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Invivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp

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FY2017 Annual Report · Invivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp
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InVivo’s Mission
To Redefine the Life of the 
Spinal Cord Injury Patient

UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 

FORM 10-K 
  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 

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

OF 1934 

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM              TO              

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 001-37350 

INVIVO THERAPEUTICS HOLDINGS CORP. 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 

Nevada 

(State or other jurisdiction of 
incorporation or organization) 

One Kendall Square, 

Suite B14402, Cambridge, Massachusetts 
(Address of principal executive offices) 

36-4528166 
(I.R.S. Employer 
Identification No.) 

02139 
(Zip Code) 

(617) 863-5500 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 

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

Title of each class to be so registered 
Common Stock, $0.00001 par value 

Name of exchange on which registered 
The Nasdaq Global 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  

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  

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    No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive 

Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or 
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes   No  

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be 

contained, to the best of the 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, a smaller reporting 
company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and 
“emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): 

Large accelerated filer  

Accelerated filer  

Non-accelerated filer  
(Do not check if a 
smaller reporting company) 

Smaller reporting company 

Emerging growth company  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying 

with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes   No  

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2017, the 
last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $86,007,844 based on a per share price of $2.70, which was 
the closing price of the registrant’s common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market on such date. 

As of March 9, 2018, the number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, $0.00001 par value per share, was 38,054,036. 

None. 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVIVO THERAPEUTICS HOLDINGS CORP. 
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

ITEM   

PART I 
Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Unresolved Staff Comments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Mine Safety Disclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
PART II 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity 
Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Selected Financial Data  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
PART III 
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters  . . .  
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Principal Accounting Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
PART IV 
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Form 10-K Summary  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

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PART I 
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 

This Annual Report on Form 10 K contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A 

of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. These statements include statements made regarding our commercialization 
strategy, future operations, cash requirements and liquidity, capital requirements, and other statements on our business 
plans and strategy, financial position, and market trends. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by 
terms such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “plan,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “target,” “estimate,” “expect,” 
and other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause 
actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this 
Form 10-K, including factors such as our ability to raise substantial additional capital to finance our planned operations 
and to continue as a going concern; our ability to execute our strategy and business plan; our ability to obtain regulatory 
approvals for our products, including the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold™; our ability to successfully commercialize our current 
and future product candidates, including the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold; the progress and timing of our development 
programs; market acceptance of our products; our ability to retain management and other key personnel; our ability to 
promote, manufacture, and sell our products, either directly or through collaborative and other arrangements with third 
parties; and other factors detailed under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K. These forward looking 
statements are only predictions, are uncertain, and involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other 
factors which may cause our actual results, levels of activity, or performance to be materially different from any future 
results, levels of activity, or performance expressed or implied by these forward looking statements. Such factors 
include, among others, the following: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

our limited operating history and history of net losses; 

our ability to raise substantial additional capital to finance our planned operations and to continue as a 
going concern; 

our ability to initiate and complete the INSPIRE 2.0 Study to support our existing Humanitarian Device 
Exemption application; 

our ability to execute our strategy and business plan; 

our ability to obtain regulatory approvals for our current and future product candidates, including our 
Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant;  

our ability to successfully commercialize our current and future product candidates, including our Neuro-
Spinal Scaffold implant; 

the progress and timing of our current and future development programs; 

our ability to successfully open, enroll and complete clinical trials and obtain and maintain regulatory 
approval of our current and future product candidates; 

our ability to protect and maintain our intellectual property and licensing arrangements; 

our reliance on third parties to conduct testing and clinical trials;  

•  market acceptance and adoption of our current and future technology and products; 

• 

• 

our ability to promote, manufacture and sell our current and future products, either directly or through 
collaborative and other arrangements with third parties; and 

our ability to attract and retain key personnel. 

We cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, or performance. You should not place undue reliance on 

these forward looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10 K. These cautionary 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
statements should be considered with any written or oral forward looking statements that we may issue in the future. 
Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States, we do not intend to update any 
of the forward looking statements to conform these statements to reflect actual results, later events or circumstances, or 
to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. 

As used herein, “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company” means InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp., together with 

its consolidated subsidiaries, unless otherwise noted. 

Item 1.  BUSINESS 

Overview 

We are a research and clinical-stage biomaterials and biotechnology company with a focus on treatment of 
spinal cord injuries, or SCIs. Our mission is to redefine the life of the SCI patient, and we seek to develop treatment 
options intended to provide meaningful improvement in patient outcomes following SCI. Our approach to treating acute 
SCIs is based on our investigational Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant, a bioresorbable polymer scaffold that is designed for 
implantation at the site of injury within a spinal cord and is intended to treat acute SCI. The Neuro-Spinal Scaffold 
implant incorporates intellectual property licensed under an exclusive, worldwide license from Boston Children’s 
Hospital and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. We also plan to evaluate other technologies and therapeutics 
that may be complementary to our development of the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant or offer the potential to bring us 
closer to our goal of redefining the life of the SCI patient.  

Market Opportunity 

Our clinical program is intended to address the lack of successful treatments for SCIs, which can lead to 

permanent paralysis, sensory impairment, and autonomic (bowel, bladder, and sexual) dysfunction. The current 
management of acute SCI is a surgical approach consisting of spine stabilization and an external decompression 
procedure of uncertain value. We believe the market opportunity for our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant is significant. It 
is estimated that approximately 285,000 people are currently living in the United States with paralysis due to SCI 
(chronic SCI), and approximately 15,000 individuals in the United States will become fully or partially paralyzed each 
year (acute SCI). We are pursuing regulatory approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, through 
the Humanitarian Device Exemption, or HDE, pathway. When this pathway was initiated for the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold 
implant, it was limited to populations of 4,000 or less patients per year. We were granted a Humanitarian Use Device, or 
HUD, designation for the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant, which includes thoracic and cervical patients afflicted with 
complete (no motor or sensory function in the lowest sacral segments) SCI, such as paraplegia or tetraplegia, and 
excludes gunshot or other penetrating wounds. Recently, the 21st Century Cures Act increased the upper population 
limit for an HDE from 4,000 to 8,000, which allows us to potentially request an expansion of our current HUD to 
include additional SCI patients, i.e., incomplete (partial sensory or sensory/motor function below the injury site, 
including the lowest sacral segments) SCI patients. Future products, which may include use of stem cells or drug 
ingredients, may enable the treatment of a broader population such as patients with chronic paralysis and would require 
separate regulatory approval. 

Since 1973, the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, or NSCISC, at the University of Alabama has 
been commissioned by the U.S. government to maintain a national database of SCI statistics. The financial impact of 
SCIs, as reported by the NSCISC, is substantial. Direct costs, which include hospital and medical expenses, modification 
of the home, and personal assistance, are highest in the first year after injury. According to the fact sheet published in 
2017 by NSCISC titled “Spinal Cord Injury—Facts and Figures at a Glance”, (i) during the first year, average cost of 
care ranges from $352,279 to $1,079,412, depending on the severity of the injury, (ii) the net present value, or NPV, to 
maintain a quadriplegic injured at age 25 for life is $4,789,384, and (iii) the NPV to maintain a paraplegic injured at age 
25 for life is $2,341,988. These costs place a tremendous financial burden on families, insurance providers, and 
government agencies. Moreover, despite such a significant financial investment, the patient often remains disabled for 
life because current medical interventions address only the symptoms of SCI rather than the underlying neurological 
cause. We believe our approach could represent an important advance in the treatment of SCIs. 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The American Spinal Injury Association, or ASIA, in collaboration with the International Spinal Cord Society, 

or ISCoS, has developed a neurologic examination tool for assessing SCI known as the International Standards for 
Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury, or ISNCSCI. Results of the ISNCSCI examination are used to 
determine the ASIA Impairment Scale, or AIS, classification.  

Patients with complete SCI are classified as AIS A. Patients with incomplete SCI, who have partial sensory 
and/or motor function below the level of injury, including the lowest sacral segments, are classified as AIS B (partial 
sensory function), AIS C (partial sensory and motor function), or AIS D (partial sensory and increased motor function, 
i.e., can move at least half of the muscles against gravity). Patients who have a complete return of sensory and motor 
function are classified as AIS E. 

These classifications are based upon the ISNCSCI examination in which an examiner performs a neurologic 

examination to assess sensory function of the entire body and motor function of the upper and lower extremities. 

Our Clinical Program 

We currently have one clinical development program for the treatment of acute SCI. 

Neuro-Spinal Scaffold Implant for acute SCI 

Our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant is an investigational bioresorbable polymer scaffold that is designed for 

implantation at the site of injury within a spinal cord. The Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant is intended to promote 
appositional, or side-by-side, healing by supporting the surrounding tissue after injury, minimizing expansion of areas of 
necrosis, and providing a biomaterial substrate for the body’s own healing/repair processes following injury. We believe 
this form of appositional healing may spare white matter, increase neural sprouting, and diminish post-traumatic cyst 
formation. 

The Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant is composed of two biocompatible and bioresorbable polymers that are cast 

to form a highly porous investigational product: 

• 

• 

Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid, a polymer that is widely used in resorbable sutures and provides the 
biocompatible support for Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant; and 

Poly-L-Lysine, a positively charged polymer commonly used to coat surfaces in order to promote cellular 
attachment. 

Because of the complexity of SCIs, it is likely that multi-modal therapies will be required to maximize positive 
outcomes in SCI patients. In the future, we may attempt to further enhance the performance of our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold 
implant by multiple combination strategies involving electrostimulation devices, additional biomaterials, drugs approved 
by the FDA, or growth factors. We expect the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant to be regulated by the FDA as a Class III 
medical device. 

Preclinical and Non-clinical Studies relating to the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold 

SCI can result in permanent paralysis, sensory impairment, and autonomic (bowel, bladder, and sexual) 

dysfunction. These functional deficits result from damage to or loss of cells (neurons and glia) in the affected region of 
the spinal cord, either from the initial mechanical trauma or through secondary mechanisms that persist for several 
weeks. The ability of potential treatments for SCI to mitigate loss of function or promote recovery can be evaluated with 
non-clinical models using different species and different methods of inducing SCI. In our preclinical studies, we utilized 
rat, non-human primate, and pig models because each exhibits a pattern of neuropathology following SCI that is similar 
to human SCI. Hemicordectomy injury models, in which sections of spinal cord are surgically removed, are useful in the 
evaluation of treatment strategies that involve device implantation. Unilateral hemicordectomy models preserve function 
on one side of the cord, resulting in improved recovery of bladder and bowel function. We, therefore, evaluated the 
bioresorbable polymer scaffold device in both rats and non-human primates with unilateral hemicordectomy injury. 
Because most human SCIs are non-penetrating contusion injuries resulting from rapid compression of spinal tissue by 
intrusion of bone or disc material following mechanical disruption of the vertebral column, we also evaluated the 
bioresorbable polymer scaffold device in rat and pig models of spinal contusion injury. 

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Our first non-clinical study was conducted by founding scientists of our wholly-owned subsidiary in rats with 

surgically induced unilateral spinal cord hemicordectomy injury. This study (see Teng, Y. D., et al., Functional recovery 
following traumatic spinal cord injury mediated by a unique polymer scaffold seeded with neural stem cells, Proceedings 
of the National Academy of Sciences 99, pg. 3024-3029, 2002) demonstrated the baseline safety and efficacy of porous, 
biodegradable scaffolds fabricated from PLGA-PLL polymer. Subsequently, the safety and efficacy of implantation of 
the bioresorbable polymer scaffold device was evaluated in rats with spinal cord contusion injury. Initial studies suggest 
that 24 hours after contusion injury was an appropriate time for device implantation based on both histological 
evaluation and ex vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, techniques. Based on these results, we conducted larger 
rat contusion studies in our laboratory. We evaluated functional recovery with the 21-point Basso, Beattie, and 
Bresnahan, or BBB, locomotor rating scale to assess open field locomotion. In the first model, the BBB score was not 
improved by the scaffold device. However, implantation of the bioresorbable polymer scaffold device into the necrotic 
zone of the injured spinal cord resulted in appositional healing and tissue remodeling that preserved spinal cord 
architecture. Morphometric analysis of spinal sections stained with hematoxylin & eosin revealed that non-implanted 
rats with contusion injury developed large cavities surrounded by a thin rim of spared white matter. In contrast, rats 
treated with the implanted bioresorbable polymer scaffold device demonstrated decreased cavity volume along with 
increased amounts of spared and remodeled tissue at the lesion epicenter. Immunofluorescence labeling within the 
remodeled tissue identified high levels of laminin, an absence of GFAP-positive astrocytes, as well as beta-3 tubulin 
positive axons. This indicated that the bioresorbable polymer scaffold device supports tissue formation and remodeling 
favorable for axon regrowth. Following spinal contusion injury, myelin-producing nerve cells called Schwann cells arise 
from either injured nerve roots or endogenous sources within the central nervous system. The Schwann cells migrate into 
the injury region, promoting axonal growth and remyelinating segmentally demyelinated axons. In rats implanted with 
the bioresorbable polymer scaffold device, we observed that Schwann cell myelination was extensive within preserved 
penumbra white matter and also that Schwann cell myelination was detected within the remodeled tissue. These results 
indicate that implantation of the bioresorbable polymer scaffold device in the acutely injured rat spinal cord can provide 
the benefit of preserving spinal cord architecture through reduced cavitation, and promotion of white matter sparing and 
tissue remodeling supportive to axon sprouting and spinal cord activity. 

The spinal cord anatomy of non-human primates is very similar to that of humans. We performed a series of 
studies in African green monkeys to evaluate the bioresorbable polymer scaffold device in a non-human primate. Our 
first study in African green monkeys established that unilateral thoracic hemicordectomy SCI (a new model in this 
species) produced a consistent functional deficit, and we observed a consistently positive response to scaffold 
implantation (see Pritchard, et al., Establishing a model spinal cord injury in the African green monkey for the 
preclinical evaluation of biodegradable polymer scaffolds seeded with human neural stem cells, Journal of Neuroscience 
Methods 188, pg. 258- 269, 2010). We then conducted two larger studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of the 
bioresorbable polymer scaffold device in the African green monkey (see Slotkin, J.R., Pritchard, et al., Biodegradable 
scaffolds promote tissue remodeling and functional improvement in non-human primates with acute spinal cord injury. 
Biomaterials, 123, pp. 63-76). The extent and time course of functional recovery in biopolymer implant-treated primates 
was assessed with video capture and KinemaTracer evaluation of locomotor behavior with synchronous 
electromyography recording along with locomotor observation rating. When the results of these two studies were 
combined and analyzed together, we found that implantation of the bioresorbable polymer scaffold device resulted in an 
increase in remodeled tissue in the region of the hemicordectomy compared to non-implant controls, and improved 
recovery of locomotion in subjects with full unilateral hemicordectomy lesions (see Slotkin, J.R., et al., Biodegradable 
scaffolds promote tissue remodeling and functional improvement in non-human primates with acute spinal cord injury, 
Biomaterials, 123, pg. 63-76, 2017). 

The pig has been used as a large animal model of spinal cord contusion injury due to similarities in size and 

structure to the human spinal cord. We evaluated the surgical feasibility of implanting the bioresorbable polymer 
scaffold device in a spinal cord after a contusion injury in a pig model. Severe contusion injuries were created in 
Gottingen pigs with a weight drop apparatus. At approximately 4, 6, and 24 hours after contusion injury, the pigs 
underwent the bioresorbable polymer scaffold device surgical implantation procedure. At each time point, a large 
volume of necro-hemorrhagic fluid and debris rapidly effluxed from the injury site, releasing built-up pressure and 
resulting in a substantial cavity in the center of the spinal cord. Increased spinal tissue pressure after contusion injury 
results in reduced blood perfusion and ischemia in damaged spinal tissue, and is an important contributor to the 
pathophysiology of SCI. As part of our study, we placed bioresorbable polymer scaffold devices into the resulting 
contusion-induced spinal cord cavity. We measured intraspinal pressure (using catheter pressure probes) at the contusion 
epicenter in the pigs before, during, and after the surgical procedure. As expected, contusion injury elevated intraspinal 

6 

 
 
 
tissue pressure compared to normal values. Surgical implantation of the bioresorbable polymer scaffold device resulted 
in a return of intraspinal tissue pressure to physiologically normal levels. 

Taken together, these non-clinical studies in two rat SCI models, the African green monkey unilateral 
hemicordectomy injury model, and the pig contusion injury model demonstrate that the bioresorbable polymer scaffold 
device, surgically implanted at the epicenter of the wound after an acute SCI, acts by appositional healing to help spare 
spinal cord tissue, decrease post-traumatic cyst formation, decrease spinal cord tissue pressure, and promote tissue 
remodeling supportive to axon sprouting and spinal cord activity. 

Completed Pilot Study 

We conducted an early feasibility human pilot study, as the initial phase of a larger pivotal study, of our Neuro-
Spinal Scaffold under our approved Investigational Device Exemption, or IDE, application for the treatment of complete, 
traumatic acute SCI. The study was intended to assess the safety and feasibility of the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold for the 
treatment of complete thoracic functional SCI, as well as to gather preliminary evidence of the clinical effectiveness of 
the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold. 

The pilot study was initially approved for five subjects in up to six clinical sites across the United States, and 

was later modified to increase the number of allowable clinical sites to up to 20 and to permit enrollment of up to 10 
subjects. The pilot study was initially staggered such that each patient that met the eligibility criteria would be followed 
for three months prior to enrolling the next patient in the study. In December 2014, the FDA approved an expedited 
enrollment plan that allowed us to continue enrolling patients more rapidly barring any significant safety issues. We 
enrolled five subjects in the pilot study between October 2014 and September 2015. The FDA approved conversion of 
this pilot study to a pivotal probable benefit study, which we refer to as The INSPIRE Study, that includes data from the 
patients enrolled in the pilot study. 

The INSPIRE Study 

Our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant has been studied in The INSPIRE Study: InVivo Study of Probable Benefit 

of the Neuro- Spinal Scaffold for Safety and Neurologic Recovery in Subjects with Complete Thoracic AIS A Spinal 
Cord Injury, under an Investigational Device Exemption application for the treatment of neurologically complete 
thoracic traumatic acute SCI. We commenced an FDA-approved pilot study in 2014 that the FDA approved converting 
into The INSPIRE Study in January 2016. As of December 31, 2017, we had implanted our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold 
implant in a total of 19 patients in The INSPIRE Study, 16 of whom reached the six month primary endpoint visit, and 
three of whom died. In July 2017, after the third patient death, enrollment of patients in The INSPIRE Study was placed 
on hold as we engaged with the FDA to address the patient deaths.  We subsequently closed enrollment in The INSPIRE 
Study and will follow the remaining active subjects until completion.  Following discussions with the FDA, in March 
2018, we received FDA approval for a randomized controlled trial to supplement the existing clinical evidence for the 
Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant that we obtained from The INSPIRE Study. We refer to this herein as the INSPIRE 2.0 
Study. 

The purpose of The INSPIRE Study, which was the original study, was to evaluate whether the Neuro-Spinal 
Scaffold implant is safe and demonstrates probable benefit for the treatment of complete T2-T12 neurological level of 
injury (NLI) SCI. The primary endpoint was defined as the proportion of patients achieving an improvement of at least 
one AIS grade at six months’ post-implantation. Additional endpoints included measurements of pain, sensory and motor 
scores, bladder and bowel function, Spinal Cord Independence Measure (a disability scale for patients with SCI), and 
quality of life. The INSPIRE Study included an Objective Performance Criterion, or OPC, which is a measure of study 
success used in clinical studies designed to demonstrate safety and probable benefit in support of an HDE approval.  At 
the time enrollment of patients in The INSPIRE Study was placed on hold, the OPC was defined as 25% or more of the 
patients in the study demonstrating an improvement of at least one AIS grade at the six month post-implantation visit. 

The FDA approved the enrollment of up to 30 patients in The INSPIRE Study so that there would be at least 20 

evaluable patients at the primary endpoint analysis, accounting for events such as screen failures or deaths that would 
prevent a patient from reaching the primary endpoint visit. Of the 19 patients implanted in The INSPIRE Study, 16 
patients have reached the six-month primary endpoint visit. Of these 16, seven had improved from complete AIS A SCI 
to incomplete SCI (two patients to AIS C and five patients to AIS B) at the six-month primary endpoint visit and nine 
had not demonstrated improvement at that visit. Three of the seven patients who improved were assessed to have AIS B 
SCI at the six-month primary endpoint and were later assessed to have improved to AIS C SCI at the 12 or 24-month 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
visits. Two of the 16 patients were initially assessed to have improved from complete AIS A SCI to incomplete AIS B 
SCI, but each was later assessed to have reverted to complete AIS A SCI prior to the six-month examination. One of 
these two was then assessed at the six-month visit to have improved again to AIS B and the other remained AIS A. Since 
we have closed enrollment, the target of enrolling 20 evaluable patients into The INSPIRE Study will not be reached. 

The FDA had previously recommended that we include a randomized, concurrent control arm in The INSPIRE 

Study.  Acting on the FDA’s recommendation, we proposed and received approval for the INSPIRE 2.0 Study 
(described below) to supplement the existing clinical evidence for the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant.  In addition, as one 
source of comparator data, we initiated the Contemporary Thoracic SCI Registry Study, or the CONTEMPO Registry 
Study. The CONTEMPO Registry Study will utilize existing databases and registries to develop a historical comparator 
that, to the extent possible, matches patients to those patients enrolled in The INSPIRE Study. The CONTEMPO 
Registry Study is designed to provide comprehensive natural history benchmarks for The INSPIRE Study results that 
include SCI patients with similar baseline characteristics treated since 2006. The CONTEMPO Registry Study includes 
data from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation North American Clinical Trials Network Registry, as well as the 
Model Systems Registry and the European Multicenter Study about Spinal Cord Injury. We anticipate that there will be 
between 100 to 200 patients in the CONTEMPO Registry Study. We have submitted a protocol for the CONTEMPO 
Registry Study to the FDA. We cannot be certain what additional information or studies will be required by the FDA to 
approve our HDE submission. 

INSPIRE 2.0 Study 

Our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant has been approved to be studied under our approved IDE in the INPSIRE 

2.0 Study, which is titled the “Randomized, Controlled, Single-blind Study of Probable Benefit of the Neuro-Spinal 
Scaffold™ for Safety and Neurologic Recovery in Subjects with Complete Thoracic AIS A Spinal Cord Injury as 
Compared to Standard of Care.”   The purpose of the INSPIRE 2.0 Study is to assess the overall safety and probable 
benefit of the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold for the treatment of neurologically complete thoracic traumatic acute SCI.  The 
INSPIRE 2.0 Study is designed enroll 10 subjects into each study arm, which we refer to as the Scaffold Arm and the 
Comparator Arm. Patients in the Comparator Arm will receive standard of care, which is spinal stabilization without 
dural opening or myelotomy.  The INSPIRE 2.0 Study is a single blind study, meaning that the patients and assessors are 
blinded to treatment assignments. The FDA approved the enrollment of up to 35 patients in this study so that there would 
be at least 20 evaluable patients (10 in each study arm) at the primary endpoint analysis, accounting for events such as 
screen failures or deaths that would prevent a patient from reaching the primary endpoint visit.  We may conduct the 
INSPIRE 2.0 Study at up to 26 sites in the United States.  Enrolling patients in the INSPIRE 2.0 Study will also require 
the approval of the IRBs at each clinical site. We estimate that from study initiation, enrollment will take an 
approximately 18 months, and the total time to completion of the INSPIRE 2.0 study is estimated to be two years from 
study initiation. 

The primary endpoint is defined as the proportion of patients achieving an improvement of at least one AIS 
grade at six months post-implantation. Assessments of AIS grade are at hospital discharge, three months, six months, 
12 months and 24 months. The definition of study success for INSPIRE 2.0 is that the difference in the proportion of 
subjects who demonstrate an improvement of at least one grade on AIS assessment at the six-month primary endpoint 
follow-up visit between the Scaffold Arm and the Comparator Arm must be equal to or greater than 20%. In one 
example, if 50% of subjects in the Scaffold Arm have an improvement of AIS grade at the six-month primary endpoint 
and 30% of subjects in the Comparator Arm have an improvement, then the difference in the proportion of subjects who 
demonstrated an improvement is equal to 20% (50% minus 30% equals 20%) and the definition of study success would 
be met. In another example, if 40% of subjects in the Scaffold Arm have an improvement of AIS grade at the six-month 
primary endpoint and 30% of subjects in the Comparator Arm have an improvement, then the difference in the 
proportion of subjects who demonstrated an improvement is equal to 10% (40% minus 30% equals 10%) and the 
definition of study success would not be met. Additional endpoints include measurements of changes in NLI, sensory 
levels and motor scores, bladder, bowel and sexual function, pain, Spinal Cord Independence Measure (a disability scale 
for patients with SCI), and quality of life.  

We received approval for the INSPIRE 2.0 Study in early March. We believe this sets us in a direction towards 
a path to approval under the HDE regulatory program, and we are focused on exploring financing mechanisms to support 
the INSPIRE 2.0 Study. 

Although The INSPIRE Study is structured with the OPC as the primary component for demonstrating probable 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
benefit, the OPC is not the only variable that the FDA would evaluate when reviewing a future HDE application. 
Similarly, while our planned INSPIRE 2.0 Study is structured with a definition of study success requiring a minimum 
difference between  study arms in the proportion of subjects achieving improvement, that success definition is not the 
only factor that the FDA would evaluate in the future HDE application.  Approval is not guaranteed if the OPC is met for 
The INSPIRE Study or the definition of study success is met for the INSPIRE 2.0 Study, and even if the OPC or 
definition of study success are not met, the FDA may approve a medical device if probable benefit is supported by a 
comprehensive review of all clinical endpoints and preclinical results, as demonstrated by the sponsor’s body of 
evidence. 

In 2016, the FDA accepted our proposed HDE modular shell submission and review process for the Neuro-

Spinal Scaffold implant. The HDE modular shell is comprised of three modules: a preclinical studies module, a 
manufacturing module, and a clinical data module. As part of its review process, the FDA reviews modules, which are 
individual sections of the HDE submission, on a rolling basis. Following the submission of each module, the FDA 
reviews and provides feedback, typically within 90 days, allowing the applicant to receive feedback and potentially 
resolve any deficiencies during the review process. Upon receipt of the final module, which constitutes the complete 
HDE submission, the FDA makes a filing decision that may trigger the review clock for an approval decision. We 
submitted the first module in March 2017 and received feedback in June 2017. We are working on responses to the 
FDA’s questions and plan to submit an updated preclinical module in 2018. The HDE submission will not be complete 
until the manufacturing and clinical modules are also submitted. 

Intellectual Property 

We rely on a combination of patents, licenses, trade secrets, and non-disclosure agreements to develop, protect, 
and maintain our intellectual property. Our patent portfolio includes patents and patent applications. We seek to develop 
or obtain intellectual property that we believe might be useful or complementary with our products and technologies, 
including by way of licenses or acquisitions of other companies or intellectual property from third parties. 

We hold an exclusive worldwide license to a broad suite of patents co-owned by BCH and MIT covering the 
use of a wide range of polymers to treat SCI, and to promote the survival and proliferation of human stem cells in the 
spinal cord, or the BCH License. Issued patents and pending patent applications licensed under the BCH License cover 
the technology underlying our Neuro- Spinal Scaffold implant and the use of a wide range of biomaterial scaffolding for 
treating SCI by itself or in combination with drugs, growth factors, or human stem cells. The BCH License covers eight 
issued United States patents and 16 issued international patents expiring between 2018 and 2027, and one pending 
United States patent application and seven pending international patent applications. 

The BCH License has a term of 15 years from the effective date of July 2, 2007, or as long as the life of the last 

expiring patent right under the license, whichever is longer, unless terminated earlier by BCH. In connection with our 
acquisition of the BCH License, we submitted to a 5-year development plan to BCH and MIT that includes certain 
targets and projections related to the timing of product development and regulatory approvals. We are required to either 
meet the stated targets and projections in the plan, or notify BCH and revise the plan. BCH has the right to terminate the 
BCH License for failure by us to either meet the targets and projections in the plan or our failure to submit an acceptable 
revision to the plan within a 60-day cure period after notification by BCH that we are not in compliance with the plan. 
We are currently in compliance with the development plan. 

We have the right to sublicense the patents covered by the BCH License, and have full control and authority 
over the development and commercialization of any products that use the licensed technology, including clinical trial 
design, manufacturing, marketing, and regulatory filings. We also own the rights to the data generated pursuant to the 
BCH License, whether generated by us or a sublicensee. We have the first right of negotiation with BCH and MIT for a 
30-day period to any improvements to the intellectual property covered by the BCH License. 

We are required to pay certain fees and royalties under the BCH License. We paid an initial fee upon execution 
of the BCH License and are required to pay an amendment fee if we expand the field of use under the BCH License. We 
are also required to make milestone payments upon completing various phases of product development, including upon 
(i) filing with the FDA of the first investigational new drug application and IDE application for a product that uses the 
licensed technology; (ii) enrollment of the first patient in Phase II testing for a product that uses the licensed technology; 
(iii) enrollment of the first patient in Phase III testing for a product that uses the licensed technology; (iv) FDA approval 
of the first new drug application or related application for a product that uses the licensed technology; and (v) first 
market approval in any country outside the United States for a product that uses the licensed technology. Each year prior 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
to the release of a licensed product, we are also required to pay a maintenance fee for the BCH License. Further, we are 
required to make ongoing payments based on any sublicenses we grant to manufacturers and distributors. Following 
commercialization, we are required to make ongoing royalty payments equal to a percentage in the low single digits of 
net sales of any product that uses the licensed technology. 

In addition to the rights we license under the BCH License, we have additional rights relating to the Neuro-

Spinal Scaffold implant. Together with MIT, we co-own patent application No. U.S. 14/232,525 (“Poly((lactic-co-
glycolic acid)-b-lysine) and process for synthesizing a block copolymer of PLGA and PLL- (poly-e-cbz-l-lysine)”). 

Government Regulation 

The testing, manufacturing, and potential labeling, advertising, promotion, distribution, import, and marketing 
of our products are and would be subject to extensive regulation by governmental authorities in the United States and in 
other countries. In the United States, the FDA, under the Public Health Service Act, the Federal Food, Drug and 
Cosmetic Act, or FDCA, and their implementing regulations, regulates biologics and medical device products. In 
addition, our products under development are subject to extensive regulation by other U.S. federal and state regulatory 
bodies and comparable authorities in other countries. To ensure that medical products distributed domestically are safe 
and effective for their intended use, the FDA and comparable authorities in other countries have imposed regulations that 
govern, among other things, the following activities that we or our partners perform or will perform: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

product design and development; 

product testing; 

product manufacturing; 

product labeling; 

product storage; 

premarket clearance, approval, or CE marking of products; 

advertising and promotion; 

product marketing, sales, and distribution; and 

post-market surveillance reporting, including reporting of death or serious injuries. 

The labeling, advertising, promotion, marketing, and distribution of biopharmaceuticals, or biologics, and 

medical devices also must be in compliance with the FDA requirements which include, among others, standards and 
regulations for off-label promotion, industry-sponsored scientific and educational activities, promotional activities 
involving the internet, and direct-to-consumer advertising. In addition, the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, also 
regulates the advertising of many medical devices. The FDA and the FTC have very broad enforcement authority, and 
failure to abide by these regulations can result in penalties, including the issuance of a warning letter directing us to 
correct deviations from regulatory standards and enforcement actions that can include seizures, injunctions, and criminal 
prosecution. In addition, under the federal Lanham Act and similar state laws, competitors and others can initiate 
litigation relating to advertising claims. 

The FDA has broad premarket, post-market, and regulatory enforcement powers. As with medical devices, 

manufacturers of biologics and combination products are subject to unannounced inspections by the FDA to determine 
compliance with applicable regulations, and these inspections may include the manufacturing facilities of some of our 
subcontractors. Failure by manufacturers or their suppliers to comply with applicable regulatory requirements can result 
in enforcement action by the FDA or other regulatory authorities. Potential FDA enforcement actions include: 

•  warning letters, fines, injunctions, consent decrees, and civil penalties; 

• 

unanticipated expenditures to address or defend such actions; 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

customer notifications for repair, replacement, or refunds; 

recall, detention, or seizure of our products; 

operating restrictions or partial suspension or total shutdown of production; 

refusing or delaying our requests for 510(k) clearance on HDE or premarket approval applications, or 
PMA, of new products or modified products; 

operating restrictions; 

•  withdrawing 510(k) clearances on HDE or PMA approvals that have already been granted; 

• 

• 

refusal to grant export approval for our products; or 

criminal prosecution. 

FDA Regulation—Medical Device Products 

FDA’s Premarket Clearance and Approval Requirements 

Unless an exemption applies, each medical device we wish to commercially distribute in the United States will 
require either prior 510(k) clearance or prior premarket approval from the FDA. The FDA classifies medical devices into 
one of three classes. 

Devices deemed to pose lower risk are placed in either Class I or II, which requires the manufacturer to submit 

to the FDA a premarket notification which must be cleared by the FDA before the medical device may be distributed 
commercially. This process is known as 510(k) clearance. Most Class I devices are exempt 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 
premarket approval or approval of an HDE. We expect the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant will be regulated by the FDA 
as a Class III medical device. 

Premarket Approval Pathway 

A PMA must be submitted if the device cannot be cleared through the 510(k) process. A PMA must be 

supported by extensive data including, but not limited to, technical, preclinical, and other non-clinical, clinical, and 
manufacturing and labeling information to demonstrate to the FDA’s satisfaction the safety and effectiveness of the 
device for its intended use. 

If the FDA determines that a PMA submission is sufficiently complete, the FDA will accept the application for 

filing and begin an in-depth review of the submitted information. By statute, the FDA has 180 days to review the 
“accepted application,” although, generally, review of the application can take between one and three years, and it may 
take significantly longer. During this review period, the FDA may request additional information or clarification of 
information already provided. Also during the review period, an advisory panel of experts from outside the FDA may be 
convened to review and evaluate the application and provide recommendations to the FDA as to the approvability of the 
device. In addition, the FDA will conduct a preapproval inspection of the manufacturing facility to ensure compliance 
with quality system regulations. New PMAs or PMA supplements are required for modifications that affect the safety or 
effectiveness of the device, including, for example, certain types of modifications to the device’s indication for use, 
manufacturing process, labeling, and design. Premarket approval supplements often require submission of the same type 
of information as a PMA, except that the supplement is limited to information needed to support any changes from the 
device covered by the original PMA, and may not require as extensive clinical data or the convening of an advisory 
panel. 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Humanitarian Device Exemption 

Alternatively, a Class III device may qualify for FDA approval to be distributed under an HDE rather than a 

PMA. For a device to be eligible for an HDE, it must be first designated by the FDA as an HUD intended to benefit 
patients in the treatment or diagnosis of a disease or condition that affects fewer than 8,000 individuals in the United 
States per year (increased by the 21st Century Cures Act from 4,000 to 8,000). The HDE pathway also requires that there 
must be no other comparable device available to provide therapy for this condition. An HDE application is similar in 
form and content to a PMA and, although exempt from the effectiveness requirements of a PMA, an HDE does require 
sufficient information for the FDA to determine that the device does not pose an unreasonable or significant risk of 
illness or injury, and that the probable benefit to health outweighs the risk of injury or illness from its use. In addition, an 
HUD may only be used in facilities that have established a local institutional review board, or IRB, to supervise clinical 
testing of devices, and after an IRB has approved the use of the device to treat or diagnose the specific disease. 

In addition, except in certain circumstances, products approved under an HDE cannot be sold for an amount 

that exceeds the costs of research and development, fabrication, and distribution of the device (i.e., for profit). Currently, 
a product is only eligible to be sold for profit after receiving HDE approval if the device (1) is intended for the treatment 
or diagnosis of a disease or condition that occurs in pediatric patients or in a pediatric subpopulation, and such device is 
labeled for use in pediatric patients or in a pediatric subpopulation in which the disease or condition occurs; or (2) is 
intended for the treatment or diagnosis of a disease or condition that does not occur in pediatric patients or that occurs in 
pediatric patients in such numbers that the development of the device for such patients is impossible, highly 
impracticable, or unsafe. If an HDE-approved device does not meet either of the eligibility criteria, the device cannot be 
sold for profit. We expect our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant may meet the eligibility criteria to be sold for a profit. 

Clinical Trials 

Clinical trials are almost always required to support a PMA or HDE application. If the device presents a 

“significant risk” to human health as defined by the FDA, the FDA requires the device sponsor to submit an IDE to the 
FDA and obtain IDE approval prior to commencing the human clinical trials. The IDE must be supported by appropriate 
data, such as animal and laboratory testing results, showing that it is safe to test the device in humans and that the testing 
protocol is scientifically sound. The IDE must be approved in advance by the FDA for a specified number of patients, 
unless the product is deemed a “non-significant risk” device, in which case an IDE approval from the FDA would not be 
required, although the clinical trial would need to meet other requirements including IRB approval. Clinical trials for a 
significant risk device may begin once an IDE is approved by the FDA and the appropriate IRB at each clinical trial site. 
Future clinical trials may require that we obtain an IDE from the FDA prior to commencing any such clinical trial and 
that the trial be conducted with the oversight of an IRB at the clinical trial site. 

