STRATEGIC COLLABORATION AND LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
eXHIBIT 10.2
STRATEGIC COLLABORATION AND LICENSE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED
AND
June 6, 2019
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
STRATEGIC COLLABORATION AND LICENSE AGREEMENT
This STRATEGIC COLLABORATION AND LICENSE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of June 6, 2019 (the “Execution Date”) by and between Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (“Vertex”) and CRISPR Therapeutics AG (“CRISPR”). Vertex and CRISPR each may be referred to herein individually as a “Party” or collectively as the “Parties.”
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Vertex possesses expertise in developing and commercializing human therapeutics;
WHEREAS, Vertex and CRISPR desire to enter into a strategic collaboration and license agreement to enable Vertex to research, develop, manufacture and commercialize products for the treatment of DMD and DM1 (each as defined below) using gene editing [***], including the CRISPR/Cas System (as defined below);
WHEREAS, pursuant to this Agreement, CRISPR will perform certain DM1 guide research activities related to initial guide work for DM1 in cells; and
WHEREAS, CRISPR will have the option to enter into a Co-Commercialization Agreement (as defined below) with Vertex for all DM1 Products.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the respective covenants, representations, warranties and agreements set forth herein, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
For purposes of this Agreement, the following capitalized terms will have the following meanings:
|
1.1. |
“Acquisition Transaction” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4.2. |
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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governing board, but is restricted from electing such majority by contract or otherwise, until such time as such restrictions are no longer in effect, or (b) possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of an such Person (whether through ownership of securities or other ownership interests, by contract or otherwise). |
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1.4. |
“Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble. |
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1.5. |
“Agreement Term” means the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the expiration of this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.1, unless terminated earlier as provided herein. |
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1.6. |
“Alliance Manager” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.1. |
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1.7. |
“Alternative Product” means any Product, other than a CRISPR Product, that is Researched, Developed, Manufactured or Commercialized by Vertex or its Affiliates or Sublicensees. |
|
1.8. |
“Applicable Law” means all applicable laws, statutes, rules, regulations and other pronouncements having the effect of law of any federal, national, multinational, state, provincial, county, city or other political subdivision, agency or other body, domestic or foreign, including any applicable rules, regulations, guidelines, or other requirements of the Regulatory Authorities that may be in effect from time to time. |
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1.10. |
“Audited Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.9. |
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1.11. |
“Auditing Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.9. |
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1.12. |
“Available” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.33. |
|
1.13. |
“[***] Arbitration” means the arbitration process set forth in Schedule A. |
|
1.14. |
“[***] Expert” has the meaning set forth in Schedule A. |
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1.15. |
“BLA” means a Biological License Application that is submitted to the FDA for marketing approval for a Product pursuant to 21 C.F.R. § 601.2. |
|
1.16. |
“[***]” means, [***]. |
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1.17. |
“[***]” means [***]. |
|
1.18. |
“Breaching Party” means the Party that is believed by the other Party to be in material breach of this Agreement. |
|
1.19. |
“Business Day” means a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday that is not a day on which banking institutions in Boston, Massachusetts are authorized or obligated to close. |
3
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
|
1.21. |
“Calendar Year” means any calendar year ending on December 31, or the applicable part thereof during the first or last year of the Agreement Term. |
|
1.24. |
“Clinical Trial” means a study in humans that is conducted in accordance with GCP and is designed to generate data in support of an Approval Application. |
|
1.25. |
“Co-Commercialization Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.6(a). |
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1.27. |
“Combination Product” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.122. |
4
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
|
1.30. |
“Competitive Infringement” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.7.1. |
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1.34. |
“[***]” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.6.1(b). |
|
1.36. |
“Cost Report” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.2. |
5
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
|
1.38. |
“CREATE Act” means the Cooperative Research and Technology Enhancement Act of 2004, 35 U.S.C. § 103(c)(2)-(c)(3). |
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1.40. |
“CRISPR Agreement Breach” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2.3(a). |
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1.41. |
“CRISPR Background Know-How” means any Know-How, other than Joint Program Know-How and CRISPR Program Know-How, that (a) [***] and (b) [***]. |
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1.42. |
“CRISPR Background Patents” means any Patent, other than a Joint Program Patent, CRISPR Program Patent or CRISPR Platform Technology Patent that (a) [***] and (b) [***]. |
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1.43. |
“CRISPR Breach Event” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2.3(a). |
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1.44. |
“CRISPR Indemnified Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1. |
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1.48. |
“[***] Patent” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2. |
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1.49. |
“CRISPR Program Breach” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2.3(a). |
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1.50. |
“CRISPR Program Know-How” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.2(a). |
6
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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1.51. |
“CRISPR Program Patents” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.2(a). |
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1.52. |
“CRISPR Program Technology” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.2(a). |
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1.53. |
“CRISPR/Cas System” means a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) protein system that comprises (a) [***] and (b) [***]. |
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1.55. |
“Disclosing Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.1. |
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1.56. |
“Distracting Product” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4.1. |
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1.61. |
“DM1 Guide Research Plan” means the research plan setting forth the design, optimization and research activities for the DM1 Guide Research. |
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1.62. |
“DM1 Guide Research Plan Budget” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.1. |
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1.63. |
“DM1 Guide Research Term” means the period of time beginning on the Effective Date and ending upon the [***] anniversary thereof; provided that [***] may, in its sole discretion, elect to terminate such DM1 Guide Research Term after the [***] anniversary of the Effective Date on [***] days’ prior written notice to [***]; and provided further, that, if [***] does not elect to terminate the DM1 Guide Research Term before such [***] anniversary and any DM1 Guide Research activities under the DM1 Guide Research Plan are incomplete on such [***] anniversary, [***] will, at [***] election, complete such activities, and the DM1 Guide Research Term will be extended for up to [***] additional months to complete such activities or such longer period as may be agreed upon by both Parties. |
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[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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1.66. |
“DM1 Program Data Package” means, with respect to the DM1 Program, a data package containing [***]. |
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1.71. |
“DOJ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.7.1. |
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1.73. |
“EMA” means the European Medicines Agency and any successor entity thereto. |
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1.74. |
“European Commission” means the European Commission or any successor entity that is responsible for granting Marketing Approvals authorizing the sale of pharmaceuticals in the European Union. |
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1.76. |
“Exclusive License” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.1. |
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1.77. |
“Execution Date” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto. |
8
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
|
1.78. |
“Executive Officer Resolution Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.3. |
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1.79. |
“Executive Officers” means the Chief Executive Officer of CRISPR, initially Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, and the Chief Executive Officer of Vertex, initially Xxxxxxx Leiden. |
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1.80. |
“Existing CRISPR Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.45. |
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1.81. |
“Exon” means, [***] |
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1.82. |
“FDA” means the United States Food and Drug Administration and any successor entity thereto. |
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1.83. |
“FD&C Act” means the United States Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. |
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1.85. |
“First Commercial Sale” means with respect to a Product, the first sale of such Product by Vertex, its Affiliate or its Sublicensee to a Third Party resulting in Net Sales in a particular country after any required Marketing Approval for the Product has been obtained in such country. |
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1.87. |
“FTC” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.7.1. |
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1.89. |
“GAAP” means United States generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied. |
|
1.91. |
“[***] Joint Program Know-How” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.2(d). |
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1.92. |
“[***] Joint Program Patents” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.2(d). |
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1.93. |
“[***] Joint Program Technology” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.2(d). |
|
1.94. |
“[***]” means [***]. |
9
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
|
1.97. |
“Governmental Authority” means any court, agency, department, authority or other instrumentality of any national, state, county, city or other political subdivision. |
|
1.98. |
“HSR” means the Xxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. |
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1.102. |
“Indemnifying Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.3. |
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1.103. |
“Initiation” or “Initiate” means, with respect to any Clinical Trial, dosing of the first human subject in such Clinical Trial. |
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1.104. |
“Insolvency Event” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2.5. |
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1.105. |
“Joint Advisory Committee” or “JAC” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.1. |
10
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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1.107. |
“Joint Program Know-How” means [***] Joint Program Know-How, [***] Joint Program Know-How and Other Joint Program Know-How. |
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1.108. |
“Joint Program Patents” means [***] Joint Program Patents, [***] Joint Program Patents and Other Joint Program Patents. |
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1.109. |
“Joint Program Technology” means [***] Joint Program Technology, [***] Joint Program Technology and Other Joint Program Technology. |
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1.112. |
“Liability” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1. |
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1.113. |
“Licensed Know-How” means [***]. |
|
1.114. |
“Licensed Patents” means [***]. |
|
1.115. |
“Licensed Technology” means, subject to Section 4.1.3 and Section 4.6.2, any and all Licensed Patents and Licensed Know-How. |
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1.116. |
“Major Market Country” means any one of the following countries: [***]. |
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1.121. |
“NDA” means a new drug application that is submitted to the FDA for marketing approval for a Product, pursuant to 21 C.F.R. § 314.3. |
11
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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(a) |
[***]; |
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(b) |
[***]; |
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(c) |
[***]; |
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(d) |
[***]; and |
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(e) |
[***]. |
Generally, only items that are deducted from the Selling Party’s gross invoiced sales price of Product(s), as included in the Selling Party’s published financial statements and that are in accordance with GAAP, applied on a consistent basis, will be deducted from such gross invoiced sales price for purposes of the calculation of Net Sales. However, compulsory payments required by federal or state governments based upon sales volume or market share of Product(s) (but for clarity excluding taxes on the Selling Party’s net income), to the extent borne by the Selling Party, will be deducted from “Net Sales” regardless of its classification in the Selling Party’s published financial statements; provided that any such deduction will be limited to that share of such compulsory payment proportional to the share of the total sales volume or market share of the Selling Party used to compute the compulsory payment represented by applicable Net Sales of Product(s).
A qualifying amount may be deducted only once regardless of the number of the preceding categories that describe such amount. If a Selling Party makes any adjustment to such deductions after the associated Net Sales have been reported pursuant to this Agreement, the adjustments and payment of any royalties due will be reported with the next quarterly report. Sales between or among Vertex, its Affiliates and Sublicensees will be excluded from the computation of Net Sales if such sales are not intended for end use, but Net Sales will include the subsequent final sales to Third Parties by Vertex or any such Affiliates or Sublicensees. A Product will not be deemed to be sold if the Product is provided free of charge to a Third Party in reasonable quantities as a sample consistent with industry standard promotional and sample practices. [***].
