Exhibit 10.26


 


 


March 15, 2018


 


STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL


 


EyeGate Pharmaceuticals, Inc.


271 Waverley Oaks Road, Suite 108


Waltham, MA 02452


 


Attn: Stephen From, President and Chief Executive Officer


 


Dear Mr. From:


 


This letter agreement
(this “Agreement”) constitutes the agreement between EyeGate Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Company”)
and H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC (“Wainwright”), that Wainwright shall serve as the exclusive agent, advisor
or underwriter in any offering (each, an “Offering”) of securities of the Company (the “Securities”)
during the Term (as hereinafter defined) of this Agreement. The terms of each Offering and the Securities issued in connection
therewith shall be mutually agreed upon by the Company and Wainwright and nothing herein implies that Wainwright would have the
power or authority to bind the Company and nothing herein implies that the Company shall have an obligation to issue any Securities.
It is understood that Wainwright’s assistance in an Offering will be subject to the satisfactory completion of such investigation
and inquiry into the affairs of the Company as Wainwright deems appropriate under the circumstances and to the receipt of all internal
approvals of Wainwright in connection with the transaction. The Company expressly acknowledges and agrees that Wainwright’s
involvement in an Offering is strictly on a reasonable best efforts basis and that the consummation of an Offering will be subject
to, among other things, market conditions. The execution of this Agreement does not constitute a commitment by Wainwright to purchase
the Securities and does not ensure a successful Offering of the Securities or the success of Wainwright with respect to securing
any other financing on behalf of the Company. Wainwright may retain other brokers, dealers, agents or underwriters on its behalf
in connection with an Offering. It is being acknowledged that the Company may pay up to $35,000 to an independent financial advisor
in connection with the first closing of an Offering, such amount shall be deducted from the amount payable to Wainwright pursuant
to Paragraph A.1. below.


 


A.       Compensation;
Reimbursement. At the closing of each Offering (each, a “Closing”), the Company shall compensate Wainwright
as follows:


 


		1.	Cash Fee. The Company shall pay to Wainwright a cash fee, or as to an underwritten Offering
an underwriter discount, equal to 7.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds raised in each Offering.



 


		2.	Expense Allowance. Out of the proceeds of each Closing, the Company also agrees to pay Wainwright
(a) a management fee equal to 0.5% of the gross proceeds raised in each Offering; (b) $25,000 for non-accountable expenses; (c)
up to $100,000 for fees and expenses of legal counsel and other out-of-pocket expenses; plus the additional reimbursable amount
payable by the Company pursuant to Paragraph D.3 hereunder; provided, however, that such reimbursement amount in no way limits
or impairs the indemnification and contribution provisions of this Agreement.



 


430
Park Avenue  |  New York, New York 10022  |  212.356.0500  |  www.hcwco.com


Member: FINRA/SIPC


 




     


     


    

 


		3.	Tail. In the event an Offering does not close during the Term, Wainwright shall be entitled
to compensation under clause (1) hereunder, calculated in the manner set forth therein, with respect to any public or private offering
or other financing or capital-raising transaction of any kind (“Tail Financing”) to the extent that such financing
or capital is provided to the Company by investors whom Wainwright had contacted during the Term or introduced to the Company during
the Term, if such Tail Financing is consummated at any time within the 6-month period following the expiration or termination of
this Agreement.



 


		4.	Right of First Refusal. If, from the date hereof until the nine-month anniversary following
the consummation of an Offering of at least $7.5 million (reduced to six-month in case of consummation of an Offering of less than
$7.5 million), the Company or any of its subsidiaries (a) decides to finance or refinance any indebtedness using a manager or agent,
Wainwright (or any affiliate designated by Wainwright) shall have the right to act as sole book-runner, sole manager, sole placement
agent or sole agent with respect to such financing or refinancing; or (b) decides to raise funds by means of a public offering
or a private placement of equity or debt securities using an underwriter or placement agent, Wainwright (or any affiliate designated
by Wainwright) shall have the right to act as sole book-running manager, sole underwriter or sole placement agent for such financing.
If Wainwright or one of its affiliates decides to accept any such engagement, the agreement governing such engagement will contain,
among other things, provisions for customary fees for transactions of similar size and nature and the provisions of this Agreement,
including indemnification, which are appropriate to such a transaction. If Wainwright should decline such retention or fails to
respond within 7 business days’ notice provided by the Company, the Company shall have no further obligations to Wainwright
under this Paragraph A.4 with respect to such financing.



