 clinical studies for Exubera, (iii) completing clinical study reports for certain NGI clinical studies and (iv) continuing certain other clinical studies for the NGI program, as agreed to by Pfizer and us, for which we are responsible for out-of-pocket and incremental costs incurred by Pfizer. In the event that a new partner is not selected in the near term or an agreement is not completed promptly thereafter, Pfizer’s obligation to provide the transition assistance and maintenance activities will terminate. We currently expect to conclude whether or not we will have a new partner for Exubera and/or NGI in the first half of 2008.

 

NKTR-061(inhaled amikacin) (Partnered with Bayer AG)

 

In August 2007, we entered into a co-development, license and co-promotion agreement with Bayer AG to develop NKTR-061, a specially-formulated amikacin. NKTR-061 is a potentially innovative therapy that utilizes our proprietary liquid aerosol pulmonary technology to deliver a specially formulated amikacin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, for inhalation deep into the lung. NKTR-061 is under development for the adjunctive treatment of Gram-negative pneumonias that often lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Pursuant to the

 

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co-development, license and co-promotion agreement, we are entitled to receive research and development milestone payments, royalty payments and/or profit-sharing on product sales and sales milestones if the product candidate is approved and successfully commercialized.

 

Currently, NKTR-061 is being studied in Phase 2 trials for the adjunctive therapy of ventilated patients with hospital-acquired, Gram-negative pneumonias. The product is expected to enter Phase 3 clinical development in 2008. These pneumonias are a serious problem afflicting patients even in the world’s most advanced clinical settings and are responsible for a significant number of deaths. Increasingly, multi-drug resistant, Gram-negative bacteria have magnified the problem of hospital-acquired infection. Gram-negative pneumonias are commonly seen in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy, the elderly and patients undergoing major surgical procedures, aspiration, long hospital stays and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Current treatment involves the administration of systemic antibiotics, which produces significant toxicities and results in marginal benefit to the patient.

 

The NKTR-061 collaboration is Bayer’s second with Nektar. In 2005, Bayer and Nektar agreed to collaborate on the joint development of inhaled Ciprofloxacin as a potential dry powder therapy for treating pseudomonal infections in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis.

 

Hemophilia Programs (Partnered with Subsidiaries of Baxter International)

 

We are party to an exclusive research, development, license and manufacturing and supply agreement with Baxter Healthcare SA and Baxter Healthcare Corporation to develop product candidates to extend the half-life of Hemophilia A and B proteins using our PEGylation technology. In December 2007, we expanded our agreement with Baxter to include the license of our PEGylation technology and proprietary PEGylation methods with the potential to improve the half-life of Baxter’s proprietary treatments for Hemophilia B. These PEGylated hemophilia product candidates are in preclinical development. We are entitled to receive research and development funding and milestone payments, as well as royalty payments on product sales, if the product candidate is successfully approved and commercialized. We will supply, and will receive manufacturing revenue for, the PEG reagents used in the products for preclinical, clinical and commercial purposes.

 

Tobramycin Inhalation Powder (TIP) Program (Partnered with Novartis Pharma AG)

 

We are party to a collaborative research, development and commercialization agreement with Novartis Pharma AG to develop Tobramycin inhalation powder (TIP) for the treatment of lung infections caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis patients. Novartis’s existing tobramycin product, TOBI® (Tobramycin Inhalation Solution), was introduced in 1998 as the first inhaled antibiotic approved for treating such lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients. We are responsible for the development of the powder formulation and pulmonary inhaler, as well as the clinical and commercial manufacturing of the drug formulation and inhaler. Novartis is responsible for the clinical development and worldwide commercialization of the drug formulation and inhaler combination. We have the right to receive research and development funding and milestone payments, as well as royalty payments and manufacturing revenue if the product candidate is successfully approved and commercialized. Two separate Phase 3 clinical trials for TIP were commenced in October 2005 and are continuing.

 

Ciproflaxin Inhalation Powder Program (Partnered with Bayer AG)

 

We are party to a collaborative research, development and commercialization agreement with Bayer AG to develop an inhaled powder formulation of a novel form of Ciprofloxacin to treat chronic lung infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients. We are responsible for formulation of the dry powder drug and development of the inhalation system, as well as clinical and commercial manufacturing of the drug formulation and device combination. Bayer is responsible for the clinical development and worldwide

 

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commercialization of the system. We are entitled to research and development funding, milestone payments as the program progresses through further clinical testing and royalty payments on product sales and manufacturing revenue if the product is commercialized. This product candidate is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials.

 

CIMZIA(TM) Program (Partnered with UCB.)

 

We are party to a license, manufacturing and supply agreement for CIMZIA(TM) (certolizumab pegol, CDP870) with UCB. We have the right to receive milestone payments, manufacturing revenue and royalties on product sales if the product candidate is commercialized. We will share a portion of the royalties on this product with Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. pursuant to a license agreement.

 

In March 2006, UCB filed a Biologics License Application (BLA) with the FDA for CIMZIA for the treatment of Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease is a chronic digestive disorder of the intestines commonly referred to as inflammatory bowel disease that affects an estimated 400,000 to 600,000 individuals in the U.S. On December 21, 2006, UCB received a Complete Response Letter from the FDA regarding its BLA submission for CIMZIA. In March 2007, UCB announced that the FDA had raised no major issues or concerns around the safety of CIMZIA but did question the adequacy of dosing in one study. Further, UCB announced that it would initiate a study to address this concern and that it expects the results from this additional clinical study in the second half of 2008.

 

In April 2006, UCB submitted a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) for CIMZIA for Crohn’s Disease. In November 2007, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) in the EU adopted a negative opinion on the MAA in the EU for the treatment of patients with Crohn’s disease. UCB announced that it plans to utilize the appeal process to request a CHMP re-examination of the submission. UCB also announced that it expects a decision during the first half of 2008.

 

In December 2007, UCB submitted a BLA to the FDA for CIMZIA for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. The submission was accepted in February of 2008. UCB is also conducting clinical trials on CIMZIA for psoriasis and other indications. The product is in Phase 2 trials for the treatment of psoriasis.

 

MIRCERA (C.E.R.A.) (Continuous Erythropoietin Receptor Activator) Program (Partnered with Hoffman-La Roche Ltd.)

 

We are party to a license, manufacturing, and supply agreement with Hoffman-La Roche Ltd. for the license of our proprietary PEGylation reagent to be used in the manufacture of Roche’s MIRCERA product. Under the terms of the agreement, we are entitled to receive milestone payments and manufacturing revenue during development, as well as royalty payments and certain manufacturing revenue if the product candidate is commercialized.

 

In April 2006, Roche filed a BLA for MIRCERA with the FDA for the treatment of anemia associated with chronic kidney disease, including patients on dialysis or not on dialysis, and an MAA with the EMEA to treat patients with chronic kidney disease. In May 2007, MIRCERA was approved in the EU and the product was subsequently launched by Roche in the EU in August of 2007. In November 2007, the FDA approved Roche’s BLA application for MIRCERA.

 

MIRCERA is currently the subject of a significant patent infringement lawsuit brought by Amgen Inc. related to Roche’s patents for the use of MIRCERA to treat chemotherapy anemia in the U.S. Amgen prevailed in this patent infringement lawsuit in U.S. federal district court in the state of Massachusetts and the parties are currently litigating the remedy phase. It is uncertain whether Roche will be prevented from marketing and selling MIRCERA in the U.S. or whether an economic settlement with Amgen will be concluded and approved by the court. If Roche is prevented from marketing and selling MIRCERA in the U.S., it will have a material adverse impact on our revenue from MIRCERA.

 

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Research and Development

 

We divide our portfolio of ongoing research and development programs into two categories: (1) partnered programs and (2) proprietary programs and platform technology research and development. The costs associated with these categories are as follows (in millions):

 

     Years ended December 31,
     2007    2006    2005

Partner development programs

   $ 87.6    $ 51.0    $ 72.9

Proprietary programs and platform technology research and development

     60.2      98.4      78.8

Workforce reduction charges

     5.8      —        —  
                    

Total

   $ 153.6    $ 149.4    $ 151.7
                    

 

These costs include certain allocations of resources shared across our partner programs, including facilities, current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) quality personnel and other shared resources. We have generally allocated these shared costs based on personnel hours.

 

Our total research and development expenditures can be disaggregated into the following significant types of expenses (in millions):

 

     Years ended December 31,
     2007    2006    2005

Salaries and employee benefits

   $ 70.7    $ 69.9    $ 66.8

Stock compensation expense

     6.3      9.7      —  

Facility and equipment

     33.9      31.0      26.3

Outside services

     26.8      24.1      32.0

Supplies

     10.8      8.9      22.0

Travel and entertainment

     2.2      2.4      1.8

Other

     2.9      3.4      2.8
                    

Total

   $ 153.6    $ 149.4    $ 151.7
                    

 

In connection with our research and development for partner programs, we earned $85.9 million, $56.3 million, and $81.6 million in contract research revenue in the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.

 

Manufacturing and Supply

 

In our partnerships involving both our PEGylation technology and pulmonary technology, our partners typically supply the drug components to which we apply our technology platforms to create, manufacture and supply the PEG reagents or other proprietary drug formulation. For the drug components necessary for our proprietary product development, we have agreements for the supply of such drug components with drug manufacturers that we believe have sufficient capacity to meet our demands.

 

In our partnerships involving our pulmonary technology, we have typically provided our technology and manufacturing expertise to formulate, manufacture and package the drug powders and used subcontractors to manufacture our proprietary inhaler devices. Although we will continue to perform clinical manufacturing for our partners and to support our proprietary product development programs, our strategy is to focus on drug development and only perform commercial manufacturing activities where we have an existing contractual obligation or where unique manufacturing competencies give us or our partners a comparative commercial advantage.

 

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With respect to products using our PEGylation technology, we have two manufacturing facilities in Huntsville, Alabama. One is for the manufacture of PEG-derivatives and the other is for the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The latter facility will be used to produce APIs for clinical development for our proprietary product candidates that utilize our PEGylation technology. Both facilities are designed and operated to be in compliance with the guidelines of the International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) applicable to APIs (ICH Q7A guidelines).

 

With respect to products using our pulmonary technology, we operate a drug powder manufacturing and packaging facility in San Carlos, California capable of producing drug powders in quantities sufficient for clinical trials of product candidates utilizing our pulmonary technology. We have developed a high capacity automated filling technology that fills individual discrete sealed dose containers, known as blisters, which seal drug powder from the environment and reduce caking and contamination. We believe our filling technology is capable of filling drug powder blisters on a commercial production scale. In 2006 and 2007, we operated a commercial-scale dry powder manufacturing operation to manufacture and supply Pfizer with bulk dry powder insulin for Exubera. Until the termination of our Pfizer agreements in November 2007, we had licensed this technology to Pfizer to perform commercial filling of dry powder insulin into blisters to be used with the Exubera inhaler. Depending on the success and structure of our future partnering efforts for Exubera and/or NGI, we may continue commercial-scale manufacturing of dry powder insulin in our San Carlos, California facility. This facility has been inspected and licensed by the State of California and is used to manufacture and package powders under current good manufacturing practices (cGMP). The facility received a pre-approval inspection from U.S. and international regulatory authorities and was found acceptable for commercial manufacturing. Our manufacturing facilities are subject to ongoing routine inspection and a continuing obligation to adhere to cGMP.

 

In February 2008, we terminated our manufacturing and supply agreement with Bespak Europe Ltd. (now Consort Medical plc) and Tech Group North America, Inc., (now West Pharmaceutical Services) two contract manufacturers that manufactured and supplied us with the Exubera inhalers. We have a 2008 continuation agreement with Tech Group to preserve manufacturing capacity and expertise to support a new marketing partner for the Exubera inhaler if we secure a new marketing partner for Exubera within a certain time period and such partner desires to enter into a new manufacturing and supply agreement with Tech Group. Tech Group had successfully implemented our pulmonary device technology, scaled up the manufacturing process to commercial levels and met the requirements of cGMP. Tech Group also received a preapproval inspection from regulatory authorities and was found acceptable for commercial manufacture.

 

Government Regulation

 

The research and development, clinical testing, manufacture and marketing of products using our technologies are subject to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and by comparable regulatory agencies in other countries. These national agencies and other federal, state and local entities regulate, among other things, research and development activities and the testing (in vitro, in animals and in human clinical trials), manufacture, labeling, storage, recordkeeping, approval, marketing, advertising and promotion of our products.

 

The approval process required by the FDA before a product using any of our technologies may be marketed in the U.S. depends on whether the chemical composition of the product has previously been approved for use in other dosage forms. If the product is a new chemical entity that has not been previously approved, the process includes the following:

 

   

extensive preclinical laboratory and animal testing;

 

   

submission of an Investigational New Drug application (IND) prior to commencing clinical trials;

 

   

adequate and well-controlled human clinical trials to establish the safety and efficacy of the drug for the intended indication; and

 

   

submission to the FDA of a New Drug Application (NDA) for approval of a drug, a Biologic License Application (BLA) for approval of a biological product or a Premarket Approval Application (PMA) or Premarket Notification 510(k) (510(k)) for a medical device product.

 

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If the active chemical ingredient has been previously approved by the FDA, the approval process is similar, except that certain preclinical tests relating to systemic toxicity normally required for the IND and NDA or BLA may not be necessary if the company has a right of reference to such data or is eligible for approval under Section 505(b)(2) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

 

Preclinical tests include laboratory evaluation of product chemistry and animal studies to assess the safety and efficacy of the product and its chosen formulation. Preclinical safety tests must be conducted by laboratories that comply with FDA good laboratory practices (GLP) regulations. The results of the preclinical tests for drugs, biological products and combination products subject to the primary jurisdiction of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) or Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) are submitted to the FDA as part of the IND and are reviewed by the FDA before clinical trials can begin. Clinical trials may begin 30 days after receipt of the IND by the FDA, unless the FDA raises objections or requires clarification within that period.

 

Clinical trials involve the administration of the drug to healthy volunteers or patients under the supervision of a qualified, identified medical investigator according to a protocol submitted in the IND for FDA review. Drug products to be used in clinical trials must be manufactured according to current good manufacturing practices (cGMP). Clinical trials are conducted in accordance with protocols that detail the objectives of the study and the parameters to be used to monitor participant safety and product efficacy as well as other criteria to be evaluated in the study. Each protocol is submitted to the FDA in the IND.

 

Apart from the IND process described above, each clinical study must be reviewed by an independent Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the IRB must be kept current with respect to the status of the clinical study. The IRB considers, among other things, ethical factors, the potential risks to subjects participating in the trial and the possible liability to the institution where the trial is conducted. The IRB also reviews and approves the informed consent form to be signed by the trial participants and any significant changes in the clinical study.

 

Clinical trials are typically conducted in three sequential phases. Phase 1 involves the initial introduction of the drug into healthy human subjects (in most cases) and the product generally is tested for tolerability, pharmacokinetics, absorption, metabolism and excretion. Phase 2 involves studies in a limited patient population to:

 

   

determine the preliminary efficacy of the product for specific targeted indications;

 

   

determine dosage and regimen of administration; and

 

   

identify possible adverse effects and safety risks.

 

If Phase 2 trials demonstrate that a product appears to be effective and to have an acceptable safety profile, Phase 3 trials are undertaken to evaluate the further clinical efficacy and safety of the drug and formulation within an expanded patient population at geographically dispersed clinical study sites and in large enough trials to provide statistical proof of efficacy and tolerability. The FDA, the clinical trial sponsor, the investigators or the IRB may suspend clinical trials at any time if any one of them believes that study participants are being subjected to an unacceptable health risk. In some cases, the FDA and the drug sponsor may determine that Phase 2 trials are not needed prior to entering Phase 3 trials.

 

Following a series of formal and informal meetings between the drug sponsor and the regulatory agencies, the results of product development, preclinical studies and clinical studies are submitted to the FDA as an NDA or BLA for approval of the marketing and commercial shipment of the drug product. The FDA may deny approval if applicable regulatory criteria are not satisfied or may require additional clinical or pharmaceutical testing or requirements. Even if such data are submitted, the FDA may ultimately decide that the NDA or BLA does not satisfy all of the criteria for approval. Additionally, the approved labeling may narrowly limit the conditions of use of the product, including the intended uses, or impose warnings, precautions or

 

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contraindications which could significantly limit the potential market for the product. Further, as a condition of approval, the FDA may impose post-market surveillance, or Phase 4, studies or risk management programs. Product approvals, once obtained, may be withdrawn if compliance with regulatory standards is not maintained or if safety concerns arise after the product reaches the market. The FDA may require additional post-marketing clinical testing and pharmacovigilance programs to monitor the effect of drug products that have been commercialized and has the power to prevent or limit future marketing of the product based on the results of such programs. After approval, there are ongoing reporting obligations concerning adverse reactions associated with the product, including expedited reports for serious and unexpected adverse events.

 

Each manufacturer of drug product for the U.S. market must be registered with the FDA and typically is inspected by the FDA prior to NDA or BLA approval of a drug product manufactured by such establishment. Establishments handling controlled substances must also be licensed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Manufacturing establishments of U.S. marketed products are subject to inspections by the FDA for compliance with cGMP and other U.S. regulatory requirements. They are also subject to U.S. federal, state and local regulations regarding workplace safety, environmental protection and hazardous and controlled substance controls, among others.

 

A number of the drugs we are developing are already approved for marketing by the FDA in another form and using another delivery system. We believe that, when working with drugs approved in other forms, the approval process for products using our alternative drug delivery or formulation technologies may involve less risk and require fewer tests than new chemical entities do. However, we expect that our formulations will often use excipients not currently approved for use. Use of these excipients will require additional toxicological testing that may increase the costs of, or length of time needed to, gain regulatory approval. In addition, as they relate to our products, regulatory procedures may change as regulators gain relevant experience, and any such changes may delay or increase the cost of regulatory approvals.

 

For product candidates currently under development utilizing our pulmonary technology, our pulmonary inhaler devices are considered to be part of a drug and device combination for deep lung delivery of each specific molecule. The FDA will make a determination as to the most appropriate center and division within the agency that will assume prime responsibility for the review of the applicable applications, which would consist of an IND and an NDA or BLA where CDER or CBER are determined to have primary jurisdiction or an investigational device exemption application and PMA or 510(k) where the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) is determined to have primary jurisdiction. In the case of our product candidates, CDER in consultation with CDRH could be involved in the review. The assessment of jurisdiction within the FDA is based upon the primary mode of action of the drug or the location of the specific expertise in one of the centers.

 

Where CDRH is determined to have primary jurisdiction over a product, 510(k) clearance or PMA approval is required. Medical devices are classified into one of three classes—Class I, Class II, or Class III—depending on the degree or risk associated with each medical device and the extent of control needed to ensure safety and effectiveness. Devices deemed to pose lower risks are placed in either Class I or II, which requires the manufacturer to submit to the FDA a Premarket Notification requesting permission to commercially distribute the device. This process is known as 510(k) clearance. Some low risk devices are exempted from this requirement. Devices deemed by the FDA to pose the greatest risk, such as life-sustaining, life-supporting or implantable devices, or devices deemed not substantially equivalent to a previously cleared 510(k) device are placed in Class III, requiring PMA approval.

 

To date, our partners have generally been responsible for clinical and regulatory approval procedures, but we may participate in this process by submitting to the FDA a drug master file developed and maintained by us which contains data concerning the manufacturing processes for the inhaler device or drug. For our proprietary products, we prepare and submit an IND and are responsible for additional clinical and regulatory procedures for product candidates being developed under an IND. The clinical and manufacturing development and regulatory review and approval process generally takes a number of years and requires the expenditure of substantial

 

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resources. Our ability to manufacture and market products, whether developed by us or under collaboration agreements, ultimately depends upon the completion of satisfactory clinical trials and success in obtaining marketing approvals from the FDA and equivalent foreign health authorities.

 

Sales of our products outside the U.S. are subject to local regulatory requirements governing clinical trials and marketing approval for drugs. Such requirements vary widely from country to country.

 

In the U.S., under the Orphan Drug Act, the FDA may grant orphan drug designation to drugs intended to treat a rare disease or condition, which is generally a disease or condition that affects fewer than 200,000 individuals in the U.S. The company that obtains the first FDA approval for a designated orphan drug for a rare disease receives marketing exclusivity for use of that drug for the designated condition for a period of seven years. In addition, the Orphan Drug Act provides for protocol assistance, tax credits, research grants and exclusions from user fees for sponsors of orphan products. Once a product receives orphan drug exclusivity, a second product that is considered to be the [same] drug for the same indication may be approved during the exclusivity period only if the second product is shown to be “clinically superior” to the original orphan drug in that it is more effective, safer or otherwise makes a “major contribution to patient care” or the holder of exclusive approval cannot assure the availability of sufficient quantities of the orphan drug to meet the needs of patients with the disease or condition for which the drug was designated.

 

In the U.S., the FDA may grant Fast Track designation to a product candidate which allows the FDA to expedite the review of new drugs that are intended for serious or life-threatening conditions and that demonstrate the potential to address unmet medical needs. An important feature of Fast Track designation is that it emphasizes the critical nature of close, early communication between the FDA and the sponsor company to improve the efficiency of product development.

 

In developing the device components for our pulmonary technology, we have sought to develop our quality systems and design engineering function to adhere to the principles of design control for medical devices as set forth in the applicable regulatory guidance. Although our hybrid drug/device products are expected to be reviewed primarily by CDER/CBER, we have sought to adhere to the design control approach both as a good business practice and because it appears that the drug and biologic centers of the FDA and other worldwide agencies are adopting this policy. In Europe, delivery devices are viewed as separate entities subject to review as such under the medical device directive. In the U.S., it is our intention to comply with FDA regulations for devices.

 

There can be no assurance that products that we develop, including devices designed by us and built by our contract manufacturers, will be approved or meet approval requirements on a timely basis, the failure of which would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. There also can be no assurance that any FDA, European Medicines Agency (EMEA) or other international equivalent approval will not impose significant labeling or other limitations that could have a material adverse effect on the revenue potential of the product involved.

 

Once a product is approved, the failure of the manufacturer, distributor or marketer to adhere to applicable legal and regulatory requirements can result in enforcement action, including seizure, injunctions, criminal or civil penalties and market withdrawal.

 

Patents and Proprietary Rights

 

We routinely apply for patents for our innovations and for improvements to our technology platform. We also rely on our trade secrets and know-how to protect our technologies and our competitive position. We plan to defend our proprietary technologies from infringement, misappropriation and duplication through our issued patents, our proprietary know-how and contracts.

 

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Our patent portfolio contains patents and patent applications that encompass each of our technologies, including our pulmonary technology and our PEGylation technology platforms. As of December 31, 2007, we owned over 220 U.S. and over 1,200 foreign patents. Currently, we have over 200 patent applications pending in the US and over 1,100 pending in other countries. Our PEGylation technology patents and patent applications cover reactive PEG derivatives, PEG-drug conjugates, PEG-based pro-drugs and PEG-drug delivery vehicles. Our pulmonary technology patents and patent applications cover compositions, methods and apparatus for preparing, packaging and delivering particles for pulmonary delivery of both large and small molecule drugs. Although our early PEGylation technology patent applications were filed in the U.S. only, we routinely file patent applications on innovations and improvements in each of these areas on a worldwide basis. In the U.S. and generally throughout the world, the term of a new patent is twenty years from the date on which the application for the patent was filed or, in certain cases, from an earlier date from which the application claims priority, subject to the payment of maintenance fees. In some instances, a patent term may be extended for a patent the issuance of which is delayed due to patent application examining authorities or for a patent covering a regulated product the market approval of which is delayed due to product reviewing regulatory authorities.

 

With regard to our PEGylation technology patent portfolio, we have filed patent applications directed to activated PEG reagents having a variety of structures and reactive groups, methods of producing highly pure polymer reagents, PEG pro-drugs having hydrolyzable linkages, PEG-based hydrogels and alternative gel systems and PEG conjugates of certain molecules.

 

Our pulmonary technology patent portfolio relates to pharmaceutical compositions and reagents, medical devices and equipment and methods for preparation, packaging and delivery of our pharmaceutical compositions. This portfolio includes spray drying solutions, emulsions and suspensions to prepare particles of various morphologies. Patents owned by us in these areas cover inhaler devices, formulations for pulmonary delivery and methods for preparing, packaging and using these formulations and particular active agent formulations for delivery via the respiratory tract.

 

The patent positions of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and drug delivery companies, including ours, involve complex legal and factual issues. There can be no assurance that patents we apply for will be issued to us or that patents that are issued to us will be valid and enforceable. Even for patents that are enforceable, we anticipate that any attempt to enforce our patents would be time consuming and costly. Additionally, the coverage claimed in a patent application can be significantly reduced before the patent is issued. As a consequence, we do not know whether any of our pending patent applications will be granted with broad coverage or whether the claims that eventually issue, or those that have issued, will be circumvented. Since publication of discoveries in scientific or patent literature often lag behind actual discoveries, we cannot be certain that we were the first inventor of inventions covered by our patents or patent applications or that we were the first to file patent applications for such inventions. Moreover, we may have to participate in interference proceedings in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which could result in substantial cost to us, even if the eventual outcome is favorable. An adverse outcome could subject us to significant liabilities to third parties, require disputed rights to be licensed from or to third parties or require us to cease using the technology in dispute.

 

U.S. and foreign patent rights and other proprietary rights exist that are owned by third parties and relate to pharmaceutical compositions and reagents, medical devices and equipment and methods for preparation, packaging and delivery of pharmaceutical compositions. We cannot predict with any certainty which, if any, of these rights will be considered relevant to our technology by authorities in the various jurisdictions where such rights exist, nor can we predict with certainty which, if any, of these rights will or may be asserted against us by third parties. We could incur substantial costs in defending ourselves and our partners against any such claims. Furthermore, parties making such claims may be able to obtain injunctive or other equitable relief, which could effectively block our ability to develop or commercialize some or all of our products in the U.S. and abroad and could result in the award of substantial damages. In the event of a claim of infringement, we or our partners may

 

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be required to obtain one or more licenses from third parties. There can be no assurance that we can obtain a license to any technology that we determine we need on reasonable terms, if at all, or that we could develop or otherwise obtain alternative technology. The failure to obtain licenses if needed may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

We also rely on trade secret protection for our confidential and proprietary information. No assurance can be given that we can meaningfully protect our trade secrets. Others may independently develop substantially equivalent confidential and proprietary information or otherwise gain access to, or disclose, our trade secrets.

 

Our ability to develop and commercialize our technologies will be affected by our or our partners’ access to drugs that are to be formulated. Many biopharmaceutical drugs, including some presently under development by us, are subject to issued and pending U.S. and foreign patent rights that may be owned by competing entities. There can be no assurance that we will have access to drug candidates for formulation or that, if such access is provided, we will not be accused of, or determined to be, infringing a third party’s rights and be prohibited from working with the drug or found liable for damages that may not be subject to indemnification. Any such restriction on access or liability for damages would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

It is our policy to require our employees and consultants, outside scientific collaborators, sponsored researchers and other advisors who receive confidential information from us to execute confidentiality agreements upon the commencement of employment or consulting relationships with us. These agreements provide that all confidential information developed or made known to the individual during the course of the individual’s relationship with us is to be kept confidential and not disclosed to third parties except in specific circumstances. The agreements provide that all inventions conceived by an employee shall be our property. There can be no assurance, however, that these agreements will provide meaningful protection or adequate remedies for our trade secrets in the event of unauthorized use or disclosure of such information.

 

Backlog

 

In our partner programs where we manufacture and supply our proprietary drug formulations or our proprietary pulmonary delivery devices, sales are made pursuant to customer purchase orders for delivery. The volume of drug formulation or pulmonary delivery devices actually purchased by our customers, as well as shipment schedules, are subject to frequent revisions that reflect changes in both the customers’ needs and product availability. In our partner programs where we provide contract research services, those services are typically provided under a work plan that is subject to frequent revisions that change based on the development needs and status of the program. The backlog at a particular time is affected by a number of factors, including scheduled date of manufacture and delivery and development program status. In light of industry practice and our own experience, we do not believe that backlog as of any particular date is indicative of future results.

 

Competition

 

Competition in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry is intense and characterized by aggressive research and development and rapidly-evolving technology. We frequently compete with pharmaceutical companies and other institutions with greater financial, research and development, marketing and sales, manufacturing and managerial capabilities. We face competition from these companies not just in product development but also in areas such as recruiting employees, acquiring technologies that might enhance our ability to commercialize products, establishing relationships with certain research and academic institutions, enrolling patients in clinical trials and seeking program partnerships and collaborations with larger pharmaceutical companies.

 

We believe that our proprietary and partnered products will compete with others on the market on the basis of one or more of the following parameters: efficacy, safety, ease of use and cost. Competition is intense in each

 

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of our technology platforms, including non-invasive, and less invasive, delivery of peptides and proteins and improved formulation and delivery of small molecules through pulmonary, oral and injectable means. A number of the products in our pipeline have direct and indirect competition from both drug delivery and biopharmaceutical companies. For each of our technology platforms, we believe we have competitive advantages relating to factors such as efficacy, safety, ease of use and cost for certain applications and molecules. We constantly monitor the technological and product advancements of our partners and attempt to develop in-house technologies, or license or acquire technologies, to improve and keep our own technology platforms competitive.

 

In the PEGylation technology field, our competitors include The Dow Chemical Company, Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., SunBio Corporation, Mountain View Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Neose Technologies, Inc., NOF Corporation and Urigen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Several other chemical, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies may also be developing PEGylation technologies. Some of these companies license or provide the technology to other companies, while others develop the technology for internal use.

 

In the pulmonary technology field, our competitors include Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Alkermes, Inc., Aradigm Corporation, 3M Company, MannKind Corporation, Microdose Technologies, Inc., Pari Pharma, Respironics, Inc., SkyePharma Plc and Vectura Group Plc.

 

Product and Program Specific Competition

 

Exubera (dry powder inhaled insulin)

 

There are currently no approved pulmonary insulin products in the U.S. or the EU other than Exubera, but several direct competitors have development programs underway for inhaled insulin products, including Alkermes, Inc. in collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company, MannKind Corporation, Epic Pharmaceuticals (PTY) LTD, Abbott Laboratories and Baxter Healthcare SA. All of these companies are working on various versions of inhaled insulin products in either a liquid or dry powder form. Any of these products, if approved, could be competitive with Exubera or our next-generation inhaled insulin product (NGI) candidate. Some of our competitors’ products are in Phase 3 clinical development, including Alkermes’ inhalable insulin product (AIR Insulin System™) in collaboration with Eli Lilly and Mannkind’s Technosphere® Insulin System. We believe other smaller companies are developing oral or buccal products for insulin delivery, such as Biocon Ltd., Emisphere Technologies, Inc., CoreMed Corporation and Generex Biotechnology Corporation. Inhaled insulin products also compete with approved injectable insulins, including both fast-acting and longer-acting basal insulins, as well as other treatment modalities for diabetes, including oral agents and other injectable products approved for patients with Type 2 diabetes, such as Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s Byetta.

 

NKTR-061(inhaled amikacin)

 

There are currently no approved drugs on the market for adjunctive treatment or prevention of Gram-negative pneumonias in mechanically ventilated patients which are also administered via the pulmonary route. The current standard of care includes approved intravenous antibiotics which are partially effective for the treatment of either hospital-acquired pneumonia or ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients on mechanical ventilators. These drugs include drugs that fall into the categories of antipseudomonal cephalosporins, antipseudomonal carbepenems, beta-Lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitors, antipseudomonal fluoroquinolones, such as Ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin, and aminoglycosides, such as amikacin, gentamycin or Tobramycin.

 

NKTR-118 (oral PEG-naloxol)

 

There are no products approved specifically for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) or opioid bowel dysfunction (OBD). Current therapies utilized to treat OIC and OBD include over-the-counter laxatives and stool softeners, such as docusate sodium, senna and milk of magnesia. These therapies do not address the underlying cause of constipation as a result of opioid use and are generally viewed as ineffective or only partially effective to treat the symptoms of OID and OBD.

 

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There are a number of companies developing potential products which are in various stages of clinical development and are being evaluated for the treatment of OIC and OBD in different patient populations. Potential competitors include Adolor Corporation, GlaxoSmithKline, Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Wyeth, Mundipharma Int. Limited, Sucampo Pharmaceuticals and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.

 

NKTR-102 (PEG-irinotecan)

 

There are a number of chemotherapies and cancer therapies approved today and in clinical development for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Approved therapies for the treatment of colorectal cancer include Eloxatin, Camptosar, Avastin, Erbitux, Vectibux, Xeloda, Adrucil and Wellcovorin. These therapies are only partially effective in treating the disease. There are a number of drugs in various stages of preclinical and clinical development from companies exploring cancer therapies or improved chemotherapeutic agents to potentially treat colorectal cancer. If these drugs are approved, they could be competitive to NKTR-102. These include products in development from BMS, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Antigenics, Roche, Novartis, Cell Therapeutics, Neopharm, Meditech Research, Enzon Pharmaceuticals and others.

 

Environment

 

As a manufacturer of drug products for the U.S. market, we are subject to inspections by the FDA for compliance with cGMP and other U.S. regulatory requirements, including U.S. federal, state and local regulations regarding environmental protection and hazardous and controlled substance controls, among others. Environmental laws and regulations are complex, change frequently and have tended to become more stringent over time. We have incurred, and may continue to incur, significant expenditures to ensure we are in compliance with these laws and regulations. We would be subject to significant penalties for failure to comply with these laws and regulations.

 

Employees and Consultants

 

As of December 31, 2007, we had 575 employees, of which 469 employees were engaged in research and development, commercial operations and quality activities and 106 employees were engaged in general administration and business development. We have a number of employees who hold advanced degrees, such as Ph.D.s. None of our employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement, and we have experienced no work stoppages. We believe that we maintain good relations with our employees.

 

To complement our own expertise, we utilize specialists in regulatory affairs, pulmonary toxicology, process engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, device design, clinical trial design and business development. These individuals include certain of our scientific advisors as well as independent consultants.

 

Available Information

 

Our website address is http://www.nektar.com. The information in, or that can be accessed through, our website is not part of this annual report on Form 10-K. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports are available, free of charge, on or through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). The public may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room can be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding our filings at www.sec.gov.

 

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

 

The following table sets forth the names, ages and positions of our executive officers as of February 1, 2008:

 

Name

  Age   

Position

Howard W. Robin

  55    Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

John Nicholson

  56    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Hoyoung Huh, M.D., Ph.D

  38    Chief Operating Officer, Head of the PEGylation Business Unit

Nevan C. Elam

  40    Senior Vice President, Head of the Pulmonary Business Unit

John S. Patton, Ph.D.

  61    Director, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer

Gil M. Labrucherie

  36    Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

 

Howard W. Robin has served as our Director, President and Chief Executive Officer since January 2007 and was appointed as a member of our Board of Directors in February 2007. Mr. Robin served as Chief Executive Officer, President and director of Sirna Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering RNAi-based therapies for serious diseases and conditions, from July 2001 to November 2006 and served as their Chief Operating Officer, President and Director from January 2001 to June 2001. From 1991 to 2001, Mr. Robin was Corporate Vice President and General Manager at Berlex Laboratories, Inc., the U.S. pharmaceutical subsidiary of the German pharmaceutical firm Schering AG, and, from 1987 to 1991, he served as their 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 and was a Senior Associate with Arthur Andersen & Co. prior to joining Berlex. Since February 2006, Mr. Robin has served as a member of the Board of Directors of Acologix, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on therapeutic compounds for the treatment of osteo-renal diseases. He received his B.S. in Accounting and Finance from Farleigh Dickinson University in 1974.

 

John Nicholson has served as our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since December 2007. Prior to such appointment, since October 2007, Mr. Nicholson served as our Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Business Operations. Before joining Nektar, Nicholson spent 18 years in various executive roles at Schering Berlin, Inc., the U.S. management holding company of Bayer Schering Pharma AG, a pharmaceutical company. From 1997, he served as Schering Berlin Inc.’s Vice President of Corporate Development and Treasurer. Since 2001, he served concurrently as the President of Schering Berlin Insurance Co., and since 2007, he served concurrently as President of Bayer Pharma Chemicals Co. and Schering Berlin Capital Corp. Mr. Nicholson holds a B.B.A. from the University of Toledo.

 

Hoyoung Huh, Ph.D has served as the Chief Operating Officer, Head of the PEGylation Business Unit since May 2007, responsible for the Company’s worldwide business development, marketing and manufacturing and leading Nektar’s PEGylation business. From March 2005 to May 2007, he served as our Senior Vice President of Business Development and Marketing. From September 1997 to February 2005, Dr. Huh was a leader in the healthcare and biotechnology practice at McKinsey and Company, a management consulting firm, where he was elected partner in 2003. He currently serves on the Board of BayBio, a biotechnology industry association. Dr. Huh holds an M.D. from Cornell University Medical College, a Ph.D. in Genetics and Cell Biology from the Cornell University/Sloan Kettering Institute and an A.B. in Biochemistry from Dartmouth College. On February 8, 2008, Dr. Huh resigned from his positions with Nektar, effective as of February 29, 2008. On February 11, 2008, the Board of Directors met and appointed Dr. Huh as a new director to fill the vacancy created by resolution of the Board of Directors at the same meeting to increase the authorized number of directors from 10 to 11. Dr. Huh will serve until the 2009 annual meeting of stockholders or until his successor is duly elected and qualified.

 

Nevan C. Elam has served as our Senior Vice President, Head of the Pulmonary Business Unit since April 2007. Mr. Elam joined Nektar in January 2005 as the Senior Vice President, Corporate Operations, General Counsel and Secretary. From October 2000 to December 2004, Mr. Elam held various senior management and

 

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advisory positions, including Chief Financial Officer and Vice-President of Business Development at E2open, Inc., a global on-demand enterprise software company. Prior to his management roles at E2open, Mr. Elam was a partner in the corporate practice of the law firm of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where he worked for eight years. Mr. Elam received his J.D. from Harvard Law School and a B.A. from Howard University.

 

John S. Patton, Ph.D., our co-founder, has served as a Director and our Chief Scientific Officer since November 2001 and as a member of our Board of Directors since July 1990. Dr. Patton is also a director of Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company. Dr. Patton served as our Vice President, Research from December 1991 to November 2001. He served as our President from our incorporation in July 1990 to December 1991. From 1985 to 1990, Dr. Patton was a Project Team Leader with Genentech, Inc., a biotechnology company, where he headed their non-invasive drug delivery activities. Dr. Patton was on the faculty of the Marine Science and Microbiology Departments at the University of Georgia from 1979 through 1985, where he was granted tenure in 1984. Dr. Patton received a B.S. in Zoology and Biochemistry from Pennsylvania State University, an M.S. from the University of Rhode Island and a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of California, San Diego and completed post doctorate fellowships from Harvard Medical School and the University of Lund, Sweden, both in Biomedicine.

 

Gil M. Labrucherie has served as our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since April 2007, responsible for all aspects of our legal affairs. Mr. Labrucherie served as our Vice President, Corporate Legal from October 2005 through April 2007. From October 2000 to September 2005, Mr. Labrucherie was Vice President of Corporate Development at E2open. While at E2open, Mr. Labrucherie was responsible for global corporate alliances and merger and acquisition activity. Prior to E2open, he was the Senior Director of Corporate Development at AltaVista Company, an Internet search company, where he was responsible for strategic partnerships and mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Labrucherie began his career as an associate in the corporate practice of the law firm of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and Graham & James (DLA Piper Rudnick). Mr. Labrucherie received his J.D. from the University of California Boalt Hall School of Law and a B.A. from the University of California Davis.

 

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

We are providing the following cautionary discussion of risk factors, uncertainties and possibly inaccurate assumptions that we believe are relevant to our business. These are factors that, individually or in the aggregate, we think could cause our actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results and our forward-looking statements. We note these factors for investors as permitted by Section 21E of the Exchange Act and Section 27A of the Securities Act. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, you should not consider this section to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties that may substantially impact our business.

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

The termination of our partnership with Pfizer is likely to reduce our revenue significantly in 2008.

 

Since our inception, we have depended on revenue from Pfizer related to Exubera contract research and manufacturing. Our total revenue from Pfizer was $189.1 million and $139.9 million, representing 69% and 64% of total revenue, for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. On November 9, 2007, we entered into a termination agreement and mutual release with Pfizer, pursuant to which Pfizer made a one-time payment of $135.0 million to us in satisfaction of all outstanding contractual obligations under our then-existing agreements with Pfizer related to Exubera and the next-generation inhaled insulin development program, also known as NGI. All of our agreements with Pfizer, other than the termination agreement and mutual release, terminated as of November 9, 2007, including our collaborative development and licensing agreement with Pfizer. As a result of the termination of the Pfizer agreements, we expect to derive no revenue from Pfizer in 2008 and we may derive no revenue from Exubera or NGI if we are unable to secure a new marketing and development partner for these products.

 

We are unlikely to derive revenue from Exubera if we do not secure a new marketing and development partner for this product.

 

Pursuant to our collaborative development and licensing agreement, and related ancillary agreements, with Pfizer, all of which terminated on November 9, 2007, Pfizer had sole responsibility for the distribution, sales and marketing of Exubera and was also responsible for manufacturing and delivering bulk insulin for powder processing, filling the insulin powder into blister packs for the Exubera inhaler and providing the packaging for the final Exubera product. Without a marketing and development partner, we cannot manufacture the final Exubera product on our own. Further, we have neither sales and marketing nor distribution operations. To generate any additional revenue from Exubera, we will need to secure a collaboration agreement with a new partner. Under our termination agreement with Pfizer, in the near term, Pfizer has agreed to provide certain cooperation to assist us in securing a new marketing and development partner for Exubera and/or NGI. However, there is a risk that certain essential terms and conditions may not be mutually agreeable between Pfizer and a potential partner. In addition, there is a risk we may not be able to secure such a marketing and development partner for Exubera on commercially favorable terms, if at all.

 

Even if we are successful in concluding a collaboration agreement with a suitable marketing and development partner for Exubera, we anticipate any such partner would require substantial time and incur substantial costs to commercialize Exubera successfully. Further, regulatory transfer requirements will need to be fulfilled that may require approval from the FDA and equivalent foreign regulatory authorities prior to continuing the marketing of Exubera. Any failure, delay or inability to address available inventory, manufacturing, packaging or regulatory challenges could impede commercialization of Exubera or continued clinical development of NGI with a new partner when or if a new collaboration is completed. Pfizer holds limited Exubera inventory that may not support long-term commercial supply requirements due to dating limitations on the Exubera insulin blister pack and inhaler inventories. As a result, in order to continue to commercialize Exubera, any new marketing and development partner will be required to provide for the same type of commercial manufacturing and distribution capability as that maintained by Pfizer.

 

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Any future value from our NGI development program depends on successfully securing a new collaboration partnership.

 

In addition to our collaboration with Pfizer on Exubera, we collaborated with Pfizer on the clinical development of a next-generation inhaler device that is currently in Phase 1 clinical development. The objective of the development efforts was to improve the device portability, convenience, reliability and ease of use. There are significant development and marketing risks associated with various aspects of this program, such as developing the insulin formulation for the NGI inhaler, design engineering challenges, designing for manufacturability and cost effectiveness and clinical development and regulatory considerations. Under the terms of our termination agreement with Pfizer, we have continued Phase 1 clinical development activities for NGI substantially at our cost. NGI will require regulatory approval which could be a very costly and time consuming process, and we may not successfully obtain regulatory approval. Competitors could be quicker to develop, obtain regulatory approval and commercialize a more convenient, easier to use, smaller pulmonary insulin inhaler device for insulin. Either event could reduce the commercial potential for NGI. The inhaled insulin market competes against more well-known and established methods of delivering insulin, such as injection and numerous pre-insulin diabetes therapies. While we believe inhaled insulin has significant delivery advantages over such methods and therapies, the market remains small and will not grow unless diabetics and their doctors perceive a need to switch from subcutaneous insulin delivery to inhaled insulin.

 

The termination of our contract manufacturing agreement for Exubera has resulted in significant expenses and charges and could result in future expenses and charges.

 

In February 2008, we terminated our manufacturing and supply agreement with Tech Group North America, Inc. and Bespak Europe Ltd. related to the manufacture and supply of Exubera inhalers. As a result of this termination, we incurred $32.4 million in costs in 2007. We also entered into a 2008 continuation agreement with Tech Group to preserve Tech Group’s key personnel and manufacturing facility to support future Exubera inhaler manufacturing in the event we successfully conclude a collaboration agreement with a new marketing and development partner for Exubera and that partner desires to enter into a new manufacturing and supply agreement with Tech Group. If we do not conclude a collaboration agreement with a new marketing and development partner for Exubera or such partner does not desire to enter into a manufacturing and supply agreement with Tech Group, we may incur up to $8.0 million in additional cash expenses and charges in connection with concluding the 2008 continuation agreement with Tech Group.

 

We expect to continue to incur substantial losses and negative cash flow from operations and may not achieve or sustain profitability in the future.

 

In the year ended December 31, 2007, we reported net losses of $32.8 million. If and when we achieve profitability depends upon a number of factors, including the timing and recognition of milestone payments and license fees received, the timing of revenue under collaboration agreements, the amount of investments we make in our proprietary product candidates and the regulatory approval and market success of our product candidates. We may not be able to achieve and sustain profitability.

 

Other factors that will affect whether we achieve and sustain profitability include our ability, alone or together with our partners, to:

 

   

develop products utilizing our technologies, either independently or in collaboration with other pharmaceutical or biotech companies;

 

   

receive necessary regulatory and marketing approvals;

 

   

maintain or expand manufacturing at necessary levels;

 

   

achieve market acceptance of our partner products;

 

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receive royalties on products that have been approved, marketed or submitted for marketing approval with regulatory authorities; and

 

   

maintain sufficient funds to finance our activities.

 

If we do not generate sufficient cash flow through increased revenue or raising additional capital, we may not be able to meet our substantial debt obligations.

 

As of December 31, 2007, we had cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and investments in marketable securities valued at approximately $482.4 million and approximately $345.8 million of indebtedness, including approximately $315.0 million in convertible subordinated notes, $24.0 million in capital lease obligations and $6.8 million of other liabilities. We expect to use a substantial portion of our cash to fund our ongoing operations over the next few years. In 2007, we repaid $66.6 million of our 3.5% convertible subordinated notes due in October 2007. In 2012, $315.0 million of our 3.25% convertible subordinated notes will mature.

 

Our substantial indebtedness has and will continue to impact us by:

 

   

making it more difficult to obtain additional financing;

 

   

constraining our ability to react quickly in an unfavorable economic climate;

 

   

constraining our stock price; and

 

   

constraining our ability to invest in our proprietary product development programs.

 

Currently, we are not generating positive cash flow and the negative impact to our revenue of the termination of our agreements with Pfizer, and corresponding reduction in our future revenue associated with those agreements, may further reduce our ability to meet our debt obligations. If we are unable to satisfy our debt service requirements, substantial liquidity problems could result. In relation to our convertible subordinated notes, since the market price of our common stock is significantly below the conversion price, the holders of our outstanding convertible subordinated notes are unlikely to convert the notes to common stock in accordance with the existing terms of the notes. If we do not generate sufficient cash from operations to repay principal or interest on our remaining convertible subordinated notes, or satisfy any of our other debt obligations, when due, we may have to raise additional funds from the issuance of equity or debt securities or otherwise restructure our obligations. Any such financing or restructuring may not be available to us on commercially acceptable terms, if at all.

 

If we cannot raise additional capital, our financial condition will suffer.

 

We have no material credit facility or other material committed sources of capital. To the extent operating and capital resources are insufficient to meet our future capital needs, we will have to raise additional funds from new collaboration partnerships or the capital markets to continue the marketing and development of our technologies and proprietary products. Such funds may not be available on favorable terms, if at all. We may be unable to obtain suitable new collaboration partners on attractive terms and our substantial indebtedness may limit our ability to obtain additional capital markets financing. If adequate funds are not available on reasonable terms, we may be required to curtail operations significantly or obtain funds by entering into financing, supply or collaboration agreements on unattractive terms. Our inability to raise capital could harm our business and our stock price. To the extent that additional capital is raised through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the issuance of such securities would result in dilution to our stockholders.

 

Our revenue has historically depended on revenue from collaboration agreements, causing significant fluctuation in our revenue from period to period.

 

Other than revenue from sales of Exubera inhalation powder and inhaler devices to Pfizer in 2006 and 2007, historically, our revenue is principally derived from collaboration agreements with partners. Such revenue

 

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includes milestone payments and reimbursement of a portion of our research and development expenses charged to our partners pursuant to collaborative arrangements with them. The amount of our revenue derived from collaboration agreements in any given period will depend on a number of unpredictable factors, including our ability to find and maintain suitable partners, the timing of the negotiation and conclusion of collaboration agreements with such partners, whether and when we achieve milestones agreed upon with our partners, whether the partnership is exclusive or whether we can seek other partners, the timing of regulatory approvals and the market introduction of new products, as well as other factors.

 

If we are unable to establish and maintain partnerships on commercially attractive terms, our business, results of operations and financial condition could suffer.

 

In addition to our current efforts to find a new partner for Exubera and/or NGI, we intend to continue to seek partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners to fund some of our research and development expenses and develop and commercialize product candidates. For instance, we secured partnerships in 2007 based on our pulmonary and PEGylation technology, namely with the execution of a co-development, license and co-promotion agreement with Bayer AG for NKTR-061 and an exclusive research, development, license and manufacturing and supply agreement with Baxter AG for Hemophilia B, respectively. The timing of any future partnership, as well as the terms and conditions of the partnership, will affect our ability to benefit from the relationship. If we are unable to fund suitable partners or to negotiate acceptable collaborative arrangements with respect to our existing and future product candidates or the licensing of our technology, or if any arrangements we negotiate, or have negotiated, include unfavorable commercial terms, our business, results of operations and financial condition could suffer.

 

If our partners, on which we depend to obtain regulatory approvals for and to commercialize our partnered products, are not successful, or if such collaborations fail, the development or commercialization of our partnered products may be delayed or unsuccessful.

 

When we sign a collaborative development agreement or license agreement to develop a product candidate with a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company, the pharmaceutical or biotechnology company is generally expected to:

 

   

synthesize active pharmaceutical ingredients to be used in the product candidate;

 

   

design and conduct large scale clinical studies;

 

   

prepare and file documents necessary to obtain government approvals to sell a given product candidate; and/or

 

   

market and sell our products when and if they are approved.

 

Our reliance on collaborative relationships poses a number of risks, including risks that:

 

   

we may be unable to control whether, and the extent to which, our partners devote sufficient resources to the development programs or commercial efforts;

 

   

disputes may arise in the future with respect to the ownership of rights to technology or intellectual property developed with partners;

 

   

disagreements with partners could lead to delays in, or termination of, the research, development or commercialization of product candidates or to litigation or arbitration;

 

   

contracts with our partners may fail to provide us with significant protection, or to be effectively enforced, in the event one of our partners fails to perform;

 

   

partners have considerable discretion in electing whether to pursue the development of any additional product candidates and may pursue alternative technologies or products either on their own or in collaboration with our competitors;

 

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partners with marketing rights may choose to devote fewer resources to the marketing of our products than they do to products of their own development;

 

   

the timing and level of resources that our partners dedicate to the development program will affect the timing and amount of revenue we receive;

 

   

partners may be unable to pay us as expected; and

 

   

partners may terminate their agreements with us unilaterally for any or no reason, in some cases with the payment of a termination fee penalty and in other cases with no termination fee penalty.

 

Given these risks, the success of our current and future partnerships are highly uncertain.

 

We have entered into collaborations in the past that have been subsequently terminated, such as our collaboration with Pfizer for Exubera and NGI. If other collaborations are suspended or terminated, our ability to commercialize certain other proposed product candidates could also be negatively impacted. If our collaborations fail, our product development or commercialization of product candidates could be delayed or cancelled, which would negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

If we or our partners do not obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates on a timely basis, if at all, or if the terms of any approval impose significant restrictions or limitations on use, our business, results of operations and financial condition will be negatively affected.

 

We or our partners may not obtain regulatory approval for product candidates on a timely basis, if at all, or the terms of any approval (which in some countries includes pricing approval) may impose significant restrictions or limitations on use. Product candidates must undergo rigorous animal and human testing and an extensive FDA mandated or equivalent foreign authorities’ review process for safety and efficacy. This process generally takes a number of years and requires the expenditure of substantial resources. The time required for completing testing and obtaining approvals is uncertain, and the FDA and other U.S. and foreign regulatory agencies have substantial discretion to terminate clinical trials, require additional testing, delay or withhold registration and marketing approval and mandate product withdrawals, including recalls. In addition, undesirable side effects caused by our product candidates could cause us or regulatory authorities to interrupt, delay or halt clinical trials and could result in a more restricted label or the delay or denial of regulatory approval by regulatory authorities.

 

Even if we or our partners receive regulatory approval of a product, the approval may limit the indicated uses for which the product may be marketed. Our partnered products that have obtained regulatory approval, and the manufacturing processes for these products, are subject to continued review and periodic inspections by the FDA and other regulatory authorities. Discovery from such review and inspection of previously unknown problems may result in restrictions on marketed products or on us, including withdrawal or recall of such products from the market, suspension of related manufacturing operations or a more restricted label. The failure to obtain timely regulatory approval of product candidates, any product marketing limitations or a product withdrawal would negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

If the preclinical testing or clinical trials conducted by us or our partners are delayed or unsuccessful, our business could be significantly harmed.

 

We have a number of partnered product candidates and proprietary product candidates in research and development, including preclinical testing and clinical trials. Preclinical testing and clinical trials are long, expensive and uncertain processes. It may take us, or our collaborative partners, several years to complete clinical trials. We have limited experience in clinical development. Failure can occur at any stage and at any time, regardless of how successful the results from pre-clinical and prior clinical testing may have been. Typically, there is a high rate of attrition for product candidates in preclinical and clinical trials due to safety, efficacy or other factors. Success in preclinical testing and early clinical trials does not necessarily predict success in later clinical trials. A number of companies in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries have suffered significant setbacks in later stage clinical trials (i.e., Phase 2 or Phase 3 trials) due to factors such as

 

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inconclusive results and adverse medical events, even after achieving positive results in earlier trials that were satisfactory both to them and to reviewing regulatory agencies. If our partnered product candidates or proprietary product candidates fail during any clinical trial stage, it could have a significant and adverse impact on our business prospects. In addition, the timing of the completion of clinical trials can be very difficult to estimate due to many factors, including the rate of qualified patient enrollment, and therefore clinical testing can take much longer than we plan.

 

If we or our partners are not able to manufacture products in quantities and at costs that are commercially feasible, our proprietary and partnered product candidates will not be successfully commercialized.

 

If we are not able to scale-up manufacturing to meet the drug quantities required to support large clinical trials or commercial manufacturing in a timely manner or at a commercially reasonable cost, we risk not meeting our supply requirements and contractual obligations. Building and validating large scale clinical or commercial-scale manufacturing facilities and processes, recruiting and training qualified personnel and obtaining necessary regulatory approvals is complex, expensive and time consuming. We also sometimes face very limited supply of a critical raw material that can only be obtained from a single, or a limited number of, suppliers, which could constrain our manufacturing output. In addition, in the past we have encountered challenges in scaling up manufacturing to meet the requirements of large scale clinical trials without making modifications to the drug formulation which has the potential to cause significant delays in clinical development. Failure to manufacture products in quantities or at costs that are commercially feasible could cause us not to meet our supply requirements, contractual obligations or other requirements for our proprietary product candidates and, as a result, would negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

If government and private insurance programs do not provide reimbursement for our partnered products or proprietary products, those products will not be widely accepted, which would have a negative impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

In both domestic and foreign markets, sales of our partnered and proprietary products that have received regulatory approval will depend in part on market acceptance among physicians and patients, pricing approvals by government authorities and the availability of reimbursement from third-party payers, such as government health administration authorities, managed care providers, private health insurers and other organizations. Such third-party payers are increasingly challenging the price and cost effectiveness of medical products and services. Therefore, significant uncertainty exists as to the pricing approvals for, and the reimbursement status of, newly approved healthcare products. Moreover, legislation and regulations affecting the pricing of pharmaceuticals may change before regulatory agencies approve our proposed products for marketing and could further limit pricing approvals for, and reimbursement of, our products from government authorities and third-party payers. A government or third-party payor decision not to approve pricing for, or provide adequate coverage and reimbursements of, our products would limit market acceptance of such products. For instance, since Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients have current insulin therapies available to them (primarily injectable and oral insulin therapies), important factors in the commercial success of Exubera and NGI are the availability of reimbursement from third-party payers, in addition to patients’ overall willingness to adopt a new form of insulin therapy.