If a sale, transfer or other disposition with respect to a Product involves consideration other than cash or is not at arm’s length, then the Net Sales from such sale, transfer or other disposition will be calculated on the [***].
Solely for purposes of calculating Net Sales, if Vertex or its Affiliates or any permitted Sublicensee sells a combination product containing both a Product and one or more other therapeutically or prophylactically active ingredients or delivery devices (whether combined in a single formulation or package, as applicable, or formulated separately but packaged under a single label approved by a Regulatory Authority and sold together for a single price) (a “Combination Product”), Net Sales of such Combination Product for the purpose of determining the payments due to CRISPR pursuant to this Agreement will be calculated by multiplying actual Net Sales of such Combination Product as determined in the first
12
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
paragraph of the definition of “Net Sales” by the fraction A/(A+B) where [***]. The weighted average invoice prices referenced above will be calculated with reference to the prevailing prices during the applicable Calendar Quarter in those top selling countries that equate to [***]% of Net Sales of the applicable Product in the Territory, with the prices weighted in the calculation to reflect the actual relative sales value of the Product in each of the countries to which the calculation relates. If it is not possible to determine the fraction A/(A+B) based on the criteria specified in the preceding sentence (e.g., if a Product component is not sold separately), the Parties shall determine Net Sales for the Product in such Combination Product in good faith by mutual agreement [***].
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1.124. |
“Non-Breaching Party” means the Party that believes the other Party is in material breach of this Agreement. |
|
1.125. |
“[***]” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.6.1(d). |
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1.126. |
“Non-Disclosing Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.5.3. |
|
1.127. |
“[***] Agreement” means that certain [***] Agreement entered into as of the Execution Date by and between the Parties. |
|
1.129. |
“Other Joint Program Know-How” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.2(e). |
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1.130. |
“Other Joint Program Patents” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.2(e). |
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1.131. |
“Other Joint Program Technology” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.2(e). |
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1.132. |
“Out-of-Pocket Costs” means, with respect to a Party, costs and expenses paid by such Party to Third Parties (or payable to Third Parties and accrued in accordance with GAAP), other than Affiliates or employees of such Party. |
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1.133. |
“Outside Date” means (i) with respect to the DMD Program, the [***] anniversary of the Execution Date and (ii) with respect to the DM1 Program, the [***] anniversary of the Execution Date. |
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1.134. |
“Party” or “Parties” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble. |
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1.135. |
“Patent Coordinator” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4. |
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1.136. |
“Patent Costs” means the reasonable fees and expenses paid to outside legal counsel, and filing, maintenance, disbursement and other reasonable Out-of-Pocket Costs paid to Third Parties, in connection with the Prosecution and Maintenance of Patents. |
13
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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1.139. |
“Phase 1 Clinical Trial” means any Clinical Trial as described in 21 C.F.R. §312.21(a), or, with respect to a jurisdiction other than the United States, a similar Clinical Trial. |
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1.144. |
“[***] Joint Program Know-How” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.2(c). |
|
1.145. |
“[***] Joint Program Patents” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.2(c). |
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1.146. |
“[***] Joint Program Technology” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.2(c). |
|
1.149. |
“Receiving Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.1. |
14
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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1.154. |
“Research Costs” means the costs and expenses that are actually incurred by or on behalf of a Party and specifically identifiable or specifically allocable to the Research activities conducted by such Party, including: (a) a Party’s and its Affiliates fully absorbed internal costs with respect to such activities; and (b) all Out-of-Pocket Costs incurred by a Party or its Affiliates, including payments made to Third Parties with respect to such Research activities (except to the extent that such costs have been included in internal costs). [***]. All other costs will be determined from the books and records of the applicable Party and its Affiliates maintained in accordance with GAAP. |
15
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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1.157. |
“Schedule Revision Date” means the earlier of (a) the fifth day following the HSR Clearance Date and (b) the day on or after the HSR Clearance Date on which CRISPR provides to Vertex either (i) CRISPR’s supplemental or additional schedules (if any) pursuant to the proviso in the first sentence of Section 8.2, and a notice that no further supplemental, additional or updated schedules will be provided, or (ii) instead of providing any such supplemental, additional or updated schedules, a notice that no further supplemental, additional or updated schedules will be provided. |
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1.158. |
“Selling Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.122. |
|
1.159. |
“Setoff Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.3.2. |
|
1.160. |
“[***]” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.3.3(a). |
|
1.161. |
“Specified Agreement No. 1” means [***]. |
|
1.162. |
“Specified Agreement No. 2” means [***]. |
|
1.163. |
“Specified Endonuclease Agreement” means [***]. |
|
1.165. |
“Specified Third Party Intellectual Property” means[***]. |
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1.166. |
“Subcontractor” means, with respect to a Party, a consultant, subcontractor or other vendor engaged by such Party or its Affiliates to perform activities under this Agreement. |
16
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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1.169. |
“Target” means [***] of which is associated with a human disease and which is to be edited, [***] in order to treat, ameliorate or prevent such disease. |
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1.170. |
“Targeting” means [***] a Target or [***] thereof; provided, that with respect to [***], Targeting means [***]. |
|
1.174. |
“United States” or “U.S.” means the fifty states of the United States of America and all of its territories and possessions and the District of Columbia. |
|
1.176. |
“Vertex” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble. |
|
1.177. |
“Vertex Background Know-How” means any Know-How, other than Joint Program Know-How and Vertex Program Know-How, that [***]. |
|
1.178. |
“Vertex Background Patents” means any Patent, other than a Joint Program Patent or Vertex Program Patent that [***]. |
|
1.179. |
“Vertex Indemnified Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2. |
|
1.181. |
“Vertex Program Patents” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.2(b). |
|
1.182. |
“Vertex Program Technology” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.2(b). |
|
1.183. |
“Vertex Technology” means (a) the Vertex Background Know-How, (b) the Vertex Background Patents, (c) the Vertex Program Technology and (d) Vertex’s interest in any Joint Program Technology. |
17
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
ARTICLE 2.
DM1 GUIDE RESEARCH
|
2.1.1. |
DM1 Guide Research Plan. During the DM1 Guide Research Term, CRISPR will use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to conduct the Research activities set forth in the DM1 Guide Research Plan in accordance with the criteria and timeframes set forth therein. The DM1 Guide Research Plan will include, where applicable, (a) a description of the process and criteria to be used by CRISPR to perform the DM1 Guide Research, (b) projected timelines for activities under the DM1 Guide Research Plan, (c) a budget for activities under such DM1 Guide Research Plan, which budget shall not exceed the amounts specified in the budget criteria attached hereto as Schedule D-2 (the “DM1 Guide Research Plan Budget”), and (d) decision points and associated criteria for the DM1 Guide Research. The initial DM1 Guide Research Plan is attached hereto as Schedule D-1. The DM1 Guide Research Plan may only be amended by approval of a proposed amendment thereto by the JAC, acting by consensus. If the JAC cannot reach agreement on a proposed amendment of the DM1 Guide Research Plan within [***] days of the date that the JAC first considers such proposed amendment, such matter will be escalated to the Executive Officers for resolution. If the Executive Officers do not reach agreement on whether to approve such proposed amendment within [***] days of the escalation of such matter to the Executive Officers, such proposed amendment of the DM1 Guide Research Plan will not take effect. |
18
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
|
2.1.5. |
Research Costs. Vertex will reimburse CRISPR for a portion of Research Costs for DM1 Guide Research incurred by CRISPR in accordance with Section 6.3. |
|
2.1.6. |
End of DM1 Guide Research Term. Following the conclusion of the DM1 Guide Research Term, [***] will have no further obligation to perform any additional Research activities under this Agreement. |
|
3.1. |
|
3.1.1. |
Formation. Within [***] days after the Effective Date, the Parties will establish a joint advisory committee (the “Joint Advisory Committee” or “JAC”) to oversee and coordinate Research and Development activities under this Agreement and perform such other duties specifically described in this Agreement. The JAC will be comprised of [***] representatives from each Party, with one such representative having [***]. The JAC will conduct its responsibilities hereunder in good faith and with reasonable care and diligence. The JAC will meet in person at least (i) once per Calendar Quarter during the DM1 Guide Research Term and (ii) twice per Calendar Year in each Calendar Year following the conclusion of the DM1 Guide Research Term, on such dates and at such times and places as agreed to by the members of the JAC. The purpose of the JAC will be to provide a forum for information sharing relating to Research and Development activities conducted pursuant to this Agreement, including information pertaining to Manufacturing as it relates to such Research and Development activities, including commercial scale-up. The JAC will have no decision-making authority except as expressly provided in Sections 2.1.1 and 3.1.2(e). Each Party will be responsible for its own expenses relating to attendance at or participation in JAC meetings. |
|
3.1.2. |
Responsibilities. The JAC will: |
|
(a) |
review and discuss any amendments to the DM1 Guide Research Plan and the corresponding DM1 Guide Research Plan Budget; |
|
(b) |
provide comments and recommendations to each Party with respect to the conduct of activities under the DMD Program, the DM1 Program and the DM1 Guide Research; |
|
(c) |
provide a forum for the Parties to discuss the objectives and progress under the DMD Program, the DM1 Program and the DM1 Guide Research, and to exchange and review scientific information and data relating to the activities being conducted thereunder; |
|
(d) |
provide a forum for the Parties to discuss any material Licensed Know-How disclosed by CRISPR as described in Section 4.2.2; |
|
(f) |
perform such other duties as are specifically assigned to the JAC under this Agreement. |
19
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
|
3.1.3. |
Third Party Expert Determination. With respect to Section 3.1.2(e) above, if the JAC cannot reach agreement within [***] days of the date that the JAC first considers whether such criteria have been met, such matter will be escalated to the Executive Officers for resolution. If the Executive Officers do not reach agreement within [***] days of the escalation of such matter to the Executive Officers (the “Executive Officer Resolution Period”), then such dispute shall be resolved by an independent expert selected mutually by the Parties (or, if the Parties cannot agree on such an expert within [***] days following the Executive Officer Resolution Period, each Party shall appoint an independent expert, and such independent experts shall select a third independent expert, in which case, the determination of the experts shall be made by a majority of such panel of three experts). Either Party may initiate expert determination by giving written notice to the other Party. The expert(s), once appointed, shall have no ex parte communications with either Party concerning the expert determination or the underlying dispute. The Parties agree to cooperate fully in the expeditious conduct of such expert determination and to provide the expert(s) with access to all facilities, books, records, documents, information and personnel necessary to make a fully informed decision in an expeditious manner. Before issuing a final decision, the expert(s) shall issue a draft report and allow the Parties to comment on it, and shall thereafter issue a final, written, reasoned decision. The expert(s) shall endeavor to resolve the dispute within [***] days (but no later than [***] days) after his, her or their appointment, taking into account the circumstances requiring an expeditious resolution of the matter in dispute. The decision of the expert(s) shall be final and binding on the Parties. The costs of the expert determination shall be shared equally by the Parties, regardless of the outcome of the determination. |
|
3.1.4. |
Discontinuation of the JAC. The JAC will continue to exist until the first to occur of [***]. |
|
3.2. |
Other Committees. The Parties may, by mutual agreement, form such other committees or working groups as may be necessary or desirable to facilitate the activities under this Agreement. Any dispute arising from such committees or working groups will be escalated to the JAC for resolution. |
|
3.3. |
|
3.3.1. |
Appointment. Within [***] days following the Effective Date each Party will appoint (and notify the other Party of the identity of) a representative of such Party to act as its alliance manager under this Agreement (each an “Alliance Manager”). Each Party may replace its Alliance Manager at any time by written notice to the other Party. |
|
3.3.2. |
Specific Responsibilities. The Alliance Managers may be, but will not be required to be, members of the JAC. The Alliance Managers will serve as the primary contact point between the Parties for the purpose of providing each Party with information regarding the other Parties’ activities pursuant to this Agreement and will have the following responsibilities: |
|
(a) |
schedule meetings of the JAC and circulate draft written minutes from each meeting within [***] days after each such meeting; |
20
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
|
(b) |
facilitate the flow of information and otherwise promote communication, coordination and collaboration between the Parties; |
|
(c) |
coordinate the various functional representatives of each Party, as appropriate, in developing and executing strategies and plans for Products; |
|
(d) |
provide a single point of communication for seeking consensus both internally within the respective Party’s organization and between the Parties regarding key strategy and planning issues; |
|
(e) |
coordinate and facilitate budget, finance and billing activities as overseen by the JAC; and |
ARTICLE 4.
