UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019
OR
o 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: 1-36282
LA JOLLA PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
California
33-0361285
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
4550 Towne Centre Court, San Diego, CA
(Address of principal executive offices)
92121
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (858) 207-4264
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share
LJPC
The Nasdaq Capital 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 o No x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act. Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).
Yes x No o
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.
Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
o
o
Accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
x
x
o
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. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
The aggregate market value of voting and non-voting shares of common stock held by non-affiliates of the Company as of June 28, 2019 was approximately
$190.2 million, based on the closing price on the Nasdaq Capital Market reported for such date. Shares of common stock held by each officer and director and
by each person who is known to own 10% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be
affiliates of the Company. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.
As of February 3, 2020, there were 27,215,201 shares of common stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain information required to be disclosed in Part III of this report is incorporated by reference from the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2020
Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which proxy statement is expected to be filed no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
PART I
Item 1. Business
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 2. Properties
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Item 9B. Other Information
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
SIGNATURES
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. We make
such forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal
securities laws. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “intends,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “indicates,” “plans,”
“expects,” “suggests,” “may,” “should,” “potential,” “designed to,” “will” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events and trends
that do not relate to historical matters. You should not unduly rely on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown
risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. These risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause our actual
results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or
implied by the forward-looking statements.
These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding:
•
•
•
•
our ability to grow net sales of GIAPREZATM (angiotensin II);
our ability to maintain an effective sales and marketing organization;
the potential market size for GIAPREZA;
our ability to obtain an uninterrupted supply of GIAPREZA from our contract manufacturers;
• GIAPREZA’s market exclusivity period as a result of the enforcement of regulatory exclusivity and the validity and enforceability of
issued and pending patents covering GIAPREZA;
•
•
•
•
•
•
our ability to obtain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) approval of LJPC-0118 (I.V. artesunate);
our ability to obtain an uninterrupted supply of LJPC-0118 from our contract manufacturers;
our ability to receive a tropical disease Priority Review Voucher (“PRV”) for LJPC-0118;
our ability to hire and retain key employees;
our overall financial performance, including but not limited to net product sales and net cash used in operating activities; and
our capital requirements and our potential need for, and ability to obtain, additional financing.
These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results
to differ materially from the anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements,
including the factors described under the sections titled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations.” You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the documents
we incorporate by reference, in the context of these risks, uncertainties and other factors.
We caution you that the risks, uncertainties and other factors referred to above may not contain all of the risks, uncertainties and other
factors that are important to you. In addition, we cannot assure you that we will realize the results, benefits or developments that we expect or
anticipate or, even if substantially realized, that they will affect us or our business in the way expected. All forward-looking statements in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K apply only as of the date made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements included
in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect
subsequent events or circumstances.
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In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, all references to “we,” “our,” “us,” “La Jolla” and “the Company” refer to La Jolla Pharmaceutical
Company, a California corporation, and our subsidiaries, including La Jolla Pharma, LLC, on a consolidated basis.
PART I
Item 1. Business
Overview
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company is dedicated to the development and commercialization of innovative therapies that improve
outcomes in patients suffering from life-threatening diseases. In December 2017, GIAPREZATM (angiotensin II) was approved by the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (“FDA”) as a vasoconstrictor indicated to increase blood pressure in adults with septic or other distributive shock.
GIAPREZA U.S. net sales were $23.1 million in 2019 compared to $10.1 million in 2018, an increase of 129%. In August 2019, GIAPREZA was
approved by the European Commission (“EC”) for the treatment of refractory hypotension in adults with septic or other distributive shock who
remain hypotensive despite adequate volume restitution and application of catecholamines and other available vasopressor therapies. LJPC-
0118 (I.V. artesunate) is La Jolla’s investigational product for the treatment of severe malaria.
Product Portfolio
a U.S.: GIAPREZA is a vasoconstrictor to increase blood pressure in adults with septic or other distributive shock.
European Union: GIAPREZA is indicated for the treatment of refractory hypotension in adults with septic or other distributive shock
who remain hypotensive despite adequate volume restitution and application of catecholamines and other available vasopressor
therapies.
b This is a proposed indication. LJPC-0118 (I.V. artesunate) is investigational and not approved by any regulatory authority.
GIAPREZATM (angiotensin II)
In December 2017, GIAPREZATM (angiotensin II) was approved by the FDA as a vasoconstrictor indicated to increase blood pressure
in adults with septic or other distributive shock. GIAPREZA U.S. net sales were $23.1 million in 2019 compared to $10.1 million in 2018, an
increase of 129%. In August 2019, GIAPREZA was approved by the EC for the treatment of refractory hypotension in adults with septic or other
distributive shock who remain hypotensive despite adequate volume restitution and application of catecholamines and other available
vasopressor therapies. GIAPREZA mimics the body’s endogenous angiotensin II peptide, which is central to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone
system, which in turn regulates blood pressure.
2
Distributive shock is the most common form of shock, as shown in the figure below.
a
Types of Shock
a Vincent et al, New England Journal of Medicine 2013; 369(18):1726−1734
3
Distributive shock is a leading cause of death in hospitalized patients, and shock affects one-third of patients in the intensive care unit
(“ICU”) (Sakr et al, Critical Care Medicine 2006; 34:589−597). The mortality rate of distributive shock exceeds that of most acute conditions
requiring hospitalization, as shown in the figure below.
Mortality Rate
AMI=acute myocardial infraction; HF=heart failure
a Based on the 28-day mortality rates of: (i) 35% from the vasopressin arm of Russell et al,
New England Journal of Medicine 2008; 358:877-87; (ii) 49% from the norepinephrine arm
of De Backer et al, New England Journal of Medicine 2010; 362:779-89; and (iii) 54% from
the placebo arm (high-dose norepinephrine or equivalent) of Khanna et al, New England
Journal of Medicine 2017; 377:419-430
b 30-day mortality rate from Medicare.gov
4
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is one of three systems that work in harmony to regulate blood pressure, as shown in the
figure below. GIAPREZA regulates blood pressure through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Other therapeutic options regulate blood
pressure through the adrenal system and vasopressin system.
In Healthy Individuals, Three Systems Work in Harmony to Regulate Blood Pressure
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Angiotensin II is a powerful vasoconstrictor, acting on blood vessels to cause vasoconstriction and stimulating the release of
aldosterone and vasopressin, which increase blood volume and blood pressure, as shown in the figure below.
Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone Systema,b,c
ACE=angiotensin-converting enzyme
a Image adapted from Chow et al, Anesthesia & Analgesia Practice 2018; 11(7):175−180
b Hendry et al, Nursing Standard 2012; 27(11):35−40
c Harrison-Bernard, Advances in Physiology Education 2009; 33: 270-274
d Treschan et al, Anesthesiology 2006; 105:599−612
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Annually in the U.S., approximately 100,000−150,000 patients fail to respond to current vasopressor options, as shown in the figure
below.
Response to Current Vasopressor Options
a Annually in the U.S.
b Year ended December 31, 2019 per Symphony Health Solutions
c Estimate based on Russell et al, New England Journal of Medicine 2008; 358:877−87 and Asfar et al, New
England Journal of Medicine 2014; 370:1583−93
d Annual sales per Endo International plc SEC filings, divided by price per vial per Wolters Kluwer PriceRx
e Estimate based on Dunser et al, Circulation 2003; 107:2313−2319 and Gordon et al, Critical Care Medicine
2014; 42(6):1325−1333
f Year ended December 31, 2019 per Endo International plc SEC filings
g $179.79 per vial per Wolters Kluwer PriceRx, multiplied by 10 vials per patient
h Estimate based on: 35.4% 28-day mortality rate in vasopressin arm of Russell et al, New England Journal of
Medicine 2008; 358:877-87; 48.5% 28-day mortality rate in norepinephrine arm of De Backer et al, New
England Journal of Medicine 2010; 362:779-789; and 54.6% non-responder rate on vasopressin from Sacha
et al, Annals of Intensive Care 2018; 8:35
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Angiotensin II for the Treatment of High-Output Shock (“ATHOS-3”)
GIAPREZA was approved by the FDA and the EC based on the results of ATHOS-3, which were published in the New England Journal
of Medicine in August 2017. Angiotensin II for the Treatment of High-Output Shock (“ATHOS-3”) was a multinational, randomized, double-blind
study in which 321 adults with septic or other distributive shock who remained hypotensive despite fluid and vasopressor therapy received
either GIAPREZA or placebo, both in addition to background standard of care therapy. The primary endpoint was mean arterial pressure
(“MAP”) response, defined as a MAP of 75 mm Hg or higher or an increase in MAP from baseline of at least 10 mm Hg without an increase in
the dose of background vasopressors at Hour 3. The ATHOS-3 study design is shown in the figure below.
a
ATHOS-3 Study Design
MAP=mean arterial pressure; SoC=standard of care
a Khanna et al, New England Journal of Medicine 2017; 377:419-430
b SoC vasopressors included norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine and vasopressin
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GIAPREZA significantly improved blood pressure response. Specifically, the primary endpoint was achieved by 70% of GIAPREZA-
treated patients compared to 23% of placebo-treated patients (P-value <0.0001).
Primary Endpoint: Mean Arterial Pressure (“MAP”) Responsea,b
a GIAPREZA FDA prescribing information
b MAP response of >75 mm Hg or an increase from baseline of >10 mm Hg at
Hour 3, without an increase in the dose of background vasopressors.
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In addition, a positive survival trend was observed. Mortality through Day 28 was 46% on GIAPREZA and 54% on placebo (hazard
ratio 0.78; 95% confidence interval 0.57−1.07).
Positive Survival Trend Observed
a,b
b Curves from Khanna et al, New England Journal of Medicine 2017; 377:419-430; Mortality through Day 28 and
Hazard Ratio (95% CI) from GIAPREZA FDA prescribing information
The most common adverse reactions that were reported in greater than 10% of GIAPREZA-treated patients were thromboembolic
events. Adverse reactions occurring in ≥4% of patients treated with GIAPREZA and ≥1.5% more often than in placebo-treated patients are
shown in the following table.
Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥4% of Patients Treated with GIAPREZA and ≥1.5% More Often than
in Placebo-treated Patientsa
a GIAPREZA FDA prescribing information
b Including arterial and venous thrombotic events
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The percentage of patients experiencing ≥1 adverse event, the percentage of patients experiencing ≥1 serious adverse event and the
percentage of patients discontinuing treatment due to an adverse event are shown in the following table.
Percentage of Patients Experiencing ≥1 Adverse Event, ≥1 Serious Adverse Event and Discontinuing Treatment Due to an Adverse
Eventa
a Khanna et al, New England Journal of Medicine 2017; 377:419-430
LJPC-0118 (I.V. artesunate)
LJPC-0118 (I.V. artesunate) is La Jolla’s investigational product for the treatment of severe malaria. The active pharmaceutical
ingredient in LJPC-0118, artesunate, was compared to quinine in patients with severe falciparum malaria infection in two randomized, active-
controlled, clinical studies. In both studies, in-hospital mortality in the artesunate group was statistically significantly lower than in-hospital
mortality in the quinine group. The FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation and Orphan Drug designation for LJPC-0118 for the
treatment of malaria in April 2019 and July 2019, respectively. La Jolla filed a New Drug Application (“NDA”) with the FDA for LJPC-0118 for the
treatment of severe malaria in the second half of 2019.
Severe malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito.
Symptoms include: fever, chills, sweating, hypoglycemia and shock. Severe malaria is often complicated by central nervous system infections
that may lead to delirium, which may progress to coma. Infections usually occur a few weeks after being bitten. In 2013, an estimated 2 million
cases of severe malaria occurred worldwide (World Health Organization), and, in 2018, an estimated 405,000 people died from malaria
worldwide (World Health Organization). La Jolla may be eligible to receive a tropical disease Priority Review Voucher (“PRV”) for LJPC-0118,
as malaria is defined as a disease qualifying for a tropical disease PRV under Section 524 of the U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
(“FDCA”).
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Two pivotal, randomized, active-controlled studies compared artesunate to quinine in the treatment of severe malaria. 1,461 patients
were randomized in the South East Asian Quinine Artesunate Malaria Trial (“SEAQUAMAT”) (Dondorp et al, Lancet 2005; 366: 717-25), and
5,425 patients were randomized in the African Quinine Artesunate Malaria Trial (“AQUAMAT”) (Dondorp et al, Lancet 2010; 376: 1647-57). In-
hospital mortality was the primary endpoint in both studies. In both studies, in-hospital mortality in the artesunate group was statistically
significantly lower than in-hospital mortality in the quinine group, as shown in the figures below.
Primary Endpoint: In-hospital Mortality
a Dondorp et al, Lancet 2005; 366: 717-25
b South East Asian Quinine Artesunate Malaria Trial
c Dondorp et al, Lancet 2010; 376: 1647-57
d African Quinine Artesunate Malaria Trial
According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control (“CDC”), I.V. artesunate is now the first-line drug for the treatment of severe malaria in
the U.S. following the discontinuation of I.V. quinidine and is the recommended World Health Organization first-line treatment for severe
malaria, but is neither FDA-approved nor commercially available in the U.S. I.V. artesunate is available from the CDC under an expanded-
access investigational new drug (“IND”) protocol for patients with severe malaria.
LJPC-401 (synthetic human hepcidin)
LJPC-401 (synthetic human hepcidin) is La Jolla’s investigational product for the potential treatment of conditions characterized by iron
overload. In November 2019, La Jolla announced mixed results from two Phase 2 studies of LJPC-401. Based on these results, the
development of LJPC-401 has been de-prioritized, and La Jolla does not expect to invest significant additional resources in this program.
Sales and Marketing Organization
La Jolla employs an experienced sales and marketing team dedicated to the commercialization of GIAPREZA. As of February 24,
2020, this team consists of 40 professionals, including 28 critical care specialists and 3 health systems account directors.
Customers
In 2019, 444 hospitals in the U.S. purchased GIAPREZA. Hospitals purchase our products through a network of specialty and
wholesale distributors. We do not believe that the loss of one of these distributors would significantly impact our ability to distribute GIAPREZA,
as we expect that sales volume would be absorbed by the remaining distributors. Due to the relatively short lead-time required to fill orders for
GIAPREZA, backlog is not material to our business.
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Competition
Catecholamines (primarily norepinephrine), which are available as generics and inexpensive, are typically used first line to treat
distributive shock, while Vasostrict® (Endo International plc) is typically used second line. In the randomized, Phase 3 study ATHOS-3,
GIAPREZA demonstrated clinical benefit in patients who were not adequately responding to available vasopressors, including catecholamines
and Vasostrict. GIAPREZA’s principal competition as a treatment in patients not adequately responding to available vasopressors is the use of
these same vasopressors, particularly norepinephrine, at increased doses. If we are unable to successfully change treatment practices, the
commercial prospects for GIAPREZA will be limited.
Manufacturing
We do not currently own or operate manufacturing facilities for the production of GIAPREZA or LJPC-0118. We rely on third-party
manufacturers to produce GIAPREZA and LJPC-0118 and expect to continue to do so to meet our development and commercial needs.
In all of our manufacturing agreements, we require that third-party contract manufacturers produce active pharmaceutical ingredients
(“APIs”) and drug products in accordance with the FDA’s current Good Manufacturing Practices (“cGMPs”) and all other applicable laws and
regulations. We maintain confidentiality agreements with potential and existing manufacturers in order to protect our proprietary rights related to
GIAPREZA and LJPC-0118.
The long-term commercial success of GIAPREZA will depend in part on the ability of our contract manufacturers to supply cGMP-
compliant API and drug product without interruption.
Regulatory Exclusivity
GIAPREZA is a New Chemical Entity (“NCE”) approved by the FDA. In the U.S., NCEs approved by the FDA are eligible for market
exclusivity under the FDCA, which can prevent the approval of generic versions of the NCE for 5 to 7.5 years from the date of the initial
approval of the NCE. Specifically, the FDCA provides a 5-year period of marketing exclusivity within the U.S. to the applicant that gains
approval of an NDA for an NCE. A drug is an NCE if the FDA has not previously approved any other new drug containing the same active
moiety, which is the molecule or ion responsible for the action of the drug substance. During the exclusivity period, the FDA may not accept for
review an Abbreviated New Drug Application (“ANDA”) or a 505(b)(2) NDA submitted by another company for another version of such drug
where the applicant does not own or have a legal right of reference to all of the data required for approval. However, an application may be
submitted 4 years after the NDA approval of the NCE if it contains a certification of patent invalidity or non-infringement. This certification will
trigger an automatic stay in the approval of any generic competition until the earlier of: (a) 30 months from the certification; or (b) a court ruling
of patent invalidity or non-infringement for the relevant patents. In the absence of a court ruling, the 30-month stay will be extended by such
amount of time (if any) that is required for 7.5 years to have elapsed from the date of NDA approval of the NCE.
Intellectual Property
Patents and other proprietary rights are important to our business. As of December 31, 2019, we owned or had in-licensed 10 issued
U.S. patents, 12 pending U.S. patent applications, 3 issued foreign patents and 45 pending foreign patent applications that cover GIAPREZA.
The U.S. patents and patent applications expire between 2029 and 2040, and the foreign patents and patent applications expire between 2034
and 2040. The following table summarizes our issued patents and pending applications for GIAPREZA and our product candidates.
Description
GIAPREZA
Other
Issued
10
19
Pending
12
16
Expiration
2029−2040
2022−2040
Issued
3
30
Pending
45
66
Expiration
2034−2040
2022−2040
United States
Foreign
We plan to file additional patent applications that, if issued, would provide further protection for GIAPREZA. Although we believe the
bases for these patents and patent applications are sound, they are untested, and there is no assurance that they will not be successfully
challenged. There can be no assurance that any patent previously
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issued will be of commercial value, that any patent applications will result in issued patents of commercial value or that our products will not be
held to infringe patents held by others.
