Document:

EX-10.1

 Exhibit 10.1 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into this this 22nd day of October 2018, by and between Melinta Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and John Johnson (“Executive”). 

W I T N E S S E T H : 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ Executive and to enter into this Agreement embodying the terms of such employment, and Executive
desires to enter into this Agreement and to accept such employment, subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement. 
 NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are mutually acknowledged, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows: 

Section 1. Definitions. 

Terms used herein with initial capitalization not otherwise defined are defined in Appendix A to this Agreement. 

Section 2. Acceptance and Term. 

The Company hereby agrees to employ Executive and Executive hereby accepts employment by the Company on the terms and conditions hereinafter
set forth. Executive’s term of employment by the Company under this Agreement (the “Term”) commenced on October 18, 2018 (the “Commencement Date”) and continue through the six-month anniversary of the Commencement Date (the “Initial Term”); provided, however, that the Term shall thereafter be automatically extended for unlimited additional one-month periods (the “Additional Term”) unless, at least thirty (30) days prior to the then-scheduled date of expiration of the Initial Term or fifteen (15) days prior to the the-scheduled expiration of any Additional Term, as applicable, either (x) the Company gives notice to Executive that it is electing not to so extend the Term; or (y) Executive gives notice to the Company
that he is electing not to so extend the Term. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Term may be earlier terminated in strict accordance with the provisions of Section 8 below, in which event Executive’s employment with the Company shall
expire in accordance therewith. For the avoidance of doubt, notice of non-extension of the Term shall not be treated as a termination by the Company without Cause, and Executive shall not be entitled to any
Severance Benefits upon such termination of this Agreement. 
 Section 3. Position, Duties, and Responsibilities; Place of
Performance. 
 (a) Position, Duties, and Responsibilities. During the Term, Executive shall be employed and serve as the Interim
Chief Executive Officer of the Company (together with such other position or positions consistent with Executive’s titles and positions as Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company as the Board shall specify from time to time), reporting
directly to the Chairman of the Board, and shall have such duties and responsibilities commensurate with such titles and positions as the most senior officer of the Company. 

 (b) Performance. Executive shall devote Executive’s full business time,
attention, skill, and best efforts to the performance of Executive’s duties under this Agreement and shall not engage in any other business or occupation during the Term, including, without limitation, any activity that (x) conflicts with
the interests of the Company or any other member of the Company Group, (y) interferes with the proper and efficient performance of Executive’s duties for the Company, or (z) interferes with Executive’s exercise of judgment in the
Company’s best interests. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall preclude Executive from (i) serving, with the prior written consent of the Board, as a member of the boards of directors or advisory boards (or their equivalents
in the case of a non-corporate entity) of non-competing businesses and charitable organizations, (ii) engaging in charitable activities and community affairs, and
(iii) managing Executive’s personal investments and affairs; provided, however, that the activities set out in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) shall be limited by Executive so as not to materially interfere, individually or
in the aggregate, with the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder. 
 (c) Place of Performance.
Executive acknowledges and agrees that, during the Term, he shall be required to spend sufficient time among each of the Company offices and other business locations to effectively perform his duties and responsibilities, and that frequent business
travel may be necessary. Executive shall not be required to relocate his residence in connection with his employment under this Agreement. 

Section 4. Compensation. 

During the Term, Executive shall be entitled to the following compensation: 

(a) Salary. Executive shall be paid a monthly Salary, payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Company, of not
less than $78,650, with increases, if any, as may be approved in writing by the Compensation Committee. 
 (b) Sign-On Equity Grants. On or as soon as practicable following the Commencement Date, the Company shall grant to Executive: 

(i) A stock option to purchase 150,000 shares of the Company (the “Initial Stock Option Grant”), at an exercise
price equal to the closing price per share of common stock on the Nasdaq on the grant date. Subject to Executive’s continuing to provide services in any capacity (including, but not limited to, service as a member of the Board) to the Company
through each applicable vesting date, the Initial Stock Option Grant will vest and become exercisable over a period of twelve (12) months from the Commencement Date, eight and one-third
percent (8.33%) of the applicable award vesting on the first month anniversary of the Commencement Date, and eight and one-third percent (8.33%) vesting on each monthly anniversary thereafter, and will be
granted in the form of stock option award agreement provided to Executive with this Agreement; and 
 (ii) A restricted stock unit award for
50,000 shares of the Company (the “Initial Restricted Stock Unit Grant”). Subject to Executive’s continuing to provide services in any capacity (including, but not limited to, service as a member of the Board) to the
Company through the applicable vesting date, the Initial Restricted Stock Unit Grant will vest and be settled on the one year anniversary of the Commencement Date, and will be granted in the form of restricted

  
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stock unit award agreement provided to Executive with this Agreement. The Initial Restricted Stock Unit Grant will participate in any dividends paid to stockholders of the Company during such
vesting period; provided, that dividends on shares underlying unvested restricted stock units shall be subject to the same vesting requirements as the underlying shares on which such dividends are paid and payment deferred and paid within ten
(10) days after such restricted stock units become vested (and will be forfeited to the extent unvested restricted stock units are forfeited). 

(c) Change in Control. To the extent not already vested, the Initial Stock Option Grant and the Initial Restricted Stock Unit Grant will
fully vest upon a Change in Control (and participate fully with other stockholders in such Change in Control) if Executive is providing services in any capacity (including, but not limited to, service as a member of the Board) to the Company on the
date of such Change in Control. 
 Section 5. Employee Benefits. 

During the Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate in health, insurance, retirement, and other benefits provided generally to
similarly situated executives of the Company. Executive shall also be entitled to the same number of holidays and sick days, as well as any other benefits, in each case as are generally allowed to similarly situated executive of the Company in
accordance with the Company policy as in effect from time to time. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to limit the Company’s ability to amend, suspend, or terminate any employee benefit plan or policy at any time without providing
Executive notice, and the right to do so is expressly reserved. 
 Section 6. Key-Man
Insurance. 
 At any time during the Term, the Company shall have the right to insure the life of Executive for the sole benefit of the
Company, in such amounts, and with such terms, as it may determine. All premiums payable thereon shall be the obligation of the Company. Executive shall have no interest in any such policy, but agrees to cooperate with the Company in procuring such
insurance by submitting to physical examinations, supplying all information required by the insurance company, and executing all necessary documents, provided that no financial obligation is imposed on Executive by any such documents. The Company
shall maintain, and instruct such insurance company and its agents to maintain, any such physical examination and other application submissions in strictest confidence. 

Section 7. Reimbursement of Business Expenses. 

During the Term, the Company shall pay (or promptly reimburse Executive) for documented, out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred by Executive in the course of performing Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder, which are consistent with the Company’s policies in effect from
time to time with respect to business expenses, subject to the Company’s requirements with respect to reporting of such expenses. 

  
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 Section 8. Termination of Employment. 

