EX-10.1 2 d340942dex101.htm LICENSE AND CO-DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT LICENSE AND CO-DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THRESHOLD PHARMACEUTICALS AND MERCK KGAA LICENSE AND CO-DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
Exhibit 10.1
LICENSE AND
CO-DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
THRESHOLD PHARMACEUTICALS
AND
MERCK KGAA
LICENSE AND CO-DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
THIS LICENSE AND CO-DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between MERCK KGaA, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Germany and having a principal place of business at Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx 000, 00000 Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx (hereinafter referred to as “Merck” or “Licensee”), and THRESHOLD PHARMACEUTICALS, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of California and having its principal office at 000 Xxxxxx Xxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxxxx Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000, XXX (hereinafter referred to as “Threshold” or “Licensor”). Merck and Threshold may each be referred to herein individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, Threshold is a pharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of targeted therapeutics for cancer and has developed TH-302, a Compound (as hereinafter defined) designed to be selectively activated with hypoxic cells and thus having anti-tumor activity; and
WHEREAS, Merck is engaged in the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of pharmaceutical products, and Merck is interested in developing and Commercializing (as hereinafter defined) products containing or comprising the Compound; and
WHEREAS, Merck desires to license from Licensor and Licensor wishes to license to Merck the right to Develop (as hereinafter defined) and Commercialize products comprising the Compound pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Parties desire to jointly Develop the Compound and Licensed Product (as hereinafter defined) in accordance with this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Threshold, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, shall have an option to Co-commercialize (as hereinafter defined) the Licensed Product in the Co-commercialization Territory (as hereinafter defined) together with Merck; and
WHEREAS, the terms for Co-commercialization (as hereinafter defined) are set forth in a binding Co-commercialization Term Sheet (as hereinafter defined) based on which the Parties shall execute a Co-commercialization Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants set forth below and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
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ARTICLE 1.
DEFINITIONS
Capitalized terms shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this Article 1 or elsewhere in this Agreement:
1.1 “Affiliate” of a Party means a Person that is directly or indirectly controlled by that Party during the Term, but only for so long as such control exists. For the purposes of this Article 1.1, the word “control” (including, with correlative meaning, the terms “controlled by” or “under the common control with”) means the actual power, either directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, to direct the management and policies of such Person, whether by the ownership of at least fifty percent (50%) of the voting stock of such Person, or by contract or otherwise.
1.2 “Calendar Quarter” means each three (3) month period commencing January 1, April 1, July 1 or October 1, provided however that (i) the first Calendar Quarter of the Term shall extend from the Effective Date to the end of the first full Calendar Quarter thereafter, and (ii) the last Calendar Quarter of the Term shall end upon the expiration of this Agreement.
1.3 “Calendar Year” means the period beginning on the 1st of January and ending on the 31st of December of the same year, provided however that (i) the first Calendar Year of the Term shall commence on the Effective Date and end on December 31, 2012 and (ii) the last Calendar Year of the Term shall commence on January 1 of the Calendar Year in which this Agreement terminates or expires and end on the date of termination or expiration of this Agreement.
1.4 “cGCP” means the current standards, practices and procedures set forth in the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines entitled “Guidance for Industry E6 Good Clinical Practice: Consolidated Guidance” including related requirements imposed by the FDA, and equivalent non-U.S. regulations or standards, as applicable, as such standards, practices, procedures, requirements and regulations may be amended from time to time.
1.5 “cGLP” means the current good laboratory practice regulations promulgated by the FDA, published at 21 U.S C.F.R. § 58, and equivalent non-United States regulations or standards, as applicable, as such current laboratory practices, regulations and equivalent non-United States regulations or standards may be amended from time to time.
1.6 “cGMP” means those current practices, as amended from time to time, related to the manufacture of pharmaceutical products and any precursors thereto promulgated in guidelines and regulations of standard compilations including the GMP Rules of the World Health Organization, the United States Code of Federal Regulations, the Guide to Inspection of Bulk Pharmaceutical Chemicals (established by the United States Department of Health and Human Services), the Pharmaceutical Inspection Convention, and the European Community Guide to Good Manufacturing Practice in the production of pharmaceutical products.
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1.7 | “Change of Control” means |
(a) a transaction or series of related transactions that results in the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of a Party’s assets relating to the subject matter of this Agreement; or
(b) a merger or consolidation in which a Party is not the surviving corporation or in which, if a Party is the surviving corporation, the shareholders of such Party immediately prior to the consummation of such merger or consolidation do not, immediately after consummation of such merger or consolidation, possess a majority of the voting power of all of the Party’s outstanding stock and other securities and the power to elect a majority of the members of the Party’s board of directors; or
(c) a transaction or series of related transactions (which may include without limitation a tender offer for a Party’s stock or the issuance, sale or exchange of stock of a Party) if the shareholders of such Party immediately prior to the initial such transaction do not, immediately after consummation of such transaction or any of such related transactions, own stock or other securities of the entity that possess a majority of the voting power of all of the Party’s outstanding stock and other securities and the power to elect a majority of the members of the Party’s board of directors; provided, however, that notwithstanding anything in the foregoing, the issuance of stock by a Party in an equity financing shall not constitute a Change of Control.
1.8 “Clinical Supply” means the supply of requirements of Licensed Product and/or Compound for Clinical Trials under this Agreement.
1.9 “Clinical Trial” means a clinical trial in human subjects that has been approved by a Regulatory Authority and is designed to measure the safety and/or efficacy of a Licensed Product. Clinical Trials shall include Phase I Trials, Phase II Trials, Phase III Trials and Phase IV Trials.
1.10 [* * *].
1.11 [* * *].
1.12 [* * *].
1.13 “Combination Product” means a product containing the Licensed Product together with one or more other active ingredients, or with one or more specialized delivery devices or products.
1.14 [* * *].
1.15 “Co-commercialization” or “Co-commercialize” means the Commercialization activities of the Parties with respect to the Licensed Product together in the Co-commercialization Territory.
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1.16 “Co-commercialization Agreement” means the agreement for co-commercialization to be established between the Parties pursuant to Article 7.5(b) for the Co-commercialization Territory if Threshold exercises the Co-commercialization Option.
1.17 “Co-commercialization Option” means the option of Threshold to Co-commercialize the Licensed Product in the Co-commercialization Territory as defined in Article 7.5(a).
1.18 “Co-commercialization Term Sheet” shall mean [* * *].
1.19 “Co-commercialization Territory” shall mean the US.
1.20 “Commercial Supply” means the supply of Licensed Product for Commercialization in the Territory.
1.21 “Commercialization” or “Commercialize” means any and all activities undertaken before and after Regulatory Approval of an NDA for the Licensed Product that relate to the marketing, promoting, distributing, importing or exporting for sale, offering for sale, and selling of the Licensed Product.
1.22 “Commercially Reasonable Efforts” means, (a) with respect to the efforts to be expended by any Party with respect to any objective, such [* * *] and (b) with respect to any objective relating to Development or Commercialization of a Licensed Product by a Party, the application by such Party, consistent with the exercise of its prudent scientific and business judgment, of [* * *] other factors as the Parties may reasonably consider, [* * *]. Subject to the foregoing, Commercially Reasonable Efforts will not mean that the Parties commit that it will actually accomplish the applicable task.
1.23 “Compound” means the hypoxia-activated prodrug TH-302, [* * *].
1.24 “Compulsory License” means a compulsory license under Licensor Patents obtained by a Third Party through the order, decree, or grant of a competent Governmental Body [* * *] import a pharmaceutical product containing the Compound in the applicable country.
1.25 “Confidential Information” of a Party means Know-How and other information relating to the business, operations, and products of a Party or any of its Affiliates, that is not known or generally available to the public, that such Party discloses to the other Party under this Agreement, or otherwise becomes known to the other Party by virtue of this Agreement.
1.26 “Controlled” means, with respect to (a) Patent Rights, (b) Know-How or (c) biological, chemical or physical material, that a Party or one of its Affiliates owns or has a license or sublicense to such Patent Rights, Know-How or material (or in the case of material, has the right to physical possession of such material) and has the ability to grant a license or sublicense with respect to such Patent Rights and Know-How, of the scope of the licenses contemplated in this Agreement, or transfer such material as provided for in this Agreement, without violating the terms of any agreement or other arrangement with any Third Party.
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1.27 “Co-promote” or “Co-promotion” means the promoting of Licensed Products (including detailing, solicitation of sales), but does not include the actual distribution or sale of Licensed Products. Co-promotion activities shall be further set out in the Co-promotion Term Sheet.
1.28 “Cost of Goods” shall have the meaning set forth on Exhibit A hereto.
1.29 “Cover,” “Covering” or “Covered” means, with respect to a Licensed Product and relevant Patent Rights, that the making, using, selling, or offering for sale of such Licensed Product would, but for a license, infringe a Valid Claim of the relevant Patent Rights in any country in which any such activity occurs or that the Licensed Product is claimed in or covered by a Pending Claim.
1.30 “Development Expenses” means [* * *]
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1.31 “Development Plan” means (a) the Initial Development Plan and (b) subsequent plans established and updated in accordance with Article 4.2 setting forth the Development of the Licensed Product under this Agreement.
1.32 “Development Plan Budget” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 4.4.
1.33 “Development” or “Develop” means, with respect to the Compound or a Licensed Product, the performance of all research, non-clinical, pre-clinical and clinical development (including, without limitation, toxicology, pharmacology, test method development and stability testing, process development, formulation development, quality control development, and statistical analysis), Clinical Trials, manufacturing and regulatory activities that are required to obtain Regulatory Approval of such Licensed Product under this Agreement by either Party.
1.34 “Effective Date” means the later of (i) the Execution Date and (ii) the date of HSR Clearance, if HSR Filings are required for this transaction.
1.35 “EMA” means the European Medicines Agency or any successor agency.
1.36 “European Commission” means the authority within the European Union that has the legal authority to grant Regulatory Approvals in the European Union based on input received from the EMA or other competent Regulatory Authorities.
1.37 “European Union” or “EU” means the European Union and all its member states.
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1.38 “Execution Date” means the date of last signature of this Agreement.
1.39 “Executive Officers” means, together, a member of the PEC (“Pharmaceutical Executive Committee”) of the pharmaceutical division of Merck and the Chief Executive Officer of Licensor.
1.40 “FDA” means the United States Food and Drug Administration, or a successor federal agency thereto.
1.41 “Field” means any and all prophylactic, palliative, therapeutic or diagnostic uses in humans or other animals.
1.42 “Financial Representative” has the meaning set forth in Article 3.11.
1.43 “First Commercial Sale” means, with respect to a Licensed Product in any country, the first commercial transfer or disposition for value of such Licensed Product in such country to a Third Party by Merck, an Affiliate of Merck or a Sublicensee after all Regulatory Approvals therefore have been obtained in such country.
1.44 “FTE” means a full time equivalent person year of scientific or technical work on or directly related to the Development activities, [* * *].
1.45 “FTE Costs” means the cost of the work performed by FTEs, applying the FTE Rate.
1.46 “FTE Rate” means the annual FTE rate of [* * *].
1.47 [* * *].
1.48 “Governmental Body” means any: (a) nation, principality, state, commonwealth, province, territory, county, municipality, district or other jurisdiction of any nature; (b) federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other government; or (c) other governmental or quasi-governmental authority of any nature.
1.49 “IFRS” means the International Financial Reporting Standards, the set of accounting standards and interpretations and the framework in force on the Effective Date and adopted by the European Union as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC), as such accounting standards may be amended from time to time.
1.50 “IND” means an investigational new drug application filed with the FDA or the equivalent application or filing filed with any equivalent agency or Governmental Body outside the United States (including any supra-national entity such as in the European Union) for approval to commence Clinical Trials in such jurisdiction.
1.51 “IND Filing” means the filing of an IND for a Licensed Product with the relevant Regulatory Authority.
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1.52 “IND Filing Acceptance” means the receipt of notice from the relevant Regulatory Authority that an IND for the Licensed Product has met all the criteria for filing acceptance.
1.53 “Indication” means a generally acknowledged disease or condition, a significant manifestation of a disease or condition, or symptoms associated with a disease or condition or a risk for a disease or condition. For the avoidance of doubt, all variants of a single disease or condition (whether classified by severity or otherwise) shall be treated as the same Indication.
1.54 “Initial Development Plan” means the initial plan setting forth the Development of the Licensed Product under this Agreement that is attached hereto as Exhibit B.
1.55 “Initiation” of a Clinical Trial means the date of enrollment of the first subject/patient in such Clinical Trial.
1.56 “Inventions” means any Know-How, whether patentable or not, created, made, invented or developed by or on behalf of a Party or its Affiliates (solely or jointly) during the Term and in the course of performing activities under this Agreement.
1.57 “Joint Inventions” means any and all Inventions created, made, invented or developed jointly (as determined under US patent Law) by employees of Merck or its Affiliates and Threshold or its Affiliates or others acting on behalf of Merck or Threshold or their respective Affiliates.
1.58 “Joint Patents” means any and all Patent Rights which claim Joint Inventions.
1.59 “Joint Technology” means Joint Patents, Joint Inventions, and Non-Patent Rights embodied in Joint Inventions.
1.60 “Know-How” means any inventions, discoveries, creations, developments, data, and other information and materials, in any tangible or intangible form whatsoever, including scientific or technical information, results and data, trade secrets, databases, practices, protocols, regulatory filings, methods, processes, techniques, concepts, ideas, reagents, specifications, formulations, formulae, data (including, but not limited to, pharmacological, biological, chemical, toxicological, clinical and analytical information, quality control, trial and stability data), case reports forms, data analyses, reports, studies and procedures, designs for experiments and tests and results of experimentation and testing (including results of research or development), summaries and information contained in submissions to and information from ethical committees, the FDA or other Regulatory Authorities, and manufacturing process and development information, results and data, whether or not patentable.
1.61 “Knowledge” means [* * *].
1.62 “Law” or “Laws” means all applicable laws, statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances and other pronouncements having the binding effect of law of any Governmental Body.
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1.63 “Licensed Product” means the Compound (including, for clarity, in finished form) in any dosage form, formulation, presentation or package configuration.
1.64 “Licensee” means Merck.
1.65 “Licensor” means Threshold.
1.66 “Licensor Bankruptcy Event” means (a) voluntary or involuntary proceedings by or against Licensor are instituted in bankruptcy under any insolvency law, which proceedings, if involuntary, shall not have been dismissed within sixty (60) days after the date of filing; (b) a receiver or custodian is appointed for Licensor; (c) proceedings are instituted by or against Licensor for corporate dissolution, liquidation or winding-up of Licensor, which proceedings, if involuntary, shall not have been dismissed within sixty (60) days after the date of filing; or (d) substantially all of the assets of Licensor are seized or attached and not released within sixty (60) days thereafter.
1.67 “Licensor Inventions” mean any and all Inventions created, made, invented or developed solely by employees of Threshold or its Affiliates or other persons not employed by Merck or its Affiliates acting on behalf of Threshold or its Affiliates.
1.68 “Licensor Know-How” means all Know-How that is Controlled by Licensor or any of its Affiliates as of the Execution Date or at any time thereafter during the Term (including Licensor Inventions) that is necessary for the Development, manufacture, use, or Commercialization of the Licensed Products.
1.69 “Licensor Materials” means all Materials that are Controlled by Licensor or any of its Affiliates as of the Execution Date or at any time thereafter during the Term and that are necessary for the Development, manufacture, use or Commercialization of the Licensed Products.
1.70 “Licensor Patents” means all Patent Rights that are Controlled by Licensor or its Affiliates as of the Execution Date or at any time thereafter during the Term and that Cover the Compound or the Licensed Product or their manufacture or use. For the sake of clarity, Joint Patents are not Licensor Patents.
1.71 “Licensor Technology” means the Licensor Patents, the Licensor Know-How, Licensor Materials, and Non-Patent Rights Controlled by Licensor or its Affiliates embodied in Licensor Know-How or Licensor Materials.
1.72 “Major Market” means any of [* * *].
1.73 “Materials” means chemical, biological or physical materials.
1.74 “Merck Inventions” mean any and all Inventions created, made, invented or developed solely by employees of Merck or its Affiliates or other persons not employed by Threshold or its Affiliates acting on behalf of Merck or its Affiliates.
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1.75 “Merck Know-How” means any and all Know-How that is Controlled by Merck or any of its Affiliates as of the Execution Date or at any time thereafter during the Term (including Merck Inventions) that is necessary for the Development, manufacture, use, or Commercialization of the Licensed Products.
1.76 “Merck Materials” means all Materials that are Controlled by Merck or any of its Affiliates as of the Execution Date or at any time thereafter during the Term and that are necessary for the Development, manufacture, use or Commercialization of the Licensed Products.
1.77 “Merck Patents” means all Patent Rights that are Controlled by Merck or its Affiliates as of the Execution Date or at any time thereafter during the Term and that Cover the Compound or the Licensed Product or their manufacture or use. Merck Patents include Merck’s and its Affiliates interest in Joint Patents.
1.78 “Merck Technology” means Merck Patents, Merck Know-How, Merck Materials, and Non-Patent Rights Controlled by Merck or its Affiliates embodied in Merck Know-How or Merck Materials.
1.79 “NDA” means a New Drug Application filed pursuant to the requirements of the FDA, as more fully defined in 21 U.S. CFR.§ 314.3 et seq, a Biologics License Application filed pursuant to the requirements of the FDA, as more fully defined in 21 U.S. CFR § 601, and any equivalent application filed in any country, including a European Marketing Authorization Application, together, in each case, with all additions, deletions or supplements thereto.
1.80 “Net Sales” means [* * *].
1.81 [* * *].
1.82 “Non-Patent Rights” means intellectual property rights, including rights in Know-How, other than Patent Rights or trademark rights.
1.83 “Out-of-Pocket Expenses” means expenses actually paid by a Party or its Affiliates to any Third Party.
1.84 “Patent Right” means: (a) an issued or granted patent, including any extension, supplemental protection certificate, registration, confirmation, reissue, reexamination, extension or restoration by existing or future extension or restoration mechanisms (including, without limitation, supplementary protection certificates or the equivalent thereof), or renewal thereof; (b) a pending patent application, including any continuation, divisional, continuation-in-part, substitute or provisional application thereof; and (c) all counterparts or foreign equivalents of any of the foregoing issued by or filed in any country or other jurisdiction.
1.85 “Person” means any natural person, corporation, firm, business trust, joint venture, association, organization, company, partnership or other business entity, or any Governmental Body.
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1.86 “Phase I Trial” means a Clinical Trial in which the Licensed Product is administered to human subjects at single and multiple dose levels with the primary purpose of determining safety, metabolism, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the Licensed Product, and which is consistent with 21 U.S. CFR § 312.21(a) or any other applicable Laws. For the purposes of the milestone payments in Article 6.3, a “Phase I Trial” shall be a Clinical Trial which is submitted to the Regulatory Authority as a Phase I Trial or as a Phase I/II Trial.