LICENSE GRANTS; TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
|
4.1. |
21
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
|
4.1.3. |
License Conditions; Limitations. Subject to Section 4.6, any rights and obligations hereunder, including the rights granted pursuant to the Exclusive License, are subject to and limited by any applicable Third Party Obligations to the extent the provisions of such obligations or agreements are specifically disclosed to Vertex in writing (or via electronic data room) (a) with respect to Third Party Obligations existing as of the Execution Date, prior to the Execution Date, and (b) with respect to Third Party Obligations arising after the Execution Date, on or prior to the date on which such Third Party Obligations arise. Vertex may [***] any Third Party Patents and Know-How to which such Third Party Obligations [***]. If Vertex does not [***] such Third Party Patents and Know-How [***], such Third Party Patents and Know-How [***] under this Agreement and Vertex will be subject to the Third Party Obligations [***]. |
|
(b) |
License to Vertex. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, CRISPR hereby grants to Vertex a perpetual, irrevocable, non-exclusive, royalty-free, fully paid-up, worldwide, sublicensable license to all improvements or modifications to the Vertex Background Know-How or Vertex Background Patents, whether or not patentable, that arise in the course of performing activities under this Agreement, including the DM1 Guide Research, that are Controlled by CRISPR or its Affiliates to make, have made, use, sell, keep, offer for sale, export and import products (including Products). |
|
4.1.5. |
License to Enabling Vertex Technology. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Vertex hereby grants to CRISPR a limited, non-exclusive, royalty-free, fully paid-up, worldwide, sublicensable license to all Vertex Technology, whether or not patentable, solely to the extent necessary for CRISPR to perform its obligations under this Agreement. |
22
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
|
4.2. |
|
4.2.3. |
[***]. |
|
4.2.4. |
|
(a) |
To CRISPR. Vertex hereby grants to CRISPR the right to rely upon and a right to copy, access, and otherwise use, all Adverse Event information pertaining to each Product (except for any Alternative Product that is not Covered by and does not embody the Licensed Technology) as reasonably required in connection with the Development and Commercialization of products (including the Products to the extent permitted under the Co-Commercialization Agreement, if applicable), and Vertex shall, if requested by CRISPR, provide a signed statement that CRISPR may rely on, and the Regulatory Authority may access, in support of CRISPR’s application for Regulatory Approval of such products. |
|
(b) |
To Vertex. CRISPR hereby grants to Vertex the right to rely upon and a right to copy, access, and otherwise use, all Adverse Event information Controlled by CRISPR with respect to any products that are Covered by or embody any of the Licensed Technology, as reasonably required in connection with the Development and Commercialization of Products, and CRISPR shall, if requested by Vertex, provide a signed statement that Vertex may rely on, and the Regulatory Authority may access, in support of Vertex’s application for Regulatory Approval of Products. |
|
4.3. |
No Implied Licenses. All rights in and to Licensed Technology not expressly licensed or assigned to Vertex under this Agreement are hereby retained by CRISPR or its Affiliates. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, no Party will be deemed by estoppel or implication to have granted the other Party any licenses or other right with respect to any intellectual property. |
|
4.4. |
|
(a) |
[***]; |
|
(b) |
[***] |
23
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
|
(c) |
[***]. |
[***].
|
4.5. |
Change of Control. If there is a Change of Control of CRISPR, [***]. |
|
(c) |
If [***] is contemplating [***], then (1) [***] may request that [***] use, in which case [***] shall use, Commercially Reasonable Efforts to [***], and such request must be made to [***] in writing within [***] Business Days after the disclosure described in Section 4.6.2(c)(i) is made to [***]; (2) [***] shall be responsible for payment of [***] percent ([***]%) of any obligation due in connection with [***]; and (3) all Know-How and Patents [***]. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if [***] is unsuccessful in [***], [***] shall provide [***] with prompt written notice thereof, and the provisions of Section 4.6.1(b) will apply, provided that, notwithstanding clause (ii) of Section 4.6.1(b), [***] will only have [***] Business Days after receipt of such written notice to elect to [***]. |
|
4.6.2. |
[***]. Notwithstanding Section 4.6.1, Vertex [***] with respect to one or more [***] and, thereafter, [***]. |
24
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
|
4.7. |
|
4.7.3. |
Other than the provisions of this Section 4.7, Section 8.1, Section 8.2, Sections 8.3.1 through 8.3.6, ARTICLE 11, Section 10.2.1, Section 12.5, and Section 12.11, and all definitions necessary to give effect to the foregoing provisions, each of which shall each become effective on the Execution Date, the rights and obligations of the Parties under this Agreement shall not become effective until the Effective Date. |
25
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
ARTICLE 5.
RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, MANUFACTURING AND COMMERCIALIZATION OF PRODUCTS
|
5.1. |
|
5.1.1. |
Responsibility. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, Vertex will be solely responsible for, and will have sole and exclusive control over, the Research and Development of Products. |
26
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
|
(a) |
Option Exercise. CRISPR shall have the option to enter into a worldwide co-exclusive (with Vertex) co-development and co-commercialization agreement (the “Co-Commercialization Agreement”) for all DM1 Products (the “DM1 Program Option”), which option may be exercised by CRISPR by providing written notice of such exercise to Vertex as described in this Section 5.1.6(a). Vertex shall give CRISPR at least [***] days’ prior written notice of its intention to file the first IND submission for a DM1 Product under the DM1 Program. Following CRISPR’s receipt of such written notice, CRISPR will have until [***] days after the date of the first IND submission for a DM1 Product under the DM1 Program to exercise the DM1 Program Option. If CRISPR is interested in exercising the DM1 Program Option, CRISPR may, at any time during the period beginning [***] days prior to the anticipated first IND submission for a DM1 Product under the DM1 Program and ending [***] Business Days after such IND submission (after Vertex has given CRISPR written notice thereof), request the DM1 Program Data Package by providing written notice to Vertex (the “DM1 Program Information Notice”), and Vertex will deliver to CRISPR the DM1 Program Data Package within [***] days of the date of such notice. CRISPR shall have the right to issue a DM1 Program Information Notice one time. Within [***] Business Days after the first IND submission for a DM1 Product under the DM1 Program, unless CRISPR has previously exercised the DM1 Program Option, Vertex shall provide to CRISPR (a) if the DM1 Program Data Package has been previously delivered to CRISPR, a copy of such IND or (b) if the DM1 Program Data Package has not been previously delivered to CRISPR, the DM1 Program Data Package. Unless CRISPR has previously exercised the DM1 Program Option as provided in this Section, CRISPR must exercise the DM1 Program Option within [***] days after the date of the first IND submission for a DM1 Product under the DM1 Program (provided that Vertex has given CRISPR written notice of such submission), or CRISPR will be deemed to have irrevocably waived its rights with respect to the DM1 Program Option. During the period in which CRISPR remains eligible to exercise the DM1 Program Option, CRISPR may request, no more than once in each [***]-month period, that Vertex provide to CRISPR a report setting forth the Research Costs (and, if applicable, expenses relating to the Development of DM1 Products) incurred by or on behalf of Vertex (and its Affiliates and Sublicensees, as applicable) as of the date of such report, and estimated to be incurred by or on behalf of Vertex (and its Affiliates and Sublicensees, as applicable) up to and including the date that is [***] days after the date of the first IND submission for a DM1 Product under the DM1 Program. Vertex shall provide such report within [***] days after receipt of CRISPR’s request. |
|
(b) |
Negotiation of Co-Commercialization Agreement. In the event that CRISPR exercises the DM1 Program Option, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith the terms and conditions of the Co-Commercialization Agreement for a period of up to [***] days following the exercise of such option, which terms and conditions will be reasonable and customary for agreements of that type and will include: [***]. For clarity, Vertex will continue to conduct and will be solely responsible for, and continue to have sole and exclusive control over, the Research, Development and Manufacture of DM1 Products during the aforementioned [***]-day negotiation period and during the pendency of any matters referred for resolution pursuant to Section 5.1.6(c), and Vertex will |
27
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
|
not be obligated to change any plans with respect to any Phase 1 Clinical Trial of a DM1 Product that are in effect at the time of CRISPR’s DM1 Program Option exercise, as a result of such DM1 Program Option exercise. Upon execution of the Co-Commercialization Agreement by the Parties, DM1 Products will no longer be Products under this Agreement. |
|
(c) |
Escalation Procedure. In the event the Parties, despite their good faith negotiations, are unable to agree on the terms and conditions of the Co-Commercialization Agreement before the end of the [***]-day negotiation period referred to in Section 5.1.6(b), the Parties shall refer those terms and conditions to which they have not mutually agreed to the Executive Officers, who shall use reasonable efforts to reach agreement on such terms and conditions. If such Executive Officers are unable to reach consensus with respect to such terms and conditions within [***] days after such referral, the matter shall be referred for resolution in accordance with Schedule A, provided, that CRISPR shall have the right at any time after such [***] day period to withdraw its notice of exercise of the DM1 Program Option upon written notice to Vertex, in which case the Parties shall have no further obligations with respect to the negotiation of the Co-Commercialization Agreement. |
|
(d) |
Economics Upon Execution. Upon any execution by both Parties of the Co-Commercialization Agreement, (i) Vertex shall promptly provide to CRISPR a report setting forth the Research Costs (and, if applicable, expenses relating to the Development of DM1 Products) incurred by Vertex (and its Affiliates and Sublicensees, as applicable) prior to the execution of the Co-Commercialization Agreement, and CRISPR shall, within [***] days of receiving such report, reimburse Vertex for [***]% of such costs and (ii) Vertex’s obligation to pay the milestone payments under Section 6.2 and Section 6.6.1 (to the extent the corresponding milestone events have not been achieved) and the royalty payments under Section 6.4 and Section 6.6.2 will terminate. If the terms of this Agreement conflict with the terms of the Co-Commercialization Agreement, the terms of the Co-Commercialization-Agreement will control with respect to the DM1 Program and the terms of this Agreement will control with respect to all other matters. |