 


B.       Term
and Termination of Engagement; Exclusivity. The term of Wainwright’s exclusive engagement will begin on the date hereof
and end 120 days thereafter (the “Term”). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Company
agrees that the provisions relating to the payment of fees, reimbursement of expenses, right of first refusal, tail, indemnification
and contribution, confidentiality, conflicts, independent contractor and waiver of the right to trial by jury will survive any
termination of this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Company has the right to terminate
the Agreement for cause in compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(D)(ii). The exercise of such right of termination for cause eliminates
the Company’s obligations with respect to the provisions relating to the tail fees and right of first refusal. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, in the event that an Offering pursuant to this Agreement shall not be carried
out for any reason whatsoever during the Term, the Company shall be obligated to pay to Wainwright its actual and accountable out-of-pocket
expenses related to an Offering (including the fees and disbursements of Wainwright’s legal counsel), provided such fees
and expenses shall not exceed $100,000. During Wainwright’s engagement hereunder: (i) the Company will not, and will not
permit its representatives to, other than in coordination with Wainwright, contact or solicit institutions, corporations or other
entities or individuals as potential purchasers of the Securities with respect to the Offering, provided that this clause (i) shall
not be construed to limit in any manner the Company from selling or issuing securities to employees, directors or consultants in
the ordinary course of business or pursuant to agreements currently in place prior to this engagement and (ii) the Company will
not pursue any financing transaction which would be in lieu of an Offering. Furthermore, the Company agrees that during Wainwright’s
engagement hereunder, all inquiries, whether direct or indirect, from prospective investors will be referred to Wainwright and
will be deemed to have been contacted by Wainwright in connection with an Offering. Additionally, except as set forth hereunder,
the Company represents, warrants and covenants that no brokerage or finder’s fees or commissions are or will be payable by
the Company or any subsidiary of the Company to any broker, financial advisor or consultant, finder, placement agent, investment
banker, bank or other third-party with respect to any Offering.


 




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C.       Information;
Reliance. The Company shall furnish, or cause to be furnished, to Wainwright all information requested by Wainwright for the
purpose of rendering services hereunder and conducting due diligence (all such information being the “Information”).
In addition, the Company agrees to make available to Wainwright upon request from time to time the officers, directors, accountants,
counsel and other advisors of the Company. The Company recognizes and confirms that Wainwright (a) will use and rely on the Information,
including any documents provided to investors in each Offering (the “Offering Documents”) which shall include
any Purchase Agreement (as defined hereunder), and on information available from generally recognized public sources in performing
the services contemplated by this Agreement without having independently verified the same; (b) does not assume responsibility
for the accuracy or completeness of the Offering Documents or the Information and such other information; and (c) will not make
an appraisal of any of the assets or liabilities of the Company. Upon reasonable request, the Company will meet with Wainwright
or its representatives to discuss all information relevant for disclosure in the Offering Documents and will cooperate in any investigation
undertaken by Wainwright thereof, including any document included or incorporated by reference therein. At each Offering, at the
request of Wainwright, the Company shall deliver such legal letters (including, without limitation, negative assurance letters),
opinions, comfort letters, officers’ and secretary certificates and good standing certificates, all in form and substance
satisfactory to Wainwright and its counsel as is customary for such Offering. Wainwright shall be a third party beneficiary of
any representations, warranties, covenants and closing conditions made by the Company in any Offering Documents, including representations,
warranties, covenants and closing conditions made to any investor in an Offering.


 


D.       Related
Agreements. At each Offering, the Company shall enter into the following additional agreements:


 


		1.	Underwritten Offering. If an Offering is an underwritten Offering, the Company and Wainwright
shall enter into a customary underwriting agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Wainwright and its counsel.



