|        |
|--------|
|        |
|   |

|         |                                                                                                     |
|---------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| o  | Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |

|                                                                |
|----------------------------------------------------------------|
|                                                                |  |  |
| Delaware                                                       |   | 42-1491350 |
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |   | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |

|                                                             |
|-------------------------------------------------------------|
|                                                             |  |  |
| Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: | Common Stock, par value $0.01 |   |
| Name of each exchange on which registered:                  | The Nasdaq Global Market |   |
| Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: | None |   |

|                                               |
|-----------------------------------------------|
|                                               |  |  |
| Large accelerated filer o                |   | Accelerated filer x |
|                                          |   |   |
| Non-accelerated filer o                  |   | Smaller reporting company o |
| (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |   |   |
|                                          |   | Emerging growth company o |

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|          |                                         |
|----------|-----------------------------------------|
| Item 15. | EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES |

|                |
|----------------|
|                |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|           |   |   | Incorporated By Reference |   |
| Exhibit Number |   | Description | Form | Filing Date | Number | Filed Herewith |
| 2.1            |   | Asset Purchase Agreement, dated March 19, 2017, between Bluelink Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Cerulean Pharma, Inc. | 8-K | 3/20/2017 | 2.1 |   |
| 3.1            |   | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed on November 16, 2011 | 8-K | 11/18/2011 | 3.1 |   |
| 3.2            |   | Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed on May 10, 2013 | 8-K | 5/14/2013 | 3.1 |   |
| 3.3            |   | Amended and Restated Bylaws | 8-K | 11/18/2011 | 3.2 |   |
| 4.1            |   | Form of the Registrant's Common Stock Certificate | S-1/A | 10/26/2011 | 4.1 |   |
| 4.2            |   | Reference is made to Exhibits 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 |   |   |   |   |
| 4.3            |   | Amended and Restated Investor Rights Agreement by and between the Registrant and certain holders of the Registrant's capital stock dated as of December 1, 2010 | 10-Q | 5/10/2012 | 4.3 |   |
| 10.1           | † | Form of Indemnity Agreement by and between the Registrant and its directors and executive officers | S-1/A | 11/8/2011 | 10.11 |   |
| 10.2           | † | 2000 Equity Incentive Plan | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.2 |   |
| 10.3.1         | † | Form of Stock Option Agreement under 2000 Equity Incentive Plan | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.3 |   |
| 10.3.2         | † | Form of Stock Option Grant Notice under 2000 Equity Incentive Plan | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.4 |   |
| 10.3.3         | † | Form of Stock Bonus Agreement under 2000 Equity Incentive Plan | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.5 |   |
| 10.4           | † | Amended and Restated 2009 Equity Incentive Plan | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.6 |   |
| 10.4.1         | † | Form of Stock Option Agreement under 2009 Equity Incentive Plan | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.7 |   |
| 10.4.2         | † | Form of Stock Option Grant Notice under 2009 Equity Incentive Plan | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.8 |   |
| 10.4.3         | † | Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended | 10-Q | 8/5/2014 | 10.6 |   |
| 10.4.4         | † | Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice [Four Year Annual Vesting] under the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended | 10-Q | 8/5/2014 | 10.7 |   |
| 10.4.5         | † | Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice [Immediately Vested] under the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended | 10-Q | 8/5/2014 | 10.8 |   |
| 10.5           | † | 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan | 8-K | 5/14/2013 | 10.2 |   |
| 10.6           | † | 2010 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Award Plan, as amended | 10-Q | 11/8/2016 | 10.1 |   |
| 10.6.1         | † | Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 2010 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Award Plan, as amended | 10-Q | 8/5/2014 | 10.4 |   |
| 10.6.2         | † | Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice under the 2010 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Award Plan, as amended | 10-Q | 8/5/2014 | 10.5 |   |
| 10.7           | * | License Agreement dated September 13, 2005 by and between the Registrant and Medical College of Georgia Research Institute, Inc. | S-1/A | 11/8/2011 | 10.46 |   |
| 10.7.1         | * | Amendment to License Agreement dated April 27, 2006 by and between the Registrant and Medical College of Georgia Research Institute, Inc. | S-1/A | 11/8/2011 | 10.47 |   |
| 10.7.2         | * | Amendment to License Agreement dated April 27, 2006 by and between the Registrant and Medical College of Georgia Research Institute, Inc. | S-1/A | 11/8/2011 | 10.48 |   |
| 10.7.3         | * | Amendment to License Agreement dated February 13, 2007 by and between the Registrant and Medical College of Georgia Research Institute, Inc. | S-1/A | 11/8/2011 | 10.49 |   |

