Document:

Document

Exhibit 10.1

ALPINE IMMUNE SCIENCES, INC.
STAND-ALONE INDUCEMENT STOCK OPTION GRANT
NOTICE OF GRANT OF STOCK OPTION 
This grant (the “Option”) shall be governed by this Notice of Grant of Stock Option (the “Notice of Grant”) and the Terms and Conditions of Stock Option Grant (the “Terms and Conditions”), attached hereto as Exhibit A (together, the “Agreement”).  Terms not otherwise defined in the Notice of Grant shall be defined in the Terms and Conditions of Stock Option Grant. 
						
	Participant:	Andrew Sandler
		
	Address:	1812 10th Ave East
		
		Seattle, WA 98102

Participant has been granted an Option to purchase Common Stock of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, as follows:
						
	Date of Grant	August 17, 2022
		
	Vesting Commencement Date	August 17, 2022
		
	Number of Shares Granted	160,000
		
	Exercise Price per Share	$8.38
		
	Total Exercise Price	$1,340,800.00
		
	Type of Option	Nonstatutory Stock Option
		
	Term/Expiration Date	August 16, 2032

Vesting Schedule:
Subject to accelerated vesting as set forth in the Company’s Change of Control and Severance Policy or in the Agreement, this Option will be exercisable, in whole or in part, in accordance with the following schedule:
Twenty-five percent (25%) of the Shares subject to the Option will vest on the one (1) year anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date, and one forty-eighth (1/48th) of the Shares subject to the Option will vest each month thereafter on the same day of the month as the Vesting Commencement Date (and if there is no corresponding day, on the last day of the month), subject to Participant continuing to be a Service Provider through each such date.  
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Termination Period:
This Option will be exercisable for three (3) months after Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, unless such termination is due to Participant’s death or Disability, in which case this Option will be exercisable for twelve (12) months after Participant ceases to be a Service Provider.  Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, in no event may this Option be exercised after the Term/Expiration Date as provided above and may be subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 14(c) of the Terms and Conditions.    
By Participant’s signature and the signature of the Company’s representative below, Participant and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of this Agreement.  Participant has reviewed this Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Agreement.  Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions relating to the Agreement.  Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence address indicated below.

									
	PARTICIPANT		ALPINE IMMUNE SCIENCES, INC.
			
	/s/Andrew Sandler		/s/Paul Rickey
	Signature		By
			
	Andrew Sandler		Paul Rickey, Chief Financial Officer
	Print Name		Title

[signature page of the A. Sandler Notice of Grant of Stock Option]
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EXHIBIT A