Our clinical trials must be conducted in accordance with FDA regulations and federal and state regulations 

concerning human subject protection, including informed consent and healthcare privacy. A clinical trial may be 
suspended by the FDA or at a specific site by the relevant IRB at any time for various reasons, including a belief that the 
risks to the trial participants outweigh the benefits of participation in the clinical trial. Even if a clinical trial is 
completed, the results of our clinical testing may not demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the device, or may be 
equivocal or otherwise not be sufficient for us to obtain approval of our product. 

Pervasive and Continuing FDA Regulation 

After a device is placed on the market, numerous regulatory requirements continue to apply. These include: 

• 

product listing and establishment registration, which helps facilitate FDA inspections and other regulatory 
action; 

•  Quality System Regulation or QSR, which requires manufacturers, including third-party manufacturers, to 
follow stringent design, testing, control, documentation, and other quality assurance procedures during all 
aspects of the manufacturing process; 

• 

labeling regulations and FDA prohibitions against the promotion of products for uncleared or unapproved 
indications or other off-label uses; 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
• 

• 

clearance of product modifications that could significantly affect safety or efficacy or that would constitute 
a major change in intended use of one of our cleared devices; 

approval of product modifications that affect the safety or effectiveness of one of our approved devices; 

•  medical device reporting regulations, which require that manufacturers comply with FDA requirements to 
report if their device may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury, or has malfunctioned in a 
way that would likely cause or contribute to a death or serious injury if the malfunction of the device or a 
similar device were to recur; 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

post-approval restrictions or conditions, including post-approval study commitments; 

post-market surveillance regulations, which apply when necessary to protect the public health or to provide 
additional safety and effectiveness data for the device; 

the FDA’s recall authority, whereby it can ask, or under certain conditions order, device manufacturers to 
recall from the market a product that is in violation of governing laws and regulations; 

regulations pertaining to voluntary recalls; and 

notices of corrections or removals. 

We and any third party manufacturers that we use must register with the FDA as medical device manufacturers 
and must obtain all necessary state permits or licenses to operate our business. As manufacturers, we and any third party 
manufacturers that we use are subject to announced and unannounced inspections by the FDA to determine our 
compliance with quality system regulation and other regulations. We have not yet been inspected by the FDA. We 
believe that we are in substantial compliance with quality system regulation and other regulations. 

Failure to comply with applicable regulatory requirements can result in enforcement action by the FDA, which 

may include any of the following sanctions: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

untitled letters, warning letters, fines, injunctions, consent decrees, and civil penalties; 

unanticipated expenditures to address or defend such actions; 

customer notifications for repair, replacement, or refunds; 

recall, detention, or seizure of our products; 

operating restrictions or partial suspension or total shutdown of production; 

refusing or delaying our requests for 510(k) clearance on HDE or PMA of new products or modified 
products; 

operating restrictions; 

•  withdrawing 510(k) clearances on HDE or PMA approvals that have already been granted; 

• 

• 

refusal to grant export approval for our products; or 

criminal prosecution. 

Regulatory Pathway for the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold Implant 

We expect the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant will be regulated by the FDA as a Class III medical device. The 
FDA granted HUD designation for our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant in 2013 for use in complete SCI (defined as less 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
than 4,000 patients per year at the time), thus allowing us to potentially qualify for FDA approval under an HDE. In 
2015, we received conditional approval from the FDA to convert our ongoing pilot study into a pivotal probable benefit 
study (the INSPIRE Study). Full approval of such conversion was subsequently granted in January 2016. In early March 
2018, we received FDA approval for a randomized controlled trial (the INSPIRE 2.0 Study) to supplement the existing 
clinical evidence for the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant that we obtained from The INSPIRE Study.   

In the future, if our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant is approved via either the PMA or HDE pathway, 
modifications or enhancements that could significantly affect the safety or effectiveness of the device or that constitute a 
major change to the intended use of the device will require new PMA or HDE application and approval. 

Other changes may require a supplement or other change notification that must be reviewed and approved by 

the FDA. Modified devices for which a new PMA or HDE application, supplement, or notification is required cannot be 
distributed until the application is approved by the FDA. An adverse determination or a request for additional 
information could delay the market introduction of new products, which could have a material adverse effect on our 
business, financial condition, and results of operations. We may not be able to obtain PMA or HDE approval in a timely 
manner, if at all, for the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant or any future devices or modifications to Neuro-Spinal Scaffold 
implant or such devices for which we may submit a PMA or HDE application. 

European Economic Area or the EEA 

Sales of medical devices are subject to foreign government regulations, which vary substantially from country 

to country. In order to market our products outside the United States, we must obtain regulatory approvals or CE 
Certificates of Conformity and comply with extensive safety and quality regulations. The time required to obtain 
approval by a foreign country or to obtain a CE Certificate of Conformity may be longer or shorter than that required for 
FDA clearance or approval, and the requirements may differ. In the EEA, we are required to obtain Certificates of 
Conformity before drawing up a European Commission, or EC, Declaration of Conformity and affixing the CE mark to 
our medical devices. Many other countries, such as Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, accept CE 
Certificates of Conformity or FDA clearance or approval although others, such as Brazil, Canada and Japan, require 
separate regulatory filings. We have not yet applied for a CE Mark for the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant. 

If any of our products has been CE marked and placed on the market in the EEA, we would need to comply 

with a number of regulatory requirements relating to: 

• 

• 

• 

registration/notification of medical devices in individual EEA countries; 

pricing and reimbursement of medical devices; 

establishment of post-marketing surveillance and adverse event reporting procedures; 

•  Field Safety Corrective Actions, including product recalls and withdrawals; 

•  marketing and promotion of medical devices; and 

• 

interactions with physicians. 

Failure to comply with these requirements at such time could result in enforcement measures being taken 

against us by the competent authorities of the EEA countries. These can include fines, administrative penalties, 
compulsory product withdraws, injunctions, and criminal prosecution. Such enforcement measures would have an 
adverse effect on our capacity to market our products in the EEA and, consequently, on our business and financial 
position. Such failures could also lead to cancelation, suspension, or variation of our CE Certificates of Conformity by 
the relevant Notified Body, which is an organization designated by the competent authorities of an EEA country to 
conduct conformity assessments. 

Further, the advertising and promotion of our products in the EEA is subject to regulatory directives concerning 

misleading and comparative advertising, and unfair commercial practices, as well as other national legislation in the 
individual EEA countries governing the advertising and promotion of medical devices. These laws may limit or restrict 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
the advertising and promotion of our products to the general public and may impose limitations on our promotional 
activities with healthcare professionals. 

Recent Development – Completion of strategic restructuring 

In August 2017, we announced a strategic restructuring in order to focus on The INSPIRE Study. The strategic 

restructuring allowed us to concentrate efforts on defining a clinical path forward for the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold. 

In conjunction with the strategic corporate restructuring, we completed a reduction in force eliminating 

approximately 39% of our workforce. See Note 17 in the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial 
statements for additional information. 

Financial Information and Research and Development Expenditures 

We have incurred net losses each year since our inception, including net losses of $26.7 million for the year 
ended December 31, 2017, $23.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, and $33.3 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2015.  To date, we have not commercialized any products or generated any revenues from the sale of 
products, and we do not expect to generate any product revenues in the foreseeable future. We have devoted most of our 
financial resources to research and development, including our clinical and preclinical development activities related to 
our Neuro Spinal Scaffold implant. Our research and development expenditures, which include research and 
development related to our product candidates, were $11.1 million, $12.6 million and $10.1 million in 2017, 2016, and 
2015, respectively. 

Competition 

We have many potential competitors, including major drug companies, specialized biotechnology firms, 
academic institutions, government agencies, and private and public research institutions. Many of these competitors have 
significantly greater financial and technical resources than us, and superior experience and expertise in research and 
development, preclinical testing, design and implementation of clinical trials, regulatory processes and obtaining 
regulatory approval for products, production and manufacturing, and sales and marketing of approved products. Smaller 
or early-stage companies and research institutions may also prove to be significant competitors, particularly if they have 
collaborative arrangements with larger and more established biotechnology companies. We will also face competition 
from these parties in recruiting and retaining qualified scientific and management personnel, establishing clinical trial 
sites, and registering subjects for clinical trials. 

In order to compete effectively, we will have to make substantial investments in development, clinical testing, 
manufacturing, and sales and marketing, or partner with one or more established companies. There is no assurance that 
we will be successful in having any of our products approved or gaining significant market share for any of our products. 
Our technologies and products also may be rendered obsolete or noncompetitive as a result of products introduced by 
our competitors. 

Manufacturing 

We have developed a proprietary manufacturing process to build our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant. We 

manufacture our implants following FDA regulations for design controls using two fully operational manufacturing 
cleanrooms located at our facility in Cambridge, Massachusetts. These two cleanrooms are validated to ISO 14644 1 
Class ISO 7 (Class 10-K) and Class ISO 8 (Class 100k) cleanroom standards, respectively. In addition, the 
manufacturing process contains numerous quality control steps including in process and final inspection. Currently, we 
are working with two vendors for our critical raw materials; however, these materials are also available from other 
vendors. We are currently manufacturing our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant to support the INSPIRE 2.0 Study.  If we 
are able to move toward preparing for commercialization, we intend to be compliant with all applicable regulations on a 
country specific basis.  

Sales and Marketing 

If we obtain approval from the FDA, or another foreign regulatory body, to commercialize our products, we 

plan to establish a direct sales force to sell our products to major markets in the United States, and we may sell direct or 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
through distributors in major foreign markets. We anticipate the direct sales force, once and if established, would focus 
its efforts on maximizing revenue through product training, placement, and support. We would also seek to establish 
strong relationships with neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, and trauma surgeons, and would expect to provide a 
high level of service for any of our approved products including providing on-site assistance and service during 
procedures. In addition, we expect to implement medical education programs intended for outreach to practitioners in 
physical medicine and rehabilitation centers and patient advocacy groups. We may also seek corporate partners with 
expertise in commercialization. 

Compliance with Environmental, Health and Safety Laws 

In addition to the FDA regulations discussed above, we are also subject to evolving federal, state, and local 

environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations. In the past, compliance with environmental, health, and safety 
laws and regulations has not had a material effect on our capital expenditures. We believe that we comply in all material 
respects with existing environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations applicable to us. 

Segment and Geographic Information  

Operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise about which separate, discrete financial 
information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in making 
decisions regarding resource allocation and assessing performance. To date, we have viewed our operations and 
managed our business as principally one operating segment, which is developing and commercializing biopolymer 
scaffolding devices for the treatment of SCIs. As of December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, all of our assets were located 
in one location in the United States. 

Employees 

As of February 28, 2018, we had 12 employees. None of our employees is represented by a labor union and we 
consider our employee relations to be good. We also utilize a number of consultants to assist with financial, research and 
development and regulatory activities. We believe that our future success will depend in part on our continued ability to 
attract, hire, and retain qualified personnel. 

Corporate Information 

We were incorporated on April 2, 2003, under the name of Design Source, Inc. On October 26, 2010, we 
acquired the business of InVivo Therapeutics Corporation, which was founded in 2005, and we are continuing the 
existing business operations of InVivo Therapeutics Corporation as our wholly-owned subsidiary. 

Our principal executive offices are located in leased premises at One Kendall Square, Suite B14402, 

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139. Our telephone number is (617) 863-5500. We maintain a website at 
www.invivotherapeutics.com. Information contained on, or accessible through, our website is not a part of, and is not 
incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

Available Information 

We make available free of charge on or through the Investor Relations link on our website, 

www.invivotherapeutics.com, all materials that we file electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(“SEC”), including our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and 
amendments to those reports.  

You may also read and copy any materials filed by us with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 

100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, and you may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference 
Room by calling the SEC in the United States at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains a website at 
www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy, and information statements and other information that we file electronically 
with the SEC. 

Information appearing on the above websites is not a part of, and is not incorporated in, this Annual Report on 

Form 10-K. Further, our references to the URLs for these websites are intended to be inactive textual reference only. 

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1A.  RISK FACTORS 

Certain factors may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of 
operations. You should consider carefully the risks and uncertainties described below, in addition to other information 
contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes. The 
risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are 
unaware of, or that we currently believe are not material, may also become important factors that adversely affect our 
business. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and future 
prospects could be materially and adversely affected. 

Risks Related to Our Financial Position and Need for Additional Capital  

There is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, which will affect our ability to obtain 
future financing and may require us to curtail our operations.  We may not be able to raise the funds to complete a 
clinical path, which may cause us to curtail or cease operations. 

In July 2017, enrollment of patients in The INSPIRE Study of our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant was placed on 

hold following the third patient death in the trial, and we subsequently closed enrollment in The INSPIRE Study.  
Following our clinical trial hold in July 2017, we engaged in discussions with the FDA to define a clinical path forward.  
As part of the discussions with the FDA, we proposed, and FDA has approved, a randomized controlled trial to 
supplement the existing clinical evidence for the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant.  We refer to this herein as the INSPIRE 
2.0 Study.  We cannot be certain that we will be able to raise the funds necessary for the clinical path forward. 

Our financial statements as of December 31, 2017 were prepared under the assumption that we will continue as 

a going concern. At December 31, 2017, we had cash and cash equivalents of $12.9 million. We estimate that our 
existing cash resources will be sufficient to fund our operations into the fourth quarter of 2018.  This estimate is based 
on assumptions that may prove to be wrong; expenses could prove to be significantly higher, leading to a more rapid 
consumption of our existing resources. 

Our current cash resources will not be sufficient to complete clinical development of our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold 
implant.  If we are unable to raise capital, we may be forced to cease our operation entirely.  Our ability to continue as a 
going concern will depend on our ability to obtain additional equity or debt financing, attain further operating 
efficiencies, reduce or contain expenditures, and, ultimately, to generate revenue. 

If we are unable to continue as a going concern, we may have to liquidate our assets and may receive less than 
the value at which those assets are carried on our audited financial statements, and it is likely that investors will lose all 
or part of their investment. If we seek additional financing to fund our business activities in the future and there remains 
substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, investors or other financing sources may be unwilling 
to provide additional funding to us on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Based on these factors, management 
determined that there is substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern. Our independent 
registered public accounting firm expressed substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern in its report 
dated March 12, 2018 included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. 

If we are unable to raise capital when needed, we could be forced to delay, reduce, or eliminate our product 
development programs or commercialization efforts. 

We expect our expenses will increase in connection with our ongoing activities, particularly if we undertake our 

planned INSPIRE 2.0 Study, and seek regulatory approval for our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant.  In addition, if we 
obtain regulatory approval for any of our current or future product candidates, we expect to incur significant 
commercialization expenses related to manufacturing, marketing, sales, and distribution. Accordingly, we will need to 
obtain substantial additional funding in connection with our continuing operations. If we are unable to raise capital when 
needed or on attractive terms, we could be forced to delay, reduce, or eliminate our research and development programs 
or any future commercialization efforts. 

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our future funding requirements, both near- and long-term, will depend on many factors, including, but not 

limited to: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 the scope, progress, results, and costs of preclinical development, laboratory testing, and clinical trials for 
our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant and any other product candidates that we may develop or acquire , 
including our planned INSPIRE 2.0 study; 

future clinical trial results of our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant; 

the timing of, and the costs involved in, obtaining regulatory approvals for the Neuro-Spinal 
Scaffold implant, and the outcome of regulatory review of the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant; 

the cost and timing of future commercialization activities for our products if any of our product candidates 
are approved for marketing, including product manufacturing, marketing, sales, and distribution costs; 

the revenue, if any, received from commercial sales of our product candidates for which we receive 
marketing approval; 

the cost of having our product candidates manufactured for clinical trials in preparation for regulatory 
approval and in preparation for commercialization; 

the cost and delays in product development as a result of any changes in regulatory oversight applicable to 
our product candidates; 

our ability to establish and maintain strategic collaborations, licensing, or other arrangements and the 
financial terms of such agreements; 

the cost and timing of establishing sales, marketing, and distribution capabilities; 

the costs involved in preparing, filing, prosecuting, maintaining, defending, and enforcing our intellectual 
property portfolio; 

the efforts and activities of competitors and potential competitors; 

the effect of competing technological and market developments; and 

the extent to which we acquire or invest in businesses, products, and technologies. 

Identifying potential product candidates and conducting preclinical testing and clinical trials is a time-
consuming, expensive, and uncertain process that takes years to complete, and we may never generate the necessary data 
or results required to obtain regulatory approval and achieve product sales. In addition, our product candidates, if 
approved, may not achieve commercial success. Our commercial revenues, if any, will be derived from sales of products 
that we do not expect to be commercially available for several years, if at all. Accordingly, we will need to continue to 
rely on additional financing to achieve our business objectives. Adequate additional financing may not be available to us 
on acceptable terms, or at all, and if we are not successful in raising additional capital, we may not be able to continue as 
a going concern. 

We have a limited operating history and have incurred significant losses since our inception. 

We have incurred net losses each year since our inception, including net losses of $26.7 million for the year 

ended December 31, 2017 and $23.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2017, we had 
an accumulated deficit of $183.9 million. We have a limited operating history on which to base an evaluation of our 
business and investors should consider the risks and difficulties frequently encountered by early-stage companies in new 
and rapidly evolving markets, particularly companies engaged in the development of medical devices. To date, we have 
not commercialized any products or generated any revenues from the sale of products, and we do not expect to generate 
any product revenues in the foreseeable future. We do not know whether or when we will generate revenue or become 
profitable. Moreover, we may allocate significant amounts of capital towards products and technologies for which 

18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
market demand is lower than anticipated and, as a result, may not achieve expectations or may elect to abandon such 
efforts.  

We have devoted most of our financial resources to research and development, including our clinical and 

preclinical development activities related to our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant. Overall, we expect our research and 
development expenses to be substantial and to increase for the foreseeable future as we continue the development and 
clinical investigation of our current and future products. We expect that it could be several years, if ever, before we have 
a product candidate ready for commercialization. Even if we obtain regulatory approval to market our Neuro-Spinal 
Scaffold implant or other products, our future revenues will depend upon the size of any markets in which our products 
have received approval, our ability to achieve sufficient market acceptance, reimbursement from third-party payers, and 
other factors. 

We anticipate that we will continue to incur substantial losses for the foreseeable future and may never achieve or 
maintain profitability. 

We expect to continue to incur significant expenses and increasing net losses for at least the next several years. 

We expect our expenses will increase substantially in connection with our ongoing activities, as we: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

continue clinical development of our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant; 

initiate or restart the research and development of other product candidates; 

have our product candidates manufactured for clinical trials and for commercial sale; 

establish a sales, marketing, and distribution infrastructure to commercialize any products for which we 
may obtain marketing approval; 

•  maintain, protect, and expand our intellectual property portfolio; and 

• 

continue our research and development efforts for new product opportunities. 

To become and remain profitable, we must succeed in developing and commercializing our product candidates 

with significant market potential. This will require us to be successful in a range of challenging activities, including 
completing preclinical testing and clinical trials of our current and future product candidates, developing additional 
product candidates, obtaining regulatory approval for these product candidates, and manufacturing, marketing, and 
selling any products for which we may obtain regulatory approval. We are only in the initial stages of most of these 
activities. We may never succeed in these activities and, even if we do, may never generate revenues that are significant 
enough to achieve profitability. 

Even if we do achieve profitability, we may not be able to sustain or increase profitability on a quarterly or 

annual basis. Our failure to become and remain profitable could depress the value of our company and could impair our 
ability to raise capital, expand our business, maintain our research and development efforts, diversify our product 
offerings, or even continue our operations. A decline in the value of our company could cause you to lose all or part of 
your investment. 

Raising additional capital may cause dilution to our existing stockholders, restrict our operations, or require us to 
relinquish rights to our product candidates on unfavorable terms to us. 

Until such time, if ever, as we can generate substantial product revenues, we expect to finance our cash needs 
through a combination of equity offerings, debt financings, and other third-party funding alternatives including license 
and collaboration agreements. To raise additional capital or pursue strategic transactions, we may in the future sell 
additional shares of our common stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock, which 
will dilute the ownership interest of our current stockholders, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or 
other preferences that adversely affect the rights of our current stockholders. If we raise additional funds through 
collaborations, strategic alliances, or marketing, distribution, or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have 
to relinquish valuable rights to our product candidates, future revenue streams or research programs, or grant licenses on 
terms that may not be favorable to us or that may reduce the value of our common stock. If we are unable to raise 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
additional funds when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce, or terminate our product development or 
commercialization efforts for our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant or any other product candidates that we develop or 
acquire.  

Our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards may be limited.  

We have generated significant net operating loss carryforwards, or NOLs, and research and development tax 

credits, or R&D credits, as a result of our incurrence of losses and our conduct of research activities since inception. We 
generally are able to carry NOLs and R&D credits forward to reduce our tax liability in future years. Federal NOLs 
generated on or before December 31, 2017 can generally be carried back two years and carried forward for up to twenty 
years and can be applied to offset 100% of taxable income in such years.  Under newly enacted federal income tax law, 
however, federal NOLs incurred in 2018 and in future years may be carried forward indefinitely, but may not be carried 
back and the deductibility of such federal NOLs is limited to 80% of taxable income in such years.  It is uncertain how 
various states will respond to the newly enacted federal tax law. 

In addition, our ability to utilize the NOLs and R&D credits is subject to the rules of Sections 382 and 383 of 
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the Code, as amended, respectively. Those sections generally restrict the use of 
NOLs and R&D credits after an “ownership change.” An ownership change occurs if, among other things, the 
stockholders (or specified groups of stockholders) who own or have owned, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of a 
corporation’s common stock or are otherwise treated as 5% stockholders under Section 382 of the Code and the United 
States Treasury Department regulations promulgated thereunder increase their aggregate percentage ownership of that 
corporation’s stock by more than 50 percentage points over the lowest percentage of the stock owned by these 
stockholders over the applicable testing period. In the event of an ownership change, Section 382 imposes an annual 
limitation on the amount of taxable income a corporation may offset with NOL carryforwards and Section 383 imposes 
an annual limitation on the amount of tax a corporation may offset with business credit (including the R&D credit) 
carryforwards. Any unused annual limitation may be carried over to later years until the applicable expiration date for 
the respective NOL or R&D credit carryforwards. We have completed several financings since our inception, which may 
have resulted in a change in control as defined by Sections 382 and 383 of the Code, or could result in a change in 
control in the future, but we have not completed an analysis of whether a limitation as noted above exists. We have not 
performed a Section 382 study yet, but we will complete an appropriate analysis before our tax attributes are utilized. 

The recently passed comprehensive tax reform bill could adversely affect our business and financial condition. 

On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed into law new legislation that significantly revises the Code. 

The newly enacted federal income tax law, among other things, contains significant changes to corporate taxation, 
including reduction of the corporate tax rate from a top marginal rate of 35% to a flat rate of 21%, limitation of the tax 
deduction for net interest expense to 30% of adjusted earnings (except for certain small businesses), limitation of the 
deduction for NOLs to 80% of current year taxable income and elimination of NOL carrybacks, in each case, for losses 
arising in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 (though any such NOLs may be carried forward 
indefinitely), one time taxation of offshore earnings at reduced rates regardless of whether they are repatriated, 
elimination of U.S. tax on foreign earnings (subject to certain important exceptions), immediate deductions for certain 
new investments instead of deductions for depreciation expense over time, and modifying or repealing many business 
deductions and credits. Notwithstanding the reduction in the corporate income tax rate, the overall impact of the new 
federal tax law is uncertain and our business and financial condition could be adversely affected. In addition, it is 
uncertain how various states will respond to the newly enacted federal tax law. The impact of this tax reform on holders 
of our common stock is also uncertain and could be adverse. We urge our stockholders to consult with their legal and tax 
advisors with respect to this legislation and the potential tax consequences of investing in or holding our common stock. 

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Acquisitions of companies, businesses, or technologies may substantially dilute our stockholders and increase our 
operating losses. 

We may make acquisitions of businesses, technologies, or intellectual property rights that we believe would be 

necessary, useful, or complementary to our current business. Any such acquisition may require assimilation of the 
operations, products or product candidates, and personnel of the acquired business and the training and integration of its 
employees, and could substantially increase our operating costs, without any offsetting increase in revenue. We may also 
acquire the right to use certain intellectual property through licensing agreements, which could substantially increase our 
operating costs. Acquisitions and licensing agreements may not provide the intended technological, scientific or business 
benefits and could disrupt our operations and divert our limited resources and management’s attention from our current 
operations, which could harm our existing product development efforts. While we may use cash or equity to finance a 
future acquisition or licensing agreement, it is likely we would issue equity securities as a significant portion or all of the 
consideration in any acquisition. The issuance of equity securities for an acquisition could be substantially dilutive to our 
stockholders. Any investment made in, or funds advanced to, a potential acquisition target could also significantly, 
adversely affect our results of operations and could further reduce our limited capital resources. Any acquisition or 
action taken in anticipation of a potential acquisition or other change in business activities could substantially depress the 
price of our stock. In addition, our results of operations may suffer because of acquisition related costs, or the post-
acquisition costs of funding the development of an acquired technology or product candidates or operations of the 
acquired business, or due to amortization or impairment costs for acquired goodwill and other intangible assets. 

Risks Related to the Development, Regulatory Approval, and Commercialization of Our Product Candidates 

We are wholly dependent on the success of one product candidate, the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant. Even if we are 
able to complete clinical development and obtain favorable clinical results, we may not be able to obtain regulatory 
approval for, or successfully commercialize, our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant. 

We currently have only one product candidate, the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant, in clinical development, and 
our business depends almost entirely on the successful clinical development, regulatory approval, and commercialization 
of that product candidate, which may never occur. We currently have no products available for sale, generate no 
revenues from sales of any products, and we may never be able to develop marketable products. Our Neuro-Spinal 
Scaffold implant will require substantial additional clinical development, testing, manufacturing process development, 
and regulatory approval before we are permitted to commence its commercialization. Before obtaining regulatory 
approval via the HDE pathway for the commercial sale of any product candidate, we must demonstrate through 
extensive preclinical testing and clinical trials that the product candidate does not pose an unreasonable or significant 
risk of illness or injury, and that the probable benefit to health outweighs the risk of injury or illness from its use, taking 
into account the probable risks and benefits of currently available devices or alternative forms of treatment. 
Alternatively, if we were to seek PMA for our product candidate, that would require demonstration that the product is 
safe and effective for use in each target indication. This process can take many years. Of the large number of medical 
devices in development in the United States, only a small percentage successfully complete the FDA regulatory approval 
process and are commercialized. Accordingly, even if we are able to obtain the requisite capital to continue to fund our 
development and clinical programs, we may be unable to successfully develop or commercialize our Neuro-Spinal 
Scaffold implant or any other product candidate. 

The clinical trials of any of our current or future product candidates are, and the manufacturing and marketing 

of any such product candidates will be, subject to extensive and rigorous review and regulation by the FDA and other 
government authorities in the United States and in other countries where we intend to test and, if approved, market such 
product candidates. 

We have experienced delays and may experience further delays in our clinical development of our Neuro-Spinal 
Scaffold implant. Clinical trials for future product candidates may also experience delays or may not be able to 
commence.  

Before we can obtain regulatory approval for the sale of our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant, we must complete 
the clinical studies that are required. In July 2017, The INSPIRE Study of our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant was placed 
on hold following the third patient death in the trial.  We subsequently closed enrollment in The INSPIRE Study and will 
follow the active patients until completion. We have proposed, and the FDA has approved the INSPIRE 2.0 Study. We 
may not be able to pursue the currently defined clinical path forward successfully, or in a timely manner or that is 

21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
aligned with our cash resources.  If we initiate the INSPIRE 2.0 Study to supplement the existing clinical evidence for 
the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant, it may not be successfully completed or may take longer than anticipated because of 
any number of factors, including potential delays in the enrollment of subjects in the study, the availability of scaffolds 
to supply to our clinical sites, failure to demonstrate safety and probable benefit of our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant, 
lack of adequate funding to continue the clinical trial, or unforeseen safety issues. Enrolling patients in any clinical trial 
of our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant will also require the approval of the IRBs at each clinical site. 

In addition, our results may subsequently fail to meet the safety and probable benefit standards required to 

obtain regulatory approvals. For example, in The INSPIRE Study, two of the 16 evaluable patients were initially 
assessed to have improved from complete AIS A SCI to incomplete AIS B SCI, but each was later assessed to have 
reverted to complete AIS A SCI prior to the patient’s six-month examination. Of these two patients, one patient had 
converted back to AIS B and the other remained at AIS A at the six-month examination. There is known and published 
variability in some of the measures used to assess AIS improvement and these measures can vary over time or depending 
upon the examiner. While we implemented procedures in The INSPIRE Study and will also implement procedures in 
any future clinical study, including the INSPIRE 2.0 Study, to limit such variations, we cannot be certain that regulatory 
authorities will accept the results of our clinical trials or interpret them the way that we do. 

In addition, clinical trials can be delayed or aborted for a variety of reasons, including delay or failure to: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

obtain regulatory approval to commence future clinical trials; 

reach agreement on acceptable terms with prospective contract research organizations, or CROs, and 
clinical trial sites, the terms of which can be subject to extensive negotiation and may vary significantly 
among different CROs and trial sites; 

obtain IRB approval at each site; 

recruit, enroll, and retain patients through the completion of clinical trials; 

•  maintain clinical sites in compliance with trial protocols through the completion of clinical trials; 

• 

• 

address patient safety concerns that arise during the course of the trial; 

initiate or add a sufficient number of clinical trial sites; or 

•  manufacture sufficient quantities of our product candidate for use in clinical trials. 

We could encounter delays if a clinical trial is suspended or terminated by us, by the relevant IRB at the sites at 

which such trials are being conducted, by the Data Safety Monitoring Board for such trial, or by the FDA or other 
regulatory authorities. Such authorities may suspend or terminate a clinical trial due to a number of factors, including 
failure to conduct the clinical trial in accordance with regulatory requirements or our clinical protocols, a problematic 
inspection of the clinical trial operations or trial site by the FDA or other regulatory authorities resulting in the 
imposition of a clinical hold, unforeseen safety issues or adverse events, or changes in laws or regulations. In addition, 
regulatory agencies may require an audit with respect to the conduct of a clinical trial, which could cause further delays 
or increase costs. For example, in December 2017, we and several of our clinical sites and our CRO were subject to an 
FDA inspection in association with The INSPIRE Study. At the close of the inspection at InVivo, the FDA issued a 
Form 483 with two observations relating to our over oversight of clinical trial sites in The INSPIRE Study. We sought, 
and will continue to seek, input from the FDA regarding the scope and timing of our proposed remediation efforts and 
the FDA has indicated that our corrective actions appear adequate. We cannot be certain that we will not be subject to 
additional regulatory action by the FDA. We anticipate that our remediation efforts will add costs to our clinical 
development plans.  Any delays in completing our clinical trials will increase our costs, slow down our product 
candidate development and regulatory review process, and jeopardize our ability to obtain approval and commence 
product sales and generate revenues. Any of these occurrences may harm our business, financial condition, and prospects 
significantly. 

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We may find it difficult to enroll patients in our clinical studies, which could delay or prevent clinical studies of our 
product candidates. 

Identifying and qualifying patients to participate in clinical studies of our product candidates is critical to our 
success. The timing of our clinical studies depends on the speed at which we can enroll patients to participate in testing 
our product candidates. If we have difficulty enrolling a sufficient number of patients to conduct our clinical studies as 
planned, we may need to delay, limit, or terminate ongoing or planned clinical studies, any of which would have an 
adverse effect on our business. 

Patient enrollment is affected by a number of factors including: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

severity of the disease, injury, or condition under investigation; 

design of the study protocol; 

size and nature of the patient population; 

eligibility criteria for and design of the study in question; 

perceived risks and benefits of the product candidate under study; 

proximity and availability of clinical study sites for prospective patients; 

availability of competing therapies and clinical studies; 

efforts to facilitate timely enrollment in clinical studies; 

patient referral practices of physicians; and 

ability to monitor patients adequately during and after treatment. 

For a period in 2016, as a result of an FDA pre-specified enrollment hold, we were unable to enroll patients in 

The INSPIRE Study pending FDA authorization to proceed with additional enrollment, which delayed our ability to 
open new sites and enroll patients at the pace we had anticipated. In addition, in July 2017 we halted enrollment in the 
study, and subsequently closed enrollment in the study. We may experience similar delays with our planned INSPIRE 
2.0 Study.  We may not be able to initiate or continue clinical studies if we cannot enroll a sufficient number of eligible 
patients to participate in the clinical studies required by regulatory agencies. If we have difficulty enrolling a sufficient 
number of patients to conduct our clinical studies as planned, we may need to delay, limit, or terminate ongoing or 
planned clinical studies, any of which would have an adverse effect on our business. 

Clinical trials involve a lengthy and expensive process with an uncertain outcome, and results of earlier nonclinical 
studies and clinical trials may not be predictive of future trial results. 

The results of preclinical studies and early clinical trials of new medical devices do not necessarily predict the 

results of later-stage clinical trials. The design of our clinical trials is based on many assumptions about the expected 
effects of our product candidates, and if those assumptions are incorrect, the trials may not produce results to support 
regulatory approval. We are currently pursuing marketing approval via our HDE which requires us to show the device 
does not pose an unreasonable or significant risk of illness or injury, and that the probable benefit of health outweighs 
the risk of injury or illness from its use. Preliminary results may not be confirmed upon full analysis of the detailed 
results of an early clinical trial. Product candidates in later stages of clinical development may fail to show safety and 
probable benefit sufficient to support intended use claims despite having progressed through initial clinical testing. The 
data collected from clinical trials of our product candidates may not be sufficient to obtain regulatory approval in the 
United States or elsewhere. It is also possible that patients enrolled in clinical trials will experience adverse events or 
unpleasant side effects that are not currently part of the product candidate’s profile. Because of the uncertainties 
associated with clinical development and regulatory approval, we cannot determine if or when we will have an approved 
product ready for commercialization or achieve sales or profits. 

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We must obtain FDA approval before we can sell any of our products in the United States and approval of similar 
regulatory authorities in countries outside the United States before we can sell our products in such countries. We 
may incur additional costs or experience delays in completing, or ultimately be unable to complete, the development 
and commercialization of our products if such approval is denied or delayed. 

The development, manufacture, and marketing of our products are subject to government regulation in the 

United States and other countries. In the United States and most foreign countries, we must complete rigorous preclinical 
testing and extensive human clinical trials that demonstrate the safety and efficacy of a product in order to apply for 
regulatory approval to market the product. If the FDA grants regulatory approval of a product, the approval may be 
limited to specific indications or limited with respect to its distribution. Expanded or additional indications for approved 
devices may not be approved, which could limit our potential revenues. Foreign regulatory authorities may apply similar 
or additional limitations or may refuse to grant any approval. Consequently, even if we believe that preclinical and 
clinical data are sufficient to support regulatory approval for our products, the FDA and foreign regulatory authorities 
may not ultimately grant approval for commercial sale in any jurisdiction. If our product candidates are not approved, 
our ability to generate revenues will be limited and our business will be adversely affected. 

We are currently pursuing an HDE regulatory pathway in the United States for our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold 

implant. The HDE requires that there is no other comparable device available to provide therapy for a condition and 
requires sufficient information for the FDA to determine that the device does not pose an unreasonable or significant risk 
of illness or injury, and that the probable benefit to health outweighs the risk of injury or illness from its use. The 
amended protocol for The INSPIRE Study, which was approved in February 2016, established an OPC, which is a 
measure of study success used in clinical studies designed to demonstrate safety and probable benefit in support of an 
HDE approval. The OPC for The INSPIRE Study is currently defined as 25% or more of the patients in the study 
demonstrating an improvement of at least one AIS grade by six months post-implantation. While we expect The 
INSPIRE Study to serve as one source of data used to support HDE approval in the future, we will not complete full 
enrollment of that study. In addition, although The INSPIRE Study is structured with the OPC as the primary component 
for demonstrating probable benefit, the OPC is not the only variable that the FDA would evaluate when reviewing a 
future HDE application. 

The FDA had previously recommended that we include a randomized, concurrent control arm in the study and 
we have proposed and received approval for the INSPIRE 2.0 Study.  The primary endpoint is defined as the proportion 
of patients achieving an improvement of at least one AIS grade at six months post-implantation. The definition of study 
success is that the difference in the proportion of subjects who demonstrate an improvement of at least one grade on AIS 
assessment at the six-month primary endpoint follow-up visit between the Scaffold Arm and the Comparator Arm must 
be equal to or greater than 20%. While our planned INSPIRE 2.0 Study is structured with a definition of study success 
requiring a minimum difference between groups in the percentage of subjects achieving improvement, that success 
definition is not the only factor that the FDA would evaluate in the future HDE application.   