 

Because our proprietary product candidates are in the early stages of development, there is a high risk of failure, and we may never succeed in developing marketable products or generating revenue from our proprietary product candidates.

 

Our efforts to apply our pulmonary technology and PEGylation technology to our proprietary product development programs may fail. None of our proprietary product candidates have received regulatory approval and our development efforts may not result in a commercialized product. Drug development is an uncertain process that involves trial and error, and we may fail at numerous stages along the way or choose to discontinue. Development of our proprietary product candidates will require extensive time, effort and cost in preclinical testing and clinical trials and will involve a lengthy regulatory review process before they can be marketed. In

particular, successful pre-clinical and Phase 1 clinical study results do not necessarily predict success in later

 

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stage clinical trials. It can also be very difficult to estimate the commercial potential of early stage product candidates due to factors such as safety and efficacy when compared to other available treatments, including potential generic drug alternatives with similar efficacy profiles, changing standards of care, patient and physician preferences and the availability of competitive alternatives that may emerge either during the long drug development process or after commercial introduction. Although NKTR-102 (PEG-irinotecan) and NKTR-118 (oral PEG-naloxol) entered Phase 2 clinical development in late 2007, because of the substantial risks and uncertainties of clinical programs at this early stage of development, there is no assurance that either product will be approved for marketing or, if approved, will be accepted and used by patients and physicians.

 

Our strategy to develop our proprietary product candidates prior to seeking partnership arrangements may be unsuccessful and adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our strategy is to fund our proprietary product development programs, including some or all of the clinical trials, prior to partnering with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. While we believe this strategy may result in improved economics for our proprietary product candidates, it will require significant investment by us without reimbursement. For example, we may expand the number of clinical trials for one or more of our proprietary product candidates to additional therapeutic indications to increase the likelihood of success but such strategy can be very expensive and may not result in a successful trial in any of the therapeutic indications due to one or more factors. As a result, we bear an increased economic risk in the event one or more of our proprietary product candidates does not receive regulatory approval or is not successfully commercialized. Even if the development of a proprietary product is ultimately successful, our increased investment could adversely impact our business, results of operations, and financial condition prior to commercialization since we will have fewer funds available to invest in other products and efforts.

 

We depend on third parties to conduct the clinical trials for our proprietary product candidates and any failure of those parties to fulfill their obligations could harm our development and commercialization plans.

 

We depend on independent clinical investigators, contract research organizations and other third-party service providers to conduct clinical trials for our proprietary product candidates. Though we rely heavily on these parties for successful execution of our clinical trials and are ultimately responsible for the results of their activities, many aspects of their activities are beyond our control. For example, we are responsible for ensuring that each of our clinical trials is conducted in accordance with the general investigational plan and protocols for the trial, but the independent clinical investigators may prioritize other projects over ours or communicate issues regarding our products to us in an untimely manner. Third parties may not complete activities on schedule or may not conduct our clinical trials in accordance with regulatory requirements or our stated protocols. The early termination of any of our clinical trial arrangements, the failure of third parties to comply with the regulations and requirements governing clinical trials or our reliance on results of trials that we have not directly conducted or monitored could hinder or delay the development, approval and commercialization of our product candidates and would adversely effect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our manufacturing operations and those of our contract manufacturers are subject to governmental regulatory requirements, which, if not met, would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

We and our contract manufacturers are required to maintain compliance with current good manufacturing practices (cGMP), including cGMP guidelines applicable to active pharmaceutical ingredients, and are subject to inspections by the FDA or comparable agencies in other jurisdictions to confirm such compliance. We anticipate periodic regulatory inspections of our drug manufacturing facilities and the device manufacturing facilities of our contract manufacturers for compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. Any failure to follow and document our or our contract manufacturers’ adherence to such cGMP regulations or satisfy other manufacturing and product release regulatory requirements may lead to significant delays in the availability of products for commercial use or clinical study, result in the termination or hold on a clinical study or delay or prevent filing or

 

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approval of marketing applications for our products. Failure to comply with applicable regulations may also result in sanctions being imposed on us, including fines, injunctions, civil penalties, failure of regulatory authorities to grant marketing approval of our products, delays, suspension or withdrawal of approvals, license revocation, seizures or recalls of products, operating restrictions and criminal prosecutions, any of which could harm our business. The results of these inspections could result in costly manufacturing changes or facility or capital equipment upgrades to satisfy the FDA that our manufacturing and quality control procedures are in substantial compliance with cGMP. Manufacturing delays, for us or our contract manufacturers, pending resolution of regulatory deficiencies or suspensions would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

If any of our pending patent applications do not issue, or are deemed invalid following issuance, we may lose valuable intellectual property protection.

 

The patent positions of pharmaceutical, medical device and biotechnology companies, such as ours, are uncertain and involve complex legal and factual issues. We own over 220 U.S. and over 1,200 foreign patents and a number of patent applications pending that cover various aspects of our technologies. We have filed patent applications, and plan to file additional patent applications, covering various aspects of our technologies, including our pulmonary technology, both in general and as it relates to specific molecules, our powder processing technology, our powder formulation technology, our inhalation device technology, our PEGylation technology and certain other of our early stage technologies. There can be no assurance that patents that have issued will be valid and enforceable or that patents for which we apply will issue with broad coverage, if at all. The coverage claimed in a patent application can be significantly reduced before the patent is issued and, as a consequence, our patent applications may result in patents with narrow coverage. Since publication of discoveries in scientific or patent literature often lag behind the date of such discoveries, we cannot be certain that we were the first inventor of inventions covered by our patents or patent applications. As part of the patent application process, we may have to participate in interference proceedings declared by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO), which could result in substantial cost to us, even if the eventual outcome is favorable. Further, an issued patent may undergo further proceedings to limit its scope so as not to provide meaningful protection and any claims that have issued, or that eventually issue, may be circumvented or otherwise invalidated. Any attempt to enforce our patents or patent application rights could be time consuming and costly. An adverse outcome could subject us to significant liabilities to third parties, require disputed rights to be licensed from or to third parties or require us to cease using the technology in dispute. Even if a patent is issued and enforceable, because development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products can be subject to substantial delays, patents may expire early and provide only a short period of protection, if any, following commercialization of related products.

 

There are many laws, regulations and judicial decisions that dictate and otherwise influence the manner in which patent applications are filed and prosecuted and in which patents are granted and enforced. Changes to these laws, regulations and judicial decisions are subject to influences outside of our control and may negatively affect our business, including our ability to obtain meaningful patent coverage or enforcement rights to any of our issued patents. New laws, regulations and judicial decisions may be retroactive in effect, potentially reducing or eliminating our ability to implement our patent-related strategies to these changes. Changes to laws, regulations and judicial decisions that affect our business are often difficult or impossible to foresee, which limits our ability to adequately adapt our patent strategies to these changes.

 

We rely on trade secret protection and other unpatented proprietary rights for important proprietary technologies, and any loss of such rights could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

We rely on trade secret protection for our confidential and proprietary information. No assurance can be given that others will not independently develop substantially equivalent confidential and proprietary information or otherwise gain access to our trade secrets or disclose such technology, or that we can meaningfully protect our

 

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trade secrets. In addition, unpatented proprietary rights, including trade secrets and know-how, can be difficult to protect and may lose their value if they are independently developed by a third party or if their secrecy is lost. Any loss of trade secret protection or other unpatented proprietary rights could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

We may not be able to obtain intellectual property licenses related to the development of our technology on a commercially reasonable basis, if at all.

 

Numerous pending and issued U.S. and foreign patent rights and other proprietary rights owned by third parties relate to pharmaceutical compositions, medical devices and equipment and methods for preparation, packaging and delivery of pharmaceutical compositions. We cannot predict with any certainty which, if any, patent references will be considered relevant to our or our collaborative partners’ technology by authorities in the various jurisdictions where such rights exist, nor can we predict with certainty which, if any, of these rights will or may be asserted against us by third parties. There can be no assurance that we can obtain a license to any technology that we determine we need on reasonable terms, if at all, or that we could develop or otherwise obtain alternate technology. If we are required to enter into a license with a third party, our potential economic benefit for the products subject to the license will be diminished. The failure to obtain licenses on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, if needed, would have a material adverse effect on us.

 

Significant competition for our technology platforms, our partnered and proprietary products and product candidates could make our technologies, products or product candidates obsolete or uncompetitive, which would negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our platform technologies and partnered and proprietary products and product candidates compete with various pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Our competitors in the pulmonary technology field include Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Alkermes, Inc., Aradigm Corporation, 3M Company, MannKind Corporation, Microdose Technologies, Inc., SkyePharma Plc and Vectura Group Plc. In the PEGylation technology field, our competitors include Dow Chemical Company, Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., SunBio Corporation, Mountain View Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Neose Technologies, Inc., NOF Corporation and Urigen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Several other chemical, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies may also be developing PEGylation technologies. Some of these companies license or provide the technology to other companies, while others are developing the technology for internal use.

 

There are currently no approved pulmonary insulin products in the U.S. or the EU other than Exubera, but several direct competitors have development programs underway for inhaled insulin products, including Alkermes, Inc. in collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company, MannKind Corporation, Epic Pharmaceuticals (PTY) LTD, Abbott Laboratories and Baxter Healthcare SA. All of these companies are working on various versions of inhaled insulin products in either a liquid or dry powder form. Any of these products, if approved, could be competitive to Exubera or our next-generation inhaled insulin product (NGI) candidate. Some of our competitors’ products are in Phase 3 clinical development, including Alkermes’s inhaleable insulin product (AIR Insulin System™) and Mannkind’s Technosphere® Insulin System. We believe other smaller companies are developing oral or buccal products for insulin delivery, such as Biocon Ltd., Emisphere Technologies, Inc., CoreMed Corporation and Generex Biotechnology Corporation. Inhaled insulin products also compete with approved injectable insulins, including both fast-acting and longer-acting basal insulins, as well as other treatment modalities for diabetes, including oral agents and other injectable products approved for patients with Type 2 diabetes, such as Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s Byetta.

 

There are also several competitors for our proprietary product candidates currently in development. For NKTR-061 (inhaled Amikacin), the current standard of care includes several approved intravenous antibiotics for the treatment of either hospital-acquired pneumonia or ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients on mechanical ventilators. For NKTR-118 (PEGylated naloxol), there are currently several alternative therapies used to address opioid-induced constipation (OIC) and opioid-induced bowel dysfunction (OBD) including over-the-counter

 

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laxatives and stool softeners such as docusate sodium, senna and milk of magnesia. In addition, there are a number of companies developing potential products which are in various stages of clinical development and are being evaluated for the treatment of OIC and OBD in different patient populations, including Adolor Corporation, GlaxoSmithKline, Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Wyeth, Mundipharma Int. Limited, Sucampo Pharmaceuticals and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. For NKTR-102 (PEG-irinotecan), there are a number of approved therapies for the treatment of colorectal cancer, including Eloxatin, Camptosar, Avastin, Erbitux, Vectibux, Xeloda, Adrucil and Wellcovorin. In addition, there are a number of drugs in various stages of preclinical and clinical development from companies exploring cancer therapies or improved chemotherapeutic agents to potentially treat colorectal cancer, including, but not limited to, products in development from Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Antigenics, Roche, Novartis, Cell Therapeutics, Neopharm, Meditech Research, Enzon Pharmaceuticals and others.

 

There can be no assurance that we or our partners will successfully develop, obtain regulatory approvals and commercialize next-generation or new products that will successfully compete with those of our competitors. Many of our competitors have greater financial, research and development, marketing and sales, manufacturing and managerial capabilities. We face competition from these companies not just in product development but also in areas such as recruiting employees, acquiring technologies that might enhance our ability to commercialize products, establishing relationships with certain research and academic institutions, enrolling patients in clinical trials and seeking program partnerships and collaborations with larger pharmaceutical companies. As a result, our competitors may succeed in developing competing technologies, obtaining regulatory approval or gaining market acceptance for products before we do. These developments could make our products or technologies uncompetitive or obsolete.

 

Our collaboration agreements with our partners contain complex commercial terms that could result in disputes or litigation that could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

We currently derive, and expect to derive in the foreseeable future, all of our revenue from collaboration agreements with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. These collaboration agreements contain complex commercial terms, including:

 

   

research and development performance and reimbursement obligations for our personnel and other resources allocated to partnered product development programs;

 

   

clinical and commercial manufacturing agreements, some of which are priced on an actual cost basis for products supplied by us to our partners with complicated cost calculation and allocation formulas and methodologies;

 

   

intellectual property ownership allocation between us and our partners for improvements and new inventions developed during the course of the partnership;

 

   

royalties on end product sales based on a number of complex variables, including net sales calculations, cost of goods, geography, patent life and other financial metrics; and

 

   

indemnity obligations for third-party intellectual property, infringement, product liability and certain other claims.

 

From time to time, we have informal dispute resolution discussions with our partners regarding the appropriate interpretation of the complex commercial terms contained in our collaboration agreements. One or more disputes may arise in the future regarding our collaborative contracts that may ultimately result in costly litigation and unfavorable interpretation of contract terms, which would have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

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We could be involved in legal proceedings and may incur substantial litigation costs and liabilities that will adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

From time to time, third parties have asserted, and may in the future assert, that we or our partners infringe their proprietary rights. The third party often bases its assertions on a claim that its patents cover our technology. Similar assertions of infringement could be based on future patents that may issue to third parties. In certain of our agreements with our partners, we are obligated to indemnify and hold harmless our partners from intellectual property infringement, product liability and certain other claims, which could cause us to incur substantial costs if we are called upon to defend ourselves and our partners against any claims. If a third party obtains injunctive or other equitable relief against us or our partners, our ability, and that of our partners, to develop or commercialize, or derive revenue from, certain products or product candidates in the U.S. and abroad which could be effectively blocked. For instance, Hoffman-La Roche Ltd, to which we license our proprietary PEGylation reagent for use in the manufacture of Roche’s MIRCERA product, is currently the subject of a significant patent infringement lawsuit brought by Amgen Inc. related to Roche’s patents for the use of MIRCERA to treat chemotherapy anemia in the U.S. Amgen has received a favorable ruling in U.S. federal district court in the state of Massachusetts and the parties are currently litigating the remedy phase. It is uncertain whether Roche will be prevented from marketing and selling MIRCERA in the U.S. or whether an economic settlement with Amgen will be concluded and approved by the court. Although we are not a party to this lawsuit, if Roche is prevented from marketing and selling MIRCERA in the U.S., it will have a negative impact on our revenue from our license with Roche. Third-party claims could also result in the award of substantial damages to be paid by us or a settlement resulting in significant payments to be made by us. For instance, a settlement might require us to enter a license agreement under which we pay substantial royalties to a third party, diminishing our future economic returns from the related product. For instance, on June 30, 2006, we entered into a litigation settlement related to an intellectual property dispute with the University of Alabama in Huntsville pursuant to which we paid $11.0 million and agreed to pay an additional $10.0 million in equal $1.0 million installments over ten years beginning on July 1, 2007. We cannot predict with certainty the eventual outcome of any pending or future litigation. Costs associated with such litigation, substantial damage claims, indemnification claims or royalties paid for licenses from third parties could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

If product liability lawsuits are brought against us, we may incur substantial liabilities.

 

The manufacture, clinical testing, marketing and sale of medical products involve inherent product liability risks. If product liability costs exceed our product liability insurance coverage, we may incur substantial liabilities that could have a severe negative impact on our financial position. Whether or not we are ultimately successful in any product liability litigation, such litigation would consume substantial amounts of our financial and managerial resources and might result in adverse publicity, all of which would impair our business. Additionally, we may not be able to maintain our clinical trial insurance or product liability insurance at an acceptable cost, if at all, and this insurance may not provide adequate coverage against potential claims or losses.

 

Our future depends on the proper management of our current and future business operations and their associated expenses.

 

Our business strategy requires us to manage our business to provide for the continued development and potential commercialization of our proprietary and partnered product candidates. Our strategy also calls for us to undertake increased research and development activities and to manage an increasing number of relationships with partners and other third parties, while simultaneously managing the expenses generated by these activities. If we are unable to manage effectively our current operations and any growth we may experience, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected. Our recent restructuring efforts resulted in a reduction of approximately 110 employees, or approximately 20 percent of our regular full-time staff, and the elimination of approximately 40 open positions. If we are unable to effectively manage our expenses, we may find it necessary to reduce our personnel-related costs through further reductions in our workforce, which could harm our operations, employee morale and impair our ability to retain and recruit talent. Furthermore, if adequate funds are not available, we may be required to obtain funds through arrangements with partners or other sources that may require us to relinquish rights to certain of our technologies or products that we would not otherwise relinquish.

 

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We are dependent on our management team and key technical personnel, and the loss of any key manager or employee may impair our ability to develop our products effectively and may harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

Our success largely depends on the continued services of our executive officers and other key personnel. The loss of one or more members of our management team or other key employees could seriously harm our business, operating results and financial condition. The relationships that our key managers have cultivated within our industry make us particularly dependent upon their continued employment with us. We are also dependent on the continued services of our technical personnel because of the highly technical nature of our products and the regulatory approval process. Because our executive officers and key employees are not obligated to provide us with continued services, they could terminate their employment with us at any time without penalty. We do not have any post-employment noncompetition agreements with any of our employees and do not maintain key person life insurance policies on any of our executive officers or key employees. On February 8, 2008, Hoyoung Huh, our Chief Operating Officer and Head of the PEGylation Business Unit, resigned from his positions with us effective February 29, 2008. We may not be able to locate or employ on acceptable terms a qualified replacement for Dr. Huh in the immediate future, if at all. Though our Board of Directors has appointed Dr. Huh as a director to serve until the 2009 annual meeting of stockholders or until his successor is duly elected and qualified, we may not benefit from his service as a director to the same extent we benefited from his service as the Chief Operating Officer and Head of the PEGylation Business Unit due to the varied duties of each position.

 

Because competition for highly qualified technical personnel is intense, we may not be able to attract and retain the personnel we need to support our operations and growth.

 

We must attract and retain experts in the areas of clinical testing, manufacturing, regulatory, finance, marketing and distribution and develop additional expertise in our existing personnel. We face intense competition from other biopharmaceutical companies, research and academic institutions and other organizations for qualified personnel. Many of the organizations with which we compete for qualified personnel have greater resources than we have. Because competition for skilled personnel in our industry is intense, companies such as ours sometimes experience high attrition rates with regard to their skilled employees. Further, in making employment decisions, job candidates often consider the value of the stock options they are to receive in connection with their employment. Our equity incentive plan and employee benefit plans may not be effective in motivating or retaining our employees or attracting new employees, and significant volatility in the price of our stock may adversely affect our ability to attract or retain qualified personnel. If we fail to attract new personnel or to retain and motivate our current personnel, our business and future growth prospects could be severely harmed.

 

If earthquakes and other catastrophic events strike, our business may be harmed.

 

Our corporate headquarters, including a substantial portion of our research and development and manufacturing operations for bulk powder drugs, are located in the Bay Area, a region known for seismic activity and a potential terrorist target. In addition, we own facilities for the manufacture of products using our PEGylation technology in Huntsville, Alabama and lease offices in Hyderabad, India. There are no backup facilities for our manufacturing operations located in the Bay Area and Huntsville, Alabama. In the event of an earthquake or other natural disaster or terrorist event in any of these locations, our ability to manufacture and supply certain products would be significantly disrupted and our business, results of operations and financial condition would be harmed. Our collaborative partners may also be subject to catastrophic events, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, any of which could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. We have not undertaken a systematic analysis of the potential consequences to our business, results of operations and financial condition from a major earthquake or other catastrophic event, such as a fire, power loss, terrorist activity or other disaster, and do not have a recovery plan for such disasters. In addition, our insurance coverage may not be sufficient to compensate us for actual losses from any interruption of our business that may occur.

 

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We have implemented certain anti-takeover measures, which make it more difficult to acquire us, even though such acquisitions may be beneficial to our stockholders.

 

Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, as well as provisions of Delaware law, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even though such acquisitions may be beneficial to our stockholders. These anti-takeover provisions include:

 

   

establishment of a classified board of directors such that not all members of the board may be elected at one time;

 

   

lack of a provision for cumulative voting in the election of directors, which would otherwise allow less than a majority of stockholders to elect director candidates;

 

   

the ability of our board to authorize the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock to increase the number of outstanding shares and thwart a takeover attempt;

 

   

prohibition on stockholder action by written consent, thereby requiring all stockholder actions to be taken at a meeting of stockholders;

 

   

establishment of advance notice requirements for nominations for election to the board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at stockholder meetings; and

 

   

limitations on who may call a special meeting of stockholders.

 

Further, we have in place a preferred share purchase rights plan, commonly known as a “poison pill.” The provisions described above, our “poison pill” and provisions of Delaware law relating to business combinations with interested stockholders may discourage, delay or prevent a third party from acquiring us. These provisions may also discourage, delay or prevent a third party from acquiring a large portion of our securities, or initiating a tender offer or proxy contest, even if our stockholders might receive a premium for their shares in the acquisition over the then current market prices. We also have a change of control severance benefits plan which provides for certain cash severance, stock award acceleration and other benefits in the event our employees are terminated (or, in some cases, resign for specified reasons) following an acquisition. This severance plan could discourage a third party from acquiring us.

 

Risks Related to Our Securities

 

The prices of our common stock and senior convertible debt are expected to remain volatile.

 

Our stock price is volatile. During the year ended December 31, 2007, based on closing bid prices on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, our stock price ranged from $5.22 to $15.24. We expect our stock price to remain volatile. In addition, as our convertible senior notes are convertible into shares of our common stock, volatility or depressed prices of our common stock could have a similar effect on the trading price of the notes. Also, interest rate fluctuations can affect the price of our convertible senior notes. A variety of factors may have a significant effect on the market price of our common stock or notes, including:

 

   

announcements of data from, or material developments in, our clinical trial or those of our competitors, including delays in product development, approval or launch;

 

   

announcements by collaboration partners as to their plans or expectations related to products using our technologies;

 

   

announcements or terminations of collaborative relationships by us or our competitors;

 

   

fluctuations in our results of operations;

 

   

developments in patent or other proprietary rights;

 

   

announcements of technological innovations or new therapeutic products that may compete with our approved products or products under development;

 

   

announcements of changes in governmental regulation affecting us or our competitors;

 

   

hedging activities by purchasers of our convertible senior notes;

 

   

litigation brought against us or third parties to whom we have indemnification obligations;

 

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public concern as to the safety of drug formulations developed by us or others; and

 

   

general market conditions.

 

Our securityholders may be diluted, and the price of our securities may decrease, by the exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants or by future issuances of securities.

 

We may issue additional common stock, preferred stock, restricted stock units or securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock. Furthermore, substantially all shares of common stock for which our outstanding stock options or warrants are exercisable are, once they have been purchased, eligible for immediate sale in the public market. The issuance of additional common stock, preferred stock, restricted stock units or securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock or the exercise of stock options or warrants would dilute existing investors and could adversely affect the price of our securities.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

 

None.

 

Item 2. Properties

 

We currently lease approximately 330,000 square feet of facilities in San Carlos, California under various leases with expiration dates ranging from 2012 to 2016 and 16,000 square feet of facilities in Hyderabad, India under a lease, which expires in 2008. The San Carlos facility is home to our administrative headquarters, as well as research and development for our PEGylation and pulmonary operations and manufacturing for our pulmonary operations. The San Carlos manufacturing facility operates under current good manufacturing practices (cGMP). The Hyderabad facility is used for research and development activities.

 

We currently own two facilities consisting of 145,000 square feet in Huntsville, Alabama, which house laboratories as well as administrative, commercial and clinical manufacturing facilities for our PEGylation operations.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

 

On June 30, 2006, we, our subsidiary Nektar AL, and a former officer, Milton Harris, entered into a settlement agreement and general release with the University of Alabama Huntsville (UAH) related to an intellectual property dispute. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, we, Nektar AL, Mr. Harris and UAH agreed to full and complete satisfaction of all claims asserted in the litigation in exchange for $25.0 million in cash payments. We and Mr. Harris made an initial payment of $15.0 million on June 30, 2006, of which we paid $11.0 million and Mr. Harris paid $4.0 million. In June 2007, we made the first of ten annual $1.0 million installment payments. During the year ended December 31, 2006, we recorded a litigation settlement charge of $17.7 million, which reflects the net present value of the settlement payments using an 8% annual discount rate. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, our accrued liability related to the UAH settlement was $6.5 million and $7.0 million, respectively.

 

On August 1, 2006, Novo Nordisk filed a lawsuit against Pfizer in federal court claiming that Pfizer willfully infringes on Novo’s patents covering inhaled insulin with Exubera. We understand that Pfizer and Novo Nordisk entered into a settlement agreement in the fourth quarter of 2007 with respect to this lawsuit.

 

In addition, from time to time, we may be subject to other legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business. We are not aware of any such proceedings or claims that we believe will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

No matters were submitted to a vote of our security holders in the three-month period ended December 31, 2007.

 

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PART II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Our common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “NKTR.” The table below sets forth the high and low closing sales prices for our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market during the periods indicated.

 

     High    Low

Year Ended December 31, 2006:

     

1st Quarter

   $ 21.76    $ 16.44

2nd Quarter

     22.75      16.99

3rd Quarter

     18.53      13.10

4th Quarter

     17.20      13.96

Year Ended December 31, 2007:

     

1st Quarter

   $ 15.24    $ 11.20

2nd Quarter

     13.58      9.32

3rd Quarter

     9.75      7.63

4th Quarter

     8.98      5.22

 

Holders of Record

 

As of February 25, 2008, there were approximately 311 holders of record of our common stock.

 

Dividend Policy

 

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. We currently expect to retain any future earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.

 

There were no sales of unregistered securities and there were no common stock repurchases made during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

 

Information regarding our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2007 is disclosed in Item 12 “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” of this annual report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference from our proxy statement for our 2008 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this annual report on Form 10-K.

 

Performance Measurement Comparison

 

The material in this section is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” with the SEC for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall the material in this section be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any registration statement or other document filed with the SEC under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as otherwise expressly stated in such filing.

 

The following graph compares, for the five year period ended December 31, 2007, the cumulative total stockholder return (change in stock price plus reinvested dividends) of our common stock with (i) the NASDAQ Composite Index and (ii) the Nasdaq Pharmaceutical Index. Measurement points are the last trading day of each

 

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of our fiscal years ended December 31, 2002, December 31, 2003, December 31, 2004, December 31, 2005, December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2007. The graph assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2002 in the common stock of the Company, the NASDAQ Composit Index and the Nasdaq Pharmaceutical Index and assumes reinvestment of any dividends. The stock price performance in the graph is not intended to forecast or indicate future stock price performance.

 

LOGO

 

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data

 

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(In thousands, except per share information)

 

The selected consolidated financial data set forth below should be read together with the consolidated financial statements and related notes, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and the other information contained herein.

 

    Years ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005     2004     2003  

Statements of Operations Data:

         

Revenue:

         

Product sales and royalties (1)

  $ 180,755     $ 153,556     $ 29,366     $ 25,085     $ 27,295  

Contract research

    85,925       56,303       81,602       89,185       78,962  

Exubera commercialization readiness

    6,347       7,859       15,311       —         —    
                                       

Total revenue

    273,027       217, 718       126,279       114,270       106,257  

Total operating costs and expenses (2)(3)

    309,175       376,948       308,912       188,212       171,012  
                                       

Loss from operations (2)

    (36,148 )     (159,230 )     (182,633 )     (73,942 )     (64,755 )

Gain (loss) on debt extinguishment

    —         —         (303 )     (9,258 )     12,018  

Interest and other income (expense), net

    4,696       5,297       (2,312 )     (18,849 )     (12,984 )

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

    1,309       828       (137 )     (163 )     169  
                                       

Net loss

  $ (32,761 )   $ (154,761 )   $ (185,111 )   $ (101,886 )   $ (65,890 )
                                       

Basic and diluted net loss per share (4)

  $ (0.36 )   $ (1.72 )   $ (2.15 )   $ (1.30 )   $ (1.18 )

Shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share (4)

    91,876       89,789       85,915       78,461       55,821  
    As of December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005     2004     2003  

Balance Sheet Data:

         

Cash, cash equivalents and investments

  $ 482,353     $ 466,977     $ 566,423     $ 418,740     $ 298,409  

Working capital

  $ 425,191     $ 369,457     $ 450,248     $ 223,880     $ 223,971  

Total assets

  $ 725,103     $ 768,177     $ 858,554     $ 744,921     $ 616,788  

Deferred revenue

  $ 80,969     $ 40,106     $ 23,861     $ 31,021     $ 19,680  

Convertible subordinated notes

  $ 315,000     $ 417,653     $ 417,653     $ 173,949     $ 359,988  

Other long-term liabilities

  $ 27,431     $ 29,189     $ 27,598     $ 36,250     $ 46,742  

Accumulated deficit

  $ (1,089,754 )   $ (1,056,993 )   $ (902,232 )   $ (717,121 )   $ (615,235 )

Total stockholders’ equity

  $ 214,439     $ 227, 060     $ 326,811     $ 467,342     $ 164,191  

 

(1) 2006 and 2007 Product sales and royalties include commercial manufacturing revenue from Exubera bulk dry powder insulin and Exubera inhalers.
(2) We changed our method of accounting for stock based compensation on January 1, 2006 in connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, Accounting for Share-Based Payment.
(3) 2007 Operating costs and expenses include the gain on termination of collaborative agreements, net of $79.2 million.
(4) Basic and diluted net loss per share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.

 

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed here. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in this section as well as in Part I (Item 1a) of this report under the heading “Risk Factors.”

 

Overview

 

We are a biopharmaceutical company that develops and enables differentiated therapeutics with our leading PEGylation and pulmonary drug development technology platforms. Our mission is to create differentiated, innovative products by applying our platform technologies to established or novel medicines. By doing so, we aim to raise the standards of current patient care by improving one or more performance parameters, including efficacy, safety or ease of use. Ten products using these technology platforms have received regulatory approval in the U.S. or Europe. Our two technology platforms are the basis of nearly all of our partnered and proprietary product and product candidates.

 

We create or enable potential breakthrough products in two ways. First, we develop products in collaboration with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that seek to improve and differentiate their products. All of the approved products today that use our technology platforms are a result of collaborations with partners. Second, we develop our own product candidates by applying our technologies to already approved drugs to create and develop our own differentiated, proprietary product candidates that are designed to target serious diseases in novel ways. We currently have two proprietary product candidates in mid-stage clinical development and a number of other candidates in preclinical development.

 

Our two leading technology platforms enable improved performance of a variety of new and existing molecules. Our PEGylation technology is a chemical process designed to enhance the performance of most drug classes with the potential to improve solubility and stability, increase drug half-life, reduce immune responses to an active drug and improve the efficacy or safety of a molecule in certain instances. Our pulmonary technology makes drugs inhaleable to deliver them to and through the lungs for both systemic and local lung applications.

 

There are two key elements to our business strategy. First, we are developing a portfolio of proprietary product candidates by applying our PEGylation and pulmonary technology platforms and know-how to improving already approved drugs. Our strategy is to identify molecules that would benefit from the application of our technologies and potentially improve one or more performance parameters, including efficacy, safety and ease of use. Our objective is to create value by advancing these product candidates into clinical development and then deciding on a product-by-product basis whether we wish to continue development and commercialize on our own or seek a partner, or pursue a combination of these approaches. Our most advanced proprietary product candidates are NKTR-102 (PEG-irinotecan) for the treatment of solid tumors, including colorectal cancer, and NKTR-118 (oral PEG-naloxol) for the treatment of opioid-induced bowel dysfunction, both of which entered Phase 2 clinical development in late 2007.

 

Second, we have collaborations or licensing arrangements with a number of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Our partnering strategy enables us to work towards developing a larger and more diversified pipeline of drug products and product candidates using our technologies. As we have shifted our focus away from being a drug delivery service provider and have advanced research and development of our proprietary product pipeline, we expect to engage in selected high value partnerships in order to optimize revenue potential, probability of success and overall return on investment. Our partnering options range from a comprehensive license to a co-promotion and co-development arrangement with the structure of the partnership depending on factors such as the cost and complexity of development, commercialization needs, and therapeutic area focus.

 

 

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Historically, we have depended on revenue from Pfizer related to Exubera contract research and manufacturing. Our revenue from Pfizer, including Exubera contract research and manufacturing revenue, was approximately $189.1 million and $139.9 million, representing 69% and 64% of revenue, for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

On October 18, 2007, Pfizer announced that it was exiting the Exubera business and gave notice of termination under the collaborative development and licensing agreement. On November 9, 2007, we entered into a termination agreement and mutual release with Pfizer. Under the termination agreement and mutual release, we received a one-time payment of $135.0 million in November 2007 from Pfizer in satisfaction of all outstanding contractual obligations under our then-existing agreements relating to Exubera and our next-generation inhaled insulin product development program, also known as NGI. In addition, Pfizer agreed to continue to perform a number of maintenance activities for Exubera and NGI for a limited time and to transfer all of its rights to Exubera and NGI if we find a new marketing and development partner within a certain time period as described more fully below. All agreements between Pfizer and us related to Exubera and NGI, other than the termination agreement and mutual release, terminated on November 9, 2007.

 

We are currently seeking a new marketing and development partner for Exubera and/or NGI. Under the termination agreement and mutual release, if we identify a potential new marketing and development partner for Exubera and/or NGI within a certain time period, Pfizer will use commercially reasonable efforts to complete an agreement with the potential new partner pursuant to which Pfizer will transfer all of its rights in Exubera and/or NGI to the partner without additional consideration (including without any prospective economic value, such as a royalty or profit sharing), other than reimbursement of certain out-of-pocket and incremental costs actually incurred by Pfizer in relation to maintenance and transfer activities performed by Pfizer. In addition, Pfizer has agreed to undertake a number of activities designed to transition all of its rights in Exubera and NGI to a new partner for at least three months following completion of an agreement with the new partner, if any, or such longer transition period as regulatory requirements may require, subject to reimbursement of certain out-of-pocket and incremental costs actually incurred by Pfizer.

 

In addition, in January 2008, we entered into a letter agreement with Pfizer to maintain a group of key Pfizer manufacturing personnel in Pfizer’s Exubera manufacturing facility in Terre Haute, Indiana. The purpose of this arrangement is to provide potential partners for Exubera and/or NGI with the opportunity to have manufacturing performed in Pfizer’s Indiana manufacturing facility in the event that a new partner reaches a mutually satisfactory arrangement with Pfizer. We are reimbursing Pfizer for actual monthly incremental personnel costs incurred to maintain such personnel during this interim period.

 

In response to lower expected revenue levels in 2008 resulting from the termination of the Pfizer agreements related to Exubera and NGI, we have taken steps to reduce ongoing expense related to Exubera and NGI while maintaining our Exubera and NGI manufacturing and development capabilities until such time as a collaboration agreement with a new partner is concluded or we cease our partnering efforts. As discussed below under the caption, “Recent Developments,” we have terminated our manufacturing and supply agreement with our contract manufacturers that manufactured and supplied us with the Exubera inhalers and reduced our workforce. We also have a 2008 continuation agreement with one of the contract manufacturers, Tech Group North America, Inc., to preserve manufacturing capacity and expertise to support a new partner for the Exubera inhaler if we secure a new partner for Exubera within a certain time period and such partner desires to enter into a new manufacturing and supply agreement with Tech Group.

 

We are currently engaged in discussions with third parties regarding a potential partnership for Exubera and/or NGI. If we are able to secure a new partner, utilization of our Exubera-related assets depends on such partner’s desire to enter into a manufacture and supply agreement with Tech Group and to utilize our San Carlos facility to manufacture Exubera inhalation powder. We currently expect to conclude whether or not we will have a new partner for Exubera and/or NGI in the first half of 2008. If we are not successful in concluding a new partnership for Exubera and/or NGI, we will eliminate the remaining costs and infrastructure associated with these programs.

 

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The investment required to advance our proprietary product development programs, our ability to manage ongoing expense and the cash generated by new partnerships, if any, will be the key drivers of our results of operations and financial position in 2008. To fund our research and development activities, we have raised significant amounts of capital through the sale of our equity and convertible debt securities. As of December 31, 2007, we had approximately $345.8 million in indebtedness. Our ability to meet the repayment obligations of this debt is dependent upon our and our partners’ ability to develop, obtain regulatory approvals for and successfully commercialize products. Even if we are successful in this regard, we may require additional capital to repay our debt obligations as they become due.

 

Recent Developments

 

Workforce Reduction

 

During the year ended December 31, 2007, we reduced our workforce by approximately 180 employees, or approximately 25 percent of our regular full-time employees, as part of an overall effort to reduce our ongoing operating costs and improve our organizational structure, efficiency and productivity. No research and development programs were curtailed due to the workforce reduction. The cost of the workforce reduction was approximately $8.4 million, of which $7.8 million was paid in 2007 and $0.6 million will be paid in 2008. We estimate that the reduced salaries and benefits from the workforce reduction will result in gross annual savings of $20.0 million, a portion of which we began to realize in the fourth quarter of 2007 within research and development and general and administrative expenses.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2007, workforce reduction charges were recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows (in thousands):

     Year ended
December 31, 2007

Cost of goods sold, net of change in inventory

   $ 974

Research and development expense

     5,791

General and administrative expense

     1,617
      

Total workforce reduction charges

   $ 8,382
      

On February 8, 2008, Executive Management approved a plan to reduce our workforce by approximately 110 employees, or approximately 20 percent of our regular full-time employees. The restructuring is designed to streamline our operations, consolidate corporate functions, and strengthen decision-making and execution within the business units. In addition, as part of the plan, we have preserved the necessary technical and manufacturing personnel and capabilities to support our ongoing effort to forge a new partnership for our inhaled insulin programs.

 

We estimate the 2008 workforce reduction will cost approximately $5.4 million in 2008, comprised of cash payments for severance, medical insurance, and outplacement services. The severance charge associated with this plan will be recorded as a one-time expense in February 2008, except for a few employees with transition dates longer than 60 days. For these employees, the severance expense will be recorded ratably over the estimated transition period. In addition to the full-time employees terminated as part of the 2007 and 2008 workforce reductions, we eliminated open and temporary positions.

 

Change in Executive Management and the Board of Directors

 

On February 8, 2008, Hoyoung Huh, M.D./Ph.D, our Chief Operating Officer and Head of the PEGylation Business Unit, resigned from his positions effective as of February 29, 2008.

 

On February 11, 2008, the Board of Directors met and appointed Dr. Huh as a new director to fill the vacancy created by resolution of the Board of Directors at the same meeting to increase the authorized number of

 

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directors from 10 to 11. Dr. Huh will serve until the 2009 annual meeting of stockholders or until his successor is duly elected and qualified.

 

Termination of Agreement with Contract Manufacturers

 

We were a party to a Manufacturing and Supply Agreement (“Exubera Inhaler MSA”) with Tech Group North America, Inc. and Bespak Europe Ltd. related to the manufacture and supply of Exubera inhalers.

 

On February 12, 2008, we entered into a Termination and 2008 Continuation Agreement (“TCA”) with Tech Group. Under the terms of this agreement, we have agreed to pay Tech Group up to $13.8 million for costs and expenses that were due and payable by us under the terms of the Exubera Inhaler MSA. Additionally, under the terms of the TCA we agreed to compensate Tech Group to retain a limited number of core Exubera inhaler manufacturing personnel and its dedicated Exubera inhaler manufacturing facility for a limited period in 2008.

 

On February 14, 2008, we entered into a Termination and Mutual Release Agreement with Bespak pursuant to which the Exubera Inhaler MSA was terminated in its entirety and we agreed to pay Bespak £11.0 million, or approximately $21.6 million, in satisfaction of outstanding accounts payable and termination costs and expenses that were due and payable under the terms of the Exubera Inhaler MSA.

 

Research and Development Activities

 

Our product pipeline includes both partnered and proprietary development programs. We have ongoing collaborations or licensing arrangements with more than twenty biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to provide our pulmonary and PEGylation technologies. Our technologies are currently being used in ten products approved in the U.S. or Europe, in three partner programs that have been filed for with the FDA, and twelve development programs in human clinical trials.

 

The length of time that a development program is in a given phase varies substantially according to factors relating to the development program, such as the type and intended use of the potential product, the clinical trial design, and the ability to enroll suitable patients. Generally, for partnered programs, advancement from one phase to the next and the related costs to do so is dependent upon factors that are primarily controlled by our partners.

 

In connection with our research and development for partner products and development programs, we earned $85.9 million, $56.3 million, and $81.6 million in contract research revenue for the years ending December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. The estimated completion dates and costs for our programs are not reasonably certain. See Risk Factors for discussion of the risks associated with our partnered and proprietary research and development programs and the timing and risks associated with clinical development.

 

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The costs incurred in connection with our research and development programs, including allocations of facilities, cGMP quality programs and other shared costs, is as follows (in millions):

 

          Years ended December 31,
     Status as of December 31, 2007(1)    2007    2006    2005

Pulmonary

           

Partnered Products and Development Programs

           

Next-generation inhaled insulin (NGI) (2)

   Phase 1    $ 28.4    $ 17.4    $ 6.5

Tobramycin inhalation powder (TIP) (3)

   Phase 3      16.3      12.8      11.3

NKTR-061 (inhaled amikacin) (4)

   Phase 2      15.2      13.6      9.1

Exubera® inhalation powder (2)

   Approved      9.2      22.1      51.4

Other partnered product candidates

   Various      13.2      14.3      9.5

Proprietary Development Programs

           

NKTR-024 (amphotericin B inhalation powder) (5)

   Phase 1      4.3      24.3      16.7

Other proprietary product candidates

   Various      11.1      9.1      8.4

Technology platform

   Various      7.9      12.2      16.9
                       

Total Pulmonary

      $ 105.6    $ 125.8    $ 129.8
                       

PEGylation

           

Partnered Products and Development Programs

   Various    $ 5.3    $ 1.8    $ 0.7

Proprietary Development Programs

           

NKTR-118 (oral PEG-naloxol)

   Phase 2      12.9      5.5      5.3

NKTR-102 (PEG-irinotecan)

   Phase 2      12.7      2.7      2.4

Other proprietary product candidates

   Various      11.3      10.6      4.7
                       

Total PEGylation

      $ 42.2    $ 20.6    $ 13.1
                       

Other

   Various      —        3.0      8.8

Workforce Reduction Charges (6)

   n/a      5.8      —        —  
                       

Research and Development Expense

      $ 153.6    $ 149.4    $ 151.7
                       

 

(1) Status definitions are provided in the chart found in Item 1. Business
(2) Our Collaborative Development and License Agreement and certain related agreements with Pfizer Inc. for Exubera and NGI terminated on November 9, 2007, following Pfizer’s announcement on October 18, 2007 that it would exit the Exubera business and NGI development.
(3) Novartis Pharma AG is our partner for the TIP program.
(4) On August 1, 2007, we executed an agreement with Bayer AG for the co-development, license and co-promotion of NKTR-061 (inhaled amikacin).
(5) Future expenditures curtailed pending partner deal for the product.
(6) May 2007 workforce reduction charges include severance for personnel that support our research and development activities, including $1.4 million related to non-commercial operations, manufacturing and quality and $4.4 million related to research and development infrastructure support during the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

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Results of Operations

 

Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005

 

Revenue (in thousands except percentages)

 

    Years ended December 31,   Increase/
(Decrease)
2007 vs. 2006
    Increase/
(Decrease)
2006 vs. 2005
    Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)

2007 vs. 2006
    Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)

2006 vs. 2005
 
    2007   2006   2005        

Product sales and royalties

  $ 180,755   $ 153,556   $ 29,366   $ 27,199     $ 124,190     18 %   >100 %

Contract research

    85,925     56,303     81,602     29,622       (25,299 )   53 %   (31 %)

Exubera commercialization readiness

    6,347     7,859     15,311     (1,512 )     (7,452 )   (19 %)   (49 %)
                                             

Total Revenue

  $ 273,027   $ 217,718   $ 126,279   $ 55,309     $ 91,439     25 %   72 %
                                             

 

The increase in total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2006 is primarily a result of increased Exubera product sales to Pfizer and increased contract research revenue from our collaboration partners. During the year ended December 31, 2007, total revenue from Pfizer through the November 9, 2007 termination of our collaboration agreements includes $146.2 million related to Exubera and $36.3 million related to the next-generation inhaled insulin product development program (“NGI”). Revenue from Pfizer represented 69% of our total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2007; no other single customer represented 10% or more of our total revenues during this period.

 

On October 18, 2007, Pfizer announced that it was exiting the Exubera business and gave notice of termination under our collaborative development and licensing agreement and certain other related agreements (the “Pfizer agreements”). On November 9, 2007, we entered into a termination agreement and mutual release with Pfizer, in which we received a one-time payment of $135.0 million in satisfaction of all outstanding contractual obligations to and from Pfizer under the Pfizer agreements. We will not receive any revenue from Pfizer related to Exubera or NGI in 2008.

 

The increase in total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2006 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2005 is primarily attributable to an increase in Exubera product sales to Pfizer, partially offset by a decrease in contract research revenue from Pfizer. Pfizer represented 64% and 64% of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively; no other single customer represented 10% or more of our total revenues during these periods.

 

Product sales and royalties

 

Product sales and royalties increased 18% to $180.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2006, primarily due to increased Exubera product sales to Pfizer, as well as certain modifications to the timing of revenue recognition.

 

Exubera product sales to Pfizer increased by approximately $32.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2006. Exubera commercial sales began in January 2006. During 2006, we deferred recognition of all Exubera product sales until Pfizer’s contractual 60-day right of return period lapsed. As a result, as of December 31, 2006 we deferred $22.9 million in Exubera product sales and we recognized ten months of product shipments in revenue. In January 2007, we began estimating product warranty returns and recognizing Exubera product sales upon shipment. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we recognized product sales through November 9, 2007, when our collaboration agreements with Pfizer terminated, as well as the revenue deferred at December 31, 2006. We will not have any future Exubera product sales to Pfizer in 2008.

 

 

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During the year ended December 31, 2007, royalty revenue decreased by $5.5 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 2006. This decrease primarily resulted from a decrease in royalties related to Macugen sales by OSI.

 

The increase in product sales and royalties for the year ended December 31, 2006 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2005 is primarily due to an increase in Exubera product sales to Pfizer after the approval of Exubera in January 2006. Also contributing to the increase was approximately $18.0 million in product sales and royalties from our PEGylation products.

 

Royalty revenues were $3.7 million, $9.2 million, and $5.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.

 

Contract research

 

Contract research revenue includes reimbursed research and development expenses as well as the amortization of deferred up-front signing and milestone payments received from our collaboration partners. Contract research revenue fluctuates from year to year, and therefore future contract research revenue cannot be predicted accurately. The level of contract research revenues depends in part upon the continuation of existing collaborations, signing of new collaborations, the stage of program development, and the achievement of milestones.

 

The increase in contract research revenue during the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the year ended December 31, 2006 was attributable to increased revenue from Pfizer of $17.3 million. The increase in contract research revenue from Pfizer includes a net decrease in research revenue of $7.3 million related to Exubera and NGI in 2007 and recognition of $24.6 million in NGI up-front fees upon termination of the Pfizer Agreements. Additionally, contract research revenue from Novartis and Bayer increased by $8.5 million and $4.5 million, respectively, under our collaboration agreements to develop a tobramycin inhalation powder (“TIP”) with Novartis and Ciprofloxacin and NKTR-061 (inhaled amikacin) with Bayer. These increases in contract research revenue were partially off-set by decreased revenue from Zelos of $4.2 million under our collaboration agreement to develop Ostabolin-C.

 

Due to the termination of the Pfizer agreements discussed above, we do not expect to receive any contract research revenue from Pfizer related to Exubera or NGI in 2008.

 

The decrease in contract research revenue during the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the year ended December 31, 2005 was primarily due to a $34.8 million decrease in Pfizer contract research revenue after the FDA and EMEA approval of Exubera in January 2006, and the transition from research and clinical trial support to manufacturing of commercial product. The decrease in research revenue from Pfizer was partially offset by a $3.7 million increase in contract research revenues from Novartis for TIP and a $3.4 million increase from Baxter Healthcare, under our agreement to develop a product to extend the half-life of Hemophilia A proteins using our PEGylation technology.

 

Revenue by geography

 

Revenue by geographic area is based on the shipping locations of our customers. The following table sets forth revenue by geographic area (in thousands):

 

     Years ended December 31,
     2007    2006    2005

United States

   $ 212,990    $ 182,959    $ 109,488

European countries

     60,037      33,471      14,967

All other countries

     —        1,288      1,824
                    

Total Revenue

   $ 273,027    $ 217,718    $ 126,279
                    

 

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Cost of goods sold (in thousands except percentages)

 

    Years ended December 31,     Increase/
(Decrease)
2007 vs. 2006
  Increase/
(Decrease)
2006 vs. 2005
  Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)

2007 vs. 2006
    Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)

2006 vs. 2005
 
    2007     2006     2005          

Cost of goods sold

  $ 137,696     $ 113,921     $ 23,728     $ 23,775   $ 90,193   21 %   >100 %

Product gross margin

    43,059       39,635       5,638       3,424     33,997   9 %   >100 %
                               

Product gross margin %

    24 %     26 %     19 %        
                               

 

Cost of goods sold during the year ended December 31, 2007 includes Exubera manufacturing costs through the November 9, 2007 termination of the Pfizer agreements. Costs related to our Exubera manufacturing operations after November 9, 2007 are included in cost of idle Exubera manufacturing capacity. During the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, Exubera contributed $29.3 million and $19.5 million, respectively, to our product gross margin.

 

The increase in cost of goods sold and product gross margin during the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the year ended December 31, 2006 is consistent with the proportionate increase in Exubera product sales. The decrease in gross margin percentage during the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the year ended December 31, 2006 is primarily attributable to product mix, our cost plus manufacturing arrangement with Pfizer, and the decline in royalty revenue of $5.5 million during 2007.

 

The increase in cost of goods sold during the year ended December 31, 2006 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2005 is due to increased Exubera product sales. The increase in gross margin percentages is due to increased gross margin in 2006, which is primarily attributable to increased royalty revenue of $3.8 million and higher margins on PEGylation products and Exubera inhalation powder and inhalers compared to the PEGylation products sold during 2005.

 

Cost of idle manufacturing capacity (in thousands except percentages)

 

     Years ended December 31,    Increase/
(Decrease)
2007 vs. 2006
   Increase/
(Decrease)
2006 vs. 2005
   Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)

2007 vs. 2006
    Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)

2006 vs. 2005
     2007    2006    2005           

Cost of idle Exubera manufacturing capacity

   $ 6,314    $ —      $ —      $ 6,314    $ —      100 %   n/a

 

Cost of idle Exubera manufacturing capacity includes the costs of our manufacturing operations after the termination of the Pfizer agreements on November 9, 2007 through December 31, 2007. Cost of idle Exubera manufacturing capacity includes costs payable to our contract manufacturers under our contractual relationships and internal salaries, benefits and stock-based compensation related to Exubera commercial manufacturing employees, overhead at our San Carlos manufacturing facility, including rent, utilities and maintenance and depreciation of property and equipment.

 

In 2008, we entered into agreements to maintain manufacturing personnel with Pfizer at their Exubera manufacturing facility in Terre Haute, Indiana and with Tech Group at their manufacturing facility in Tempe, Arizona. Additionally, we will preserve the necessary technical and manufacturing personnel to support our ongoing effort to secure a new partner for Exubera and/or NGI. We expect to continue to incur costs of idle Exubera manufacturing capacity until we have a new Exubera commercialization partner or we cease partnering efforts. We expect to conclude whether or not we will have a new Exubera commercialization partner in the first half of 2008.

 

 

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Exubera commercialization readiness revenue and costs (in thousands except percentages)

 

     Years ended December 31,    Increase/
(Decrease)
2007 vs. 2006
    Increase/
(Decrease)
2006 vs. 2005
    Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)

2007 vs. 2006
    Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)

2006 vs. 2005
 
     2007    2006    2005         

Exubera commercialization readiness revenue

   $ 6,347    $ 7,859    $ 15,311    $ (1,512 )   $ (7,452 )   (19 %)   (49 %)

Exubera commercialization readiness costs

   $ 3,507    $ 4,168    $ 12,268    $ (661 )   $ (8,100 )   (16 %)   (66 %)

 

Exubera commercialization readiness costs are start up manufacturing costs we incurred in our Exubera Inhalation Powder manufacturing facility and our Exubera Inhaler device third party contract manufacturing locations in preparation for commercial scale manufacturing in early 2006. Exubera commercialization readiness revenue represents reimbursement by Pfizer of Exubera commercialization readiness costs plus a contractual mark-up. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we amortized the remaining Exubera commercialization costs through October and did not incur any additional costs.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the year ended December 31, 2005, the decrease in Exubera commercialization readiness revenue and costs was primarily due to the transition from readiness preparation to commercial production in late 2005 and early 2006.

 

We will not incur any additional Exubera commercialization readiness costs or recognize any additional Exubera commercialization readiness revenue in 2008 or beyond.

 

Research and development (in thousands except percentages)

 

    Years ended December 31,   Increase/
(Decrease)
2007 vs. 2006
  Increase/
(Decrease)
2006 vs. 2005
    Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)

2007 vs. 2006
    Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)

2006 vs. 2005
 
    2007   2006   2005        

Research & development

  $ 153,575   $ 149,381   $ 151,659   $ 4,194   $ (2,278 )   3 %   (2 %)

Purchased in-process research and development

  $ —     $ —     $ 7,859   $ —     $ (7,859 )   N/A     N/A  

 

During the year ended December 31, 2007, research and development expense includes workforce reduction charges totaling $5.8 million recorded in connection with our May 2007 plan to reduce ongoing operating costs. This charge primarily includes severance of $4.4 million for research and development infrastructure and support personnel and $1.4 million for non-commercial operations, manufacturing and quality control personnel.

 

Research and development expense, excluding workforce reduction charges, decreased by approximately $1.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to the year ended December 31, 2006. Research and development expense related to our PEGylation technology product candidates increased by approximately $21.6 million as a result of the completion of the Phase 1 clinical trials for NKTR-118 and NKTR-102 and the initiation of Phase 2 clinical trials. We expect research and development expenses for NKTR-118 and NKTR-102 to continue to increase substantially in 2008 as the Phase 2 trials will continue throughout 2008. Pulmonary research and development program expenses decreased by approximately $20.2 million as a result of a $20.0 million decrease related to NKTR-024 and a $12.9 million decrease related to Exubera. These decreases are partially offset by increased spending on NGI of $11.0 million, increased spending on TIP of $3.5 million and increased spending on NKTR-061 of approximately $1.6 million. Additionally, we decreased spending on non-pulmonary and non-PEGylation programs by $3.0 million in connection with the winding down of our Bradford, UK operations in 2006.

 

 

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The decrease in research and development expense of $2.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the year ended December 31, 2005, is attributable to decreased spending on Exubera and NGI of $18.4 million and in non-pulmonary and non-PEGylation development programs of $5.8 million in connection with the winding down of our Bradford, UK operations in 2006. These decreases were partially offset by increased spending on NKTR-024 and other pulmonary programs by approximately $14.4 million and increased spending on PEGylation programs of approximately $7.5 million.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2005, we recorded a charge of $7.9 million for purchased in-process research and development costs in connection with our acquisition of Aerogen. The purchased in-process research and development costs were expensed on the acquisition date because the acquired technology had not yet reached technological feasibility and had no future alternative use outside of these development programs. The in-process research and development primarily represents two programs in clinical development, amikacin and surfactant. Amikacin is used in our NKTR-061 development program that we partnered with Bayer AG in 2007. NKTR-061 is being studied in Phase 2 trials for the adjunctive therapy of ventilated patients with hospital-acquired, Gram-negative pneumonias and is currently expected to enter Phase 3 clinical development in 2008.

 

General and administrative (in thousands except percentages)

 

     Years ended December 31,    Increase/
(Decrease)
2007 vs. 2006
    Increase/
(Decrease)
2006 vs. 2005
   Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)

2007 vs. 2006
    Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)

2006 vs. 2005
 
     2007    2006    2005          

General & administrative

   $ 56,336    $ 78,319    $ 43,852    $ (21,983 )   $ 34,467    (28 %)   79 %

 

General and administrative expenses are associated with administrative staffing, business development and marketing.

 

The decrease in general and administrative expenses during the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the year ended December 31, 2006 is primarily attributable to decreased non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $11.9 million, decreased headcount resulting in decreased salaries and benefits of $2.3 million, decreased professional fees of $5.9 million, and a $1.8 million decrease in connection with the winding down of our Bradford, UK operations in 2006.