Material Contracts
In May 2018, we closed a $125.0 million royalty financing agreement (the “Royalty Agreement”) with HealthCare Royalty Partners
(“HCR”). Under the terms of the Royalty Agreement, we received $125.0 million in exchange for tiered royalty payments on worldwide net sales
of GIAPREZA. HCR is entitled to receive quarterly royalties on worldwide net sales of GIAPREZA beginning April 1, 2018. Quarterly payments
to HCR under the Royalty Agreement start at a maximum royalty rate, with step-downs based on the achievement of annual net product sales
thresholds. Through December 31, 2021, the royalty rate will be a maximum of 10%. Starting January 1, 2022, the maximum royalty rate may
increase by 4% if an agreed-upon, cumulative net product sales threshold has not been met, and, starting January 1, 2024, the maximum
royalty rate may increase by an additional 4% if a different agreed-upon, cumulative net product sales threshold has not been met. The Royalty
Agreement is subject to maximum aggregate royalty payments to HCR of $225.0 million. The Royalty Agreement expires upon the first to occur
of January 1, 2031 or when the maximum aggregate royalty payments have been made. The Royalty Agreement was entered into by our
wholly-owned subsidiary, La Jolla Pharma, LLC, and HCR has no recourse under the Royalty Agreement against La Jolla Pharmaceutical
Company or any assets other than GIAPREZA.
In December 2014, we entered into a patent license agreement with George Washington University (“GW”), which was amended and
restated on March 1, 2016 (the “GW License”) and subsequently assigned to La Jolla Pharma, LLC. Pursuant to the GW License, GW
exclusively licensed to us certain intellectual property rights relating to GIAPREZA, including the exclusive rights to certain issued patents and
patent applications covering GIAPREZA. Under the GW License, we are obligated to use commercially reasonable efforts to develop,
commercialize, market and sell GIAPREZA. We have paid a one-time license initiation fee, annual maintenance fees, an amendment fee,
additional payments following the achievement of certain development and regulatory milestones and royalties. As a result of the EC’s approval
of GIAPREZA in August 2019, we made a milestone payment to GW in the amount of $0.5 million in the first quarter of 2020. We are obligated
to pay a 6% royalty on net sales of GIAPREZA. The patents and patent applications covered by the GW License are expected to expire
between 2029 and 2034, and the obligation to pay royalties under this agreement extends through the last-to-expire patent covering
GIAPREZA.
Government Regulation
Pharmaceutical products, including GIAPREZA, are subject to extensive government regulation. In the U.S., the FDA regulates
pharmaceutical products. FDA regulations govern the testing, research and development activities, manufacturing, quality, storage, advertising,
promotion, labeling, sale and distribution of pharmaceutical products. Accordingly, there is a rigorous process for the approval of new drugs and
ongoing oversight of marketed products. We may also be subject to foreign regulatory requirements governing clinical studies and drug
products if products are tested or marketed abroad. The approval process outside of the U.S. varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and the time
required may be longer or shorter than that required for FDA approval.
Regulation in the U.S.
The FDA testing and approval process requires substantial time, effort and financial resources. We cannot assure you that any of our
product candidates will ever obtain approval. The FDA approval process for new drugs includes, without limitation:
•
•
•
•
•
preclinical studies;
submission in the U.S. of an IND for clinical studies conducted in the U.S.;
adequate and well-controlled clinical studies to establish safety and efficacy of the product;
review and approval of an NDA in the U.S.; and
inspection of the facilities used in the manufacturing of the drug to assess compliance with the FDA’s cGMP regulations.
Any products manufactured or distributed by us pursuant to FDA approvals are subject to continuing regulation by the FDA, including
record-keeping requirements and reporting of adverse experiences with the drug. Drug manufacturers and their subcontractors are required to
register their establishments with the FDA and certain
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state agencies and are subject to periodic unannounced inspections by the FDA and certain state agencies for compliance with cGMPs, which
impose certain procedural and documentation requirements on us and our third-party manufacturers. Even after regulatory approval is
obtained, under certain circumstances, such as later discovery of previously unknown safety risks, the FDA can withdraw approval or subject
the drug to additional restrictions.
The FDA closely regulates the marketing and promotion of drugs. Drugs may only be marketed in a manner consistent with their FDA-
approved labeling. Approval may be subject to post-marketing surveillance and other record-keeping and reporting obligations. Product
approvals may be withdrawn if compliance with regulatory standards is not maintained or if problems occur following initial marketing.
The failure to comply with FDA’s requirements can result in adverse publicity, warning letters, corrective advertising, restrictions on
marketing or manufacturing, refusals to review pending product applications, refusals to permit the import or export of products, seizures,
injunctions, and civil and criminal penalties.
Tropical Disease Priority Review Voucher
Under Section 524 of the FDCA, the FDA is authorized to award a tropical disease PRV to sponsors of applications for certain products
for the prevention or treatment of certain tropical diseases. A tropical disease PRV may be used by the sponsor that obtains the tropical
disease PRV or may be transferred to another sponsor that may use it to obtain Priority Review for a different application. A Priority Review
designation means that the FDA’s goal is to take action on an NDA or a Biologics License Application (which need not relate to a tropical
disease) within 6 months of its filing (compared to 10 months under standard review), which means that a tropical disease PRV can result in a
reduction in FDA review time of up to 4 months. Without a PRV, Priority Review designation is for drugs that, if approved, would be significant
improvements in the safety or effectiveness of the treatment or prevention of serious conditions. In order to be eligible for a tropical disease
PRV, the application must: (i) be for a tropical disease as defined in Section 524 of the FDCA; (ii) be submitted under Section 505(b)(1) of the
FDCA or Section 351 of the Public Health Service Act (“PHSA”); (iii) be for a product that contains no active ingredient that has been approved
in any other application submitted under Section 505(b)(1) of the FDCA or Section 351 of the PHSA; and (iv) qualify for Priority Review.
Third-party Payor Coverage and Reimbursement
In the U.S. and most major foreign markets, drugs like GIAPREZA that are administered in the hospital must be purchased by the
hospital and generally are not reimbursed by third-party payors. Hospitals instead are reimbursed for patient cases based on patients’
diagnosed conditions under the U.S. Medicare diagnosis-related group (“DRG”) system or other like systems for non-Medicare patients in the
U.S. and in most major foreign markets. Adoption of new drugs that are administered in the hospital generally occurs more slowly than
adoption of new drugs that are taken on an outpatient basis, which generally are paid for by third-party payors.
U.S. Health Care Fraud and Abuse Laws and Compliance Requirements
We are subject to various federal and state laws targeting fraud and abuse in the health care industry. These laws may impact, among
other things, our sales and marketing efforts. In addition, we may be subject to patient privacy regulation by both the federal government and
the states in which we conduct our business. The laws that may affect our ability to operate include:
•
•
The federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits, among other things, persons from soliciting, receiving, offering or paying
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 of, an item or service reimbursable under a federal health care program, such as the Medicare and
Medicaid programs. The term “remuneration” has been broadly interpreted to include anything of value, including for example gifts,
cash payments, donations, the furnishing of supplies or equipment, waivers of payment, ownership interests, and providing any item,
service or compensation for something other than fair market value.
Federal false claims and civil monetary penalties laws, including the federal civil False Claims Act, which prohibits anyone from, among
other things, knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, for payment to federal programs (including Medicare and Medicaid)
claims for items or services that are false or fraudulent. Although we may not submit claims directly to payors, manufacturers can be
held liable under these laws in a variety of ways. These include: providing inaccurate billing or coding information to
15
customers; improperly promoting a product’s off-label use; violating the federal Anti-Kickback Statute; or misreporting pricing
information to government programs.
Provisions of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”), which created new federal criminal
statutes that prohibit, among other things, knowingly and willfully executing a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program or
making false statements in connection with the delivery of or payment for health care benefits, items or services.
The federal Physician Payment Sunshine Act requirements, under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“PPACA”), which
require manufacturers of certain drugs and biologics to track and report to U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”)
payments and other transfers of value they make to U.S. physicians and teaching hospitals as well as physician ownership and
investment interests in the manufacturer.
Provisions of HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act and its implementing
regulations (“HITECH”), which impose certain requirements relating to the privacy, security and transmission of individually identifiable
health information.
Section 1927 of the Social Security Act, which requires that manufacturers of drugs and biological products covered by Medicaid report
pricing information to CMS on a monthly and quarterly basis, including the best price available to any customer of the manufacturer,
with certain exceptions for government programs, and pay prescription rebates to state Medicaid programs based on a statutory
formula derived from reported pricing information.
State law equivalents of each of the above federal laws, such as the recently effective California Consumer Privacy Act, many of which
differ from each other in significant ways and may not have the same effect, which complicates our compliance efforts.
•
•
•
•
•
Regulation in Non-U.S. Jurisdictions
In addition to regulations in the U.S., we may be subject to a variety of foreign regulations governing clinical studies and commercial
sales and distribution of GIAPREZA or future products. For example, clinical studies conducted in the European Union must be done under a
clinical trial application (“CTA”), which is usually supported by an Investigational Medicinal Product Dossier (“IMPD”), and the oversight of ethics
committees. If we market GIAPREZA in foreign countries, we also will be subject to foreign regulatory requirements governing marketing
approval for pharmaceutical products. The requirements governing the conduct of clinical studies, product approval, pricing and reimbursement
vary widely from country to country. Whether or not FDA approval has been obtained, approval of a product by the regulatory authorities of
foreign countries must be obtained before marketing the product in those countries. The approval process varies from country to country, and
the time required for such approvals may differ substantially from that required for FDA approval. Foreign regulatory approval processes involve
many of the risks associated with FDA marketing approval discussed above. There is no assurance that any FDA approval of any of our
product candidates will result in similar foreign approvals or vice versa. The process for clinical studies in the European Union and other
countries is similar, and studies are heavily scrutinized by the designated ethics committees and regulatory authorities. In addition, foreign
regulations may include applicable post-marketing requirements, including safety surveillance, anti-fraud and abuse laws, and implementation
of corporate compliance programs and reporting of payments or other transfers of value to health care professionals and entities.
In Europe, the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (2016/679) (“GDPR”) contains provisions specifically directed at
the processing of health information. The GDPR provides for potentially significant sanctions and contains extraterritoriality measures intended
to bring non-EU companies under the regulation. In addition to the GDPR, individual countries in Europe and elsewhere in the world have
enacted similar data privacy legislation. This legislation imposes increased compliance obligations and regulatory risk, including the potential
for significant fines for noncompliance.
16
Other Laws and Regulations
We are subject to a variety of financial disclosure and securities trading regulations as a public company in the U.S., including laws
relating to the oversight activities of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the regulations of the Nasdaq Capital Market,
on which our shares of common stock are traded. We are also subject to various laws and regulations relating to safe working conditions,
laboratory practices and the experimental use of animals.
Employees
As of February 24, 2020, we employed 91 employees, of which 90 were full time. None of our employees are covered by collective
bargaining agreements.
Corporate and Other Information
The Company was incorporated in Delaware in 1989 and reincorporated in California in 2012. Our principal office is located at 4550
Towne Centre Court, San Diego, CA 92121, and our telephone number is (858) 207-4264. Shares of our common stock trade on the Nasdaq
Capital Market under the symbol “LJPC.” Our website address is www.ljpc.com. Information contained on or accessible through our website is
not a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the inclusion of our website address in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is an inactive
textual reference only.
We file electronically with the SEC our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and
amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We make available
on our website at www.ljpc.com, free of charge, copies of these reports as soon as reasonably practicable after filing or furnishing these reports
with the SEC. The SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
An investment in shares of our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties
described below and the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K before deciding to invest in shares of our common
stock. The risks described below are not the only ones facing our Company. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently
consider immaterial may also adversely affect our business. We have attempted to identify below the major factors that could cause differences
between actual and planned or expected results, but we cannot assure you that we have identified all of those factors. Our business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks or uncertainties. In such case, the
trading price of shares of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS
We are substantially dependent on the commercial success of GIAPREZATM (angiotensin II).
The success of our business is substantially dependent on our ability to successfully commercialize GIAPREZATM (angiotensin II), our
only commercial product. Although employees in our Company have prior experience launching pharmaceutical products at prior companies,
GIAPREZA is the first product we have launched. Furthermore, the market for effective pharmaceutical sales and marketing professionals is
competitive, and maintaining these capabilities is expensive and challenging. If we are unable to maintain an effective sales and marketing
organization, GIAPREZA sales could be adversely affected, and our business could suffer.
In the U.S. and most major foreign markets, drugs like GIAPREZA that are administered in the hospital must be purchased by the
hospital and generally are not reimbursed by third-party payors. Hospitals instead are reimbursed for patient cases based on patients’
diagnosed conditions under the U.S. Medicare diagnosis-related group (“DRG”) system or other like systems for non-Medicare patients in the
U.S. and in most major foreign markets. Adoption of new drugs that are administered in the hospital generally occurs more slowly than
adoption of new drugs that are taken on an outpatient basis, which generally are paid for by third-party payors. If we are
17
unsuccessful at convincing hospitals and health care providers to increase their rate of adoption of GIAPREZA, our business will suffer.
Catecholamines (primarily norepinephrine), which are available as generics and inexpensive, are typically used in the first line to treat
distributive shock, while Vasostrict® (Endo International plc) is typically used in the second line. In the randomized, Phase 3 study ATHOS-3,
GIAPREZA demonstrated clinical benefit in patients who were not adequately responding to available vasopressors, including catecholamines
and Vasostrict. GIAPREZA’s principle competition as a treatment in patients not adequately responding to available vasopressors is the use of
these same vasopressors, particularly norepinephrine, at increased doses. If we are unable to successfully change treatment practices, the
commercial prospects for GIAPREZA will be limited, and our business will suffer.
Our estimate of the potential market size for GIAPREZA is based on prescription and sales data for relevant in-market products, the
results of clinical studies, medical literature and other information. If the potential market size for GIAPREZA is smaller than our estimate, the
commercial prospects for GIAPREZA may be limited, and our business may suffer.
The commercial success of GIAPREZA will depend on our ability to obtain an uninterrupted supply of GIAPREZA from our contract
manufacturers.
We do not currently own or operate manufacturing facilities for the production of GIAPREZA or LJPC-0118 (I.V. artesunate). We rely on
sole-source third-party manufacturers to produce GIAPREZA and LJPC-0118 and expect to continue to do so to meet our development and
commercial needs. In all of our manufacturing agreements, we require that third-party contract manufacturers produce active pharmaceutical
ingredients (“APIs”) and drug products in accordance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (“FDA’s”) current Good Manufacturing
Practices (“cGMPs”) and all other applicable laws and regulations. The long-term commercial success of GIAPREZA will depend in part on the
ability of our contract manufacturers to supply cGMP-compliant API and drug product without interruption. If there is an interruption in the
supply of GIAPREZA from our contract manufacturers, our business will suffer.
GIAPREZA’s market exclusivity period will depend on the validity and enforceability of issued and pending patents covering
GIAPREZA.
As of December 31, 2019, we owned or had in-licensed 10 issued U.S. patents, 12 pending U.S. patent applications, 3 issued foreign
patents and 45 pending foreign patent applications that cover GIAPREZA. The U.S. patents and patent applications expire between 2029 and
2040, and the foreign patents and patent applications expire between 2034 and 2040. Although we believe the bases for these patents and
patent applications are sound, they are untested, and there is no assurance that they will not be successfully challenged. There can be no
assurance that any patent previously issued will protect GIAPREZA from generic competition or that any patent application will result in an
issued patent that will protect GIAPREZA from generic competition. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that GIAPREZA will not be held to
infringe valid patents held by others. If our owned and in-licensed intellectual property do not protect GIAPREZA from generic competition,
GIAPREZA sales will decline, and our business will suffer. If GIAPREZA is held to infringe valid patents held by others, we could be subject to
liability, and our business could suffer.
Product liability lawsuits against us could cause us to incur substantial liabilities and reduce GIAPREZA sales.
Patients suffering from distributive shock are gravely ill and have a high mortality rate. Although 28-day mortality in patients treated with
GIAPREZA was lower than in patients treated with placebo in the randomized, Phase 3 study ATHOS-3, there was a higher incidence of
arterial and venous thrombotic and thromboembolic events in patients treated with GIAPREZA in this study. Some patients who are treated with
GIAPREZA will die due to their underlying illness or suffer adverse events (which may or may not be drug related). As such, we may face
product liability lawsuits. Although we carry product liability insurance, product liability lawsuits against us could cause us to incur substantial
liabilities and reduce GIAPREZA sales. Furthermore, any such lawsuits could impair our business reputation and result in the initiation of
investigations by regulators.
18
Our ability to continue commercializing GIAPREZA is dependent on our fulfillment of contractual obligations to certain parties.
In May 2018, we closed a $125.0 million royalty financing agreement (the “Royalty Agreement”) with HealthCare Royalty Partners
(“HCR”). Under the terms of the Royalty Agreement, we received $125.0 million in exchange for tiered royalty payments on worldwide net sales
of GIAPREZA. HCR is entitled to receive quarterly royalties on worldwide net sales of GIAPREZA beginning April 1, 2018. Quarterly payments
to HCR under the Royalty Agreement start at a maximum royalty rate, with step-downs based on the achievement of annual net product sales
thresholds. Through December 31, 2021, the royalty rate will be a maximum of 10%. Starting January 1, 2022, the maximum royalty rate may
increase by 4% if an agreed-upon, cumulative net product sales threshold has not been met, and, starting January 1, 2024, the maximum
royalty rate may increase by an additional 4% if a different agreed-upon, cumulative net product sales threshold has not been met. The Royalty
Agreement is subject to maximum aggregate royalty payments to HCR of $225.0 million. The Royalty Agreement expires upon the first to occur
of January 1, 2031 or when the maximum aggregate royalty payments have been made. The Royalty Agreement was entered into by our
wholly-owned subsidiary, La Jolla Pharma, LLC, and HCR has no recourse under the Royalty Agreement against La Jolla Pharmaceutical
Company or any assets other than GIAPREZA. However, under the terms of the Royalty Agreement, La Jolla Pharma, LLC has certain
obligations, including the obligation to use commercially reasonable and diligent efforts to commercialize GIAPREZA. If La Jolla Pharma, LLC
is held to not have met these obligations, HCR would have the right to terminate the Royalty Agreement and demand payment from La Jolla
Pharma, LLC of either $125.0 million or $225.0 million (depending on which obligation La Jolla Pharma, LLC is held to not have met), minus
aggregate royalties already paid to HCR. In the event that La Jolla Pharma, LLC fails to timely pay such amount if and when due, HCR would
have the right to foreclose on the GIAPREZA-related assets.