1.87 “Phase II Trial” means a Clinical Trial of the Licensed Product in human patients, the principal purposes of which are to make a preliminary determination that the Licensed Product is safe for its intended use, to determine its optimal dose, and to obtain sufficient information about the Licensed Product’s efficacy to permit the design of Phase III Trials, and which is consistent with 21 U.S. CFR § 312.21(b) or any other applicable Laws.
1.88 “Phase III Trial” means a Clinical Trial of the Licensed Product in human patients, which trial is designed (a) to establish that the Licensed Product is safe and efficacious for its intended use; (b) to define warnings, precautions and adverse reactions that are associated with the Licensed Product in the dosage range to be prescribed; and (c) to be, either by itself or together with one or more other Clinical Trials having a comparable design and size, the final human Clinical Trial in support of Regulatory Approval of an NDA of the Licensed Product; and (d) consistent with 21 U.S. CFR § 312.21(c) or any other applicable Laws.
1.89 “Phase IV Trial” (or Post-Marketing Study, Medical Affairs Trial or Investigator-Sponsored Trial) shall mean an additional Clinical Trial of the Licensed Product in patients commenced after receipt of Regulatory Approval for the Licensed Product in a country, which Clinical Trial is conducted within the parameters of the Regulatory Approval, and shall include, without limitation, Clinical Trials required or requested by a Regulatory Authority as a condition of, or in connection with, obtaining Regulatory Approval of the Licensed Product. Phase IV Trials (or Post-Marketing Studies, Medical Affairs Trials or Investigator-Sponsored Trials) shall include, without limitation, Clinical Trials to gather additional information regarding the Licensed Product’s potential risks, medical or pharmacoeconomic benefits, justification and descriptions for other Indications of the Licensed Product, data to be included in compendial listings, optimal use, dose, route and schedule of administration, epidemiological studies, modeling and pharmacoeconomic studies, and Investigator-Sponsored Clinical Trials.
1.90 “Price Approvals” means in those countries where Regulatory Authorities may approve or determine pricing and/or pricing reimbursement for pharmaceutical products, such approval or determination.
1.91 “Regulatory Approval” means any and all approvals, licenses, registrations, or authorizations of the relevant Regulatory Authority, including Price Approvals, necessary for the Development, manufacture, use, storage, import, transport or Commercialization of the Licensed Product in a particular country or jurisdiction. For the avoidance of doubt, Regulatory Approval to Commercialize the Licensed Product shall include Price Approval.
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1.92 “Regulatory Authority” means (a) the FDA, (b) the EMA or the European Commission, or (c) any regulatory body with similar regulatory authority over pharmaceutical or biotechnology products in any other jurisdiction anywhere in the world.
1.93 “Rest of World” or “ROW” means worldwide but excluding the US.
1.94 “Royalty Term” means, on a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product and country-by-country basis, the period from the First Commercial Sale of a Licensed Product in such country until the later of (a) the last date on which the Licensed Product is Covered by a Valid Claim within the Licensor Patents in such country, and (b) ten (10) years after such First Commercial Sale of such Licensed Product in such country.
1.95 [* * *].
1.96 [* * *].
1.97 “Sarcoma Program” means Development of the Licensed Product in the STS Indication for Regulatory Approval in the US consistent with the special protocol assessment (“SPA”) as agreed by the FDA, including, without limitation, the Development activities described in Schedule 1.97.
1.98 “Soft Tissue Sarcoma” or “STS” means the Indication soft tissue sarcoma.
1.99 “Sublicensee” means a Person other than an Affiliate of Merck to which Merck (or its Affiliate) has, pursuant to and in accordance with Article 2.2, granted sublicense rights under any of the license rights granted under Article 2.1. “Sublicense” shall be construed accordingly.
1.100 “Tax” or “Taxes” means any applicable federal, state, local or foreign tax of any kind whatsoever, including any interest, penalty or addition thereon whether disputed or not.
1.101 “Territory” means worldwide.
1.102 “Third Party” means any Person other than Licensor, Merck or Affiliates of either of them, or (but only in their capacity as such) any Sublicensees.
1.103 “Third Party Action” means any claim or action made by a Third Party against either Party that claims that the manufacture, use, or sale of the Licensed Product infringes such Third Party’s intellectual property rights.
1.104 “Third Party License Agreement” is defined in Article 6.7(b).
1.105 “United States” or “US” means the United States of America and its territories and possessions.
1.106 “Valid Claim” means a claim of (a) an issued and unexpired patent which has not lapsed or been revoked, abandoned or held unenforceable or invalid by a final decision of a court or governmental or supra-governmental agency of competent jurisdiction, unappealable or
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unappealed within the time allowed for appeal, and which has not been disclaimed, denied or admitted to be invalid or unenforceable through reissue, reexamination or disclaimer or otherwise, or (b)(i) any pending bona fide and non-frivolous application submitted in good faith, or (ii) any pending application having a common priority date with a patent described in (a) above that has issued in any other country, in each such case of (i) and (ii), which claim has not been finally abandoned or denied or been held unpatentable by a final decision of a court or governmental or supra-governmental agency of competent jurisdiction, unappealable or unappealed within the time allowed for appeal (each of (i) or (ii) above, a “Pending Claim”). For purposes of this clause, any such Pending Claim as described above that has been pending for more than [* * *].
1.107 Other Terms, The definition of each of the following terms is set forth in the Article of the Agreement indicated below:
“Abandoned Patent” has the meaning set forth in Article 9.5(b).
“Action” has the meaning set forth in Article 9.6(b).
[* * *].
“Alliance Manager” has the meaning set forth in Article 3.10.
“Affected Sales” has the meaning set forth in Article 6.7(b).
“Chairperson” has the meaning set forth in Article 3.1.
[* * *].
“Controlling Party” has the meaning set forth in Article 9.7(c).
“Co-commercialization Plan” has the meaning set forth in Article 7.1(c).
“Co-Commercialization Result Sharing” has the meaning set forth in Article 4.8(a).
“Co-promote Option” has the meaning set forth in Article 7.6.
“Co-promotion Committee” or “CPC” has the meaning as set forth in Article 3.9.
“Co-promotion Term Sheet” has the meaning set forth in Article 7.6.
“CROs” has the meaning as set forth in Article 4.5(iii).
“Cure Period” has the meaning set forth in Article 12.4(a).
“Expanded Development Plan” has the meaning set forth in Article 4.16.
[* * *].
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“Independent Expert” has the meaning set forth in Article 6.2.
“Initial Development Plan” has the meaning set forth in Article 4.4.
“JAMS” has the meaning set forth in Article 7.5(c).
“Joint Commercialization Committee” or “JCC” has the meaning set forth in Article 3.9.
“Joint Medical Committee” or “JMC” has the meaning set forth in Article 3.9.
“Joint Project Team” or “JPT” has the meaning set forth in Article 3.8(a).
“JPT Chairpersons” has the meaning set forth in Article 3.8(a).
“JSC” or “Joint Steering Committee” has the meaning set forth in Article 3.1.
“Licensor Indemnitees” has the meaning set forth in Article 13.1.
“Mandated Expansions” has the meaning as set forth in Article 4.15.
“Manufacturing Support” has the meaning set forth in Article 8.1.
“Manufacturing Technology Transfer” has the meaning set forth in Article 2.4.
“Manufacturing Technology Transfer Plan” has the meaning set forth in Article 2.4.
“Merck Indemnitees” has the meaning set forth in Article 13.2.
“Non-Clinical Trial Work” has the meaning set forth in Article 4.8(b).
“Notice Period” has the meaning set forth in Article 7.5(a).
“Opt-In” has the meaning set forth in Article 4.7.
“Option Period” has the meaning set forth in Article 7.5(a).
“Other Payments” has the meaning set forth in Article 6.7(b).
[* * *].
[* * *].
“Quality Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Article 8.2(c).
“Phase II Pancreas Milestone” has the meaning set forth in Article 6.2.
“Phase II Pancreatic Cancer Trial” has the meaning set forth in Article 6.2.
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“Phase III Pancreas Milestone” has the meaning set forth in Article 6.3.
“Positive” has the meaning set forth in Article 6.2.
“Post-approval Clinical Trials” has the meaning set forth in Article 4.8(a).
“Product Marks” has the meaning set forth in Article 7.4.
“Relevant Time” has the meaning set forth in Article 4.16(b).
“Responsible Party” has the meaning as set forth in Article 5.2.
“Term” has the meaning set forth in Article 12.1.
“Third Party Royalties” has the meaning set forth in Article 6.7(b).
“Treaty Benefits” has the meaning set forth in Article 6.13(a).
ARTICLE 2.
LICENSES AND OTHER RIGHTS
2.1 Grant of License to Merck. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Licensor hereby grants to Merck and its Affiliates (subject to Article 16.3) a worldwide, royalty-bearing, non-transferable (except pursuant to Article 16.2) right and license (with the right to sublicense pursuant to the provisions of Article 2.2) under the Licensor Technology and Licensor’s right, title and interest in Joint Technology to Develop, make, have made, import, export, use and Commercialize Compound and Licensed Products for use in the Field in the Territory, which license shall be (a) co-exclusive with Licensor and its Affiliates (subject to Article 4.14 and 4.15) with respect to the Development of Licensed Products under and in accordance with this Agreement, (b) subject to Article 8.2, 4.14 and 4.15, exclusive with respect to the manufacture of Licensed Products, (c) co-exclusive with Licensor and its Affiliates (subject to Article 4.14 and 4.15) with respect to the Co-commercialization of Licensed Products in the Co-commercialization Territory, under and in accordance with this Agreement and the Co-commercialization Agreement, if Licensor exercises its Co-commercialization Option pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and (d) except as set forth in the foregoing, otherwise exclusive with respect to Commercialization of Licensed Products in the Territory. Nothing in this Agreement shall otherwise limit or restrict Licensor’s right and ability to use and license any Licensor Technology, including in connection with research, development, commercialization and other activities related to products other than the Compound or Licensed Products.
2.2 Grant of Sublicense by Merck. Merck shall have the right to grant Sublicenses under the licenses granted in Article 2.1 subject to the following conditions:
(a) the granting by Merck of a Sublicense shall not relieve Merck of any of its obligations hereunder;
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(b) [* * *];
(c) Merck shall procure that each of its Sublicensees complies with all relevant terms, restrictions and limitations in this Agreement, and any act or omission of a Sublicensee shall constitute an act or omission of Merck for purposes of this Agreement;
(d) in the event of a material default by any Sublicensee under a Sublicense agreement Merck will promptly inform Licensor and take such action, after consultation with Licensor, that will address such default [* * *].
2.3 Technology Transfer. As soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Date, but in no event later than [* * *] following the Effective Date, Licensor will provide to Merck a copy of all Licensor Know-How and Licensor Materials (including but not limited to any preclinical data, clinical data, assays and associated materials, protocols, and procedures pertaining to Licensor’s Development of the Compound as of the Effective Date) in Licensor’s Control, that are necessary for Merck’s Development pursuant to this Agreement. [* * *] Without limiting the generality of the foregoing but only as further set forth in the Development Plan or this Agreement, upon Merck’s request in writing, Licensor shall (to the extent allowed by Law) assign to Merck (i) all applications and filings, except to the extent pertaining to the Sarcoma Program, made with any Regulatory Authority with respect to the Compound or Licensed Product, including any IND and orphan drug designations, and (ii) all agreements related to the conduct of any Clinical Trial with respect to the Compound or Licensed Product except for agreements pertaining to the Sarcoma Program or other Clinical Trials for which Threshold is responsible pursuant to the Development Plan.
2.4 Manufacturing Technology Transfer. As soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Date, but in no event later than [* * *] following the Effective Date, Licensor will provide to Merck a copy of all Licensor Know-How and all Licensor Materials in Licensor’s Control, that are necessary or useful for the manufacture of the Compound and the Licensed Products. [* * *] The technology transfer described in this Article 2.4 shall be referred to as the “Manufacturing Technology Transfer” and shall be conducted in accordance with the manufacturing technology transfer plan which plan shall be attached hereto as Exhibit C (the “Manufacturing Technology Transfer Plan”) within sixty (60) days from the Effective Date. The costs and expenses of the Manufacturing Technology Transfer incurred by Licensor shall constitute Development
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Expenses. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, upon Merck’s request Licensor shall cooperate with Merck to assign (subject to the counterparty’s consent, where required) all of Licensor’s agreements related to the manufacture and supply of Compound or Licensed Products, provided that Licensor shall retain its rights to procure Clinical Supply as set forth in Article 8.1.
2.5 Procedures for Technology Transfer. The technology transfers set forth in Article 2.3 and Article 2.4 shall occur in an orderly fashion and in a manner such that the value, usefulness and confidentiality of the Licensor Know-How and Licensor Materials are preserved in all material respects. During the Term, each Party shall provide to the other Party full and prompt disclosure, but in no event less frequently than semi-annually, through the JSC, of any Know-How or Materials that become Controlled by such Party or any of its Affiliates after the Execution Date and that is necessary for the other Party to conduct its activities or exercise its rights as contemplated hereunder and shall promptly following such disclosure, provide to such other Party copies of such Know-How and such Materials.
2.6 Non-Exclusive License Grant. In the event that exercising the rights granted to it herein and performing its obligations hereunder by a Party would infringe during the Term any Patent Rights which are Controlled by the other Party (and which are not otherwise licensed hereunder), such other Party hereby grants to the first Party, to the extent such other Party is legally able to do so, a non-exclusive, sublicensable, royalty-free license under such Patent Rights solely for such first Party to exercise the rights granted to it herein and perform its obligations hereunder.
2.7 No Implied Licenses. Except as specifically set forth in this Agreement, neither Party shall acquire any right, title, license, or other interest, by implication or otherwise, with respect to any information, Know-How or Materials disclosed or provided to it under this Agreement or under any Patent Rights or other intellectual property rights Controlled by the other Party or its Affiliates.
2.8 Grant of License to Licensor. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Merck hereby grants to Licensor and its Affiliates (subject to Article 16.2), (i) a co-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license with the right to sublicense to subcontractors (in accordance with Article 4.9 and 7.2) to Merck Technology and Merck’s share in the Joint Technology solely for the purposes of Licensor and its Affiliates Developing the Licensed Product together with Merck under this Agreement, and (ii) if Licensor exercises its Co-commercialization Option pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, a co-exclusive, royalty free license, with the right to sublicense to subcontractors (in accordance with Article 4.9 and 7.2), to Merck Technology and Merck’s share in the Joint Technology solely for the purposes of Licensor Co-commercializing the Licensed Product in the Co-commercialization Territory.
ARTICLE 3.
GOVERNANCE
3.1 Formation and Composition of the Joint Steering Committee. As soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Date, but in no event later than thirty (30) days
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following the Execution Date, a Joint Steering Committee shall be established, and each Party shall have the right to designate three (3) representatives from such Party (the “JSC” or “Joint Steering Committee”) drawn from the ranks of senior management of each Party, and the first meeting held. The Parties shall notify one another in writing of any change in the membership of the JSC. An alternate member designated by a Party may serve temporarily in the absence of a permanent member of the JSC for such Party. Each Party will designate one member of the JSC as the “Chairperson” on Calendar Yearly alternating basis. Merck will designate the first Chairperson. [* * *].
3.2 JSC Functions and Powers. The JSC shall manage the Development activities of the Parties under this Agreement. In particular, the JSC shall, subject to the other provisions of this Agreement:
(a) review, modify, and approve the Development strategy and oversee the Co-commercialization in the Co-commercialization Territory for the Licensed Product;
(b) review, modify, and approve the annual Development Plan proposed by the JPT, including all relevant timelines and the applicable Development Plan Budget (subject to Article 4.4), no later than by [* * *] of each Calendar Year for the following year;
(c) review, modify, and approve amendments to the Development Plan proposed by the JPT from time-to-time, including any amendments to the relevant timelines set forth therein;
(d) review, modify, and approve each Development Plan Budget (subject to Article 4.4), including any overspend (subject to Article 4.13);
(e) review and revise the FTE rate on an annual basis with increases not to exceed [* * *] per year;
(f) monitor the progress of each Development program under the Development Plan and each Party’s diligence in carrying out its responsibilities in connection therewith, and review, discuss and comment any results thereunder;
(g) [* * *];
(h) resolve any disputes or disagreements brought forward to it for resolution by the JPT or any of its other subcommittees;
(i) oversee the handling of any safety issues concerning the Licensed Product;
(j) serve as the first forum for the settlement of disputes or disagreements between the Parties resulting from or arising out of this Agreement or the Co-commercialization Agreement; and
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(k) perform such other functions as appropriate to further the purposes of this Agreement, as expressly set forth herein or as may be mutually agreed to in writing by the Parties.
3.3 Limitations of Powers of the JSC. The JSC shall have no power to amend or modify any term or condition of, or take any action inconsistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and shall have only such powers as are specifically delegated to it, and shall be subject to any restrictions and limitations set forth in this Agreement.
3.4 Determinations.
(a) The JSC will take action by unanimous consent of the Parties, with each Party having a single vote, irrespective of the number of representatives actually in attendance at a meeting. Determinations of the JSC can also be made by a written resolution, signed by a designated representative of each of the Parties. In the event the JSC is unable to secure unanimous consent on a matter within its power, such matter shall be referred to the Executive Officers or their respective designees in accordance with Article 15. If the Executive Officers cannot resolve the dispute, then Merck, acting reasonably and in good faith and in furtherance of the Parties’ joint interest to successfully Develop and Commercialize the Licensed Product in the Field in the Territory, consistent with this Agreement, shall have the right to make the final determination on any such matter except as provided in (b) below.
(b) [* * *].
3.5 Meetings of the JSC. Subject to the provisions of Article 3.7, the JSC shall hold meetings at least once each Calendar Quarter (unless otherwise unanimously agreed by the JSC) at such times and places as shall be determined by the JSC (including by videoconference, telephone, or web conference), but in no event, shall such meetings be held in person less frequently than once every six (6) months (unless otherwise unanimously agreed by the Parties). At least three (3) members of the JSC will constitute a quorum for any meeting, provided that at least one (1) representative from each Party is present. The Chairperson will be responsible for organizing the meetings of the JSC and for distributing the agenda of the meetings, but will have no additional powers or rights beyond those held by the other representatives to the JSC. The Chairperson will include on the agenda any item within the scope of the responsibility of the JSC that is requested to be included by a Party, and will distribute the agenda to the Parties no less than five (5) days before any meeting of the JSC. A Party may invite other senior personnel of their organization to attend meetings of the JSC, as appropriate, provided, however, that such other senior personnel shall not have any rights or duties of a JSC member. The JSC may act without a meeting if prior to such action a written consent thereto is given by both Parties. Each Party shall be responsible for its travel costs incurred for attending JSC meetings.
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3.6 Meeting Minutes. Minutes will be kept of all JSC meetings by the Chairperson and sent to all members of the JSC for review and approval within fourteen (14) days after each meeting. Minutes will be deemed approved unless any member of the JSC objects to the accuracy of such minutes by providing written notice to the other members of the JSC within seven (7) days of receipt of the minutes. In the event of any such objection that is not resolved by mutual agreement of the Parties, such minutes will be amended to reflect such unresolved dispute.