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF STOCK OPTION GRANT
1.Definitions.  As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:
(a)“Administrator” means the Committee as will have administrative authority under this Agreement, in accordance with Section 4 of the Terms and Conditions. 
(b)“Applicable Laws” means the legal and regulatory requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction that may apply to this Option.
(c)“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(d)“Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:
(i)Change in Ownership of the Company.  A change in the ownership of the Company which occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (“Person”), acquires ownership of the stock of the Company that, together with the stock held by such Person, constitutes more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the stock of the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection, (A) the acquisition of additional stock by any one Person, who is considered to own more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the stock of the Company will not be considered a Change in Control and (B) if the stockholders of the Company immediately before such change in ownership continue to retain immediately after the change in ownership, in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Company’s voting stock immediately prior to the change in ownership, the direct or indirect beneficial ownership of fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company or of the ultimate parent entity of the Company, such event shall not be considered a Change in Control under this subsection (i).  For this purpose, indirect beneficial ownership shall include, without limitation, an interest resulting from ownership of the voting securities of one or more corporations or other business entities which own the Company, as the case may be, either directly or through one or more subsidiary corporations or other business entities; or
(ii)Change in Effective Control of the Company.  A change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election.  For purposes of this subsection (ii), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change in Control; or
(iii)Change in Ownership of a Substantial Portion of the Company’s Assets.  A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than fifty percent (50%) of the total gross fair market 
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value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (iii), the following will not constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets: (A) a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (B) a transfer of assets by the Company to: (1) a stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock, (2) an entity, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (3) a Person, that owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company, or (4) an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in this subsection (iii)(B)(3).  For purposes of this subsection (iii), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.
For purposes of this definition, persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction shall not be deemed a Change in Control unless the transaction qualifies as a “change in control event” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, as it has been and may be amended from time to time, and any proposed or final Treasury Regulations and Internal Revenue Service guidance that has been promulgated or may be promulgated thereunder from time to time.
Further and for the avoidance of doubt, a transaction shall not constitute a Change in Control if: (i) its sole purpose is to change the jurisdiction of the Company’s incorporation, or (ii) its sole purpose is to create a holding company that shall be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction.
(e) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  Reference to a specific section of the Code or Treasury Regulation thereunder will include such section or regulation, any valid regulation or other official applicable guidance promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such section or regulation.
(f)“Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board.
(g)“Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.
(h)“Company” means Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto.
(i)“Consultant” means any natural person, including an advisor, engaged by the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render bona fide services to such entity, provided the services (i) are not in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction, and (ii) do not directly promote or maintain a market for the Company’s securities, in each case, within the meaning of Form S-8 promulgated under the Securities Act, and provided further, that a Consultant 
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will include only those persons to whom the issuance of Shares may be registered under Form S-8 promulgated under the Securities Act.
(j)“Director” means a member of the Board.
(k)“Disability” means total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, provided that the Administrator in its discretion may determine whether a permanent and total disability exists in accordance with uniform and non-discriminatory standards adopted by the Administrator from time to time.
(l)“Employee” means any person, including Officers and Directors, employed by the Company or  any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.  Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company will be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company.
(m)“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(n)“Exchange Program” means a program under which (i) the Option is surrendered or cancelled in exchange another stock option (which may have higher or lower exercise prices and different terms), equity awards of a different type, and/or cash, (ii) Participant would have the opportunity to transfer for value the Option to a financial institution or other person or entity selected by the Administrator, and/or (iii) the exercise price of the Option is reduced or increased.  The Administrator will determine the terms and conditions of any Exchange Program in its sole discretion.
(o)“Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock determined as follows:
(i)If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq Global Market, the Nasdaq Global Select Market or the Nasdaq Capital Market, its Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or, if no closing sales price was reported on that date, as applicable, on the last trading date such closing sales price is reported) as quoted on such exchange or system on the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; 
(ii)If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, its Fair Market Value shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the day of determination (or, if no bids and asks were reported on that date, as applicable, on the last trading date such bids and asks are reported); or
(iii)In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value will be determined in good faith by the Administrator.
(p)“Incentive Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms qualifies and is otherwise intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
(q)“Nonstatutory Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
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(r)“Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(s)“Option” means the stock option set forth in the Notice of Grant.
(t)“Outside Director” means a Director who is not an Employee.
(u)“Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.
(v)“Participant” means the holder of the Option.
(w)“Service Provider” means an Employee, Director or Consultant.
(x)“Share” means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 14(a) of the Terms and Conditions.
(y)“Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation”, whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.
2.Grant of Option.  The Company hereby grants to the Participant named in the Notice of Grant the Option to purchase the number of Shares, as set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise price per Share set forth in the Notice of Grant (the “Exercise Price”), subject to all of the terms and conditions in this Agreement.  