Approval is not guaranteed if the OPC is met for The INSPIRE Study or the definition of study success is met 

for the INSPIRE 2.0 Study, and even if the OPC or definition of study success are not met, the FDA may approve a 
medical device if probable benefit is supported by a comprehensive review of all clinical endpoints and preclinical 
results, as demonstrated by the sponsor’s body of evidence. 

In addition, as one source of comparator data, we initiated the CONTEMPO Registry Study, utilizing existing 
databases and registries to develop a historical comparator that, to the extent possible, matches patients to those patients 
enrolled in The INSPIRE Study. There can be no assurance that either our planned INSPIRE 2.0 Study or the 
CONTEMPO Registry Study will be successfully completed. Even if we successfully complete the INSPIRE 2.0 Study 
and the CONTEMPO Registry Study, we cannot be certain that the FDA will agree that these additional studies provide 
sufficient information for the FDA to determine that the device does not pose an unreasonable or significant risk of 
illness or injury, and that the probable benefit to health outweighs the risk of injury or illness from its use. Moreover, 
analysis of data from the CONTEMPO Registry Study may suggest a higher threshold for evidencing probable benefit. 
For example, preliminary data from certain registries we are using in the CONTEMPO Registry Study indicate that the 
conversion rate may be higher than the approximately 15.5% rate from the historical registries that were the basis for the 
selection of the current OPC for The INSPIRE Study. In the event our clinical data is not acceptable to the FDA, our 
ability to obtain approval under the HDE pathway may be delayed or may not be feasible. If the FDA does not approve 
our product candidates in a timely fashion, or at all, our business and financial condition will be adversely affected. 

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
The 21st Century Cures Act recently increased the upper population limit for an HDE from 4,000 to 8,000, 

which allows us to potentially request an expansion of our current HUD to include additional patient populations beyond 
our current HUD for complete SCI. If we choose to pursue such an expansion, this may cause our application to be 
delayed or cause the FDA to request additional information. In addition, our current study is not designed to support 
approval beyond complete SCI. Thus, expansion would require additional studies. We cannot be certain that we will be 
able to increase the potential population that we might be able to treat based on the HDE pathway. If any of these events 
occur, our business and financial condition will be adversely affected.     

There are risks associated with pursuing FDA approval via an HDE pathway, including the possibility that the 
approval could be withdrawn in the future if the FDA subsequently approves another device for the same intended 
use, as well as limitations on the ability to profit from sales of the product. 

If the FDA subsequently approves a PMA or clears a 510(k) for the HUD or another comparable device with 
the same indication, the FDA may withdraw the HDE. Once a comparable device becomes legally marketed through 
PMA approval or 510(k) clearance to treat or diagnose the disease or condition in question, there may no longer be a 
need for the HUD and so the HUD may no longer meet the requirements of section 520(m)(2)(B) of the FDCA. 

Except in certain circumstances, products approved under an HDE cannot be sold for an amount that exceeds 

the costs of research and development, fabrication, and distribution of the device (i.e., for profit). Currently, under 
section 520(m)(6)(A)(i) of the FDCA, as amended by the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act, an 
HUD is only eligible to be sold for profit after receiving HDE approval if the device (1) is intended for the treatment or 
diagnosis of a disease or condition that occurs in pediatric patients or in a pediatric subpopulation, and such device is 
labeled for use in pediatric patients or in a pediatric subpopulation in which the disease or condition occurs; or (2) is 
intended for the treatment or diagnosis of a disease or condition that does not occur in pediatric patients or that occurs in 
pediatric patients in such numbers that the development of the device for such patients is impossible, highly 
impracticable, or unsafe. If an HDE-approved device does not meet either of the eligibility criteria, the device cannot be 
sold for profit. With enactment of the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017, Congress provided that the exemption for HUD 
/ HDE profitability is available as long as the request for an exemption is submitted before October 1, 2022.  

Some of our future products may be viewed by the FDA as combination products and the review of combination 
products is often more complex and more time consuming than the review of other types of products. 

Our future products may be regulated by the FDA as combination products. For a combination product, the 
FDA must determine which center or centers within the FDA will review the product candidate and under what legal 
authority the product candidate will be reviewed. The process of obtaining FDA marketing clearance or approval is 
lengthy, expensive, and uncertain, and we cannot be sure that any of our combination products, or any other products, 
will be cleared or approved in a timely fashion, or at all. In addition, the review of combination products is often more 
complex and more time consuming than the review of a product candidate under the jurisdiction of only one center 
within the FDA. We cannot be sure that the FDA will not select to have our combination products reviewed and 
regulated by only one FDA center and/or different legal authority, in which case the path to regulatory approval would 
be different and could be more lengthy and costly. If the FDA does not approve or clear our products in a timely fashion, 
or at all, our business and financial condition will be adversely affected.  

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
We may face substantial competition, which may result in others discovering, developing, or commercializing 
products before or more successfully than we do. 

In general, the biotechnology industry is subject to intense competition and rapid and significant technological 

change. We have many potential competitors, including major drug companies, specialized biotechnology firms, 
academic institutions, government agencies, and private and public research institutions. Many of these competitors have 
significantly greater financial and technical resources than us, and superior experience and expertise in research and 
development, preclinical testing, design and implementation of clinical trials, regulatory processes and approval for 
products, production and manufacturing, and sales and marketing of approved products. Large and established 
companies compete in the biotechnology market. In particular, these companies have greater experience and expertise in 
securing government contracts and grants to support their research and development efforts, conducting testing and 
clinical trials, obtaining regulatory approvals to market products, manufacturing such products on a broad scale, and 
marketing approved products. Smaller or early-stage companies and research institutions may also prove to be 
significant competitors, particularly if they have collaborative arrangements with larger and more established 
biotechnology companies. We will also face competition from these parties in recruiting and retaining qualified 
scientific and management personnel, establishing clinical trial sites, and registering subjects for clinical trials. 

In order to effectively compete, we will have to make substantial investments in development, clinical testing, 
manufacturing, and sales and marketing, or partner with one or more established companies. There is no assurance that 
we will be successful in having our products approved or gaining significant market share for any of our products. Our 
technologies and products also may be rendered obsolete or noncompetitive as a result of products introduced by our 
competitors. 

The results of our clinical trials may not support our product candidate claims or may result in the discovery of 
adverse side effects. 

Our ongoing research and development, preclinical testing, and clinical trial activities are subject to extensive 

regulation and review by numerous governmental authorities both in the United States and abroad. Clinical studies must 
be conducted in compliance with FDA regulations or the FDA may take enforcement action. The data collected from 
these clinical studies may ultimately be used to support market clearance for these products. Even if our clinical trials are 
completed as planned, we cannot be certain that their results will support our product candidate claims or that the FDA 
will agree with our conclusions regarding them. Success in preclinical studies and early clinical trials does not ensure 
that later clinical trials will be successful, and we cannot be sure that the later trials will replicate the results of prior 
trials and preclinical studies. The clinical trial process may fail to demonstrate that our product candidates are safe and 
effective for the proposed indicated uses, which could cause us to abandon a product candidate and may delay 
development of others. Any delay or termination of our clinical trials will delay the filing of our product submissions 
and, ultimately, our ability to commercialize our product candidates and generate revenues. It is also possible that 
patients enrolled in clinical trials will experience adverse side effects that are not currently part of the product 
candidate’s profile. 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
If approved, our products will require market acceptance to be successful. Failure to gain market acceptance would 
impact our revenues and may materially impair our ability to continue our business. 

Even if we receive regulatory approvals for the commercial sale of our product candidates, the commercial 

success of our products will depend on, among other things, their acceptance by physicians, patients, third-party payers 
such as health insurance companies, and other members of the medical community as a therapeutic and cost-effective 
alternative to competing products and treatments. Physicians and hospitals will need to establish training and procedures 
to utilize and implement our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant, and there can be no assurance that these parties will adopt 
the use of our device or develop sufficient training and procedures to properly utilize it. Market acceptance of, and 
demand for, any product that we may develop and commercialize will depend on many factors, both within and outside 
of our control. Payers may view new products or products that have only recently been launched or with limited clinical 
data available, as investigational, unproven, or experimental, and on that basis may deny coverage of procedures 
involving use of our products. If our product candidates fail to gain market acceptance, we may be unable to earn 
sufficient revenue to continue our business. 

If we or our suppliers fail to comply with FDA regulatory requirements, or if we experience unanticipated problems 
with any approved products, these products could be subject to restrictions or withdrawal from the market. 

Any product for which we obtain regulatory approval, and the manufacturing processes, reporting requirements, 

post-approval clinical data, and promotional activities for such product, will be subject to continued regulatory review 
and oversight by the FDA. In particular, we and our third-party suppliers will be required to comply with the FDA’s 
Quality System Regulations, or QSRs. These FDA regulations cover the methods and documentation of the design, 
testing, production, control, quality assurance, labeling, packaging, sterilization, storage, and shipping of products. 
Compliance with applicable regulatory requirements is subject to continual review and is monitored rigorously through 
periodic inspections by the FDA. If we, or our manufacturers, fail to adhere to QSR requirements, this could delay 
production of our product candidates and lead to fines, difficulties in obtaining regulatory clearances, recalls, 
enforcement actions, including injunctive relief or consent decrees, or other consequences, which could, in turn, have a 
material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. 

In addition, we and our suppliers are required to comply with Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Tissue 

Practices with respect to any human cells and biologic products we may develop, and International Standards 
Organization regulations for the manufacture of our products, and other regulations which cover the methods and 
documentation of the design, testing, production, control, quality assurance, labeling, packaging, storage, and shipping 
of any product for which we obtain clearance or approval. Manufacturing may also be subject to controls by the FDA for 
parts of the combination products that the FDA may find are controlled by the biologics regulations. 

The FDA audits compliance with the QSR and other similar regulatory requirements through periodic 
announced and unannounced inspections of manufacturing and other facilities. The failure by us or one of our suppliers 
to comply with applicable statutes and regulations administered by the FDA, or the failure to timely and adequately 
respond to any adverse inspectional observations or product safety issues, could result in any of the following 
enforcement actions: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

untitled letters, warning letters, fines, injunctions, consent decrees, and civil penalties; 

unanticipated expenditures to address or defend such actions; 

customer notifications or repair, replacement, refunds, recall, detention, or seizure of our products; 

operating restrictions or partial suspension or total shutdown of production; 

refusing or delaying our requests for premarket approval of new products or modified products; 

•  withdrawing PMA approvals that have already been granted; 

• 

• 

refusal to grant export approval for our products; or 

criminal prosecution. 

27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Any of these sanctions could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, results of operations, 

and financial condition. 

Our products and operations are subject to extensive governmental regulation both in the United States and abroad, 
and our failure to comply with applicable requirements could cause our business to suffer. 

Our medical device and biologic products and operations are subject to extensive regulation by the FDA and 
various other federal, state, and foreign governmental authorities. For example, we expect to initiate a clinical trial in 
Canada and will be subject to applicable Canadian regulations as we initiate and conduct that trial. Government 
regulation of medical devices and biologic products is meant to assure their safety and effectiveness, and includes 
regulation of, among other things: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

design, development, and manufacturing; 

testing, labeling, content, and language of instructions for use and storage; 

clinical trials; 

product safety; 

•  marketing, sales, and distribution; 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

regulatory clearances and approvals including premarket clearance and approval; 

conformity assessment procedures; 

product traceability and record keeping procedures; 

advertising and promotion; 

product complaints, complaint reporting, recalls, and field safety corrective actions; 

post-market surveillance, including reporting of deaths or serious injuries, and malfunctions that, if they 
were to recur, could lead to death or serious injury; 

post-market studies; and 

product import and export. 

The regulations to which we are subject are complex and have tended to become more stringent over time. 

Regulatory changes could impede our ability to carry on or expand our operations and could result in higher than 
anticipated costs or lower than anticipated sales. 

Before we can market or sell a new regulated medical device product in the United States, we must obtain 

clearance under Section 510(k) of the FDCA, approval of a PMA, or approval of an HDE, unless the device is 
specifically exempt from premarket review. Our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant is expected to be regulated by the FDA 
as a Class III medical device, requiring either PMA or HDE approval. An HUD designation was granted for the Neuro-
Spinal Scaffold implant in 2013, opening the HDE pathway. 

In the PMA approval process, the FDA must determine that a proposed device is safe and effective for its 

intended use based, in part, on extensive data, including, but not limited to, technical, preclinical, clinical trial, 
manufacturing, and labeling data. 

Modifications to products that are approved through a PMA generally need FDA approval. The process of 

obtaining a PMA is costly and generally takes from one to three years, or even longer, from the time the application is 
submitted to the FDA until an approval is obtained. 

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
An HDE application is similar in form and content to a PMA and, although exempt from the effectiveness 

requirements of a PMA, an HDE does require sufficient information for the FDA to determine that the device does not 
pose an unreasonable or significant risk of illness or injury, and that the probable benefit to health outweighs the risk of 
injury or illness from its use. Like a PMA, changes to HDE devices generally need FDA approval. 

Biological products must satisfy the requirements of the Public Health Services Act and its implementing 

regulations. In order for a biologic product to be legally marketed in the U.S., the product must have a BLA approved by 
the FDA. The testing and approval process requires substantial time, effort, and financial resources, and each may take 
several years to complete. 

The FDA can delay, limit, or deny clearance or approval of a product for many reasons, including: 

•  we may not be able to demonstrate to the FDA’s satisfaction that our products are safe and effective for 

their intended uses; 

• 

• 

the data from our preclinical studies and clinical trials may be insufficient to support clearance or approval, 
where required; and 

the manufacturing process or facilities we use may not meet applicable requirements. 

In addition, the FDA may change its clearance and approval policies, adopt additional regulations or revise 

existing regulations, or take other actions that may prevent or delay approval or clearance of our products under 
development or impact our ability to modify our currently approved or cleared products on a timely basis. 

Further, even after we have obtained the proper regulatory clearance or approval to market a product, the FDA 
may require us to conduct post-marketing studies. Failure to conduct required studies in a timely manner could result in 
the revocation of approval for the product that is subject to such a requirement and could also result in the recall or 
withdrawal of the product, which would prevent us from generating sales from that product in the United States. 

Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could jeopardize our ability to sell our products and 

result in enforcement actions such as: 

•  warning letters; 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

fines; 

injunctions; 

civil penalties; 

termination of distribution; 

recalls or seizures of products; 

delays in the introduction of products into the market; 

total or partial suspension of production; 

refusal of the FDA or other regulators to grant future clearances or approvals; 

•  withdrawals or suspensions of current clearances or approvals, resulting in prohibitions on sales of our 

products; and/or 

• 

in the most serious cases, criminal penalties. 

29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Any of these sanctions could result in higher than anticipated costs or lower than anticipated sales and have a 

material adverse effect on our reputation, business, results of operations, and financial condition. 

If our products, or the malfunction of our products, cause or contribute to a death or a serious injury before or after 
approval, we will be subject to medical device reporting regulations, which can result in voluntary corrective actions 
or agency enforcement actions. 

Under the FDA medical device reporting regulations, medical device manufacturers with approved products are 

required to report to the FDA information that a device has or may have caused or contributed to a death or serious 
injury or has malfunctioned in a way that would likely cause or contribute to death or serious injury if the malfunction of 
the device or one of our similar devices were to recur. Any such serious adverse event involving our products could 
result in future voluntary corrective actions, such as recalls or customer notifications, or agency action, such as 
inspection or enforcement action. In the context of our ongoing clinical trial, we report adverse events to the FDA in 
accordance with IDE regulations and to other relevant regulatory authorities in accordance with applicable national and 
local regulations. Any corrective action, whether voluntary or involuntary, and either pre- or post-market, needed to 
address any serious adverse events will require the dedication of our time and capital, distract management from 
operating our business, and may harm our reputation and financial results. 

Our products, once approved, may in the future be subject to product recalls. A recall of our products, either 
voluntarily or at the direction of the FDA, or the discovery of serious safety issues with our products, could have a 
significant adverse impact on us. 

If our products are approved for commercialization, the FDA and similar foreign governmental authorities have 
the authority to require the recall of commercialized products in the event of material deficiencies or defects in design or 
manufacture. In the case of the FDA, the decision to require a recall must be based on an FDA finding that there is 
reasonable probability that the device would cause serious injury or death. A government-mandated or voluntary recall 
by us or one of our partners could occur as a result of an unacceptable risk to health, component failures, malfunctions, 
manufacturing errors, design or labeling defects, or other deficiencies and issues. Recalls of any of our commercialized 
products would divert managerial and financial resources and have an adverse effect on our reputation, results of 
operations, and financial condition, which could impair our ability to manufacture our products in a cost-effective and 
timely manner in order to meet our customers’ demands. We may also be subject to liability claims, be required to bear 
other costs, or take other actions that may have a negative impact on our future sales and our ability to generate profits. 

If we obtain approval for our products, we may be subject to enforcement action if we engage in improper marketing 
or promotion of our products. 

We are not permitted to promote or market our investigational products. After approval, our promotional 

materials and training methods must comply with FDA and other applicable laws and regulations, including the 
prohibition of the promotion of unapproved, or off-label, use. Surgeons may use our products off-label, as the FDA does 
not restrict or regulate a surgeon’s choice of treatment within the practice of medicine. However, if the FDA determines 
that our promotional materials or training constitutes promotion of an off-label use, it could request that we modify our 
training or promotional materials or subject us to regulatory or enforcement actions, including the issuance of an untitled 
letter, a warning letter, injunction, seizure, civil fine, or criminal penalties. It is also possible that other federal, state, or 
foreign enforcement authorities might take action if they consider our promotional or training materials to constitute 
promotion of an off-label use, which could result in significant fines or penalties under other statutory authorities, such 
as laws prohibiting false claims for reimbursement. In that event, our reputation could be damaged and adoption of the 
products could be impaired. In addition, the off-label use of our products may increase the risk of product liability 
claims. Product liability claims are expensive to defend and could divert our management’s attention, result in 
substantial damage awards against us, and harm our reputation. 

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If we obtain approval for our products, their commercial success will depend in part upon the level of reimbursement 
we receive from third parties for the cost of our products to users. 

The commercial success of any product will depend, in part, on the extent to which reimbursement for the costs 

of our products and related treatments will be available from third-party payers such as government health 
administration authorities, private health insurers, managed care programs, and other organizations. Adequate third-party 
insurance coverage may not be available for us to establish and maintain price levels that are sufficient for us to continue 
our business or for realization of an appropriate return on investment in product development. 

Legislative or regulatory reform of the healthcare systems in which we operate may affect our ability to 
commercialize our product candidates and could adversely affect our business. 

The government and regulatory authorities in the United States, the European Union, and other markets in 

which we plan to commercialize our product candidates may propose and adopt new legislation and regulatory 
requirements relating to the approval, CE marking, manufacturing, promotion, or reimbursement of medical device and 
biologic products. It is impossible to predict whether legislative changes will be enacted or applicable regulations, 
guidance, or interpretations changed, and what the impact of such changes, if any, may be. Such legislation or regulatory 
requirements, or the failure to comply with such, could adversely impact our operations and could have a material 
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. 

For example, in the United States, legislative changes have been enacted in the past and further changes are 

proposed that would impact the Affordable Care Act. These new laws may result in additional reductions in Medicare 
and other healthcare funding. Beginning April 1, 2013, Medicare payments for all items and services, including drugs 
and biologics, were reduced by 2% under the sequestration (i.e., automatic spending reductions) required by the Budget 
Control Act of 2011, as amended by the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. Subsequent legislation extended the 2% 
reduction, on average, to 2025. It is likely that federal and state legislatures within the United States and foreign 
governments will continue to consider changes to existing healthcare legislation. The Affordable Care Act has faced 
ongoing legal challenges, including litigation seeking to invalidate some of or all of the law or the manner in which it 
has been implemented. With the new Presidential administration and Congress, there have been, and may be additional, 
legislative changes affecting the Affordable Care Act, including repeal of certain provisions of the Affordable Care Act. 
It remains to be seen, however, precisely what impact legislation to date and any future legislation will have on the 
availability of healthcare and containing or reducing healthcare costs. We cannot predict the reform initiatives that may 
be adopted in the future or whether initiatives that have been adopted will be repealed or modified. We cannot quantify 
or predict with any certainty the likely impact of the Affordable Care Act, its amendment or repeal, or any alternative or 
related legislation, or any implementation of any such legislation, on our business model, prospects, financial condition, 
and results of operations. 

These and other legislative and regulatory changes that have been or may be proposed in the future may impact 

our ability to successfully commercialize our product candidates. 

We have limited experience manufacturing our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant for clinical-study scale and no 
experience for commercial scale. 

To date, we have manufactured our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant on a small scale, including sufficient supply 
that is needed for our clinical studies. We may encounter unanticipated problems in the scale-up process that will result 
in delays in the manufacturing of the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant and therefore delay our clinical studies. During our 
clinical trials, we are subject to FDA regulations requiring manufacturing of our scaffolds with the FDA requirements 
for design controls and subject to inspections by regulatory agencies. Our failure to comply with applicable regulations 
may result in delays and interruptions to our product supply while we seek to secure another supplier that meets all 
regulatory requirements. If we are unable to scale up our manufacturing to meet requirements for our clinical studies, we 
may be required to rely on contract manufacturers. Reliance on third-party manufacturers entails risks to which we 
would not be subject if we manufactured the product ourselves, including the possible breach of the manufacturing 
agreements by the third parties because of factors beyond our control, and the possibility of termination or nonrenewal of 
the agreements by the third parties because of our breach of the manufacturing agreement or based on their own business 
priorities. 

31 

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property 

We license certain technology underlying the development of our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant from BCH and 
MIT, and the loss of the license would result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, and 
operating results and cause the market value of our common stock to decline. 

We license technology from Boston Children’s Hospital, or BCH, and the Massachusetts Institute of 
Technology, or MIT, that is integrated into our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant under an exclusive license. Under the 
license agreement, we have agreed to milestone payments and to meet certain reporting obligations. In the event that we 
were to breach any of the obligations under the agreement and fail to timely cure, BCH and MIT would have the right to 
terminate the agreement upon notice. In addition, BCH and MIT have the right to terminate our license upon the 
bankruptcy or receivership of the Company. If we are unable to continue to use or license this technology on reasonable 
terms, or if this technology fails to operate properly, we may not be able to secure alternatives in a timely manner and 
our ability to develop our products could be harmed. 

If we cannot protect, maintain and, if necessary, enforce our intellectual property rights, our ability to develop and 
commercialize products will be adversely impacted. 

Our success, in large part, depends on our ability to protect and maintain the proprietary nature of our 
technology. We and our licensors must prosecute and maintain our existing patents and obtain new patents. Some of our 
proprietary information may not be patentable, and there can be no assurance that others will not utilize similar or 
superior solutions to compete with us. We cannot guarantee that we will develop proprietary products that are patentable, 
and that, if issued, any patent will give a competitive advantage or that such patent will not be challenged by third 
parties. The process of obtaining patents can be time consuming with no certainty of success, as a patent may not issue 
or may not have sufficient scope or strength to protect the intellectual property it was intended to protect. We cannot 
assure you that our means of protecting our proprietary rights will suffice or that others will not independently develop 
competitive technology or design around patents or other intellectual property rights issued to us. Even if a patent is 
issued, it does not guarantee that it is valid or enforceable. Any patents that we or our licensors have obtained or obtain 
in the future may be challenged, invalidated, or unenforceable. If necessary, we may initiate actions to protect our 
intellectual property, which can be costly and time consuming. 

If third parties successfully claim that we infringe their intellectual property rights, our ability to continue to develop 
and commercialize products could be delayed or prevented. 

Third parties may claim that we or our licensors are infringing on or misappropriating their proprietary 

information. Other organizations are engaged in research and product development efforts that may overlap with our 
products. Such third parties may currently have, or may obtain in the future, legally blocking proprietary rights, 
including patent rights, in one or more products or methods under development or consideration by us. These rights may 
prevent us from commercializing products, or may require us to obtain a license from the organizations to use the 
technology. We may not be able to obtain any such licenses that may be required on reasonable financial terms, if at all, 
and cannot be sure that the patents underlying any such licenses will be valid or enforceable. There may be rights that we 
are not aware of, including applications that have been filed but not published that, when issued, could be asserted 
against us. These third parties could bring claims against us that would cause us to incur substantial expenses and, if 
successful, could cause us to pay substantial damages. Further, if a patent infringement suit were brought against us, we 
could be forced to stop or delay research and development of the product that is the subject of the suit. Furthermore, 
because of the substantial amount of discovery required in connection with intellectual property litigation, there is a risk 
that some of our trade secrets or other confidential information could be compromised by disclosure during this type of 
litigation. 

Risks Related to our Dependence on Third Parties 

We will depend upon strategic relationships to develop, exploit, and manufacture our products. If these relationships 
are not successful, we may not be able to capitalize on the market potential of these products. 

The near and long-term viability of our products will depend, in part, on our ability to successfully establish 

new strategic collaborations with biotechnology companies, hospitals, insurance companies, and government agencies. 

32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Establishing strategic collaborations is difficult and time-consuming. Potential collaborators may reject collaborations 
based upon their assessment of our financial, regulatory, or intellectual property position. If we fail to establish a 
sufficient number of collaborations on acceptable terms, we may not be able to commercialize our products or generate 
sufficient revenue to fund further research and development efforts. 

Even if we establish new collaborations, these relationships may never result in the successful development or 

commercialization of any of our product candidates for reasons both within and outside of our control. 

There are a limited number of suppliers that can provide materials to us. Any problems encountered by such 
suppliers may detrimentally impact us. 

We rely on third-party suppliers and vendors for certain of the materials used in the manufacture of our 
products or other of our product candidates. Any significant problem experienced by one of our suppliers could result in 
a delay or interruption in the supply of materials to us until such supplier resolves the problem or an alternative source of 
supply is located. Any delay or interruption could negatively affect our operations. 

If the third parties on which we rely to conduct our laboratory testing, animal and human clinical trials do not 
perform as contractually required or expected, we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval for or commercialize 
our products. 

We have been, and will continue to be, dependent on third-party CROs, medical institutions, investigators, and 
contract laboratories to conduct certain of our laboratory testing, animal and human clinical studies.  We are responsible 
for confirming that each of our clinical trials is conducted in accordance with our approved plan and protocol. Moreover, 
the FDA and foreign regulatory agencies require us to comply with regulations and standards, commonly referred to as 
good clinical practices, for conducting, recording, and reporting the results of clinical trials to assure that data and 
reported results are credible and accurate and that the trial participants are adequately protected. Our reliance on these 
third parties does not relieve us of these responsibilities and requirements. If these third parties do not successfully carry 
out their contractual duties or regulatory obligations or meet expected deadlines, if the third parties need to be replaced, 
or if the quality or accuracy of the data they obtain is compromised due to the failure to adhere to our clinical protocols 
or regulatory requirements or for other reasons, our preclinical development activities or clinical trials may be extended, 
delayed, suspended, or terminated, and we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval or successfully commercialize 
our products on a timely basis, if at all, and our business, operating results, and prospects may be adversely affected. 

If the third parties on which we rely to conduct our laboratory testing, animal, and human clinical trials do not 
perform as contractually required or expected, we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval for or commercialize 
our products. 

We have been, and will continue to be, dependent on third-party CROs, medical institutions, investigators, and 
contract laboratories to conduct certain of our laboratory testing, animal and human clinical studies. We are responsible 
for confirming that each of our clinical trials is conducted in accordance with our approved plan and protocol. Moreover, 
the FDA and foreign regulatory agencies require us to comply with regulations and standards, commonly referred to as 
good clinical practices, for conducting, recording, and reporting the results of clinical trials to assure that data and 
reported results are credible and accurate and that the trial participants are adequately protected. Our reliance on these 
third parties does not relieve us of these responsibilities and requirements. If these third parties do not successfully carry 
out their contractual duties or regulatory obligations or meet expected deadlines, if the third parties need to be replaced, 
or if the quality or accuracy of the data they obtain is compromised due to the failure to adhere to our clinical protocols 
or regulatory requirements or for other reasons, our preclinical development activities or clinical trials may be extended, 
delayed, suspended, or terminated, and we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval or successfully commercialize 
our products on a timely basis, if at all, and our business, operating results, and prospects may be adversely affected. 

Risks Related to Employee Matters and Managing Growth 

Our success depends on our ability to retain our management and other key personnel. 

We depend on our senior management as well as key scientific personnel. We have implemented restructurings 
that have significantly reduced our workforce over the last few months, leaving only key positions filled. On February 2, 
2018, we appointed Richard Toselli M.D. as President, Chief Executive Officer, and a director. The loss of any members 

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
of senior management or key scientific personnel could harm our business and significantly delay or prevent the 
achievement of research, development, or business objectives. Competition for qualified employees is intense among 
biotechnology companies, and the loss of qualified employees, or an inability to attract, retain, and motivate additional 
highly skilled employees could hinder our ability to successfully develop marketable products. 

Our future success also depends on our ability to identify, attract, hire, train, retain, and motivate other highly 

skilled scientific, technical, marketing, managerial, and financial personnel. Although we will seek to hire and retain 
qualified personnel with experience and abilities commensurate with our needs, there is no assurance that we will 
succeed despite our collective efforts. The loss of the services of any of our senior management or other key personnel 
could hinder our ability to fulfill our business plan and further develop and commercialize our products and services. 
Competition for personnel is intense, and any failure to attract and retain the necessary technical, marketing, managerial, 
and financial personnel would have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, and results 
of operations. 

We may be subject to claims that our employees, consultants, or independent contractors have wrongfully used or 
disclosed confidential information of third parties. 

We have received confidential and proprietary information from collaborators, prospective licensees, and other 

third parties. In addition, we employ individuals who were previously employed at other biotechnology or 
pharmaceutical companies. We may be subject to claims that we or our employees, consultants, or independent 
contractors have inadvertently or otherwise used or disclosed confidential information of these third parties or our 
employees’ former employers. We may also be subject to claims that former employees, collaborators, or other third 
parties have an ownership interest in our patents or other intellectual property. We may be subject to ownership disputes 
in the future arising, for example, from conflicting obligations of consultants or others who are involved in developing 
our product candidates. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these claims. If we fail in defending any such 
claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, we may lose valuable intellectual property rights, such as exclusive 
ownership of, or right to use, valuable intellectual property. Such an outcome could have a material adverse effect on our 
business. Even if we are successful in defending against these claims, litigation could result in substantial cost and be a 
distraction to our management and employees. 

Risks Related to Litigation and Legal Compliance 

We are, and in the past have been, subject to lawsuits, which could divert management’s attention and harm our 
business. 

We are involved in litigation with our former Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer. 

We were previously the subject of a securities derivative lawsuit and a securities class action lawsuit, both of which were 
dismissed in January 2017. We may face additional lawsuits, including class action or securities derivative lawsuits. The 
amount of time that is required to resolve these lawsuits is unpredictable and any lawsuits may divert management’s 
attention from the day-to-day operations of our business, which could adversely affect our business, results of 
operations, and cash flows. Any litigation or claim against us, even those without merit, may cause us to incur 
substantial costs, and could place a significant strain on our financial resources, divert the attention of management from 
our core business and harm our reputation. See “Legal Proceedings” for further information regarding our litigation. 

We face potential product liability claims, and, if successful claims are brought against us, we may incur substantial 
liability and costs. 

We will have exposure to claims for product liability. Product liability coverage for the healthcare industry is 
expensive and sometimes difficult to obtain. We may not be able to maintain such insurance on acceptable terms or be 
able to secure increased coverage if the commercialization of our products progresses, nor can we be sure that existing or 
future claims against us will be covered by our product liability insurance. Moreover, the existing coverage of our 
insurance policy or any rights of indemnification and contribution that we may have may not be sufficient to offset 
existing or future claims. A successful claim may prevent us from obtaining adequate product liability insurance in the 
future on commercially desirable terms, if at all. Even if a claim is not successful, defending such a claim would be time-
consuming and expensive, may damage our reputation in the marketplace, and would likely divert our management’s 
attention. 

34 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We are subject to environmental, health, and safety laws. Failure to comply with such environmental, health, and 
safety laws could cause us to become subject to fines or penalties or incur costs that could have a material adverse 
effect on the success of our business. 

We are subject to various environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations, including those relating to 

safe working conditions, laboratory, and manufacturing practices, the experimental use of animals and humans, 
emissions and wastewater discharges, and the use and disposal of hazardous or potentially hazardous substances used in 
connection with our research. Any of these laws or regulations could cause us to incur additional expense or restrict our 
operations. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations may be expensive, and current or future environmental 
regulations may impair our research and development efforts. 

Our relationships with customers and third party payers will be subject to applicable anti-kickback, fraud and abuse, 
and other healthcare laws and regulations, which could expose us to criminal sanctions, civil penalties, program 
exclusion, contractual damages, reputational harm, and diminished profits and future earnings. 

Healthcare providers, physicians, and third party payers will play a primary role in the recommendation and use 
of our products and any other product candidates for which we obtain marketing approval. Our future arrangements with 
healthcare providers, physicians, and third party payers may expose us to broadly applicable fraud and abuse and other 
healthcare laws and regulations that may constrain the business or financial arrangements and relationships through 
which we market, sell, and distribute any products for which we obtain marketing approval. Restrictions under 
applicable federal and state healthcare laws and regulations include the following: 

• 

• 

• 

the federal Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits, among other things, persons from knowingly and willfully 
soliciting, offering, receiving, or providing remuneration, directly or indirectly, in cash or in kind, to induce 
or reward, or in return for, either the referral of an individual for, or the purchase, order, or 
recommendation or arranging of, any good or service, for which payment may be made under a federal 
healthcare program such as Medicare and Medicaid;  

the federal False Claims Act imposes criminal and civil penalties, including through civil whistleblower or 
qui tam actions, against individuals or entities for, among other things, knowingly presenting, or causing to 
be presented, false or fraudulent claims for payment by a federal healthcare program or making a false 
statement or record material to payment of a false claim or avoiding, decreasing, or concealing an 
obligation to pay money to the federal government, with potential liability including mandatory treble 
damages and significant per-claim penalties;  

the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”), imposes criminal and 
civil liability for executing a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program or making false statements 
relating to healthcare matters; 

•  HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act and its 

implementing regulations, also imposes obligations, including mandatory contractual terms, with respect to 
safeguarding the privacy, security, and transmission of individually identifiable health information; 

• 

• 

the federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act requires applicable manufacturers of covered products to 
report payments and other transfers of value to physicians and teaching hospitals; and 

analogous state and foreign laws and regulations, such as state anti-kickback and false claims laws and 
transparency statutes, may apply to sales or marketing arrangements and claims involving healthcare items 
or services reimbursed by non-governmental third party payers, including private insurers. 

Some state laws require device companies to comply with the industry’s voluntary compliance guidelines and 

the relevant compliance guidance promulgated by the federal government and may require product manufacturers to 
report information related to payments and other transfers of value to physicians and other healthcare providers or 
marketing expenditures. State and foreign laws also govern the privacy and security of health information in some 
circumstances, many of which differ from each other in significant ways and often are not preempted by HIPAA, thus 
complicating compliance efforts. 

35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If our operations are found to be in violation of any of the laws described above or any governmental 
regulations that apply to us, we may be subject to penalties, including civil and criminal penalties, damages, fines, and 
the curtailment or restructuring of our operations. Any penalties, damages, fines, curtailment, or restructuring of our 
operations could adversely affect our financial results. If any such actions are instituted against us and we are not 
successful in defending ourselves or asserting our rights, those actions could have a significant impact on our business, 
including the imposition of significant fines or other sanctions. 

Efforts to ensure that our business arrangements with third parties will comply with applicable healthcare laws 
and regulations will involve substantial costs. It is possible that governmental authorities will conclude that our business 
practices may not comply with current or future statutes, regulations, or case law involving applicable fraud and abuse or 
other healthcare laws and regulations. If our operations are found to be in violation of any of these laws or any other 
governmental regulations that may apply to us, we may be subject to significant civil, criminal, and administrative 
penalties, damages, fines, imprisonment, exclusion of products from government funded healthcare programs, such as 
Medicare and Medicaid, and the curtailment or restructuring of our operations. If any of the physicians or other 
healthcare providers or entities with whom we expect to do business is found to be not in compliance with applicable 
laws, they may be subject to criminal, civil, or administrative sanctions, including exclusions from government funded 
healthcare programs. 

Risks Related to Investment in Our Securities 

The price of our common stock may become volatile, which could lead to losses by investors and costly securities 
litigation. 