----

|         |
|---------|
|         |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 10.7.4  | * | Amendment to License Agreement dated March 28, 2006 by and between the Registrant and  Medical College of Georgia Research Institute, Inc. | 10-Q | 11/10/2014 | 10.3 |   |
| 10.7.5  | * | Amendment to License Agreement dated July 10, 2014 by and between the Registrant and  Medical College of Georgia Research Institute, Inc. | 10-Q | 11/10/2014 | 10.4 |   |
| 10.8    | * | Patent License Agreement dated March 1, 2006 by and between the Registrant and Bresagen Xenograft Marketing Ltd. | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.41 |   |
| 10.9    | * | Exclusive License Agreement dated July 29, 2008 by and between the Regents of the University of California and BioProtection Systems Corporation | S-1/A | 11/8/2011 | 10.66 |   |
| 10.10   | * | Letter of Intent for Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA #2166) dated May 7, 2007 by and between the Registrant and National Cancer Institute | S-1/A | 11/8/2011 | 10.38 |   |
| 10.10.1 |   | Amendment No. 1 to Letter of Intent for CRADA #2166 dated January 17, 2008 by and between the Registrant and National Cancer Institute | S-1/A | 10/4/2011 | 10.39 |   |
| 10.10.2 |   | Amendment No. 2 to Letter of Intent for CRADA #2166 dated July 7, 2008 by and between the Registrant and National Cancer Institute | S-1/A | 10/4/2011 | 10.40 |   |
| 10.10.3 |   | Amendment No. 3 to Letter of Intent for CRADA #2166 dated March 24, 2009 by and between the Registrant and National Cancer Institute | S-1/A | 10/4/2011 | 10.41 |   |
| 10.10.4 |   | Amendment No. 4 to Letter of Intent for CRADA #2166 dated October 28, 2009 by and between the Registrant and National Cancer Institute | S-1/A | 10/4/2011 | 10.42 |   |
| 10.10.5 |   | Amendment No. 5 to Letter of Intent for CRADA #2166 dated December 16, 2009 by and between the Registrant and National Cancer Institute | S-1/A | 10/4/2011 | 10.43 |   |
| 10.10.6 |   | Amendment No. 6 to Letter of Intent for CRADA #2166 dated June 29, 2010 by and between the Registrant and National Cancer Institute | S-1/A | 10/4/2011 | 10.44 |   |
| 10.10.7 |   | Amendment No. 7 to Letter of Intent for CRADA #2166 dated November 26, 2010 by and between the Registrant and National Cancer Institute | S-1/A | 10/4/2011 | 10.45 |   |
| 10.10.8 |   | Amendment No. 8 to Letter of Intent for CRADA #2166 dated June 2, 2011 by and between the Registrant and National Cancer Institute | S-1/A | 10/4/2011 | 10.79 |   |
| 10.11   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated December 6, 2005 by and between the Registrant and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.48 |   |
| 10.12   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated April 13, 2006 by and between the Registrant and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.49 |   |
| 10.13   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated February 20, 2008 by and between the Registrant and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.50 |   |
| 10.14   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated May 1, 2009 by and between the Registrant and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.51 |   |
| 10.15   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated March 24, 2010 by and between the Registrant and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.52 |   |
| 10.16   |   | Lease dated September 30, 2009 by and between the Registrant and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.53 |   |
| 10.17   |   | Lease dated August 10, 2005 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | S-1/A | 10/26/2011 | 10.82 |   |
| 10.18   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated September 29, 2011 by and between the Registrant and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | S-1/A | 10/26/2011 | 10.84 |   |
| 10.19   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated September 29, 2011 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | S-1/A | 10/26/2011 | 10.83 |   |
| 10.20   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated November 14, 2011 by and between NewLink Genetics Corporation and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | 8-K | 11/18/2011 | 10.1 |   |
| 10.21   |   | Promissory Note executed in 2009 by and between the Registrant and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.54 |   |
| 10.22   |   | Iowa Values Fund Agreement dated March 18, 2005 by and between the Registrant and Iowa Department of Economic Development | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.56 |   |
| 10.23   |   | Master Contract dated December 29, 2005 by and between the Registrant and Iowa Department of Economic Development | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.58 |   |
| 10.24   |   | Contract Amendment dated April 21, 2009 between the Registrant and Iowa Department of Economic Development | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.59 |   |