(a) General. The Term shall terminate earlier than as provided in Section 2 hereof upon the earliest to occur of
(i) Executive’s death, (ii) a termination by reason of a Disability, (iii) a termination by the Company with or without Cause, and (iv) a termination by Executive for any reason. Upon any termination of Executive’s
employment for any reason, except as may otherwise be requested by the Company in writing and agreed upon in writing by Executive, Executive shall be deemed to have resigned from any and all directorships, committee memberships, and any other
positions Executive holds with the Company or any other member of the Company Group and hereby agrees to execute any documents that the Company (or any member of the Company Group) determines necessary to effectuate such resignations.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the payment (or commencement of a series of payments) hereunder of any “nonqualified deferred compensation” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) upon a termination of
employment shall be delayed until such time as Executive has also undergone a “separation from service” as defined in Treas. Reg. 1.409A-1(h), at which time such nonqualified deferred
compensation (calculated as of the date of Executive’s termination of employment hereunder) shall be paid (or commence to be paid) to Executive on the schedule set forth in this Section 8 as if Executive had undergone such termination of
employment (under the same circumstances) on the date of Executive’s ultimate “separation from service.” 
 (b) Termination
Due to Death or Disability. Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically upon Executive’s death. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment immediately upon the occurrence of a Disability, such termination to be
effective upon Executive’s receipt of written notice of such termination. Upon Executive’s death or in the event that Executive’s employment is terminated due to Executive’s Disability, Executive or Executive’s estate or
Executive’s beneficiaries, as the case may be, shall be entitled to: 
 (i) The Accrued Obligations; 

(ii) a single sum cash amount, payable on the sixtieth (60th) day following his Termination Date, in an amount equal to Executive’s Salary
which would have been paid from the Termination Date through the expiration of the then-current Term had Executive not been terminated (the “Lump Sum Payment”); 

(iii) To the extent permitted by applicable law without any penalty to Executive or any member of the Company Group and subject to
Executive’s election of COBRA continuation coverage under the Company’s group health plan, on the first regularly scheduled payroll date of each month of the COBRA Continuation Period, the Company will pay Executive an amount equal to the
“applicable percentage” of the monthly COBRA premium cost; provided, that the payments pursuant to this clause (iii) shall cease earlier than the expiration of the COBRA Continuation Period in the event that Executive becomes eligible
to receive any health benefits, including through a spouse’s employer, during the COBRA Continuation Period. For purposes hereof, the “applicable percentage” shall be the percentage of Executive’s health care
premium costs covered by the Company as of the Termination Date. Amounts paid by the Company on behalf of Executive pursuant to this clause (iii) shall be imputed to Executive as additional taxable income to the minimum extent as may be
required to avoid adverse consequences to Executive or the Company under either Section 105(h) of the Code or the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010; provided that, if such imputation does not prevent the imposition of an
excise tax under, or the violation of, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 and as amended from time to time), including, without limitation, Section 4980D of the
Code, the Company shall no longer provide for payment of such medical and dental benefits to Executive (without otherwise limiting Executive’s rights to continuation coverage under applicable law at his personal expense) (the “COBRA
Continuation Coverage”); and 

  
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 (iv) full vesting, exercisability and
non-forfeitability, as applicable, as of the Termination Date, of any unvested portion of the Initial Stock Option Grant and Initial Restricted Stock Unit Grant (the “Equity
Acceleration”). 
 Following Executive’s death or a termination of Executive’s employment by reason of a Disability,
except as set forth in this Section 8(b), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement. 

(c) Termination by the Company with Cause. 

(i) The Company may terminate Executive’s employment at any time with Cause, effective upon Executive’s receipt of written notice of
such termination; provided, however, that with respect to any Cause termination relying on clause (ii) or (vi) of the definition of Cause set forth in paragraph (f) in Appendix A to this
Agreement, to the extent that such act or acts or failure or failures to act are curable, Executive shall be given not less than ten (10) days’ written notice by the Board of the Company’s intention to terminate him with Cause, such
notice to state in detail the particular act or acts or failure or failures to act that constitute the grounds on which the proposed termination with Cause is based, and such termination shall be effective at the expiration of such ten (10) day
notice period unless Executive has fully cured such act or acts or failure or failures to act that give rise to Cause during such period. 

(ii) In the event that the Company terminates Executive’s employment with Cause, Executive shall be entitled only to the Accrued
Obligations. Following such termination of Executive’s employment with Cause, except as set forth in this Section 8(c)(ii), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement. 

(d) Termination by the Company without Cause. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment at any time without Cause, effective
upon Executive’s receipt of written notice of such termination. In the event that Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (other than due to death or Disability), Executive shall be entitled to: 

(i) The Accrued Obligations; 

(ii) The Lump Sum Payment; and 

(iii) The COBRA Continuation Coverage. 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the payments and benefits described in clause (iii) above shall immediately terminate, and the Company
shall have no further obligations to Executive with respect thereto, in the event that Executive breaches any provision of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement. Following such termination of Executive’s employment by the Company without Cause,
except as set forth in this Section 8(d), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, Executive’s sole and exclusive remedy upon a termination of
employment by the Company without Cause shall be receipt of the Severance Benefits. 

  
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 (e) Termination by Executive for any Reason. Executive may terminate Executive’s
employment for any reason by providing the Company fifteen (15) days’ written notice of such termination. In the event of a termination of employment by Executive under this Section 8(e), Executive shall be entitled only to the
Accrued Obligations. In the event of termination of Executive’s employment under this Section 8(e), the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion, by written notice accelerate such date of termination without changing the
characterization of such termination as a termination by the Company without Cause. Following such termination of Executive’s employment by Executive for any reason, except as set forth in this Section 8(e), Executive shall have no further
rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement. 
 (f) Equity Acceleration Upon Removal from Board.
Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, in the event that Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (other than due to death or Disability) prior to October 18, 2019, and Executive is removed as a
member of the Board (other than for Cause or due to a breach of any provision of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement) in connection with or following such termination, Executive shall be entitled to the Equity Acceleration. 

(g) Release. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, the payment of any amount or provision of any benefit pursuant to sub-section (b), (d) or (f) of this Section 8 (other than the Accrued Obligations) (collectively, the “Severance Benefits”) shall be conditioned upon Executive’s (or
his estate or legal representatives) execution, delivery to the Company, and non-revocation of the Release of Claims (and the expiration of any revocation period contained in such Release of Claims) within sixty (60) days following the date of
Executive’s termination of employment hereunder or removal from the Board, as applicable. If Executive fails to execute the Release of Claims in such a timely manner so as to permit any revocation period to expire prior to the end of such sixty
(60) day period, or timely revokes Executive’s acceptance of such release following its execution, Executive shall not be entitled to any of the Severance Benefits. Further, (i) to the extent that any of the Severance Benefits
constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, any payment of any amount or provision of any benefit otherwise scheduled to occur prior to the sixtieth (60th) day following the date of Executive’s termination of employment hereunder, but for the condition on executing the Release of Claims as set forth herein, shall not be made until the first
regularly scheduled payroll date following such sixtieth (60th) day and (ii) to the extent that any of the Severance Benefits do not constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation”
for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, any payment of any amount or provision of any benefit otherwise scheduled to occur following the date of Executive’s termination of employment hereunder, but for the condition on executing the
Release of Claims as set forth herein, shall not be made until the first regularly scheduled payroll date following the date the Release of Claims is timely executed and the applicable revocation period has ended, after which, in each case, any
remaining Severance Benefits shall thereafter be provided to Executive according to the applicable schedule set forth herein. For the avoidance of doubt, in the event of a termination due to Executive’s death or Disability, Executive’s
obligations herein to execute and not revoke the Release of Claims may be satisfied on Executive’s behalf by Executive’s estate or a person having legal power of attorney over Executive’s affairs. 

  
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 Section 9. Restrictive Covenant Agreement. 

As a condition of, and prior to commencement of, Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive shall have executed and delivered to
the Company the Restrictive Covenant Agreement. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that this Agreement and the Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall be considered separate contracts, and the Restrictive Covenant Agreement will survive the
termination of this Agreement for any reason. 
 Section 10. Representations and Warranties of Executive. 

Executive represents and warrants to the Company that: 

(a) Executive is entering into this Agreement voluntarily and that Executive’s employment hereunder and compliance with the terms and
conditions hereof will not conflict with or result in the breach by Executive of any agreement to which Executive is a party or by which Executive may be bound; 

(b) Executive has not violated, and in connection with Executive’s employment with the Company will not violate, any non-solicitation, non-competition, or other similar covenant or agreement of a prior employer by which Executive is or may be bound; and 

(c) in connection with Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive will not use any confidential or proprietary information
Executive may have obtained in connection with employment with any prior employer. 
 Section 11. Taxes. 