The trading price of our common stock is likely to be highly volatile and could fluctuate in response to factors 

such as: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the status, completion, and/or results of our clinical trials; 

actual or anticipated variations in our operating results; 

announcements of developments by us or our competitors; 

regulatory actions regarding our products; 

announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, 
or capital commitments; 

adoption of new accounting standards affecting our industry; 

additions or departures of key personnel; 

sales of our common stock or other securities in the open market; and 

other events or factors, many of which are beyond our control. 

The stock market is subject to significant price and volume fluctuations. In the past, following periods of 

volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been initiated against 
such company. Litigation initiated against us, whether or not successful, could result in substantial costs and diversion of 
our management’s attention and resources, which could harm our business and financial condition. 

If we fail to meet the requirements for continued listing on the Nasdaq Global Market, our common stock could be 
delisted from trading, which would decrease the liquidity of our common stock and our ability to raise additional 
capital. 

Our common stock is currently listed for quotation on the Nasdaq Global Market. We are required to meet 

specified financial requirements in order to maintain our listing on the Nasdaq Global Market. One such requirement is 
that we maintain a minimum bid price of at least $1.00 per share for our common stock. On January 23, 2018 we 

36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
received a deficiency letter from the Listings Qualifications Department of the Nasdaq Stock Market notifying us that, 
for the last 30 consecutive business days, the bid price for our common stock had closed below the minimum $1.00 per 
share requirement for continued inclusion on the Nasdaq Global Market, or the Bid Price Rule.  We have been provided 
an initial period of 180 calendar days, or until July 23, 2018, or the Compliance Date, to regain compliance with the Bid 
Price Rule.  If we do not regain compliance with the Bid Price Rule by the Compliance Date, we may be eligible for an 
additional 180 calendar day compliance period. To qualify, we would need to transfer the listing of our common stock to 
the Nasdaq Capital Market, provided that we meet the continued listing requirement for the market value of publicly 
held shares and all other initial listing standards of the Nasdaq Capital Market, with the exception of its bid price 
requirement, or, if we fail to meet its listing requirements, the OTC Bulletin Board. Any potential delisting of our 
common stock from the Nasdaq Global Market would make it more difficult for our stockholders to sell our stock in the 
public market and would likely result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility for our common stock. 

Anti-takeover effects of certain provisions of our articles of incorporation and Nevada state law may discourage or 
prevent a takeover. 

Our articles of incorporation divide our Board of Directors into three classes, with three-year staggered terms. 

The classified board provision could increase the likelihood that, in the event an outside party acquired a controlling 
block of our stock, incumbent directors nevertheless would retain their positions for a substantial period, which may 
have the effect of discouraging, delaying, or preventing a change in control. In addition, Nevada has a business 
combination law, which prohibits certain business combinations between Nevada publicly traded corporations, or 
Nevada corporations that elect to be subject to the law, and “interested stockholders” for two years after the interested 
stockholder first becomes an interested stockholder, unless the corporation’s board of directors approves the transaction 
by which the stockholder becomes an interested stockholder in advance, or the proposed combination in advance of the 
stockholder becoming an interested stockholder. 

The proposed combination may be approved after the stockholder becomes an interested stockholder with 

preapproval by the board of directors and a vote at a special or annual meeting of stockholders holding at least 60% of 
the voting power not owned by the interested stockholder or his/her/ its affiliates or associates. After the two-year 
moratorium period, additional stockholder approvals or fair value requirements must be met by the interested 
shareholder up to four years after the stockholder became an interested stockholder. In addition, we may become subject 
to Nevada’s control share laws. A corporation is subject to Nevada’s control share law if it has more than 200 
stockholders, at least 100 of whom are stockholders of record and residents of Nevada, and if the corporation does 
business in Nevada, including through an affiliated corporation. This control share law may have the effect of 
discouraging corporate takeovers. Currently, we believe that we have less than 100 stockholders of record who are 
residents of Nevada, and are therefore not subject to the control share laws. 

The provisions of our articles of incorporation and Nevada’s business combination and control share laws make 
it more difficult for a third party to acquire us and make a takeover more difficult to complete, even if such a transaction 
were in our stockholders’ interest or might result in a premium over the market price for our common stock. 

Item 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 

None. 

Item 2.  PROPERTIES 

We lease approximately 26,342 square feet of office, laboratory, and manufacturing space in Cambridge, 
Massachusetts, which is used primarily for corporate, manufacturing, and research and development functions. The lease 
commenced in November 2011, and is for an initial term of six years and three months, with one five-year extension 
exercisable by us (the “Cambridge Lease”). On August 21, 2017, the Company exercised its option for the five-year 
extension on the Cambridge Lease. The five-year renewal lease term commences on November 1, 2018 and ends on 
October 31, 2023. We believe this facility is adequate to meet our current needs and that additional space could be 
available on commercially reasonable terms as needed. 

On June 13, 2017, the Company entered into a short-term lease, as subtenant, to sublease 5,233 square feet of 

the facility. The lease term is from July 1, 2017 through October 26, 2018. 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We are in ongoing discussions to assign the Cambridge Lease, and sublease back a portion of the space 

thereunder for our manufacturing and quality functions.  On February 16, 2018 the Company entered into a month to 
month membership agreement with WeWork to lease office space. This space will be used primarily for administrative 
functions. 

Item 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 

In November 2013, we filed a lawsuit against Francis Reynolds, our former Chairman, Chief Executive Officer 

and Chief Financial Officer, in Middlesex Superior Court, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (InVivo Therapeutics 
Holdings Corp. v. Reynolds, Civil Action No. 13-5004). The complaint alleges breaches of fiduciary duties, breach of 
contract, conversion, misappropriation of corporate assets, unjust enrichment, and corporate waste, and seeks monetary 
damages and an accounting. The lawsuit involves approximately $500,000 worth of personal and/or exorbitant expenses 
that we allege Mr. Reynolds inappropriately caused us to pay while he was serving as our Chief Executive Officer, 
Chief Financial Officer, President, and Chairman of our Board of Directors. On December 6, 2013, Mr. Reynolds 
answered the complaint, and filed counterclaims against us and our Board of Directors. The counterclaims allege two 
counts of breach of contract, two counts of breach of the covenant of good faith and fair-dealing, and tortious 
interference with a contract, and seek monetary damages and a declaratory judgment. The counterclaims relate to 
Mr. Reynolds’s allegations that we and our Board of Directors interfered with the performance of his duties under the 
terms of his employment agreement, and that Mr. Reynolds was entitled to additional shares upon the exercise of certain 
stock options that he did not receive. On January 9, 2014, we, along with the directors named in the counterclaims, filed 
our answer denying that Mr. Reynolds is entitled to any relief. The parties have completed discovery. On March 3, 2017, 
the counterclaim defendants filed a motion for summary judgement on all counterclaims asserted by Mr. Reynolds. On 
October 18, 2017, the Court allowed the motion for summary judgment in substantial part, and denied it in part. The 
Court, citing disputed issues of fact, declined to dismiss the counterclaims for breach of contract, breach of implied 
covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and declaratory judgment concerning Mr. Reynolds’ attempted exercise of 
certain stock options, which Mr. Reynolds claims is the equivalent of 47,864 shares of common stock, but dismissed all 
other claims asserted by Mr. Reynolds. The trial is scheduled to begin on June 16, 2018. 

We intend to continue to defend ourselves against the remaining counter claims and, to date, we have not 

recorded any provision for losses that may arise. 

Item 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 

Not applicable. 

38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II 

Item 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND 

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES. 

Market Information 

Our common stock is currently listed for trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “NVIV.” 

From October 29, 2010 through April 16, 2015, our common stock was quoted on the OTCQB under the same symbol. 
The following table shows the high and low sales prices for our common stock for each full quarterly period in the two 
most recent fiscal years: 

Fiscal Quarter Ended 
December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
September 30, 2017  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
June 30, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
March 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

Fiscal Quarter Ended 
December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
September 30, 2016  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
June 30, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
March 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

High 

Low 

 2.25  
 2.79  
 4.30  
 4.95  

 0.72  
 1.10  
 1.90  
 3.80  

High 

Low 

 6.77  
 7.94  
 7.10  
 10.36  

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

 4.00  
 5.42  
 5.38  
 3.50  

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

Dividends 

We have never declared or paid cash dividends. We do not intend to pay cash dividends on our common stock 
for the foreseeable future, but currently intend to retain any future earnings to fund the development and growth of our 
business. The payment of cash dividends, if any, on our common stock, will rest solely within the discretion of our 
Board of Directors and will depend, among other things, upon our earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, 
and other relevant factors. 

Holders 

As of March 5, 2018, we had approximately 301 stockholders of record. This figure does not reflect persons or 

entities that hold their stock in nominee or “street” name through various brokerage firms. 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities 

None. 

Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities 

None. 

Performance Graph 

The following performance graph and related information shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to 
be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be deemed incorporated by reference into any future filing under the 
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that we 
specifically incorporate it by reference into any such filing. 

The graph below compares the cumulative total returns of our common stock to the cumulative returns of the 
NASDAQ Composite index and the NASDAQ Biotechnology index for the period from December 31, 2012 through 
December 31, 2017. This graph assumes an investment of $100 on December 31, 2012 in our common stock and in each 
of the comparative indices and assumes reinvestment of dividends, if any. 

39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The comparisons shown in the graph below are based on historical data. We caution that the stock price 

performance showing in the graph below is not necessarily indicative of, nor is it intended to forecast, the potential 
future performance of our common stock. 

COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN* 
Among InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp, the NASDAQ Composite Index, 
and the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index 

*$100 invested on December 31, 2012 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal year 

ending December 31. 

InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp . .    $  131.95   $   75.86   $  103.45   $   60.34   $   11.06 
NASDAQ Composite . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $  141.63   $  162.09   $  173.33   $  187.19   $  242.29 
NASDAQ Biotechnology . . . . . . . . . . .    $  174.05   $  230.33   $  244.29   $  194.95   $  228.29 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017 

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
Item 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 

The selected financial data presented below is derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. You 
should read the data set forth below in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 
and Results of Operations” in Item 7 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the financial statements, 
related notes, and other financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Unless otherwise 
indicated, all amounts in this Item 6 are presented in thousands, except share and per share data. All share amounts give 
effect to the 1-for-4 reverse stock split of our outstanding shares of common stock that occurred on April 8, 2015. 

InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. 

Consolidated Statement of 
Operations (in thousands) 
Operating expenses: 

Research and development  . . . . . . . .     $ 
General and administrative  . . . . . . . .    
Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . .    
Operating loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Other income (expense): 

Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Interest expense  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Modification of warrants . . . . . . . . . .    
Derivatives gain (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Other income (expense), net . . . . . .    
Net income (loss)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 
Net income (loss) per share, basic and 
diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 
Weighted average number of common 
shares outstanding, basic and diluted . . .    

2017 

Year Ended December 31,  
2015 

2014 

2016 

 11,083   $ 
 13,510  
 24,593  
 (24,593) 

 12,557   $ 
 11,506  
 24,063  
 (24,063) 

 10,058   $ 
 12,340  
 22,398  
 (22,398) 

 10,273   $ 
 7,566  
 17,839  
 (17,839) 

 189  
 (74) 
 —  
 (2,267) 
 (2,152) 
 (26,745)  $ 

 187  
 (155) 
—  
 593  
 625  
 (23,438)  $ 

 60  
 (172) 
—  
 (10,804) 
 (10,916) 
 (33,314)  $ 

 5  
 (136) 
—  
 (376) 
 (507) 
 (18,346)  $ 

2013 

 10,533 
 8,472 
 19,005 
 (19,005)

 15 
 (130)
 (765)
 (18,871)
 (19,751)
 (38,756)

 (0.81)  $ 

 (0.76)  $ 

 (1.26)  $ 

 (0.83)  $ 

 (2.10)

   32,950,068  

   31,025,585  

   26,461,374  

   22,080,761  

   18,497,922 

Condensed Consolidated Balance 
Sheet (in thousands) 
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable 
securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $
Working capital   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Long-term liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Derivative warrant liability . . . . . . . . . . .    
Accumulated deficit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Stockholder's equity  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

2017 

2016 

As of December 31, 
2015 

2014 

2013 

 12,910     $ 
 10,694  
 14,045  
 823  
 4  
 (183,907) 
 10,110  

 33,041     $ 
 29,005  
 34,784  
 987  
 1,314  
 (157,007) 
 28,949  

 20,194     $ 
 17,427  
 21,792  
 1,551  
 1,907  
 (133,569) 
 16,929  

 13,459     $ 
 6,169  
 16,693  
 1,991  
 7,224  
 (100,255) 
 5,918  

 13,980 
 12,334  
 17,096  
 1,938  
—  
 (81,909) 
 12,890  

We have derived our statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and our 

balance sheet data as of December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 from our audited financial statements which are not 
included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We have derived our statements of operations data for the years ended 
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 and our balance sheet data as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 from our audited 
financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our audited financial information is 
prepared and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (U.S. GAAP). 

41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
 
   
 
       
 
       
 
       
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplementary Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited—In thousands) 

  December 31,  
2017 

  September 30,  

2017 

June 30,  
2017 

  March 31,  

2017 

Quarter Ended 

Operating expenses: 

Research and development  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
General and administrative  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Operating loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Other income (expense): 

Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Interest expense  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Derivatives gain (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Other income (expense), net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

$ 

$ 

 1,560  
 3,122  
 4,682  
 (4,682)  

 37  
 (16)  
 (3)  
 18  
 (4,664)  

$ 

$ 

 2,928  
 3,388  
 6,316  
 (6,316) 

 43  
 (18) 
 (3,059) 
 (3,034) 
 (9,350) 

$ 

$ 

 3,211  
 3,715  
 6,926  
 (6,926) 

 52  
 (20) 
 554  
 586  
 (6,340) 

$ 

$ 

 3,384 
 3,285 
 6,669 
 (6,669)

 57 
 (20)
 241 
 278 
 (6,391)

  December 31,  
2016 

  September 30,  

2016 

June 30,  
2016 

  March 31,  

2016 

Quarter Ended 

Operating expenses: 

Research and development  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
General and administrative  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Operating loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Other income (expense): 

Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Interest expense  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Derivatives gain (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Other income (expense), net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

$ 

$ 

 3,900  
 2,932  
 6,832  
 (6,832)  

 47  
 (31)  
 1,381  
 1,397  
 (5,435)  

$ 

$ 

 3,294  
 2,584  
 5,878  
 (5,878) 

 50  
 (32) 
 (336) 
 (318) 
 (6,196) 

$ 

$ 

 2,795  
 2,991  
 5,786  
 (5,786) 

 36  
 (29) 
 595  
 602  
 (5,184) 

$ 

$ 

 2,568 
 2,999 
 5,567 
 (5,567)

 54 
 (63)
 (1,047)
 (1,056)
 (6,623)

42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
Item 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS 

OF OPERATIONS 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related 

notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following discussion contains forward-looking 
statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those 
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements as a result of many important factors, including those set forth 
in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Risk Factors”. Please see also the “Special Note 
Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in Part I above. We do not undertake any obligation to update forward-
looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  

All share amounts presented in this Item 7 give effect to the 1-for-4 reverse stock split of our outstanding shares 

of common stock that occurred on April 8, 2015. 

Introduction 

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our 
financial statements, which management has prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 
The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the 
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial 
statements, as well as the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate 
such estimates and judgments, including those described in greater detail below. We base our estimates on historical 
experience and on various other factors that management believes are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of 
which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent 
from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. 

Business Overview 

We are a research and clinical-stage biomaterials and biotechnology company with a focus on treatment of 
spinal cord injuries, or SCIs. Our mission is to redefine the life of the SCI patient, and we seek to develop treatment 
options intended to provide meaningful improvement in patient outcomes following SCI. Our approach to treating acute 
SCIs is based on our investigational Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant, a bioresorbable polymer scaffold that is designed for 
implantation at the site of injury within a spinal cord and is intended to treat acute SCI. The Neuro-Spinal Scaffold 
implant incorporates intellectual property licensed under an exclusive, worldwide license from Boston Children’s 
Hospital and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. We also plan to evaluate other technologies and therapeutics 
that may be complementary to our development of the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant or offer the potential to bring us 
closer to our goal of redefining the life of the SCI patient. 

Overall, we expect our research and development expenses to be substantial and to increase for the foreseeable 

future as we continue the development and clinical investigation of our current and future products. However, 
expenditures on research and development programs are subject to many uncertainties, including whether we develop 
our products with a partner or independently, or whether we acquire products from third parties. At this time, due to the 
uncertainties and inherent risks involved in our business, we cannot estimate in a meaningful way the duration of, or the 
costs to complete, our research and development programs or whether, when or to what extent we will generate revenues 
or cash inflows from the commercialization and sale of any of our products. While we are currently focused on 
advancing our Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant, our future research and development expenses will depend on the 
determinations we make as to the scientific and clinical prospects of each product candidate, as well as our ongoing 
assessment of regulatory requirements and each product’s commercial potential. In addition, we may make acquisitions 
of businesses, technologies or intellectual property rights that we believe would be necessary, useful or complementary 
to our current business. Any investment made in a potential acquisition could affect our results of operations and reduce 
our limited capital resources, and any issuance of equity securities in connection with a potential acquisition could be 
substantially dilutive to our stockholders. 

43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully develop or acquire any product, or that we will 

be able to recover our development or acquisition costs, whether upon commercialization of a developed product or 
otherwise. We cannot provide assurance that any of our programs under development or any acquired technologies or 
products will result in products that can be marketed or marketed profitably. If our development-stage programs or any 
acquired products or technologies do not result in commercially viable products, our results of operations could be 
materially adversely affected. 

We were incorporated on April 2, 2003, under the name of Design Source, Inc. On October 26, 2010, we 
acquired the business of InVivo Therapeutics Corporation, which was founded in 2005, and continued the existing 
business operations of InVivo Therapeutics Corporation as our wholly-owned subsidiary. 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 

Our consolidated financial statements, which appear in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, have been 

prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require that our 
management make certain assumptions and estimates and, in connection therewith, adopt certain accounting policies. 
Our significant accounting policies are set forth in Note 2, “Significant Accounting Policies”, in the Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Of those policies, we believe that the 
policies discussed below may involve the highest degree of judgment and may be the most critical to an accurate 
reflection of our financial condition and results of operations. 

Stock-Based Compensation 

Our stock options are granted with an exercise price set at the fair market value of our common stock on the 

date of grant. Our stock options generally expire ten years from the date of grant and vest upon terms determined by our 
Board of Directors. 

We recognize compensation costs resulting from the issuance of stock-based awards to employees, 

non-employees and directors as an expense in our statement of operations over the service period based on a measure of 
fair value for each stock-based award. The fair value of each option grant is estimated as of the date of grant using the 
Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value is amortized as a compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the 
requisite service period of the award, which is generally the vesting period. The expected term of any options granted 
under our stock plans is based on the average of the contractual term (generally, 10 years) and the vesting period 
(generally, 48 months). The risk-free rate is based on the yield of a U.S. Treasury security with a term consistent with the 
expected term of the option. See Note 12, “Stock Options,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 
of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information about the assumptions underlying these estimates. 

Derivative Instruments 

Certain of our issued and outstanding warrants to purchase common stock contain anti-dilution provisions. 

These warrants do not meet the requirements for classification as equity and are recorded as derivative warrant 
liabilities. We use valuation methods and assumptions that consider, among other factors, the fair value of the underlying 
stock, risk-free interest rate, volatility, expected life and dividend rates consistent with those discussed in Note 11, 
“Derivative Instruments”, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on 
Form 10-K, in estimating the fair value for these warrants. Such derivative warrant liabilities are initially recorded at fair 
value, with subsequent changes in fair value charged (credited) to operations in each reporting period. The fair value of 
such derivative warrant liabilities is most sensitive to changes in the fair value of the underlying common stock and the 
estimated volatility of our common stock. 

Research and Development Expense 

Our research and development expenses consist primarily of costs incurred for the development of our product 

candidates, which include: 

• 

• 

employee related expenses, including salaries, benefits, travel, and stock based compensation expense; 

expenses incurred under agreements with contract research organization (“CROs”), and clinical sites 

44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
that conduct our clinical studies; 

• 

• 

• 

• 

facilities, depreciation, and other expenses, which include direct and allocated expenses for rent and 
maintenance of facilities, insurance, and other supplies; 

costs associated with our research platform and preclinical activities; 

costs associated with our regulatory, quality assurance, and quality control operations; and 

amortization of intangible assets. 

Our research and development costs are expensed as incurred. We are required to estimate our accrued research 

and development expenses. This process involves reviewing open contracts and purchase orders, communicating with 
our personnel to identify services that have been performed on our behalf and estimating the level of service performed 
and the associated costs incurred for the services when we have not yet been invoiced or otherwise notified of the actual 
costs. We make estimates of our accrued expenses as of each balance sheet date in our consolidated financial statements 
based on facts and circumstances known to us at that time. If the actual timing of the performance of services or the level 
of effort varies from our estimate, we adjust the accrued expense accordingly. Although we do not expect our estimates 
to be materially different from amounts actually incurred, our understanding of the status and timing of services 
performed relative to the actual status and timing of services performed may vary and may result in us reporting amounts 
that are too high or too low in any particular period. To date, we have not made any material adjustments to our prior 
estimates of accrued research and development expenses. 

45 

 
 
 
 
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 
(“ASU”) No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based 
Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”) to require changes to several areas of employee share-based payment accounting in an 
effort to simplify share-based reporting. The update revises requirements in the following areas: minimum statutory 
withholding, accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and intrinsic value accounting for private entities. ASU 2016-09 is 
effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within 
each annual reporting period. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2017. Prior to adoption, we recognized share-based 
compensation, net of estimated forfeitures, over the vesting period of the grant. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-09, we 
elected to change our accounting policy to recognize forfeitures as they occur. We continue to recognize share-based 
compensation expense over the vesting period of the grant. The new forfeiture policy election was adopted using a 
modified retrospective approach with a cumulative effect adjustment of $155 recorded to accumulated deficit on the 
balance sheet as of January 1, 2017. Prior to January 1, 2017, we recognized the excess tax benefits of stock-based 
compensation expense as additional paid-in capital and tax deficiencies of stock-based compensation expense in the 
income tax provision or as additional paid-in capital to the extent that there were sufficient recognized excess tax 
benefits previously recognized. Previously, the excess tax benefits reduced taxes payable prior to being recognized as an 
increase in additional paid-in capital, and therefore we had not recognized certain deferred tax assets that could be 
attributed to tax deductions. As a result of the adoption, the deferred tax assets associated with certain net operating 
losses increased, which was offset by a corresponding increase in the valuation allowance and therefore the adoption of 
the tax-related guidance in this standard did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements for the period 
ended December 31, 2017. 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The guidance in this ASU 
supersedes the leasing guidance in Topic 840, Leases. Under the new guidance, lessees are required to recognize lease 
assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified 
as either finance leases or operating leases, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the 
statement of operations. The new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, 
including interim reporting periods within each annual reporting period. We are currently evaluating the impact of the 
adoption of this ASU on the financial statements. 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash 

Payments (“ASU 2016-15”) to address how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the 
statement of cash flows in an effort to reduce existing diversity in practice. The update includes eight specific cash flow 
issues and provides guidance on the appropriate cash flow presentation for each. ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual 
reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within each annual reporting 
period. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the financial statements. 

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash 

to clarify how entities should present restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. 

Under this new update, entities are required to show the changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted 

cash, and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. This guidance will be applied retrospectively and is 
effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within 
each annual reporting period. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the financial 
statements. 

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of 
Modification Accounting (“ASU 2017-09”) to clarify when to account for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-
based payment award as a modification. Under this new guidance, modification accounting is required if the fair value, 
vesting conditions, or classification of the award changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. ASU 2017-09 
is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within 
each annual reporting period. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the financial 
statements. 

46 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In July 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-11, Part I. Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with 

Down Round Features and Part II. Replacement of the Indefinite Deferral for Mandatorily Redeemable Financial 
Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests with a Scope 
Exception (“ASU 2017-11”). Part I of this guidance applies to entities that issue financial instruments such as warrants, 
convertible debt or convertible preferred stock that contain down round features. Part II of this guidance replaces the 
indefinite deferrals for certain mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests and mandatorily redeemable financial 
instruments of nonpublic entities. ASU 2017-11 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 
2018, including interim reporting periods within each annual reporting period. We have concluded that the adoption of 
this ASU will not have a material impact on the financial statements. 

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), which changes 

both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge 
results, in order to better align an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships. 
The amendments expand and refine hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and align the 
recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. 
FASB ASU No. 2017-12 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim 
periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of 
the adoption of this ASU on the financial statements. 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”) 

to provide updated guidance on revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 requires a company to recognize revenue when it 
transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company 
expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies may need to use more judgment 
and make more estimates than under today’s guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the 
contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price, and allocating the 
transaction price to each separate performance obligation. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue 
from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, which deferred the effective date of ASU 
2014-09 by one year. Accordingly, ASU 2014-09 is effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods 
beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within each annual reporting period. In March 
2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent 
Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross Versus Net), which clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus 
agent considerations. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 
606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which clarifies certain aspects of identifying performance 
obligations and licensing implementation guidance. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from 
Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, which relates to 
disclosures of remaining performance obligations, as well as other amendments to guidance on collectability, non-cash 
consideration, and the presentation of sales and other similar taxes collected from customers. These standards are 
effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within 
each annual reporting period. Currently, this guidance is not applicable to us as we do not generate revenue. However, 
we will adopt the guidance and evaluate the impact of adopting ASU 2014-09 on the consolidated financial statements 
when we begin to generate revenue. 

Results of Operations 

Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands, except share and per share amounts) 

Research and Development Expenses 

Research and development expenses decreased by $1,474 to $11,083 for the year ended December 31, 2017 

from $12,557 for the year ended December 31, 2016. This decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in 
compensation related expenses of $1,629 largely as a result of the strategic restructuring in 2017, a decrease in contract 
services and laboratory supplies and intellectual property costs of $394 and $112 respectively as a result of our focused 
strategy, a decrease of $147 in facilities allocation charges partially offset by an increase of $715 in consulting and 
professional costs and an increase of $239 in clinical trial costs due to additional patient enrollment in The INSPIRE 
Study and the opening of additional clinical trial sites.  

47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General and Administrative Expenses 

General and administrative expenses increased by $2,004 to $13,510 for the year ended December 31, 2017 

from $11,506 for the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase in general and administrative expenses is attributable 
to increases in salaries related expenses including severance of $1,072, an increase of $492 in consulting and 
professional costs, an increase of $459 in facilities allocation charges and an increase of $376 in legal costs partially 
offset by a decrease in share-based compensation and recruiting expenses of $303 and $219 respectively.   

Interest Income 

Interest income remained relatively consistent at $189 for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $187 

for the year ended December 31, 2016 due to comparable average investment balances in 2017 and 2016. 

Interest Expense 

Interest expense decreased by $81 to $74 for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $155 for the year ended 

December 31, 2016. This decrease in interest expense is due to lower average borrowings.  

Derivatives Gain (Loss) 

The derivatives loss for the year ended December 31, 2017 is $2,267 compared to a gain of $593 for the year 
ended December 31, 2016. The loss of $2,267 for the year ended December 31, 2017 can be attributed to the impact of 
the August 2017 warrant exchange and the decrease in the fair value of our derivative warrant liability due primarily to 
the decrease in the fair value of the underlying common stock. 

Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands, except share and per share amounts) 

Research and Development Expenses 

Research and development expenses increased by $2,499 to $12,557 for the year ended December 31, 2016 

from $10,058 for the year ended December 31, 2015. This increase is primarily attributable to an increase in clinical trial 
costs of $811 due to an increase in the number of patients in The INSPIRE Study and the opening of additional clinical 
trial sites, and higher contract services costs of $439 associated with research development initiatives. The increase is 
also due to compensation-related expenses of $656, intellectual property costs of $229, consulting fees of $110, 
recruiting costs of $102, and packaging and lab-related expenses of $123. 

General and Administrative Expenses 

General and administrative expenses decreased by $834 to $11,506 for the year ended December 31, 2016 from 
$12,340 for the year ended December 31, 2015. This decrease in general and administrative expenses is attributable to a 
decrease in legal expenses of $1,737 as well as decreases in public and investor relations costs of $116 and overhead 
expense of $93. These decreases are partially offset by increases in compensation-related expenses of $342, stock-based 
compensation expense of $292, convention and meeting costs of $178, recruiting related costs of $162, insurance 
expense of $118, and consulting fees of $54.   

Interest Income 

Interest income increased by $127 to $187 for the year ended December 31, 2016 from $60 for the year ended 

December 31, 2015. This increase is due to a higher average balance of funds in our short-term investments. 

Interest Expense 

Interest expense decreased by $17 to $155 for the year ended December 31, 2016 from $172 for the year ended 

December 31, 2015. This decrease in interest expense is primarily due to lower average borrowings. 

48 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives Gain (Loss) 

The derivatives gain for the year ended December 31, 2016 is $593 compared to a loss of $10,804 for the year 

ended December 31, 2015. The gain of $593 for the year ended December 31, 2016 reflects the decrease in the fair value 
of our derivative warrant liability due primarily to the decrease in the fair value of the underlying common stock, as well 
as the decreasing term to expiration of the warrants. In 2015, the loss was driven primarily by an increase in the value of 
our common stock. 

Liquidity and Capital Resources (in thousands, except share and per share figures)  

Since inception, we have devoted substantially all of our efforts to business planning, research and 
development, recruiting management and technical staff, acquiring operating assets, and raising capital. At 
December 31, 2017, our accumulated deficit was $183,907. 

At December 31, 2017, we had total assets of $14,045, total liabilities of $3,935, and total stockholders’ equity 

of $10,110. We recorded a net loss of $26,745 for the year ended December 31, 2017. We have not achieved profitability 
and may not be able to realize sufficient revenue to achieve or sustain profitability in the future. We do not expect to be 
profitable in the next several years, but rather expect to incur additional operating losses. We have limited liquidity and 
capital resources and must obtain significant additional capital resources in order to fund our operations and sustain our 
product development efforts, for acquisition of technologies and intellectual property rights, for preclinical and clinical 
testing of our anticipated products, pursuit of regulatory approvals, acquisition of capital equipment, laboratory and 
office facilities, establishment of production capabilities, for selling, general and administrative expenses and for other 
working capital requirements. We also expect that we will need to raise additional capital through a combination of 
equity offerings, debt financings, other third party funding, marketing and distribution arrangements and other 
collaborations, strategic alliances and licensing arrangements. 

Since our inception, we have historically financed our operations primarily through the sale of equity-related 
securities. In January 2015, we closed a registered direct offering of an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of our common 
stock, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $11,038. In July 2015, we entered into a Sales Agreement with Cowen 
and Company, LLC (“Cowen”) allowing us to issue and sell from time to time up to $50,000 in shares of our common 
stock through an “at the market” equity offering program (the “ATM”). In 2015, we raised approximately $3,442 
through the ATM, net of a 3% commission on the gross proceeds from the sale of shares under the ATM due to Cowen, 
as our sales agent in the ATM, and other transaction-related expenses. We did not make any sales under the Sales 
Agreement in 2016 and the Sales Agreement was terminated in March 2016. In March 2016, we closed an underwritten 
public offering of an aggregate of 4,293,333 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 
2,146,666 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $7.49 per share of common stock and $0.01 per warrant. 
The net proceeds to the Company, after deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses, were approximately 
$29,905. The warrants have an initial per share exercise price of $10.00, or approximately 133% of the public offering 
price of the common stock, are exercisable immediately, and expire on March 18, 2021. The Company intends to use the 
net proceeds from the offering to fund ongoing clinical trials and for general corporate purposes. 

At December 31, 2017, our consolidated cash and cash equivalents balance was $12,910. We believe our 

current cash and cash equivalents are adequate to fund our operations into the fourth quarter of 2018. 

We intend to pursue opportunities to obtain additional financing in the future through equity and/or debt 

financings. We have filed with the SEC, and the SEC has declared effective, a universal shelf registration statement 
which permits us to issue up to $100,000 worth of registered equity securities, of which we utilized $12,000 in our 
January 2015 offering and have utilized approximately $3,442 to date under our ATM, which was terminated in March 
2016. Under this effective shelf registration, we also have the flexibility to issue registered securities, from time to time, 
in one or more additional offerings or other transactions with the size, price and terms to be determined at the time of 
issuance. In March 2016, we closed an underwritten public offering of an aggregate of 4,293,333 shares of common 
stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 2,146,666 shares of common stock, at a price to the public of $7.49 per 
share of common stock and $0.01 per warrant. The underwriting discount was 6% of the public offering price of the 
shares, or $0.45 per share and 0.0000006 per warrant. The warrants have an initial per share exercise price of $10.00 
(133% of public offering price of the common stock) and will expire on March 18, 2021. Registered securities issued 
using this shelf may be used to raise additional capital to fund our working capital and other corporate needs, for future 
acquisitions of assets, programs or businesses, and for other corporate purposes. 

49 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On August 10, 2017, we entered into exchange agreements with certain holders of our warrants, dated May 9, 
2014, to exchange such warrants for shares of common stock. We issued an aggregate of 2,021,419 shares of common 
stock to the warrant holders in exchange for their warrants to purchase an aggregate of 577,548 shares of common stock. 
The warrants exchanged in this transaction were subsequently cancelled and terminated. As a result of our issuance of 
common stock in exchange for certain of the warrants, the per share exercise price of the remaining warrants, dated 
May 9, 2014, was adjusted downwards from $3.87 per share to $0.83 per share and additional warrants were issued such 
that the remaining warrants were exercisable for an aggregate of 48,507 shares of common stock. We did not receive any 
cash proceeds from the warrant exchanges. 

In the fourth quarter of 2017 and first quarter of 2018, we entered into warrant cancellation agreements with 

certain remaining holders of our warrants, dated May 9, 2014, to cancel and terminate such warrants for cash 
consideration. As of December 31, 2017, the remaining warrants were exercisable for an aggregate of 13,429 shares of 
common stock. The remaining warrants contain anti-dilution provisions that may be triggered by the future issuance by 
us of shares of our common stock or common stock equivalents at a price per share below the then-exercise price of the 
warrants, subject to some exceptions. 

In January 2018, we entered into a purchase agreement and registration rights agreement with Lincoln Park 

Capital Fund, LLC (“Lincoln Park”). Pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreement, Lincoln Park agreed to purchase 
from us up to $15,000 of our common stock (subject to certain limitations) from time to time during the term of the 
purchase agreement. At the time we signed the purchase agreement and the registration rights agreement, we issued 
429,800 shares of common stock (the “Commitment Shares”) to Lincoln Park as consideration for its commitment to 
purchase shares of our common stock under the purchase agreement. As of March 12, 2018 the Company had drawn 
$2,252 against the purchase agreement and issued an aggregate of 3,344,769 shares exclusive of the commitment shares. 

In August 2017, we announced a reduction in our workforce of approximately 39%. All affected employees 

received severance pay and outplacement assistance. As a result of the reduction in force and associated costs, we 
estimate savings of approximately $7.3 million in annual operating expenses, with one-time severance and related costs 
of $857. Of these one-time severance and related costs, approximately $509 was paid through December 31, 2017. 

We may pursue various other dilutive and non-dilutive funding alternatives depending upon our clinical path 

forward and the extent to which we require additional capital to proceed with development of some or all of our product 
candidates on expected timelines. The source, timing and availability of any future financing will depend principally 
upon market conditions and the status of our clinical development programs. Funding may not be available when 
needed, at all, or on terms acceptable to us. Lack of necessary funds may require us to, among other things, delay, scale 
back or eliminate some or all of our research and product development programs, planned clinical trials, and capital 
expenditures or to license our potential products or technologies to third parties. We may alternatively engage in cost-
cutting measures in an attempt to extend our cash resources as long as possible.   

Net cash used in operating activities is comprised of our net losses, adjusted for non-cash expenses, and 
working capital requirements. Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $19,683, 
the most significant drivers of which were our net loss of $26,745, offset by share-based compensation of $4,106 and 
derivative losses of $2,267.  

Net cash from investing activities was $11,512 for the year ended December 31, 2017 attributable to the 

purchases of marketable securities of $8,256 and capital equipment of $65, offset by sales of marketable securities of 
$19,833. 

Net cash used by financing activities was $383 for the year ended December 31, 2017 consisting of proceeds 
from the exercises of stock options, exercises of warrants, and Employee Stock Purchase Plan issuances of $80. These 
proceeds were offset by the repayment of loan principal of $423 and payment of $40 due to repurchase of warrants. 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements 

We do not have any off balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future 

material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, 
liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources. 