 


		2.	Best Efforts Offering. If an Offering is on a best efforts basis, the sale of Securities
to the investors in the Offering will be evidenced by a purchase agreement (“Purchase Agreement”) between the
Company and such investors in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company and Wainwright. Wainwright shall be a third party beneficiary
with respect to the representations and warranties included in the Purchase Agreement. Prior to the signing of any Purchase Agreement,
officers of the Company with responsibility for financial affairs will be available to answer inquiries from prospective investors.



 




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		3.	Escrow and Settlement. In respect of each Offering, the Company and Wainwright shall enter
into an escrow agreement with a third party escrow agent, which may also be Wainwright’s clearing agent, pursuant to which
Wainwright’s compensation and expenses shall be paid from the gross proceeds of the Securities sold. If the Offering is settled
in whole or in part via delivery versus payment (“DVP”), Wainwright shall arrange for its clearing agent to
provide the funds to facilitate such settlement. The Company shall bear the cost of the escrow agent and shall reimburse Wainwright
for the actual out-of-pocket cost of such clearing agent settlement and financing, if any, which cost shall not exceed $10,000.



 


		4.	FINRA Amendments. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event that Wainwright
determines that any of the terms provided for hereunder shall not comply with a FINRA rule, including but not limited to FINRA
Rule 5110, then the Company shall agree to amend this Agreement (or include such revisions in the final underwriting agreement)
in writing upon the request of Wainwright to comply with any such rules; provided that any such amendments shall not provide for
terms that are less favorable to the Company than are reflected in this Agreement.



 


E.       Confidentiality.
In the event of the consummation or public announcement of any Offering, Wainwright shall have the right to disclose its participation
in such Offering, including, without limitation, the Offering at its cost of “tombstone” advertisements in financial
and other newspapers and journals.


 


F.       Indemnity.


 


		1.	In connection with the Company’s engagement of Wainwright as Offering agent, the Company
hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Wainwright and its affiliates, and the respective controlling persons, directors,
officers, members, shareholders, agents and employees of any of the foregoing (collectively the “Indemnified Persons”),
from and against any and all claims, actions, suits, proceedings (including those of shareholders), damages, liabilities and expenses
incurred by any of them (including the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel), as incurred, (collectively a “Claim”),
that are (A) related to or arise out of (i) any actions taken or omitted to be taken (including any untrue statements made or any
statements omitted to be made) by the Company, or (ii) any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any Indemnified Person in connection
with the Company’s engagement of Wainwright, or (B) otherwise relate to or arise out of Wainwright’s activities on
the Company’s behalf under Wainwright’s engagement, and the Company shall reimburse any Indemnified Person for all
expenses (including the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) as incurred by such Indemnified Person in connection with investigating,
preparing or defending any such claim, action, suit or proceeding, whether or not in connection with pending or threatened litigation
in which any Indemnified Person is a party. The Company will not, however, be responsible for any Claim that is finally judicially
determined to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of any person seeking indemnification for such Claim.
The Company further agrees that no Indemnified Person shall have any liability to the Company for or in connection with the Company’s
engagement of Wainwright except for any Claim incurred by the Company as a result of such Indemnified Person’s gross negligence
or willful misconduct.



 




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		2.	The Company further agrees that it will not, without the prior written consent of Wainwright, settle,
compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment in any pending or threatened Claim in respect of which indemnification may be
sought hereunder (whether or not any Indemnified Person is an actual or potential party to such Claim), unless such settlement,
compromise or consent includes an unconditional, irrevocable release of each Indemnified Person from any and all liability arising
out of such Claim.