 

The increase in general and administrative expenses during the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the year ended December 31, 2005 is primarily attributable to increased salaries and benefits, stock-based compensation and professional fees incurred during the year ended December 31, 2006. In 2006, we adopted SFAS 123R and recorded a non-cash charge of $17.8 million of stock-based compensation expense, of which $10.9 million was related to executive severance agreements. Salaries and employee benefits increased by approximately $8.6 million, including $3.7 million related to executive severance agreements. Professional legal, accounting and consulting fees increased by $4.9 million during the same period.

 

In February 2008, Executive Management approved a plan to reduce our workforce by 110 full-time employees or 20%. In 2008, we expect our direct salaries and benefits will decrease due to reduced headcount.

 

Impairment of long lived assets (in thousands except percentages)

 

     Years ended December 31,    Increase/
(Decrease)
2007 vs. 2006
   Increase/
(Decrease)
2006 vs. 2005
    Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)

2007 vs. 2006
    Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)

2006 vs. 2005
 
     2007    2006    2005          

Impairment of long lived assets

   $ 28,396    $ 9,410    $ 65,340    $ 18,986    $ (55,930 )   >100 %   (86 %)

 

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On November 9, 2007, we entered into a termination and mutual release agreement with Pfizer in respect of terminating all of our Exubera and NGI related agreements. We are currently engaged in efforts to secure another collaboration partner to continue the commercialization of Exubera and/or the development of NGI. As a result, we performed a SFAS 144 impairment analysis of the property and equipment that support Exubera commercial operations and NGI development activities (referred to as “Exubera-related assets”), including machinery and equipment at our contract manufacturer locations and machinery, equipment, and leasehold improvements at our San Carlos, California headquarters. If we are able to secure a new collaboration partner for Exubera and/or NGI, utilization of our Exubera-related assets will depend on any such partner’s desire to utilize our San Carlos facility to manufacture Exubera bulk dry powder insulin and whether such partner enters into a manufacturing and supply agreement with Tech Group to manufacture and supply Exubera inhalers. Given that we have not entered into a collaboration agreement and that uncertainties associated with future supply chain decisions exist, we concluded that the carrying value of the Exubera-related assets exceeds the estimated future cash flows. As a result, we recorded an impairment charge of $28.4 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2007 for the Exubera-related assets.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2006, impairment of long-lived assets includes a write-off of $5.5 million of certain intangible assets relating to our Ireland operations, $1.2 million relating to the remaining laboratory and office equipment at our Bradford, UK location, and $2.7 million relating to an asset being constructed for use in one of our partnered pulmonary programs.

 

In December 2005, we were apprised of unfavorable results of clinical data related to programs from our super critical fluids technology program in Bradford UK, which provided an indication that the fair value of the respective business unit’s goodwill was below the carrying value. We re-performed the impairment analysis of goodwill and other long lived assets for Bradford UK and determined the fair value of the intangibles and other assets of Nektar UK based on a discounted cash flow model to be less than the carrying value. As a result, we recorded an impairment charge to goodwill and long lived assets of $59.6 million and $5.7 million, respectively, in December 2005.

 

Litigation settlement

 

     Years ended December 31,    Increase/
(Decrease)
2007 vs. 2006
    Increase/
(Decrease)
2006 vs. 2005
   Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)

2007 vs. 2006
    Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)

2006 vs. 2005
 
     2007    2006    2005          

Litigation settlement

   $ 1,583    $ 17,710    $ —      $ (16,127 )   $ 17,710    (91 )%   100 %

 

During the year ended December 31, 2007, we recorded a litigation settlement charge of $1.6 million related to three employee-related litigation claims settled in 2007.

 

On June 30, 2006, we entered into a litigation settlement related to an intellectual property dispute with the University of Alabama Huntsville pursuant to which the Company paid $11.0 million and agreed to pay an additional $10.0 million in equal $1.0 million installments over ten years beginning on July 1, 2007. During the year ended December 31, 2006 we recorded a litigation settlement charge of $17.7 million which reflects the net present value of the settlement payments using an 8% annual discount rate.

 

Amortization of other intangible assets (in thousands except percentages)

 

     Years ended December 31,    Increase/
(Decrease)
2007 vs. 2006
    Increase/
(Decrease)
2006 vs. 2005
    Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)

2007 vs. 2006
    Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)

2006 vs. 2005
 
     2007    2006    2005         

Amortization of other intangible assets

   $ 946    $ 4,039    $ 4,206    $ (3,093 )   $ (167 )   (77 %)   (4 )%

 

 

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Other intangible assets include proprietary technology, intellectual property, and supplier and customer relationships acquired from third parties or in business combinations.

 

Amortization of other intangible assets decreased during the year ending December 31, 2007 compared to the year ending December 31, 2006 because certain other intangible assets were fully amortized during the year ended December 31, 2006. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the net book value of our other intangible assets was $2.7 million and $3.6 million, respectively, representing the unamortized portion of our customer relationship intangible asset. This will be amortized on a straight-line basis of approximately $0.9 million per year through October 2010. Accordingly, we expect our other intangible assets to decrease to $0.9 million per year in the future, absent additional business combinations.

 

Gain on termination of collaborative agreements, net (in thousands except percentages)

 

     Years ended December 31,    Increase/
(Decrease)
2007 vs. 2006
    Increase/
(Decrease)
2006 vs. 2005
   Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)

2007 vs. 2006
    Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)

2006 vs. 2005
     2007     2006    2005          

Gain on termination of collaborative agreements, net

   $ (79,178 )   $ —      $ —      $ (79,178 )   $ —      > (100%)   n/a

 

On November 9, 2007, we terminated our collaborative development and license agreements with Pfizer related to Exubera and NGI. Under the termination agreement, we received a one-time payment of $135.0 million from Pfizer in satisfaction of all mutual outstanding contractual obligations. The gain on termination of collaborative agreements, net, includes the Pfizer termination payment received of $135.0 million less our contractual liability to Bespak and Tech Group of $32.4 million and less settlement of outstanding receivables and payables with Pfizer of $23.5 million.

 

We have also recorded a termination settlement obligation to our contract manufacturers of $32.4 million as of December 31, 2007. We were a party to a certain manufacturing and supply agreement, with Tech Group North America, Inc. and Bespak Europe Ltd. related to the manufacture and supply of Exubera inhalers (“Exubera Inhaler MSA”). As of December 31, 2007, due to Pfizer’s termination of the Exubera program and our inability to provide Bespak and Tech Group with future Exubera inhaler manufacturing commitments, we had a contractual liability for termination costs and expenses that would be incurred by Bespak and Tech Group.

 

On February 12, 2008, we entered into a Termination and 2008 Continuation Agreement (“TCA”) with Tech Group pursuant to which the Exubera Inhaler MSA was terminated in its entirety. We have recorded $13.8 million as termination liabilities under the terms of the TCA. In the event that we successfully identify a new Exubera commercialization partner and such partner does enter into an Exubera inhaler supply agreement with Tech Group, we would be relieved of our obligation to pay Tech Group up to $8.0 million this amount. Due to the uncertainty regarding the prospects of securing a new commercialization partner for Exubera and uncertainty over whether such partner will desire to enter into an Exubera inhaler manufacturing agreement with Tech Group, we believe that the potential future reduction in our obligation is a contingent gain to be recorded when and if those events occurs.

 

On February 14, 2008, we entered into a Termination and Mutual Release Agreement with Bespak pursuant to which the Exubera Inhaler MSA was terminated in its entirety and we agreed to pay Bespak £11.0 million or approximately $21.6 million, including $3.0 million of accrued expenses and $18.6 million in termination costs and expenses that were due and payable under the terms of the Exubera Inhaler MSA.

 

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Interest income (in thousands except percentages)

 

     Years ended December 31,    Increase/
(Decrease)
2007 vs. 2006
    Increase/
(Decrease)
2006 vs. 2005
   Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)
2007 vs. 2006
    Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)
2006 vs. 2005
 
     2007    2006    2005          

Interest income

   $ 22,201    $ 23,646    $ 13,022    $ (1,445 )   $ 10,624    (6 %)   82 %

 

The decrease in interest income during the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the year ended December 31, 2006 is due to a decline in the average balance of cash, cash equivalents, and investments in marketable securities due to repayment of $102.7 million in convertible subordinated notes.

 

The increase in interest income during the year ended December 31, 2006 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2005 is primarily due to an increase in our balance of cash, cash equivalents, and investments in marketable securities resulting from our $315.0 million subordinated debt offering completed in late September 2005, and higher prevailing interest rates during 2006 compared to 2005.

 

Interest expense (in thousands except percentages)

 

     Years ended December 31,    Increase/
(Decrease)
2007 vs. 2006
    Increase/
(Decrease)
2006 vs. 2005
   Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)
2007 vs. 2006
    Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)
2006 vs. 2005
 
     2007    2006    2005          

Interest expense

   $ 18,638    $ 20,793    $ 14,085    $ (2,155 )   $ 6,708    (10 %)   48 %

 

The decrease in interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the year ended December 31, 2006 was primarily due to a lower average balance of convertible subordinated notes outstanding during 2007. We repaid $36.0 million of our 5% notes in February 2007 and we repaid $66.6 million of our 3.5% notes in October 2007.

 

The increase in interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2006, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2005 was primarily due to a higher average balance of convertible subordinated notes outstanding resulting from our $315.0 million subordinated debt offering completed in September 2005.

 

Other income (expense), net (in thousands except percentages)

 

     Years ended December 31,     Increase/
(Decrease)
2007 vs. 2006
    Increase/
(Decrease)
2006 vs. 2005
   Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)
2007 vs. 2006
    Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)
2006 vs. 2005
 
     2007    2006    2005           

Other income (expense), net

   $ 1,133    $ 2,444    $ (1,249 )   $ (1,311 )   $ 3,693    (54 %)   >100 %

 

During the year ended December 31, 2007, we recognized a $0.9 million gain from the sale of the management buy-out of the nebulizer device business in Ireland, which was completed on November 30, 2007 for a payment of $2.2 million and a net gain of $0.9 million. This management buy-out included a license and a transfer of certain of our non-essential general purpose nebulizer technology under limited terms and conditions designed to prevent future competition with our pulmonary liquid delivery proprietary and partnered programs such as NKTR-061. These terms and conditions included a limited field license to the general purpose nebulizer devices only and excluded any rights to directly or indirectly develop, market or distribute general purpose nebulizers as a component of a drug/device combination. In addition, any efficiency improvements to the general purpose nebulizer developed by the newly formed company are licensed back to us for addition to our pulmonary technology platform for no additional consideration.

 

 

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During the year ended December 31, 2006, we recognized a $2.2 million gain from the sale of an equity investment in Confluent Technologies. We do not expect to realize income from such transactions in the future.

 

Loss on debt extinguishment (in thousands except percentages)

 

     Years ended
December 31,
   Increase/
(Decrease)
2007 vs. 2006
   Increase/
(Decrease)
2006 vs. 2005
    Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)
2007 vs. 2006
   Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)
2006 vs. 2005
     2007    2006    2005           

Loss on debt extinguishment

   $ —      $ —      $ 303    $ —      $ (303 )   n/a    n/a

 

During the year ended December 31, 2005, we recognized a loss on debt extinguishment of approximately $0.3 million in connection with the retirement of $25.4 million and $45.9 million aggregate principle amount of our outstanding 5% and 3.5% convertible subordinated notes due February 2007 and October 2007, respectively for total cash payments of $71.0 million, in privately negotiated transactions. As a result these transactions, we wrote off approximately $0.1 million and $0.5 million of capitalized debt issuance costs related to the 5% and 3.5% convertible subordinated notes, respectively.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We have financed our operations primarily through revenue from product sales and research and development contracts, public and private placements of debt and equity securities and financing of equipment acquisitions and certain tenant leasehold improvements. We do not utilize off-balance sheet financing arrangements as a source of liquidity or financing. Additionally, at December 31, 2007 we had letter of credit arrangements with certain financial institutions and vendors, including our landlord, totaling $2.8 million. These letters of credit are secured by investments in similar amounts.

 

As of December 31, 2007, we had cash, cash equivalents and investments in marketable securities of $482.4 million and indebtedness of $345.8 million, including $315.0 million of convertible subordinated notes, $24.0 million in capital lease obligations and $6.8 million in other liabilities.

 

Due to the recent adverse developments in the credit markets, we may experience reduced liquidity with respect to some of our short-term investments. These investments are generally held to maturity, which is less than one year. However, if the need arose to liquidate such securities before maturity, we may experience losses on liquidation. As of December 31, 2007, we held $431.9 million of commercial debt securities, with an average time to maturity of 126 days. To date we have not experienced any liquidity issues with respect to these securities, but should such issues arise, we may be required to hold some, or all, of these securities until maturity. We believe that, even allowing for potential liquidity issues with respect to these securities, our remaining cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for at least the next twelve months. We have the ability and intent to hold our debt securities to maturity when they will be redeemed at full par value. Accordingly, we consider unrealized losses to be temporary and have not recorded a provision for impairment.

 

Cashflow activities

 

During the year ended December 31, 2007, net cash provided by operating activities was $146.3 million. During the year ended December 31, 2007, net cash provided by operating activities increased by $239.0 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2006, in which we used $92.7 million in operating activities. The increase in cash provided by operations includes the following significant items in 2007: collaboration agreement termination payment received from Pfizer of $135.0 million and the up-front payments received from Bayer of $50.0 million and from Pfizer of $24.6 million.

 

 

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During the year ended December 31, 2007, we purchased $32.8 million of property and equipment and repaid $102.7 million of our convertible subordinated notes and other debt obligations. These uses of cash were partially offset by $3.8 million in cash collected from employees for the purchase of common stock.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2006, net cash used in operating activities was $92.7 million. Cash used in operating activities included an $11.0 million cash payment made in connection with the UAH litigation settlement. We purchased $22.5 million of property and equipment and repaid $10.5 million in debt obligations. These uses of cash were offset by $22.3 million in proceeds from the issuance of common stock to employees.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2005, we used $78.0 million in operating cashflows. We purchased $18.0 million of property and equipment and spent $30.7 million for the purchase of Aerogen, Inc. Additionally, we repaid $2.5 million in debt obligations. These uses of cash were offset by $234.7 million in proceeds from the issuance, net of repurchases, of convertible subordinated notes, as well as proceeds from the issuance of common stock to employees and a secondary offering of $10.9 million and $31.6 million, respectively.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

The following is a summary of our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2007 (in thousands):

 

     Payments due by period
     Total    <=1 yr
2008
   2-3 yrs
2009-2010
   3-5 yrs
2011-2012
   2013+

Obligations (1)

              

Convertible subordinated notes, including interest

   $ 363,629    $ 10,238    $ 20,475    $ 332,916    $ —  

Capital leases, including interest

     44,832      6,010      9,468      9,865      19,489

Operating leases

     13,825      3,704      5,764      4,357      —  

Purchase commitments (2)

     19,349      19,349      —        —        —  

Exubera Inhaler MSA contract termination settlement

     32,363      32,363      —        —        —  

Litigation settlement and other long-term liabilities, including interest

     9,000      1,000      2,000      2,000      4,000
                                  
   $ 482,998    $ 72,664    $ 37,707    $ 349,138    $ 23,489
                                  

 

(1) The above table does not include certain commitments and contingencies which are discussed in Note 9 of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
(2) Substantially all of this amount had been ordered pursuant to open purchase orders as of December 31, 2007 under our existing contracts. This amount does not represent minimum contract termination liability.

 

Given our current cash requirements, we forecast that we will have sufficient cash to meet our net operating expense requirements and contractual obligations through December 31, 2009. We plan to continue to invest in our growth and our future cash requirements will depend upon the timing and results of these investments. Our capital needs will depend on many factors, including continued progress in our research and development programs, progress with preclinical and clinical trials of our proprietary and partnered product candidates, the time and costs involved in obtaining regulatory approvals, the costs of developing and scaling our clinical and commercial manufacturing operations, the costs involved in preparing, filing, prosecuting, maintaining and enforcing patent claims, the need to acquire licenses to new technologies and the status of competitive products. Included in our purchase commitments above is approximately $4.3 million of capital purchase commitments.

 

To date we have been primarily dependent upon equity and convertible debt financings for capital and have incurred substantial debt as a result of our issuances of subordinated notes that are convertible into our common stock. Our substantial debt, the market price of our securities, and the general economic climate, among other factors, could have material consequences for our financial position and could affect our sources of short-term and long-term funding. There can be no assurance that additional funds, if and when required, will be available to us on favorable terms, if at all.

 

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Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We do not utilize off-balance sheet financing arrangements as a source of liquidity or financing.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

 

We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form our basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources, and evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We have determined that for the periods reported in this report, the following accounting policies and estimates are critical in understanding our financial condition and results of our operations.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Contract research revenue includes amortization of up-front fees. Up-front fees should be recognized ratably over the expected benefit period under the arrangement. Given the uncertainties of research and development collaborations, significant judgment is required to determine the duration of the arrangement. We have $63.6 million of deferred up-front fees related to six research and collaboration agreements that are being amortized over an average of 10 years. We considered shorter and longer amortization periods. The shortest reasonable period is the end of the development period (estimated to be 4 to 6 years). Given the statistical probability of drug development success in the bio-pharma industry, development programs have only a 5%-10% probability of reaching commercial success. The longest period is either the contractual life of the agreement, which is generally 10 years from the first commercial sale, or the end of the patent life, which is frequently 15-17 years. If we had determined a longer or shorter amortization period was appropriate, our annual up-front fee amortization could be as low as $4.0 million or as high as $16.0 million.

 

Milestone payments received are deferred and recorded as revenue ratably over the next period of continued development. Management makes its best estimate of the period of time until the next milestone is reached. This estimate affects the recognition of revenue for completion of the previous milestone. The original estimate is periodically evaluated to determine if circumstances have caused the estimate to change and if so, amortization of revenue is adjusted prospectively.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Contract Termination Costs

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, we perform a test for recoverability of our long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized only if the carrying amount of an intangible or long-lived asset exceeds the sum of the discounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposal of the asset.

 

On November 9, 2007, we terminated our Collaborative Development and License Agreements with Pfizer related to Exubera and NGI. We are currently engaged in discussions to regarding a collaboration for Exubera and/or NGI. If we are able to secure a new collaboration partner, utilization of our Exubera-related assets depends on such partner’s desire to enter into a manufacture and supply agreement with one of our contract manufacturers and to utilize our San Carlos facility to manufacture Exubera inhalation powder. We expect to conclude whether or not we will have a new partner for Exubera and/or NGI in the first half of 2008.

 

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As a result of the termination of the Pfizer agreements, we evaluated the realizability of our Exubera-related property and equipment at our San Carlos, California manufacturing facility and at our contract manufacturer locations. Given that we have not entered into a collaboration agreement and that uncertainties associated with future supply chain decisions exist, we conclude that the carrying value of the Exubera-related assets exceeds the estimated future cash flows. As a result, we recorded an impairment charge of $28.4 million for the Exubera-related assets during the three-month period ended December 31, 2007. Our estimate of the future cash flows from Exubera-related assets and our assessment of the probability of securing a commercialization partner for Exubera and/or NGI are highly judgmental and actual results may differ. However, we believe it is probable the carrying value of Exubera-related assets exceeds the estimated future cash flows, which represents management’s best estimate.

 

On February 12, 2008, we entered into a Termination and 2008 Continuation Agreement (“TCA”) with Tech Group pursuant to which our manufacturing and supply agreement related to the manufacture and supply of Exubera inhalers (“Exubera Inhaler MSA”) was terminated in its entirety. We recorded $13.8 million as termination liabilities under the terms of the TCA. In the event that we successfully identify a new Exubera collaboration partner and such partner enters into an Exubera inhaler supply agreement with Tech Group, we would be relieved of our obligation to pay Tech Group up to $8.0 million of the termination liability (subject to downward adjustment depending on the timing of any such agreement). Due to the uncertainty regarding the prospects in securing a new commercialization partner and uncertainty over whether such partner will enter into an agreement with Tech Group, we believe that this amount represents a contingent gain to be recorded when and if the event occurs. This determination was also based on management’s estimate that securing a new Exubera and/or NGI collaboration partner is uncertain.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

We use the Black-Scholes option valuation model adjusted for the estimated historical forfeiture rate for the respective grant to determine the estimated fair value of our stock-based compensation arrangements on the date of grant (“grant date fair value”) and expense this value ratably over the service period of the option or performance period of the Restricted Stock Unit award (“RSU”). The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions. Because our employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management’s opinion, the existing models may not provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of our employee stock options or common stock purchased under our employee stock purchase plan. In addition, management continually assesses these assumptions and methodologies used to calculate the estimated fair value of stock-based compensation. Circumstances may change and additional data may become available over time, which could result in changes to the assumptions and methodologies, and which could materially impact our fair value determination.

 

Further, we have issued performance-based RSU awards totaling approximately 1,010,000 shares of our common stock to certain employees. These awards vest based upon achieving three pre-determined performance milestones. We are expensing the grant date fair value of the awards ratably over the expected performance period for the RSU awards in which the performance milestones are probable of achievement under a Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies definition. The total grant date fair value of the RSU awards was $19.8 million, including $4.0 million for the first milestone, $7.9 million for the second milestone, and $7.9 million for the third milestone.

 

The first performance milestone was achieved and approximately 174,035 shares were fully vested and released during the year ended December 31, 2007. The second performance milestone shall vest when upon achievement of $30.0 million of Exubera royalty revenue from Pfizer in one quarter. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we determined that it is not probable that future Exubera product sales will be sufficient to meet the second performance milestone and we reversed $2.8 million of previously recognized expense. The third performance milestone shall vest based on the first filing (whether by us or a third party licensee or partner of ours) and acceptance of a New Drug Application (“NDA”) or Biologics License Application (“BLA”) by the

 

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FDA or an equivalent filing and acceptance with the European Medicines Agency for a proprietary product. Based on our current product pipeline development efforts, we determined that the third performance milestone is currently probable of achievement by the end of the fourth quarter in 2010.

 

Evaluating and estimating the probability of achieving the remaining performance milestone and the appropriate timing related to the achievement is highly subjective and requires periodic reassessment. Actual achievement of these performance milestones or changes in facts and circumstances may cause significant fluctuations in expense recognition between reporting periods and would result in changes in the timing and amount of expense recognition related to these RSU’s.

 

Income Taxes

 

We account for income taxes under the liability method in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, and FASB Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax reporting bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon future earnings, the timing and amount of which are uncertain. FIN 48 contains a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon tax authority examination, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

 

Adoption of FIN 48, which occurred on January 1, 2007, had no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows or our effective tax rate. However, revisions to the estimated net realizable value of the deferred tax asset in the future could cause our provision for income taxes to vary significantly from period to period.

 

At December 31, 2007, we had significant federal and state net operating loss and research credit carry forwards which were offset by a full valuation allowance, due to our inability to estimate long-term future taxable income with a high level of certainty. Upon adoption of FIN 48, we did not recognize an increase or a decrease in the liability for net unrecognized tax benefits, which would be accounted for through retained earnings. We historically accrued for uncertain tax positions in deferred tax assets as we have been in a net operating loss position since inception and any adjustments to our tax positions would result in an adjustment of our net operating loss or tax credit carry forwards rather than resulting in a cash outlay. If we are eventually able to recognize these uncertain positions, our effective tax rate would be reduced. We currently have a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax asset which would impact the timing of the effective tax rate benefit should any of these uncertain tax positions be favorably settled in the future.

 

On a periodic basis, we will continue to evaluate the realizability of our deferred tax assets and liabilities and adjust such amounts in light of changing facts and circumstances, including but not limited to the level of past and future taxable income, the utilization of the carry forwards, tax legislation, rulings by relevant tax authorities, tax planning strategies and if applicable, the progress of ongoing tax audits. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the period in which those temporary differences become deductible or the net operating loss and research credit carry forwards can be utilized.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

SFAS No. 157

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value

 

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measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements, but provides guidance on how to measure fair value by providing a fair value hierarch used to classify the source of the in formation. This statement is effective beginning in October 2008. We are evaluating whether adoption of this statement will result in a change to our fair value measurements.

 

SFAS No. 159

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. SFAS No. 159 permits companies to choose to measure certain financial instruments and other items at fair value. The standard requires that unrealized gains and losses are reported in earnings for items measured using the fair value option. This statement is effective beginning in January 2008. We are evaluating whether adoption of this statement will result in a change to our fair value measurements.

 

EITF 07-03

 

In June 2007, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued EITF 07-3, Accounting for Nonrefundable Advance Payments for Goods or Services for Use in Future Research and Development Activities, which provides guidance on the accounting for certain nonrefundable advance payments for goods or services that will be used or rendered for future research and development activities. This issue is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. We do not expect that the adoption of EITF 07-03 will have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Interest Rate and Market Risk

 

The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve principal while at the same time maximizing yields without significantly increasing risk. To achieve this objective, we invest in liquid, high quality debt securities. Our investments in debt securities are subject to interest rate risk. To minimize the exposure due to an adverse shift in interest rates, we invest in short-term securities and maintain a weighted average maturity of one year or less.

 

A hypothetical 50 basis point increase in interest rates would result in an approximate $0.7 million decrease, less than 1%, in the fair value of our available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2007. This potential change is based on sensitivity analyses performed on our investment securities at December 31, 2007. Actual results may differ materially. The same hypothetical 50 basis point increase in interest rates would have resulted in an approximate $0.7 million decrease, less than 1%, in the fair value of our available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2006.

 

Due to the recent adverse developments in the credit markets, we may experience reduced liquidity with respect to some of our short-term investments. These investments are generally held to maturity, which is less than one year. However, if the need arose to liquidate such securities before maturity, we may experience losses on liquidation. As of December 31, 2007, we held $431.9 million of commercial debt securities, with an average time to maturity of 126 days. To date we have not experienced any liquidity issues with respect to these securities, but should such issues arise, we may be required to hold some, or all, of these securities until maturity. We believe that, even allowing for potential liquidity issues with respect to these securities, our remaining cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for at least the next twelve months. We have the ability and intent to hold our debt securities to maturity when they will be redeemed at full par value. Accordingly, we consider unrealized losses to be temporary and have not recorded a provision for impairment.

 

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Foreign Currency Risk

 

The majority of our revenue, expense, and capital purchasing activities are transacted in U.S. dollars. However, since a portion of our operations consist of research and development activities outside the United States, we have entered into transactions in other currencies, primarily the Indian Rupee, and therefore are subject to foreign exchange risk.

 

Our international operations are subject to risks typical of international operations, including, but not limited to, differing economic conditions, changes in political climate, differing tax structures, other regulations and restrictions, and foreign exchange rate volatility. We do not utilize derivative financial instruments to manage our exchange rate risks.

 

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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   62

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2007 and 2006

   64

Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007

   65

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007

   66

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007

   68

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   69

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Nektar Therapeutics

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nektar Therapeutics as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

 

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

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Nektar Therapeutics at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

 

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, Nektar Therapeutics changed its method of accounting for stock-based compensation as of January 1, 2006 and its method of accounting for uncertain tax positions as of January 1, 2007.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Nektar Therapeutics’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 25, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

 

Palo Alto, California

February 25, 2008

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Nektar Therapeutics

 

We have audited Nektar Therapeutics’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Nektar Therapeutics’ management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, Nektar Therapeutics maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the COSO criteria.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Nektar Therapeutics as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 of Nektar Therapeutics and our report dated February 25, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

 

Palo Alto, California

February 25, 2008

 

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NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except per share information)

 

     December 31,  
     2007     2006  
ASSETS     

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 76,293     $ 63,760  

Short-term investments

     406,060       394,880  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $33 and $357 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

     21,637       47,148  

Inventory

     12,187       14,656  

Other current assets

     7,106       14,595  
                

Total current assets

   $ 523,283     $ 535,039  

Long-term investments

     —         8,337  

Property and equipment, net

     114,420       133,812  

Goodwill

     78,431       78,431  

Other intangible assets, net

     2,680       3,626  

Other assets

     6,289       8,932  
                

Total assets

   $ 725,103     $ 768,177  
                
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 3,589     $ 7,205  

Accrued compensation

     14,680       12,994  

Accrued expenses to contract manufacturers

     40,444       —    

Accrued expenses

     12,446       17,942  

Interest payable

     2,638       3,814  

Capital lease obligations, current portion

     2,335       711  

Deferred revenue, current portion

     19,620       16,409  

Convertible subordinated notes, current portion

     —         102,653  

Other current liabilities

     2,340       3,854  
                

Total current liabilities

   $ 98,092     $ 165,582  

Convertible subordinated notes

     315,000       315,000  

Capital lease obligations

     21,632       19,759  

Deferred revenue

     61,349       23,697  

Other long-term liabilities

     14,591       17,079  
                

Total liabilities

   $ 510,664     $ 541,117  

Commitments and contingencies

    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock, 10,000 shares authorized

    

Series A, $0.0001 par value: 3,100 shares designated; no shares issued or outstanding at December 31, 2007 and 2006

     —         —    

Series B, $0.0001 par value: 20 shares designated; no shares issued or outstanding at December 31, 2007 and 2006

     —         —    

Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 300,000 authorized; 92,301 shares and 91,280 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively

     9       9  

Capital in excess of par value

     1,302,541       1,283,982  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     1,643       62  

Accumulated deficit

     (1,089,754 )     (1,056,993 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     214,439       227,060  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 725,103     $ 768,177  
                

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share information)

 

     Years ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Revenue:

      

Product sales and royalties

   $ 180,755     $ 153,556     $ 29,366  

Contract research

     85,925       56,303       81,602  

Exubera commercialization readiness

     6,347       7,859       15,311  
                        

Total revenue

   $ 273,027     $ 217,718     $ 126,279  

Operating costs and expenses:

      

Cost of goods sold

     137,696       113,921       23,728  

Cost of idle Exubera manufacturing capacity

     6,314       —         —    

Exubera commercialization readiness costs

     3,507       4,168       12,268  

Research and development

     153,575       149,381       151,659  

General and administrative

     56,336       78,319       43,852  

Impairment of long lived assets

     28,396       9,410       65,340  

Litigation settlement

     1,583       17,710       —    

Amortization of intangible assets

     946       4,039       4,206  

Gain on termination of collaborative agreements, net

     (79,178 )     —         —    

Purchased in-process research and development

     —         —         7,859  
                        

Total operating costs and expenses

   $ 309,175     $ 376,948     $ 308,912  
                        

Loss from operations

     (36,148 )     (159,230 )     (182,633 )

Interest income

     22,201       23,646       13,022  

Interest expense

     (18,638 )     (20,793 )     (14,085 )

Other income (expense), net

     1,133       2,444       (1,249 )

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     —         —         (303 )
                        

Loss before provision (benefit) for income taxes

   $ (31,452 )   $ (153,933 )   $ (185,248 )

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     1,309       828       (137 )
                        

Net loss

   $ (32,761 )   $ (154,761 )   $ (185,111 )
                        

Basic and diluted net loss per share

   $ (0.36 )   $ (1.72 )   $ (2.15 )
                        

Shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share

     91,876       89,789       85,915  
                        

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands)

 

     Preferred Shares    Common Shares    Capital In
Excess of
Par Value
    Deferred
Compensation
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income/(Loss)
    Accumulated
Deficit
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
     Shares     Amount
Paid In
   Shares    Par Value           

Balance at December 31, 2004

   20     —      84,572    $ 8      1,187,575     $ (2,764 )   $ (356 )   $ (717,121 )   $ 467,342  

Common stock issued upon exercise of stock options

   —       —      1,015      —        9,621       —         —         —         9,621  

Common stock issued in secondary offering, net of issuance costs of $427

   —       —      1,891      1      31,563       —         —         —         31,564  

Compensation in connection with stock options granted to consultants

   —       —      —        —        208       —         —         —         208  

Amortization of deferred compensation

   —       —      34      —        2,039       (185 )     —         —         1,854  

Shares issued for ESPP

   —       —      108      —        1,239       —         —         —         1,239  

Shares issued for retirement plans

   —       —      87      —        1,445       —         —         —         1,445  

Other comprehensive loss

   —       —      —        —        —         —         (1,351 )     —         (1,351 )

Net loss

   —       —      —        —        —         —         —         (185,111 )     (185,111 )
                           

Comprehensive loss

                        (186,462 )
                                                               

Balance at December 31, 2005

   20     —      87,707    $ 9    $ 1,233,690     $ (2,949 )   $ (1,707 )   $ (902,232 )   $ 326,811  

Common stock issued upon exercise of stock options

   —       —      2,326      —        20,642       —         —         —         20,642  

Stock based compensation

   —       —      —        —        29,143       —         —         —         29,143  

Compensation in connection with stock options granted to consultants

   —       —      —        —        31       —         —         —         31  

Conversion of Preferred Stock

   (20 )   —      1,023      —        —         —         —         —         —    

Exercise of warrants

   —       —      12      —        —         —         —         —         —    

Transition adjustment upon adoption of SFAS No 123R

   —       —           —        (2,949 )     2,949       —         —         —    

Shares issued for ESPP

   —       —      109      —        1,617       —         —         —         1,617  

Shares issued for retirement plans

   —       —      103      —        1,808       —         —         —         1,808  

Other comprehensive income

   —       —      —        —        —         —         1,769       —         1,769  

Net loss

   —       —      —        —        —         —         —         (154,761 )     (154,761 )
                           

Comprehensive loss

                        (152,992 )
                                                               

Balance at December 31, 2006

   —       —      91,280    $ 9    $ 1,283,982     $ —       $ 62     $ (1,056,993 )   $ 227,060  

 

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NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

     Preferred Shares    Common Shares    Capital In
Excess of
Par Value
   Deferred
Compensation
   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income/(Loss)
   Accumulated
Deficit
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
     Shares    Amount
Paid In
   Shares    Par Value              

Common stock issued upon exercise of stock options

   —      —      427      —        2,913      —        —        —         2,913  

Stock based compensation

   —      —      —        —        13,193      —        —        —         13,193  

Shares issued for ESPP

   —      —      99      —        867      —        —        —         867  

Shares issued for retirement plans

   —      —      161      —        1,584      —        —        —         1,584  

Shares issued upon release of Restricted Share Units

   —      —      334      —        2      —        —        —         2  

Other comprehensive income

   —      —      —        —        —        —        1,581      —         1,581  

Net loss

   —      —      —        —        —        —        —        (32,761 )     (32,761 )
                               

Comprehensive loss

                            (31,180 )
                                                           

Balance at December 31, 2007

   —      —      92,301    $ 9    $ 1,302,541    $ —      $ 1,643    $ (1,089,754 )   $ 214,439  
                                                           

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

     Years ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:

      

Net loss

   $ (32,761 )   $ (154,761 )   $ (185,111 )

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

     29,028       33,509       25,311  

Stock-based compensation

     14,779       30,982       3,507  

Impairment of long lived assets

     28,396       9,410       65,340  

Amortization of gain related to sale of building

     (874 )     (874 )     (934 )

Gain on disposal of investment

     (860 )     (2,252 )     —    

Loss on sale or disposal of assets

     1,843       123       —    

In process research and development

     —         —         7,859  

Loss on termination of capital lease

     —         —         1,136  

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     —         —         303  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

      

Decrease (increase) in trade accounts receivable

     24,318       (34,654 )     2,468  

Decrease (increase) in inventories

     1,503       3,971       (7,420 )

Decrease (increase) in other assets

     7,443       1,095       (3,542 )

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

     (3,147 )     (8,926 )     9,009  

Increase (decrease) in accrued compensation

     986       3,581       1,756  

Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses

     36,151       5,503       4,823  

Increase (decrease) in interest payable

     (1,176 )     23       1,781  

Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue

     40,863       16,245       (7,174 )

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities

     (190 )     4,310       2,890  
                        

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   $ 146,302     $ (92,715 )   $ (77,998 )
                        

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Purchases of property and equipment

     (32,796 )     (22,524 )     (17,955 )

Purchases of investments

     (593,118 )     (502,230 )     (234,991 )

Sales of investments

     2,057       2,252       88,950  

Maturities of investments

     591,202       405,622       227,113  

Business acquisition, net of cash acquired

     —         —         (30,714 )
                        

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

   $ (32,655 )   $ (116,880 )   $ 32,403  
                        

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs

     3,780       22,259       42,424  

Payments of loan and capital lease obligations

     (2,895 )     (10,488 )     (2,517 )

Repayments of convertible subordinated notes

     (102,653 )     —         (70,964 )

Proceeds from convertible subordinated notes

     —         —         305,645  

Proceeds from capital lease financing

     —         —         261  
                        

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   $ (101,768 )   $ 11,771     $ 274,849  
                        

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

     654       311       (45 )
                        

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   $ 12,533     $ (197,513 )   $ 229,209  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     63,760       261,273       32,064  
                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 76,293     $ 63,760     $ 261,273  
                        

Supplemental disclosure of cash flows information:

      

Cash paid for interest

   $ 17,389     $ 17,751     $ 15,892  

Cash paid for income taxes

   $ 801     $ —       $ 27  

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:

      

Property acquired through capital leases

   $ 4,445     $ —       $ —    

Deferred compensation related to the issuance of stock options

   $ —       $ —       $ 2,039  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

December 31, 2007

 

Note 1—Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Organization and Basis of Presentation

 

We are a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in San Carlos, California and incorporated in Delaware. Our mission is to develop breakthrough products that make a difference in patients’ lives. We create differentiated, innovative products by applying our platform technologies to established or novel medicines. Our two leading technology platforms are pulmonary technology and PEGylation technology. Our two technology platforms are the basis of substantially all of the partnered and proprietary programs. In June 2006, we terminated the research and development activity related to the Nektar super critical fluids technology, which was conducted at our Bradford, UK facility.

 

Principles of Consolidation and Use of Estimates

 

Our consolidated financial statements include the financial position and results of operations and cash flows of our wholly-owned subsidiaries: Nektar Therapeutics AL, Corporation (“Nektar AL”); Nektar Therapeutics UK, Ltd. (“Bradford”), Nektar Therapeutics (India) Private Limited, and Aerogen Inc. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Our consolidated financial statements are denominated in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, changes in exchange rates between the applicable foreign currency and the U.S. dollar will affect the translation of each foreign subsidiary’s financial results into U.S. dollars for purposes of reporting our consolidated financial results. Translation gains and losses are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the stockholders’ equity section of the balance sheet. To date, such cumulative translation adjustments have not been material to our consolidated financial position. Transaction gains and losses arising from activities in other than applicable functional currency are calculated using the average exchange rate for the applicable period and reported in net income as a non-operating item in each period. Aggregate gross foreign currency transaction gain (loss) recorded in net income for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 were not material.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Such reclassifications have not impacted previously reported revenues, operating loss or net loss.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The carrying amounts of certain of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued compensation and other accrued liabilities, approximate fair value because of their short term maturities.

 

Significant Concentrations

 

Our customers are primarily pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that are located in the U.S. and Europe. Our accounts receivable balance contains billed and unbilled trade receivables from product sales and royalties and collaborative research agreements. We provide for an allowance for doubtful accounts by reserving

 

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December 31, 2007

 

for specifically identified doubtful accounts. We generally do not require collateral from our customers. We perform a regular review of our customers’ payment histories and associated credit risk. We have not experienced significant credit losses from our accounts receivable or collaborative research agreements and none are expected. At December 31, 2007, three different customers represented 28%, 24%, and 22%, respectively, of our accounts receivable. At December 31, 2006, three different customers represented 56%, 15% and 14%, respectively, of our accounts receivable.

 

We are dependent on our partners and vendors to provide raw materials, drugs and devices of appropriate quality and reliability and to meet applicable regulatory requirements. Consequently, in the event that supplies are delayed or interrupted for any reason, our ability to develop and produce our products could be impaired, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation.

 

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments

 

We consider all investments in marketable securities with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Investments are designated as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported in stockholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The disclosed fair value related to our investments is based primarily on the reported fair values in our period-end brokerage statements. We independently validate these fair values using available market quotes and other information. Investments with maturities greater than one year from the balance sheet date are classified as long-term.

 

Interest and dividends on securities classified as available-for-sale, as well as amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity, are included in interest income. Realized gains and losses and declines in value of available-for-sale securities judged to be other-than-temporary, if any, are included in other income (expense). The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are computed on a first-in, first-out basis and stated net of reserves at the lower of cost or market. Supplies inventory related to research and development activities are expensed when purchased.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Major improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are expensed when incurred. Manufacturing, laboratory and other equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method generally over estimated useful lives of three to seven years. Leasehold improvements and buildings are depreciated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the remaining term of the lease.

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, we periodically review our property and equipment for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Generally, an impairment loss would be recognized if the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the sum of the discounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposal of the asset. During the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, we recorded impairment losses for our Pfizer-related fixed assets and our Nektar UK fixed assets. Please refer to Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the impairment analysis performed.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

December 31, 2007

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill represents the excess of the price paid for another entity over the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. We account for our goodwill asset in accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, and test for impairment as of October 1 each year, as well as at other times when impairment indicators exists or when events occur or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. For purposes of our annual impairment test, we have identified and assigned goodwill to two reporting units (as defined in SFAS No. 142) pulmonary technology and PEGylation technology. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level using a two-step approach. The first step is to compare the fair value of a reporting unit’s net assets, including assigned goodwill, to the book value of its net assets, including assigned goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its net book value, the assigned goodwill is not considered impaired. If the fair value is less than the reporting unit’s net book value, we perform a second step to measure the amount of the impairment, if any. The second step would be to compare the book value of the reporting unit’s assigned goodwill to the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. There were no indications of impairment at December 31, 2007 or December 31, 2006.

 

Other Intangible Assets

 

Other intangible assets include proprietary technology, intellectual property, and supplier and customer relationships acquired from third parties or in business combinations. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, Other intangible assets with a finite useful life are amortized ratably over their estimated useful lives, which we currently estimate to be a period of five years. Once an intangible asset is fully amortized, we remove the gross costs and accumulated amortization from our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, we periodically review our intangible assets for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Generally, an impairment loss would be recognized if the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds the sum of the discounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposal of the assets.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We recognize revenue in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements (“SAB 104”) and Emerging Issues Task Force, Issue No. 00-21 (“EITF 00-21”), Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.

 

Revenue is recognized when there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed and determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. Allowances are established for estimated sales returns and uncollectible amounts.

 

Product Sales and Royalty Revenue

 

Product revenues from Exubera Inhalation Powder and Inhalers are primarily derived from the cost-plus manufacturing and supply agreement with Pfizer, which terminated on November 9, 2007. Prior to January 1, 2007, Exubera product revenues were recognized at the earlier of acceptance of products by Pfizer or sixty days from shipment and the related cost of goods sold were recorded as deferred revenue, net of the deferred costs. As of December 31, 2006, we deferred $5.2 million of Exubera gross margin, comprised of $23.1 million in deferred product revenue and $17.9 million of deferred costs. On January 1, 2007, we began recognizing Exubera revenue upon shipment of product and estimating product warranty returns. During the year ended December 31, 2007,

 

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December 31, 2007

 

we recognized the Exubera product revenue and costs deferred at December 31, 2006, as well as product revenues through the termination of our agreement with Pfizer on November 9, 2007.

 

Product revenues from our PEGylation technology platform are primarily derived from cost-plus manufacturing and supply agreements with customers in our industry, and are recognized in accordance with the terms of the related contract. We have not experienced any significant returns from our customers.

 

Generally, we are entitled to royalties from our customers based on their net sales. We recognize royalty revenue when the cash is received or when the royalty amount to be received is estimable and collection is reasonably assured. Royalties from the sale of Exubera inhalation powder and Exubera Inhalers were insignificant during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.

 

Contract Research Revenue

 

We enter into collaborative research and development arrangements with pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners that may involve multiple deliverables. Our arrangements may contain the following elements: upfront fees, collaborative research, milestone payments, manufacturing and supply, royalties and license fees. The principles and guidance outlined in EITF No. 00-21 provide a framework to (a) determine whether an arrangement involving multiple deliverables contains more than one unit of accounting, and (b) determine how the arrangement consideration should be measured and allocated to the separate units of accounting in the arrangement. Significant judgment is required when determining the separate units of accounting and the fair value of individual deliverables. For each separate unit of accounting we have objective and reliable evidence of fair value using available internal evidence for the undelivered item(s) and our arrangements generally do not contain a general right of return relative to the delivered item. We use the residual method to allocate the arrangement consideration when it does not have fair value of a delivered item(s). Under the residual method, the amount of consideration allocated to the delivered item equals the total arrangement consideration less the aggregate fair value of the undelivered items.

 

Contract research revenue from collaborative research and development agreements is recorded when earned based on the performance requirements of the contract. Advance payments for research and development revenue received in excess of amounts earned are classified as deferred revenue until earned. Amounts received under these arrangements are generally non-refundable even if the research effort is unsuccessful.

 

Payments received for milestones achieved are deferred and recorded as revenue ratably over the next period of continued development. Management makes its best estimate of the period of time until the next milestone is reached. This estimate affects the recognition of revenue for completion of the previous milestone. The original estimate is periodically evaluated to determine if circumstances have caused the estimate to change and if so, amortization of revenue is adjusted prospectively. Final milestone payments are recorded and recognized upon achieving the respective milestone, provided that collection is reasonably assured.

 

Exubera Commercialization Readiness Revenue

 

Exubera commercialization readiness revenue represents reimbursements from Pfizer, of certain agreed upon operating costs relating to our Exubera inhalation powder manufacturing facilities and our device contract manufacturing locations in preparation for commercial production, plus a markup on such costs. Exubera commercialization readiness costs are start up manufacturing costs we have incurred in our Exubera Inhalation Powder manufacturing facility and our Exubera Inhaler device contract manufacturing locations in preparation for commercial production.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

December 31, 2007

 

Shipping and Handling Costs

 

We record costs related to shipping and handling of product to customers in cost of goods sold.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

Stock-based compensation arrangements covered by SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment (“SFAS No. 123R”) currently include stock option grants and restricted stock unit (“RSU”) awards under our option plans and purchases of common stock by our employees at a discount to the market price under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). Under SFAS No. 123R, the value of the portion of the option or award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense on a straight line basis over the requisite service periods in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Stock-based compensation expense for purchases under the ESPP are recognized based on the estimated fair value of the common stock during each offering period and the percentage of the purchase discount.

 

Prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted for stock-based employee compensation plans using the intrinsic value method of accounting in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (“APB No. 25”), and related interpretations. Under the provisions of APB No. 25, no compensation expense was recognized with respect to employee purchases of our common stock under the ESPP or when stock options were granted with exercise prices equal to or greater than market value on the date of grant. However, for stock-based awards issued below the market price of our common stock on the grant date, we were required to record deferred compensation for this intrinsic value and expense this value ratably over the underlying vesting period.

 

Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation arrangements in accordance with SFAS No. 123R using the modified prospective method of transition. Under the modified prospective method of transition, we are not required to restate our prior period financial statements to reflect expensing of stock-based compensation under SFAS No. 123R. Therefore, the results for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 are not directly comparable to the year ended December 31, 2005.

 

We use the Black-Scholes option valuation model adjusted for the estimated historical forfeiture rate for the respective grant to determine the estimated fair value of our stock-based compensation arrangements on the date of grant (“grant date fair value”) and expense this value ratably over the service period of the option or performance period of the RSU award. We have separated the employee population into two groups for valuation purposes, including forfeiture rates: (1) executive management and board members (executives) and (2) all other employees. Expense amounts are allocated among inventory, cost of revenue, research and development expenses, and general and administrative expenses based on the function of the applicable employee. The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions. Because our employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management’s opinion, the existing models may not provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of our employee stock options or common stock purchased under the ESPP. In addition, management will continue to assess the assumptions and methodologies used to calculate estimated fair value of stock-based compensation. Circumstances may change and additional data may become available over time, which could result in changes to these assumptions and methodologies, and which could materially impact our fair value determination.

 

Research and Development Expense

 

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and include salaries, benefits and other operating costs such as outside services, supplies and allocated overhead costs. We perform research and development for

 

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December 31, 2007

 

our proprietary products and technology development and for others pursuant to collaboration agreements. For our proprietary products and our internal technology development programs, we invest our own funds without reimbursement from a third party. Costs associated with treatment phase of clinical trials are accrued based on the total estimated cost of the clinical trials and are expensed ratably based on patient enrollment in the trials. Costs associated with the start-up and reporting phases of the clinical trials are expensed as incurred.

 

Collaboration agreements typically include the development and licensing of our technology. Under these agreements, we may be reimbursed for development costs, entitled to milestone payments when and if certain development or regulatory milestones are achieved, compensated for the manufacture and supply of clinical and commercial product and entitled to royalties on sales of commercial product. All of our collaboration agreements are generally cancelable by the partner without significant financial penalty. Certain collaboration agreements may involve feasibility research which is designed to evaluate the applicability of our technologies to a particular molecule. Due to the nature of this research, we are reimbursed for the cost of work performed and our commitment is generally completed in less than one year.

 

From time to time we acquire in-process research and development programs as part of strategic business acquisitions. Generally, in-process research and development purchased in a business combination is expensed on the acquisition date primarily because the acquired technology has not yet reached technological feasibility and has no future alternative use. During the year ended December 31, 2005, we recorded a charge of $7.9 million for in-process research and development costs in connection with our acquisition of Aerogen.

 

Net Loss Per Share

 

Basic net loss per share is calculated based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented. For all periods presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, the net loss available to common stockholders is equal to the reported net loss. Basic and diluted net loss per share are the same due to our historical net losses and the requirement to exclude potentially dilutive securities which would have an anti-dilutive effect on net loss per share. The weighted average of these potentially dilutive securities has been excluded from the diluted net loss per share calculation and is as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 31,
     2007    2006    2005

Convertible subordinated notes

   15,781    16,896    5,989

Stock options and restricted stock units

   11,529    9,138    8,351

Warrants

   —      13    20

Convertible preferred stock

   —      —      1,023
              

Total

   27,310    26,047    15,383
              

 

Income Taxes

 

We account for income taxes under the liability method in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (“SFAS 109”), and FASB Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax reporting bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon future earnings, the timing and amount of which are uncertain.

 

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December 31, 2007

 

FIN 48 contains a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon tax authority examination, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

 

We adopted FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. Upon adoption, we did not recognize an increase or a decrease in the liability for net unrecognized tax benefits, which would be accounted for through retained earnings.

 

We have incurred net operating losses since inception and we do not have any significant unrecognized tax benefits. Our policy is to include interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, within the provision for taxes in the consolidated statements of operations. If we are eventually able to recognize our uncertain positions, our effective tax rate would be reduced. We currently have a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax asset which would impact the timing of the effective tax rate benefit should any of these uncertain tax positions be favorably settled in the future. Any adjustments to our uncertain tax positions would result in an adjustment of our net operating loss or tax credit carry forwards rather than resulting in a cash outlay.

 

We file income tax returns in the U.S., California and other states, and various foreign jurisdictions. We are currently not the subject of any income tax examinations. In general, the earliest open year subject to examination is 2002, although depending upon jurisdiction, tax years may remain open, subject to certain limitations.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

SFAS No. 157

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements, but provides guidance on how to measure fair value by providing a fair value hierarch used to classify the source of the in formation. This statement is effective beginning in October 2008. We are evaluating whether adoption of this statement will result in a change to our fair value measurements.

 

SFAS No. 159

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. SFAS No. 159 permits companies to choose to measure certain financial instruments and other items at fair value. The standard requires that unrealized gains and losses are reported in earnings for items measured using the fair value option. This statement is effective beginning in January 2008. We are evaluating whether adoption of this statement will result in a change to our fair value measurements.

 

EITF 07-03

 

In June 2007, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued EITF 07-3, Accounting for Nonrefundable Advance Payments for Goods or Services for Use in Future Research and Development Activities, which provides guidance on the accounting for certain nonrefundable advance payments for goods or services that will

 

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December 31, 2007

 

be used or rendered for future research and development activities. This issue is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. We do not expect that the adoption of EITF 07-03 will have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

 

Note 2—Cash and Cash Equivalents and available-for-sale investments

 

Cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale investments are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Estimated Fair Value at
December 31,
     2007    2006

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 76,293    $ 63,760

Short-term investments (less than one year to maturity)

     406,060      394,880

Long-term investments (one to two years to maturity)

     —        8,337
             

Total cash and available-for-sale investments

   $ 482,353    $ 466,977
             

 

Our portfolio of cash and available-for-sale investments includes (in thousands):

 

     Estimated Fair Value at
December 31,
     2007    2006

U.S. corporate commercial paper

   $ 293,866    $ 234,512

Obligations of U.S. corporations

     100,727      151,288

Obligations of U.S. government agencies

     37,333      27,372

Repurchase agreements

     —        33,948

Cash and other debt securities

     50,427      19,857
             

Total cash and available-for-sale investments

   $ 482,353    $ 466,977
             

 

At December 31, 2007, the average portfolio duration was approximately four months and the contractual maturity of any single investment did not exceed twelve months. At December 31, 2006, the average portfolio duration was approximately four months and the contractual maturity of any single investment did not exceed twenty-four months.

 

Gross unrealized gains on the portfolio were $0.5 million and nil as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Gross unrealized losses on the portfolio were $0.1 million and $0.5 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. We have a history of holding our investments to maturity. The gross unrealized losses were primarily due to changes in interest rates on fixed income securities. Additionally, we have the ability and intent to hold our debt securities to maturity when they will be redeemed at full par value. Accordingly, management considers these unrealized losses to be temporary and has not recorded a provision for impairment.

 

At December 31, 2007 and 2006, we had letter of credit arrangements with certain financial institutions and vendors, including our landlord, totaling $2.8 million and $2.6 million, respectively. These letters of credit are secured by investments in similar amounts.

 

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December 31, 2007

 

Note 3—Inventory

 

Inventory consists of the following (in thousands):

 

     December 31,
     2007    2006

Raw material

   $ 9,522    $ 8,609

Work-in-process

     1,749      4,736

Finished goods

     916      1,311
             

Total

   $ 12,187    $ 14,656
             

 

Inventory consists of raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods for our commercial PEGylation business. At December 31, 2007, we did not hold any Exubera-related inventory.

 

Reserves are determined using specific identification plus an estimated reserve for potential defective or excess inventory based on historical experience or projected usage. Inventories are reflected net of reserves of $5.8 million and $4.2 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

Note 4—Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     December 31,  
     2007     2006  

Building and leasehold improvements

   $ 114,210     $ 118,574  

Laboratory equipment

     48,425       43,066  

Manufacturing equipment

     18,493       23,406  

Assets at contract manufacturer locations .

     —         25,886  

Furniture, fixtures and other equipment

     21,169       20,970  

Construction-in-progress

     18,374       8,508  
                

Property and equipment at cost

   $ 220,671     $ 240,410  

Less: accumulated depreciation

     (106,251 )     (106,598 )
                

Property and equipment, net

   $ 114,420     $ 133,812  
                

 

Building and leasehold improvements include our commercial manufacturing, clinical manufacturing, research and development and administrative facilities and the related improvements to these facilities. Laboratory and manufacturing equipment includes assets that support both our manufacturing and research and development efforts. Assets at contract manufacturer locations included automated assembly line equipment used in the manufacture of the Exubera inhaler device at December 31, 2006. Construction-in-progress includes assets being built to enhance our manufacturing and research and development programs.

 

Depreciation expense, including depreciation of assets acquired through capital leases, for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 was $25.9 million, $26.8 million, and $19.2 million, respectively.

 

In accordance with SFAS 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, we periodically review our Property and equipment for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. In December 2007, we evaluated our Exubera-related

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

December 31, 2007

 

assets for impairment after the termination of our collaborative development and license agreements with Pfizer on November 9, 2007 and recorded an impairment charge of $28.4 million in December 2007. During the year ended December 31, 2006, we commenced with plans to wind-down our Bradford, UK operations and accelerated $1.2 million of remaining depreciation in June 2006. Additionally, we determined that one of our construction-in-progress assets would not be completed and recorded an impairment charge of $2.8 million in December 2006. In December 2005, we determined the fair value of our Bradford, UK operations’ was below the carrying value and recorded an impairment charge of $5.7 million related to the property and equipment at Bradford. Please refer to Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to Impairment of Long Lived Assets.

 

Note 5—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill

 

As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the carrying value of our goodwill is $78.4 million, of which $69.0 million is assigned to our PEGylation technology reporting unit and $9.4 million is assigned to our pulmonary technology reporting unit.

