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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                               ----------------
                                   FORM 10-K
 
       (Mark One)
 
             [X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) 
                   OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996
 
                                       OR
 
           [_] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) 
                   OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
            For the transition period from             to
                         Commission file number 0-15847
 
                               ----------------
 
                          SEQUUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
                               ----------------
 
          DELAWARE                                     94-3031834
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF            (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)
                                        
 
  960 HAMILTON COURT, MENLO PARK, CA                      94025
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                (ZIP CODE)
 
       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (415) 323-9011
        Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
 
                        Common Stock, $0.0001 Par Value
                                (Title of Class)
 
                               ----------------
 
  Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports, and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X]  No [_]
 
  Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K ((S)229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and
will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive
proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this
Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]
 
  The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant, based upon the closing price of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq
National Market on December 31, 1996, was $462,883,424. Solely for the purposes
of this calculation, each officer and director of the registrant is deemed to
be an affiliate.
 
  The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of December 31, 1996 was
29,660,319.

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<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
 <C>      <S>                                                               <C>
 Item  1. BUSINESS.......................................................     2
 Item  2. PROPERTIES.....................................................    28
 Item  3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS..............................................    28
 Item  4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS............    28
 Item  5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
           MATTERS.......................................................    29
 Item  6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA........................................    30
 Item  7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
           RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.........................................    31
 Item  8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA....................    36
 Item  9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
           FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE..........................................    52
 Item 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.............    53
 Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.........................................    56
 Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.    59
 Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.................    60
 Item 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS
           ON FORM 8-K...................................................    60
</TABLE>
 
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  The statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and other statements made
by the Company from time to time that relate to future plans, events or
performance are forward-looking statements which involve risks and
uncertainties. Actual results, events or performance may differ materially
from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements as a result of a
variety of factors, including those set forth under "Risk Factors" and
elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Readers are cautioned not to
place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as
of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release
the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be
made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect
the occurrence of unanticipated events.
 
                                    PART I
 
 
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
 
OVERVIEW
 
  SEQUUS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("SEQUUS" or the "Company") is a leader in
developing and commercializing lipid-based biopharmaceutical products
primarily to treat cancer and infectious diseases. The Company formulates its
proprietary STEALTH liposomes with existing drugs, or with therapeutics under
development, to develop new products with improved safety and efficacy
profiles. The Company has developed and is marketing DOXIL, an anticancer
drug, and AMPHOTEC, an antifungal drug, in the United States through its
direct sales organization and internationally through its marketing partners.
The Company is currently conducting additional clinical trials for the use of
DOXIL in the treatment of certain solid tumors, including a Phase III clinical
trial in refractory ovarian cancer and a number of breast cancer trials. In
addition, SEQUUS is currently conducting a Phase I trial of its STEALTH
cisplatin formulation for the treatment of cancer.
 
  Liposomes are microscopic lipid spheres used to encapsulate drugs for
delivery to targeted areas of the body in order to increase efficacy and
reduce toxicity. SEQUUS has created and patented STEALTH liposomes that avoid
the body's natural defense mechanisms and degrade more slowly than
conventional liposomes, thereby significantly increasing circulation time of
encapsulated therapeutic agents in the body. For example, clinical data
demonstrate that an anthracycline encapsulated in STEALTH liposomes (DOXIL)
has a circulating half-life of approximately 55 hours compared to a half-life
of approximately five hours for the other commercially available liposomal
anthracycline product. This long circulation time allows STEALTH liposomes to
accumulate in tissues where new blood vessels are forming, such as tumors and
sites of inflammation or injury, delivering sustained and increased drug
concentration to these target tissues.
 
  SEQUUS developed DOXIL, a proprietary STEALTH liposome formulation
encapsulating a leading anticancer drug, doxorubicin. In November 1995, SEQUUS
received marketing clearance from the United States Food and Drug
Administration ("FDA") for DOXIL for the treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma ("KS")
in people with AIDS whose KS has progressed on prior chemotherapy or in
patients who are intolerant to such therapy ("refractory KS"). In December
1995, the Company launched DOXIL in the United States, using its own marketing
and sales team, and achieved domestic product sales of approximately $20.9
million in 1996. In June 1996, the Company was granted marketing authorization
for DOXIL under the tradename CAELYX in the 15 member states of the European
Union ("EU") for the treatment of first-line and refractory KS in patients
with low CD4 counts and extensive mucocutaneous or visceral disease. The drug
may be used as first-line systemic chemotherapy, or as second-line
chemotherapy, in KS patients with disease that has progressed with, or in
patients who are intolerant to, prior combination chemotherapy comprising at
least two of the following agents: a Vinca alkaloid, bleomycin, and
doxorubicin (or other anthracycline). The Company has entered into a
distribution agreement with Schering-Plough Corporation ("Schering-Plough")
under which Schering-Plough has rights to market and sell CAELYX worldwide,
except for the United States, Japan and certain other countries. In addition,
the Company and Schering-Plough are jointly planning the clinical
 
--------
  The following trademarks of SEQUUS are used throughout this Annual Report on
Form 10-K: STEALTH(R), AMPHOTEC(TM), AMPHOCIL(TM), DOXIL(R), CAELYX(TM) and
SEQUUS(TM). Tradenames and trademarks appearing in this Annual Report on Form
10-K are the property of their respective holders.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
development of DOXIL for the treatment of solid tumors in the United States and
certain international markets. Schering-Plough will be responsible for
conducting certain of these clinical trials.
 
  The Company used another lipid-based delivery technology to develop AMPHOTEC,
a proprietary formulation of a leading antifungal drug, amphotericin B. In
November 1996, SEQUUS received marketing clearance from the FDA for AMPHOTEC
for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis, a life-threatening fungal
infection, in patients where renal impairment or unacceptable toxicity
precludes the use of conventional amphotericin B therapy in effective doses and
in patients where prior amphotericin B therapy has failed. In December 1996,
the Company launched AMPHOTEC in the United States, using its own marketing and
sales organization. AMPHOTEC has also received marketing clearance in a number
of other countries for the treatment of systemic fungal infections in patients
for whom conventional amphotericin B is contraindicated due to toxicity or
renal failure or for whom previous antifungal therapy was unsuccessful. The
Company's strategy is to commercialize AMPHOTEC in international markets, under
the tradename AMPHOCIL, through distribution partners. The Company has entered
into a number of distribution agreements, including agreements with Zeneca
Limited ("Zeneca") and Bayer, Inc. ("Bayer") in selected countries.
 
  The Company is developing SPI-077, a proprietary STEALTH liposome formulation
of encapsulated cisplatin, a widely used anticancer drug. The utility of
unencapsulated cisplatin is limited by a range of potentially serious and
irreversible toxicities. Based upon results from preclinical studies, the
Company believes that SPI-077 may have safety and efficacy advantages over
unencapsulated cisplatin. In December 1996, the Company began a Phase I
clinical trial of SPI-077 in the treatment of solid tumors. The Phase I trial
is focused on determining the maximum tolerated dose of SPI-077 and
establishing the toxicity profile of SPI-077 in patients with advanced
malignancies not amenable to other cancer treatment.
 
  The Company's research and development efforts focus on developing new
products by encapsulating other drugs, or attaching other drugs to, STEALTH
liposomes and expanding the STEALTH platform to create additional methods of
drug delivery. Products in the early development stage include STEALTH liposome
formulations of CD4 for treating people with HIV, a quinolone antibiotic for
treating life-threatening respiratory tract infections or other severe systemic
bacterial infections, and a radiosensitizing agent for treating cancer. The
Company is also conducting research in the field of small molecule, peptide and
gene delivery using STEALTH liposomes.
 
TECHNOLOGY
 
  Liposomes are microscopic spheres composed of lipid membranes surrounding
internal aqueous compartments. When liposomes were first characterized as
potential drug carriers in the mid-1960s, scientists believed that these lipid
vesicles showed promise for improving intravenous drug delivery, theorizing
that liposomes would reduce drug toxicity by delivering entrapped drug to
diseased sites in the body and avoiding healthy tissue. As development of
liposome products progressed, two serious limitations emerged. First,
conventional liposomes were attacked by proteins in the blood, causing rupture
and premature release of entrapped drug into the bloodstream. Second, liposomes
that survived rupture were quickly removed from circulation, primarily by
immune cells that line the ducts of the liver.
 
  To address these limitations, SEQUUS developed patented liposomes that are
stable in plasma and avoid rapid removal from the bloodstream. This was
achieved by attaching polyethyleneglycol ("PEG") to the surface of the
liposomes to form the Company's proprietary long-circulating STEALTH liposomes.
For example, clinical data demonstrate that an anthracycline encapsulated in
STEALTH liposomes (DOXIL) has a circulating half-life of approximately 55 hours
compared to a half-life of approximately five hours for the other commercially
available liposomal anthracycline product. In addition, the STEALTH liposomes
are large enough that they typically do not escape out of the blood stream and
into tissues through normal, healthy blood vessels. As a consequence, STEALTH
liposomes continue to circulate intact until they reach tissues where new blood
vessels are forming, such as tumors, sites of inflammation, and sites of
injury. The Company's clinical data have demonstrated that the STEALTH
liposomes leave the blood vessels in these locations, accumulate in high
amounts, and then slowly release the encapsulated drug. As a result, the
Company believes that STEALTH liposomes target diseased tissue, where the drugs
can have a benefit, and
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
avoid healthy tissues where the drugs will cause damage. For example, the
Company has shown an up to 53-fold increase of DOXIL-delivered doxorubicin in
certain tumors as compared to unencapsulated doxorubicin. An additional
significant benefit of STEALTH technology is that certain molecules which
cannot be encapsulated inside a liposome can be attached to the PEG on the
surface of the liposomes. The Company believes that this may enable it to
develop additional drug delivery products using its STEALTH technology.
 
  The Company uses additional lipid-based technology in the development of its
proprietary products. For example, AMPHOTEC is a novel lipid-based colloidal
dispersion which forms a stable suspension of the active drug, amphotericin B.
The Company believes the stability of the formulation enables it to reduce
manufacturing costs, lengthen shelf-life and ease preparation of the product
prior to administration relative to other lipid-based products.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
  The Company's strategy is to build an integrated biopharmaceutical company
that develops, manufactures, markets and sells innovative drug formulations of
proven drugs and new therapeutics in development with enhanced safety or
efficacy profiles based primarily on its proprietary STEALTH liposome
technology. The Company intends to focus its near-term efforts on: (i) the
commercialization of DOXIL and AMPHOTEC in the United States through its own
sales team and in selected international markets through marketing partners;
(ii) the development of additional uses for DOXIL and AMPHOTEC by establishing
clinical efficacy in a range of additional indications; (iii) the expansion of
the clinical development program for SPI-077; (iv) the development of new
products in the SEQUUS pipeline that utilize STEALTH liposomes; (v) the
increase of its manufacturing capacity and expansion into additional
production facilities; and (vi) the expansion of the STEALTH platform, either
alone or through strategic alliances, to create additional proprietary
products and drug delivery technologies.
 
PRODUCTS AND PRODUCTS UNDER DEVELOPMENT
 
  The current status of the Company's principal products, potential products
under development and research projects is discussed below.
 
 DOXIL
 
  Doxorubicin is a widely prescribed anthracycline antibiotic used for the
treatment of many different forms of cancer, including breast and ovarian
cancer, leukemias, sarcomas and Hodgkin's disease. Though effective in
treating these and other cancers, doxorubicin may produce irreversible
myocardial toxicity, manifested in its most severe form by life-threatening
congestive heart failure. The risk of developing congestive heart failure
increases with increasing total cumulative doses of doxorubicin in excess of
450 mg/m/2/. Doxorubicin also causes suppression of white blood cell
production, which may be dose limiting, as well as toxicities such as nausea
and vomiting and hair loss. It is believed that the initial rapid uptake by
the tissues (both diseased and healthy) of doxorubicin is a major contributing
factor to its toxicities, in particular cardiotoxicity. DOXIL, a long-
circulating STEALTH liposome formulation of doxorubicin, is designed to reduce
the toxicities of doxorubicin by sequestering the drug in the liposomes until
it reaches the tumor site (see "-- Technology"), thereby significantly
reducing rapid drug uptake by and concentration in healthy tissues. The
Company conducted a study comparing the cardiotoxicity of DOXIL in 10 KS
patients receiving cumulative doses of doxorubicin encapsulated in STEALTH
liposomes (DOXIL) ranging from 400 mg/m/2/ to greater than 800 mg/m/2/ to a
matched control group of cancer patients treated with the same cumulative
amount of unencapsulated doxorubicin. Data from this preliminary study suggest
that DOXIL may cause significantly less cardiotoxicity than unencapsulated
doxorubicin.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
  DOXIL for Treating KS
 
  People with AIDS have an increased incidence of developing certain cancers.
The most common cancer in this group is KS, a tumor that occurs only rarely in
the general population. The most characteristic features of KS are disfiguring
soft nodules or tumors (usually reddish purple or brown). Such tumors
frequently occur on the surface of the skin, including the face, feet or legs,
and can cause painful swelling or limit mobility. Less frequently, KS involves
vital organs such as the lung where it may cause shortness of breath, and the
gastrointestinal tract where it may cause internal bleeding.
 
  Prior to approval of DOXIL, the most common alternatives for KS treatment
were interferon and two or three drug combinations. Interferon is effective
only for people who have less advanced forms of AIDS. Interferon is associated
with side effects such as fever and flu-like symptoms. If KS patients were no
longer responsive to interferon, they were commonly treated with the same
chemotherapy agents that are used for other types of cancers. The drugs used
most commonly for KS include generic doxorubicin, bleomycin, and vincristine
in combination ("ABV") or bleomycin and vincristine in combination ("BV").
Combination chemotherapy can result in side effects such as neutropenia
(decrease in white blood cells), nausea, vomiting, hair loss, rash, numbness
and tingling of the hands and feet and increased susceptibility to bleeding
because of a reduction in platelets. People with AIDS are often more sensitive
to the side effects of chemotherapy than non-HIV patients, and this is often
manifested as an increased incidence of infection or bleeding when
chemotherapy is given. For this reason, the doses of these drugs must
frequently be reduced in order to limit side effects.
 
  In November 1995, SEQUUS received marketing clearance from the FDA for the
use of DOXIL in treating KS patients whose KS has progressed on prior
chemotherapy or in patients who are intolerant to such therapy. In December
1995, the Company launched DOXIL in the United States, using its own marketing
and sales force, and achieved domestic sales of approximately $20.9 million in
1996. The marketing clearance for DOXIL was provided in accordance with the
FDA's procedures for Accelerated Approval of New Drugs for Serious or Life
Threatening Illnesses. Accelerated approval regulations require that an
applicant study an investigational drug following product launch to verify and
describe the drug's clinical benefit. The FDA has acknowledged the Company's
commitment to a post-marketing clinical trial designed to meet accelerated
approval requirements and the Company has initiated this trial. Under FDA
accelerated approval regulations, the FDA may withdraw approval following
product launch if the Company fails to show due diligence in conducting post-
marketing studies or if these studies fail to demonstrate clinical benefit to
the FDA's satisfaction.
 
  The pivotal trial used by SEQUUS to support the New Drug Application ("NDA")
for refractory KS included 383 patients treated with DOXIL as single-agent
therapy at a dose of 20 mg/m2 every three weeks. A subset of 77 patients with
advanced KS, 49 of whom had received prior doxorubicin therapy, were
identified as refractory. The tumor responses in this group of refractory
patients were 27% or 48%, depending on the method of assessment used. Based on
the FDA's review and assessment of 42 of the 77 refractory patients, 48%
achieved a response (primarily based on flattening of at least 50% of the
previously raised lesions), 26% had stable disease, and 26% had disease
progression. The Company also included in the NDA safety data on 705 patients,
which showed that DOXIL was generally well tolerated with manageable side
effects.
 
  In June 1996, the Company received marketing authorization for DOXIL under
the tradename CAELYX in the 15 member states of the EU for both first-line and
second-line treatment of KS in patients with low CD4 counts and extensive
mucocutaneous (skin and mucous membrane) or visceral disease. The drug may be
used as first-line systemic chemotherapy, or as second-line chemotherapy, in
KS patients with disease that has progressed with, or in patients who are
intolerant to, prior combination chemotherapy comprising at least two of the
following agents: a Vinca alkaloid, bleomycin, and doxorubicin (or other
anthracycline). In September 1996, the Company announced that it had entered
into a distribution agreement with Schering-Plough under which Schering-Plough
is marketing and selling CAELYX worldwide, except for the United States, Japan
and certain other countries. Schering-Plough is conducting pricing discussions
with the appropriate agencies in
 
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those European countries where pricing approval is required. The EU countries
covered by the marketing authorization are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands,
Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. See "-- DOXIL for Treating
Solid Tumors."
 
  In support of the European marketing authorization, SEQUUS completed two
trials of DOXIL as first line therapy in KS patients. A total of 258 patients
were enrolled in one trial comparing DOXIL against ABV. Of the 239 evaluable
patients, 46.2% of DOXIL patients responded to therapy as compared with 25.6%
of ABV patients. A total of 241 patients were enrolled in the second trial
comparing DOXIL against BV. Of the 218 evaluable patients, 58.7% of DOXIL
patients responded to therapy as compared with 23.3% of BV patients.
 
  The Company's regulatory clearances to market DOXIL in the United States for
refractory KS and in certain European countries for first-line and refractory
KS were based on extensive clinical data. In 1996, the Company submitted data
from its two randomized clinical trials to the FDA to obtain clearance to
market DOXIL as a first-line therapy. The FDA has informed the Company that it
would require additional information that addresses the methodology of
assessing the response rates seen in the trials in order to approve DOXIL for
a first-line indication. The Company is currently re-analyzing its existing
clinical data, analyzing data not previously submitted, and considering
expanding ongoing trials, if necessary, to support a first-line indication.
There can be no assurance that the Company will provide such data to the FDA
or that any such submission would result in clearance for a KS first-line
indication.
 
  DOXIL for Treating Solid Tumors
 
  Many solid tumors are treated by surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a
combination of these therapies. When used appropriately, chemotherapy can
relieve suffering and sometimes prolong life. However, only a very small
percentage of patients with cancer are cured by the use of chemotherapy alone,
although their lives may be extended or the quality of life improved. This is
especially true for common solid tumors such as cancer of the lung, breast,
ovary and colon. However, these patient benefits are often offset by the
considerable toxicity associated with chemotherapy drugs. The side effects
include increased susceptibility to infection due to decreased white blood
cells, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, rash, numbness and tingling of the hands
and feet and increased susceptibility to bleeding due to reduction in
platelets. In almost all cases in which chemotherapy is effective a
combination of drugs is used. Generally drugs are used in combination that
have been shown to be effective individually and have non-overlapping
toxicities. Because of the limited benefits of chemotherapy and severe
toxicities, market opportunities exist for drugs that are more effective, less
toxic or both.
 
  Pursuant to the distribution agreement between the Company and Schering-
Plough, the clinical development of DOXIL for the treatment of solid tumors is
being planned by a joint development team of SEQUUS and Schering-Plough
personnel. In addition, Schering-Plough will be responsible for conducting
certain clinical trials in Europe and the United States.
 
  The Company is conducting a number of solid tumor trials. The clinical
results reported are preliminary and may not be indicative of results that may
be obtained in additional clinical trials. There can be no assurance that the
Company will submit NDAs based on the following clinical data or future
clinical data, or that, if submitted, any NDA will be approved. As used below,
a "response" is a reduction in the size of a lesion or tumor by at least 50%
and includes a "complete" response (no measurable tumor remaining).
 
  .  Ovarian Cancer--Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women
     in the United States according to the American Cancer Society, which
     estimated that the incidence in the United States was approximately
     26,700 in 1996. Chemotherapy is used both in the post-surgical setting
     to prevent recurrence and to treat advanced disease. The Company has
     completed an open label, multi-centered Phase II study in patients with
     advanced ovarian cancer who had failed previous therapy
 
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     with both platinum and paclitaxel. Of the 35 patients in the study, nine
     patients (26%) achieved a response. The median progression free interval
     was 5.7 months, and the median survival was 11 months (with a range of
     1.5 to 24+ months). Thirteen patients experienced mucositis (mouth
     sores) and palmar-plantar erythema (reddening of the skin, occasional
     swelling and pain in the hands, feet and other pressure points, and,
     infrequently, loss of superficial skin). The Company is currently
     conducting confirmatory Phase II trials in the United States and Europe.
     The Company has initiated one of two planned multi-center, randomized
     Phase III trials in patients with ovarian cancer who have relapsed from
     prior therapy.
 
  .  Breast Cancer--Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the
     United States according to the American Cancer Society, which estimated
     that the incidence in the United States was approximately 184,300 in
     1996. Standard therapy may involve a mastectomy (removal of the mammary
     gland), a lumpectomy (removal of the tumor) and radiation therapy and
     chemotherapy, or some combination of these. Among solid tumors, breast
     cancer is generally considered one of the most responsive to
     chemotherapy. The Company has completed a Phase II multi-center trial in
     the U.K. in patients with metastatic breast cancer and a high tumor
     burden using doses of single-agent DOXIL ranging between 45-60 mg/m/2/
     at intervals of three to four weeks. Most of these patients had not
     received prior therapy, but 28 had received adjuvant chemotherapy before
     entering the Company's trial for metastatic breast cancer. The response
     rate in 54 evaluable patients was 32%. This response rate is nearly
     identical to that obtained with single agent doxorubicin or epirubicin
     in a British randomized trial comparing doxorubicin, epirubicin and
     mitoxantrone in a similar patient population. Based on this data, the
     Company has decided to conduct additional clinical trials. The Company
     has completed another trial in patients with refractory breast cancer,
     including patients whose disease had progressed on mitoxantrone.
     Patients with tumors resistant to mitoxantrone are usually unresponsive
     to doxorubicin. In this trial, however, six of 16 patients (37.5%) had
     clinical benefit and objective evidence of tumor shrinkage, and two
     additional patients (12.5%) had a true partial response (reduction in
     the size of the tumor by at least 50%.) The toxicities were similar to
     those seen in the ovarian cancer trial. Palmar-plantar erythema was
     substantially reduced with longer intervals between treatments. The
     Company is conducting additional clinical trials in breast cancer
     patients.
 
