Document:

EX-10.1

 Exhibit 10.1 

VITAL THERAPIES, INC. 

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT 

This Indemnification Agreement (“Agreement”) is made as of ____________, 20__, by and between Vital Therapies, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and ______________ (“Indemnitee”). This Agreement supersedes and replaces any and all previous Agreements between the Company and Indemnitee covering the subject matter of this
Agreement. 
 WHEREAS, the Company and Indemnitee recognize the significant cost of directors’ and officers’
liability insurance and the general reductions in the coverage of such insurance; 
 WHEREAS, the Company and Indemnitee
further recognize the substantial increase in corporate litigation in general, subjecting officers and directors to expensive litigation risks at the same time as the coverage of liability insurance has been severely limited; 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to attract and retain the services of highly qualified individuals, such as Indemnitee, to serve as
officers and directors of the Company and to indemnify its officers and directors so as to provide them with the maximum protection permitted by law; 

WHEREAS, it is reasonable, prudent and necessary for the Company contractually to obligate itself to indemnify, and to advance
expenses on behalf of, qualified individuals such as Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law so that they will serve or continue to serve the Company free from undue concern that they will not be so indemnified; 

WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Bylaws and Certificate of Incorporation of the Company and
any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed to substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and 

WHEREAS, Indemnitee does not regard the protection available under the Bylaws and Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
and insurance as adequate in the present circumstances, and may not be willing to serve as an officer or director without adequate protection, and the Company desires Indemnitee to serve in such capacity. Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to
serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that he be so indemnified. 
 NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration for Indemnitee’s services as an officer or director of the Company, the Company and Indemnitee hereby agree as follows: 

1. Definitions. 
 (a) A
“Change in Control” shall be deemed to occur upon the earliest to occur after the date of this Agreement of any of the following events: 

(i) Acquisition of Stock by Third Party. Any Person (as defined below becomes the Beneficial Owner (as defined below), directly or
indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifteen percent (15%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities unless the change in relative Beneficial Ownership of the Company’s
securities by any Person results solely from a reduction in the aggregate number of outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors; 

 (ii) Change in Board Composition. During any period of two consecutive years (not
including any period prior to the execution of this Agreement), individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Company’s board of directors, and any new directors (other than a director designated by a person who has entered
into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in Sections 1(a)(i), 1(a)(iii) or 1(a)(iv)) whose election by the board of directors or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at
least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the
members of the Company’s board of directors; 
 (iii) Corporate Transactions. The effective date of a merger or consolidation
of the Company with any other entity, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent (either by remaining
outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation and with the
power to elect at least a majority of the board of directors or other governing body of such surviving entity; 
 (iv) Liquidation.
The approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; and 

(v) Other Events. Any other event of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of
Regulation 14A (or in response to any similar item on any similar schedule or form) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement. 

For purposes of this Section 1(a), the following terms shall have the following meanings: 

(1) “Person” shall have the meaning as set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended; provided, however, that “Person” shall exclude (i) the Company, (ii) any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, and (iii) any corporation owned,
directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company. 

(2) “Beneficial Owner” shall have the meaning given to such term in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended; provided, however, that “Beneficial Owner” shall exclude any Person otherwise becoming a Beneficial Owner by reason of (i) the stockholders of the Company approving a merger of the Company with another
entity or (ii) the Company’s board of directors approving a sale of securities by the Company to such Person. 
 (b)
“Corporate Status” describes the status of a person who is or was a director, trustee, general partner, managing member, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company or any other Enterprise. 

(c) “DGCL” means the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. 

(d) “Disinterested Director” means a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of
which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee. 

  
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 (e) “Enterprise” means the Company and any other corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, trustee, general partner, managing member, officer, employee, agent or
fiduciary. 
 (f) “Expenses” include all reasonable attorneys’ fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees
and costs of experts and other professionals, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, and federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a
result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, ERISA excise taxes and penalties, and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to
prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding. Expenses also include (i) Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Proceeding, including without
limitation the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedeas bond or other appeal bond or their equivalent, and (ii) for purposes of Section 12(d), Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the
interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement or under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company. The parties agree that for the purposes of any
advancement of Expenses for which Indemnitee has made written demand to the Company in accordance with this Agreement, all Expenses included in such demand that are certified by affidavit of Indemnitee’s counsel as being reasonable shall be
presumed conclusively to be reasonable. Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee. 