The Company may withhold from any payments made under this Agreement all applicable taxes, including but not limited to income, employment, and
social insurance taxes, as shall be required by law. Executive acknowledges and represents that the Company has not provided any tax advice to Executive in connection with this Agreement and that Executive has been advised by the Company to seek tax
advice from Executive’s own tax advisors regarding this Agreement and payments that may be made to Executive pursuant to this Agreement, including specifically, the application of the provisions of Section 409A of the Code to such
payments. 
 Section 12. Set Off; Mitigation. 

The Company’s obligation to pay Executive the amounts provided and to make the arrangements provided hereunder shall be subject to set-off, counterclaim, or recoupment of undisputed amounts owed by Executive to the Company or its affiliates; provided, however, that to the extent any amount so subject to set-off, counterclaim, or recoupment is payable in installments hereunder, such set-off, counterclaim, or recoupment shall not modify the applicable payment date of any
installment, and to the extent an obligation cannot be satisfied by reduction of a single installment payment, any portion not satisfied shall remain an outstanding obligation of Executive and shall be applied to the next installment only at such
time the installment is otherwise payable pursuant to the specified payment schedule. Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefit provided pursuant to this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, and
except as provided in connection with COBRA Continuation Coverage, the amount of any payment or benefit provided for pursuant to this Agreement shall not be reduced by any compensation earned as a result of Executive’s other employment or
otherwise. 

  
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 Section 13. Additional Section 409A Provisions. 

Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary— 

(a) Any payment otherwise required to be made hereunder to Executive at any date as a result of the termination of Executive’s employment
shall be delayed for such period of time as may be necessary to meet the requirements of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code (the “Delay Period”). On the first business day following the expiration of the Delay
Period, Executive shall be paid, in a single cash lump sum, an amount equal to the aggregate amount of all payments delayed pursuant to the preceding sentence, and any remaining payments not so delayed shall continue to be paid pursuant to the
payment schedule set forth herein. 
 (b) Each payment in a series of payments hereunder shall be deemed to be a separate payment for
purposes of Section 409A of the Code. 
 (c) To the extent that any right to reimbursement of expenses or payment of any benefit in-kind under this Agreement constitutes nonqualified deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code), (i) any such expense reimbursement shall be made by the Company no later than the
last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expense was incurred by Executive, (ii) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange
for another benefit, and (iii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other taxable year; provided, that the foregoing clause shall not be violated with regard to expenses reimbursed under any arrangement covered by
Section 105(b) of the Code solely because such expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect. 

(d) While the payments and benefits provided hereunder are intended to be structured in a manner to avoid the implication of any penalty taxes
under Section 409A of the Code, in no event whatsoever shall the Company or any of its affiliates (including, without limitation, the Company) be liable for any additional tax, interest, or penalties that may be imposed on Executive as a result
of Section 409A of the Code or any damages for failing to comply with Section 409A of the Code (other than for withholding obligations or other obligations applicable to employers, if any, under Section 409A of the Code). 

Section 14. Golden Parachute Tax Provision. 

(a) If there is a change in ownership or control of the Company that would cause any payment or distribution by the Company or any other Person
or entity to Executive or for Executive’s benefit (whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise) (a “Payment”) to be subject to the excise tax imposed by
Section 4999 of the Code (such excise tax, together with any interest or penalties incurred by Executive with respect to such excise tax, the “Excise Tax”), then Executive will receive the greatest of the following,
whichever gives Executive the highest net after-tax amount (after taking into account federal, state, local and social security taxes): (a) the Payments or (b) one dollar less

  
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than the amount of the Payments that would subject Executive to the Excise Tax (the “Safe Harbor Amount”). If a reduction in the Payments is necessary so that the
Payments equal the Safe Harbor Amount and none of the Payments constitutes nonqualified deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code), then the reduction shall occur in the manner Executive elects in writing prior to
the date of payment. If any Payment constitutes nonqualified deferred compensation or if Executive fails to elect an order, then the Payments to be reduced will be determined in a manner which has the least economic cost to Executive and, to
the extent the economic cost is equivalent, will be reduced in the inverse order of when payment would have been made to Executive, until the reduction is achieved. All determinations required to be made under this Section 14, including
whether and when the Safe Harbor Amount is required and the amount of the reduction of the Payments and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determination, shall be made by an independent, certified public accounting firm designated by
the Company (the “Accounting Firm”). All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by the Company. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon Company and Executive. 

(b) The Company hereby agrees that, for purposes of determining whether any parachute payment would be subject to the Excise Tax, the non-compete set forth in Exhibit A (the “Non-Compete Provision”) shall be treated as an agreement for the performance of personal services. The Company
hereby agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold Executive harmless from and against any adverse impact, tax, penalty, or excise tax resulting from the Company or the Accounting Firm’s attribution of a value to the
Non-Compete Provision that is less than the product of (i) the greater of (A) the total compensation amount that would be required to be disclosed under Item 402(c) of Securities and Exchange
Commission Regulation S-K for the year prior to the year of the change in control (or, if Executive was not employed by the Company during the year prior to the year of the change in control, the year of the
change in control) (provided that if Executive was not employed for the full year, Executive’s base salary for such year shall be annualized) or (B) an independent valuation of the Non-Compete
Provision, multiplied by (ii) the duration of the Non-Compete Provision in years (this product, the “Post Change in Control Reasonable Compensation”), to the extent that use of
such lesser amount results in a larger Excise Tax than Executive would have been subject to had the Company or Accounting Firm attributed a value to the Non-Compete Provision that is at least equal to the Post
Change in Control Reasonable Compensation. 
 Section 15. Clawbacks. 

All payments made pursuant to this Agreement are subject to the “clawback” obligations of Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Wall
Street Reform and Consumer Act, as may be amended from time to time, and any other “clawback” obligations pursuant to applicable law, rule, regulation or Company policy, in each case as consistently applied to all similarly situated
executives of the Company. 

  
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 Section 16. Successors and Assigns; No Third-Party Beneficiaries. 

(a) The Company. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the Company and its respective successors and assigns. Neither this
Agreement nor any of the rights, obligations, or interests arising hereunder may be assigned by the Company to a Person (other than another member of the Company Group, or its or their respective successors) without Executive’s prior written
consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed, or conditioned); provided, however, that in the event of a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or any direct or indirect division or subsidiary
thereof to which Executive’s employment primarily relates, the Company may provide that this Agreement will be assigned to, and assumed by, the acquiror of such assets, it being agreed that in such circumstances, Executive’s consent will
not be required in connection therewith. In the event of any assignment or assumption of this Agreement or the Restrictive Covenant Agreement in connection with a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or any direct or
indirect division or subsidiary thereof to which Executive’s employment primarily relates, the scope and applicability of Executive’s noncompetition and customer nonsolicitation covenants under the Restrictive Covenant Agreement (or any
other agreement entered into by Executive and the Company prior to such sale) will be determined as of immediately prior to such sale, unless Executive shall otherwise agree or shall continue his employment pursuant to this Agreement and the
Restrictive Covenant Agreement for at least six months following such sale. 
 (b) Executive. Executive’s rights and obligations
under this Agreement shall not be transferable by Executive by assignment or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the Company; provided, however, that if Executive shall die, all amounts then payable to Executive hereunder
(including future unpaid installments thereof) shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to Executive’s devisee, legatee, or other designee, or if there be no such designee, to Executive’s estate. 

(c) No Third-Party Beneficiaries. Except as otherwise set forth in Section 8(b) or Section 16(b) hereof, nothing expressed or
referred to in this Agreement will be construed to give any Person other than the Company, the other members of the Company Group, and Executive any legal or equitable right, remedy, or claim under or with respect to this Agreement or any provision
of this Agreement. 
 Section 17. Waiver and Amendments. 

Any waiver, alteration, amendment, or modification of any of the terms of this Agreement shall be valid only if made in writing and signed by
each of the parties hereto; provided, however, that any such waiver, alteration, amendment, or modification must be consented to on the Company’s behalf by the Board. No waiver by either of the parties hereto of their rights
hereunder shall be deemed to constitute a waiver with respect to any subsequent occurrences or transactions hereunder unless such waiver specifically states that it is to be construed as a continuing waiver. 