|
(e) |
Effect of No Option Exercise. In the event that CRISPR does not exercise the DM1 Program Option, or if CRISPR withdraws its notice of exercise pursuant to Section 5.1.6(c), then Vertex shall remain solely responsible for all Development, Manufacturing and Commercialization activities of DM1 Products and the economic provisions set forth in ARTICLE 6 shall apply with respect to any and all DM1 Products. |
|
5.2. |
|
5.2.1. |
Responsibilities. Vertex or its designated Affiliates and Sublicensees will have the sole authority to prepare and file Regulatory Filings, each in its own name, and applications for Regulatory Approval and Price Approval for any and all Products, and will have the sole responsibility for communicating with any Regulatory Authority both prior to and following Regulatory Approval and Price Approval, including all communications and decisions with respect to (a) pricing of Products and (b) the negotiation of Product pricing with Regulatory Authorities and other Third Parties. |
28
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
|
5.2.2. |
Ownership. Ownership of all right, title and interest in and to any and all Regulatory Filings, Regulatory Approvals and Price Approvals directed to any Product in each country of the Territory will be held in the name of Vertex, its Affiliate, designee or Sublicensee. |
|
5.3. |
|
5.3.3. |
Branding. Vertex or its designated Affiliates or Sublicensees will select and own all trademarks used in connection with the Commercialization of any and all Products. CRISPR will not use nor seek to register, anywhere in the world, any trademark that is confusingly similar to any trademark used by or on behalf of Vertex, its Affiliates or Sublicensees in connection with any Product. |
|
5.4. |
Manufacturing. Vertex will have the exclusive right to Manufacture and supply Products either itself or through one or more Affiliates or Third Parties selected by Vertex in its sole discretion. The Parties may share information relating to the Manufacture of Products, and other products to be commercialized by CRISPR, to determine whether and how to leverage their respective manufacturing efforts, but shall have no obligation hereunder to enter into an agreement with respect thereto. |
|
5.5. |
Applicable Laws. Each Party will, and will require its Affiliates, Sublicensees and Subcontractors to, comply with all Applicable Law in its and their Research, Development, Manufacture and Commercialization of Products, including where appropriate, cGMP, GCP and GLP (or similar standards). |
|
5.6. |
Exchange of Information. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Vertex will not be required to disclose to CRISPR any information (including information regarding any Product) that Vertex is prohibited from disclosing pursuant to Third Party confidentiality obligations, provided that, if the DM1 Program Data Package would, absent the provisions of this Section 5.6, be required to contain any such information, Vertex may redact such information from such DM1 Program Data Package solely to the minimum extent necessary to comply with any such Third Party confidentiality obligations. |
29
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
ARTICLE 6.
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
|
6.1. |
Up-Front Fee to CRISPR. Within four Business Days following the Effective Date, Vertex will pay CRISPR a one-time, non-refundable, non-creditable, up-front fee of $175,000,000 payable by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by CRISPR in writing. |
|
6.2. |
Milestone Event |
[***] |
[***] |
|||
[***] |
[***] |
[***] |
|||
1 |
[***] |
|
|
|
[***] |
2 |
[***] |
|
|
|
[***] |
3 |
[***] |
[***] |
[***] |
[***] |
[***] |
4 |
[***] |
[***] |
[***] |
[***] |
[***] |
5 |
[***] |
[***] |
[***] |
[***] |
[***] |
6 |
[***] |
[***] |
[***] |
[***] |
[***] |
7 |
[***] |
[***] |
[***] |
[***] |
[***] |
[***].
|
6.2.2. |
Commercial Milestones. Subject to Section 6.6.1 with respect to Alternative Products, Vertex will pay CRISPR the milestone payments set forth in this Section 6.2.2 with respect to the first achievement by Vertex or any of its Affiliates or Sublicensees of the applicable milestone event with respect to a Product. Each milestone payment set forth below is payable only once, regardless of the number of Products that achieve the relevant milestone event or the number of times a given Product achieves such milestone event such that, (a) [***], and (b) [***]. |
Milestone Event |
[***] |
[***] |
||
[***] |
[***] |
[***] |
||
[***] |
[***] |
[***] |
[***] |
[***] |
[***] |
[***] |
[***] |
[***] |
[***] |
|
6.2.3. |
Notice; Payment. Vertex will provide CRISPR with written notice upon the achievement by Vertex or any of its Affiliates or Sublicensees of each of the milestone events set forth in Section 6.2.1 or 6.2.2, such notice to be provided, (a) with respect to milestones under Section 6.2.1, within [***] days after achievement, and (b) with respect to milestones under Section 6.2.2, [***] for the Calendar Quarter in which such milestone is first achieved. Following receipt of such notice, CRISPR will promptly invoice Vertex for the applicable milestone and Vertex will make the appropriate milestone payment within [***] days after receipt of such invoice. |
30
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
|
6.4. |
|
6.4.1. |
Royalty Rates. Subject to Sections 6.4.2, 6.4.3, 6.4.4 and 6.6.2, Vertex will pay CRISPR royalties based on (i) the aggregate Net Sales of all DMD Products, and (ii) the aggregate Net Sales of all DM1 Products (each of (i) and (ii) measured separately for determining royalties below) sold by Vertex, its Affiliates or Sublicensees in the Field in the Territory during a Calendar Year at the rates set forth in the table below. The obligation to pay royalties will be imposed only once with respect to the same unit of a Product. |
|
6.4.2. |
Royalty Term. Vertex will pay royalties to CRISPR under this Section 6.4 on a Product-by-Product and a country-by-country basis during the Royalty Term. Upon the expiration of the Royalty Term for a given Product in a given country, the Exclusive License with respect to such Product will become fully-paid, perpetual and irrevocable. |
31
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
|
6.4.4. |
Third Party Licenses. Vertex may [***] from the royalties payable to CRISPR under this Section 6.4 [***] paid by Vertex under [***]; provided, however, that in no event will the royalties that would otherwise be payable to CRISPR, as reduced by Section 6.4.3 [***] under this Section 6.4.4; and provided further, that Vertex will be entitled to [***] any amounts with respect to which Vertex [***] pursuant to this Section 6.4.4 but [***] in this Section 6.4.4. [***]. |
|
6.4.5. |
Royalty Reports. During the Agreement Term, following the first sale of a Product giving rise to Net Sales, within [***] days after the end of each Calendar Quarter, Vertex will deliver a report to CRISPR specifying on a Product-by-Product and country-by-country basis: (a) gross sales in the relevant Calendar Quarter, (b) Net Sales in the relevant Calendar Quarter, including an accounting of deductions applied to determine Net Sales; (c) a summary of the then-current exchange rate methodology then in use by Vertex, and (d) royalties payable on such Net Sales. All royalty payments due under Section 6.4.1 or Section 6.6.2 for each Calendar Quarter will be due and payable within [***] days after Vertex’s delivery of the applicable report under this Section 6.4.5. |
|
6.4.6. |
Flash Reports. As soon as practicable, but in no event later than [***] days from the last day of each Calendar Quarter, Vertex will provide CRISPR with a flash report providing a good faith estimate of Net Sales accrued in the preceding Calendar Quarter and the royalties payable to CRISPR on such Net Sales on a Product-by-Product and country-by-country basis. The flash report may be based on forecasted numbers and it is understood that final reported Net Sales for purposes of calculating the royalty owed under Section 6.4.1 or Section 6.6.2, as applicable, may vary. |
32
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
|
(b) |
Third Party Licenses. Vertex may [***] from the royalties payable to CRISPR under this Section 6.6.2 [***] paid by Vertex pursuant to [***]; provided, however, that in no event will the royalties that would otherwise be payable to CRISPR, as reduced by Section 6.6.2(a) [***] under this Section 6.6.2(b); and provided further, that Vertex will be entitled to [***] any amounts with respect to which Vertex [***] pursuant to this Section 6.6.2(b) but [***] in this Section 6.6.2(b). |
|
6.7. |
|
6.7.2. |
If any amounts that are relevant to the determination of amounts to be paid under this Agreement or any calculations to be performed under this Agreement are denoted in a currency other than U.S. Dollars, then such amounts will be converted to their U.S. Dollar equivalent using Vertex’s then-current standard procedures and methodology, including its then-current standard exchange rate methodology for the translation of foreign currency expenses into U.S. Dollars or, in the case of Sublicensees, such similar methodology, consistently applied. |
33
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
|
6.8. |
Withholding Tax. Where any sum due to be paid to CRISPR hereunder is subject to any withholding or similar tax, Vertex will pay such withholding or similar tax to the appropriate Governmental Authority and deduct the amount paid from the amount then due CRISPR, in a timely manner and promptly transmit to CRISPR an official tax certificate or other evidence of such withholding sufficient to enable CRISPR to claim such payment of taxes. The Parties agree to cooperate with one another and use reasonable efforts to reduce or eliminate tax withholding or similar obligations in respect of royalties, milestone payments, and other payments made by Vertex to CRISPR under this Agreement. CRISPR will provide Vertex any tax forms that may be reasonably necessary in order for Vertex not to withhold tax or to withhold tax at a reduced rate under an applicable bilateral income tax treaty. Each Party will provide the other with reasonable assistance to enable the recovery, as permitted by Applicable Laws, of withholding taxes, value added taxes, or similar obligations resulting from payments made under this Agreement, such recovery to be for the benefit of the Party bearing such withholding tax or value added tax. |
|
6.9. |