  .  Combination Chemotherapy--While most cancers are not cured with single
     agent therapy, durable clinical responses are often achieved with
     combination therapy. Drugs with different mechanisms of action and those
     which target different phases of the cell cycle are often combined in an
     attempt to achieve greater activity than that seen with either drug
     alone. Such drugs should have non-overlapping toxicities, so that a
     healthy organ system, with rapidly dividing cells (such as the bone
     marrow), is not exposed to multiple insults and subsequent toxicities.
     In addition, many cancer cells are drug resistant as a result of either
     de novo (intrinsic) or acquired multidrug resistance. In such cases,
     diminished intracellular drug accumulation is evident, and with the use
     of more than one drug in combination, a broader range of coverage of
     resistant cell lines is provided, and the development of new resistant
     cells lines may be slowed or prevented. A number of Phase I/II studies
     of DOXIL in combination with paclitaxel, docetaxel, vinorelbine,
     gemcitabine, cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, carboplatin, or topotecan are
     either underway or planned.
 
  DOXIL has been studied in several hundred patients with many types of solid
tumors, including those listed above. The side effect from doxorubicin that
limits the amount of drug that may be given, and thus limits the amount of
drug that can reach the tumor, is suppression of the patient's white blood
cell count. For this reason, it is standard medical practice to reduce the
dose of doxorubicin whenever a patient demonstrates very low white blood cell
counts during treatment. In addition, since most of the drugs used to treat
cancer have a similar effect on the white blood cell count, the dose of each
drug must be reduced when several drugs are used together. Based on
preliminary clinical trial results, the Company believes that there is
relatively less depression of the white blood cell counts from treatment with
DOXIL compared to doxorubicin. Instead, the side effects that limit how much
DOXIL can be given are mucositis and palmar-plantar erythema. The
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
Company believes that this difference in the principal toxicity from using
DOXIL compared to doxorubicin reflects the change in distribution of DOXIL
with relatively less going to the bone marrow where white blood cells are made
and more distributed to other areas of the body while concentrating on the
tumor. Because of the long circulation time of DOXIL, the Company believes
variations in palmar-plantar erythema seen in individual patients may be
controlled by increasing the time period between doses rather than by reducing
dose. The Company believes DOXIL is also associated with less hair loss,
nausea and vomiting than might be expected with a conventional dose schedule
of doxorubicin.
 
 AMPHOTEC
 
  Systemic fungal infections are serious illnesses with high mortality rates,
which occur primarily in patients whose immune systems have been compromised.
In addition to its prevalence in people with AIDS, the incidence of such
infections is increasing with the more aggressive use of chemotherapeutics for
cancer and immune-suppressive drugs for organ transplants. While over 80,000
species of fungi have been identified, relatively few are known to infect
humans. However, invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised patients are
life-threatening. Among the most common systemic fungal infections that may
infect these patients include candidiasis, aspergillosis, histoplasmosis, and
cryptococcal meningitis. Invasive aspergillosis is generally considered to be
one of the most difficult fungal infections to treat.
 
  In practice, physicians often begin antifungal therapy when a patient has a
fever that has failed to respond to antibiotics (a "fever of unknown origin"
or "FUO") before a specific fungus can be identified. This is because fungi
grow slowly in the laboratory. Knowledge about which specific fungus has been
treated usually comes some time after treatment has begun, if at all, and this
is true for most clinical trials of antifungal therapy as well.
 
  Currently, amphotericin B is the standard treatment for patients with severe
fungal infections that do not respond to other drugs, and its use is
widespread. Unlike newer compounds, such as Diflucan, which suppress growth of
fungal infections, amphotericin B kills the fungus. Drugs that suppress growth
of fungal infections depend on the body's immune system to kill the fungus.
This may not be possible if the immune system has been suppressed by
chemotherapy or the disease process. As a result, amphotericin B is considered
to be the most powerful antifungal drug available and is used when other
compounds fail. However, amphotericin B has a number of serious side effects,
the most significant of which is renal toxicity. Patients with severe
infections requiring extensive treatment are at particular risk of developing
renal failure as a result of high cumulative doses of amphotericin B. In many
cases, treatment with amphotericin B must be discontinued because of renal
impairment, leaving the patient with the risk of further fungal infection.
 
  AMPHOTEC is a novel lipid-based formulation of generic amphotericin B which
the FDA cleared for marketing in November 1996 for the treatment of invasive
aspergillosis in patients where renal impairment or unacceptable toxicity
precludes the use of conventional amphotericin B in effective doses and in
patients where prior systemic antifungal therapy has failed. The Company
believes that AMPHOTEC provides effective therapy while reducing the dose-
limiting toxicities typically associated with conventional amphotericin B.
SEQUUS is further developing AMPHOTEC to treat additional systemic fungal
infections that often afflict immunocompromised patients, such as solid organ
and bone marrow transplant patients receiving immunosuppressant therapy,
people with AIDS, and cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation
treatment.
 
  AMPHOTEC, a one-for-one molecular complex of amphotericin B and cholesteryl
sulfate, is designed to be quickly removed from the bloodstream by macrophage
cells (part of the immune system) that line ducts in the liver, spleen and
other organs. The Company believes that this rapid sequestration of AMPHOTEC
in macrophage cells reduces the amount of drug that enters the kidneys in
toxic levels thereby significantly reducing renal toxicity. Once in the liver
cells, the amphotericin B-cholesteryl sulfate discs are broken apart by
intracellular enzymes and "free" amphotericin B molecules are gradually re-
released into the bloodstream.
 
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
  SEQUUS commenced marketing AMPHOTEC in the United States in December 1996
directly through its 42-person sales team. The product is supplied in 50 mg
and 100 mg vials as a lyophilized powder, which is readily reconstituted with
sterile water in a matter of seconds and is stable upon reconstitution.
AMPHOTEC is stable at room temperature (59-86(degrees)F) for approximately two
years. The Company believes that AMPHOTEC has significant competitive
advantages in the United States market when compared to other lipid-based
amphotericin B products. These advantages include AMPHOTEC's clinical profile;
its lower approved dosage requirement, which results in a lower cost per
patient day; the availability of two vial sizes, which reduces waste; the
absence of the necessity for filtration or refrigeration; its pharmaceutically
elegant formulation; and the lack of any negative interaction between AMPHOTEC
and cyclosporine in transplant patients who must receive cyclosporine to keep
the body from rejecting the transplanted organ.
 
  AMPHOTEC, known internationally as AMPHOCIL, is also available in 18
countries outside of the United States for the treatment of aspergillosis,
candidiasis and other systemic fungal infections in patients who are
refractory to or intolerant of amphotericin B. AMPHOCIL is available in
Argentina, Austria, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Iceland,
Ireland, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Sweden, Turkey and the United Kingdom. The Company has entered into
distribution agreements covering a number of these countries and intends to
pursue distribution arrangements with other strategic partners for other
territories in which it has obtained or is currently pursuing marketing
authorization. To date, the Company has only experienced limited sales of
AMPHOCIL in Europe. Marketing Authorization Applications ("MAAs"), the
European equivalent of a New Drug Application ("NDA"), for AMPHOCIL are under
assessment in a number of countries, including other European countries,
except in Norway and Germany, where the MAA has been withdrawn and in France,
Spain, Greece and Luxembourg where the MAA, reviewed in September 1995, was
not approved. The Company and its distribution partners will continue to work
with certain of the non-approving countries to meet their requirements for
approval, if possible. If approvals are received, SEQUUS and its distribution
partners intend to negotiate pricing in each of these countries, which the
Company believes will take up to six to 12 months following marketing
approval. There can be no assurance that marketing approval will be received
for AMPHOCIL in any of these countries. See "-- Strategic Alliances" and "--
Government Regulation."
 
 Results of AMPHOTEC Clinical Trials
 
  The Company is pursuing the further clinical development of AMPHOTEC for a
variety of life-threatening fungal infections. The clinical results reported
are preliminary and may not be indicative of results that may be obtained in
additional clinical trials. There can be no assurance that the Company will
submit NDAs based on the following clinical data or future clinical data, or
that, if submitted, any NDA will be approved.
 
  Aspergillosis. In a retrospective, historical controlled study involving 343
patients with proven or probable invasive aspergillosis infections, 82
patients treated with AMPHOTEC were compared to a cohort of 261 patients at
six cancer or transplant centers, who had been treated with amphotericin B.
The majority of the patients in both groups had aspergillosis infections in
the lung. The data indicated that in a study with an historical control
AMPHOTEC has superior efficacy (49% vs. 23%) to amphotericin B in patients
with proven or probable aspergillosis, and that the AMPHOTEC-treated group had
a higher survival rate at 120 days (50% vs. 28%) than the control group
receiving amphotericin B. Of the amphotericin B patients, 43% developed renal
toxicity during therapy while in the AMPHOTEC treatment group, the renal
toxicity rate was 8%. SEQUUS is conducting a Phase III double-blind,
randomized study comparing AMPHOTEC with amphotericin B in treating patients
with first-line aspergillosis infections.
 
  Bone Marrow Transplant Patients. Data from a Phase I dose-escalation
clinical trial in 76 bone marrow transplant patients with invasive fungal
infections indicate that AMPHOTEC is safe at doses up to 7.5 mg/kg per day
with demonstrated antifungal activity, no appreciable renal toxicity and
manageable infusion-related side effects. In this study, the investigator
reported a response rate of 55% across all dose levels and infections.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
  Fever of Unknown Origin (Febrile Neutropenia). Data from a double-blind,
randomized multi-center clinical trial comparing AMPHOTEC with conventional
amphotericin B in the empiric treatment of febrile neutropenic patients
indicate that AMPHOTEC was equally effective and substantially less toxic to
the kidney, as compared to conventional amphotericin B, the standard therapy,
in treating this patient population. The data also showed that AMPHOTEC had a
renal safety advantage over amphotericin B when used in conjunction with
common anti-rejection therapy (cyclosporine or tacrolimus) in both adults and
children. This is clinically important because cyclosporine and tacrolimus are
known to have renal toxicity and are widely used in transplant patients, a
group which is at substantial risk of developing life threatening fungal
infections. The Company is currently conducting a Phase III clinical trial in
patients with febrile neutropenia, comparing AMPHOTEC with amphotericin B.
 
  On-Going Clinical Studies. The Company is conducting an extensive clinical
development program for AMPHOTEC, including a Phase III double blind study in
patients with aspergillosis comparing AMPHOTEC with amphotericin B and a Phase
III trial in FUO. There can be no assurance that the Company will complete any
of the clinical trials currently in progress, that the results of such trials,
if completed, will demonstrate the safety and efficacy of AMPHOTEC in treating
other fungal diseases, or that any additional NDA supplements filed by the
Company will be accepted or approved by the FDA.
 
 STEALTH Cisplatin (SPI-077)
 
  Cisplatin is a widely used cytotoxic drug for the treatment of many types of
cancers, including lung, ovarian, head and neck, bladder, melanoma,
testicular, cervical and gastrointestinal. The tumors that respond to
cisplatin are usually relatively insensitive to doxorubicin and vice versa.
Although cisplatin is one of the most active single agents available, its
clinical utility is limited by a range of potentially serious and irreversible
toxicities. These toxicities include bone marrow suppression, nausea and
vomiting, kidney damage and nerve damage. Special precautions to address these
toxicities can include administration of fluids (hydration) and diuretics, and
hospitalization of patients is often required, adding significant cost to
cisplatin therapy. The Company has developed a STEALTH liposome formulation of
cisplatin, SPI-077. The Company has conducted multiple studies in in vivo
laboratory models. In summary, the Company believes the unpublished results of
these studies show: (i) as with DOXIL, this formulation avoids immune
detection, resulting in a significantly longer circulation time than
cisplatin, (ii) SPI-077 causes less kidney toxicity than comparable doses of
cisplatin in such models, and (iii) SPI-077 has shown meaningful anti-tumor
activity and was more effective than cisplatin in producing a prolonged
response to treatment, with persistent inhibition of tumor growth. The Company
filed an Investigational New Drug application for SPI-077 in October 1996 and
initiated a Phase I safety study of SPI-077 in cancer patients in December
1996. The Phase I study is focused on determining the maximum tolerated dose
of SPI-077 and establishing the toxicity profile of SPI-077 in patients with
advanced malignancies not amenable to other cancer treatment. See "-- Patents
and Trade Secrets."
 
  The development of new pharmaceutical products is subject to a number of
significant risks. Potential products that appear to be promising at various
stages of development may not receive regulatory approval, reach the market or
achieve widespread use for a number of reasons. For example, DOXIL is being
clinically tested in various types of solid tumors. The Company's clinical
data in treatment of solid tumors are derived from a limited number of
patients and are not necessarily predictive of future results obtained in
subsequent clinical trials. Moreover, even when a drug does demonstrate
activity, it may not be sufficiently efficacious to replace existing
therapies. There can be no assurance that the Company's research and
development efforts will be successful, that any given product will be
approved by appropriate regulatory authorities or that any product candidate
under development will be safe, effective or capable of being manufactured in
commercial quantities at an economical cost, will not infringe the proprietary
rights of others or will achieve market acceptance. There are a number of
challenges the Company must address successfully to develop commercial
products in each of its development programs. The Company's potential products
will require significant additional research and development efforts,
including process development and significant additional clinical
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
testing, prior to any commercial use. There can be no assurance that the
Company will successfully address any of these technological challenges, or
others that may arise in the course of development. In addition, the Company
may not have sufficient resources to commercialize new products successfully.
 
  Successful product development requires, among other things, the design and
completion of clinical trials. The rate of completion of the Company's
clinical trials is dependent upon, among other factors, the rate of patient
enrollment. The Company is dependent on third parties, including hospitals and
physicians to conduct clinical trials. In addition, the Company is reliant on
Schering-Plough to conduct certain clinical trials for DOXIL. The Company and
Schering-Plough face intense competition from other companies developing
cancer treatments to enroll a limited number of eligible cancer patients in
clinical trials for oncology products. Delays in planned patient enrollment
may result in increased costs and delays. If the Company is unable to
successfully complete its clinical trials, its business, financial condition
and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 
  The primary focus of the Company's ongoing product development and research
efforts is to capitalize on the STEALTH liposome technology. This includes
identifying additional therapeutic drugs that can be formulated using the
existing technology and creating advanced applications by attaching
therapeutics to the outside of the STEALTH liposome to expand its possible
applications. The Company is conducting exploratory programs with other
companies and, in some cases, is dependent upon these companies for their
technologies. The following is a summary of the Company's additional research
and development projects:
 
  Liposome-CD4 Technology (SPI-119). The Company has obtained exclusive
worldwide rights to a proprietary liposome-CD4 technology as a potential
HIV/AIDS therapeutic. CD4 is a protein on the surface of T-cells to which the
HIV virus binds in order to infect the cell and replicate. HIV replicates in
T-cells, but in order to enter T-cells the virus must first bind to CD4.
Theoretically, CD4 injected into the blood stream might also bind HIV and, in
this way, prevent the virus from attaching to the T-cells where it can do
damage. Earlier attempts to accomplish this result have not been successful
because unencapsulated CD4 loses its critical three dimensional structure and
also does not accumulate in the lymphatic system. The CD4-liposome complex
behaves as a cell that can bind HIV; existing data indicate that the Company's
STEALTH liposomes accumulate in peripheral lymphatic tissues, such as regional
lymph nodes. Based on preclinical studies, the Company has undertaken
formulation of the liposome-CD4 product.
 
  STEALTH Quinolones (SPI-850). Although quinolone antibiotics are active
against a broad spectrum of bacterial infections, including life-threatening
respiratory tract infections, they must be administered two to four times a
day. A long circulating quinolone antibiotic encapsulated in STEALTH liposomes
could be administered once a day, or possibly even less often, permitting
easier administration outside of the hospital. The Company has formulated and
is currently conducting preliminary studies of SPI-850 which is designed to
reduce the frequency of dosing and concentrate the drug at sites of infection,
thereby improving efficacy.
 
  Radiosensitizers (SPI-40). Indium is a radioactive substance. When it is
encapsulated in liposomes, the distribution of liposomes in the patient can be
traced. Studies in cancer patients have shown that indium administered in a
STEALTH liposome concentrates in tumor tissue. Radiosensitizing agents may
increase the responsiveness of tumors to the therapeutic effects of
radiotherapy. However, to be effective these agents must concentrate in tumors
to a greater extent than in normal tissues, and the agents must stay in the
tumor until the dose of radiotherapy has been administered. The Company
believes that STEALTH liposomes may be an effective way to deliver
radiosensitizers. The Company has formulated and tested two radiosensitizing
agents in preclinical models.
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
  Additional Research Programs. The Company is conducting research in the
fields of small molecule, peptide and gene delivery using STEALTH liposomes.
Currently, three approaches are being investigated for the intravenous
delivery of genetic material to patients: (i) inject "naked" DNA (genetic
material), (ii) use a viral vector to deliver the DNA, and (iii) encapsulate
DNA in liposomes. The Company is investigating the use of STEALTH liposomes to
encapsulate and deliver DNA to tumors and other sites of disease.
 
  A segment of the biotechnology industry is focusing on the development of
small molecules that may inhibit specific activities within a cell. While
potentially medically useful, small molecules are typically cleared from the
body before reaching the target cells. The Company is developing technology to
bind small molecules to the PEG on STEALTH liposomes for use in the
intravenous delivery of small molecules.
 
  The Company's research and development expenses for 1994, 1995 and 1996 were
$25.4 million, $22.7 million and $27.7 million, respectively. Such expenses
encompassed all of the Company's product development programs, including
DOXIL, AMPHOTEC and SPI-077 as well as research projects such as CD4
liposomes, radiosensitizers and gene delivery.
 
MARKETING AND SALES
 
  As of January 1, 1997, SEQUUS employed a sales and sales management team of
42 professionals to market DOXIL and AMPHOTEC. This team is experienced in the
sale of pharmaceutical products to physicians, hospitals and clinics,
including managed care providers, and in facilitating reimbursement with
third-party payors. The sales force is deployed in major metropolitan areas
for oncology and infectious disease products. In the first full year of
operations, the sales team sold approximately $20.9 million of DOXIL in the
United States and launched AMPHOTEC. However, the Company faces significant
competition for oncology sales professionals and the loss of certain key sales
personnel could adversely impact the sales effort and have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations.
 
  Outside of the United States, the Company's strategy is to establish
marketing and distribution agreements with pharmaceutical companies, agents or
distributors. Pursuant to this strategy, the Company has entered into a
distribution agreement with Schering-Plough for the distribution of CAELYX in
most major markets outside the United States (except Japan) and has entered
into distribution agreements with a number of corporate partners, agents and
distributors, including Zeneca and Bayer, covering the marketing and
distribution of AMPHOCIL in various international markets. The Company's
future sales of CAELYX and AMPHOCIL outside of the United States will depend
to a large extent on the marketing efforts of its distribution partners, the
continuation of the distribution arrangements, market acceptance of products,
availability of third party reimbursement, as well as the timing of additional
approvals, including pricing approvals, in other countries, if any. If
Schering-Plough or any other distributor were to terminate its agreement with
the Company or be unsuccessful in meeting its sales objectives, the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially
adversely affected. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
successfully market its products through its direct sales force, partners,
agents, or at all. See "-- Strategic Alliances" and "Item 7 -- Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations --
Overview."
 
MANUFACTURING AND PRODUCTION
 
  The Company's internal manufacturing capabilities are limited to producing
products for preclinical development. The Company is dependent on Ben Venue
Laboratories, Inc. ("Ben Venue"), a United States-based contract manufacturer
of injectable drug products, to manufacture commercial-scale quantities of
AMPHOTEC and DOXIL sufficient to meet the Company's forecasted requirements
for research and for commercial production pursuant to supply agreements.
SEQUUS has developed production technologies for AMPHOTEC and DOXIL which it
employs at Ben Venue. Although the FDA has approved Ben Venue's facility,
processes and procedures for DOXIL and AMPHOTEC, there can be no assurance
that Ben Venue and the Company will continue to meet FDA or product
specification standards for the manufacture of
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
DOXIL and AMPHOTEC or that the Company's manufacturing requirements can be met
in a consistent and timely manner. Only a limited number of contract
manufacturers are capable of manufacturing AMPHOTEC and DOXIL, and any
alternative manufacturer would require regulatory approval to manufacture the
product which would likely take several months. The Company is in the process
of identifying an alternative manufacturer, but to date has not sought approval
of an alternative manufacturer for its products. The Company has in the past
experienced batch failures in the manufacturing process. Any batch failures in
the future could result in a material increase in cost of goods sold or in the
Company's inability to deliver products on a timely basis. In addition, the
Company may be unable to obtain sufficient contract manufacturing capacity due
to competing demands on the contract manufacturer's capacity or other reasons.
In the event of any interruption of supply from the contract manufacturer due
to regulatory reasons, significant batch failures, capacity constraints or
other causes, there can be no assurance that the Company could make alternative
manufacturing arrangements on a timely basis, if at all. Such an interruption
would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial
condition and results of operations. See "-- Government Regulation."
 
  SEQUUS devotes considerable resources to developing manufacturing
technologies and process controls for its products to achieve and maintain
regulatory approval, suitable shelf-life, stability and ease of use. Such
activities include scaling up production methods, developing quality control
systems, establishing batch-to-batch reproducibility, testing sterilization
methods, establishing reliable sources of raw materials and synthesizing new
proprietary raw materials. Generally, the equipment used in the Company's
processing technologies is commercially available in industrial sizes and is
currently used in pharmaceutical industry operations.
 