Section 18. Severability. 

If any covenants or such other provisions of this Agreement are found to be invalid or unenforceable by a final determination of a court of
competent jurisdiction, (a) the remaining terms and provisions hereof shall be unimpaired, and (b) the invalid or unenforceable term or provision hereof shall be deemed replaced by a term or provision that is valid and enforceable and that
comes closest to expressing the intention of the invalid or unenforceable term or provision hereof. 

  
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 Section 19. Governing Law and Jurisdiction. 

THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, APPLICABLE TO AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE
PERFORMED IN THAT STATE, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAWS RULES. ANY DISPUTE, CONTROVERSY OR CLAIM BETWEEN EXECUTIVE AND THE COMPANY ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR THE RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AGREEMENT SHALL BE RESOLVED BY ARBITRATION ADMINISTERED
BY THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION (“AAA”) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS EMPLOYMENT ARBITRATION RULES INCLUDING THE EMERGENCY INTERIM RELIEF PROCEDURES OF THE AAA. JUDGMENT ON THE AWARD RENDERED BY THE ARBITRATOR(S) MAY BE
ENTERED IN ANY COURT HAVING JURISDICTION THEREOF. THE PLACE OF ARBITRATION SHALL BE WILMINGTON, DELAWARE. THE ARBITRATOR(S) MAY GRANT INJUNCTIONS OR OTHER RELIEF IN SUCH DISPUTE OR CONTROVERSY. THE DECISION OF THE ARBITRATOR(S) SHALL BE FINAL,
CONCLUSIVE AND BINDING ON THE PARTIES TO THE ARBITRATION. EXCEPT AS SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH HEREIN, THE COMPANY SHALL PAY ALL ARBITRATOR’S FEES AND EXPENSES AND EXECUTIVE AND THE COMPANY SHALL EACH BEAR THEIR OWN ATTORNEYS’ FEES INCURRED IN
CONNECTION WITH THE ARBITRATION, AND THE ARBITRATOR(S) WILL NOT HAVE AUTHORITY TO BE ENTITLED TO AWARD ATTORNEYS’ FEES UNLESS A STATUTE OR CONTRACT AT ISSUE IN THE DISPUTE AUTHORIZES THE AWARD OF ATTORNEYS’ FEES TO THE PREVAILING PARTY, IN
WHICH CASE THEARBITRATOR(S) SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO MAKE AN AWARD OF ATTORNEYS’ FEES AS REQUIRED OR PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW. IF THERE IS A DISPUTE AS TO WHETHER THE COMPANY OR EXECUTIVE IS THE PREVAILING PARTY IN THE ARBITRATION, THE
ARBITRATOR(S) WILL DECIDE THIS ISSUE. LIABILITY FOR THE FEES AND EXPENSES OF ALL THE ARBITRATORS WITH RESPECT TO THE ARBITRATION SHALL BE EVENLY DIVIDED BETWEEN THE PARTIES TO THE ARBITRATION. THE DETERMINATION RENDERED BY THE ARBITRATOR(S) SHALL
(I) SPECIFY THE FINDING OF FACTS UPON WHICH IT IS BASED AND THE REASONS THEREFOR, AND (II) BE CONCLUSIVE AND BINDING UPON THE PARTIES. NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF THIS PARAGRAPH, THE COMPANY SHALL NOT BE COMPELLED TO ARBITRATE CLAIMS
ARISING UNDER THE RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AGREEMENT AND MAY INSTITUTE JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS TO ENFORCE THAT AGREEMENT PURSUANT TO THE RESTRICTICE COVENANT AGREEMENT. EXECUTIVE HEREBY AGREES TO SUBMIT ANY AND ALL CLAIMS EXECUTIVE MAY HAVE AGAINST THE
COMPANY ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS. THIS MEANS THAT NO CLAIM (INCLUDING ANY CLAIM RELATED TO TERMS OR CONDITIONS OF EXECUTIVE’S EMPLOYMENT WITH OR COMPENSATION PAID BY THE COMPANY, OR ANY CHANGE IN OR TERMINATION OF EXECUTIVE’S EMPLOYMENT) MAY
BE LITIGATED OR ARBITRATED ON A CLASS OR COLLECTIVE BASIS. EXECUTIVE ALSO HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO SUBMIT, INITIATE, OR PARTICIPATE IN A REPRESENTATIVE CAPACITY OR AS A PLAINTIFF, CLAIMANT, OR MEMBER IN A CLASS ACTION, COLLECTIVE ACTION, OR OTHER
REPRESENTATIVE OR JOINT ACTION AGAINST THE COMPANY, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE ACTION IS FILED IN ARBITRATION OR IN A 

  
 11 

 
JUDICIAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE FORUM. FURTHERMORE, IF A COURT ORDERS THAT A CLASS, COLLECTIVE, OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVE OR JOINT ACTION SHOULD PROCEED, IN NO EVENT WILL SUCH ACTION PROCEED IN AN
ARBITRATION FORUM. CLAIMS MAY NOT BE JOINED OR CONSOLIDATED IN ARBITRATION WITH DISPUTES BROUGHT BY ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL(S), UNLESS AGREED TO IN WRITING BY ALL PARTIES. 

Section 20. Indemnification; D&O Insurance. 

The Company will indemnify and hold Executive harmless for all acts and omissions to act, in the performance of his duties, to the maximum
extent permitted under the Company charter and by-laws and under applicable law. The Company will cover Executive as an insured under any contract of directors and officers liability insurance that covers
other members of the Board. 
 Section 21. Notices. 

(a) Place of Delivery. Every notice or other communication relating to this Agreement shall be in writing, and shall be mailed to or
delivered to the party for whom or which it is intended at such address as may from time to time be designated by it in a notice mailed or delivered to the other party as herein provided; provided, that unless and until some other address be
so designated, all notices and communications shall be mailed or delivered to the following addresses: 
 If to the Company: 

Chairman of the Board/Melinta Therapeutics, Inc. 

c/o Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP 

787 Seventh Avenue 
 New York, New
York 10019 
 Attn: Sean M. Ewen, Esq. 

If to Executive: 

Executive’s last known address, as reflected in the Company’s records. 

(b) Date of Delivery. Any notice so addressed shall be deemed to be given or received (i) if delivered by hand, on the date of
such delivery, (ii) if mailed by courier or by overnight mail, on the first business day following the date of such mailing, and (iii) if mailed by registered or certified mail, on the third business day after the date of such mailing.

 Section 22. Section Headings. 

The headings of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute a part
thereof or affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or of any term or provision hereof. 

  
 12 

 Section 23. Entire Agreement. 

This Agreement, together with any exhibits attached hereto, constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties hereto regarding
the employment of Executive. This Agreement supersedes all prior negotiations, discussions, correspondence, communications, understandings, and agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement. 

Section 24. Survival of Operative Sections. 

Upon any termination of Executive’s employment, the provisions of Section 8 through Section 25 of this Agreement (together with
any related definitions set forth in Appendix A to this Agreement) shall survive to the extent necessary to give effect to the provisions thereof. 

Section 25. Counterparts. 

This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together
shall constitute one and the same instrument. The execution of this Agreement may be by actual signature or by signature delivered by facsimile or by e-mail as a portable document format (.pdf) file or image
file attachment. 
 * * * 

[Signatures to appear on the following page(s).] 

  
 13 

 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the date first above
written. 
  

			
	MELINTA THERAPEUTICS, INC.

  

			
	By:	 	 /s/ Peter Milligan

		 	Title: Chief Financial Officer

 
			
		
	EXECUTIVE	 	
	
	 /s/ John Johnson

	
	John Johnson

 [Signature Page to J. Johnson Employment Agreement] 

 Appendix A 

Definitions 
 In this
Appendix A, and in the Agreement unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the meanings assigned below (unless otherwise specified Section references in this
Appendix A are to Sections of this Agreement): 
 (a) “AAA” shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 19 hereof. 
 (b) “Accounting Firm” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 14 hereof.