In December 2014, we entered into a patent license agreement with George Washington University (“GW”), which was amended and
restated on March 1, 2016 (the “GW License”) and subsequently assigned to La Jolla Pharma, LLC. Pursuant to the GW License, GW
exclusively licensed to us certain intellectual property rights relating to GIAPREZA, including the exclusive rights to certain issued patents and
patent applications covering GIAPREZA. Under the GW License, La Jolla Pharma, LLC is obligated to use commercially reasonable efforts to
develop, commercialize, market and sell GIAPREZA and make certain payments to GW, including a 6% royalty on net sales of GIAPREZA. If
La Jolla Pharma, LLC is held to not have met its obligations, GW could terminate the GW License and La Jolla Pharma, LLC would no longer
have rights to the GW issued patents and patent applications covering GIAPREZA.
Our ability to obtain FDA approval of LJPC-0118 is uncertain.
La Jolla filed a New Drug Application (“NDA”) with the FDA for LJPC-0118 for the treatment of severe malaria in the second half of
2019. There can be no assurance that the FDA will approve LJPC-0118 in a timely manner, or at all.
Our ability to receive a tropical disease Priority Review Voucher is uncertain.
La Jolla may be eligible to receive a tropical disease Priority Review Voucher (“PRV”) for LJPC-0118, as malaria is defined as a
disease qualifying for a tropical disease PRV under Section 524 of the FDCA. The FDA is authorized to award a tropical disease PRV to
sponsors of applications for certain products for the prevention or treatment of certain tropical diseases. A tropical disease PRV may be used
by the sponsor that obtains the tropical disease PRV or may be transferred to another sponsor that may use it to obtain Priority Review for a
different application. In order to be eligible for a tropical disease PRV, the application must: (i) be for a tropical disease as defined in Section
524 of the FDCA; (ii) be submitted under Section 505(b)(1) of the FDCA or Section 351 of the Public Health Service Act (“PHSA”); (iii) be for a
product that contains no active ingredient that has been approved in any other application submitted under Section 505(b)(1) of the FDCA or
Section 351 of the PHSA; and (iv) qualify for Priority Review. Even if LJPC-0118 is approved by the FDA, there can be no assurance that we
will receive a tropical disease PRV. Furthermore, even if we receive a tropical disease PRV, there can be no assurance that it will be of any
value to us.
Our ability to hire and retain key employees is uncertain.
As of February 24, 2020, we employed 91 employees. The market for effective professionals in the pharmaceutical industry is
competitive, and hiring and retaining these professionals are expensive and challenging.
19
If we are unable to hire and retain key employees, we may be unable to effectively execute on our operating plan, and our business could
suffer.
Business interruptions resulting from geopolitical actions, natural disasters, public health crises or other catastrophic events could
have an adverse impact on our business.
Business interruptions resulting from geopolitical actions, such as war and terrorism, natural disasters, public health crises, such as a
pandemic, or other catastrophic events could have an adverse impact on our business. For example, if one of these events were to adversely
affect one of our contract manufacturers, our supply of GIAPREZA could be interrupted. Furthermore, in the case of a pandemic, the ability of
our critical care specialists to access hospitals and call on physicians may be curtailed, which may adversely affect product sales.
Our overall financial performance, including but not limited to net product sales and net cash used in operating activities, may not
meet our expectations.
Our overall financial performance, including but not limited to net product sales and net cash used in operating activities, is difficult to
predict and may fluctuate from quarter to quarter and year to year. Historical financial performance may not be indicative of future financial
performance. For example, our net product sales may be below expectations, and our costs to operate our business, including cost of product
sales, research and development expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses, could exceed our estimates. If our overall
financial performance does not meet our expectations, our business could suffer.
Our capital requirements and our potential need for, and ability to obtain, additional financing are uncertain.
As of December 31, 2019, we had cash of $87.8 million. GIAPREZA is our only approved product and our only source of product
revenue. To reach the point at which we are able to generate positive cash flow from operations, we may need to raise additional capital. The
amount and timing of future funding requirements, if any, will depend on many factors, including the success of our commercialization efforts for
GIAPREZA, our ability to receive a tropical disease PRV and our ability to control expenses. If necessary, we will raise additional capital
through equity or debt financings or collaboration agreements. We can provide no assurance that additional financing will be available to us on
favorable terms, or at all. If we need to raise additional capital and are unable to do so, we may be forced to curtail or cease our operations.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR INDUSTRY
We are subject to various federal, state and foreign laws and regulations governing the health care industry that could result in
substantial penalties for noncompliance.
We are subject to various federal, state and foreign laws and regulations governing the health care industry that could result in
substantial penalties for noncompliance. These laws and regulations may impact our ability to operate, including our sales and marketing
efforts. In addition, we may be subject to patient privacy regulation by federal, state and foreign governments that govern jurisdictions in which
we conduct our business. The laws and regulations that may affect our ability to operate include:
•
•
The federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits, among other things, persons from soliciting, receiving, offering or paying
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 of, an item or service reimbursable under a federal health care program, such as the Medicare and
Medicaid programs. The term “remuneration” has been broadly interpreted to include anything of value, including for example gifts,
cash payments, donations, the furnishing of supplies or equipment, waivers of payment, ownership interests, and providing any item,
service or compensation for something other than fair market value.
Federal false claims and civil monetary penalties laws, including the federal civil False Claims Act, which prohibits anyone from, among
other things, knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, for payment to federal programs (including Medicare and Medicaid)
claims for items or services that are false or fraudulent. Although we may not submit claims directly to payors, manufacturers can be
held liable under these laws in a variety of ways. These include: providing inaccurate billing or coding information to customers;
improperly promoting a product’s off-label use; violating the federal Anti-Kickback Statute; or misreporting pricing information to
government programs.
20
•
•
•
•
•
Provisions of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”), which created new federal criminal
statutes that prohibit, among other things, knowingly and willfully executing a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program or
making false statements in connection with the delivery of or payment for health care benefits, items or services.
The federal Physician Payment Sunshine Act requirements, under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“PPACA”), which
require manufacturers of certain drugs and biologics to track and report to U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”)
payments and other transfers of value they make to U.S. physicians and teaching hospitals as well as physician ownership and
investment interests in the manufacturer.
Various federal, state and foreign data privacy and security laws and regulations. These include provisions of HIPAA, as amended by
the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act and its implementing regulations (“HITECH”), which impose
certain requirements relating to the privacy, security and transmission of individually identifiable health information in the U.S. and the
General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) in the European Union that became effective in May 2018. We may not be directly
subject to certain of these laws and regulations, such as privacy and security requirements under HIPAA; however, we may be subject
to criminal penalties for knowingly, aiding and embedding these violations.
Section 1927 of the Social Security Act, which requires that manufacturers of drugs and biological products covered by Medicaid report
pricing information to CMS on a monthly and quarterly basis, including the best price available to any customer of the manufacturer,
with certain exceptions for government programs, and pay prescription rebates to state Medicaid programs based on a statutory
formula derived from reported pricing information.
State and/or foreign law equivalents of each of the above federal laws, such as the recently effective California Consumer Privacy Act,
many of which differ from each other in significant ways and may not have the same effect, which complicates our compliance efforts.
If we are found to be in violation of any of the laws or regulations described above or any other laws or regulations that apply to us, we
may be subject to substantial penalties, including civil and criminal penalties, damages, fines and possible exclusion from participation in
Medicare, Medicaid and other federal health care programs. If we are subjected to substantial penalties, our business will suffer, and we may
be forced to curtail or cease our operations.
Drug development involves a lengthy and expensive process with an uncertain outcome.
Drug development involves a lengthy and expensive process with an uncertain outcome. Failure can occur at any time during drug
development. The results of nonclinical studies and early clinical studies may not be predictive of the results of later-stage clinical studies. For
example, the safety or efficacy results of clinical studies do not ensure that later clinical studies will demonstrate similar results. Even if clinical
studies demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the product candidate, there is no assurance that such product candidate will receive regulatory
approval.
Drugs approved by the FDA are subject to ongoing regulation.
Any products manufactured or distributed by us pursuant to FDA approvals are subject to continuing regulation by the FDA, including
record-keeping requirements and reporting of adverse experiences with the drug. Drug manufacturers and their subcontractors are required to
register their establishments with the FDA and certain state agencies and are subject to periodic unannounced inspections by the FDA and
certain state agencies for compliance with cGMPs, which impose certain procedural and documentation requirements on us and our third-party
manufacturers. Even after regulatory approval is obtained, under certain circumstances, such as later discovery of previously unknown safety
risks, the FDA can withdraw approval or subject the drug to additional restrictions.
Our use of hazardous materials could subject us to liability, fines and sanctions.
Laboratory and clinical testing sometimes involve the use of hazardous, radioactive or otherwise toxic materials. We are subject to
federal, state and local laws and regulations governing how we use, manufacture, handle, store and dispose of these materials. Although we
believe that our safety procedures for handling and disposing of such materials comply in all material respects with all federal, state and local
laws and regulations, there is always the risk of accidental contamination or injury from these materials. If we fail to comply with such laws and
regulations, we could be subject to liability, fines and sanctions, and our business may suffer.
21
RISKS RELATED TO OWNERSHIP OF OUR COMMON STOCK
The price per share of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
The price per share of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, and you may lose all or part of your investment. These fluctuations
could be based on various factors, including factors described elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and below:
•
•
•
changes in analyst estimates, ratings and price targets;
negative press reports or other negative publicity, whether or not true, about our business;
developments concerning the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry in general;
• market sentiment towards pharmaceutical and biotechnology stocks;
•
developments concerning the overall economy; and
• market sentiment toward equity securities.
We have never paid a dividend on shares of our common stock, and you should rely on price appreciation of shares of our common
stock for return on your investment.
We have never paid a dividend on shares of our common stock. Even if we decide to declare and pay dividends, the timing, amount
and form of future dividends, if any, will depend on our future results of operations, financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors.
You should not rely on dividend income from shares of our common stock and should rely on price appreciation of shares of our common stock
for return on your investment.
Conversion of our convertible preferred stock would result in substantial dilution for our existing shareholders of common stock.
As of December 31, 2019, there were approximately 27.2 million shares of common stock outstanding. We may be required to issue up
to approximately 6.7 million additional shares of common stock upon conversion of existing convertible preferred stock. The issuance of these
additional shares would represent approximately 20% dilution to our existing shareholders of common stock.
If we need to obtain additional financing in the future, such financing could result in dilution to your investment, adversely affect the
price per share of our common stock and/or create future operating and financial restrictions.
As of December 31, 2019, we had cash of $87.8 million. GIAPREZA is our only approved product and our only source of product
revenue. To reach the point at which we are able to generate positive cash flow from operations, we may need to raise additional capital. The
amount and timing of future funding requirements, if any, will depend on many factors, including the success of our commercialization efforts for
GIAPREZA, our ability to receive a tropical disease PRV and our ability to control expenses. If necessary, we will raise additional capital
through equity or debt financings. We can provide no assurance that additional financing will be available to us on favorable terms, or at all. If
we issue additional equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities, you will suffer dilution to your investment, and such issuance
may adversely affect the price per share of our common stock. Any new debt financing we enter into may involve covenants that restrict our
operations, which may include limitations on borrowing and specific restrictions on the use of our assets, as well as prohibitions on our ability to
create liens or pay dividends.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not applicable.
Item 2. Properties
Our corporate headquarters is located at 4550 Towne Centre Court, San Diego, California 92121. We lease 83,008 square feet of office
and laboratory space.
22
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
23
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
PART II
Market Information
Shares of our common stock are traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market, under the symbol “LJPC.”
Holders of Record
As of February 3, 2020, we had 4 holders of record. Certain shares of common stock are held in “street” name, and, accordingly, the
number of beneficial owners of such shares of common stock is not known or included in the foregoing number. This number of holders of
record also does not include shareholders whose shares may be held in trust by other entities.
Dividends
We have never paid dividends on shares of our common stock, and we do not have any plans to pay dividends in the foreseeable
future.
24
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
We are a smaller reporting company, as defined by Rule 12b-2 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and in Item 10(f)(1) of
Regulation S-K, and are not required to provide the information under this item.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our audited
financial statements and the related notes and other financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Some of the
information contained in this discussion and analysis or elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including information with respect to our
plans and strategy for our business, include forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You should review the “Risk
Factors” set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially
from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis.
Discussion and analysis of our 2017 financial condition and results of operations compared to our 2018 financial condition and results
of operations can be found in Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 4, 2019.
Business Overview
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company is dedicated to the development and commercialization of innovative therapies that improve
outcomes in patients suffering from life-threatening diseases. In December 2017, GIAPREZATM (angiotensin II) was approved by the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (“FDA”) as a vasoconstrictor indicated to increase blood pressure in adults with septic or other distributive shock.
GIAPREZA U.S. net sales were $23.1 million in 2019 compared to $10.1 million in 2018, an increase of 129%. In August 2019, GIAPREZA was
approved by the European Commission (“EC”) for the treatment of refractory hypotension in adults with septic or other distributive shock who
remain hypotensive despite adequate volume restitution and application of catecholamines and other available vasopressor therapies.
LJPC‑0118 (I.V. artesunate) is La Jolla’s investigational product for the treatment of severe malaria.
Results of Operations
The following table summarizes our results of operations for each of the periods below (in thousands):
Net product sales
Cost of product sales
Research and development expense
Selling, general and administrative expense
Other expense, net
Net loss
Net Product Sales
Year Ended December 31,
2019
2018
Change
$
$
23,054 $
(2,392)
(85,329)
(45,134)
(6,707)
(116,508) $
10,056 $
(1,643)
(117,302)
(85,162)
(5,418)
(199,469) $
12,998
(749)
31,973
40,028
(1,289)
82,961
Net product sales consist solely of revenue recognized from sales of GIAPREZA to hospitals in the U.S. through a network of specialty
and wholesaler distributors (“Customers”). GIAPREZA U.S. net sales were $23.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to
$10.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of 129%. La Jolla launched GIAPREZA in the U.S. in March 2018.
Cost of Product Sales
Cost of product sales primarily consists of royalties paid or payable to GW and the costs to produce, package and deliver GIAPREZA
to our Customers. These costs include raw materials, labor and manufacturing and
25
quality control, as well as shipping and distribution costs. For the year ended December 31, 2019, cost of product sales was $2.4 million
compared to $1.6 million for the same period in 2018.
Research and Development Expense
Research and development expense consists of non-personnel and personnel expenses. The following table summarizes these
expenses for each of the periods below (in thousands):
Non-personnel expenses:
LJPC-401
GIAPREZA
LJPC-0118
Other programs
Facility
Other
Total non-personnel expense
Personnel expenses:
Salaries, bonuses and benefits
Share-based compensation expense
Total personnel expense
Total research and development expense
Year Ended December 31,
2019
2018
Change
$
$
$
$
17,603 $
6,007
1,746
6,731
7,318
3,991
43,396 $
27,072
14,861
41,933 $
85,329 $
16,353 $
16,871
6,352
6,001
7,574
7,464
60,615 $
35,574
21,113
56,687 $
117,302 $
1,250
(10,864)
(4,606)
730
(256)
(3,473)
(17,219)
(8,502)
(6,252)
(14,754)
(31,973)
During the year ended December 31, 2019, total research and development non-personnel expense decreased primarily as a result of
decreases in GIAPREZA- and LJPC-0118-related expenses. GIAPREZA-related expenses decreased as a result of the completion of certain
development activities relating to the application for approval to market GIAPREZA in the European Union, which was granted in 2019.
LJPC‑0118‑related expenses decreased as a result of the completion of certain development activities relating to the NDA for LJPC-0118,
which was filed in 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2019, total research and development personnel expense, including share-
based compensation expense, decreased as a result of reduced headcount in 2019 from a Company-wide realignment in October 2018,
partially offset by $4.4 million of one-time charges in 2019 resulting from another Company-wide realignment in November 2019. We anticipate
research and development expense will decrease significantly in 2020 as a result of the de-prioritization of LJPC-401 and the Company-wide
realignment in November 2019.
26
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Selling, general and administrative expense consists of non-personnel and personnel expenses. The following table summarizes these
expenses for each of the periods below (in thousands):
Non-personnel expenses:
Sales and marketing
Professional fees
Facility
Other
Total non-personnel expense
Personnel expenses:
Salaries, bonuses and benefits
Share-based compensation expense
Total personnel expense
Total selling, general and administrative expense
Year Ended December 31,
2019
2018
Change
$
$
$
$
7,194 $
4,398
1,519
2,805
15,916 $
20,346
8,872
29,218 $
45,134 $
23,933 $
4,939
1,268
2,629
32,769 $
38,355
14,038
52,393 $
85,162 $
(16,739)
(541)
251
176
(16,853)
(18,009)
(5,166)
(23,175)
(40,028)
During the year ended December 31, 2019, total selling, general and administrative non-personnel expenses decreased primarily as a
result of decreases in sales and marketing-related expenses associated with the initial commercial launch of GIAPREZA in the U.S., which
occurred in March 2018. During the year ended December 31, 2019, total selling, general and administrative expense, including share-based
compensation expense, decreased as a result of reduced headcount in 2019 from a Company-wide realignment in October 2018. We
anticipate selling, general and administrative expense will decrease modestly in 2020 as a result of a reduction in general and administrative
personnel associated with the Company-wide realignment in November 2019, partially offset by a modest increase in sales and marketing
personnel.