50 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contractual Obligations 

The following summarizes our significant contractual obligations at December 31, 2017, and the effects such 

obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods: 

Payments Due 

  1-3 years 
In thousands 
 400  
Long term debt  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $
 3,977  
Operating lease payments . . . . . . . . . .   
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $  12,256   $  1,832   $   4,377  

    11,404  

    1,380  

 452   $ 

 852   $

Total 

     Less than        
1 year 

     More than 

   3-5 years 
 —  
 4,219  
 4,219  

5 years 

 — 
 1,828 
 1,828 

We are in ongoing discussions to assign the Cambridge Lease, and sublease back a portion of the space 
thereunder for our manufacturing and quality functions. If the Cambridge Lease assignment is successfully executed our 
operating lease payments will be materially reduced. 

Commitments 

See Note 16, “Commitments and Contingencies,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 

of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding our commitments. 

Item 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK (in thousands) 

We are exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates. We do not use derivative financial 

instruments for speculative or trading purposes. Our interest-earning assets consist of cash and cash equivalents of 
$12,910, or 92% of our total assets at December 31, 2017, and $33,041, or 95% of our total assets at December 31, 2016. 
Interest income earned on these assets was $189 in 2017 and $187 in 2016. Our interest income is sensitive to changes in 
the general level of interest rates, primarily U.S. interest rates. At December 31, 2017, our cash equivalents were 
primarily composed of money market accounts comprised of U.S. Treasury debt securities and repurchase agreements. 

51 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 8.  CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements 

SPECIAL NOTE 

All share numbers and share prices presented in this Item 8 have been adjusted to reflect the 1-for-4 reverse 

stock split of the Company’s common stock effected on April 8, 2015. 

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Consolidated Balance Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

      Page 
53
55
56
57
58
59

52 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of  
InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. and Subsidiary 
Cambridge, Massachusetts 

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. and Subsidiary 
(the Company) as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, and the related consolidated statements of operations and 
comprehensive loss, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 
2017, and the related notes (collectively, the financial statements). We also have audited the Company’s internal control 
over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated 
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of 
the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years 
in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the 
United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal 
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated 
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. 

Emphasis of Matter 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going 
concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company has limited cash and cash equivalents and has 
suffered recurring losses from operations. This raises substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a 
going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters also are described in Note 1. The financial statements do 
not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. 

Basis for Opinions 

The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements, 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 Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to 
express an opinion on the Company's financial statements and an opinion on the Company's internal control over 
financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting 
Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in 
accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange 
Commission and the PCAOB. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and 
perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material 
misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was 
maintained in all material respects. 

Our audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the 
financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such 
procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial 
statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by 
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over 
financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk 
that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control 
based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the 
circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions. 

53 

 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

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. 

/s/ RSM US LLP 

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2015. 

Boston, Massachusetts 
March 12, 2018 

54 

 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. 

Consolidated Balance Sheets 

(In thousands, except share and per-share data) 

December 31,  

2017 

2016 

ASSETS: 
Current assets: 

Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
Restricted cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
Marketable securities   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
Total current assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 

 12,910   $ 
 361  
 —  
 535  
 13,806  
 157  
 82  
 14,045   $ 

 21,464 
 361 
 11,577 
 451 
 33,853 
 510 
 421 
 34,784 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY: 
Current liabilities: 

Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
Loan payable, current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Derivative warrant liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
Deferred rent, current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
Total current liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
Loan payable, net of current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
Deferred rent, net of current portion  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Other liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      

 988   $ 
 452  
 4  
 30  
 1,638  
 3,112  
 400  
 367  
 56  
 3,935  

 1,011 
 423 
 1,314 
 141 
 1,959 
 4,848 
 852 
 135 
 — 
 5,835 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 16) 
Stockholders’ equity: 

Common stock, $0.00001 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares; 34,274,776 
shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017; 32,044,087 shares issued 
and outstanding at December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
Additional paid-in capital  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
Accumulated deficit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Total stockholders’ equity  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 

 1  
 194,016  
 (183,907) 
 10,110  
 14,045   $ 

 1 
 185,955 
 (157,007)
 28,949 
 34,784 

See notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
         
 
       
     
 
   
  
 
  
  
  
  
     
 
   
     
 
   
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
     
 
   
     
 
   
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. 

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss 

(In thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Operating expenses: 

Research and development  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 
General and administrative  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Operating loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Other income (expense): 

Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Interest expense  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Derivatives gain (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Other income (expense), net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 
Net loss per share, basic and diluted  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic 
and diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Other comprehensive loss: 

2017 

Year Ended December 31,  
2016 

2015 

 11,083  
 13,510  
 24,593  
 (24,593) 

 189  
 (74) 
 (2,267) 
 (2,152) 
 (26,745) 
 (0.81) 

$ 

$ 
$ 

 12,557  
 11,506  
 24,063  
 (24,063) 

 187  
 (155) 
 593  
 625  
 (23,438) 
 (0.76) 

$ 

$ 
$ 

 10,058 
 12,340 
 22,398 
 (22,398)

 60 
 (172)
 (10,804)
 (10,916)
 (33,314)
 (1.26)

    32,950,068  

    31,025,585  

    26,461,374 

Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 
Other comprehensive loss: 
     Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Comprehensive loss  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 

 (26,745) 

$ 

 (23,438) 

$ 

 (33,314)

 —  
 (26,745) 

$ 

 —  
 (23,438) 

$ 

 — 
 (33,314)

See notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

56 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
     
     
 
       
 
       
 
       
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
   
 
   
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity  

Common Stock 

Shares 

  Additional 
Paid-in 
    Amount      Capital 

Total 

  Accumulated   Stockholders’  

Deficit 

    Equity  

Balance as of December 31, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      23,453,000  $
Share-based compensation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Issuance of common stock in public offering . . . . . . . . .    
Issuance of common stock for services . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of 

 — 
 2,388,245 
 — 

warrants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       1,379,575 

Issuance of common stock upon exercise of  

stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     

 316,177 

Fair value of derivative warrant liability reclassified 

 — 
to additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
 1,514 
Fractional shares issued due to reverse stock split . . . . .    
 17,437 
Issuance of common stock to 401(k) plan . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
— 
Balance as of December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      27,555,948 
Share-based compensation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
 — 
Issuance of common stock and warrants in public 

offerings, net of $2,040 issuance costs . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Issuance of common stock for services . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Issuance of common stock upon cashless exercise 

 4,293,333 
 365 

of warrants  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     

 4,979 

Issuance of common stock upon exercise of  

 135,205 
stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
 16,729 
Issuance of common stock under ESPP . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
 — 
Fractional shares issued due to reverse stock split . . . . .    
 37,528 
Issuance of common stock to 401(k) plan . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
 — 
Balance as of December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      32,044,087 
Cumulative adjustment on adoption of 

ASU 2016-09 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Share-based compensation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Issuance of common stock on warrant exchange  . . . . . .    
Issuance of common stock for services . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of warrants . .     
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of  

 — 
 — 
 2,021,419 
 350 
 3,464 

stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Issuance of common stock under ESPP . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Issuance of common stock to 401(k) plan . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Balance as of December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      34,274,776  $ 

 89,387 
 17,750 
 98,319 
 — 

 1  $ 106,172  $  (100,255) $

 — 
 — 
 — 

 — 

 — 

 — 
 — 
 — 
— 
 1 
 — 

 — 
 — 

 — 

 — 
 — 
 — 
 — 
 — 
 1 

 — 
 — 
 — 
 — 
 — 

 4,666 
 14,480 
 — 

 7,789 

 1,068 

 16,121 
 — 
 201 
— 
 150,497 
 5,063 

 29,905 
 — 

 — 

 191 
 91 
 — 
 208 
 — 
 185,955 

 155 
 4,106 
 3,537 
 — 
 3 

 — 
 — 
 — 

 — 

 — 

 — 
 — 
 — 
 (33,314)
 (133,569)
 — 

 — 
 — 

 — 

 — 
 — 
 — 
 — 
 (23,438)
 (157,007)

 (155)
 — 
 — 
 — 
 — 

 — 
 — 
 — 
 — 
 1  $  194,016  $   (183,907) $ 

 — 
 — 
 — 
 (26,745)

 26 
 51 
 183 
 — 

 5,918  
 4,666  
 14,480  
 —  

 7,789  

 1,068  

 16,121  
 —  
 201  
 (33,314) 
 16,929  
 5,063  

 29,905  
 —  

 —  

 191  
 91  
 —  
 208  
 (23,438) 
 28,949  

 —  
 4,106  
 3,537  
 —  
 3  

 26  
 51  
 183  
 (26,745) 
 10,110  

See notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

57 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 

(In thousands) 

Years Ended December 31, 
2016 

2015 

2017 

Cash flows from operating activities: 

Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ (26,745)  $  (23,438)  $  (33,314) 
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: 

Depreciation and amortization  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
Loss on impairment of fixed assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
Derivatives (gain) loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
Non-cash interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
Common stock issued to 401(k) plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
Share-based compensation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
Non-cash investment (income) expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: 

 395  
 41  
 2,267  
 5  
 183  
 4,106  
 —  

 548  
 —  
 (593) 
 5  
 208  
 5,063  
 98  

 684  
 —  
    10,804  
 5  
 201  
 4,666  
 —  

Restricted cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
Prepaid expenses   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
Accounts payable  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
Accrued expenses and other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       

 —  
 (89) 
 321  
 (23) 
 (144) 
Net cash used in operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        (19,683) 

 —  
 (267) 
 (324) 
 489  
 1,471  
   (16,740) 

 61  
 888  
 3  
 (48) 
 (279) 
   (16,329) 

Cash flows from investing activities: 

Purchases of marketable securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
Sales of marketable securities   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
Purchases of property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       

 (8,256) 
 19,833  
 (65) 
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         11,512  

   (18,916) 
 12,515  
 (107) 
 (6,508) 

 (5,274) 
 —  
 (5) 
 (5,279) 

Cash flows from financing activities: 

 1,068  
 26  
Proceeds from exercise of stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
 —  
 51  
Proceeds from issuance of stock under ESPP  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
 7,789  
 3  
Proceeds from exercise of warrants  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
 (250) 
 (423) 
Repayment of loan payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
 (18) 
 —  
Repayment of note payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
 —  
 (40) 
Repurchase of warrants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
    14,480  
 —  
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
    23,069  
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
 (383) 
 1,461  
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (8,554) 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         21,464  
    13,459  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $  12,910   $   21,464   $   14,920  

 191  
 91  
 —  
 (395) 
 —  
 —  
    29,905  
    29,792  
 6,544  
    14,920  

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information and non-cash investing 
and financing activities: 

 71   $ 
Cash paid for interest  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $
Cash paid for taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $
—   $ 
Reclassification of derivative warrant liability to additional paid-in capital . .     $
 —   $ 
Non-cash issuance of common stock for warrants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $  3,537   $ 

 121  
 103   $ 
 —   $ 
—  
 —   $   16,121  
 251  
 90   $ 

See notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

58 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
    
     
 
         
 
       
 
       
 
     
 
   
 
   
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
 
   
 
   
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
     
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
     
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(In thousands, except share and per-share data) 

1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND GOING CONCERN 

Business 

InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. (the “Company”) is a pioneering biomaterials and biotechnology company 

with a focus on the treatment of spinal cord injuries (“SCIs”). The Company’s proprietary technologies incorporate 
intellectual property that is licensed under an exclusive, worldwide license from Boston Children’s Hospital and the 
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as intellectual property that has been developed internally in 
collaboration with its advisors and partners. 

Since its inception, the Company has devoted substantially all of its efforts to business planning, research and 
development, recruiting management and technical staff, acquiring operating assets, and raising capital. The Company 
has historically financed its operations primarily through the sale of equity-related securities. At December 31, 2017, the 
Company has consolidated cash and cash equivalents of $12,910. The Company has not achieved profitability and may 
not be able to realize sufficient revenue to achieve or sustain profitability in the future. The Company does not expect to 
be profitable in the next several years, but rather expects to incur additional operating losses. The Company has limited 
liquidity and capital resources and must obtain significant additional capital resources in order to sustain its product 
development efforts, for acquisition of technologies and intellectual property rights, for preclinical and clinical testing of 
its anticipated products, pursuit of regulatory approvals, acquisition of capital equipment, laboratory and office facilities, 
establishment of production capabilities, for selling, general and administrative expenses, and other working capital 
requirements. The Company expects that it will need additional capital to fund its operations, which it may raise through 
a combination of equity offerings, debt financings, other third party funding, marketing and distribution arrangements, 
and other collaborations, strategic alliances, and licensing arrangements. 

Going Concern 

The Company’s financial statements as of December 31, 2017 were prepared under the assumption that the 

Company will continue as a going concern. At December 31, 2017, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of 
$12,910. Given the Company’s development plans, we estimate cash resources will be sufficient to fund our operations 
into the fourth quarter of 2018. This estimate is based on assumptions that may prove to be wrong; expenses could prove 
to be significantly higher, leading to a more rapid consumption of the Company’s existing resources. 

The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern depends on its ability to obtain additional equity or debt 

financing, attain further operating efficiencies, reduce expenditures, and, ultimately, to generate revenue. If the Company 
is unable to continue as a going concern, it may have to liquidate its assets and may receive less than the value at which 
those assets are carried on its audited financial statements, and it is likely that investors will lose all or part of their 
investment. If the Company seeks additional financing to fund its business activities in the future and there remains 
substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern, investors or other financing sources may be unwilling 
to provide additional funding to the Company on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Based on these factors, 
management determined that there is substantial doubt regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

A summary of the significant accounting policies followed by the Company in the preparation of the financial 

statements is as follows: 

Use of estimates 

The process of preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in 

the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts 
of assets and liabilities and disclosure of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported 

59 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
amounts expensed during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and changes in estimates 
may occur.  

Basis of presentation and principles of consolidation 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. and its 

wholly-owned subsidiary, InVivo Therapeutics Corporation. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have 
been eliminated in consolidation. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or U.S. GAAP. 

Cash and cash equivalents 

The Company considers only those investments that are highly liquid, readily convertible to cash, and that 

mature within three months from date of purchase to be cash equivalents.  

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, cash equivalents were comprised of money market funds and other short-term 

investments. 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of the following: 

December 31,  

(In thousands)  
 111  
Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
Money market funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
    21,353  
Total cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $   12,910   $  21,464  

    12,887  

 23   $

2017 

2016 

Marketable securities 

The Company invests its excess cash in fixed income instruments denominated and payable in U.S. dollars, 

including obligations of the U.S. government and its agencies, money market instruments, money market funds, 
corporate obligations, asset-backed securities, and municipal obligations. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had 
no marketable securities. As of December 31, 2016, the Company’s investment portfolio consisted of marketable 
securities with an original maturity of greater than 90 days. The Company has designated all investments as available-
for-sale and therefore, such investments are reported at fair value. For securities sold prior to maturity, the cost of 
securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are 
recorded in interest income (expense), net. Interest is recorded when earned. Investments with original maturities greater 
than approximately three months and remaining maturities less than one year are classified as short-term investments. 
Investments with remaining maturities greater than one year are classified as long-term investments. The Company 
considers securities with maturities of three months or less from the purchase date to be cash equivalents. 

At December 31, 2017, the Company had no marketable securities. At December 31, 2016, the aggregate fair 

value of the Company’s marketable securities was $11,577. Gross unrealized gains and losses were insignificant for the 
years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.  

We conduct periodic reviews to identify and evaluate each investment that is in an unrealized loss position in 
order to determine whether an other-than-temporary impairment exists. An unrealized loss exists when the current fair 
value of an individual security is less than its amortized cost basis. Unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities 
that are determined to be temporary, and not related to credit loss, are recorded, net of tax, in accumulated other 
comprehensive income (loss).  

Restricted cash 

Restricted cash as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $361 and included a $50 security deposit related to the 

Company’s credit card account and a $311 standby letter of credit in favor of a landlord (see Note 16). 

60 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial instruments 

The carrying amounts reported in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets for cash, cash equivalents, 

marketable securities and accounts payable approximate fair value based on the short-term nature of these instruments. 
The carrying value of the loan payable approximates fair value due to market terms. 

Property and equipment 

Property and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation and amortization expense are recorded over the 
estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method. A summary of the estimated useful lives is as follows: 

Classification 
Computer hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Office furniture and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Research and lab equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Leasehold improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     

Estimated Useful Life 
3 - 5 years 
3 years 
5 years 
5 years 
Remaining life of lease 

Research and development expenses 

Costs incurred for research and development are expensed as incurred. 

Concentrations of credit risk 

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally 

of cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities. The Company maintains cash in commercial banks, which may at 
times exceed Federally Insured limits. The Company has not experienced any loss in such accounts. The Company 
believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents. 

Segment information 

Operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete financial 
information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in making 
decisions regarding resource allocation and assessing performance. To date, the Company has viewed its operations and 
manages its business as principally one operating segment, which is developing and commercializing biopolymer 
scaffolding devices for the treatment of spinal cord injuries. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, all of the Company’s 
assets were located in one location in the United States. 

Income taxes 

For federal and state income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based upon temporary 

differences between the financial statement and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred income taxes are based 
upon prescribed rates and enacted laws applicable to periods in which differences are expected to reverse. A valuation 
allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be 
realized. Accordingly, the Company provides a valuation allowance, if necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to 
amounts that are realizable. Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Company’s tax 
returns are required to be evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained 
by the applicable tax authority. 

Tax positions not deemed to meet a more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax expense in the 

current year. There were no material uncertain tax positions that required accrual or disclosure to the financial statements 
as of December 31, 2017 or 2016. Tax years subsequent to 2013 remain open to examination by U.S. federal and state 
tax authorities. 

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“the Act”) was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Act reduces the US federal 

corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign 
subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings.  On December 

61 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
22, 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued guidance under Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income 
Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“SAB 118”) directing taxpayers to consider the impact of 
the U.S. legislation as “provisional” when it does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed 
(including computations) in reasonable detail to complete its accounting for the change in tax law.  

At December 31, 2017, we have not completed our accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Act; 

however, as described below, we have made a reasonable estimate of the effects on our existing deferred tax balances. In 
all cases, we will continue to make and refine our calculations as additional analysis is completed. In addition, our 
estimates may also be affected as we gain a more thorough understanding of the tax law. 

Impairment of long-lived assets 

The Company continually monitors events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that carrying 

amounts of long-lived assets may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when expected cash flows are 
less than an asset’s carrying value. Accordingly, when indicators of impairment are present, the Company evaluates the 
carrying value of such assets in relation to the operating performance and future undiscounted cash flows of the 
underlying assets. The Company’s policy is to record an impairment loss when it is determined that the carrying value of 
the asset may not be recoverable. On August 28, 2017, the Company implemented a strategic restructuring and as a 
result recorded an impairment loss of $41 related to certain fixed assets (Note 4). No impairment charge was recorded 
for the year ended 2016. 

Share-based payments 

The Company accounts for all stock-based payment awards granted to employees and nonemployees using a 

fair value method. The Company’s stock-based payments include stock options and grants of common stock, including 
common stock subject to vesting. The measurement date for employee awards is the date of grant, and stock-based 
compensation costs are recognized as expense over the employees’ requisite service period, which is the vesting period, 
on a straight-line basis. The measurement date for nonemployee awards is the date the services are completed, resulting 
in periodic adjustments to stock-based compensation during the vesting period for changes in the fair value of the 
awards. Stock-based compensation costs for nonemployees are recognized as expense over the vesting period on a 
straight-line basis. Stock-based compensation is classified in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations 
and comprehensive loss based on the department to which the related services are provided. 

Derivative instruments 

The Company generally does not use derivative instruments to hedge exposures to cash-flow or market risks; 
however, certain warrants to purchase common stock that do not meet the requirements for classification as equity are 
classified as liabilities. In such instances, net-cash settlement is assumed for financial reporting purposes, even when the 
terms of the underlying contracts do not provide for a net-cash settlement. Such financial instruments are initially 
recorded at fair value, with subsequent changes in fair value charged (credited) to operations in each reporting period. If 
these instruments subsequently meet the requirements for classification as equity, the Company reclassifies the fair value 
to equity. 

Net loss per common share 

Basic net loss per share of common stock has been computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average 

number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share of common stock has been computed by 
dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect, if any, of outstanding 
stock options, warrants and convertible securities. Diluted net loss per share of common stock has been computed by 
dividing the net loss for the period by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during such 
period. In a net loss period, options, warrants, unvested restricted stock units and convertible securities are anti-dilutive 
and therefore excluded from diluted loss per share calculations.  

For the year ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, the following potentially dilutive securities were not 

included in the computation of net loss per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive: 

62 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Warrants  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Unvested restricted stock units . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

2017 
 3,369,245 
 2,166,149 
 500,000 
 6,035,394 

2016 
 3,193,785 
 3,391,439 
 — 
 6,585,224 

2015 
 3,253,310 
 1,156,779 
 — 
 4,410,089 

Recent accounting pronouncements 

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 
(“ASU”) No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based 
Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”) to require changes to several areas of employee share-based payment accounting in an 
effort to simplify share-based reporting. The update revises requirements in the following areas: minimum statutory 
withholding, accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and intrinsic value accounting for private entities. ASU 2016-09 is 
effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within 
each annual reporting period. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2017. Prior to adoption, the Company 
recognized share-based compensation, net of estimated forfeitures, over the vesting period of the grant. Upon adoption 
of ASU 2016-09, the Company elected to change its accounting policy to recognize forfeitures as they occur. The 
Company continues to recognize share-based compensation expense over the vesting period of the grant. The new 
forfeiture policy election was adopted using a modified retrospective approach with a cumulative effect adjustment of 
$155 recorded to accumulated deficit on the balance sheet as of January 1, 2017. Prior to January 1, 2017, the Company 
recognized the excess tax benefits of stock-based compensation expense as additional paid-in capital and tax deficiencies 
of stock-based compensation expense in the income tax provision or as additional paid-in capital to the extent that there 
were sufficient recognized excess tax benefits previously recognized. Previously, the excess tax benefits reduced taxes 
payable prior to being recognized as an increase in additional paid-in capital, and therefore the Company had not 
recognized certain deferred tax assets that could be attributed to tax deductions. As a result of the adoption, the deferred 
tax assets associated with certain net operating losses increased, which was offset by a corresponding increase in the 
valuation allowance and therefore the adoption of the tax-related guidance in this standard did not have an impact on our 
consolidated financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2017.  

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The guidance in this ASU 
supersedes the leasing guidance in Topic 840, Leases. Under the new guidance, lessees are required to recognize lease 
assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified 
as either finance leases or operating leases, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the 
statement of operations. The new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, 
including interim reporting periods within each annual reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact 
of the adoption of this ASU on the financial statements. 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash 

Payments (“ASU 2016-15”) to address how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the 
statement of cash flows in an effort to reduce existing diversity in practice. The update includes eight specific cash flow 
issues and provides guidance on the appropriate cash flow presentation for each. ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual 
reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within each annual reporting 
period. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the financial 
statements.  

 In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash 
to clarify how entities should present restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. Under 
this new update, entities are required to show the changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and 
restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. This guidance will be applied retrospectively and is effective 
for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within each annual 
reporting period. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the financial 
statements. 

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of 
Modification Accounting (“ASU 2017-09”) to clarify when to account for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-
based payment award as a modification. Under this new guidance, modification accounting is required if the fair value, 
vesting conditions, or classification of the award changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. ASU 2017-09 

63 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
    
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within 
each annual reporting period. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on 
the financial statements. 

In July 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-11, Part I. Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with 

Down Round Features and Part II. Replacement of the Indefinite Deferral for Mandatorily Redeemable Financial 
Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests with a Scope 
Exception (“ASU 2017-11”). Part I of this guidance applies to entities that issue financial instruments such as warrants, 
convertible debt or convertible preferred stock that contain down round features. Part II of this guidance replaces the 
indefinite deferrals for certain mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests and mandatorily redeemable financial 
instruments of nonpublic entities. ASU 2017-11 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 
2018, including interim reporting periods within each annual reporting period. The Company has concluded that the 
adoption of this ASU will not have a material impact on the financial statements. 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”) 

to provide updated guidance on revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 requires a company to recognize revenue when it 
transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company 
expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies may need to use more judgment 
and make more estimates than under today’s guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the 
contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price, and allocating the 
transaction price to each separate performance obligation. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue 
from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, which deferred the effective date of ASU 
2014-09 by one year. Accordingly, ASU 2014-09 is effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods 
beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within each annual reporting period. In March 
2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent 
Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross Versus Net), which clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus 
agent considerations. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 
606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which clarifies certain aspects of identifying performance 
obligations and licensing implementation guidance. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from 
Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, which relates to 
disclosures of remaining performance obligations, as well as other amendments to guidance on collectability, non-cash 
consideration, and the presentation of sales and other similar taxes collected from customers. These standards are 
effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within 
each annual reporting period. Currently, this guidance is not applicable to the Company as the Company does not 
generate revenue. However, the Company will adopt the guidance and evaluate the impact of adopting ASU 2014-09 on 
the consolidated financial statements when the Company begins to generate revenue.  

3. MARKETABLE SECURITIES 

The Company invests its excess cash in fixed income instruments denominated and payable in U.S. dollars 
including money market accounts, commercial paper, and corporate obligations in accordance with the Company’s 
investment policy that primarily seeks to maintain adequate liquidity and preserve capital.  

The following table summarizes the Company’s cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities as of 

December 31, 2017 and 2016:  

(In thousands)  
Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
Money market funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Marketable securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities . . . . . .    $ 

2017 

2016 

 23   $ 

 12,887  
 —  
 12,910   $ 

 111 
 21,353 
 11,577 
 33,041 

     December 31,  

  December 31,  

64 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
     
  
  
 
 
As of December 31, 2017, the Company had no marketable securities. As of December 31, 2016, the 

Company’s investment portfolio consisted of cash, money market funds and marketable securities with an original 
maturity of greater than 90 days. The Company has designated all investments as available-for-sale and therefore, such 
investments are reported at fair value. 

The following table summarizes the Company’s short-term investments in marketable securities by category as 

of December 31, 2016: 

(In thousands)  
December 31, 2016 
 Current (due within 1 year or less)  
    Commercial paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
    Corporate obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
   Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 

Amortized 
Cost  

Unrealized 
Gains  

Unrealized 
Losses  

    Fair Value  

 4,240  
 7,337  
 11,577   $ 

 —   
 —  
 —   $ 

 —    $ 
 4,240   
 7,337  
 —    
 —   $   11,577  

As of December 31, 2016, the Company’s investments in marketable securities are classified in current assets 

as they are due in one year or less. 

4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT 

Property and equipment, net consisted of the following: 

2017 

2016 

Computer software and hardware  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 
Research and lab equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Leasehold improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Office equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Property and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 

 241   $ 
 508  
 431  
 796  
   (1,819) 

 606  
    1,895  
 431  
 796  
   (3,218) 
 510  

 157   $ 

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 was $377, $536, and $672, 

respectively. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred and any additions or improvements are 
capitalized. On August 28, 2017, the Company implemented a strategic restructuring and as a result wrote off $1,807 of 
fully depreciated assets and also recorded an impairment loss of $41 related to certain fixed assets in connection with the 
restructuring. The Company had no disposals for the years ended 2016. 

5. INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

Intangible assets, included in “other assets,” consisted of patent licensing fees paid to license intellectual 

property (see Note 15).  The Company is amortizing the license fee as a research and development expense over the 15–
year term of the license. 

Patent licensing fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 
Accumulated amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

 200   $ 
 (139) 

2017 

  $ 

 61   $ 

2016 

 200  
 (122) 
 78  

For each of the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, the amortization expense was $17. 

Amortization expense is expected to be $17 per year for 2018, 2019, and 2020, and $10 in 2021. 

65 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
  
  
  
 
 
 
6. ACCRUED EXPENSES 

Accrued expenses consisted of the following: 

December 31,  

(In thousands)  
 906  
Bonus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
 126  
Payroll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
 91  
Vacation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
 385  
Severance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Other accrued expenses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
 451  
Total accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $   1,638   $  1,959  

 62     $ 
 79  
 55  
 1,160  
 282  

2016 

2017 

7. FAIR VALUES OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 

The Company groups its assets and liabilities generally measured at fair value in three levels, based on the 

markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. 

Level 1—Valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets 
and liabilities, generally include debt and equity securities that are traded in an active exchange market. Valuations are 
obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities. 

Level 2—Valuation is based on observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar 

assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated 
by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. 

Level 3—Valuation is based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that 

are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments 
whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as 
instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. 

The Company uses valuation methods and assumptions that consider, among other factors, the fair value of the 

underlying stock, risk-free interest rate, volatility, expected life, and dividend rates in estimating the fair value for the 
warrants considered to be derivative instruments. 

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below: 

(In thousands)  
Cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 
Marketable securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 
Derivative warrant liability . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 

Level 1 

At December 31, 2017 
      Level 2        Level 3       
 —   $ 
 —   $ 
 4   $ 

 —   $ 
 —   $ 
 —   $ 

 12,887   $ 
 —   $ 
 —   $ 

Fair Value 

 12,887  
 —  
 4  

(In thousands)  
Cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 
Marketable securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 
Derivative warrant liability . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 

Level 1 
 21,353   $ 
 —   $ 
 —   $ 

Level 2 

      Level 3        Fair Value 

 —   $ 
 11,577   $ 
 1,314   $ 

 —   $ 
 —   $ 
 —   $ 

 21,353  
 11,577  
 1,314  

At December 31, 2016 

8. LOAN PAYABLE 

In October 2012, the Company entered into a loan agreement with the Massachusetts Development Finance 

Agency (“MassDev”). The loan agreement provided the Company with a $2,000 line of credit from the Commonwealth 
of Massachusetts’s Emerging Technology fund, with $200 designated to be used for working capital purposes and the 
remainder to be used for the purchase of capital equipment. The annual interest rate on the loan is fixed at 6.5% with 
interest-only payments for the first thirty months, commencing on November 1, 2012, and then equal interest and 
principal payments over the next fifty-four months, until the final maturity of the loan on October 5, 2019. Commencing 

66 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
    
     
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
  
 
 
 
on May 1, 2015, equal monthly principal payments of $41 are due until loan maturity. Therefore, for the years ending 
December 31, 2018, and 2019, principal payments of $452 and $400, respectively, will be due. In October 2012, as part 
of the agreement, the Company issued MassDev a warrant for the purchase of 9,037 shares of the Company’s common 
stock. The warrant has a seven-year term and is exercisable at $6.64 per share. The fair value of the warrant was 
determined to be $32 and is being amortized through interest expense over the life of the note. For each of the years 
ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 amortization expense was $5, and was included in interest expense in the 
Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The equipment line of credit is secured by substantially all the assets 
of the Company, excluding intellectual property. Interest expense related to this loan was $71, $99, and $126 for the 
years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. 

At December 31, loans payable consisted of the following: 

December 31,  

MassDev Loan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 
Less: current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

2016 

2017 
 852   $   1,275  
 (423) 
 852  

 400   $ 

    (452) 

  $ 

9. INCOME TAXES 

No provision or benefit for federal or state income taxes has been recorded as the Company has incurred a net 

loss for all of the periods presented and the Company has provided a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax 
assets. 

At December 31, 2017, the Company had U.S. federal and Massachusetts net operating loss carryforwards of 

$117,298 and $109,183, respectively, of which federal carryforwards will expire in varying amounts beginning in 2026. 
Massachusetts net operating losses begin to expire in 2029. Utilization of net operating losses may be subject to 
substantial annual limitations due to the “change in ownership” provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, and similar 
state provisions. The annual limitations may result in the expiration of net operating losses before utilization. The 
Company has completed several financings since its inception, which may have resulted in a change in ownership, or 
could result in a change in ownership in the future, but has not yet completed an analysis of whether an ownership 
change limitation exists. The Company will complete an appropriate analysis before its tax attributes are utilized. The 
Company also had federal and state research and development tax credits of $991 and $230, respectively, at 
December 31, 2017, which will begin to expire in 2022 unless previously utilized. 

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“the Act”) was enacted in the United States. The Act 

reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on 
earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred and creates new taxes on certain foreign 
sourced earnings. At December 31, 2017, we have not completed our accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the 
Act, including the effects on our existing deferred tax balances. In addition to the reduction in the federal corporate tax 
rate, which we have accounted for with provision estimates at December 31, 2017, we continue to analyze the provisions 
of tax reform that become effective for the Company in 2018 including the provisions related to Global Intangible Low 
Taxed Income, Foreign Derived Intangible Income, Base Erosion Anti-Abuse Tax, as well as other provisions which 
would limit the deductibility of future expenses. 

As a result of the Act, we remeasured certain deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which they 

are anticipated to reverse in the future, which is generally 21%.  This resulted in a decrease to our gross deferred tax 
assets and a corresponding decrease in our valuation allowance of $15,521. Any items reported are done so using 
provisional amounts until the initial accounting required by the Act is complete.  Additional time and resources are 
needed to ensure the correct implementation of the Act. 

67 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Significant components of the Company’s net deferred tax assets are as follows: 

December 31,  

2017 

2016 

Net operating loss carryforward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $   31,533   $  37,245  
 1,065  
Research and development credit carryforward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
 5,235  
Stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
 31  
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
 264  
Accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
 63  
Charitable contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
    43,903  
Subtotal  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
   (43,903) 
Valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
 —  
Net deferred taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 

 1,173  
 2,828  
 71  
 357  
 27  
    35,989  
   (35,989) 

 —   $

The Company has maintained a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets in all periods presented. 

A valuation allowance is required to be recorded when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net 
deferred tax assets will not be realized. Since the Company cannot be assured of generating taxable income and thereby 
realizing the net deferred tax assets, a full valuation allowance has been provided. During the year ending December 31, 
2017, the Company adopted ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.  As part of 
the adoption, the Company recorded through retained earnings additional deferred tax assets of $642 related to 
previously unrecognized tax losses with an equal and offsetting adjustment to the Company's valuation allowance.  The 
net impact of the adoption on the Company's deferred tax assets was $0. In the years ended December 31, 2017 and 
2016, the valuation allowance decreased by $7,914 and increased $9,406, respectively. 

The Company has no uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2017 and 2016 that would affect its effective tax 
rate. The Company does not anticipate a significant change in the amount of uncertain tax positions over the next twelve 
months. Since the Company is in a loss carryforward position, the Company is generally subject to U.S. federal and state 
income tax examinations by tax authorities for all years for which a loss carryforward is available. 

Income tax benefits computed using the federal statutory income tax rate differ from the same benefits 

computed using the Company’s effective tax rate primarily due to the following: 

Statutory rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
State taxes, net of benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Permanent differences: 

      2017       

December 31,  
2016       
 (34.0)%   (34.0)%    (34.0)% 
 (3.5)% 
 (5.4)%  
 (4.7)%  

2015    

 (0.9)%    11.0 % 
Derivative losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
 0.3 % 
 0.2 %  
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
 (0.4)% 
 (0.5)%  
Research and development tax credit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
 0.4 % 
 0.5 %  
Other  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
 — % 
 — %  
Adoption of ASU 2016-09 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Increase / (decrease) in valuation reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      (32.0)%    40.1 %    26.2 % 
 — % 
Change in federal tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
0.0 % 
Effective tax rate  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

 2.9 %  
 1.1 %  
 (0.2)%  
 1.4 %  
 7.4 % 

 58.1 %  
0.0 %  

 — %  
0.0 %  

10. COMMON STOCK 

The Company has authorized 100,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.00001 par value per share, of which 

34,274,776, shares were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 32,044,087 shares were issued and 
outstanding as of December 31, 2016. 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company issued an aggregate of 89,387 shares of common 

stock upon the exercise of stock options and received cash proceeds from such exercises of $26. 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company issued an aggregate of 3,464 shares of common stock 

upon the exercise of warrants and received cash proceeds from such exercises of $3. 

68 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
     
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company issued an aggregate of 98,319 shares of common 

stock with a fair value of $183 to the Company’s 401(k) plan as a matching contribution. 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company issued an aggregate of 17,750 shares of common 

stock under the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”) and received cash proceeds of $51. 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,021,419 shares of common 

stock to certain holders of warrants, dated May 9, 2014, in exchange for their warrants to purchase an aggregate of 
577,548 shares of common stock. The Company did not receive any cash proceeds from the warrant exchanges (see 
Note 13). 

On January 25, 2018, we entered into a purchase and a registration rights agreement with Lincoln Park Capital 

Fund, LLC (“Lincoln Park”), under which we have the right to sell up to $15,000 in shares of our common stock, 
$0.00001 par value per share, to Lincoln Park over a twenty-four-month period, subject to certain limitations and 
conditions set forth in the purchase agreement and registration rights agreement. In accordance with the terms of the 
purchase agreement, at the time we signed the purchase agreement and the registration rights agreement, we issued 
429,800 shares to Lincoln Park as consideration for its commitment to purchase shares of our common stock under the 
purchase agreement (see Note 19). 