3.7 Urgent Matters. Notwithstanding anything in Article 3.5 expressed or implied to the contrary, in the event that an urgent issue or matter arises, that requires prompt action by the JSC, the JSC shall arrange for a teleconference call (or otherwise meet) for the purpose of resolving the issue or matter. Such JSC teleconference call shall take place as promptly as possible, with the immediacy of the issue or matter requiring JSC action determining the time, place and manner of the conduct of the meeting.
3.8 Subcommittees. The JSC may form subcommittees as determined by the needs of the Parties. Any subcommittee established by the JSC shall have appropriate and equal representation of each Party. Any such subcommittee shall be given assignments from the JSC, shall be subject to the authority of the JSC, shall have no power or authority greater than that of the JSC, and shall report its actions to the JSC. At the request of either Party at any time, any such subcommittee shall be dissolved and its powers and functions returned to the JSC. The Parties hereby initially agree to establish the following subcommittees:
(a) Joint Project Team. As soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Date, but in no event later than thirty (30) days following the Effective Date a joint project team composed of an equal number of representatives from each Party (the “Joint Project Team” or “JPT”) and co-chaired by representatives from each Party (the “JPT Chairpersons”) to:
(i) recommend to the JSC a strategy for Development and Regulatory Approval of the Licensed Product, all in accordance with the Development Plan;
(ii) develop, review, and revise as necessary, the Development Plans, including the Development Plan Budget, once per Calendar Year, all in accordance with the provisions of Article 4, and submit any revisions to the JSC for comment and approval;
(iii) review and approve all clinical and non-clinical study protocols of all contemplated Clinical Trials;
(iv) oversee the implementation of, and monitor the progress of, the clinical and regulatory program, consistent with the Development Plan, including the allocation of qualified personnel who have specific accountabilities as regards the Development Plan objectives; and
(v) seek consensus in any decisions to be made by the JPT and submit any disagreement to the JSC for resolution;
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(vi) recommend to the JSC a generic name for the Compound; and
(vii) perform such other functions requested by the JSC consistent with and subject to the terms of this Agreement.
(b) JPT Meetings. Until first launch of the Licensed Product, the JPT shall hold meetings at least once each Calendar Quarter (unless mutually agreed otherwise by the Parties) at such times and places as shall be determined by the JPT (including by videoconference), but in no event, shall such meetings be held in person less frequently than once every six (6) months, and the selection of the venue of such in person meetings shall be alternately in Darmstadt, Germany and South San Francisco, California, USA, unless otherwise agreed.
3.9 Committees in the Co-commercialization Territory. No later than thirty (30) days after Threshold has exercised its Co-commercialization Option pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Parties shall establish, as further set forth in the Co-commercialization Agreement, (i) a joint commercialization committee for the coordination of the Commercialization activities in the Co-commercialization Territory (the “Joint Commercialization Committee” or “JCC”), and (ii) a joint medical committee for coordination of medical affairs and related activities in the Co-commercialization Territory (the “Joint Medical Committee” or “JMC”), each composed of three (3) representatives from each Party and chaired by one representative from Merck. In no event shall the JMC include commercial personnel from either Party. No later than three (3) months after Licensor’s exercise of the Co-promote Option pursuant to Article 7.6, the Parties shall establish a co-promotion committee (the “Co-promotion Committee” or “CPC”) composed of three (3) representatives from each Party and chaired by one representative from Merck.
3.10 Appointment of Alliance Managers. Each Party shall appoint an alliance manager who is assigned to manage and oversee the governance of the Agreement (each, a “Alliance Manager”) within ten (10) days of the Effective Date and shall promptly thereafter notify the other Party of such appointment. If at any time a vacancy occurs for any reason, the Party that appointed the prior incumbent shall as soon as reasonably practicable appoint a successor. Each Party shall promptly notify the other Party of any substitution of another person as its Alliance Manager. Each Party’s Alliance Manager will be available during the existence of the JSC, to answer any reasonable questions from the other Party. Alliance Managers from each Party will coordinate and attend committee meetings as necessary, and will facilitate JSC meetings (in case of a meeting in person, such responsibilities shall be taken by the Alliance Manager of a hosting Party, or in case of a meeting by any other means, Alliance Manager of Threshold or Merck alternately).
3.11 Accounting and Financial Reporting. The Parties shall each appoint one (1) representative with expertise in the areas of accounting, cost allocation, budgeting and financial reporting (each, a “Financial Representative”) no later than ninety (90) days after the Effective Date. Such Financial Representatives shall consult with the JSC, in order to address the financial, budgetary and accounting issues that arise in connection with the Development Plan and/or, upon valid exercise by Threshold of its Co-commercialization Option, the Co-commercialization Plan. Each Financial Representative may be replaced at any time by the represented Party by providing notice thereof to the other Party. The Financial Representatives will meet as they or the Parties, through the JSC, may agree is appropriate.
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3.12 Termination of JSC. If the joint Development of the Licensed Product ceases for whatever reason, the JSC and its subcommittees shall automatically disband and cease to exist and Merck shall become solely responsible for Development responsibilities previously assigned to Licensor and shall make the final determination with respect to any Development related matter in accordance with this Agreement acting reasonably and in good faith and in furtherance of the Parties’ joint interest to successfully Develop and Commercialize the Licensed Product in the Field in the Territory.
ARTICLE 4.
DEVELOPMENT OF LICENSED PRODUCT
4.1 Development of the Licensed Product. Threshold and Merck shall jointly and collaboratively Develop the Licensed Product in the Territory and conduct (either by themselves or through their respective Affiliates, agents or Third Party subcontractors) all Development activities (including Clinical Trials and non-clinical studies) to obtain Regulatory Approval for any Licensed Product in any Indication in the Territory in accordance with the Development Plan and the other terms of this Agreement. The Parties shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to diligently Develop the Licensed Product in accordance with the Development Plan and the other terms of this Agreement, it being understood that Threshold will be responsible for the Sarcoma Program as set forth in Article 4.6.
4.2 Development Plan. The Initial Development Plan (which is attached to this Agreement as Exhibit B) describes the overall program and the parties fundamental agreement with respect to the Development of Licensed Products in the Field in the Territory under this Agreement, including the Indications to be pursued initially, estimated filing and Regulatory Approval dates, type of Clinical Trials and estimated number of enrolled subjects, and the Parties’ respective responsibilities. The Initial Development Plan also includes the Initial Development Plan Budget. The JPT shall prepare, within [* * *] days after the initial completion of technology transfer as laid out in Article 2.3 a more detailed Development Plan and thereafter on a regular basis (at least annually), propose updates to the Development Plan covering required or appropriate amendments, changes, and additions to the Development work, specifying each Party’s specific Development activities, the allocation of responsibilities with respect thereto, and the Development Plan Budget and the timelines associated with the Development activities to be carried out by each Party. Such proposed updated Development Plans shall be submitted to the JSC for review and approval. Upon approval by the JSC, the Development Plan shall forthwith govern the Development of the Licensed Product in the Field in the Territory. Any conflict between the Parties in the JSC regarding any updated Development Plan shall be resolved in accordance with Article 3.4.
4.3 Ongoing Clinical Trials at the Effective Date. Clinical Trials initiated by Threshold prior to and ongoing as of the Effective Date as listed in Schedule 4.3 (which Schedule includes the estimated aggregate costs for Calendar Year 2012 for such ongoing Clinical Trials) shall continue and remain with Threshold and not be transferred to Merck. [* * *].
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4.4 Development Plan Budget. The Initial Development Plan is accompanied by a budget, broken down in annual sub-budgets, setting forth the projected total, and annual, Development Expenses under the Initial Development Plan (the “Initial Development Plan Budget”). [* * *] of each Calendar Year, the Development Plan Budget then in effect shall be reviewed by the JPT and any proposed modifications, if necessary, shall be submitted to the JSC for review and approval. Upon approval by the JSC, the modified Development Plan Budget shall forthwith govern. Any conflict between the Parties in the JSC regarding any updated Development Plan Budget shall be resolved in accordance with Article 3.4. Development Expenses identified within the Development Plan Budget shall initially be borne by the Party incurring the cost or expense, subject to reconciliation and reimbursement pursuant to Article 4.10.
4.5 General. Each Party shall assign qualified personnel and devote adequate resources, consistent with the Development Plan, the Development Plan Budget, and this Agreement, to perform its responsibilities under the Development Plan. Specific Development tasks addressed in the Development Plan may include:
(i) non-clinical studies and Clinical Trials of the Licensed Product (including Phase IV Clinical Trials as further set out in Article 4.8), including establishment of protocols for such Clinical Trials and estimated timeframes for completion of such activities;
(ii) tests, studies and activities that may be required or recommended by or for any Regulatory Authority to obtain Regulatory Approval of the Licensed Product in the Territory (including, without limitation, toxicology and safety assessment studies, pharmacokinetic and metabolic studies, statistical analysis and report writing, regulatory activities and approval and registration activities) and estimated timeframes for completion of such activities;
(iii) engagement of scientific, medical, technical, regulatory and legal consultants and experts, and clinical research organizations (“CROs”);
(iv) conduct of activities directed to obtaining Price Approvals for Licensed Product, as applicable;
(v) conduct of activities directed to line extensions and lifecycle management for Licensed Product, as applicable; and
(vi) conduct of such other activities in connection with Development of Licensed Product as are contemplated under this Agreement.
4.6 Allocation of Tasks under the Development Plan. Subject to Articles 4.1 and 4.2 and the other provisions of this Agreement, the Development Plan shall allocate Development activities, responsibilities and tasks, including sponsorship of Clinical Trials, between the Parties in accordance with and in furtherance of the Development Plan, [* * *].
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Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Development Plan, Threshold shall be responsible for Development activities within the Sarcoma Program, including continuing the ongoing Phase III Trial and any additional mandated Clinical Trials for the Sarcoma Program, [* * *].
4.7 [* * *].
4.8 Post-approval Clinical Trials and Non-Clinical Trial Work.
(a) Any Clinical Trials conducted in an Indication after the Regulatory Approval of such Indication (“Post-approval Clinical Trials”) shall form part of the Development activities of the Parties and be included in the Development Plan independent of whether it is a mandated or a Non-mandated Clinical Trial. [* * *].
(b) If either Party desires to conduct one or more studies of a Licensed Product that are not Clinical Trials (“Non-Clinical Trial Work”), such Party shall propose such Non-Clinical Trial Work as an update to the Development Plan to the JSC for review and approval. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, if the JSC updates the Development Plan (including, without limitation, the Development Plan Budget) by including such Non-Clinical Trial Work, then the other Party shall have the right to do either of the following:
(1) Such Party shall have the right to participate in such Non-Clinical Trial Work, provided that it funds its share of the Development Expense; or
(2) Such Party shall have the right to immediately opt out of such Non-Clinical Trial Work, in which case the other Party shall be solely responsible for costs and expenses for such Non-Clinical Trial Work.
Without limiting anything set forth in this Agreement, at least once per Calendar Quarter, the Party conducting Non-Clinical Trial Work shall provide the other Party with reasonably detailed written reports regarding the status of such Non-Clinical Trial Work.
4.9 Right to Subcontract. Each Party may subcontract to Third Parties portions of any Development activities to be performed by it under the Development Plan or contract with
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consultants to provide services specifically relating to such activities without the prior consent of the other Party, but in consultation and coordination with the JPT, as long as each such subcontractor shall enter into an agreement with such Party requiring such subcontractor to maintain Confidential Information of the other Party in confidence and to comply in all material respects with all applicable provisions of this Agreement and all requirements of applicable Laws, together with all applicable cGLP, cGMP and cGCP. The subcontracting Party shall negotiate and execute such agreements at its expense, and shall supervise and be responsible under this Agreement for such subcontracted work. All such subcontracts shall be consistent with the terms of this Agreement. Any subcontract granted or entered into by a Party as contemplated by this Article 4.9 shall not relieve such Party from any of its obligations under this Agreement.
4.10 Sharing of Development Expenses. Unless otherwise set forth in this Agreement, Development Expenses incurred by the Parties and their respective Affiliates in the conduct of the Development Plan, to the extent such Development Expenses are within the Development Plan Budget (except as provided in Article 4.13), shall be borne by the Parties according to the following split: seventy percent (70%) of the Development Expenses shall be borne by Merck and thirty (30 %) of the Development Expenses shall be borne by Threshold based on the Development Plan Budget as may be revised from time to time in accordance with Article 4.4. Within forty-five (45) days following the end of each Calendar Quarter, for as long as the Parties are performing Development in the Territory according to the Development Plan, each of the Parties shall submit to the other Party, a written report setting forth in reasonable detail all Development Expenses it incurred in performing its Development activities during such Calendar Quarter. Within thirty (30) days following a Party’s receipt of such report from the other Party, the Financial Representatives shall calculate total Development Expenses for such Calendar Quarter, allocate each Party’s respective share and shall submit the calculations to the JSC for approval, provided that any decision of the JSC with respect thereto shall require the express written consent of both parties to the extent that any such decision would result in a Party being responsible for more than its allocated budget of Development Expenses [* * *]. The Party that has incurred Development Expenses in excess of its share, shall invoice the other Party for the difference between the Development Expenses it has incurred and the Development Expenses it should have incurred pursuant to the split of Development Expenses set forth above and the other Party shall pay such invoice within thirty (30) days of its receipt. The JPT shall track Development Expenses and immediately inform the JSC of any Development Plan Budget overruns.
4.11 Recording and Cost of Personnel. Each Party will ensure that it accurately records the time for its personnel engaged in Development activities under the Development Plan to be charged as Development Expenses, and each Party shall use an appropriate system of recording so as to permit an accurate and consistent allocation of costs among its various projects, and no such cost shall be considered Development Expenses unless reported under such system. The Parties shall provide, at the request of the other Party, information sufficient for the other Party or its Financial Representative to verify that each Party is in compliance with the provisions of this Article 4.11. The Parties shall keep the respective records for at least three years unless more stringent retention periods are required by applicable Laws.
4.12 Review of Development Expenses. Each Party’s Financial Representative shall review the actual amount of Development Expenses incurred by the other Party pursuant to the
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Development Plan, and compare such amounts to the amounts set forth in the Development Plan Budget, specifically noting the extent, if any, to which such amounts exceed such budgeted amounts. Each Party agrees to provide information, answer questions and generally cooperate with the other Party’s Financial Representative so as to assist such other Party’s Financial Representative in verifying that it has submitted to the Financial Representatives the proper amounts of Development Expenses with respect to any applicable Calendar Quarter in connection with the Development Plan.
4.13 Reimbursement of Excess Development Expenses. While the Parties shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to perform their Development activities pursuant to the Development Plan in accordance with the Development Plan Budget, the Parties also understand that overspends can occur during Development of Licensed Product. Any Development Expenses in excess of the Development Plan Budget requires approval so as to become budgetable. The JSC shall have the authority to approve excess Development Expenses of up to [* * *] in excess of the originally budgeted amount for such Development Expenses. Any other excess Development Expenses require express approval by both Parties, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Excess Development Expenses so approved shall be split as provided in Article 4.10. Any excess Development Expenses that are not so approved shall be borne solely by the Party that has incurred such excess Development Expenses. For clarity, Mandated Expansions as set forth in Article 4.15, Development Expenses with respect to Article 9.5(h) and Development Expenses under Article 4.16 shall not be treated as excess Development Expenses.
4.14 Threshold’s Non-funding of Committed Development Expenses. If Threshold cannot fund the agreed upon share in Development Expenses (including approved excess Development Expenses) under the Initial Development Plan and Initial Development Plan Budget in any Calendar Year, Threshold shall fund its share to the extent possible, and, for the remaining portion of its share, Threshold may, [* * *].
4.15 Funding of Expansions to the Development Program. If Threshold cannot fund its share in the Development Expenses because the Development Expenses increased in the course of the Development due to extensions of the Development Plan required by Regulatory Authorities or triggered by the then available results of the Development (“Mandated Expansions”), Threshold shall fund its share to the extent possible, and, for the remaining portion of its share, Threshold may, for [* * *].
4.16 Expanded Development Plan.
(a) If Threshold cannot fund its share in the Development Expenses because the Development Expenses increased due to an expansion of the Initial Development Plan by one or more further Indications (the “Expanded Development Plan”), Threshold shall have the right to do either of the following:
(1) [* * *].
(2) [* * *].
[* * *]
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(b) [* * *].
4.17 Step-In. Merck has the right to assume responsibility for any Licensor Development activities if the joint Development is rightfully terminated by Merck pursuant to Article 4.14 or Article 4.15 or Threshold has opted out in accordance with Article 4.16. If Merck exercises its right to assume responsibility for such Licensor Development activities, Licensor shall promptly (i) provide copies to Merck of any Licensor Know-How and Licensor Materials in Licensor’s Control that are used by Licensor, and necessary for Merck to continue, such Licensor Development activities, (ii) at Merck’s request, exercise Commercially Reasonable Efforts to transfer to Merck any Third Party sub-contract agreements entered into by the Licensor relating to the Licensor Development activities, and (iii) provide reasonable assistance in connection with the transfer to Merck of such Licensor Development activities. For the avoidance of doubt, no Licensor Development Expenses shall accrue following the completion of such assumption by Merck of Licensor Development activities. Each Party shall bear its own costs associated with the transfer of the Licensor Development activities to Merck hereunder.
4.18 Audit Rights. Each Party shall have the right to audit or to arrange for the audit of the books and records of the other Party for purposes of confirming the amount of Development Expenses incurred by such other Party in connection with the Development Plan during one or more Calendar Quarters. Any such audit shall be at the auditing Party’s expense unless such audit reveals that the amount of such Development Expenses was overstated [* * *] in which case the audited Party shall reimburse the auditing Party for all of the reasonable Out-of-Pocket Expenses incurred by the auditing Party in connection with such audit.
ARTICLE 5.
REGULATORY MATTERS
5.1 Regulatory Filings. Except as otherwise agreed by the JSC, or as set forth in Article 4.6 as regards the Sarcoma Program, Merck shall prepare, make, own and maintain all regulatory filings and Regulatory Approvals for the Licensed Products, including all INDs and NDAs. Each Responsible Party shall act in consultation with the other Party.