 

In the fourth quarters of 2007 and 2006, we performed our annual impairment tests of goodwill and determined that goodwill is not impaired because the fair value, based on the estimated future discounted cash flows, exceeds the carrying value of the reporting units’ assets, including assigned goodwill.

 

In December 2005, we recorded an impairment charge of $59.6 million related to the goodwill assigned to the super critical fluids reporting unit in Bradford, UK. Please refer to Note 14 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 

Other Intangible Assets

 

The customer relationship intangible asset obtained from the acquisition of Aerogen, Inc. in October 2005 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 31,  
     2007     2006  

Gross carrying amount

   $ 4,730     $ 4,730  

Accumulated amortization

     (2,050 )     (1,104 )
                

Other intangible asset, net

   $ 2,680     $ 3,626  
                

 

Amortization expense related to other intangible assets totaled $0.9 million, $4.3 million, and $4.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. The estimated useful life is 5 years and future amortization expense is approximately $0.9 million per year until October 2010, when it will be fully amortized.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2006, we recorded an impairment charge of $5.5 million related to core technology intangible assets obtained as part of the Aerogen, Inc. acquisition in October 2005. Please refer to Note 14 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 

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December 31, 2007

 

Note 6—Convertible Subordinated Notes

 

The outstanding balance of our convertible subordinated notes is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Semi-Annual
Interest Payment Dates
   December 31,  
      2007    2006  

5% Notes due February 2007

   August 8, February 8    $ —      $ 36,026  

3.5% Notes due October 2007

   April 17, October 17      —        66,627  

3.25% Notes due September 2012

   March 28, September 28      315,000      315,000  
                  

Total outstanding convertible subordinated notes

      $ 315,000    $ 417,653  

Less: current portion

        —        (102,653 )
                  

Convertible subordinated notes

      $ 315,000    $ 315,000  
                  

 

Our convertible subordinated notes are unsecured and subordinated in right of payment to any future senior debt. The carrying value approximates fair value for both periods presented. Costs related to the issuance of these convertible notes are recorded in other assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and are generally amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the contractual life of the notes. The unamortized deferred financing costs were $5.1 million and $7.3 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

Conversion and Redemption

 

The notes are convertible at the option of the holder at any time on or prior to maturity into shares of our common stock. The 3.25% Notes have a conversion rate of 46.4727 shares per $1,000 principal amount, which is equal to a conversion price of approximately $21.52. Additionally, at any time prior to maturity, if a fundamental change as defined in the 3.25% subordinated debt indenture occurs, we may be required to pay a make-whole premium on notes converted in connection therewith by increasing the conversion rate applicable to the notes.

 

Beginning on September 28, 2008, we may redeem the 3.25% Notes in whole or in part for cash at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus any accrued but unpaid interest if the closing price of the common stock has exceeded 150% of the conversion price for at least 20 days in any consecutive 30 day trading period.

 

The 3.5% and 5% Notes were repaid in full in 2007 and are, therefore, no longer subject to conversion or redemption.

 

Loss on Early Extinguishment of Convertible Subordinated Notes

 

In September 2005, we retired $25.4 million and $45.9 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 5% Notes and 3.5% Notes, respectively, in cash, in privately negotiated transactions. As a result of the transactions, we recognized losses related to the early extinguishment of approximately $0.3 million.

 

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December 31, 2007

 

Note 7—Capital Leases

 

We lease office space and office equipment under capital lease arrangements. The gross carrying value by major asset class and accumulated depreciation as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 31,  
     2007     2006  

Building and leasehold improvements

   $ 23,962     $ 21,449  

Furniture, fixtures and other equipment

     591       261  

Construction in progress

     1,602       —    
                

Total assets recorded under capital leases

   $ 26,155     $ 21,710  

Less: accumulated depreciation

     (6,124 )     (4,173 )
                

Net assets recorded under capital leases

   $ 20,031     $ 17,537  
                

 

Building Lease

 

We lease office space at 201 Industrial Road in San Carlos, California under capital lease arrangements. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we modified our existing lease agreement to increase our office space by 20,123 square feet of additional premises. We re-evaluated the lease as amended and continue to classify it as a capital lease.

 

Under the terms of the lease, the rent will escalate 2% in October of each year for the original leased premises and the rent will escalate 3% in November of each year for the additional leased premises. The lease termination date for the original and additional premises is October 5, 2016.

 

Office Equipment

 

In November 2007, we entered into a twelve-month lease with Cisco Systems Capital Corporation related to communication equipment. The lease agreement includes a $1 buy-out option at the end of the twelve-month term.

 

Future minimum payments for our capital leases at December 31, 2007 are as follows (in thousands):

 

Years ending December 31,

  

2008

   $ 6,010  

2009

     4,717  

2010

     4,752  

2011

     4,907  

2012

     4,958  

2013 and thereafter

     19,489  
        

Total minimum payments required

   $ 44,833  

Less: amount representing interest

     (20,866 )
        

Present value of future payments

   $ 23,967  

Less: current portion

     (2,335 )
        

Non-current portion

   $ 21,632  
        

 

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December 31, 2007

 

Note 8—Litigation Settlement

 

On June 30, 2006, we, our subsidiary Nektar AL, and a former officer, Milton Harris, entered into a settlement agreement and general release with the University of Alabama Huntsville (UAH) related to an intellectual property dispute. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, we, Nektar AL, Mr. Harris and UAH agreed to full and complete satisfaction of all claims asserted in the litigation in exchange for $25.0 million in cash payments. We and Mr. Harris made an initial payment of $15.0 million on June 30, 2006, of which we paid $11.0 million and Mr. Harris paid $4.0 million. In June 2007, we made the first of ten annual $1.0 million installment payments. During the year ended December 31, 2006, we recorded a litigation settlement charge of $17.7 million, which reflects the net present value of the settlement payments using an 8% annual discount rate. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, our accrued liability related to the UAH settlement was $6.5 million and $7.0 million, respectively.

 

Note 9—Commitments and Contingencies

 

Unconditional Purchase Obligations

 

As of December 31, 2007, we had approximately $19.3 million of unconditional purchase obligations for purchases of goods and services in 2008 that have not been recognized on our consolidated balance sheet. These obligations include approximately $10.7 million for research and development activities pertaining to our ongoing Phase 2 clinical trials of NKTR-102 and NKTR-118, $4.3 million for capital projects to enhance our manufacturing capabilities, research and development programs, and facilities, $2.2 million for PEGylation inventory purchases, and $2.1 million for partnered contract research programs.

 

Operating Leases

 

We lease certain facilities under arrangements expiring through June 2012. Certain of these lease arrangements contain escalation clauses. We recognize rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease period. Rent expense for operating leases was approximately $4.3 million, $4.1 million, and $3.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.

 

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2007, are as follows (in thousands):

 

Years ending December 31,

  

2008

   $ 3,704

2009

     2,928

2010

     2,836

2011

     2,905

2012

     1,452
      

Total minimum payments required

   $ 13,825
      

 

We have several leases for our facilities in multiple locations. In the event that we do not exercise our option to extend the term of the lease of our San Carlos manufacturing facility, we are required to restore the property to certain conditions in place at the time of lease. We believe these costs would not be material to our operations. As a result of terminating our research and development efforts in the UK, we recorded a $1.0 million expense in the year December 31, 2006, related to the lease restoration of our Bradford facilities.

 

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December 31, 2007

 

In June 2007, we entered in a sub-lease of our Mountain View, California facility. During the year ending December 31, 2007, we recognized $0.5 million in sub-lease rental income. The sub-lease expires in February 2009, concurrent with the expiration of our lease agreement. As of December 31, 2007, future minimum rentals to be received under the sub-lease are $1.4 million in 2008 and $0.2 million in 2009.

 

Legal Matters

 

From time to time, we may be involved in lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, consisting of intellectual property, commercial, employment and other matters, which arise in the ordinary course of business. In accordance with the SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, we make a provision for a liability when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. These provisions are reviewed at least quarterly and adjusted to reflect the impact of negotiations, settlements, ruling, advice of legal counsel, and other information and events pertaining to a particular case. Litigation is inherently unpredictable. If any unfavorable ruling were to occur in any specific period, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on the results of operations of that period or on our cash flows and liquidity.

 

Workers Compensation

 

We renewed our workers compensation insurance policy for the coverage period beginning November 1, 2006 as a fully funded policy under which all claims will be paid by the insurance carrier. In the prior policy period from November 1, 2005 through October 31, 2006 we were covered by a self funded policy under which the company was liable for all claims up to $250,000 per occurrence and to a maximum of $950,000. Historically, we have not incurred significant obligations under the self funded portion of our workers compensation policy and no significant liabilities have been recorded for workers compensation claims filed under the self funded policy on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2007 or 2006.

 

Royalties

 

We have certain royalty commitments associated with the shipment and licensing of certain products. Royalty expense, which is reflected in cost of goods sold in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, was approximately $3.9 million, $5.5 million, and $3.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. The overall maximum amount of the obligations is based upon sales of the applicable product and cannot be reasonably estimated.

 

Collaboration Agreements for Pulmonary and PEGylation Technology

 

As part of our collaboration agreements with our partners for the license, development, manufacture and supply of products based on our pulmonary or PEGylation technology, we generally agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless our partners from and against third party liabilities arising out of the agreement, including product liability (with respect to our activities) and infringement of intellectual property to the extent the intellectual property is developed by us or licensed to our partners. The term of these indemnification obligations is generally perpetual any time after execution of the agreement. There is no limitation on the potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under these indemnification obligations.

 

To date we have not incurred costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification obligations. If any of our indemnification obligations is triggered, we may incur substantial liabilities. Because the obligated amount under these agreements is not explicitly stated, the overall maximum amount of the

 

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December 31, 2007

 

obligations cannot be reasonably estimated. No liabilities have been recorded for these obligations on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2007 or 2006.

 

Indemnification Underwriters and Initial purchasers of our Securities

 

In connection with our sale of equity and convertible debt securities, we have agreed to defend, indemnify and hold harmless our underwriters or initial purchasers, as applicable, as well as certain related parties from and against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The term of these indemnification obligations is generally perpetual. There is no limitation on the potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under these indemnification obligations. We have never incurred costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification obligations. If any of our indemnification obligations are triggered, however, we may incur substantial liabilities. Because the obligated amount of this agreement is not explicitly stated, the overall maximum amount of the obligations cannot be reasonably estimated. Historically, we have not been obligated to make significant payments for these obligations, and no liabilities have been recorded for these obligations in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2007 or 2006.

 

Director and Officer Indemnifications

 

As permitted under Delaware law, and as set forth in our Certificate of Incorporation and our Bylaws, we indemnify our directors, executive officers, other officers, employees, and other agents for certain events or occurrences that arose while in such capacity. The maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under this indemnification is unlimited; however, we have insurance policies that may limit our exposure and may enable us to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. Assuming the applicability of coverage, the willingness of the insurer to assume coverage, and subject to certain retention, loss limits and other policy provisions, we believe any obligations under this indemnification are not material, other than an initial $500,000 per incident for SEC related claims and $250,000 per incident for non-SEC related claims retention deductible per our insurance policy. However, no assurances can be given that the covering insurers will not attempt to dispute the validity, applicability, or amount of coverage without expensive litigation against these insurers, in which case we may incur substantial liabilities as a result of these indemnification obligations. Because the obligated amount of this agreement is not explicitly stated, the overall maximum amount of the obligations cannot be reasonably estimated. Historically, we have not been obligated to make significant payments for these obligations, and no liabilities have been recorded for these obligations in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2007 or 2006.

 

Note 10—Stockholders’ Equity

 

Preferred Stock

 

We have authorized 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, each share having a par value of $0.0001. 3,100,000 shares of Preferred Stock are designated Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”). We had designated 40,000 shares of Preferred Stock as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, however, on January 7, 2006 the remaining outstanding shares automatically converted to common stock. We have no preferred shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2007 or 2006.

 

Series A Preferred Stock

 

On June 1, 2001, the Board of Directors approved the adoption of a Share Purchase Rights Plan. Terms of the Rights Plan provide for a dividend distribution of one preferred share purchase right for each outstanding share of our Common Stock. The Rights have certain anti-takeover effects and will cause substantial dilution to a person or

 

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December 31, 2007

 

group that attempts to acquire us on terms not approved by our Board of Directors. The dividend distribution was payable on June 22, 2001, to the stockholders of record on that date. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from us one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Preferred Stock at a price of $225.00 per one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Preferred Stock, subject to adjustment. Each one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Preferred Stock has designations and powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions which make its value approximately equal to the value of a share of Common Share.

 

The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date (as defined in the Certificate of Designation for the Series A Preferred Stock). The Rights will expire on June 1, 2011, unless the Rights are earlier redeemed or exchanged by us. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to a minimum preferential quarterly dividend payment of $1.00, or if greater than $1.00, will be entitled to an aggregate dividend of 100 times the dividend declared per share of Common Stock. In the event of liquidation, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock would be entitled to $100 per share or, if greater than $100, an aggregate payment equal to 100 times the payment made per share of Common Stock. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock will have 100 votes, voting together with the Common Stock. Finally, in the event of any merger, consolidation or other transaction in which our Common Stock is exchanged, each share of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive 100 times the amount of consideration received per share of Common Stock. Because of the nature of the Series A Preferred Stock dividend and liquidation rights, the value of one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Preferred Stock should approximate the value of one share of Common Stock. The Series A Preferred Stock would rank junior to any other future series of preferred stock. Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no rights as a stockholder, including, without limitation, the right to vote or to receive dividends.

 

Issuance of Common Stock

 

On August 15, 2005, we entered into a Common Stock Purchase Agreement with Mainfield Enterprises Inc. pursuant to which we sold approximately 1,900,000 shares of our common stock at an average price of $16.93 per common share for proceeds of approximately $31.6 million, net of issuance costs.

 

Stock Option Plans

 

The following table summarizes information with respect to shares of our common stock that may be issued under our existing equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2007 (share number in thousands):

 

Plan Category

   Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options
(a) (1)
   Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options
(b)
   Number of securities remaining
available for issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities reflected
in column(a))
(c)

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (2)

   6,014    $ 15.37    5,340

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

   6,894    $ 15.67    1,923
            

Total

   12,908    $ 15.63    7,263
            

 

(1) Does not include options to purchase 3,200 shares assumed in connection with the acquisition of Bradford Particle Design Ltd (with a weighted-average exercise price of $7.00 per share) and options to purchase 36,324 shares we assumed in connection with the acquisition of Shearwater Corporation (with a weighted-average exercise price of $0.03 per share).

 

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December 31, 2007

 

(2) Includes 217,838 shares of common stock available for future issuance under our ESPP as of December 31, 2007.

 

2000 Equity Incentive Plan

 

Our 1994 Equity Incentive Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors on February 10, 1994, and was amended and restated in its entirety and renamed the “2000 Equity Incentive Plan” on April 19, 2000. The purpose of the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan is to attract and retain qualified personnel, to provide additional incentives to our employees, officers, consultants and employee directors and to promote the success of our business. Pursuant to the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan, we may grant or issue incentive stock options to employees and officers and non-qualified stock options, rights to acquire restricted stock, restricted stock units, and stock bonuses to consultants, employees, officers and non-employee directors.

 

The maximum term of a stock option under the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan is eight years, but if the optionee at the time of grant has voting power of more than 10% of our outstanding capital stock, the maximum term of an incentive stock option is five years. The exercise price of incentive stock options granted under the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan must be at least equal to 100% (or 110% with respect to holders of more than 10% of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock) of the fair market value of the stock subject to the option on the date of the grant. The exercise price of non-qualified stock options and the purchase price of rights to acquire restricted stock and restricted stock units granted under the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan are determined by the Board of Directors.

 

The Board may amend the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan at any time, although certain amendments would require stockholder approval. The 2000 Equity Incentive Plan will terminate on February 9, 2010, unless earlier terminated by the Board. On June 1, 2006, our stockholders approved an amendment to the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under the Purchase Plan to a total of 18,250,000 shares.

 

2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan

 

Our 1998 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors on August 18, 1998, and was amended and restated in its entirety and renamed the “2000 Non-officer Equity Incentive Plan” on June 6, 2000 (the “2000 Plan”). The purpose of the 2000 Plan is to attract and retain qualified personnel, to provide additional incentives to employees and consultants and to promote the success of our business. Pursuant to the 2000 plan, we may grant or issue non-qualified stock options, rights to acquire restricted stock and stock bonuses to employees and consultants who are neither Officers nor Directors of Nektar. The maximum term of a stock option under the 2000 Plan is eight years. The exercise price of stock options and the purchase price of restricted stock granted under the 2000 Plan are determined by the Board of Directors.

 

Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan

 

On February 10, 1994, our Board of Directors adopted the Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan under which options to purchase up to 400,000 shares of our Common Stock at the then fair market value may be granted to our non-employee directors. There are no remaining options available for grant under this plan as of December 31, 2007.

 

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December 31, 2007

 

Restricted Stock Units

 

During the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, we issued Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) to certain officers, non-employees, directors, employees and consultants. RSUs are similar to restricted stock in that they are issued for no consideration; however, the holder generally is not entitled to the underlying shares of common stock until the RSU vests. Also, because the RSUs are issued for $0.01, the grant-date fair value of the award is equal to its intrinsic value on the date of grant. The RSUs were issued under both the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan and are settled by delivery of shares of our common stock on or shortly after the date the awards vest.

 

We issued approximately 345,000, 1,089,000, and 112,000 RSUs during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005. Approximately 1,010,000 of the RSUs issued in 2006 vest upon the achievement of three performance-based milestones. During the year ended December 31, 2007, one of the performance based milestones was achieved and 174,035 shares vested and were released. The RSUs issued in 2007 and 2005 are service based awards and vest based on the passage of time. Beginning with shares granted in the year ended December 31, 2005, each RSU depletes the pool of options available for grant by a ratio of 1:1.5.

 

Warrants

 

In November 1996, we issued warrants to purchase a total of 40,000 shares of common stock in connection with a tenant improvement loan for one of our facilities. The warrants had an exercise price of $6.56 per share and expired after ten years. The warrants allowed for net share settlement at the option of the warrant holder and were accounted for as equity in accordance with EITF Issue No. 96-18 (“EITF 96-18”) Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services. The warrants were valued using a Black-Scholes option valuation model with the following weighted-average assumptions: risk free interest rate of 6.4%; dividend yield of 0.0%; volatility factor of 62%; and a weighted average expected life of ten years. In November 2004, one of the warrants representing 20,000 shares of common stock was exercised in the form of a net share settlement for 11,775 shares of common stock. In August 2006, the remaining warrant representing 20,000 shares of common stock was exercised in the form of a net share settlement for 12,087 shares of common stock. Expense related to these warrants was insignificant for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005.

 

In September 2000, we issued warrants to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock to the landlord of one of our facilities in connection with the signing of a capital lease on that facility. In November 2000, we issued warrants to certain consultants to purchase an additional 6,000 shares of common stock. These warrants were accounted for as equity in accordance with EITF 96-18 and were valued using a Black-Scholes option valuation model with the following weighted-average assumptions: a risk free interest rate of 6.4%; a dividend yield of 0.0%; a volatility factor of 68.8%; and a weighted average expected life of ten years. Both warrants had an exercise price of $45.88 per share with a six year life, and both expired unexercised in September and November 2006, respectively. No warrants to purchase common shares were outstanding at December 31, 2007 or 2006. Expense related to these warrants was insignificant for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005.

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

In February 1994, our Board of Directors adopted the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”), pursuant to section 423(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Under the ESPP, 800,000 shares of common stock have been authorized for issuance. The terms of the ESPP provide eligible employees with the opportunity to acquire

 

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an ownership interest in Nektar through participation in a program of periodic payroll deductions for the purchase of our common stock. Employees may elect to enroll or re-enroll in the plan on a semi-annual basis. Stock is purchased at 85% of the lower of the closing price on the first day of the enrollment period or the last day of the enrollment period.

 

401(k) Retirement Plan

 

We sponsor a 401(k) retirement plan whereby eligible employees may elect to contribute up to the lesser of 60% of their annual compensation or the statutorily prescribed annual limit allowable under Internal Revenue Service regulations. The 401(k) plan permits us to make matching contributions on behalf of all participants. Currently, we match the lesser of 75% of year to date participant contributions or 3% of eligible wages. The match vests ratably over the first three years of employment, such that after three years of employment, all matching is fully vested. The matching contribution is in the form of shares of our common stock.

 

We issued approximately 161,000 shares, 103,000 shares, and 87,000 shares of our common stock valued at approximately $1.6 million, $1.8 million, and $1.4 million in connection with the match in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. During part of 2007, shares reserved for issuance related to matching contributions that had been previously been approved by our Board of Directors became fully depleted. During the year ended December 31, 2007, our Board of Directors approved an additional 300,000 shares to be reserved for issuance related to matching contributions.

 

An amendment was made to the current 401(k) plan, effective January 1, 2008, to provide each eligible participant with a base matching contribution of $1,000 and up to an additional $2,000 in matching cash contributions (for a maximum aggregate of $3,000). The additional matching contribution accrues to the participant on a $1 for $1 basis based upon each participant’s annual contribution to the 401(k) plan. If the participant commences employment during the calendar year, the base matching contribution will be pro-rated based on the number of calendar quarters the participant is employed.

 

Change in Control Severance Plan

 

On December 6, 2006, the Board of Directors approved a Change of Control Severance Benefit Plan (the “CIC Plan”) and on February 14, 2007 the Board of Directors amended and restated the CIC Plan. The CIC Plan is designed to make certain benefits available to eligible employees of the Company in the event of a change of control of the Company and, following such change of control, an employee’s employment with the Company or successor company is terminated in certain specified circumstances. The Company adopted the CIC Plan to support the continuity of the business in the context of a change of control transaction. The CIC Plan was not adopted in contemplation of any specific change of control transaction. A brief description of the material terms and conditions of the CIC Plan is provided below.

 

Under the CIC Plan, in the event of a change of control of the Company and a subsequent termination of employment initiated by the Company or a successor company other than for Cause or initiated by the employee for a Good Reason Resignation (as hereinafter defined) in each case within twelve months following a change of control transaction, (i) the Chief Executive Officer would be entitled to receive cash severance pay equal to 24 months base salary plus annual target incentive pay, the extension of employee benefits over this severance period and the full acceleration of unvested outstanding equity awards, and (ii) the Chief Scientific Officer, Senior Vice Presidents and Vice Presidents (including Principal Fellows) would each be entitled to receive cash severance pay equal to twelve months base salary plus annual target incentive pay, the extension of employee

 

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December 31, 2007

 

benefits over this severance period and the full acceleration of unvested outstanding equity awards. In the event of a change of control of the Company and a subsequent termination of employment initiated by the Company or a successor company other than for Cause (as hereinafter defined) within twelve months following a change of control transaction, all other employees would each be entitled to receive cash severance pay equal to 6 months base salary plus annual target incentive pay, the extension of employee benefits over this severance period and the full acceleration of each such employee’s unvested outstanding equity awards.

 

On December 6, 2006, the Board of Directors approved an amendment to all outstanding stock awards held by non-employee directors to provide for full acceleration of vesting in the event of a change of control transaction.

 

Reserved Shares

 

At December 31, 2007, we have reserved shares of common stock for issuance as follows (in thousands):

 

Convertible subordinated notes

   14,639

Stock options and Restricted Stock Units

   15,575

ESPP

   218

401(k) retirement plans

   220
    

Total

   30,652
    

 

Note 11—Comprehensive Loss

 

Comprehensive loss is comprised of net loss and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and includes the following components (in thousands):

 

     Years ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Net loss, as reported

   $ (32,761 )   $ (154,761 )   $ (185,111 )

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities

     927       1,458       (101 )

Translation adjustment

     654       311       (1,250 )
                        

Total comprehensive loss

   $ (31,180 )   $ (152,992 )   $ (186,462 )
                        

 

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 31,  
     2007    2006  

Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities

   $ 428    $ (499 )

Translation adjustment

     1,215      561  
               

Total accumulated other comprehensive income

   $ 1,643    $ 62  
               

 

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December 31, 2007

 

Note 12—Significant Collaborative Research and Development Agreements

 

We perform research and development for our biotechnology and pharmaceutical partners pursuant to collaboration agreements. Revenues generated from our collaboration efforts are recorded as contract research revenue and our costs of performing these services are included in research and development expense. In accordance with these agreements, we recorded Contract research revenue as follows (in thousands):

 

           Years ended December 31,

Partner

  

Molecule

   2007    2006    2005

Pfizer Inc

   Exubera® (insulin human [rDNA origin]) Inhalation Powder, next-generation inhaled insulin,    $ 43,714    $ 25,815    $ 64,091

Novartis Pharma AG

   Tobramycin inhalation powder (TIP)      17,036      8,516      4,831

Bayer AG

   NKTR-061, Ciprofloxacin Inhalation Powder (CIP)      9,422      4,885      4,074

Baxter Healthcare SA

   Poly(ethylene) glycol reagent      3,127      3,965      310

Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

   Pulmonary dronabinol (Dronabinol metered dose inhaler)      2,022      1,002      2,756

Zelos Therapeutics Inc.

   Pulmonary Ostabolin-C      1,748      5,962      3,487

Other

        8,856      6,158      2,053
                       

Contract research revenue

      $ 85,925    $ 56,303    $ 81,602
                       

 

Under these collaborative research and development agreements, we are reimbursed for the cost of work performed on a revenue per annual full-time employee equivalent (FTE) basis, plus out of pocket third party costs. The initial annual FTE rate is established when the contract is executed and generally increases each year based on the consumer price index. Revenue recognized approximates the costs associated with these billable services.

 

We also are typically entitled to receive milestone payments when and if certain development or regulatory milestones are achieved. All of our research and development agreements are generally cancelable by our partners without significant financial penalty to the partner.

 

Pfizer Inc.

 

We were a party to collaboration agreements with Pfizer related to the development of Exubera and the next-generation inhaled insulin (“NGI”) that terminated on November 9, 2007. Under the terms of the collaboration agreements, we received contract research and development revenue as well as milestone and up-front fees related to the Exubera Inhalation Powder, Exubera Inhalers and NGI. In the first half of 2007, we received $24.7 million in non-refundable payments from Pfizer in connection with NGI, which was accounted for as deferred up-front fees and began amortization over 8 years, the expected life of the agreement. The unamortized balance of the deferred up-front fees as of September 30, 2007, approximately $23.2 million, was recognized as revenue during the fourth quarter of 2007 as a result of the termination of the Pfizer Agreements as no further delivery obligations exist under the arrangement.

 

Please refer to Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financials for further information on the termination of our collaborative agreements with Pfizer Inc.

 

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December 31, 2007

 

Novartis Pharma AG

 

We are party to a collaboration agreement with Novartis Pharma AG to develop a dry powder inhaled formulation of tobramycin for the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis patients and to explore the development of other inhaled antibiotics using our pulmonary technology. We will receive research and development funding and may receive milestone payments as the program progresses through further clinical testing, and may receive royalty payments on product sales and manufacturing revenues if the product is commercialized.

 

Bayer AG

 

On August 1, 2007, we entered into a co-development, license and co-promotion agreement with Bayer AG with regard to the further development and commercialization of NKTR-061, a product candidate based on our pulmonary technology with the potential to deliver a specially-formulated amikacin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, for inhalation deep into the lung for the adjunctive treatment of Gram-negative pneumonias. Under the collaboration, we are entitled to receive research and development milestone payments, royalty payments and/or profit-sharing on product sales, and sales milestones if the product candidate is approved and successfully commercialized.

 

We are also a party to a collaboration agreement with Bayer AG to develop an inhaleable powder formulation of a novel form of Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) to treat chronic lung infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis patients. Under the terms of the collaboration, Nektar is responsible for formulation of the dry powder drug and development of the inhalation system, as well as clinical and commercial manufacturing of the drug formulation and device combination. Bayer is responsible for the clinical development and worldwide commercialization of the system. We will receive research and development funding and may receive milestone payments as the program progresses through further clinical testing, and may receive royalty payments on product sales and manufacturing revenues if the product is commercialized.

 

Baxter Healthcare SA and Baxter Healthcare Corp.

 

We are party to a collaboration agreement with Baxter Healthcare SA and Baxter Healthcare Corp., to develop product candidates to extend the half-life of Hemophilia A and B proteins using our PEGylation technology. On December 17, 2007, we expanded our agreement with Baxter to include the license of our PEGylation intellectual technology and proprietary PEGylation methods with the potential to improve the half-life of Baxter’s proprietary treatments for Hemophilia B. These PEGylated hemophilia product candidates are in pre-clinical development. We are entitled to receive research and development funding, milestone payments, as well as royalty payments on product sales if the product candidate is successfully approved and commercialized. Nektar will supply, and will receive manufacturing revenues for, the PEG reagents used in the products for preclinical, clinical and commercial purposes.

 

Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

 

We are party to a collaboration agreement with Unimed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc., to develop a formulation of dronabinol (synthetic delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) to be delivered using a metered dose inhaler. The product is under development for multiple indications. Dronabinol is the active ingredient in Unimed’s MARINOL® capsules, which are approved in the U.S. for multiple indications. Solvay initiated Phase 2 trials for pulmonary dronabinol in 2005 for the treatment of migraines with and without aura. We may receive research and development funding, milestone payments as the program progresses through further clinical testing, and may receive royalty payments on product sales and manufacturing revenues if the product is commercialized.

 

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December 31, 2007

 

Zelos Therapeutics Inc.

 

We are party to a collaboration to develop an inhaleable powder form of Zelos Therapeutics’ parathyroid hormone (PTH) analogue, called Ostabolin-CTM. Under the terms of the agreement, Nektar is responsible for development of the formulated dry powder drug and inhalation system, as well as clinical and commercial manufacturing of the drug formulation and device combination. Zelos is responsible for supply of the active pharmaceutical ingredient or API, clinical development and commercialization. We receive research and development funding, milestone payments as the program progresses through further clinical testing, and may receive royalty payments on product sales and manufacturing revenues if the product is commercialized. In December 2007, Zelos provided notification of termination of our collaborative development and license agreement. The agreement will terminate 180 days following the date of the notification or on June 28, 2008.

 

Note 13—Gain on Termination of Collaborative Agreements, net

 

During the year ended December 31, 2007, our gain on termination of collaborative agreements, net line of our Consolidated Statements of Operations is comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

     Year ended
December 31,

2007
 

Pfizer termination settlement payment received

   $ 135,000  

Exubera Inhaler Manufacturing and Supply Agreement Termination

  

Tech Group

     (13,765 )

Bespak

     (18,598 )
        
     102,637  

Settlement of assets and liabilities related to Pfizer

     (23,459 )
        

Gain on termination of collaborative agreements, net

   $ 79,178  
        

 

Refer to Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for related impairment of long-lived assets associated with manufacturing and development of Exubera and NGI in 2007.

 

Pfizer Termination Agreement and Settlement

 

On October 18, 2007, Pfizer announced that it was exiting the Exubera business and gave notice of termination under our collaborative development and license agreements with Pfizer (the “Pfizer agreements”). On November 9, 2007, we entered into a termination agreement and mutual release with Pfizer. Under the termination agreement, we received a one-time payment of $135.0 million in November 2007 from Pfizer in satisfaction of all outstanding contractual obligations under our existing agreements relating to Exubera and NGI. Contractual obligations include unbilled product sales and contract research revenue through November 9, 2007, outstanding accounts receivable as of November 9, 2007, unrecovered capital costs at November 9, 2007, and contract termination costs.

 

We recognized Exubera and NGI related revenue from Pfizer for product sales, contract research, and upfront fees through the contract termination on November 9, 2007 totaling $182.4 million and $41.7 million during the year and quarter ended December 31, 2007, respectively. We will not receive any revenue from Pfizer related to Exubera or NGI in 2008.

 

We are currently seeking a new marketing and development partner for Exubera and NGI. Under the termination agreement, if a new partner for Exubera and/or NGI is identified subject to certain terms, conditions, and limitations, Pfizer has agreed to transfer all of its remaining rights in Exubera and NGI to the new partner without additional consideration except for reimbursement of incremental costs actually incurred by Pfizer.

 

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December 31, 2007

 

Termination of Exubera InhalerManufacturing and Supply Agreement

 

We were a party to the manufacturing and supply agreement (the “Exubera Inhaler MSA”) with Tech Group North America, Inc. and Bespak Europe Ltd. related to the manufacture and supply of Exubera inhalers. As a result of the Pfizer termination described above, management concluded no further orders for supply of Exubera inhalers were required from Tech Group or Bespak in the foreseeable future. Under the Exubera Inhaler MSA, we were required to provide 2008 production forecasts to Tech Group and Bespak in November 2007. Due to Pfizer’s termination of the Exubera program, we were unable to provide Exubera and Tech Group with future Exubera inhaler manufacturing commitments. In December 2007, we began discussions with Tech Group and Bespak to terminate the Exubera Inhaler MSA. As of December 31, 2007, due to Pfizer’s termination of the Exubera program and our inability to provide Bespak and Tech Group with future Exubera inhaler manufacturing commitments, we had a contractual liability for termination costs and expenses that would be incurred by Bespak and Tech Group.

 

On February 12, 2008, we entered into a Termination and 2008 Continuation Agreement (“TCA”) with Tech Group pursuant to which the Exubera Inhaler MSA was terminated in its entirety. We have recorded $13.8 million as termination liabilities under the terms of the TCA. These expenses were due and payable under the termination provision of the Exubera Inhaler MSA, which included reimbursement of inventory, inventory purchase commitments, unamortized depreciation on property and equipment, severance costs and operating lease commitments. In the event that we successfully identify a new Exubera commercialization partner and such partner does enter into an Exubera inhaler supply agreement with Tech Group, we would be relieved of our obligation to pay Tech Group up to $8.0 million of the recorded termination liability (subject to downward adjustment depending on the timing of any such agreement). Due to the uncertainty regarding the prospects of securing a new commercialization partner for Exubera and uncertainty over whether such partner will desire to enter into an Exubera inhaler manufacturing agreement with Tech Group, we believe that this amount is a contingent gain to be recorded when and if those events occur. Additionally, we agreed to compensate Tech Group to retain a limited number of core Exubera inhaler manufacturing personnel and its dedicated Exubera inhaler manufacturing facility for a limited period in 2008 as part of the TCA. These contractual fees are not included in the termination liability recorded during 2007 and will be expensed as incurred in 2008. This maintenance arrangement is designed to preserve Tech Group’s capability to provide future Exubera inhaler manufacturing in the event that we identify a commercialization partner for Exubera and such partner elects to enter into a manufacturing and supply agreement with Tech Group.

 

On February 14, 2008, we entered into a Termination and Mutual Release Agreement with Bespak pursuant to which the Exubera Inhaler MSA was terminated in its entirety and we agreed to pay Bespak £11.0 million or approximately $21.6 million, including $3.0 million in satisfaction of outstanding accounts payable and $18.6 million in termination costs and expenses that were due and payable under the termination provisions of the Exubera Inhaler MSA, which included reimbursement of inventory, inventory purchase commitments, unamortized depreciation on property and equipment, severance costs and operating lease commitments.

 

Within our Consolidated Balance Sheets, accrued expenses to contract manufacturers include the aggregate termination settlement obligation and amounts payable related to 2007 services provided.

 

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December 31, 2007

 

Note 14—Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

During the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, we recorded the following charges in the Impairment of long lived assets line item of our Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):

 

     Years ended December 31,
     2007    2006    2005

Exubera-related property and equipment:

        

Contract manufacturer locations

   $ 16,297    $ —      $ —  

Nektar location

     12,099      —        —  
                    
     28,396      —        —  

Bradford, UK Operations

        

Property and equipment

     —        1,156      5,703

Goodwill

     —        —        59,637
                    
     —        1,156      65,340

Aerogen core-technology intangible assets

     —        5,497      —  

Construction in progress

     —        2,757      —  
                    

Impairment of long lived assets

   $ 28,396    $ 9,410    $ 65,340
                    

 

Exubera-related Property and equipment

 

On November 9, 2007, we entered into a termination agreement and mutual release with Pfizer related to Exubera and NGI. We are currently engaged in discussions with potential partners regarding a collaboration for Exubera and/or NGI. However, there is still uncertainty regarding our ability to successfully conclude a new commercialization and development partnership for Exubera and/or NGI. There are challenges to establishing a new Exubera collaboration including, among others, supply chain continuity for the portions of the Exubera supply chain owned and operated by Pfizer, including raw insulin supply, blister filling, packaging, warehousing and distribution, and the ability of a potential new partner to obtain regulatory approval to market and sell Exubera and required regulatory qualification of certain segments of the Exubera supply chain. As a result, we performed an impairment analysis of the property and equipment that support Exubera commercial operations and NGI (“Exubera-related assets”), including machinery and equipment at our contract manufacturer locations and machinery, equipment, and leasehold improvements in San Carlos and determined the fair value based on a discounted cash flow model. Given that we have not finalized a collaboration agreement and uncertainties associated with future supply chain decisions exist, we concluded that the carrying value exceeded the estimated future cash flow. As a result, we recorded an impairment charge of $28.4 million for the Exubera-related assets during the three-month period ended December 31, 2007.

 

Bradford,UK operations

 

In December 2005, we were apprised of unfavorable results of clinical data related to programs from our super critical fluids business unit, located in Bradford, UK (“Bradford”), which provided an indication that the fair value of the respective business unit’s goodwill was below the carrying value. We performed an impairment analysis of goodwill and other long lived assets for Bradford and determined the fair value based on a discounted cash flow model was less than the carrying value. As a result, we recorded an impairment charge of $65.3 million related to Goodwill and Property and equipment.

 

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December 31, 2007

 

In June 2006, we involuntarily terminated the majority of the personnel located in Bradford, commenced with plans to wind-down the location and its related operations, and reassessed the useful life of the remaining laboratory and office equipment. We determined that these assets could not be redeployed and had no future use. Due to our revised estimate of the useful life of these assets, we accelerated approximately $1.2 million of remaining depreciation in June 2006.

 

Construction in progress

 

In December 2006, we determined that one of our construction-in-progress assets would no longer be completed based on the contract renegotiation with one of our collaboration partners and we recorded an impairment loss for the costs incurred to date of $2.8 million.

 

Other Intangible Assets

 

As part of the October 2005 Aerogen acquisition, we also acquired $7.2 million in core technology intangible assets. In late December 2006, we entered into a non-binding letter of intent to sell our general purpose nebulizer device business. During the year ended December 31, 2006, we determined that the non-binding letter of intent to sell the nebulizer device business, the anticipated proceeds of such potential sale, and the historical losses of the nebulizer device business were indicators that this intangible asset did not have future value and recorded a $5.5 million charge. The management buy-out of the nebulizer device business was completed on November 30, 2007 for an upfront payment of $2.2 million and a net gain of $0.9 million. This management buy-out included a license and a transfer of certain of our non-essential general purpose nebulizer technology under limited terms of use and conditions designed to prevent future competition with our pulmonary liquid delivery programs such as NKTR-061 (inhaled amikacin). These terms and conditions included a limited field license to the general purpose nebulizer devices only and excluded any rights to directly or indirectly develop, market or distribute general purpose nebulizers as a component of a drug/device combination. In addition, any efficiency improvements to the general purpose nebulizer developed by the newly formed company are licensed back to us for addition to our pulmonary technology platform for no additional consideration.

 

Note 15—Workforce Reduction

 

As part of an overall effort to reduce ongoing operating costs and improve the organizational structure, efficiency and productivity of Nektar, on May 18, 2007, the Board of Directors approved a plan (the “2007 Plan”) to reduce our workforce by approximately 180 employees, or approximately 25 percent of our regular full-time employees. The total cost of implementing the 2007 Plan was approximately $8.4 million, comprised of cash payments for severance, medical insurance and outplacement services.

 

We notified the affected employees impacted by the 2007 Plan on May 23, 2007. The majority of the affected employees were terminated in May 2007, but certain employees were given termination dates longer than two months from the date of notification. As of December 31, 2007, the Plan has been completed and the remaining liabilities are related to post-employment medical insurance for employees impacted by the Plan.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

December 31, 2007

 

For the year ended December 31, 2007, workforce reduction charges were recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows (in thousands):

 

     Year ended
December 31,
2007

Cost of goods sold, net of change in inventory

   $ 974

Research and development expense (1)

     5,791

General and administrative expense

     1,617
      

Total workforce reduction charges

   $ 8,382
      

 

(1) During the year ended December 31, 2007, workforce reduction charges recorded to research and development expense included $1.4 million of non-commercial operations, manufacturing, and quality and $4.4 million of research and development infrastructure support. No research and development programs were curtailed due to the workforce reduction.

 

The following table summarizes the liabilities included in accrued compensation in our Consolidated Balance Sheet in connection with the 2007 Plan during the year ended December 31, 2007:

 

     (in thousands)  

Balance at December 31, 2006

   $ —    

Workforce reduction charges recorded

     8,382  

Workforce reduction payments

     (7,802 )
        

Balance at December 31, 2007

   $ 580  
        

 

Note 16—Stock-Based Compensation

 

We issue stock-based awards from three compensation plans, which are more fully described in Note 10—Stockholder’s Equity. Stock-based compensation cost is recorded in the following line items of our Consolidated Financial Statements:

 

     Year ended
December 31,
     2007    2006

Cost of goods sold, net of change in inventory

   $ 1,003    $ 1,614

Research and development

     6,275      9,692

General and administrative

     5,915      17,837
             

Total compensation cost for share-based arrangements

   $ 13,193    $ 29,143
             

 

For the periods ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, we recorded approximately $0.5 million and $11.8 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense related to modifications of certain stock grants in connection with employment separation agreements. Generally, the modifications extended the optionee’s exercise period beyond the 90 day period after termination and accelerated a portion of the optionee’s unvested grants. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2005, we recorded approximately $1.9 million of stock compensation expense pursuant to APB No. 25 related to RSUs that were granted at prices below the fair market value at the date of grant. Stock-based compensation charges are non-cash charges and as such have no impact on our financial position or reported cash flows.

 

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December 31, 2007

 

Aggregate Unrecognized Stock-based Compensation Expense

 

As of December 31, 2007, total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock-based compensation arrangements under the Options Plans is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years as follows (in thousands):

 

Fiscal Year

   As of
December 31,
2007

2008

   $ 10,254

2009

   $ 8,980

2010

   $ 7,422

2011

   $ 3,859

2012 and thereafter

   $ 51
      
   $ 30,566
      

 

Black-Scholes Assumptions

 

Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R, we applied the guidance in Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 that permits the initial application of a “simplified” method based on the average of the vesting term and the term of the option. Previously, we calculated the estimated life based on the expectation that options would be exercised within five years on average. We based our estimate of expected volatility for options granted in 2007 and 2006 on the daily historical trading data of our common stock over the period equivalent to the expected term of the respective stock-based grant. Generally the stock-based grants have expected terms ranging from 30 months to 61 months. For the period ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, the annual forfeiture rate for executives and staff was estimated to be 4.7% and 7.4%, respectively, based on our qualitative and quantitative analysis of our historical forfeitures.

 

The following tables list the Black-Scholes assumptions used to calculate the fair value of employee stock options and ESPP purchases.

 

     Year ended December 31,
2007
  Year ended December 31,
2006
     Employee Stock
Options
  ESPP   Employee Stock
Options
  ESPP

Average risk-free interest rate

   4.2%   4.8%   4.8%   5.2%

Dividend yield

   0.0%   0.0%   0.0%   0.0%

Volatility factor

   53.3%   38.4%   63.1%   33.3%

Weighted average expected life

   5.09 years   0.5 years   5.20 years   0.5 years

 

The grant date fair value of RSU awards is always equal to the intrinsic value of the award on the date of grant since the awards were issued for no consideration. The weighted average life of the 2007 and 2006 RSUs is estimated to be 1.2 years and 3.0 years, respectively.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

December 31, 2007

 

Summary of Stock Option Activity

 

The table below presents a summary of stock option activity under the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan, the Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan and the 2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan (in thousands, except for price per share information):

 

     Options Outstanding    Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price

Per Share
   Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (in years)
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (1)
     Number of
Shares
    Exercise Price
Per Share
        

Balance at December 31, 2004

   13,590       0.01-61.63      17.57    6.03    $ 79,055

Options granted

   1,791       13.46-19.76      17.44      

Options exercised

   (1,014 )     0.01-18.47      9.47       $ 8,198

Options forfeited & canceled

   (1,114 )     3.88-56.38      21.34      
                 

Balance at December 31, 2005

   13,253     $ 0.01-61.63    $ 17.85    5.38    $ 37,678

Options granted

   1,115       14.36-21.51      17.88      

Options exercised

   (2,160 )     0.05-20.41      9.51       $ 18,651

Options forfeited & canceled

   (1,501 )     4.62-52.16      21.86      
                 

Balance at December 31, 2006

   10,707     $ 0.01-61.63    $ 18.97    4.78    $ 15,348

Options granted

   5,257       5.98-15.24      9.87      

Options exercised

   (429 )     0.01-14.25      6.80       $ 1,770

Options forfeited & canceled

   (3,323 )     4.50-55.19      18.47      
                 

Balance at December 31, 2007

   12,212          15.62    5.20    $ 643
                 

Exercisable at December 31, 2007

   7,023          19.15    3.64    $ 584

Exercisable at December 31, 2006

   8,185          19.88    4.09    $ 12,229

Exercisable at December 31, 2005

   9,468          19.08    4.69    $ 25,967

 

(1) Aggregate Intrinsic Value represents the difference between the exercise price of the option and the closing market price of our common stock on the exercise date or December 31, as applicable.

 

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 was $5.11, $10.54, and $10.26, respectively. The estimated fair value of options that vested during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was $8.7 million and $12.0 million, respectively.

 

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December 31, 2007

 

The following table provides information regarding our outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2007 (in thousands except for share information and contractual life):

 

     Options Outstanding    Options Exercisable

Range of

Exercise

    Prices    

   Number    Weighted-Average
Exercise Price Per
Share
   Weighted-Average
Remaining Contractual
Life (in years)
   Number    Weighted-Average
Exercise Price Per
Share
0.01-6.42    426,908    $ 5.21    5.58    307,952    $ 4.82
6.43-6.98    1,737,765    $ 6.97    7.92    27,870    $ 6.66
6.99-10.83    1,303,510    $ 8.49    6.45    593,580    $ 8.13
10.84-12.37    1,307,776    $ 11.44    7.04    291,346    $ 11.40
12.50-14.25    1,368,281    $ 13.60    3.22    1,142,468    $ 13.71
14.28-15.25    1,287,555    $ 14.65    5.38    547,577    $ 14.73
15.26-18.29    1,312,400    $ 16.83    4.47    996,841    $ 16.86
18.34-23.00    1,257,974    $ 19.68    5.31    905,339    $ 19.90
23.05-27.88    1,674,873    $ 27.74    2.59    1,674,873    $ 27.74
27.96-61.63    534,675    $ 36.75    2.80    534,675    $ 36.75
                  

0.01-61.63

   12,211,717    $ 15.62    5.20    7,022,521    $ 19.15
                  

 

Summary of RSU Award Activity

 

During 2007, we issued 344,811 RSU awards, respectively to certain officers and employees on a time-based vesting schedule. Expense for these awards is recognized ratably over the underlying time-based vesting period and will settle by delivery of shares of our common stock on or shortly after the date the awards vest. The RSU awards become fully vested over a period of 12 to 48 months. We are expensing the grant date fair value of the awards ratably over the service period.

 

During 2006, we issued RSU awards totaling 1,088,300 shares of our common stock to certain employees and directors. The RSU awards are settled by delivery of shares of our common stock on or shortly after the date the awards vest. A significant portion of these awards vest based upon achieving three pre-determined performance milestones which were initially expected to occur over a period of 40 months. We are expensing the grant date fair value of the awards ratably over the expected performance period.

 

One of the three milestones was achieved during the three-month period ended June 30, 2007 and approximately 174,000 shares were vested and released. During 2007, we determined that the second milestone would not be met. As a result, we reversed all previously recorded compensation expense related to this performance milestone, approximately $2.8 million, in the third quarter of 2007. Based on our current product pipeline development efforts, we currently estimate that the achievement of the third performance milestone is probable by the end of the last quarter in 2010. If our actual experience in future periods differs from these current estimates, we may change our determination of the probability of achieving the performance milestone or the estimate of the period in which the milestone will be achieved.

 

In March 2005, we issued 112,000 RSU awards, respectively to certain officers and employees on a time-based vesting schedule. Expense for these awards is recognized ratably over the underlying time-based vesting period and will settle by delivery of shares of our common stock on or shortly after the date the awards vest. These RSU awards become fully vested over a period of 48 months. The intrinsic value of these awards was recorded as deferred compensation in the Statement of Stockholders’ Equity and totaled approximately

 

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NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

December 31, 2007

 

$2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R, we reversed this unamortized value from stockholders’ equity, but continue to expense the remaining intrinsic value, which approximated the awards’ fair value on the original grant date, ratably over the underlying vesting period. In connection with these RSU awards, we recorded compensation expense of nil, $1.3 million, and $1.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 respectively.

 

A summary of RSU activity is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Units Issued     Weighted-Average
Remaining
contractual Life
(in years)
   Weighted-Average
Grant-Date
Fair value(1)
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

Balance at January 1, 2005

   206     1.52       $ 4,214

Granted

   112        $ 18.30   

Released

   (34 )         $ 518
              

Balance at December 31, 2005

   284     1.14       $ 4,676

Granted

   1,088        $ 19.55   

Released

   (178 )         $ 3,184

Forfeited & Canceled

   (110 )        
              

Balance at December 31, 2006

   1,084     1.52       $ 16,479

Granted

   345        $ 11.01   

Released

   (334 )         $ 3,808

Forfeited & Canceled

   (360 )        
              

Balance at December 31, 2007

   735     2.03       $ 4,925
              

 

(1) Fair value represents the difference between the exercise price of the award and the closing market price of our common stock on the release date or the year ended December 31, 2007 as applicable.

 

Proforma Effects of Applying SFAS No. 123 to Prior Periods

 

Prior to adoption SFAS No. 123R on January 1, 2006, we accounted for stock-based compensation under APB No. 25 and elected the disclosure only method of presenting fair value stock-based compensation expense. The disclosure only method required the presentation of net income (loss) as if SFAS No. 123 had been adopted for all periods presented in the Statements of Operations.

 

Under the modified prospective transition method outlined in SFAS No. 123R, we are not required to restate prior period financial statements to reflect expensing of stock-based compensation as if we had adopted SFAS No. 123R in prior periods. Therefore, the results for the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 are not directly comparable to the year ended December 31, 2005.

 

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NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

December 31, 2007

 

For purposes of the proforma net loss disclosure related to our employee stock options and ESPP purchases, we computed the estimated grant date fair values of the stock-based compensation using the Black-Scholes option valuation model based on the following assumptions:

 

     December 31,
2005

Risk-free interest rate

   4.0%

Dividend yield

   0.0%

Volatility factor

   0.710

Weighted average expected life

   4.5 years

 

In the table below, we have presented proforma disclosures of our net loss and net loss per share for 2005 assuming the estimated fair value of the options granted prior to January 1, 2006 is amortized to expense over the option-vesting period.

 

    Year ended
December 31,
2005
 

Net loss, as reported

  $ (185,111 )

Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net loss

    1,854  

Less: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all options and RSUs granted

    (21,986 )
       

Pro forma net loss

  $ (205,243 )
       

Net loss per share:

 

Basic and diluted—as reported

  $ (2.15 )

Basic and diluted—proforma

  $ (2.39 )

 

Note 17—Income Taxes

 

For financial reporting purposes, “Loss before provision for income taxes,” includes the following components (in thousands):

 

     Years ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Domestic

   $ (30,143 )   $ (147,059 )   $ (172,232 )

Foreign

     (1,309 )     (6,874 )     (13,016 )
                        

Total

   $ (31,452 )   $ (153,933 )   $ (185,248 )
                        

 

As of December 31, 2007, we had a net operating loss carryforward for federal income tax purposes of approximately $617.1 million, portions of which began to expire in 2007. We had a total state net operating loss carryforward of approximately $306.7 million, which will begin to expire in 2010. We had a foreign net operating loss carryforward of approximately $37.6 million. A substantial portion of the foreign net operating losses are UK losses which can be carried forward indefinitely.

 

Utilization of the federal and state net operating loss and credit carryforwards may be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to the “change in ownership” provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and similar state provisions. The annual limitation may result in the expiration of net operating losses and credits before utilization.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

December 31, 2007

 

The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):

 

       Years ended December 31,  
       2007      2006      2005  

Current:

              

Federal

     $ 194      $ —        $ —    

State

       782        6        (137 )

Foreign

       333        —          —    
                            

Total Current

       1,309        6        (137 )
                            

Deferred:

              

Federal

       —          —          —    

State

       —          822        —    

Foreign

       —          —          —    
                            

Total Deferred

       —          822        —    
                            

Provision (Benefit) for income taxes

     $ 1,309      $ 828      $ (137 )
                            

 

Income tax provision (benefit) related to continuing operations differs from the amounts computed by applying the statutory income tax rate of 35% to pretax loss as follows (in thousands):

 

     Years ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

U.S. federal provision (benefit)

      

At statutory rate

   $ (10,998 )   $ (52,337 )   $ (62,984 )

State taxes

     782       6       (137 )

Net operating losses not benefited

     27,829       50,385       58,645  

Previously unrecognized tax credits

     (13,109 )     —         —    

Non-deductible employee compensation

     210       2,138       —    

Investment impairment and non-deductible amortization

     —         636       1,667  

Non-deductible in process research charge

     —         —         2,672  

Sale of Irish subsidiary

     (3,604 )     —         —    

Other

     199       —         —    
                        

Total

   $ 1,309     $ 828     $ (137 )
                        

 

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NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

December 31, 2007

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of loss and credit carryforwards and temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of our deferred tax assets for federal and state income taxes are as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 31,  
     2007     2006  

Deferred tax assets:

    

Net operating loss carryforwards

   $ 254,419     $ 246, 812  

Research and other credits

     47,274       24,046  

Capitalized research expenses

     6,670       5,991  

Deferred revenue

     11,050       7,762  

Depreciation

     7,423       —    

Reserve and accruals

     24,495       25,543  

Stock based compensation

     16,375       11,901  

Capital loss carryforward

     3,918       —    

Other

     6,170       4,563  
                

Deferred tax assets before valuation allowance

     377,794       326,618  

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets

     (375,318 )     (322,508 )
                

Total deferred tax assets

   $ 2,476     $ 4,110  
                

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Depreciation

     —         (2,715 )

Acquisition related intangibles

     (2,476 )     (1,395 )
                

Total deferred tax liabilities

   $ (2,476 )   $ (4,110 )
                

Net deferred tax assets

   $ —       $ —    
                

 

Realization of our deferred tax assets is dependent upon future earnings, if any, the timing and amount of which are uncertain. Because of our lack of earnings history, the net deferred tax assets have been fully offset by a valuation allowance. The valuation allowance increased by $52.8 million and $71.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The valuation allowance includes approximately $38.0 million and $35.1 million of benefit as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, related to employee stock option exercises that will be credited to additional paid in capital when realized. We have federal research credits of approximately $19.3 million, which will begin to expire in 2008 and state research credits of approximately $14.9 million which have no expiration date. We have federal orphan drug credits of $12.8 million which will expire in 2024.

 

In July 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. This interpretation, among other things, creates a two-step approach for evaluating uncertain tax positions. Recognition occurs when an enterprise concludes that a tax position, based on its technical merits, is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination. Measurement determines the amount of benefit that more-likely-than-not will be realized. De-recognition of a tax position that was previously recognized would occur when a company subsequently determines that a tax position no longer meets the more-likely-than-not threshold of being sustained. FIN 48 specifically prohibits the use of a valuation allowance as a substitute for de-recognition of tax positions, and it has expanded disclosure requirements.

 

As of December 31, 2007, we have $9.2 million of unrecognized tax benefits. We historically accrued for uncertain tax positions in deferred tax assets as we have been in a net operating loss position since inception and

 

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NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

December 31, 2007

 

any adjustments to our tax positions would result in an adjustment of our net operating loss or tax credit carry forwards rather than resulting in a cash outlay. If we are eventually able to recognize these uncertain positions, our effective tax rate would be reduced. We currently have a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax asset which would impact the timing of the effective tax rate benefit should any of these uncertain tax positions be favorably settled in the future.

 

It is reasonably possible that certain unrecognized tax benefits may increase or decrease within the next twelve months due to tax examination changes, settlement activities, expirations of statute of limitations, or the impact on recognition and measurement considerations related to the results of published tax cases or other similar activities. We do not anticipate any significant changes to unrecognized tax benefits over the next 12 months.