Other Expense, Net
Other income (expense), net primarily consists of interest accrued for our deferred royalty obligation, distributions in connection with
our non-voting profits interest in a related party and interest income generated from cash held in savings accounts. During the year ended
December 31, 2019, other expense, net increased to $6.7 million from $5.4 million for the same period in 2018, an increase of $1.3 million. This
increase was primarily due to a $3.5 million increase in interest accrued for our deferred royalty obligation, partially offset by the receipt of
distributions of $1.9 million in connection with the Company’s non-voting profits interest in a related party and a $0.2 million increase in interest
income generated from cash held in savings accounts.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Since January 2012, when the Company was effectively restarted, through December 31, 2019, our cash used in operating activities
was $425.9 million. As of December 31, 2019, we had an accumulated deficit of $1,037.3 million and have financed our operations through
public and private offerings of securities, a royalty financing, revenues from net product sales, interest income on invested cash balances and
other income.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had cash of $87.8 million and $172.6 million, respectively. Based on our current operating
plans and projections, we believe that our existing cash will be sufficient to fund operations for at least one year from the date this Annual
Report on Form 10-K is filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
Cash used for operating activities was $85.0 million and $152.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
The decrease in cash used for operating activities was a result of the decrease in our net loss, primarily offset by changes in non-cash
expenses and working capital.
27
Cash used for investing activities was $0.7 million and $2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The
decrease in cash used in investing activities was the result of purchases of property and equipment in 2018.
Cash provided by financing activities was $0.9 million and $236.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018,
respectively. The decrease in cash provided by financing activities was primarily the result of the receipt of $109.8 million of net proceeds from
the sale of shares of our common stock in an underwritten public offering in March 2018 and $124.3 million of net proceeds from the Royalty
Agreement in May 2018.
Off−Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on our financial
condition, changes in our financial condition, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
Contractual Obligations
We are a smaller reporting company, as defined by Rule 12b-2 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and in Item 10(f)(1) of
Regulation S-K, and are not required to provide the information under this item.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our audited consolidated financial
statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The preparation of these
audited consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities,
revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis. We base
our estimates on historical experience and on other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of
which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.
Actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
While our significant accounting policies are more fully described in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Item
15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we believe that the following accounting policies and estimates are most critical to understanding and
evaluating our reported financial results.
Revenue Recognition
Our revenue solely consists of U.S. net sales from GIAPREZA, which we launched in the U.S. in March 2018. In 2019, 444 hospitals in
the U.S. purchased GIAPREZA. Hospitals purchase our products through a network of specialty and wholesale distributors (“Customers”). In
addition to distribution agreements with Customers, we enter into arrangements with group purchasing organizations (“GPOs”) and health
systems that provide for privately negotiated chargebacks and discounts with respect to the purchase of GIAPREZA.
Revenue from product sales is recorded at the transaction price, net of estimates for variable consideration consisting of chargebacks,
discounts, returns and administrative fees. Variable consideration is estimated using the expected-value amount method, which is the sum of
probability-weighted amounts in a range of possible consideration amounts. Actual amounts of consideration ultimately received may differ from
our estimates. If actual results vary materially from our estimates, we will adjust these estimates, which will affect net sales of GIAPREZA and
results from our operations in the period such estimates are adjusted.
Accrued Expenses
As part of the process of preparing the financial statements, we are required to estimate accrued expenses. This process involves
reviewing open contracts and purchase orders, communicating with our personnel to identify services that have been performed by service
providers and estimating the level of service performed and the associated cost incurred for services that have not yet been invoiced. We make
estimates of accrued expenses as of each balance sheet date in the financial statements based on facts and circumstances known at that time.
We
28
periodically confirm the accuracy of recorded estimates with the service providers and make adjustments, if necessary.
We base our accrued expenses on our estimates of the services received and efforts expended pursuant to our contractual
arrangements. In accruing service fees, we estimate the time period over which services will be performed and the level of effort to be
expended in each period. If the actual timing of the performance of services or the level of effort varies from our estimate, we adjust the accrual
or prepayment accordingly. The financial terms of our contractual agreements may be subject to interpretation, and the timing of payment
relative to the timing of services rendered may vary.
Interest Expense
The deferred royalty obligation royalty from our financing agreement (the “Royalty Agreement”) with HealthCare Royalty Partners,
which was entered into by our wholly-owned subsidiary, La Jolla Pharma, LLC, is repaid based on the net sales of GIAPREZA. Interest
expense and the amortization of issuance costs related to the deferred royalty obligation are recognized over the expected repayment term
using the effective interest method. The assumptions used in determining the expected repayment term of the deferred royalty obligation
require us to make estimates that could impact the effective interest rate. Each reporting period, we update our estimate of accrued interest
expense under the Royalty Agreement based on actual and forecasted net sales of GIAPREZA. Changes in interest expense resulting from
changes in the effective interest rate, if any, are recorded on a prospective basis.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recent accounting pronouncements are disclosed in Note 2 to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements included in
Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We are a smaller reporting company, as defined by Rule 12b-2 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and in Item 10(f)(1) of
Regulation S-K, and are not required to provide the information under this item.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The financial statements required by this item are set forth at the end of this Annual Report on Form 10-K beginning on page F-1 and
are incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures; Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management, with the participation of our principal executive and principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the
“Exchange Act”)) as of December 31, 2019. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive and principal financial officer concluded that our
disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2019 at the reasonable assurance level. 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 are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and
procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports
we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and
principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and
procedures, no matter how well designed and operated,
29
can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives, and our management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the
cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, we implemented controls in connection with the newly-adopted leases policy as disclosed
in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(b) Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-
15(f) of the Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision and with the participation of our
management, including our principal executive and principal financial officer, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP.
As of December 31, 2019, our management used the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission Internal
Control - Integrated Framework (2013) (“COSO Framework”) to evaluate the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.
Management has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019 and has
concluded that such internal control over financial reporting was effective.
(c) Attestation report of the independent registered public accounting firm
The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting has been audited by Squar Milner LLP, an independent
registered public accounting firm, as stated in their attestation report appearing below, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the
effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019.
30
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company
Opinion on the Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company's (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, 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 Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the
consolidated balance sheets of La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, shareholders’ (deficit) equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019, and
the related notes to the consolidated financial statements of the Company and our report dated March 2, 2020 expressed an unqualified
opinion.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public
accounting firm registered with the 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 audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit
included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing
and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such
other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
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/ SQUAR MILNER LLP
San Diego, California
March 2, 2020
31
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officer and Corporate Governance
PART III
The information required by this Item is expected to be in our Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
(the “2020 Proxy Statement”), which we expect to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) within 120 days of the
end of our year ended December 31, 2019 and is incorporated herein by reference.
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our
principal executive, principal financial and principal accounting officers, or persons performing similar functions. Our Code of Business Conduct
and Ethics is posted on our website located at www.ljpc.com in the Corporate Governance section under “Investor Relations.” We intend to
disclose future amendments to certain provisions of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and waivers of the Code of Business Conduct
and Ethics granted to executive officers and directors, on our website within 4 business days following the date of the amendment or waiver.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to information in our 2020 Proxy Statement, including under
the sections entitled “Executive Compensation,” “Executive Compensation−Director Compensation,” “Executive Compensation−Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” “Executive Compensation−Risk Management and Mitigation” and “Executive
Compensation−Compensation Committee Report.”
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to information in our 2020 Proxy Statement, including under
the sections entitled “Certain Relationships and Related−Person Transactions,” “Corporate Governance” and “Corporate Governance−Board
Committees.”
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to information in our 2020 Proxy Statement, including under
the sections entitled “Certain Relationships and Related−Person Transactions,” “Corporate Governance” and “Corporate Governance−Board
Committees.”
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to information in our 2020 Proxy Statement, including under
the section entitled “Proposal 2: Ratification of Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”
32
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)(1) Financial Statements
The response to this portion of Item 15 is set forth under Item 8 hereof.
(a)(2) Financial Statements Schedules
No financial statement schedules are provided because the information called for is not required or is shown in the financial statements or
the notes thereto.
(a)(3) Exhibits
Exhibit
No.
Exhibit
Description
Incorporated by Reference
Form
S-8
Date
Filed
Filed
Herewith
12/20/2013
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.1.3
3.2
4.1
4.2
10.1*
10.2*
10.3*
10.4*
10.5*
10.6
10.7
10.8
21.1
23.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of La Jolla Pharmaceutical
Company
Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation of La Jolla Pharmaceutical
Company
8-K
1/15/2014
Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation of La Jolla Pharmaceutical
Company
8-A12B/A
10/17/2014
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Bylaws
Certificate of Determination of Series F Convertible Preferred Stock of La Jolla
Pharmaceutical Company
8-A12B/A
10/17/2014
8-K
9/25/2013
Description of Securities
Form of Indemnification Agreement
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company Amended and Restated 2013 Equity Incentive
Plan
DEF 14A
9/18/2019
Employment Offer Letter by and between La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company and
Lakhmir Chawla, M.D., dated as of February 3, 2015
10-K
2/25/2016
Employment Offer Letter by and between La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company and
Dennis Mulroy dated as of March 12, 2015
8-K
4/10/2015
Employment Offer Letter by and between La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company and
Darryl Wellinghoff dated as of February 25, 2019
Lease by and between BMR-Axiom LP and La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company
The George Washington University Amended and Restated Patent License
Agreement†
10-K
10-K
2/23/2017
2/22/2018
Revenue Interest Agreement, dated May 10, 2018, among La Jolla Pharma, LLC
and the Entities Managed by HealthCare Royalty Management, LLC
8-K
5/14/2018
Subsidiaries of La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Squar Milner LLP
33
X
X
X
X
X
24.1
31.1
32.1
Power of Attorney (included on the signature page of this Form 10-K)
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
*
†
This exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions of the exhibit, which portions have been omitted and filed
separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.
34
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
SIGNATURES
Date: March 2, 2020
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company
/s/ Dennis Mulroy
Dennis Mulroy
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Executive, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENT, that each individual whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints
Dennis Mulroy the true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent of the undersigned, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in the
name, place and stead of the undersigned, to sign in any and all capacities (including, without limitation, the capacities listed below), with
respect to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other
documents in connection therewith, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and hereby grants to such attorney-in-fact
and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and anything necessary to be done to enable La Jolla Pharmaceutical
Company to comply with the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and all the requirements of the SEC, as
fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and
agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, this report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities set forth
opposite their names and on the dates indicated below.
Signature
/s/ Dennis Mulroy
Dennis Mulroy
/s/ Kevin Tang
Kevin Tang
/s/ Craig Johnson
Craig Johnson
/s/ Laura Johnson
Laura Johnson
/s/ David Ramsay
David Ramsay
/s/ Robert Rosen
Robert Rosen
Title
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Executive, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Date
March 2, 2020
Chairman of the Board and Director
March 2, 2020
Director
Director
Director
Director
35
March 2, 2020
March 2, 2020
March 2, 2020
March 2, 2020
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company
Index to Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ (Deficit) Equity for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F - 1
F - 2
F - 3
F - 4
F - 5
F - 6
36
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company (the Company) as of December 31,
2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ (deficit) equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the
period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (collectively the financial statements). In our
opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2019 and 2018,
and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the
Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control−Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013, and our report dated March 2, 2020
expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for operating leases with terms greater
than one year in the year ended December 31, 2019 due to the adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842).
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's
financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the 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. Our
audits 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. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable
basis for our opinion.
/s/ SQUAR MILNER LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2012.
San Diego, California
March 2, 2020
F - 1
LA JOLLA PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except par value and share amounts)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash
Accounts receivable, net
Inventory, net
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Total current assets
Property and equipment, net
Right-of-use lease asset
Restricted cash
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses
Accrued payroll and related expenses
Lease liability, current portion
Deferred rent, current portion
Total current liabilities
Lease liability, less current portion
Deferred rent, less current portion
Deferred royalty obligation, net
Other noncurrent liabilities
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Shareholders’ (deficit) equity:
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized,
27,195,469 and 26,259,254 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and December 31,
2018, respectively
Series C-12 Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value; 11,000 shares authorized, 3,906 shares
issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018; and liquidation preference of
$3,906 at December 31, 2019 and 2018
Series F Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value; 10,000 shares authorized,
0 and 2,737 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018,
respectively; and liquidation preference of $0 and $2,737 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated deficit
Total shareholders’ (deficit) equity
Total liabilities and shareholders’ (deficit) equity
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
F - 2
December 31,
2019
December 31,
2018
$
$
$
87,820 $
2,960
2,211
4,467
97,458
18,389
15,491
909
132,247 $
4,177 $
9,312
8,332
2,766
—
24,587
26,481
—
124,379
12,790
188,237
172,604
1,381
2,020
5,111
181,116
22,267
—
909
204,292
8,572
8,485
7,509
—
1,370
25,936
—
13,609
124,323
4,503
168,371
3
3
3,906
3,906
—
977,432
(1,037,331)
(55,990)
132,247 $
$
2,737
950,258
(920,983)
35,921
204,292
LA JOLLA PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenue
Net product sales
Total revenue
Operating expenses
Cost of product sales
Research and development
Selling, general and administrative
Total operating expenses
Loss from operations
Other (expense) income
Interest expense
Interest income
Other income—related party
Total other (expense) income, net
Net loss
Net loss per share, basic and diluted
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted
Year Ended December 31,
2019
2018
$
23,054 $
23,054
10,056
10,056
2,392
85,329
45,134
132,855
(109,801)
(10,774)
2,128
1,939
(6,707)
(116,508) $
(4.30) $
27,112
1,643
117,302
85,162
204,107
(194,051)
(7,303)
1,885
—
(5,418)
(199,469)
(7.85)
25,422
$
$
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
F - 3
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ (Deficit) Equity
For the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018
(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2017
Series C-12
Convertible
Preferred Stock
Shares Amount
4 $3,906
Series F
Convertible
Preferred Stock
Shares Amount
$2,737
3
Common
Stock
Shares Amount
2
22,167
$
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
$ 803,071
Accumulated
Deficit
$ (721,514) $
Total
Shareholders’
(Deficit)
Equity
88,202
Issuance of common stock for March
2018 financing
Share-based compensation expense
Issuance of common stock under
2013 Equity Plan
Issuance of common stock under
ESPP
Net loss
Balance at December 31, 2018
Share-based compensation expense
Issuance of common stock under
2013 Equity Plan
Issuance of common stock under
ESPP
Issuance of common stock for
conversion of Series F Preferred
Stock
Cumulative-effect adjustment from
adoption of ASU 2018-07
Net loss
Balance at December 31, 2019
—
—
—
—
—
—
— 3,910
—
—
1 109,808
35,080
—
—
—
—
—
150
—
1,908
—
—
4
—
—
—
3,906
—
—
—
3
—
—
—
32
—
2,737
26,259
—
—
—
—
3
—
391
—
950,258
23,733
—
—
—
—
5
—
31
—
—
—
—
149
—
833
—
—
—
—
(199,469)
(920,983)
—
—
—
—
—
(3)
(2,737)
782
—
2,737
—
109,809
35,080
1,908
391
(199,469)
35,921
23,733
31
833
—
—
(116,508)
—
—
4
—
—
$3,906
—
—
— $ — 27,195
—
—
—
—
—
—
3
$
(160)
—
160
(116,508)
$ 977,432
$(1,037,331) $ (55,990)
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
F - 4
LA JOLLA PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
Operating activities
Net loss
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used for operating activities:
Share-based compensation expense
Depreciation and amortization expense
Loss on disposal of equipment
Non-cash interest expense
Non-cash rent expense
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net
Inventory, net
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses
Accrued payroll and related expenses
Lease liability
Deferred rent
Net cash used for operating activities
Investing activities
Purchase of property and equipment
Net cash used for investing activities
Financing activities
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock under ESPP
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock under 2013 Equity Plan
Net proceeds from royalty financing
Net proceeds from the issuance of common stock
Net cash provided by financing activities
Net (decrease) increase in cash and restricted cash
Cash and restricted cash at beginning of period
Cash and restricted cash at end of period
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities
Conversion of Series F Convertible Preferred Stock into common stock
Cumulative-effect adjustment from adoption of ASU 2018-07
Initial recognition of right-of-use lease asset
Interest paid
Reconciliation of cash and restricted cash to the consolidated balance sheets
Cash
Restricted cash
Total cash and restricted cash
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
F - 5
Year Ended December 31,
2019
2018
$
(116,508) $
(199,469)
23,733
4,552
24
8,775
1,307
(1,579)
(191)
644
(4,395)
395
823
(2,530)
—
(84,950)
35,151
4,405
236
6,797
—
(1,381)
(2,020)
(1,964)
(2,912)
5,451
2,514
—
824
(152,368)
(698)
(698)
(2,340)
(2,340)
833
31
—
—
864
(84,784)
173,513
391
1,908
124,289
109,809
236,397
81,689
91,824
88,729 $
173,513
2,737 $
(160) $
16,798 $
1,999 $
—
—
—
506
87,820 $
909
88,729 $
172,604
909
173,513
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Business
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company (collectively with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, the “Company”) is dedicated to the development and
commercialization of innovative therapies that improve outcomes in patients suffering from life-threatening diseases. In December 2017,
GIAPREZATM (angiotensin II) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) as a vasoconstrictor indicated to increase blood
pressure in adults with septic or other distributive shock. GIAPREZA U.S. net sales were $23.1 million in 2019 compared to $10.1 million in
2018, an increase of 129%. In August 2019, GIAPREZA was approved by the European Commission (“EC”) for the treatment of refractory
hypotension in adults with septic or other distributive shock who remain hypotensive despite adequate volume restitution and application of
catecholamines and other available vasopressor therapies.