  In the future, SEQUUS may elect to manufacture some or all of its products
internally in lieu of using third-party contract manufacturers. However, the
Company does not currently have a commercial-scale manufacturing facility and,
as a result, an election by the Company to pursue in-house manufacturing would
require the commitment of significant capital and other resources. The Company
currently has no plans to develop a commercial manufacturing facility in-house.
The Company has produced and will continue to endeavor to produce certain of
its products in quantities sufficient for clinical trials in compliance with
the FDA's Good Manufacturing Practices ("GMPs"). However, SEQUUS expects to
continue to use contract manufacturers for final processing and packaging of
the clinical supplies that SEQUUS itself produces.
 
  On February 15, 1994, the Company entered into a five-year, sole-source
supply agreement with A.L. Laboratories, Inc. ("A.L. Labs") to supply the
Company with amphotericin B for AMPHOTEC. Under the agreement the Company is
required to purchase its forecasted three months requirements. The agreement
may be automatically renewed for one-year periods unless either party provides
the other party with six months notice prior to the expiration of the current
term. The Company agreed to indemnify A.L. Labs for certain liabilities.
 
  On September 27, 1994, the Company entered into a five-year, principal-source
supply agreement with Meiji Seika Pharma International Ltd. ("Meiji Seika") to
supply the Company with doxorubicin for DOXIL. Under the agreement the Company
is required to purchase in yen its forecasted three months requirements. The
agreement may be automatically renewed for one-year periods unless either party
provides the other party with six months notice prior to the expiration of the
current term. The Company agreed to indemnify Meiji Seika for certain
liabilities.
 
  Although the Company has supply agreements in place with the suppliers of its
key raw materials, including amphotericin B and doxorubicin HCl, the number of
alternative qualified suppliers of key raw materials required for the
manufacture of AMPHOTEC and DOXIL is limited. The disqualification or loss of a
sole-source supplier could have a material adverse effect on the Company
because of a delay or inability in obtaining and qualifying an alternate
supplier and the costs and lost revenues associated with such delays and
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
in finding and qualifying an alternate supplier. Regulatory requirements
applicable to pharmaceutical products tend to make the substitution of
suppliers costly and time consuming. The unavailability of adequate commercial
quantities, the loss of a supplier's regulatory approval, the inability to
develop alternative sources, a reduction or interruption in supply or a
significant increase in the price of materials could impair the Company's
ability to manufacture and market its products which would have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations.
 
STRATEGIC ALLIANCES
 
  The Company's strategy for the development, clinical trials, manufacturing
and commercialization of certain of its products includes maintaining and
entering into various strategic alliances with corporate partners, licensors
and others. In addition to the strategic alliances described below, the
Company intends to continue to evaluate arrangements for the in-licensing of
technology and the distribution of AMPHOTEC and DOXIL. There can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to maintain existing strategic
alliances, negotiate strategic alliances in the future on acceptable terms, if
at all, or that any such strategic alliances will be successful. There can be
no assurance that any of the Company's present or future strategic partners
will devote sufficient resources to marketing the Company's products or
satisfying its obligations to the Company.
 
  Schering-Plough
 
  In September 1996, SEQUUS announced it entered into a distribution agreement
with Schering-Plough. Under the multi-year agreement, Schering-Plough has
obtained exclusive rights to distribute, market and sell CAELYX worldwide,
except for the United States, Japan and certain other countries. Under the
terms of the agreement, SEQUUS will receive payments for product sales to
Schering-Plough. In addition, SEQUUS and Schering-Plough will jointly develop
a worldwide clinical plan for investigating the use of CAELYX in the treatment
of solid tumors. Each party will undertake clinical trials in specific
indications, coordinated by a joint development team. As part of the
agreement, Schering-Plough will conduct certain clinical trials for oncology
indications, will apply for regulatory approval in the Schering-Plough
territories for all new indications, and will assist with pharmacoeconomic
studies.
 
  International Distribution of AMPHOCIL
 
  The Company has entered into a number of arrangements with distributors and
agents for the marketing and distribution of its AMPHOCIL product in
international markets. In certain instances, the distributor is also assisting
the Company in preparing regulatory filings and, in countries where marketing
clearance has been granted, obtaining pricing approvals. The Company has
granted distribution rights to the following parties for the respective
territories: Zeneca in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, the
Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden and the U.K.; Prodesfarma, S.A. in Spain,
Belgium and Luxembourg; TORREX Pharma G.m.b.H. in Austria, the Czech Republic,
Hungary, Poland and Slovenia; Gamida-MedEquip Limited in Israel; and Bayer in
Canada.
 
  In-Licensing of Technology
 
  The Company has entered into licensing agreements with third parties
covering proprietary technologies used in the production of the Company's
products. Under these agreements, the Company is obligated to pay royalties
upon product sales and to make other payments. The Company is currently in
discussions with one of its licensors regarding the interpretation of the
financial terms of a license agreement. Such agreements also contain
provisions requiring the Company to pursue market development for the licensed
technologies in order for the Company to maintain its license rights. There
can be no assurance that the Company will fulfill its obligations under any of
these agreements and any such failure could result in the loss of the
Company's rights under the agreement.
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
PATENTS AND TRADE SECRETS
 
  SEQUUS currently owns or controls 58 United States patents, which expire at
various times between 1998 and 2013, including seven claiming various aspects
of the Company's long-circulating STEALTH liposomes, which expire at various
times between 2006 and 2013. SEQUUS has filed numerous patent applications on
inventions claiming specific liposome compositions and methods of use,
liposome processing methods, drug/lipid compositions, and surface-modified
liposomes and methods. SEQUUS has also filed corresponding foreign patent
applications with respect to certain of its key technologies and owns or
controls foreign counterpart applications and issued patents in various
countries with respect to its most important United States patents and pending
applications. SEQUUS intends to file additional patent applications, when
appropriate, relating to improvements in its technologies and other specific
inventions and products that it develops.
 
  There has been increasing litigation in the biomedical, biotechnology and
pharmaceutical industries with respect to the manufacture, use and sale of new
therapeutic products that are the subject of conflicting patent rights. A
substantial number of patents relating to liposomes have been issued to, or
are controlled by, other public and private entities, including academic
institutions. In addition, others, including competitors of SEQUUS, may have
filed applications for, or may have been issued patents or may obtain
additional patents and proprietary rights relating to products or processes
competitive with those of SEQUUS. The patent positions of pharmaceutical,
biopharmaceutical, biotechnology and drug delivery companies, including
SEQUUS, are uncertain and involve complex legal and factual issues.
Additionally, the coverage claimed in a patent application can be
significantly reduced before the patent is issued. As a consequence, the
Company does not know whether any of its patent applications will result in
the issuance of patents or whether any of the Company's existing patents will
provide significant proprietary protection or will be circumvented or
invalidated. Since patent applications in the United States are maintained in
secrecy until patents issue, and since publication of discoveries in the
scientific or patent literature often lag behind actual discoveries, the
Company cannot be certain that it was the first inventor of inventions covered
by its pending patent applications or that it was the first to file patent
applications for such inventions. Moreover, the Company may have to
participate in interference proceedings to determine priority of invention,
which could result in substantial cost to the Company, even if the eventual
outcome is favorable to the Company. There can be no assurance that any
patents owned or controlled by the Company will protect SEQUUS against
infringement litigation or afford commercially significant protection of the
Company's technology. Almost none of the Company's patents has been tested in
court to determine their validity and scope. Moreover, the patent laws of
foreign countries differ from those of the United States and the degree of
protection, if any, afforded by foreign patents may, therefore, be different.
 
  In prior litigation in the Patents County Court in the U.K., a suit brought
by NeXstar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("NeXstar") alleging that the Company's
anticancer drug, DOXIL, infringes NeXstar's EPO Patent No. 0,179,444 was
settled by the parties dropping their respective claims against one another.
The U.K. Patent Court dismissed all claims in the case with prejudice.
 
  The Company has a practice of monitoring patents and other developments in
the liposome field. To the extent that the Company becomes aware of patents of
other parties which the Company's processes or products might infringe, it is
the Company's practice to seek review of such patents by the Company's patent
counsel. With respect to DOXIL, the Company is aware of United States Patent
No. 5,077,056 of The Liposome Company ("TLC") relating to the loading of
therapeutic drugs into liposomes. The Company's patent counsel has rendered an
opinion that its DOXIL product would not infringe any valid claim of this
patent. The Company is also aware of recently issued United States Patent No.
5,562,925 (the "925 Patent") covering therapeutic cisplatin compositions held
by Research Corporation Technologies Inc., which the Company believes has been
licensed exclusively to Bristol-Myers Squibb Company ("Bristol-Myers"). The
Company's patent counsel has rendered an opinion that its STEALTH cisplatin
formulation would not infringe any valid claims of the 925 Patent. The Company
is also aware of TLC's United States Patent
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
No. 5,008,050 relating to reducing liposome size by extrusion, and NeXstar's
United States Patent No. 5,435,989 relating to targeting of liposomes to solid
tumors. The Company's patent counsel has rendered an opinion that DOXIL would
not infringe any valid claim of either of these patents. The Company is also
aware of United States Patent Nos. 4,426,330 and 4,534,899 assigned to Lipid
Specialties, Inc., relating to conjugates of phospholipids and
polyethyleneglycol. The Company's patent counsel has rendered an opinion that
DOXIL would not infringe any valid claims of these patents.
 
  In November 1991, SEQUUS received a letter from TLC bringing to the
Company's attention TLC's United States Patent Number 5,059,591 for "Reduced
Toxicity" (the "591 Patent") containing claims directed to amphotericin
B/sterol compositions and their method of use. Subsequently, the Company's
patent counsel delivered an opinion to the Company that, among other things,
AMPHOTEC does not infringe any valid claim of the 591 Patent. The Company has
not received any further written correspondence with respect to this issue.
However, no assurance can be given that TLC will not make a claim against
SEQUUS with respect to the 591 Patent, which could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's ability to commercialize AMPHOTEC.
 
  Even if the Company's patent counsel renders advice that the Company's
products do not infringe any valid claim under such patents, there can be no
assurance that any third party will not commence litigation to enforce such
patents or that the Company will not incur substantial expense, or that it
would prevail, in any patent litigation.
 
  The Company has been required to defend itself in patent litigation in the
past and the uncertainties inherent in any other lawsuit that may be commenced
in the future with respect to any alleged patent infringement by the Company
make the outcome of any such litigation difficult to predict. The Company may
decide to pay a royalty or make other concessions to settle a patent dispute.
In the event of litigation, there can be no assurance that the Company will be
successful. A judgment adverse to the Company in any such litigation could
materially adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations, and the expense of such litigation may be substantial
whether or not the Company is successful.
 
  The Company relies on unpatented trade secrets and proprietary know-how to
protect certain aspects of its production and other technologies. Although
SEQUUS has entered into confidentiality agreements with its employees,
consultants, representatives and other business associates, there can be no
assurance that trade secrets and know-how will remain undisclosed or that
similar trade secrets or know-how will not be independently developed by
others.
 
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
 
  Regulation by governmental authorities in the United States and other
countries is a significant consideration in all aspects of the clinical
development, production and marketing of the Company's products and in its on-
going research and development activities. In order to clinically test,
produce and sell products for human therapeutic use, mandatory procedures and
safety standards established by the FDA and comparable agencies in foreign
countries must be followed. SEQUUS prepares and files regulatory documents
required to begin clinical trials, recruits and monitors clinical
investigators, analyzes and synthesizes clinical trial data and prepares and
files documents requesting approval to sell pharmaceutical products. Whether
undertaken by SEQUUS or an agent or collaborator of SEQUUS, the regulatory
approval process for new products generally takes several years and involves
the expenditure of substantial resources. There can be no assurance that any
such approvals will be granted on a timely basis, if at all.
 
  The standard process required by the FDA before a pharmaceutical agent may
be marketed in the United States includes: (i) laboratory and preclinical
tests, (ii) submission to the FDA of an application for use of an
investigational new drug, which must become effective before clinical trials
may commence, (iii) adequate and well-controlled clinical trials to establish
the safety and efficacy of the drug in its intended application, (iv)
submission to the FDA of a NDA with respect to a drug or a Product License
Application
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
("PLA") and an Establishment License Application ("ELA") with respect to a
biologic, and (v) FDA approval of the NDA or PLA/ELA prior to any commercial
sale or shipment of the drug or biologic. In addition to obtaining FDA
approval for each product, each domestic drug manufacturing establishment must
be registered or licensed by the FDA. Domestic and foreign manufacturing
establishments are subject to inspections by the FDA and by other federal,
state and local agencies and must comply with GMPs as appropriate for
production. If a product is approved under the FDA procedures for Accelerated
Approval of New Drugs for Serious or Life-Threatening Illnesses, such approval
is subject to the additional requirement that, following product launch, a
company continue to study the drug to verify and describe its clinical
benefit. Under these FDA Accelerated Approval Procedures, the FDA may withdraw
approval if the company fails to show due diligence in conducting post-
marketing clinical trials or if these clinical trials fail to demonstrate
clinical benefit to the FDA's satisfaction.
 
  Clinical trials are typically conducted in three sequential phases, which
phases may overlap. In Phase I, the initial introduction of a drug to humans,
the drug is tested for safety (adverse effects), dosage tolerance, absorption,
distribution, metabolism and excretion. Phase II involves studies in a limited
patient population to determine the efficacy of the drug for specific targeted
indications, dosage tolerance and optimal dosage, and possible adverse effects
and safety risks. When a product is found to show clinical effectiveness and
to have an acceptable safety profile in Phase II evaluations, Phase III trials
are undertaken to evaluate further its clinical efficacy and to test further
for safety within an expanded patient population at geographically dispersed
clinical study sites.
 
  There can be no assurance that, after the results of the Phase III clinical
trials have been announced, the FDA will not disagree with the design of the
Phase III clinical trial protocols. In addition, the FDA inspects and reviews
clinical trial sites, informed consent forms, data from the clinical trial
sites, including case report forms and record keeping procedures, and the
performance of the protocols by clinical trial personnel to determine
compliance with good clinical practice. The FDA also examines whether there
was bias in the conduct of clinical trials. The conduct of clinical trials is
complex and difficult, especially in Phase III. There can be no assurance that
the design or performance of the Phase III clinical trial protocols will be
successful.
 
  Upon accepting a company's NDA for filing, the FDA generally convenes an
advisory committee to review clinical trial results and make a non-binding
recommendation concerning the drug's approval. After considering the advisory
committee recommendation and other information, the FDA may or may not issue
an approvable letter. This letter sets out the specific terms and conditions
that the company must satisfy in order to receive final FDA approval to
market.
 
  Even if regulatory approvals for the Company's product candidates are
obtained, the Company, its products and the facilities used for manufacturing
the Company's products are subject to continual review and periodic
inspection. Each United States drug manufacturing establishment must be
registered with the FDA. Domestic manufacturing establishments are subject to
biannual inspections by the FDA and must comply with the FDA's GMP
regulations. To supply drug products for use in the United States, foreign
manufacturing establishments must comply with the FDA's GMP regulations and
are subject to periodic inspection by the FDA or by regulatory authorities in
those countries under reciprocal agreements with the FDA. In complying with
GMP regulations, manufacturers must expend funds, time and effort in the area
of production and quality control to ensure full technical compliance. The FDA
stringently applies regulatory standards for manufacturing. If violations of
applicable regulations are noted during these inspections, the Company may be
restrained from continued marketing of the product manufactured until such
violations are corrected.
 
  Labeling and promotional activities are regulated by the FDA. The Company
must also report certain adverse events involving its drugs to the agency
under regulations issued by the FDA. The FDA may require post-marketing
testing and surveillance programs to monitor a drug's efficacy and side
effects. Results of the post-marketing programs may prevent or limit the
further marketing of a product.
 
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
  Failure to comply with applicable requirements can result in, among other
things, warning letters, fines, injunctions, civil penalties, recall or
seizure of products, total or partial suspension of production, refusal of the
government to grant approvals, withdrawal of approvals and criminal
prosecution of the Company and employees.
 
  Sales of pharmaceutical products outside of the United States are subject to
regulatory requirements that vary widely from country to country and that
often include approval of the price at which a product may be sold. In the EU
countries, a company may seek product marketing authorization in other member
countries with the sponsorship of the country which first granted marketing
approval under procedures of the Committee on Proprietary and Medicinal
Products ("CPMP"). Since the CPMP is an advisory committee, its vote is not
binding on member countries.
 
  SEQUUS is also subject to regulation under numerous federal, state and local
laws regarding, among other things, occupational safety, laboratory practices,
the use and handling of radioisotopes and hazardous chemicals, prevention of
illness and injury, environmental protection and hazardous substance control.
The Company's research and development involves the controlled use of
hazardous materials and chemical compounds. There can be no assurance that the
Company's safety procedures for handling and disposing of such materials will
comply with the standards prescribed by federal, state and local regulations
or that it will not be subject to the risk of accidental contamination or
injury from these materials. In the event of such an accident, the Company
could be held liable for any damages that result and any such liability could
materially adversely affect the Company.
 
  The Company's business may be materially adversely affected by the
continuing efforts of worldwide governmental and third-party payors to contain
or reduce the costs of health care in general and drugs in particular. For
example, in most international markets, including markets the Company is
seeking to enter, pricing of prescription pharmaceuticals is subject to
government price controls. In these markets, once marketing approval is
received, pricing negotiation could take another six to 12 months or longer.
In the United States, there has been, and there may continue to be, federal
and state proposals to implement similar government price controls. In
addition, an increasing emphasis on managed care and consolidation of hospital
purchasing in the United States has and will continue to put pressure on
pharmaceutical pricing. Such proposals, if adopted, and such initiatives could
decrease the price that the Company receives for any current or future
products and thereby have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations. Further, to the extent that
such proposals or initiatives have a material adverse effect on pharmaceutical
companies that are collaborators or prospective collaborators for certain of
the Company's products, the Company's ability to commercialize its products
may be materially adversely affected. In addition, price competition may
result from competing product sales, attempts to gain market share or
introductory pricing programs, which would have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
  The Company's ability to commercialize DOXIL, AMPHOTEC and other products
may depend in part on the extent to which reimbursement for such products and
related treatments will be available from government health administration
authorities, private health insurers and other third-party payors. Significant
uncertainty exists as to the reimbursement status of newly approved health
care products, and third-party payors are increasingly challenging the prices
charged for medical products and services. There can be no assurance that any
third-party insurance coverage will be available to patients for any of the
Company's products. Government and other third-party payors are increasingly
attempting to contain health care costs by limiting both coverage and the
level of reimbursement for new therapeutic products, and by refusing, in some
cases, to provide coverage or reimbursement for indications as to which the
FDA has not granted marketing clearance. Moreover, reimbursement may be denied
even for FDA-approved indications. If adequate coverage and reimbursement
levels are not provided by the government and third-party payors for the
Company's products, the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations would be materially adversely affected.
 
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
COMPETITION
 
  Generally, competition in the pharmaceutical field is based on such factors
as product performance, safety, acceptance by doctors, patient compliance,
available reimbursement, patent protection, ease of use, price and marketing
efforts. The Company believes that earlier entry into a market is an advantage
for a new drug, but it also believes that clinical benefits and
pharmacoeconomics are important to a product's success.
 
  The Company's current and potential products compete with existing and new
drugs offered by or under development by pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and
biotechnology companies. Many of these companies, both in the United States
and in international markets, are developing products based on improved drug
delivery technologies and novel therapeutics for the treatment of cancer,
infectious diseases and other indications targeted by the Company. Some of
these companies are active in liposome and lipid-based research and product
development and many have financial and technical resources and production and
marketing capabilities substantially greater than those of the Company. In
addition, many of these companies have significantly greater experience than
the Company in preclinical and clinical development activities, in obtaining
regulatory approval, and in manufacturing and marketing biopharmaceutical
products.
 
  A number of large pharmaceutical companies, including Bristol-Myers and
Pfizer Inc., have established strong market positions for oncology and
infectious diseases. For example, AMPHOTEC competes with traditional
amphotericin B therapy, which is currently produced and marketed by Bristol-
Myers and others. The Company also faces competition from two companies
specializing in liposome drug delivery, NeXstar and TLC, both of which have
received regulatory approvals for products competitive with the Company's
products. In some cases, the competing liposomal products have been able to
obtain significant market share in certain territories by being the first to
market, have been introduced at lower prices than the Company's competing
products, or have received marketing clearance covering a broader range of
indications than the Company's competing products. For example, TLC recently
received FDA clearance to market its amphotericin B lipid formulation for
treating a broader range of indications than the indications for which
AMPHOTEC has received marketing clearance.
 
  SEQUUS believes that competition in pharmaceutical products and in drug
delivery will continue to be intense as new products enter the market and
advanced technologies become available for drug discovery and development.
Existing products or new products developed by the Company's competitors may
be more effective, or be more effectively marketed and sold, than any that
have been or may be developed by the Company. Competitive products may render
the Company's technology and products obsolete or noncompetitive prior to the
Company's recovery of research, development or commercialization expenses
incurred with respect to any such products which could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, financial condition or results of
operations.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
  As of December 31, 1996, SEQUUS had 247 full-time employees, of whom 31 hold
Ph.D. or M.D. degrees, 151 employees are engaged in research, development,
clinical and regulatory affairs and pilot manufacturing, 60 employees are
engaged in sales and marketing and 36 work primarily in finance, human
resources and administration. The Company from time to time also hires
temporary employees and consultants in all areas of the Company's operations.
 
  The Company's success depends largely upon its ability to attract and retain
qualified personnel in the research, development and commercialization of
pharmaceutical products. The Company faces competition for such personnel from
other companies, academic institutions and other organizations. There can be
no assurance that the Company will be successful in hiring or retaining such
personnel.
 