 

Our policy is to include interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, within the provision for taxes in the consolidated condensed statements of operations under the provisions of FIN 48. We have not accrued any amounts for the payment of interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits.

 

We file income tax returns in the U.S., as well as California, Alabama and various other foreign jurisdictions. We are currently not the subject of any income tax examinations. In general, the earliest open year subject to examination is 2004 for U.S. and Alabama and 2003 for California, although depending upon jurisdiction, tax years may remain open subject to limitations. We have evaluated the need for additional tax reserves for any audits as part of our FIN 48 adoption process.

 

We have the following activity relating to unrecognized tax benefits during the year-ended December 31, 2007:

 

     2007

Balance at January 1, 2007

   $ 7,176

Tax positions related to current year

  

Additions

     2,046

Reductions

     —  

Settlements

     —  

Lapses in statute of limitations

     —  
      

Balance at December 31, 2007

   $ 9,222
      

 

Note 18—Segment Reporting

 

We operate in one business segment which focuses on applying our technology platforms to improve the performance of established and novel medicines. We operate in one segment because our business offerings have similar economics and other characteristics, including the nature of products and production processes, types of customers, distribution methods and regulatory environment. We are comprehensively managed as one business segment by our Chief Executive Officer and his management team. Within our one business segment we have two components, pulmonary technology and PEGylation technology.

 

Our revenue is derived primarily from clients in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Revenue from Pfizer Inc. represented 69%, 64%, and 64% of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. Due to the termination of our collaborative agreements with Pfizer, we do not expect to receive any revenue from Pfizer in 2008 related to Exubera or NGI. Please refer to Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the termination of our collaborative agreements.

 

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NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

December 31, 2007

 

Revenue by geographic area is based on the shipping locations of the customers. The following table sets forth revenue by geographic area (in thousands):

 

     Years ended December 31,
     2007    2006    2005

United States

   $ 212,990    $ 182,959    $ 109,488

European countries

     60,037      33,471      14,967

All other countries

     —        1,288      1,824
                    

Total Revenue

   $ 273,027    $ 217,718    $ 126,279
                    

 

At December 31, 2007, the net book value of property and equipment was $114.4 million. Approximately 98% of such assets were located in the United States. At December 31, 2006, the net book value of our property, plant and equipment was $133.8 million, and approximately 88% of such assets were located in the United States.

 

Note 19—Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

 

The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly financial data. In our opinion, the unaudited information set forth below has been prepared on the same basis as the audited information and includes all adjustments necessary to present fairly the information set forth herein. We have experienced fluctuations in our quarterly results. We expect these fluctuations to continue in the future. Due to these and other factors, we believe that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our operating results will not be meaningful, and you should not rely on our results for one quarter as an indication of our future performance. Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Such reclassifications have not impacted previously reported revenues, operating loss or net loss. All data is in thousands except per share information.

 

    Fiscal Year 2007     Fiscal Year 2006  
    Q1     Q2     Q3     Q4     Q1     Q2     Q3     Q4  

Product sales and royalty revenue

  $ 71,355     $ 47,001     $ 35,697     $ 26,702     $ 11,151     $ 45,403     $ 41,451     $ 55,551  

Contract research revenue

  $ 11,997     $ 16,615     $ 18,824     $ 38,489     $ 16,063     $ 13,076     $ 15,111     $ 12,053  

Exubera commercialization readiness revenue

  $ 1,664     $ 2,301     $ 1,800     $ 582     $ 1,745     $ 1,744     $ 2,070     $ 2,300  

Gross margin on product sales

  $ 15,727     $ 8,626     $ 9,391     $ 9,315     $ 3,651     $ 9,219     $ 11,314     $ 15,451  

Research and development expenses

  $ 37,492     $ 41,000     $ 35,773     $ 39,310     $ 31,401     $ 39,454     $ 36,005     $ 42,521  

General and administrative expenses

  $ 16,735     $ 13,178     $ 12,426     $ 13,997     $ 20,373     $ 27,083     $ 13,422     $ 17,441  

Litigation settlement

  $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 1,583     $ —       $ 17,710     $ —       $ —    

Impairment of long lived assets

  $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 28,396     $ —       $ 1,156     $ —       $ 8,254  

Gain on termination of collaborative agreements, net

  $ —       $ —       $ —       $ (79,178 )   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —    

Operating income (loss)

  $ (25,969 )   $ (27,988 )   $ (19,572 )   $ 37,381     $ (33,174 )   $ (63,212 )   $ (22,682 )   $ (40,162 )

Interest expense

  $ 4,933     $ 4,702     $ 4,773     $ 4,230     $ 5,142     $ 4,938     $ 5,255     $ 5,458  

Net income (loss)

  $ (25,673 )   $ (27,510 )   $ (18,620 )   $ 39,042     $ (33,471 )   $ (62,831 )   $ (19,604 )   $ (38,855 )

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (1)(2)

  $ (0.28 )   $ (0.30 )   $ (0.20 )   $ 0.42     $ (0.38 )   $ (0.70 )   $ (0.22 )   $ (0.43 )

 

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NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

December 31, 2007

 

 

(1) Quarterly loss per share amounts may not total the year-to-date loss per share due to rounding.
(2) During the fourth quarter of 2007, there were approximately 578 dilutive shares outstanding which did not change earnings per share.

 

Note 20—Subsequent Events (Unaudited)

 

Terre Haute, Indiana Manufacturing Facility

 

On January 30, 2008, we entered into a letter agreement with Pfizer to maintain a group of key Pfizer manufacturing personnel in Pfizer’s Terre Haute, Indiana Exubera manufacturing facility. We are reimbursing Pfizer for actual monthly incremental personnel costs incurred to maintain such personnel during this interim period.

 

Workforce Reduction

 

On February 8, 2008, Executive Management approved a plan to reduce our workforce by approximately 110 employees, or approximately 20 percent of our regular full-time employees. The plan is designed to streamline our operations, consolidate corporate functions, and strengthen decision-making and execution within the business units. In addition, as part of the plan, we have preserved the necessary technical and manufacturing personnel and capabilities to support our ongoing effort to forge a new partnership for our inhaled insulin programs.

 

We expect the total cost of the workforce reduction will total approximately $5.4 million, comprised of cash payments for severance, medical insurance, and outplacement services. The severance charge associated with this plan will be recorded as a one-time benefit arrangement in February 2008, except for certain employees with transition dates longer than 60 days. For these employees, the severance expense will be recorded ratably over the estimated transition period.

 

 

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SCHEDULE II

 

NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS

 

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005

 

Description

   Balance at
Beginning
of Year
   Charged to
Costs and
Expenses,
Net of Reversals
    Utilizations     Balance At
End

of Year
     (In thousands)

2007:

         

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 357    $ (16 )   $ (308 )   $ 33

Allowance for inventory reserves

   $ 4,160    $ 4,670     $ (3,058 )   $ 5,772

2006:

         

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 70    $ 380     $ (93 )   $ 357

Allowance for inventory reserves

   $ 3,068    $ 2,592     $ (1,500 )   $ 4,160

2005:

         

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 43    $ 427     $ (400 )   $ 70

Allowance for inventory reserves

   $ 3,166    $ 2,473     $ (2,571 )   $ 3,068

 

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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Securities Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required financial disclosure.

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon, and as of the date of, this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. Accordingly, management believes that the financial statements included in this report fairly present in all material respects our financial condition, results of operations and cashflows for the periods presented.

 

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP.

 

Our management has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007. In making its assessment of internal control over financial reporting, management used the criteria described in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

 

Based on our evaluation under the framework described in Internal Control—Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2007.

 

Our independent public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, independently assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Ernst & Young LLP has issued an attestation report concurring with management’s assessment, which is included in Part II, Item 8 of this annual report on Form 10-K.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

We continuously seek to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our internal controls. This results in refinements to processes throughout the Company. However, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2007, which was identified in connection with our management’s evaluation required by Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Inherent Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

 

Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not

 

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absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decisionmaking can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

 

Item 9B. Other Information

 

None.

 

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PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

Information relating to our executive officers required by this item is set forth in Part I—Item 1 of this report under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant” and is incorporated herein by reference. The other information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy statement for our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form (Proxy Statement) under the captions “Corporate Governance and Board of Directors,” “Proposal 1—Election of Directors” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.”

 

Information regarding our audit committee financial expert will be set forth in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Audit Committee,” which information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

In December 2003, we adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to all employees, including the principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on our website at www.nektar.com. Amendments to, and waivers from, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that apply to any of these officers, or persons performing similar functions, and that relate to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K will be disclosed at the website address provided above and, to the extent required by applicable regulations, on a current report on Form 8-K.

 

As permitted by SEC Rule 10b5-1, certain of our executive officers, directors and other employees have set up a predefined, structured stock trading program with their broker to sell our stock. The stock trading program allows a broker acting on behalf of the executive officer, director or other employee to trade our stock during blackout periods or while such executive officer, director or other employee may be aware of material, nonpublic information, if the trade is performed according to a pre-existing contract, instruction or plan that was established with the broker during a non-blackout period and when such executive officer, director or employee was not aware of any material, nonpublic information. Our executive officers, directors and other employees may also trade our stock outside of the stock trading programs set up under Rule 10b5-1 subject to our blackout periods and insider trading rules.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

 

The information required by this Item is included in the Proxy Statement and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

The information required by this Item is included in the Proxy Statement and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence

 

The information required by this Item is included in the Proxy Statement and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

 

The information required by this Item is included in the Proxy Statement and incorporated herein by reference.

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:

 

(1) Consolidated Financial Statements:

 

The following financial statements are filed as part of this report under Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

 

     Page

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   62

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2007 and 2006

   64

Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007

   65

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007

   66

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007

   68

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   69

 

(2) Financial Statement Schedules:

 

Schedule II, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves, is filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. All other financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, or the information required is presented in our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

(3) Exhibits.

 

Except as so indicated in Exhibit 32.1, the following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Exhibit
Number

       

Description of Documents

  3.1    (1)    Certificate of Incorporation of Inhale Therapeutic Systems (Delaware), Inc.
  3.2    (2)    Certificate of Amendment of the Amended Certificate of Incorporation of Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc.
  3.3    (3)    Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of Nektar Therapeutics
  3.4    (4)    Certificate of Designation of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of Nektar Therapeutics
  3.5    (5)    Certificate of Ownership and Merger of Nektar Therapeutics
  3.6    (6)    Amended and Restated Bylaws of Nektar Therapeutics
  4.1       Reference is made to Exhibits 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 and 3.6
  4.2    (5)    Specimen Common Stock certificate
  4.3    (3)    Rights Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2001, by and between Nektar Therapeutics and Mellon Investor Services LLC, as Rights Agent

 

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Exhibit
Number

       

Description of Documents

  4.4    (3)    Form of Right Certificate
  4.5    (7)    Indenture, dated September 28, 2005, by and between Nektar Therapeutics, as Issuer, and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee
  4.6    (7)    Registration Right Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2005, among Nektar Therapeutics and entities named therein
  10.1    (8)    1994 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan, as amended++
  10.2    (9)    1994 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated++
  10.3    (10)    Sublicense Agreement, dated September 13, 1991, by and between Nektar Therapeutics and John S. Patton++
  10.4    (11)    2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated++
  10.5    (12)    Form of 2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan Stock Option Agreement (Nonstatutory Stock Option)++
  10.6    (12)    Form of 2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan Stock Option Agreement (Nonstatutory (Unapproved) Stock Option)++
  10.7    (13)    Forms of 2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement++
  10.8    (14)    2000 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated++
  10.9    (15)    Form of Stock Option Agreement under the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan++
10.10    (13)    Forms of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under 2000 Equity Incentive Plan++
10.11    (16)    Form of Non-Employee Director Stock Option Agreement under the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan++
10.12    (16)    Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan++
10.13    (17)    Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, as amended and restated++
10.14    (11)    401(k) Retirement Plan++
10.15    (26)    Severance Benefit Plan, as amended++
10.16    (18)    2007 Discretionary Performance-Based Incentive Compensation Policy++
10.17    (16)    Amended and Restated Change of Control Severance Benefit Plan++
10.18    (19)    Transition and Retirement Agreement, dated March 13, 2006, with Ajit S. Gill++
10.19    (20)    Letter Amendment, dated October 5, 2006, with Ajit S. Gill, amending that certain Transition and Retirement Agreement, dated March 13, 2006, with Mr. Gill++
10.20    (21)    Letter Agreement, dated January 5, 2007, with Howard W. Robin++
10.21    (16)    Employment Transition and Separation Release Agreement, executed effective on September 4, 2007, with Louis Drapeau++
10.22    (16)    Employment Transition and Separation Release Agreement, executed effective on October 5, 2007, with David Johnston++

 

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Exhibit
Number

       

Description of Documents

10.23    (16)    Form of Severance Letter for the following executive officers: Hoyoung Huh, John Patton, Nevan C. Elam and Gil M. Labrucherie++
10.24    (6)    Separation and General Release Agreement, executed effective on December 10, 2007, with Tim Harkness++
10.25    (6)    Letter Agreement, executed effective on December 10, 2007, with John Nicholson++
10.26    (22)    Sublease and Lease Agreement, dated October 2, 1996, between Nektar Therapeutics and T.M.T. Associates, LLC (“150 Industrial Road Lease”)
10.27    (23)    First Amendment (dated October 30, 1996), Letter Agreement (each dated April 9, 1997), Third Amendment (dated April 16, 1997) and Fourth Amendment (dated November 5, 1997), in each case an amendment to the 150 Industrial Road Lease
10.28    (16)    Amended and Restated Built-to-Suite Lease between Nektar Therapeutics and BMR-201 Industrial Road LLC, dated August 17, 2004, as amended on January 11, 2005 and July 19, 2007
10.29    (24)    Manufacturing and Supply Agreement, dated August 16, 2000, by and among Nektar Therapeutics, Tech Group North America, Inc. and Bespak Europe, Ltd.+
10.30    (25)    Settlement Agreement and General Release, dated June 30, 2006, by and between The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Nektar Therapeutics AL Corporation (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nektar Therapeutics), Nektar Therapeutics and J. Milton Harris
10.31    (16)    Co-Development, License and Co-Promotion Agreement, dated August 1, 2007, between Nektar Therapeutics (and its subsidiaries) and Bayer Healthcare LLC+
10.32    (26)    Termination Agreement and Mutual Release, dated November 9, 2007, between Nektar Therapeutics and Pfizer Inc.+
10.33    (26)    Exclusive Research, Development, License and Manufacturing and Supply Agreement, by and among Nektar AL Corporation, Baxter Healthcare SA, and Baxter Healthcare Corporation, dated September 26, 2005, as amended+
21.1      (26)    Subsidiaries of Nektar Therapeutics
23.1      (26)    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
24       Power of Attorney (reference is made to the signature page)
31.1      (26)    Certification of Nektar Therapeutics’ principal executive officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
31.2      (26)    Certification of Nektar Therapeutics’ principal financial officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
32.1*    (26)    Section 1350 Certifications

 

+ Confidential treatment with respect to specific portions are omitted and filed separately with the SEC.
++ Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
* Exhibit 32.1 is being furnished and shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall such exhibit be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act, except as otherwise stated in such filing.
(1) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998.

 

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(2) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000.
(3) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 4, 2001.
(4) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 8, 2002.
(5) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 23, 2003.
(6) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 12, 2007.
(7) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 28, 2005.
(8) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996.
(9) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-98321), filed on August 19, 2002.
(10) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-75942), as amended.
(11) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.
(12) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-71936), filed on October 19, 2001, as amended.
(13) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 2005.
(14) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 7, 2006.
(15) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000.
(16) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.
(17) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 26, 2007.
(18) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 2006.
(19) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Current Report on Form 8-K/A, filed on March 16, 2006.
(20) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006.
(21) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 9, 2007.
(22) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1996.
(23) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999.
(24) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 2000.
(25) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.
(26) Filed herewith.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to 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, in the City of San Carlos, County of San Mateo, State of California on February 28, 2008.

 

By:  

/s/    HOWARD W. ROBIN        

  Howard W. Robin
  Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
By:  

/s/    JOHN NICHOLSON        

  John Nicholson
 

Senior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

 

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POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

KNOW ALL PERSON BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Howard W. Robin and John Nicholson and each of them, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratify and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

SIGNATURE

 

TITLE

 

DATE

/S/    HOWARD W. ROBIN        

Howard W. Robin

 

Chief Executive Officer, President and Director (Principal Executive Officer)

  February 28, 2008

/S/    JOHN NICHOLSON          

John Nicholson

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

  February 28, 2008

/S/    ROBERT B. CHESS          

Robert B. Chess

 

Director, Chairman of the Board of Directors

  February 28, 2008

/S/    MICHAEL A. BROWN        

Michael A. Brown

 

Director

  February 28, 2008

/S/    HOYOUNG HUH         

Hoyoung Huh

 

Director

  February 28, 2008

/S/    JOSEPH J. KRIVULKA        

Joseph J. Krivulka

 

Director

  February 28, 2008

/S/    CHRISTOPHER A. KUEBLER        

Christopher A. Kuebler

 

Director

  February 28, 2008

/S/    IRWIN LERNER        

Irwin Lerner

 

Director

  February 28, 2008

/S/    LUTZ LINGNAU          

Lutz Lingnau

 

Director

  February 28, 2008

/S/    JOHN S. PATTON, PH.D.        

John S. Patton, Ph.D.

 

Director

  February 28, 2008

/S/    SUSAN WANG        

Susan Wang

 

Director

  February 28, 2008

/S/    ROY A. WHITFIELD        

Roy A. Whitfield

 

Director

  February 28, 2008

 

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Except as so indicated in Exhibit 32.1, the following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Exhibit
Number

       

Description of Documents

  3.1    (1)    Certificate of Incorporation of Inhale Therapeutic Systems (Delaware), Inc.
  3.2    (2)    Certificate of Amendment of the Amended Certificate of Incorporation of Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc.
  3.3    (3)    Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of Nektar Therapeutics
  3.4    (4)    Certificate of Designation of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of Nektar Therapeutics
  3.5    (5)    Certificate of Ownership and Merger of Nektar Therapeutics
  3.6    (6)    Amended and Restated Bylaws of Nektar Therapeutics
  4.1       Reference is made to Exhibits 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 and 3.6
  4.2    (5)    Specimen Common Stock certificate
  4.3    (3)    Rights Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2001, by and between Nektar Therapeutics and Mellon Investor Services LLC, as Rights Agent
  4.4    (3)    Form of Right Certificate
  4.5    (7)    Indenture, dated September 28, 2005, by and between Nektar Therapeutics, as Issuer, and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee
  4.6    (7)    Registration Right Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2005, among Nektar Therapeutics and entities named therein
  10.1    (8)    1994 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan, as amended++
  10.2    (9)    1994 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated++
  10.3    (10)    Sublicense Agreement, dated September 13, 1991, by and between Nektar Therapeutics and John S. Patton++
  10.4    (11)    2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated++
  10.5    (12)    Form of 2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan Stock Option Agreement (Nonstatutory Stock Option)++
  10.6    (12)    Form of 2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan Stock Option Agreement (Nonstatutory (Unapproved) Stock Option)++
  10.7    (13)    Forms of 2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement++
  10.8    (14)    2000 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated++
  10.9    (15)    Form of Stock Option Agreement under the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan++
10.10    (13)    Forms of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under 2000 Equity Incentive Plan++
10.11    (16)    Form of Non-Employee Director Stock Option Agreement under the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan++
10.12    (16)    Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan++

 

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Exhibit
Number

       

Description of Documents

10.13    (17)    Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, as amended and restated++
10.14    (11)    401(k) Retirement Plan++
10.15    (26)    Severance Benefit Plan, as amended++
10.16    (18)    2007 Discretionary Performance-Based Incentive Compensation Policy++
10.17    (16)    Amended and Restated Change of Control Severance Benefit Plan++
10.18    (19)    Transition and Retirement Agreement, dated March 13, 2006, with Ajit S. Gill++
10.19    (20)    Letter Amendment, dated October 5, 2006, with Ajit S. Gill, amending that certain Transition and Retirement Agreement, dated March 13, 2006, with Mr. Gill++
10.20    (21)    Letter Agreement, dated January 5, 2007, with Howard W. Robin++
10.21    (16)    Employment Transition and Separation Release Agreement, executed effective on September 4, 2007, with Louis Drapeau++
10.22    (16)    Employment Transition and Separation Release Agreement, executed effective on October 5, 2007, with David Johnston++
10.23    (16)    Form of Severance Letter for the following executive officers: Hoyoung Huh, John Patton, Nevan C. Elam and Gil M. Labrucherie++
10.24    (6)    Separation and General Release Agreement, executed effective on December 10, 2007, with Tim Harkness++
10.25    (6)    Letter Agreement, executed effective on December 10, 2007, with John Nicholson++
10.26    (22)    Sublease and Lease Agreement, dated October 2, 1996, between Nektar Therapeutics and T.M.T. Associates, LLC (“150 Industrial Road Lease”)
10.27    (23)    First Amendment (dated October 30, 1996), Letter Agreement (each dated April 9, 1997), Third Amendment (dated April 16, 1997) and Fourth Amendment (dated November 5, 1997), in each case an amendment to the 150 Industrial Road Lease
10.28    (16)    Amended and Restated Built-to-Suite Lease between Nektar Therapeutics and BMR-201 Industrial Road LLC, dated August 17, 2004, as amended on January 11, 2005 and July 19, 2007
10.29    (24)    Manufacturing and Supply Agreement, dated August 16, 2000, by and among Nektar Therapeutics, Tech Group North America, Inc. and Bespak Europe, Ltd.+
10.30    (25)    Settlement Agreement and General Release, dated June 30, 2006, by and between The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Nektar Therapeutics AL Corporation (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nektar Therapeutics), Nektar Therapeutics and J. Milton Harris
10.31    (16)    Co-Development, License and Co-Promotion Agreement, dated August 1, 2007, between Nektar Therapeutics (and its subsidiaries) and Bayer Healthcare LLC+
10.32    (26)    Termination Agreement and Mutual Release, dated November 9, 2007, between Nektar Therapeutics and Pfizer Inc.+
10.33    (26)    Exclusive Research, Development, License and Manufacturing and Supply Agreement, by and among Nektar AL Corporation, Baxter Healthcare SA, and Baxter Healthcare Corporation, dated September 26, 2005, as amended+
21.1      (26)    Subsidiaries of Nektar Therapeutics

 

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Exhibit
Number

       

Description of Documents

23.1      (26)    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
24       Power of Attorney (reference is made to the signature page)
31.1      (26)    Certification of Nektar Therapeutics’ principal executive officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
31.2      (26)    Certification of Nektar Therapeutics’ principal financial officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
32.1*    (26)    Section 1350 Certifications

 

+ Confidential treatment with respect to specific portions are omitted and filed separately with the SEC.
++ Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
* Exhibit 32.1 is being furnished and shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall such exhibit be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act, except as otherwise stated in such filing.
(1) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998.
(2) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000.
(3) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 4, 2001.
(4) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 8, 2002.
(5) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 23, 2003.
(6) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 12, 2007.
(7) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 28, 2005.
(8) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996.
(9) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-98321), filed on August 19, 2002.
(10) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-75942), as amended.
(11) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.
(12) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-71936), filed on October 19, 2001, as amended.
(13) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 2005.
(14) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 7, 2006.
(15) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000.
(16) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

 

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(17) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 26, 2007.
(18) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 2006.
(19) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Current Report on Form 8-K/A, filed on March 16, 2006.
(20) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006.
(21) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 9, 2007.
(22) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1996.
(23) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999.
(24) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 2000.
(25) Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.
(26) Filed herewith.

 

119

Severance Benefit Plan, as amended

Exhibit 10.15

NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS

SEVERANCE BENEFIT PLAN

Section 1. INTRODUCTION.

The Nektar Therapeutics Severance Benefit Plan (the “Plan”) was originally established effective December 6, 2002, and amended and restated effective November 4, 2003, amended and restated again April 30, 2004, amended and restated again effective May 23, 2007, amended and restated effective February 5, 2008, and further amended and restated effective February 21, 2008. The purpose of the Plan is to provide for the payment of severance benefits to certain eligible employees of Nektar Therapeutics (the “Company”) or an affiliate of the Company identified in Appendix B whose employment with the Company or an affiliate of the Company is involuntarily terminated. This Plan shall supersede any severance benefit plan, policy or practice previously maintained by the Company or any affiliate of the Company. This Plan document also is the Summary Plan Description for the Plan.

Section 2. ELIGIBILITY FOR BENEFITS.

(a) General Rules. Subject to the requirements set forth in this Section, the Company will grant severance benefits under the Plan to Eligible Employees.

(1) Definition of “Eligible Employee.” For purposes of this Plan, an Eligible Employee is a full-time or a part-time regular hire employee of the Company or any affiliate of the Company resident in the United States (i) whose employment is involuntarily terminated by the Company or an affiliate of the Company; (ii) whose Company Position Level is at or below Level 16 (Vice President) on the date of termination; and (iii) who is notified by the Company in writing that he or she is eligible for participation in the Plan. The determination of whether an employee is an Eligible Employee shall be made by the Company, in its sole discretion, and such determination shall be binding and conclusive on all persons. For purposes of this Plan, part-time employees are those regular hire employees who are regularly scheduled to work more than twenty (20) hours per week but less than a full-time work schedule. Regular hire employees working twenty (20) hours per week or less, temporary employees and employees whose Company Position Level is at or above Level 18 (Senior Vice President) are not eligible for severance benefits under the Plan.

(2) In order to be eligible to receive benefits under the Plan, an Eligible Employee must remain on the job until his or her date of termination as scheduled by the Company (the “Separation Date”); provided, however, that the Company, in its sole discretion, may waive this requirement in the case of any Eligible Employee on a leave of absence, or otherwise. The Company’s decision to waive such requirement for one Eligible Employee shall in no way obligate the Company to waive this requirement for any other Eligible Employee, even if similarly situated.

(3) In order to be eligible to receive benefits under the Plan, an Eligible Employee also must execute a general waiver and release in a form satisfactory to the Company and such release must become effective in accordance with its terms. The Company, in its discretion, may modify the form of the required release to comply with applicable law and shall determine the form of the required release, which may be incorporated into a termination agreement or other agreement with the Eligible Employee.

 

1


(b) Exceptions to Benefit Entitlement. An employee, including an employee who otherwise is an Eligible Employee, will not receive benefits under the Plan (or will receive reduced benefits under the Plan) in the following circumstances, as determined by the Company in its sole discretion:

(1) The employee has executed an individually negotiated employment contract or agreement with the Company or an affiliate of the Company relating to severance benefits that is in effect on his or her Separation Date, in which case such employee’s severance benefit, if any, shall be governed by the terms of such individually negotiated employment contract or agreement and shall be governed by this Plan only to the extent that the reduction pursuant to Section 3(c) below does not entirely eliminate benefits under this Plan.

(2) The employee voluntarily terminates employment with the Company or an affiliate of the Company. Voluntary terminations include, but are not limited to, resignation, retirement or failure to return from a leave of absence on the scheduled date.

(3) The employee voluntarily terminates employment with the Company or an affiliate of the Company in order to accept employment with another entity that is wholly or partly owned (directly or indirectly) by the Company or an affiliate of the Company.

(4) The employee is offered an identical or substantially equivalent or comparable position with the Company or an affiliate of the Company. For purposes of the foregoing, a “substantially equivalent or comparable position” is one that offers the employee substantially the same level of responsibility and compensation.

(5) The employee is offered immediate reemployment by a successor to the Company or an affiliate of the Company or by a purchaser of its assets, as the case may be, following a change in ownership of the Company or an affiliate of the Company or a sale of substantially all of the assets of a division or business unit of the Company or an affiliate of the Company. For purposes of the foregoing, “immediate reemployment” means that the employee’s employment with the successor to the Company or an affiliate of the Company or the purchaser of its assets, as the case may be, results in uninterrupted employment such that the employee does not incur a lapse in pay as a result of the change in ownership of the Company or an affiliate of the Company or the sale of its assets.

(6) The employee is rehired by the Company or an affiliate of the Company prior to the date benefits under the Plan are scheduled to commence.

Section 3. AMOUNT OF BENEFIT.

(a) Severance Benefits. Severance benefits under the Plan, if any, shall be provided to Eligible Employees described in Section 2 in the amount provided in Appendix A, as such Appendix A may be revised by the Company, in its sole discretion, from time to time.

 

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(b) Additional Benefits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may, in its sole discretion, provide benefits in addition to those pursuant to Section 3(a) to Eligible Employees chosen by the Company, in its sole discretion, and the provision of any such benefits to an Eligible Employee shall in no way obligate the Company to provide such benefits to any other Eligible Employee, even if similarly situated. Such additional benefits, to the extent they are or would be “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), shall be provided for in writing in a manner that complies with Code Section 409A and the regulations and other Treasury guidance promulgated thereunder.

(c) Certain Reductions. The Company, in its sole discretion, shall have the authority to reduce an Eligible Employee’s severance benefits, in whole or in part (but only to the extent such severance benefits are not deemed “nonqualified deferred compensation” that is subject to Code Section 409A), by any other severance benefits, pay in lieu of notice, or other similar benefits payable to the Eligible Employee by the Company that become payable in connection with the Eligible Employee’s termination of employment pursuant to (i) any applicable legal requirement, including, without limitation, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (the “WARN Act”), (ii) a written employment or severance agreement with the Company, or (iii) any Company policy or practice providing for the Eligible Employee to remain on the payroll for a limited period of time after being given notice of the termination of the Eligible Employee’s employment. The benefits provided under this Plan are intended to satisfy, in whole or in part, any and all statutory obligations that may arise out of an Eligible Employee’s termination of employment, and the Plan Administrator shall so construe and implement the terms of the Plan. The Company’s decision to apply such reductions to the severance benefits of one Eligible Employee and the amount of such reductions shall in no way obligate the Company to apply the same reductions in the same amounts to the severance benefits of any other Eligible Employee, even if similarly situated. In the Company’s sole discretion, such reductions may be applied on a retroactive basis, with severance benefits previously paid being recharacterized as payments pursuant to the Company’s statutory obligation.

Section 4. TIME OF PAYMENT AND FORM OF BENEFIT.

The Company reserves the right to determine whether severance benefits under the Plan, if any, shall be paid in a single sum, in installments, or in any other form and to choose the timing of such payments; provided, however, that to the extent the aggregate amount payable to any Eligible Employee does not exceed two times the lesser of (i) the Eligible Employee’s annualized compensation based on his or her annual rate of pay for the calendar year preceding the year in which the Eligible Employee’s Separation Date occurs, or (ii) the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a qualified plan pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Code for the year in which the Eligible Employee’s Separation Date occurs, such severance benefits shall be paid no later than the last day of the second calendar year following the year in which the Eligible Employee’s Separation Date occurs. To the extent severance benefits payable to any Eligible Employee exceed the limitation in the preceding sentence (the “409A Exemption Limit”), such severance benefits (“409A Benefits”) shall be paid pursuant to the schedule provided for 409A Benefits in Appendix A, as such Appendix A may be revised by the Company, in its sole discretion, from time to time; provided that such schedule shall comply with the payment

 

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schedule and delay-in-payment requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(1) and (i)(2). All payments under the Plan will be subject to applicable withholding for federal, state and local taxes. If an Eligible Employee is indebted to the Company at his or her Separation Date, the Company reserves the right to offset any severance payments under the Plan by the amount of such indebtedness; provided that to the extent such severance benefits are 409A Benefits, such offset shall be limited to debt incurred in the ordinary course of the employment relationship not exceeding $5,000, and that would be otherwise due and collected at the same time and amount as the offset. In no event shall payment of any Plan benefit be made prior to the Eligible Employee’s Separation Date or prior to the effective date of the release described in Section 2(a)(3).

Section 5. REEMPLOYMENT.

In the event of an Eligible Employee’s reemployment by the Company or an affiliate of the Company during the period of time in respect of which severance benefits pursuant to Sections 3(a) and 3(b) have been paid, the Company, in its sole and absolute discretion, may require such Eligible Employee to repay to the Company all or a portion of such severance benefits as a condition of reemployment.

Section 6. RIGHT TO INTERPRET PLAN; AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION.

(a) Exclusive Discretion. The Plan Administrator shall have the exclusive discretion and authority to establish rules, forms, and procedures for the administration of the Plan and to construe and interpret the Plan and to decide any and all questions of fact, interpretation, definition, computation or administration arising in connection with the operation of the Plan, including, but not limited to, the eligibility to participate in the Plan and amount of benefits paid under the Plan. The rules, interpretations, computations and other actions of the Plan Administrator shall be binding and conclusive on all persons.

(b) Amendment or Termination. The Company reserves the right to amend or terminate this Plan (including Appendix A) or the benefits provided hereunder at any time; provided, however, that no such amendment or termination shall affect the right to any unpaid benefit of any Eligible Employee whose Separation Date has occurred prior to amendment or termination of the Plan, nor shall any amendment result in a change to the time or form of payment of 409A Benefits to any such Eligible Employee. Any action amending or terminating the Plan shall be in writing and executed by the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, or General Counsel of the Company.

Section 7. NO IMPLIED EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT.

The Plan shall not be deemed (i) to give any employee or other person any right to be retained in the employ of the Company or an affiliate of the Company or (ii) to interfere with the right of the Company or an affiliate of the Company to discharge any employee or other person at any time, with or without cause, which right is hereby reserved.

 

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Section 8. LEGAL CONSTRUCTION.

This Plan is intended to be governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and, to the extent not preempted by ERISA, the laws of the State of California.

Section 9. CLAIMS, INQUIRIES AND APPEALS.

(a) Applications for Benefits and Inquiries. Any application for benefits, inquiries about the Plan or inquiries about present or future rights under the Plan must be submitted to the Plan Administrator in writing by an applicant (or his or her authorized representative). The Plan Administrator is:

Nektar Therapeutics

201 Industrial Road

San Carlos, CA 94070

(b) Denial of Claims. In the event that any application for benefits is denied in whole or in part, the Plan Administrator must provide the applicant with written or electronic notice of the denial of the application, and of the applicant’s right to review the denial. Any electronic notice will comply with the regulations of the U.S. Department of Labor. The notice of denial will be set forth in a manner designed to be understood by the applicant and will include the following:

(1) the specific reason or reasons for the denial;

(2) references to the specific Plan provisions upon which the denial is based;

(3) a description of any additional information or material that the Plan Administrator needs to complete the review and an explanation of why such information or material is necessary; and

(4) an explanation of the Plan’s review procedures and the time limits applicable to such procedures, including a statement of the applicant’s right to bring a civil action under section 502(a) of ERISA following a denial on review of the claim, as described in Section 9(d) below.

This notice of denial will be given to the applicant within ninety (90) days after the Plan Administrator receives the application, unless special circumstances require an extension of time, in which case, the Plan Administrator has up to an additional ninety (90) days for processing the application. If an extension of time for processing is required, written notice of the extension will be furnished to the applicant before the end of the initial ninety (90) day period.

This notice of extension will describe the special circumstances necessitating the additional time and the date by which the Plan Administrator is to render its decision on the application.

 

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(c) Request for a Review. Any person (or that person’s authorized representative) for whom an application for benefits is denied, in whole or in part, may appeal the denial by submitting a request for a review to the Plan Administrator within sixty (60) days after the application is denied. A request for a review shall be in writing and shall be addressed to:

Nektar Therapeutics

201 Industrial Road

San Carlos, CA 94070

A request for review must set forth all of the grounds on which it is based, all facts in support of the request and any other matters that the applicant feels are pertinent. The applicant (or his or her representative) shall have the opportunity to submit (or the Plan Administrator may require the applicant to submit) written comments, documents, records, and other information relating to his or her claim. The applicant (or his or her representative) shall be provided, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant to his or her claim. The review shall take into account all comments, documents, records and other information submitted by the applicant (or his or her representative) relating to the claim, without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination.

(d) Decision on Review. The Plan Administrator will act on each request for review within sixty (60) days after receipt of the request, unless special circumstances require an extension of time (not to exceed an additional sixty (60) days), for processing the request for a review. If an extension for review is required, written notice of the extension will be furnished to the applicant within the initial sixty (60) day period. This notice of extension will describe the special circumstances necessitating the additional time and the date by which the Plan Administrator is to render its decision on the review. The Plan Administrator will give prompt, written or electronic notice of its decision to the applicant. Any electronic notice will comply with the regulations of the U.S. Department of Labor. In the event that the Plan Administrator confirms the denial of the application for benefits in whole or in part, the notice will set forth, in a manner calculated to be understood by the applicant, the following:

(1) the specific reason or reasons for the denial;

(2) references to the specific Plan provisions upon which the denial is based;

(3) a statement that the applicant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant to his or her claim; and

(4) a statement of the applicant’s right to bring a civil action under section 502(a) of ERISA.

(e) Rules and Procedures. The Plan Administrator will establish rules and procedures, consistent with the Plan and with ERISA, as necessary and appropriate in carrying out its responsibilities in reviewing benefit claims. The Plan Administrator may require an applicant who wishes to submit additional information in connection with an appeal from the denial of benefits to do so at the applicant’s own expense.

 

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(f) Exhaustion of Remedies. No legal action for benefits under the Plan may be brought until the claimant (i) has submitted a written application for benefits in accordance with the procedures described by Section 9(a) above, (ii) has been notified by the Plan Administrator that the application is denied, (iii) has filed a written request for a review of the application in accordance with the appeal procedure described in Section 9(c) above, and (iv) has been notified that the Plan Administrator has denied the appeal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Plan Administrator does not respond to a Participant’s claim or appeal within the relevant time limits specified in this Section 9, the Participant may bring legal action for benefits under the Plan pursuant to Section 502(a) of ERISA.

Section 10. BASIS OF PAYMENTS TO AND FROM PLAN.

All benefits under the Plan shall be paid by the Company. The Plan shall be unfunded, and benefits hereunder shall be paid only from the general assets of the Company.

Section 11. OTHER PLAN INFORMATION.

(a) Employer and Plan Identification Numbers. The Employer Identification Number assigned to the Company (which is the “Plan Sponsor” as that term is used in ERISA) by the Internal Revenue Service is 94-3134940. The Plan Number assigned to the Plan by the Plan Sponsor pursuant to the instructions of the Internal Revenue Service is 510.

(b) Ending Date for Plan’s Fiscal Year. The date of the end of the fiscal year for the purpose of maintaining the Plan’s records is December 31.

(c) Agent for the Service of Legal Process. The agent for the service of legal process with respect to the Plan is:

Nektar Therapeutics

201 Industrial Road

San Carlos, CA 94070

(d) Plan Sponsor and Administrator. The “Plan Sponsor” and the “Plan Administrator” of the Plan is:

Nektar Therapeutics

201 Industrial Road

San Carlos, CA 94070

The Plan Sponsor’s and Plan Administrator’s telephone number is (650) 631-3100. The Plan Administrator is the named fiduciary charged with the responsibility for administering the Plan.

 

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Section 12. STATEMENT OF ERISA RIGHTS.

Participants in this Plan (which is a welfare benefit plan sponsored by Nektar Therapeutics) are entitled to certain rights and protections under ERISA. If you are an Eligible Employee, you are considered a participant in the Plan and, under ERISA, you are entitled to:

Receive Information about Your Plan and Benefits

 

  (a) Examine, without charge, at the Plan Administrator’s office and at other specified locations, such as worksites, all documents governing the Plan and a copy of the latest annual report (Form 5500 Series) filed by the Plan with the U.S. Department of Labor and available at the Public Disclosure Room of the Employee Benefits Security Administration;

 

  (b) Obtain, upon written request to the Plan Administrator, copies of documents governing the operation of the Plan and copies of the latest annual report (Form 5500 Series) and updated Summary Plan Description. The Administrator may make a reasonable charge for the copies; and

 

  (c) Receive a summary of the Plan’s annual financial report. The Plan Administrator is required by law to furnish each participant with a copy of this summary annual report.

Prudent Actions by Plan Fiduciaries

In addition to creating rights for Plan participants, ERISA imposes duties upon the people who are responsible for the operation of the employee benefit plan. The people who operate the Plan, called “fiduciaries” of the Plan, have a duty to do so prudently and in the interest of you and other Plan participants and beneficiaries. No one, including your employer, your union or any other person, may fire you or otherwise discriminate against you in any way to prevent you from obtaining a Plan benefit or exercising your rights under ERISA.

Enforce Your Rights

If your claim for a Plan benefit is denied or ignored, in whole or in part, you have a right to know why this was done, to obtain copies of documents relating to the decision without charge, and to appeal any denial, all within certain time schedules.

Under ERISA, there are steps you can take to enforce the above rights. For instance, if you request a copy of Plan documents or the latest annual report from the Plan and do not receive them within 30 days, you may file suit in a Federal court. In such a case, the court may require the Plan Administrator to provide the materials and pay you up to $110 a day until you receive the materials, unless the materials were not sent because of reasons beyond the control of the Administrator.

If you have a claim for benefits, which is denied or ignored, in whole or in part, you may file suit in a state or Federal court. In addition, if you disagree with the Plan’s decision or lack thereof concerning the qualified status of a domestic relations order or a medical child support order, you may file suit in Federal court.

 

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If it should happen that Plan fiduciaries misuse the Plan’s money, or if you are discriminated against for asserting your rights, you may seek assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor, or you may file suit in a Federal court. The court will decide who should pay court costs and legal fees. If you are successful, the court may order the person you have sued to pay these costs and fees. If you lose, the court may order you to pay these costs and fees, for example, if it finds your claim is frivolous.

Assistance with Your Questions

If you have any questions about the Plan, you should contact the Plan Administrator. If you have any questions about this statement or about your rights under ERISA, or if you need assistance in obtaining documents from the Plan Administrator, you should contact the nearest office of the Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, listed in your telephone directory or the Division of Technical Assistance and Inquiries, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. You may also obtain certain publications about your rights and responsibilities under ERISA by calling the publications hotline of the Employee Benefits Security Administration.

[Signature page follows]

 

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EXECUTION.

To record the adoption of the amended and restated Plan as set forth herein, effective as of February 21, 2008, Nektar Therapeutics has caused its duly authorized officer to execute the same this 21st day of February 2008.

 

NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS
By:  

/s/ Gil M. Labrucherie

  Gil M. Labrucherie
  Senior Vice President &General Counsel.

 

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APPENDIX A

NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS

SEVERANCE BENEFIT PLAN

SEVERANCE BENEFITS

Severance benefits provided to Eligible Employees under the Nektar Therapeutics Severance Benefit Plan (the “Plan”) are as follows:

1. Benefits. Benefits under the Plan, if any, shall be provided to Eligible Employees in the amount and in the manner set forth below, subject to the Company’s sole and absolute discretion. All severance payments under the Plan, to the extent the aggregate amount payable to any Eligible Employee does not exceed the “409A Exemption Limit” (as defined in Section 4 of the Plan), will be paid in a single sum, in installments, or in any other form of payment chosen by the Company in its discretion; provided, however, that such severance payments shall be paid no later than the last day of the second year following the year of the Separation Date. Severance payments that are “409A Benefits” (as defined in Section 4 of the Plan) will be paid in a lump sum on the first regularly scheduled payroll date following the Separation Date, except that if the Eligible Employee is deemed a “specified employee” under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, such payments will be made on the first business day that is at least six months after the Separation Date. All severance payments under the Plan will be subject to applicable withholding for federal, state and local taxes.

If an Eligible Employee is indebted to the Company at his or her Separation Date, the Company reserves the right to offset any severance payments under the Plan by the amount of such indebtedness; provided, however, that if applied to 409A Benefits, such offset shall be limited to debt not exceeding $5,000 and incurred in the ordinary course of the employment relationship, and that would be otherwise due and collected at the same time and amount as the offset.

(a) Category I: Termination without Cause (other than for poor performance): Eligible Employees whose employment is involuntarily terminated by the Company or an affiliate of the Company without Cause (as defined in Section 1.b, below) and not for poor performance (“Category I Eligible Employees”) shall be eligible for a base severance payment determined by the employee’s Company Position Level (“Base Severance”), plus an additional amount determined by the Eligible Employee’s completed months of service with the Company or an affiliate, including prior service with an affiliate or dissolved company that was acquired by the Company (“Seniority Severance”). The number of weeks of severance specified in the Base Severance and the number of weeks of Seniority Severance (if any) shall determine the length of the Severance Period. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 1.a to the contrary, each Category I Eligible Employee shall be eligible for a minimum of thirteen (13) weeks of total combined severance and a maximum of thirty-nine (39) weeks of total combined severance.

Category I Eligible Employees who are enrolled in a health, dental, or vision plan sponsored by the Company or an affiliate of the Company will also be eligible for payment by


the Company of the applicable premiums for each Eligible Employee’s continuation of group medical, dental, and vision plan coverage described in Section 2, below, if so elected by the Eligible Employee, including coverage for the Eligible Employee’s dependents, through the end of the calendar month in which the Severance Period ends; provided, however, that the Company may cease paying the premiums for such continuation coverage (medical, dental or vision) at any time the Eligible Employee becomes eligible for similar group coverage (medical, dental or vision, as applicable) from another employer. The Company may determine, in its sole discretion, to extend the exercise period of outstanding stock options held by Category I Eligible Employees, to the extent such options are vested and exercisable as of the Separation Date, for such period as the Company may determine but in any event not beyond the earlier of the original maximum term of the option or 10 years from the original date of grant of the option.

(i) Base Severance: Category I Eligible Employees whose Position Level as of the Separation Date is 2 through 8 will be eligible for eight (8) weeks of Base Severance. Employees whose Company Position Level as of the Separation Date is Level 10 through 14 will be eligible for twelve (12) weeks of Base Severance. Employees whose Company Position Level as of the Separation Date is Level 16 will be eligible for twenty-four (24) weeks of Base Severance. In each case, the Base Severance is subject to standard payroll deductions and withholdings.

(ii) Seniority Severance: Category I Eligible Employees shall be eligible for Seniority Severance as follows (subject to standard payroll deductions and withholdings):

 

COMPLETED MONTHS OF

COMPANY OR AFFILIATE SERVICE

  

WEEKS OF SEVERANCE*

0-12    2
12-24    4
25-36    6
37-48    8
49-60    10
61-72    12
73-84    14
85-96    16
97-108    18
109-120    20
121-132    22
133-144    24
145-156    26
157-168    28
169-180    30
181-192    32

 

* In no event will the combined Seniority Severance and Base Severance exceed thirty-nine (39) weeks as set forth in Section 1.a above. For example, an Eligible Employee whose Company Position Level as of the Separation Date is Level 10 through 14 who had completed 180 months of Company or Affiliate Service, would be entitled to thirty-nine (39) weeks of total combined severance rather than forty-two (42 weeks) comprised of twelve (12) weeks of Base Severance and thirty (30) weeks of Seniority Severance due to the fact that the severance benefit cap in Section 1.a had been reached.


(b) Category II: Termination for Cause or for poor performance: Benefits under the Plan, if any, shall be provided to Eligible Employees who are involuntarily terminated for Cause (as defined below) or for poor performance (“Category II Eligible Employees”) in the amount and in the manner as determined by the Company, in its sole and absolute discretion, but shall not exceed two (2) weeks of severance pay. For purposes of this Appendix A, “Cause” shall mean any violation of Company policy by the Eligible Employee, misconduct by the Eligible Employee, or any other reason that the Company, in good faith, determines to be Cause. The amount of benefits paid or provided to one Category II Eligible Employee shall not determine the amount of benefits that are to be paid or provided to any other Category II Eligible Employee, even if similarly situated.

2. COBRA Continuation Coverage. Each Eligible Employee who is enrolled in a health, dental, or vision plan sponsored by the Company or an affiliate of the Company may be eligible to continue coverage under such health, dental, or vision plan (or to convert to an individual policy), at the time of the Eligible Employee’s termination of employment, under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”). The Company will notify the Eligible Employee of any such right to continue such coverage at the time of termination pursuant to COBRA. No provision of this Plan will affect the continuation coverage rules under COBRA, except that the Company’s payment of applicable insurance premiums pursuant to Section 1, above, will be credited as payment by the Eligible Employee for purposes of the Eligible Employee’s payment required under COBRA. Therefore, the period during which an Eligible Employee may elect to continue the Company’s or its affiliate’s health, dental, or vision plan coverage at his or her own expense under COBRA, the length of time during which COBRA coverage will be made available to the Eligible Employee, and all other rights and obligations of the Eligible Employee under COBRA will be applied in the same manner that such rules would apply in the absence of this Plan. Upon the expiration of the period for which the Company pays for the Eligible Employee’s insurance premiums as provided in Section 1 above, the Eligible Employee will be responsible for the entire payment of premiums required under COBRA for the duration of the COBRA period. For purposes of this Section 2, any applicable premiums that may be paid by the Company shall not include any amounts payable by an Eligible Employee under an Internal Revenue Code Section 125 health care reimbursement plan, which amounts, if any, are the sole responsibility of the Eligible Employee.

3. Outplacement Assistance. Following the Eligible Employee’s termination of employment by the Company, the Company may provide each Eligible Employee, except for those whose employment is terminated for Cause, with outplacement services.

4. Other Employee Benefits. All other benefits (such as life insurance, disability coverage, and pension plan coverage) terminate as of the Eligible Employee’s Separation Date (except to the extent that a conversion privilege may be available thereunder).

5. Reductions Pursuant to Section 3(c) of the Plan. The severance benefits set forth in this Appendix A are subject to certain reductions under Section 3(c) of the Plan.


The foregoing severance benefits are subject to such change as the Company, pursuant to Section 3(a) of the Plan, may determine in its sole and absolute discretion. Any such change in severance benefits shall be set forth in a revised version of this Appendix A.

Appendix A Adopted: February 21, 2008

 

NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS
By:  

/s/ Gil M. Labrucherie

  Gil M. Labrucherie
  Senior Vice President & General Counsel


APPENDIX B

NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS

SEVERANCE BENEFIT PLAN

PARTICIPATING COMPANY AFFILIATES

Employees of the following companies, affiliated with the Company, are subject to the Plan:

Nektar Therapeutics AL, Corporation

The foregoing list of Company affiliates subject to the Plan is subject to such change as the Company, pursuant to Section 3(a) of the Plan, may determine in its sole and absolute discretion. Any such change in severance benefits shall be set forth in a revised version of this Appendix B.

Appendix B Adopted: February 21, 2008

 

NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS

By:

 

/s/ Gil M. Labrucherie

  Gil M. Labrucherie
  Senior Vice President & General Counsel
Termination Agreement and Mutual Release

EXHIBIT 10.32

FOIA CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED

TERMINATION AGREEMENT AND MUTUAL RELEASE

This Termination and Release Agreement (the “Termination Agreement”) is made as of November 9, 2007 (the “Effective Date”), by and among Nektar Therapeutics (“Nektar”) and Pfizer Inc. (“Pfizer”) (together, Nektar and Pfizer are referred to herein as the “Parties”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Parties have engaged in a commercial relationship related to the development, funding, licensing, making, using, marketing and selling of inhalable insulin (the “Relationship”);

WHEREAS, Nektar and Pfizer are party to a Collaborative Development and Licensing Agreement [***];

WHEREAS, Pfizer has given notice of termination of the Agreements to Nektar by letter dated October 18, 2007;

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to agree upon an aggregate payment of monies owing relating to the Agreements and the Parties’ performance of their respective rights and obligations arising thereunder;

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to [***];

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to agree upon a transition plan for Exubera and the second generation inhaled insulin product candidate (collectively referred to as the “Product”) that were the subject of the Agreements;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the recitals above, which are made a part of this Termination Agreement, and the mutual covenants and obligations contained herein, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, [***], the Parties hereby agree as follows:

TERMS OF TERMINATION

 

  1. Payment.

Within seven (7) days of the Effective Date, Pfizer agrees to pay Nektar the sum of $135,000,000 (“the Termination Payment”), by wire transfer to:

[***]

The Parties acknowledge and agree that [***].

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


  2. Product Transition.

The Parties acknowledge and agree that the Agreements are terminated and further agree that the [***] pursuant to the provisions of Exhibit N.

 

  3. Releases.

The Parties each agree to the following releases effective immediately following payment of the Termination Payment:

(a) Release by Nektar. [***], Nektar hereby [***] releases [***] all claims [***], which Nektar [***], shall or may have against Pfizer, [***]. Nothing set forth in this Termination Agreement shall [***].

(b) Release by Pfizer. [***], Pfizer hereby [***] releases [***] all claims [***], which Pfizer [***] shall or may have against Nektar [***]. Nothing set forth in this Termination Agreement shall [***].

 

  4. Entire Agreement.

This Termination Agreement and attached Exhibits, and all documents executed pursuant hereto, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes any prior written or oral agreements, representations, warranties or statements.

 

  5. Amendment.

This Termination Agreement may not be altered, modified or amended except by written instrument signed by the Parties hereto. [***].

 

  6. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Alternative Dispute Resolution.

(a) This Termination Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the [***] applicable to agreements made and to be performed entirely within such state, without regard to the conflicts of law principles thereof.

(b) Each party [***] submits to the jurisdiction and venue of the [***]: the Parties shall submit the dispute to Alternative Dispute Resolution [***].

(c) Each party agrees that [***].

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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  7. Notice.

All notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted to be given under the terms of this Termination Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered by hand or overnight courier or three Business Days after they have been mailed by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the other party as set forth below:

 

If to Nektar:   

Nektar Therapeutics

201 Industrial Road

San Carlos, CA 94070

Attention: [***]

Telecopy: [***]

with a copy to:    [***]
If to Pfizer:    Pfizer Inc.
  

235 East 42nd Street

New York, NY 10017

Attention: [***]

Telecopy: [***]

with a copy to:    [***]

The Parties may change the address to which notices or other communications under this Termination Agreement shall be sent by providing written notice to the other in the manner specified above. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “Business Day” shall mean a day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions are legally permitted to be closed in the [***].

 

  8. [***].

This Termination Agreement shall [***].

 

  9. [***].

This Termination Agreement shall [***].

 

  10. Representations and Warranties.

(a) Each of the Parties represents and warrants that it is authorized to execute, deliver, and perform this Termination Agreement and that this Termination Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation and that it is enforceable in accordance with its terms.

(b) Each of the Parties represents and warrants that: [***].

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

3


(c) Each of the Parties represents and warrants that [***]. The Parties to this Termination Agreement further represent and warrant that they have read and understand this Termination Agreement [***]. The Parties to this Termination Agreement further represent and warrant that they have signed this Termination Agreement [***]. In making this Termination Agreement, the Parties have [***].

 

  11. Confidentiality.

The Parties agree that [***] the terms of this Termination Agreement are confidential, [***].

 

  12. Non-Disparagement.

[***], each Party hereby agrees that it shall make no oral or written statements relating in any way to the Agreements, the Relationship, [***] that are intended or would reasonably be expected to damage the reputation of the other Party [***]. Each Party hereby agrees that it [***]. Notwithstanding the obligations of this Paragraph 12 or any other obligation to the contrary, each Party is [***].

 

  13. [***].

The Parties agree, [***].

 

  14. [***].

Pfizer hereby [***].

Nektar hereby [***].

 

  15. Counterparts.

This Termination Agreement may be executed in two or more counterpart copies of the entire document or of signature pages to the documents (which may be sent by telecopy), each of which shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same Agreement binding upon the Parties.

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

4


In witness hereof, we, the undersigned, hereby indicate our agreement to the terms of termination as set out in this Termination Agreement, on this the 9th day of November, 2007, by signing below.

 

Nektar Therapeutics
By:   [***]
Its:   [***]
Pfizer Inc.
By:   [***]
Its:   [***]

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

5


Exhibit N

Pfizer and/or one or more of its subsidiaries own rights to the Product and the Product Candidate (both as such terms are defined below). Accordingly, where the term “Pfizer” appears in this Exhibit N it shall be deemed to include any such subsidiaries that own rights to the Product and/or the Product Candidate [***].

As soon as practicable, [***], Pfizer will review such offers, if any, from Qualified Third Parties (“Third Party Offers”) that may be interested in entering into an agreement (a “Transfer Agreement”) for the sale of all or substantially all of Pfizer’s rights to the Product and/or Product Candidate (the “Transaction”). Pfizer [***] will consult with Nektar [***]. Nektar will make a recommendation regarding Third Party Offers [***], Pfizer shall enter into the Transfer Agreement [***] containing customary representations, warranties, covenants, and indemnities for third party post-closing claims that are customary for a transaction of this nature, [***]. Pfizer agrees to use reasonable efforts to consummate the Transaction with the Qualified Third Party [***].

During the period [***], Pfizer will use reasonable efforts to provide Maintenance Assistance. [***].