LJPC-0118 (I.V. artesunate) is La Jolla’s investigational product for the treatment of severe malaria.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had cash of $87.8 million and $172.6 million, respectively. Based on the Company’s
current operating plans and projections, the Company expects that its existing cash will be sufficient to fund operations for at least one year
from the date this Annual Report on Form 10-K is filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates
The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions and balances
have been eliminated in consolidation. The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that impact the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and the disclosure of contingent
assets and liabilities in its consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results may differ materially from these
estimates.
Certain amounts previously reported in the financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Such reclassifications did not affect net loss, shareholders’ (deficit) equity or cash flows.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Cash and Restricted Cash
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased as cash equivalents. The
Company maintains its cash in checking and savings accounts. Income generated from cash held in savings accounts is recorded as interest
income. The carrying value of the Company’s savings accounts is included in cash and approximates the fair value. Cash is classified as
restricted cash when certain funds are reserved for a specific purpose and are not available for immediate or general business use.
Accounts Receivable, Net
Accounts receivable are recorded net of customers’ allowances for prompt-pay discounts, chargebacks and doubtful accounts.
Allowances for prompt-pay discounts and chargebacks are based on contractual terms. The Company estimates the allowance for doubtful
accounts based on existing contractual payment terms, actual payment patterns of its customers and individual customer circumstances. As
of December 31, 2019, the Company did not have any allowances for doubtful accounts.
Inventory, Net
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value on a first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis. The Company periodically
analyzes inventory levels and writes down inventory as cost of product sales when: inventory has become obsolete; inventory has a cost basis
in excess of its estimated net realizable value; or inventory quantities are in excess of expected product sales.
F - 6
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist of cash. The Company maintains its
cash in checking and savings accounts at federally insured financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits.
In 2019, 444 hospitals in the U.S. purchased GIAPREZA. Hospitals purchase our products through a network of specialty and
wholesale distributors (“Customers”). The Company does not believe that the loss of one of these distributors would significantly impact the
ability to distribute GIAPREZA, as the Company expects that sales volume would be absorbed by the remaining distributors. The following
table includes the percentage of U.S. net product sales and accounts receivable balances for the Company’s three major Customers, each of
which comprised 10% or more of its U.S. net product sales:
Customer A
Customer B
Customer C
Total
Property and Equipment, Net
U.S. Net Product Sales
Accounts Receivable
Year Ended December 31, 2019
As of December 31, 2019
34%
31%
30%
95%
28%
39%
33%
100%
Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed using the straight-
line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from two to seven years. Amortization of leasehold improvements is
computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the related assets. Maintenance and
repairs are charged to operating expense as incurred. When assets are sold, or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated
depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any gain or loss is included in operating expense.
Leases
At lease commencement, the Company records a lease liability based on the present value of lease payments over the expected lease
term. The Company calculates the present value of lease payments using the discount rate implicit in the lease, unless that rate cannot be
readily determined. In that case, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate, which is the rate of interest that the Company would have to
pay to borrow on a collateralized basis an amount equal to the lease payments over the expected lease term. The Company records a
corresponding right-of-use lease asset based on the lease liability, adjusted for any lease incentives received and any initial direct costs paid to
the lessor prior to the lease commencement date.
After lease commencement, the Company measures its leases as follows: (i) the lease liability based on the present value of the
remaining lease payments using the discount rate determined at lease commencement; and (ii) the right-of-use lease asset based on the
remeasured lease liability, adjusted for any unamortized lease incentives received, any unamortized initial direct costs and the cumulative
difference between rent expense and amounts paid under the lease agreement. Any lease incentives received and any initial direct costs are
amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term. Rent expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the expected lease
term.
Revenue Recognition
The Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606 –
Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”) at the time of its first commercial shipment of GIAPREZA in the first quarter of 2018. The
Company had no revenue from product sales prior to the first quarter of 2018. There have been no contract assets or liabilities recorded to date
relating to product sales.
F - 7
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Under ASC 606, the Company recognizes revenue when its customers obtain control of the Company’s product, which typically occurs
on delivery. Revenue is recognized in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects to receive in exchange for those
goods. To determine revenue recognition for contracts with customers within the scope of ASC 606, the Company performs the following 5
steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv)
allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies the
relevant performance obligations.
Revenue from product sales is recorded at the transaction price, net of estimates for variable consideration consisting of chargebacks,
discounts, returns and administrative fees. Variable consideration is estimated using the expected-value amount method, which is the sum of
probability-weighted amounts in a range of possible consideration amounts. Actual amounts of consideration ultimately received may differ from
the Company’s estimates. If actual results vary materially from the Company’s estimates, the Company will adjust these estimates, which will
affect revenue from product sales and earnings in the period such estimates are adjusted. These items include:
•
•
•
•
Chargebacks—Chargebacks are discounts the Company provides to distributors in the event that the sales prices to end users are
below the distributors’ acquisition price. This may occur due to a direct contract with a health system, a group purchasing organization
(“GPO”) agreement or a sale to a government facility. Chargebacks are estimated based on known chargeback rates and recorded as
a reduction of revenue on delivery to the Company’s customers.
Discounts—The Company offers customers various forms of incentives and consideration, including prompt-pay and other discounts.
The Company estimates discounts primarily based on contractual terms. These discounts are recorded as a reduction of revenue on
delivery to the Company’s customers.
Returns—The Company offers customers a limited right of return, generally for damaged or expired product. The Company estimates
returns based on an internal analysis, which includes actual experience. The estimates for returns are recorded as a reduction of
revenue on delivery to the Company’s customers.
Administrative Fees—The Company pays administrative fees to GPOs for services and access to data. Additionally, the Company pays
an Industrial Funding Fee as part of the U.S. General Services Administration’s Federal Supply Schedules program. These fees are
based on contracted terms and are paid after the quarter in which the product was purchased by the applicable GPO or government
agency.
The Company will continue to assess its estimates of variable consideration as it accumulates additional historical data and will adjust
these estimates accordingly.
Shipping and Handling Expense
Shipping and handling expense is included in cost of product sales.
Research and Development Expense
Research and development expense includes salaries and benefits, facilities and other overhead costs, research-related
manufacturing costs, contract service and clinical and preclinical-related service costs performed by clinical research organizations, research
institutions and other outside service providers. Research and development expense is charged to operations as incurred when the
expenditures relate to the Company’s research and development efforts and have no alternative future uses.
In accordance with certain research and development agreements, the Company is obligated to make certain upfront payments upon
execution of the agreement. Advance payments, including nonrefundable amounts, for materials or services that will be used or rendered for
future research and development activities are deferred and capitalized. Such amounts are recognized as an expense as the related goods are
delivered or the related services are performed.
Acquisition or milestone payments that the Company makes in connection with in-licensed technology are expensed as incurred when
there is uncertainty in receiving future economic benefits from the licensed technology. The Company considers the future economic benefits
from the licensed technology to be uncertain until such
F - 8
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
licensed technology is incorporated into products that are approved for marketing by the FDA or when other significant risk factors are abated.
For accounting purposes, management has viewed future economic benefits for all of the Company’s licensed technology to be uncertain.
Patent Costs
Legal costs in connection with approved patents and patent applications are expensed as incurred, as recoverability of such
expenditures is uncertain. These costs are recorded in selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of
operations.
Share-based Compensation
The Company accounts for share-based payment arrangements in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation
(“ASC 718”), which requires the recognition of compensation expense, using a fair-value based method, for all costs related to share-based
payments, including stock options and restricted stock awards. These standards require companies to estimate the fair value of share-based
payment awards on the date of the grant using an option-pricing model. The Company has elected to account for forfeitures as they occur.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based
on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the income tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates applicable to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to
be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rate is recognized in income in the period that
includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is applied against any deferred tax asset if, based on available evidence, it is more likely
than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. For uncertain tax positions that meet a “more likely than not” threshold,
the Company recognizes the benefit of uncertain tax positions in the consolidated financial statements. The Company’s practice is to recognize
interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
Interest Expense
Interest expense and the amortization of issuance costs related to the deferred royalty obligation (see Note 7) are recognized over the
expected repayment term of the deferred royalty obligation using the effective interest method. The assumptions used in determining the
expected repayment term of the deferred royalty obligation require the Company to make estimates that could impact the effective interest rate.
Each reporting period, the Company estimates the expected repayment term of the deferred royalty obligation based on forecasted net sales of
GIAPREZA. Changes in interest expense resulting from changes in the effective interest rate, if any, are recorded on a prospective basis.
Net Loss per Share
Basic net loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the
period, without consideration of potential common shares. Diluted net loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss by the weighted-average
number of common shares outstanding plus potential common shares. Convertible preferred stock, stock options and warrants are considered
potential common shares and are included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share using the treasury stock method when their effect is
dilutive. Potential common shares are excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share when their effect is anti-dilutive. As of
December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were 12.4 million and 14.0 million potential common shares, respectively, that were excluded from the
calculation of diluted net loss per share because their effect was anti-dilutive.
F - 9
Comprehensive Loss
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Comprehensive loss is defined as a change in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-
owner sources. There have been no items qualifying as other comprehensive loss, and, therefore, comprehensive loss for the periods reported
was comprised solely of the Company’s net loss.
Segment Reporting
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 in making decisions regarding resource allocation and assessing performance. The Company
views its operations and manages its business in one operating segment.
Fair Value Measurements
The Company follows the provisions of ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820-10”), which defines fair
value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP and requires certain disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is
defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction
between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market
participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
As a basis for considering such assumptions, ASC 820-10 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used
in measuring fair value as follows: Level 1 - observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2 - inputs other than the quoted
prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly; and Level 3 - unobservable inputs, in which there is little or no market
data, which require the Company to develop its own assumptions. The hierarchy requires the Company to use observable market data, when
available, and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs when determining fair value.
The Company’s financial instruments include cash, accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expenses and other current assets,
accounts payable and accrued expenses. The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets for these financial instruments approximate fair
value because of their short-term nature.
In certain cases where there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to valuation, the related assets or liabilities are
classified as Level 3. The Company's deferred royalty obligation is classified as Level 3 in the ASC 820-10, three-tier fair value hierarchy, and
its carrying value approximates fair value (see Note 7).
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-07, Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to
Nonemployee Share-based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2018-07”). The standard expands the scope of ASC 718 to include share-based
payment awards granted to nonemployees in exchange for goods and services. ASU 2018-07 is effective for annual and interim reporting
periods beginning after December 15, 2018.
In the first quarter of 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2018-07. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2018-07, share-based payments awards
granted to nonemployees were measured at fair value on their grant date, subject to periodic remeasurement, and share-based compensation
expense was recognized on a straight-line basis over their vesting terms. After the adoption of ASU 2018-07, the fair value of share-based
payment awards granted to nonemployees is not required to be remeasured periodically and share-based compensation expense will continue
to be recorded on a straight-line basis over their vesting period, consistent with share-based payment awards granted to employees. As a
result of the adoption of ASU 2018-07, the Company remeasured all of its outstanding nonemployee share-based payment awards at fair value
and recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment of $0.2 million to accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2019.
F - 10
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”). This guidance requires lessees to recognize operating
leases with a term greater than one year on the balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability. ASU 2016-02 is
effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Although ASU 2016-02 is required to be adopted at the
earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted
Improvements (“ASU 2018-11”), which allows for an alternative transition method of adoption by recognizing a cumulative-effect adjustment, if
any, to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption.
The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 utilizing the alternative transition method allowed under ASU 2018-11. As a
result, the Company recorded a lease liability and right-of-use lease asset of $31.8 million and $16.8 million, respectively, on its balance sheet
as of January 1, 2019. The lease liability represents the present value of the remaining lease payments of the Company’s corporate
headquarters lease (see Note 10), discounted using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate as of January 1, 2019. The corresponding right-
of-use lease asset is recorded based on the lease liability, adjusted for the unamortized lease incentives received and the cumulative difference
between rent expense and amounts paid under the corporate headquarters lease. The adoption of ASU 2016-02 did not have a material impact
on either the statement of operations or statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2019.
3. Balance Sheet Details
Inventory, Net
Inventory, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
Work-in-process
Finished goods
Total inventory, net
December 31,
2019
2018
$
$
1,505 $
706
2,211 $
1,907
113
2,020
As of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, total inventory is recorded net of $0.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively, of
inventory reserves.
Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
Lab equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Computer hardware
Software
Leasehold improvements
Total property and equipment, gross
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
Total property and equipment, net
F - 11
December 31,
2019
2018
$
$
9,665 $
2,598
1,296
733
14,504
28,796
(10,407)
18,389 $
9,047
2,573
1,296
733
14,504
28,153
(5,886)
22,267
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Accrued Expenses
Accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):
Accrued clinical study costs
Accrued interest expense
Accrued manufacturing costs
Accrued other
Total accrued expenses
4. George Washington University License
December 31,
2019
2018
$
$
3,496 $
2,692
1,339
1,785
9,312 $
2,430
2,260
1,823
1,972
8,485
In December 2014, the Company entered into a patent license agreement with George Washington University (“GW”), which was
amended and restated on March 1, 2016 (the “GW License”) and subsequently assigned to La Jolla Pharma, LLC. Pursuant to the GW
License, GW exclusively licensed to the Company certain intellectual property rights relating to GIAPREZA, including the exclusive rights to
certain issued patents and patent applications covering GIAPREZA. Under the GW License, the Company is obligated to use commercially
reasonable efforts to develop, commercialize, market and sell GIAPREZA. The Company has paid a one-time license initiation fee, annual
maintenance fees, an amendment fee, additional payments following the achievement of certain development and regulatory milestones and
royalties. As a result of the EC’s approval of GIAPREZA in August 2019, the Company made a milestone payment to GW in the amount of $0.5
million in the first quarter of 2020. The Company is obligated to pay a 6% royalty on net sales of GIAPREZA. The patents and patent
applications covered by the GW License are expected to expire between 2029 and 2034, and the obligation to pay royalties under this
agreement extends through the last-to-expire patent covering GIAPREZA.
5. Other Income—Related Party
The Company has a non-voting profits interest in a related party, which provides the Company with the potential to receive a portion of
the future distributions of profits, if any. Investment funds affiliated with the Chairman of the Company’s board of directors have a controlling
interest in the related party. In the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company received distributions of $1.9 million in connection with this profits
interest.
6. Shareholders’ (Deficit) Equity
Common Stock
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were 27,195,469 and 26,259,254 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value, issued and
outstanding, respectively.
In March 2018, the Company sold 3,910,000 shares of common stock in an underwritten public offering at a price of $29.50 per share
for gross proceeds of approximately $115.3 million. The Company received proceeds of approximately $109.8 million, net of
approximately $5.5 million in underwriting commissions, discounts and other issuance costs.
Preferred Stock
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, 3,906 shares of Series C-12 Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series C-12 Preferred”) were issued,
outstanding and convertible into 6,735,378 shares of common stock. As of December 31, 2019, no shares of Series F Convertible Preferred
Stock (“Series F Preferred”) were issued and outstanding. As of December 31, 2018, 2,737 shares of Series F Preferred were issued and
outstanding, and, in January 2019, all of the these issued and outstanding shares of Series F Preferred were converted into 782,031 shares of
common stock.
F - 12
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
The holders of Series C-12 Preferred and Series F Preferred do not have voting rights, other than for general protective rights required
by the California General Corporation Law and are not entitled to special dividends. The Series C-12 Preferred have, and the Series F Preferred
had, a liquidation preference in an amount equal to $1,000 per share. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Series C-12 Preferred liquidation
preference was approximately $3.9 million. As of December 31, 2018, the Series F Preferred liquidation preference was approximately $2.7
million.
Equity Incentive Plans
2013 Equity Incentive Plan
In September 2013, the Company adopted the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2013 Equity Plan”). The 2013 Equity Plan is an
omnibus equity compensation plan that permits the issuance of various types of share-based compensation awards, including stock options,
restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units, as well as cash awards, to employees, directors and eligible
consultants. The 2013 Equity Plan has a 10-year term and permits the issuance of incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“IRC”). The administrator under the plan has broad discretion to establish the terms of awards, including
the size, term, exercise price and vesting conditions. Generally, grants to employees vest over four years, with 25% vesting on the one-year
anniversary and the remainder vesting either quarterly or monthly thereafter; grants to non-employee directors generally vest over one year on
the one-year anniversary.
A total of 9,600,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance under the 2013 Equity Plan. As of December 31, 2019,
3,769,824 shares of common stock remained available for future grants under the 2013 Equity Plan.
2018 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In July 2018, the Company adopted the 2018 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). Under the ESPP, eligible employees may
purchase shares of the Company’s common stock twice per month at a price equal to 85% of the closing price of shares of the Company’s
common stock on the date of each purchase. Eligible employees purchasing shares under the ESPP are subject to an annual cap equal to the
lesser of $25,000 or 10% of the employee’s annual cash compensation. Shares purchased under the ESPP cannot be sold for a period of one
year following the purchase date (or such shorter period of time if the participating employee’s employment terminates before this one-year
anniversary).
A total of 750,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance under the ESPP. As of December 31, 2019, 568,728
shares of common stock remained available for future grants under the ESPP.
Equity Awards
The activity related to equity awards, which are comprised of stock options and inducement grants, during the year ended
December 31, 2019 is summarized as follows:
Outstanding at December 31, 2018
Granted(1)
Exercised
Cancelled/forfeited
Outstanding at December 31, 2019
Exercisable at December 31, 2019
Weighted-
average
Exercise Price
per Share
Weighted-
average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
23.26
6.33
6.00
18.29
19.50
22.76
4.33 years $
4.48 years $
—
—
Equity Awards
6,466,214 $
2,126,023 $
(5,211) $
(2,970,186) $
5,616,840 $
3,645,726 $
F - 13
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(1) In March 2019, the Company issued a stock option grant to the Company’s recently appointed Chief Commercial Officer to purchase 80,000 shares of common stock.