  None of the Company's employees is represented by a union, and SEQUUS
considers its relations with its employees to be good.
 
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
RISK FACTORS
 
  The statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and other statements made
by the Company from time to time that relate to future plans, events or
performance are forward-looking statements which involve risks and
uncertainties. Actual results, events or performance may differ materially
from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements as a result of a
variety of factors, including those set forth below and elsewhere in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following risk factors should be considered
carefully in evaluating the Company and its business by the Company's
stockholders and by prospective investors in the Company.
 
UNCERTAINTY OF MARKET ACCEPTANCE
 
  The Company's future financial performance depends on revenues from and
market acceptance of DOXIL in the United States and international markets. To
date, DOXIL can only be promoted for KS and cannot be promoted for the
treatment of solid tumors. In order for the Company to promote DOXIL for any
solid tumor indications, it must establish the clinical benefit of DOXIL in
clinical trials for each tumor type and gain regulatory clearance to market
for such use. The Company does not expect sales of DOXIL to grow
significantly, if at all, for KS in the United States because the population
of persons with KS is relatively small and may decline, particularly if recent
developments in the treatment of AIDS are successful and decrease the
incidence of KS. In the United States, the Company is prohibited from
marketing DOXIL for indications other than refractory KS. Physicians and
patients are often limited in their use of pharmaceutical products for
indications that have not been cleared by the FDA, as reimbursement by third-
party payors for off-label use may be unavailable. There can be no assurance
that clinical trials will demonstrate that DOXIL is safe and efficacious for
the treatment of solid tumors, that the Company will receive regulatory
approval for any solid tumor indications or that the Company will be able to
achieve reimbursement for or market acceptance in the treatment of solid
tumors with DOXIL.
 
  The Company is also dependent on market acceptance of AMPHOTEC in the United
States and in international markets. To date, the Company has had very limited
sales of AMPHOTEC. The Company only received FDA clearance for AMPHOTEC in
late 1996 and, therefore, cannot predict market acceptance of AMPHOTEC in the
United States. In addition, the Company received marketing clearance in a
limited number of international markets in 1996 and faces intense competition
and price pressure in many of these markets, where a competing liposomal
amphotericin B product has been on the market for a number of years and
another was recently introduced. A number of factors may limit the market
acceptance of DOXIL and AMPHOTEC and any other products developed by the
Company, including the timing of regulatory approval and market entry relative
to competitive products, the availability of alternate therapies, the price of
the Company's products relative to alternative therapies, the availability of
third-party reimbursement and the extent of marketing efforts by third-party
distributors or agents retained by the Company, as well as the success of the
marketing efforts by the Company's sales team which was organized within the
last 18 months. In addition, therapeutic products based on liposome or lipid-
based technology have become commercially available only in the last few
years. As a result, unanticipated side effects or unfavorable publicity
concerning any product incorporating liposome or lipid-based technologies
could have an adverse effect on the Company's ability to obtain physician,
patient or third-party payor acceptance and to sell the Company's products.
There can be no assurance that physicians, patients or third-party payors will
accept liposome products or any of the Company's products as readily as
traditional forms of medication or at all. See "Business -- Products and
Products Under Development."
 
INTENSE COMPETITION; UNCERTAINTY OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE
 
  The Company's current and potential products compete with existing and new
drugs offered by or under development by pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and
biotechnology companies. Many of these companies, both in the United States
and international markets, are developing products based on improved drug
delivery technologies as well as novel therapeutics for the treatment of
cancer, infectious diseases and other indications
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
targeted by the Company. Some of these companies are active in liposome and
lipid-based research and product development, and many have financial and
technical resources and production and marketing capabilities substantially
greater than those of the Company. In addition, many of these companies have
significantly greater experience than the Company in preclinical and clinical
development activities, in obtaining regulatory approval, and in manufacturing
and marketing biopharmaceutical products.
 
  A number of large pharmaceutical companies, including Bristol-Myers and
Pfizer Inc., have established strong market positions for oncology and
infectious diseases. For example, AMPHOTEC competes with traditional
amphotericin B therapy, which is currently produced and marketed by Bristol-
Myers and others. The Company also faces competition from two companies
specializing in liposome drug delivery, NeXstar and TLC, both of which have
received regulatory approvals in the United States and internationally for
products competitive with the Company's products. In some cases, the competing
liposomal products have been able to obtain significant market share in
certain territories by being the first to market, have been introduced at
lower prices than the Company's competing products, or have received marketing
clearance covering a broader range of indications than the Company's competing
products. For example, TLC recently received FDA clearance to market its
amphotericin B lipid formulation for treating a broader range of indications
than the indications for which AMPHOTEC has received marketing clearance.
 
  SEQUUS believes that competition in pharmaceutical products and in drug
delivery will continue to be intense as new products enter the market and
advanced technologies become available for drug discovery and development.
Existing products or new products developed by the Company's competitors may
be more effective, or be more effectively marketed and sold, than any that
have been or may be developed by the Company. Competitive products may render
the Company's technology and products obsolete or noncompetitive prior to the
Company's recovery of research, development or commercialization expenses
incurred with respect to any such products, which could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or results of
operations. See "Business -- Competition."
 
LIMITED MARKETING AND SALES EXPERIENCE; DEPENDENCE ON THIRD-PARTY DISTRIBUTORS
AND AGENTS
 
  The Company has limited experience marketing and selling its products. The
Company currently markets and sells its products in the United States with a
recently expanded sales team of 42 persons. The Company's ability to generate
future revenue in the United States is dependent on the success of its direct
sales team in marketing DOXIL and AMPHOTEC. Future development of its
marketing and sales organization may require significant additional
expenditures, management resources and time. In addition, the loss of certain
key sales personnel could adversely affect the sales effort and have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations. Several biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies have
recently expanded their sales forces, particularly in the field of oncology,
which has increased competition for experienced personnel. Furthermore, if the
Company enters into marketing partnerships with other companies to augment its
own sales organization, the Company's margins on these products would be
significantly reduced.
 
  In September 1996, the Company announced an exclusive arrangement with
Schering-Plough under which Schering-Plough has rights to market and sell
DOXIL worldwide, under the tradename CAELYX, except for the United States,
Japan and certain other countries. The Company has also entered into
distribution agreements with a number of corporate partners covering the
marketing and distribution of AMPHOCIL in various international markets. The
Company's future sales of CAELYX and AMPHOCIL outside of the United States
will depend upon the success of marketing efforts by Schering-Plough and other
distribution partners, the continuation of existing distribution arrangements,
market acceptance of the products, availability of third-party reimbursement,
as well as the timing of additional approvals, including pricing approvals, in
other countries, if any. If Schering-Plough or any other distributor were to
terminate its agreement with the Company or be unsuccessful in meeting its
sales objectives, the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations could be materially adversely affected. There can be no assurance
that the Company will be able to successfully market its products through its
sales team, partners, agents or at
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
all. See "Business -- Marketing and Sales", "-- Strategic Alliances" and "Item
7 -- Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations."
 
DEPENDENCE ON THIRD-PARTY MANUFACTURING AND SOLE-SOURCE SUPPLIERS;
MANUFACTURING RISKS
 
  The Company's internal manufacturing capabilities are limited to producing
products for preclinical development. The Company is dependent on Ben Venue to
manufacture commercial-scale quantities of AMPHOTEC and DOXIL pursuant to
supply agreements. There can be no assurance that Ben Venue will continue to
meet FDA or product specification standards or that the Company's
manufacturing requirements can be met in a consistent and timely manner. Only
a limited number of contract manufacturers are capable of manufacturing
AMPHOTEC and DOXIL, and any alternative manufacturer would require regulatory
approval to manufacture the product which would likely take several months, if
at all. The Company is in the process of identifying an alternative
manufacturer, but to date has not sought approval of an alternative
manufacturer for its products. The Company has in the past experienced batch
failures in the manufacturing process for AMPHOTEC and DOXIL. Any batch
failures in the future could result in a material increase in cost of goods
sold or in the Company's inability to deliver products on a timely basis. In
addition, the Company may be unable to obtain sufficient contract
manufacturing capacity due to competing demands on the contract manufacturer's
capacity or other reasons. In the event of any interruption of supply from the
contract manufacturer due to regulatory reasons, significant batch failures,
capacity constraints or other causes, there can be no assurance that the
Company could make alternative manufacturing arrangements on a timely basis,
if at all. Such an interruption would have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
  The Company relies on certain suppliers of key raw materials to provide an
adequate supply of such materials for production of finished products. Certain
materials are purchased from single sources. In particular, amphotericin B and
doxorubicin are currently each supplied to the Company by single sources, and
the number of alternative sources is limited. The Company has a sole-source
supply agreement with Meiji Seika, which expires in 1999, to supply the
Company with doxorubicin for DOXIL. The Company also has a sole-source supply
agreement with A.L. Labs which expires in 1999, to supply the Company with
amphotericin B for AMPHOTEC. There can be no assurance that the doxorubicin or
the amphotericin B supplied under these agreements will continue to meet FDA
requirements applicable to DOXIL or AMPHOTEC, which could delay or prevent
future sales of DOXIL or AMPHOTEC, if any, by the Company. The number of
alternative qualified suppliers of key raw materials required for the
manufacture of DOXIL and AMPHOTEC is limited. The disqualification or loss of
a sole-source supplier could have a material adverse effect on the Company
because of a delay or inability in obtaining and qualifying an alternate
supplier and the costs associated with such delay and in finding and
qualifying an alternate supplier. Regulatory requirements applicable to
pharmaceutical products tend to make the substitution of suppliers costly and
time consuming. The unavailability of adequate commercial quantities, the loss
of a supplier's regulatory approval, the inability to develop alternative
sources, a reduction or interruption in supply or a significant increase in
the price of materials could impair the Company's ability to manufacture and
market its products which would have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. See
"Business -- Strategic Alliances" and "-- Manufacturing and Production."
 
UNCERTAINTY OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
 
  The development of new pharmaceutical products is subject to a number of
significant risks. Potential products that appear to be promising at various
stages of development may not receive regulatory approval, reach the market or
achieve widespread use for a number of reasons. For example, DOXIL is being
clinically tested in various types of solid tumors. The Company's clinical
data in treatment of solid tumors are derived from a limited number of
patients and are not necessarily predictive of future results obtained in
subsequent clinical trials. Moreover, even when a drug does demonstrate
activity, it may not be sufficiently efficacious to replace existing
therapies. There can be no assurance that the Company's research and
development efforts will be successful, that any given product will be
approved by appropriate regulatory authorities or that any product candidate
under development will be safe, effective or capable of being manufactured in
commercial
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
quantities at an economical cost, will not infringe the proprietary rights of
others or will achieve market acceptance.
 
  There are a number of challenges the Company must address successfully to
develop commercial products in each of its development programs. The Company's
potential products will require significant additional research and
development efforts, including process development and significant additional
clinical testing, prior to any commercial use. There can be no assurance that
the Company will have sufficient resources or will successfully address any of
these technological challenges, or others that may arise in the course of
development. See "Business -- Products and Products Under Development" and "--
 Government Regulation."
 
NO ASSURANCE OF REGULATORY APPROVALS; UNCERTAINTY OF GOVERNMENT REGULATION
 
  The production and marketing of the Company's products are subject to
rigorous manufacturing requirements, preclinical testing and clinical trials
and approval by the FDA, by comparable agencies in other countries and by
state regulatory authorities prior to marketing. The process of conducting
clinical trials and obtaining regulatory approval for a product typically
takes a number of years and involves substantial expenditures. In addition,
product approvals may be withdrawn or limited for noncompliance with
regulatory standards or the occurrence of unforeseen problems following
initial marketing. The Company has received regulatory clearance in the United
States for the commercial sale of only two of its products, DOXIL and
AMPHOTEC, and such clearance is only for limited indications. The Company may
encounter significant delays or excessive costs in its efforts to secure and
maintain necessary approvals or licenses. Future federal, state, local or
foreign legislative or administrative acts could also prevent or delay
regulatory approval of the Company's products. There can be no assurance that
the Company will be able to obtain or maintain the necessary approvals for
manufacturing or marketing the Company's products for current or expanded
indications or that the data it obtains in clinical trials will be sufficient
to establish the safety and efficacy of its products. Even if the Company
obtains regulatory approval for any particular product, there can be no
assurance that it will be economically feasible for the Company to
commercialize its products. In addition, identification of certain side
effects after a drug is on the market or the occurrence of manufacturing
problems could cause subsequent withdrawal of approval, reformulation of the
drug, additional preclinical testing or clinical trials, and changes in
labeling of the product. Failure to obtain or maintain requisite governmental
approvals, failure to obtain approvals of the clinically intended uses or the
identification of side effects could delay or preclude the Company from
further developing particular products or from marketing its products, or
could limit the commercial use of its products, which would have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations.
 
  The Company's regulatory clearances to market DOXIL in the United States for
refractory KS and in certain European countries for first-line and refractory
KS were based on extensive clinical data. In 1996, the Company submitted data
from its two randomized clinical trials to the FDA to obtain clearance to
market DOXIL as a first-line therapy. The FDA has informed the Company that it
would require additional information that addresses the methodology of
assessing the response rates seen in the trials in order to approve DOXIL for
a first-line indication. The Company is currently re-analyzing its existing
clinical data, analyzing data not previously submitted, and considering
expanding ongoing trials, if necessary, to support a first-line indication.
There can be no assurance that the Company will provide such data to the FDA
or that any such submission would result in clearance for a KS first-line
indication. The marketing clearance for DOXIL in the United States was
provided in accordance with the FDA's procedures for Accelerated Approval of
New Drugs for Serious or Life-Threatening Illnesses. Accelerated approval
regulations require that an applicant study an investigational drug following
product launch to verify and describe the drug's clinical benefit. The Company
is conducting a post-marketing clinical trial designed to meet accelerated
approval requirements. Under FDA accelerated approval regulations, the FDA may
withdraw approval following product launch if the Company fails to show due
diligence in conducting the post-marketing clinical trial or if this clinical
trial fails to demonstrate clinical benefit to the FDA's satisfaction. There
can be no assurance that the Company will be able to conduct a satisfactory
post-marketing clinical trial or that the results will be
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
satisfactory to the FDA. If the Company is unable to successfully complete the
post-marketing clinical trials or if the results are not satisfactory to the
FDA, the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations
could be materially adversely affected. See "Business -- Government
Regulation."
 
  The Company is also subject to regulation under numerous federal, state and
local laws regarding, among other things, occupational safety, laboratory
practices, the use and handling of radioisotopes and hazardous chemicals,
prevention of illness and injury, environmental protection and hazardous
substance control. Failure to comply with such regulations could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations.
 
UNCERTAINTIES RELATED TO CLINICAL TRIALS
 
  Before obtaining regulatory approvals for the commercial sale of any of its
products under development, the Company must demonstrate through preclinical
studies and clinical trials that the product is safe and efficacious for use
in each target indication. The results from preclinical studies and early
clinical trials may not be predictive of results that will be obtained in
large-scale testing, and there can be no assurance that the Company's clinical
trials will demonstrate the safety and efficacy of any products or will result
in marketable products. For example, the Company has only conducted clinical
trials for the use of DOXIL in certain solid tumors on a limited number of
patients. The Company must conduct additional clinical testing in larger
patient populations to expand the indications for DOXIL. Many pharmaceutical
and drug delivery companies have suffered significant setbacks in advanced
clinical trials, even after obtaining promising results in earlier trials.
 
  The rate of completion of the Company's clinical trials is dependent upon,
among other factors, the rate of patient enrollment. The Company is dependent
on third parties including hospitals and physicians to conduct the clinical
trials. In addition, the Company is reliant on Schering-Plough to conduct
certain clinical trials for the use of DOXIL in treatment of solid tumors.
There is substantial competition to enroll patients in clinical trials for
oncology products. Delays in planned patient enrollment can result in
increased costs and delays. If the Company is unable to successfully complete
its clinical trials, its business, financial condition and results of
operations could be materially adversely affected. See "Business -- Products
and Products Under Development" and "-- Government Regulation."
 
UNCERTAINTY OF FUTURE FINANCIAL RESULTS; FLUCTUATIONS IN OPERATING RESULTS
 
  The Company's quarterly operating results depend upon a variety of factors,
including the price, volume and timing of sales of the Company's approved
products; variations in payments under collaborative agreements, including
royalties, fees and other contract revenues; the availability of third-party
reimbursement; and the regulatory approvals of new products, or expanded
labeling of existing products. The Company's quarterly operating results may
also fluctuate significantly depending on other factors, including the timing
of the expansion of clinical trials for DOXIL and AMPHOTEC and the level of
clinical trials for SP1-077; changes in the Company's level of research and
development; changes in manufacturing capabilities; and variations in gross
margins of the Company's products which may be caused by cost increases from
third-party manufacturers, availability and cost of raw materials, competitive
pricing pressures and the mix between product sales in the United States and
sales to the Company's international marketing partners. The Company expects
operating expenses to increase in 1997, and there can be no assurance that the
Company will maintain or increase revenues or ever achieve profitability. See
"Item 7 -- Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations."
 
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INTERNATIONAL SALES
 
  There are significant challenges and risks to the Company associated with
selling products and conducting business in international markets, including,
but not limited to, varying government regulation of pharmaceutical products,
varying third-party and government reimbursement policies, uncertain
intellectual property protections, delays in establishing international
distribution channels and difficulties in collecting
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
international accounts receivable. The Company does not have extensive
experience in international sales and is relying on third parties to address
these markets. The Company's international business and financial performance
could also be adversely affected by matters such as currency controls, tariff
regulations, foreign duties and taxes, pricing controls and regulations and
difficulties in obtaining export licenses. In addition, the Company's products
are priced in the currency of the country in which such products are sold.
Accordingly, the prices of such products in dollars will vary as the value of
the dollar fluctuates against such local currencies. Increases in the value of
the dollar against such currencies, therefore, will reduce the dollars
realized by the Company on the sale of its products. The Company does not
presently engage in any hedging or other transactions intended to manage the
risks relating to foreign currency exchange rates or interest rate
fluctuations. However, the Company may in the future undertake such
transactions if it determines that it is advisable to offset such risks,
although no assurance can be given that these efforts will be successful.
 
UNCERTAINTY OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRICING AND REIMBURSEMENT
 
  The Company's business may be materially adversely affected by the
continuing efforts of worldwide governmental and third-party payors to contain
or reduce the costs of health care in general and drugs in particular. For
example, in most international markets, including markets the Company is
seeking to enter, pricing of prescription pharmaceuticals is subject to
government price controls. In these markets, once marketing approval is
received, pricing negotiation could take another six to 12 months or longer.
In the United States there have been, and there may continue to be, federal
and state proposals to implement similar government price controls. In
addition, an increasing emphasis on managed care and consolidation of hospital
purchasing in the United States has and will continue to put pressure on
pharmaceutical pricing. Such proposals, if adopted, and such initiatives could
decrease the price that the Company receives for any current or future
products and thereby have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations. Further, to the extent that
such proposals or initiatives have a material adverse effect on pharmaceutical
companies that are collaborators or prospective collaborators for certain of
the Company's products, the Company's ability to commercialize its products
may be materially adversely affected. In addition, price competition may
result from competing product sales, attempts to gain market share or
introductory pricing programs, which would have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
  The Company's ability to commercialize DOXIL, AMPHOTEC and other products
may depend in part on the extent to which reimbursement for such products and
related treatments will be available from government health administration
authorities, private health insurers and other third-party payors. Significant
uncertainty exists as to the reimbursement status of newly approved health
care products, and third-party payors are increasingly challenging the prices
charged for medical products and services. There can be no assurance that any
third-party insurance coverage will be available to patients for any of the
Company's products. Government and other third-party payors are increasingly
attempting to contain health care costs by limiting the level of reimbursement
for new therapeutic products, and by refusing, in some cases, to provide
coverage or reimbursement for indications for which the FDA has not granted
marketing clearance. Moreover, reimbursement may be denied even for FDA-
approved indications. If adequate coverage and reimbursement levels are not
provided by the government and third-party payors for the Company's products,
the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations would be
materially adversely affected. See "Business -- Government Regulation."
 
PRODUCT LIABILITY
 
  Testing, manufacturing, marketing and use of the Company's products will
entail substantial risk of product liability. The Company currently maintains
product liability insurance in an amount of $10 million per occurrence and $10
million in the aggregate. A single product liability claim could exceed the
$10 million coverage limit, and there is a possibility of multiple claims.
There can be no assurance that the amount of insurance the Company has
obtained against the risk of product liability will be adequate, that the
amount of such insurance can be renewed at acceptable cost or at all, or that
the amount and scope of any coverage
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
obtained will be adequate to protect the Company in the event of a successful
product liability claim. The Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations could be materially adversely affected by one or more
successful product liability claims.
 
  In addition, with respect to the sale of products in the United States, the
Company believes it has significantly greater risk in connection with product
liability claims due to the greater frequency of lawsuits and higher claims
paid in courts in the United States as opposed to most other countries. The
Company is required by government regulations to test its products even after
they have been sold and used by patients. As a result of such tests, the
Company may be required to, or may determine that it should, recall products
when such products have already been sold. Such testing and any product
recalls could increase the Company's potential exposure to product liability
claims and may have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations.
 