[***], Pfizer agrees to use reasonable efforts to provide Transition Assistance (as defined below) from the closing date of the Transaction until the later of (a) three months after the closing date or (b) such longer period of time only with respect to Transition Assistance that must be continued beyond such three month period to meet applicable regulatory [***] product transfer requirements (such period being defined as the “Transition Period”) to facilitate the transfer of the Product and/or Product Candidate to a Qualified Third Party in the Transaction, so long as the Qualified Third Party reimburses Pfizer for reasonable out-of-pocket costs paid to third parties and incremental personnel and production costs actually incurred by Pfizer in providing Transition Assistance to the extent such costs would not have been incurred if there were no Transaction (“Pfizer Costs”); provided however, Pfizer will not be entitled to any type of prospective economic value in the Transaction (other than the reimbursement for “Pfizer Costs”) including but not limited to any future royalty or profit sharing with respect to the Product or Product Candidate. “Pfizer Costs” shall [***]. In addition, if it is determined that the Qualified Third Party will purchase Pfizer equipment or inventory as part of the Transaction, then such equipment or inventory shall be transferred at 50% of its value on the date of transfer.

For the purposes of the above, the following capitalized terms shall have the following meaning:

“Qualified Third Party” shall mean (a) a company, [***] the transferee of Pfizer’s regulatory filings and associated obligations; [***].

“Maintenance Assistance” shall mean the following activities: (1) continuance of Phase IV studies for the Product [***], (2) continuance of [***] clinical studies for the Product

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


Candidate, [***], (3) provision of a reasonable compassionate program necessary for continued patient access to the Product [***], (4) [***], (5) conduct the [***] trial for the Product Candidate [***]; provided however, Nektar shall be responsible for the out-of-pocket costs and incremental personnel costs incurred by Pfizer for such trial, (6) Pfizer will leave the drug on the market as planned through January 16th (“January Date”). If by the January Date, Nektar has shown Pfizer substantial progress toward completion of a Transaction evidenced by way of a term sheet proposal [***], then Pfizer will resume a reasonable level of wholesaler/mail order distribution to supply patients already on Exubera through the completion of the transition to the Qualified Third Party, [***].

“Transition Assistance” shall mean one or more of the following actions or activities set forth under paragraphs (1) and (2) below to be performed by Pfizer during the Transition Period that are reasonably necessary to support the transfer of the Product and/or Product Candidate to a Qualified Third Party in the Transaction:

(1) Pfizer will grant licenses to any necessary intellectual property [***] as reasonably necessary, provide for manufacturing in Pfizer facilities [***], provide for any necessary transfers of technology and supply sources [***], transfer NDAs and INDs (and foreign equivalents) and data contained in such regulatory filings, transfer ownership of the Exubera trademark, provide for continuation and transfer to the Qualified Third Party of the [***] studies, and provide for the continuation of FDA mandated clinical trials of the Product, [***].

(2) Pfizer will provide Nektar with complete reports [***], transfer clinical studies conducted by Pfizer that are ongoing at the closing date of the Transaction to the Qualified Third Party [***] and transfer to Nektar or the Qualified Third Party possession and title to the extent owned by Pfizer to all data generated with respect to the Product Candidate, [***].

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
Exclusive Research, Development, License and Manufacturing and Supply Agreement

EXHIBIT 10.33

FOIA CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED

EXCLUSIVE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT,

LICENSE AND MANUFACTURING

AND SUPPLY AGREEMENT

BY AND AMONG

NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS AL, CORPORATION

AND

BAXTER HEALTHCARE SA

AND

BAXTER HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

DATED SEPTEMBER 26, 2005

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

               Page
1.    DEFINITIONS    2
2.    RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES    16
   2.1    OVERVIEW    16
   2.2    NEKTAR AL PAYMENTS    17
   2.3    MARKETING AUTHORIZATION    18
   2.4    MATERIALS    18
   2.5    HANDLING    19
   2.6    SELECTION OF POTENTIAL PRODUCTS AND [***]    20
   2.7    DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO BAXTER MATERIALS    20
3.    GOVERNANCE    21
   3.1    JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE    21
   3.2    RESEARCH COMMITTEE    23
   3.3    DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION COMMITTEE    25
   3.4    AMENDMENT; WAIVER    25
4.    LICENSES TO NEKTAR AL LICENSED TECHNOLOGY AND BAXTER TECHNOLOGY    26

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

-ii-


   4.1    LICENSE TO BAXTER    26
   4.2    TERMS OF SUBLICENSE    26
   4.3    NEKTAR AL RESEARCH RIGHTS AND LIMITATIONS    27
   4.4    NO IMPLIED RIGHTS OR LICENSES    28
   4.5    LICENSE TO NEKTAR AL    28
   4.6    MUTUAL COVENANT    28
5.    MANUFACTURE AND SUPPLY OF SELECTED REAGENTS    29
   5.1    [***]    29
   5.2    SUPPLY PRIOR TO PIVOTAL TRIAL/SUPPLY AGREEMENT    29
   5.3    PIVOTAL TRIAL AND COMMERCIAL PRODUCT SUPPLY AGREEMENT    30
6.    SPECIFICATIONS AND MANUFACTURING WARRANTY FOR SELECTED REAGENTS    30
   6.1    SPECIFICATIONS    30
   6.2    COMPLIANCE AUDITS    31
   6.3    WARRANTY    31
   6.4    DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY    32

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

-iii-


7.    EXCLUSIVITY; [***]    33
   7.1    NEKTAR AL    33
   7.2    BAXTER    33
8.    QUALITY AND COMPLAINTS    34
   8.1    ANALYSIS    34
   8.2    ACCEPTANCE AND REJECTION    34
   8.3    REPLACEMENT OF NONCONFORMING REAGENT    36
   8.4    LIABILITY TO BAXTER FOR NONCONFORMING REAGENT    36
   8.5    [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]    37
   8.6    FEES FOR MANUFACTURING AND SUPPLY OF SELECTED REAGENTS PRIOR TO PIVOTAL TRIAL    37
9.    MILESTONES; ROYALTY PAYMENTS; ROYALTY REPORTS    38
   9.1    MILESTONE PAYMENTS    38
   9.2    ROYALTIES    42
   9.3    SEPARATE COMPONENTS    44
   9.4    COMMERCIAL DILIGENCE    45
   9.5    REPORTS, EXCHANGE RATES    45
   9.6    THIRD PARTY ROYALTIES, ETC    46

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

-iv-


10.    RECORDS; AUDITS; SHIPMENT TERMS; PAYMENT TERMS    47
   10.1    RECORDS    47
   10.2    AUDITS    47
   10.3    INVOICING; PAYMENT TERMS    49
   10.4    PAYMENT METHOD    49
   10.5    TAXES    49
11.    CONFIDENTIALITY    50
   11.1    TERMINATION OF NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT    50
   11.2    IN GENERAL    50
   11.3    ADDITIONAL PROTECTIONS    51
   11.4    PERMITTED DISCLOSURES    52
   11.5    IRREPARABLE INJURY    53
12.    REGULATORY MATTERS    53
   12.1    COMPLAINTS/ADVERSE EVENTS    53
   12.2    SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS    53
13.    REPRESENTATIONS & WARRANTIES; COVENANTS    53
   13.1    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES    53

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

-v-


   13.2    COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS    54
14.    LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; EXCLUSION OF DAMAGES    54
   14.1    LIMITATION OF LIABILITY    54
   14.2    REMEDIES    55
   14.3    APPLICABILITY, EXCLUSIVITY OF REMEDIES    55
15.    INDEMNIFICATION; INSURANCE    56
   15.1    INDEMNITY    56
   15.2    INSURANCE    57
   15.3    PROCEDURES    57
16.    INVENTIONS, KNOW-HOW AND PATENTS    59
   16.1    EXISTING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY    59
   16.2    DISCLOSURE    59
   16.3    OWNERSHIP OF INVENTIONS    59
   16.4    NEKTAR AL CORE TECHNOLOGY INVENTIONS    60
   16.5    BAXTER CORE TECHNOLOGY INVENTIONS    61
   16.6    INDIVIDUAL PATENT FILINGS    61
   16.7    JOINT PATENT FILINGS    61

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

-vi-


   16.8    DISPOSITION OF INVENTIONS    62
   16.9    FURTHER ACTIONS    62
   16.10    PATENT MARKING AND POTENTIAL PRODUCT AND COMMERCIAL PRODUCT MARKING    63
   16.11    SUPPLEMENTAL PATENT PROTECTION    63
17.    INFRINGEMENT    63
   17.1    INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS    63
   17.2    INFRINGEMENT BY THIRD PARTIES    65
18.    [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]    67
19.    TERM AND TERMINATION    67
   19.1    EXPIRATION    67
   19.2    DISCRETIONARY TERMINATION    67
   19.3    TERMINATION FOR CAUSE    67
   19.4    TERMINATION FOR INSOLVENCY    68
   19.5    TERMINATION/[***] FOR LACK OF DILIGENCE    68
   19.6    TERMINATION ON CHALLENGE    71

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

-vii-


   19.7    EFFECT OF TERMINATION    71
20.    ASSIGNMENT    74
21.    NOTICES    74
22.    MISCELLANEOUS    76
   22.1    FORCE MAJEURE    76
   22.2    SEVERABILITY    77
   22.3    VARIATION    77
   22.4    FORBEARANCE AND WAIVER    77
   22.5    COUNTERPARTS; FACSIMILE    77
   22.6    NO PARTNERSHIP    77
   22.7    CONSTRUCTION    78
   22.8    ENTIRE AGREEMENT    78
   22.9    GOVERNING LAW    78
   22.10    PUBLICITY    79

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

-viii-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

SCHEDULE I - RESEARCH PLAN

SCHEDULE II - MILESTONES

SCHEDULE III - QUALITY AGREEMENT

SCHEDULE IV - BAXTER DEVELOPMENT DILIGENCE TIMELINES

SCHEDULE V - TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SUPPLY AGREEMENT

SCHEDULE VI - MANUFACTURING COST

SCHEDULE VII - PERMITTED ACTIVITIES

EXHIBIT 1 - BAXTER RESEARCH PLAN

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

-ix-


EXCLUSIVE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND LICENSE

AGREEMENT

This Agreement (this “AGREEMENT”) is made and entered into as of September 26, 2005 (the “EFFECTIVE DATE”) by and among Nektar Therapeutics AL, Corporation, an Alabama corporation, having its principal place of business at 490 Discovery Drive, Huntsville, AL 35806 (“NEKTAR AL”), Baxter Healthcare SA (“BHSA”), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Switzerland, and Baxter Healthcare Corporation (“BHC”), a Delaware corporation, having its principal place of business at One Baxter Parkway, Deerfield, Illinois 60015 (BHSA and BHC collectively referred to as “BAXTER”). NEKTAR AL and BAXTER may be referred to herein individually as a “PARTY” and collectively as the “PARTIES.”

RECITALS

WHEREAS, BAXTER is in the business of developing, making, marketing and selling biopharmaceutical products for the treatment of bleeding disorders;

WHEREAS, NEKTAR AL has proprietary technology useful for attaching poly(ethylene) glycol-based molecules to pharmaceutical compounds, and is engaged in the business of performing research in relation to REAGENTS and CONJUGATES and manufacturing bulk quantities of REAGENTS used in the manufacture of pharmaceutical products;

WHEREAS, BAXTER has developed proprietary technology concerning FACTOR VIII and [***], including the [***] for improving the half-life of FACTOR VIII, and desires to continue such development by entering into an exclusive research and development agreement with NEKTAR AL for the purpose of determining whether NEKTAR AL’s proprietary technology can improve the same, and NEKTAR AL desires to exclusively partner with BAXTER to perform such continued development for extending the half-life of FACTOR VIII using its proprietary technology directly with FACTOR VIII or [***];

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

1


WHEREAS, BAXTER desires to provide NEKTAR AL with recombinant FACTOR VIII and [***] to use in developing SELECTED REAGENTS and CONJUGATES, and NEKTAR AL desires to, as provided for in this AGREEMENT, provide BAXTER with CONJUGATES and SELECTED REAGENTS for BAXTER’s evaluation and potential pre-clinical, clinical and/or commercial development;

WHEREAS, BAXTER shall bear all costs associated with the research and development of NEKTAR AL’s CONJUGATES and REAGENTS into POTENTIAL PRODUCTS and COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS, and shall have ultimate control over all product development decisions;

WHEREAS, NEKTAR AL desires to manufacture and supply BAXTER with all of its SELECTED REAGENT requirements (including pre-clinical, clinical trial, POTENTIAL PRODUCT and COMMERCIAL PRODUCT requirements) and BAXTER desires to satisfy all of its SELECTED REAGENT requirements from NEKTAR AL; and

WHEREAS, BAXTER shall have an exclusive license to any POTENTIAL PRODUCTS or COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS developed in the course of this AGREEMENT.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the covenants and promises contained in this AGREEMENT and in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions specified below, the PARTIES agree as follows:

AGREEMENT 1.

Definitions

 

  1.1

“AFFILIATE” means, with respect to any person or entity, any other person or entity that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such person or entity. For purposes of this definition only, “control,” “controlled by” and “under common control with” shall mean the possession of the power to direct or

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

2


 

cause the direction of the management and policies of an entity, whether through the ownership of voting stock or partnership interest, by contract or otherwise. In the case of a corporation, the direct or indirect ownership of fifty percent (50%) or more of its outstanding voting shares or the ability otherwise to elect a majority of the board of directors or other managing authority of the entity shall in any event be deemed to confer control, it being understood that the direct or indirect ownership of a lesser percentage of such shares shall not necessarily preclude the existence of control.

 

  1.2 “BAXTER CORE TECHNOLOGY” means:

 

  (i) [***];

 

  (ii) a composition of a [***] as disclosed in any of the examples of the [***] on the EFFECTIVE DATE, or [***] shall not fall within the BAXTER CORE TECHNOLOGY and shall instead be considered JOINTLY OWNED TECHNOLOGY;

 

  (iii) a method of: (a) [***]; provided that in each case none of such methods employs a NEKTAR PROPRIETARY METHOD on the EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

  (iv) methods of [***];

 

  (v) methods of [***];

 

  (vi) methods of [***];

 

  (vii) [***];

 

  (viii) methods of [***];

 

  (ix) the methods [***]

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

3


  (x) [***].

 

  1.3 “BAXTER CORE TECHNOLOGY INVENTIONS” has the meaning set forth in Section 16.5.

 

  1.4 “BAXTER INDEMNITEE” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.1.1.

 

  1.5 “BAXTER KNOW-HOW” means all KNOW-HOW [***]. For the avoidance of doubt, [***] are excluded from the definition of BAXTER KNOW-HOW.

 

  1.6 “BAXTER MATERIALS” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4.2.

 

  1.7 “BAXTER PATENT RIGHTS” means all claims in those PATENTS and PATENT APPLICATIONS (i) [***] and (ii) that [***].

 

  1.8 “BAXTER PROPRIETARY CONJUGATE” means a CONJUGATE, the composition of matter, manufacture, use, offer for sale, sale or import of which is covered by a claim of the [***].

 

  1.9 [***] means BAXTER’s provisional patent applications [***] (the “PROVISIONALS”), and any U.S. or other patent applications claiming priority therefrom, including any continuation, divisional, reissue, reexamination or substitution (and in each case any foreign counterpart thereto), and any extension, renewal or supplemental protection certificate; provided that the only additional information that may be added after the EFFECTIVE DATE to the disclosure of the PROVISIONALS (“ADDITIONAL INFORMATION”) in the preparation of a U.S. or other patent application claiming priority from the PROVISIONALS shall be [***]. For avoidance of doubt, BAXTER agrees that (a) [***].

 

  1.10

“BLA” means a Biologics License Application filed with the FDA pursuant to 21

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

4


 

C.F.R. § 601.2 et seq., or any foreign equivalent filed with the regulatory authorities in a country or territory to obtain MARKETING AUTHORIZATION for a COMMERCIAL PRODUCT in such country or territory.

 

  1.11 “CLAIMS” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.1.1.

 

  1.12 “COMMERCIAL DILIGENCE THRESHOLD” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4.

 

  1.13 “COMMERCIAL PRODUCT” means any POTENTIAL PRODUCT that has received MARKETING AUTHORIZATION which BAXTER, its AFFILIATES and/or SUBLICENSEES market and/or sell for administration to or use by humans or animals.

 

  1.14 “CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.2.

 

  1.15 “CONJUGATE(S)” means any chemical entity obtained by the PEGYLATION of a REAGENT to a therapeutic agent (including a THERAPEUTIC AGENT).

 

  1.16 “CONTRACT MANUFACTURER” means a THIRD PARTY who (a) manufactures POTENTIAL PRODUCT or COMMERCIAL PRODUCT on behalf of BAXTER as permitted herein, or (b) manufactures SELECTED REAGENT as permitted under and pursuant to Schedule V.

 

  1.17 “CONTROL(LED)” means the ability to grant a license or sublicense as provided for herein without violating the terms of any agreement or other arrangement with any THIRD PARTY and, with respect to KNOW-HOW, also means that which is not known to the other PARTY prior to disclosure thereto (whether under this AGREEMENT or the NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT), nor freely available from the public domain or THIRD PARTIES.

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

5


  1.18 “DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION COMMITTEE” means the committee described in Section 3.3.

 

  1.19 “DISCLOSING PARTY” means the PARTY disclosing CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION to the other PARTY hereunder.

 

  1.20 “DOLLAR(S)” means United States dollars.

 

  1.21 “EMEA” means the European Medicines Evaluation Agency, and any successor agency thereto having the administrative authority to regulate the marketing of human pharmaceutical products, biological therapeutic products and delivery systems in the European Union.

 

  1.22 “ESTIMATED COST” has the meaning set forth in Schedule VI.

 

  1.23 [***] means a compound that is a [***]. For clarity, [***].

 

  1.24 “FACTOR VIII” means a compound that is a Factor VIII molecule [***]. For clarity, [***].

 

  1.25 “FDA” means the United States Food and Drug Administration or any successor entity that may be established hereafter which has substantially the same authority or responsibility currently vested in the United States Food and Drug Administration.

 

  1.26 “FIELD” means [***], either for use alone for the treatment of [***], in the treatment of Hemophilia A, or PEGYLATED FACTOR VIII or [***] for the treatment of Hemophilia A.

 

  1.27 “FIRST COMMERCIAL SALE” means, with respect to a COMMERCIAL PRODUCT, the first sale by BAXTER or its AFFILIATES or SUBLICENSEES to a THIRD PARTY following receipt of MARKETING AUTHORIZATION for such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT in the country of sale.

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

6


  1.28 “FTE” means the equivalent of an employee working [***] labor hours per year.

 

  1.29 “FTE RATE” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2. 1.30 “GAAP” has the meaning set forth in Schedule VI.

 

  1.31 “INITIAL ROYALTY TERM” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2.

 

  1.32 “INVENTIONS” means any and all ideas, concepts, methods, procedures, processes, improvements, inventions and discoveries, whether or not patentable, that are conceived or first reduced to practice during and in the course of the performance of activities conducted in connection with this AGREEMENT, including the development or manufacture of a POTENTIAL PRODUCT or a COMMERCIAL PRODUCT.

 

  1.33 “JOINT INVENTION” has the meaning set forth in Section 16.3.

 

  1.34 “JOINT PATENT APPLICATIONS” and “JOINT PATENT” have the meanings set forth in Section 16.7.

 

  1.35 “JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE” means the committee described in Section 3.1.

 

  1.36 “JOINTLY OWNED TECHNOLOGY” means an INVENTION covering the composition of [***].

 

  1.37

“KNOW-HOW” means all technical, scientific and other know-how, data, materials, information, trade secrets, ideas, formulae, inventions, discoveries, processes, machines, compositions of matter, improvements, protocols, techniques, works of authorship, and results of experimentation and testing (whether or not patentable) in written, electronic, oral or any other form that is not known to the other PARTY prior

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

7


 

to disclosure thereto (whether under this AGREEMENT or the NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT), nor freely available from the public domain or from THIRD PARTIES.

 

  1.38 “LAW(S)” means any local, state or federal rule, regulation, statute or law in any jurisdiction relevant to the activities undertaken pursuant to this AGREEMENT or applicable to either of the PARTIES with respect to any matters set forth herein.

 

  1.39 “MAJOR MARKETS” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2.1.

 

  1.40 “MANUFACTURING COST” has the meaning set forth in Schedule VI.

 

  1.41 “MARKETING AUTHORIZATION” means the requisite governmental approval for the marketing and sale of a COMMERCIAL PRODUCT in a given country.

 

  1.42 “MILESTONE” means the milestone payments set forth in Schedule II.

 

  1.43 “NEKTAR AL CORE TECHNOLOGY” means:

 

  (i) [***];

 

  (ii) methods of [***];

 

  (iii) methods of [***];

 

  (iv) methods of [***];

 

  (v) methods of [***];

 

  (vi) [***]

 

  (vii) methods of [***].

 

  1.44 “NEKTAR AL CORE TECHNOLOGY INVENTIONS” has the meaning set forth in Section 16.4.

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

8


  1.45 “NEKTAR AL INDEMNITEE” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.1.2.

 

  1.46 “NEKTAR AL KNOW-HOW” means all KNOW-HOW [***].

 

  1.47 “NEKTAR AL LICENSED TECHNOLOGY” means, collectively, the NEKTAR AL PATENT RIGHTS and NEKTAR AL KNOW-HOW.

 

  1.48 “NEKTAR AL MATERIALS” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4.1.

 

  1.49 “NEKTAR AL PATENT RIGHTS” means all of the claims in those PATENTS and PATENT APPLICATIONS CONTROLLED by NEKTAR AL which (i) pertain to [***].

 

  1.50 “NEKTAR PROPRIETARY METHODS” means (i) [***].

 

  1.51 “NEKTAR PROPRIETARY REAGENT” means a REAGENT, the composition of matter, manufacture, use, offer for sale, sale or import of which is covered by [***].

 

  1.52 “NET SALES” means the amount invoiced by BAXTER, its AFFILIATES or SUBLICENSEES for the sale to THIRD PARTIES of COMMERCIAL PRODUCT commencing with the FIRST COMMERCIAL SALE. [***]:

 

  (i) [***];

 

  (ii) [***];

 

  (iii) [***];

 

  (iv) [***]

 

  (v) [***].

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

9


In addition to the foregoing [***], BAXTER may [***] of the aggregate gross amount invoiced on account of sales of a COMMERCIAL PRODUCT by BAXTER, its AFFILIATES or SUBLICENSEES to THIRD PARTIES in the relevant country during the relevant calendar quarter in respect of which royalties are being calculated or (b) [***] during the relevant calendar quarter in respect of which royalties are being calculated.

[***]. In addition, BAXTER’S NET SALES hereunder are subject to the following:

 

  (A) [***];

 

  (B) [***];

 

  (C) [***].

 

  1.53 “NONCONFORMING REAGENTS” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.

 

  1.54 “NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT” means that agreement entered into between the PARTIES on [***], providing for confidential treatment of the PARTIES’ information.

 

  1.55 “PATENT” means any claim in a patent including any extension, substitution, registration, confirmation, reissue, supplemental protection certificate, re-examination or renewal of such patent, to the extent valid and enforceable rights are granted by a governmental authority thereunder (and in each case any foreign counterpart thereto).

 

  1.56 “PATENT APPLICATION” means any claim in an application for letters patent, including a provisional application, converted provisional application, continuation application, a continued prosecution application, a continuation-in-part application, a divisional application, a re-examination application, and a reissue application (and in each case any foreign counterpart thereto).

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

10


  1.57 “PEG” means poly(ethylene) glycol.

 

  1.58 “PEGYLATION,” with correlative meanings “PEGYLATED” or to “PEGYLATE”, means covalent chemical bonding of any REAGENT (including a SELECTED REAGENT and including covalent chemical bonding through linking groups), with or to another material or materials. Such materials include, without limitation, proteins, peptides, polymers, oligomers, oligonucleotides, other biomolecules, small molecules, therapeutic agents (including a THERAPEUTIC AGENT), diagnostic agents, imaging agents and detectable labels. Additional materials that may be PEGYLATED include, without limitation, polymers, liposomes, films, chemical separation and purification surfaces, solid supports, metal/metal oxide surfaces and other surfaces such as, by way of example but not limitation, those on implanted devices, and equipment, where a REAGENT is covalently chemically bonded to one or more reactive molecules on the surface of such device or equipment. “PEGYLATION” shall include the synthesis, derivatization, characterization, and modification of PEG for such purposes, together with the synthesis, derivatization, characterization, and modification of the raw materials and intermediates for the manufacture of REAGENTS (including SELECTED REAGENTS) or products (including POTENTIAL PRODUCTS and COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS) incorporating such REAGENT by means of covalent chemical bonding, and all methods of making and using each and all of the foregoing.

 

  1.59 “PHASE 1 CLINICAL TRIAL” means the first lawful study in humans, conducted in accordance with 21 C.F.R. §312.21(a) (or the equivalent LAWS and regulations in jurisdictions outside the United States).

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

11


  1.60 “PHASE 2 CLINICAL TRIAL” means a controlled clinical trial, conducted in accordance with 21 C.F.R. §312.21(b) (or the equivalent LAWS and regulations in jurisdictions outside the United States).

 

  1.61 “PIVOTAL TRIAL,” also known as a Phase 3 clinical trial, means a controlled or uncontrolled clinical trial, conducted in accordance with § 21 C.F.R. 312.21(c) (or the equivalent LAWS and regulations in jurisdictions outside the United States).

 

  1.62 “POTENTIAL PRODUCT” means (i) any chemical entity resulting from attachment of any THERAPEUTIC AGENT to a SELECTED REAGENT by means of PEGYLATION that is selected by the RESEARCH COMMITTEE or (ii) any product using PEGYLATION to extend or otherwise improve the half-life of [***] FACTOR VIII, whether by using PEGYLATION technology directly with [***] FACTOR VIII, or by means of the PEGYLATION of [***].

 

  1.63 “PURCHASE PRICE” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.6.1

 

  1.64 “QUALITY AGREEMENT(S)” shall include:

 

  (i) the quality agreement governing the manufacture and supply of [***], which shall be negotiated by the PARTIES [***]; and

 

  (ii) the quality agreement governing the manufacture and supply of [***], which shall be negotiated by the PARTIES [***].

The QUALITY AGREEMENT(S) shall be in substantially the same form as Schedule III hereto. For purposes hereof, [***].

 

  1.65 “REAGENT” means a PEG derivative used in the manufacture of a pharmaceutical or diagnostic product or medical device, including a SELECTED REAGENT.

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

12


  1.66 “RECIPIENT” means the PARTY receiving CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION hereunder.

 

  1.67 “RESEARCH COMMITTEE” means the committee described in Section 3.2.

 

  1.68 “RESEARCH PLAN” means the PARTIES’ respective activities and responsibilities as set forth in the RESEARCH PLAN attached hereto as Schedule I, as amended and revised by the RESEARCH COMMITTEE from time to time.

 

  1.69 “RESPONSIBLE PARTY” has the meaning set forth in Section 16.7.

 

  1.70 “ROYALTY RATE” means the following:

 

  (i) [***] NET SALES of all COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS sold in a calendar year;

 

  (ii) [***] NET SALES of all COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS sold in such calendar year; and

 

  (iii) (iii) [***] NET SALES of all COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS sold in such calendar year [***].

By way of example but not limitation, if NET SALES of all COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS sold in a calendar year are [***] then BAXTER shall pay to NEKTAR AL a royalty of [***] on the [***] of such NET SALES, [***] on the portion of such NET SALES between [***] and [***] and [***] on the portion of such NET SALES [***]. For clarity, the ROYALTY RATE shall be applied to the aggregate annual worldwide NET SALES of all COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS, and [***]. By way of example but not limitation, if during any one calendar year, there are two (2) COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS being sold by or on behalf of BAXTER or its AFFILIATES or SUBLICENSEES, and NET SALES of one COMMERCIAL PRODUCT sold in such calendar year are [***], and NET SALES of the other

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

13


COMMERCIAL PRODUCT sold in the same calendar year are [***] then, for the purposes hereof, the aggregate annual NET SALES of all COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS will be deemed to be [***] for such calendar year, and BAXTER shall pay to NEKTAR AL a royalty of [***] on the [***] of such NET SALES, [***] on the portion of such NET SALES between [***] and [***], and [***] on the portion of such NET SALES in excess of [***], for total payments by BAXTER of [***].

 

  1.71 “SCIENTIFIC ADVISORS” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.

 

  1.72 “SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY BOARD” means the board described in Section 3.1.

 

  1.73 “SELECTED REAGENT” means a REAGENT that is attached to a THERAPEUTIC AGENT by means of PEGYLATION in a POTENTIAL PRODUCT or COMMERCIAL PRODUCT, as selected by the RESEARCH COMMITTEE.

 

  1.74 “SOLE INVENTION” has the meaning set forth in Section 16.3.

 

  1.75 “SPECIFICATIONS” means the specifications for a SELECTED REAGENT to be used in a POTENTIAL PRODUCT or COMMERCIAL PRODUCT determined based upon definitive testing criteria that are agreed in writing by the DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION COMMITTEE and which will be set forth in the applicable QUALITY AGREEMENT.

 

  1.76 “SUBLICENSEE” means any person or entity, including AFFILIATES, to which BAXTER grants a sublicense (i) to research and/or develop POTENTIAL PRODUCTS or COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS or (ii) to make, have made, use, sell, have sold, offer for sale and/or import POTENTIAL PRODUCTS or COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS (which for the purposes hereof will include the right to distribute, market or promote).

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

14


  1.77 “SUPPLY AGREEMENT” means the supply agreement to be entered into by the PARTIES in accordance with Section 5.3.

 

  1.78 “TERM” has the meaning set forth in Section 19.1.

 

  1.79 “TERRITORY” means the world.

 

  1.80 “THERAPEUTIC AGENT” means [***] FACTOR VIII [***] of each of the foregoing. For clarity, THERAPEUTIC AGENT does not include [***].

 

  1.81 “THIRD PARTY” means any entity other than NEKTAR AL, BAXTER, a SUBLICENSEE of BAXTER or their respective AFFILIATES, whether such THIRD PARTY is a person, company, corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other such legal entity, or a division or operating or business unit of such legal entity.

 

  1.82 “VALID PATENT CLAIM” means a claim of an issued and unexpired PATENT within the [***] covering the manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale or import of a SELECTED REAGENT or a COMMERCIAL PRODUCT, which PATENT is owned or CONTROLLED by NEKTAR AL or jointly by the PARTIES and has not (a) expired or been canceled, (b) been declared invalid by an unreversed and unappealable decision of a court or other appropriate body of competent jurisdiction, (c) been admitted to be invalid or unenforceable through reissue, disclaimer, or otherwise or (d) been abandoned.

 

  1.83 [***] means the [***].

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

15


2. Research and Development Activities

 

  2.1 OVERVIEW. The PARTIES’ research and development responsibilities are set forth in the RESEARCH PLAN, which shall be an evolving document that is updated and revised from time to time in writing by the RESEARCH COMMITTEE.

As decided by the RESEARCH COMMITTEE provided for in Section 3.2, and provided that BAXTER provides NEKTAR AL with [***] in a timely manner in accordance with the time frames set forth in the RESEARCH PLAN as provided for herein, NEKTAR AL shall, in a timely manner in accordance with the time frames set forth in the RESEARCH PLAN, provide BAXTER with [***] in its research and development activities to extend the half-life of FACTOR VIII using PEGYLATION directly with FACTOR VIII [***]. BAXTER shall, in a timely manner in accordance with the time frames set forth in the RESEARCH PLAN, provide NEKTAR AL with [***] to use in developing REAGENTS and CONJUGATES.

NEKTAR AL shall use commercially reasonable efforts to collaborate and cooperate with BAXTER in researching and developing CONJUGATES and REAGENTS (including SELECTED REAGENTS) to be utilized in developing POTENTIAL PRODUCTS pursuant to the RESEARCH PLAN, as amended from time to time. [***] After the RESEARCH COMMITTEE selects one or more CONJUGATES to develop into POTENTIAL PRODUCTS, the REAGENT that is used to make each such CONJUGATE shall be deemed a SELECTED REAGENT hereunder, and [***].

[***], in accordance with the RESEARCH PLAN, and for all costs and expenses associated therewith (subject to the approval requirements set forth herein).

For clarity, [***]. During such clinical trials, or in the event of the cancellation or failure of any such clinical trials, [***], in accordance with Section 3.2.

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

16


  2.2 NEKTAR AL PAYMENTS. In addition to the MILESTONES and royalties to be paid by BAXTER to NEKTAR AL hereunder, BAXTER shall pay NEKTAR AL for all [***] directly incurred and solely associated with the development and manufacture of such CONJUGATES and REAGENTS (including SELECTED REAGENTS). NEKTAR AL’s [***], subject to the following increases: NEKTAR AL shall adjust the [***] for each calendar year commencing with the year 2006 to reflect any year-to-year increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) (based on a cumulative index of CPI numbers starting on the EFFECTIVE DATE to the date of the calculation of such [***]).

[***], which materials shall be equipment purchased by NEKTAR AL that is required for the performance of its activities under the RESEARCH PLAN. The cost of such additional materials shall not exceed [***]. BAXTER shall respond to such a request by NEKTAR AL promptly, and in no event later than thirty (30) days after its receipt of such request.

NEKTAR AL shall not bill BAXTER, and BAXTER shall not be required to pay NEKTAR AL, for the first [***] expended by NEKTAR AL in performing activities under the RESEARCH PLAN.

NEKTAR AL shall invoice such [***] to BAXTER on a [***], pursuant to Section 10.2. For clarity, BAXTER shall pay for [***], which shall be calculated by multiplying (i) [***] pursuant to this AGREEMENT by (ii) the quotient of (a) the [***] divided by (b) [***]. BAXTER shall pay the amounts set forth in each such invoice within [***] after the date thereof.

For clarity, BAXTER shall pay NEKTAR AL as provided for under this Section 2.2 for so long as NEKTAR AL is performing activities under the RESEARCH PLAN; provided, however, that on a POTENTIAL PRODUCT-by-POTENTIAL PRODUCT basis, [***] and, thereafter, the costs and expenses to be paid by [***].

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

17


  2.3 MARKETING AUTHORIZATION. As between the PARTIES, BAXTER shall be responsible for all development activities under the RESEARCH PLAN, all manufacturing activities associated with the manufacture of POTENTIAL PRODUCTS and COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS, all activities associated with the [***], and for the [***] for COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS. [***].

 

  2.4 MATERIALS.

 

  2.4.1 NEKTAR AL MATERIALS. Any samples of SELECTED REAGENTS or CONJUGATES that are provided by NEKTAR AL to BAXTER in the course of the RESEARCH PLAN (collectively, the “NEKTAR AL MATERIALS”) are owned exclusively by NEKTAR AL and provided solely for the performance of the RESEARCH PLAN, or to otherwise extend the half-life of a THERAPEUTIC AGENT, and for no other purpose. Without limitation, BAXTER will not:

 

  (i) [***];

 

  (ii) [***];

 

  (iii) [***];

 

  (iv) [***];

 

  (v) [***],

except in each case, to extend the half-life of a THERAPEUTIC AGENT or otherwise in conjunction with the RESEARCH PLAN. For clarity, BAXTER understands and agrees that any activities (and the results thereof) that are carried out

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

18


by or on behalf of BAXTER outside of the RESEARCH PLAN, which utilize any NEKTAR AL MATERIALS or CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION of NEKTAR AL (including those activities to extend the half-life of a THERAPEUTIC AGENT utilizing any NEKTAR AL MATERIALS or any CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION OF NEKTAR AL), are subject to and governed by the terms and conditions of this AGREEMENT. For avoidance of doubt, [***].

 

  2.4.2 BAXTER MATERIALS. Any samples of [***] FACTOR VIII [***] provided by BAXTER to NEKTAR AL (collectively, the “BAXTER MATERIALS”) are owned exclusively by BAXTER and provided solely for the development of CONJUGATES and REAGENTS to extend the half-life of a THERAPEUTIC AGENT in conjunction with the RESEARCH PLAN, and for no other purpose. Without limitation, NEKTAR AL will not:

 

  (i) [***];

 

  (ii) [***];

 

  (iii) [***];

 

  (iv) [***]; or

 

  (v) [***],

except in each case, to extend the half-life of a THERAPEUTIC AGENT in conjunction with the RESEARCH PLAN.

 

  2.5

HANDLING. The PARTIES understand and agree the BAXTER MATERIALS and NEKTAR AL MATERIALS may have unpredictable and unknown biological and/or chemical properties and that they are to be handled and used with caution. The

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

19


 

PARTIES will handle and use such materials and conduct their respective activities under the RESEARCH PLAN in compliance with all applicable LAWS. Each PARTY will maintain reasonable security measures, no less strict than it maintains to protect its own valuable tangible property, to protect the other PARTY’S materials against loss, theft or destruction. Other than in connection with the performance of its obligations under this AGREEMENT, neither PARTY will sell, lease, license, copy, transfer, disclose or otherwise provide access to the other PARTY’s materials to any person, entity or location without the prior written consent of the other PARTY, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. This provision shall not prevent BAXTER from sublicensing (to the extent provided for in Article 4) or outsourcing some or all if its research or development activities. In such case, BAXTER shall require any SUBLICENSEE or THIRD PARTY performing such obligations to be bound by similar security, handling, confidentiality and assignment of INVENTIONS obligations as are set forth in this AGREEMENT, including without limitation, under Sections 2.4.1, 2.5 and 4.4 and Articles 11 and 16.

 

  2.6 SELECTION OF POTENTIAL PRODUCTS AND [***]. The RESEARCH COMMITTEE shall select POTENTIAL PRODUCT(S) from the CONJUGATES and SELECTED REAGENTS provided by NEKTAR AL and, following such selection, [***].

 

  2.7

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO BAXTER MATERIALS. BAXTER HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES THE EXPERIMENTAL NATURE OF THE RESEARCH AND THAT NEKTAR AL CANNOT GUARANTEE OR PROVIDE ANY WARRANTIES REGARDING THE QUANTITY OF BAXTER MATERIALS REQUIRED TO CONDUCT THE RESEARCH OR TO BE CONSUMED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE RESEARCH. EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF NEKTAR AL’S NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT,

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

20


 

NEKTAR AL SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR LOSSES SUFFERED BY BAXTER ARISING FROM THE USE, CONSUMPTION OR LOSS OF BAXTER MATERIALS IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE RESEARCH PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT.

 

3. GOVERNANCE

 

  3.1 JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE. To facilitate communication between the PARTIES, implement the RESEARCH PLAN and oversee development of POTENTIAL PRODUCTS and COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS (all during the TERM), the PARTIES shall appoint a JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE consisting of [***] representatives from each of NEKTAR AL and BAXTER. The initial representatives are:

BAXTER: [***]

NEKTAR AL: [***]

and the initial meeting of the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE shall take place no later than [***] after the EFFECTIVE DATE. Each PARTY may replace its representatives on the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE by prior written notice to the other PARTY. The JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE shall supervise the activities of the RESEARCH COMMITTEE and the DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION COMMITTEE; resolve issues referred by members of the RESEARCH COMMITTEE and the DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION COMMITTEE; make strategic decisions related to research and development activities in connection with POTENTIAL PRODUCTS and COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS; review the progress of research and development activities in connection with POTENTIAL PRODUCTS and COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS with

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

21


respect to BAXTER’s progress in pre-clinical studies, clinical trials, and meeting the Development Diligence Timeline set forth in Schedule IV; and review progress in seeking MARKETING AUTHORIZATIONS. The JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE shall also be responsible for sharing certain data and information relating to the PARTIES’ respective research and development, manufacturing and commercialization activities in connection with the POTENTIAL PRODUCTS and COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS, which data and information shall include, without limitation, the following: (i) any delays in meeting the Development Diligence milestone dates set forth in Schedule IV; (ii) any failure in any pre-clinical or clinical trials; (iii) any termination of active development of any POTENTIAL PRODUCT or SELECTED REAGENT; (iv) commencing any clinical trial and completing any clinical trial; and (v) summary data demonstrating whether the milestone success criteria set forth in Schedule II (including endpoints) have been met. [***].

The JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE shall meet at such times and places, in person or by telephone conferencing, web-conferencing, video conferencing or other electronic communication, as it shall determine to carry out its responsibilities. The JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE shall operate [***]. If a dispute arises regarding matters within the scope of responsibilities of the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE (other than disputes referred to the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE by the RESEARCH COMMITTEE for resolution in accordance with Section 3.2), and the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE fails to reach a consensus on its resolution [***], then the dispute shall be referred to the senior management representatives of each PARTY. For purposes of the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE, BAXTER’S senior management representative shall be its [***].

The PARTIES to the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE shall create a SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY BOARD for the purpose of reviewing results and

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

22


decisions occurring from the development of a POTENTIAL PRODUCT. The SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY BOARD shall consist of [***]. The SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY BOARD should bring their expertise to support matters referred to it by the RESEARCH COMMITTEE or the DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION COMMITTEE. Any representative on the RESEARCH COMMITTEE or the DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION COMMITTEE may refer matters to the SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY BOARD for its input and advice. The input and advice of the SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY BOARD shall be for informational purposes only and shall not be binding on the PARTIES.

 

  3.2 RESEARCH COMMITTEE. The RESEARCH COMMITTEE shall be comprised of appropriate representatives of both PARTIES, initially consisting of [***] representatives from each of NEKTAR AL and BAXTER. Each PARTY shall appoint a RESEARCH PLAN team leader (and other key contacts, as necessary) to serve as principal RESEARCH COMMITTEE liaisons for the PARTIES. Employees of each PARTY who are not on the RESEARCH COMMITTEE may attend meetings of the RESEARCH COMMITTEE, as required to further the research and development of POTENTIAL PRODUCTS and COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS. The initial team leader and PARTY representatives are:

BAXTER: (1) [***]

NEKTAR AL: (1) [***]

Any representative of the RESEARCH COMMITTEE may designate another individual from such representative’s PARTY to attend a meeting of the RESEARCH COMMITTEE in his or her place. In such case, the representative shall notify the other PARTY’s representative in writing prior to the applicable meeting.

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

23


The RESEARCH COMMITTEE shall plan and manage the research and development activities to be conducted in connection with CONJUGATES, POTENTIAL PRODUCTS and COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS and to facilitate communication on research and development issues between the PARTIES. The RESEARCH COMMITTEE shall also be responsible for the sharing of certain data relating to the PARTIES’ respective research and development activities in connection with the RESEARCH PLAN and data related to CONJUGATES and POTENTIAL PRODUCTS, including the results [***].

Modification to, and implementation of, the RESEARCH PLAN and other day-to-day research and development activities shall be managed by the RESEARCH COMMITTEE, subject to oversight by the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE. The RESEARCH COMMITTEE shall meet no less frequently than [***] in person, by teleconference, web-conference or video conference as agreed upon by the PARTIES.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the RESEARCH COMMITTEE shall operate by consensus with representatives of NEKTAR AL having [***] and representatives of BAXTER having [***]. In the event of any disagreements between the PARTIES’ representatives at the RESEARCH COMMITTEE level (including, without limitation, with respect to selection of a SELECTED REAGENT), the disagreement shall be referred to the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE for resolution and, if the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE is unable to resolve the disagreement within [***] after the matter is referred to the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE, [***].

In order to enable NEKTAR AL to plan its [***] beyond those already contemplated by the RESEARCH PLAN, the RESEARCH COMMITTEE shall notify NEKTAR AL in writing no less than [***] in advance of any additional requirements for

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

24


REAGENTS (including SELECTED REAGENTS) and CONJUGATES that are to be developed under the RESEARCH PLAN, or the conduct of studies or the performance of other related services under the RESEARCH PLAN.

 

  3.3 DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION COMMITTEE. Within [***] after a POTENTIAL PRODUCT has been selected by the RESEARCH COMMITTEE, the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE shall appoint a DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION COMMITTEE to plan and manage the manufacturing and supply activities to be performed under this AGREEMENT with respect to the SELECTED REAGENT for such POTENTIAL PRODUCT, and facilitate communication between the PARTIES during such time as NEKTAR AL supplies BAXTER with such SELECTED REAGENT hereunder. The DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION COMMITTEE shall be responsible for discussing in good faith and agreeing on issues relating to forecasting and contingency planning. The DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION COMMITTEE shall operate by consensus with representatives of NEKTAR AL having [***] and representatives of BAXTER having [***]. In the event of any disagreements between the PARTIES’ representatives at the DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION COMMITTEE level, the disagreement shall first be referred to the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE for resolution. If the disagreement is not resolved by the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE within [***] after the matter is referred to it for resolution, then the matter shall be referred to the senior management representatives of each PARTY for resolution, which senior management representatives shall be for Baxter [***] and for Nektar AL [***].

 

  3.4

AMENDMENT; WAIVER. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, neither the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE, the RESEARCH COMMITTEE nor the DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION COMMITTEE shall have the right or

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

25


 

power to amend the terms of this AGREEMENT or waive rights or obligations of the PARTIES hereunder, or take any action that would conflict with any provision of this AGREEMENT, the SUPPLY AGREEMENT or a QUALITY AGREEMENT.

 

4. LICENSES TO NEKTAR AL LICENSED TECHNOLOGY AND BAXTER TECHNOLOGY

 

  4.1 LICENSE TO BAXTER. Subject to the terms and conditions of this AGREEMENT, NEKTAR AL hereby grants to BAXTER a worldwide, exclusive, royalty-bearing license, with the right to grant sublicenses as provided in Section 4.2, under the NEKTAR AL LICENSED TECHNOLOGY to develop, make, have made, import, export, use, sell, offer for sale and have sold POTENTIAL PRODUCTS and COMMERCIAL PRODUCT(S) in the FIELD. For clarity, [***].

 

  4.2 TERMS OF SUBLICENSE. The terms of each sublicense under the license granted to BAXTER in Section 4.1 of this AGREEMENT shall provide that any SUBLICENSEE shall be subject to and consistent with the terms and conditions of this AGREEMENT; provided, however, that:

 

  (i) All royalties or other amounts due to NEKTAR AL with respect to such SUBLICENSEE’S development and/or commercialization of POTENTIAL PRODUCT or COMMERCIAL PRODUCT shall be collected by BAXTER and transmitted to NEKTAR AL in accordance with the payment terms set forth in Article 9;

 

  (ii) BAXTER’S grant of any sublicense shall not relieve BAXTER from any of its obligations under this AGREEMENT; and

 

  (iii) BAXTER shall remain jointly and severally liable for any breach of a sublicense by a SUBLICENSEE.

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

26


Notwithstanding the foregoing, [***].

 

  4.3 NEKTAR AL RESEARCH RIGHTS AND LIMITATIONS. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this AGREEMENT and without limiting any other retained rights, the license granted under Section 4.1 shall be subject to the retained right of NEKTAR AL and its AFFILIATES:

 

  (i) to practice the NEKTAR AL LICENSED TECHNOLOGY for the conduct of research and development of products that it is developing itself;

 

  (ii) to practice the NEKTAR AL LICENSED TECHNOLOGY for any purposes, including the research, development, manufacture and commercialization of products, whether itself or with or for others, outside of the FIELD;

 

  (iii) to sell REAGENTS (including SELECTED REAGENTS) through NEKTAR AL’S “catalog” for research purposes (subject to the limitations set forth below); and

 

  (iv) to perform their respective obligations to THIRD PARTIES set forth in agreements existing as of the EFFECTIVE DATE, [***].

NEKTAR AL covenants that during the TERM, [***]. NEKTAR AL further covenants that during the TERM, [***].

NEKTAR AL covenants that during the TERM, [***]. BAXTER understands and agrees that neither NEKTAR AL nor its AFFILIATES will have an obligation to [***].

For clarification, nothing in this Agreement, including any retained rights of

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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NEKTAR AL and its AFFILIATES, grants NEKTAR AL or its AFFILIATES any rights under BAXTER PATENT RIGHTS, [***], other than for the purposes of performing any obligations under this AGREEMENT, including, without limitation, NEKTAR AL’s obligations under the RESEARCH PLAN, for the research and development for BAXTER of CONJUGATES, POTENTIAL PRODUCTS OR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS.

 

  4.4 NO IMPLIED RIGHTS OR LICENSES. Neither PARTY grants to the other any rights or licenses, including to any BAXTER PATENT RIGHTS or BAXTER KNOW HOW, or NEKTAR AL PATENT RIGHTS or NEKTAR AL KNOW HOW or other intellectual property rights, whether by implication, estoppel or otherwise, except to the extent expressly provided for under this AGREEMENT. Other than as expressly provided for herein, neither BAXTER nor its AFFILIATES, SUBLICENSEES or its or their contractors, may [***].

 

  4.5 LICENSE TO NEKTAR AL. BAXTER hereby grants to NEKTAR AL a non-exclusive, non-sublicensable, non-assignable, non-transferable, worldwide, royalty-free license, under BAXTER KNOW-HOW and BAXTER PATENT RIGHTS, and the NEKTAR AL LICENSED TECHNOLOGY that is licensed exclusively to BAXTER hereunder, for the sole purpose of performing NEKTAR AL’s obligations under this AGREEMENT, including the RESEARCH PLAN. This provision shall not prevent NEKTAR AL from [***]. BAXTER shall respond within [***] of receipt of such a request by NEKTAR AL. [***].

 

  4.6

MUTUAL COVENANT. Each PARTY covenants and agrees that it and its AFFILIATES shall not use or practice the intellectual property rights licensed under this AGREEMENT except as expressly permitted by this AGREEMENT. Any use or practice of the intellectual property rights licensed under this AGREEMENT except

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

28


 

as expressly permitted by this AGREEMENT that results in material harm to the other PARTY shall constitute a material breach of this AGREEMENT. Each PARTY covenants and agrees to cease any non-permitted use and to take all actions necessary to assign to the other PARTY any inventions made through use or practice of such PARTY’S intellectual property rights outside the scope of the license rights granted hereunder.

 

5. MANUFACTURE AND SUPPLY OF SELECTED REAGENTS

 

  5.1 [***]. NEKTAR AL shall manufacture and supply and BAXTER shall purchase from NEKTAR AL, [***] of BAXTER’S and BAXTER’S AFFILIATES’ and SUBLICENSEES’ requirements of SELECTED REAGENTS, for the sole purpose of developing and manufacturing POTENTIAL PRODUCTS and COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS pursuant to the license granted hereunder.

 

  5.2 SUPPLY PRIOR TO PIVOTAL TRIAL/SUPPLY AGREEMENT.

 

  (i) FORECAST. No later than [***] after selection of a POTENTIAL PRODUCT by the RESEARCH COMMITTEE, BAXTER shall provide NEKTAR AL with a [***] rolling forecast of its estimated requirements of the SELECTED REAGENT for such POTENTIAL PRODUCT for research, pre-clinical development and clinical development. BAXTER shall update such estimated forecast within thirty (30) days following the start of each calendar quarter. BAXTER shall issue purchase orders to NEKTAR AL [***] prior to the start of the calendar quarter (such time period to be negotiated by the PARTIES in good faith after the applicable SELECTED REAGENT is selected by the RESEARCH COMMITTEE) during which BAXTER wishes to receive supplies of SELECTED REAGENT for use in pre-clinical and Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical development, until such time as the PARTIES execute the SUPPLY AGREEMENT.

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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  (ii) PRICE. The price of each SELECTED REAGENT shall be the PURCHASE PRICE, as set forth in Section 8.6.1.

 

  (iii) DELIVERY AND SHIPMENT; TITLE AND RISK OF LOSS. NEKTAR AL shall deliver all SELECTED REAGENT to BAXTER, and [***].

 

  5.3 PIVOTAL TRIAL AND COMMERCIAL PRODUCT SUPPLY AGREEMENT. At least [***] prior to the anticipated date of commencement of the first PIVOTAL TRIAL for a POTENTIAL PRODUCT, the parties shall negotiate and execute a SUPPLY AGREEMENT for the manufacture and supply of SELECTED REAGENT for such POTENTIAL PRODUCT. The SUPPLY AGREEMENT shall be negotiated in good faith after the PARTIES have gained insight into the attributes of the SELECTED REAGENT, including quality requirements, testing requirements, production cycles and production costs. For purposes of this AGREEMENT, commencement of a clinical trial shall be deemed to occur on the date on which POTENTIAL PRODUCT is first administered to the first patient or subject in such trial.

The SUPPLY AGREEMENT shall include the essential terms and conditions set forth in Schedule V and such other terms and conditions that are usual and customary for agreements of this type.

 

6. SPECIFICATIONS AND MANUFACTURING WARRANTY FOR SELECTED REAGENTS

 

  6.1

SPECIFICATIONS. The SPECIFICATIONS for SELECTED REAGENTS to be supplied pursuant to Article 5 will be set forth in the applicable QUALITY

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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AGREEMENT. Any modifications of the SPECIFICATIONS shall require prior written approval of BAXTER and NEKTAR AL, not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Prior to entering into the SUPPLY AGREEMENT, BAXTER shall reimburse NEKTAR AL for its reasonable costs associated with implementing any agreed upon modifications to the SPECIFICATIONS, including without limitation any increases in MANUFACTURING COSTS. NEKTAR AL shall be responsible for any changes to SPECIFICATIONS initiated by NEKTAR AL to accommodate its business needs that do not directly relate to the development or improvement of SELECTED REAGENTS. For clarity, a change in regulatory requirements that is unique to a SELECTED REAGENT is not a NEKTAR AL business need. For example, if NEKTAR AL requests relocating the SELECTED REAGENT manufacturing operations from Alabama to California to accommodate the closure of its Alabama facility, NEKTAR AL shall be responsible for all costs related to such relocation.

 

  6.2 COMPLIANCE AUDITS. BAXTER will have the right to perform compliance/quality audits, as set forth in the QUALITY AGREEMENTS.

 

  6.3 WARRANTY. NEKTAR AL warrants that each shipment of SELECTED REAGENT shall, upon delivery, be in compliance/conformity with:

 

  (i) All applicable SPECIFICATIONS,

 

  (ii) The applicable QUALITY AGREEMENT, and

 

  (iii) ICH Q7A GUIDELINES and LAWS, as they apply to critical raw materials, in each case with respect to those SELECTED REAGENTS used in the manufacture of (a) POTENTIAL PRODUCTS for human clinical trials and (b) for COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS.

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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SELECTED REAGENTS that do not meet the foregoing warranties shall be deemed “NONCONFORMING REAGENTS” for the purposes hereof.

 

  6.4 DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY.

 

  6.4.1 EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 6.3, NEKTAR AL PROVIDES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, REGARDING ANY SELECTED REAGENT, POTENTIAL PRODUCT OR COMMERCIAL PRODUCT, OR NEKTAR AL LICENSED TECHNOLOGY, AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. BAXTER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT NEKTAR AL CANNOT GUARANTEE THE SAFETY, NON-TOXICITY, FITNESS OR EFFICACY OF SELECTED REAGENTS, POTENTIAL PRODUCTS OR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS, AND BAXTER ACCEPTS ANY AND ALL RISK RESULTING FROM ITS USE OF CONJUGATES, REAGENTS, SELECTED REAGENTS, POTENTIAL PRODUCTS OR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS.

 

  6.4.2

EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 6.3, NEITHER PARTY PROVIDES ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, REGARDING THE RESEARCH PLAN OR ANY REAGENT, CONJUGATE, PRODUCT (INCLUDING THE SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT, REGISTRATION, MANUFACTURE OR COMMERCIALIZATION OF ANY POTENTIAL PRODUCT) OR DELIVERABLE PROVIDED PURSUANT TO THE RESEARCH PLAN, AND EACH PARTY DISCLAIMS ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. FOR CLARITY, THE FOREGOING SHALL NOT DIMINISH NEKTAR AL’S OBLIGATIONS PURSUANT TO SECTION 15.1.1.

 

7. EXCLUSIVITY; [***]

 

  7.1 NEKTAR AL. In consideration of the MILESTONES, royalties and other consideration set forth herein, NEKTAR AL agrees to partner exclusively with BAXTER in the FIELD. Specifically, during the TERM, other than as provided for in this AGREEMENT or under the RESEARCH PLAN, [***].

Nothing set forth in this Section 7.1 shall prohibit NEKTAR AL from owning not in excess of 5% in the aggregate of any class of capital stock of any corporation if such stock is publicly traded and listed on any national or regional stock exchange or on the NASDAQ national market system or the NASDAQ Small Cap Market.