The grant was awarded as an inducement grant outside of the 2013 Equity Plan. On the first anniversary of the grant date, 25% of the underlying shares become
exercisable with the remaining shares vesting on a monthly basis over the subsequent three years, subject to continued service during that time.
The total intrinsic value of equity awards exercised during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were less than $0.1 million
and $1.4 million, respectively. The total grant-date fair value of equity awards vested during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was
$25.9 million and $38.0 million, respectively.
Share-based Compensation Expense
For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, the weighted-average grant date fair value per stock option was $4.99
and $20.52, respectively. The Company estimates the fair value of each stock option grant on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-
pricing model (the “Black-Scholes model”) with the following assumptions:
Volatility
Expected life (years)
Risk-free interest rate
Dividend yield
Year Ended December 31,
2019
2018
97%
6.05
2.5%
—
114%
6.07
2.8%
—
Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of shares of the Company’s common stock. In determining the expected life of
employee stock options, the Company uses the “simplified” method. The expected life assumptions for stock options granted to nonemployees,
other than nonemployee directors, are based upon the contractual term of the stock options. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S.
Treasury yield for a period consistent with the expected term of the stock options in effect at the time of the grants. The dividend yield
assumption is based on the expectation of no future dividend payments by the Company.
In addition to assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model, the Company reduces share-based compensation expense based on
actual forfeitures in the period that each forfeiture occurs.
Under the ESPP, eligible employees may purchase shares of the Company’s common stock twice per month at a price equal to 85% of
the closing price of shares of the Company’s common stock on the date of each purchase. The benefit received by the employees, which is
equal to a 15% discount on the shares of the Company’s common stock purchased, is recognized as share-based compensation expense on
the date of each purchase. The Company recorded $0.1 million and $0.2 million of share-based compensation related to the ESPP for the
years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, there was no unrecognized share-based compensation
expense related to shares of common stock issued under the ESPP.
The classification of share-based compensation expense is summarized as follows (in thousands):
Research and development
Selling, general and administrative
Total share-based compensation expense
Year Ended December 31,
2019
2018
$
$
14,861 $
8,872
23,733 $
21,113
14,038
35,151
F - 14
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
As of December 31, 2019, $18.4 million of total unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options
remains and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.3 years.
Third-party Share-based Compensation Expense
The Company estimates the fair value of stock options and warrants issued to nonemployees, other than nonemployee directors, on
the grant date using the Black-Scholes model.
In December 2014, the Company granted warrants to purchase 51,000 shares of common stock to two outside third-parties at an
exercise price equal to the fair market value of the stock on the grant dates. One grant vested 25% on each anniversary date over four years.
The other grant vested 100% on the one-year anniversary of the grant. In January 2016, the Company granted warrants to purchase 17,000
shares of common stock to an outside third-party at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of each grant. The
grant vested 100% on the one-year anniversary of the grant. In January 2017, the Company granted warrants to purchase 25,013 shares of
common stock to an outside third-party at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of each grant. The grant
vested 100% on the one-year anniversary of the grant.
In March 2018, the Company issued 43,056 shares of common stock in a cashless exercise of 83,013 warrants to a third-party warrant
holder. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had outstanding warrants to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock and did not recognize
share-based compensation expense for these outstanding warrants for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
7. Deferred Royalty Obligation
In May 2018, the Company closed a $125.0 million royalty financing agreement (the “Royalty Agreement”) with HealthCare Royalty
Partners (“HCR”). Under the terms of the Royalty Agreement, the Company received $125.0 million in exchange for tiered royalty payments on
worldwide net sales of GIAPREZA. HCR is entitled to receive quarterly royalties on worldwide net sales of GIAPREZA beginning April 1, 2018.
Quarterly payments to HCR under the Royalty Agreement start at a maximum royalty rate, with step-downs based on the achievement of
annual net product sales thresholds. Through December 31, 2021, the royalty rate will be a maximum of 10%. Starting January 1, 2022, the
maximum royalty rate may increase by 4% if an agreed-upon, cumulative net product sales threshold has not been met, and, starting January
1, 2024, the maximum royalty rate may increase by an additional 4% if a different agreed-upon, cumulative net product sales threshold has not
been met. The Royalty Agreement is subject to maximum aggregate royalty payments to HCR of $225.0 million. The Royalty Agreement
expires upon the first to occur of January 1, 2031 or when the maximum aggregate royalty payments have been made. The Royalty Agreement
was entered into by the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, La Jolla Pharma, LLC, and HCR has no recourse under the Royalty Agreement
against La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company or any assets other than GIAPREZA.
On receipt of the $125.0 million payment from HCR, the Company recorded a deferred royalty obligation of $125.0 million, net of
issuance costs of $0.7 million. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized interest expense, including
amortization of the obligation discount, of $10.8 million and $7.3 million, respectively. The carrying value of the deferred royalty obligation as
of December 31, 2019 was $124.4 million, net of unamortized obligation discount of $0.6 million, and was classified as noncurrent. The related
accrued interest expense liability was $15.5 million and $6.8 million as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, of which
$12.8 million and $4.5 million was classified as other noncurrent liabilities, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the
Company made royalty payments to HCR of $2.0 million and $0.5 million, respectively, and, as of December 31, 2019, the Company recorded
royalty obligations payable of $0.7 million in accrued expenses. The deferred royalty obligation is classified as Level 3 in the ASC 820-10,
three-tier fair value hierarchy, and its carrying value approximates fair value.
Under the terms of the Royalty Agreement, La Jolla Pharma, LLC has certain obligations, including the obligation to use commercially
reasonable and diligent efforts to commercialize GIAPREZA. If La Jolla Pharma, LLC is held to not have met these obligations, HCR would
have the right to terminate the Royalty Agreement and demand payment from La Jolla Pharma, LLC of either $125.0 million or $225.0 million
(depending on which
F - 15
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
obligation La Jolla Pharma, LLC is held to not have met), minus aggregate royalties already paid to HCR. In the event that La Jolla Pharma,
LLC fails to timely pay such amount if and when due, HCR would have the right to foreclose on the GIAPREZA-related assets. The Company
concluded that certain of these contract provisions that could result in an acceleration of amounts due under the Royalty Agreement are
embedded derivatives that require bifurcation from the deferred royalty obligation and fair value recognition. The Company determined the fair
value of each derivative by assessing the probability of each event occurring, as well as the potential repayment amounts and timing of such
repayments that would result under various scenarios. As a result of this assessment, the Company determined that the fair value of the
embedded derivatives is immaterial as of December 31, 2019. Each reporting period, the Company estimates the fair value of the embedded
derivatives until the features lapse and/or the termination of the Royalty Agreement. Any change in the fair value of the embedded derivatives
will be recorded as either a gain or loss on the consolidated statements of operations.
8. Defined Contribution Plan
The Company has a defined contribution plan (the “401(k) Plan”) covering substantially all of the Company’s employees. The 401(k)
Plan is a tax-qualified retirement saving plan, pursuant to which all employees are able to contribute the lesser of 50% of their annual
compensation (as defined) or the limit prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service to the 401(k) Plan on a before-tax basis. The Company
matches employee contributions to the 401(k) Plan based on each participant’s contribution during the plan year, up to 3.5% of each
participant’s annual compensation.
For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company made matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan of $0.9 million and
$1.4 million, respectively.
9. Income Taxes
For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company did not record a provision for income taxes, as the Company
recorded a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets.
Deferred tax assets are as follows (in thousands):
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards
Research and development credits
Deferred royalty obligation
Share-based compensation expense
Depreciation and amortization expense
Lease liability
Other
Total gross deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization
Right-of-use lease asset
Valuation allowance
Net deferred tax assets
F - 16
December 31,
2019
2018
$
81,406 $
24,011
30,460
9,581
—
7,127
1,263
153,848
60,105
21,262
31,937
11,904
1,033
—
1,004
127,245
(1,612)
(3,775)
(148,461)
—
—
(127,245)
$
— $
—
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
The difference between income taxes computed using the U.S. federal income effective tax rate and the provision for income taxes is
as follows (in thousands):
Federal statutory rate
State tax benefit
Change in valuation allowance
Share-based compensation expense
State rate true-up
Section 382 limited tax attributes/expired
Establishment of NOLs and credits, post-Section 382 ownership change
Research and development credits
Foreign rate differential
Other permanent differences
Provision for income taxes
Year Ended December 31,
$
2019
(24,467) $
(3,825)
102,583
7,532
2,513
—
(81,368)
(2,599)
(62)
(307)
$
— $
2018
(41,888)
(14,449)
55,167
4,041
—
1,936
—
(5,164)
(58)
415
—
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company established a full valuation allowance against its federal and state deferred tax
assets due to the uncertainty surrounding the realization of such assets.
Pursuant to Section 382 and 383 of the IRC, utilization of the Company’s federal net operating loss (“NOL”)
carryforwards and research and development credit carryforwards may be subject to annual limitations in the event of any significant changes
in its ownership structure. These annual limitations may result in the expiration of net operating loss carryforwards and research and
development credit carryforwards, unless utilized. The Company has completed an IRC Section 382 and 383 analysis regarding the limitation
of net operating loss carryforwards and research and development credit carryforwards through March 31, 2019. As a result of a Section 382
ownership change in September 2013, the Company recorded a reduction to its federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of $341.3
million and $170.9 million, respectively. In addition, the Company recorded a reduction to its federal research and development credit
carryforwards of $15.5 million.
As of December 31, 2019, the Company had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of $305.6 million and $227.2 million,
respectively. In addition, the Company had estimated federal and California research and development credit carryforwards of $10.8 million and
$16.7 million, respectively. Federal net operating loss carryforwards of $183.8 million, state net operating loss carryforwards of $227.2 million
and federal research and development credit carryforwards of $10.8 million will begin to expire in 2034, unless utilized. Federal net operating
loss carryforwards of $121.8 million and California research and development credit carryforwards of $16.7 million will carry forward indefinitely,
unless utilized.
There were no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. The Company does not anticipate there will be a
significant change in unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months.
The Company had no accrual for interest or penalties on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2019 or
December 31, 2018, and has not recognized interest and/or penalties in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended
December 31, 2019 and 2018.
The Company is subject to taxation in the U.S. and various state jurisdictions. The Company’s tax returns since inception are subject to
examination by the U.S. and various state tax authorities. The Company is not currently undergoing a tax audit in any federal or state
jurisdiction.
10. Commitments and Contingencies
Leases
On December 29, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with BMR-Axiom LP to lease office and laboratory space as its
corporate headquarters located at 4550 Towne Centre Court, San Diego, California (the
F - 17
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
“Lease”) for a period of 10 years commencing on October 30, 2017 (the “Initial Lease Term”). The Company has an option to extend the Lease
for an additional 5 years at the end of the Initial Lease Term.
The Company provided a standby letter of credit for $0.9 million in lieu of a security deposit. This amount will decrease to $0.6 million
after year two of the Initial Lease Term and decrease to $0.3 million after year 5 of the Initial Lease Term. As of December 31, 2019, $0.9
million was pledged as collateral for such letter of credit and recorded as restricted cash. The annual rent under the Lease is subject to
escalation during the term. In addition to rent, the Lease requires the Company to pay certain taxes, insurance and operating costs relating to
the leased premises. The Lease contains customary default provisions, representations, warranties and covenants. The Lease is classified as
an operating lease.
Future minimum lease payments under the Lease as of December 31, 2019 are as follows (in thousands):
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Thereafter
Total future minimum lease payments
Less: discount
Total lease liability
$
$
$
4,058
4,174
4,294
4,417
4,544
13,590
35,077
(5,830)
29,247
The Lease provided an allowance for tenant improvements of $13.7 million, which is classified as leasehold improvements on the
Company’s consolidated balance sheet and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the Initial Lease Term.
The Company recorded a lease liability for the Lease based on the present value of the Lease payments over the Initial Lease Term,
discounted using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate. The Company recorded a corresponding right-of-use lease asset based on the
lease liability, adjusted for incentives received prior to the Lease commencement date. The option to extend the Initial Lease Term was not
recognized as a part of either the Company’s lease liability or right-of-use lease asset. Lease expense was $2.8 million for the years ended
December 31, 2019 and 2018. Amortization for the right-of-use lease asset was $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Licensing Agreements
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into licensing agreements under which the Company commits to certain annual
maintenance payments. Annual future minimum licensing payments under the Company’s agreements as of December 31, 2019 are as follows
(in thousands):
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Total future minimum license payments
Supply Agreements
$
$
99
99
99
99
99
495
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into agreements for the manufacturing and supply of GIAPREZA and LJPC-
0118. In 2017, the Company entered into agreements arranging for the manufacture and supply of GIAPREZA through 2022. During this time,
the Company is obligated to make certain minimum
F - 18
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
purchases. Annual future minimum payments for manufacturing and supply agreements as of December 31, 2019 are as follows (in
thousands):
2020
2021
2022
Total future minimum manufacturing and supply agreement payments
11. Company-wide Realignment and Restructuring Plan
$
$
1,976
1,976
611
4,563
On October 18, 2018, the Company effected a Company-wide realignment. For the year ended December 31, 2018, total expense for
these activities was $4.0 million, with $1.6 million included in research and development expense and $2.4 million included in selling, general
and administrative expense. Total expense was comprised of $7.7 million for severance costs, offset by a $3.7 million reversal of non-cash,
share-based compensation expense related to forfeited, unvested equity awards. As of March 31, 2019, all severance costs had been paid. No
expense for these activities was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2019.
On December 2, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a restructuring plan that reduced the Company’s headcount
(the “2019 Realignment”). The 2019 Realignment did not result in any reductions in headcount in the Company’s commercial organization
supporting GIAPREZA. For the year ended December 31, 2019, total expense for these activities was $4.9 million, $4.4 million of which is
included in research and development expense and $0.5 million of which is included in general and administrative expense. Total expense was
comprised of $5.8 million for one-time termination benefits to the affected employees, including severance and health care benefits, offset by a
$0.9 million reversal of non-cash, share-based compensation expense related to forfeited, unvested equity awards. As of December 31, 2019,
the Company had paid $0.9 million of the $5.8 million cash severance and health care benefits charges, and the remaining $4.9 million of the
cash severance and health care benefits charges were included in accrued payroll and related expenses. The Company expects to make
substantially all of the payments resulting from the 2019 Realignment in the first half of 2020.
F - 19
Exhibit 4.2
DESCRIPTION OF REGISTRANT’S SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
The following description of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”), sets forth the general terms and
provisions of our Common Stock. The following summary of our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended (the “Articles”),
and Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”) does not describe the Articles and Bylaws in their entirely. We urge you to read our Articles
and Bylaws, which are filed as exhibits to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, to which this exhibit is also appended.
Authorized Capital Stock. We have authorized 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock and 8,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par
value 0.0001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”), which such Preferred Stock may be issued in one or more series with different rights,
preferences and privileges. We have authorized 11,000 shares of Series C-12 Convertible Preferred Stock and 10,000 shares of Series F
Convertible Preferred Stock.
Voting Rights. Holders of our Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by our shareholders.
The vote of the holders of a majority of the stock present and entitled to vote at a meeting at which a quorum is present is generally required to
take shareholder action, unless a greater vote is required by law or specifically required by our Articles or Bylaws. Special shareholder
meetings may be called by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President, the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a
majority of the total number of directors we would have if there were no vacancies, or the holders of 10% or more of outstanding shares of our
Common Stock. Any shareholder action may be taken by written consent signed by the holders of outstanding shares having no less than the
minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take that action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote on that
action were present and voted. In addition, our Bylaws include an advance notice procedure with regard to the nomination of candidates for
election as directors, other than by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, and with regard to matters to be brought before an annual
meeting or special meeting of shareholders. Shareholders are entitled to cumulative voting, except if our Common Stock is listed on a national
securities exchange, including the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq Stock Market. For so long as our Common Stock is listed on any
such national securities exchange, then cumulative voting is not permitted.
Dividends and Other Rights. Holders of our Common Stock are entitled to receive, when and if declared by the Board of Directors from
time to time, such dividends and other distributions in cash, stock or property from our assets or funds legally available for such purposes,
subject to any dividend preferences that may be attributable to Preferred Stock that may be authorized. In the event of our liquidation,
dissolution or winding up, after all liabilities and the holders of each series of Preferred Stock, if any, have been paid in full, the holders of our
Common Stock are entitled to share ratably in all remaining assets available for distribution. Our Common Stock has no preemptive,
subscription, redemption or conversion rights. There are no sinking fund provisions applicable to our Common Stock.
Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is not classified. At each annual meeting, the successors to the directors whose term expire
at that meeting are elected for a term of office to expire at the next annual meeting after their election or until their successors have been duly
elected and qualified. Directors may be removed with or without “cause” by a shareholder vote, unless a number of shares sufficient to elect
such director vote against removal. Vacancies may be filled by the Board of Directors or by the shareholders, provided that only shareholders
may fill vacancies created by the removal of a director.
Transfer Agent. American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC is the Transfer Agent and Registrar for our Common Stock.
EXHIBIT 10.1
This Indemnification Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made as of this day of by and between La Jolla
Pharmaceutical Company, a California corporation (the “Company”) and (“Indemnitee”).