5.2 Communication with Regulatory Authorities. For purposes of this ARTICLE 5, “Responsible Party” means, with respect to regulatory filings and Regulatory Approvals, the Party preparing, making and maintaining such filings pursuant to Articles 4.6 and 5.1. Upon the Responsible Party’s request, the other Party shall provide reasonable assistance with respect to regulatory filings and each Party shall have full rights of reference with respect to the other Party’s regulatory filings and Regulatory Approvals for Licensed Products for purposes of making its own regulatory filings with respect to Licensed Products pursuant to and in accordance with this Agreement. The Responsible Party shall be responsible for and act as the sole point of contact with the Regulatory Authorities in connection with its regulatory filings. The Responsible Party shall invite a qualified representative from the other Party to participate in and contribute to all meetings with the Regulatory Authorities relating to the Licensed Products. The Responsible Party shall provide the other Party with copies of its regulatory filings and applications [* * *] prior to their submission to the Regulatory Authorities and shall consider to include in such filings and applications any reasonable comments made and provided by the
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other Party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, material issues, such as but not limited to label scope, in communications with Regulatory Authorities shall be discussed by the Parties and approved at JSC prior to actual implementation, except that final determination with respect to the Sarcoma Program shall be made by Threshold acting reasonably and in good faith and in furtherance of the Parties’ joint interest to successfully Develop and Commercialize the Licensed Product in the Field in the Territory. The Responsible Party shall promptly provide the other Party with all copies of any written communication between the Responsible Party and the Regulatory Authorities relating to the Licensed Products. Upon Regulatory Approval of the Licensed Product for the STS Indication in the US, Licensor shall assign the related regulatory filings and Regulatory Approvals to Merck.
5.3 Collection and Exchange of Pharmacovigilance Data. As soon as practical following the Effective Date but at the latest before Merck is filing their first IND, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith and enter into a safety data exchange agreement, which shall be applicable to such pre-marketing safety information that will be available from Clinical Trials and shall set forth standard operating procedures governing the collection, investigation, reporting, and exchange of information concerning adverse drug reactions/adverse events sufficient to permit each Party to comply with its regulatory and other legal obligations within the applicable timeframes. In the event the first NDA for the Licensed Product is filed, the Parties shall initiate negotiation with an aim to amend such safety data exchange agreement to include a post-marketing safety data exchange before such NDA is expected to be approved by a Regulatory Authority, which shall be applicable to such post-marketing safety information that will be available from post-marketing experiences with Licensed Product to permit each Party to comply with all regulatory and legal requirements regarding the management of safety data by providing for the exchange of relevant information in appropriate format within applicable timeframes. Subject to the foregoing, each Party with respect to their joint Development or joint Commercialization activities, shall be responsible for monitoring all clinical experiences each Party makes with respect to Licensed Products in the course of their Licensed Product Development and Commercialization, and Merck shall be responsible for filing all required reports with the Regulatory Authority with respect thereto (other than for Development activities within the Sarcoma Program with respect to which Licensor shall be responsible for filing such reports).
ARTICLE 6.
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
6.1 Initial Fee. In partial consideration of Licensor’s grant of the rights and licenses to Merck, Merck shall pay, or cause to be paid to Licensor a one-time, non-refundable fee of twenty-five million USD (USD 25,000,000), within fifteen (15) days after an invoice from Threshold after the Effective Date. Payment of the initial fee shall be subject to withholding tax obligations, if any, as set forth in Article 6.13.
6.2 Phase II Pancreas Milestone. As further partial consideration for Licensor’s grant of the rights and licenses to Merck, Threshold shall earn another milestone (the “Phase II Pancreas Milestone”), if the results from the Phase II pancreatic cancer trial (the “Phase II Pancreatic Cancer Trial” listed as TH-404) are Positive (as hereinafter defined). The results
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shall be considered positive (hereinafter “Positive”), if the following criteria are met: [* * *]. Within 30 days of confirmation that the Phase II Pancreatic Cancer Trial is Positive, and upon receipt of an invoice, but not before the Effective Date, Merck shall pay, or cause to be paid to Licensor a non-refundable fee of twenty million US Dollars (USD 20,000,000). Payment of the Phase II Pancreas Milestone shall be subject to withholding tax obligations, if any, as set forth in Article 6.13. In the event that the Phase II Pancreatic Cancer Trial is not Positive as determined pursuant to the foregoing and Merck has not yet paid such Phase II Pancreas Milestone, but Merck nonetheless decides to initiate a Phase III Trial in pancreatic cancer, the Phase III Pancreas Milestone payment shall be increased to [* * *].
6.3 Further Milestone Payments.
As further partial consideration for Licensor’s grant of the rights and licenses to Merck hereunder, Merck shall pay, or cause to be paid, to Licensor the following non-refundable milestone payments. Merck or Licensor, as applicable, shall promptly, but in no event later than ten (10) days, notify the other Party in writing of the achievement of any such milestone event and shall make the applicable milestone payment within thirty (30) days upon receipt of an invoice from Threshold after achievement of such milestone but not before the Effective Date, except that Merck may defer payment of the [* * *]payment until the earlier to occur of [* * *].
Milestone event | Milestone Payment USD | |||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] |
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For the avoidance of doubt, the total maximum milestones payable under this Article 6.3 shall not exceed [* * *].
A milestone event that occurs in or with respect to the European Union shall mean any such event in or with respect to [* * *].
A milestone event that occurs with respect to a First Commercial Sale of a Licensed Product in an Indication in a country in the Territory other than the first Indication approved in such country, shall be considered achieved upon the earlier of [* * *].
Each milestone payment to be made under this Agreement shall be due and payable only once, regardless of the number of Licensed Products Developed, or the number of Indications pursued or approved or whether a Licensed Product is discontinued after a milestone payment has been made.
6.4 Commercial Event Payments.
As further partial consideration for Licensor’s grant of rights and licenses to Merck hereunder, Merck shall pay Licensor the following non-refundable amounts for the achievement of the following commercial event milestones:
(a) [* * *] for the first Calendar Year in which the aggregate annual worldwide Net Sales in all Indications of the Licensed Product exceed [* * *];
(b) [* * *] for the first Calendar Year in which the aggregate worldwide annual Net Sales in all Indications of the Licensed Product exceed[* * *];
(c) [* * *] for the first Calendar Year in which the aggregate annual worldwide Net Sales in all Indications of the Licensed Product exceed [* * *];
(d) [* * *] for the first Calendar Year in which the aggregate annual worldwide Net Sales in all Indications of the Licensed Product exceed [* * *];
[* * *].
Merck shall deliver written notice to Licensor within forty-five (45) days of the end of the Calendar Year in which a commercial event milestone occurs and pay the corresponding commercial event milestone payment to Licensor within thirty (30) days after receipt of the applicable invoice. Threshold will issue a corresponding invoice for the commercial event milestone payment set forth in the aforementioned written notice.
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For the avoidance of doubt, each aforementioned commercial event milestone payment shall be made only once, regardless of the number of Calendar Years in which the Licensed Product achieves such commercial event milestone. For example, if for a Calendar Year, aggregate annual worldwide Net Sales in all Indications for the Licensed Product are [* * *].
The achievement of a higher commercial event milestone shall trigger the payment of a lower commercial event milestone in the event such lower commercial event milestone had not been triggered prior to achievement of the higher commercial event milestone. For example, if in [* * *] trigger the payment of the commercial event milestones of (b) and the lesser commercial event milestone in (a) (which had not been previously triggered).
For the avoidance of doubt, the total maximum milestones payable under this Article 6.4 shall not exceed [* * *].
6.5 Royalty Payments for Licensed Products.
(a) As further consideration for Licensor’s grant of the rights and licenses to Merck hereunder, Merck shall, during the Royalty Term, pay to Licensor a non-refundable royalty on aggregate annual Net Sales of the Licensed Product for each Calendar Year, on a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product and a country-by-country basis at the percentage rates set forth below (subject to Articles 6.5 (c), 6.6, and 6.7 below):
Annual Net Sales of Licensed Product per Calendar Year (in U.S. Dollars) in the US if no Co-commercialization occurs | Incremental Royalty Rate | |||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | ||||
Annual ROW Net Sales of Licensed Product per Calendar Year (in U.S. Dollars) | Incremental Royalty Rate | |||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] | ||
[* * *] | [ | ***] |
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If the Adjustment Trigger occurs, then the royalty rates shall be as follows:
[* * *] | [***] | |
[* * *] | [***] | |
[* * *] | [***] | |
[* * *] | [***] | |
[* * *] | [***] | |
[* * *] | ||
[* * *] | [***] | |
[* * *] | [***] | |
[* * *] | [***] | |
[* * *] | [***] | |
[* * *] | [***] | |
[* * *] | [***] | |
[* * *] | [***] |
By way of illustration, [* * *]:
[* * *] | [***] | |
[* * *] | [***] | |
[* * *] | [***] | |
[* * *] | [***] | |
[* * *] | [***] |
(b) For purposes of determining whether a royalty threshold or a commercial event milestone described in Article 6.4 above, has been attained, only Net Sales that are subject to a royalty payment shall be included in the total amount of Net Sales and any Net Sales that are not subject to a royalty payment shall be excluded (e.g. it would not include Net Sales for a certain Licensed Product in a certain country if the Royalty Term has ended with respect to such Licensed Product in such country). In addition, in no event shall the mere manufacture (i.e., absent a sale) of the Licensed Product give rise to a royalty obligation. For clarity, Merck’s obligation to pay royalties to Licensor under this Article 6 is imposed only once with respect to
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the same unit of Licensed Product regardless of the number of Licensor Patents pertaining thereto. Upfront fees and milestone payments pursuant to Articles 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, and 6.4 are not an advance or otherwise creditable against royalties, and vice versa.
(c) In the event certain Net Sales are subject to the royalty reductions set forth in Article 6.7 below, Merck shall calculate the ROW royalty payment as follows: Merck shall first calculate the % proportions of ROW Net Sales that are (i) not subject to any royalty reduction pursuant to either of Article 6.7 (to which the full royalty rate in Article 6.5 (a) shall apply) (A%); and (ii) subject to a royalty reduction pursuant to Article 6.7 (B%) and then, for each of these subtotals of ROW Net Sales the full or respectively reduced royalty rates in Article 6.5 will be applied, whereby the Net Sales band set forth in Article 6.5 (a) shall in each case be multiplied with the adjustment factors A% or respectively B%.
[* * *]: | ||
[* * *] | [***] | |
[* * *] | [***] | |
[* * *] | [***] | |
[* * *] | [***] | |
[* * *] | [***] | |
[* * *] | [***] | |
[* * *] | [***] | |
[* * *] | [***] |
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6.6 Compulsory License. In the event that Licensor or Merck receives a request for a Compulsory License anywhere in the world, it shall promptly notify the other Party. If any Third Party obtains a Compulsory License in any country, then Licensor or Merck (whoever has first notice) shall promptly notify the other Party. The Party that receives a request for a Compulsory License will use reasonable efforts to oppose the imposition of such Compulsory License or limit the scope thereof. For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of calculating the royalties due to Licensor under Article 6.5 with respect to sales of the Licensed Product by any Compulsory Licensee, Merck’s Net Sales from such sales shall be calculated based solely on the actual royalty payments, if any, paid pursuant to the Compulsory License to Merck. In addition, should Merck grant a Sublicense to a Third Party in any country to avoid the imposition of a Compulsory License that would otherwise be granted, the royalty rate payable under Article 6.5 to Licensor shall also be adjusted to reflect the terms of such sublicense (provided that such terms are no less beneficial than the terms of the Compulsory License being avoided).
6.7 Reductions, Deductions and Reimbursements.
(a) During the Royalty Term, the royalty rates set forth in Article 6.5(a) will be reduced by [* * *], on a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product and country-by-country basis, if and only as long as the following conditions are met with respect to the specific Licensed Product and the specific country at issue: (i) there exists no Valid Claim of a Licensor Patent in such country that Covers such Licensed Product in such country, and (ii) a Third Party obtains Regulatory Approval for a pharmaceutical product containing Compound in the same country and such Third Party product is being sold for use in the Field in such country.
(b) If a Licensed Product cannot be sold in one or more countries without such sale infringing a Patent Right of a Third Party (“Affected Sales”), and Merck wishes to enter into a license agreement with such Third Party with respect to such Affected Sales (“Third Party License Agreement”), [* * *]. If Merck thereafter enters into a Third Party License Agreement, Merck will be entitled to deduct from any amounts payable to Licensor pursuant to Articles 6.4 or 6.5(a) on account of Net Sales that would be Affected Sales absent the Third Party License Agreement, [* * *]. For purposes hereof, “Third Party Royalties” means running royalties due and actually paid under the Third Party License Agreement on account of Net Sales that would be Affected Sales absent the Third Party License Agreement, but only to the extent such royalties are attributable to the license under the Third Party’s relevant Patent Rights as described above (and not any other rights or benefits under such Third Party Agreement). For purposes hereof, “Other Payments” means upfront and other lump sum payments due and actually paid under the Third Party License Agreement, but only to the extent such payments are attributable to the license under the Third Party’s relevant Patent Rights as described above (and not any other rights or benefits under such Third Party Agreement). In no event shall Merck be entitled to deduct any portion of any other payments under such Third Party License. In no event shall Merck be entitled to make any deductions pursuant to this Article 6.7(b) from royalties due Licensor that are based on the reduced royalty rate pursuant to Article 6.7(a).
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(c) In no event shall Licensor be responsible for payment or reimbursement of any Third Party Royalties or Other Payments.
(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in no event shall any amount payable to Licensor under this Agreement be reduced (whether pursuant to Article 6.7(b) or any other provision or combination of provisions of this Agreement) to less [* * *] of the amount that would be payable absent any reduction.
(e) [* * *].
6.8 Timing of Payment. Royalties payable under Article 6.5(a) shall accrue at the time the invoice for the sale of the Licensed Product is delivered. Royalty obligations that have accrued during a particular Calendar Quarter shall be paid, on a Calendar Quarter basis, within forty-five (45) days after the end of the applicable Calendar Quarter, concurrently with the submission of the royalty report for the Calendar Quarter during which the royalty obligation accrued.
6.9 Mode of Payment and Currency.
(a) All payments to Licensor hereunder shall be made by deposit of US Dollars in the requisite amount on the due date in immediately available funds to such bank account as Licensor may from time to time designate by written notice to Merck. With respect to sales (and other amounts) not denominated in US Dollars, Merck shall convert such amounts in foreign currency into US Dollars by using the then current and reasonable standard exchange rate methodology as consistently applied to its external reporting generally. Based on the resulting amounts in US Dollars, the then applicable royalties shall be calculated. The Parties may vary the method of payment set forth herein at any time upon mutual agreement, and any change shall be consistent with the local Law at the place of payment or remittance.
(b) Invoices of Licensor shall be addressed to:
Merck XXxX
Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx 000
00000 Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx
Attn: R&D Controlling
Facsimile: x00.0000.00.0000
6.10 Royalty Reports and Records Retention. Within forty-five (45) days after the end of each Calendar Quarter during which the Licensed Products have been sold, Merck shall deliver to Licensor, together with the applicable royalty payment due, a written report, on a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product and a country-by-country basis, setting forth (i) the total number of Licensed Products Sold, (ii) gross amounts invoiced, aggregate Net Sales, and the
35
calculation of Net Sales, including any deductions made, (iii) royalties payable and the calculation thereof, and (iv) applicable exchange rates used. Additionally, within fifteen (15) days after the end of each calendar month during the first year during which the First Commercial Sale of a Licensed Product occurs, Merck shall deliver such written report for such License Product on a country-by-country basis. Such reports shall be deemed Confidential Information of both Parties subject to the obligations of Article 8 of this Agreement. For at least [* * *] after submission of each such report, Merck shall keep (and shall ensure that its Affiliates and Sublicensees shall keep) complete and accurate records of all relevant data in sufficient detail to confirm the accuracy of the royalty calculations and other information to be reported hereunder.
6.11 Late Payments. All payments under this Agreement shall earn interest from the date due until paid at a per annum rate equal to the lesser of (a) the maximum rate permissible under applicable Law and (b) [* * *] above the monthly Reuters 01 EURIBOR, measured at 2 p.m. Frankfurt/Germany time on the date payment is due. Interest will be calculated on a [* * *] basis.
6.12 Audits.
(a) During the Royalty Term and for [* * *] thereafter, upon the written request of Licensor, and not more than once in each Calendar Year, Merck shall permit, and shall cause its Affiliates and Sublicensees to permit, an independent certified public accounting firm of nationally recognized standing selected by Licensor, and reasonably acceptable to Merck or such Affiliate or Sublicensee, to have access to and to review, during normal business hours upon reasonable prior written notice, the applicable records of Merck and its Affiliates or Sublicensees to verify the accuracy of the royalty reports and payments under this Article 6. Such review may cover the records for sales made in, or otherwise pertaining to, any Calendar Year ending not more than [* * *] prior to the date of such request. The accounting firm shall disclose to Licensor and Merck only whether the royalty reports and payments made are correct or incorrect, the basis for its findings, and the specific details concerning any discrepancies. No other information shall be provided to Licensor.
(b) If such accounting firm concludes that additional royalties were owed during such period, and Merck does not in good faith dispute such calculation, Merck shall pay the additional royalties within [* * *] after the date Licensor delivers to Merck such accounting firm’s written report. If such accounting firm concludes that an overpayment was made, and Licensor does not in good faith dispute such calculation, such overpayment shall be fully creditable against amounts payable in subsequent payment periods or at Merck’s request, shall be reimbursed to Merck within [* * *] after such request. If Merck disagrees with Licensor’s accountant’s calculation, it may retain, at its own cost, its own independent certified public accounting firm of recognized standing and reasonably acceptable to Licensor, to conduct a review, and if such firm concurs with the other accounting firm, Merck shall make the required payment within [* * *] after the date Merck receives the report of its accounting firm. If Merck’s accounting firm does not concur, Merck and Licensor shall meet and negotiate in good faith a resolution of the discrepancies between the two firms, and if they cannot agree, each Party may pursue other remedies. Licensor shall pay for the cost of its audit, unless Merck has underpaid Licensor by [* * *] or more, in which case Merck shall pay for the costs of the audit.
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(c) Each Party shall treat all information that it receives under this Article 6.13 in accordance with the confidentiality provisions of Article 10 of this Agreement, and shall cause its accounting firm to abide by confidentiality restrictions consistent with those hereunder and requiring such firm to retain all such financial information in confidence in a manner consistent with Article 10 hereof.
6.13 Taxes.
(a) Withholding Tax. Licensor shall be responsible for the payment of any and all Taxes levied on account of the royalties and other payments paid to Licensor by Merck under this Agreement. If applicable Law requires that Taxes be deducted and withheld from royalties or other payments paid by Merck under this Agreement, Merck shall (i) deduct those Taxes and interests and penalties assessed thereon from the payment or from any other payment owed by Merck hereunder; (ii) pay the Taxes to the proper Governmental Body; (iii) send evidence of the obligation together with proof of Tax payment to Licensor within one hundred (100) days following such payment; (iv) remit the net amount, after deductions or withholding made under this Article 6.13(a) and (v) cooperate with Licensor in any way reasonably requested by Licensor, to obtain available reductions, credits or refunds of such Taxes. Assuming that Licensor is the beneficial owner of Licensor Technology, the cooperation referred to in subparagraph (v) of the foregoing sentence shall include, without limitation, that Licensor shall provide Merck with a written confirmation from the competent tax authority on the German tax application form that Licensor has its residence in the United States which would allow the Parties to benefit from the reduced withholding Tax rate set forth in the Double Taxation Convention existing between Germany and the United States (“Treaty Benefits”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that payments are made by an Affiliate of Merck pursuant to an assignment by Merck or a Sublicensee, and as a result of such Affiliate’s or Sublicenee’s residence Treaty Benefits are not available, then all payments hereunder shall be increased so that Licensor receives the same amount it would have received if Treaty Benefits were available, provided, however, that Licensor shall cooperate with such Affiliate or Sublicensee to obtain available reductions, credits or refunds.