In March 2016, the Company closed an underwritten public offering of an aggregate of 4,293,333 shares of 

common stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 2,146,666 shares of common stock, at a price to the public of 
$7.49 per share of common stock and $0.01 per warrant. The net proceeds to the Company, after deducting underwriting 
discounts and offering expenses, were approximately $29,905. The warrants have a per share exercise price of $10.00, or 
approximately 133% of the public offering price of the common stock, are exercisable immediately, and expire on 
March 18, 2021. The warrants contain a cashless exercise feature whereby shares are withheld to cover the exercise cost 
and the warrant holder receives a net issuance of the remaining shares. The Company intends to use the net proceeds 
from the offering to fund ongoing clinical trials and for general corporate purposes.  

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company issued an aggregate of 135,205 shares of common 

stock upon the exercise of stock options and received cash proceeds from such exercises of $191. 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company issued an aggregate of 4,979 shares of common stock 

upon the cashless exercise of warrants. 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company issued an aggregate of 37,528 shares of common 

stock with a fair value of $208 to the Company’s 401(k) plan as a matching contribution. 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company issued an aggregate of 16,729 shares of common 

stock under the ESPP and received cash proceeds of $91. 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company issued an aggregate of 316,177 shares of common 

stock upon the exercise of stock options, including stock options to purchase 52,224 shares of common stock exercised 
through cashless exercise provisions resulting in the issuance of 14,961 shares of common stock and stock options to 
purchase 301,216 shares of common stock exercised for cash, providing cash proceeds of $1,068. 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company issued an aggregate of 1,379,575 shares of common 
stock upon the exercise of warrants, including warrants to purchase 40,955 shares of common stock exercised through 
cashless exercise provisions resulting in the issuance of 25,052 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 
1,354,523 shares of common stock exercised for cash, providing net cash proceeds of $7,789. 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company issued an aggregate of 17,437 shares of common 

stock with a fair value of $201 to the Company’s 401(k) plan as a matching contribution. 

In January 2015, the Company closed a registered direct offering of an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of 

common stock, resulting in net proceeds of $11,038. 

69 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As part of the adjustment to reflect the Company’s 1-for-4 reverse stock split on its common stock on April 8, 

2015, the Company issued 1,514 shares of common stock to account for the fractional roundup of shareholders. 

In July 2015, the Company entered into a Sales Agreement (the “Sales Agreement”) with Cowen and Company, 

LLC (“Cowen”) pursuant to which the Company may issue and sell from time to time shares of common stock having 
aggregate sales proceeds of up to $50,000 through an “at the market” equity offering program under which Cowen acts 
as the Company’s sales agent. The Company is required to pay Cowen a commission of 3% on the gross proceeds from 
the sale of shares of common stock under the Sales Agreement. The Company issued 388,245 shares of common stock 
under the Sales Agreement during the year ended December 31, 2015, providing cash proceeds of $3,442, net, through 
this facility.   

Common Stock Reserves 

As of December 31, 2017, the Company had the following reserves established for the future issuance of 

common stock as follows: 

Reserves for the exercise of warrants  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        2,166,149  
 3,369,245  
Reserves for the exercise of stock options  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
 500,000  
Reserves for the vesting of restricted stock units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
 6,035,394  
Total Reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

11. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS 

The warrants issued in connection with the Company’s May 2014 public offering to purchase 1,750,156 shares 

of the common stock (see Note 10) have anti-dilution protection provisions and, under certain conditions, require the 
Company to automatically reprice the warrants. Accordingly, these warrants are accounted for as derivative warrant 
liabilities. Through the date of the warrant exchange (Note 13), the Company used the Binomial Lattice option pricing 
model and assumptions that consider, among other factors, the fair value of the underlying stock, risk-free interest rate, 
volatility, expected life, and dividend rates in estimating fair value for the warrants considered to be derivative 
instruments. As of December 31, 2017 the derivative warrant liability was insignificant. Changes in the fair value of the 
derivative financial instruments are recognized currently in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations as a 
derivative gain or loss. The warrant derivative gains or losses are non-cash expenses and for the years ended December 
31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, a (gain) loss of $2,267, $(593) and $10,804, respectively, were included in other income 
(expense) in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.  

The fair value of these derivative instruments at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $4 and $1,314, respectively, 
and was included as a derivative warrant liability in current liabilities. The assumptions used principally in determining 
the fair value of warrants were as follows: 

December 31,  

Risk-free interest rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Expected dividend yield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Contractual term . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    1.35 years 2.4 years 3.4 years
Expected volatility  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

 100 %  

 82 %  

 89 %  

     2017      
 1.91 %  
0 %  

2016      
 1.20 %  
0 %  

2015 
 0.65 %  
0 %  

The primary underlying risk exposure pertaining to the warrants is the change in fair value of the underlying 

common stock for each reporting period. 

70 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
The table below presents the changes in derivative warrant liability during the years ended December 31, 2017, 

2016, and 2015: 

Year Ended December 31,  

2017 

      2016 

2015 

Balance at beginning of year  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $  1,314   $ 1,907   $  7,224  
 —  
Increase in derivative liability prior to warrant exchange  . . . .   
 —  
Reduction in derivative liability due to warrant exchange  . . .   
 —  
Repurchase of warrants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Fair value of derivative warrant liability reclassified to 
additional paid in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Increase (decrease) in the fair value of warrants  . . . . . . . . . . .   
Balance at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $

   (16,121) 
    10,804  
 4   $ 1,314   $  1,907  

 3,029  
   (3,537) 
 (40) 

 —  
    (593) 

 —  
 —  
 —  

 —  
 (762) 

12. STOCK OPTIONS 

In 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted, and the Company’s shareholders subsequently approved, 

the 2007 Employee, Director and Consultant Stock Plan (the “2007 Plan”). Pursuant to the 2007 Plan, the Company’s 
Board of Directors (or committees and/or executive officers delegated by the Board of Directors) may grant incentive 
and nonqualified stock options to the Company’s employees, officers, directors, consultants and advisors. As of 
December 31, 2017, there were options to purchase an aggregate of 46,476 shares of common stock outstanding under 
the 2007 Plan and no shares available for future grants under the 2007 Plan. 

On October 26, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted, and the Company’s shareholders 
subsequently approved, the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (as subsequently amended, the “2010 Plan”). The 2010 Plan 
provides for grants of incentive stock options to employees, and nonqualified stock options and restricted common stock 
to employees, consultants, and non-employee directors of the Company.  

In April 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted, and the Company’ shareholders subsequently 
approved, the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”). The 2015 Plan provides for grants of incentive stock 
options to employees, and nonqualified stock, restricted common stock, restricted stock units and stock appreciation 
rights to employees, consultants, and directors of the Company.  

As of December 31, 2017, the total number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2015 Plan was 

4,322,355 shares, consisting of 4,000,000 shares initially approved under the 2015 Plan plus the 322,355 shares that 
remained available for grant under the 2010 Plan at the time of its termination. Upon approval of the 2015 Plan by the 
Company’s shareholders on June 16, 2016, the 2010 Plan was terminated and no additional shares or share awards have 
been subsequently granted under the 2010 Plan. 

As of December 31, 2017, there were outstanding options to purchase an aggregate of 1,878,125 and 1,444,644 
shares of common stock under the 2015 Plan and 2010 Plan, respectively. Options issued under the Plans are exercisable 
for up to 10 years from the date of issuance. 

Options issued under the 2007 Plan, 2010 Plan, and 2015 Plan (collectively, the “Plans”) are exercisable for up 

to 10 years from the date of issuance. 

In March 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted, and the Company’s shareholders subsequently 

approved the ESPP. The ESPP allows employees to buy company stock twice a year through after-tax payroll deductions 
at a discount from market. The Company’s Board of Directors initially authorized 187,500 shares for issuance under the 
ESPP. Commencing on the first day of the year ended December 31, 2016 and on the first day of each year thereafter 
during the term of the ESPP, the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance shall be increased by the 
lesser of (i) 1% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock on such date, (ii) 50,000 shares or (iii) a lesser 
amount determined by the Board of Directors. Under the terms of the ESPP, in no event shall the aggregate number of 
shares reserved for issuance during the term of the ESPP exceed 1,250,000 shares. 

The 2015 ESPP is considered a compensatory plan with the related compensation cost recognized over each 

respective six month offering period. As of December 31, 2017, approximately $3 of employee payroll deductions had 

71 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
    
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
been withheld since July 1, 2017, the commencement of the offering period, and are included in accrued expenses in the 
accompanying balance sheet. The compensation expense related to the ESPP for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 
2016 was $14 and $46, respectively, and is included in stock-based compensation expense. In January 2018, 4,691 
shares that were purchased as of December 31, 2017 were issued under the ESPP. 

Share-based compensation 

For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded stock-based compensation 
expense of $4,106, $5,063 and $4,666, respectively, net of forfeitures, inclusive of the expense related to the ESPP.  

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing 

model, which uses the assumptions noted in the following table. The Company uses historical data, as well as subsequent 
events occurring prior to the issuance of the financial statements, to estimate option exercises within the valuation 
model. The expected term of options granted under the Plans, all of which qualify as “plain vanilla,” is based on the 
average of the contractual term (10 years) and the vesting period (generally, 48 months). For non-employee options, the 
expected term is the contractual term. The risk-free rate is based on the yield of a U.S. Treasury security with a term 
consistent with the option. 

The assumptions used principally in determining the fair value of options granted were as follows: 

2017 

December 31,  
2016 

2015 

Risk-free interest rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       1.69 - 2.36%   1.20 - 1.52%   1.53 - 1.89%   
Expected dividend yield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
0%  
6.00 years  
Expected term (employee grants)  . . . . . . . . . . .    
116%  
Expected volatility  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

0%  
6.22 Years  
104%  

0%  
5.99 years  
111%  

A summary of option activity as of December 31, 2017 and changes for the year then ended are presented 

below: 

  Weighted   
  Average 
  Exercise 

  Weighted 
Average 

  Remaining 
  Contractual 
     Term in Years      Value 

  Aggregate  
Intrinsic   

Shares 

     Price 

Options 
 3,193,785   $   7.52  
Outstanding at December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . .    
 1,439,463   $   3.94  
Granted  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      (1,174,616)  $   6.40  
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
 (89,387)  $   0.29  
 3,369,245   $   6.57   
Outstanding at December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . .    
 2,224,246   $   7.54   
Vested at December 31, 2017  . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Vested and expected to vest at 
December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

 3,369,245   $   6.57   

 7.14   $ 
 6.22   $ 

 22  
 22  

 7.14   $ 

 22  

The weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 

and 2015 was $2.54, $5.23, and $7.37 per share, respectively. The total fair value of options that vested in the years 
ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 was $3,837, $5,179, and $5,144, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, 
there was $3,516 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested share-based option compensation 
arrangements. The unrecognized compensation expense is estimated to be recognized over a period of 2.38 years at 
December 31, 2017. 

72 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Restricted Stock Unit 

The following table summarizes the restricted stock unit (“RSU”) activity under the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan 

during the year ended December 31, 2017: 

Weighted-Average 

Unvested balance at December 31, 2016  . . . . . . . . . . . .  
        Granted  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
        Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
        Forfeited  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Unvested balance at December 31, 2017  . . . . . . . . . . . .  

 — 

     Number of Grants       Grant Date Fair Value 
 — 
 $ 
 595,000    
 1.06 
 —    
 — 
 (95,000)   
 1.25 
 1.03 
 $ 
 500,000 

For the year Ended December 31, 2017, the Company issued 595,000 RSUs to employees. These RSUs are 

subject to time-based vesting. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded stock-based compensation 
expense of $40 related to the time-based RSUs. As of December 31, 2017, total unrecognized compensation expense 
related to non-vested RSUs amounted to $474, which the Company expects to recognize over a remaining weighted-
average of 2.95 years. There are 500,000 RSUs subject to time-based vesting that remain unvested and outstanding at 
December 31, 2017. 

13. WARRANTS 

The following table presents information about warrants to purchase common stock issued and outstanding at 

December 31, 2017: 

Year Issued 
2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Weighted average exercise 
price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Weighted average life in  
years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

Classification   
Equity 
Liability 
Equity 

      Number of 
Warrants 

      Exercise       
Price 

 6,054   $ 
 13,429   $ 

 6.64   
 0.83  
 2,146,666   $   10.00  
 2,166,149  

  $ 

 9.93  

Date of Expiration   
10/5/2019 
5/9/2019 
3/18/2021 

 3.20  

In March 2016, the Company closed an underwritten public offering of an aggregate of 4,293,333 shares of 

common stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 2,146,666 shares of common stock, at a price to the public of 
$7.49 per share of common stock and $0.01 per warrant. The net proceeds to the Company, after deducting underwriting 
discounts and offering expenses, were approximately $29,905. The warrants have a per share exercise price of $10.00, or 
approximately 133% of the public offering price of the common stock, are exercisable immediately, and expire on 
March 18, 2021. The warrants are immediately exercisable, at the option of each holder, in whole or in part, in cash 
(except in the case of a cashless exercise as discussed below). The exercise price and number of shares of common stock 
issuable upon exercise of the warrants will be subject to adjustment in the event of any stock split, reverse stock split, 
stock dividend, recapitalization, or similar transaction, among other events as described in the warrants. In the event that 
shares of common stock underlying the warrants are no longer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
amended, the holder may, in its sole discretion, exercise the warrant in whole or in part and, in lieu of making cash 
payment, elect instead to receive upon such exercise the net number of shares of common stock determined according to 
the formula set forth in the warrant.  

At inception, the fair value of the warrants was estimated at $11,726 using a Black-Scholes model with the 

following assumptions: expected volatility of 112.82%, risk free interest rate of 1.34%, expected life of five years and no 
dividends. 

The Company assessed whether the warrants require accounting as derivatives. The Company determined that 
the warrants were (1) indexed to the Company’s own stock and (2) classified in stockholders’ equity in accordance with 

73 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 815, Derivatives 
and Hedging. As such, the Company has concluded the warrants meet the scope exception for determining whether the 
instruments require accounting as derivatives and should be classified in stockholders’ equity.  

Warrant Exchange 

On August 10, 2017, the Company entered into exchange agreements with certain holders of the liability 

classified warrants, dated May 9, 2014, to exchange such warrants for shares of common stock equivalent to 3.5 times 
the number of shares of common stock issuable to such holders at the $3.87 exercise price under the warrants as of the 
date of the exchanges. The Company issued an aggregate of 2,021,419 shares of common stock to the warrant holders in 
exchange for their warrants to purchase an aggregate of 577,548 shares of common stock. The warrants exchanged in 
this transaction were subsequently cancelled and terminated. 

The Company re-measured the fair value of the exchanged warrants immediately prior to the exchange and 

recorded a $3,029 derivatives loss on the statement of operations and a corresponding increase to the warrant liability on 
the balance sheet. The fair value of the warrants immediately prior to the exchange was equivalent to 2,021,419 shares of 
common stock at the Company’s closing stock price of $1.75 on August 9, 2017, the day before execution of the 
exchange. As a result of the exchange, the Company recorded the settlement by removing the derivative liability related 
to the exchanged warrants and recorded the issuance of common stock for $3,537. 

As a result of the Company’s issuance of common stock in exchange for certain of the warrants, the per share 

exercise price of the remaining warrants, dated May 9, 2014, was adjusted downwards from $3.87 per share to $0.83 per 
share and additional warrants were issued such that the remaining warrants were exercisable at the time for an aggregate 
of 48,507 shares of common stock. The remaining 2014 warrants are subject to further adjustment in the event of sales 
of the Company’s common stock at a price per share less than the exercise price of the remaining 2014 warrants then in 
effect (or securities convertible or exercisable into common stock at a conversion or exercise price less than the exercise 
price then in effect).  

Warrant Cancellation 

In the fourth quarter of 2017, we entered into warrant cancellation agreements with certain remaining holders of 

our warrants, dated May 9, 2014, to cancel and terminate such warrants for total cash consideration of $40. As of 
December 31, 2017, the remaining warrants were exercisable for an aggregate of 13,429 shares of common stock. 

14. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN 

In November 2006, the Company adopted a 401(k) plan (the “Plan”) covering all employees. Employees must 

be 21 years of age in order to participate in the Plan. Under the Plan, the Company has the option to make matching 
contributions. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company made matching contributions in the 
form of shares of the Company’s common stock. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, the Company 
issued 98,319, 37,528, and 17,437 shares of its common stock, respectively, with related fair values of $183, $208, and 
$201, respectively, which were recorded as expense in the statement of operations. 

15. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LICENSE  

In July 2007, the Company entered into a worldwide exclusive license (the “BCH License”) for patents co-

owned by Boston Children’s Hospital (“BCH”) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology initially covering the use 
of biopolymers to treat spinal cord injuries, and to promote the survival and proliferation of human stem cells in the 
spinal cord. During 2011, the BCH License was amended, and the Company obtained additional rights for use in the 
field of peripheral nerve injuries. The BCH License, as amended, has a 15-year term, or as long as the life of the last 
expiring patent right thereunder, whichever is longer, unless terminated earlier by the licensor, under certain conditions 
as defined in the related license agreement. In connection with the BCH License, the Company paid an initial $75 
licensing fee and is required to pay certain annual maintenance fees, milestone payments and royalties. License fees are 
capitalized and the gross total at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $200 (see Note 5). The Company accounts for 
milestone payments, maintenance fees and royalties when they become due and payable. For the year ended 
December 31, 2017, the Company expensed milestone payments of $175. 

74 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 

Leases 

On November 30, 2011, the Company entered into a commercial lease for 26,342 square feet of office, 
laboratory and manufacturing space in Cambridge, Massachusetts (as amended on September 17, 2012 and October 31, 
2017, the “Cambridge Lease”). The term of the Cambridge Lease is six years and three months, with one five-year 
extension option. On August 21, 2017, the Company exercised its option for the five-year extension on the Cambridge 
Lease. The five-year renewal lease term commences on November 1, 2018 and ends on October 31, 2023. The terms of 
the Cambridge Lease require a standby letter of credit in the amount of $311 (see Note 2). 

The Cambridge Lease contains rent holidays and rent escalation clauses. The Company recognizes rent expense 
on a straight-line basis over the term of the Cambridge Lease and records the difference between the amount charged to 
expense and the rent paid as a deferred rent liability. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the amount of the deferred rent 
liability is $397 and $276, respectively. 

It is the Company’s policy to assess whether improvements made to the space rented under operating leases 
should be accounted for as “lessor” or “lessee” assets. Such costs are recorded as leasehold improvements, which are 
amortized to rent expense over the term of the Cambridge Lease. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, such leasehold 
improvements totaled $61 and $143, net of accumulated depreciation. 

Pursuant to the terms of the non-cancelable lease agreements in effect at December 31, 2017, the future 

minimum rent commitments are as follows: 

Year Ended December 31, 
2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

$ 

 1,380 
 1,959 
 2,018 
 2,078 
 2,141 
 1,828 
 11,404 

Total rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, including month-to-month leases, 

was $1,231, $918 and $1,123, respectively. 

On March 31, 2016, the Company entered into a short-term lease, as subtenant, to sub-lease 5,233 square feet of 

our Facility (the “Sublease”). The lease term was from April 1, 2016 through January 31, 2017. On March 31, 2016, the 
Company received $51 covering the first month’s rent and a security deposit under the terms of the Sublease. The funds 
received for the security deposit, $26, were classified as a component of accrued expenses on balance sheet as of 
December 31, 2016. In connection with the CRISPR Sublease, the Company received sublease income of $26 and $230 
for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which was recorded as an offset to rent expense. The 
Sublease was terminated on January 31, 2017. 

On June 13, 2017, the Company entered into a short-term lease, as subtenant, to sublease 5,233 square feet of 

the Facility (the “Moderna Sublease”). The lease term is from July 1, 2017 through October 26, 2018. On June 19, 2017, 
the Company received a $55 security deposit under the terms of the Moderna Sublease. This security deposit is classified 
as a component of accrued expenses on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2017. In connection with the Moderna 
Sublease, the Company received sublease income of $164 for the year ended December 31, 2017, which was recorded as 
an offset to rent expense. 

75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation Commitment 

The Company entered into a compensation arrangement with an executive during September 2016 which 

provided for a future cash payment by the Company to the executive based on the February 13, 2017 stock price of the 
executive’s former employer. The award was earned over a period of one year. The expense related to the compensation 
arrangement was $174 and $101 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 respectively. As of December 31, 
2017 we had made all payments to the executive. 

Lawsuits with Former Employee 

In November 2013, the Company filed a lawsuit against Francis Reynolds, its former Chairman, Chief 
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, in Middlesex Superior Court, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (InVivo 
Therapeutics Holdings Corp. v. Reynolds, Civil Action No. 13-5004). The complaint alleges breaches of fiduciary 
duties, breach of contract, conversion, misappropriation of corporate assets, unjust enrichment, and corporate waste, and 
seeks monetary damages and an accounting. The lawsuit involves approximately $500 worth of personal and/or 
exorbitant expenses that the Company alleges Mr. Reynolds inappropriately caused it to pay while he was serving as the 
Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, and Chairman of the Company’s Board of 
Directors. On December 6, 2013, Mr. Reynolds answered the complaint, and filed counterclaims against the Company 
and the Company’s Board of Directors. The counterclaims allege two counts of breach of contract, two counts of breach 
of the covenant of good faith and fair-dealing, and tortious interference with a contract, and seek monetary damages and 
a declaratory judgment. The counterclaims related to Mr. Reynolds’s allegations that the Company and the Company’s 
Board of Directors interfered with the performance of his duties under the terms of his employment agreement, and that 
Mr. Reynolds was entitled to additional shares upon the exercise of certain stock options that he did not receive. On 
January 9, 2014, the Company, along with the directors named in the counterclaims, filed the Company’s answer 
denying that Mr. Reynolds is entitled to any relief. The parties have completed discovery. On March 3, 2017, the 
counterclaim defendants filed a motion for summary judgement on all counterclaims asserted by Mr. Reynolds. On 
October 18, 2017, the Court allowed the motion for summary judgment in substantial part, and denied it in part. The 
Court, citing disputed issues of fact, declined to dismiss the counterclaims for breach of contract, breach of implied 
covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and declaratory judgment concerning Mr. Reynolds’ attempted exercise of 
certain stock options, which Mr. Reynolds claims is the equivalent of 47,864 shares of common stock, but dismissed all 
other claims asserted by Mr. Reynolds. The trial is scheduled to begin on June 16, 2018. 

The Company intends to continue to defend itself against these claims and, to date, the Company has not 

recorded any provision for losses that may arise. 

17. RESTRUCTURING 

On August 28, 2017, the Company implemented a strategic restructuring. In conjunction with the strategic 

restructuring, the Company completed a reduction in force eliminating approximately 39% of its workforce. For the year 
ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded $898 in restructuring expenses, including employee severance 
benefits and related costs, as well as a write-off of certain fixed assets. 

The following table summarizes the restructuring costs by category for the periods indicated: 

Research and development  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      $ 
General and administrative  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

  $ 

Year Ended December 31, 2017 

Cash  

      Non Cash (1) 

Total  

 669 
 188 
 857 

  $ 

  $ 

 41   $ 
 —  
 41   $ 

 710 
 188 
 898 

(1)    The non-cash restructuring expenses represent write-offs of certain fixed assets in connection with the restructuring. 
The write-offs were recorded as a charge to research and development expense on the statement of operations. 

76 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
 
 
 
 
The following table summarizes the restructuring reserve for the periods indicated: 

Year Ended  

Restructuring reserve beginning balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Cash restructuring expenses incurred during the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Amounts paid during the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
 $ 

Restructuring reserve ending balance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

      December 31, 2017 
 — 
 $ 
 857 
 (509)
 348 

18. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

In January 2017, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Dr. Robert Langer, a member of our 

Scientific Advisory Board, who at the time of entering into the consulting agreement was a holder of over 5% of the 
Company’s common stock, for certain consulting services. Dr. Langer was one of the original co-founders of the 
Company. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the Company initially agreed to pay Dr. Langer $250 per year in 
consulting fees, but that amount was reduced effective October 2017 to $100 per year in consulting fees. For the year 
ended December 31, 2017 the Company paid Dr. Langer $204 in consulting fees. 

19. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS 

On January 25, 2018, the Company entered into a purchase and a registration rights agreement with Lincoln 

Park Capital Fund, LLC (“Lincoln Park”), under which the Company has the right to sell up to $15,000 in shares of 
common stock, $0.00001 par value per share, to Lincoln Park over a twenty-four-month period, subject to certain 
limitations and conditions set forth in the purchase agreement and registration rights agreement. In accordance with the 
terms of the purchase agreement, at the time the Company signed the purchase agreement and the registration rights 
agreement, the Company issued 429,800 shares to Lincoln Park as consideration for its commitment to purchase shares 
of its common stock under the purchase agreement. In addition, as of March 12, 2018 the Company had drawn $2,252 
against the purchase agreement and issued an aggregate of 3,344,769 shares. 

77 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND 

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 

None. 

Item 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

Evaluation of Our Disclosure Controls 

Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the 

effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2017. The term “disclosure controls and 
procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures 
of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it 
files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods 
specified in the rules and forms promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Disclosure 
controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required 
to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and 
communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as 
appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and 
procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their 
objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible 
controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 
31, 2017, the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of such date, the 
Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level. 

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 defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) for the Company. Our internal control 
over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurances regarding the reliability of financial reporting and 
the preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting 
principles, or GAAP, and includes those policies and procedures that:  

•  Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions 

and dispositions of the assets of the Company;  

•  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  

•  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 or compliance with the policies or 
procedures may deteriorate. 

With the participation of our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, our management conducted 
an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 based on the 
framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the 
Treadway Commission (2013 Framework) (“COSO”). Based upon our assessment and the COSO criteria, management 
concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017. 

Our registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial 

reporting.  This report appears on page 53 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

78 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

During the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2017, there were no changes in our internal control over financial 

reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial 
reporting. 

Item 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION (dollar amounts in thousands) 

Sale of Shares to Lincoln Park  

On January 25, 2018, we entered into a purchase agreement and registration rights agreement with Lincoln Park 
Capital Fund, LLC (“Lincoln Park”).  The common stock that has been and may be issued under the purchase agreement 
was and will be offered and sold in a transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended 
(the “Securities Act”), in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) thereof and Rule 506 of Regulation D thereunder. Lincoln Park 
represented that it was an “accredited investor,” as defined in Regulation D, and was acquiring such shares under the 
purchase agreement for investment only and not with a view towards, or for resale in connection with, the public sale or 
distribution thereof.  In connection with the purchase agreement, we have registered for re-sale an aggregate of 
10,700,000 shares of our common stock pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-222738) (the 
“Registration Statement”).  Although the purchase agreement provides that we may sell up to $15,000 of our common 
stock to Lincoln Park, depending on the market prices of our common stock at the time we elect to issue and sell shares 
to Lincoln Park under the purchase agreement, we may need to register for resale under the Securities Act additional 
shares of our common stock in order to receive aggregate gross proceeds equal to the $15,000 total commitment 
available to us under the purchase agreement. We may not sell more than the 10,700,000 shares registered under such 
registration statement to Lincoln Park unless we first register for resale under the Securities Act any such additional 
shares.  If all of the 10,700,000 shares covered by the Registration Statement were issued and outstanding such shares 
would represent 28% of the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of March 9, 2018.  At the time 
we signed the purchase agreement, we issued 429,800 shares of common stock (the “Commitment Shares”) to Lincoln 
Park as consideration for its commitment to purchase shares of our common stock under the purchase agreement. 
Between January 25, 2018 through March 12, 2018, we issued an aggregate of 3,344,769 shares (exclusive of the 
Commitment Shares) to Lincoln Park for an aggregate purchase price of $2,300. 

79 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART III 

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 

Our Board currently consists of seven directors serving on a classified board, consisting of three classes. The 
directors in each class serve a three-year term. The terms of each class expire at successive annual meetings so that the 
stockholders elect one class of directors at each annual meeting. Directors appointed due to an increase in the size of the 
Board may be filled by the Board for a term of office continuing only until the next election of directors by the 
Company’s stockholders. Our directors and executive officers as of March 12, 2018 are as follows: 

NAME 
Richard Toselli  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Christopher McNulty  . . . . . . . . .   
Christina Morrison  . . . . . . . . . . .   
C. Ann Merrifield . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Jeffrey S. Hatfield . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Daniel R. Marshak. . . . . . . . . . . .   
Kenneth DiPietro . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Richard J. Roberts . . . . . . . . . . . .   

      AGE 

CURRENT POSITION 

60  President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director (1) 
41  Chief Financial Officer 
51  Director 
66  Director, Chair of the Board 
60  Director 
60  Director 
59  Director 
74  Director 

(1)  Dr. Toselli became our President and Chief Executive Officer, and a director effective February 2, 2018. 

Biographical and certain other information concerning our executive officers and directors is set forth below. 

Richard Toselli, 60, has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer, and a director since February 

2018. Prior to being appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Toselli served as our Acting Chief Executive 
Officer from December 2017 to February 2018. Since July 2017, Dr. Toselli has also served as our Chief Medical 
Officer. Before joining the Company, Dr. Toselli served as the Chief Medical Officer for Cochlear Limited, a medical 
device company, from June 2016 until March 2017. Prior to that, Dr. Toselli served at Sanofi, a pharmaceutical 
company, from July 2012 to June 2016 in various levels of increasing responsibility, including Vice President of Global 
Medical Affairs — Immunology and Inflammation, Biologics Division; Vice President of Global Medical Affairs and 
Head of the Biosurgery Discovery Performance Unit; and Vice President of Global Medical Affairs, Biosurgery. Before 
his time at Sanofi, he served as Chief Medical/Technology Officer for Covidien Public Limited Company (now 
Medtronic Public Limited Company), a medical device company, and earlier held the position of Vice President of 
Evidence-Based Medicine for the device sector at Johnson & Johnson, a medical device, pharmaceutical and consumer 
packaged goods manufacturing company. Prior to that, Dr. Toselli held various roles at DePuy Synthes Spine, Inc., a 
medical device company, including Director of Medical Affairs, Worldwide Vice President of Research and 
Development, and Worldwide Vice President of Clinical Evidence and External Relations. Dr. Toselli holds a bachelor 
of arts from Providence College, his medical degree from Brown University, and a masters of business administration 
from the UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. Dr. Toselli is a board-certified neurological surgeon. 

Christopher McNulty, 41, has served as our Chief Financial Officer since March 2017. Prior to being 
appointed Chief Financial Officer, Mr. McNulty served as our Senior Vice President, Business Development & Investor 
Relations. In that role, he has led the Company’s business development and partnering activities as well as corporate 
communications, including investor relations and public relations. From June 2014 to August 2015, he served as the 
Company’s Vice President, Business Development and Investor Relations, and from November 2013 to July 2014, he 
served as the Company’s Vice President, Business Development. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. McNulty served at 
Repligen Corporation, a pharmaceutical and bioprocessing company, from 2010 to 2013, most recently as Senior 
Director of Business Development. From 2009 to 2010, he was Director of Corporate Development at Seventh Sense 
Biosystems, Inc., a medical device company. From 2006 to 2009, Mr. McNulty served at Genzyme Corporation, a 
biotechnology company, most recently as Associate Director of Alliance Management and Business Development. 
Before joining Genzyme, Mr. McNulty held technical roles at Transform Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from 2000 to 2004 and at 
Cereon Genomics, LLC from 1998 to 2000. Mr. McNulty received his B.S. and M.Eng. degrees in electrical engineering 
and computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He also holds an M.B.A. from Harvard Business 
School. 

80 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
Christina Morrison, 51, has served as a director of our company since June 2016. Ms. Morrison has served as 
Chief Financial Officer of Biograph Inc, an information technology and services company, since July 2017.Previously, 
Ms. Morrison served as the Senior Vice President of Finance of Aramark, a foodservice, facilities and uniform services 
provider, from June 2013 until July 2016. Prior to joining Aramark, Ms. Morrison was Senior Vice President of Business 
and Financial Planning at Merck & Co., Inc., a publicly traded pharmaceutical company, from November 2009 to June 
2013. Before that, Ms. Morrison spent five years at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a publicly traded pharmaceutical company, 
serving in a number of leadership roles including Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the 
pharmaceutical division. Ms. Morrison holds an M.B.A. from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College and a 
B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Ms. Morrison brings to our Board 
significant financial experience and a decade of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. 

C. Ann Merrifield, 66, has served as the Chair of the Board since December 2017 and has been a director of 

our company since November 2014. She also serves as a director of Flexion Therapeutics, a public biotechnology 
company and Juniper Pharmaceuticals, a public specialty pharmaceutical company. Ms. Merrifield most recently served 
as President, Chief Executive Officer, and a director of PathoGenetix, Inc., a genomics company focused on developing 
an automated system for rapid bacterial identification, from 2012 until July 2014 when the company filed for Chapter 7 
bankruptcy. Prior to then, she spent 18 years at Genzyme Corporation, serving in a number of leadership roles including 
President of Genzyme Biosurgery, President of Genzyme Genetics and Senior Vice President, Business Excellence. 
Ms. Merrifield also serves as trustee and director on several other boards including Veritas Genetics, Partners 
Continuing Care, the post-acute care services division of Partners HealthCare; the YMCA of Greater Boston; and 
MassMutual Premier, MML, and Select/MML II Funds. She holds a B.A. in zoology and a Master of Education from the 
University of Maine, and an M.B.A. from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. Ms. Merrifield brings to 
our Board an invaluable amount of experience and expertise over her long career in the life sciences industry. 

Jeffrey S. Hatfield, 60, has been a director of our company since November 2016. Mr. Hatfield has served as 

Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Zafgen, Inc. since October 2017. Mr. Hatfield also serves as a director of 
aTyr Pharma, Inc., a publicly traded biotherapeutics company and Miragen Therapeutics Inc., a publicly traded 
biopharmaceutical company. Previously, he served as President, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Vitae 
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a pharmaceutical company, from March 2004 until September 2016, when Allergan Plc entered 
into a definitive agreement to purchase Vitae Pharmaceuticals. Prior to joining Vitae Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Hatfield 
worked at Bristol-Myers Squibb, a biopharmaceutical company, which he joined in 1985. While at Bristol-Myers 
Squibb, Mr. Hatfield held a variety of executive positions, including Senior Vice President of Bristol-Myers Squibb’s 
Virology and Immunology Divisions from 2000 to 2004; President and General Manager, Canada from 1997 to 2000; 
and Vice President, U.S. Managed Health Care from 1996 to 1997. In 2014, Mr. Hatfield became a director of Ambit 
Biosciences, a biopharmaceutical company. Mr. Hatfield holds an M.B.A. from The Wharton School, University of 
Pennsylvania and received a bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Purdue University. Mr. Hatfield brings to our Board 
extensive experience in general management and over 30 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. 

Daniel R. Marshak, Ph.D., 60, has been a director of our company since September 2014. Dr. Marshak has 
served as Chief Scientific Officer of Ferghana Partners, an investment banking firm servicing the life sciences sector, 
since December 2016. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer for PerkinElmer, Inc., 
a human and environmental health company, from 2006 until September 2014. Prior to joining PerkinElmer in 2006, 
Dr. Marshak was Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Biotechnology, for Cambrex Corporation. Dr. Marshak 
has received numerous awards for scientific and academic achievements and is named as inventor on six issued U.S. 
patents. He currently serves on the International Society for Stem Cell Research Global Advisory Council and served on 
its board of directors from July 2008 to June 2014. Dr. Marshak is the author of more than 100 scientific publications, 
including one textbook, and has been the editor of five monographs. He recently held an appointment as Adjunct 
Associate Professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and previously taught graduate biochemistry as 
an Assistant Professor at the State University of New York. Dr. Marshak received his B.A. degree in biochemistry and 
molecular biology from Harvard University, and he holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry and cell biology from The Rockefeller 
University. Dr. Marshak brings to our Board extensive industry experience and a deep understanding of the science and 
technology behind our business. 

Kenneth DiPietro, 59, has been a director of our company since December 2012. Mr. DiPietro served as 

Executive Vice President, Human Resources of Biogen, Inc., a publicly-traded biotechnology company, from 
January 2012 until May 2017. Mr. DiPietro joined Biogen from Lenovo Group, where he served as Senior Vice 
President, Human Resources from May 2005 until June 2011. From 2003 to 2005, he served as Corporate Vice 

81 

 
 
 
 
President, Human Resources at Microsoft Corporation, and as Vice President, Human Resources at Dell Inc. from 1999 
to 2002. Prior to that, he spent 17 years at PepsiCo, serving in a range of human resource and general management 
positions. Mr. DiPietro holds a B.S. degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University. As a human 
resources senior executive, Mr. DiPietro brings broad cultural transformation, organizational development and corporate 
re-engineering experience to our Board. 