----

|         |
|---------|
|         |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 10.25   |   | Contract Amendment dated August 19, 2010 between the Registrant and Iowa Department of Economic Development | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.57 |   |
| 10.26   |   | Contract Amendment dated August 19, 2010 between the Registrant and Iowa Department of Economic Development | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.60 |   |
| 10.27   |   | Contract Amendment effective February 17, 2011 between the Registrant and Iowa Department of Economic Development | S-1/A | 9/14/2011 | 10.77 |   |
| 10.28   |   | Contract Amendment effective February 17, 2011 between the Registrant and Iowa Department of Economic Development | S-1/A | 9/14/2011 | 10.78 |   |
| 10.29   |   | Contract No. W911NF-08-C-0044 dated May 5, 2008 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and the United States Department of Defense | S-1/A | 2/28/2011 | 10.68 |   |
| 10.29.1 |   | Amendment to Contract No. W911NF-08-C-0044 dated February 12, 2009 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and the United States Department of Defense | S-1/A | 2/28/2011 | 10.69 |   |
| 10.30   | * | Contract No. HDTRA1-09-C-0014 dated September 25, 2009 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and the United States Department of Defense | S-1/A | 11/8/2011 | 10.70 |   |
| 10.30.1 |   | Amendment of Contract No. HDTRA1-09-C-0014 dated September 20, 2011 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and the United States Department of Defense | S-1/A | 10/4/2011 | 10.80 |   |
| 10.31   |   | Contract No. W911NF-09-C-0072 dated July 31, 2009 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and the United States Department of Defense | S-1/A | 2/28/2011 | 10.71 |   |
| 10.31.1 |   | Amendment to Contract No. W911NF-09-C-0072 dated April 21, 2010 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and the United States Department of Defense | S-1/A | 2/28/2011 | 10.72 |   |
| 10.32   |   | Grant Number 5U01AI066327-05 issued August 26, 2009 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and the National Institutes of Health | S-1/A | 2/28/2011 | 10.73 |   |
| 10.33   |   | Grant Number 1R43AI084350-01A1 issued April 6, 2010 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and the National Institutes of Health | S-1/A | 2/28/2011 | 10.74 |   |
| 10.34   |   | Grant Number 5R43AI084350-02 issued March 24, 2011 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and the National Institutes of Health | S-1/A | 10/4/2011 | 10.81 |   |
| 10.35   |   | NewLink Genetics Corporation 401(k) Prototype Plan and Trust, effective as of January 1, 2005 | 8-K | 3/12/2012 | 10.2 |   |
| 10.36   |   | NewLink Genetics Corporation 401(k) Adoption Agreement, effective as of January 1, 2005 | 8-K | 3/12/2012 | 10.3 |   |
| 10.37   |   | Material Modification to the NewLink Genetics Corporation 401(k) Adoption Agreement, effective as of January 1, 2011 | 8-K | 3/12/2012 | 10.4 |   |
| 10.38   |   | Settlement Agreement with the Iowa Economic Development Authority, effective as of March 26, 2012 | 8-K | 3/28/2012 | 10.1 |   |
| 10.39   | * | Cooperative Research and Development Agreement between the Registrant and the National Cancer Institute, effective as of March 27, 2012 | 10-Q | 5/10/2012 | 10.6 |   |
| 10.40   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated May 7, 2012 by and between the Registrant and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | 10-K | 3/15/2013 | 10.1 |   |
| 10.41   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated May 7, 2012 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | 10-K | 3/15/2013 | 10.2 |   |
| 10.42   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated November 6, 2012 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | 10-K | 3/15/2013 | 10.3 |   |
| 10.43   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated April 15, 2013 by and between the Registrant and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | 10-Q | 5/8/2013 | 10.1 |   |
| 10.44   |   | Memorandum of Agreement; Addendum to the Lease Between ISU Research Park Corporation and the Registrant dated March 1, 2010 | 10-Q | 8/8/2013 | 10.2 |   |
| 10.45   |   | Amendment of Contract No. HDTRA1-09-C-0014, by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and the United States Department of Defense, dated as of September 18, 2013 | 10-Q | 11/12/2013 | 10.1 |   |
| 10.46   |   | License Agreement Amendment, by and between NewLink Genetics Corporation and Georgia Health Sciences University Research Institute, dated as of July 13, 2013 | 10-Q | 11/12/2013 | 10.2 |   |