Records. During the Agreement Term, Vertex will keep and maintain accurate and complete records regarding Net Sales during the [***] preceding Calendar Years and CRISPR will keep and maintain accurate and complete records regarding the Research Cost covering the [***] preceding Calendar Years. Upon [***] days prior written notice from the other Party (the “Auditing Party”), the Party required to maintain such records (as applicable, the “Audited Party”) will permit an independent certified public accounting firm of internationally recognized standing, selected by the Auditing Party and reasonably acceptable to the Audited Party, to examine the relevant books and records of the Audited Party and its Affiliates, as may be reasonably necessary to verify the royalty reports submitted by Vertex in accordance with Section 6.4.5, or Research Cost reported by CRISPR in accordance with Section 6.3, as applicable. An examination by the Auditing Party under this Section 6.9 will occur not more than [***] in any Calendar Year and will be limited to the pertinent books and records for any Calendar Year ending not more than [***] months before the date of the request. The accounting firm will be provided access to such books and records at the Audited Party’s facility or facilities where such books and records are normally kept and such examination will be conducted during the Audited Party’s normal business hours. The Audited Party may require the accounting firm to sign a customary non-disclosure agreement before providing the accounting firm access to its facilities or records. Upon completion of the audit, the accounting firm will provide both the Auditing Party and the Audited Party a written report disclosing whether the reports submitted by Vertex, or the Research Cost reported by CRISPR, as applicable, are correct or incorrect and the specific details concerning any discrepancies. No other information will be provided to the Auditing Party. If the report or information submitted by the Audited Party results in an underpayment or overpayment, the Party owing underpaid or overpaid amount will promptly pay such amount to the other Party, and, if, as a result of such inaccurate report or information, such amount is more than [***] of the amount that was owed the Audited Party will reimburse the Auditing Party for the reasonable expense incurred by the Auditing Party in connection with the audit. |
|
6.10. |
Late Payment. Any payments or portions thereof due hereunder that are not paid when due will accrue interest from the date due until paid at an annual rate equal to [***] (or the maximum allowed by Applicable Law, if less). |
34
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
ARTICLE 7.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
|
7.1. |
Ownership; Assignment. For the avoidance of doubt, the rights and obligations of the Parties under this ARTICLE 7 are subject to and limited by any applicable Third Party Obligations to the extent the provisions of such obligations or agreements are specifically disclosed to Vertex in writing (or via electronic data room) (a) with respect to Third Party Obligations existing as of the Execution Date, prior to the Execution Date, and (b) with respect to Third Party Obligations arising after the Execution Date, on or prior to the date on which such Third Party Obligations arise. |
|
7.1.1. |
CRISPR Technology and Vertex Technology. As between the Parties, CRISPR will own and retain all of its rights, title and interest in and to the CRISPR Background Know-How, CRISPR Background Patents and CRISPR Platform Technology Patents and Vertex will own and retain all of its rights, title and interest in and to any Vertex Background Know-How and Vertex Background Patents, subject to any assignments, rights or licenses expressly granted by one Party to the other Party under this Agreement. |
|
7.1.2. |
35
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
36
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
|
7.2. |
Assignment of [***] Patents to [***]. Within [***] days following the Effective Date, [***] will, and hereby does, assign to [***] or one or more of its designated Affiliates [***] ownership interest in any Patents that are [***] and that [***] (each such Patent, a “[***] Patent”), as of the Effective Date and as set forth on Schedule G. During the Agreement Term, [***] will, and hereby does, assign to [***] or one or more of its designated Affiliates [***] ownership interest in any Know-How [***], and for the avoidance of doubt, [***] will not have the right to file any Patents on any such Know-How prior to or following such assignment to [***]. [***] will have no further right to control any aspect of the Prosecution and Maintenance of any [***] Patents that have been assigned to [***] pursuant to this Section 7.2. [***] will take all actions and provide [***] with all reasonably requested assistance to effect such assignment and will execute any and all documents necessary to perfect such assignment. Any Patents and Know-How assigned to [***] under this Section 7.2 will be considered [***]. With respect to any Know-How Controlled by [***] that pertains [***], if [***] Prosecutes and Maintains any Patents that [***], [***] will use reasonable efforts to Prosecute and Maintain such Patents so as to create [***] Patents that are separate from Patents that [***], or that [***], and [***] will, and hereby does, assign to [***] or one or more of its designated Affiliates such [***] Patents. |
|
7.3. |
Prosecution and Maintenance of Patents. The Parties hereby agree as follows with respect to the Prosecution and Maintenance of certain Patents, subject, in each case, to Third Party Obligations: |
|
7.3.1. |
CRISPR Platform Technology Patents. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, and subject to Section 7.3.5, CRISPR will control and be responsible for all aspects of the Prosecution and Maintenance of the CRISPR Platform Technology Patents. |
|
7.3.3. |
Vertex Patents. Vertex will control and be responsible for all aspects of the Prosecution and Maintenance of all Vertex Background Patents, Vertex Program Patents and [***] Joint Program Patents. |
|
7.3.4. |
Other Joint Program Patents. The Parties will discuss and agree upon an allocation of responsibility for the Prosecution and Maintenance of the Other Joint Program Patents. |
37
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
|
7.4. |
Patent Coordinators. Each Party will appoint a patent coordinator reasonably acceptable to the other Party (each, a “Patent Coordinator”) to serve as such Party’s primary liaison with the other Party on matters relating to the Prosecution and Maintenance and enforcement of Licensed Patents and Joint Program Patents. The Patent Coordinators (or their designees) will meet in person or by means of telephone or video conference at least once each Calendar Quarter during the Agreement Term. Each Party may replace its Patent Coordinator at any time by providing notice in writing to the other Party. The initial Patent Coordinators will be: |
For Vertex: [***]
For CRISPR: [***]
|
7.5. |
Patent Costs. Patent Costs arising after the Effective Date will be borne by Party responsible for the Prosecution and Maintenance of the applicable Patent under this Agreement, except as otherwise set forth in the Co-Commercialization Agreement. |
|
7.6. |
Defense of Claims Brought by Third Parties. If a Third Party initiates a Proceeding against either Party claiming a Patent owned by or licensed to such Third Party is infringed by the Research, Development, Manufacture or Commercialization of a Product, each Party that is named as a defendant in such Proceeding will have the right to defend itself in such Proceeding. The other Party will reasonably assist the defending Party in defending such Proceeding and cooperate in any such litigation at the request and expense of the defending Party. The defending Party will provide the other Party with prompt written notice of the commencement of any such Proceeding and will keep the other Party apprised of the progress of such Proceeding and will promptly furnish the other Party with a copy of each communication relating to the alleged infringement that is received by such Party. If both Parties are named as defendants in any Proceeding, both Parties may defend such Proceeding and the Parties will reasonably cooperate with respect to such defense. |
38
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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7.7.1. |
Duty to Notify of Competitive Infringement. If either Party learns of an infringement, unauthorized use, misappropriation or threatened infringement by a Third Party with respect to any Licensed Patents by reason of the making, using, offering to sell, selling or importing of (a) a product containing a [***] or (b) the resulting [***] made by such [***] in the Field (a “Competitive Infringement”) or any other infringement, unauthorized use, misappropriation or threatened infringement by a Third Party with respect to any CRISPR Platform Technology Patent, such Party will promptly notify the other Party in writing and will provide such other Party with available information regarding such Competitive Infringement or other infringement. |
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7.7.2. |
Infringement Proceeding. Vertex will have the first right, but not the obligation, to institute, prosecute, and control a Proceeding with respect to any Competitive Infringement by counsel of its own choice at its own expense, and CRISPR will have the right, at its own expense, to be represented in that action by counsel of its own choice; provided that in such Proceeding, Vertex shall reasonably consider CRISPR’s comments with respect to which Patents to seek to enforce against such infringing party, taking into consideration the overall value of the Patents Covering the relevant Product to CRISPR and its licensees. If Vertex fails to initiate a Proceeding within a period of [***] after written notice of such Competitive Infringement is first provided by a Party under Section 7.7.1, CRISPR will have the right to initiate and control a Proceeding with respect to such Competitive Infringement by counsel of its own choice, and Vertex will have the right to be represented in any such action by counsel of its own choice at its own expense; provided that if Vertex notifies CRISPR during such [***] period that it is electing in good faith not to institute any Proceeding against such Competitive Infringement for strategic reasons intended to maintain the commercial value of the relevant Patent and any Product Covered thereby, CRISPR will not have the right to initiate and control any Proceeding with respect to such Competitive Infringement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, CRISPR will at all times have the sole right to institute, prosecute, and control any Proceeding under this Section 7.7.2 to the extent involving any CRISPR Platform Technology Patents but will (a) keep Vertex reasonably apprised of the progress of such Proceeding, (b) reasonably consider Vertex’s comments with respect to the conduct of such Proceeding and (c) not enter a settlement, consent judgment or other voluntary final disposition of a Proceeding that disclaims, limits the scope of, admits the invalidity or unenforceability of, or grants a license, covenant not to xxx or similar immunity that has an adverse effect on Vertex’s rights hereunder with respect to a CRISPR Platform Technology Patent without Vertex’s prior written consent, not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. |
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7.7.3. |
39
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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7.7.4. |
Share of Recoveries. Any damages or other monetary awards recovered with respect to a Proceeding brought pursuant to this Section 7.7 with respect to Competitive Infringement will be shared as follows: |
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(a) |
the amount of such recovery will first [***]; then |