Richard J. Roberts, Ph.D., 74, has been a director of our company since October 2010 and a director of 

InVivo Therapeutics Corporation, our wholly-owned subsidiary, since November 2008. Dr. Roberts initially joined 
InVivo Therapeutics Corporation’s Scientific Advisory Board in June 2007 and continued as a member of our Scientific 
Advisory Board. He has served as Chief Scientific Officer at New England Biolabs, a life sciences company, since 
February 2007. Dr. Roberts was awarded the 1993 Nobel Prize in Physiology of Medicine along with Phillip Allen 
Sharp for the discovery of introns in eukaryotic DNA and the mechanism of gene-splicing. He holds a B.Sc. in 
Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Sheffield, U.K. Dr. Roberts brings the Board his 
significant experience and understanding of the science and technology involved in our business. 

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors and executive officers and persons who own more than 

10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file reports of beneficial ownership and changes in beneficial 
ownership with the SEC. To our knowledge, based solely on a review of copies of such reports furnished to us by our 
officers and directors, we believe that, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, no person required to file reports 
under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act failed to file such reports on a timely basis during such fiscal year. 

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics 

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, as amended, that applies to all employees, officers, 

and directors of our company, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal 
accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is 
available on the “Corporate Governance” page of the “Investor Relations” section of our website at 
www.invivotherapeutics.com. A copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics can also be obtained free of charge 
by contacting our Secretary, c/o InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp., One Kendall Square, Suite B14402, Cambridge, 
MA 02139. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding any amendment to, 
or waiver from, a provision of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics by posting such information on our website. 

Audit Committee 

The Board has established an audit committee which operates under a charter that has been approved by the 

Board. A copy of the audit committee charter is posted on the Investor Relations section of our website, which is located 
at www.invivotherapeutics.com. The current members of our Audit Committee are Ms. Morrison (Chairwoman), 
Mr. Hatfield, Dr. Marshak, and Ms. Merrifield.  

The Board has determined that Ms. Morrison is an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined in Item 

407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K. 

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis  

Executive Summary 

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis explains our compensation philosophy, objectives, policies, and 

practices with respect to our Chief Executive Officer and our other named executive officers. For 2017, our named 
executive officers are: 

•  Richard Toselli, our President, Chief Executive Officer, and a director, who formerly served as our Acting 

Chief Executive Officer from December 2017 to February 2018; 

82 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•  Christopher McNulty, our Chief Financial Officer; 

•  Pamela Stahl, our former Chief Commercial Officer, who resigned from the Company effective March 7, 

2018; 

•  Tamara Joseph, our former SVP, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, who resigned from the 

Company effective February 7, 2018; 

•  Mark D. Perrin, our former Chief Executive Officer and former Chairman of the Board; who resigned from 

the Company effective December 18, 2017; 

•  Thomas Ulich, M.D., our former Chief Scientific Officer; whose position with the Company was 

eliminated on August 28, 2017 as part of a strategic corporate restructuring; and 

•  Melanie Morel-Ferris, our former interim Chief Financial Officer; who served in this capacity from 

January 2, 2017 through March 28, 2017 and who resigned from the Company effective October 27, 2017. 

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives 

The primary objectives of our executive compensation program are to attract, motivate, retain and reward high-
quality executives, to compensate our executives with a “pay-for-performance” philosophy that rewards executives for 
meeting performance-based goals, and to align the interests of our executives with our stockholders by having equity-
based compensation as an important portion of our executives’ total compensation. 

As part of our overall compensation philosophy, we target the 25th percentile of our peer group companies for 

target cash compensation to our executive officers, and the median of our peer group companies for their total direct 
compensation (cash plus equity-based compensation). Our annual bonus program is based on the achievement of certain 
corporate performance goals and, in the case of our named executive officers other than our Chief Executive Officer, 
individual performance goals. This approach enables us to deploy more of our cash resources to advancing our clinical 
development programs while providing executives with strong equity opportunities, further linking their interests with 
those of our stockholders. In addition to aligning our compensation practices for our named executive officers with 
comparable companies in our industry, we also seek to have an executive compensation structure that is fair relative to 
other professionals within our company. Our objective is to foster a performance-oriented culture, where individual 
performance is aligned with business objectives and the creation of long-term stockholder value. 

Role of the Compensation Committee 

The Compensation Committee approves or recommends to the Board for approval the compensation of our 
Chief Executive Officer and all other executive officers, administers our incentive compensation and stock plans and 
oversees our employee benefit plans. Our Compensation Committee is appointed by the Board and consists entirely of 
directors who are “independent” under the NASDAQ Listing Rules, “outside directors” for purposes of 
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code and “non-employee directors” for purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the 
Exchange Act. Our Compensation Committee is currently composed of Messrs. DiPietro and Hatfield and Drs. Marshak 
and Roberts. 

Compensation-Setting Process 

The Compensation Committee reviews and recommends to our Board the compensation of our Chief Executive 

Officer, and reviews and approves, with input from management, the compensation of our other executive officers, 
including our named executive officers. This review is based on an evaluation of each officer’s performance, corporate 
goals and objectives, and such other information as the Compensation Committee may request, including surveys of 
executive compensation practices at comparable companies. 

Role of our Management 

Our Chief Executive Officer and our human resources and finance departments work together to develop and 

prepare materials requested by and to be presented to the Compensation Committee, including analyses of financial data, 

83 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
peer data comparisons, and other briefing materials. Our Chief Executive Officer and our Vice President, Human 
Resources present the compensation proposals for our named executive officers (other than our Chief Executive 
Officer), along with any background information, to the Compensation Committee for review and consideration. The 
Compensation Committee may approve, modify, or reject those proposals, or may request additional information from 
management on those matters. Our Chief Executive Officer does not attend any portion of meetings at which his 
compensation is determined. 

Role of Independent Compensation Consultant 

Pursuant to its charter, the Compensation Committee has the authority to select and retain independent 
compensation consultants or advisors, at our expense, to assist it in carrying out its duties and responsibilities. In 2017 
the Compensation Committee engaged Pearl Meyer to perform duties requested by the committee including: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

providing recommendations on the composition of the Peer Group described under Competitive Market 
Assessment below; 

analyzing executive compensation in comparison to market benchmarks; 

updating the Compensation Committee on executive compensation market trends; and 

advising the Committee on the 2017 short-term and long-term incentive designs. 

The consultant spoke with the chair of the Compensation Committee, as well as with management, in preparing 
for committee meetings, regularly attended committee meetings and met from time to time in executive session with the 
Compensation Committee without the presence of management. 

Competitive Market Assessment 

On an annual basis, the Compensation Committee reviews, with its compensation consultant, relevant market 
benchmarks for the Company’s executive compensation. The Compensation Committee uses this information to ensure 
that it is acting on an informed basis and to establish points of reference to determine whether and to what extent it is 
establishing competitive levels of compensation for our named executive officers. 

For 2017 compensation decisions, the Compensation Committee considered compensation information of peer 
group public companies in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. The criteria for selection of the companies 
in the peer group included the size of a company, its business development stage, and how recently a company had 
become publicly owned. All companies in the peer group have less than 300 employees and a primary industry focus of 
pharmaceutical products, diagnostic substances, or therapeutic preparations, with most peers having products in the 
preclinical to phase II product development stages. Companies were selected with various revenue sizes because we are 
recruiting from and competing for executive talent with companies that are generating revenue. For 2017, the peer group 
companies consisted of: 

Acceleron Pharma, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         Epizyme, Inc. 
Flexion Therapeutics, Inc. 
Agenus Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     Genocea Biosciences, Inc. 
AxoGen Inc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 
Cerulean Pharma Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     Organovo Holdings Inc. 
Curis, Inc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     OvaScience, Inc. 
Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Dimension Therapeutics Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     Verastem, Inc. 
Eleven Biotherapeutics, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. 

ZIOPHARM Oncology, Inc. 

The Compensation Committee also considered market data compiled by Pearl Meyer from industry-relevant 

published compensation survey data, employing the appropriate headcount and executive role perspectives, as an 
additional market check. 

84 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Say-on-Pay Advisory Vote 

Our most recent shareholder advisory vote on executive compensation was held at our 2016 annual meeting of 

stockholders.  At our 2016 annual meeting, approximately 84% of the votes cast approved the compensation of our 
named executive officers as disclosed in the proxy statement delivered to our stockholders in connection with the 2016 
annual meeting. We understood this to mean that stockholders generally approved of our compensation policies and 
determinations in 2016. However, the Compensation Committee still undertook a review of our compensation policies 
and determinations following the 2016 annual meeting. After this review and in consideration of evolving best practices 
in executive compensation by comparable public companies in our industry, upon the recommendation of the 
Compensation Committee, we determined not to make any significant changes to our executive compensation decisions 
and policies. 

Elements of Executive Compensation Program 

Generally, our executive compensation program consists of five components: base salary, annual bonus 

incentives, long-term equity incentives, benefits, and severance or termination protection. 

Base Salary.  Base salary is the primary fixed component of our executive compensation program. The 

Compensation Committee believes that a competitive base salary is necessary to attract and subsequently retain a 
management team with the requisite skills to lead our company. The Compensation Committee typically reviews salaries 
for potential adjustments in January of each fiscal year and may make adjustments at other times as needed. Generally, 
our Compensation Committee believes that adjustments to base salary should reflect the responsibilities of the executive, 
the executive’s performance for the preceding year, demand in the market for the particular executive position, and the 
pay of the other members of the executive team, as well as targeting our cash compensation at the 25th percentile of our 
peer group companies. Base salaries for our named executive officers are further described below. 

Annual Incentive Bonus Plan.  Our annual incentive bonus plan provides performance-based incentives that 

motivate and reward achievement of corporate and individual performance goals. Under the annual incentive bonus plan, 
goals are set at the beginning of each year that are appropriate in light of our business plans and take into consideration 
our financial, operational and strategic priorities. Currently, payouts under our annual incentive bonus plan to our Chief 
Executive Officer are based on the achievement of corporate objectives, and for other named executive officers, payouts 
are based on a combination of corporate objectives and individual performance goals. Corporate objectives are 
recommended by the Committee, with input from management and an independent eternal compensation consultant, and 
discussed with and approved by the Board. Individual performance goals for our named executive officers, other than 
our Chief Executive Officer, are determined by the Compensation Committee with input from our Chief Executive 
Officer and are intended to measure our executive officers’ achievement of specific projects. At the end of each year, the 
Compensation Committee determines the degree to which individual performance goals have been met. The Board 
determines the degree to which corporate performance objectives have been met and the associated payouts to each 
named executive officer. The Compensation Committee may grant bonuses that are above, at, or below the individual 
target bonus for named executive officers, except the Chief Executive Officer, based on the level of achievement if it 
determines that such bonuses are warranted and are in the best interests of our company and our stockholders. The Board 
may grant the Chief Executive Officer a bonus that is above, at, or below the target bonus based on the level of 
achievement of corporate objectives if it determines that such bonus is warranted and is in the best interests of the 
Company and our stockholders. Goals, results and approved payouts under our annual incentive plan for 2017 are further 
described below. 

Long-Term Equity Incentives.    Consistent with the practices of peer group companies, we provide equity 

incentive compensation to our named executive officers. These awards aim to align the interests of our executive officers 
with those of our stockholders to create long-term stockholder value, as well as motivate and retain talented executives. 

Our named executive officers are eligible to receive annual equity awards, although an annual award is not 

guaranteed. Individual equity award determinations for named executive officers, except the Chief Executive Officer, are 
made by the Compensation Committee with respect to the frequency and size of the equity award to be granted to the 
named executive officers. The determination for equity awards for the Chief Executive Officer is recommended by the 
Compensation Committee to the Board and approved by the Board, with respect to the frequency and size of the equity 
award to be granted to the Chief Executive Officer. In making these determinations, the Compensation Committee 
considers performance relative to the strategic and financial objectives of our company and the individual performance 

85 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
of each named executive officer. Our equity awards generally vest over a four-year period, with 25% vesting on the first 
anniversary of the date of grant and thereafter on a monthly basis in 36 equal installments. At the time of hire, we 
typically provide our named executive officers with an equity incentive award in the form of stock options although we 
have also granted restricted stock units, or RSUs, in connection with hire. 

We currently grant stock options and restricted stock units and not other forms of equity to our executive 

officers because we believe stock options and restricted stock units are consistent with the risk profile of a pre-
commercial company. We review our program annually to determine the appropriate form and terms of awards given the 
business strategy. 

Benefits and Perquisites.  We provide the following benefits to our named executive officers generally on the 

same basis as the benefits provided to all employees: medical, dental and vision insurance, including a flexible spending 
account option, life insurance, short and long-term disability, and certain commuting expenses. We also match, in the 
form of shares of our common stock, contributions to our 401(k) profit sharing plan, in amounts up to 5% of each named 
executive officer’s annual compensation. Our matching contributions become 100% vested after the employee has been 
employed by us for four years. In addition, in 2015 we adopted, and our stockholders approved, an employee stock 
purchase plan to allow our employees to purchase shares of our common stock at a discount using after-tax payroll 
deductions. We may also provide additional benefits or perquisites under contractual agreements to our named executive 
officers, including housing allowances and commuting expenses. 

Severance/Termination Benefits.  Under contractual agreements with our named executive officers, we have 

agreed to provide severance payments in connection with the termination of the executive, including in connection with 
a change in control. These arrangements are described in the Executive Compensation section under “Potential Payments 
upon Termination or Change in Control.” 

Compensation Decisions for 2017 

Base Salaries.  The initial base salaries of our named executive officers were determined upon each officer’s 
hire based on such officer’s industry experience, expertise, and demand within our industry, and may be adjusted from 
time to time following hiring. Please see the Summary Compensation Table below for the actual amounts paid to our 
named executive officers in 2017. 

Named Executive Officer 
Richard Toselli(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Mark Perrin(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Christopher McNulty(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Melanie Morel-Ferris(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Pamela J. Stahl(7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Tamara Joseph(8)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Thomas Ulich (9)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

      Salary ($)(1)        Increase %       
n/a   
 16.6 %   
 11.6 %   
 16.1 %   
 — %   
 3.4 %   
 3.8 %   

n/a   
 445,050   
 276,863   
 155,000   
 335,000   
 256,680   
 336,375   

2016 

2017 
Salary ($)(2) 
 435,000 
 519,000 
 309,000 
 180,000 
 335,000 
 265,491 
 349,000 

(1)  Annual salaries as of January 1, 2016, including any annual increase, for incumbent executive officers, and as of the 

start date for new executive officers hired mid-year. 

(2)  Annual salaries as of January 1, 2017, including any annual increase, for incumbent executive officers, and as of the 

start date for new executive officers hired mid-year. 

(3)  Dr. Toselli joined our company as Acting Chief Executive Officer effective December 18, 2017 and began serving 

as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director effective February 2, 2018. 

(4)  Mr. Perrin resigned from our company effective December 18, 2017. Mr. Perrin’s annual salary increase 

contemplated the elimination of certain allowances relating to relocation. 

(5)  In addition to an annual increase, Mr. McNulty’s salary increased from $309,000 to $335,000 on March 28, 2017, 

following his promotion to Chief Financial Officer and Mr. McNulty’s salary increased from $276,863 to $300,000 
on June 13, 2016 in connection with expanded responsibilities. 

(6)  In addition to an annual increase, Ms. Morel-Ferris’ salary increased in connection with her assumption of the acting 

Chief Financial Officer duties on January 2017. 

(7)  Ms. Stahl resigned from our company effective March 7, 2018. 
(8)  Ms. Joseph resigned from our company effective February 7, 2018. 
(9)  Dr. Ulich’s employment was terminated on August 28, 2017 as part of a strategic corporate restructuring. 

86 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Incentive Bonuses.  All of our named executive officers were eligible to participate in our 2017 
incentive bonus plan, which consisted of corporate objectives and, for our named executive officers other than our Chief 
Executive Officer, individual objectives. For each of our executive officers, the Compensation Committee sets a target 
bonus amount expressed as a percentage of base salary. For 2017, the target bonus amount was set at 50% of base salary 
for our Chief Executive Officer and 35% of base salary for our other named executive officers. 

For our named executive officers other than our Chief Executive Officer, the 2017 incentive bonus was 
weighted 75% to achievement of corporate objectives and 25% to achievement of individual objectives. For Mr. Perrin, 
our former Chief Executive Officer, the 2017 bonus was weighted 100% to achievement of corporate objectives. 
Dr. Toselli did not participate in the 2017 incentive bonus plan because he was serving as a consulting Chief Medical 
Officer from July 2017 to December 2017, when he assumed the role of Acting Chief Executive Officer. 

The corporate objectives were set with a reasonable level of difficulty that required our named executive 

officers to perform at a high level to meet the objectives, and the likelihood of attaining the objectives was not assured. 
The Board has full discretion with respect to the amount and payment of bonuses, including adjustments to the 
objectives, weightings and actual amounts, and payout terms of the annual bonuses. This discretion is communicated to 
the executives.   In January 2018, the Board, following the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, 
determined that no bonuses would be awarded for 2017 for named executive officers regardless of whether any bonus 
objectives were met, including corporate objectives or individual objectives. 

The 2017 corporate objectives and weightings recommended by the Compensation Committee and approved by 

the Board in 2017, and the actual weightings achieved as determined by the Board for 2017 performance, were as 
follows: 

Objective 
1. 20 evaluable patients implanted with Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implant in probable 

Target 
      Weighting       

Level of 
Attainment(1) 

benefit pivotal thoracic SCI clinical study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
2. Initiate ex-US cervical SCI study by the end of Q-2  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
3. Evaluate localized delivery strategies that improve the efficacy or safety of 

therapeutic agents, and recommend and execute two business transactions that 
the advancement of one or more therapeutic products (i.e., a cell, protein, or 
gene therapy) to an initial FDA meeting (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
4. Maintain sufficient financial resources to support company operations . . . . . . . . . .    
  Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

 35 %   
 15 %   

 25 %   
 25 %   
 100 %   

 — % 
 15 % 

 — % 
 — % 
 15 % 

(1)  Although the level of attainment for the objectives was 15%, in January 2018 the Board, following the 

recommendation of the Compensation Committee, determined that no bonuses would be awarded for 2017 for 
named executive officers. 

(2)  Examples of strategic transactions include a licensing of technology or intellectual property, a business deal to 

acquire or codevelop a therapeutic product such as a cell, protein, or gene therapy; a letter of commitment/intent 
from another institution with a synergistic asset, a manufacturing or supply partnership or agreement, or an out-
license of our spinal cord delivery intellectual property. 

Long-Term Equity Incentive Awards.  We use equity awards to reward long-term value creation and as a 
retention tool. The size of the equity awards approved by our Compensation Committee for each named executive 
officer reflects individual contributions to company performance and competitive positioning relative to the market. In 
2016, we opted to shift the timing of our annual equity awards from December to January. The long-term equity awards 
granted in January 2017 to our named executive officers were comprised of stock option awards. 

Annual equity awards were made in January 2017, based on company and individual performance in 2016, 

expected future individual performance, retention considerations, and market data provided by our compensation 

87 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
consultant. In January 2017, the Compensation Committee awarded stock options to our named executive officers, other 
than our Chief Executive Officer, and the Board awarded stock options to our Chief Executive Officer, as follows: 

Named Executive Officer 
Rich Toselli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Mark Perrin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Christopher McNulty  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Melanie Morel-Ferris  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Pamela J. Stahl(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Tamara Joseph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Thomas Ulich  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

Stock 
Options 
(#) 

n/a 
 320,000 
 75,000 
 25,000 
 35,000 
 120,000 
 150,000 

(1)  The number of options granted was pro-rated based on Ms. Stahl’s appointment as Chief Commercial Officer on 

September 14, 2016. 

In January 2018, the Board, following the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, determined that 

no annual equity awards would be granted to named executive officers based on performance in 2017. 

In March 2017, the Compensation Committee granted Mr. McNulty a stock option award to purchase 29,297 

shares of common stock in connection with his appointment as Chief Financial Officer, as further described below. The 
award to Mr. McNulty vests over a four-year period, with 25% vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date and the 
remainder vesting monthly in 36 equal installments until fully vested on the fourth anniversary of the grant date, 
provided that Mr. McNulty remains continually employed by the Company on each such vesting date. 

In September 2017, the Compensation Committee approved a grant to Ms. Morel-Ferris of a restricted stock 

unit award for 60,000 shares under the Company’s 2015 Equity Incentive Plan and a Restricted Stock Unit Agreement in 
connection with an employee retention program.  The award to Ms. Morel-Ferris vested over a two-year period, with 
50% vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date and 50% vesting on the second anniversary of the grant date, 
provided that Ms. Morel-Ferris remained continually employed by the Company on each such vesting date. Ms. Morel-
Ferris resigned from the Company effective October 27, 2017. 

In December 2017, the Compensation Committee recommended and the Board approved a grant to Dr. Toselli 

of a restricted stock unit award for 300,000 shares under the Company’s 2015 Equity Incentive Plan and a Restricted 
Stock Unit Agreement in connection with his appointment as Acting Chief Executive Officer, as further described 
below. The award to Dr. Toselli vests over a four-year period, with 25% vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date 
and the remainder vesting monthly in 36 equal installments until fully vested on the fourth anniversary of the grant date, 
provided that Dr. Toselli remains continually employed by the Company on each such vesting date. 

Compensation Practices and Risk 

The Compensation Committee has reviewed our compensation policies as generally applicable to our 
employees and believes that our policies do not encourage excessive and unnecessary risk-taking, and that the level of 
risk that they do encourage is not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. In making this 
determination, the Compensation Committee considered the following: 

•  Our salaries, annual bonuses and annual equity grants are largely determined based on comparisons with 

peer companies, and annual incentive bonuses are based on financial and/or operational performance goals 
and business criteria such as capital raising, regulatory filings/approvals, progress in pre-clinical and 
clinical trials, intellectual property filings or issuances, and business development transactions, and 
individual performance objectives, set by the Committee. 

•  The Committee has discretion to modify amounts awarded under our programs, and our system of internal 

control over financial reporting and code of business conduct and ethics reduce the likelihood of 
manipulation of our financial performance to enhance payments under any of our incentive plans. 

88 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•  There is balance between short-term (bonus measures) and long-term (stock options or RSUs with service-

based vesting) performance focus. 

•  Our severance benefits neither insulate management from risky business strategies nor provide an 

enticement to pursue risky strategies. 

Arrangements with Named Executive Officers 

Richard Toselli, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director.  Under our employment agreement with 

Dr. Toselli, Dr. Toselli receives an annual base salary, subject to adjustment from time to time, and is eligible to receive 
an annual cash bonus equal to 50% of his annual salary, subject to his performance of specified objectives to be 
established by the Board (or a designated Board committee) each year. Dr. Toselli is eligible to receive all medical, 
dental and other benefits to the same extent as provided to other senior management employees. Dr. Toselli received a 
one-time sign-on bonus in the amount of $100,000 that was conditioned on his remaining an active employee on 
January 31, 2018, and was paid on February 1, 2018. Additionally, Dr. Toselli is eligible for a one-time bonus of 
$150,000, upon the approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of the Company’s proposed plans with respect 
to one or more clinical trials.  In connection with becoming the Company’s Chief Executive Officer rather than Acting 
Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Toselli is eligible for certain severance benefits under his employment agreement. 

Mark Perrin, Former Chief Executive Officer.  Under our employment agreement with Mr. Perrin, Mr. Perrin 

received an annual base salary, subject to adjustment from time to time, and was eligible to receive an annual cash bonus 
equal to 50% of his annual salary, subject to his performance of specified objectives to be established by the Board (or a 
designated Board committee) each year. Mr. Perrin was eligible to receive all medical, dental and other benefits to the 
same extent as provided to other senior management employees. In connection with his relocation to the Boston area, we 
agreed to arrange up to 12 months of corporate housing for Mr. Perrin, and we extended this corporate housing benefit 
through January 2017, such amount to be subject to a tax gross-up. Mr. Perrin was eligible for certain severance benefits 
under his employment agreement. 

Consistent with the severance terms provided to Mr. Perrin pursuant to his employment agreement, the 
Company agreed, pursuant to the terms of a separation agreement effective December 18, 2017 to pay severance 
(consisting of base salary in effect at the time of termination) to Mr. Perrin upon his termination for a period of 
18 months, plus health insurance benefits for a period of 6 months. In addition, the Company accelerated the vesting of 
the unvested portion of any options held by Mr. Perrin to the extent of 12 additional months upon his termination date. 
The severance payments are in addition to any accrued obligations to Mr. Perrin unpaid by the Company prior to the date 
of termination. Mr. Perrin’s separation agreement includes a general release of claims. 

Thomas Ulich, Former Chief Scientific Officer.  Under the employment agreement with Dr. Ulich, Dr. Ulich 

received an annual base salary, subject to adjustment from time to time, and was eligible to receive benefits to the same 
extent as provided to our other senior management employees, including medical and dental benefits. We agreed to 
reimburse Dr. Ulich for commuting expenses related to travel between his home in New York and our headquarters. In 
addition, Dr. Ulich was eligible to receive an annual target bonus equal to 35% of his annual salary, subject to his 
performance of specified objectives to be established by our Chief Executive Officer each year. Consistent with the 
severance terms provided to Dr. Ulich pursuant to his employment agreement, the Company agreed, in connection with 
his separation, to pay severance (consisting of base salary in effect at the time of termination) to Dr. Ulich upon his 
termination for a period of 12 months, plus health insurance benefits for a period of 6 months. The severance payments 
are in addition to any accrued obligations to Dr. Ulich unpaid by the Company prior to the date of termination. Dr. Ulich 
signed a general release of claims in connection with his separation. 

Christopher McNulty, Chief Financial Officer.  We entered into an employment agreement with Mr. McNulty 

in March 2017. Under the terms of his agreement, Mr. McNulty receives an annual base salary, subject to adjustment 
from time to time, and is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus equal to 35% of his annual salary, subject to his 
performance of specified objectives to be established by the Board (or a designated Board committee) each year. 
Mr. McNulty is eligible to receive all medical, dental and other benefits to the same extent as provided to other senior 
management employees. Mr. McNulty is eligible for certain severance benefits as described in more detail under the 
heading “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.” 

89 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tamara Joseph, Former SVP, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer. We entered into an employment 

agreement with Ms. Joseph in August 2015, which replaced the terms of an offer letter dated March 14, 2014, which 
previously governed the terms of Ms. Joseph’s employment with the Company. Under the terms of her agreement, 
Ms. Joseph received an annual base salary, subject to adjustment from time to time, and was eligible to receive an annual 
cash bonus equal to 35% of her annual salary, subject to her performance of specified objectives to be established by the 
Board (or a designated Board committee) each year. Ms. Joseph was eligible to receive all medical, dental and other 
benefits to the same extent as provided to other senior management employees. 

Pursuant to a letter agreement dated January 19, 2018, Ms. Joseph’s employment terminated effective 

February 7, 2018 and Ms. Joseph is entitled to the severance benefits provided under her employment agreement as 
described in more detail under the heading “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.” In addition, 
Ms. Joseph has agreed to provide consulting services to the Company for six months following the termination of her 
employment pursuant to the terms of a consulting agreement made and entered into as of January 19, 2018 and 
commencing on February 9, 2018.  Under the consulting agreement, Ms. Joseph will be paid an hourly rate of $400. 

Pamela J. Stahl, Former Chief Commercial Officer.  We entered into an employment agreement with Ms. Stahl 
in August 2016. Under the terms of her agreement, Ms. Stahl received an initial annual base salary, subject to adjustment 
from time to time, and was eligible to receive benefits to the same extent as provided to our other senior management 
employees, including medical and dental benefits. In addition, under the agreement, Ms. Stahl is eligible to receive an 
annual target bonus equal to 35% of her annual salary, subject to her performance of specified objectives to be 
established by our Chief Executive Officer each year. Ms. Stahl is currently eligible for certain severance benefits under 
her employment agreement Pursuant to a letter agreement dated March 7, 2018, Ms. Stahl’s employment terminated 
effective March 7, 2018 and Ms. Stahl is entitled to the severance benefits provided under her employment agreement as 
described in more detail under the heading “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 

Set forth below is information regarding the compensation of (i) all persons serving as our Chief Executive 

Officer or Chief Financial Officer at any time during 2017 and (ii) our other most highly compensated executive officers 
at the end of 2017. Such officers are collectively referred to as our “named executive officers.” 

Summary Compensation Table 

The following table sets forth information regarding the compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to the 

named executive officers. 

Name and Principal 
Position 
Richard Toselli  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     2017   
President and Chief Executive Officer (2) 
Mark Perrin  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     2017   
Former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of 
the Board (5) 

   2016   
   2015   
Christopher McNulty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     2017   
   2016   
Chief Financial Officer 
   2015   
Melanie Morel-Ferris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     2017   
Former Chief Financial Officer (9) 
Tamara Joseph  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     2017   
Former Senior Vice President, General Counsel and 
Chief Compliance Officer (11) 

   2016   
   2015   
Pamela J. Stahl (12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     2017   
Former Chief Commercial Officer 
   2016   
Thomas Ulrich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     2017   
   2016   
Former Chief Scientific Officer (16) 
   2015   

Stock   

Option 

  Non-Equity   
Incentive Plan  

All Other 

Bonus    Awards   Awards    Compensation   Compensation  

     Year     Salary ($)      

 285,785   

($) 

      ($)(1) 

—   

 264,000   

($)(1) 
 764,402   

($) 

 537,539 (3)   

—   

—   

 1,134,088   

 445,050   
 421,395   
 328,127   
 289,322   
 252,200   
 159,373 (7)   

—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
 50,000   

—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
 75,000   

—   
 1,083,088   
 362,290   
 207,902   
 555,789   
 89,066   

 111,263   
 215,000   
—   
 54,000   
 78,244   
—   

—   

—   

($) 

 6,280   

Total ($) 
 1,320,467 

 799,705 (4)     2,471,333 

 185,623   
 200,618   
 17,220 (6)   
 15,307   
 13,513   
 9,468 (8) 

 741,936 
 1,920,101 
 707,637 
 566,530 
 899,747 
 382,907 

 265,491   

—   

—   

 427,953   

—   

 16,995 (10)   

 710,439 

 256,680   
 231,998   
 335,000   
 92,202   
 254,788 (14)   
 336,375   
 318,643   

—   
—   
—   
 465,962   
—   
—   
—   

—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   

—   
 734,138   
 123,574   
 1,020,056   
 533,873   
—   
 722,345   

 56,149   
 85,715   
—   
—   
—   
 77,997   
 118,016   

 329,206 
 16,377   
 1,066,621 
 14,770   
 508,650 
 50,076 (13)   
 102,776   
 1,680,996 
 367,020 (15)    1,155,681 
 463,279 
 48,907   
 1,227,509 
 68,505   

(1)  The amounts shown in these columns represent the aggregate grant date fair value of awards computed in 

accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 or ASC 718, 
not the actual amounts paid or realized by the named executive officer.  The assumptions used in determining grant 

90 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
date fair value of these awards are set forth in Note 12 to our Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 
of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

(2)  Dr. Toselli joined our company as Acting Chief Executive Officer effective December 18, 2017 and was appointed 

our President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director effective February 2, 2018. Previously, he served as a 
consultant Chief Medical Officer. The amount earned under “salary” in 2017 includes prorated salary based on a 
base salary of $435,000 on and after December 18, 2017 plus consulting fees before that date. 

(3)  Mr. Perrin’s salary includes a payment of 10 days salary in conjunction with his resignation in lieu of the notice 

period in his Employment Agreement and four days salary for unused vacation. 

(4)  Represents (i) $782,504 in severance to be paid out over 18 months from date of resignation, (ii) $13,482 in 

401(k) company stock matching contributions under our 401(k) profit sharing plan and (iii) $3,720 in commuting 
expenses. 

(5)  Mr. Perrin resigned from his position as Chief Executive Officer effective December 18, 2017. 
(6)  Represents (i) $13,500 in 401(k) company stock matching contributions under our 401(k) profit sharing plan and 

(ii) $3,720 in commuting expenses. 

(7)  Ms. Morel-Ferris’s salary includes 11 days unused vacation. 
(8)  Represents (i) $6,553 in 401(k) company stock matching contributions under our 401(k) profit sharing plan and 

(ii) $2,915 in commuting expenses. 

(9)  Ms. Morel-Ferris resigned from the Company effective October 27, 2017. 
(10) Represents (i) $13,275 in 401(k) company stock matching contributions under our 401(k) profit sharing plan and 

(ii) $3,720 in commuting expenses. 

(11) Ms. Joseph resigned from the Company effective February 7, 2018. 
(12) Ms. Stahl resigned from the Company effective March 7, 2018. 
(13) Represents (i) $12,856 in 401(k) company stock matching contributions under our 401(k) profit sharing plan, 

(ii) $33,500 in outplacement services and (iii) $3,720 in commuting expenses. 

(14) Dr. Ulich’s salary includes 12 days unused vacation. 
(15) Represents (i) $327,965 in severance to be paid out over 18 months from date of resignation and (ii) $39,055 in 

commuting expenses. 

(16) Dr. Ulich’s employment was terminated on August 28, 2017 as part of a strategic corporate restructuring. 

Grants of Plan-Based Awards 

The following table provides information regarding grants of plan-based awards to our named executive 

officers during 2017. 

  All Other   

  All Other  

Option 

Estimated Future Payouts 
Under Non-Equity Incentive 
Plan Awards(1) 

Stock 

  Awards:   

  Grant Date 
  Awards:    Number of   Exercise or   Fair Value 
  Number of   Securities   Base Price  
  Shares of   Underlying 
Stock or    Options   

of Option    and Option 
Awards   
($/Sh) 

     Units (#)       

of Stock 

Award 
    Grant Date     

  Threshold  
($) 

  Maximum  
($) 

    Target ($)    
n/a    

n/a    

n/a    

 300,000    

Name 
Richard Toselli  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      12/18/2017   
7/5/2017   
Mark Perrin  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      1/18/2017    
Christopher McNulty  . . . . . . . . . .      3/29/2017    
1/18/2017   
Melanie Morel-Ferris  . . . . . . . . . .      9/14/2017    
1/18/2017   
Pamela J. Stahl  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      1/18/2017    
Tamara Joseph  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      1/18/2017    
Thomas Ulich  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      1/18/2017    

 —    
 —    

 222,525    
 117,250    

 —    
 —    

 —    

 36,000    

 —    

 60,000    

 —    
 —    
 —    

 117,250    
 92,982    
 122,150    

 —    
 —    
 —    

(#)(2) 
 325,000    

 320,000    
 29,973    
 75,000    
 25,000    

 35,000    
 120,000    
 150,000    

Awards 
($)(3) 
 264,000 
 764,402 
 1,134,088 
 97,394 
 264,896 
 75,000 
 89,066 
 123,574 
 427,953 
 533,873 

 2.55    

 4.35    
 4.00    
 4.35   
 4.35    

 4.35    
 4.35    
 4.35    

(1)  There were no set “Threshold” or “Maximum” performance bonus amounts established with respect to our 2017 
incentive bonus plan. The actual amounts paid to each of the executive officers for 2017 are set forth in the 
Summary Compensation Table under the column entitled “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation.” 

(2)  Each option award vests as to 25% of the total underlying shares on the first anniversary of the grant date and the 
remainder vests monthly in 36 equal monthly installments until fully vested on the fourth anniversary of the grant 
date. 

(3)  The amounts shown in this column represents the aggregate grant date fair value of the awards computed in 

accordance with ASC 718, not the actual amounts paid to or realized by the named executive officer in 2017. The 

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assumptions used in determining grant date fair value of these awards are set forth in Note 12 to our Consolidated 
Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Annual Report. 

Option Exercises and Stock Vested Table 

None of our named executive officers exercised stock options or had stock awards vest during the fiscal year 

ended December 31, 2017. 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End 

The following table summarizes the option and stock awards made to our named executive officers that were 

outstanding at December 31, 2017. Each award reflected in the below table vests as to 25% of the total underlying shares 
on the first anniversary of the grant date and the remainder vests monthly in 36 equal monthly installments until fully 
vested on the fourth anniversary of the grant date. 