(b) Value Added Tax. It is understood and agreed between the Parties that any payments made by Merck under this Agreement are inclusive of any value added or similar Tax imposed upon such payment and that Licensor shall be responsible for the payment of any and all Taxes levied on account of any payments paid to Licensor by Merck. Merck is entitled to receive a proper tax invoice where any Value Added Tax amount is shown separately.
ARTICLE 7.
COMMERCIALIZATION
7.1 Commercialization of Licensed Product by Merck.
(a) Merck by itself or through one or more of its Affiliates or Third Parties selected by Merck in accordance with Articles 2.2, 4.9 and 7.2, and the other provisions of this Agreement, shall be responsible for the Commercialization of the Licensed Product in the Territory and shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to Commercialize the Licensed Product
37
in accordance with this Agreement and applicable Laws, shall bear the costs of such Commercialization, and shall record all sales of the Licensed Product in the Territory unless Threshold exercises its Co-commercialization Option for the Co-commercialization Territory in which case the Commercialization responsibility shall be shared between Merck and Threshold for the Co-commercialization Territory as provided in the Co-commercialization Term Sheet and the Co-commercialization Agreement. The additional details of such Co-commercialization for the Co-commercialization Territory shall be as set forth in the Co-commercialization Agreement.
(b) The launch strategy determined by Merck for the Licensed Product shall be derived from the results achieved from Development of the Licensed Product and will be subject to Merck’s exercise of Commercially Reasonable Efforts. Activities by Merck’s Affiliates and Sublicensees will be considered as Merck’s activities under this Agreement for purposes of determining whether Merck has complied with any obligation to use Commercially Reasonably Efforts. Merck shall represent only such facts about the Licensed Product that are consistent with applicable Regulatory Approvals and Laws.
(c) Before Licensor has exercised its Co-commercialization Option and following expiration of the Co-commercialization Option, Merck shall provide no later than [* * *] of each Calendar Year, to Licensor, for review, a high level commercialization plan for the Licensed Product in the Territory. Following Licensor’s exercise of its Co-commercialization Option, Merck shall submit to the JCC no later than [* * *] of each Calendar Year, a high level commercialization plan for the Licensed Product outside the Co-commercialization Territory. In either case, Merck’s provision of such high-level commercialization plan shall be for informational purposes only and Licensor or JCC, as applicable, shall not have the right to comment on or approve such commercialization plan. Following Licensor’s exercise of its Co-commercialization Option pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the JCC shall establish and finalize a commercialization plan for the Licensed Product in the Co-commercialization Territory on a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product and Indication-by-Indication basis, which plan sets forth the items described in the Co-commercialization Term Sheet (“Co-commercialization Plan”). Furthermore, following Licensor’s exercise of its Co-commercialization Option pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the JMC shall establish and finalize a medical plan for the Licensed Product in the Co-commercialization Territory on an Indication-by-Indication basis, which sets forth a medical affairs strategy that includes plans for medical field strategy, publications, symposia and other relevant medical activities contemplated by the JMC.
7.2 Right to Subcontract. With respect to the Co-commercialization Territory upon exercise of the Co-commercialization Option, each Party may exercise any of the rights or obligations that it may have under this Agreement by subcontracting the exercise or performance of all or any portion of such rights and obligations on such Party’s behalf, but only in consultation and coordination with the JCC, and otherwise in accordance with the requirements described in Article 4.9. Outside the Co-commercialization Territory and, in case the Co-commercialization Option is not exercised, within the Co-commercialization Territory, Merck can subcontract without such consultation or coordination.
7.3 Reporting. Merck shall, no later than [* * *] of each Calendar Year, provide Licensor with a written report summarizing in reasonable detail its Commercialization activities
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conducted during the prior Calendar Year and expenses characterized by activity during such Calendar Year. All information and reports provided to Licensor pursuant to this Article 7.3 shall be without any commitment from Merck and shall be treated as Confidential Information of Merck hereunder.
7.4 Trade Marks. As between Licensor and Merck, Merck shall have the right, in consultation with Licensor, to select trademarks for the Licensed Products and shall own and, at its cost, register, prosecute, maintain, and defend all such trademarks (“Product Marks”); provided that if Licensor exercises its Co-commercialization Option, Licensor’s corporate xxxx and logo shall be displayed on all packaging and package inserts of Licensed Products sold in the Co-commercialization Territory, equally prominently as the display of Merck’s corporate xxxx and logo, and otherwise in a manner as agreed by the Parties. In all other cases the packaging and package inserts shall include a reference to Licensor (i.e., “under license from…” or other similar language) in accordance with applicable Laws.
7.5 Co-commercialization Option.
(a) Subject to Articles 4.14, 4.15 and 4.16, in partial consideration for Threshold’s paying its share in the joint Development of the Licensed Product, Merck grants to Threshold an exclusive option to Co-commercialize all, but not less than all, Licensed Product in the Co-commercialization Territory (the “Co-commercialization Option”). [* * *]. For purposes of this Article, the “Notice Period” shall be [* * *] after Licensor’s receipt of notice from Merck of the occurrence of [* * *].
(b) Unless the Parties mutually agree otherwise, before [* * *], the Parties shall negotiate and agree upon the Co-commercialization Agreement consistent with, and incorporating the terms of the Co-commercialization Term Sheet, which Co-commercialization Agreement shall come into force upon exercise of the Co-commercialization Option. The Co-commercialization Term Sheet shall be binding and govern in the event that the Parties fail to agree on a specific matter.
(c) If the Parties fail to mutually agree upon a Co-commercialization Agreement consistent with, and incorporating the terms of the Co-commercialization Term Sheet, pursuant to Article 7.5(b) of this Agreement before [* * *], the Parties shall submit to binding arbitration subject to the terms set forth herein, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties. Whenever a Party decides to institute arbitration proceedings to resolve such failure to agree upon a Co-commercialization Agreement, it shall give written notice to that effect to the other Party. [* * *].
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(d) Within [* * *] from Threshold’s exercise of its Co-commercialization Option, a Joint Commercialization Committee as further set forth in Article 3.9 (with its responsibilities set forth in the Co-commercialization Termsheet) and the Co-commercialization Agreement for the coordination of the Co-promotion activities in the Co-commercialization Territory shall be established.
(e) In case of Co-commercialization of the Licensed Product in the Co-commercialization Territory, Threshold shall not receive royalties for sales of the Licensed Product in the Co-commercialization Territory but instead the Parties shall operate a Co-Commercialization Result Sharing as further set forth in the Co-commercialization Term Sheet. [* * *].
(f) If Threshold fails to exercise its Co-commercialization Option within the Option Period, the Co-commercialization Option shall cease.
7.6 Co-promotion Option. In partial consideration for Threshold’s paying its share in the joint Development of the Licensed Product, Merck grants to Threshold an exclusive option to Co-promote all, but not less than all, Licensed Products in the Co-commercialization Territory (the “Co-promote Option”). Threshold may exercise such Co-promote Option by written notice to Licensor [* * *].
7.7 General. The Parties shall (i) at all times conduct business in a manner that reflects favorably on the Licensed Product, (ii) not disparage the good name, good will, or reputation of the other Party; (iii) not engage in deceptive, misleading, or unethical practices; (iv) not make any false or misleading representations or other statements with regard to the other
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Party or the Licensed Product; (v) represent only such facts about the Licensed Product as are accurate and consistent with applicable regulatory filings and Regulatory Approvals; and (vi) in no event make any representations, warranties, guarantees or other statements in the other Party’s name or on the other Party’s behalf, except as expressly approved in advance in writing by the other Party.
ARTICLE 8.
MANUFACTURE AND SUPPLY
8.1 Clinical and Commercial Manufacturing. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Merck shall have the right and obligation subject to Commercially Reasonable Efforts to manufacture any Compound and Licensed Product itself or through one or more Sublicensees or other Third Parties selected by Merck. Such right shall be exclusive with respect to Commercial Supply and with respect to Clinical Supply, except that Licensor shall be allowed to continue to procure stability and validation batches and Clinical Supply for the Clinical Trials and the NDA within the Sarcoma Program including active pharmaceutical ingredient and drug product, and other Clinical Trials for which Threshold is responsible, under the existing agreement with [* * *] or through agreement with other suppliers of drug product (and shall have the right to have such Clinical Supply made by Syngene, Inc. or such other drug product suppliers) to the extent set forth herein. Licensor may conclude additional agreements with [* * *] or suppliers of drug product only with respect to Licensor’s requirements of stability and validation batches and Clinical Supply as provided in the foregoing, as long as such agreements (or work orders) are for quantities and under commercial terms consistent with those currently contemplated by Licensor (as described on Schedule 8.1), but Licensor shall not make any other commitments with respect to the purchase of Clinical Supply or Commercial Supply, provided that Licensor shall not make any further commitment to any such suppliers before suitably qualified personnel of each Party have had the opportunity to discuss in good faith the manufacturing approach taken by Threshold for the Sarcoma Program; if so requested by Merck, Licensor shall reasonably and in good faith consider to procure stability and validation batches and Clinical Supply for the Clinical Trials and the NDA within the Sarcoma Program including active pharmaceutical ingredient and drug product from alternative vendors or other than as described on Schedule 8.1, or amend or revise the data packages to be supplied by such vendors to suit Merck’s needs for global Clinical Supply or global Commercial Supply, provided such changes or discussions do not delay the Sarcoma Program. Starting from the Effective Date, for a period of [* * *], Licensor shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to make its employees and/or consultants or agents that are knowledgeable on the manufacture of the Compound and any Licensed Products available to Merck for scientific and technical explanations and advice, that may be required by Merck, relating to the manufacture of the Compound and any Licensed Products and the Manufacturing Technology Transfer (the “Manufacturing Support”), the scope of Manufacturing Support is set out in more detail in the Manufacturing Technology Transfer Plan. The costs and expenses of the Manufacturing Technology Transfer incurred by Licensor shall constitute Development Expenses.]
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8.2 Clinical Supply.
(a) Merck shall manufacture or have manufactured all the requirements of Clinical Supply. Threshold may order Clinical Supply as set forth in Article 8.1. In addition, Threshold may order Clinical Supply for Clinical Trials for which Threshold is responsible (i) with the prior written consent of Merck, directly from Merck’s suppliers under the same terms and conditions as Merck, or (ii) from Merck. In the case of (ii), subject to the short and long term requirement plans of Clinical Supply that have to be determined in accordance with the Development Plan, Threshold shall provide Merck with a formal order for Clinical Supply at least [* * *] prior to the requested delivery date of such Clinical Supply, and Merck shall supply such Clinical Supply requirements to Threshold by the delivery date, provided, however, that such orders are for Clinical Supply in a form, strength, specification or configuration meeting the then current regulatory filings. Merck shall supply Clinical Supply pursuant to the foregoing to Threshold free of charge, but the Cost of Goods for such Clinical Supply shall constitute Development Expenses of Merck. In the event that Threshold purchases Clinical Supply pursuant to Article 8.1 or directly from a Merck supplier, the Cost of Goods for such Clinical Supply shall constitute Development Expenses of Threshold.
(b) Merck shall manufacture or have manufactured the Clinical Supplies in accordance with all applicable Laws and regulatory filings, including without limitation cGMP (including without limitation, the cGMP requirements concerning documentation, reports and record keeping) and in accordance with the applicable specifications and other requirements, including any requirements pursuant to the Quality Agreement.
(c) Merck shall maintain complete and accurate records of all relevant data and information relating to the performance by Merck of its obligations under this Article 8.2. The Parties shall, if necessary, negotiate in good faith, and enter into a mutually agreed upon quality agreement for Clinical Supply (“Quality Agreement”), including reasonable and customary terms and conditions for quality control for Clinical Supply as soon as practicable after the Effective Date.
8.3 Commercial Supply. Merck shall be responsible for the manufacture of Commercial Supply of the Licensed Product in the Territory, either by itself or through one or more Third Parties selected by Merck, and all related tasks, obligations, and responsibilities (including filling, finishing, packaging, labeling, testing, sample retention, auditing, quality assurance, and the like). Merck shall manufacture Commercial Supply in accordance applicable Laws and Regulatory Approvals, including without limitation cGMP (including without limitation, the cGMP requirements concerning documentation, reports and record keeping) and in accordance with the applicable specifications and other requirements, including any requirements pursuant to the Quality Agreement (as may be amended with respect to Commercial Supply) and shall apply Commercially Reasonable Efforts to provide sufficient quantities to meet market demand for Licensed Product in the Territory.
ARTICLE 9.
PATENTS AND INVENTIONS
9.1 Certification Under Drug Price Competition and Patent Restoration Act. Each Party shall immediately give written notice to the other Party of any certification of which
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they become aware filed pursuant to 21 U.S.C. Article 355(b)(2)(A) (or any amendment or successor statute thereto) claiming that any Licensor Patents covering Compound or Licensed Product, or the manufacture or use of each of the foregoing, are invalid or unenforceable, or that infringement will not arise from the manufacture, use or sale of a product by a Third Party.
9.2 Listing of Patents. The JSC shall determine which of the Licensor Patents, if any, shall be listed, with respect to Licensed Products, for inclusion in the Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations pursuant to 21 U.S.C. Article 355, or any successor Law in the United States, together with any comparable Laws in any other country.
9.3 Further Assurances. To the extent permitted by Law and consistent with its standard business practices, each Party shall require all of its employees, and use its Commercially Reasonable Efforts to require its contractors and agents, and any Affiliates and Third Parties working on its behalf under this Agreement (and their respective employees, contractors and agents), to assign to such Party any Know-How (and Patent Rights and Non-Patent Rights therein) created, made, invented or developed in the course of performing such activities.
9.4 Inventions. In the event that the Parties create Inventions, the ownership of such Inventions shall be determined as follows: (a) Merck shall solely own all Merck Inventions and other Merck Technology, (b) Licensor shall solely own all Licensor Inventions and other Licensor Technology, (c) Joint Inventions and other Joint Technology shall be jointly owned by both Parties, with each Party owning an equal undivided interested therein. [* * *]
9.5 Patent Prosecution and Maintenance.
(a) Licensor Patents. Threshold shall have the first right to file, prosecute and maintain Licensor Patents. Threshold shall keep Merck informed of the course of the filing and prosecution of Licensor Patents or related proceedings (e.g. interferences, oppositions, reexaminations, reissues, revocations or nullifications) in a timely manner, and to take into consideration the advice and recommendations of Merck. Except as may be provided in the Co-commercialization Agreement, Licensor shall bear all costs and expenses of filing, prosecuting and maintaining Licensor Patents subject to Article 9.5 (h) below.
(b) Election not to file and prosecute Licensor Patents. If Threshold elects not to file, prosecute or maintain a Licensor Patent (each, an “Abandoned Patent”) in any of the United States, the European Union, Japan, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India or Russia then (i) it shall notify Merck in writing at least ninety (90) days before any deadline applicable to the filing, prosecution or maintenance of such Licensor Patent, as the case may be, or any other date by which an action must be taken to establish or preserve such Licensor Patent in such jurisdiction, and (ii) Merck shall, at Merck’s expense, have the right to file, prosecute and
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maintain in whole or in part such Abandoned Patent under the name of Threshold. In such event, Threshold shall execute such documents and perform such acts at Merck’s expense as may be reasonably necessary to allow Merck to continue such prosecution or maintenance.
(c) Patent Term Extension. Merck shall be responsible for obtaining patent term extensions (including, without limitation, supplementary protection certificates or the equivalent thereof) wherever available for Licensor Patents. Merck shall seek such extensions in consultation with Licensor. Licensor shall provide Merck free-of-charge with relevant information, documentation and reasonable assistance in this respect as may reasonably be requested by Merck. Any such assistance, supply of information and consultation shall be provided reasonably promptly and in a manner that will facilitate obtaining the applicable patent term extensions for Licensor Patents wherever legally permissible, and to the maximum extent available. In the event that any submission with respect to obtaining patent term extensions is to be made, Merck shall provide Licensor with written notice reasonably in advance of the applicable filing deadline thereof and take into account Licensor’s comments. If Merck elects not to obtain a patent term extension (including, without limitation, supplementary protection certificates or the equivalent thereof) for a patent within the Licensor Patents, then Licensor shall have the right to seek and obtain such extension. If Licensor is the only Party eligible to seek a patent term extension, it shall do so in consultation with Merck. Merck shall provide Licensor free-of-charge with relevant information, documentation and reasonable assistance in this respect as may reasonably be requested by Licensor. Any such assistance, supply of information and consultation shall be provided reasonably promptly and in a manner that will facilitate obtaining the applicable patent term extensions for Licensor Patents wherever legally permissible, and to the maximum extent available.
(d) Merck Patents. Merck shall, at Merck’s expense, file, prosecute and maintain Merck Patents subject to Article 9.5 (h) below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Merck may elect not to file, prosecute and maintain Merck Patents in whole or part and, if so, shall notify Licensor in writing at least ninety (90) days before any deadline applicable to the filing, prosecution or maintenance of such Merck Patent, as the case may be, or any other date by which an action must be taken to establish or preserve such Merck Patent, and Threshold shall, at Threshold’s expense, have the right to file, prosecute and maintain in whole or in part Merck Patents under the name of Merck. In such event, Merck shall execute such documents and perform such acts at Threshold’s expense as may be reasonably necessary to allow Threshold to continue such prosecution or maintenance.
(e) Joint Patent Rights. Merck shall, at its expense, subject to Article 9.5(h) below, file, prosecute and maintain Joint Patents worldwide in consultation with Threshold under the names of both Merck and Threshold. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Merck may elect not to file, prosecute and maintain Joint Patents in whole or in part anywhere in the world, and, if so, shall notify Licensor in writing at least ninety (90) days before any deadline applicable to the filing, prosecution or maintenance of such Joint Patents, as the case may be, or any other date by which an action must be taken to establish or preserve such Joint Patent. In such case Licensor shall have the right to file, prosecute and maintain in whole or in part such Joint Patents.
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(f) No Assignment. Nothing in this Article 9 shall be construed as assigning or transferring any right, title, and interest in Patent Rights of the filing Party to the non-filing Party.
(g) General. The filing Party shall, with respect to any Merck Patents, Threshold Patents or Joint Patents, as the case may be, for which the filing Party is responsible for the filing, prosecution and maintenance (i) give the non-filing Party an opportunity to review the text of the specification before filing, (ii) consult with the non-filing Party with respect thereto, (iii) supply the non-filing Party with a copy of the applications as filed, together with notice of its filing date and serial number, (iv) keep the non-filing Party advised of the status of the actual and prospective patent filings, (v) upon the non-filing Party’s request, provide the non-filing party with advance copies of any documents related to the filing, prosecution and maintenance of such patent filings, and (vi) promptly give notice to the non-filing Party of the grant, lapse, revocation, surrender, invalidation or abandonment thereof.