This Option is intended to qualify as an employment inducement award under NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) (the “Inducement Listing Rule”).  Accordingly, (i) Participant was not previously an Employee or Director, or the Participant is returning to employment of the Company following a bona-fide period of non-employment; and (ii) the grant of the Option is an inducement material to the Participant’s entering into employment with the Company in accordance with the Inducement Listing Rule.
3.Vesting Schedule.  The Option awarded by this Agreement will vest in accordance with the vesting provisions set forth in the Notice of Grant.  Shares scheduled to vest on a certain date or upon the occurrence of a certain condition will not vest in Participant in accordance with any of the provisions of this Agreement, unless Participant will have been continuously a Service Provider from the Date of Grant until the date such vesting occurs.
4.Authority of the Administrator. 
(a)Powers of the Administrator.  Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Administrator will have the authority, in its discretion: 
(i)to determine the terms and conditions of any, and to institute any Exchange Program;
(ii)to construe and interpret the terms of the Agreement and the Option;
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(iii)to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Agreement, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of satisfying applicable foreign laws or for qualifying for favorable tax treatment under applicable foreign laws;
(iv)to modify or amend the Option (subject to Section 21 of the Terms and Conditions), including but not limited to the discretionary authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period of the Option and to extend the maximum term of the Option;
(v)to allow Participant to satisfy withholding tax obligations in such manner as prescribed in Section 7 of the Terms and Conditions;
(vi)to allow a Participant to defer the receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of Shares that would otherwise be due to such Participant under the Option pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may determine; and
(vii)to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the Agreement.
(b)Effect of Administrator’s Decision.  The Administrator’s decisions, determinations and interpretations will be final and binding on the Participant and any other holders of Shares subject to the Option.
(c)No Liability.  Under no circumstances shall the Company, its Affiliates, the Administrator, or the Board incur liability for any indirect, incidental, consequential or special damages (including lost profits) of any form incurred by any person, whether or not foreseeable and regardless of the form of the act in which such a claim may be brought, with respect to the Agreement or the Company’s, its Affiliates’, the Administrator’s or the Board’s roles in connection with the Agreement.
5.Exercise of Option.  
(a)Right to Exercise.  This Option may be exercised only within the term set out in the Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
(b)Method of Exercise.  This Option is exercisable by delivery of an exercise notice, in the form attached as Exhibit B (the “Exercise Notice”) or in a manner and pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may determine, which will state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised (the “Exercised Shares”), and such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Agreement.  The Exercise Notice will be completed by Participant and delivered to the Company.  The Exercise Notice will be accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all Exercised Shares together with any applicable tax withholding.  This Option will be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by the aggregate Exercise Price.  
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(c)Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider.  If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Notice of Grant to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant).  Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will forfeit.  If after termination the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified by the Administrator, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will forfeit.
6.Method of Payment.  Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price will be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of Participant:
(a)cash; 
(b)check; 
(c)consideration received by the Company under a formal cashless exercise program adopted by the Company in connection with the Agreement; or
(d)surrender of other Shares which have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate Exercise Price of the Exercised Shares, provided that accepting such Shares, in the sole discretion of the Administrator, will not result in any adverse accounting consequences to the Company.
7.Tax Obligations.  
(a)Withholding of Taxes.  Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this Agreement, no certificate representing the Shares will be issued to Participant, unless and until satisfactory arrangements (as determined by the Administrator) will have been made by Participant with respect to the payment of income, employment and other taxes which the Company determines must be withheld with respect to such Shares.  To the extent determined appropriate by the Company in its discretion, it will have the right (but not the obligation) to satisfy any tax withholding obligations by reducing the number of Shares otherwise deliverable to Participant.  If Participant fails to make satisfactory arrangements for the payment of any required tax withholding obligations hereunder at the time of the Option exercise, Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to deliver the Shares if such withholding amounts are not delivered at the time of exercise.
(b)Code Section 409A.  Under Code Section 409A, an option that vests after December 31, 2004 (or that vested on or prior to such date but which was materially modified after October 3, 2004) that was granted with a per Share exercise price that is determined by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) to be less than the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant (a “Discount Option”) may be considered “deferred compensation.”  A Discount Option may result in (i) income recognition by Participant prior to the exercise of the option, (ii) an additional twenty percent (20%) federal income tax, and (iii) potential penalty and interest charges.  The Discount Option may also result in additional state income, penalty and interest charges to the Participant.  Participant acknowledges that the Company cannot and has not guaranteed that the IRS will agree that the per Share exercise price of this Option equals or exceeds the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Date of 
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Grant in a later examination.  Participant agrees that if the IRS determines that the Option was granted with a per Share exercise price that was less than the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant, Participant will be solely responsible for Participant’s costs related to such a determination.
8.Rights as Stockholder.  Neither Participant nor any person claiming under or through Participant will have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder of the Company in respect of any Shares deliverable hereunder unless and until certificates representing such Shares will have been issued, recorded on the records of the Company or its transfer agents or registrars, and delivered to Participant.  After such issuance, recordation and delivery, Participant will have all the rights of a stockholder of the Company with respect to voting such Shares and receipt of dividends and distributions on such Shares.
9.Compliance With Code Section 409A.  The Option will be designed and operated in such a manner that it is either exempt from the application of, or comply with, the requirements of Code Section 409A such that the grant, payment, settlement or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Code Section 409A, except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator.  The Agreement is intended to meet the requirements of Code Section 409A and will be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent, except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator.  To the extent that the Option or payment, or the settlement or deferral thereof, is subject to Code Section 409A the Option will be granted, paid, settled or deferred in a manner that will meet the requirements of Code Section 409A, such that the grant, payment, settlement or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Code Section 409A.