(g) “Independent Counsel” means a law firm, or a partner or member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of
corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than as Independent Counsel with respect to matters concerning
Indemnitee under this Agreement, or other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term
“Independent Counsel” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to
determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all Expenses, claims, liabilities
and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto. 
 (h) “Proceeding” means any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit, claim, counterclaim, cross claim, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding,
whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative, legislative or investigative (formal or informal) nature, including any appeal therefrom and including without limitation any such Proceeding
pending as of the date of this Agreement, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be involved as a party, a potential party, a non-party 

  
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witness or otherwise by reason of (i) the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, (ii) any action taken by Indemnitee or any action or inaction on
Indemnitee’s part while acting as a director or officer of the Company, or (iii) the fact that he or she is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, trustee, general partner, managing member, officer, employee, agent or
fiduciary of the Company or any other Enterprise, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or Expense is incurred for which indemnification or advancement of expenses can be provided under this Agreement. If the
Indemnitee believes in good faith that a given situation may lead to or culminate in the institution of a Proceeding, this shall be considered a Proceeding under this paragraph. 

(i) Reference to “other enterprises” shall include employee benefit plans; references to “fines” shall
include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to “serving at the request of the Company” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company which
imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to
be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Company” as referred to in this Agreement. 

2. Indemnity in Third-Party Proceedings. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this
Section 2 if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding, other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 2, Indemnitee
shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law against all Expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of
such Expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on his or her behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in
a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. The parties hereto
intend that this Agreement shall provide to the fullest extent permitted by law for indemnification in excess of that expressly permitted by statute, including, without limitation, any indemnification provided by the Certificate of Incorporation,
the Bylaws, vote of its stockholders or disinterested directors or applicable law. 
 3. Indemnity in Proceedings by or in the Right of
the Company. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3 if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to
procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 3, Indemnitee shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law against all Expenses and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, amounts paid in settlement actually
and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to
the best interests of the Company. No indemnification shall be made under this Section 3 in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been adjudged by a 

  
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court of competent jurisdiction to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or any court in which the Proceeding was brought shall determine
upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification for such expenses as the Delaware Court of Chancery or such other court
shall deem proper. 
 4. Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful. Notwithstanding any other
provisions of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is a party to or a participant in and is successful (on the merits or otherwise) in defense of any Proceeding or any claim, issue or
matter therein, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection therewith. To the extent permitted by applicable law, if Indemnitee is not wholly
successful in such Proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in defense of one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such Proceeding, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and
reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf, to the fullest extent permitted by law, in connection with (a) each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter and (b) any claim, issue or matter related to any such
successfully resolved claim, issuer or matter. For purposes of this section, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim,
issue or matter. 
 5. Indemnification for Expenses of a Witness. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, to the
fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of his or her Corporate Status, a witness or otherwise asked to participate in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party, Indemnitee shall be
indemnified to the extent permitted by applicable law against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection therewith. 

6. Additional Indemnification. 

(a) Notwithstanding any limitation in Sections 2, 3 or 4, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by
applicable law if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) against all Expenses, judgments, fines and
amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or
on his or her behalf in connection with the Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein. 
 (b) For purposes of Section 6(a), the
meaning of the phrase “to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law” shall include, but not be limited to: 
 (i) the
fullest extent permitted by the provision of the DGCL that authorizes or contemplates additional indemnification by agreement, or the corresponding provision of any amendment to or replacement of the DGCL; and 

(ii) the fullest extent authorized or permitted by any amendments to or replacements of the DGCL adopted after the date of this Agreement
that increase the extent to which a corporation may indemnify its officers and directors. 

  
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 7. Exclusions. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be
obligated under this Agreement to make any indemnity in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding): 
 (a) for which
payment has actually been made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any statute, insurance policy, indemnity provision, vote or otherwise, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid under any insurance policy or other indemnity
provision; 
 (b) for an accounting or disgorgement of profits pursuant to Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, or similar provisions of federal, state or local statutory law or common law, if Indemnitee is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements); 

(c) for any reimbursement of the Company by Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits
realized by Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Company, as required in each case under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Company pursuant to
Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), or the payment to the Company of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act), if Indemnitee is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements); 
 (d) initiated by
Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or its directors, officers, employees, agents or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Company’s board of directors authorized the
Proceeding (or the relevant part of the Proceeding) prior to its initiation, (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law, (iii) otherwise
authorized in Section 12(d) or (iv) otherwise required by applicable law; or 
 (e) if prohibited by applicable law. 