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(b) |
except to the extent otherwise set forth in a Co-Commercialization Agreement entered into pursuant to this Agreement, any remaining proceeds constituting direct or actual damages will be paid to, or retained by, [***]; and |
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(c) |
except to the extent otherwise set forth in a Co-Commercialization Agreement entered into pursuant to this Agreement, any remaining proceeds constituting punitive or treble damages will be allocated between the Parties as follows: [***]. |
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7.7.5. |
Settlement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary under this ARTICLE 7, neither Party may enter a settlement, consent judgment or other voluntary final disposition of a suit under this ARTICLE 7 that disclaims, limits the scope of, admits the invalidity or unenforceability of, or grants a license, covenant not to xxx or similar immunity under a Patent Controlled by the other Party or its Affiliates without first obtaining the written consent of the Party that Controls the relevant Patent; provided that the foregoing limitation shall not apply to CRISPR’s rights with respect to the CRISPR Platform Technology Patents (subject to the restriction set forth in Section 7.7.2). |
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7.8. |
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7.8.1. |
Joint Program Patents. With respect to the infringement of a Joint Program Patent that is not a Competitive Infringement, the Parties will cooperate in good faith to bring suit together against such infringing party or the Parties may decide to permit one Party to solely bring suit. Any damages or other monetary awards recovered with respect to a Proceeding brought pursuant to this Section 7.8.1 will be shared as follows: (a) the amount of such recovery [***]; then (b) any remaining proceeds will be allocated as follows: (i) [***]; and (ii) [***]. |
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7.8.2. |
Patents Solely Owned by CRISPR. CRISPR will retain all rights to pursue an infringement of any Patent solely owned by CRISPR that is not a Competitive Infringement and CRISPR will retain all recoveries with respect thereto. |
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7.8.3. |
Patents Solely Owned by Vertex. Vertex will retain all rights to pursue an infringement of any Patent solely owned by Vertex and Vertex will retain all recoveries with respect thereto. |
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7.9. |
Patent Listing. Vertex will have the sole right, but not the obligation, to submit to all applicable Regulatory Authorities patent information pertaining to each applicable Product pursuant to 21 U.S.C. § 355(b)(1)(G) (or any amendment or successor statute thereto), any similar statutory or regulatory requirement enacted in the future regarding biologic products, |
40
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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or any similar statutory or regulatory requirement in any non-U.S. country or other regulatory jurisdiction; provided that Vertex shall not be permitted to provide any such information with respect to CRISPR Platform Technology Patents without CRISPR’s prior written consent. |
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7.10. |
CREATE Act. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this ARTICLE 7, neither Party will have the right to make an election under the CREATE Act when exercising its rights under this ARTICLE 7 without the prior written consent of the other Party, which will not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. With respect to any such permitted election, the Parties will use reasonable efforts to cooperate and coordinate their activities with respect to any submissions, filings or other activities in support thereof. The Parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement is a “joint research agreement” as defined in the CREATE Act. |
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7.11. |
Additional Right and Exceptions. Notwithstanding any provision of this ARTICLE 7, CRISPR retains the sole right to Prosecute and Maintain CRISPR Platform Technology Patents and to control any enforcement of CRISPR Platform Technology Patents, subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 7.7. |
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7.12. |
Patent Term Extension. The Parties will cooperate with each other in obtaining patent term restoration in any country in the Territory under any statute or regulation equivalent or similar to 35 U.S.C. § 156, where applicable to a Product. Vertex will determine which patents from among the Vertex Background Patents, Vertex Program Patents and Joint Program Patents will be extended (including, without limitation, by filing supplementary protection certificates and any other extensions that are now or in the future become available). CRISPR will abide by Vertex’s determination and cooperate, as reasonably requested by Vertex, in connection with the foregoing (including by providing appropriate information and executing appropriate documents). |
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7.13. |
Recording. If Vertex deems it necessary or desirable to register or record this Agreement or evidence of this Agreement with any patent office or other appropriate Governmental Authority in one or more jurisdictions in the Territory, CRISPR will reasonably cooperate to execute and deliver to Vertex any documents accurately reflecting or evidencing this Agreement that are necessary or desirable, in Vertex’s reasonable judgment, to complete such registration or recordation. Vertex will reimburse CRISPR for all reasonable Out-of-Pocket Costs, including attorneys’ fees, incurred by CRISPR in complying with the provisions of this Section 7.13. |
ARTICLE 8.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
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8.1. |
Representations and Warranties of Vertex. Vertex hereby represents and warrants to CRISPR, as of the Effective Date and the Execution Date, that: |
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8.1.1. |
Vertex is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization and has full corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out the provisions hereof; |
41
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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8.2. |
Representations and Warranties of CRISPR. CRISPR hereby represents and warrants to Vertex, as of the Execution Date and the Effective Date, that, except as otherwise set forth on Schedule H, which schedule may be supplemented or updated within five days following the HSR Clearance Date (provided that any such supplement or update may only contain information arising after the Execution Date): |
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8.2.1. |
CRISPR is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization and has full corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out the provisions hereof; |
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8.2.2. |
CRISPR (a) has the requisite power and authority and the legal right to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder and (b) has taken all requisite action on its part to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of its obligations hereunder; |
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8.2.3. |
to CRISPR’s Knowledge, CRISPR has the requisite resources and expertise to perform its obligations hereunder; |
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8.2.4. |
this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of CRISPR, and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with the terms hereof; |
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8.2.6. |
except with respect to any required HSR approvals, CRISPR has obtained all necessary consents, approvals and authorizations of all Governmental Authorities and other Persons or entities required to be obtained by CRISPR in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement; |
42
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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8.2.7. |
the Licensed Technology constitutes all of the Patents and Know-How Controlled by CRISPR that are necessary to Research, Develop, Manufacture or Commercialize Products in the Field; |
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8.2.10. |
CRISPR has independently developed all Licensed Technology or otherwise has a valid right to use, and to permit Vertex, Vertex’s Affiliates and Vertex’s Sublicensees to use, the Licensed Technology for all permitted purposes under this Agreement; |
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8.2.11. |
the CRISPR Background Know-How is free and clear of liens, charges or encumbrances other than licenses granted to Third Parties that are not inconsistent with the rights and licenses granted to Vertex hereunder; |
43
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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8.2.18. |
no Licensed Technology is subject to any funding agreement with any government or governmental agency; |
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8.2.20. |
there are no judgments or settlements against or owed by [***], pending or threatened claims or litigation, in either case relating to the Licensed Technology; |
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8.3. |
CRISPR Covenants. CRISPR hereby covenants to Vertex that, except as expressly permitted under this Agreement: |
44
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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8.3.7. |
it will use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to obtain and maintain the requisite resources and expertise to perform its obligations hereunder; |
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8.3.9. |
it will not engage, in any capacity in connection with this Agreement any Person who either has been debarred by the FDA, is the subject of a conviction described in Section 306 of the FD&C Act or is subject to any such similar sanction; and |
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8.4. |
Vertex Covenants. Vertex hereby covenants to CRISPR that, except as expressly permitted under this Agreement: |
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8.4.1. |
it will use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to obtain and maintain the requisite resources and expertise to perform its obligations hereunder; |
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8.4.2. |
Vertex will not engage, in any capacity in connection with this Agreement, any Person who either has been debarred by the FDA, is the subject of a conviction described in Section 306 of the FD&C Act or is subject to any such similar sanction; and |
45
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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8.5. |
Disclaimer. Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, neither Party nor its Affiliates makes any representation or extends any warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Vertex and CRISPR understand that each Product is the subject of ongoing Research and Development and that neither Party can assure the safety, usefulness or commercial or technical viability of any Product. |
ARTICLE 9.