(h) Costs. [* * *]
9.6 Enforcement of Patents.
(a) Notice. If either Party believes that a Licensor Patent, Merck Patent or Joint Patent is being infringed by a Third Party or if a Third Party claims that any Licensor Patent, Merck Patent or Joint Patent is invalid or unenforceable, the Party possessing such knowledge or belief shall promptly notify the other Party and provide it with details of such infringement or claim that are known by such Party.
(b) Right to bring an Action. Subject to Article 9.6(d), Merck shall have the exclusive right to attempt to resolve such infringement or claim, including by filing an infringement suit, defending against such claim or taking other similar action (each, an “Action”). At Merck’s request, Licensor shall reasonably promptly provide Merck with all relevant documentation (as may be reasonably requested by Merck) evidencing that Merck is validly empowered by the Licensor to take an Action. Licensor shall be under the obligation to join Merck in its Action if Merck determines that it is necessary to demonstrate “standing to xxx”. If Merck does not initiate or diligently prosecute or defend an Action with respect to such an infringement or claim within one hundred and eighty (180) days following notice thereof, or such shorter period as may be required to avoid any prejudicial ruling or effect, Licensor shall have the right to attempt to resolve such infringement or claim, including by filing an Action. The Party controlling such Action shall have the sole and exclusive right to select counsel.
(c) Costs of an Action. Subject to Article 9.6(f) and except as may be provided in the Co-commercialization Agreement, the Party taking an Action under Article 9.6(b) shall pay all costs associated with such Action, other than the expenses of the other Party if the other Party elects to join such Action (as provided in the last sentence of this paragraph). Each Party shall have the right to join an Action relating to a Licensor Patent, Merck Patent or Joint Patent, taken by the other Party at its own expense.
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[* * *]
(d) Settlement. Neither Party shall settle or otherwise compromise any Action (i) by admitting that any Licensor Patent, Merck Patent or Joint Patent is invalid or unenforceable, or (ii) in a way that adversely affects or would be reasonably expected to adversely affect the Parties’ respective rights or benefits hereunder with respect to the Licensed Product, in each case, without the other Party’s prior written consent. The settlement will be treated, for the purposes of Article 6.14 in accordance with applicable Law.
(e) Reasonable Assistance. The Party not enforcing or defending Licensor Patents, Merck Patents or Joint Patents shall provide reasonable assistance to the other Party, including providing access to relevant documents and other evidence and making its employees available, subject to the other Party’s reimbursement of any Out-of-Pocket Expenses incurred on an on-going basis by the non-enforcing or non-defending Party in providing such assistance, and subject to appropriate arrangements to maintain any legal privilege.
(f) Distribution of Amounts Recovered. Any amounts recovered by the Party taking an Action pursuant to this Article 9.6, whether by settlement or judgment, shall be allocated in the following order: [* * *].
9.7 Third Party Actions Claiming Infringement.
(a) Notice. If a Party becomes aware of any Third Party Action, such Party shall promptly notify the other Party of all details regarding such claim or action that is reasonably available to such Party.
(b) Right to Defend. Subject to 9.7(f), Merck shall have the right, at its sole expense, but not the obligation, to defend a Third Party Action described in Article 9.7(a). If Merck declines or fails to assert its intention to defend such Third Party Action within [* * *] days of receipt/sending of notice under Article 9.7(a), then Licensor shall have the right, but not the obligation, to defend such Third Party Action. The Party defending such Third Party Action shall have the sole and exclusive right to select counsel for such Third Party Action.
(c) Consultation. The Party defending a Third Party Action pursuant to Article 9.7(b) shall be the “Controlling Party.” The Controlling Party shall consult with the non-Controlling Party on all material aspects of the defense. The non-Controlling Party shall have a reasonable opportunity for meaningful participation in decision-making and formulation of defense strategy. The Parties shall reasonably cooperate with each other in all such actions or proceedings. The non-Controlling Party will be entitled to be represented by independent counsel of its own choice at its own expense.
(d) Appeal. In the event that a judgment in a Third Party Action is entered against the Controlling Party and an appeal is available, the Controlling Party shall have the first right, but not the obligation, to file such appeal. In the event the Controlling Party does not desire to file such an appeal, it will promptly, in a reasonable time period (i.e., with sufficient
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time for the non-Controlling Party to take whatever action may be necessary) prior to the date on which such right to appeal will lapse or otherwise diminish, permit the non-Controlling Party to pursue such appeal at such non-Controlling Party’s own cost and expense. If applicable Law requires the other Party’s involvement in an appeal, the other Party shall be a nominal party of the appeal and shall provide reasonable cooperation to such Party at such Party’s expense.
(e) Costs of an Action. The Controlling Party shall pay all costs associated with such Third Party Action other than the expenses of the other Party if the other Party elects to join such Third Party Action (as provided in the last sentence of this paragraph). Each Party shall have the right to join a Third Party Action defended by the other Party, at its own expense.
(f) No Settlement Without Consent. Neither Party shall settle or otherwise compromise any Third Party Action by admitting infringement or liability or in a in a way that otherwise adversely affects or would be reasonably expected to adversely affect the other Party’s rights or interests without the prior written consent of the other Party.
ARTICLE 10.
CONFIDENTIALITY
10.1 Confidentiality Obligations. Each Party agrees that, for the Term and for five (5) years thereafter, such Party shall, and shall ensure that its Affiliates, Sublicensees and Third Party contractors and their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents shall keep completely confidential and not publish or otherwise disclose and not use for any purpose except as expressly permitted hereunder, or as is necessary to exercise its rights and perform its obligations hereunder, any Confidential Information disclosed to it by the other Party pursuant to this Agreement. The foregoing obligations shall not apply to any Confidential Information disclosed by a Party hereunder to the extent that the receiving Party can demonstrate that such Confidential Information:
(a) was already known to the receiving Party or its Affiliates, other than under an obligation of confidentiality or restricted use, at the time of disclosure;
(b) was generally available to the public or otherwise part of the public domain at the time of its disclosure to the receiving Party;
(c) became generally available to the public or otherwise part of the public domain after its disclosure and other than through any act or omission of the receiving Party in breach of this Agreement;
(d) was subsequently lawfully disclosed to the receiving Party or its Affiliates by a Third Party without an obligation of confidentiality or restricted use other than in contravention of a confidentiality or restricted use obligation of such Third Party to the disclosing Party; or
(e) was developed or discovered by employees or agents of the receiving Party or its Affiliates who had no access to, and did not use, the Confidential Information of the disclosing Party.
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Notwithstanding the above obligations of confidentiality and non-use, a Party may disclose information to a Third Party in connection with due diligence or to the extent that such disclosure is reasonably necessary in connection with, in each case in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement:
(i) filing or prosecuting patent applications, subject to the terms of Article 9;
(ii) prosecuting or defending litigation;
(iii) conducting pre-clinical studies or Clinical Trials pursuant to this Agreement;
(iv) seeking Regulatory Approval of the Licensed Product; or
(v) complying with applicable Law, including securities Law and the rules of any securities exchange or market on which a Party’s securities are listed or traded.
In making any disclosures set forth in clauses (i) through (v) above, the disclosing Party shall, where reasonably practicable, give such advance written notice to the other Party of such disclosure requirement as is reasonable under the circumstances and will reasonably cooperate with the other Party in order limit the scope of disclosure and to secure confidential treatment of such Confidential Information required to be disclosed. In addition, in connection with any permitted filing by either Party of this Agreement with any Governmental Body, included but not limited to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Agreement, the filing Party shall endeavor to obtain confidential treatment of economic, trade secret information and such other information as may be requested by the other Party, and shall provide the other Party with the proposed confidential treatment request with reasonable time for such other Party to provide comments, and take into account, in good faith, all reasonable comments of the other Party.
10.2 Publications. Licensor shall not publish any information relating to the Licensed Products without the written consent of Merck (which consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), unless such information has already been publicly disclosed either prior to the Effective Date or after the Effective Date through no fault of Licensor or otherwise not in violation of this Agreement, provided that Licensor may make such publications or presentations pertaining to the Sarcoma Program without the approval of Merck and further provided that Licensor has complied with Article 10.2 sentence 3 below. Merck shall have the right to make such publications as it chooses, in its sole discretion, without the approval of Licensor. Each Party shall submit to the other Party for review any publication or presentation (including, without limitation, in any seminars, symposia or otherwise) of information related directly or indirectly to the Licensed Product at least [* * *] prior to submission for the proposed date of publication or presentation and the first Party will reasonably take into account any comments received from the other Party within [* * *] after first Party’s applicable submission. The foregoing sentence shall also apply to such publications from such Third Parties with whom Threshold has contractual relationships and therefore rights to review their publications as regards the Licensed Product (this includes but is not limited to publications stemming from investigator-initiated clinical trials and the like), but only if and to the extent such review is permitted under the applicable agreement with sufficient time to comply with the foregoing requirements.
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10.3 Press Releases and Disclosure.
(a) Each Party shall issue a press release following the Execution Date in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D-1 and Exhibit D-2, respectively.
(b) In the event that Licensor is required to issue a press release or make another public announcement to comply with applicable Law as a publicly-traded company, Licensor shall have the right to issue such press release or make such other public announcement as necessary to comply with such applicable Law, provided, however, that Licensor shall provide Merck with a copy of the proposed disclosure as soon as reasonably possible but no less than [* * *] prior to such disclosure (unless applicable Law requires earlier disclosure). Merck shall have the opportunity to review and comment such proposed disclosure and Threshold shall take such comments into account, always acknowledging that it is Threshold’s responsibility to comply with applicable securities Laws. Merck shall inform its recipients of the confidential and sensitive nature of such information and ensure such recipients’ compliance with applicable Law (including securities regulations). For any other disclosure, Threshold shall provide the text of such disclosure to Merck at least [* * *] prior to disclosure, and Threshold shall not make such disclosure without the prior written consent of Merck, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The reciprocal procedure shall apply for press releases or public announcements of Merck within the Co-commercialization Territory, unless the Co-commercialization rights of Threshold have ceased to exist.
(c) Outside the Co-commercialization Territory Merck shall have the right to make such press releases as it chooses, in its sole discretion, without the approval of Licensor. Merck will provide Licensor with such press releases [* * *] prior to publication for information purposes.
ARTICLE 11.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
11.1 Representations and Warranties. Each Party represents and warrants to the other Party that, as of the Execution Date:
(a) such Party is duly organized and validly existing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization;
(b) such Party has taken all action necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of its obligations under this Agreement;
(c) this Agreement is a legal and valid obligation of such Party, binding upon such Party and enforceable against such Party in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, except as enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyance, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general equitable principles. The execution, delivery and performance of this
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Agreement by such Party does not conflict with, breach or create in any Third Party the right to accelerate, terminate or modify any agreement or instrument to which such Party is a party or by which such Party is bound, and does not violate any Law of any Governmental Body having authority over such Party;
(d) such Party has all right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement, to perform its obligations under this Agreement;
(e) no consent by any Third Party or Governmental Body is required with respect to the execution and delivery of this Agreement by such Party or the consummation by such Party of the transactions contemplated hereby; and
(f) all tangible information and data provided by or on behalf of such Party to the other Party on or before the Execution Date in contemplation of this Agreement was and is true, accurate and complete in all material respects, and such Party has not failed to disclose, or cause to be disclosed, any information or data that would cause the information and data that has been disclosed to be misleading in any material respect.
11.2 Additional Representations and Warranties of Licensor. Licensor represents and warrants to Merck, as of the Execution Date that:
(a) No claims have been asserted, or, to Licensor’s Knowledge, threatened in writing by any Person against Licensor, (i) challenging the validity, effectiveness, or ownership of Licensor Technology, and/or (ii) alleging that the use, reproduction, modification, manufacturing, distribution, licensing, sublicensing, sale or any other exercise of rights in any of Licensor Technology infringes any intellectual property right of any Person.
(b) to the Knowledge of Licensor, there is no unauthorized use, infringement or misappropriation of any of Licensor Technology by any employee or former employee of Licensor, or any other Third Party;
(c) the Licensor Patents are not the subject of any litigation procedure, discovery process, interference, reissue, reexamination, opposition, appeal proceedings or any other legal dispute (other than ongoing patent prosecution), and no claims have been asserted, or, to Licensor’s Knowledge, threatened in writing by any Person against Licensor, alleging that any Licensor Patent is invalid or unenforceable;
(d) Licensor has not licensed to a Third Party the right to develop the Compound or Licensed Product;
(e) it has the full right to provide to Merck the Licensor Material to be provided to Merck pursuant to this Agreement;
(f) Licensor is not party to an agreement with a Third Party which licenses rights to Licensor that are necessary for the Development, manufacture and Commercialization of a Licensed Product.
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(g) all employees of Licensor who have performed any activities on its behalf in connection with research regarding the Compound have entered into Licensor’s standard invention assignment agreements assigning to Licensor, to the extent permitted by Law, the whole of their rights in any intellectual property made, discovered or developed by them in the course of their employment as a result of such research;
(h) Licensor has all right, title and interest in and to the Licensor Technology, Licensor has not previously licensed, assigned, transferred, or otherwise conveyed any right, title or interest in and to the Licensor Technology to any Third Party in a manner that would conflict with the rights and licenses granted under this Agreement;
(i) as of the Execution Date, Licensor has no Knowledge of the unblinded results of the Phase II Pancreatic Cancer Trial.
ARTICLE 12.
TERM AND TERMINATION
12.1 Term and Expiration. The term of this Agreement (the “Term”) shall commence on the Effective Date and, unless earlier terminated as provided in this Article 12, shall continue in full force and effect, on a country-by-country and Licensed Product by Licensed Product basis until the Royalty Term in such country with respect to such Licensed Product expires, at which time this Agreement shall expire in its entirety with respect to such Licensed Product in such country and the terms of Article 12.5(b)(i) shall apply.
12.2 Termination by Merck upon Non-Achievement of [* * *]. If the [* * *] is not achieved with respect to [* * *] and if the [* * *] milestone has occurred and has been invoiced by Licensor, Merck shall have the right to terminate the Agreement with immediate effect by giving notice no later than [* * *] after such confirmation [* * *].
12.3 Termination of the Agreement by Merck for Convenience. Without limiting Merck’s rights under Article 12.2, at any time during the Term, but only after (i) the [* * *] and the [* * *] have occurred, and (ii) [* * *] has occurred, and Merck has paid the corresponding milestone payments and all fees and milestone payments previously accrued, Merck may, at its convenience, terminate this Agreement in its entirety upon ninety (90) days’ prior written notice to Licensor.
12.4 Termination upon Material Breach and Challenge.
(a) If a Party breaches any of its material obligations under this Agreement, the Party not in default may give to the breaching Party a written notice specifying the nature of the default, requiring it to cure such breach, and stating its intention to terminate this Agreement if such breach is not cured within [* * *]. If such breach is not cured within sixty (60) days after the receipt of such notice, the Party not in default shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement immediately by written notice to the other Party.
(b) Any dispute regarding an alleged material breach of this Agreement shall first be attempted to be resolved in accordance with Article 15 hereof, before the affected Party
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pursues other remedies (including termination). In the event that the Party that has allegedly materially breached this Agreement disputes such breach, and the resulting termination of this Agreement in good faith, then any consequences of termination in this Article 12 shall only apply from and after such time as such termination has been upheld in a final judgement from which no appeal can be taken, or that is unappealed within the time allowed for appeal or such time as the Party allegedly in material breach is no longer disputing such termination.
(c) In the event that a Party has the right to terminate this Agreement for uncured material breach by the other Party, then such first Party may elect not to terminate this Agreement and shall have the right to pursue the other rights and remedies it may have hereunder or at Law or in equity with respect to any breach of this Agreement and pursue its right to obtain performance of any obligation.
(d) Licensor may immediately terminate this Agreement if Merck or any of its Affiliates challenges the validity, enforceability, or ownership of any Licensor Patents in any legal proceeding anywhere in the world (including any invalidity, opposition, reexamination, review, revocation, or similar proceeding in any court or patent office).
12.5 Effects of termination.
(a) Survival.
(i) Without limiting the foregoing, ARTICLE 1 (Definitions), ARTICLE 13 (Indemnification and Insurance), ARTICLE 15 (Dispute Resolution) and ARTICLE 16 (Miscellaneous Provisions), and Articles 2.7 (No Implied Licenses), 4.10 (Sharing of Development Expenses) (solely with respect to payment obligations outstanding as of the effective date of termination), 4.11 (Recording and Cost of Personnel) (solely with respect to record keeping), 4.12 (Review of Development Expenses) (solely with respect to cooperation in verifying amounts under this Agreement, 4.13 (Reimbursement of Excess Development Expenses) (solely with respect to reimbursement obligations outstanding as of the effective date of termination), 4.18 (Audit Rights), 6.8 (Timing of Payment), 6.9 (Mode of Payment and Currency), 6.10 (Royalty Reports and Records Retention), 6.11 (Late Payments), 6.12 (Audits), 6.13 (Taxes), 9.3 (Further Assurances), 9.4 (Inventions), 9.5(f) (No Assignment), 10.1 (Confidentiality Obligations) and 12.5 (Effects of Termination) hereof shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement for any reason.
(ii) Termination of this Agreement shall not relieve the Parties of any liability that accrued hereunder prior to or as of the effective date of such termination. In addition, termination of this Agreement shall not preclude either Party from pursuing all rights and remedies it may have hereunder or at Law or in equity with respect to any breach of this Agreement nor prejudice either Party’s right to obtain performance of any obligation.
(b) Licenses
(i) Upon expiration of the Royalty Term with respect to any Licensed Product, then as of the effective date of such expiration and on a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product and country-by-country basis, the license from Licensor to Merck under Article 2.1 shall continue, but become [* * *].
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(ii) Upon termination of this Agreement by Merck pursuant to Article 12.2, 12.3 or Article 12.4:
(1) all rights and licenses granted to Merck under this Agreement shall terminate;
(2) Merck shall, upon written request by Licensor and subject to Licensor assuming legal responsibility for any Clinical Trials of the Licensed Product then ongoing, transfer to Licensor at Licensor’s cost and expense, all regulatory documentation and Regulatory Approvals prepared or obtained by or on behalf of Merck prior to the date of such termination, to the extent solely related to Licensed Products and transferable, and Merck shall have the right to retain one copy of such transferred documentation and Regulatory Approvals for record-keeping purposes;
(3) Merck shall, upon written request of Licensor, return to Licensor or, at Licensor’s option, destroy, at Merck’s cost and expense in case of termination according to Articles 12.2 and 12.3 and at Licensor’s cost and expense in case of termination according to Article 12.4, all relevant records and materials in its possession or control containing or comprising the Licensor Know-How and the Licensor Materials, or such other Confidential Information of Licensor, and Merck shall have the right to retain one copy of such Licensor Know-How and one sample of Licensor Materials and such other Confidential Information of Licensor solely if and to the extent required to comply with applicable Laws.