 

  7.2 BAXTER. For good and valuable consideration (the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by BAXTER), BAXTER agrees to partner exclusively with NEKTAR AL in the FIELD. Specifically, during the TERM, [***].

NEKTAR AL acknowledges that, [***].

Nothing set forth in this Section 7.2 shall prohibit BAXTER from owning not in excess of 5% in the aggregate of any class of capital stock of any corporation if such stock is publicly traded and listed on any national or regional stock exchange or on the NASDAQ national market system or the NASDAQ Small Cap Market.

In the event that the provisions of Sections 7.1 or 7.2 should ever be deemed to exceed the limitation provided by applicable law, then the PARTIES agree that such provisions shall be reformed to set forth the maximum limitations permitted.

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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8. QUALITY AND COMPLAINTS

 

  8.1 ANALYSIS. After the RESEARCH COMMITTEE’S designation of a POTENTIAL PRODUCT or a SELECTED REAGENT, the PARTIES shall cooperate and work in good faith to establish written evaluation procedures and evaluation time lines in which to analyze shipments of SELECTED REAGENTS and verify SELECTED REAGENT quality (including meeting SPECIFICATIONS) using methods consistent with test procedures set forth in the applicable QUALITY AGREEMENT. In the event the PARTIES are not able to agree upon such procedures and timelines within [***] prior to the first PHASE 1 CLINICAL TRIAL of such POTENTIAL PRODUCT, (i) the matter shall first be referred to the DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION COMMITTEE for resolution in accordance with Section 3.3; (ii) if within [***] the DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION COMMITTEE is unable to reach resolution, either PARTY may elect to have a mutually acceptable laboratory or consultant establish such procedures and time lines, whose determination thereof shall be binding; and (iii) if within [***] the PARTIES are unable to select a mutually acceptable laboratory or consultant, each PARTY shall select an independent consultant within [***] and such consultants shall within [***] thereof select a mutually acceptable laboratory or consultant to establish such time lines and procedures, whose determination thereof shall be binding.

 

  8.2

ACCEPTANCE AND REJECTION. BAXTER shall notify NEKTAR AL in writing if BAXTER believes that a shipment of SELECTED REAGENT does not comply with the testing criteria identified pursuant to Section 8.1 above within [***] after BAXTER’S receipt of the relevant shipment of SELECTED REAGENT at BAXTER’S designated destination facility (“NOTICE OF NON-CONFORMITY”),

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

34


 

which notice shall include the basis for its assertion of such noncompliance (including, at NEKTAR AL’S request, supporting data) for purposes of consideration and verification by NEKTAR AL. Unless otherwise set forth in the SUPPLY AGREEMENT for the applicable SELECTED REAGENT, if no such written NOTICE OF NON-CONFORMITY is received by NEKTAR AL within the above [***] period, BAXTER shall be deemed to have accepted the applicable shipment of SELECTED REAGENT as meeting SPECIFICATIONS and any other quality requirements which were verified using the agreed-upon evaluation procedures set forth in the QUALITY AGREEMENT, which shall thereafter conclusively be presumed to meet the SPECIFICATIONS and such quality requirements. If NEKTAR AL receives such NOTICE OF NON-CONFORMITY within such [***] period, then NEKTAR AL will evaluate BAXTER’S NOTICE OF NON-CONFORMITY within [***] of receipt thereof and provide a written response (“RESPONSE TO NOTICE OF NON-CONFORMITY”). If NEKTAR AL fails to provide to BAXTER a RESPONSE TO NOTICE OF NON-CONFORMITY within the [***] period, then NEKTAR AL shall be deemed to have accepted BAXTER’S conclusion that the SELECTED REAGENTS are non-conforming and waived its right to object to such conclusion.

If NEKTAR AL disagrees with such NOTICE OF NON-CONFORMITY, then (i) the matter shall first be referred to the DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION COMMITTEE for resolution in accordance with Section 3.3; (ii) if the DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION COMMITTEE is not able to agree on such matter within [***], SELECTED REAGENT samples or documentation will be supplied to a mutually acceptable laboratory or consultant for resolution, whose determination of conformity or non-conformity shall be binding; provided that in the event the PARTIES do not select a mutually acceptable laboratory or consultant

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

35


within [***], each PARTY shall select an independent testing consultant within [***] and such consultants shall select a mutually acceptable or laboratory within [***] thereof. If the SELECTED REAGENT is determined to be non-conforming, then [***]. If the SELECTED REAGENT is determined to be conforming, then [***].

 

  8.3 REPLACEMENT OF NONCONFORMING REAGENT. NEKTAR AL shall [***], supply BAXTER with a replacement quantity of SELECTED REAGENT in an amount equal to that which, pursuant to the agreed upon procedures set forth herein and in the applicable QUALITY AGREEMENT, is determined to be NONCONFORMING REAGENT. [***], BAXTER shall promptly return all NONCONFORMING REAGENT to NEKTAR AL. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable SUPPLY AGREEMENT, such replacement shipment shall be made within a reasonable period of time not to exceed [***], which period of time shall be agreed upon once the “production cycle time” for the applicable SELECTED REAGENT has been established.

 

  8.4 LIABILITY TO BAXTER FOR NONCONFORMING REAGENT.

 

  8.4.1

NONCONFORMING REAGENT DETECTABLE BY TESTING. With respect to SELECTED REAGENT that was determined to be NONCONFORMING REAGENT through testing in accordance with the agreed-upon evaluation procedures for the applicable SELECTED REAGENT established pursuant to Section 8.1 and the applicable QUALITY AGREEMENT and for which BAXTER gave to NEKTAR AL a NOTICE OF NONCONFORMITY in accordance with the requirements of Section 8.2, [***]. For clarity, if BAXTER does not comply with the procedures set forth in Section 8.2 with respect to SELECTED REAGENT and BAXTER could

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

36


 

reasonably have detected that such SELECTED REAGENT was NONCONFORMING REAGENT through testing in accordance with the agreed-upon evaluation procedures for the applicable SELECTED REAGENT established pursuant to Section 8.1 and the applicable QUALITY AGREEMENT, or if BAXTER otherwise failed to comply with the notice requirements in Section 8.2 for NONCONFORMING REAGENT, [***].

 

  8.4.2 NONCONFORMING REAGENT NOT DETECTABLE BY TESTING. With respect to (a) NEKTAR AL’S negligence or willful misconduct regarding SELECTED REAGENT or (b) SELECTED REAGENT that is NONCONFORMING REAGENT because of breaches of the warranties set forth in Sections 6.3(ii) or (iii) that could not reasonably have been detected through testing in accordance with the agreed-upon evaluation procedures for the applicable SELECTED REAGENT established pursuant to Section 8.1 and the applicable QUALITY AGREEMENT, [***].

 

  8.5 [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.]

 

  8.6 FEES FOR MANUFACTURING AND SUPPLY OF SELECTED REAGENTS PRIOR TO PIVOTAL TRIAL.

 

  8.6.1 From the date of selection of SELECTED REAGENT until the earlier of the date of commencement of a PIVOTAL TRIAL or the date on which the PARTIES enter into the SUPPLY AGREEMENT, BAXTER shall pay NEKTAR AL its MANUFACTURING COST plus [***] for each SELECTED REAGENT supplied to BAXTER, [***] (“PURCHASE PRICE”). BAXTER shall be entitled to audit such MANUFACTURING COST pursuant to Section 10.2.

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

37


  8.6.2 In addition to the PURCHASE PRICE, BAXTER shall [***] as described herein. [***]. To the extent available, NEKTAR AL shall [***]:

 

  A. [***];

 

  B. [***];

 

  C. [***]

 

  D. [***].

BAXTER [***] and NEKTAR AL shall provide invoices for such fees and services, as incurred. BAXTER shall also reimburse NEKTAR AL for NEKTAR AL’S reasonable pre-approved expenses incurred in connection with travel at BAXTER’S request.

BAXTER shall be entitled to audit such fees pursuant to Section 10.2. However, NEKTAR AL shall not be required to produce records that are not maintained in the normal course of business. For example, if NEKTAR AL [***].

 

  8.6.3 BAXTER shall pay for or reimburse NEKTAR AL (as the case may be) for such [***] services or expenses within [***] after the date of NEKTAR AL’S invoice therefor. For clarity, BAXTER shall not be responsible for any fees, services, or travel that: (i) expand NEKTAR AL’s capacity to develop or produce PEG reagents for other customers; or (ii) do not directly or uniquely relate to this AGREEMENT or otherwise directly benefit BAXTER.

 

9. MILESTONES; ROYALTY PAYMENTS; ROYALTY REPORTS

 

  9.1

MILESTONE PAYMENTS. BAXTER shall pay to NEKTAR AL MILESTONES in

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

38


 

accordance with and pursuant to the events described in Schedule II hereto for POTENTIAL PRODUCT and/or COMMERCIAL PRODUCT, as the case may be. Each such MILESTONE shall be payable at the time the corresponding event occurs, and due within [***] of the event triggering such MILESTONE. All milestones payments shall not be advance payments against any royalties or other payments due and payable hereunder, but shall be in addition to any royalty or other payments due under this AGREEMENT. In the event BAXTER [***].

 

  (i) SKIPPED MILESTONE EVENT. If, for whatever reason, a particular milestone activity or event for which a MILESTONE is due is not carried out, then in such case the MILESTONE that NEKTAR AL would have received upon the occurrence of such milestone event for the POTENTIAL PRODUCT or COMMERCIAL PRODUCT had the particular milestone event been carried out shall be paid [***]. For example, [***].

 

  (ii) [***].

 

  (iii) NON-REFUNDABLE. Once a MILESTONE is due and payable hereunder or once a MILESTONE is paid, BAXTER shall not have any basis for claiming that such MILESTONE is not to be paid or is to be refunded (as the case may be). This provision shall not preclude BAXTER from seeking to recover damages from NEKTAR AL for the breach of this AGREEMENT.

 

  (iv)

MARKETING AUTHORIZATION OUTSIDE OF THE FIELD. For clarity BAXTER shall have no rights whatsoever with respect to the development, manufacture, use, sale or importation of POTENTIAL PRODUCTS or COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS outside of the FIELD. For clarification, BAXTER [***]. If BAXTER desires to develop, manufacture, have manufactured, use, sell, offer for sale or import any POTENTIAL

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

39


 

PRODUCT or COMMERCIAL PRODUCT outside of the FIELD, including without limitation obtaining MARKETING AUTHORIZATION for the addition of label claims that are outside of the FIELD for then-existing COMMERCIAL PRODUCT(S), BAXTER shall discuss the matter with NEKTAR AL. If NEKTAR AL (in its discretion) wishes to grant such additional rights to BAXTER, the PARTIES shall negotiate in good faith the terms and conditions (which may include, among other things, the payment of additional milestone payments) applicable to the grant of such rights.

 

  9.1.1 [***] MILESTONES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND COMMERCIALIZATION OF ONE COMMERCIAL PRODUCT FOR THE TREATMENT OF HEMOPHILIA A. The MILESTONES that are provided for under Schedule II shall apply with respect to the first POTENTIAL PRODUCT being developed for the treatment of Hemophilia A that achieves each such MILESTONE, and the first COMMERCIAL PRODUCT receiving MARKETING AUTHORIZATION having a label indication for the treatment of Hemophilia A. Such POTENTIAL PRODUCT and COMMERCIAL PRODUCT may be the same, but in the event they are not, [***].

For clarity, BAXTER or its AFFILIATE or SUBLICENSEE, at BAXTER’S discretion, shall be [***]. In the event BAXTER or its AFFILIATE or SUBLICENSEE [***].

For example, [***], BAXTER shall [***].

NEKTAR AL shall not be entitled to additional MILESTONES for additional

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

40


label claims that are obtained by BAXTER or its AFFILIATE or SUBLICENSEE for then-existing COMMERCIAL PRODUCT(S) for the treatment of Hemophilia A. For example, [***].

 

  9.1.2 ADDITIONAL MILESTONES FOR THE COMMERCIALIZATION OF MORE THAN ONE COMMERCIAL PRODUCT FOR THE TREATMENT OF HEMOPHILIA A. After the receipt of MARKETING AUTHORIZATION for the first COMMERCIAL PRODUCT, NEKTAR AL shall be entitled to receive milestone payments in addition to the MILESTONES provided for in Schedule II, for each additional POTENTIAL PRODUCT with a label indication for the treatment of Hemophilia A, for which BAXTER or its AFFILIATE or SUBLICENSEE receives a new MARKETING AUTHORIZATION in the United States and/or European Union. With respect to any additional POTENTIAL PRODUCTS [***]. The amounts of such payments will be negotiated by the PARTIES in good faith and agreed upon in a formal written amendment hereto [***], provided that the additional milestone payments for each such additional POTENTIAL PRODUCT [***].

For clarity, [***].

 

  9.1.3 POTENTIAL PRODUCTS FOR [***]. If BAXTER elects to develop a POTENTIAL PRODUCT to treat [***], BAXTER shall pay to NEKTAR AL milestone payments in addition to the MILESTONES that are set forth in Schedule II, which additional milestone payments will be negotiated by the PARTIES in good faith and agreed upon in a formal written amendment hereto. The additional milestone payments for such POTENTIAL PRODUCT to treat [***] shall be agreed upon in advance but no later than [***].

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

41


  9.1.4 INDICATIONS FOR [***]. While NEKTAR AL shall not be entitled to additional milestone payments for additional label claims that are obtained by BAXTER or its AFFILIATE or SUBLICENSEE for then-existing COMMERCIAL PRODUCT(S) within the FIELD, if BAXTER or its AFFILIATE or SUBLICENSEE seeks to obtain [***] are for a then-existing COMMERCIAL PRODUCT with a label indication for the [***], then in such case, additional milestone payments shall be due. The provisions of Section 9.1.2, as they pertain to [***], shall apply such that clinical development of COMMERCIAL PRODUCT(S) associated with obtaining label claims for the treatment of [***] shall be deemed to constitute development of an additional POTENTIAL PRODUCT.

 

  9.2 ROYALTIES. BAXTER shall pay NEKTAR AL royalties in an amount equal to the product of the ROYALTY RATE and the annual aggregate NET SALES of all COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS on a COMMERCIAL PRODUCT-by-COMMERCIAL PRODUCT and country-by-country basis for an initial period of ten (10) years from the FIRST COMMERCIAL SALE of the applicable COMMERCIAL PRODUCT in the applicable country (the “INITIAL ROYALTY TERM”). Royalties shall be paid during the INITIAL ROYALTY TERM in each and every country where COMMERCIAL PRODUCT is sold, without regard to whether a VALID PATENT CLAIM covers the manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale or import of the COMMERCIAL PRODUCT or the SELECTED REAGENT contained in such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT.

 

  9.2.1

After the expiration of the INITIAL ROYALTY TERM for a particular COMMERCIAL PRODUCT in a particular country, BAXTER shall

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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continue to pay such royalties on NET SALES of such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT on a world-wide basis provided that there exists, in each of the following major markets in which MARKETING AUTHORIZATION is received for such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT, a VALID PATENT CLAIM which would be infringed by the making, using, having made, offering for sale, sale or importation of such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT or the SELECTED REAGENT contained in such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT: [***] (collectively, “MAJOR MARKETS”). Such royalties shall be paid on NET SALES of COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS in those countries where the manufacture, import, use, offer for sale or sale of the applicable COMMERCIAL PRODUCT or the SELECTED REAGENT contained in such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT is not covered by a VALID PATENT CLAIM, provided that the manufacture, import, use, offer for sale or sale of such applicable COMMERCIAL PRODUCT or such SELECTED REAGENT is covered by a VALID PATENT CLAIM in each of the MAJOR MARKETS. [***].

 

  9.2.2 If, at the time of sale of a COMMERCIAL PRODUCT in a particular country after the expiration of the INITIAL ROYALTY TERM in such country, there is no VALID PATENT CLAIM covering the manufacture, use, import, offer for sale or sale of such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT or the SELECTED REAGENT contained in such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT in each of the MAJOR MARKETS, then BAXTER shall only owe royalties with respect to NET SALES of COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS in those countries in which a VALID PATENT CLAIM covers the manufacture, use, import, offer for sale or sale of such COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS or the SELECTED REAGENT contained in such COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS in such countries. For example, after the expiration of the INITIAL ROYALTY TERM [***].

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

43


  9.2.3 The PARTIES agree that a VALID PATENT CLAIM exists, for purposes of determining whether royalties are payable after the expiration of the INITIAL ROYALTY TERM, even if components of a COMMERCIAL PRODUCT are sold separately as more fully described in Section 9.3 below, and the only VALID PATENT CLAIM covers the manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale or import of only one component of such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT ([***]).

 

  9.2.4 BAXTER shall [***].

 

  9.2.5 Neither PARTY shall contest the accuracy of any royalty, including the overpayment or underpayment of any royalty, after [***] from the end of the calendar year in which such royalties are due and payable. For clarity, prior to the expiration of such [***] period, BAXTER may allege the overpayment of such royalties (and if determined that overpayment was made, be entitled to a refund payable within [***] of NEKTAR AL’S receipt of an invoice for the overpaid amount) and NEKTAR AL may allege the underpayment of royalties (and if determined that underpayment was made, be entitled to such shortfall). Thereafter, the accuracy of the payment of such royalties shall be deemed conclusively binding.

 

  9.3

SEPARATE COMPONENTS. If components of a COMMERCIAL PRODUCT are sold separately, the NET SALES of such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT shall be calculated as if the components of the COMMERCIAL PRODUCT were not sold separately; provided that no provision of this AGREEMENT shall be construed as [***]. For example, if a COMMERCIAL PRODUCT consists of [***] which is intended to be used with and to improve the half-life of FACTOR VIII, the NET

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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SALES of such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT shall be deemed to include the amount invoiced ([***]) by BAXTER, its SUBLICENSEES and/or their respective AFFILIATES for the FACTOR VIII with which such product is intended to be used and the [***], it being understood and agreed that, for purposes of calculating royalties, the [***] and the FACTOR VIII are the COMMERCIAL PRODUCT.

 

  9.4 COMMERCIAL DILIGENCE. If, during the TERM, BAXTER sells or markets another FACTOR VIII extended half-life product using a non-PEGYLATION technology which is used to treat Hemophilia A, then BAXTER must meet the COMMERCIAL DILIGENCE THRESHOLD, as set forth below. No later than [***] after the FIRST COMMERCIAL SALE of a COMMERCIAL PRODUCT in each MAJOR MARKET in which MARKETING AUTHORIZATION has been obtained, the sales of all COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS in the aggregate shall constitute at least [***] of the total sales of all FACTOR VIII extended half-life products used to treat Hemophilia A in such MAJOR MARKET (the “COMMERCIAL DILIGENCE THRESHOLD”). If sales of such COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS, in the aggregate, do not meet the COMMERCIAL DILIGENCE THRESHOLD in such MAJOR MARKET within such timeframe, then [***]. In the event [***], the ROYALTY RATE to which NEKTAR AL is otherwise entitled shall be [***]. For example, [***]. The terms of any such [***] shall be negotiated in good faith by the PARTIES, and shall include minimum [***] and shall provide that [***].

 

  9.5

REPORTS, EXCHANGE RATES. BAXTER shall notify NEKTAR AL in writing promptly upon the FIRST COMMERCIAL SALE of each COMMERCIAL PRODUCT in each country in which BAXTER elects to pursue commercialization. Commencing upon the FIRST COMMERCIAL SALE of a COMMERCIAL PRODUCT, BAXTER shall furnish to NEKTAR AL a [***] showing, on a country-by-country basis, according to the volume of units of such COMMERCIAL

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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PRODUCT sold in each such country (by SKU) during the reporting period: (a) the gross invoiced sales of the COMMERCIAL PRODUCT sold in each country during the reporting period, and the amounts deducted therefrom to determine NET SALES from such gross invoiced sales detailed in accordance with those deductions provided for in the definition of NET SALES; (b) the royalties payable in DOLLARS, if any, which shall have accrued hereunder based upon the NET SALES of the COMMERCIAL PRODUCT; (c) the withholding taxes, if any, required by LAW to be deducted in respect of such sales; and (d) the date of the FIRST COMMERCIAL SALE of the COMMERCIAL PRODUCT in each country during the reporting period. With respect to sales of COMMERCIAL PRODUCT invoiced in DOLLARS, the gross invoiced sales, NET SALES, and royalties payable shall be expressed in the report in DOLLARS. With respect to sales of COMMERCIAL PRODUCT invoiced in a currency other than DOLLARS, the gross invoiced sales, NET SALES and royalties payable shall be expressed in the report provided hereunder in the domestic currency of the PARTY making the sale as well as in the DOLLAR equivalent of the royalty payable and the exchange rate used in determining the amount of DOLLARS. The DOLLAR equivalent shall be calculated using the average exchange rate (local currency per DOLLAR) published in The Wall Street Journal, Western Edition, under the heading “Currency Trading,” on the last business day of each month during the applicable calendar quarter. Reports shall be due hereunder on the forty-fifth (45th) day following the close of each calendar quarter.

 

  9.6

THIRD PARTY ROYALTIES, ETC. If either PARTY is required to pay royalties or any other payments to a THIRD PARTY because the composition of matter or method of manufacture of a SELECTED REAGENT contained in a POTENTIAL PRODUCT or COMMERCIAL PRODUCT used, manufactured, imported, sold or offered for sale in a particular country infringes a PATENT of such THIRD PARTY

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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in that country or misappropriates know-how of such THIRD PARTY in that country, then [***] for a license under such PATENT or know-how necessary to use, manufacture, import, sell or offer for sale such POTENTIAL PRODUCT or COMMERCIAL PRODUCT in such country. In such event, BAXTER [***]. For example, [***] as a result of the manufacture, use, import, export, offer for sale or sale of a SELECTED REAGENT, POTENTIAL PRODUCT or COMMERCIAL PRODUCT, and shall be in addition to BAXTER’s obligations under Sections 15.1.2 and 17.1. In no event shall the royalties due to NEKTAR AL on the NET SALES of COMMERCIAL PRODUCT in a country on account of [***] pursuant to this Section 9.6 [***], except in the case where BAXTER is [***], in which event the royalties due to NEKTAR AL on the NET SALES of COMMERCIAL PRODUCT may be [***].

 

10. RECORDS; AUDITS; SHIPMENT TERMS; PAYMENT TERMS

 

  10.1 RECORDS. The PARTIES shall keep complete and accurate records in sufficient detail to make the reports required hereunder, to confirm their respective compliance with the provisions of this AGREEMENT, to properly reflect all amounts billed, owed or reported and to verify the determination of all amounts payable hereunder. Without limiting the foregoing, BAXTER shall include in each sublicense granted by it pursuant to this AGREEMENT a provision requiring the SUBLICENSEE to make reports to BAXTER consistent with those BAXTER is required to provide hereunder, to keep and maintain records of sales made and deductions taken in calculating royalties due to NEKTAR AL with respect to such sublicense, and to grant access to such records by NEKTAR AL’S independent accountant pursuant to Section 10.2 below to the same extent required of BAXTER under this AGREEMENT.

 

  10.2

AUDITS. Upon the written request of a PARTY, the other PARTY shall permit an independent certified public accounting firm of recognized national standing in the

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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United States, selected by the requesting PARTY and reasonably acceptable to the other PARTY, at the requesting PARTY’S expense, to have access to such PARTY’S records as may be reasonably necessary to verify (i) the accuracy of any amounts reported, actually paid or payable under this AGREEMENT, and (ii) in the case of NEKTAR AL, BAXTER’s compliance with Section 5.1, for any year ending not more than [***] prior to the date of such request. Such audits shall be conducted under conditions of confidentiality and may be made no more than once each calendar year, during normal business hours at reasonable times mutually agreed by the PARTIES, and shall not be conducted on a contingent fee basis.

The accounting firm shall provide each PARTY with a draft of its preliminary findings and allow each PARTY [***] to review and comment on such preliminary report. During such period, either PARTY is free to provide the accounting firm with additional information, which shall be considered by the accounting firm. The accounting firm may ask for additional information and/or perform additional procedures it deems appropriate to ensure the accuracy of its final report. Copies of the accounting firm’s final report will be issued to both PARTIES.

If such accounting firm concludes that additional amounts were owed to the requesting PARTY during such period, or if the requesting PARTY overpaid for any rates or fees for products, the other PARTY shall pay such additional amounts or credit such overpayment ([***]) within [***] of the date the requesting PARTY delivers to the other PARTY such accounting firm’s written report so concluding. The fees charged by such accounting firm shall be paid by the requesting PARTY; provided however, that if the audit discloses that the amounts payable by the audited PARTY for the audited period are more than [***] of the amounts actually paid for such period, or if the audit discloses that the audited PARTY has overcharged the requesting PARTY for rates or fees for products by [***], then the audited PARTY

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses charged by such accounting firm. Upon the expiration of [***] following the end of any calendar year, the calculation of any amounts payable with respect to such calendar year, or rates or fees charged for such year shall be binding and conclusive upon the PARTIES.

 

  10.3 INVOICING; PAYMENT TERMS. NEKTAR AL shall send invoices to BAXTER for any SELECTED REAGENT shipped to BAXTER no earlier than the date of shipment. All invoices shall be in DOLLARS. Other than as provided for in Section 9.5 with respect to royalty payments, which shall be made within [***] after the end of each calendar quarter as provided for therein, all payments due under this AGREEMENT shall be due and payable [***] from date of invoice. Royalties shown to have accrued to NEKTAR AL as set forth in each royalty report to be provided under Section 9.5 shall be due and payable on the date such royalty report is due. Any and all amounts past due under this AGREEMENT shall [***].

 

  10.4 PAYMENT METHOD. Except as otherwise provided for herein, all payments by BAXTER under this AGREEMENT shall be paid in DOLLARS, and all such payments shall be made by electronic funds transfer in immediately available funds to such account as NEKTAR AL shall designate before such payment is due. If at any time legal restrictions prevent the prompt remittance of part or all royalties due with respect to sales of any COMMERCIAL PRODUCT in any country where such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT is sold, payment shall be made through such lawful means or methods as BAXTER shall reasonably determine.

 

  10.5 TAXES. All amounts due hereunder shall be paid net of any deduction for withholding for any taxes or similar governmental charges imposed by any applicable jurisdiction, and BAXTER shall provide NEKTAR AL evidence of its payment of any such withholdings that may be required. BAXTER agrees to cooperate with and provide reasonable assistance to NEKTAR AL in order to facilitate NEKTAR AL’s recovery of any withholdings that NEKTAR AL is due.

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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11. CONFIDENTIALITY

 

  11.1 TERMINATION OF NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT. All provisions of, rights granted and covenants made in the NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT are hereby terminated and of no further force and effect and are superseded in their entirety by the provisions of, rights granted and covenants made in this AGREEMENT. The PARTIES acknowledge and agree that any disclosure made pursuant to the NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT shall be subject to and governed by the terms and conditions of this Article 11.

 

  11.2 IN GENERAL. For the TERM and for a period of [***] thereafter, each PARTY shall maintain in confidence all information and materials of the other PARTY (including, but not limited to, KNOW-HOW and samples of THERAPEUTIC AGENT, CONJUGATES, REAGENT, SELECTED REAGENT, POTENTIAL PRODUCT and COMMERCIAL PRODUCT) disclosed or provided to it by the other PARTY (either pursuant to this AGREEMENT or the NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT). CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION shall be identified as confidential in writing or, if disclosed verbally or by observation, summarized in writing and submitted to RECIPIENT within [***] of the oral or visual disclosure thereof (together with all embodiments thereof, the “CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION”). CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION shall include both BAXTER MATERIALS and NEKTAR AL MATERIALS. It may also include information regarding intellectual property and confidential or proprietary information of AFFILIATES and THIRD PARTIES. The terms and conditions of this AGREEMENT and the NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT also shall be deemed CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION of both PARTIES.

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION shall not include that portion of information or materials that the RECIPIENT can demonstrate by contemporaneous written records was:

 

  (i) known to the general public at the time of its disclosure to the RECIPIENT, or thereafter became generally known to the general public, other than as a result of actions or omissions of the RECIPIENT in violation of this AGREEMENT or the NONDISCLOSURE AGREEMENT;

 

  (ii) known by the RECIPIENT prior to the date of disclosure by the DISCLOSING PARTY;

 

  (iii) disclosed to the RECIPIENT on an unrestricted basis from a source unrelated to the DISCLOSING PARTY and not known to be under a duty of confidentiality to the DISCLOSING PARTY; or

 

  (iv) independently developed by the RECIPIENT without the use of CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION of the DISCLOSING PARTY.

Any combination of features or disclosures shall not be deemed to fall within the foregoing exclusions merely because individual features are published or known to the general public or in the rightful possession of the RECIPIENT unless the combination itself and principle of operation thereof are published or known to the general public or are in the rightful possession of the RECIPIENT.

 

  11.3

ADDITIONAL PROTECTIONS. Each PARTY shall take reasonable steps to maintain the confidentiality of the CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION of the other

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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PARTY, which steps shall be no less protective than those that such PARTY takes to protect its own information and materials of a similar nature, but in no event less than a reasonable degree of care. Neither PARTY shall use or permit the use of any CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION of the other PARTY except for the purposes of carrying out its obligations or exercising its rights under this AGREEMENT. All CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION of a PARTY, including all copies and derivations thereof, is and shall remain the sole and exclusive property of the DISCLOSING PARTY and subject to the restrictions provided for herein. Neither PARTY shall disclose any CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION of the other PARTY other than to those of its directors, officers, AFFILIATES, employees, licensors, independent contractors (including CONTRACT MANUFACTURERS), SUBLICENSEES, assignees, agents and external advisors directly concerned with the carrying out of this AGREEMENT, on a strictly applied “need to know” basis. Other than as expressly permitted herein, RECIPIENT may not use CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION of the DISCLOSING PARTY in applying for PATENTS or securing other intellectual property rights.

 

  11.4 PERMITTED DISCLOSURES. The obligations of Sections 11.1 and 11.2 shall not apply to the extent that RECIPIENT is required to disclose information by LAW, judicial order by a court of competent jurisdiction, or rules of a securities exchange or requirement of a governmental agency for purposes of obtaining approval to test or market POTENTIAL PRODUCT or COMMERCIAL PRODUCT (provided that the RECIPIENT shall provide prior written notice thereof to the DISCLOSING PARTY and sufficient opportunity for the DISCLOSING PARTY to review and comment on such required disclosure and request confidential treatment thereof or a protective order therefor), or discloses information to a patent office for the purposes of filing or maintaining a PATENT APPLICATION or PATENT as permitted in this AGREEMENT.

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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  11.5 IRREPARABLE INJURY. The PARTIES acknowledge that either PARTY’S breach of this Article 11 would cause the other PARTY irreparable injury for which it would not have an adequate remedy at LAW. In the event of a breach, the nonbreaching PARTY shall be entitled to injunctive relief in addition to any other remedies it may have at LAW or in equity, without necessity of posting a bond.

 

12. REGULATORY MATTERS

 

  12.1 COMPLAINTS/ADVERSE EVENTS. Each PARTY shall promptly notify the other in writing of any information that comes to its attention concerning the safety or efficacy of any SELECTED REAGENT, POTENTIAL PRODUCT and/or COMMERCIAL PRODUCT, including, without limitation, any threatened or pending action by any regulatory authority with respect thereto, in accordance with the applicable QUALITY AGREEMENT.

 

  12.2 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS. Without limiting the generality of Section 12.1, BAXTER shall [***].

 

13. REPRESENTATIONS & WARRANTIES; COVENANTS

 

  13.1

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Each PARTY represents and warrants to the other that as of the EFFECTIVE DATE to the best of its knowledge and belief: (a) it has the full corporate power to enter into and perform this AGREEMENT; (b) this AGREEMENT constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation; (c) it has sufficient legal and/or beneficial title or other rights under its intellectual property rights to grant the licenses contained in this AGREEMENT; (d) each PARTY’S professional employees, officers, contractors (including any

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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CONTRACT MANUFACTURERS) and consultants that will be involved with this AGREEMENT and the RESEARCH PLAN (and in the case of BAXTER, its AFFILIATES and SUBLICENSEES), has executed or will execute an agreement that requires such person or entity, to the extent permitted by LAW, to assign all INVENTIONS, PATENTS, and KNOW-HOW made during the course of and as a result of the performance of such PARTY’S obligations under this AGREEMENT, to such PARTY; and (e) each of such PARTY’S employees, officers, contractors (including any CONTRACT MANUFACTURERS) and consultants (and in the case of BAXTER, its AFFILIATES and SUBLICENSEES) are or will be subject to written confidentiality obligations no less restrictive than those provided for in this AGREEMENT. If the obligation to assign under subsection 13.1(d) is not permitted in a particular country, then such person or entity will be required to grant an exclusive, worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free license to all such INVENTIONS, PATENTS, and KNOW-HOW to the PARTY to whom such assignment was to be made, with the right to sublicense.

 

  13.2 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Each PARTY will comply with all LAWS in performing its obligations and exercising its rights hereunder. Nothing in this AGREEMENT shall be deemed to permit BAXTER or its SUBLICENSEES to export, re-export or otherwise transfer any information or materials (including SELECTED REAGENT or CONJUGATES) transferred hereunder or POTENTIAL PRODUCT or COMMERCIAL PRODUCT manufactured therefrom without complying with LAWS.

 

14. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; EXCLUSION OF DAMAGES

 

  14.1 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. EXCEPT (I) FOR THE PARTIES’ OBLIGATIONS FOR THIRD PARTY CLAIMS UNDER ARTICLE 15 AND (II) IN THE CASE OF A BREACH OF ARTICLE 7 OR 11:

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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  14.1.1 IN NO EVENT SHALL NEKTAR AL’S LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION AS A RESULT OF THE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, MANUFACTURE, SUPPLY, USE OR SALE OF CONJUGATES, SELECTED REAGENTS, POTENTIAL PRODUCTS OR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS, EXCEED IN THE AGGREGATE, AN AMOUNT THAT IS [***]. FOR CLARITY, [***] ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THE FOREGOING.

 

  14.1.2 IN NO EVENT SHALL A PARTY OR ITS AFFILIATES BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY OR ITS AFFILIATES OR SUBLICENSEES FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES RESULTING FROM LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF PROFITS, INTERRUPTION OR LOSS OF BUSINESS OR OTHER ECONOMIC LOSS) ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR WITH RESPECT TO A PARTY’S PERFORMANCE OR NON-PERFORMANCE HEREUNDER. THIS REPRESENTS AN EXPRESS ALLOCATION OF RISK BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

 

  14.2 REMEDIES. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the PARTIES acknowledge that either PARTY’S breach of Articles 7 and 11 would cause the other PARTY irreparable injury for which it would not have an adequate remedy at LAW. In the event of a breach, the nonbreaching PARTY shall be entitled to injunctive relief in addition to any other remedies it may have at LAW or in equity, without necessity of posting a bond.

 

  14.3

APPLICABILITY, EXCLUSIVITY OF REMEDIES. The limitations on liability and

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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exclusion of damages under this AGREEMENT: (i) apply even if a PARTY had or should have had knowledge, actual or constructive, of the possibility of such damages; (ii) are a fundamental element of the basis of the bargain between the PARTIES and this AGREEMENT would not be entered into without such limitations and exclusions and (iii) other than as set forth in this Article 14, shall apply whether a claim is based on breach of contract, breach of warranty, tort (including negligence), product liability, strict liability or otherwise, and notwithstanding any failure of essential purpose of any limited remedy herein. Moreover, the remedies under this AGREEMENT are intended to be exclusive, and, other than as set forth in this Article 14, the limitations on liability and exclusion of damages under this AGREEMENT are intended to apply even if there is a total and fundamental breach of this AGREEMENT, and the essential purpose of these provisions is to limit the PARTIES’ respective liabilities hereunder.

 

15. INDEMNIFICATION;

INSURANCE

 

  15.1 INDEMNITY.

 

  15.1.1 BY NEKTAR AL. NEKTAR AL shall defend, indemnify and hold BAXTER, BAXTER’S SUBLICENSEES and their respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees and agents (each, a “BAXTER INDEMNITEE”) harmless from and against all losses, liabilities, damages, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees and costs of investigation and litigation, regardless of outcome) resulting from all claims, demands, actions and other proceedings by or on behalf of any THIRD PARTY (including any governmental authority) (collectively, “CLAIMS”) to the extent arising from: (a) the breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or material obligation of NEKTAR AL under this AGREEMENT; [***].

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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  15.1.2 BY BAXTER. BAXTER shall defend, indemnify and hold NEKTAR AL, NEKTAR AL AFFILIATES, and their respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees and agents (each, a “NEKTAR AL INDEMNITEE”) harmless from and against all CLAIMS to the extent arising from: (a) the breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or material obligation of BAXTER under this AGREEMENT; [***].

 

  15.2 INSURANCE. Each PARTY shall, at its own expense, maintain comprehensive general liability insurance, including product liability insurance, in the minimum amount of [***] per occurrence, and [***] in the aggregate. BAXTER has the right to self-insure. Any independent insurance carriers must be rated A-, VII or better by A.M. Best Company. The PARTIES shall maintain such insurance for so long as they continue to research or develop or manufacture or commercialize POTENTIAL PRODUCTS or COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS, and shall from time to time provide copies of certificates of such insurance to each other upon request. If the insurance policy is written on a claims-made basis, then the coverage must be kept in place for at least [***] after the termination of this AGREEMENT.

 

  15.3 PROCEDURES. If any CLAIM covered by Section 15.1 is brought, the indemnifying PARTY’S obligations are conditioned upon the following:

 

  (i) the indemnified PARTY shall promptly notify the indemnifying PARTY in writing of such CLAIM, provided, however, the failure to provide such notice within a reasonable period of time shall not relieve the indemnifying PARTY of any of its obligations hereunder except if the indemnifying PARTY is prejudiced by such failure or delay;

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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  (ii) the indemnifying PARTY shall assume, at its cost and expense, the sole defense of such CLAIM through counsel selected by the indemnifying PARTY, except that those indemnified may at their option and expense select and be represented by separate counsel;

 

  (iii) the indemnifying PARTY shall maintain control of such defense and/or the settlement of such CLAIM, and the indemnified PARTY shall cooperate with the indemnifying PARTY;

 

  (iv) those indemnified may, at their option and expense, participate in such defense, and if they so participate, the indemnifying PARTY and those indemnified shall cooperate with one another in such defense;

 

  (v) the indemnifying PARTY will have authority to consent to the entry of any monetary judgment, to enter into any settlement or otherwise to dispose of such CLAIM (provided and only to the extent that an indemnified PARTY does not have to admit liability and such judgment does not involve equitable relief), and an indemnified PARTY may not consent to the entry of any judgment, enter into any settlement or otherwise to dispose of such CLAIM without the prior written consent of the indemnifying PARTY; and

 

  (vi) the indemnifying PARTY shall pay the full amount of any judgment, award or settlement with respect to such CLAIM and all other costs, fees and expenses related to the resolution thereof; provided that such other costs, fees and expenses have been incurred or agreed, as the case may be, by the indemnifying PARTY in its defense or settlement of the CLAIM.

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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16. INVENTIONS, KNOW-HOW and PATENTS

 

  16.1 EXISTING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. Other than as expressly provided in this AGREEMENT, neither PARTY grants nor shall be deemed to grant any right, title or interest to the other PARTY in any PATENT, PATENT APPLICATION, KNOW-HOW or other intellectual property right CONTROLLED by such PARTY as of the EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

  16.2 DISCLOSURE. Each PARTY shall promptly disclose in writing to the other all INVENTIONS arising from the joint or separate activities (including any INVENTIONS conceived or first reduced to practice as a result of such activities) of the PARTIES or their agents, employees, SUBLICENSEES or independent contractors (including CONTRACT MANUFACTURERS) during and in connection with the performance of their obligations or activities under this AGREEMENT (including in carrying out its activities under the RESEARCH PLAN and the development or manufacture of POTENTIAL PRODUCT or COMMERCIAL PRODUCT); provided, however, that [***].

 

  16.3

OWNERSHIP OF INVENTIONS. Except as otherwise set forth in Sections 16.4 or 16.5, all INVENTIONS conceived or first reduced to practice solely by employees, agents, SUBLICENSEES or independent contractors (including CONTRACT MANUFACTURERS) of a PARTY during the course and in the performance of this AGREEMENT (including in carrying out its activities under the RESEARCH PLAN and the development or manufacture of POTENTIAL PRODUCT or COMMERCIAL PRODUCT) (each, a “SOLE INVENTION”) shall be the exclusive property of such PARTY. Except as otherwise set forth in Sections 16.4 or 16.5, if employees, agents, SUBLICENSEES or independent contractors (including CONTRACT MANUFACTURERS) of each of NEKTAR AL and BAXTER jointly, conceive or first reduce to practice any INVENTION during the course and in the performance of activities conducted in connection with this AGREEMENT

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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(including in carrying out its activities under the RESEARCH PLAN and the development or manufacture of POTENTIAL PRODUCT or COMMERCIAL PRODUCT) (each, a “JOINT INVENTION”) then such JOINT INVENTION, and any PATENT APPLICATION or PATENT claiming the same shall be [***] JOINT INVENTION, and any PATENT APPLICATION or PATENT claiming the same, [***]. For the avoidance of doubt, the determination as to whether an INVENTION has been “solely” or “jointly” made shall be based upon whether employees, agents, SUBLICENSEES or independent contractors (including CONTRACT MANUFACTURERS) of a PARTY would be or are properly named as an inventor on a corresponding PATENT APPLICATION under United States inventorship LAWS. Any JOINTLY OWNED TECHNOLOGY, regardless of whether such INVENTION is conceived or first reduced to practice solely or jointly by employees, agents, SUBLICENSEES or independent contractors (including CONTRACT MANUFACTURERS) of each of NEKTAR AL and BAXTER, shall be considered a JOINT INVENTION for the purposes of this AGREEMENT.

 

  16.4

NEKTAR AL CORE TECHNOLOGY INVENTIONS. Any and all rights, title and interest in and to all SOLE INVENTIONS and JOINT INVENTIONS (except those JOINT INVENTIONS that are JOINTLY OWNED TECHNOLOGY), which fall solely within the scope of NEKTAR AL CORE TECHNOLOGY, shall belong solely to NEKTAR AL (“NEKTAR AL CORE TECHNOLOGY INVENTIONS”). BAXTER hereby agrees to and hereby does, and shall, without additional consideration transfer and assign to NEKTAR AL all of its right, title and interest in and to such NEKTAR AL CORE TECHNOLOGY INVENTIONS and all intellectual property rights therein including enforcement rights, and shall require its employees, agents, SUBLICENSEES and independent contractors (including CONTRACT MANUFACTURERS) to so assign their right, title and interest therein to NEKTAR

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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AL. NEKTAR AL shall be responsible, [***], for the filing, prosecution and maintenance of foreign and domestic PATENT APPLICATIONS and PATENTS covering such NEKTAR AL CORE TECHNOLOGY INVENTIONS.

 

  16.5 BAXTER CORE TECHNOLOGY INVENTIONS. Any and all rights, title and interest in and to all SOLE INVENTIONS and JOINT INVENTIONS (except those JOINT INVENTIONS that are JOINTLY OWNED TECHNOLOGY), which fall solely within the scope of BAXTER CORE TECHNOLOGY, shall belong solely to BAXTER (“BAXTER CORE TECHNOLOGY INVENTIONS”). NEKTAR AL hereby agrees to and hereby does, and shall, without additional consideration assign to BAXTER all of its right, title and interest in and to any BAXTER CORE TECHNOLOGY INVENTIONS and all intellectual property rights therein including enforcement rights, and shall require its employees, agents or independent contractors (including CONTRACT MANUFACTURERS) to so assign their right, title and interest therein to BAXTER. BAXTER shall be responsible, [***], for the filing, prosecution and maintenance of foreign and domestic PATENT APPLICATIONS and PATENTS covering such BAXTER CORE TECHNOLOGY INVENTIONS.

 

  16.6 INDIVIDUAL PATENT FILINGS. Each PARTY shall have sole discretion and right to prepare, file, prosecute, maintain and defend PATENT APPLICATIONS or PATENTS for INVENTIONS it solely owns under this AGREEMENT, and shall be responsible for related interference proceedings. [***]. Costs incurred with respect to PATENT APPLICATIONS shall be borne by the PARTY with the right to prosecute each such PATENT APPLICATION.

 

  16.7

JOINT PATENT FILINGS. With respect to all PATENT APPLICATIONS on JOINT INVENTIONS that are jointly owned by the PARTIES (i.e., JOINT INVENTIONS that have not been assigned nor are assignable to the other PARTY

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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pursuant to Sections 16.4 and 16.5) (the “JOINT PATENT APPLICATIONS”), the PARTIES shall determine which PARTY shall be responsible for filing, prosecuting and maintaining PATENT APPLICATIONS and PATENTS on behalf of both PARTIES (the “RESPONSIBLE PARTY”) [***]. All PATENTS issuing from such PATENT APPLICATIONS shall be defined as “JOINT PATENTS”. It is understood that BAXTER shall have the preferential right to prosecute those JOINT INVENTIONS directed solely at POTENTIAL or COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS. At least [***] prior to the contemplated filing of such PATENT APPLICATION, the RESPONSIBLE PARTY shall submit a substantially completed draft of the JOINT PATENT APPLICATION to the other PARTY’s patent attorneys only for its approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Except as set forth below, [***] of the preparation, filing, prosecution and maintenance of all JOINT PATENT APPLICATIONS. [***] of preparing, filing, prosecuting and maintaining all of the foreign and domestic JOINT PATENT APPLICATIONS that cover INVENTIONS within the scope of JOINTLY OWNED TECHNOLOGY, and the JOINT PATENTS that issue therefrom.

 

  16.8 DISPOSITION OF INVENTIONS. It is understood and agreed that for the purposes of this AGREEMENT, even if an employee, agent, SUBLICENSEE or contractor of a PARTY is an inventor of an INVENTION that is claimed in a PATENT or PATENT APPLICATION, the PARTY who owns said INVENTION as a result of the operation of Article 16 shall not assign, transfer, license or otherwise dispose of any other claim in such PATENT or PATENT APPLICATION, unless such PARTY solely or jointly owns or otherwise has the right to license rights with respect to said other claim (in each case as expressly provided for in this AGREEMENT).

 

  16.9 FURTHER ACTIONS. Each PARTY shall cooperate with the other PARTY to execute all documents and take all reasonable actions to effect the intent of this Article 16.

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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  16.10 PATENT MARKING AND POTENTIAL PRODUCT AND COMMERCIAL PRODUCT MARKING.

 

  (i) BAXTER shall place appropriate NEKTAR AL patent and/or patent pending markings on each POTENTIAL PRODUCT and COMMERCIAL PRODUCT or the packaging therefor. The content, form, size, location and language of such markings shall be in accordance with the LAWS and practices of the country in which the applicable units of each POTENTIAL PRODUCT or COMMERCIAL PRODUCT are distributed.

 

  (ii) BAXTER shall be responsible for all packaging (non-commercial and commercial) and labeling of POTENTIAL PRODUCT or COMMERCIAL PRODUCT. To the extent allowed by LAWS, all POTENTIAL PRODUCT or COMMERCIAL PRODUCT labeling, packaging and package inserts and any promotional materials associated with the POTENTIAL PRODUCT or COMMERCIAL PRODUCT shall carry, in a conspicuous location, the trademark of NEKTAR AL, the identity and style of which shall be at NEKTAR AL’S sole discretion. NEKTAR AL authorizes the use of its trademark pursuant to this Section 16.10(ii).

 

  16.11 SUPPLEMENTAL PATENT PROTECTION. [***]. Such protection shall include the listing of any requested [***] in any book, or book equivalent, of any country necessary for extending the term of such [***].

 

17. Infringement

 

  17.1 INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS.

 

  17.1.1 NOTICE. If the development, manufacture, use, import, sale or offer for sale of a POTENTIAL PRODUCT or a COMMERCIAL PRODUCT results in a claim for PATENT infringement by a THIRD PARTY, the PARTY to this AGREEMENT first having notice shall promptly notify the other PARTY in writing. The notice shall set forth the facts of the claim in reasonable detail.

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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  17.1.2 LITIGATION UNRELATED TO SELECTED REAGENT. Except to the extent any infringement of patents or misappropriation of know-how results solely from the composition of matter or the method of manufacture of a SELECTED REAGENT, [***] from and against all losses, liabilities, damages, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees and costs of investigation and litigation, regardless of outcome) resulting from any claim that the development, manufacture, use, import, offer for sale or sale of a POTENTIAL PRODUCT or a COMMERCIAL PRODUCT infringes a THIRD PARTY patent or misappropriates THIRD PARTY know-how, and the provisions of Sections 15.1.2 and 15.3 shall apply with respect to any such claim to the same extent as though it were a CLAIM [***]. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of Article 15 and this Section 17.1.2, [***].

 

  17.1.3 LITIGATION RELATED TO SELECTED REAGENT. If infringement of a THIRD PARTY patent or misappropriation of THIRD PARTY know-how is alleged solely because the composition of the SELECTED REAGENT or the method of making the same, is used in the development, manufacture, use, offer for sale, sale, or import of a POTENTIAL PRODUCT or COMMERCIAL PRODUCT, [***], any such action taken by such THIRD PARTY against either PARTY or both PARTIES, including the costs and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees and costs of investigation and litigation, regardless of outcome) resulting from such defense. [***].

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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  17.2 INFRINGEMENT BY THIRD PARTIES.

 

  17.2.1 NOTICE OF INFRINGEMENT. If any VALID PATENT CLAIM is infringed by a THIRD PARTY, or any KNOW-HOW utilized in the manufacture, use, import, offer for sale or sale of SELECTED REAGENT or POTENTIAL PRODUCT or COMMERCIAL PRODUCT is misappropriated by a THIRD PARTY, the PARTY first having knowledge of such infringement or misappropriation shall promptly notify the other PARTY in writing. The notice shall set forth the facts of such infringement or misappropriation in reasonable detail.

 

  17.2.2 PROSECUTION OF ACTIONS RELATED TO SELECTED REAGENT.

 

  A. NEKTAR AL shall have the right, but not the obligation, to carry out actions against THIRD PARTIES arising from such THIRD PARTIES’ infringement or misappropriation of NEKTAR AL LICENSED TECHNOLOGY covering the manufacture, use, import, offer for sale or sale of a SELECTED REAGENT. [***].

 

  B. If NEKTAR AL fails to bring an action or proceeding within a period of [***] after receiving written notice from BAXTER of the possibility of a claim, or otherwise having knowledge of a claim described in Section 17.2.2(A), BAXTER shall have the right, but not the obligation, to bring and control any such action using counsel of its own choice, [***].

 

  C.

AWARDS. If either PARTY brings an action for infringement or

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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misappropriation by a THIRD PARTY under this Section 17.2.2 any damages or other monetary awards or payments in settlement recovered by such PARTY shall be applied first to defray the costs and expenses incurred by both PARTIES in the action. Any remainder shall be shared by the PARTIES as follows: [***], when the action for infringement or misappropriation relates to a COMMERCIAL PRODUCT; and [***].

 

  17.2.3 PROSECUTION OF ACTIONS RELATED TO THE FIELD.

 

  A. Except as set forth in Section 17.2.2, BAXTER shall have the primary right, but not the obligation, to carry out actions against THIRD PARTIES arising from such THIRD PARTIES’ infringement or misappropriation of NEKTAR AL LICENSED TECHNOLOGY in the FIELD, including the manufacture, use, import, offer for sale or sale of a POTENTIAL PRODUCT or COMMERCIAL PRODUCT. [***].

 

  B. If BAXTER fails to bring an action or proceeding within a period of sixty (60) days after receiving written notice from NEKTAR AL of the possibility of a claim, or otherwise having knowledge of a claim described in Section 17.2.3(A), NEKTAR AL shall have the right, but not the obligation, to bring and control any such action using counsel of its own choice, [***].

 

  C. AWARDS. If either PARTY brings an action for infringement or misappropriation by a THIRD PARTY under this Section 17.2.3 any damages or other monetary awards or payments in settlement recovered by such PARTY shall be applied first to defray the costs and expenses incurred by both PARTIES in the action. Any remainder shall be shared by the PARTIES as follows: [***].

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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18. [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]

 

19. TERM AND TERMINATION

 

  19.1 EXPIRATION. The term of this AGREEMENT (the “TERM”) shall commence on the EFFECTIVE DATE and shall continue until terminated as set forth herein. Once a POTENTIAL PRODUCT is a COMMERCIAL PRODUCT and has been commercialized, this AGREEMENT shall expire on a country-by-country basis upon the expiration of all royalty obligations with respect to such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT in the applicable country, unless earlier terminated as provided herein. Upon the expiration of royalty obligations with respect to a COMMERCIAL PRODUCT in any applicable country, BAXTER is hereby granted by NEKTAR AL a paid-up, exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, non-cancelable, license, with rights to sublicense, in the FIELD under the NEKTAR AL LICENSED TECHNOLOGY to make, have made, use, sell, offer for sale and import such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT in such country, [***]. The terms and conditions of such manufacture and supply of SELECTED REAGENT shall be negotiated in good faith by the PARTIES.

 

  19.2 DISCRETIONARY TERMINATION. [***], other than pursuant to any other provision of this AGREEMENT, [***], payable in accordance with Section 19.7.5, upon [***].

 

  19.3

TERMINATION FOR CAUSE. Each PARTY shall have the right to terminate this AGREEMENT by written notice to the other PARTY for a failure to comply with the material terms of this AGREEMENT by the other PARTY, provided such failure to

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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comply is not corrected by the failing PARTY within: (i) [***] of written notice of any failure to make timely payment of royalties or any other amount that is not in dispute, when due hereunder, or (ii) [***] of receipt of written notice of any other failure from the non-failing PARTY.

 

  19.4 TERMINATION FOR INSOLVENCY. Either PARTY may terminate this AGREEMENT immediately by written notice in the event: (i) the other PARTY voluntarily enters into bankruptcy proceedings; (ii) the other PARTY makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; (iii) a petition is filed against the other party under a bankruptcy law, a corporate reorganization law, or any other law for relief of debtors or similar law analogous in purpose or effect, which petition is not stayed or dismissed within [***] of filing thereof; or (iv) the other PARTY enters into liquidation or dissolution proceedings or a receiver is appointed with respect to any assets of the other PARTY, which appointment is not vacated within [***] (herein a BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING).

 

  19.5 TERMINATION/[***] FOR LACK OF DILIGENCE. In the event [***]. In the event [***] provided for herein shall continue to apply, except as otherwise set forth in Section 19.5.2. Notwithstanding the foregoing, before [***] may provide notice of termination of the AGREEMENT or termination of [***] shall call a special meeting of the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE for the sole purpose of discussing the reasons for [***]. Such special meeting of the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE shall be held [***]. At any time during the period commencing on the conclusion of such meeting up through the date that is [***].

 

  19.5.1 An “ACCEPTABLE DELAY” shall be the failure to meet a Development Diligence milestone event due to:

 

  A. an event of force majeure as described in Section 22.1;

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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  B. any breach by NEKTAR AL, or NEKTAR AL delay, that materially adversely affects BAXTER’s ability to meet a relevant Development Diligence milestone event;

 

  C. a dispute or disagreement in one or more of the governance committees (JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE, RESEARCH COMMITTEE, DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION COMMITTEE) which is [***];

 

  D. a regulatory requirement that comes into effect after the EFFECTIVE DATE;

 

  E. a development issue involving safety, toxicity, efficacy or pharmacokinetics, or the ability to scale up to commercial manufacturing (including the inability to obtain commercially viable yields);

 

  F. any other delay deemed to be an ACCEPTABLE DELAY by both PARTIES in writing, the intent of which is to be inclusive of unanticipated delays outside of the control of BAXTER; or

 

  G. [***] in accordance with the timelines set forth in the RESEARCH PLAN, [***].

In the event the PARTIES cannot agree whether a delay is outside the control of BAXTER and deemed an ACCEPTABLE DELAY, (i) either PARTY may refer the matter to the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE for resolution, (ii) if the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE cannot resolve such matter within [***], then the matter shall be sent to the PARTIES’ [***] for resolutions, (iii) if [***], then the PARTIES

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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shall refer the matter to a [***] and/or significant professional experience with respect to the specific subject matter under dispute, such professional shall make a determination within [***] of being selected by the PARTIES and such professional’s determination shall be conclusive and binding on the PARTIES.

In the case of an ACCEPTABLE DELAY, and except as otherwise set forth in Section 19.5.1(G), the [***]. In the event [***] due to one or more of these events, the [***].