----

|         |
|---------|
|         |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 10.47   |   | Memorandum of Agreement, dated January 4, 2014, by and between the Registrant and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | 10-K | 3/12/2014 | 10.93 |   |
| 10.48   | * | License and Collaboration Agreement dated November 21, 2014 by and among the Company, BioProtection Systems Corporation and Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. | 10-K | 3/16/2015 | 10.105 |   |
| 10.48.1 | * | Amendment to License and Collaboration Agreement dated December 5, 2017 by and among the Company, BioProtection Systems Corporation and Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. | 10-K | 3/5/2018 | 10.48.1 |   |
| 10.49   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated October 25, 2014; Addendum to the Lease Between ISU Research Park Corporation and NewLink Genetics Corporation dated August 22, 2005 | 10-K | 3/16/2015 | 10.106 |   |
| 10.49.1 |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated July 9, 2015; Addendum to the Lease Between ISU Research Park Corporation and NewLink Genetics Corporation dated August 22, 2005 | 10-K | 2/29/2016 | 10.62.1 |   |
| 10.50   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated December 29, 2014; Addendum to the Lease Between ISU Research Park Corporation and NewLink Genetics Corporation dated March 1, 2010 | 10-K | 3/16/2015 | 10.107 |   |
| 10.50.1 |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated February 12, 2015; Addendum to the Lease Between ISU Research Park Corporation and NewLink Genetics Corporation dated March 1, 2010 | 10-K | 3/16/2015 | 10.108 |   |
| 10.50.2 |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated September 21, 2015; Addendum to the Lease Between ISU Research Park Corporation and NewLink Genetics Corporation dated March 1, 2010 | 10-K | 2/29/2016 | 10.63.2 |   |
| 10.51   | † | 2015 Bonus Awards | 8-K | 1/7/2016 | 10.1 |   |
| 10.52   | † | 2016 Salaries, Bonus Targets and Equity Awards | 8-K | 1/7/2016 | 10.2 |   |
| 10.53   | * | Sixth Amendment, effective March 15, 2016, to the License Agreement between Augusta University Research, Inc., the Georgia Health Sciences University Research Institute, Inc., and Medical College of Georgia Institute and the Registrant, dated September 13, 2005. | 10-Q/A | 11/3/2016 | 10.8 |   |
| 10.54   | * | License Agreement, effective March 15, 2016, by and between Augusta University Research Institute, Inc. and the Registrant | 10-Q/A | 11/3/2016 | 10.9 |   |
| 10.55   | * | Research Services Agreement, dated March 18, 2016, between the Registrant and Augusta University Research Institute, Inc. | 10-Q/A | 11/3/2016 | 10.10 |   |
| 10.56   |   | Controlled Equity Offering Sales Agreement, dated November 29, 2016, between the Registrant and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. | 8-K | 11/29/2016 | 10.1 |   |
| 10.57   | † | Employment Agreement, dated January 4, 2016, by and between the Registrant and Charles J. Link | 8-K | 1/7/2016 | 10.3 |   |
| 10.58   | † | Employment Agreement, dated January 4, 2016, by and between the Registrant and Dr. Nicholas N. Vahanian | 8-K | 1/7/2016 | 10.4 |   |
| 10.59   | † | Employment Agreement, dated January 4, 2016, by and between the Registrant and Carl Langren | 8-K | 1/7/2016 | 10.6 |   |
| 10.60   | † | Employment Agreement, dated January 4, 2016, by and between the Registrant and Brian Wiley | 8-K | 1/7/2016 | 10.7 |   |
| 10.61   | * | Amended and Restated License Agreement by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Health, acting through the Public Health Agency of Canada, dated December 5, 2017. | 10-K | 3/5/2018 | 10.61 |   |
| 10.62   | † | Employment Agreement, dated January 4, 2016, by and between the Registrant and John B. Henneman, III | 8-K | 1/7/2016 | 10.5 |   |
| 10.63   | † | Employment Agreement, dated January 4, 2016, by and between the Registrant and Dr. Eugene P. Kennedy |   |   |   | X |
| 21.1    |   | Subsidiary Information | 10-K | 3/5/2018 | 21.1 |   |
| 23.1    |   | Consent of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm | 10-K | 3/5/2018 | 23.1 |   |
| 24.1    |   | Power of Attorney (included on signature page thereto) | 10-K | 3/5/2018 | 24.1 |   |
| 31.1    |   | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification to Form 10-K | 10-K | 3/5/2018 | 31.1 |   |
| 31.2    |   | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification to Form 10-K | 10-K | 3/5/2018 | 31.2 |   |
| 31.3    |   | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification to Form 10-K/A |   |   |   | X |
| 31.4    |   | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification to Form 10-K/A |   |   |   | X |
| 32.1    | # | Section 1350 Certification to Form 10-K | 10-K | 3/5/2018 | 32.1 |   |
| 32.2    | # | Section 1350 Certification to Form 10-K/A |   |   |   | X |

----

|         |
|---------|
|         |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 101.INS |   | XBRL Instance Document (filed electronically therewith) | 10-K | 3/5/2018 |   |   |
| 101.SCH |   | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (filed electronically therewith) | 10-K | 3/5/2018 |   |   |
| 101.CAL |   | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (filed electronically therewith) | 10-K | 3/5/2018 |   |   |
| 101.LAB |   | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (filed electronically therewith) | 10-K | 3/5/2018 |   |   |
| 101.PRE |   | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (filed electronically therewith) | 10-K | 3/5/2018 |   |   |
| 101.DEF |   | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (filed electronically therewith) | 10-K | 3/5/2018 |   |   |
|    |   |   |   |   |   |   |

|         |
|---------|
|         |  |
| † | Indicates management contract or compensatory plan. |
| *       | Indicates confidential treatment has been requested with respect to specific portions of this exhibit. Omitted portions have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 19434, as amended. |
| #       | The certifications attached as Exhibit 32.1 that accompanies the Annual Report on Form 10-K and Exhibit 32.2 that accompanies this Amendment No. 1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A are not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of NewLink Genetics Corporation under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, whether made before or after the date of the Form 10-K or this Form 10-K/A, respectively, irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing. |