10.Leaves of Absence/Transfer Between Locations.  Unless the Administrator provides otherwise and except as required by Applicable Laws, vesting of the Option granted hereunder will be suspended during any unpaid leave of absence.  A Participant will not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its Parent, or any Subsidiary.
11.No Guarantee of Continued Service.  PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (OR THE PARENT OR SUBSIDIARY EMPLOYING OR RETAINING PARTICIPANT) AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THIS OPTION OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER.  PARTICIPANT FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND WILL NOT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH PARTICIPANT’S RIGHT OR THE RIGHT OF THE COMPANY (OR THE PARENT OR SUBSIDIARY EMPLOYING OR RETAINING PARTICIPANT) TO TERMINATE PARTICIPANT’S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE.
12.Address for Notices.  Any notice to be given to the Company under the terms of this Agreement will be addressed to the Company at Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc., 201 Elliott Avenue 
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West, Suite 230, Seattle, WA 98119, or at such other address as the Company may hereafter designate in writing.
13.Non-Transferability of Option.    Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, this Option may not be transferred in any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of Participant only by Participant.  If the Administrator makes the Option transferable, such Option will contain such additional terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate.
14.Adjustments; Dissolution or Liquidation; Merger or Change in Control.
(a)Adjustments.  In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Shares occurs, the Administrator, in order to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Agreement, will adjust the number, class, and price of Shares covered by the Option.
(b)Dissolution or Liquidation.  In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator will notify each Participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction.  To the extent it has not been previously exercised, the Option will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.
(c)Change in Control.  In the event of a merger or Change in Control, the Option will be treated as the Administrator determines, including, without limitation that the Option be assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation.  
In the event that the successor corporation does not assume or substitute for the Option (or portion thereof), the Participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise all of his or her outstanding Options that are not assumed or substituted for, including Shares as to which the Option would not otherwise be vested or exercisable.  In addition, if the Option is not assumed or substituted for in the event of a Change in Control, the Administrator will notify the Participant in writing or electronically that the Option will be fully vested and exercisable for a period of time determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, and the Option will terminate upon the expiration of such period.
For the purposes of this subsection 14(c), the Option will be considered assumed if, following the merger or Change in Control, the Option confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share subject to the Option immediately prior to the merger or Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the merger or Change in Control by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the merger or Change in Control is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Board may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of the Option, for each Share subject to the Option, to be solely common stock of the successor 
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corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the merger or Change in Control.
Notwithstanding anything in this subsection (c) to the contrary, if a payment under the  Agreement is subject to Section 409A of the Code and if the Change in Control definition contained in the Agreement does not comply with the definition of “change in control” for purposes of a distribution under Section 409A of the Code, then any payment of an amount that is otherwise accelerated under this Section will be delayed until the earliest time that such payment would be permissible under Section 409A of the Code without triggering any penalties applicable under Section 409A of the Code.
15.Date of Grant.  The date of grant of the Option will be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting the Option, or such other later date as is determined by the Administrator.  Notice of the determination will be provided to each Participant within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.
16.Binding Agreement.  Subject to the limitation on the transferability of this grant contained herein, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
17.Additional Conditions to Issuance of Stock.  If at any time the Company will determine, in its discretion, that the listing, registration or qualification of the Shares upon any securities exchange or under any state or federal law, or the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory authority is necessary or desirable as a condition to the issuance of Shares to Participant (or his or her estate), such issuance will not occur unless and until such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval will have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company.  The Company will make all reasonable efforts to meet the requirements of any such state or federal law or securities exchange and to obtain any such consent or approval of any such governmental authority.  Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes the Exercised Shares will be considered transferred to Participant on the date the Option is exercised with respect to such Exercised Shares.
18.Electronic Delivery.  The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to Options awarded under the Agreement or future options that may be awarded under the Agreement by electronic means or request Participant’s consent to participate by electronic means.  Participant hereby consents to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agrees to participate through any on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or another third party designated by the Company.
19.Captions.  Captions provided herein are for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.
20.Agreement Severable.  In the event that any provision in this Agreement will be held invalid or unenforceable, such provision will be severable from, and such invalidity or unenforceability will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of this Agreement.
21.Entire Agreement.  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes in their entirety all prior undertakings and 
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agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to Participant’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Participant.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company reserves the right to revise this Agreement as it deems necessary or advisable, in its sole discretion and without the consent of Participant, to comply with Code Section 409A or to otherwise avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition under Section 409A of the Code in connection to this Option.
22.Acknowledgment.  By accepting this Option, Participant expressly warrants that he or she has received an Option pursuant to this Agreement, and has received, read and understood a description of the Agreement.  
23.Governing Law.  This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Washington, without giving effect to the conflict of law principles thereof.  For purposes of litigating any dispute that arises under this Option or this Agreement, the parties hereby submit to and consent to the jurisdiction of the State of Washington, and agree that such litigation will be conducted in the state courts of Washington in King County, or the federal courts for the United States for the Western District of Washington, and no other courts, where this Option is made and/or to be performed.
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EXHIBIT B
ALPINE IMMUNE SCIENCES, INC.