 

  (i) [***];

 

  (ii) [***];

 

  (iii) [***];

 

  (iv) [***].

 

  19.5.2 If, at the time that [***] elects to exercise its rights to terminate this AGREEMENT [***] solely for the treatment of [***]. In such event, the following shall occur:

 

  (i) The definition of “FIELD” in Section 1.26 shall automatically be narrowed to consist only of [***] for use alone for the treatment of [***];

 

  (ii) The definition of “THERAPEUTIC AGENT” shall automatically be limited to [***];

 

  (iii) [***]; and

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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  (iv) All royalty and milestone provisions applicable to such POTENTIAL PRODUCTS and COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS shall remain in effect.

 

  19.6 TERMINATION ON CHALLENGE. [***] may terminate this AGREEMENT by giving written notice to [***] challenging the validity of any of the [***]; provided that [***] may not exercise such termination rights if [***] (whether under contract or other legal theory) [***] allege in defense of such claim or action that the COMMERCIAL PRODUCT does not infringe a VALID PATENT CLAIM.

 

  19.7 EFFECT OF TERMINATION.

 

  19.7.1 The provisions of Articles [***] (and in each case together with any defined terms applicable to such provisions) shall survive expiration or termination of this AGREEMENT for any reason whatsoever.

 

  19.7.2 Notwithstanding anything in this AGREEMENT to the contrary, if this AGREEMENT is terminated for any reason other than for cause [***]:

 

  A. [***];

 

  B. [***];

 

  C. BAXTER shall pay NEKTAR AL all earned milestone payments and accrued royalties in accordance with the terms of this AGREEMENT;

 

  D. [***] Subject to the foregoing, if this AGREEMENT is terminated for any reason whatsoever, any licenses and sublicenses granted under this AGREEMENT shall automatically terminate and all licensed rights shall revert in their entirety to the respective licensor; and

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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  E. Termination of this AGREEMENT by a PARTY shall not be an exclusive remedy and all other remedies will be available to the terminating PARTY, in equity and at LAW, subject to the limitations and exclusions that are provided for in this AGREEMENT.

 

  19.7.3 If this AGREEMENT is terminated by [***], then on the effective date of such termination, [***], including any of the intellectual property rights therein, including any JOINT PATENT APPLICATIONS and JOINT PATENTS covering such JOINTLY OWNED TECHNOLOGY. As of the effective date of such termination, [***] shall have the sole right, as between NEKTAR AL and BAXTER, to bring actions against THIRD PARTIES arising from such THIRD PARTIES’ infringement or misappropriation of JOINTLY OWNED TECHNOLOGY. [***].

 

  19.7.4

In the event of a BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, NEKTAR AL hereby agrees to grant and hereby grants to BAXTER and its AFFILIATES, and the PARTIES agree that this AGREEMENT shall be deemed an executory contract and that BAXTER and its AFFILIATES shall be deemed to retain, an exclusive, perpetual, non-cancelable, license, with rights to sublicense as provided for herein, in the FIELD under the NEKTAR AL LICENSED TECHNOLOGY to develop, make, have made, import, export, use, sell and have sold POTENTIAL PRODUCTS and COMMERCIAL PRODUCT(S) in the FIELD; provided that BAXTER shall continue to fulfill its MILESTONES and royalty payment obligations under this AGREEMENT.

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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BAXTER agrees to pay NEKTAR AL, or any trustee, in such BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING a royalty for such a license equivalent to the license royalty provision provided in this AGREEMENT. In addition to the surviving Sections in Section 19.7.1, Sections 9.2, 9.3, 9.5 and 9.6 shall survive termination or expiration of this Agreement.

 

  19.7.5 TERMINATION FEE. If this AGREEMENT is terminated by BAXTER under Section 19.2, BAXTER shall pay to NEKTAR AL a termination fee (“TERMINATION FEE”) within [***] after the effective date of such termination as follows: (i) if such termination occurs prior to the payment to NEKTAR AL of all of the [***], then the TERMINATION FEE shall be equal to [***], (ii) if such termination occurs after payment to NEKTAR AL of all of the [***], then the TERMINATION FEE shall be [***]; (iii) if such termination occurs after the successful completion of the [***], then the TERMINATION FEE shall be [***]; and (iv) if such termination occurs after the successful completion of the [***], then the TERMINATION FEE shall be [***]. In addition to the foregoing and, if applicable, if a COMMERCIAL PRODUCT is not launched within [***] after the date on which [***]. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if BAXTER terminates the AGREEMENT under Section 19.2 due to a COMMERCIAL FAILURE, the TERMINATION FEE [***]. “COMMERCIAL FAILURE” means:

 

  (i) [***];

 

  (ii) [***];

 

  (iii) [***];

 

  (iv) [***];

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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  (v) [***];

 

  (vi) [***].

For clarity, if this AGREEMENT is terminated by BAXTER in connection with a COMMERCIAL FAILURE, there shall be [***].

 

20. ASSIGNMENT

Unless otherwise expressly permitted hereunder, neither PARTY may assign any of its rights or delegate any of its duties under this AGREEMENT without the prior written consent of the other PARTY, except that either PARTY may assign any or all of its rights and/or responsibilities hereunder without the other PARTY’S consent as part of: (i) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets or the entire business to which this AGREEMENT relates, (ii) a merger, consolidation, reorganization or other combination with or into another person or entity; or (iii) the transfer or assignment to an AFFILIATE, in each case, pursuant to which the surviving entity or assignee assumes the assigning or merging PARTY’S obligations hereunder. Any assignment made in violation of this Article 20 shall be null and void.

 

21. NOTICES

Wherever notice is required or permitted hereunder, it shall be by personal delivery, first class mail, overnight delivery service, or sent by facsimile transmission, with electronic confirmation, properly directed to the PARTY at its address and contact information listed below. Said address and contact information may be changed from time to time by similar written notice.

If to BAXTER, addressed to:

Baxter Healthcare Corporation One

Baxter Parkway

Deerfield, Illinois 60015

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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Attention:[***]

Telephone:[***]

Facsimile:[***]

Baxter Healthcare SA

CH-8304 Wallisellen

Zurich, Switzerland

Attention:[***]

Telephone:[***]

Facsimile:[***]

With copies to:

Baxter Healthcare Corporation

One Baxter Parkway

Deerfield Illinois 60015

Attention:[***]

Telephone:[***]

Facsimile:[***]

Baxter Healthcare SA

CH-8304 Wallisellen

Zurich, Switzerland

Attention:[***]

Telephone:[***]

Facsimile:[***]

If to NEKTAR AL, addressed to:

NEKTAR Therapeutics AL, Corporation

1112 Church Street

Huntsville, AL 35801

Attention:[***]

Facsimile:[***]

With a copy to:[***]

Nektar Therapeutics

150 Industrial Road

San Carlos, CA 94070-6256

Attention:[***]

Facsimile:[***]

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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22. MISCELLANEOUS

 

  22.1 FORCE MAJEURE. Except for each PARTY’s confidentiality and indemnity obligations, the obligations of either PARTY under this AGREEMENT shall be excused during each period of delay caused by matters such as acts of God, strikes, supplier delays, failure of utilities or common carriers, shortages of raw materials, government orders, sufferance of or voluntary compliance with acts of government or governmental regulation, or acts of war or terrorism, which are reasonably beyond the control of the PARTY obligated to perform. Force majeure shall not include a lack of funds, bankruptcy or other financial cause or disadvantage, and force majeure shall not excuse or delay any PARTY’S payment obligations under this AGREEMENT. Nothing contained in this AGREEMENT shall affect either PARTY’s ability or discretion regarding any strike or other employee dispute or disturbance and all such strikes, disputes or disturbances shall be deemed to be beyond the control of such PARTY. A condition of force majeure shall be deemed to continue only so long as the affected PARTY shall be taking all reasonable actions necessary to overcome such condition. If either PARTY shall be affected by a condition of force majeure, such PARTY shall give the other PARTY prompt notice thereof, which notice shall contain the affected PARTY’S estimate of the duration of such condition and a description of the steps being taken or proposed to be taken to overcome such condition of force majeure. Any delay occasioned by any such cause shall not constitute a default, breach or failure under this AGREEMENT, and the obligations of the PARTIES shall be suspended during the period of delay so occasioned. During any period of force majeure, the PARTY that is not directly affected by such condition of force majeure may take any reasonable action necessary to mitigate the effects of such condition of force majeure.

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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  22.2 SEVERABILITY. All the terms and provisions of this AGREEMENT are distinct and severable, and if any term or provision is held unenforceable, illegal or void in whole or in part by any court, regulatory authority or other competent authority it shall to that extent be deemed not to form part of this AGREEMENT, and the enforceability, legality and validity of the remainder of this AGREEMENT shall not be affected thereby.

 

  22.3 VARIATION. This AGREEMENT may not be amended, varied or modified in any manner except by an instrument in writing signed by a duly authorized officer or representative of each PARTY hereto.

 

  22.4 FORBEARANCE AND WAIVER. No waiver by a PARTY in respect of any breach shall operate as a waiver in respect of any subsequent breach. No forbearance, failure or delay by a PARTY in exercising any right or remedy shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial forbearance, exercise or waiver of any right or remedy prejudice its further exercise of any right or remedy under this AGREEMENT or at LAW.

 

  22.5 COUNTERPARTS; FACSIMILE. This AGREEMENT may be executed in more than one counterpart, each of which constitutes an original and all of which together shall constitute one enforceable agreement. For purposes of this AGREEMENT and any other document required to be delivered pursuant to this AGREEMENT, facsimiles of signatures shall be deemed to be original signatures. In addition, if any of the PARTIES sign facsimile copies of this AGREEMENT, such copies shall be deemed originals.

 

  22.6 NO PARTNERSHIP. The relationship of the PARTIES is that of independent contractors and this AGREEMENT shall not operate so as to create a partnership or joint venture of any kind between the PARTIES.

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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  22.7 CONSTRUCTION. The PARTIES have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this AGREEMENT. In the event that an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this AGREEMENT shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the PARTIES and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any PARTY by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this AGREEMENT. Except where the context otherwise requires, where used, the singular shall include the plural, the plural the singular, the use of any gender shall be applicable to all genders and the word “or” is used in the inclusive sense (and/or). The captions of this AGREEMENT are for convenience of reference only and in no way define, describe, extend or limit the scope or intent of this AGREEMENT or the intent of any provision contained in this AGREEMENT. The term “includes” and “including” as used herein means including, but not limited to.

 

  22.8 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This AGREEMENT and the Schedules and Exhibit attached hereto constitute the entire understanding between the PARTIES and supersedes any prior or contemporaneous written or oral understanding, negotiations or agreements between and among them respecting the subject matter hereof. This AGREEMENT may not be modified or amended other than by a writing signed by both PARTIES’ duly authorized officers. This AGREEMENT shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the PARTIES and their respective successors and assigns.

 

  22.9

GOVERNING LAW. This AGREEMENT shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the LAWS of the State of California without regard to its or any other jurisdiction’s choice of law rules. Any disputes under this AGREEMENT shall be brought in the state or federal courts located in California. The PARTIES submit to

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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the personal jurisdiction of such courts for any such action, agree that such courts provide a convenient forum for any such action, and waive any objections or challenges to venue with respect to such courts.

 

  22.10 PUBLICITY. Neither PARTY shall make any public announcement concerning this AGREEMENT without the prior written consent of the other PARTY, unless counsel to such PARTY advises that such announcement or statement may be required by LAW (including applicable stock exchange rule). In the case of an announcement required by LAW, the other PARTY shall be advised in advance and both PARTIES shall use good faith efforts to cause a mutually agreeable announcement to be issued in a timely basis. Notwithstanding the foregoing, NEKTAR AL and BAXTER shall prepare and issue a joint press release acceptable to both PARTIES announcing the relationship created under this AGREEMENT.

[Signature Page Follows.]

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the PARTIES hereto have caused their authorized representatives to execute this AGREEMENT by signing below:

 

Signed:

For and on behalf of:   For and on behalf of:
NEKTAR Therapeutics AL, Corporation   Baxter Healthcare Corporation
Signature   [***]   Signature   [***]
Name:   [***]   Name:   [***]
Title:   [***]   Title:   [***]

For and on behalf of:

Baxter Healthcare SA

   
   
Signature   [***]    
Name:   [***]    
Title:   [***]    

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

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AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO EXCLUSIVE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, LICENSE

AND MANUFACTURING AND SUPPLY AGREEMENT

This Amendment No. 1 to Exclusive Research, Development, License and Manufacturing and Supply Agreement (the “Amendment”) is made and entered into effective as of October 19, 2005 (the “Effective Date of the Amendment”), by and between Nektar Therapeutics AL, Corporation, (“Nektar”) and Baxter Healthcare SA and Baxter Healthcare Corporation (collectively, “Baxter”). Nektar and Baxter may be referred to herein as a “Party” or, collectively, as “Parties.”

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Nektar and Baxter are parties to an Exclusive Research, Development, License and Manufacturing and Supply Agreement dated September 26, 2005 (the “Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to amend the Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:

Amendment of the Agreement

The Parties hereby agree to amend the Agreement as of the Effective Date of the Amendment as provided below. Capitalized terms used in this Amendment that are not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings provided in the Agreement.

1. The first sentence of Section 3.1 of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows: “To facilitate communication between the PARTIES, implement the RESEARCH PLAN and oversee development of POTENTIAL PRODUCTS and COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS (all during the TERM), the PARTIES shall appoint a JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE consisting of [***] representatives from each of NEKTAR AL and BAXTER. The initial representatives are:

BAXTER: [***]

NEKTAR AL: [***]

and the initial meeting of the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE shall take place no later than [***] after the EFFECTIVE DATE.”

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

1


2. For clarification purposes only, [***] to the Agreement is hereby amended by the addition of the following language to the introductory paragraph thereof:

“[***] defined below as [***] shall be a [***], as provided for in the [***] of this Agreement.”

 

2. Miscellaneous

 

  a. Full Force and Effect. Except as expressly amended by this Amendment, the Agreement shall remain unchanged and continue in full force and effect as provided therein.

 

  b. Entire Agreement of the Parties. This Amendment and the Agreement constitute the complete final and exclusive understanding and agreement of the Parties with respect to the subject matter of the Agreement, and supersede any and all prior or contemporaneous negotiations, correspondence, understandings and agreements, whether oral or written, between the Parties respecting the subject matter of the Agreement.

 

  c. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Amendment in duplicate originals by their authorized officers as of the Effective Date of the Amendment.

 

ACCEPTED AND AGREED,

NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS AL, CORPORATION   BAXTER HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
By:   [***]   By:   [***]
Name:   [***]   Name:   [***]
Title:   [***]   Title:   [***]
BAXTER HEALTHCARE SA    
By:   [***]    
Name:   [***]    

Title:

  [***]    

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

2


AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO EXCLUSIVE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, LICENSE

AND MANUFACTURING AND SUPPLY AGREEMENT

This Amendment No. 2 to Exclusive Research, Development, License and Manufacturing and Supply Agreement (the “Amendment”) is made and entered into effective as of December 14, 2005 (the “Effective Date of the Amendment”), by and between Nektar Therapeutics AL, Corp., an Alabama corporation (“NEKTAR”) and Baxter Healthcare SA and Baxter Healthcare Corp., (collectively, “BAXTER”). NEKTAR and BAXTER may be referred to herein as a “Party” or, collectively, as “Parties.”

RECITALS

WHEREAS, NEKTAR and BAXTER are parties to an Exclusive Research, Development, License and Manufacturing and Supply Agreement dated September 26, 2005, as amended (the “Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to further amend the Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency and receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

Amendment of the Agreement

The Parties hereby agree to amend the Agreement as of the Effective Date of the Amendment as provided below. Capitalized terms used in this Amendment that are not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings provided in the Agreement.

 

1. A new Section 2.8 is hereby added to the Agreement as follows:

“The PARTIES have agreed to amend the RESEARCH PLAN attached to the Agreement as Schedule 1, [***] (the “Amended Research Plan”). As more fully described in the Amended Research Plan, the RESEARCH COMMITTEE is expanding the RESEARCH PLAN [***]. [***] have been approved [***] and will provide [***] without affecting the RESEARCH PLAN that has already been agreed to by the Parties and attached to the Agreement as Schedule 1, [***], as set forth hereinbelow, solely for the purpose [***] shall, for purposes of this Amendment, be referred to as the [***].

Prior to initiating the [***], BAXTER will evaluate the [***]. As already provided for in the RESEARCH PLAN that has already been agreed to by the Parties and attached to the Agreement as Schedule 1, [***], will also proceed with [***]. If agreed by the RESEARCH COMMITTEE, [***].

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


Pursuant to the Amended Research Plan, (i) NEKTAR has agreed to and shall [***]; (ii) BAXTER shall use such [***] for the sole purpose of making a [***]; and (iii) BAXTER shall use such [***] for the sole purpose of conducting [***] as provided for in the Amended Research Plan. In view of the foregoing, it is further agreed that:

(a) [***] under the Agreement;

(b) [***] of the Agreement; and

(c) [***] as of the EFFECTIVE DATE of the Agreement.

In addition to the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that [***] as provided for in the Amended Research Plan.

BAXTER further agrees to disclose in writing to NEKTAR all INVENTIONS arising from its activities under the Amended Research Plan (including those activities relating to manufacture and/or use of the [***]) as required by and pursuant to Section 16.2 of the Agreement. Moreover, through the RESEARCH COMMITTEE, BAXTER shall share with NEKTAR data relating to such activities under the Amended Research Plan as required by and pursuant to Section 3.2 of the Agreement.

It is understood and agreed that other than as specifically provided for in the Agreement, and herein and in the Amended Research Plan, [***], and carried out under and in accordance with the RESEARCH PLAN and the Agreement.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, [***] pursuant to the Agreement.

 

2. Miscellaneous

 

  a. Full Force and Effect. Except as expressly amended by this Amendment, the Agreement shall remain unchanged and continue in full force and effect as provided therein.

 

  b. Entire Agreement of the Parties. This Amendment and the Agreement constitute the complete final and exclusive understanding and agreement of the Parties with respect to the subject matter of the Agreement, and supersede any and all prior or contemporaneous negotiations, correspondence, understandings and agreements, whether oral or written, between the Parties respecting the subject matter of the Agreement.

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


  c. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment in duplicate originals by their authorized officers as of the Effective Date of the Amendment.

 

ACCEPTED AND AGREED,

NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS, AL
By:   [***]
Name:   [***]
Title:   [***]
BAXTER HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
By:   [***]
Name:   [***]
Title:   [***]
BAXTER HEALTHCARE SA
By:   [***]
Name:   [***]
Title:   [***]
By:   [***]
Name:   [***]
Title:   [***]

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO EXCLUSIVE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT,

LICENSE AND MANUFACTURING AND SUPPLY AGREEMENT

This Amendment No. 3 to Exclusive Research, Development, License and Manufacturing and Supply Agreement (the “Amendment”) is made and entered into effective as of December 17, 2007 (the “Effective Date of the Amendment”), by and between Nektar Therapeutics AL, Corp., an Alabama corporation (“Nektar AL”) and Baxter Healthcare SA and Baxter Healthcare Corp., (collectively, “Baxter”). NEKTAR and BAXTER may be referred to herein as a “Party” or, collectively, as “Parties.”

RECITALS

WHEREAS, NEKTAR AL and BAXTER are parties to an Exclusive Research, Development, License and Manufacturing and Supply Agreement dated September 26, 2005, as amended (the “Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to further amend the Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the covenants and promises contained in this Amendment and in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions specified below the Parties agree as follows:

Amendment of the Agreement

The Parties hereby agree to amend the Agreement as of the Effective Date of the Amendment as provided below. Capitalized terms used in this Amendment that are not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings provided in the Agreement.

Any references to [***] up to but not including the sentence that begins with the words “[***], shall (as applicable) include the [***].

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


All references to ‘the Agreement’ contained in any Section or subsection of the Agreement shall mean ‘the Agreement (as amended)’.

Section 1.26 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

““FIELD” means [***], either for use alone for the treatment of [***], in the treatment of [***]; PEGYLATED FACTOR VIII for the treatment of Hemophilia A; [***] for the treatment of [***] and/or [***]; and/or PEGYLATED FACTOR IX for the treatment of Hemophilia B.”

Section 1.46 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

““NEKTAR AL KNOW-HOW” means all [***].”

Section 1.54 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

“NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS” means that agreement entered into between the PARTIES on [***], providing for confidential treatment of the PARTIES’ information, and those agreements entered into between the PARTIES on [***], providing for confidential treatment of the PARTES’ information.”

Section 1.62 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

“POTENTIAL PRODUCT” means [***] FACTOR VIII or FACTOR IX, [***] FACTOR VIII or FACTOR IX, [***].”

A new Section 1.68.A. is hereby added as follows:

“PEG-FIX RESEARCH PLAN” means the PARTIES’ respective activities and responsibilities as set forth in the research plan attached hereto as Schedule I-A, as amended and revised by the RESEARCH COMMITTEE from time to time”.

The first sentence of Section 1.70 is hereby amended as follows:

“ROYALTY RATE” for COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS [***] means the following:

 

(i) [***] of all COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS sold in the TERRITORY in a calendar year;

 

(ii) [***] of all COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS sold in the TERRITORY in such calendar year; and

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

5


(iii) [***] of all COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS sold in the TERRITORY in such calendar year [***].”

Section 1.80 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

“THERAPEUTIC AGENT” means [***],FACTOR VIII OR FACTOR IX [***].”

Section 1.82 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

“VALID PATENT CLAIM” means [***].”

A new Section 1.84 is hereby added as follows:

““FACTOR IX” means a compound that is a Factor IX [***].”

A new Section 1.85 is hereby added as follows:

“ROYALTY RATE” for COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS [***], means the following:

 

(i) [***] of the [***] of all COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS sold in the TERRITORY in such calendar year;

 

(ii) [***] of the [***] of all COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS sold in the TERRITORY in such calendar year; and

 

(iii) [***] of all COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS sold in the TERRITORY in such calendar year [***].”

Section 2.1 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

OVERVIEW. The PARTIES’ research and development responsibilities are set forth in the RESEARCH PLAN and/or the PEG-FIX RESEARCH PLAN (as applicable) each of which shall be an evolving document that is updated and revised from time to time in writing by the RESEARCH COMMITTEE.

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

6


As decided by the RESEARCH COMMITTEE provided for in Section 3.2, and provided that [***] (with respect to the PEG-FIX RESEARCH PLAN) each in a timely manner in accordance with the time frames set forth in the RESEARCH PLAN or the PEG-FIX RESEARCH PLAN (as applicable) as provided for herein, NEKTAR AL shall, in a timely manner in accordance with the time frames set forth in the RESEARCH PLAN or the PEG-FIX RESEARCH PLAN (as applicable), [***]. BAXTER shall, in a timely manner in accordance with the time frames set forth in the RESEARCH PLAN and the PEG-FIX RESEARCH PLAN (as applicable), provide NEKTAR AL with [***].

NEKTAR AL shall use commercially reasonable efforts to collaborate and cooperate with BAXTER in researching and developing CONJUGATES and REAGENTS (including SELECTED REAGENTS) to be utilized in developing POTENTIAL PRODUCTS pursuant to the RESEARCH PLAN and the PEG-FIX RESEARCH PLAN, as each may be amended from time to time. Initially, [***]. After the RESEARCH COMMITTEE selects one or more CONJUGATES to develop into POTENTIAL PRODUCTS, the REAGENT that is used to make each such CONJUGATE shall be deemed a SELECTED REAGENT hereunder, and [***], as set forth in [***] below.

BAXTER is responsible for the development of POTENTIAL PRODUCTS after receipt of the CONJUGATES and SELECTED REAGENTS, in accordance with the RESEARCH PLAN and/or the PEG-FIX RESEARCH PLAN (as applicable), and [***].

For clarity, [***]. During such clinical trials, or in the event of the cancellation or failure of any such clinical trials, [***].”

A new Section 2.2.1 is hereby added as follows:

NEKTAR AL PAYMENTS. For clarity, Section 2.2 shall apply only with respect to NEKTAR AL’S activities in relation to [***] PEGYLATED FACTOR VIII [***] and this Section 2.2.1 shall apply only with respect to NEKTAR AL’S activities in relation to PEGYLATED FACTOR IX. Accordingly, in addition to the MILESTONES and royalties to be paid by BAXTER to NEKTAR AL under the AGREEMENT, BAXTER shall reimburse NEKTAR AL for those activities directly incurred and solely associated with the research, development and/or manufacture of CONJUGATES and REAGENTS (including SELECTED REAGENTS) for PEGYLATED FACTOR IX at the applicable FTE rate as described in the immediately following paragraph.

The applicable FTE rate (which includes time, standard supplies and material) shall be charged and invoiced at [***] for each FTE per year (“PEG-FIX FTE RATE”), subject to the following increases: the PEG-FIX FTE RATE shall be adjusted each calendar year commencing with calendar year 2009 to reflect any year-to-year increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI)

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

7


(based on a cumulative index of CPI numbers starting on the Effective Date of the Amendment to the date of the calculation of such PEG-FIX FTE RATE). Moreover, for purposes of work performed by NEKTAR AL in relation to PEGYLATED FACTOR IX, one (1) FTE will equal [***].

In addition to the foregoing, BAXTER shall reimburse NEKTAR AL for additional materials purchased by NEKTAR AL to perform its activities under the PEG-FIX RESEARCH PLAN, [***], which materials shall be equipment purchased by NEKTAR AL that is required for the performance of its activities under the PEG-FIX RESEARCH PLAN. The cost of such materials shall not exceed [***]. BAXTER shall respond to such a request by NEKTAR AL promptly, and in no event later than [***] after its receipt of such request.

NEKTAR AL shall invoice FTE costs (which includes time at the PEG-FIX FTE RATE, standard supplies and material) and costs of additional materials to BAXTER [***], which BAXTER may audit, pursuant to Section 10.2 of the AGREEMENT. For clarity, BAXTER shall pay for [***], which shall be calculated by multiplying (i) [***] pursuant to this Amendment by (ii) the quotient of (a) the PEG-FIX FTE RATE divided by (b) [***]. BAXTER shall pay the amounts set forth in each such invoice within [***] after the date thereof.

For clarity, BAXTER shall pay NEKTAR AL as provided for under this Section 2.2.1 for so long as NEKTAR AL is performing activities under the PEG-FIX RESEARCH PLAN; provided, however, that on a POTENTIAL PRODUCT-by-POTENTIAL PRODUCT basis, such [***], at which point the [***] and, thereafter, the [***] used in such POTENTIAL PRODUCT [***] of the AGREEMENT and the SUPPLY AGREEMENT.

For the avoidance of doubt, the PARTIES acknowledge that the [***] that is required to be paid by BAXTER to NEKTAR AL within [***], as set forth on Schedule II-A, is an [***] by BAXTER of the FTE costs (which includes time at the PEG-FIX FTE RATE, standard supplies and material) to be paid by BAXTER pursuant to this Section 2.2.1. Notwithstanding the foregoing, NEKTAR AL shall provide an invoice to BAXTER as required above which invoice shall set forth a calculation of the FTE costs totaling [***] and a corresponding credit for the [***]; provided, however, that such calculation shall only include a total [***].”

The first sentence of Section 2.4.2 is hereby deleted in its entirety and shall be replaced by the following:

“Any samples of [***] (collectively, the “BAXTER MATERIALS”) are owned exclusively by BAXTER and provided solely for the development of CONJUGATES and REAGENTS to extend the half-life of a particular THERAPEUTIC AGENT in conjunction with the RESEARCH PLAN or the PEG-FIX RESEARCH PLAN (as applicable), and for no other purpose.”

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

8


A new Section 2.6.1 is hereby added as follows:

“SELECTION OF PEGYLATED FACTOR IX POTENTIAL PRODUCTS AND [***]. The RESEARCH COMMITTEE shall select PEGYLATED FACTOR IX POTENTIAL PRODUCT(S) from the CONJUGATES and SELECTED REAGENTS provided by NEKTAR AL under the PEG-FIX RESEARCH PLAN and, [***].”

The first paragraph of Section 3.2 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

“RESEARCH COMMITTEE. The RESEARCH COMMITTEE shall be comprised of appropriate representatives of both PARTIES, initially consisting of [***] representatives from each of NEKTAR AL and BAXTER. Each PARTY shall appoint a RESEARCH PLAN team leader (and other key contacts, as necessary) to serve as principal RESEARCH COMMITTEE liaisons for the PARTIES. Employees of each PARTY who are not on the RESEARCH COMMITTEE may attend meetings of the RESEARCH COMMITTEE, as required to further the research and development of POTENTIAL PRODUCTS and COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS. The initial team leader and PARTY representatives are:

BAXTER: (1) [***]

NEKTAR AL: (1) [***].”

A new Section 3.6 is hereby added as follows:

“3.6.1 [***].

3.6.2 Disbanding of Committees. [***], the PARTIES shall have the right to disband any committee upon mutual agreement. Additionally, to the extent the applicable committee is not disbanded, such committees shall be automatically disbanded, as applicable, as set forth below:

 

(i) The JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE shall be automatically disbanded upon [***].

 

(ii) The DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION COMMITTEE shall be automatically disbanded when [***].

 

(iii) The RESEARCH COMMITTEE shall be automatically disbanded upon [***].

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

9


3.6.3 Decision Making After [***] or Disbanding of Committees. If [***], or if a committee is disbanded pursuant to Section 3.6.2, then after such [***] disbanding, the following shall apply to decisions formerly within the jurisdiction of the committee(s) [***] or that has been disbanded:

(a) Decisions formerly within the jurisdiction of the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE shall be submitted for resolution by senior officers of each PARTY, subject to the decision making processes and principles set forth in Section 3.1 applied to decisions to be made by such senior officers rather than to decisions to be made by the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE.

(b) Decisions formerly within the jurisdiction of the DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION COMMITTEE shall be submitted for resolution by the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE, if it then exists, or otherwise by senior officers appointed by each PARTY as described in Section 3.6.3(a).

(c) Decisions formerly within the jurisdiction of the RESEARCH COMMITTEE shall be submitted for resolution by the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE, if it then exists, or otherwise by senior officers appointed by each PARTY as described in Section 3.6.3(a).

Notwithstanding the amendments to the decision making structure as set forth in this Section 3.6.3, with respect to all decisions that would have been within the jurisdiction of the Research Committee BAXTER shall retain the deciding vote pursuant to Section 3.2 of the Agreement.”

Section 4.2 is hereby amended by deleting the first paragraph through subsection (iii) and replacing it with the following:

“TERMS OF SUBLICENSE. The terms of each sublicense under the license granted to BAXTER in Section 4.1 of this AGREEMENT shall provide that any sublicense shall be subject to and consistent with the terms and conditions of this AGREEMENT; provided, however, that:

(i) all royalties or other amounts due to NEKTAR AL with respect to such SUBLICENSEE’S development and/or commercialization of POTENTIAL PRODUCTS or COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS shall be collected by BAXTER and transmitted to NEKTAR AL in accordance with the payment terms set forth in Article 9.

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

10


(ii) BAXTER’S grant of any sublicense shall not relieve BAXTER from any of its obligations under this AGREEMENT; and

(iii) BAXTER shall remain jointly and severally liable for any breach of a sublicense by a SUBLICENSEE.”

Section 4.3 is hereby amended by deleting subsection (iii) of the first paragraph and deleting the second and third full paragraphs.

A new Section 7.2.1 is hereby added as follows:

“For clarity, Section 7.2 shall apply with respect to the activities of BAXTER, its AFFILIATES or SUBLICENSEES in relation to the development, manufacture or commercialization of POTENTIAL PRODUCTS and/or COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS utilizing (directly or indirectly) [***]. For good and valuable consideration (the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by BAXTER), with respect to the activities of BAXTER, its AFFILIATES and SUBLICENSEES in relation to the development, manufacture or commercialization of [***], BAXTER agrees to partner exclusively with NEKTAR AL in the FIELD. Specifically, during the TERM, [***] other than as provided for in this Amendment or [***], anywhere in the TERRITORY. [***].

Nothing set forth in this Section 7.2.1 shall prohibit BAXTER from owning not in excess of 5% in the aggregate of any class of capital stock of any corporation if such stock is publicly traded and listed on any national or regional stock exchange or on the NASDAQ national market system or the NASDAQ Small Cap Market.

In the event that the provisions of Sections 7.1, 7.2 or 7.2.1 should ever be deemed to exceed the limitation provided by applicable law, then the PARTIES agree that such provisions shall be reformed to set forth the maximum limitations permitted.”

Section 8.6.1 is hereby amended as follows:

“From the date of selection of a SELECTED REAGENT until the earlier of the date of commencement of a PIVOTAL TRIAL or the date on which the PARTIES enter into the SUPPLY AGREEMENT for such SELECTED REAGENT, BAXTER shall pay NEKTAR AL its

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

11


MANUFACTURING COST [***] for each SELECTED REAGENT supplied to BAXTER [***] (“PURCHASE PRICE”). BAXTER shall be entitled to audit such MANUFACTURING COST pursuant to Section 10.2.”

The first paragraph of Section 9.1 (up to but excluding subsection (i)) is hereby deleted in its entirety and is replaced with the following:

“BAXTER shall pay to NEKTAR AL MILESTONES in accordance with and pursuant to the events described in Schedule II (with respect to POTENTIAL PRODUCT and/or COMMERCIAL PRODUCT ([***]) and in Schedule II-A (with respect to [***], each as the case may be. Each such applicable MILESTONE shall be payable at the time the corresponding event occurs, and due within [***] of the event triggering such MILESTONE. Except as set forth in the last paragraph of Section 2.2.1, MILESTONE payments shall not be advance payments against any royalties or other payments due and payable hereunder, but shall be in addition to any royalty or other payments due under the AGREEMENT and this Amendment. In the event BAXTER [***].”

A new Section 9.1.5 is hereby added as follows:

“[***] MILESTONES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND COMMERCIALIZATION OF ONE COMMERCIAL PRODUCT FOR THE TREATMENT OF HEMOPHILIA B. The MILESTONES that are provided for under Schedule II-A shall apply with respect to the first POTENTIAL PRODUCT being developed for Hemophilia B using FACTOR IX as the THERAPEUTIC AGENT that achieves each such MILESTONE, and the first COMMERCIAL PRODUCT receiving MARKETING AUTHORIZATION having a label indication for the treatment of Hemophilia B using FACTOR IX as the THERAPEUTIC AGENT. Such POTENTIAL PRODUCT and COMMERCIAL PRODUCT for the treatment of Hemophilia B using FACTOR IX as the THERAPEUTIC AGENT may be the same, but in the event they are not, [***]. For clarity, additional milestone payments may be payable by BAXTER in accordance with the provisions of Section 9.1.6.

For clarity, BAXTER or its AFFILIATE or SUBLICENSEE, at BAXTER’S discretion, shall be [***].

NEKTAR AL shall not be entitled to additional MILESTONES for additional label claims that are obtained by BAXTER or its AFFILIATE or SUBLICENSEE for then-existing COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS for the treatment of Hemophilia B using FACTOR IX as the THERAPEUTIC AGENT. [***].

For the avoidance of doubt, NEKTAR AL shall not be entitled to the payment of any MILESTONES with respect to any POTENTIAL PRODUCT or COMMERCIAL PRODUCT developed for [***] as the THERAPEUTIC AGENT, unless those milestones to be negotiated under Section 9.1.2 have not yet been paid when the MILESTONE events occur with [***]”

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

12


A new Section 9.1.6 is hereby added as follows:

ADDITIONAL MILESTONES FOR THE COMMERCIALIZATION OF MORE THAN ONE COMMERCIAL PRODUCT FOR THE TREATMENT OF HEMOPHILIA B. After the receipt of MARKETING AUTHORIZATION for the first FACTOR IX COMMERCIAL PRODUCT for the treatment of Hemophilia B (using FACTOR IX as the THERAPEUTIC AGENT), NEKTAR AL shall be entitled to receive milestone payments in addition to the MILESTONES provided for in Schedule II-A, for each additional POTENTIAL PRODUCT with a label indication for the treatment of Hemophilia B using FACTOR IX as the THERAPEUTIC AGENT, for which BAXTER or its AFFILIATE or SUBLICENSEE receives a new MARKETING AUTHORIZATION in the United States and/or European Union. With respect to any additional POTENTIAL PRODUCTS that are FACTOR IX half-life extension products, additional milestone payments shall be made upon the successful completion of a PIVOTAL TRIAL in adults for each such additional POTENTIAL PRODUCT and for each MARKETING AUTHORIZATION received in the United States and/or European Union for each such additional POTENTIAL PRODUCT. [***] for each such additional POTENTIAL PRODUCT, provided that the [***] for each such additional POTENTIAL PRODUCT [***] per POTENTIAL PRODUCT.

[***].

For the avoidance of doubt, a modified COMMERCIAL PRODUCT (including, but not limited to, modified with respect to formulation, presentation, packaging or dosage strength) shall not be considered an additional COMMERCIAL PRODUCT and NEKTAR AL shall not be entitled to any additional milestone payments pursuant to Section 9.1.2 or pursuant to Section 9.1.6 upon the commercialization of any such modified COMMERCIAL PRODUCT if such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT uses the same THERAPEUTIC AGENT and SELECTED REAGENT as the unmodified COMMERCIAL PRODUCT.”

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

13


The first paragraph of Section 9.2 (up to but excluding Section 9.2.1) is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

ROYALTIES. With respect to COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS that either (a) contain a chemical entity resulting from attachment of [***] to a SELECTED REAGENT by means of PEGYLATION that is selected by the RESEARCH COMMITTEE, or (ii) use PEGYLATION to [***], whether by using PEGYLATION technology [***], BAXTER shall pay NEKTAR AL royalties in an amount equal to the product of the applicable ROYALTY RATE and the annual aggregate NET SALES of all such COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS on a COMMERCIAL PRODUCT-by-COMMERCIAL PRODUCT and country-by-country basis for an initial period of [***] from the FIRST COMMERCIAL SALE of the applicable COMMERCIAL PRODUCT in the applicable country (the “INITIAL ROYALTY TERM”). Royalties shall be paid during the INITIAL ROYALTY TERM in each and every country where such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT is sold, without regard to whether a VALID PATENT CLAIM covers the composition, manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale or import of the COMMERCIAL PRODUCT or the SELECTED REAGENT contained in such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT.

With respect to COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS that either (a) contain a chemical entity resulting from attachment of FACTOR IX to a SELECTED REAGENT by means of PEGYLATION that is selected by the RESEARCH COMMITTEE, or (b) use PEGYLATION to extend or otherwise improve the half-life of FACTOR IX, BAXTER shall pay NEKTAR AL royalties in an amount equal to the product of the applicable ROYALTY RATE and the annual aggregate NET SALES of all such COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS on a COMMERCIAL PRODUCT-by-COMMERCIAL PRODUCT and country-by-country basis for an initial period of [***] from the FIRST COMMERCIAL SALE of the applicable COMMERCIAL PRODUCT in the applicable country (the “PEG-FIX INITIAL ROYALTY TERM”). Royalties shall be paid during the PEG-FIX INITIAL ROYALTY TERM in each and every country where such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT is sold, without regard to whether a VALID PATENT CLAIM covers the composition, manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale or import of the COMMERCIAL PRODUCT or the SELECTED REAGENT contained in such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT.”

Section 9.2.1 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

“After the expiration of the INITIAL ROYALTY TERM or PEG-FIX INITIAL ROYALTY TERM, as the case may be, for a particular COMMERCIAL PRODUCT in a particular country, BAXTER shall continue to pay such royalties on NET SALES of such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT on a world-wide basis provided that there exists, in each of the

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

14


following major markets in which MARKETING AUTHORIZATION is received for such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT, a VALID PATENT CLAIM which would be infringed by the composition, making, using, having made, offering for sale, sale or importation of such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT or the SELECTED REAGENT contained in such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT: [***] (collectively, “MAJOR MARKETS”). Such royalties shall be paid on NET SALES of COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS in those countries where the composition, manufacture, import, use, offer for sale or sale of the applicable COMMERCIAL PRODUCT or the SELECTED REAGENT contained in such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT is not covered by a VALID PATENT CLAIM, provided that the composition, manufacture, import, use, offer for sale or sale of such applicable COMMERCIAL PRODUCT or such SELECTED REAGENT is covered by a VALID PATENT CLAIM in each of the MAJOR MARKETS. [***].”

Section 9.2.2 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

“If, at the time of sale of a COMMERCIAL PRODUCT in a particular country after the expiration of the INITIAL ROYALTY TERM or PEG-FIX INITIAL ROYALTY TERM, as the case may be, in such country, there is no VALID PATENT CLAIM covering the composition, manufacture, use, import, offer for sale or sale of such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT or the SELECTED REAGENT contained in such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT in each of the MAJOR MARKETS, then BAXTER shall only owe royalties with respect to NET SALES of COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS in those countries in which a VALID PATENT CLAIM covers the composition, manufacture, use, import, offer for sale or sale of such COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS or the SELECTED REAGENT contained in such COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS in such countries. [***].”

Section 9.2.3 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

“The PARTIES agree that a VALID PATENT CLAIM exists, for purposes of determining whether royalties are payable after the expiration of the INITIAL ROYALTY TERM or PEG-FIX INITIAL ROYALTY TERM, as the case may be, even if components of a COMMERCIAL PRODUCT are sold separately as more fully described in Section 9.3 below, and the only VALID PATENT CLAIM covers the composition, manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale or import of only one component of such COMMERCIAL PRODUCT ([***]).”

Section 9.4 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

COMMERCIAL DILIGENCE FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS FOR THE TREATMENT OF HEMOPHILIA A. If, during the TERM, BAXTER sells or markets another FACTOR VIII extended half-life product using a non-PEGYLATION technology which is used to treat Hemophilia A, then BAXTER must meet the COMMERCIAL DILIGENCE THRESHOLD, as set forth below. No later than [***] after the FIRST COMMERCIAL SALE of a

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

15


COMMERCIAL PRODUCT for the treatment of Hemophilia A, where [***] is the THERAPEUTIC AGENT, in each MAJOR MARKET in which MARKETING AUTHORIZATION has been obtained, the sales ([***]) of all such COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS in the aggregate shall constitute [***] of the total sales ([***]) of all FACTOR VIII extended half-life products used to treat Hemophilia A in such MAJOR MARKET (the “COMMERCIAL DILIGENCE THRESHOLD”). If sales ([***]) of such COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS, in the aggregate, do not meet the COMMERCIAL DILIGENCE THRESHOLD in such MAJOR MARKET within such timeframe, then NEKTAR AL may, [***], upon written notice to BAXTER, [***]. In the event NEKTAR AL [***], the ROYALTY RATE to which NEKTAR AL is otherwise entitled shall be [***] for all NET SALES of all COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS [***]. The terms of any such co-promotion agreement shall be negotiated in good faith by the PARTIES, and shall include minimum co-promotion requirements and shall provide that [***].”

A new Section 9.4.1 is hereby added as follows:

COMMERCIAL DILIGENCE FOR COMMERICAL PRODUCTS FOR THE TREATMENT OF HEMOPHILIA B. If, during the TERM, BAXTER sells or markets another FACTOR IX extended half-life product using a non-PEGYLATION technology which is used to treat Hemophilia B, then BAXTER must meet the COMMERCIAL DILIGENCE THRESHOLD, as set forth below. No later than [***] after the FIRST COMMERCIAL SALE of a COMMERCIAL PRODUCT for the treatment of Hemophilia B using FACTOR IX as the THERAPEUTIC AGENT, in each MAJOR MARKET in which MARKETING AUTHORIZATION has been obtained, the sales ([***]) of all such COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS in the aggregate shall constitute [***] of the total sales ([***]) of all FACTOR IX extended half-life products used to treat Hemophilia B in such MAJOR MARKET (the “COMMERCIAL DILIGENCE THRESHOLD”). If sales ([***]) of such COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS, in the aggregate, do not meet the COMMERCIAL DILIGENCE THRESHOLD in such MAJOR MARKET within such timeframe, then NEKTAR AL may, [***], upon written notice to BAXTER, [***]. In the event NEKTAR AL [***] such FACTOR IX COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS, the ROYALTY RATE to which NEKTAR AL is otherwise entitled shall be [***] for all NET SALES of all COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS [***]. The terms of any such co-promotion agreement shall be negotiated in good faith by the PARTIES, and shall include minimum co-promotion requirements and shall provide that [***].”

A new Section 9.4.2 is hereby added as follows:

COMMERCIAL DILIGENCE FOR COMMERICAL PRODUCTS FOR THE TREATMENT OF HEMOPHILIA A AND/OR B. If, during the TERM, BAXTER sells or markets another [***] extended half-life product [***] which is used to treat Hemophilia A and/or

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

16


Hemophilia B, then BAXTER must meet the COMMERCIAL DILIGENCE THRESHOLD, as set forth below. No later than [***] after the FIRST COMMERCIAL SALE of a COMMERCIAL PRODUCT for the treatment of Hemophilia A or Hemophilia B using [***] as the THERAPEUTIC AGENT, in each MAJOR MARKET in which MARKETING AUTHORIZATION has been obtained, the sales ([***]) of all such COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS in the aggregate shall constitute [***] of the total sales ([***]) of all [***] extended half-life products used to treat Hemophilia A and/or Hemophilia B in such MAJOR MARKET (the “COMMERCIAL DILIGENCE THRESHOLD”). If sales ([***]) of such COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS, in the aggregate, do not meet the COMMERCIAL DILIGENCE THRESHOLD in such MAJOR MARKET within such timeframe, then NEKTAR AL may, [***], upon written notice to BAXTER, [***] COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS in such MAJOR MARKET. In the event NEKTAR AL [***] COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS, the ROYALTY RATE to which NEKTAR AL is otherwise entitled shall be [***] for all NET SALES of all COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS [***]. The terms of any such co-promotion agreement shall be negotiated in good faith by the PARTIES, and shall include minimum co-promotion requirements and shall provide that [***].”

A new Section 9.7 is hereby added as follows:

“OPTION TO ACQUIRE ADDITIONAL LICENSE. In addition to the license granted by NEKTAR AL to BAXTER under Section 4.1, BAXTER may wish to exercise an option to enter into negotiations with NEKTAR AL to acquire an additional license (the “OPTION”). The conditions under which such OPTION may be exercised, and certain of the terms of such license, [***]. The PARTIES acknowledge and agree that the [***].”

References to NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT in Article 11 are hereby made plural. Any reference to BAXTER MATERIALS and NEKTAR AL MATERIALS in Article 11 includes BAXTER FIX MATERIALS and NEKTAR AL PEG-FIX MATERIALS.

The first sentence of Section 17.2.2A. is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

“NEKTAR AL shall have the right, but not the obligation, to carry out actions against THIRD PARTIES arising from such THIRD PARTIES’ infringement or misappropriation of NEKTAR AL LICENSED TECHNOLOGY covering the composition, manufacture, use, import, offer for sale or sale of a SELECTED REAGENT.”

Section 19.2 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

DISCRETIONARY TERMINATION. BAXTER may terminate this AGREEMENT

(i) in its entirety, other than pursuant to any other provision of this AGREEMENT, at any time, without any liability other than payment of the TERMINATION FEES, if applicable, payable in accordance with both Sections 19.7.5 and 19.7.6, upon [***] to NEKTAR AL;

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

17


(ii) in part, upon [***] to NEKTAR AL, with respect to the development and/or commercialization of POTENTIAL PRODUCTS and COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS utilizing (directly or indirectly) [***], other than pursuant to any other provision of this AGREEMENT, at any time, without any liability other than payment of the TERMINATION FEE, if applicable, payable in accordance with Section 19.7.5; or

(iii) in part, upon [***] to NEKTAR AL, with respect to the development and/or commercialization of POTENTIAL PRODUCTS and COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS utilizing (directly or indirectly) [***], other than pursuant to any other provision of this AGREEMENT, at any time, without any liability other than payment of the TERMINATION FEE, if applicable, payable in accordance with Section 19.7.6.”

Section 19.3 is hereby amended by adding the following to the end of the existing text:

“Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the failure to comply relates [***], the non-breaching party may only terminate the AGREEMENT in part with respect to all of the THERAPEUTIC AGENTS specified in (a), or with respect to the THERAPETIC AGENT specified in (b). If the failure to comply relates to both (c) [***], the non-breaching party [***].”

The first two paragraphs of Section 19.5 are hereby deleted in their entirety and replaced by the following:

“In the event [***] (each such failure to meet and lack of extension hereinafter referred to as a “DILIGENCE DEFECT”), then [***]:

(i) at its option, terminate this AGREEMENT in part with respect to [***], if the DILIGENCE DEFECT relates to a Development Diligence milestone set forth in Schedule IV;

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

18


(ii) at its option, terminate this AGREEMENT in part with respect to [***], if the DILIGENCE DEFECT relates to a Development Diligence milestone set forth in Schedule IV-A; or

(iii) at its option, terminate this AGREEMENT [***] DILIGENCE DEFECT relating to a Development Diligence milestone set forth in Schedule IV and a DILIGENCE DEFECT relating to a Development Diligence milestone set forth in Schedule IV-A.

In the event [***], Section 7.1 shall no longer apply with respect to that portion of the AGREEMENT and those THERAPEUTIC AGENTS that have been so [***], but the royalties and MILESTONES provided for herein shall continue to apply except as otherwise set forth in Section 19.5.2. Notwithstanding the foregoing, before [***] under this Section 19.5, [***] shall call a special meeting of the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE for the [***]. Such special meeting of the JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE shall be held as soon as practicable, but in no event later than [***] from the date on which [***] requests such meeting. At any time during the period commencing on the conclusion of such meeting up through the date that is [***] and [***] after the applicable milestone date, [***]. Thereafter, [***] to either cure (by meeting such Development Diligence milestone event) or to extend the milestone date by the duration of the applicable extension period set forth in Schedule IV or Schedule IV-A (as applicable), by providing written notice of its intent to extend and by paying the applicable extension payment within [***] thereafter. For clarity, the extension period shall commence at the end of the [***].”

Subsection G. of Section 19.5.1 is hereby deleted its entirety and replaced by the following:

“G. [***].”

A new Section 19.7.6 is hereby added as follows:

“For clarity, Section 19.7.5 shall apply with respect to termination of the AGREEMENT by BAXTER in its entirety pursuant to Section 19.2(i) or in part under Section 19.2(ii). If BAXTER terminates the AGREEMENT in its entirety pursuant to Section 19.2(i) or in part under Section 19.2(iii), or if NEKTAR AL terminates the AGREEMENT in its entirety or in part (with respect to FACTOR IX) under Section 19.3(b), or if NEKTAR AL terminates the AGREEMENT in part ([***], then BAXTER shall pay to NEKTAR AL a termination fee (“PEG-FIX TERMINATION FEE”) within [***] after the effective date of such termination as follows:

(a) If termination occurs after the [***], BAXTER shall pay NEKTAR AL a PEG-FIX TERMINATION FEE of [***];

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

19


(b) If termination occurs after the [***], BAXTER shall pay NEKTAR AL a PEG-FIX TERMINATION FEE of [***]; and

(c) If termination occurs after the [***], BAXTER shall pay NEKTAR AL a PEG-FIX TERMINATION FEE of [***].

If BAXTER terminates the AGREEMENT in its entirety under Section 19.2(i), BAXTER shall pay NEKTAR AL both the TERMINATION FEE due and owing to NEKTAR AL under Section 19.7.5, and the PEG-FIX TERMINATION FEE due and owing to NEKTAR AL under this Section 19.7.6. If NEKTAR AL terminates the AGREEMENT in its entirety under Section 19.3, BAXTER shall pay NEKTAR AL [***]. If NEKTAR AL terminates the AGREEMENT in part under Section 19.3(a) ([***]), BAXTER shall pay NEKTAR AL [***]. If NEKTAR AL terminates the AGREEMENT in part under Section 19.3(b) ([***]), BAXTER shall pay NEKTAR AL [***].

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if BAXTER terminates the AGREEMENT in part under Section 19.2(iii) due to a COMMERCIAL FAILURE, the TERMINATION FEE set forth in this Section 19.7.6 [***]. “COMMERCIAL FAILURE” means:

 

(i) [***], as defined by the RESEARCH COMMITTEE;

 

(ii) [***];

 

(iii) [***];

 

(iv) [***];

 

(v) [***]

 

(vi) [***].

For clarity, if the AGREEMENT is terminated by BAXTER in part under Section 19.2(iii) due to a COMMERCIAL FAILURE, there shall be [***].”

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

20


Miscellaneous

a. Full Force and Effect. Except as expressly amended by this Amendment, the AGREEMENT shall remain unchanged and continue in full force and effect as provided therein.

b. Entire Agreement of the Parties. This Amendment and the AGREEMENT constitute the complete final and exclusive understanding and agreement of the PARTIES with respect to the subject matter of the AGREEMENT, and supersede any and all prior or contemporaneous negotiations, correspondence, understandings and agreements, whether oral or written, between the PARTIES respecting the subject matter of the AGREEMENT.

c. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. One or more counterparts of this Amendment may be executed my facsimile or other electronic means.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.

 

21


[Signature Page to Amendment No. 3]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment in duplicate originals by their authorized officers as of the Effective Date of the Amendment.

 

ACCEPTED AND AGREED,
NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS AL, CORP.     BAXTER HEALTHCARE SA
By:  

[***]

    By:  

[***]

  Signature       Signature
Name:  

[***]

    Name:  

[***]

  Printed       Printed
Title:  

[***]

    Title:  

[***]

BAXTER HEALTHCARE CORPORATION      
By:  

[***]

    By:  

[***]

  Signature       Signature
Name:  

[***]

    Name:  

[***]

  Printed       Printed
Title:  

[***]

    Title:  

[***]

 

 

[***] indicates that certain information contained herein has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
Subsidiaries of Nektar Therapeutics

Exhibit 21.1

 

Subsidiaries of Nektar Therapeutics*

 

Name

  

Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization

Nektar Therapeutics AL, Corporation

   Alabama

Nektar Therapeutics UK, Ltd.

   United Kingdom

Inhale Therapeutic Systems Deutschland GmbH

   Germany

Nektar Therapeutics (India) Pvt. Ltd

   India

Aerogen, Inc.

   Delaware

 

* Includes subsidiaries that do not fall under the definition of “Significant Subsidiary” as defined under Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X.
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Exhibit 23.1

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Form S-8 Nos. 333-07969, 333-59735, 333-65919, 333-74669, 333-32788, 333-54078, 333-55032, 333-67342, 333-71936, 333-76638, 333-98321, 333-103040, 333-117975, 333-136498 and 333-145259) pertaining to the amended and restated 1994 Equity Incentive Plan, the 1998 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan, the 2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan, the 401(k) Retirement Plan, the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan, the Bradford Particle Design plc Share Option Schemes, the Shearwater Corporation 1996 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, and in the Registration Statements (Form S-3 Nos. 333-54080, 333-108859, 333-120009, 333-67340, 333-130591) and in the related Prospectuses of Nektar Therapeutics, respectively, of our reports dated February 25, 2008, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Nektar Therapeutics, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Nektar Therapeutics included in this Annual Report Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

 

Palo Alto, California

February 25, 2008

Certification of PEO required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)

Exhibit 31.1

 

CERTIFICATIONS

 

I, Howard W. Robin, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nektar Therapeutics for the year ended December 31, 2007;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under my supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under my supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: February 28, 2008

 

/s/    HOWARD W. ROBIN        

Howard W. Robin

Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

Certification of PFO required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)

Exhibit 31.2

 

CERTIFICATIONS

 

I, John Nicholson, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nektar Therapeutics for the year ended December 31, 2007;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under my supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under my supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: February 28, 2008

 

/s/    JOHN NICHOLSON        

John Nicholson

Senior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

Section 1350 Certifications

Exhibit 32.1

 

SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATIONS*

 

Pursuant to the requirement set forth in Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. § 1350), Howard W. Robin, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director of Nektar Therapeutics (the “Company”), and John Nicholson, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each hereby certifies that, to the best of his knowledge:

 

1. The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2007, to which this Certification is attached as Exhibit 32.1 (the “Annual Report”), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

 

2. The information contained in the Annual Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for the period covered by the Annual Report.

 

Dated: February 28, 2008

 

/s/    HOWARD W. ROBIN        

  

/s/    JOHN NICHOLSON        

Howard W. Robin

Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

  

John Nicholson

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

* This certification accompanies the Annual Report on Form 10-K, to which it relates, is not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (whether made before or after the date of the Form 10-K), irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.