 


		3.	Promptly upon receipt by an Indemnified Person of notice of any complaint or the assertion or institution
of any Claim with respect to which indemnification is being sought hereunder, such Indemnified Person shall notify the Company
in writing of such complaint or of such assertion or institution but failure to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company
from any obligation it may have hereunder, except and only to the extent such failure results in the forfeiture by the Company
of substantial rights and defenses. If requested by such Indemnified Person, the Company will assume the defense of such Claim,
including the employment of counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Person and the payment of the fees and expenses
of such counsel. In the event, however, that legal counsel to such Indemnified Person reasonably determines that having common
counsel would present such counsel with a conflict of interest or if the defendant in, or target of, any such Claim, includes an
Indemnified Person and the Company, and legal counsel to such Indemnified Person reasonably concludes that there may be legal defenses
available to it or other Indemnified Persons different from or in addition to those available to the Company, then such Indemnified
Person may employ its own separate counsel to represent or defend him, her or it in any such Claim and the Company shall pay the
reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if the Company fails timely or diligently
to defend, contest, or otherwise protect against any Claim, the relevant Indemnified Person shall have the right, but not the obligation,
to defend, contest, compromise, settle, assert crossclaims, or counterclaims or otherwise protect against the same, and shall be
fully indemnified by the Company therefor, including without limitation, for the reasonable fees and expenses of its counsel and
all amounts paid as a result of such Claim or the compromise or settlement thereof. In addition, with respect to any Claim in which
the Company assumes the defense, the Indemnified Person shall have the right to participate in such Claim and to retain his, her
or its own counsel therefor at his, her or its own expense. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in no event shall
the Company be required to pay fees and expenses under this indemnity of more than one firm of attorneys (in addition to local
counsel) in the same jurisdiction in any one legal action or group of related legal actions, other than to the extent the applicable
Indemnified Persons use separate counsel for conflict of interest reasons.



 




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		4.	The Company agrees that if any indemnity sought by an Indemnified Person hereunder is held by a
court to be unavailable for any reason then (whether or not Wainwright is the Indemnified Person), the Company and Wainwright shall
contribute to the Claim for which such indemnity is held unavailable in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative
benefits to the Company, on the one hand, and Wainwright on the other, in connection with Wainwright’s engagement referred
to above, subject to the limitation that in no event shall the amount of Wainwright’s contribution to such Claim exceed the
amount of fees actually received by Wainwright from the Company pursuant to Wainwright’s engagement. The Company hereby agrees
that the relative benefits to the Company, on the one hand, and Wainwright on the other, with respect to Wainwright’s engagement
shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as (a) the total value paid or proposed to be paid or received by the Company pursuant
to the applicable Offering (whether or not consummated) for which Wainwright is engaged to render services bears to (b) the fee
paid or proposed to be paid to Wainwright in connection with such engagement.



 


		5.	The Company’s indemnity, reimbursement and contribution obligations under this Agreement
(a) shall be in addition to, and shall in no way limit or otherwise adversely affect any rights that any Indemnified Person may
have at law or at equity and (b) shall be effective whether or not the Company is at fault in any way.



 


G.       Limitation
of Engagement to the Company. The Company acknowledges that Wainwright has been retained only by the Company, that Wainwright
is providing services hereunder as an independent contractor (and not in any fiduciary or agency capacity) and that the Company’s
engagement of Wainwright is not deemed to be on behalf of, and is not intended to confer rights upon, any shareholder, owner or
partner of the Company or any other person not a party hereto as against Wainwright or any of its affiliates, or any of its or
their respective officers, directors, controlling persons (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), employees or agents. Unless otherwise
expressly agreed in writing by Wainwright, no one other than the Company is authorized to rely upon this Agreement or any other
statements or conduct of Wainwright, and no one other than the Company is intended to be a beneficiary of this Agreement. The Company
acknowledges that any recommendation or advice, written or oral, given by Wainwright to the Company in connection with Wainwright’s
engagement is intended solely for the benefit and use of the Company’s management and directors in considering a possible
Offering, and any such recommendation or advice is not on behalf of, and shall not confer any rights or remedies upon, any other
person or be used or relied upon for any other purpose. Wainwright shall not have the authority to make any commitment binding
on the Company. The Company, in its sole discretion, shall have the right to reject any investor introduced to it by Wainwright.


 




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H.       Limitation
of Wainwright’s Liability to the Company. Wainwright and the Company further agree that neither Wainwright nor any of
its affiliates or any of its their respective officers, directors, controlling persons (within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act), employees or agents shall have any liability to the Company, its security holders
or creditors, or any person asserting claims on behalf of or in the right of the Company (whether direct or indirect, in contract,
tort, for an act of negligence or otherwise) for any losses, fees, damages, liabilities, costs, expenses or equitable relief arising
out of or relating to this Agreement or the services rendered hereunder, except for losses, fees, damages, liabilities, costs or
expenses that arise out of or are based on any action of or failure to act by Wainwright and that are finally judicially determined
to have resulted solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Wainwright.