8. Advances of Expenses. The Company shall advance, the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding (or any part
of any Proceeding), and such advancement shall be made as soon as reasonably practicable, but in any event no later than 30 days, after the receipt by the Company of a written statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time,
whether prior to or after final disposition of any Proceeding (which (a) shall include invoices received by Indemnitee in connection with such Expenses but, in the case of invoices in connection with legal services, any references to legal work
performed or to expenditure made that would cause Indemnitee to waive any privilege accorded by applicable law shall not be included with the invoice, and (b) contain the affirmation required by Section 9(a)). Advances shall be unsecured
and interest free and made without regard to Indemnitee’s ability to repay such advances and without regard to Indemnitee’s ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement. Indemnitee hereby undertakes
to repay any advance to the extent that it is ultimately determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. No other form of undertaking shall be required other than the execution of this Agreement. This Section 8
shall not apply to the extent advancement is prohibited by law and shall not apply to any Proceeding for which indemnity is not permitted under this Agreement, but shall apply to any Proceeding referenced in Section 7(b) or 7(c) prior to a
determination that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. 

  
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 9. Procedures for Notification and Defense of Claim. 

(a) Indemnitee shall notify the Company in writing of any matter with respect to which Indemnitee intends to seek indemnification or
advancement of Expenses as soon as reasonably practicable following the receipt by Indemnitee of notice thereof. The written notification to the Company shall include, a description of the nature of the Proceeding and the facts underlying the
Proceeding. The failure by Indemnitee to notify the Company will not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to Indemnitee hereunder or otherwise than under this Agreement, and any delay in so notifying the Company shall not
constitute a waiver by Indemnitee of any rights. 
 (b) If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a Proceeding pursuant to the terms
hereof, the Company has directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of the Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the applicable
policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary and desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies. 

10. Procedures upon Application for Indemnification. 

(a) To obtain indemnification, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and
information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and as is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification following the final disposition of the Proceeding. The Company shall, as soon as
reasonably practicable after receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the board of directors that Indemnitee has requested indemnification. Any delay in providing the request will not relieve the Company from its obligations under this
Agreement. 
 (b) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to Section 10(a), a determination, if required by
applicable law, with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement thereto shall be made in the specific case (i) if a Change in Control shall have occurred, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Company’s board of directors, a
copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee or (ii) if a Change in Control shall not have occurred, (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Company’s board of directors,
(B) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Company’s board of directors, (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors or, if
such Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Company’s board of directors, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee or (D) if so directed by the Company’s board of directors, by
the stockholders of the Company. If it is determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten days after such determination. Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or entity making
the determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information that is not privileged or otherwise protected
from disclosure and that is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any costs or expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements) reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the
person, persons or entity making such determination shall be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee’s 

  
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entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom. The Company promptly will advise Indemnitee in writing with respect to any
determination that Indemnitee is or is not entitled to indemnification, including a description of any reason or basis for which indemnification has been denied. 

(c) In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 10(b), the
Independent Counsel shall be selected as provided in this Section 10(c). If a Change in Control shall not have occurred, the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Company’s board of directors, and the Company shall give written
notice to Indemnitee advising him or her of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. If a Change in Control shall have occurred, the Independent Counsel shall be selected by Indemnitee (unless Indemnitee shall request that such selection
be made by the Company’s board of directors, in which event the preceding sentence shall apply), and Indemnitee shall give written notice to the Company advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. In either event,
Indemnitee or the Company, as the case may be, may, within ten days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company or to Indemnitee, as the case may be, a written objection to such selection; provided,
however, that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 1 of this Agreement, and the objection shall
set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If such written objection is so made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel so
selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or a court has determined that such objection is without merit. If, within 20 days after the later of (i) submission by Indemnitee of a written request
for indemnification pursuant to Section 10(a) hereof and (ii) the final disposition of the Proceeding, the parties have not agreed upon an Independent Counsel, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition a court of competent jurisdiction
for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by the Company or Indemnitee to the other’s selection of Independent Counsel and for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person selected by the court or by such other person as
the court shall designate, and the person with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under Section 10(b) hereof. Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or
arbitration pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement, the Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing). 