STAND-ALONE INDUCEMENT STOCK OPTION GRANT
EXERCISE NOTICE
Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc.
188 East Blaine Street, Suite 200
Seattle, WA 98102

Attention:  Stock Administration

1.Exercise of Option.  Effective as of today, ________________, _____, the undersigned (“Purchaser”) hereby elects to purchase ______________ shares (the “Shares”) of the Common Stock of Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc. (the “Company”), under and pursuant to the Stand-Alone Inducement Stock Option Grant, including the Notice of Grant, the Terms and Conditions of Stock Option Grant, and exhibits attached thereto (the “Agreement”).  The purchase price for the Shares will be $_____________, as required by the Agreement.
2.Delivery of Payment.  Purchaser herewith delivers to the Company the full purchase price of the Shares and any tax obligations (as set forth in Section 7 of the Terms and Conditions) to be paid in connection with the exercise of the Option.
3.Representations of Purchaser.  Purchaser acknowledges that Purchaser has received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement and agrees to abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions.
4.Rights as Stockholder.  Until the issuance (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company) of the Shares, no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to the Shares subject to the Option, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option.  The Shares so acquired will be issued to Purchaser as soon as practicable after exercise of the Option.  No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date of issuance, except as provided in Section 14 of the Terms and Conditions.
5.Tax Consultation.  Purchaser understands that Purchaser may suffer adverse tax consequences as a result of Purchaser’s purchase or disposition of the Shares.  Purchaser represents that Purchaser has consulted with any tax consultants Purchaser deems advisable in connection with the purchase or disposition of the Shares and that Purchaser is not relying on the Company for any tax advice.
6.Entire Agreement; Governing Law.  The Option Agreement is incorporated herein by reference.  This Exercise Notice and the Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties 
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with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Purchaser with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Purchaser’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Purchaser.  This Option Agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of Washington.

									
	Submitted by:		Accepted by:
			
	PURCHASER		ALPINE IMMUNE SCIENCES, INC.
			
			
	Signature		Signature
			
			
	Print Name		Print Name
			
	Address:		
			Title
			
			
			
			
			Date Received

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Exhibit 10.1
EMPLOYMENT, SEPARATION AND GENERAL RELEASE AGREEMENT *
This Employment, Separation and General Release Agreement ("Agreement"), made this 27th day of July, 2022, is entered into by and between Obi Nwokorie, an individual (“Employee”), and Impac Mortgage Holdings, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Company") (together, the "Parties").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Employee is currently employed by the Company as Chief Investment Officer and EVP, Alternative Credit Products and also serves a member of the Board of Directors of the Company;
WHEREAS, the Company and Employee have agreed that Employee's employment with the Company will end on December 31, 2022 and this Agreement is being entered into to set forth the terms for the remainder of Employee’s employment as well as obligations the Company will be responsible for both during the remainder of Employee’s employment and thereafter.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises, covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement, and intending to be legally bound hereby, Employee and the Company agree as follows:

1.Effective July 1, 2022, Employee’s base salary has been adjusted to $200,000 per year.
2.Employee's position with the Company will terminate effective December 31, 2022 (“Separation Date”), unless otherwise terminated sooner by Employee or the Company. So long as Employee remains employed, Employee will receive all wages due through the Separation Date and reimbursement of any approved expenses incurred by that date without regard to whether Employee signs this Agreement.  Assuming Employee executes this Agreement, Employee will receive the additional benefits described herein, and only such benefits.  Employee will not accrue any vacation benefits, or other benefits beyond the Separation Date, except as set forth herein. The Parties agree that this Agreement supersedes and replaces any and all prior employment and compensation agreements (whether written, oral or implied).  Notwithstanding such termination of employment, Employee shall continue to serve as a member of the Board of Directors in accordance with the terms of the By-laws of the Company.
3.The period between the date of this Agreement and December 31, 2022 shall be referred to as the “Transition Period.”  During the Transition Period, Employee shall work remotely from home with occasional, as-needed use of the Company’s New York office (for so long as the Company leases such space).  Should the Company request Employee to be present in its California offices, then the Company shall pay for any and all airfare, hotel, meal and other travel-related expenses.  In addition, during the Transition Period, Employee shall continue to work on the matters Employee is currently working on and transition such work to other employees of the Company identified by the Company's CEO. Attached hereto as Exhibit A are the primary responsibilities that Employee shall continue to work on and transition as set forth in Exhibit A.
4.Following the Separation Date, if Employee timely elects continued medical insurance coverage under COBRA and executes a further general release consistent with the terms contained herein, then the Company shall pay directly or reimburse Employee for such COBRA premiums for a period of no more than six (6) months beginning with January 2023, or until Employee is covered under another group health insurance plan, whichever occurs first.  At the time Employee elects COBRA, Employee shall notify the Company in writing of such and whether Employee elects to pay and seek reimbursement for, or have the Company pay directly, the COBRA premium.  If Employee elects to voluntarily terminate his employment, or the Company terminates Employee for “Cause”, prior to December 31, 2022, then the Company shall have no obligation to provide payments as set forth in this Section 5.  “Cause” generally 

* Portions of this document have been omitted as such information is not material and is the type that the Company normally treats as private or confidential.

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means a material reason to terminate Employee’s employment, such as a material violation of company policies and procedures, or a material breach of this Agreement.
5.In addition, except in the event of a termination of Employee by the Company for Cause prior to the Separation Date, Employee shall also be paid the 2021 deferred bonus of $25,000, which shall be paid to Employee on February 22, 2023 as previously agreed.
6.Except for those obligations created by or arising out of this Agreement for which receipt or satisfaction has not been acknowledged herein, Employee on behalf of Employee, Employee’s descendants, dependents, heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, and successors, and each of them, hereby covenants not to sue and fully releases and discharges the Company, as well as its subsidiaries and all affiliates, past and present, and each of them, as well as its and their directors, officers, agents, attorneys, insurers, employees, stockholders, representatives, assigns, and successors, past and present, and each of them, hereinafter together and collectively referred to as "Releasees," with respect to and from any and all claims, wages, demands, rights, liens, agreements, contracts, covenants, actions, suits, causes of action, obligations, debts, costs, expenses, attorneys' fees, damages, judgments, orders and liabilities of whatever kind or nature in law, equity or otherwise, whether now known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, and whether or not concealed or hidden, which Employee now owns or holds or Employee has at any time heretofore owned or held or may in the future hold as against said Releasees, arising out of or in any way connected with Employee’s employment relationship with the Company, or Employee’s separation from employment or any other transactions, occurrences, acts or omissions or any loss, damage or injury whatever, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, resulting from any act or omission by or on the part of said Releasees, or any of them, committed or omitted prior to the date of this Agreement.  Nothing in the foregoing or this Agreement will prevent Employee from filing a claim for unemployment compensation or for workers’ compensation benefits.
7.Employee acknowledges that Employee has not filed, initiated, or prosecuted (or caused to be filed, initiated, or prosecuted) any lawsuit, complaint, charge, action, compliance review, investigation, or proceeding with respect to any claim this Agreement purports to waive, and promises never to do so in the future, whether as a named plaintiff, class member, or otherwise.  If, unbeknownst to Employee, such a complaint, charge or lawsuit has been filed on Employee’s behalf, Employee will use Employee’s best efforts to cause it immediately to be withdrawn and dismissed with prejudice.  Employee is currently not aware of any facts that would give rise to a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, and is not aware of any work-related injury Employee has suffered.  
8.It is the intention of Employee in executing this instrument that the same shall be effective as a bar to each and every claim, demand and cause of action hereinabove specified.  In furtherance of this intention, Employee hereby expressly waives any and all rights and benefits conferred upon Employee by the provisions of SECTION 1542 OF THE CALIFORNIA CIVIL CODE and expressly consents that this Agreement shall be given full force and effect according to each and all of its express terms and provisions, including those related to unknown and unsuspected claims, demands and causes of action, if any, as well as those relating to any other claims, demands and causes of action hereinabove specified.  SECTION 1542 provides:

“A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS THAT THE CREDITOR OR RELEASING PARTY DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE AND THAT, IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER, WOULD HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR OR RELEASED PARTY.”
Employee acknowledges that Employee may hereafter discover claims or facts in addition to or different from those which Employee either now knows or believes to exist with respect to the subject matter of this 

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Agreement and which, if known or suspected at the time of executing this Agreement, may have materially affected this settlement.  Nevertheless, Employee hereby waives any right, claim or cause of action that might arise as a result of such different or additional claims or facts.  Employee acknowledges that Employee understands the significance and consequence of such release and such specific waiver of SECTION 1542.

9.Employee also expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by entering into this Agreement, Employee is waiving any and all rights or claims that Employee may have arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, which have arisen on or before the date of execution of this Agreement.  Employee further expressly acknowledge and agree that:
a.Employee was orally advised and is hereby advised in writing by this Agreement to consult with an attorney before signing this Agreement;
b.Employee was informed that Employee had twenty-one (21) days within which to consider the Agreement; and
c.Employee was informed that Employee has seven (7) days following the date of execution of the Agreement in which to revoke the Agreement and the Agreement will not be effective or enforceable until the revocation period has expired.

1.If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the Agreement which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or applications and to this end the provisions of this Agreement are declared to be severable.
2.Employee acknowledges that by reason of Employee’s position with the Company, Employee has been given access to marketing lists, lists of customers, marketing plans, strategic business projections and plans and similar confidential or proprietary materials or information respecting the Company’s business affairs.  Employee may have executed confidentiality agreements as a condition of employment.  Nothing in this Agreement diminishes any of Employee’s obligations under any such confidentiality agreements, and Employee acknowledges that Employee has complied, and will continue to comply, with those agreements. Employee agrees that Employee will not disclose, use, or induce or assist in the use or disclosure of any Company confidential information, or anything related thereto, nor will Employee use such information for any business with which Employee is affiliated, or for any competitor of the Company, without the prior express written consent of the Company. Employee specifically acknowledges and agrees that compliance with this paragraph is a material term and inducement to the Company in agreeing to the consideration herein.  Employee acknowledges and agrees that a violation of the foregoing would be treated as a material breach of this Agreement, entitling the Company immediately to seek recovery of any consideration already paid to Employee herein without affecting the enforceability of the releases provided herein by Employee.
3.The Company and Employee agree that the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall remain confidential as between the Parties.  Neither the Company nor Employee shall disclose the terms and conditions of this Agreement to any other person, other than such Parties legal and financial advisors or, in the case of Employee, members of Employee's family, who shall also be advised of its confidentiality and who shall agree to be bound by this confidentiality agreement.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Employee specifically agrees that Employee shall not disclose information regarding this Agreement to any current or former employee of the Company.