----

|                               |
|-------------------------------|
|                               |  |  |  |
| NEWLINK GENETICS CORPORATION  |   |   |
|                          |   |   |
| By:                           | /s/ Charles J. Link, Jr. | By: | /s/ John B. Henneman, III |
| Charles J. Link, Jr.     | John B. Henneman, III |
| Chief Executive Officer       | Chief Financial Officer and Secretary |
| (Principal Executive Officer) | (Principal Financial Officer) |
| Date: April 9, 2018           | Date: April 9, 2018 |
|                          |   |   |
|                          |   | By: | /s/ Carl W. Langren |
|                          | Carl W. Langren |
|                          | Vice President Finance |
|                          | (Principal Accounting Officer) |
|                          | Date: April 9, 2018 |

|                                     |
|-------------------------------------|
|                                     |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|                                | Name |   |   |   | Title |   | Date |
|                                |   |   |   |   |
| /s/ Charles J. Link, Jr.       |   | Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of Board of Directors and Director |   | April 9, 2018 |
| Charles J. Link, Jr.           |   | (Principal Executive Officer) |   |   |
| /s/ John B. Henneman, III           |   | Chief Financial Officer and Secretary |   | April 9, 2018 |
| John B. Henneman, III               |   | (Principal Financial Officer) |   |   |
| /s/ Carl W. Langren                 |   | Vice President Finance |   | April 9, 2018 |
| Carl W. Langren                     |   | (Principal Accounting Officer) |   |   |
| *                                   |   | Director |   |   |
| Thomas A. Raffin                    |   |   |   |   |
| *                                   |   | Director |   |   |
| Ernest J. Talarico, III             |   |   |   |   |
| *                                   |   | Director |   |   |
| Lota Zoth                           |   |   |   |   |
| *                                   |   | Director |   |   |
| Paul Edick                          |   |   |   |   |
| *                                   |   | Director |   |   |
| Paolo Pucci                         |   |   |   |   |
| *                                   |   | Director |   |   |
| Nicholas N. Vahanian                |   |   |   |   |
| *By:  /s/ Charles J. Link, Jr. |   |   |   | April 9, 2018 |
| Charles J. Link, Jr.                |   |   |   |   |
| Attorney-in-Fact                    |   |   |   |   |

----

|                |
|----------------|
|                |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|           |   |   | Incorporated By Reference |   |
| Exhibit Number |   | Description | Form | Filing Date | Number | Filed Herewith |
| 2.1            |   | Asset Purchase Agreement, dated March 19, 2017, between Bluelink Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Cerulean Pharma, Inc. | 8-K | 3/20/2017 | 2.1 |   |
| 3.1            |   | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed on November 16, 2011 | 8-K | 11/18/2011 | 3.1 |   |
| 3.2            |   | Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed on May 10, 2013 | 8-K | 5/14/2013 | 3.1 |   |
| 3.3            |   | Amended and Restated Bylaws | 8-K | 11/18/2011 | 3.2 |   |
| 4.1            |   | Form of the Registrant's Common Stock Certificate | S-1/A | 10/26/2011 | 4.1 |   |
| 4.2            |   | Reference is made to Exhibits 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 |   |   |   |   |
| 4.3            |   | Amended and Restated Investor Rights Agreement by and between the Registrant and certain holders of the Registrant's capital stock dated as of December 1, 2010 | 10-Q | 5/10/2012 | 4.3 |   |
| 10.1           | † | Form of Indemnity Agreement by and between the Registrant and its directors and executive officers | S-1/A | 11/8/2011 | 10.11 |   |
| 10.2           | † | 2000 Equity Incentive Plan | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.2 |   |
| 10.3.1         | † | Form of Stock Option Agreement under 2000 Equity Incentive Plan | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.3 |   |
| 10.3.2         | † | Form of Stock Option Grant Notice under 2000 Equity Incentive Plan | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.4 |   |
| 10.3.3         | † | Form of Stock Bonus Agreement under 2000 Equity Incentive Plan | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.5 |   |
| 10.4           | † | Amended and Restated 2009 Equity Incentive Plan | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.6 |   |
| 10.4.1         | † | Form of Stock Option Agreement under 2009 Equity Incentive Plan | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.7 |   |
| 10.4.2         | † | Form of Stock Option Grant Notice under 2009 Equity Incentive Plan | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.8 |   |
| 10.4.3         | † | Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended | 10-Q | 8/5/2014 | 10.6 |   |
| 10.4.4         | † | Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice [Four Year Annual Vesting] under the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended | 10-Q | 8/5/2014 | 10.7 |   |
| 10.4.5         | † | Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice [Immediately Vested] under the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended | 10-Q | 8/5/2014 | 10.8 |   |
| 10.5           | † | 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan | 8-K | 5/14/2013 | 10.2 |   |
| 10.6           | † | 2010 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Award Plan, as amended | 10-Q | 11/8/2016 | 10.1 |   |
| 10.6.1         | † | Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 2010 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Award Plan, as amended | 10-Q | 8/5/2014 | 10.4 |   |
| 10.6.2         | † | Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice under the 2010 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Award Plan, as amended | 10-Q | 8/5/2014 | 10.5 |   |
| 10.7           | * | License Agreement dated September 13, 2005 by and between the Registrant and Medical College of Georgia Research Institute, Inc. | S-1/A | 11/8/2011 | 10.46 |   |
| 10.7.1         | * | Amendment to License Agreement dated April 27, 2006 by and between the Registrant and Medical College of Georgia Research Institute, Inc. | S-1/A | 11/8/2011 | 10.47 |   |
| 10.7.2         | * | Amendment to License Agreement dated April 27, 2006 by and between the Registrant and Medical College of Georgia Research Institute, Inc. | S-1/A | 11/8/2011 | 10.48 |   |
| 10.7.3         | * | Amendment to License Agreement dated February 13, 2007 by and between the Registrant and Medical College of Georgia Research Institute, Inc. | S-1/A | 11/8/2011 | 10.49 |   |
| 10.7.4         | * | Amendment to License Agreement dated March 28, 2006 by and between the Registrant and  Medical College of Georgia Research Institute, Inc. | 10-Q | 11/10/2014 | 10.3 |   |
| 10.7.5         | * | Amendment to License Agreement dated July 10, 2014 by and between the Registrant and  Medical College of Georgia Research Institute, Inc. | 10-Q | 11/10/2014 | 10.4 |   |
| 10.8           | * | Patent License Agreement dated March 1, 2006 by and between the Registrant and Bresagen Xenograft Marketing Ltd. | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.41 |   |