(d) The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of any Independent Counsel and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and
all Expenses, claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto. 
 11.
Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings. 
 (a) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification
hereunder, the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for
indemnification in accordance with Section 10(a) of this Agreement, and the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by such person, persons
or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption. Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of

  
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any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company
(including by its directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct. 

(b) Subject to Section 12(e), if the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under Section 10 of this Agreement to determine
whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefor, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall, to the
fullest extent not prohibited by law, be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make
Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law; provided, however, that such 60-day period may be extended for a
reasonable time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, if the person, persons or entity making the determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification in good faith requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating
of documentation and/or information relating thereto; and provided, further, that the foregoing provisions of this Section 11(b) shall not apply (i) if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders
pursuant to Section 10(b) of this Agreement and if (A) within fifteen (15) days after receipt by the Company of the request for such determination the Board has resolved to submit such determination to the stockholders for their
consideration at an annual meeting thereof to be held within seventy-five (75) days after such receipt and such determination is made thereat, or (B) a special meeting of stockholders is called within fifteen (15) days after such
receipt for the purpose of making such determination, such meeting is held for such purpose within sixty (60) days after having been so called and such determination is made thereat, or (ii) if the determination of entitlement to
indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 10(b) of this Agreement. 
 (c) The termination of any
Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) of itself adversely
affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to
any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. 
 (d) For purposes of any
determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith to the extent Indemnitee relied in good faith on (i) the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, (ii) information
supplied to Indemnitee by the directors or officers of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, (iii) the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or its board of directors or counsel selected by any committee of the board of directors
or (iv) information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant, an appraiser, investment banker or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Enterprise or its board of directors or
any committee of the board of directors. The provisions of this Section 11(d) shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct
set forth in this Agreement. 

  
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 (e) Neither the knowledge, actions nor failure to act of any other director, officer, trustee,
partner, managing member, fiduciary, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement. 

12. Remedies of Indemnitee. 

(a) Subject to Section 12(e), in the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement that
Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement of Expenses is not timely made pursuant to Section 8 or 12(d) of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have
been made pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement within 90 days after the later of the receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification or the final disposition of the Proceeding, (iv) payment of indemnification pursuant to this
Agreement is not made (A) within ten days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification or (B) with respect to indemnification pursuant to Sections 4, 5 and 12(d) of this Agreement, within 30 days
after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, or (v) the Company or any other person or entity takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or
proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by a court of competent jurisdiction of his or her entitlement to
such indemnification or advancement of Expenses. Indemnitee shall commence such proceeding seeking an adjudication within 180 days following the date on which Indemnitee first has the right to commence such proceeding pursuant to this
Section 12(a); provided, however, that the foregoing clause shall not apply in respect of a proceeding brought by Indemnitee to enforce his or her rights under Section 4 of this Agreement. The Company shall not oppose
Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication in accordance with this Agreement. 
 (b) Neither (i) the failure of the Company,
its board of directors, any committee or subgroup of the board of directors, Independent Counsel or stockholders to have made a determination that indemnification of Indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable
standard of conduct, nor (ii) an actual determination by the Company, its board of directors, any committee or subgroup of the board of directors, Independent Counsel or stockholders that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of
conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has or has not met the applicable standard of conduct. In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement that
Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 12 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, on the merits, and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that
adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 12, the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement of
Expenses, as the case may be. 
 (c) To the fullest extent not prohibited by law, the Company shall be precluded from asserting in any
judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 12 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court that the Company is bound by all the provisions of
this Agreement. If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to
this Section 12, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statements not materially 