 (c) “Accrued Obligations” shall mean (i) all accrued but unpaid Salary through the Termination Date,
(ii) any unpaid or unreimbursed expenses incurred in accordance with Section 7 hereof, and (iii) any benefits provided under the Company’s employee benefit plans upon a termination of employment (excluding any employee benefit
plan providing for severance or similar benefits), in accordance with the terms contained therein. 
 (d) “Agreement”
shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto. 
 (e) “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the
Company. 
 (f) “Cause” shall mean (i) Executive’s act(s) of gross negligence or willful misconduct in the
course of Executive’s employment hereunder, (ii) willful failure or refusal in any material respect by Executive to perform Executive’s duties or responsibilities, (iii) misappropriation (or attempted misappropriation) by
Executive of any assets or business opportunities of the Company or any other member of the Company Group, (iv) embezzlement or fraud committed (or attempted) by Executive, at Executive’s direction, or with Executive’s prior actual
knowledge, (v) Executive’s conviction of or pleading “guilty” or “ no contest” to, (x) a felony or (y) any other criminal charge that has, or could be reasonably expected to have, an adverse impact on the
performance of Executive’s duties to the Company or any other member of the Company Group or otherwise result in material injury to the reputation or business of the Company or any other member of the Company Group, (vi) any material
violation by Executive of the material policies of the Company, including but not limited to those relating to sexual harassment or business conduct, and those otherwise set forth in the manuals or statements of policy of the Company, or
(vii) Executive’s material breach of this Agreement or breach of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement. If, within ninety (90) days subsequent to Executive’s termination for any reason other than by the Company for Cause, the
Company discovers that Executive’s employment could have been terminated for Cause, Executive’s employment will be deemed to have been terminated for Cause for all purposes, and Executive will be required to disgorge to the Company all
amounts received pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise on account of such termination that would not have been payable to Executive had such termination been by the Company for Cause. 

(g) “Change in Control” shall have the meaning set forth in the Melinta Therapeutics, Inc. 2018 Stock Incentive Plan,
as amended from time to time. 

  
 A-1 

 (h) “COBRA” shall mean Part 6 of Title I of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and Section 4980B of the Code, and the rules and regulations promulgated under either of them. 

(i) “COBRA Continuation Coverage” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8(b)(ii) hereof. 

(j) “COBRA Continuation Period” shall mean the eighteen (18) month period following Executive’s Termination
Date. 
 (k) “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder. 
 (l) “Commencement Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2 hereof. 

(m) “Company” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto. 

(n) “Company Group” shall mean the Company together with any direct or indirect subsidiaries of the Company. 

(o) “Compensation Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board. 

(p) “Delay Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13(a) hereof. 

(q) “Disability” shall mean any physical or mental disability or infirmity of Executive that prevents the performance
of Executive’s duties for a period of (i) ninety (90) consecutive days or (ii) one hundred twenty (120) non-consecutive days during any twelve (12) month period. Any question as
to the existence, extent, or potentiality of Executive’s Disability upon which Executive and the Company cannot agree shall be determined by a qualified, independent physician selected by the Company. The determination of any such physician
shall be final and conclusive for all purposes of this Agreement. 
 (r) “Equity Acceleration” shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 8(b)(iii) hereof. 
 (s) “Excise Tax” shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 14(a) hereof. 
 (t) “Executive” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto. 

(u) “Initial Stock Option Grant” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(c) hereof. 

(v) “Initial Restricted Stock Unit Grant” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(c). 

(w) “Lump Sum Payment” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8(b)(iv) hereof. 

(x) “Non-Compete Provision” shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 14(b) hereof. 

  
 A-2 

 (y) “Payment” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 14(a)
hereof. 
 (z) “Person” shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint
venture, association, joint-stock company, trust (charitable or non-charitable), unincorporated organization, or other form of business entity. 

(aa) “Post Change in Control Reasonable Compensation” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 14(b) hereof.

 (bb) “Release of Claims” shall mean the Release of Claims in substantially the same form attached hereto as
Exhibit B (as the same may be revised from time to time by the Company upon the advice of counsel). 
 (cc)
“Restrictive Covenant Agreement” shall mean the Employee Noncompetition, Nondisclosure and Developments Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A. 

(dd) “Safe Harbor Amount” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 14 hereof. 

(ee) “Salary” shall mean the salary provided for in Section 4(a) hereof or any increased salary granted to
Executive pursuant to Section 4(a) hereof. 
 (ff) “Severance Benefits” shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 8(g) hereof. 
 (gg) “Term” shall mean the period specified in Section 2 hereof. 

(hh) “Termination Date” shall mean the date on which Executive’s employment hereunder terminates in accordance
with this Agreement (which, in the case of a notice of non-renewal of the Term in accordance with Section 2 hereof, shall mean the date on which the Term expires). 

  
 A-3 

 Exhibit A 

EMPLOYEE NONCOMPETITION, 

NONDISCLOSURE AND DEVELOPMENTS AGREEMENT 

This Employee Noncompetition, Nondisclosure and Developments Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into by and between John
Johnson the undersigned employee and Melinta Therapeutics, Inc., its parents, affiliates and subsidiaries (the “Company”) on the date set forth beneath the parties’ signatures (the “Effective Date”). 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of my employment by the Company pursuant to the employment agreement entered into with the Company
contemporaneous with this Agreement (“Employment Agreement”) and of the covenants herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, I hereby covenant and agree as follows: 

 

	1.	 Noncompetition. 

During the period of my employment by the Company, I shall not, directly or indirectly, alone or as a consultant, partner, officer, director,
employee, joint venturer, lender or stockholder of any entity, engage in any business or activity that is in competition with the products or services being created, developed, manufactured, marketed, distributed or sold by the Company in
(a) the United States or (b) worldwide. For the twenty-four (24) month period following the termination of my employment, regardless of the reasons for my termination, I will not engage in the management of or participation in
programs at or on behalf of any entity in the business of developing, marketing or selling anti-infective products that compete with the anti-infective products being created, developed, manufactured, marketed, distributed or sold by the Company
during my employment or in which the Company is planning to engage or has in the previous twelve (12) months engaged. Prohibited activities under the immediately preceding sentence are referred to as “Competitive” products.

  

	2.	 Nonsolicitation of Customers. 

During the period of my employment by the Company and for the eighteen (18) month period following the termination of my employment,
regardless of the reasons for my termination, I shall not, directly or indirectly, alone or as a consultant, partner, officer, director, employee, joint venturer, lender or stockholder of any entity, solicit or do business with any customer of the
Company or any potential customer of the Company (i) with whom I have had contact or (ii) about whom I obtained information, or became familiar with through Confidential Information (as defined in Paragraph 5), during the course of my
employment with the Company, for the purpose of developing, marketing or selling Competitive products. 
  

	3.	 Nonsolicitation of Employees. 

(a) During the period of my employment by the Company and for the eighteen (18) month period following the termination of my employment,
regardless of the reasons for the termination, I will not, in any manner, hire or engage, or assist any company or business organization by which I am employed or which is directly or indirectly controlled by me to hire or engage, any person who is
or was employed by the Company (or is or was an individual independent contractor providing significant services to the Company) within the twelve (12) month period prior to the date of such hiring. 

  
 A-1 

 (b) During the period of my employment by the Company and for the eighteen (18) month
period following the termination of my employment, regardless of the reasons for the termination, I will not, in any manner, solicit, recruit or induce, or assist any company or business organization by which I am employed or which is directly or
indirectly controlled by me to solicit, recruit or induce, any person who is or was employed by the Company (or is or was an individual independent contractor providing significant services to the Company) within the twelve (12) month period
prior to the date of such hiring, to leave his or her employment, relationship or engagement with the Company. 
 (c) Further, during the
period of my employment by the Company and for the eighteen (18) month period following the termination of my employment, regardless of the reasons for the termination, I shall not interfere with the Company’s relationship with any agent,
representative, contractor, project consultant or consultant then engaged by the Company. 
  