UNCERTAINTIES REGARDING PATENTS AND TRADE SECRETS
 
  There has been increasing litigation in the biomedical, biotechnology and
pharmaceutical industries with respect to the manufacture, use and sale of new
therapeutic products that are the subject of conflicting patent rights. A
substantial number of patents relating to liposomes have been issued to, or
are controlled by, other public and private entities, including academic
institutions. In addition, others, including competitors of SEQUUS, may have
filed applications for, or may have been issued patents or may obtain
additional patents and proprietary rights relating to products or processes
competitive with those of SEQUUS. The patent positions of pharmaceutical,
biopharmaceutical, biotechnology and drug delivery companies, including
SEQUUS, are uncertain and involve complex legal and factual issues.
Additionally, the coverage claimed in a patent application can be
significantly reduced before the patent is issued. As a consequence, the
Company does not know whether any of its patent applications will result in
the issuance of patents or whether any of the Company's existing patents will
provide significant proprietary protection or will be circumvented or
invalidated. Since patent applications in the United States are maintained in
secrecy until patents issue, and since publication of discoveries in the
scientific or patent literature often lag behind actual discoveries, the
Company cannot be certain that it was the first inventor of inventions covered
by its pending patent applications or that it was the first to file patent
applications for such inventions. Moreover, the Company may have to
participate in interference proceedings to determine priority of invention,
which could result in substantial cost to the Company, even if the eventual
outcome is favorable to the Company. There can be no assurance that any
patents owned or controlled by the Company will protect SEQUUS against
infringement litigation or afford commercially significant protection of the
Company's technology. Almost none of the Company's patents has been tested in
court to determine their validity and scope. Moreover, the patent laws of
foreign countries differ from those of the United States and the degree of
protection, if any, afforded by foreign patents may therefore be different.
 
  The Company has a practice of monitoring patents and other developments in
the liposome field. To the extent that the Company becomes aware of patents of
other parties which the Company's processes or products might infringe, it is
the Company's practice to seek review of such patents by the Company's patent
counsel. With respect to the Company's anticancer drug, DOXIL, SEQUUS is aware
of TLC's United States Patent No. 5,077,056 (the "056 Patent") relating to the
loading of therapeutic drugs into liposomes. The Company's patent counsel has
rendered an opinion that DOXIL would not infringe any valid claim of this
patent. International equivalent patents to the 056 Patent are now undergoing
opposition proceedings in the European and Japanese patent offices and the
Company is party to such proceedings. The Company is also aware of recently
issued United States Patent No. 5,562,925 (the "925 Patent") covering
therapeutic cisplatin compositions held by Research Corporation Technologies
Inc., which the Company believes has been licensed exclusively to Bristol-
Myers. The Company's patent counsel has rendered an opinion that its STEALTH
cisplatin formulation would not infringe any valid claims of the 925 Patent.
The Company is also aware of TLC's United States Patent No. 5,008,050 relating
to reducing liposome size by extrusion, and United States Patent No. 5,435,989
held by NeXstar relating to targeting of liposomes to solid tumors. The
Company's
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
patent counsel has rendered an opinion that DOXIL would not infringe any valid
claim of either of these patents. The Company is also aware of United States
Patent Nos. 4,426,330 and 4,534,899 assigned to Lipid Specialties, Inc.,
relating to conjugates of phospholipids and polyethyleneglycol. The Company's
patent counsel has rendered an opinion that DOXIL would not infringe any valid
claims of these patents.
 
  In November 1991, the Company received a letter from TLC bringing to the
Company's attention TLC's United States Patent No. 5,059,591 for "Reduced
Toxicity" (the "591 Patent") containing claims directed to amphotericin
B/sterol compositions and their method of use. Subsequently, the Company's
patent counsel delivered an opinion to the Company that, among other things,
AMPHOTEC does not infringe any valid claim of the 591 Patent. The Company has
not received any further written correspondence with respect to this issue.
However, no assurance can be given that TLC will not make a claim against
SEQUUS with respect to the 591 Patent, which could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's ability to commercialize AMPHOTEC.
 
  Even if the Company's patent counsel renders advice that the Company's
products do not infringe any valid claim under such patents, there can be no
assurance that any third party will not commence litigation to enforce such
patents. If another company were to successfully bring legal actions against
the Company claiming patent or other intellectual property right
infringements, in addition to any liability for damages, the Company could be
enjoined by a court from selling such products or processes or might be
required to obtain a license to manufacture or sell the affected product or
process. There can be no assurance that the Company would prevail in any such
action or that the Company could obtain any license required under any such
patent on acceptable terms, if at all. Any litigation, whether or not resolved
in favor of the Company, could be expensive and time-consuming, could consume
substantial management resources and could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
  The Company relies on unpatented trade secrets and proprietary know-how to
protect certain aspects of its production and other technologies. Although
SEQUUS has entered into confidentiality agreements with its employees,
consultants, representatives and other business associates, there can be no
assurance that trade secrets and know-how will remain undisclosed or that
similar trade secrets or know-how will not be independently developed by
others. See "Business -- Patents and Trade Secrets."
 
HISTORY OF OPERATING LOSSES; NEED FOR ADDITIONAL FINANCING
 
  The Company has incurred losses in each year since its inception and has
accumulated approximately $150.6 million in net losses through December 31,
1996, including a net loss of $17.2 million in the fiscal year ended December
31, 1996. There can be no assurance that revenues from product sales or other
sources will be sufficient to fund operations or that the Company will achieve
profitability or positive cash flow. Additional financing may be required to
fund the Company's continuing operations and product and business development
activities in the form of debt or equity securities or bank financing. There
can be no assurance that such financing will be available on acceptable terms,
if at all. The unavailability of such financing could delay or prevent the
development, testing, regulatory approval, manufacturing or marketing of some
or all of the Company's products and could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial conditions or results of operations. See
"Item 7 -- Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations."
 
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL; MANAGEMENT TRANSITION
 
  The Company's success depends largely upon its ability to attract and retain
qualified scientific, medical, engineering, manufacturing, sales and marketing
and management personnel. The Company faces competition for such personnel
from other companies, academic institutions, government entities and other
organizations. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful
in hiring or retaining such personnel. Three of the key executive officers of
the Company have joined the management team in the past
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
two years. The new management team will face significant challenges in
transitioning the Company from research and development to manufacturing and
marketing of the Company's products that have received regulatory approval.
There can be no assurance that the management team can successfully manage the
transition of the Company's business. See "Business -- Employees" and "Item 10
-- Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant."
 
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
 
  As with many biopharmaceutical companies, the Company's research and
development involves the controlled use of hazardous materials and chemical
compounds. There can be no assurance that the Company's safety procedures for
handling and disposing of such materials will comply with the standards
prescribed by federal, state and local regulations or that it will not be
subject to the risk of accidental contamination or injury from these
materials. In the event of such an accident, the Company could be held liable
for any damages that result and any such liability could materially adversely
affect the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
See "Business -- Government Regulation."
 
VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE
 
  The market price of the Company's securities, like the stock prices of many
publicly traded biopharmaceutical companies, has been and may continue to be
highly volatile. A variety of events, both concerning and unrelated to the
Company and the biopharmaceutical industry, such as the level of sales of the
Company's products, problems with clinical development of the Company's
potential products, announcements of technological innovations, regulatory
developments or new commercial products by the Company or its competitors,
government regulation, delays or other developments relating to regulatory
approvals, developments or disputes relating to patent or proprietary rights,
comments and reports by securities analysts, product liability claims, as well
as period-to-period fluctuations in the Company's financial results, may have
a significant negative impact on the market price of the Company's securities.
Any large sale of securities of the Company could have a significant adverse
effect on the market price Company's securities. "Item 5 -- Market for
Registrant's Equity and Related Stockholder Matters."
 
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
 
  As of December 31, 1996, the Company leased approximately 140,609 square
feet of laboratory, office and warehouse space in Menlo Park, California under
leases that expire in April 2003 and approximately 4,000 square feet of office
space in London under a lease that expires in December 2003. Rent expense for
1996 was approximately $1,358,000.
 
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
  The Company is not party to any legal proceedings. See "Item 1 -- Business
-- Patents and Trade Secrets."
 
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
  No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996.
 
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 
(A) MARKET INFORMATION
 
  The Company's Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the
symbol SEQU. The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices for the
Company's Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market for each
calendar quarter within 1996 and 1995. These over-the-counter quotations
reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commissions,
and may not necessarily represent the sales prices in actual transactions.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  HIGH     LOW
                                                                 ------- -------
      <S>                                                        <C>     <C>
      1996:
        Fourth Quarter..........................................   $17   $12 1/4
        Third Quarter...........................................  20 1/8  11 1/2
        Second Quarter..........................................  22 1/2  13 3/4
        First Quarter...........................................  19 1/2  12 3/8
      1995:
        Fourth Quarter.......................................... $14 1/4 $ 9 3/4
        Third Quarter...........................................  15 1/8  10 1/4
        Second Quarter..........................................  12 1/8   5 3/4
        First Quarter...........................................   9 1/2   5 1/2
</TABLE>
 
(B) HOLDERS
 
  As of December 31, 1996, there were approximately 454 holders of record of
the Company's Common Stock.
 
(C) DIVIDENDS
 
  The Company has not paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock since its
inception and does not anticipate paying any dividends on the Common Stock in
the foreseeable future. The Company's future dividend policy will be
determined by its Board of Directors based on many factors, including results
of operations, capital requirements and general business conditions.
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 6.SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                             --------------------------------------------------
                               1996       1995       1994      1993      1992
                             ---------  ---------  --------  --------  --------
<S>                          <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>
                                 (in thousands, except per share data)
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 DATA:
Revenues:
  Product sales............  $  25,462  $   1,907  $  3,664  $  1,299  $    293
  Royalties and fees (1)...      7,461        109        91     5,458       425
                             ---------  ---------  --------  --------  --------
Total revenues.............     32,923      2,016     3,755     6,757       718
Operating expenses:
  Cost of goods sold.......      3,990        511       916       232        13
  Research and development.     27,652     22,651    25,378    21,128    15,769
  Selling, general and
   administrative..........     20,302     13,856     7,622     6,653     2,723
                             ---------  ---------  --------  --------  --------
Total operating expenses...     51,944     37,018    33,916    28,013    18,505
                             ---------  ---------  --------  --------  --------
Loss from operations.......    (19,021)   (35,002)  (30,161)  (21,256)  (17,787)
Interest income............      1,844      1,406       976     1,602     2,394
                             ---------  ---------  --------  --------  --------
Net loss...................  $ (17,177) $ (33,596) $(29,185) $(19,654) $(15,393)
                             =========  =========  ========  ========  ========
Net loss per share.........  $   (0.59) $   (1.54) $  (1.54) $  (1.05) $  (0.84)
                             =========  =========  ========  ========  ========
Weighted average shares
 outstanding...............     28,937     21,831    18,978    18,789    18,270
<CAPTION>
                                              DECEMBER 31,
                             --------------------------------------------------
                               1996       1995       1994      1993      1992
                             ---------  ---------  --------  --------  --------
                                             (in thousands)
<S>                          <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents
 and short-term marketable
 investments...............  $  32,946  $  50,276  $ 11,757  $ 34,658  $ 41,325
Long-term marketable
 investments...............         --         --       500     2,520    12,782
Total assets...............     54,968     57,808    18,198    45,179    60,523
Long-term debt and lease
 obligations...............         --         --        --        --        --
Accumulated deficit........   (150,624)  (133,427)  (99,865)  (70,668)  (51,014)
Total stockholders' equity.     44,327     49,599    10,938    39,318    58,577
</TABLE>
--------
(1) Includes a signing fee and regulatory milestone fee totaling $5.3 million
    from Zeneca Limited in 1993 and a distribution rights fee of $5.3 million
    from Schering-Plough in 1996.
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
        RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  The statements in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" that relate to future plans, events or
performance are forward-looking statements which involve risks and
uncertainties. Actual results, events or performance may differ materially
from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a
variety of factors, including those set forth under "Item 1 -- Risk Factors"
and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Readers are cautioned not to
place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as
of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release
the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be
needed to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect
the occurrence of unanticipated events.
 
OVERVIEW
 
  The Company is a leader in developing and commercializing lipid-based
biopharmaceutical products primarily to treat cancer and infectious diseases.
The Company formulates its proprietary STEALTH liposomes with existing drugs,
or with therapeutics under development, to develop new products with improved
safety and efficacy profiles. The Company has developed and is marketing
DOXIL, an anticancer drug, and AMPHOTEC, an antifungal drug, in the United
States through its direct sales organization and internationally through its
marketing partners. The Company is currently conducting additional clinical
trials for the use of DOXIL in the treatment of certain solid tumors,
including a Phase III clinical trial in refractory ovarian cancer and a number
of breast cancer trials. In addition, SEQUUS is currently conducting a Phase I
trial of its STEALTH cisplatin formulation for the treatment of cancer.
 
  SEQUUS developed DOXIL, a proprietary STEALTH liposome formulation
encapsulating a leading anticancer drug, doxorubicin. In November 1995, SEQUUS
received marketing clearance from the FDA for DOXIL for the treatment of KS in
people with AIDS whose KS has progressed on prior chemotherapy or in patients
who are intolerant to such therapy. In December 1995, the Company launched
DOXIL in the United States, using its own marketing and sales team, and
achieved domestic product sales of approximately $20.9 million in 1996. In
June 1996, the Company was granted marketing authorization for DOXIL under the
tradename CAELYX in the 15 member states of the EU for the treatment of first-
line and refractory KS in patients with low CD4 counts and extensive
mucocutaneous or visceral disease. The drug may be used as first-line systemic
chemotherapy, or as second-line chemotherapy, in KS patients with disease that
has progressed with, or in patients who are intolerant to, prior combination
chemotherapy comprising at least two of the following agents: a Vinca
alkaloid, bleomycin, and doxorubicin (or other anthracycline).
 
  The Company has entered into a distribution agreement with Schering-Plough
under which Schering-Plough has rights to market and sell CAELYX worldwide,
except for the United States, Japan and certain other countries. Schering-
Plough will conduct pricing discussions with the appropriate agencies in those
European countries where pricing approval is required. In addition, the
Company and Schering-Plough are jointly planning the clinical development of
DOXIL for the treatment of solid tumors in the United States and certain
international markets. Schering-Plough will be responsible for conducting
certain of these clinical trials. In 1996, the Company received fees of $7.3
million from Schering-Plough.
 
  The Company used another lipid-based delivery technology to develop
AMPHOTEC, a proprietary formulation of a leading antifungal drug, amphotericin
B. In November 1996, SEQUUS received marketing clearance from the FDA for
AMPHOTEC for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis, a life-threatening
fungal infection, in patients where renal impairment or unacceptable toxicity
precludes the use of conventional amphotericin B therapy in effective doses
and in patients where prior amphotericin B therapy has failed. In December
1996, the Company launched AMPHOTEC in the United States, using its own
marketing and sales organization. AMPHOTEC has also received marketing
clearance in a number of other countries for the treatment of systemic fungal
infections in patients for whom conventional amphotericin B is contraindicated
due to toxicity or renal failure or for whom previous antifungal therapy was
unsuccessful. The Company's strategy is to commercialize AMPHOTEC in
international markets, under the tradename AMPHOCIL,
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
through distribution partners and has entered into a number of distribution
agreements, including agreements with Zeneca and Bayer, in selected countries.
A liposome-based amphotericin B product which targets indications similar to
those targeted by AMPHOCIL has been first to market and captured a significant
portion of market share in many foreign markets. Another competitor introduced
its lipid-based amphotericin B product as the third entrant in the U.K. market
at a price substantially below the price of the other lipid-based antifungals
and launched the product as the first lipid-based antifungal agent in the
United States. Competition from these two competitors could have an adverse
effect on the market penetration and pricing of AMPHOTEC in both Europe and in
the United States.
 
  In August 1993, the Company signed a distribution agreement with Zeneca
under which Zeneca was to market and sell AMPHOCIL in most European countries.
In March 1994, SEQUUS and Zeneca announced the expansion of their August 1993
agreement to cover additional markets. In July 1996, SEQUUS announced that it
had reacquired from Zeneca all international marketing and distribution rights
for AMPHOCIL except for nine European countries to which Zeneca had retained
such rights (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands,
Portugal, Sweden and the U.K.). In exchange for the return to SEQUUS of
marketing and distribution rights throughout the rest of the world, SEQUUS
agreed to restructure certain future milestone payments specified in the
original agreement, adjust the pricing terms for AMPHOCIL to provide greater
competitive pricing flexibility, and exchange certain inventory held by
Zeneca.
 
  The Company recognizes product sales upon shipment of product to its
marketing partners internationally and to its customers in the United States.
Historically, sales revenue recorded under the Zeneca agreement has fluctuated
quarter to quarter depending on the number of shipments in each quarter. For
example, there have been quarters where there were no shipments. The Company
expects this type of quarter to quarter fluctuation to continue.
 
  The Company has incurred losses in each year since its inception and has
accumulated approximately $150.6 million in net losses through December 31,
1996, including a net loss of approximately $17.2 million in the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1996. Although the Company and its marketing partners have
commenced marketing DOXIL in the United States and certain international
markets and AMPHOTEC in the United States and 18 other countries, there can be
no assurance that revenues from product sales or other sources will be
sufficient to fund operations or that the Company will achieve profitability
or positive cash flow.
 
  The Company expects its research and development expenses to increase as a
result of expanded clinical trials of DOXIL in a variety of solid tumors and
clinical trials of SPI-077. The Company expects its marketing and sales
expenses to increase as it proceeds with the commercialization of DOXIL and
AMPHOTEC through its United States direct sales and marketing organization. As
of December 31, 1996, SEQUUS had a United States sales team of 42 individuals
experienced in the sale of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products, with
particular emphasis on oncology and infectious disease.
 
  The Company's business is subject to significant risks, including, but not
limited to, the risks inherent in seeking market acceptance of current and
future products; managing a marketing and sales organization; depending on
third-party distributors, manufacturers and sole-source suppliers; obtaining
and enforcing patents; uncertainties relating to product development, clinical
trials and the regulatory approval process; uncertainties relating to the
patent rights of others; and uncertainties relating to pharmaceutical pricing
and reimbursement.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Years Ended December 31, 1996 and 1995
 
  Revenues
 
  Total revenues were $32.9 million, of which $25.5 million were product
sales, during the year ended December 31, 1996 compared with $2.0 million
during the year ended December 31, 1995. DOXIL product sales represented 89%
of total product sales in 1996 compared to 49% in 1995. For 1996, 3% of the
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
Company's product sales represented sales of AMPHOTEC to Zeneca as compared to
41% in 1995. In 1996, the Company received approximately $7.5 million in
upfront fees and payments, which included $7.3 million from Schering-Plough.
 
  Operating Expenses
 
  The Company's gross margin increased to 84% of product sales in 1996 from
73% of net sales in 1995. This increase in the gross margin is due to the
increase in the percentage of direct product sales in 1996 versus 1995. The
Company generally recognizes higher margins on direct product sales in the
United States than it does on sales to the Company's international
distribution partners and agents. Direct product sales were 89% of product
sales in 1996 and were 32% of product sales in 1995. The Company anticipates
that its gross margin will continue to fluctuate depending on the mix between
direct product sales in the United States and sales to the Company's
international distribution partners and agents.
 
  Generally, a majority of the Company's operating expenses are incurred for
research and development ("R&D"), including preclinical testing and clinical
trials required for new pharmaceutical products. The principal items of R&D
expense are personnel costs, costs of clinical trials, clinical production and
supplies. R&D expense increased to $27.7 million in 1996, from $22.7 million
in 1995. This increase in expenses resulted from higher spending in 1996
associated with clinical trials for DOXIL, expenses associated with the
regulatory approval of AMPHOTEC and an increase in spending on R&D projects.
The Company anticipates that future clinical trial expenses will increase due
to expanded clinical trials of DOXIL in a variety of solid tumors and on
clinical trials of SPI-077.
 
  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $20.3 million in
1996 from $13.9 million in 1995. The increase in selling, general and
administrative expenses was primarily due to the first full year of marketing
DOXIL, and, to a lesser extent, preparation for the launch of AMPHOTEC in
December 1996, which required the hiring of 17 additional sales personnel.
 
  Interest Income
 
  Interest income increased to $1.8 million in 1996 from $1.4 million in 1995,
due to the increase in cash available for investment resulting primarily from
the net proceeds of $45.6 million received by the Company from a public
offering of Common Stock in the fourth quarter of 1995.
 
  Net Loss
 
  The Company's net loss decreased to $17.2 million in 1996 from $33.6 million
in 1995. The net loss per share was $0.59 for 1996 compared to a net loss of
$1.54 per share for 1995. The decrease in the loss was due primarily to an
increase in product sales, partially offset by an increase in marketing and
sales costs in anticipation of the AMPHOTEC December 1996 launch, a full year
of marketing and sales expenses for DOXIL and an increase in clinical and
preclinical costs for additional trials.
 
Years Ended December 31, 1995 and 1994
 
  Revenues
 
  Total revenues, of which the majority were product sales, were $2.0 million,
during the year ended December 31, 1995 compared with $3.8 million recorded
during the year ended December 31, 1994. DOXIL product sales represented 49%
of total product sales in 1995 compared to 3% in 1994. For 1995, 41% of the
Company's product sales represented sales of AMPHOCIL to Zeneca as compared to
91% for 1994. A significant portion of the 1994 and 1995 product sales reflect
pipeline-filling (inventory) orders. Product sales declined during 1995 due
primarily to the absence of AMPHOCIL shipments to Zeneca after the first
quarter of 1995.
 
  Operating Expenses
 
  R&D expenses decreased to $22.7 million in 1995 from $25.4 million in
1994. This reduction resulted from higher spending in 1994 associated with
clinical trials in preparation for the NDA filing for DOXIL in the treatment
of KS.
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $13.9 million in
1995 from $7.6 million in 1994, principally reflecting an increase in
marketing and sale expenses in preparation of the December 1995 DOXIL launch.
The Company hired 24 individuals and additional internal staff to support
sales operations. In addition, the Company recorded expenses in fiscal 1995 in
connection with the departure of certain officers.
 
  Interest Income
 
  Interest income increased to $1.4 million in 1995 from $1.0 million in 1994,
due to the increase in cash available for investment resulting from
approximately $70.9 million received by the Company through equity financings
during 1995.
 