  
 - 10 - 

 
misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law. It is the intent of the Company that, to the fullest
extent permitted by law, the Indemnitee not be required to incur legal fees or other Expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and
expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to the Indemnitee hereunder. 
 (d) To the extent not
prohibited by law, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses that are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action for indemnification or advancement of Expenses from the Company under this Agreement unless as a part of
such action, the court of competent jurisdiction determines that each of the material assertions made by Indemnitee as a basis for such action were not made in good faith or were frivolous or to the extent Indemnitee is successful in such action,
and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (as soon as reasonably practicable, but in any event no later than 30 days, after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor) advance such Expenses to Indemnitee, subject to the provisions of
Section 8. 
 (e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement to indemnification
shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding. 
 13. Contribution. To the fullest extent permissible
under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amounts incurred by Indemnitee, whether for Expenses, judgments, fines
or amounts paid or to be paid in settlement, in connection with any claim relating to an indemnifiable event under this Agreement, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order
to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the events and transactions giving rise to such Proceeding; and (ii) the relative fault of Indemnitee and the Company (and its other directors,
officers, employees and agents) in connection with such events and transactions. 
 14. Non-exclusivity. The rights of
indemnification and to receive advancement of Expenses as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Company’s certificate of
incorporation or bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. To the extent that a change in Delaware law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement of
Expenses than would be afforded currently under the Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws and this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by
such change. Except as expressly set forth herein, no right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy
given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. Except as expressly set forth herein, the assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment
of any other right or remedy. 
 15. Primary Responsibility. The Company acknowledges that Indemnitee has or may have certain rights
to indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by other entities and/or organizations (collectively, the “Secondary Indemnitors”). The Company hereby agrees (i) that it is the indemnitor of first resort (i.e., its
obligations to Indemnitee are primary and any obligation of the Secondary Indemnitors to advance Expenses or to provide indemnification for the same Expenses or liabilities incurred by Indemnitee in connection with a Proceeding are secondary),
(ii) that it shall be required to advance the full amount of 

  
 - 11 - 

 
Expenses incurred by Indemnitee and shall be liable for the full amount of all Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement to the extent legally permitted and as required
by the terms of this Agreement and the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of the Company (or any other agreement between the Company and Indemnitee), without regard to any rights Indemnitee may have against the Secondary Indemnitors, and
(iii) that, to the extent not in contravention of any insurance policy or policies providing liability or other insurance for the Company or any director, trustee, general partner, managing member, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the
Company or any other Enterprise, it irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Secondary Indemnitors from any and all claims against the Secondary Indemnitors for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect
thereof. The Company further agrees that no advancement or payment by the Secondary Indemnitors on behalf of Indemnitee with respect to any claim for which indemnification is required under the terms of this Agreement shall affect the foregoing
and the Secondary Indemnitors shall have a right of contribution and/or be subrogated to the extent of such advancement or payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee against the Company. The Company and Indemnitee agree that the
Secondary Indemnitors are express third party beneficiaries of the terms of this Section 15. 
 16. No Duplication of Payments.
The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment of amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder (or for which advancement is provided hereunder) if and to the extent that Indemnitee has otherwise actually received payment for
such amounts under any insurance policy, contract, agreement or otherwise. 
 17. Insurance. The Company shall, from time to time,
make the good faith determination whether or not it is practicable for the Company to obtain and maintain a policy or policies of insurance with reputable insurance companies providing the officers and directors of the Company with coverage for
losses from wrongful acts, or to ensure the Company’s performance of its indemnification obligations under this Agreement. Among other considerations, the Company will weigh the costs of obtaining such insurance coverage against the protection
afforded by such coverage. In all policies of director and officer liability insurance, Indemnitee shall be named as an insured in such a manner as to provide Indemnitee the same rights and benefits as are accorded to the most favorably insured of
the Company’s directors, if Indemnitee is a director; or of the Company’s officers, if Indemnitee is not a director of the Company but is an officer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall have no obligation to obtain or maintain
such insurance if the Company determines in good faith that such insurance is not reasonably available, if the premium costs for such insurance are disproportionate to the amount of coverage provided, if the coverage provided by such insurance is
limited by exclusions so as to provide an insufficient benefit, or if Indemnitee is covered by similar insurance maintained by a subsidiary or parent of the Company. 

18. Subrogation. In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all
of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights.

 19. Services to the Company. Indemnitee agrees to serve as a director or officer of the Company or, at the request of the
Company, as a director, trustee, general partner, managing member, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of another Enterprise, for so long as Indemnitee is duly elected or appointed or until Indemnitee tenders his or her resignation or is removed
from such position. Indemnitee may at any time and for any reason resign from such position (subject to any other contractual obligation or any obligation imposed by operation of law), in which event the Company shall have no obligation under this
Agreement to continue Indemnitee in such position.  