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors has determined that in order to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and
officers of the Company, it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to indemnify such persons for claims and
actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of the Company;
WHEREAS, the bylaws of the Company provide for indemnification of its officers and directors to the fullest extent
permitted by applicable law, and the Company wishes to clarify and enhance the rights and obligations of the Company and
Indemnitee with respect to indemnification;
WHEREAS, the Company has elected to follow the corporate governance practices and procedures of the California
Corporations Code (the “CCC”), as the same may be amended from time to time;
WHEREAS, in order to induce and encourage experienced and capable persons such as Indemnitee to serve and continue to
serve as directors and officers of the Company and in any other capacity with respect to the Company, and to otherwise promote the
desirable end that such persons will resist what they consider unjustified lawsuits and claims made against them in connection with
the good faith performance of their duties to the Company, with the knowledge that certain costs, judgments, penalties, fines,
liabilities and expenses incurred by them in their defense of such litigation will be borne by the Company and that they will receive
the maximum protection against such risks and liabilities as may be afforded by applicable law, the Board of Directors of the
Company has determined that this Agreement is reasonable, prudent and necessary to promote and ensure the best interests of the
Company and its stockholders; and
WHEREAS, the Company desires to have Indemnitee continue to serve as a director or officer of the Company free from
undue concern for unpredictable, inappropriate or unreasonable legal risks and personal liabilities by reason of Indemnitee acting in
good faith in the performance of Indemnitee’s duties to the Company; and Indemnitee desires to continue to serve the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of Indemnitee’s continued service as a director or officer of the Company, the parties
hereto agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1. Indemnity of Indemnitee. The Company hereby agrees to hold harmless and indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent
permitted by the CCC and the bylaws of the Company, as each may be amended from time to time. In furtherance of the foregoing
indemnification, and without limiting the generality thereof:
(a) Third party proceedings. Indemnitee shall be entitled to the rights of indemnification provided in this Section 1(a) if, by
reason of his Corporate Status, he is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or participant in any Proceeding other than a Proceeding
by or in the right of the Company. Pursuant to this Section 1(a), and to the extent allowed by applicable law, Indemnitee shall be
indemnified against all Expenses, judgments,
penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection with such
Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of the Company and, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his
conduct was unlawful.
(b) Proceedings by or in the right of the Company. Indemnitee shall be entitled to the rights of indemnification provided in
this Section 1(b) if, by reason of his Corporate Status, he is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or participant in any Proceeding
brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 1(b), Indemnitee shall be
indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection with such Proceeding if he
acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company; provided,
however, that, if applicable law so provides, no indemnification against such Expenses shall be made in respect of any claim, issue
or matter in such Proceeding as to which Indemnitee shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Company unless, and only to the
extent, that the court in which such Proceeding shall have been brought or is pending, shall determine upon application that, despite
the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to
indemnification for such costs, judgments, penalties, fines, liabilities and Expenses as such court shall deem proper.
(c) Indemnification for expenses of a party who is wholly or partly successful. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of his Corporate Status, a party to a Proceeding and is successful, on the
merits or otherwise, in any such Proceeding, he shall be indemnified to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law against all
Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection therewith. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful
in such proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such
Proceeding, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf
in connection with each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter. For purposes of this Section and without limitation, the
termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a
successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.
(d) Additional Indemnity. Notwithstanding any limitation in Section 1(a), (b) or (c), the Company shall indemnify
Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding
(including a Proceeding by or on behalf of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) against all Expenses, judgments, fines
and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the Proceeding; provided that,
indemnification of Indemnitee shall be made by the Company only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that the
indemnification of Indemnitee is proper under the circumstances because Indemnitee met the applicable standard of conduct. For
purposes of this Section 1(d), the meaning of the phrase “to the fullest extent permitted by law” shall include, but not be limited to:
(i) to the fullest extent permitted by the provisions of the CCC that authorize or contemplate additional indemnification by
agreement (or the corresponding provision of any amendment to or successor or substitute provision of the CCC); and
(ii) to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by any amendment to the CCC or by any successor or substitute rule, law or
provision adopted after the date of this Agreement that increase the extent to which a corporation may indemnify it officers and
directors.
2. Exclusions. Notwithstanding any provision of Section 1 to the contrary, no indemnity shall be paid by the Company:
(a) with respect to remuneration paid to Indemnitee if it shall be determined by a final judgment or other final adjudication
that such remuneration was in violation of law;
(b) on account of any suit in which judgment is rendered against Indemnitee for an accounting of profits made from the
purchase or sale by Indemnitee of securities of the Company pursuant to the provisions of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, or similar provisions of any federal, state or local statutory law;
(c) on account of Indemnitee’s conduct which is finally adjudged to have been knowingly fraudulent or deliberately
dishonest, or to constitute willful misconduct; or
(d) if a final decision by a court having jurisdiction in the matter shall determine that such indemnification is not lawful.
3. Contribution. If the indemnification provided in Section 1 is unavailable and may not be paid to Indemnitee for any
reason (other than those set forth in Section 2(a), (b) and (c)), then with respect to any Proceeding in which the Company is jointly
liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding), the Company shall contribute to the amount of Expenses,
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred and paid or payable by Indemnitee to the extent
allowed by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by the Company on the
one hand and by the Indemnitee on the other hand from the transaction from which such Proceeding arose and (ii) the relative fault
of the Company on the one hand and of the Indemnitee on the other hand in connection with the events which resulted in such
Expenses, judgments, fines or settlement amounts, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the
Company on the one hand and of the Indemnitee on the other hand shall be determined by reference to, among other things, the
parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent the circumstances resulting in such
Expenses, judgments, fines or settlement amounts. The Company agrees that it would not be just and equitable if contribution
pursuant to this Section 3 were determined by pro rata allocation or any other method of allocation which does not take account of
the foregoing equitable considerations.
4. Indemnification for Expenses of a Witness. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that
Indemnitee is, by reason of his Corporate Status, a witness in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party, he shall be
indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection therewith.
5. Advancement of Expenses. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent allowed by applicable
law, the Company shall advance all reasonable Expenses incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding
by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status within twenty (20) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements
from Indemnitee requesting such advance or advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of such
Proceeding. Such statement or statements (i) shall reasonably evidence the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee, (ii) shall include or be
accompanied by such documentation and information as is reasonably requested by the Company to determine the nature of the
Proceeding and whether Indemnitee is entitled to the advancement of Expenses, and (iii) shall include or be preceded by an
undertaking by or on behalf of Indemnitee to repay any Expenses advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that Indemnitee is
not entitled to be indemnified against such Expenses. Any advances and undertakings to repay pursuant to this Section 5 shall be
unsecured and interest free. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligation of the Company to advance Expenses pursuant to this
Section 5 shall be subject to the condition that, if, when and to the extent that the Company determines that Indemnitee would not
be permitted to be indemnified under applicable law, the Company shall be entitled to be reimbursed, within sixty (60) days of such
determination, by Indemnitee (who hereby agrees to reimburse the Company) for all such amounts theretofore paid; provided,
however, that if Indemnitee has commenced or thereafter commences legal proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction to
secure a determination that Indemnitee should be indemnified under applicable law, any determination made by the Company that
Indemnitee would not be permitted to be indemnified under applicable law shall not be binding and Indemnitee shall not be
required to reimburse the Company for any advance of Expenses until a final judicial determination is made with respect thereto (as
to which all rights of appeal therefrom have been exhausted or lapsed).
6. Procedure for Determination of Entitlement to Indemnification.
(a) To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including
therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to
determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification. The Chief Executive Officer of the Company shall,
promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the Board of Directors in writing that Indemnitee has requested
indemnification; provided that, if the Chief Executive Officer is making such request, then the notice to the Board of Directors shall
be given by the Secretary of the Company.
(b) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification, a determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement
thereto shall be made by the following person or persons who shall be empowered to make such determination: (i) the Board of
Directors by a majority vote of a quorum of Disinterested Directors; (ii) by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board
of Directors (a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee) if a quorum of the Board of Directors consisting of Disinterested
Directors is not obtainable or, even if obtainable, said Disinterested Directors so direct; or (iii) if so directed by said Disinterested
Directors, by the stockholders of the Company. If it is determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to
Indemnitee shall be made within fifteen (15) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or
entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person,
persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected
from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any Independent
Counsel, member of the Board of Directors, or stockholder of the Company shall act reasonably and in good faith in making a
determination under this Agreement of the Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification. Any Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in so
cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall be borne by the Company to the extent allowed by
applicable law (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby
indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom.
(c) If the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 6(b)
hereof, the Independent Counsel shall be selected as provided in this Section 6(c). The Independent Counsel shall be selected by
the Board of Directors (subject to this Section 6(c)), and the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising him of the
identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. Indemnitee may, within seven (7) days after receipt of such written notice of
selection, deliver to the Company a written objection to such selection; provided, however, such objection may be asserted only on
the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of “Independent Counsel,” as defined in
Section 15 of this Agreement, and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper
and timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If a written objection is made and substantiated, the
Independent Counsel selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or a court has
determined
that such objection is without merit. If, within twenty (20) days after submission by Indemnitee of a written request for
indemnification pursuant to Section 6(a) hereof, (i) an Independent Counsel has not been selected or (ii) an Independent Counsel
has been selected, but there is an outstanding written objection regarding the independence of the Independent Counsel selected by
the Company, either the Indemnitee or the Company may petition a court of competent jurisdiction for resolution of any objection
which shall have been made by Indemnitee to the Company’s selection of Independent Counsel and/or for the appointment as
Independent Counsel of a person selected by the court or by such other person as the court shall designate, and the person with
respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under Section 6(b)
hereof. The Company shall pay any and all reasonable fees and expenses of Independent Counsel incurred by such Independent
Counsel in connection with acting pursuant to Section 6(b) hereof, and the Company shall pay all reasonable fees and expenses
incident to the procedures of this Section 6(c), regardless of the manner in which such Independent Counsel was selected or
appointed. Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to Section 8(a) of this Agreement,
Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable
standards of professional conduct then prevailing).
7. Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings.
(a) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person or persons or entity
making such determination shall presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has
submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with Section 6(a) of this Agreement and the Company shall have the burden
of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination
contrary to that presumption.
(b) If the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under Section 6 of this Agreement to determine whether
Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company
of the request therefor, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall be deemed to have been made and
Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification (i) absent actual and material fraud in the request for indemnification or (ii) a
prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law; provided, however, that such 60-day period may be extended for a
reasonable time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, if the person, persons or entity making the determination with respect
to entitlement to indemnification in good faith requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating documentation and/or
information relating thereto; and provided, further, that the foregoing provisions of this Section 7(b) shall not apply (i)(A) if the
determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement and
(B)(1) if, within fifteen (15) days after receipt by the Company of the request for such determination, the Board of Directors or the
Disinterested Directors, if appropriate, resolve to submit such determination to the stockholders for their consideration at an annual
meeting thereof to be held within seventy five (75) days after such receipt and such determination is made thereat or (2) a special
meeting of stockholders is called within thirty (30) days after such receipt for the purpose of making such determination, such
meeting is held for such purpose within sixty (60) days after having been so called and such determination is made thereat or (ii) if
the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 6(b) of this
Agreement.
(c) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement (with or
without court approval), conviction, or upon a plea of no lo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly
provided in this Agreement) of itself adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that
Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of
the Company or, with
respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.
(d) For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee’s
action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to
Indemnitee by the directors, officers or key employees of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal
counsel for the Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise by an independent certified public
accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Enterprise. In addition, the knowledge and/or
actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for
purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement. The provisions of this Section 7(d) shall not be deemed
to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which the Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable
standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.
8. Remedies of Indemnitee.
(a) In the event that (i) payment of contribution or indemnification is not made pursuant to Section 3 or Section 4 of this
Agreement, respectively, within fifteen (15) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, (ii) advancement of
Expenses is not timely made pursuant to Section 5 of this Agreement, (iii) a determination of entitlement to indemnification shall
not have been made pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement within the time frames described in Section 7(b), (iv) a
determination is made pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this
Agreement, or (v) payment of indemnification is not made within fifteen (15) days after a determination has been made that
Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification or such determination is deemed to have been made pursuant to Section 6 or Section 7 of
this Agreement, respectively, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication in an appropriate court of the State of California, or in
any other court of competent jurisdiction, of his entitlement to such indemnification. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at his option, may
seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American
Arbitration Association. Indemnitee shall commence such proceeding seeking an adjudication or an award in arbitration within 180
days following the date on which Indemnitee first has the right to commence such proceeding pursuant to this Section 8(a). The
Company shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.
(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not
entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 8 shall be conducted in all
respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse
determination.
(c) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to
indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant
to this Section 8, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make
Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such
indemnification under applicable law.
(d) In the event that Indemnitee, pursuant to this Section 8, seeks a judicial adjudication of or an award in arbitration to
enforce his rights under, or to recover damages for breach of, this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be entitled to recover from the
Company, and shall be indemnified by the Company against, any and all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him in such
judicial adjudication or arbitration,
but only if he prevails therein. If it shall be determined in said judicial adjudication or arbitration that Indemnitee is entitled to
receive part but not all of the indemnification sought, the expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with such judicial
adjudication or arbitration shall be appropriately prorated. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against any and all expenses
and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor) advance
such expenses to Indemnitee, which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action brought by Indemnitee to recover
under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether Indemnitee
ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement of expenses or insurance recovery, as the case may be.
(e) The Company shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this
Section 8 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any
such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement.
9. Non-Exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Subrogation.
(a) The rights of indemnification as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which
Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the bylaws or certificate of incorporation of the Company, any
agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement
or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or
omitted by such Indemnitee in his Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in
applicable law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification than would be afforded currently under the
Company’s bylaws and this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the
greater benefits so afforded by such change. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or
remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or
now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or
otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.
(b) To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors,
officers, employees, or agents or fiduciaries of the Company or of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee
benefit plan or other enterprise which such person serves at the request of the Company, Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy
or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer,
employee or agent under such policy or policies.
(c) In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all
of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights,
including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights.
(d) The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment of amounts otherwise indemnifiable
hereunder if and to the extent that Indemnitee has otherwise actually received such payment under any insurance policy, contract,
agreement or otherwise.
10. Exception to Right of Indemnification. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, Indemnitee shall not be
entitled to indemnification under this Agreement with respect to any Proceeding or claim therein brought voluntarily by Indemnitee
and not by way of defense, unless (a) the bringing of such
Proceeding or making of such claim shall have been approved by the Board of Directors or (b) such Proceeding is being brought by
the Indemnitee to assert his rights under this Agreement.
11. Notification and Defense of Claim. Indemnitee agrees promptly to notify the Company in writing upon being served
with any summons, citation, subpoena, complaints, indictment, information or other document relating to any Proceeding or matter
which may be subject to indemnification covered hereunder. The failure to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of
any obligation which it may have to the Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, with respect to any such Proceeding of which Indemnitee notifies the Company:
(a) The Company will be entitled to participate therein at its own expense;
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 11(b), to the extent that it may wish, the Company, together with any other
indemnifying party similarly notified, shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to
Indemnitee. After notice from the Company to Indemnitee of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the Company shall not
be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any Expenses subsequently incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the defense
thereof except as otherwise provided below. Indemnitee shall have the right to employ Indemnitee’s own counsel in such
Proceeding, but the fees and expenses of such counsel incurred after notice from the Company of its assumption of the defense
thereof shall be at the expense of Indemnitee unless (i) the employment of counsel by Indemnitee has been authorized by the
Company, (ii) Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between the Company and
Indemnitee in the conduct of the defense of such action or (iii) the Company shall not in fact have employed counsel to assume the
defense of the action, in each of which cases the fees and expenses of Indemnitee’s counsel shall be at the expense of the Company.
The Company shall not be entitled to assume the defense of any Proceeding brought by or on behalf of the Company or as to which
Indemnitee shall have made the conclusion provided for in (ii) above; and
(c) The Company shall not be liable to indemnify Indemnitee under this Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of
any Proceeding effected without the Company’s written consent. The Company shall not settle any Proceeding in any manner that
would impose any penalty or limitation on or disclosure obligation with respect to Indemnitee without Indemnitee’s written
consent. Neither the Company nor Indemnitee will unreasonably withhold its consent to any proposed settlement.
12. Duration of Agreement. All agreements and obligations of the Company contained herein shall continue during the
period Indemnitee is an officer or director of the Company (or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer,
employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise) and shall continue thereafter so long
as Indemnitee shall be subject to any Proceeding (or any proceeding commenced under Section 8 hereof) by reason of his
Corporate Status, whether or not he is acting or serving in any such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for
which indemnification can be provided under this Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and
be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger,
consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company), assigns, spouses, heirs, executors
and personal and legal representatives. This Agreement shall continue in effect regardless of whether Indemnitee continues to serve
as an officer or director of the Company or any other Enterprise at the Company’s request.
13. Security. To the extent requested by the Indemnitee and approved by the Board of Directors, the Company may at any
time and from time to time provide security to the Indemnitee for the Company’s obligations hereunder through an irrevocable
blank line of credit, funded trust or other collateral. Any such
security, once provided to the Indemnitee, may not be revoked or released without the prior written consent of the Indemnitee.
14. Enforcement.
(a) The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations
imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as an officer or director of the Company, and the Company
acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as an officer or director of the Company.
(b) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject
matter hereof.
15. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement:
(a) “Corporate Status” describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent or fiduciary of
the Company or of any other corporation, partnership joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other Enterprise which such
person is or was serving at the express written request of the Company.
(b) “Disinterested Director” means a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding with
respect to which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.
(c) “Enterprise” shall mean the Company and any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan
or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the express written request of the Company as a director, officer,
employee, agent or fiduciary.
(d) “Expenses” shall include all reasonable attorneys’ fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness
fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, and all other
disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or
defend, investigating, participating, or being or preparing to be a witness in, or otherwise participating in a Proceeding.
(e) “Independent Counsel” means a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law
and neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter
material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning the Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other
indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements) or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for
indemnification hereunder. The term “Independent Counsel” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of
professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an
action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement.