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|         |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 10.9    | * | Exclusive License Agreement dated July 29, 2008 by and between the Regents of the University of California and BioProtection Systems Corporation | S-1/A | 11/8/2011 | 10.66 |   |
| 10.10   | * | Letter of Intent for Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA #2166) dated May 7, 2007 by and between the Registrant and National Cancer Institute | S-1/A | 11/8/2011 | 10.38 |   |
| 10.10.1 |   | Amendment No. 1 to Letter of Intent for CRADA #2166 dated January 17, 2008 by and between the Registrant and National Cancer Institute | S-1/A | 10/4/2011 | 10.39 |   |
| 10.10.2 |   | Amendment No. 2 to Letter of Intent for CRADA #2166 dated July 7, 2008 by and between the Registrant and National Cancer Institute | S-1/A | 10/4/2011 | 10.40 |   |
| 10.10.3 |   | Amendment No. 3 to Letter of Intent for CRADA #2166 dated March 24, 2009 by and between the Registrant and National Cancer Institute | S-1/A | 10/4/2011 | 10.41 |   |
| 10.10.4 |   | Amendment No. 4 to Letter of Intent for CRADA #2166 dated October 28, 2009 by and between the Registrant and National Cancer Institute | S-1/A | 10/4/2011 | 10.42 |   |
| 10.10.5 |   | Amendment No. 5 to Letter of Intent for CRADA #2166 dated December 16, 2009 by and between the Registrant and National Cancer Institute | S-1/A | 10/4/2011 | 10.43 |   |
| 10.10.6 |   | Amendment No. 6 to Letter of Intent for CRADA #2166 dated June 29, 2010 by and between the Registrant and National Cancer Institute | S-1/A | 10/4/2011 | 10.44 |   |
| 10.10.7 |   | Amendment No. 7 to Letter of Intent for CRADA #2166 dated November 26, 2010 by and between the Registrant and National Cancer Institute | S-1/A | 10/4/2011 | 10.45 |   |
| 10.10.8 |   | Amendment No. 8 to Letter of Intent for CRADA #2166 dated June 2, 2011 by and between the Registrant and National Cancer Institute | S-1/A | 10/4/2011 | 10.79 |   |
| 10.11   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated December 6, 2005 by and between the Registrant and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.48 |   |
| 10.12   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated April 13, 2006 by and between the Registrant and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.49 |   |
| 10.13   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated February 20, 2008 by and between the Registrant and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.50 |   |
| 10.14   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated May 1, 2009 by and between the Registrant and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.51 |   |
| 10.15   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated March 24, 2010 by and between the Registrant and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.52 |   |
| 10.16   |   | Lease dated September 30, 2009 by and between the Registrant and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.53 |   |
| 10.17   |   | Lease dated August 10, 2005 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | S-1/A | 10/26/2011 | 10.82 |   |
| 10.18   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated September 29, 2011 by and between the Registrant and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | S-1/A | 10/26/2011 | 10.84 |   |
| 10.19   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated September 29, 2011 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | S-1/A | 10/26/2011 | 10.83 |   |
| 10.20   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated November 14, 2011 by and between NewLink Genetics Corporation and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | 8-K | 11/18/2011 | 10.1 |   |
| 10.21   |   | Promissory Note executed in 2009 by and between the Registrant and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.54 |   |
| 10.22   |   | Iowa Values Fund Agreement dated March 18, 2005 by and between the Registrant and Iowa Department of Economic Development | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.56 |   |
| 10.23   |   | Master Contract dated December 29, 2005 by and between the Registrant and Iowa Department of Economic Development | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.58 |   |
| 10.24   |   | Contract Amendment dated April 21, 2009 between the Registrant and Iowa Department of Economic Development | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.59 |   |
| 10.25   |   | Contract Amendment dated August 19, 2010 between the Registrant and Iowa Department of Economic Development | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.57 |   |
| 10.26   |   | Contract Amendment dated August 19, 2010 between the Registrant and Iowa Department of Economic Development | S-1 | 12/21/2010 | 10.60 |   |
| 10.27   |   | Contract Amendment effective February 17, 2011 between the Registrant and Iowa Department of Economic Development | S-1/A | 9/14/2011 | 10.77 |   |