  
 - 12 - 

 
This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment contract between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any Enterprise) and Indemnitee. Indemnitee specifically acknowledges that any
employment with the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any Enterprise) is at will, and Indemnitee may be discharged at any time for any reason, with or without cause, with or without notice, except as may be otherwise expressly provided in any
executed, written employment contract between Indemnitee and the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any Enterprise), any existing formal severance policies adopted by the Company’s board of directors or, with respect to service as a
director or officer of the Company, the Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws or the DGCL. No such document shall be subject to any oral modification thereof. The foregoing notwithstanding, this Agreement shall continue in force
after Indemnitee has ceased to serve [as an [officer] [director] [, at the request of the Company, as a [director] [officer] [employee] [agent] [fiduciary] of [another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise], as provided
in Section 29 hereof. 
 20. Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their
respective successors and assigns, including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company, shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to
be a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or of any other Enterprise, and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and his or her spouse, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives. The Company shall
require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company, by written agreement, expressly to assume and agree to perform this
Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. 

21. Severability. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to require or shall be construed as requiring the Company to do or fail to do
any act in violation of applicable law. The Company’s inability, pursuant to court order or other applicable law, to perform its obligations under this Agreement shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement. If any provision or provisions of
this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (i) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including without limitation, each portion of any
section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the
fullest extent permitted by law; (ii) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (iii) to the fullest
extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or
unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby. 
 22. Enforcement. The Company expressly
confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director or officer of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon
this Agreement in serving as a director or officer of the Company. 
 23. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, 

  
 - 13 - 

 
written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the
Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws and applicable law. 
 24. Modification and Waiver. No supplement,
modification or amendment to this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties hereto. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement shall adversely affect any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any
action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in his or her Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall constitute or be deemed a waiver of any other provision of this
Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver. 
 25. Notices. All notices and other communications required or
permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, sent by facsimile or electronic mail or otherwise delivered by hand, messenger or courier service addressed: 

(a) if to Indemnitee, to Indemnitee’s address, facsimile number or electronic mail address as shown on the signature page of this
Agreement or in the Company’s records, as may be updated in accordance with the provisions hereof; or 
 (b) if to the Company, to the
attention of the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer of the Company at 15222 Avenue of Science, Suite B, San Diego, California, 92128 , or at such other current address as the Company shall have furnished to Indemnitee, with a copy
(which shall not constitute notice) to Martin J. Waters, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C., 12235 El Camino Real, Suite 200, San Diego, California 92130. 

Each such notice or other communication shall for all purposes of this Agreement be treated as effective or having been given (i) if
delivered by hand, messenger or courier service, when delivered (or if sent via a nationally-recognized overnight courier service, freight prepaid, specifying next-business-day delivery, one business day after deposit with the courier), or
(ii) if sent via mail, at the earlier of its receipt or three days after the same has been deposited in a regularly-maintained receptacle for the deposit of the United States mail, addressed and mailed as aforesaid, or (iii) if sent
via facsimile, upon confirmation of facsimile transfer or, if sent via electronic mail, upon confirmation of delivery when directed to the relevant electronic mail address, if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, or if
not sent during normal business hours of the recipient, then on the recipient’s next business day. 
 26. Applicable Law and Consent
to Jurisdiction. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. The Company and
Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (i) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Delaware Court of Chancery, and not in any other state or federal court
in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (ii) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court of Chancery for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this
Agreement, (iii) appoint, to the extent such party is not otherwise subject to service of process in the State of Delaware, The Corporation Trust Company, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware as its agent in the State of Delaware as such
party’s agent for acceptance of legal process in connection with any such action or proceeding against such party with the same legal force and validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware, (iv) waive any
objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court of Chancery, and (v) waive, and agree not to 

  
 - 14 - 

 
plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court of Chancery has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum. 

27. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an
original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. This Agreement may also be executed and delivered by facsimile signature and in counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of
which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement. 

28. Captions. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute
part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof. 
 29. Duration of Agreement. This Agreement shall continue until and
terminate upon the later of: (a) ten (10) years after the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve [as a [director] [officer] [employee] [agent] of the Company] [,at the request of the Company, as a [director] [officer] [employee]
[agent] [fiduciary] of [another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other Enterprise] or (b) one (1) year after the final termination of any Proceeding then pending in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of
indemnification hereunder or advancement of Expenses hereunder and of any Proceeding commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 12 of this Agreement relating thereto. The indemnification and advancement of Expenses rights provided by or
granted pursuant to this Agreement shall be binding upon and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or
substantially all of the business or assets of the Company), shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or of any other Enterprise, and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and
his or her spouse, assigns, heirs, devisees, executors and administrators and other legal representatives. 
 (signature page
follows) 

  
 - 15 - 

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

 

	
	VITAL THERAPIES, INC.
	