  Net Loss
 
  The Company's net loss increased to $33.6 million in 1995 from $29.2 million
in 1994. The net loss per share was $1.54 for both 1995 and 1994. The increase
in the loss was due primarily to an increase in marketing and sales costs in
anticipation of the December 1995 DOXIL launch and a decline in AMPHOTEC sales
to Zeneca.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
  The Company's cash and cash equivalents and marketable investments at
December 31, 1996 were $32.9 million, a decrease of $17.4 million from $50.3
million at December 31, 1995. This decrease represents net cash used by
operating activities of $25.0 million, capital expenditures of $3.6 million
offset by $11.3 million of cash provided by financing activities. During the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, the Company received approximately $10.7
million from the exercise of warrants issued to investors in private
placements and employee stock options. Of this, approximately $3.0 million was
due to the exercise of warrants to purchase approximately 706,000 shares of
Common Stock at $4.25 per share. Approximately $0.9 million was due to the
exercise of warrants to purchase 120,682 shares of Common Stock at $7.43 per
share. Approximately $2.6 million was due to the exercise of warrants to
purchase 352,460 shares of Common Stock at $7.43 per share. At December 31,
1996, the following warrants for shares of the Company's Common Stock were
outstanding: 525,000 shares at $4.25 per share, expiring March 1997; 687,638
shares at $7.43 per share, expiring April 1998; and 759,385 shares at $7.43
per share, expiring May 1999. At December 31, 1996, the Company also had
outstanding options to purchase 4,068,188 shares of Common Stock at a weighted
average exercise price of $9.67 per share. In April 1996 the Company completed
the conversion of each of the 480,000 shares of Series A Convertible Reset
Preferred Stock into 3.367 shares of Common Stock.
 
  On February 3, 1997, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the filing
of a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission  for a
proposed underwritten public offering by the Company of 1,000,000 shares of
convertible exchangeable preferred stock, $50.00 per share liquidation
preference (1,150,000 shares if the over-allotment option is exercised in
full). The Company believes that, if the proposed offering is completed, the
Company's existing cash balances, interest income, revenues from operations
and the net proceeds of the offering will be adequate to fund its planned
activities at least through 1998. However, there can be no assurance that the
proposed public offering will be completed or that, if completed, the proceeds
to the Company will be sufficient to finance its future operations. The
Company may need to seek additional financing sooner. There can be no
assurance that adequate financing will be available on satisfactory terms, if
at all.
 
  The Company's strategy is to fund from its own cash resources and the
proceeds from its proposed public offering, the preclinical development of its
proprietary products, DOXIL, AMPHOTEC and SPI-077, and the continued research
and development of additional STEALTH liposome products. This strategy will
require significant operating and capital expenditures including the
construction of a pilot production facility which is currently in the planning
phase.
 
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
  As of December 31, 1996, the Company had Federal and California net
operating loss carryforwards of approximately $99.0 million and $10.0 million,
respectively. The Company also has Federal and California research and
development tax credit carryforwards of approximately $4.9 million and $3.4
million, respectively. Utilization of the net operating losses and credits may
be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to the ownership change
limitations provided by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and similar
California provisions. The annual limitation may result in the expiration of
net operating losses and credits before utilization.
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors..........................  37
Balance Sheets at December 31, 1996 and 1995...............................  38
Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
 1994......................................................................  39
Statement of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 1996,
 1995 and 1994.............................................................  40
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
 1994......................................................................  41
Notes to Financial Statements..............................................  42
</TABLE>
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
 
               REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
SEQUUS Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
 
  We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of SEQUUS Pharmaceuticals,
Inc. as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related statements of
operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1996. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of SEQUUS Pharmaceuticals,
Inc. at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of its operations and its
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996,
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                                              ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Palo Alto, California
January 27, 1997
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
                          SEQUUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
 
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
                (in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              DECEMBER 31
                                                          --------------------
                                                            1996       1995
                                                          ---------  ---------
                                   ASSETS
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents.............................. $   9,997  $   6,770
  Short-term marketable investments......................    22,949     43,506
  Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for bad
   debts of $504 in 1996 and $178 in 1995................     8,972      1,642
  Inventories............................................     5,697      1,105
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets..............     1,601        949
                                                          ---------  ---------
Total current assets.....................................    49,216     53,972
Net equipment and improvements...........................     5,564      3,591
Other assets.............................................       188        245
                                                          ---------  ---------
Total assets............................................. $  54,968  $  57,808
                                                          =========  =========
                    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable....................................... $   4,539  $   2,773
  Accrued compensation...................................     3,149      2,310
  Accrued clinical costs.................................     1,014      1,664
  Other accrued liabilities..............................     1,939        746
  Deferred revenue.......................................        --        716
                                                          ---------  ---------
Total current liabilities................................    10,641      8,209
Commitments
Stockholders' equity:
 Preferred stock, par value $0.01; 4,000,000 shares
  authorized, issuable in series; no shares of Series A
  issued and outstanding in 1996 and 437,200 shares of
  Series A issued and outstanding in 1995................        --          4
 Common stock, par value $0.0001; 45,000,000 shares
  authorized, 29,660,319 shares issued and outstanding in
  1996 and 26,283,026 in 1995............................         3          3
 Additional paid-in capital..............................   194,948    183,019
 Accumulated deficit.....................................  (150,624)  (133,427)
                                                          ---------  ---------
  Total stockholders' equity.............................    44,327     49,599
                                                          ---------  ---------
  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity............. $  54,968  $  57,808
                                                          =========  =========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
 
                          SEQUUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
 
                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                     (in thousands, except per share data)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                   ----------------------------
                                                     1996      1995      1994
                                                   --------  --------  --------
<S>                                                <C>       <C>       <C>
Revenues:
  Product sales..................................  $ 25,462  $  1,907  $  3,664
  Royalties and fees.............................     7,461       109        91
                                                   --------  --------  --------
Total revenues...................................    32,923     2,016     3,755
Expenses:
  Cost of goods sold.............................     3,990       511       916
  Research and development.......................    27,652    22,651    25,378
  Selling, general and administrative............    20,302    13,856     7,622
                                                   --------  --------  --------
Total expenses...................................    51,944    37,018    33,916
                                                   --------  --------  --------
Loss from operations.............................   (19,021)  (35,002)  (30,161)
Interest income..................................     1,844     1,406       976
                                                   --------  --------  --------
Net loss.........................................  $(17,177) $(33,596) $(29,185)
                                                   ========  ========  ========
Net loss per share...............................  $   (.59) $  (1.54) $  (1.54)
                                                   ========  ========  ========
Common shares used in the calculation of net loss
 per share.......................................    28,937    21,831    18,978
                                                   ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
 
                          SEQUUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
 
                       STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                 (in thousands)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            SERIES A
                            PREFERRED
                              STOCK     COMMON STOCK  ADDITIONAL                 TOTAL
                          ------------- -------------  PAID-IN   ACCUMULATED STOCKHOLDERS'
                          SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT  CAPITAL     DEFICIT      EQUITY
                          ------ ------ ------ ------ ---------- ----------- -------------
<S>                       <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>        <C>         <C>
Balance at December 31,
 1993...................     --   $--   18,875  $ 2    $109,984   $ (70,668)   $ 39,318
Shares issued for
 contribution to 401(k)
 Plan...................     --    --       15   --         124          --         124
Shares issued under the
 Employee Stock Purchase
 Plan...................     --    --       45   --         265          --         265
Exercise of stock
 options................     --    --      161   --         428          --         428
Change in valuation
 allowance for
 available-for-sale
 securities.............     --    --       --   --          --         (12)        (12)
Net loss................     --    --       --   --          --     (29,185)    (29,185)
                           ----   ---   ------  ---    --------   ---------    --------
Balance at December 31,
 1994...................     --    --   19,096    2     110,801     (99,865)     10,938
Shares issued for
 contribution to 401(k)
 Plan...................     --    --       24   --         157          --         157
Shares issued under the
 Employee Stock Purchase
 Plan...................     --    --       49   --         281          --         281
Exercise of warrants....     --    --       22   --          91          --          91
Exercise of stock
 options................     --    --      239   --         813          --         813
Sale of Preferred Stock
 in secondary offering,
 net of issuance costs
 of $986................    480     4       --   --      11,010          --      11,014
Sale of Units in
 secondary offering, net
 of issuance costs of
 $771...................     --    --    2,224   --      14,275          --      14,275
Sale of Common Stock in
 secondary offering, net
 of issuance costs of
 $828...................     --    --    4,485    1      45,591          --      45,592
Conversion of Preferred
 Stock..................    (43)   --      144   --          --          --          --
Change in valuation
 allowance for
 available-for-sale
 securities.............     --    --       --   --          --          34          34
Net loss................     --    --       --   --          --     (33,596)    (33,596)
                           ----   ---   ------  ---    --------   ---------    --------
Balance at December 31,
 1995...................    437     4   26,283    3     183,019    (133,427)     49,599
Shares issued for
 contribution to 401(k)
 Plan...................     --    --       12   --         174          --         174
Shares issued under the
 Employee Stock Purchase
 Plan...................     --    --       83   --         628          --         628
Exercise of warrants....     --    --    1,179   --       6,514          --       6,514
Exercise of stock
 options................     --    --      601   --       4,149          --       4,149
Common Stock issued in
 exchange for research &
 development license....     --    --       30   --         460          --         460
Conversion of Preferred
 Stock..................   (437)   (4)   1,472   --           4          --          --
Change in valuation
 allowance for
 available-for-sale
 securities.............     --    --       --   --          --         (20)        (20)
Net loss................     --    --       --   --          --     (17,177)    (17,177)
                           ----   ---   ------  ---    --------   ---------    --------
Balance at December 31,
 1996...................     --   $--   29,660  $ 3    $194,948   $(150,624)   $ 44,327
                           ====   ===   ======  ===    ========   =========    ========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
 
                          SEQUUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
 
                            STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
                                 (in thousands)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                   ----------------------------
                                                     1996      1995      1994
                                                   --------  --------  --------
<S>                                                <C>       <C>       <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net loss.......................................  $(17,177) $(33,596) $(29,185)
  Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
   used in operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization..................     1,767     1,957     1,902
  Issuance of common stock to 401(k) plan........       174       157       124
  Issuance of common stock in exchange for
   research and development technology license...       460        --        --
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
    Trade accounts receivable....................    (7,330)   (1,578)    1,242
    Inventories..................................    (4,592)     (547)     (138)
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets....      (652)      194       197
    Other assets.................................       (44)       (7)      136
    Accounts payable.............................     1,766     1,187       292
    Accrued compensation.........................       839     1,513       (53)
    Accrued clinical costs.......................      (650)   (2,290)    1,041
    Other accrued liabilities....................     1,193      (177)      137
    Deferred revenue.............................      (716)      716        --
                                                   --------  --------  --------
  Net cash used in operating activities..........   (24,962)  (32,471)  (24,305)
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Available-for-sale securities:
    Purchases....................................   (90,207) (106,013)  (13,512)
    Sales........................................    45,127    30,843    26,329
    Maturities...................................    65,617    38,507    14,467
  Capital expenditures, net......................    (3,639)   (1,610)   (1,279)
                                                   --------  --------  --------
  Net cash provided by (used in) investing
   activities....................................    16,898   (38,273)   26,005
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Issuance of common stock.......................    11,291    61,052       693
  Issuance of preferred stock....................        --    11,014        --
  Principal payments under capital lease
   obligation....................................        --        --       (18)
                                                   --------  --------  --------
  Net cash provided by financing activities......    11,291    72,066       675
                                                   --------  --------  --------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents........     3,227     1,322     2,375
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year.     6,770     5,448     3,073
                                                   --------  --------  --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year.......  $  9,997  $  6,770  $  5,448
                                                   ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
 
                         SEQUUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 Business
 
  SEQUUS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("SEQUUS", the "Company") is engaged in the
development, manufacture, marketing and sale of proprietary liposome and
lipid-based products primarily to treat cancer and certain fungal infections.
SEQUUS' strategic emphasis is on injectable pharmaceutical products designed
to improve the efficacy and reduce the toxicity of selected existing and new
drugs used to treat cancer and infectious diseases. SEQUUS distributes DOXIL
and AMPHOTEC in the United States through distributors and the same products
under the tradenames of CAELYX and AMPHOCIL, respectively, in various
countries outside the United States through corporate alliances, distribution
agreements and various agents. The Company's key raw materials are acquired
from a limited number of vendors and a single third party manufactures all of
the Company's finished goods.
 
 Use of Estimates
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
 Loss Per Share
 
  Loss per share is computed using the weighted average number of common
shares outstanding during each period. Common Stock equivalents, consisting of
preferred stock, stock options and warrants, are excluded from the computation
as their effect is anti-dilutive.
 
 Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Investments
 
  The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of three
months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Short-term
investments consist of investments with original maturities greater than three
months, but less than one year.
 
  The Company invests its excess cash principally in U.S. Treasury Bills and
high-grade investment paper. The Company maintains its cash, cash equivalents
and marketable investments in several different instruments with various banks
and brokerage houses. The diversification of risk is consistent with Company
policy to maintain liquidity and ensure the safety of principal.
 
  The Company accounts for its marketable investments under Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in
Debt and Equity Securities." Management determines the appropriate
classification of debt securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such
designation as of each balance sheet date. During 1995 and 1996, all
investments were classified as available-for-sale securities and are carried
at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of
accumulated deficit. The amortized cost of debt securities in this category is
adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity.
Such amortization is included in interest income. Realized gains and losses
and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary on available-for-sale
securities are
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
                         SEQUUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
included in interest. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific
identification method. Interest and dividends on securities are included in
interest income.
 
  The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             GROSS
                                                           UNREALIZED
                                                          ------------
                                                                       ESTIMATED
                                                AMORTIZED                FAIR
   DECEMBER 31, 1996                              COST    GAINS LOSSES   VALUE
   -----------------                            --------- ----- ------ ---------
<S>                                             <C>       <C>   <C>    <C>
U.S. government securities.....................  $ 7,434     1   $ (1)  $ 7,434
U.S. corporate securities......................    7,399     1     --     7,400
Foreign corporate debt securities..............    8,114     1     --     8,115
                                                 -------   ---   ----   -------
                                                 $22,947   $ 3   $ (1)  $22,949
                                                 =======   ===   ====   =======
<CAPTION>
   DECEMBER 31, 1995
   -----------------
<S>                                             <C>       <C>   <C>    <C>
U.S. government securities.....................  $20,234   $15   $(10)  $20,239
U.S. corporate securities......................   10,314     8     --    10,322
Foreign corporate debt securities..............   12,936     9     --    12,945
                                                 -------   ---   ----   -------
                                                 $43,484   $32   $(10)  $43,506
                                                 =======   ===   ====   =======
</TABLE>
 
  All of these securities mature within one year. The gross realized gains and
losses on sales of available-for-sale securities during the years ended
December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 were not significant.
 
 Inventories
 
  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (principally first-in, first-
out) or market. The inventory detail is as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   -------------
                                                                    1996   1995
                                                                   ------ ------
      <S>                                                          <C>    <C>
      Raw materials............................................... $2,801 $  898
      Work-in-process.............................................  2,223     68
      Finished goods..............................................    673    139
                                                                   ------ ------
                                                                   $5,697 $1,105
                                                                   ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
 Equipment and Improvements
 
  Equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over
estimated useful lives of three to seven years. Leasehold improvements are
recorded at cost and amortized over the remaining term of the lease, or useful
life of the asset, whichever is less. The equipment and improvements detail is
as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                               ----------------
                                                                1996     1995
                                                               -------  -------
      <S>                                                      <C>      <C>
      Office and laboratory equipment......................... $10,397  $ 7,805
      Leasehold improvements..................................   5,104    4,066
                                                               -------  -------
                                                                15,501   11,871
      Accumulated depreciation and amortization...............  (9,937)  (8,280)
                                                               -------  -------
                                                               $ 5,564  $ 3,591
                                                               =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
                         SEQUUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 Revenue Recognition and Concentration of Credit Risk
 
  The Company recognizes product sales upon shipment to customers. The Company
defers appropriate amounts based on historical sales return experience.
 
  Royalties are recognized as revenue based on licensed product sales. Fees
and milestone payments are recognized as earned as specified in terms set
forth in the related agreements.
 
  The Company sells its products to distributors in the United States and
Europe. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and
generally does not require collateral. For the years ended December 31, 1994
and 1995, one customer represented $3,300,000 and $785,000 of product sales,
respectively. Another customer contributed $91,000 and $109,000 to royalties
and fees for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995, respectively. No
single customer accounted for 10% or more of product sales in 1996.
 
 Clinical Costs
 
  Clinical costs include costs associated with preclinical testing of
compounds for safety and efficacy, clinical trials and company-funded research
performed by third parties. Clinical trials costs are recognized as research
and development expense as the contractually-specified patient services are
performed.
 
 Advertising Expenses
 
  The Company accounts for advertising costs as an expense in the period in
which they are incurred. Advertising expenses were $109,000 and $606,000 for
the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively. Such amounts were
immaterial in 1994.
 
 Stock Based Compensation
 
  In accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123")
which the Company adopted in 1996, the Company has elected to follow
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issue to
Employees" ("APB 25") and related interpretations in accounting for its
employee stock option plans. Under APB 25, if the exercise price of the
Company's employee stock options equals or exceeds the fair value of the
underlying stock on the date of grant as determined by the Company's Board of
Directors, no compensation expense is recognized. See Note 5 for pro forma
disclosures required by SFAS 123.
 
 Financial Statement Presentation
 
  Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the
current period presentation.
 
2. COLLABORATIVE AGREEMENTS
 
  In August 1996, the Company entered into a distribution agreement with
Schering-Plough and, in partial consideration for distribution rights,
received from Schering-Plough a one-time upfront payment of $5.3 million. The
Company recognized $7.3 million in upfront fees and payments for the
achievement of certain targets and events during 1996. Under the multi-year
agreement, Schering-Plough has obtained exclusive rights to distribute, market
and sell CAELYX worldwide, except for the United States, Japan and certain
other countries. Under the terms of the agreement, SEQUUS will receive
payments for product sales to Schering-Plough. In addition, SEQUUS and
Schering-Plough will jointly develop a worldwide clinical plan for
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
                         SEQUUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
investigating the use of CAELYX in the treatment of solid tumors. Each party
will undertake clinical trials in specific indications, coordinated by a joint
development team. As part of the agreement, Schering-Plough will conduct
certain clinical trials for oncology indications, will apply for regulatory
approval in the Schering-Plough territories for all new indications, and will
assist with pharmacoeconomic studies. The agreement also calls for potential
additional payments to the Company totaling $27 million based on the
achievement of certain product development milestones and events.
 
  In July 1996, the Company obtained an exclusive sub-license to certain
technologies held by Sheffield Medical Technologies, Inc. In return for the
sub-license the Company issued 29,798 shares of its Common Stock with a fair
market value of approximately $500,000, less issuance costs of $40,000. The
fair market value of the Common Stock was charged to research and development
expense in the accompanying statement of operations in 1996. If certain
targets are achieved, the Company may also be obligated to pay milestone
payments and royalties on future product sales, if any, which utilize the sub-
licensed technology.
 
  In August 1993, the Company signed a distribution agreement with Zeneca
under which Zeneca was to market and sell AMPHOCIL in most European countries.
In March 1994, SEQUUS and Zeneca announced the expansion of their August 1993
agreement to cover additional markets. In July 1996, SEQUUS announced that it
had reacquired from Zeneca all international marketing and distribution rights
for AMPHOCIL except for nine European countries to which Zeneca had retained
such rights (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands,
Portugal, Sweden and the U.K.). In exchange for the return to SEQUUS of
marketing and distribution rights throughout the rest of the world, SEQUUS
agreed to restructure certain future milestone payments specified in the
original agreement, adjust the pricing terms for AMPHOCIL to provide greater
competitive flexibility, and exchange certain inventory held by Zeneca.
 
  The Company also has entered into various other distribution agreements with
international pharmaceutical companies to exclusively distribute AMPHOCIL in
specific countries.
 
3. COMMITMENTS
 
  The Company leases its facility and certain equipment under operating
leases. Rent expense under these leases was $856,000, $852,000, and $1,813,000
for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. Rent
expense is being recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term of
the facility lease which has scheduled rental payment increases.
 
  Minimum annual rental commitments under all operating leases at December 31,
1996, including a new lease signed subsequent to December 31, 1996, total
$1,781,000 in 1997, $1,853,000 in 1998, $1,844,000 in 1999, $1,670,000 in
2000, $1,613,000 in 2001 and $2,149,000 thereafter.
 
  The Company has entered into multiple year supply agreements with two
vendors which supply key raw materials. Under the agreements the Company is
required to purchase its forecasted three months requirement as provided to
the vendors.
 
4. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
  On March 31, and April 13, 1995, the Company raised an aggregate of $11
million of equity capital with the sale of 480,000 shares of Series A
Convertible Reset Preferred Stock ("Convertible Reset Preferred Stock")
together with warrants to purchase 808,320 shares of Common Stock. Each share
of Convertible Reset Preferred Stock was convertible into Common Stock at an
initial conversion price of $7.425 per share of Common Stock (effectively
3.367 shares of common stock for each share of preferred stock). During 1995,
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
                         SEQUUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
43,200 shares of Convertible Reset Preferred Stock were converted into 144,106
shares of common stock. On February 2, 1996 the Company elected to convert the
remaining 437,200 shares of Convertible Reset Preferred Stock into 1,472,052
shares of Common Stock. The conversion was completed in April 1996. During
1996, 120,682 warrants to purchase Common Stock were exercised. As of December
31, 1996, warrants to purchase 687,638 shares of Common Stock remain
outstanding and expire in April 1998.
 