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|         |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 10.28   |   | Contract Amendment effective February 17, 2011 between the Registrant and Iowa Department of Economic Development | S-1/A | 9/14/2011 | 10.78 |   |
| 10.29   |   | Contract No. W911NF-08-C-0044 dated May 5, 2008 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and the United States Department of Defense | S-1/A | 2/28/2011 | 10.68 |   |
| 10.29.1 |   | Amendment to Contract No. W911NF-08-C-0044 dated February 12, 2009 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and the United States Department of Defense | S-1/A | 2/28/2011 | 10.69 |   |
| 10.30   | * | Contract No. HDTRA1-09-C-0014 dated September 25, 2009 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and the United States Department of Defense | S-1/A | 11/8/2011 | 10.70 |   |
| 10.30.1 |   | Amendment of Contract No. HDTRA1-09-C-0014 dated September 20, 2011 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and the United States Department of Defense | S-1/A | 10/4/2011 | 10.80 |   |
| 10.31   |   | Contract No. W911NF-09-C-0072 dated July 31, 2009 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and the United States Department of Defense | S-1/A | 2/28/2011 | 10.71 |   |
| 10.31.1 |   | Amendment to Contract No. W911NF-09-C-0072 dated April 21, 2010 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and the United States Department of Defense | S-1/A | 2/28/2011 | 10.72 |   |
| 10.32   |   | Grant Number 5U01AI066327-05 issued August 26, 2009 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and the National Institutes of Health | S-1/A | 2/28/2011 | 10.73 |   |
| 10.33   |   | Grant Number 1R43AI084350-01A1 issued April 6, 2010 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and the National Institutes of Health | S-1/A | 2/28/2011 | 10.74 |   |
| 10.34   |   | Grant Number 5R43AI084350-02 issued March 24, 2011 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and the National Institutes of Health | S-1/A | 10/4/2011 | 10.81 |   |
| 10.35   |   | NewLink Genetics Corporation 401(k) Prototype Plan and Trust, effective as of January 1, 2005 | 8-K | 3/12/2012 | 10.2 |   |
| 10.36   |   | NewLink Genetics Corporation 401(k) Adoption Agreement, effective as of January 1, 2005 | 8-K | 3/12/2012 | 10.3 |   |
| 10.37   |   | Material Modification to the NewLink Genetics Corporation 401(k) Adoption Agreement, effective as of January 1, 2011 | 8-K | 3/12/2012 | 10.4 |   |
| 10.38   |   | Settlement Agreement with the Iowa Economic Development Authority, effective as of March 26, 2012 | 8-K | 3/28/2012 | 10.1 |   |
| 10.39   | * | Cooperative Research and Development Agreement between the Registrant and the National Cancer Institute, effective as of March 27, 2012 | 10-Q | 5/10/2012 | 10.6 |   |
| 10.40   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated May 7, 2012 by and between the Registrant and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | 10-K | 3/15/2013 | 10.1 |   |
| 10.41   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated May 7, 2012 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | 10-K | 3/15/2013 | 10.2 |   |
| 10.42   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated November 6, 2012 by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | 10-K | 3/15/2013 | 10.3 |   |
| 10.43   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated April 15, 2013 by and between the Registrant and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | 10-Q | 5/8/2013 | 10.1 |   |
| 10.44   |   | Memorandum of Agreement; Addendum to the Lease Between ISU Research Park Corporation and the Registrant dated March 1, 2010 | 10-Q | 8/8/2013 | 10.2 |   |
| 10.45   |   | Amendment of Contract No. HDTRA1-09-C-0014, by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and the United States Department of Defense, dated as of September 18, 2013 | 10-Q | 11/12/2013 | 10.1 |   |
| 10.46   |   | License Agreement Amendment, by and between NewLink Genetics Corporation and Georgia Health Sciences University Research Institute, dated as of July 13, 2013 | 10-Q | 11/12/2013 | 10.2 |   |
| 10.47   |   | Memorandum of Agreement, dated January 4, 2014, by and between the Registrant and Iowa State University Research Park Corporation | 10-K | 3/12/2014 | 10.93 |   |
| 10.48   | * | License and Collaboration Agreement dated November 21, 2014 by and among the Company, BioProtection Systems Corporation and Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. | 10-K | 3/16/2015 | 10.105 |   |