INDEMNIFICATION; INSURANCE
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9.1. |
Indemnification by Vertex. Vertex will indemnify, defend and hold harmless CRISPR, each of its Affiliates, and each of its and its Affiliates’ employees, officers, directors and agents (each, an “CRISPR Indemnified Party”) from and against any and all liability, loss, damage, expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) and cost (collectively, a “Liability”) that the CRISPR Indemnified Party may be required to pay to one or more Third Parties to the extent resulting from or arising out of: |
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9.2. |
Indemnification by CRISPR. CRISPR will indemnify, defend and hold harmless Vertex, its Affiliates, Sublicensees, Distributors and each of its and their respective employees, officers, directors and agents (each, a “Vertex Indemnified Party”) from and against any and all Liabilities that the Vertex Indemnified Party may be required to pay to one or more Third Parties to the extent resulting from or arising out of: |
46
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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9.3. |
Procedure. Each Party will notify the other Party in writing if it becomes aware of a claim for which indemnification may be sought hereunder. In case any proceeding (including any governmental investigation) will be instituted involving any Party in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to this ARTICLE 9, such Party (the “Indemnified Party”) will give prompt written notice of the indemnity claim to the other Party (the “Indemnifying Party”) and provide a copy to the Indemnifying Party of any complaint, summons or other written or verbal notice that the Indemnified Party receives in connection with any such claim. An Indemnified Party’s failure to deliver written notice will relieve the Indemnifying Party of liability to the Indemnified Party under this ARTICLE 9 only to the extent such delay is prejudicial to the Indemnifying Party’s ability to defend such claim. Provided that the Indemnifying Party is not contesting the indemnity obligation, the Indemnified Party will permit the Indemnifying Party to control any litigation relating to such claim and the disposition of such claim by negotiated settlement or otherwise and any failure to contest prior to assuming control will be deemed to be an admission of the obligation to indemnify. The Indemnifying Party will act reasonably and in good faith with respect to all matters relating to such claim and will not settle or otherwise resolve such claim without the Indemnified Party’s prior written consent which will not be withheld, delayed or conditioned unreasonably other than settlements only involving the payment of monetary awards for which the Indemnifying Party will be fully-responsible. The Indemnified Party will cooperate with the Indemnifying Party in such Party’s defense of any claim for which indemnity is sought under this Agreement, at the Indemnifying Party’s sole cost and expense. |
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9.5. |
Limitation of Consequential Damages. Except for (a) claims of a Third Party that are subject to indemnification under this ARTICLE 9, (b) claims arising out of a Party’s willful misconduct, (c) CRISPR’s breach of Section 4.4.1, or (d) a Party’s breach of ARTICLE 11, neither Party nor any of its Affiliates will be liable to the other Party or its Affiliates for any incidental, consequential, special, punitive or other indirect damages or lost or imputed profits or royalties, lost data or cost of procurement of substitute goods or services, whether liability is asserted in contract, tort (including negligence and strict product liability), indemnity or contribution, and irrespective of whether that Party or any representative of that Party has been advised of, or otherwise might have anticipated the possibility of, any such loss or damage. |
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10.1. |
Agreement Term; Expiration. Except with respect to Section 4.7, which shall become effective on the Execution Date, this Agreement is effective as of the Effective Date and, unless earlier terminated pursuant to the other provisions of this ARTICLE 10, will continue in full force and effect until this Agreement expires as follows: |
47
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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10.2. |
|
10.2.1. |
Termination for Failure to Obtain HSR Clearance. If the Effective Date has not occurred within [***] after the Execution Date, this Agreement may be terminated by either Party on written notice to the other Party. In such event, neither Party shall have any further obligations under this Agreement, except for such Party’s obligations of non-disclosure pursuant to ARTICLE 11, which shall survive for the period set forth therein. |
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10.2.2. |
Vertex’s Termination for Convenience. Vertex will be entitled to terminate this Agreement as a whole, or terminate this Agreement in part with respect to a Program, for convenience by providing CRISPR [***] days’ written notice of such termination; provided, however, that if any termination under this Section 10.2.2 applies to a Product for which Vertex has received Marketing Approval, Vertex will provide CRISPR no less than [***] days’ notice of such termination. If Vertex terminates this Agreement in part with respect to a Program pursuant to this Section 10.2.2, then, from and after the effective date of such termination and notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, the Field shall cease to include the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of (x) DMD, in the case of termination with respect to the DMD Program or (y) DM1 in the case of termination of the DM1 Program. |
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10.2.3. |
|
(a) |
Vertex’s Right to Terminate. If CRISPR is in material breach of this Agreement, then Vertex may deliver notice of such material breach to CRISPR. If the breach is curable, CRISPR will have [***] days from the receipt of such notice to cure such breach. If either CRISPR fails to cure such breach within such [***]-day period or the breach is not subject to cure (a “CRISPR Breach Event”), Vertex in its sole discretion may either (i) terminate this Agreement (A) if such breach relates solely relates to a Program, with respect to the Program affected by such breach (a “CRISPR Program Breach”) or (B) if such breach relates to both the DMD Program and the DM1 Program or this Agreement as a whole (a “CRISPR Agreement Breach”), in its entirety, by providing written notice to CRISPR or (ii) elect to exercise the alternate remedy provisions set forth in Section 10.3 (in lieu of termination). |
48
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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relates solely to the DMD Program or the DM1 Program, with respect to the Program affected by such breach, or (ii) if such breach relates to both the DMD Program and the DM1 Program or this Agreement as a whole, in its entirety, by providing written notice to Vertex. |
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10.2.4. |
Disputes Regarding Material Breach. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Breaching Party in Section 10.2.3 disputes in good faith the existence, materiality, or failure to cure of any such breach that is not a payment breach, and provides notice to the Non-Breaching Party of such dispute within the relevant cure period, the Non-Breaching Party will not have the right to terminate this Agreement in accordance with Section 10.2.3, or the right to exercise the alternative remedy provisions of 10.3, as applicable, unless and until the relevant dispute has been resolved. Any dispute not resolved through the Parties’ good faith discussions shall be referred to the Executive Officers for resolution. If the Executive Officers are unable to resolve any such dispute within [***] days after the date such reference is made to the Executive Officers, either Party may pursue any rights or remedies of such Party under this Agreement at law or in equity. It is understood and acknowledged that during the pendency of such dispute, all the terms and conditions of this Agreement will remain in effect and the Parties will continue to perform all of their respective obligations hereunder. |
49
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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10.2.5. |
Termination for Insolvency. If CRISPR makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, appoints or suffers appointment of a receiver or trustee over all or substantially all of its property, files a petition under any bankruptcy or insolvency act or has any such petition filed against it that is not discharged within [***] days of the filing thereof (each, an “Insolvency Event”), then Vertex may terminate this Agreement in its entirety effective immediately upon written notice to CRISPR. If Vertex terminates this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10.2.5: |
50
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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(i) |
the right of access to any intellectual property rights (including all embodiments thereof) of CRISPR, or any Third Party with whom CRISPR contracts to perform an obligation of CRISPR under this Agreement, and, in the case of any such Third Party, which is necessary for the Manufacture, use, sale, import or export of Products; and |
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(ii) |
the right to contract directly with any Third Party to complete the contracted work. |
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10.3.1. |
Alternative Remedy. If a CRISPR Breach Event occurs, Vertex may elect the alternative remedy provisions of this Section 10.3.1 with respect to the Program that is the subject of such CRISPR Breach Event by providing written notice of such election to CRISPR, in which case, this Agreement will continue in full force and effect with respect to such Program, except that the milestone payments under Section 6.2 or 6.6.1, as applicable, and the royalty payments under Section 6.4 or 6.6.2, as applicable will be reduced by [***]% (after giving effect to all other applicable deductions under such Section 6.4 or 6.6, as applicable). If Vertex exercises its rights under this Section 10.3.1, such exercise shall be Vertex’s sole remedy in connection with such CRISPR Breach Event; Vertex shall have no other rights hereunder or at law or in equity with respect to the relevant CRISPR Breach Event; and CRISPR shall have no obligation to cure such CRISPR Breach Event. |
51
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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(b) |
Mediation. If a [***] cannot be resolved pursuant to Section 10.3.3(a), the Parties agree to try in good faith to resolve any such [***] by non-binding mediation administered by JAMS End Dispute in accordance with its commercial mediation rules. The mediation will be conducted by a single mediator appointed by agreement of the Parties who will have previous financial experience in the pharmaceutical industry, or failing such agreement by JAMS End Dispute in accordance with its commercial mediation rules. Unless otherwise mutually agreed upon by the Parties, the mediation proceedings will be conducted in Boston, Massachusetts. The Parties agree that [***] the cost of the mediation, including filing and hearing fees, and the cost of the mediator(s). Each Party will bear its own attorneys’ fees and associated costs and expenses. If the Parties are unable to resolve a [***] pursuant to such mediation, then at the completion of such mediation the mediator will decide the following issues, which decision will be binding on the Parties pending final resolution of the [***] by a court of competent jurisdiction: |
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(i) |
Whether the [***] by Vertex pursuant to Section 10.3.2 exceeds the mediator’s objective good faith estimate of [***]; and |
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(c) |
Mediator Resolution. |
|
(i) |
If the mediator determines that [***] by Vertex pursuant to Section 10.3.2 [***], the Parties will promptly cause [***] as provided for in Section 6.10. [***]. |
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(ii) |
If the mediator determines [***], Vertex may [***]. |
52
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
53
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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10.4.5. |
Effective upon (a) a termination of this Agreement with respect to a Program, Vertex will, and hereby does, assign to CRISPR, or one or more of its designated Affiliates, Vertex’s ownership interest in any (i) [***] Patents and (ii) Know-How assigned to Vertex under Section 7.2, in each case ((i) and (ii)), pertaining solely to Products under the terminated Program, and (b) a termination of this Agreement in its entirety, Vertex will, and hereby does, assign to CRISPR, or one or more of its designated Affiliates, Vertex’s ownership interest in all [***] Patents and all Know-How assigned to Vertex under Section 7.2. |
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11.1. |
Confidentiality. Except to the extent expressly authorized by this Agreement or otherwise agreed in writing, the Parties agree that, during the Agreement Term and for [***] years thereafter, each Party (the “Receiving Party”) receiving any Confidential Information of the other Party (the “Disclosing Party”) hereunder will: (a) keep the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information confidential; (b) not publish, or allow to be published, and will not otherwise disclose, or permit the disclosure of, the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information in any manner not expressly authorized pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or, to the extent Confidential Information under this Agreement is also Confidential Information under an Other CRISPR-Vertex Agreement, such Other CRISPR-Vertex Agreement; and (c) not use, or permit to be used, the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information for any purpose other than as expressly authorized pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or, to the extent Confidential Information under this Agreement is also Confidential Information under an Other CRISPR-Vertex Agreement, the terms of such Other CRISPR-Vertex Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to the extent that a Party or any of its Affiliates provides to the other Party or any of its Affiliates any Confidential Information owned by any Third Party, the receiving Party will, and will cause its Affiliates to, handle such Confidential Information in accordance with the terms and conditions of this ARTICLE 11 applicable to a Receiving Party. |
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11.2. |
Authorized Disclosure. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of Section 11.1, each Party may disclose Confidential Information belonging to the other Party to the extent such disclosure is reasonably necessary to: |
54
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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11.2.4. |
If a Party deems it reasonably necessary to disclose Confidential Information belonging to the other Party pursuant to this Section 11.2, the Disclosing Party will to the extent possible give reasonable advance written notice of such disclosure to the other Party and take reasonable measures to ensure confidential treatment of such information. In addition to the foregoing and except as otherwise prohibited or limited by clause (b) of the following sentence, [***] may disclose [***] Confidential Information to Third Parties as reasonably required to facilitate the actual or potential Research, Development, Manufacture or Commercialization of Products; provided that such disclosure is covered by terms of confidentiality and non-use similar to those set forth herein.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, (a) in no event may [***] disclose [***] Confidential Information to any Third Party (including any of [***] investors, collaborators or licensees) engaged in [***], and (b) in no event may [***] disclose [***] Confidential Information, other than the terms and conditions of this Agreement, to any Third Party (including any of [***] investors, collaborators or licensees) that [***] as its primary business.