  On May 25, 1995, the Company raised net proceeds of $14.3 million through a
private placement of Units. Each Unit consisted of one share of Common Stock
and a warrant to purchase one-half share of Common Stock at an exercise price
per share of $7.4328. The warrants are only exercisable if the Common Stock
portion of the Unit is held for one year by the initial Unit purchaser. The
price per Unit was $6.7571. Under the terms of this financing, the investors
also receive the first right to negotiate with the Company to participate in
the commercial development of the Company's anticancer product, DOXIL, in
Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.
The right to negotiate has expired. During 1996, 352,460 warrants to purchase
Common Stock were exercised. As of December 31, 1996, warrants to purchase
759,385 shares of Common Stock remain outstanding and expire in May 1999.
 
  In March 1991, the Company issued in a private placement (the "1991
Financing") 1,252,143 units (each, a "Unit," collectively, the "Units") at a
price of $7.00 per unit. Each Unit consisted of two shares of Common Stock and
a six-year warrant to purchase an additional share of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $4.25 per share. Gross proceeds to the Company were
$8,750,000. In addition to the sale of the Units, the Company paid a fee and
issued a six year warrant to purchase 125,000 shares of Common Stock to
Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. for its role as placement agent in connection with the
1991 Financing. During 1996, 705,714 warrants to purchase Common Stock were
exercised. As of December 31, 1996, warrants to purchase 525,000 shares of
Common Stock remain outstanding and expire in March 1997.
 
  On October 24, 1995 and November 24, 1995, the Company raised an aggregate
net proceeds of $45.6 million through the sale of 4,485,000 of Common Stock in
a public offering.
 
  As of December 31, 1996, approximately 7,000,000 shares of Common Stock were
reserved for future issuance under the Company's 401(k) Plan, stock option
plans, employee stock purchase plan and for the exercise of warrants.
 
5. STOCK OPTIONS PLAN AND STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
 
 401(k) Plan
 
  The Company has a 401(k) Plan under which it may make employer contributions
at the discretion of the Board of Directors, but no such contributions are
required. The Board also has the discretion to determine the amount of any
employer contribution. The Company has reserved 138,000 shares for issuance
under the Plan. For the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, the
Company contributed Common Stock to the Plan valued at approximately $124,000,
$157,000 and $174,000, respectively.
 
 Stock Compensation Plans
 
  Under the 1987 Employee Stock Option Plan, as amended, and 1987 Consultant
Stock Plan, as amended, (the "Plans") the Company is authorized to issue
either incentive or non-qualified stock options to its employees and
consultants to purchase up to 5,000,000 shares of common stock. Generally,
options granted under the Plan become exercisable over periods of six months
to four years and for a period ranging from three to seven months after
termination of employment or consulting arrangement, and all expire ten years
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
                         SEQUUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
from the date of grant. The stock delivered upon exercise of any option under
these Plans may be subject to repurchase (subject to determination by the
Board of Directors) upon ceasing employment or consulting relationship with
the company. The Company's right of repurchase generally expires over a period
of three to five years. The exercise price of non-qualified stock options may
not be less than 85 percent of the fair market value of the stock on the date
of grant. The Company granted options to purchase 16,000 and 30,000 shares of
Common Stock under the 1987 Consultant Sock Plan during 1995 and 1996,
respectively. The fair value of these options are immaterial.
 
  Under the 1990 Director Stock Option Plan (the "Director Plan"), the Company
is authorized to grant non-qualified options to its non-employee directors for
up to 600,000 shares of Common Stock. Each eligible director is entitled to
receive an initial grant to purchase 25,000 shares; and, on the first
anniversary of the initial grant, each eligible director then in office is
entitled to receive a grant to purchase 12,500 shares. Upon each annual grant
date, an option to purchase an additional 5,000 shares of Common Stock will be
granted to each non-employee director plus an option to purchase an additional
2,500 shares to each such director who also serves on one or more committees
of the Board. All options under the Director Plan have an exercise price not
less than the fair market value on the date of grant. Options granted before
March 8, 1996 were immediately exercisable upon the grant, and initial options
granted on or after March 8, 1996 vest ratably over four years. Each annual
grant granted on or after March 8, 1996 vest ratably one year from the date of
grant. The right to exercise generally expires upon the earlier of ten years
from the date of grant or one year after a non-employee director's termination
as a non-employee director. The Company granted options to purchase 37,500
shares of Common Stock in 1996 (none in 1995).
 
  Activities under the above mentioned stock option plans are as follows
(amounts in thousands, except per share information):
 
                                            OPTIONS OUTSTANDING
                            ----------------------------------------------------
                             OPTIONS                             WEIGHTED
                            AVAILABLE NUMBER OF     PRICE        AVERAGE
                            FOR GRANT  SHARES     PER SHARE   EXERCISE PRICE
                            --------- --------- ------------- --------------
   Balance, December 31,
    1993...................     804     2,759   $ 1.12-$20.00     $9.28
   Granted.................  (1,599)    1,599   $ 6.50-$ 9.25      7.00
   Forfeited...............   1,185    (1,185)  $ 1.88-$20.00     13.58
   Exercised...............      --      (161)  $ 1.12-$ 8.88      2.66
                             ------    ------
   Balance, December 31,
    1994...................     390     3,012   $ 1.12-$18.88      6.73
   Additional authorized...   2,150        --
   Granted.................  (1,427)    1,427   $ 6.25-$13.50      8.95
   Forfeited...............     230      (230)  $ 6.75-$12.50      7.84
   Exercised...............      --      (239)  $ 1.12-$14.00      3.67
                             ------    ------
   Balance, December 31,
   1995....................   1,343     3,970   $ 1.12-$18.88      7.73
   Granted.................    (927)      927   $14.50-$21.75     16.26
   Forfeited...............     210      (210)  $ 6.75-$18.88     10.92
   Exercised...............      --      (601)  $ 1.12-$13.50      6.39
                             ------    ------
   Balance, December 31,
   1996....................     626     4,086   $ 1.12-$21.75     $9.67
                             ======    ======
 
No shares purchased under the option plans are subject to repurchase at
December 31, 1995. All options were granted at fair market value.
 
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
                         SEQUUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  The options outstanding at December 31, 1996 have been segregated into
ranges for additional disclosure as follows (options amounts are recorded in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    OPTIONS OUTSTANDING                   OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
                         ----------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
                                         WEIGHTED-
                                          AVERAGE                     OPTIONS
                            OPTIONS      REMAINING                   CURRENTLY
                         OUTSTANDING AT CONTRACTUAL   WEIGHTED-    EXERCISABLE AT   WEIGHTED-
   RANGE OF               DECEMBER 31,     LIFE        AVERAGE      DECEMBER 31,     AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICES               1996      (IN YEARS)  EXERCISE PRICE      1996      EXERCISE PRICE
---------------          -------------- ----------- -------------- -------------- --------------
<S>                      <C>            <C>         <C>            <C>            <C> 
$ 1.12-$ 2.24...........       175         3.00         $ 1.82           175          $ 1.82
$ 5.25-$ 7.75...........     1,622         6.73         $ 6.78         1,182          $ 6.72
$ 8.00-$11.75...........     1,102         7.74         $ 8.76           564          $ 8.62
$12.25-$18.13...........     1,007         9.26         $14.73            93          $14.58
$18.63-$21.75...........       180         8.75         $21.01            38          $18.63
                             -----                                     -----
                             4,086         7.55         $ 9.67         2,052          $ 7.37
                             =====                                     =====
</TABLE>
 
 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
 
  The Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan is administered by the Board of
Directors, and the Company has reserved for sale under the plan 250,000 shares
of Common Stock. Employees who own less than 5% of the total outstanding
Common Stock of the Company are eligible to participate in the plan, which
provides for the option to purchase a defined number of shares at 85% of the
lower of the fair market value of the stock at the enrollment or purchase
date. At December 31, 1996, approximately 212,000 shares of Common Stock had
been issued under this plan.
 
 Pro Forma Information
 
  As of December 31, 1996, the Company has four stock-based compensation
plans, which are described above. The Company has elected to follow APB 25 and
related interpretations in accounting for its employee stock options because,
as discussed below, the alternative fair value accounting provided for under
SFAS 123 requires use of option valuation models that were not developed for
use in valuing employee stock options and employee stock purchase plans. Under
APB 25, because the exercise price of the Company's employee stock options
equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of the grant, no
compensation expense is recognized.
 
  Pro forma information regarding net loss and net loss per share is required
by SFAS 123, and has been determined as if the Company had accounted for its
employer stock purchase plan and employee stock options granted subsequent to
December 31, 1994 under the fair value method of SFAS 123. The fair value for
these options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option
pricing model for the multiple option approach with the following weighted-
average assumptions for 1995 and 1996, respectively: risk-free interest rate
of between 5.5% and 5.8% and between 5.6% and 6.3%; volatility factor of the
expected market price of the Company's Common Stock of .74 for both years; a
weighted-average expected life of the option of between .5 and 2.5 years for
both years and a dividend yield of zero.
 
  The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating
the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are
fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of
highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility.
Because the Company's employee stock options and employee stock purchase plan
have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and
because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
                         SEQUUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
affect the fair value estimate, in management's opinion, the existing models
do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of the
Company's employee stock options and the employee stock purchase plan.
 
  For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the
options is amortized to pro forma net loss over the options' vesting period.
The Company's historical and pro forma information follows (in thousands,
except for net loss per share information):
 
                                                                 YEARS ENDED
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                               ----------------
                                                                1996     1995
                                                               -------  -------
      Net loss
        Historical........................................     $17,177  $33,596
        Pro Forma.........................................     $22,121  $35,849
      Net loss per share
        Historical........................................     $ (0.59) $ (1.54)
        Pro Forma.........................................     $ (0.76) $ (1.64)
 
  Because SFAS 123 is applicable only to options granted subsequent to
December 31, 1994, its pro forma effect will not be fully realized until 1997.
 
6. INCOME TAXES
 
  The Company accounts for income taxes under Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes."
 
  As of December 31, 1996, the Company has Federal and California net
operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") of approximately $99.0 million and $10.0
million, respectively. The Company also has Federal and California research
and development tax credit carryforwards of approximately $4.9 million and
$3.4 million, respectively. The Federal NOLs expire as follows (in thousands):
 
    YEAR(S) ENDING                                                  FEDERAL NOL
      DECEMBER 31                                                    EXPIRING
    --------------                                                  -----------
       1997-2000...................................................   $ 2,500
       2001-2011...................................................    96,500
                                                                      -------
                                                                      $99,000
                                                                      =======
 
  Utilization of the net operating losses and credits may be subject to a
substantial annual limitation due to the ownership change limitations provided
by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and similar California provisions. The
annual limitation may result in the expiration of net operating losses and
credits before utilization.
 
  The Federal net operating loss carryforward differs from the accumulated
deficit principally due to timing differences in the recognition of certain
revenue and expense items for financial and federal tax reporting purposes,
consisting primarily of capitalized research and development costs and stock
option deductions.
 
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
                         SEQUUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Significant components of the Company's current deferred tax assets for
federal and state income taxes are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                                             ------------------
                                                               1996      1995
                                                             --------  --------
   <S>                                                       <C>       <C>
   Net operating loss carryforwards......................... $ 33,200  $ 31,370
   Capitalized research and development.....................   19,800    15,090
   Research credits.........................................    7,200     5,840
   Other, net...............................................    2,400     2,770
   Valuation allowance......................................  (62,600)  (55,070)
                                                             --------  --------
       Total................................................ $     --  $     --
                                                             ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
  The valuation allowance increased by approximately $12,750,000 in 1994,
$15,250,000 in 1995 and $7,530,000 in 1996. Approximately $3,000,000 of the
valuation allowance for deferred tax assets relates to benefits of stock
option deductions which, when recognized, will be allocated directly to
contributed capital.
 
7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
  On February 3, 1997, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the filing
of a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission
permitting the Company to sell approximately 1,150,000 shares of Convertible
Exchangeable Preferred Stock to the public.
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
                 SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
                          SEQUUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         COL. A            COL. B         COL. C         COL. D        COL. E
         ------          ---------- ------------------ -----------   ----------
                                        ADDITIONS
                                    ------------------
                                    CHARGED   CHARGED
                         BALANCE AT TO COSTS TO OTHER                BALANCE AT
                         BEGINNING    AND    ACCOUNTS- DEDUCTIONS-     END OF
      DESCRIPTION        OF PERIOD  EXPENSES DESCRIBE   DESCRIBE       PERIOD
      -----------        ---------- -------- --------- -----------   ----------
<S>                      <C>        <C>      <C>       <C>           <C>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 1994:
  Reserves and
   allowances deducted
   from asset accounts:
    Allowance for
     uncollectible
     accounts...........  $  8,000  $254,000    $--       $4,000(1)   $258,000
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 1995:
  Reserves and
   allowances deducted
   from asset accounts:
    Allowance for
     uncollectible
     accounts...........  $258,000  $266,000    $--     $346,000(1)   $178,000
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 1996:
  Reserves and
   allowances deducted
   from asset accounts:
    Allowance for
     uncollectible
     accounts...........  $178,000  $656,000    $--     $330,000(1)   $504,000
</TABLE>
--------
(1) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
        FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
  Not applicable.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
 
                                   PART III
 
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
 
  Information with respect to the executive officers and directors of the
Company as of January 31, 1997 is set forth below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                               AGE POSITION WITH THE COMPANY
----                               --- -------------------------
<S>                                <C> <C>
                                       Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
I. Craig Henderson, M.D. ........   55 Officer
L. Scott Minick..................   45 President, Chief Operating Officer and Director
Edward F. Schnipper, M.D. .......   48 Senior Vice President and Medical Director
                                       Senior Vice President for Research and
Joseph J. Vallner, Ph.D. ........   50 Development
David A. DeLong..................   42 Vice President of Sales
Marc J. Gurwith, M.D., J.D. .....   57 Vice President and Associate Medical Director
Anthony A. Huang, Ph.D. .........   44 Vice President for Product Development
Francis J. Martin, Ph.D. ........   48 Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer
Sally A. Davenport...............   61 Secretary
Donald J. Stewart................   40 Vice President for Finance and Treasurer
Peter K. Working, Ph.D. .........   48 Vice President for Preclinical Research
Robert G. Faris(1)(2)............   58 Director
Richard C.E. Morgan(1)(2)........   52 Director
E. Donnall Thomas, M.D.(1)(2)....   76 Director
</TABLE>
--------
 
(1) Member of the Compensation and Plan Committee of the Board of Directors.
(2) Member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
 
  The Company's By-laws authorize the Board of Directors to set the number of
directors, which is currently fixed at five.
 
  All directors hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and
until their successors have been elected. Officers are appointed to serve,
subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors, until their successors
are appointed.
 
  I. Craig Henderson, M.D. has been Chief Executive Officer of the Company
since June 1995 and Chairman of the Board since July 1995 and has served as a
director of the Company since July 1993. Since July 1995, Dr. Henderson has
been an Adjunct Professor of Medicine at University of California, San
Francisco. From 1992 until July 1995, he served as Professor of Medicine,
Chief of Medical Oncology and Director of Clinical Cancer Programs at the
University of California, San Francisco. From 1989 to 1992 he served as a
member and, for most of this time, as Chairman of the Oncologic Drugs Advisory
Committee of the FDA. From 1974 to 1992, Dr. Henderson held an academic
appointment at Harvard Medical School, most recently as Associate Professor of
Medicine. Dr. Henderson founded the Breast Evaluation Center at the Dana-
Farber Cancer Institute in 1980 and served as its director until 1992. He
received an M.D. degree from Columbia University.
 
  L. Scott Minick has been President and Chief Operating Officer of the
Company since June 1995 and a director of the Company since July 1995. From
1994 to 1995, he served as a director, Interim President and Chief Executive
Officer of OncoTherapeutics, Inc. Before that, Mr. Minick was a director,
President and Chief Executive Officer of LXR Biotechnology, Inc. From 1981 to
1993, he was an executive of Baxter Healthcare, Inc., most recently as
President of the Pacific Rim/Latin America business unit of Baxter
Diagnostics. Mr. Minick received an M.B.A. degree from Northwestern
University.
 
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
  Edward F. Schnipper, M.D. joined the Company in January 1996 as Senior Vice
President and Medical Director. Prior to joining the Company, Dr. Schnipper
held several executive and management positions at Hoffmann-LaRoche ("Roche")
including Vice President in Clinical Operations; Vice President, Professional
Development and Training; and Director, Clinical Development,
Hematology/Oncology. Dr. Schnipper originally joined Roche in 1983 as a
Research Physician. While at Roche, Dr. Schnipper had academic appointments in
Medicine and Medical Genetics and Microbiology at the Robert Wood Johnson
Medical School. Prior to this, Dr. Schnipper had a private medical practice
from 1985 to 1990. Dr. Schnipper received his M.D. degree from the Georgetown
University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C. and subsequently held
fellowships in Hematology at the New York University School of Medicine, and
in Medical Oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
 
  Joseph J. Vallner, Ph.D. joined the Company in February 1992 as Vice
President for Development and was appointed Senior Vice President for Research
and Development in April 1995. From 1986 to 1992, Dr. Vallner was Director,
Corporate Technology Transfer, of Syntex. While at Syntex, he also performed
various pharmaceutical development functions ranging from drug design and
development to responsibility for regulatory filings with the FDA. Before
joining Syntex, Dr. Vallner was a Group Leader with G.D. Searle, where he
supervised pharmaceutical formulation development and development of new drug
delivery systems. From 1974 to 1984, Dr. Vallner was Associate Professor of
Pharmaceutics at the University of Georgia. Dr. Vallner received a Ph.D. in
Pharmaceutics from the University of Wisconsin.
 
  David A. DeLong joined the Company in September 1992 as AMPHOCIL
International Product Director and was appointed Senior Director, Sales in
April 1995 and Vice President of Sales in June 1996. Prior to joining the
Company, Mr. DeLong was employed by Genentech, Inc. from 1985 to 1992 where he
served in various sales and marketing management positions, most recently as
Activase Product Manager.
 
  Marc J. Gurwith, M.D., J.D. joined the Company in January 1995 as Vice
President and Associate Medical Director. Prior to joining the Company, Dr.
Gurwith was employed by Boehringer Mannheim Pharmaceuticals, most recently as
Vice President of Medical and Scientific Affairs and previously as Senior
Director of Clinical Research. In addition to over 10 years of pharmaceutical
industry experience, Dr. Gurwith has over 20 years experience in teaching and
consultation in the area of infectious disease control and therapy. Dr.
Gurwith received his M.D. degree from Harvard Medical School and his J.D.
degree from Temple University School of Law.
 
  Anthony H. Huang, Ph.D. has been Vice President of Product Development of
the Company since April 1995. He has served in various technical capacities
with the Company for the last 14 years, including Senior Director,
Formulations from 1993 to 1995 and Director, Formulations from 1986 to 1993.
Before joining the Company, he was a Research Investigator at Oak Ridge
National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Dr. Huang received a Ph.D. degree
in Pharmacology from the University of California, San Francisco.
 
  Francis J. Martin, Ph.D. was appointed Vice President and Chief Scientific
Officer of the Company in July 1994. From October 1986 he served as Vice
President for Research and Principal Scientist, with responsibility for
guiding and coordinating the Company's internal and extramural research
activities for STEALTH liposome products. From 1981 to 1986, Dr. Martin served
the Company in various capacities, including Director of Liposome Research and
Formulations and was the Technical Director of the Company's former joint
venture, Cooper-Lipotech. Dr. Martin received a Ph.D. degree in Biochemistry
from Northwestern University.
 
  Sally A. Davenport is a Company founder and has served as the the Company's
Corporate Secretary since the Company's inception. She has been responsible
for various administrative and corporate functions since 1981. Ms. Davenport
received a B.S. degree in Technical Journalism from Iowa State University.
 
  Donald J. Stewart joined the Company in 1984 as Treasurer and Controller and
was appointed Vice President for Finance in April 1995. Previously, he was
Comptroller at SoftCom, Inc. and a certified public accountant with Arthur
Young & Company. Mr. Stewart received an M.B.A. from Santa Clara University.
 
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
  Peter K. Working, Ph.D., D.A.B.T., has been Vice President of Preclinical
Research at the Company since April 1995. From 1994 to 1995, he served as
Senior Director of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and from 1992 to 1994 as
Director of Pharmacology and Toxicology of the Company. From 1988 to 1992, Dr.
Working was a Senior Experimental Toxicologist at Genentech, Inc. From 1984 to
1988, he was a Staff Scientist in the Department of Cellular and Molecular
Toxicology at the Chemistry Industry Institute of Toxicology in Research
Triangle Park, North Carolina, where he was a Post-Doctoral Fellow from 1982
to 1984. He was board-certified in toxicology in 1989. Dr. Working received a
Ph.D. degree in Human Anatomy from the University of California at Davis.
 
  Robert G. Faris has served as a director of the Company since March 1985.
Since 1990, he has been President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of
the Polish American Enterprise Fund, which invests United States government
funds in Poland. From 1971 to 1987, he served as President of Alan Patricof
Associates, Inc., an investment advisor to venture capital partnerships, and
from 1987 to 1990, Mr. Faris was a private investor.
 
  Richard C.E. Morgan has served as a director of the Company since May 30,
1990. Since January 1996, Mr. Morgan has been a partner of Jackson Hole
Management Inc., a venture capital firm which is the sucessor company to the
Asset Management Division of Wolfensohn Partners, L.P. Since 1986, he has been
a general partner of Wolfensohn Partners L.P., a venture capital limited
partnership, and the general partner of Wolfensohn Associates L.P. From 1984
to 1986, he served as an executive of James D. Wolfensohn, Inc., and from 1977
to 1984, he served as General Manager of The Schroder Strategy Group and
director of J. Henry Schroder Wagg & Co. Ltd. (London). He is a director of
Lasertechnics, Inc., a printing systems company, Celgene Corporation, a
biotechnology company, Quidel Corporation, a medical diagnostics company, and
Indigo N.V., a printing systems company.
 