(4) Merck may, at its sole option and discretion, (i) destroy any and all chemical, biological or physical materials relating to or comprising the Licensed Products, including Clinical Supply of Licensed Products, that are Controlled by Merck, or (ii) [* * *] . Any Clinical Supply of Licensed Products or other materials purchased by Licensor from Merck pursuant to the foregoing shall be purchased on an “as is” basis with no representations or warranties.
(5) To the extent not prohibited by Law, Merck shall wind down any ongoing Clinical Trials with respect to the Licensed Product, or at Licensor’s option, transfer such Clinical Trials to Licensor at Licensor’s cost and expense, in which case Licensor shall purchase from Merck then existing stock [* * *]. If Licensor requests such transfer, then Merck shall promptly (i) provide copies to Licensor of any Merck Know-How and Merck Materials in Merck’s Control that are used by Merck, and necessary for Licensor to
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continue, such Merck Development activities, (ii) at Licensor’s request, exercise reasonable efforts to transfer to Licensor any Third Party sub-contract agreements entered into by the Merck relating to the Merck Development activities, and (iii) provide reasonable assistance in connection with the transfer to Licensor of such Merck Development activities all of the foregoing at Licensor’s cost and expense in case of termination in accordance with Article. 12.4.
(6) Merck and its Affiliates and Sublicensees shall be entitled, during the [* * *] period following such termination, to sell any then-existing inventory of Commercial Supply of Licensed Products which remains on hand as of the date of the termination, so long as Merck pays to Licensor the royalties and other payments applicable to said subsequent sales in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, but on a non-exclusive basis. Any commercial inventory remaining following such [* * *] period shall be destroyed at Merck’s cost and expense and in accordance with Law in case of termination according to Articles 12.2 and 12.3 and at Licensor’s cost and expense in case of termination according to Article 12.4.
(7) Effective upon such termination, Merck hereby grants to Licensor and its Affiliates (subject to Article 16.3) a worldwide, royalty-free, fully paid up, irrevocable, non-transferable (except pursuant to Article 16.2) right and license (with the right to sublicense) under the Merck Technology to develop, make, have made, import, export, use, sell, offer for sale, and otherwise commercialize Licensed Products in the Field in the Territory. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of termination by Merck under Article 12.4, such license may be subject to a reasonable royalty to be agreed by the Parties (provided that Licensor has the option not to take such license).
(8) Effective upon such termination Merck shall assign to Licensor all regulatory filings and Regulatory Approvals relating to the Licensed Product and the Product Marks together with all related intellectual property rights and goodwill (but excluding any marks or rights with respect to Merck’s corporate name or other products of Merck). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of termination by Merck under Article 12.4, such license may be subject to a reasonable royalty to be agreed by the Parties (provided that Licensor has the option not to take such license).
(iii) Upon termination of this Agreement by Licensor pursuant to Article 12.4, the provisions of 12.5(b)(ii) above shall apply, except for Article 12.5(b)(ii)(6) and provided that (A) Licensor shall have the right to purchase existing inventory of Clinical Supply and Commercial Supply at Merck’s Cost of Goods without any markup, (B) the activities pursuant to Articles 12.5(b)(ii)(3), 12.5(b)(ii)(4) and 12.5(b)(ii)(5) shall be at Merck’s expense.
(iv) Upon any termination of this Agreement, all Sublicensees shall automatically terminate.
12.6 Termination on Bankruptcy or Insolvency. All rights and licenses granted under or pursuant to this Agreement by Licensor are, and shall otherwise be deemed to be, for purposes of Article 365(n) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, if applicable, licenses of right to
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“intellectual property” as defined under Article 101 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The Parties agree that Merck, as licensor of such rights under this Agreement, shall retain and may fully exercise all of its rights and elections under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The Parties further agree that, in the event of the commencement of a bankruptcy proceeding by or against Licensor under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, Merck shall be entitled to a complete duplicate of (or complete access to, as appropriate) any such intellectual property and all embodiments of such intellectual property, which, if not already in Merck’s possession, shall be promptly delivered to it (a) upon any such commencement of a bankruptcy proceeding upon Merck’s written request therefor, unless Licensor elects to continue to perform all of its obligations under this Agreement or (b) if not delivered under clause (a), following the rejection of this Agreement by Licensor upon written request therefor by Merck.
ARTICLE 13.
INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE
13.1 Indemnification by Merck. Merck shall indemnify, defend and hold Licensor and its Affiliates and each of their respective employees, officers, directors and agents (the “Licensor Indemnitees”) harmless from and against any and all liability, damage, loss, cost or expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) to the extent arising out of Third Party claims or suits related to (a) Merck’s performance or non-performance or breach of its obligations and activities under this Agreement; or (b) breach by Merck of its representations or warranties set forth in Article 11; provided, however, that Merck’s obligations pursuant to this Article 13.1 shall not apply (i) to the extent such claims or suits result from the negligence or willful misconduct of any of the Licensor Indemnitees, or (ii) with respect to claims or suits arising out of breach by Licensor of its representations, warranties or covenants set forth in Article 11.
13.2 Indemnification by Licensor. Licensor shall indemnify, defend and hold Merck and its Affiliates and each of their respective agents, employees, officers and directors (the “Merck Indemnitees”) harmless from and against any and all liability, damage, loss, cost or expense (including reasonable attorney’s fees) to the extent arising out of Third Party claims or suits related to (a) Licensor’s performance or non-performance or breach of its obligations and activities under this Agreement; or (b) breach by Licensor of its representations, warranties or covenants set forth in Article 11; provided, however, that Licensor’s obligations pursuant to this Article 13.2 shall not apply (i) to the extent that such claims or suits result from the negligence or willful misconduct of any of the Merck Indemnitees or (ii) with respect to claims or suits arising out of a breach by Merck of its representations or warranties set forth in Article 11.
13.3 No Consequential Damages. IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOSS OF PROFITS, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, WARRANTY, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN OR ANY BREACH HEREOF. THE FOREGOING DOES NOT LIMIT A PARTY’S INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 12 WITH RESPECT TO THIRD PARTIES.
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13.4 Notification of Claims; Conditions to Indemnification Obligations. As a condition to a Party’s right to receive indemnification under this Article 13, it shall (a) promptly notify the other Party as soon as it becomes aware of a claim or suit for which indemnification may be sought pursuant hereto, (b) cooperate, and cause the individual indemnitees to cooperate, with the indemnifying Party in the defense, settlement or compromise of such claim or suit, and (c) permit the indemnifying Party to control the defense, settlement or compromise of such claim or suit, including the right to select defense counsel. In no event, however, may the indemnifying Party compromise or settle any claim or suit in a manner which admits fault or negligence on the part of the indemnified Party or any indemnitee without the prior written consent of the indemnified Party. The indemnifying Party shall have no liability under this Article 13 with respect to claims or suits settled or compromised by the other Party without its prior written consent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
13.5 Insurance. During the Term, each Party shall obtain and maintain, at its sole cost and expense, product liability insurance (including any self-insured arrangements) in amounts, that are reasonable and customary in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry for companies engaged in comparable activities. It is understood and agreed that this insurance shall not be construed to limit either Party’s liability with respect to its indemnification obligations hereunder. Each Party will, except to the extent self insured, provide to the other Party upon request a certificate evidencing the insurance such Party is required to obtain and keep in force under this Article 13.5.
ARTICLE 14.
HSR MATTERS
14.1 HSR Filings. Each of Licensor and Merck shall as promptly as possible, and not later than twenty one (21) days of the Execution Date file with the FTC and the Antitrust Division of the DOJ, any HSR Filing required of it under the HSR Act with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Parties shall cooperate with one another to the extent necessary in the preparation of any HSR Filing required to be filed under the HSR Act. Each Party shall be responsible for its own costs, expenses, and filing fees associated with any HSR Filing.
14.2 HSR Cooperation; Further Assurances. Licensor and Merck agree, and shall cause each of their respective Affiliates, to cooperate and to use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any HSR Clearance required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated under this Agreement, to request early termination of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act (if HSR Clearance is required) and to respond to any government requests for information under the HSR Act. The Parties will consult and cooperate with one another, and consider in good faith the views of one another, in connection with any analyses, appearances, presentations, memoranda, briefs, arguments, opinions and proposals made or submitted by or on behalf of either Party in connection with proceedings under or relating to the HSR Act. Each of Licensor and Merck shall (i) promptly notify the other Party of any written communication to that Party from any the FTC or DOJ related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and, subject to applicable Law, permit the other Party to review in advance any proposed written communication to any of the foregoing, (ii) not
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agree to participate, or to permit its Affiliates to participate, in any substantive meeting or discussion with the FTC or DOJ unless it consults with the other Party in advance and, to the extent permitted by such agency, gives the other Party the opportunity to attend and participate thereat, and (iii) to the extent permitted under applicable Law, furnish the other Party with copies of all correspondence, filings, and communications (and memoranda setting forth the substance thereof) between such Party, on the one hand, and the FTC or DOJ, on the other hand, with respect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (unless the furnishing of such information would (1) violate the provisions of any applicable Laws or any confidentiality agreement or (2) cause the loss of the attorney-client privilege with respect thereto); provided, that each such Party shall use its reasonable efforts to promptly communicate to the other Party the substance of any such communication, whether by redacting parts of such material communication or otherwise, so that such communication would not violate applicable Laws or cause the loss of the attorney-client privilege with respect thereto.
14.3 HSR-Related Defined Terms.
“DOJ” means the United States Department of Justice.
“FTC” means the United States Federal Trade Commission.
“HSR Act” means the Xxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (15 U.S.C. Sec. 18a), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“HSR Clearance” means either (a) early termination of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act with respect to the HSR Filings or (b) expiration of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act with respect to the HSR Filings.
“HSR Clearance Date” means the earlier of (a) the date on which the FTC or DOJ shall notify Licensor and Merck of early termination of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act or (b) the day after the date on which the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act expires.
“HSR Filings” means the filings by Merck and Licensor with the FTC and the Antitrust Division of the DOJ of a Notification and Report Form for Certain Mergers and Acquisitions (as that term is defined in the HSR Act) with respect to the matters set forth in this Agreement, together with all required documentary attachments thereto.
14.4 Termination Based on Failure to Obtain HSR Clearance. The Agreement shall immediately terminate in the event that the FTC and/or the DOJ shall obtain a permanent injunction under the HSR Act against Merck and Licensor to enjoin the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. In addition, Licensor shall have the right to terminate this Agreement upon notice to Merck if the HSR Clearance Date shall not have occurred on or prior to the date that is one hundred and twenty (120) days after the Parties’ filing of any required HSR Filings, but only if Licensor has diligently supported the filing. For clarity, no payments under this Agreement shall be due if Threshold terminates in accordance with Article 14.4
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ARTICLE 15.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
15.1 Disputes The Parties recognize that disputes as to certain matters may from time to time arise during the Term which relate to either Party’s rights and/or obligations hereunder. It is the objective of the Parties to establish under this Article 15 procedures to facilitate the resolution of disputes arising under this Agreement in an expedient manner by mutual cooperation and without resort to litigation. In the event that the Parties are unable to resolve such dispute through diligent review and deliberation by the JSC (in accordance with Article 3.2 (i)) within [* * *] from the day that one Party had designated the issue as a dispute in written notice to the JSC, then either Party shall have the right to escalate such matter to senior management as set forth in Article 15.2.
15.2 Escalation to Executive Officers. Either Party may, by written notice to the other Party, request that a dispute that remained unresolved by the JSC for a period of [* * *] as set forth in Article 15.1 arising between the Parties in connection with this Agreement, or a dispute relating to material breach, be resolved by the Executive Officers for resolution, within [* * *] of their first consideration of such dispute. If the Executive Officers cannot resolve such dispute within [* * *] of their first consideration of such dispute, then, at any time after such [* * *] period, either Party may proceed to enforce any and all of its rights and remedies with respect to such dispute. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Article 15.2 shall be construed as precluding a Party from bringing an action for injunctive relief or other equitable relief prior to the initiation or completion of the above procedure.
ARTICLE 16.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
16.1 Relationship of the Parties. Nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be deemed to constitute for financial, tax, legal or other purposes a partnership, agency, joint venture or employer-employee relationship between the Parties.
16.2 Assignment.
(a) Except as expressly provided herein, neither this Agreement nor any interest hereunder shall be neither assignable, nor any other obligation delegable, by either Party without the prior written consent of the other Party (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed). Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Party may assign this Agreement without the consent of the other Party to a successor to all or a substantial portion of the business of such Party to which this Agreement relates, in connection with any merger, sale of stock, sale of assets or other similar transaction, and subject to other applicable provisions of this Agreement. In addition, each Party shall be allowed to assign this Agreement in whole or in part to an Affiliate without the consent of the other Party.
(b) No assignment under this Article 16.2 shall relieve the assigning Party of any of its responsibilities or obligations hereunder and provided, further, that as a condition of such assignment, the assignee shall agree in writing to be bound by all obligations of the assigning Party hereunder.
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(c) This Agreement shall be binding upon the successors and permitted assigns of the Parties.
(d) Any assignment not in accordance with this Article 16.2 shall be void.
16.3 Performance by Affiliates. Either Party shall have the right to have any of its obligations hereunder performed, or its rights hereunder exercised, by, any of its Affiliates and the performance of such obligations by any such Affiliate(s) shall be deemed to be performance by such Party; provided, however, that such Party shall be responsible for ensuring the performance of its obligations under this Agreement and that any failure of any Affiliate performing obligations of such Party hereunder shall be deemed to be a failure by such Party to perform such obligations.
16.4 Change of Control. In the event of a Change of Control of Licensor, Merck shall have the option to assume responsibility for the joint Development by providing written notice to Licensor within ten (10) days of receiving notice of the Change of Control. In that case:
(a) Merck shall continue Development and perform Licensor’s Development activities in accordance with the Development Plan and the other terms of this Agreement;
(b) Merck shall be responsible for 100% of the Development Expenses;
(c) The JSC shall be disbanded and Merck shall become solely responsible for Development responsibilities previously assigned to Licensor and shall make the final determination with respect to any Development related matter in accordance with this Agreement [* * *]; and
(d) The Commercialization and Co-commercialization provisions and all other terms of this Agreement shall be unaffected.
16.5 Further Actions. Each Party agrees to execute, acknowledge and deliver such further instruments and to do all such other acts as may be necessary or appropriate in order to carry out the purposes and intent of this Agreement.
16.6 Accounting Procedures. Each Party shall calculate all amounts hereunder and perform other accounting procedures required hereunder and applicable to it in accordance either with IFRS or US GAAP depending on which accounting standard is normally applied by a Party with respect to the filing of its reporting.
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16.7 Force Majeure. Neither Party shall be liable to the other Party or be deemed to have breached or defaulted under this Agreement for failure or delay in the performance of any of its obligations under this Agreement for the time and to the extent such failure or delay is caused by or results from acts of God, earthquake, riot, civil commotion, terrorism, war, strikes or other labor disputes, fire, flood, failure or delay of transportation, omissions or delays in acting by a governmental authority, acts of a government or an agency thereof or judicial orders or decrees or restrictions or any other reason which is beyond the control of the respective Party. The Party affected by force majeure shall provide the other Party with full particulars thereof as soon as it becomes aware of the same (including its best estimate of the likely extent and duration of the interference with its activities), and will use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to overcome the difficulties created thereby and to resume performance of its obligations hereunder as soon as practicable.
16.8 No Trademark Rights. Unless expressly set forth otherwise in this Agreement, no right, express or implied, is granted by this Agreement to a Party to use in any manner the name or any other trade name or trademark of the other Party in connection with the performance of this Agreement or otherwise.
16.9 Entire Agreement of the Parties; Amendments. This Agreement and the Schedules and Exhibits hereto, together with the Co-commercialization Term Sheet and the Co-commercialization Agreement, constitute and contain the entire understanding and agreement of the Parties respecting the subject matter hereof and cancel and supersede any and all prior negotiations, correspondence, understandings and agreements between the Parties, whether oral or written, regarding such subject matter. No waiver, modification or amendment of any provision of this Agreement shall be valid or effective unless made in a writing referencing this Agreement and signed by a duly authorized officer of each Party.
16.10 Captions. The captions to this Agreement are for convenience only, and are to be of no force or effect in construing or interpreting any of the provisions of this Agreement.
16.11 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the Laws of England and Wales, excluding application of any conflict of laws principles that would require application of the Law of a different jurisdiction, and will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of competent jurisdiction located in London, England.
16.12 Notices and Deliveries. Any notice, request, approval or consent required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given if delivered in person, transmitted by facsimile (receipt verified) or by express courier service (signature required) to the Party to which it is directed at its address or facsimile number shown below or such other address or facsimile number as such Party shall have last given by notice to the other Party.
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If to Merck, addressed to:
Merck XXxX
Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx 000
00000 Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx
Attn: Merck Serono Alliance Management
Facsimile: x00 00 00 00
With a copy to:
Merck XXxX
Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx 000
00000 Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx
Attn: Merck Serono Legal Department
Facsimile: x00 00 00 00 00 00
If to Licensor, addressed to:
Threshold Pharmaceuticals
000 Xxxxxx Xxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxx Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
XXX
Attn: Vice President, Business Development
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
With a copy to:
Xxxxxxxx & Xxxxxxxx
LLP 000 Xxxx Xxxx Xxxx
Xxxx Xxxx, XX 00000
XXX
Attention: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx
Fax: (000) 000-0000
16.13 Waiver. A waiver by either Party of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement in any instance shall not be deemed or construed to be a waiver of such term or condition for the future, or of any other term or condition hereof. All rights, remedies, undertakings, obligations and agreements contained in this Agreement shall be cumulative and none of them shall be in limitation of any other remedy, right, undertaking, obligation or agreement of either Party.
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16.14 Severability. When possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable Law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be prohibited by or invalid under applicable Law, such provision will be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of this Agreement. The Parties shall make a good faith effort to replace the invalid or unenforceable provision with a valid one which in its economic effect is most consistent with the invalid or unenforceable provision.
16.15 No Implied License. No right or license is granted to either Party hereunder by implication, estoppel, or otherwise to any Know-How, Patent Right, Non-Patent Right, or other intellectual property right owned or controlled by the other Party.
16.16 No Solicitation. During the Term, each Party agrees that neither it nor any of its Affiliates will recruit, solicit or induce any employee of the other Party that is involved in the activities conducted pursuant to this Agreement to terminate his or her employment with such other Party and become employed by or consult for such Party. For purposes of the foregoing, “recruit”, “solicit” or “induce” does not include (a) circumstances where an employee of one Party initiates contact with the other Party or any of its Affiliates with regard to possible employment, or (b) general solicitations of employment not specifically targeted at employees of a Party or any of its Affiliates, including responses to general advertisements.
16.17 Rights of Third Parties.The provisions of this Agreement are for the sole benefit of the Parties and their successors and permitted assigns, and they shall not be construed as conferring any rights in any other Persons except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, including, without limitation, ARTICLE 13. The Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 shall not apply to this Agreement. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, including, without limitation, ARTICLE 13, no Person who is not a party to this Agreement (including any employee, officer, agent, representative or subcontractor of either Party) shall have the right (whether under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Xxx 0000 or otherwise) to enforce any term of this Agreement which expressly or by implication confers a benefit on that Person without the express prior agreement in writing of the Parties, which agreement must refer to this Article 16.17.