	4.	 Nondisclosure. 

I shall not at any time, whether during or after the termination of my employment, reveal to any person or entity any Confidential Information
except to (a) employees of the Company who need to know such Confidential Information for the purposes of their employment, (b) others as I reasonably determine appropriate to discharge my duties with the Company, or (c) as otherwise
authorized by the Company in writing. The term “Confidential Information” shall include any information concerning the organization, business or finances of the Company or of any third party which the Company is under an obligation
to keep confidential that is maintained by the Company as confidential. Such Confidential Information shall include, but is not limited to, trade secrets or confidential information respecting inventions, products, designs, methods, know-how, techniques, systems, processes, specifications, blueprints, engineering data, software programs, works of authorship, customer lists, customer information, financial information, pricing information,
personnel information, business plans, projects, plans and proposals. I shall keep confidential all matters entrusted to me and shall not use or attempt to use any Confidential Information except as may be required in the ordinary course of
performing my duties as an employee of the Company, nor shall I use any Confidential Information in any manner which may injure or cause loss or may be calculated to injure or cause loss to the Company, whether directly or indirectly. 

 

	5.	 Assignment of Developments. 

(a) If at any time or times during my employment, I shall (either alone or with others) make, conceive, create, discover, invent or reduce to
practice any Development that (i) relates to the business of the Company or any customer of or supplier to the Company or any of the products or services being developed, manufactured or sold by the Company or which may be used in relation
therewith; or (ii) results from tasks assigned to me by the Company; or (iii) results from the use of premises or personal property (whether tangible or intangible) owned, leased or contracted for by the Company, then all such Developments
and the benefits thereof are and shall immediately become the sole and absolute property of the Company and its assigns, as works made 

  
 A-2 

 
for hire or otherwise. The term “Development” shall mean any invention, modification, discovery, design, development, improvement, process, software program, work of authorship,
documentation, formula, data, technique, know-how, trade secret or intellectual property right whatsoever or any interest therein (whether or not patentable or registrable under copyright, trademark or similar
statutes (including, but not limited to, the Semiconductor Chip Protection Act) or subject to analogous protection). I shall promptly disclose to the Company (or any persons designated by it) each such Development. I hereby assign all rights
(including, but not limited to, rights to inventions, patentable subject matter, copyrights and trademarks) I may have or may acquire in the Developments and all benefits and/or rights resulting therefrom to the Company and its assigns without
further compensation and shall communicate, without cost or delay, and without disclosing to others the same, all available information relating thereto (with all necessary plans and models) to the Company. 

(b) Excluded Developments. I represent that the Developments identified in the Appendix, if any, attached hereto comprise all the
Developments that I have made or conceived prior to my employment by the Company and that are owned or controlled by me, which Developments are excluded from this Agreement. I understand that it is only necessary to list the title of such
Developments and the purpose thereof but not details of the Development itself. If no Developments are identified in the Appendix, it will be deemed that there are no such exclusions. 

 

	6.	 Whistleblower; Defend Trade Secrets Act Disclosure. 

In addition, I understand that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit me from reporting possible violations of law or
regulation to any governmental agency or regulatory body or making other disclosures that are protected under any law or regulation, or from filing a charge with or participating in any investigation or proceeding conducted by any governmental
agency or regulatory body. 
 I understand that the Defend Trade Secrets Act provides that I may not be held criminally or civilly liable
under any Federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made in confidence to a Federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting
or investigating a suspected violation of law; or that is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In the event that I file a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for
reporting a suspected violation of law, I may disclose the trade secret to my attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if I file any document containing the trade secret under seal and do not disclose the trade secret,
except pursuant to court order. 
  

	7.	 Non-Disparagement. 

During the period of my employment by the Company, and at all times thereafter, I will not make any disparaging or defamatory comments
regarding the Company or its respective current or former directors, officers, employees or shareholders in any respect or make any comments concerning any aspect of my relationship with the Company or any conduct or events which precipitated any
termination of my employment from the Company. During the period of my employment by the Company, and at all times thereafter, the Company will not, through any authorized public statement, and will direct the Company’s officers and members of
the board of 

  
 A-3 

 
directors not to make any disparaging or defamatory comments regarding me in any respect or make any comments concerning any aspect of my relationship with the Company or any conduct or events
which precipitated any termination of my employment from the Company. However, the Company’s and my obligations under this paragraph 7 shall not apply to disclosures required by applicable law, regulation, or order of a court or governmental
agency. 
  

	8.	 Further Assurances. 

I shall, during my employment and at any time thereafter, at the request and cost of the Company, promptly sign, execute, make and do all such
deeds, documents, acts and things as the Company and its duly authorized officers may reasonably require: 
 (a) to apply for, obtain,
register and vest in the name of the Company alone (unless the Company otherwise directs) patents, copyrights, trademarks or other analogous protection in any country throughout the world relating to a Development and when so obtained or vested to
renew and restore the same; and 
 (b) to defend any judicial, opposition or other proceedings in respect of such applications and any
judicial, opposition or other proceeding, petition or application for revocation of any such patent, copyright, trademark or other analogous protection. 

(c) If the Company is unable, after reasonable effort, to secure my signature on any application for patent, copyright, trademark or other
analogous protection or other documents regarding any legal protection relating to a Development, whether because of my physical or mental incapacity or for any other reason whatsoever, I hereby irrevocably designate and appoint the Company and its
duly authorized officers and agents as my agent and attorney-in-fact, to act for and in my behalf and stead to execute and file any such application or applications or
other documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the prosecution and issuance of patent, copyright or trademark registrations or any other legal protection thereon with the same legal force and effect as if executed by me. 

 

	9.	 Employment At Will. 

I understand that this Agreement does not constitute an implied or written employment contract and that my employment with the Company is on an
“at-will” basis. Accordingly, I understand that either the Company or I may terminate my employment at any time, for any or no reason, subject to the terms of my Employment Agreement. 

 

	10.	 Severability. 

I hereby agree that each provision and the subparts of each provision herein shall be treated as separate and independent clauses, and the
unenforceability of any one clause shall in no way impair the enforceability of any of the other clauses of this Agreement. Moreover, if one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall for any reason be held to be excessively broad
as to scope, activity, subject or otherwise so as to be unenforceable at law, such provision or provisions shall be construed by the appropriate judicial body by limiting or reducing it or them, so as to be enforceable to the maximum extent
compatible with the applicable law as it shall then appear. I hereby further agree that the language of all parts of this Agreement shall in all cases be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning and not strictly for or against either of
the parties. 

  
 A-4 

	11.	 Amendments; Waiver. 

Any amendment to or modification of this Agreement, or any waiver of any provision hereof, shall be in writing and signed by the Company. Any
waiver by the Company of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach of such provision or any other provision hereof. 

 

	12.	 Survival. 

This agreement shall be effective as of the Effective Date. The parties obligations under this Agreement shall survive the termination of my
employment regardless of the manner of such termination, in accordance with the terms hereof, and shall be binding, respectively, upon the Company’s successors and assigns and on my heirs, executors, administrators and legal representatives.

  

	13.	 Assignment. 

The Company shall have the right to assign this Agreement to its successors and assigns, and all covenants and agreements hereunder shall inure
to the benefit of and be enforceable by said successors or assigns. I may not assign this Agreement. 
  

	14.	 Representations. 

(a) I represent that my employment with the Company and my performance of all of the terms of this Agreement do not and will not breach any
agreement to keep in confidence proprietary information acquired by me in confidence or in trust prior to my employment by the Company. I have not entered into, and I shall not enter into, any agreement either written or oral in conflict herewith. I
agree that in the course of my employment with the Company, if the Company requests that I undertake activities that will cause me to use Confidential Information of my prior employer, I will inform the Company of that fact. 