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4.While this Agreement resolves all issues between the Company and Employee, as well as any future effects of any acts or omissions, it does not constitute an admission by the Company of any violation of federal, state or local law, ordinance or regulation or of any violation of any Company policy or procedure, or of any liability or wrongdoing whatsoever.  Neither this Agreement nor anything in this Agreement shall be construed to be or shall be admissible in any proceeding as evidence of liability or wrongdoing by the Company.  This Agreement may be introduced, however, in any proceeding to enforce the Agreement.  Such introduction shall be pursuant to an order protecting its confidentiality.

5.Employee agrees that Employee will not make any negative or disparaging comments about the Company, its brands, products, officers, directors, employees or agents, to any employee of the Company or to any third party.  In addition, Employee agrees that for one year following the execution of this Agreement, Employee will not, directly or indirectly, solicit or encourage any then employee of the Company to resign his or her employment with the Company and to work for any competitor of the Company.  Employee acknowledges and agrees that violation of the foregoing would be a material breach of this Agreement, entitling the Company to seek recovery of any consideration paid to Employee herein, without affecting the enforceability of the releases provided herein by Employee.
6.This instrument constitutes and contains the entire agreement and final understanding concerning Employee’s employment, separation from the same and the other subject matters addressed herein between the Parties.  It is intended by the Parties as a complete and exclusive statement of the terms of their agreement.  It supersedes and replaces all prior negotiations and all agreements proposed or otherwise, whether written or oral, concerning the subject matters hereof.  Any representation, promise or agreement not specifically included in this Agreement shall not be binding upon or enforceable against either party.  This is a fully integrated agreement.
7.This Agreement shall be deemed to have been executed and delivered within the State of California, and the rights and obligations of the Parties hereunder shall be construed and enforced in accordance with, and governed by, the laws of the State of California without regard to principles of conflict of laws.
8.This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each counterpart, when executed, shall have the efficacy of a signed original.  Photographic copies of such signed counterparts may be used in lieu of the originals for any purpose.  In addition, the Parties agree that this Agreement may be executed electronically (i.e. via DocuSign) and such electronic execution will have the same binding effect, validity and enforceability as a “wet” signature.
9.No waiver of any breach of any term or provision of this Agreement shall be construed to be, or shall be, a waiver of any other breach of this Agreement.  No waiver shall be binding unless in writing and signed by the party waiving the breach.
10.In the event of any litigation brought by either Party in any way concerning this Agreement, the prevailing party shall, in addition to any fees or costs awarded, be entitled to its reasonable attorneys’ fees.
11.The Parties agree to cooperate fully and to execute any and all supplementary documents and to take all additional actions that may be necessary or appropriate to give full force to the basic terms and intent of this Agreement and which are not inconsistent with its terms.
12.All notices, requests and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered by courier or other means of personal service (including by means of a nationally recognized courier service or professional messenger service), or sent by email or facsimile and also mailed first class, postage prepaid, by certified mail, return receipt requested, in all cases addressed to:

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If to Employee:
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[**]
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If to the Company:
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Impac Mortgage Holdings, Inc.
19500 Jamboree Blvd.
Irvine, California 92612
Attention: Joe Joffrion
E-mail:  joe.joffrion@impacmail.com
and
Attention: Natasha Gilmore
E-mail:  Natasha.Gilmore@impacmail.com
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All notices, requests and other communications shall be deemed given on the date of actual receipt or delivery as evidenced by written receipt, acknowledgement or other evidence of actual receipt or delivery to the address.  In case of service by telecopy, a copy of such notice shall be personally delivered or sent by registered or certified mail, in the manner set forth above, within three business days thereafter.  Any party hereto may from time to time by notice in writing served as set forth above designate a different address or a different or additional person to which all such notices or communications thereafter are to be given.
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** Omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. Company undertakes to provide omitted schedules and attachments to the SEC upon request.

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I have read the foregoing Agreement and I accept and agree to the provisions it contains and hereby execute it voluntarily with full understanding of its consequences.  I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.
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EXECUTED this 27th day of July, 2022, at New York, New York.
/s/ Obi Nwokorie   
Employee Signature
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EXECUTED this 27th day of July, 2022, at Irvine, California.
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Impac Mortgage Holdings, Inc.
/s/ Joseph Joffrion   
SVP General Counsel

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Exhibit A **
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** Omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. Company undertakes to provide omitted schedules and attachments to the SEC upon request.

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