16.18 Interpretation. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” All references herein to Articles, Schedules and Exhibits shall be deemed references to Articles and Schedules of, and Exhibits to, this Agreement unless the context shall otherwise require. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with IFRS, as in effect from time to time. Unless the context otherwise requires, countries shall include their territories.
16.19 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, and all of which together will be deemed to be one and the same instrument. A facsimile or a portable document format (PDF) copy of this Agreement, including the signature pages, will be deemed an original.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered by their respective duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written, each copy of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original.
THRESHOLD | MERCK KGaA | |||||
By: |
| By: |
|
Name: | Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Ph.D. | Name: | Xx. Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx | |||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer | Title: | General Partner and Member of the Executive Board, Merck KGaA, President, Merck Serono |
Date: |
| Date: |
|
By: |
|
Name: | Xxxx Xxxxxxxx | |||||
Title: | Associate General Counsel | |||||
Date: |
|
List of Exhibits and Schedules
Schedule 1.10(a)
Schedule 1.10(b)
Schedule 1.18
Schedule 1.97
Schedule 4.3
Schedule 4.7
Schedule 8.1
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
Exhibit C
Exhibit D-1
Exhibit D-2
Schedule 1.10(a)
[* * *]
Schedule 1.10(b)
[* * *]
Schedule 1.18
Co-Commercialization Term Sheet
The Parties shall use good faith efforts to negotiate the Co-commercialization Agreement as set forth in Section 7.5(b) of the License Agreement. When developing the Co-commercialization Agreement, the parties shall reasonably and in good faith determine the optimal contractual and financial structure consistent with the economic result contemplated herein.
[* * *]
Schedule 1.97
[* * *]
Schedule 4.3
[* * *]
Schedule 4.7
[* * *]
Schedule 8.1
[* * *]
[* * *]
1
Exhibit B
[* * *]
1
Exhibit C
[* * *]
Exhibit D-1
Press Release
Threshold Pharmaceuticals and Merck KGaA Announce Global Agreement to Co-Develop and Xxxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx 0 Xxxxxxx-Xxxxxxxx Xxxx XX-000
• | Threshold to receive $25 million upfront, plus further potential milestones and royalties |
• | Deal provides Threshold option to co-commercialize in the United States |
• | Phase 3 trial in soft tissue sarcoma on-going and randomized Phase II trial in patients with pancreatic cancer expected to report in February 0000 |
XXXXX XXX XXXXXXXXX, XX – (Market Wire) February 2, 2012 – Threshold Pharmaceuticals, Inc (NASDAQ: THLD) today announced that a global agreement was signed with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, to co-develop and commercialize TH-302, Threshold’s small molecule hypoxia-targeted drug. TH-302 is currently being investigated in a global Phase 3 clinical trial in patients with soft tissue sarcoma, a randomized Phase 2 trial in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer from which top-line results are expected in February, as well as additional clinical studies in other solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
Under the terms of the agreement, Merck will receive co-development rights, exclusive global commercialization rights and will provide Threshold an option to co-commercialize the therapeutic in the United States. In exchange, Threshold will receive an upfront payment of $25 million and could receive up to $35 million in additional development milestones during 2012. Threshold is also eligible to receive a $20 million milestone payment based on positive results from its randomized Phase 2 trial in pancreatic cancer. Total potential milestone payments are $525 million, comprised of $280 million in regulatory and development milestones and $245 million in sales-based milestones.
In the United States, Threshold will have primary responsibility for development of TH-302 in the soft tissue sarcoma indication. Threshold and Merck KGaA will jointly develop TH-302 in all other cancer indications being pursued. Merck KGaA will pay 70% of worldwide development costs for TH-302.
Subject to FDA approval in the United States, Merck KGaA will initially be responsible for commercialization of TH-302 with Threshold receiving a tiered, double-digit royalty on sales. Under the royalty-bearing portion of the agreement, Threshold retains the option to co-promote TH-302 in the United States. Additionally, Threshold retains the option to co-commercialize TH-302 allowing the company to participate in up to 50% of the profits in the United States based on certain revenue tiers. Outside of the United States, Merck KGaA will be solely responsible for the commercialization of TH-302 with Threshold receiving a tiered, double-digit royalty on sales in these territories.
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“The addition of TH-302 to our pipeline provides an important opportunity in several different tumor types to expand our oncology development program,” said Xxxxx Xxxx Xxxxxxx, Head of Global Business Development and Strategy, Merck Serono. “Given the fact that pancreatic cancer is a very difficult to treat indication, successful Phase II results could represent important upside for our company.”
“We are excited by the new resources that our partnership is going to bring to the development of TH-302 and the expertise in clinical development and commercialization that Merck will contribute to this program,” said Xxxxx Xxxxxx, President and CEO of Threshold. “This collaboration provides Threshold a strong and committed partner with a shared vision for TH-302.”
Xxxxxxxx & Xxxxxxxx LLP acted as legal counsel for Threshold in this transaction.
About XX-000
XX-000 is a hypoxia-targeted drug that is thought to be activated under tumor hypoxic conditions, a hallmark for many cancer indications. Areas of low oxygen levels (hypoxia) within tissues are common in many solid tumors due to insufficient blood vessel growth. Similarly, the bone marrow of patients with hematological malignancies has also been shown, in some cases, to be extremely hypoxic.
TH-302 has been investigated in over 550 patients in Phase I/II clinical trials to date in a broad spectrum of tumor types, both as a monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy treatments and other targeted cancer drugs.
Threshold has several ongoing clinical trials including, but not limited to, a controlled Phase 2 trial of TH-302 in combination with gemcitabine versus gemcitabine alone in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and a Phase 3 study evaluating TH-302 in combination with doxorubicin versus doxorubicin alone in patients with soft tissue sarcoma.
TH-302 development in soft tissue sarcoma
A Phase 3 trial of TH-302 in patients with first-line advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS) was initiated in September, 2011, based on results from a Phase 1/2 trial investigating its use in combination with the chemotherapeutic doxorubicin. This randomized, multi-center Phase 3 trial will investigate the use of TH-302 plus doxorubicin compared with doxorubicin alone. The primary efficacy endpoint is overall survival. The study is conducted under a Special Protocol Assessment with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is being run in partnership with the Sarcoma Alliance for Research through Collaboration (SARC) and aims to enroll 450 patients with metastatic or locally advanced unresectable STS.
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TH-302 development in pancreatic cancer
Results from a randomized, controlled, multi-center Phase 2 trial of TH-302 in patients with first-line pancreatic cancer are expected to be announced in February 2012. This trial of 214 previously untreated patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma started in June, 2010, and completed enrollment in June, 2011. Two different doses of TH-302 in combination with the chemotherapeutic gemcitabine were compared to gemcitabine alone, with progression free survival (PFS) as the primary endpoint.
Soft tissue sarcoma
Sarcomas are a group of aggressive cancers of connective tissue of the body for which there are currently limited treatment options. Soft tissue sarcomas are treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Doxorubicin as a single agent or in combination with ifosfamide are the most commonly used chemotherapeutic regimens in patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma, but response rates are generally low and toxicity can be significant. The American Cancer Society estimates that 10,980 people were diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma in the United States in 2011, and approximately 3,920 people died from the disease. In Europe, it is estimated that more than 32,000 people were diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma in 2010.
Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a malignant neoplasm of the pancreas with current treatment options including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Gemcitabine as a single agent or in combination with other treatments is the most commonly used chemotherapeutic agent in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. It is estimated that approximately 279,000 cases of pancreatic cancer were diagnosed worldwide in 2008. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death both in the United States and internationally. The American Cancer Society estimates that 44,030 people were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States in 2011, and approximately 37,660 people died from the disease.
About Merck Serono
Merck Serono is the biopharmaceutical division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a global pharmaceutical and chemical company. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Merck Serono discovers, develops, manufactures and markets prescription medicines of both chemical and biological origin in specialist indications. In the United States and Canada, EMD Serono operates as a separately incorporated affiliate of Merck Serono.
Merck Serono has leading brands serving patients with cancer (Erbitux®, cetuximab), multiple sclerosis (Rebif®, interferon beta-1a), infertility (Gonal-f®, follitropin alfa), endocrine and metabolic disorders (Saizen® and Serostim®, somatropin), (Kuvan®, sapropterin dihydrochloride), (Egrifta®, tesamorelin), as well as cardiometabolic diseases (Glucophage®, metformin), (Concor®, bisoprolol), (Euthyrox®, levothyroxine). Not all products are available in all markets.
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With an annual R&D expenditure of over € 1bn, Merck Serono is committed to growing its business in specialist-focused therapeutic areas including neurodegenerative diseases, oncology, fertility and endocrinology, as well as new areas potentially arising out of research and development in rheumatology.
About Merck
Merck is a global pharmaceutical and chemical company with total revenues of € 9.3 billion in 2010, a history that began in 1668, and a future shaped by more than 40,000 employees in 67 countries. Its success is characterized by innovations from entrepreneurial employees. Merck’s operating activities come under the umbrella of Merck KGaA, in which the Merck family holds an approximately 70% interest and shareholders own the remaining approximately 30%. In 1917 the U.S. subsidiary Merck & Co. was expropriated and has been an independent company ever since.
For more information, please visit xxx.xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx or xxx.xxxxxxxxxx.xxx
About Threshold Pharmaceuticals
Threshold is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of drugs targeting tumor hypoxia, the low oxygen condition found in microenvironments of most solid tumors as well as the bone marrows of patients with some hematologic malignancies. For additional information, please visit the company’s website: xxx.xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for statements of historical fact, the statements in this press release are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding potential payments from Merck to Threshold, development and commercialization plans for XX-000, XX-000’s potential ability to treat soft tissue sarcoma and pancreatic cancer, planned clinical trials and anticipated results, and potential therapeutic uses and benefits of TH-302. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that can cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, Threshold’s ability to accomplish milestones that will trigger payments, Threshold’s and Merck’s ability to enroll or complete its anticipated clinical trials, the time and expense required to conduct such clinical trials and analyze data, whether such trials confirm results from earlier trials and preclinical studies, potential side effects associated with TH-302, issues arising in the regulatory or manufacturing process and the results of such clinical trials (including product safety issues and efficacy results), and Threshold’s and Merck’s ability to obtain regulatory approval for the marketing of TH-302. Further information regarding these and other risks is included under the heading “Risk Factors” in Threshold’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which has been filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on November 3, 2011 and is available from the SEC’s website (xxx.xxx.xxx) and on our website (xxx.xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx) under the heading “Investors.” We undertake no duty to update any forward-looking statement made in this news release.
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Exhibit D-2
Press Release
News Release
February 2, 2012
Merck KGaA and Threshold Announce Global Agreement to Co-Develop and Commercialize Phase III Hypoxia-Targeted Drug TH-302
• | Phase III soft tissue sarcoma trial ongoing; randomized Phase II pancreatic cancer trial expected to report in February 2012 |
• | Deal provides Threshold with an upfront payment of € 19 million ($25 million), plus further potential milestones and royalties as well as an option to co-commercialize in the United States |
Darmstadt, Germany, February 2, 2012 – Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, today announced that a global agreement was signed with Threshold Pharmaceuticals, Inc., South San Francisco, to co-develop and commercialize TH-302, Threshold’s small molecule hypoxia-targeted drug. TH-302 is currently being investigated in a global Phase III clinical trial in patients with soft tissue sarcoma, a randomized Phase II trial in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer from which top-line results are expected in February, as well as additional clinical studies in other solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
Under the terms of the agreement, Merck will receive co-development rights, exclusive global commercialization rights and will provide Threshold an option to co-commercialize the therapeutic in the United States. In exchange, Threshold will receive an upfront payment of € 19 million ($25 million) and could receive up to € 26.5 million ($35 million) in additional development milestones during 2012. Threshold is also eligible to receive a € 15 million ($20 million) milestone payment based on positive results from its randomized Phase II trial in pancreatic cancer. Merck does not disclose further financial details about the agreement.
In the United States, Threshold will have primary responsibility for development of TH-302 in the soft tissue sarcoma indication. Threshold and Merck KGaA will jointly develop TH-302 in all other cancer indications being pursued. Merck KGaA will pay 70% of worldwide development costs for TH-302.
Subject to FDA approval in the United States, Merck KGaA will initially be responsible for commercialization of TH-302 with Threshold receiving a tiered, double-digit royalty on sales. Under the royalty-bearing portion of the agreement, Threshold retains the option to co-promote TH-302 in the United States. Additionally, Threshold retains the option to co-commercialize TH-302 allowing the company to participate in up to 50% of the profits in the United States, based
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on certain revenue tiers. Outside of the United States, Merck KGaA will be solely responsible for the commercialization of TH-302 with Threshold receiving a tiered, double-digit royalty on sales in these territories.
“The addition of TH-302 to our pipeline provides an important opportunity in several different tumor types to expand our oncology development program,” said Xxxxx Xxxx Xxxxxxx, Head of Global Business Development and Strategy, Merck Serono. “Given the fact that pancreatic cancer is a very difficult to treat indication, successful Phase II results could represent important upside for our company.”
“We are excited by the new resources that our partnership is going to bring to the development of TH-302, and the expertise in clinical development and commercialization that Merck brings to this program,” said Xxxxx Xxxxxx, President and CEO of Threshold.
TH-302 is a hypoxia-targeted drug that is thought to be activated under tumor hypoxic conditions, a hallmark for many cancer indications. Areas of low oxygen levels (hypoxia) within tissues are common in many solid tumors due to insufficient blood vessel growth. Similarly, the bone marrow of patients with hematological malignancies has also been shown, in some cases, to be extremely hypoxic.
TH-302 has been investigated in over 550 patients in Phase I/II clinical trials to date in a broad spectrum of tumor types, both as a monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy treatments and other targeted cancer drugs.
Threshold has several ongoing clinical trials including, but not limited to: a controlled Phase II trial of TH-302 in combination with gemcitabine versus gemcitabine alone in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and a Phase III study evaluating TH-302 in combination with doxorubicin versus doxorubicin alone in patients with soft tissue sarcoma.
TH-302 development in soft tissue sarcoma
A Phase III trial of TH-302 in patients with first-line advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS) was initiated in September, 2011, based on results from a Phase I/II trial investigating its use in combination with the chemotherapeutic doxorubicin. This randomized, multi-center Phase III trial will investigate the use of TH-302 plus doxorubicin compared with doxorubicin alone. The primary efficacy endpoint is overall survival. The study is conducted under a Special Protocol Assessment with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is being run in partnership with the Sarcoma Alliance for Research through Collaboration (SARC) and aims to enroll 450 patients with metastatic or locally advanced unresectable STS.
TH-302 development in pancreatic cancer
Results from a randomized, controlled, multi-center Phase II trial of TH-302 in patients with first-line pancreatic cancer are expected to be announced in February, 2012. This trial of 214 previously untreated patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma started in June, 2010, and completed enrollment in June, 2011. Two different doses of TH-302 in combination with the chemotherapeutic gemcitabine were compared to gemcitabine alone, with progression free survival (PFS) as the primary endpoint.
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Soft tissue sarcoma
STS refers to a heterogeneous and relatively rare group of tumors that develops in the soft, supporting tissues of the body. It can occur in any of the tissues that support, surround or protect the organs of the body, such as muscle, fat, nerves, tendons and ligaments or blood vessels. It can also develop in specific organs including, for example, the uterus, stomach, skin and small bowel. Occasionally it occurs in the head and neck. Adult STS is rare, with an estimated average incidence of 4 in 100,000 cases in Europe annually.1 In the United States, there were an estimated 10,980 new cases and 3,920 deaths from STS in 2011.2 STS tends to occur in people over the age of 30, although certain types of sarcoma can develop more commonly in children and teenagers.3 Current treatment options for STS include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, although response rates are generally low and side effects can be significant.
Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is considered fairly rare, particularly in younger people. The most common symptoms are pain in the upper abdomen, weight loss, and jaundice. Current treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. It is estimated that approximately 279,000 cases of pancreatic cancer were diagnosed worldwide in 2008.4
References
1. Xxxxxx, XX et al on behalf of the ESMO Guidelines Working Group. Xxx Oncol. 2010;20(4):iv132-iv136
2. National Cancer Institute. Snapshot of Sarcoma. 2011;
xxxx://xxx.xxxxxx.xxx/xxxxxxxx/xxxxxxxxxxxxx/xxxxxxxxx/xxxxxxx.xxx. Last accessed January 13, 2011.
3. Macmillan Cancer Support:
xxxx://xxx.xxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx/Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx/Xxxxxxxxxxx/Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx/Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxxx
Last accessed January 16, 2011.
4. GLOBOCAN 2008. World estimated cancer incidence, all ages: both sexes.
xxxx://xxxxxxxx.xxxx.xx/xxxxxxx_xxxxx_xxx.xxx? selection=221900&title=World&age_from=1&age_to=10&sex=0&type
=0&PDF=1&window=1&sort=0&submit=%A0Execute%A0
Last accessed February 1, 2012.
About Threshold Pharmaceuticals
Threshold is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of drugs targeting tumor hypoxia, the low oxygen condition found in microenvironments of most solid tumors as well as the bone marrows of patients with some hematologic malignancies. For additional information, please visit the company’s website: xxx.xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.
About Merck Serono
Merck Serono is the biopharmaceutical division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a global pharmaceutical and chemical company. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Merck Serono discovers, develops, manufactures and markets prescription medicines of both chemical and biological origin in specialist indications. In the United States and Canada, EMD Serono operates as a separately incorporated affiliate of Merck Serono.
Merck Serono has leading brands serving patients with cancer (Erbitux®, cetuximab), multiple sclerosis (Rebif®, interferon beta-1a), infertility (Gonal-f®, follitropin alfa), endocrine and
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metabolic disorders (Saizen® and Serostim®, somatropin), (Kuvan®, sapropterin dihydrochloride), (Egrifta®, tesamorelin), as well as cardiometabolic diseases (Glucophage®, metformin), (Concor®, bisoprolol), (Euthyrox®, levothyroxine). Not all products are available in all markets.
With an annual R&D expenditure of over € 1bn, Merck Serono is committed to growing its business in specialist-focused therapeutic areas including neurodegenerative diseases, oncology, fertility and endocrinology, as well as new areas potentially arising out of research and development in rheumatology.
About Merck
Merck is a global pharmaceutical and chemical company with total revenues of € 9.3 billion in 2010, a history that began in 1668, and a future shaped by more than 40,000 employees in 67 countries. Its success is characterized by innovations from entrepreneurial employees. Merck’s operating activities come under the umbrella of Merck KGaA, in which the Merck family holds an approximately 70% interest and shareholders own the remaining approximately 30%. In 1917 the U.S. subsidiary Merck & Co. was expropriated and has been an independent company ever since.
For more information, please visit xxx.xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx or xxx.xxxxxxxxxx.xxx
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