(b) I agree that the restrictions set forth in this Agreement are reasonable and necessary to protect specific business interests of the
Company. I agree that any breach of this Agreement by me will cause irreparable damage to the Company and that in the event of such breach the Company shall have, in addition to any and all remedies of law, the right to an injunction, specific
performance or other equitable relief to prevent the violation of my obligations hereunder. The Company may apply for such injunctive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction without the necessity of posting any bond or other security. 

 

	15.	 Governing Law; Forum Selection Clause. 

This Agreement and any claims arising out of this Agreement (or any other claims arising out of the relationship between the parties) shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware and shall in all respects be interpreted, enforced and governed under the internal and domestic laws of such state, without giving effect to the principles of conflicts
of laws of such state. Any claims or legal actions by one party against the other shall be commenced and maintained in any state or federal court located in such state, and I hereby submit to the jurisdiction and venue of any such court. 

  
 A-5 

	16.	 Entire Agreement. 

This Agreement sets forth the complete, sole and entire agreement between the parties on the subject matter herein and supersedes any and all
other agreements, negotiations, discussions, proposals, or understandings, whether oral or written, previously entered into, discussed or considered by the parties 

[Signature to appear on the following page.] 

  
 A-6 

 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement on the Effective Date. 

 

			
	Melinta Therapeutics, Inc.
		
	By:	 	 /s/ Peter Milligan

		 	Title: Chief Financial Officer
	
	 /s/ John Johnson

	John Johnson

  

			
	Address:	 	  

	  

	  

		
	Date:	 	 October 22, 2018

 [Signature Page to Employee Noncompetition, Nondisclosure and Developments Agreement] 

 APPENDIX – TITLE/PURPOSE OF DEVELOPMENTS 

The following is a complete list of all Developments owned or controlled by me and the purpose of those Developments: 

If There Are No Developments Check Her              

eIf There Are Developments Check Here And List
Below             
 Developments and purpose: 

 

	
	  

	  

	  

	  

	  

	  

 Exhibit B 

RELEASE OF CLAIMS 

As used in this Release of Claims (this “Release”), the term “claims” will include all claims,
covenants, warranties, promises, undertakings, actions, suits, causes of action, obligations, debts, accounts, attorneys’ fees, judgments, losses, and liabilities, of whatsoever kind or nature, in law, in equity, or otherwise. 

For and in consideration of the Severance Benefits (as defined in my Employment Agreement, dated October 22, 2018, with Melinta
Therapeutics, Inc. (such corporation, the “Company” and such agreement, my “Employment Agreement”)), and other good and valuable consideration, I, John Johnson, for and on behalf of myself
and my heirs, administrators, executors, and assigns, effective as of the date on which this release becomes effective pursuant to its terms, do fully and forever release, remise, and discharge each of the Company and each of its direct and indirect
subsidiaries and affiliates, and their respective successors and assigns, together with their respective current and former officers, directors, partners, shareholders, employees, and agents (collectively, and with the Company,
the “Group”), from any and all claims whatsoever up to the date hereof that I had, may have had, or now have against the Group, whether known or unknown, for or by reason of any matter, cause, or thing whatsoever,
including any claim arising out of or attributable to my employment or the termination of my employment with the Company, whether for tort, breach of express or implied employment contract, intentional infliction of emotional distress, wrongful
termination, unjust dismissal, defamation, libel, or slander, or under any federal, state, or local law dealing with discrimination based on age, race, sex, national origin, handicap, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. The release of
claims in this Release includes, but is not limited to, all claims arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (“ADEA”), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988 and the Equal Pay Act of 1963, each as may
be amended from time to time, and all other federal, state, and local laws, the common law, and any other purported restriction on an employer’s right to terminate the employment of employees. The release contained herein is intended to be a
general release of any and all claims to the fullest extent permissible by law and for the provisions regarding the release of claims against the Group to be construed as broadly as possible, and hereby incorporate in this release similar federal,
state or other laws, all of which I also hereby expressly waive. 
 I understand and agree that claims or facts in addition to or different
from those which are now known or believed by me to exist may hereafter be discovered, but it is my intention to fully and forever release, remise and discharge all claims which I had, may have had, or now have against the Group, whether known or
unknown, suspected or unsuspected, asserted or unasserted, contingent or noncontingent, without regard to the subsequent discovery or existence of such additional or different facts. Without limiting the foregoing, by signing this Release, I
expressly waive and release any provision of law that purports to limit the scope of a general release. 

  
 B-1 

 I acknowledge and agree that as of the date I execute this Release, I have no knowledge of
any facts or circumstances that give rise or could give rise to any claims under any of the laws listed in the preceding paragraphs. 
 By
executing this Release, I specifically release all claims relating to my employment and its termination under the ADEA, a United States federal statute that, among other things, prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in employment and employee
benefit plans. 
 Notwithstanding any provision of this Release to the contrary, by executing this Release, I am not releasing (i) any
claims relating to my rights under Section 8 of my Employment Agreement, (ii) any claims that cannot be waived by law, or (iii) my right of indemnification and coverage under Company directors and officers liability insurance under
Section 20 of my Employment Agreement. 
 I expressly acknowledge and agree that I – 

 

	 	•	 	 Am able to read the language, and understand the meaning and effect, of this Release; 

 

	 	•	 	 Have no physical or mental impairment of any kind that has interfered with my ability to read and understand the
meaning of this Release or its terms, and that I am not acting under the influence of any medication, drug, or chemical of any type in entering into this Release; 

 

	 	•	 	 Am specifically agreeing to the terms of the release contained in this Release because the Company has agreed to
pay me the Severance Benefits in consideration for my agreement to accept it in full settlement of all possible claims I might have or ever have had, and because of my execution of this Release; 

 

	 	•	 	 Acknowledge that, but for my execution of this Release, I would not be entitled to the Severance Benefits;

  

	 	•	 	 Understand that, by entering into this Release, I do not waive rights or claims under the ADEA that may arise
after the date I execute this Release; 

  

	 	•	 	 Had or could have had [twenty-one (21)][forty-five (45)]1 calendar days from the date of my termination of employment (the “Release Expiration Date”) in which to review and consider this Release, and that if I execute this
Release prior to the Release Expiration Date, I have voluntarily and knowingly waived the remainder of the review period; 

  

	 	•	 	 Have not relied upon any representation or statement not set forth in this Release or my Employment Agreement
made by the Company or any of its representatives; 

  

	1 	 To be selected based on whether applicable termination was “in connection with an exit incentive or other
employment termination program” (as such phrase is defined in the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967). 

  
 B-2 

	 	•	 	 Was advised to consult with my attorney regarding the terms and effect of this Release; and

  

	 	•	 	 Have signed this Release knowingly and voluntarily. 

I represent and warrant that I have not previously filed, and to the maximum extent permitted by law agree that I will not file, a complaint,
charge, or lawsuit against any member of the Group regarding any of the claims released herein. If, notwithstanding this representation and warranty, I have filed or file such a complaint, charge, or lawsuit, I agree that I shall cause such
complaint, charge, or lawsuit to be dismissed with prejudice and shall pay any and all costs required in obtaining dismissal of such complaint, charge, or lawsuit, including without limitation the attorneys’ fees of any member of the Group
against whom I have filed such a complaint, charge, or lawsuit. This paragraph shall not apply, however, to a claim of age discrimination under the ADEA or to any non-waivable right to file a charge with the
United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (the “EEOC”) or similar state agency; provided, however, that if the EEOC or similar state agency were to pursue any claims relating to my employment
with the Company, I agree that I shall not be entitled to recover any monetary damages or any other remedies or benefits as a result and that this Release and Section 8 of my Employment Agreement will control as the exclusive remedy and full
settlement of all such claims by me. 
 I hereby agree to waive any and all claims to re-employment
with the Company or any other member of the Group and affirmatively agree not to seek further employment with the Company or any other member of the Group. I acknowledge that if I re-apply for or seek
employment with the Company or any other member of the Group, the Company’s or any other member of the Group’s refusal to hire me based on this provision will provide a complete defense to any claims arising from my attempt to apply for
employment. 
 Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, this Release will not become effective or enforceable prior to the
expiration of the period of seven (7) calendar days immediately following the date of its execution by me (the “Revocation Period”), during which time I may revoke my acceptance of this Release by notifying the
Company and the Board of Directors of the Company, in writing, delivered to the Company at its principal executive office, marked for the attention of its Chairman of the Board. To be effective, such revocation must be received by the Company no
later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the seventh (7th) calendar day following the execution of this Release. Provided that this Release is executed and I do not revoke it during the
Revocation Period, the eighth (8th) calendar day following the date on which this Release is executed shall be its effective date. I acknowledge and agree that if I revoke this Release during the
Revocation Period, this Release will be null and void and of no effect, and neither the Company nor any other member of the Group will have any obligations to pay me the Severance Benefits. 