 


I.       Governing
Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements
made and to be fully performed therein. Any disputes that arise under this Agreement, even after the termination of this Agreement,
will be heard only in the state or federal courts located in the City of New York, State of New York. The parties hereto expressly
agree to submit themselves to the jurisdiction of the foregoing courts in the City of New York, State of New York. The parties
hereto expressly waive any rights they may have to contest the jurisdiction, venue or authority of any court sitting in the City
and State of New York. In the event Wainwright or any Indemnified Person is successful in any action, or suit against the Company,
arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the final judgment or award entered shall be entitled to have and recover from the
Company the costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith, including its reasonable attorneys’ fees. In the event the
Company is successful in any action or suit against Wainwright arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the final judgment
or award entered shall be entitled to have and recover from Wainwright the costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith,
including its reasonable attorneys’ fees. Any rights to trial by jury with respect to any such action, proceeding or suit
are hereby waived by Wainwright and the Company.


 


J.       Notices.
All notices hereunder will be in writing and sent by certified mail, hand delivery, overnight delivery or fax, if sent to Wainwright,
at the address set forth on the first page hereof, e-mail: notices@hcwco.com, Attention: Head of Investment Banking, and if sent
to the Company, to the address set forth on the first page hereof, e-mail: sfrom@eyegatepharma.com, Attention: Chief Executive
Officer. Notices sent by certified mail shall be deemed received five days thereafter, notices sent by hand delivery or overnight
delivery shall be deemed received on the date of the relevant written record of receipt, notices delivered by fax shall be deemed
received as of the date and time printed thereon by the fax machine and notices sent by e-mail shall be deemed received as of the
date and time they were sent.


 




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K.       Conflicts.
The Company acknowledges that Wainwright and its affiliates may have and may continue to have investment banking and other relationships
with parties other than the Company pursuant to which Wainwright may acquire information of interest to the Company. Wainwright
shall have no obligation to disclose such information to the Company or to use such information in connection with any contemplated
transaction.


 


L.       Anti-Money
Laundering. To help the United States government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering, the federal laws of the
United States require all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person with whom
they do business. This means Wainwright must ask the Company for certain identifying information, including a government-issued
identification number (e.g., a U.S. taxpayer identification number) and such other information or documents that Wainwright considers
appropriate to verify the Company’s identity, such as certified articles of incorporation, a government-issued business license,
a partnership agreement or a trust instrument.


 


M.       Miscellaneous.
The Company represents and warrants that it has all requisite power and authority to enter into and carry out the terms and provisions
of this Agreement and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement does not breach or conflict with any agreement,
document or instrument to which it is a party or bound. This Agreement shall not be modified or amended except in writing signed
by Wainwright and the Company. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of both Wainwright and the Company
and their respective assigns, successors, and legal representatives. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of Wainwright
and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior agreements with respect to the subject matter
hereof. If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable in any respect, such determination will
not affect such provision in any other respect, and the remainder of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. This
Agreement may be executed in counterparts (including facsimile or electronic counterparts), each of which shall be deemed an original
but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.


 


*********************


 




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In acknowledgment that the foregoing correctly
sets forth the understanding reached by Wainwright and the Company, please sign in the space provided below, whereupon this letter
shall constitute a binding Agreement as of the date indicated above.


 


	 	Very truly yours,
	 	 
	 	H.C. WAINWRIGHT & CO., LLC
	 	 
	 	By:  	/s/
    Mark W. Viklund
	 		Name: Mark W. Viklund
	 		Title:   Chief
    Executive Officer


 


	Accepted and Agreed:	 
	 	 
	EyeGate
    Pharmaceuticals, Inc.	 
	 	 
	By:	/s/
    Stephen From	 
		Name: Stephen From	 
		Title:   CEO	 


 




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