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11.3. |
SEC Filings and Other Disclosures. Either Party may disclose the terms of this Agreement (i) to the extent required to comply with Applicable Law, including the rules and regulations promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any equivalent governmental agency in any country in the Territory; provided that such Party will reasonably consider the comments of the other Party regarding confidential treatment sought for such disclosure and (ii) to its advisors (including financial advisors, attorneys and accountants), actual or potential acquisition partners, strategic partners, collaborators or services providers, actual or potential financing sources or investors and actual or potential underwriters on a need to know basis; provided that such disclosure is covered by terms of confidentiality similar to those set forth herein (which may include professional ethical obligations). |
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11.4. |
Residual Knowledge Exception. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, Confidential Information will not include Residual Knowledge. Any use made by the Receiving Party of Residual Knowledge is on an “as is, where is” basis, with all faults and all representations and warranties disclaimed and at its sole risk. |
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11.5.1. |
Coordination. CRISPR and Vertex will, from time to time and at the request of the other Party, discuss the general information content relating to this Agreement that may be publicly disclosed; provided, however, that [***] will have no obligation to consult with [***] with respect to any scientific publication or public announcement concerning [***] Research, Development, Manufacture, Commercialization or use of any Product, except as otherwise expressly set forth in Section this ARTICLE 11. |
55
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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11.5.3. |
Publications. During the Agreement Term, each Party will submit to the other Party (the “Non-Disclosing Party”) for review and approval any proposed academic, scientific and medical publication or public presentation related to any activities conducted hereunder; provided that, except as otherwise permitted in this Article 11, CRISPR shall not have the right to make any publications with respect to Products. In each such instance, such review and approval will be conducted for the purposes of preserving the value of the Licensed Technology and the Vertex Technology, the rights granted to the Parties hereunder and determining whether any portion of the proposed publication or presentation containing the Non-Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information should be modified or deleted. Written copies of such proposed publication or presentation required to be submitted hereunder will be submitted to the Non-Disclosing Party no later than [***] days before submission for publication or presentation (or five Business Days in advance in the case of an abstract). The Non-Disclosing Party will provide its comments with respect to such publications and presentations within [***] Business Days of its receipt of such written copy (or [***] Business Days in the case of an abstract). The review period may be extended for an additional [***] days if the Non-Disclosing Party reasonably requests such extension including for the preparation and filing of patent applications. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the Non-Disclosing Party may require that the other Party |
56
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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11.5.4. |
Product Disclosures. The Parties will, from time to time, discuss in good faith and endeavor to agree upon high-level talking points with respect to the status and progress of the Products for public disclosure. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 11.5, following any such agreement, nothing herein shall prohibit CRISPR from including such high-level talking points in any public announcement, presentation, publication or other public disclosure. |
|
12.1. |
Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any interest hereunder will be assignable by either Party without the prior written consent of the other Party, except as follows: (a) Vertex, and subject to Section 12.2, CRISPR, may, subject to the terms of this Agreement, assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement by way of sale of itself or the sale of the portion of such Party’s business to which this Agreement relates, through merger, sale of assets or sale of stock or ownership interest; provided that such sale is not primarily for the benefit of its creditors; and (b) either Party may assign, in whole or in part, its rights and/or obligations under this Agreement to any of its Affiliates; provided that such Party will remain liable for all of its rights and obligations under this Agreement. An assigning Party will promptly notify the other Party of any assignment or transfer under the provisions of this Section 12.1. This Agreement will be binding upon the successors and permitted assigns of the Parties and the name of a Party appearing herein will be deemed to include the names of such Party’s successors and permitted assigns to the extent necessary to carry out the intent of this Agreement. Any assignment not in accordance with this Section 12.1 will be void. |
57
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
|
12.2. |
|
12.2.1. |
Notification. CRISPR will notify Vertex in writing promptly (and in any event within [***] Business Days) following the execution of a definitive agreement by CRISPR that could reasonably be expected to result in a Change of Control of CRISPR. |
|
12.2.2. |
Effects of Change of Control of CRISPR. If, during the Agreement Term, CRISPR undergoes a Change of Control to a Competitor, then upon the effective date of such Change of Control [***]. |
|
12.3. |
Force Majeure. Each Party will be excused from the performance of its obligations under this Agreement to the extent that such performance is prevented by Force Majeure and the nonperforming Party promptly provides notice of the prevention to the other Party. Such excuse will be continued so long as the condition constituting Force Majeure continues and the nonperforming Party uses Commercially Reasonable Efforts to remove the condition. |
|
12.4. |
Representation by Legal Counsel. Each Party hereto represents that it has been represented by legal counsel in connection with this Agreement and acknowledges that it has participated in the drafting hereof. In interpreting and applying the terms and provisions of this Agreement, the Parties agree that no presumption will exist or be implied against the Party that drafted such terms and provisions. |
|
12.5. |
Notices. All notices which are required or permitted hereunder will be in writing and sufficient if delivered personally, sent by nationally-recognized overnight courier or sent by electronic mail, confirmation of receipt requested, addressed as follows: |
If to Vertex:
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
Attn: Business Development
00 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx 00000
E-mail: [***]
with a copy to:
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
Attn: Corporate Legal
00 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx 00000
E-mail: [***]
and:
Ropes & Xxxx LLP
Attn: [***]
Prudential Tower
000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx 00000-0000
E-mail: [***]
58
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
If to CRISPR:
CRISPR Therapeutics AG
Attn: Chief Executive Officer
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx 00
0000 Xxx
Xxxxxxxxxxx
E-mail: [***]
with a copy to:
CRISPR Therapeutics AG
Attn: General Counsel
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx 00
0000 Xxx
Xxxxxxxxxxx
E-mail: [***]
and:
Xxxxxxx Procter LLP
Attn: [***]
000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx 00000
E-mail: [***]
or to such other address as the Party to whom notice is to be given may have furnished to the other Party in writing in accordance herewith. In addition, each Party will deliver a courtesy copy to the other Party’s Alliance Manager concurrently with such notice. Any such notice will be deemed to have been given: (a) when delivered if personally delivered on a Business Day (or, if delivered or sent on a non-Business Day, then on the next Business Day); (b) on receipt if sent by overnight courier; or (c) when confirmation of receipt is sent, if sent by electronic mail.
|
12.6. |
Amendment. No amendment, modification or supplement of any provision of this Agreement will be valid or effective unless made in writing and signed by a duly authorized officer of each of Vertex and CRISPR. |
|
12.7. |
Waiver. No provision of this Agreement will be waived by any act, omission or knowledge of a Party or its agents or employees except by an instrument in writing expressly waiving such provision and signed by a duly authorized officer of the waiving Party. The waiver by either of Vertex or CRISPR of any breach of any provision hereof by the other Party will not be construed to be a waiver of any succeeding breach of such provision or a waiver of the provision itself. |
59
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
|
12.8. |
Severability. If any clause or portion thereof in this Agreement is for any reason held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the same will not affect any other portion of this Agreement, as it is the intent of the Parties that this Agreement will be construed in such fashion as to maintain its existence, validity and enforceability to the greatest extent possible. In any such event, this Agreement will be construed as if such clause of portion thereof had never been contained in this Agreement, and there will be deemed substituted therefor such provision as will most nearly carry out the intent of the Parties as expressed in this Agreement to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law. |
|
12.9. |
Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings of this Agreement are for convenience only and will be of no force or effect in construing or interpreting any of the provisions of this Agreement. |
|
12.10. |
Export Control. This Agreement is made subject to any restrictions concerning the export of products or technical information from the United States of America or other countries that may be imposed upon or related to CRISPR or Vertex from time to time. Each Party agrees that it will not export, directly or indirectly, any technical information acquired from the other Party under this Agreement or any products using such technical information to a location or in a manner that at the time of export requires an export license or other governmental approval, without first obtaining the written consent to do so from the appropriate Governmental Authority. |
|
12.11. |
Governing Law. This Agreement, and all claims arising under or in connection therewith, will be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the substantive laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without regard to conflict of law principles thereof. |
|
12.12. |
Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Other CRISPR-Vertex Agreements, constitutes and contains the complete, final and exclusive understanding and agreement of the Parties and cancels and supersedes any and all prior negotiations, correspondence, understandings and agreements, whether oral or written, between the Parties respecting the subject matter hereof and thereof, including those certain Letter Agreements between Vertex and CRISPR dated March 7, 2019 and April 30, 2019, which are hereby superseded and replaced in their entirety as of the Execution Date, and any Confidential Information disclosed by the Parties under such agreements will be treated in accordance with the provisions of ARTICLE 11. |
|
12.13. |
Independent Contractors. Both Parties are independent contractors under this Agreement. Nothing herein contained will be deemed to create an employment, agency, joint venture or partnership relationship between the Parties hereto or any of their agents or employees, or any other legal arrangement that would impose liability upon one Party for the act or failure to act of the other Party. Neither Party will have any express or implied power to enter into any contracts or commitments or to incur any liabilities in the name of, or on behalf of, the other Party, or to bind the other Party in any respect whatsoever. |
|
12.14. |
Interpretation. Except where the context expressly requires otherwise, (a) the use of any gender herein will be deemed to encompass references to either or both genders, and the use of the singular will be deemed to include the plural (and vice versa), (b) the words “include,” “includes” and “including” will be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation,” (c) the word “will” will be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall,” (d) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein will be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to |
60
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
|
12.15. |
No Third Party Rights or Obligations. No provision of this Agreement will be deemed or construed in any way to result in the creation of any rights or obligations in any Person not a Party to this Agreement. |
|
12.16. |
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. |
|
12.17. |
Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two counterparts, each of which will be an original and both of which will constitute together the same document. Counterparts may be signed and delivered by facsimile or digital transmission (.pdf), each of which will be binding when received by the applicable Party. |
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
* - * - * - *
61
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their representatives thereunto duly authorized as of the Execution Date.
VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED |
|
By: /s/ Xxxxxxx Leiden _____________________ |
By: /s/ Xxxxxx Novak___________________ |
Name: Xxxxxxx Leiden Title: Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Name: Xxxxxx Xxxxx Title: President |
[Signature Page to Strategic Collaboration and License Agreement]
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
Schedule A
[***] Arbitration Procedures
[***]
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
Schedule B
CRISPR In-License Agreements
[***]
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
Schedule C
DM1 Guide Milestone Criteria
[***]
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
Schedule D-1
Initial DM1 Guide Research Plan
[***]
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
Schedule D-2
DM1 Guide Research Plan Budget
[***]
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
Schedule E
Subcontractors
[***]
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
Schedule F
CRISPR Background Know-How
(as of the Execution Date)
[***]
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
Schedule G
[***] Patents
[***]
[***] Certain information in this document has been omitted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
Schedule H
CRISPR Disclosures
[***]