(f) “Proceeding” includes any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, arbitration, alternate dispute resolution
mechanism, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding, whether brought
by or in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which Indemnitee
was, is or will be involved as a party or otherwise, by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director, officer employee or
agent of the Company, by reason of any action taken by him or of any inaction on his part while acting as a director, officer
employee or agent of the Company, or by reason of the fact that he is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director,
officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise; in each case whether or not he is acting or serving in any such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred
for which indemnification can be provided under this Agreement; including one pending on or before the date of this Agreement;
and excluding one initiated by an Indemnitee pursuant to Section 8 of this Agreement to enforce his rights under this Agreement.
16. Severability. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be
invalid, void, illegal or otherwise unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the
remaining provisions of this Agreement (including without limitation, each portion of any section of this Agreement containing any
such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be
affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law; and (b) to the fullest extent
possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any section of this Agreement containing
any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed
so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.
17. Modification and Waiver. No supplement, modification, termination or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding
unless executed in writing by both of the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or
shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions hereof (whether or not similar) nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing
waiver.
18. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
have been duly given if (i) delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have
been directed, or (ii) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date
postmarked. Addresses for notice to either party are as provided below, or as subsequently modified by written notice
(a) If to Indemnitee, to:
(b) If to the Company, to:
(c) With a copy to:
19. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be
deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Signatures transmitted
electronically or by facsimile will be deemed original signatures.
20. Headings; References; Pronouns. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only
and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof. References herein to section
numbers are to sections of this Agreement. All pronouns and any variations thereof shall be deemed to refer to the masculine,
feminine, neuter, singular or plural as appropriate.
21. Consent to Jurisdiction. The Company and Indemnitee each hereby irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of the courts
of the State of California for all purposes in connection with any action or proceeding which arises out of or relates to this
Agreement and agree that any action instituted under this Agreement shall be brought only in the state courts of the State of
California.
22. Governing Law. The parties agree that this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance
with, the laws of the State of California without application of the conflict of laws principles thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on and as of the day and year first above
written.
LA JOLLA PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY
By:_______________________________________
INDEMNITEE
By:_______________________________________
EXHIBIT 10.5
February 25, 2019
Darryl Wellinghoff
144 Jefferson’s Hundred
Williamsburg, VA 23185
RE: Offer of Employment
Dear Darryl,
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company (the “Company”) is pleased to offer you the regular, full-time, exempt position of Chief
Commercial Officer reporting to Chief Executive Officer. Your anticipated start date of employment (“Employment Start Date”) will
tentatively be March 18, 2019. This offer and your employment relationship will be subject to the terms and conditions of this
letter.
If you decide to join us, your initial annual base salary will be $382,000 less applicable withholdings and deductions paid in
accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices. Thereafter, you will be considered for annual increases in base salary
in accordance with Company policy and subject to review and approval.
Additionally, you will be eligible for an annual bonus in a target amount equal to 40% of your annual base salary, subject to
achievement of individual and Company goals established annually beginning with fiscal year 2019 which runs from January to
December. Any annual bonus payment made to you may be pro-rated for your first year of service. Payment of annual bonuses
are conditioned upon your continued employment with the Company through the date of payment; you will not be eligible for
bonus payments for completed fiscal years if your service terminates prior to the date of payment.
Please understand that this offer of employment is contingent upon the satisfactory outcome of a personal background check,
which, depending upon your position and department, may include professional references, verification of previous employment
and education, criminal background check, drug screening, Food & Drug Administration (FDA) debarment, Office of the Inspector
General (OIG) exclusion check and a department of motor vehicles (DMV) check.
Subject to approval and your commencement of employment, you will be eligible to receive an option under the Company’s
equity compensation plan to purchase up to 80,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, at a price per share equal to the fair
value of the common stock on the date of grant (the “Option”). The Option will vest with respect to 1/4th of the underlying shares
on the first anniversary of your commencement of employment, and the remainder will vest with respect to 1/48th of the underlying
shares monthly thereafter over the next three years, so that the Option is fully vested and exercisable over a period of four years,
subject to your continued service during this time. The Option will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Company’s equity
compensation plans and stock option agreements.
During your employment, you will be eligible to participate in any and all employee benefit plans made
available by the Company from time to time to its employees generally, subject to plan terms and generally applicable Company
policies. In addition to holidays observed by the Company, you will be eligible for vacation in accordance with the policies of the
Company, as in effect from time to time. You are also eligible to use up to 40 hours of sick time per year. The Company reserves
the right to change or eliminate its benefits on a prospective basis at any time.
You will be expected to devote your full business time and your best professional efforts, judgment, knowledge and skill
exclusively to the performance of your duties and responsibilities for the Company and its affiliates, and to abide by all Company
policies and codes of conduct, as in effect from time to time. You will be expected to perform the duties of your position and such
other duties as may be assigned to you from time to time.
If you accept our offer, your employment with the Company will be “at-will.” This means your employment is not for any specific
period of time and can be terminated by you at any time for any reason. Likewise, the Company may terminate the employment
relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without cause or advance notice. In addition, the Company reserves the right to
modify your position, duties or reporting relationship to meet business needs, and to use its managerial discretion in deciding on
appropriate discipline when it deems circumstances so warrant.
If, within one year from the Employment Start Date, your employment is terminated by the Company without Cause, or by you for
Good Reason, and such termination occurs following a Change in Control, then you shall be entitled to receive the “Change of
Control Severance Payments” (defined below), subject to your execution and delivery of a fully effective and irrevocable Release
and Waiver in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (which shall be delivered within 45 days following termination of your
employment). For purposes of this agreement, the Change of Control Severance Payments shall mean the sum of: (i) a series of
payments over a six-month period (payable on the Company’s normal payroll dates) equal in the aggregate to the sum of: (A) six
months of the Base Salary then in effect, and (B) one-half of the then-applicable Target Bonus, in each case less required
deductions and withholdings; [(ii) accelerated time-based vesting of shares subject to all stock awards issued by the Company,
for the number of shares which would have vested accordingly had you continued employment with the Company for a period of
six months after termination; and (iii) to the extent permissible under applicable law, reimbursement for or continuation of
payment by the Company of its portion of the health insurance benefits provided to you immediately prior to termination pursuant
to the terms of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”) or other applicable law for
a period of up to 6 months from the date of termination.
For purposes of this agreement, “Cause” means that, in the reasonable determination of the Company, you have:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
been indicted for or convicted of or pleaded guilty or no contest to any felony or crime involving
dishonesty that is likely to inflict or has inflicted demonstrable and material injury on the business of
the Company;
participated in any fraud against the Company;
willfully and materially breached a Company policy;
intentionally damaged any property of the Company thereby causing demonstrable and material
injury to the business of the Company; or
engaged in conduct that, in the reasonable determination of the Company, demonstrates gross
unfitness to serve.
For purposes of this Agreement, “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following: the consummation of an
Ownership Change Event or a series of related Ownership Change Events (collectively, a “Transaction”) in which the
stockholders of the Company immediately before the Transaction do not retain immediately after the Transaction, in substantially
the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Company’s voting stock immediately before the Transaction, direct or
indirect beneficial ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of the outstanding voting
securities of the Company or such surviving entity immediately outstanding after the
Transaction, or, in the case of an applicable Ownership Change Event the entity to which the assets of the Company were
transferred (the “Transferee”), as the case may be. For purposes of the preceding sentence, indirect beneficial ownership shall
include, without limitation, an interest resulting from ownership of the voting securities of one or more corporations or other
business entities which own the Company or the Transferee, as the case may be, either directly or through one or more
subsidiary corporations or other business entities. The Board shall have the right to determine whether multiple sales or
exchanges of the voting securities in the Company or multiple Ownership Change Events are related, and its determination shall
be final, binding and conclusive. “Ownership Change Event” means the consummation of any of the following with respect to the
Company: (i) the direct or indirect sale or exchange in a single or series of related transactions by the stockholders of the
Company of more than 50% of the voting stock of the Company; (ii) a merger or consolidation in which the Company is a party;
or (iii) the sale, exchange, or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.
For purposes of this agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events without your consent:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
a material reduction (which shall mean 20% or more) by the Company of the Base Salary as initially
set forth herein or as the same may be increased from time to time;
a material reduction by the Company of your management responsibilities;
a material breach of this Agreement by the Company; provided however, that your resignation due
to any of the foregoing conditions shall only be deemed for Good Reason if: (i) you give the
Company written notice of the intent to terminate for Good Reason within 90 days following the first
occurrence of the condition(s) that you believe constitutes Good Reason, which notice shall
describe such condition(s); (ii) the Company fails to remedy, if remediable, such condition(s) within
30 days following receipt of the written notice (the “Cure Period”) of such condition(s) from you; and
(iii) you actually resign your employment within the first 30 days after expiration of the Cure Period.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, any payments and benefits provided
under this Agreement that constitute the payment of “deferred compensation” within the meaning of
Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and the regulations
and other guidance thereunder and any state law of similar effect (collectively “Section 409A”) that
are payable upon termination of employment shall not commence in connection with your
termination of employment unless and until you have also incurred a “separation from service” (as
such term is defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h) (“Separation From Service”)).
It is intended that each installment payment provided for in this Agreement is a separate
“payment” for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(i). For the avoidance of doubt, it is intended that payments
of the severance benefits set forth herein (consisting of either the Severance Payments or the Change of Control Severance
Payments, and collectively referred to as the “Severance Benefits”) satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from
the application of Section 409A provided under Treasury Regulation Sections 1.409A- 1(b)(4), 1.409A-1(b)(5) and 1.409A-1(b)(9).
However, if the Company (or, if applicable, the successor entity thereto) determines that the Severance Benefits constitute
“deferred compensation” under Section 409A that is not exempt from Section 409A and you are, at the time of your Separation
From Service, a “specified employee” of the Company or any successor entity thereto, as such term is defined in Section 409A(a)
(2)(B)(i) of the Code, then, solely to the extent necessary to avoid the incurrence of the adverse personal tax
consequences under Section 409A, the timing of the Severance Benefit payments shall be delayed until the earlier to occur of: (i)
the date that is six months and one day after your Separation From Service or (ii) the date of your death (such applicable date,
the “Specified Employee Initial Payment Date”), and the Company (or the successor entity thereto, as applicable) shall (A) pay to
you a lump sum amount equal to the sum of the Severance Benefit payments that you would otherwise have received through
the Specified Employee Initial Payment Date if the commencement of the payment of the Severance Benefits had not been so
delayed pursuant to this Section and (B) commence paying the balance of the Severance Benefits in accordance with the
applicable payment schedules set forth in this Agreement.
Except to the extent that payments may be delayed until the Specified Employee Initial Payment Date pursuant to the preceding
paragraph, on the first regular payroll pay day following the effective date of the Release and Waiver, the Company will pay you
the Severance Benefits you would otherwise have received under the Agreement on or prior to such date but for the delay in
payment related to the effectiveness of the Release and Waiver, with the balance of the Severance Benefits being paid as
originally scheduled. All amounts payable under the Agreement will be subject to standard payroll taxes and deductions.
This offer is contingent upon the following:
•
You signing and abiding by the Company’s Proprietary Information, Nondisclosure, and
Assignment Agreement (see enclosed);
You signing the Company’s Mutual Agreement to Arbitrate (see enclosed);
•
• Your compliance with federal I-9 requirements (although you have three days to complete this process, please provide
suitable documentation on your first day of work verifying your identity and legal authorization to work in the United
States).
This letter, including the enclosed Proprietary Information, Nondisclosure, and Assignment Agreement and Mutual Agreement to
Arbitrate, constitutes the entire agreement between you and the Company relating to this subject matter, and supersedes all prior
or contemporaneous agreements, understandings, negotiations and representations, whether oral or written, express or implied,
on this subject. This letter may not be modified or amended, and no breach is to be regarded as waived, unless agreed to in a
specific, written agreement signed by you and the
Company. This letter shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to the
conflict of laws principles thereof.
To indicate your acceptance of the Company’s offer on the terms and conditions set forth in this letter, please sign and date this
letter in the space provided below and return it to our offices at 4550 Towne Centre Ct., San Diego CA 92121 or by email to
svedrick@ljpc.com. If you do accept as provided, this letter will take effect as a binding agreement between you and the
Company on the date it is received, provided that you sign, date and return the Company’s Proprietary Information,
Nondisclosure, and Assignment Agreement and Mutual Agreement to Arbitrate and satisfy the other conditions set forth above no
later than 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) on February 27, 2019.
We hope your employment with the Company will prove mutually rewarding, and we look forward to having you join us. If you
have any questions, please feel free to call Sandra Vedrick, Director, HR & IR at (858) 207-4264 Ext. 1135.
Sincerely,
/s/ George F. Tidmarsh
George F. Tidmarsh
Chief Executive Officer
Date: February 27, 2019
/s/ Darryl Wellinghoff
Darryl Wellinghoff
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Executive, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
EXHIBIT A
RELEASE AND WAIVER OF CLAIMS
TO BE SIGNED AT TIME OF TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE OR RESIGNATION FOR GOOD REASON
In consideration of the severance payments and other post-employment benefits set forth in that certain employment offer letter,
dated , to which this form is attached (the “Employment Agreement”), I, Darryl Wellinghoff . hereby furnish La Jolla
Pharmaceutical Company (the “Company”), with the following release and waiver (the “Release and Waiver”).
In exchange for the consideration provided to me by the Employment Agreement that I am not otherwise
entitled to receive, I hereby generally and completely release the Company and its directors, officers, employees,
stockholders, partners, agents, attorneys, predecessors, successors, parent and subsidiary entities, insurers,
Affiliates, and assigns from any and all claims, liabilities and obligations, both known and unknown, that arise out of or
are in any way related to events, acts, conduct, or omissions occurring prior to my signing this Release and Waiver.
This general release includes, but is not limited to: (1) all claims arising out of or in any way related to my employment
with the Company or the termination of that employment; (2) all claims related to my compensation or benefits from
the Company, including, but not limited to, salary, bonuses, commissions, vacation pay, expense reimbursements,
severance pay, fringe benefits, stock, stock options, or any other ownership interests in the Company; (3) all claims for
breach of contract, wrongful termination, and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; (4) all tort
claims, including, but not limited to, claims for fraud, defamation, emotional distress, and discharge in violation of
public policy; and (5) all federal, state, and local statutory claims, including, but not limited to, claims for discrimination,
harassment, retaliation, attorneys’ fees, or other claims arising under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as
amended), the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of
1967 (as amended) (“ADEA”), and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (as amended).
I also acknowledge that I have read and understand Section 1542 of the California Civil Code which reads as
follows:
“A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR
SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN
BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.”
I hereby expressly waive and relinquish all rights and benefits under that section and any law of any jurisdiction
of similar effect with respect to any claims I may have against the Company.
I acknowledge that, among other rights, I am waiving and releasing any rights I may have under ADEA, that this
Release and Waiver is knowing and voluntary, and that the consideration given for this Release and Waiver is in
addition to anything of value to which I was already entitled as an executive of the Company. If I am 40 years of age or
older upon execution of this Release and Waiver, I further acknowledge that I have been advised, as
required by the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, that: (a) the release and waiver granted herein does not relate to
claims under the ADEA which may arise after this Release and Waiver is executed; (b) I should consult with an
attorney prior to executing this Release and Waiver; (c) I have twenty-one (21) days in which to consider this Release
and Waiver (although I may choose voluntarily to execute this Release and Waiver earlier); (d) I have seven (7) days
following the execution of this Release and Waiver to revoke my consent to this Release and Waiver; and (e) this
Release and Waiver shall not be effective until the eighth day after I execute this Release and Waiver and the
revocation period has expired (the “Effective Date”).
I understand that among other things, I must not use or disclose any confidential or proprietary information of
the Company and I must immediately return all Company property and documents (including all embodiments of
proprietary information) and all copies thereof in my possession or control.
This Release and Waiver constitutes the complete, final and exclusive embodiment of the entire agreement
between the Company and me with regard to the subject matter hereof. I am not relying on any promise or
representation by the Company that is not expressly stated herein. This Release and Waiver may only be modified by
a writing signed by both me and a duly authorized officer of the Company.
Date:
By:
Darryl Wellinghoff
Subsidiaries of La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company
Name of Subsidiary
La Jolla Pharma, LLC
La Jolla Pharmaceutical I B.V.
La Jolla Pharmaceutical II B.V.
La Jolla Pharmaceutical III B.V.
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Australia Pty Ltd
Exhibit 21.1
Jurisdiction
Delaware
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Australia
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company
San Diego, CA
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements (No. 333-214721), (No. 333-221198) and (333-227818)
on Form S-3 and (No. 333-184909), (No. 333-193016), (No. 333-207212), (No. 333-214722), (No.333-221197) and (No. 333-
227819) on Form S-8 of La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company of our reports dated March 2, 2020, relating to the consolidated
financial statements and effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of La Jolla Pharmaceutical appearing in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K of La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company for the year ended December 31, 2019.
/s/ SQUAR MILNER LLP
March 2, 2020
San Diego, California
EXHIBIT 31.1
I, Dennis Mulroy, certify that:
SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION
1.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary
to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to
the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act
Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under
our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made
known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed
under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions
about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on
such evaluation; and
d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the
registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial
reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the
equivalent functions):
a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which
are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information;
and
b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s
internal control over financial reporting.
Date:
March 2, 2020
/s/ Dennis Mulroy
Dennis Mulroy
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Executive, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
EXHIBIT 32.1
I, Dennis Mulroy, hereby certify, for purposes of 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002, that:
•
•
the Annual Report of the Registrant on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 (Report), which accompanies this
certification, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition of the Registrant at the end of
such quarter and the results of operations of the Registrant for such quarter.
Date: March 2, 2020
/s/ Dennis Mulroy
Dennis Mulroy
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Executive, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Note: A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company and will be
retained by La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.