The provisions of this Release shall be binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators, legal personal representatives, and assigns. If any
provision of this Release shall be held by any court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void, or unenforceable, such provision shall be of no force or effect. The illegality or unenforceability of such provision, however, shall have no effect
upon and shall not impair the enforceability of any other provision of this Release. 

  
 B-3 

 THIS RELEASE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF
DELAWARE, APPLICABLE TO AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED IN THAT STATE, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAWS RULES. ANY DISPUTE, CONTROVERSY OR CLAIM BETWEEN ME AND THE COMPANY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS RELEASE SHALL BE RESOLVED BY
ARBITRATION ADMINISTERED BY THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION (“AAA”) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS EMPLOYMENT ARBITRATION RULES INCLUDING THE EMERGENCY INTERIM RELIEF PROCEDURES OF THE AAA. JUDGMENT ON THE AWARD RENDERED BY THE
ARBITRATOR(S) MAY BE ENTERED IN ANY COURT HAVING JURISDICTION THEREOF. THE PLACE OF ARBITRATION SHALL BE WILMINGTON, DELAWARE. THE ARBITRATOR(S) MAY GRANT INJUNCTIONS OR OTHER RELIEF IN SUCH DISPUTE OR CONTROVERSY. THE DECISION OF THE ARBITRATOR(S)
SHALL BE FINAL, CONCLUSIVE AND BINDING ON THE PARTIES TO THE ARBITRATION. EXCEPT AS SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH HEREIN, THE COMPANY AND I SHALL EACH BEAR OUR OWN ATTORNEYS’ FEES INCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH THE ARBITRATION, AND THE ARBITRATOR(S) WILL
NOT HAVE AUTHORITY TO BE ENTITLED TO AWARD ATTORNEYS’ FEES UNLESS A STATUTE OR CONTRACT AT ISSUE IN THE DISPUTE AUTHORIZES THE AWARD OF ATTORNEYS’ FEES TO THE PREVAILING PARTY, IN WHICH CASE THE ARBITRATOR(S) SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO
MAKE AN AWARD OF ATTORNEYS’ FEES AS REQUIRED OR PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW. IF THERE IS A DISPUTE AS TO WHETHER THE COMPANY IS OR I AM THE PREVAILING PARTY IN THE ARBITRATION, THE ARBITRATOR(S) WILL DECIDE THIS ISSUE. LIABILITY FOR THE FEES
AND EXPENSES OF ALL THE ARBITRATORS WITH RESPECT TO THE ARBITRATION SHALL BE EVENLY DIVIDED BETWEEN THE PARTIES TO THE ARBITRATION. THE DETERMINATION RENDERED BY THE ARBITRATOR(S) SHALL (I) SPECIFY THE FINDING OF FACTS UPON WHICH IT IS BASED
AND THE REASONS THEREFOR, AND (II) BE CONCLUSIVE AND BINDING UPON THE PARTIES. NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF THIS PARAGRAPH, I HEREBY AGREE TO SUBMIT ANY AND ALL CLAIMS I MAY HAVE AGAINST THE COMPANY ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS. THIS MEANS THAT
NO CLAIM (INCLUDING ANY CLAIM RELATED TO TERMS OR CONDITIONS OF MY EMPLOYMENT WITH OR COMPENSATION PAID BY THE COMPANY, OR ANY CHANGE IN OR TERMINATION OF MY EMPLOYMENT) MAY BE LITIGATED OR ARBITRATED ON A CLASS OR COLLECTIVE BASIS. I ALSO HEREBY
WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO SUBMIT, INITIATE, OR PARTICIPATE IN A REPRESENTATIVE CAPACITY OR AS A PLAINTIFF, CLAIMANT, OR MEMBER IN A CLASS ACTION, COLLECTIVE ACTION, OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVE OR JOINT ACTION AGAINST THE COMPANY, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE
ACTION IS FILED IN ARBITRATION OR IN A JUDICIAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE FORUM. FURTHERMORE, IF A COURT ORDERS THAT A CLASS, COLLECTIVE, OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVE OR JOINT ACTION SHOULD PROCEED, IN NO EVENT WILL SUCH ACTION PROCEED IN AN ARBITRATION FORUM.
CLAIMS MAY NOT BE JOINED OR CONSOLIDATED IN ARBITRATION WITH DISPUTES BROUGHT BY ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL(S), UNLESS AGREED TO IN WRITING BY ALL PARTIES. 

  
 B-4 

 Capitalized terms used, but not defined herein, shall have the meanings ascribed to such
terms in my Employment Agreement. 

*            *           
 * 

  
 B-5 

 I, John Johnson, have executed this Release of Claims on the date set forth below: 

 

			
	  

	John Johnson
	
	Date: [To Be Executed Following
Termination of Employment]

  
 B-6EX-10.2

 Exhibit 10.2 
  

 
  
  

October 23, 2018 
 Mr. Daniel Mark Wechsler 

Address on file with the Company 
 Dear
Dan, 
 Reference is hereby made to the employment agreement by and between you and Melinta Therapeutics, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries,
“Melinta”), dated October 30, 2017 (the “Employment Agreement”), and the Restricted Stock Unit Award Grant Notice and the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, with a date of grant of November 3, 2017
(together, the “RSU Grant”). Capitalized terms not defined in this letter shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Employment Agreement. 

In connection with the termination of your employment, effective as of October 18, 2018 (the “Separation Date”), in addition to any
other payments or benefits due to you under the Employment Agreement, twenty-five percent (25%) of the restricted stock units covered by the RSU Grant (or 45,915 restricted stock units) will vest on December 31, 2018 (the “Vesting
Date”), subject to your executing, delivering and not revoking the Release of Claims as required pursuant to Section 8(g) of the Employment Agreement and your continued compliance with the Restrictive Covenant Agreement through the
Vesting Date. For the avoidance of doubt, the remaining restricted stock units covered by the RSU Grant and all other unvested equity awards granted to you by Melinta which were outstanding on the Separation Date shall remain outstanding following
the Separation Date and subject to vesting (if a Change in Control (as defined in the Employment Agreement) occurs at any time within three months following the Separation Date) or forfeiture as provided in the last sentence of Section 8(d)(vi)
of the Employment Agreement. 
 In addition, you should direct all requests for references from any potential future employer to the Senior Vice President,
Human Resources, who will provide dates of employment and positions held and will tell the person seeking the reference that you left to pursue other opportunities and that company policy prohibits the sharing of any additional information. 

Please confirm your agreement with the terms set forth above by signing this letter in the space provided below and returning a copy of it to me. 

 We have valued having you as a member of our team, and we thank you for all of your contributions to
Melinta. We wish you the best of luck in all of your future endeavors. 
  

	
	Sincerely,
	
	/s/ Kevin Ferro
	
	 Kevin Ferro
 Chairman of the
Board

  

	
	AGREED, ACKNOWLEDGED AND ACCEPTED:
	
	/s/  Daniel Mark Wechsler
	 Daniel Mark Wechsler
 Date: October 23,
2018

  
 2

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