Option Awards 

Stock Awards 

  Market   

  Equity Incentive   
Plan 

No. of 
Securities 

No. of 
Securities   

  Number of   Value of    Awards:  Number  
of Unearned 
  Shares or   Shares or  
  Units of    Units of   
Shares, Units or   
  Underlying   Underlying   
  Unexercised  Unexercised    Option  
  Stock That   Stock That  Other Rights That  
  Options (#)   Options (#)    Exercise   Expiration   Award Grant   Have Not   Have Not   Have Not Vested   

Option 

Award 

    Grant Date      Exercisable     Unexercisable    Price ($)     Date 

     Vested (#)      Vested ($)     

(#) 

Equity 
Incentive Plan   
Awards: 
Market or 
Payout Value    
of Unearned 
Shares, Units    
or Other Rights   
That have Not    
Vested ($) 

Date 
12/18/2017    

 —    

 —    

 300,000  (1)  

 264,000  (2)

Name 
Richard Toselli . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Mark Perrin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

7/5/2017    
1/6/2014    
   12/10/2014   
   12/10/2015   
   1/18/2017    
Christopher McNulty  . . . . . . . . .     11/18/2013   
   12/10/2014   
   7/31/2015    
   12/10/2015   
   6/13/2016    
   1/18/2017    
   3/29/2017    
Melanie Morel-Ferris . . . . . . . . .     5/23/2016    
Pamela J. Stahl . . . . . . . . . . . . .     9/14/2016    
   1/18/2017    
Tamara Joseph  . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3/24/2014    
   12/10/2014   
   7/31/2015    
   12/10/2015   
   1/18/2017    

 —    
 500,000    
 125,000    
 129,427    
 153,333    
 37,500    
 7,035    
 21,145    
 9,400    
 15,000    
 —    
 —    
 2,656    
 58,812    
 —    
 70,314    
 25,788    
 7,552    
 46,020    
 —    

 325,000    
 —    
 —    
 —    
 —    
 —    
 2,340    
 13,855    
 9,400    
 25,000    
 75,000    
 29,973    
 —    
 129,388    
 35,000    
 4,686    
 8,587    
 4,948    
 46,020    
 120,000    

7/5/2027    
 2.55    
1/6/2024    
 9.40    
 4.20     12/10/2024   
 7.37     12/10/2025   
 4.35     1/18/2027   
 8.20     11/18/2023   
 4.20     12/10/2024   
 14.55     7/31/2025   
 7.37     12/10/2025   
 6.19     6/13/2026   
 4.35     1/18/2027   
 4.00     3/29/2027   
 6.48     5/23/2026   
 6.47     9/14/2026   
 4.35     1/18/2027   
 7.52     3/24/2024   
 4.20     12/10/2024   
 14.55     7/31/2025   
 7.37     12/10/2025   
 4.35     1/18/2027   

(1)  Represents 300,000 restricted stock units awarded to Dr. Toselli, subject to the vesting schedule described in the 

lead in to the table, provided that Dr. Toselli remains continually employed by the Company on each such vesting 
date. 

(2)  The value of the awards is based on a price per restricted stock unit award of $0.88, which was the closing sale price 

of our common stock on December 18, 2017. 

All of Dr. Ulich’s options have expired. 

Ms. Morel-Ferris received a restricted stock unit award for 60,000 shares on September 14, 2017. The award to 

Ms. Morel-Ferris vested over a two-year period, with 50% vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date and 50% 
vesting on the second anniversary of the grant date, provided that Ms. Morel-Ferris remained continually employed by 
the Company on each such vesting date. Ms. Morel-Ferris resigned from the Company effective October 27, 2017. 

Pension Benefits 

We do not offer to our executive officers or employees any pension plan or similar plan that provides for 

payments or other benefits at, following or in connection with retirement. 

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation 

We do not offer to our executive officers or employees any defined contribution or similar plan that provides 
for the deferral of compensation on a basis that is not tax-qualified. We offer a 401(k) profit sharing plan to all of our 
employees eligible to participate. We make matching contributions on behalf of participating employees, in the form of 

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shares of our common stock, up to a maximum of 5% of the employee’s annual compensation. Our matching 
contributions become 100% vested after the employee has been employed by us for four years. Any company matching 
contributions made to our named executive officers are reflected in the “All Other Compensation” column of the 
Summary Compensation Table above. 

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control 

Certain of our named executive officers are entitled to payments upon a termination of employment or a change 

in control. 

Richard Toselli, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director. Under our employment agreement with 

Dr. Toselli, if his employment is terminated by us without cause, or by Dr. Toselli for “good reason,” in the absence of a 
“change in control” (as defined in our 2015 Equity Incentive Plan) then (i) we are obligated to pay severance (consisting 
of base salary in effect at the time of termination) to Dr. Toselli for a period of 18 months, plus continued health 
insurance benefits for a period of 18 months and (ii) the unvested portion of any stock options held by him will vest as 
with respect to an additional 12 months. If Dr. Toselli’s employment is terminated by us without cause, or by Dr. Toselli 
for “good reason” within 12 months following of a “change in control,” then (a) we are obligated to pay severance 
(consisting of two times base salary in effect at the time of termination and 100% of his target annual bonus) to 
Dr. Toselli, plus continued health insurance benefits for a period of 18 months, (b) pay a pro rata portion of the annual 
bonus for the year in which the termination occurs based on a good faith determination of the attainment of the 
applicable goals and (c) the unvested portion of any stock options held by him will vest fully. The severance payments 
and the accelerated vesting of options are contingent on execution of a general release of claims against our company 
and are in addition to any accrued obligations to Dr. Toselli unpaid by us prior to the time of termination. Had his 
employment been terminated on December 31, 2017, Dr. Toselli would not have been entitled to any payment. 

Christopher McNulty, Chief Financial Officer. Under our agreement with Mr. McNulty, if his employment is 

terminated by us without cause, or by Mr. McNulty for “good reason,” in the absence of a “change in control” (as 
defined in our 2015 Equity Incentive Plan) then we are obligated to pay severance (consisting of base salary in effect at 
the time of termination) to Mr. McNulty for a period of one year, plus continued health insurance benefits for a period of 
6 months. If Mr. McNulty’s employment is terminated by us without cause, or by Mr. McNulty for “good reason” within 
12 months following a “change in control,” then (i) we are obligated to pay severance (consisting of 1.5 times base 
salary in effect at the time of termination and 100% of his target annual bonus) to Mr. McNulty, plus continued health 
insurance benefits for a period of one year, and (ii) the unvested portion of any stock option held by him will vest fully. 
The severance payments and the accelerated vesting of options are contingent upon execution of a general release of 
claims against our company and are in addition to any accrued obligations to Mr. McNulty unpaid by us prior to the date 
of termination. Had his employment been terminated on December 31, 2017 by us without cause or by Mr. McNulty for 
“good reason” in the absence of a “change in control,” Mr. McNulty would have been entitled to $346,315. Had his 
employment been terminated on December 31, 2017 by us without cause, or by Mr. McNulty for “good reason” within 
12 months following a “change in control,” Mr. McNulty would have been entitled to $642,381. 

Pamela J. Stahl, Former Chief Commercial Officer.  Under our agreement with Ms. Stahl, if her employment is 
terminated by us without cause, or by Ms. Stahl for “good reason,” in the absence of a “change in control” (as defined in 
our 2015 Equity Incentive Plan) then we are obligated to pay severance (consisting of base salary in effect at the time of 
termination) to Ms. Stahl for a period of one year, plus continued health insurance benefits for a period of 6 months. If 
Ms. Stahl’s employment is terminated by us without cause, or by Ms. Stahl for “good reason” within 12 months 
following a “change in control,” then (i) we are obligated to pay severance (consisting of 1.5 times base salary in effect 
at the time of termination and 100% of her target annual bonus) to Ms. Stahl, plus continued health insurance benefits 
for a period of one year, and (ii) the unvested portion of any stock option held by her will vest fully. The severance 
payments and the accelerated vesting of options are contingent upon execution of a general release of claims against our 
company and are in addition to any accrued obligations to Ms. Stahl unpaid by us prior to the date of termination. 
Ms. Stahl resigned from the Company effective March 7, 2018. In connection with her resignation, Ms. Stahl will 
receive $392,700 in termination related benefits, which includes $33,500 in outplacement services. 

Tamara Joseph, Former SVP, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer. Under our agreement with 
Ms. Joseph, if her employment is terminated by us without cause, or by Ms. Joseph for “good reason,” in the absence of 
a “change in control” (as defined in our 2015 Equity Incentive Plan) then we are obligated to pay severance (consisting 
of base salary in effect at the time of termination) to Ms. Joseph for a period of one year, plus continued health insurance 

93 

 
 
 
 
 
 
benefits for a period of 6 months. If Ms. Joseph’s employment is terminated by us without cause, or by Ms. Joseph for 
“good reason” within 12 months following a “change in control,” then (i) we are obligated to pay severance (consisting 
of 1.5 times base salary in effect at the time of termination and 100% of her target annual bonus) to Ms. Joseph, plus 
continued health insurance benefits for a period of one year, and (ii) the unvested portion of any stock option held by her 
will vest fully. The severance payments and the accelerated vesting of options are contingent upon execution of a general 
release of claims against our company and are in addition to any accrued obligations to Ms. Joseph unpaid by us prior to 
the date of termination. Ms. Joseph resigned from the Company effective February 7, 2018.  In connection with her 
resignation, Ms. Joseph will receive $287,024 in termination related benefits. 

Pay Ratio 

Following is a reasonable estimate, prepared under applicable SEC rules, of the ratio of the annual total 
compensation of our Chief Executive Officer to the median of the annual total compensation of our other employees. We 
determined our median employee based on base salary (annualized in the case of full- and part-time employees who 
joined the Company during 2017) of each of our 16 employees (excluding the Chief Executive Officer) as of 
December 1, 2017.  Of the two potential median employees, we selected the employee without significant severance 
payments. The annual total compensation of our median employee (other than the Chief Executive Officer) for 2017 was 
$384,528. As disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table appearing on page 76, our former Chief Executive 
Officer’s annual total compensation for 2017 was $2,471,333. Our former Chief Executive Officer served in this 
capacity from January 1, 2017 to December 18, 2017, which includes December 1, 2017, the date of determination for 
the median employee. As noted in the footnotes of the Summary Compensation Table, Mr. Perrin’s salary in the 
Summary Compensation Table includes a payment of 10 days salary in conjunction with his resignation in lieu of the 
notice period in his Employment Agreement, so his annual total compensation includes salary for a full year. Based on 
the foregoing, our estimate of the ratio of the annual total compensation of our CEO to the median of the annual total 
compensation of all other employees was 6.4 to 1. Given the different methodologies that various public companies will 
use to determine an estimate of their pay ratio, the estimated ratio reported above should not be used as a basis for 
comparison between companies. 

2017 Director Compensation 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION 

The following table sets forth the compensation of our non-employee directors for 2017. Mr. Perrin, as an 

employee, did not receive any compensation as a director. For information on Mr. Perrin’s compensation, see “Executive 
Compensation” above. 

Name 
Kenneth DiPietro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Daniel Marshak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
C. Ann Merrifield(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Richard Roberts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Christina Morrison  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Jeffrey Hatfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

  Fees Earned or  
Paid in Cash   
($) 
 48,750   
 47,500   
 65,000   
 43,750   
 53,219   
 46,969   

Option 
Awards 
($)(1)(2) 
 44,085   
 44,085   
 44,085   
 44,085   
 44,085   
 —   

Total 
($) 
 92,835 
 91,585 
 109,085 
 87,835 
 97,304 
 46,969 

(1)  The amounts shown in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the option awards computed in 
accordance with ASC 718, not the actual amounts paid to or realized by the director during 2017. The assumptions 
used in determining grant date fair value of these awards are set forth in Note 12 to our Consolidated Financial 
Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Annual Report on 10-K. 

(2)  As of December 31, 2017, the aggregate number of options to purchase shares of our common stock outstanding for 

each director listed above, including both vested and unvested shares, was as follows: Mr. DiPietro, 75,000 shares; 
Mr. Marshak, 50,000; Ms. Merrifield, 50,000; Dr. Roberts, 100,000 shares; Ms. Morrison, 37,500; Mr. Hatfield, 
25,000. In accordance with our director compensation policy, Mr. Hatfield did not receive an annual grant of stock 
options in 2017 because he joined the Board within three months of the annual grant date. 

(3)  Ms. Merrifield was appointed as Chair of the Board of Directors effective December 18, 2017 and the annual 

retainer for her role as Chair of the Board was established as $25,000 effective January 1, 2018, replacing her annual 
retainer of $15,000 as independent Lead Director. 

94 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
 
Our director compensation policy in place in 2017 provided for the following compensation to our non-

employee directors: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

an annual retainer of $35,000 per year, paid quarterly, to each non-employee director; 

an annual retainer of $15,000, paid quarterly, to the Audit Committee chairperson, and an annual retainer 
of $7,500, paid quarterly, to each member of the Audit Committee of the Board; 

an annual retainer of $10,000, paid quarterly, to the Compensation Committee chairperson, and an annual 
retainer of $5,000, paid quarterly, to each member of the Compensation Committee of the Board; 

an annual retainer of $7,500, paid quarterly, to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee 
chairperson, and an annual retainer of $3,750, paid quarterly, to each member of the Nominating and 
Corporate Governance Committee of the Board; and 

an annual retainer of $15,000, paid quarterly, to the independent Lead Director. 

Non-employee directors are reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses in connection with attendance at 

meetings of the Board or any of its committees that are conducted in person and other activities directly related to the 
service to the Company. 

Each non-employee director also receives an annual grant of a stock option to purchase 12,500 shares of our 

common stock at an exercise price equal to the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. The options vest 
in 12 equal installments on each monthly anniversary of the date of grant until fully vested on the first anniversary of the 
date of grant, provided that such director remains a director of our company on each such vesting date. 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation 

None of the members of the Compensation Committee was at any time during 2017 or at any other time an 
officer or employee of our company. None of our executive officers serves as a member of the board of directors or 
compensation committee of any other entity that has one or more executive officers serving as a member of our Board or 
the Compensation Committee. 

The current members of our Compensation Committee are Mr. DiPietro (Chairman), Mr. Hatfield and 

Drs. Marshak and Roberts.  

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT 

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and 

Analysis included in this Form 10-K statement. Based on those reviews and discussions, the Compensation Committee 
has recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement for 
filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  

By the Compensation Committee of the Board of 
Directors of InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. 

Kenneth DiPietro, Chairman 
Jeffrey Hatfield 
Daniel Marshak 
Richard Roberts 

95 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND 

RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management 

The following table sets forth certain information as of March 5, 2018, with respect to the beneficial ownership 

of our common stock by: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

each of our directors; 

each of our named executive officers; 

all of our executive officers and directors as a group; and 

each person that is known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of our 
common stock. 

Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the following table, each person named in the table has sole 

voting and investment power, and his or her address is c/o InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp., One Kendall Square, 
Suite B14402, Cambridge, MA 02139. Shares of our common stock subject to options or warrants currently exercisable 
or exercisable within 60 days of March 5, 2018 are deemed outstanding for computing the share ownership and 
percentage of the person holding such options and warrants, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the 
percentage of any other person. The percentage ownership of our common stock of each person or entity named in the 
following table is based on 36,079,851 shares of our common stock outstanding as of March 5, 2018. 

Directors and Officers 

Name of Beneficial Owner 
Richard Toselli  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Mark Perrin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Christopher McNulty  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Melanie Morel-Ferris  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Tamara Joseph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Pamela Stahl  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Tom Ulich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Kenneth DiPietro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Daniel Marshak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
C. Ann Merrifield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Richard Roberts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Christina Morrison  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Jeffrey Hatfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
All directors and executive officers as a group (13 persons) . . . . . . . . . .    

Number of Shares 
of Common Stock 
      Beneficially Owned 

Percentage of 
Common Stock 
Beneficially 
Owned 

*  
 2.7 % 
*  
*  
*  
*  

*  
*  
*  
*  
*  
*  
 5.5 % 

 — (1)   
 956,855 (2)   
 158,294 (3)   
 3,641 (4)   
 214,067 (5)   
 92,167 (6)   
 5,357 (7)   
 78,125 (8)   
 53,125 (9)   
 55,125 (10)   
 320,012 (11)   
 38,542 (12)   
 21,875 (13)   
 1,997,185 (14)   

*     Percentage of shares beneficially owned does not exceed one percent. 
(1)  None of Dr. Toselli’s stock options or RSUs will become exercisable or vested within 60 days of March 5, 2018. 
(2)  Includes 907,760 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 5, 2018. 
(3)  Includes 130,230 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 5, 2018. 
(4)  All of Ms. Morel-Ferris’s options have expired. 
(5)  Includes 184,128 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 5, 2018. 
(6)  Includes 85,432 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 5, 2018. 
(7)  All of Dr. Ulich’s options have expired. 
(8)  Represents 78,125 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 5, 2018. 
(9)  Represents 53,125 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 5, 2018. 
(10) Includes 53,125 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 5, 2018. 
(11) Includes 103,125 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 5, 2018. 

96 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
     
  
    
 
(12) Represents 38,542 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 5, 2018. 
(13) Represents 21,875 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 5, 2018. 
(14) Includes an aggregate of 1,655,467 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 5, 

2018. 

Stockholders Known by Us to Own 5% or More of Our Common Stock 

No stockholders are known by us to own 5% or more of our common stock. 

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans 

The following table provides certain information about shares of our common stock that may be issued under 

our existing equity compensation plan as of March 5, 2018, which consists of our 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, 2010 
Equity Incentive Plan, 2015 Equity Incentive Plan, and Employee Stock Purchase Plan. 

(a) 
Number of 
securities 

(b) 

to be issued upon  Weighted-average  

the exercise of   
outstanding 
options, 
warrants and 
rights 

exercise price 
of outstanding 
options, 
warrants 
and rights 

 3,670,779   $ 

 —  

 3,670,779   $ 

 5.50   
 —   
 5.50   

(c) 

  Number of securities
remaining available 
for future issuance 
under equity 
compensation plans 
(excluding securities 
reflected in column 
(a)) 
 2,776,974 
 — 
 2,776,974 

Plan Category 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders . . . . . . . .    
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders . . . . .    
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

97 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
    
    
  
 
 
 
 
ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR 

INDEPENDENCE. 

Related Party Transaction Policy 

Our board of directors has adopted written policies and procedures for the review of related party transactions. 

The Audit Committee reviews and oversees all related party transactions on an ongoing basis. A “related party 
transaction” is a transaction that meets the minimum threshold for disclosure in the proxy statement under applicable 
SEC rules (generally, transactions involving amounts exceeding $120,000 in which a “related person” or entity has a 
direct or indirect material interest). “Related persons” include our executive officers, directors, beneficial owners of 5% 
or more of our common stock, immediate family members of these persons and entities in which one of these persons 
has a direct or indirect material interest. When a potential related party transaction is identified, management presents it 
to the Audit Committee to determine whether to approve or ratify it. 

The Audit Committee reviews the material facts of any related party transaction and either approves or 

disapproves of entering into the transaction. In the course of reviewing the related party transaction, the Audit 
Committee considers whether (i) the transaction is fair and reasonable to our company, (ii) the transaction is in, or not 
inconsistent with, our company’s best interests under all possible circumstances, and (iii) the transaction will be on terms 
no less favorable to our company than we could have obtained in an arm’s-length transaction with an unrelated third 
party. If advance approval of a related party transaction is not feasible, then the transaction will be considered and, if the 
Audit Committee determines it to be appropriate, ratified by the Audit Committee. No director may participate in the 
approval of a transaction for which he or she is a related party. When a related party transaction is ongoing, any 
amendments or changes are reviewed, and the transaction is reviewed annually for reasonableness and fairness to our 
company. 

Related Party Transactions 

In January 2017, we entered into a consulting agreement with Dr. Robert Langer, a member of our Scientific 

Advisory Board, who at the time of entering into the consulting agreement was a holder of over 5% of our common 
stock, for certain consulting services. Dr. Langer was one of the original co-founders of our company. Pursuant to the 
terms of the agreement, we initially agreed to pay Dr. Langer $250,000 per year in consulting fees, but that amount was 
reduced effective October 2017 to $100,000 per year in consulting fees. For the year ended December 31, 2017 the 
Company paid Dr. Langer $204,166 in consulting fees. 

Director Independence 

Rule 5605 of the Nasdaq Listing Rules requires a majority of a listed company’s board of directors to be 
comprised of independent directors within one year of listing. In addition, the Nasdaq Listing Rules require that, subject 
to specified exceptions, each member of a listed company’s audit, compensation and nominating and corporate 
governance committees be independent, that audit committee members also satisfy independence criteria set forth in 
Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and that compensation committee members also satisfy heightened independence 
requirements contained in the Nasdaq Listing Rules as well as Rule 10C-1 under the Exchange Act. Under Nasdaq 
Rule 5605(a)(2), a director will only qualify as an “independent director” if, in the opinion of our Board, that person 
does not have a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the 
responsibilities of a director. In order to be considered independent for purposes of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act, 
a member of an audit committee of a listed company may not, other than in his or her capacity as a member of the audit 
committee, the Board, or any other Board committee, accept, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory, or other 
compensatory fee from the listed company or any of its subsidiaries or otherwise be an affiliated person of the listed 
company or any of its subsidiaries. When determining the independence of the members of our compensation committee 
under the heightened independence requirements contained in the Nasdaq Listing Rules and Rule 10C-1 under the 
Exchange Act, our Board is required to consider all factors specifically relevant to determining whether a director has a 
relationship with us that is material to that director’s ability to be independent from management in connection with the 
duties of a compensation committee member, including, but not limited to: (1) the source of compensation of that 
director, including any consulting, advisory or other compensatory fee paid by us to that director; and (2) whether that 
director is affiliated with our company, a subsidiary of our company or an affiliate of a subsidiary of our company. 

98 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our Board has reviewed the composition of our Board and its committees and the independence of each 
director. Based upon information requested from and provided by each director concerning his or her background, 
employment and affiliations, including family relationships, our Board has determined that each of our directors is an 
“independent director” as defined under Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules. 

Our Board also determined that Ms. Morrison, Mr. Hatfield, Dr. Marshak, and Ms. Merrifield, who comprise 

our audit committee, and Mr. DiPietro, Mr. Hatfield, Dr. Marshak and Dr. Roberts, who comprise our compensation 
committee, satisfy the independence standards for such committees established by the SEC and the Nasdaq Listing 
Rules, as applicable. In making such determinations, our Board considered the relationships that each such non-
employee director has with our company and all other facts and circumstances our Board deemed relevant in 
determining independence, including the beneficial ownership of our capital stock by each non-employee director.  

99 

 
 
 
 
Item 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees. 

Audit Fees  

Firm  
RSM US, LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

WOLF & COMPANY, P.C.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

Year  

      Fees ($)(1)  
  227,874 
  205,800 
 — 
8,300 

2017  
2016  
2017  
2016  

Audit fees in each of 2017 and 2016 consisted of fees incurred for professional services rendered for the audit 
of consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting and for reviews of our interim 
consolidated financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.  

Audit-Related Fees  

Firm  
RSM US, LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

      Year  

WOLF & COMPANY, P.C.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

      Fees ($)(1)  
  78,750 
  111,921 
9,000 
  10,670 

2017  
2016  
2017  
2016  

(1)  Audit-related fees in 2017 paid to RSM consisted of fees related to the delivery of comfort letters in conjunction 
with proposed common stock financings. Audit-related fees in 2016 paid to RSM consisted of fees related to the 
delivery of a comfort letter in conjunction with a common stock financing and fees related to a Form S-3. Audit-
related fees in 2017 paid to Wolf & Co. consisted of fees related to consents provided in connection with December 
2016 Form 10-K filing. Audit-related fees in 2016 paid to Wolf & Co. consisted of fees related to consents provided 
in connection with a Form S-3 filing and a common stock financing. 

Tax Fees  

There were no fees paid to RSM or Wolf & Company, P.C. for any tax-related services in 2017 or 2016.  

All Other Fees  

There were no other fees paid to RSM or Wolf & Company, P.C. in 2017 or 2016.  

Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services  

Our Audit Committee is responsible for pre-approving all services provided by our independent registered 

public accounting firm. All of the above services and fees were reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee before 
the services were rendered. The Audit Committee has considered the nature and amount of fees billed by RSM and 
believes that the provision of services for activities unrelated to the audit is compatible with maintaining RSM's 
independence. 

100 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 15.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES 

Financial Statements. 

PART IV 

The financial statements listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 are filed 

as part of this report. 

Financial Statement Schedules. 

All financial statement schedules have been omitted as they are either not required, not applicable, or the 

information is otherwise included. 

Exhibits. 

The following is a list of exhibits filed as part of this Annual Report on 10-K. 

Exhibit 
No. 

      Description  

2.1    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated October 4, 2010, by and between Design Source, Inc. and InVivo 

Therapeutics Holdings Corp. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Current Report 
on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on October 6, 2010). 

2.2  Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated as of October 26, 2010, by and among InVivo 
Therapeutics Holdings Corp. (f/k/a Design Source, Inc.), a Nevada corporation, InVivo Therapeutics 
Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and InVivo Therapeutics Corporation, a Delaware corporation 
(incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the 
SEC on November 1, 2010). 

3.1  Articles of Incorporation of InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp., as amended (incorporated by reference 

from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10 Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, as 
filed with the SEC on August 4, 2016). 

3.2  Amended and Restated Bylaws of InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. (incorporated by reference from 

Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, as filed 
with the SEC on May 6, 2016).  

4.1  Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.8 to the Company’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, as filed with the SEC on March 15, 
2012). 

4.2  Warrant dated October 5, 2012 issued to Massachusetts Development Finance Agency (incorporated by 
reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on 
October 9, 2012). 

4.3  Form of Warrant of InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the 

Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on May 6, 2014). 

4.4  Form of Warrant Agreement (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report 

10.1* 

on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on March 3, 2016). 
InVivo Therapeutics Corp. 2007 Employee, Director and Consultant Stock Plan (incorporated by reference 
from Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on November 1, 
2010). 

10.2(i)*  Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement by and between InVivo Therapeutics Corp. and participants 
under the 2007 Employee, Director and Consultant Stock Plan (incorporated by reference from 
Exhibit 10.11(i) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on November 1, 
2010). 

10.2(ii)*  Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement by and between InVivo Therapeutics Corp. and 

participants under the 2007 Employee, Director and Consultant Stock Plan (incorporated by reference from 
Exhibit 10.11(ii) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on November 1, 
2010). 

101 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
10.3* 

InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. 2010 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to 
Appendix A to the Company’s Schedule 14A Proxy Statement, as filed with the SEC on April 19, 2013). 

10.4(i)*  Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement by and between InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. and 

participants under the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.12(i) to the 
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, as filed with the 
SEC on March 24, 2011). 

10.4(ii)*  Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement by and between InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. and 
participants under the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.12(ii) to the 
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, as filed with the 
SEC on March 24, 2011). 

10.5  Form of Scientific Advisory Board Agreement entered into by InVivo Therapeutics Corp. (incorporated by 

reference from Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on 
November 1, 2010). 

10.6  Exclusive License Agreement dated July 2007 between InVivo Therapeutics Corporation and Children’s 

Medical Center Corporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Amendment No. 2 to the 
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, as filed with the SEC 
on July 18, 2011). 

10.7  Amendment One to the Exclusive License, dated May 12, 2011, by and between Children’s Medical Center 

Corporation and InVivo Therapeutics Corporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.22 to the 
Amendment No. 4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-171998), as filed 
with the SEC on July 19, 2011). 

10.8  Amendment Two to the Exclusive License, dated August 29, 2017, by and between Children’s Medical 

Center Corporation and InVivo Therapeutics Corporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to 
the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, as filed with 
the SEC on January 3, 2018). 

10.9  Form of Indemnification Agreement (for directors and officers) (incorporated by reference from 

Exhibit 10.19 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-171998), as filed with 
the SEC on February 1, 2011). 

10.10  Lease Agreement, dated November 30, 2011, between InVivo Therapeutics Corporation and RB Kendall 

Fee, LLC (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.25 to the Company’s Registration Statement on 
Form S-1 (File No. 333-178584), as filed with the SEC on December 16, 2011). 

10.11  Lease Guaranty, dated November 30, 2011, by InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. (incorporated by 

reference from Exhibit 10.26 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-178584), 
as filed with the SEC on December 16, 2011). 

10.12  First Amendment of Lease between InVivo Therapeutics Corporation and RB Kendall Fee, LLC, dated 
September 17, 2012 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.31 to the Company’s Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, as filed with the SEC on March 12, 2013). 
10.13+  Second Amendment of Lease between InVivo Therapeutics Corporation and RB Kendall Fee, LLC, dated 

10.14* 

October 31, 2017. 
InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. Annual Cash Bonus Plan for Executive Officers (incorporated by 
reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on 
March 8, 2012). 

10.15  Promissory Note dated October 5, 2012 in favor of Massachusetts Development Finance Agency 

(incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with 
the SEC on October 9, 2012). 

10.16  Purchase Agreement, dated January 25, 2018, between InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. and Lincoln 
Park Capital Fund, LLC (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 1.1 to the Company’s Current Report on 
Form 8- K, as filed with the SEC on January 26, 2018). 

10.17  Registration Rights Agreement, dated January 25, 2018, between InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. and 

Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 1.2 to the Company’s Current 
Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Commission on January 26, 2018). 

10.18*  Employment Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2013, between the Company and Mark D. Perrin 

10.19* 

(incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.28 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal 
year ended December 31, 2013, as filed with the SEC on March 17, 2014). 
InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference from 
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on June 16, 2015). 

102 

10.20* 

InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from 
Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on June 16, 2015). 

10.21*  Letter Agreement regarding Amendments to Employment Agreement, dated as of July 21, 2015, by and 

between Mark D. Perrin and InVivo Therapeutics Holding Corp. (incorporated by reference from 
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, as 
filed with the SEC on November 4, 2015). 

10.22*  Employment Agreement, dated July 21, 2015, by and between Thomas R. Ulich, M.D and InVivo 

Therapeutics Holdings Corp. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, as filed with the SEC on November 4, 
2015). 

10.23*  Employment Agreement, dated August 3, 2015, by and between Tamara L. Joseph and InVivo Therapeutics 
Holdings Corp. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, as filed with the SEC on November 4, 2015). 

10.24* Employment Agreement, dated August 10, 2016, by and between Pamela Stahl and InVivo Therapeutics 

Holdings Corp. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 
10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, as filed with the SEC on November 4, 2016).  

10.25* Employment Agreement, dated March 29, 2017, between InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. and 

Christopher McNulty (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, as filed with the SEC on May 4, 2017). 

10.26* Consulting Agreement, dated June 29, 2017, by and between InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. and 

Richard Toselli, M.D. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017, as filed with the SEC on August 8, 2017). 

10.27* Letter Agreement, dated December 17, 2017, by and between Mark D. Perrin and InVivo Therapeutics 

Holdings Corp. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.26 to the Company’s Registration Statement on 
Form S-1/A (File No. 333-222738) as filed with the SEC on February 9, 2018.) 

10.28* Employment Agreement, dated December 18, 2017, by and between Richard Toselli and InVivo 

Therapeutics Holdings Corp. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.27 to the Company’s Registration 
Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-222738) as filed with the SEC on February 9, 2018.) 
10.29* Consulting Agreement, dated January 3, 2018, by and between Mark D. Perrin and InVivo Therapeutics 

Holdings Corp. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.28 to the Company’s Registration Statement on 
Form S-1/A (File No. 333-222738) as filed with the SEC on February 9, 2018.) 

10.30* Letter Agreement, dated January 19, 2018, by and between Tamara L. Joseph and InVivo Therapeutics 

Holdings Corp. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.29 to the Company’s Registration Statement on 
Form S-1/A (File No. 333-222738) as filed with the SEC on February 9, 2018.) 

10.31*+ Letter Agreement, dated March 7, 2018, by and between Pamela Stahl and InVivo Therapeutics Holdings 

Corp 

10.32* Consulting Agreement, dated January 19, 2018, by and between Tamara L. Joseph and InVivo Therapeutics 
Holdings Corp. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Registration Statement on 
Form S-1/A (File No. 333-222738) as filed with the SEC on February 9, 2018.) 

10.33  Form of Exchange Agreement, dated as of August 10, 2017, between InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. 

and certain holders of warrants (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current 
Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on August 10, 2017). 

21  Subsidiaries of InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 21.1 to the 

Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on November 1, 2010). 

23.1 Consent of RSM US LLP 
31.1  Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the 

Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002. 

31.2  Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the 

Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002. 
32.1  Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to 

Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002. 

32.2  Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to 

Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002. 

101.INS  XBRL Instance Document. 
101.SCH  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. 

103 

101.CAL  XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document. 
101.DEF  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. 
101.LAB  XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document. 
101.PRE  XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document. 

*    Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement filed in response to Item 15(a)(3) of Form 10-K. 

+    Filed herewith. 

Item 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY 

None. 

104 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has 

duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. 

SIGNATURES 

Date: March 12, 2018 

Date: March 12, 2018 

INVIVO THERAPEUTICS HOLDINGS CORP. 

By: 

/s/ RICHARD TOSELLI, M.D 
Name:  Richard Toselli 
Title:  President, Chief Executive Officer and Director 

(Principal Executive Officer) 

By: 

/s/ CHRISTOPHER McNULTY 
Name:  Christopher McNulty 
Title:   Chief Financial Officer (Principal           
 Financial and Accounting Officer) 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the 

following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. 

Signature 

Title 

Date 

/s/ RICHARD TOSELLI M.D 
Richard Toselli 

  President, Chief Executive Officer and 
Director (Principal Executive Officer) 

/s/ CHRISTOPHER MCNULTY 
Christopher McNulty 

  Chief Financial Officer (Principal 
Financial and Accounting Officer) 

March 12, 2018 

March 12, 2018 

/s/ C. ANN MERRIFIELD 
C. Ann Merrifield 

/s/ KENNETH DIPIETRO 
Kenneth DiPietro 

/s/ JEFFREY S. HATFIELD 
Jeffrey S. Hatfield 

/s/ DANIEL R. MARSHAK 
Daniel R. Marshak 

/s/ CHRISTINA MORRISON 
 Christina Morrison 

/s/ RICHARD J. ROBERTS 
Richard J. Roberts 

Chair of the Board 

March 12, 2018 

March 12, 2018 

March 12, 2018 

March 12, 2018 

March 12, 2018 

March 12, 2018 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

105 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  Company  will  furnish  any  exhibit  upon  the  payment  of  a  fee  that  shall  be  limited  to  the  registrant’s 
reasonable expenses  in  furnishing  such  exhibit.  In  order  to  have  such  an  exhibit  furnished  to  you,  please  e-mail 
investor-relations@invivotherapeutics.com  with  the  specific  requested  exhibit(s)  and  your  contact  information.  In 
the  event  that  you  do  not  have  access  to  e-mail  or  would  otherwise  prefer  to  request  an  exhibit  via  regular  mail, 
please contact our Secretary at 617-863-5530. 

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[This page intentionally left blank] 

[This page intentionally left blank] 

2017

Annual Report

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Richard M. Toselli, M.D.
President, Chief Executive Officer & Director
InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp.
Ann Merrifield
Former President & CEO, PathoGenetix, Inc.
Chair of the Board
Nominating and Corporate Governance 
Committee (Chair) 
Audit Committee (Member)
Kenneth DiPietro
Chief Talent Officer, Oak Hill Capital,  
a private equity fund
Compensation Committee (Chair)
Nominating and Corporate Governance 
Committee (Member)
Jeffrey S. Hatfield
Chief Executive Officer, Zafgen, 
a biopharmaceutical company
Compensation Committee (Member)
Audit Committee (Member)
Daniel R. Marshak, Ph.D.
Chief Scientific Officer, Ferghana Partners, 
an investment banking firm
Compensation Committee (Member)
Audit Committee (Member)
Christina Morrison
Chief Financial Officer, Physicians Endoscopy, 
an ambulatory surgery center management 
company
Audit Committee (Chair)
Nominating and Corporate Governance 
Committee (Member)
Sir Richard J. Roberts, Ph.D.
Chief Scientific Officer, New England 
Biolabs, a company that develops and 
commercializes reagents
Scientific Advisory Board (Member)
Compensation Committee (Member)
Nominating and Corporate Governance 
Committee (Member)

SENIOR MANAGEMENT

Richard M. Toselli, M.D. 
President, Chief Executive Officer & Director
Christopher McNulty
Chief Financial Officer
William D’Agostino
Sr. Vice President, Operations

STOCKHOLDER INFORMATION

Corporate Headquarters
InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp.
One Kendall Square, 4th Floor 
Suite B14402
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 863-5500
www.invivotherapeutics.com
Transfer Agent
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company
1 State Street, 30th Floor
New York, NY 10004
(212) 509-4000
www.continentalstock.com
Independent Auditors
RSM US LLP 
80 City Square 
Boston, MA 02129
Stock Listing
InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp.  
is listed on NASDAQ Global Market  
under the symbol “NVIV”

A COPY OF OUR ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AS FILED WITH THE SEC, EXCLUDING EXHIBITS, WILL BE FURNISHED 
WITHOUT CHARGE TO ANY SHAREHOLDER UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO: INVESTOR RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, INVIVO THERAPEUTICS HOLDINGS CORP., ONE KENDALL 
SQUARE, SUITE B14402, CAMBRIDGE, MA 02139. EXHIBITS WILL BE PROVIDED UPON WRITTEN REQUEST AND PAYMENT OF AN APPROPRIATE PROCESSING FEE.

The 2017 Annual Report, 2017 Form 10-K, and other investor information can be viewed online 
at the InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. website: www.invivotherapeutics.com

www.invivotherapeutics.com

One Kendall Square / Building 1400 East, 4th Floor / Suite B14402 
Cambridge, MA 02139