  E. Donnall Thomas, M.D. has served as a director of the Company since May
27, 1993. Dr. Thomas serves as Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Committee
of Cell Therapeutics, Inc. He is also Professor Emeritus of Medicine,
University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle and a member of the
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. Dr. Thomas previously
served, from 1974 to 1989, as Director of Medical Oncology and Director of
Clinical Research Programs at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and,
from 1963 to 1985, he headed the Division of Oncology at the University of
Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. Dr. Thomas received the Nobel Prize
in Medicine and the Presidential Medal of Science in 1990. He received an M.D.
degree from Harvard Medical School.
 
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
  The following table sets forth information regarding compensation paid to
the Company's chief executive officer and the other four most highly paid
executive officers who served as executive officers on December 31, 1996 (the
"Named Officers").
 
                          SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     LONG TERM
                                                    COMPENSATION
                               ANNUAL COMPENSATION     AWARDS
                              --------------------- ------------
   NAME AND PRINCIPAL
     POSITION AS OF                                                  ALL OTHER
   DECEMBER 31, 1996     YEAR SALARY($) BONUS($)(1)  OPTIONS(#)  COMPENSATION($)(2)
   ------------------    ---- --------- ----------- ------------ ------------------
<S>                      <C>  <C>       <C>         <C>          <C>
I. Craig Henderson,
 M.D.................... 1996  300,016    103,647      40,000           3,750
 Chairman of the Board
  and Chief              1995  142,812        --      350,000           3,543
 Executive Officer(3)    1994      --         --       12,500             --
L. Scott Minick......... 1996  245,840     84,797      30,000           3,750
 President and Chief
  Operating Officer      1995  100,170        --      275,000             --
                         1994      --         --          --              --
Joseph J. Vallner,
 Ph.D................... 1996  183,164     65,921      15,000          15,376
 Senior Vice President
  for Research and       1995  167,873     39,456       5,500          14,772
 Development             1994  142,178     23,139      90,000          14,136
Bruce R. Cohen.......... 1996  172,775      9,101      10,000           3,750
 Vice President(4)       1995   28,336        --       60,000             --
                         1994      --         --          --              --
Edward Schnipper, M.D... 1996  172,500        --       85,000          35,428
 Senior Vice President
  and Medical            1995      --         --          --              --
 Director                1994      --         --          --              --
</TABLE>
--------
(1) Bonus amounts are paid in the year following the year in which they are
    earned. Bonus amounts are included in the table in the year they are paid.
    Bonus amounts earned by Dr. Henderson and Mr. Minick in 1996 to be paid in
    1997 are $137,257 and $112,504, respectively. Bonus amounts for the other
    Named Officers earned in 1996 have not yet been fixed.
(2) The compensation shown in this column reflects the Company's matching
    contributions for the employee to the Company's voluntary salary reduction
    plan qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Such
    matching contributions consisted of Common Stock. The compensation shown
    for Dr. Vallner also includes $12,000 principal amount of indebtedness to
    the Company cancelled in each of the years 1994, 1995 and 1996. See "Item
    13 -- Certain Transactions" below. The compensation shown for Dr.
    Schnipper in 1996 also includes $31,828 paid by the Company for moving
    expenses.
(3) Dr. Henderson accepted the position of Chairman of the Board and Chief
    Executive Officer of the Company in June 1995. Excludes amounts paid to
    him as a director. See "-- Director Compensation" below.
(4) Mr. Cohen resigned from the Company in January 1997.
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
  The following table sets forth further information regarding the grants of
stock options during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 to the Named
Officers. Since inception, the Company has not granted any stock appreciation
rights.
 
                       OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               INDIVIDUAL GRANT
                         ----------------------------
                                                                     POTENTIAL
                                                                 REALIZABLE VALUE
                                                                 AT ASSUMED RATES
                                                                  OF STOCK PRICE
                                 PERCENTAGE                      APPRECIATION FOR
                                  OF TOTAL                        OPTION TERM(3)
                                  OPTIONS                        -----------------
                                 GRANTED TO EXERCISE
                         OPTIONS EMPLOYEES   OR BASE
                         GRANTED IN FISCAL    PRICE   EXPIRATION
          NAME           (#)(1)  1996(%)(2) ($/SHARE)    DATE     5%($)   10%($)
          ----           ------- ---------- --------- ---------- ------- ---------
<S>                      <C>     <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>     <C>
I. Craig Henderson,
M.D..................... 40,000     4.31%     14.25    3/22/06   358,470   908,433
L. Scott Minick......... 30,000     3.24%     14.25    3/22/06   268,852   681,325
Joseph J. Vallner,
Ph.D.................... 15,000     1.62%     14.75    1/05/06   139,143   352,616
Bruce R. Cohen.......... 10,000     1.08%     21.75    6/13/06   136,785   346,639
Edward Schnipper, M.D... 85,000     9.17%     15.13    1/15/06   808,790 2,049,632
</TABLE>
--------
(1) Options included in this table are exercisable immediately upon grant;
    however, the Company retains a right to repurchase shares subject to such
    options at the exercise price in the event the employee becomes no longer
    employed by the Company. Such right of repurchase lapses over a designated
    period of the recipient's service to the Company (generally, four years
    with respect to initial grants and three years with respect to subsequent
    grants). In the event of the sale of the Company or substantially all of
    the assets or stock thereof to another entity, or a merger in which the
    Company is not the surviving entity, the Company's right of repurchase
    with respect to all shares subject to then outstanding options shall
    expire at least 15 days prior to the effectiveness of such transaction.
(2) A total of 926,532 stock options were granted to employees during fiscal
    year ended December 31, 1996.
(3) Potential realizable value is based on the assumption that the market
    price of the stock appreciates at the stated rate, compounded annually,
    from the date of grant until the end of the ten-year option term. These
    values are calculated based on requirements promulgated by the Securities
    and Exchange Commission and do not reflect the Company's estimate of
    future stock price appreciation.
 
  The following table sets forth information regarding options exercised by
the Named Officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and the
number and value of unexercised options held at fiscal year-end.
 
 AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES IN LAST FISCAL
                                     YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED     VALUE OF UNEXERCISED IN-THE-
                                                 OPTIONS HELD AT FISCAL YEAR  MONEY OPTIONS AT FISCAL YEAR
                                                            END(#)                     END($)(1)
                                                 ---------------------------- ----------------------------
                           SHARES
                         ACQUIRED ON    VALUE
          NAME           EXERCISE(#) REALIZED($) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE(2) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE(2)
          ----           ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------------- ----------- ----------------
<S>                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>              <C>         <C>
I. Craig Henderson,
 M.D....................      --           --      200,000       227,500       1,511,719     1,464,531
L. Scott Minick.........      --           --      110,000       195,000         866,250     1,351,875
Joseph J. Vallner,
Ph.D....................   20,000      255,000      72,755        37,745         612,811       223,970
Bruce R. Cohen..........      --           --       10,000        60,000          28,125       140,625
Edward Schnipper, M.D...      --           --          --         85,000             --         74,375
</TABLE>
--------
(1) Based on the difference between the option exercise price and the closing
    price of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market on December 31,
    1996 ($16.00).
(2) Generally, options included in this table are exercisable immediately upon
    grant; however, the Company retains a right to repurchase shares subject
    to such options at the exercise price in the event the employee becomes no
    longer employed by the Company. Such right of repurchase lapses over a
    designated period of the recipient's service to the Company. The shares
    listed in the columns labeled "unexercisable" are shares subject to the
    Company's right of repurchase.
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
 
  The Company pays each non-employee director a consulting fee for serving as
a director of the Company. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, the
Company paid consulting fees of $10,000 to each of Messrs. Faris and Morgan in
consideration of their services as directors of the Company and $22,000 to Dr.
Thomas in consideration of his services as a director and a consultant to the
Company.
 
  The Company also grants non-employee directors stock options under its 1990
Director Stock Option Plan (the "1990 Director Plan"). Under the 1990 Director
Plan, each non-employee director of the Company is entitled to receive an
automatic nondiscretionary initial grant of nonqualified stock options ("NQO")
to purchase 25,000 shares of Common Stock. Each eligible director receives, in
each calendar year, an automatic nondiscretionary grant of NQOs to purchase an
additional 5,000 shares of Common Stock on the third business day following
the release to the public of the Company's annual financial results; provided,
however, that a one-time grant of options to purchase 12,500 shares rather
than 5,000 shares was made in 1992 for eligible incumbent non-employee
directors and will be made to eligible newly elected non-employee directors on
the date of the first annual grant date following his or her election to the
Board. In addition, each non-employee director who was a director on January
1, 1992 received a special one-time grant, on March 8, 1996, of options to
purchase 12,500 shares. On March 8, 1996, and on each annual grant date
thereafter, each eligible director who is a member of a committee of the Board
shall receive a grant of options to purchase 2,500 shares. The exercise price
for shares subject to stock options granted under the 1990 Director Plan is
equal to the fair market value on the grant date. Stock options granted before
March 8, 1996 are exercisable immediately. Each initial grant of 25,000
options granted on or after March 8, 1996 shall become exercisable with
respect to 1/16th of the number of shares covered by such option for each
three month period that elapses after the date of grant, so that such option
shall be fully exercisable on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant.
Each annual grant granted on or after March 8, 1996 shall become exercisable
with respect to 1/4 of the number of shares covered by such option for each
three month period that elapses after the date of grant, so that such option
shall be fully exercisable on the first anniversary of the date such option
was granted. The right to exercise any option generally expires upon the
earlier of ten years from the date of grant or one year after a non-employee
director's termination as a non-employee director.
 
EMPLOYMENT AND SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS
 
  The Company is party to employment agreements with Ms. Davenport, a founder
of the Company, Dr. Henderson and Mr. Minick. The agreement with Ms. Davenport
provides for an automatically renewable one-year term of employment terminable
by either party upon 90 days' notice prior to the end of each term. The
agreements with Dr. Henderson and Mr. Minick each have a ten-year term and
provide that if such officer is terminated either without cause or upon a
change in control of the Company, he will receive compensation equal to 18
months of his then current base salary if the termination occurs prior to June
27, 1996 or 12 months of his then current base salary if the termination
occurs thereafter. Dr. Henderson's current base salary is $305,000. Mr.
Minick's current base salary is $250,000.
 
  Mr. Joseph Limber resigned as Executive Vice President of the Company
effective April 30, 1996, but continued to work with the Company as a
consultant from April 1, 1996 to August 15, 1996. The Company paid Mr. Limber
a consulting fee of $14,583.33 per month during the term of such arrangement
and forgave a loan balance of $15,000 and related interest payments.
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
  During 1996, management compensation issues generally were reviewed and
approved by the Compensation and Plan Committee, which was composed of Mr.
Faris, Mr. Morgan and Dr. Thomas, all of whom are non-employee directors. The
function of the Committee is to review and recommend to the Board management
compensation and to administer the Company's stock option plans. During fiscal
1996, no executive officer of the Company served on the board of directors or
compensation committee of another company that had an executive officer serve
on the Company's Board of Directors or its Compensation and Plan Committee.
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
  The following table sets forth information regarding the Company's
outstanding shares of Common Stock beneficially owned as of December 31, 1996
by: (i) each person who, to the best knowledge of the Company, beneficially
owns more than five percent of the outstanding Common Stock; (ii) all
directors; (iii) the Named Officers; and (iv) all directors and officers as a
group. The information relating to ownership of shares is based upon
information furnished to the Company. The Company believes that the beneficial
owners of the Common Stock, based on information supplied by such owners, have
sole investment and voting power with respect to the shares of Common Stock
shown as being beneficially owned by them, except as otherwise set forth in
the footnotes to the table.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         PERCENT
                                                            NUMBER OF      OF
                     NAME AND ADDRESS                       SHARES(1)     CLASS
                     ----------------                       ---------    -------
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>
Amerindo Investment Advisors, Inc. ........................ 1,926,786(2)   6.5%
 One Embarcadero Center, Suite 2300
 San Francisco, CA 94111
Morgan Investment Corporation.............................. 1,500,000(3)   5.1%
 902 Market Street
 Wilmington, DE 19801
FMR Corp. ................................................. 1,823,900(4)   6.1%
 82 Devonshire Street
 Boston, MA 02109
Bruce R. Cohen.............................................    11,431        *
Robert G. Faris............................................    66,941        *
I. Craig Henderson, M.D....................................   200,000        *
Richard C.E. Morgan........................................   643,065(5)   2.2%
L. Scott Minick............................................   113,880        *
Edward Schnipper, M.D......................................       100        *
E. Donnall Thomas, M.D.....................................    44,375        *
Joseph J. Vallner, Ph.D....................................    77,389        *
All directors and executive officers as a group
 (15 persons).............................................. 1,610,416      5.3%
</TABLE>
 
--------
* Less than 1%
 
(1) Includes shares subject to warrants or options exercisable and not subject
    to a right of repurchase within 60 days after December 31, 1996 as if such
    shares were outstanding on December 31, 1996 and assumes that no other
    person has exercised any outstanding warrants or options.
(2) According to Schedule 13D filed by Amerindo Investment Advisors, Inc., a
    California corporation, Amerindo Advisors (U.K.) Limited, Amerindo
    Investment Advisors, Inc., a Panama corporation, Alberto W. Vilar and Gary
    A. Tanaka, all parties have shared voting and dispositive power with
    respect to the shares listed in the table, and all parties disclaim
    beneficial ownership of the shares listed in the table.
 
(3) According to Schedule 13D filed by J.P. Morgan & Co., Incorporated, Morgan
    Investment Corporation and J.P. Morgan Holdings, Inc. all parties have
    shared voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares listed in
    the table.
(4) According to Schedule 13D filed by FMR Corp., Edward C. Johnson 3d and
    Abigail P. Johnson, Edward C. Johnson 3d and FMR Corp. through its control
    of Fidelity Management and Research Company each have sole power to
    dispose of 1,756,800 shares. Fidelity Management Trust Company is the
    beneficial owner of 67,100 shares, over which Edward C. Johnson 3d and FMR
    Corp., through its control of Fidelity Management Trust Company, have sole
    voting and dispositive power.
 
                                      59
<PAGE>
 
(5) Includes 591,815 shares held by Wolfensohn Associates, L.P. Mr. Morgan is
    a general partner of the general partner of Wolfensohn Associates, L.P.
    and therefore may be deemed to beneficially own such shares. Mr. Morgan
    disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares. Mr. Morgan shares voting
    and dispositive control of such shares with the other general partners of
    the general partner of Wolfensohn Associates, L.P.
 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
  On October 5, 1993, the Company agreed to make an unsecured loan of $60,000
to Joseph Vallner, Vice President for Research and Development, to facilitate
his purchase of a new residence. The loan has a term of five years and accrues
interest at the prime rate, as published by the Wall Street Journal, plus 1%.
On each annual anniversary of the loan take-down date, 20% of the loan
principal will be forgiven by the Company provided Mr. Vallner remains a full-
time employee of the Company through the anniversary. On October 6, 1995, the
Company agreed to make an unsecured loan of $120,000 to Dr. Gurwith, Vice
President and Associate Medical Director, to facilitate his purchase of a new
residence. The loan has a term of five years and accrues interest at 8.75%. On
January 2 of each year of the loan take-down date, 20% of the loan principal
will be forgiven by the Company provided that Dr. Gurwith remains a full-time
employee of the Company through January 2, 2000. In the event of involuntary
termination of Dr. Gurwith's other than for cause, the loan shall be forgiven
in its entirety.
 
                                    PART IV
 
ITEM 14.EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
 
(A) 1. AND 2. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
 
  The following documents appear in Item 8 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K
and are filed as part hereof.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                        <C>
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.........................  37
Balance Sheets at December 31, 1996 and 1995..............................  38
Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
 1994.....................................................................  39
Statement of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 1996,
 1995 and 1994............................................................  40
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
 1994.....................................................................  41
Notes to Financial Statements.............................................  42
Schedule II--Valuation and Qualifying Accounts............................  51
</TABLE>
 
  All other schedules are omitted because they are not required or the
required information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.
 
3. EXHIBITS:
 
<TABLE>
 <C>        <S>
   3.1      Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (1)
   3.2      By-Laws (2)
  10.1*     1982 Employee Stock Option Plan (As Amended) (3)
  10.1.1*   1987 Employee Stock Option Plan (4)
  10.1.2*   1987 Consultant Stock Option Plan (4)
  10.1.4*   Employee Stock Purchase Plan (4)
  10.1.5*   401(k) Plan and Adoption Agreement for 401(k) Plan (3)
  10.1.6*   LTI Flex Elect Section 125 Cafeteria Plan (3)
  10.1.7*   1990 Director Stock Option Plan (4)
</TABLE>
 
                                      60
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
 <C>        <S>
  10.2.1    Lease Agreement between Lincoln Menlo IV & V Associates Limited and the
             Company dated February 13, 1996 and 960 and 978 Hamilton Court, Menlo Park,
             California. (5)
  10.2.2    Lease Agreement between Lincoln Menlo IV & V Associates Limited and the
             Company dated February 13, 1996 for 1050, 1080 and 1098 Hamilton Court,
             Menlo Park, California. (5)
  10.2.3    Lease Agreement between Lincoln Menlo III Associates Limited and the Company
             dated May 1, 1995 for 1180 Hamilton Court, Menlo Park, California. (5)
  10.2.4    Lease Agreement between Lincoln Menlo VI and the Company dated February 1,
             1996 for 1360 Willow Road, Menlo Park, California. (5)
  10.4*     Employment Agreement dated as of June 30, 1983, between the Company and
             Sally A. Davenport (2)
  10.5      Forms of Confidentiality Agreements entered into by Employees, Consultants
             and Advisors of the Company (2)
  10.12     Common Stock and Warrant Purchase agreement between the Company and David
             Blech dated as of January 25, 1990 (6)
  10.14**   Agreement between Zeneca Limited and the Company relating to "Amphocil"
             dated August 12, 1993, as amended as of March 1, 1994 and July 12, 1994 (7)
  10.15**   Manufacturing and Supply Agreement between Ben Venue Laboratories, Inc.
             ("Ben Venue") and the Company relating to DOXIL dated January 1, 1993 (7)
  10.16**   Manufacturing and Supply Agreement between Ben Venue and the Company
             relating to AMPHOCIL dated January 1, 1993 (7)
  10.17**   Supply Agreement between Meiji Seika Pharma International LTD and the
             Company relating to Doxorubicin Hydrochloride, USP dated September 27, 1994
             (7)
  10.18**   Supply Agreement between A.L. Laboratories and the Company relating to
             Amphotericin B, USP dated February 15, 1994 (7)
  10.20     Employment Agreement between the Company and I. Craig Henderson dated June
             26, 1995 (8)
  10.21     Employment Agreement between the Company and L. Scott Minick dated June 26,
             1995 (8)
  10.22**   Distribution Agreement between Schering-Plough Ltd. and the Company dated
             August 29, 1996 (9)
  23        Consent of Independent Auditors
  24        Power of Attorney See page 64
  27        Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
--------
 * Management or Compensatory plan or arrangement.
** Confidential treatment requested
 
(1) Filed as an Exhibit with corresponding Exhibit Number to the Company's
    Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on February 6, 1997 (File No. 333-
    21235) and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(2) Filed as an Exhibit with corresponding Exhibit Number to the Company's
    Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-13332) and incorporated
    herein by reference.
 
(3) Filed as an Exhibit with corresponding Exhibit Number to the Company's
    Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1988 and
    incorporated herein by reference.
 
(4) Filed as an Exhibit with corresponding Exhibit Number to the Company's
    Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1995 and
    incorporated herein by reference.
 
(5) Filed as an Exhibit with corresponding Exhibit Number to the Company's
    Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1996
    and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(6) Filed as an Exhibit with corresponding Exhibit Number to the Company's
    Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1990 and
    incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
                                       61
<PAGE>
 
(7) Filed as an Exhibit with corresponding Exhibit Number to the Company's
    Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the fiscal year ended December
    31, 1994 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(8) Filed as an Exhibit with corresponding Exhibit Number to the Company's
    Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1995
    and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(a) Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as
    amended, for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 1996 and incorporated
    herein by reference.
 
(B) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
 
  No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended December 31, 1996.
 
                                       62
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
  Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
                                          SEQUUS Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
 
Date: February 5, 1997                    By: /s/ I. Craig Henderson
                                            ___________________________________
                                                I. Craig Henderson
                                                Chief Executive Officer
 
                                       63
<PAGE>
 
                     POWER OF ATTORNEY TO SIGN AMENDMENTS
 
  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below does hereby constitute and appoint I. Craig Henderson and Sally A.
Davenport, and each of them, with full power of substitution and full power to
act without the other, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent to act
for him in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any
or all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact
and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises in order to effectuate the same as fully, to all intents and
purposes, as they or he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may
lawfully do or cause do be done by virtue hereof.
 
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             SIGNATURE                           TITLE                    DATE
             ---------                           -----                    ----
 
 
<S>                                  <C>                           <C>
     /s/ I. Craig Henderson          Chairman of the Board, Chief   February 5, 1997
____________________________________ Executive Officer
  I. Craig Henderson, M.D., F.A.C.P.
 
 
       /s/ L. Scott Minick           President, Chief Operating     February 5, 1997
____________________________________ Officer
          L. Scott Minick
 
 
      /s/ Donald J. Stewart          Vice President, Finance and    February 5, 1997
____________________________________ Treasurer (Principal
         Donald J. Stewart           Financial officer)
 
 
       /s/ Robert G. Faris           Director                       February 5, 1997
____________________________________
          Robert G. Faris
 
 
     /s/ Richard C.E. Morgan         Director                       February 5, 1997
____________________________________
        Richard C.E. Morgan
 
 
      /s/ E. Donnall Thomas          Director                       February 5, 1997
____________________________________
      E. Donnall Thomas, M.D.
</TABLE>
 
                                      64