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|         |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 10.48.1 | * | Amendment to License and Collaboration Agreement dated December 5, 2017 by and among the Company, BioProtection Systems Corporation and Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. | 10-K | 3/5/2018 | 10.48.1 |   |
| 10.49   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated October 25, 2014; Addendum to the Lease Between ISU Research Park Corporation and NewLink Genetics Corporation dated August 22, 2005 | 10-K | 3/16/2015 | 10.106 |   |
| 10.49.1 |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated July 9, 2015; Addendum to the Lease Between ISU Research Park Corporation and NewLink Genetics Corporation dated August 22, 2005 | 10-K | 2/29/2016 | 10.62.1 |   |
| 10.50   |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated December 29, 2014; Addendum to the Lease Between ISU Research Park Corporation and NewLink Genetics Corporation dated March 1, 2010 | 10-K | 3/16/2015 | 10.107 |   |
| 10.50.1 |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated February 12, 2015; Addendum to the Lease Between ISU Research Park Corporation and NewLink Genetics Corporation dated March 1, 2010 | 10-K | 3/16/2015 | 10.108 |   |
| 10.50.2 |   | Memorandum of Agreement dated September 21, 2015; Addendum to the Lease Between ISU Research Park Corporation and NewLink Genetics Corporation dated March 1, 2010 | 10-K | 2/29/2016 | 10.63.2 |   |
| 10.51   | † | 2015 Bonus Awards | 8-K | 1/7/2016 | 10.1 |   |
| 10.52   | † | 2016 Salaries, Bonus Targets and Equity Awards | 8-K | 1/7/2016 | 10.2 |   |
| 10.53   | * | Sixth Amendment, effective March 15, 2016, to the License Agreement between Augusta University Research, Inc., the Georgia Health Sciences University Research Institute, Inc., and Medical College of Georgia Institute and the Registrant, dated September 13, 2005. | 10-Q/A | 11/3/2016 | 10.8 |   |
| 10.54   | * | License Agreement, effective March 15, 2016, by and between Augusta University Research Institute, Inc. and the Registrant | 10-Q/A | 11/3/2016 | 10.9 |   |
| 10.55   | * | Research Services Agreement, dated March 18, 2016, between the Registrant and Augusta University Research Institute, Inc. | 10-Q/A | 11/3/2016 | 10.10 |   |
| 10.56   |   | Controlled Equity Offering Sales Agreement, dated November 29, 2016, between the Registrant and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. | 8-K | 11/29/2016 | 10.1 |   |
| 10.57   | † | Employment Agreement, dated January 4, 2016, by and between the Registrant and Charles J. Link | 8-K | 1/7/2016 | 10.3 |   |
| 10.58   | † | Employment Agreement, dated January 4, 2016, by and between the Registrant and Dr. Nicholas N. Vahanian | 8-K | 1/7/2016 | 10.4 |   |
| 10.59   | † | Employment Agreement, dated January 4, 2016, by and between the Registrant and Carl Langren | 8-K | 1/7/2016 | 10.6 |   |
| 10.60   | † | Employment Agreement, dated January 4, 2016, by and between the Registrant and Brian Wiley | 8-K | 1/7/2016 | 10.7 |   |
| 10.61   | * | Amended and Restated License Agreement by and between BioProtection Systems Corporation and Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Health, acting through the Public Health Agency of Canada, dated December 5, 2017. | 10-K | 3/5/2018 | 10.61 |   |
| 10.62   | † | Employment Agreement, dated January 4, 2016, by and between the Registrant and John B. Henneman, III | 8-K | 1/7/2016 | 10.5 |   |
| 10.63   | † | Employment Agreement, dated January 4, 2016, by and between the Registrant and Dr. Eugene P. Kennedy |   |   |   | X |
| 21.1    |   | Subsidiary Information | 10-K | 3/5/2018 | 21.1 |   |
| 23.1    |   | Consent of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm | 10-K | 3/5/2018 | 23.1 |   |
| 24.1    |   | Power of Attorney (included on signature page thereto) | 10-K | 3/5/2018 | 24.1 |   |
| 31.1    |   | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification to Form 10-K | 10-K | 3/5/2018 | 31.1 |   |
| 31.2    |   | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification to Form 10-K | 10-K | 3/5/2018 | 31.2 |   |
| 31.3    |   | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification to Form 10-K/A |   |   |   | X |
| 31.4    |   | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification to Form 10-K/A |   |   |   | X |
| 32.1    | # | Section 1350 Certification to Form 10-K | 10-K | 3/5/2018 | 32.1 |   |
| 32.2    | # | Section 1350 Certification to Form 10-K/A |   |   |   | X |
| 101.INS |   | XBRL Instance Document (filed electronically therewith) | 10-K | 3/5/2018 |   |   |
| 101.SCH |   | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (filed electronically therewith) | 10-K | 3/5/2018 |   |   |
| 101.CAL |   | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (filed electronically therewith) | 10-K | 3/5/2018 |   |   |

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|         |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 101.LAB |   | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (filed electronically therewith) | 10-K | 3/5/2018 |   |   |
| 101.PRE |   | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (filed electronically therewith) | 10-K | 3/5/2018 |   |   |
| 101.DEF |   | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (filed electronically therewith) | 10-K | 3/5/2018 |   |   |
|    |   |   |   |   |   |   |

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|         |  |
| † | Indicates management contract or compensatory plan. |
| *       | Indicates confidential treatment has been requested with respect to specific portions of this exhibit. Omitted portions have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 19434, as amended. |
| #       | The certifications attached as Exhibit 32.1 that accompanies the Annual Report on Form 10-K and Exhibit 32.2 that accompanies this Amendment No. 1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A are not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of NewLink Genetics Corporation under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, whether made before or after the date of the Form 10-K or this Form 10-K/A, respectively, irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing. |