	   

	Signature of Authorized Signatory
	
	   

	Print Name
	
	   

	Title

  

			
		
	Address:	 	15222 Avenue of Science, Suite B
		
		 	San Diego, California, 92128

 AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED: 
  

	
	INDEMNITEE:
	
	   

	Signature
	
	   

	Print Name
	
	   

	Title

  

			
		
	Address:EX-10.2

 Exhibit 10.2 

 
 

 
 October 30, 2013 
 Duane Nash 
 11693 Punta Dulcina 
 San Diego, CA 94131 
 Re: Confirmatory Employment Letter 

Dear Duane: 
 This letter
agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into between Vital Therapies, Inc. (“Company” or “we”) and Duane Nash (“Employee” or “you”). This Agreement is effective as of the date you sign this letter, as
indicated below. The purpose of this letter is to confirm the current terms and conditions of your employment. 
 Your position
will continue to be Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer, and you will continue to report to Terry Winters, Chief Executive Officer, with responsibilities as defined in the job description previously provided to you or as otherwise
reasonably assigned to you by your supervisor. You also will be a member of the Executive Committee. During your employment with the Company, you will perform your duties faithfully and to the best of your ability and will devote your full business
efforts and time to the Company. You agree not to actively engage in any other employment, occupation or consulting activity for any direct or indirect remuneration without the prior approval of the Company’s board of directors (the
“Board”). 
 The terms and your compensation are as follows: 

 

	 	1.	Base Salary: Your current base salary is $14,583.33 per semi-monthly pay period (equivalent to $350,000 annually), less applicable withholdings and deductions.
Your base salary will be paid periodically in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices and be subject to the usual, required withholdings. Your base salary will be subject to review and adjustments will be made based upon the
Company’s normal performance review practices. 

  

	 	2.	 Target Bonus: You are eligible to earn an annual bonus of 30% of your base salary at target, based on achieving a combination of individual
goals and Company financial goal(s). Any bonus, or any portion thereof, will be paid, less applicable withholdings and 

  
 15222 B Avenue
of Science, San Diego, CA 92128 
 Tel 858-673-6840 Fax 858-673-6843 

 Page 2 
 Duane Nash 
  
  

	 	deductions, as soon as practicable after it is determined that it has been earned, but in no event shall it be paid after the later of (i) the fifteenth (15th) day of the third (3rd) month following the close of the Company’s fiscal year in
which such bonus is earned or (ii) March 15 following the calendar year in which such bonus is earned. 

  

	 	3.	Benefits: You will continue to be eligible to participate in all of the Company benefit plans as available, including group health insurance and paid time off,
based on policies in effect during your employment. The Company reserves the right to cancel or change the benefit plans and programs it offers to its employees at any time. 

 

	 	4.	Severance: With the approval of the Board, you will be permitted to enter into our standard Change of Control and Severance Agreement (the “Severance
Agreement”) applicable to you based on your senior position with the Company. The Severance Agreement will set forth the severance payments and benefits to which you would be entitled in connection with certain terminations of employment, which
would be in lieu of any other severance or other benefits you would otherwise be entitled to under any plan, program or policy that the Company may have in effect from time to time. 

Your employment with the Company will continue to be “at will.” It is for no specified term, and may be terminated by you or
the Company at any time, with or without cause or advance notice. Although the Company may change the terms and conditions of your employment from time-to-time, (including, but not limited to, changes in your position, compensation, and/or
benefits), nothing will change the at-will employment relationship between you and the Company. In addition, the compensation terms described herein will not affect your at-will employment status. 

As an employee of the Company, you will continue to have access to certain confidential information of the Company and you may, during
the course of your employment, develop certain information or inventions that will be the property of the Company. To protect the interests of the Company, your acceptance of this letter confirms that the terms of the Company’s Employee
Innovations and Proprietary Rights Assignment Agreement (the “Confidentiality Agreement”) and other compliance agreements that you executed when you joined the Company. 

In the event of any dispute or claim relating to or arising out of your employment relationship with the Company, this Agreement, or the
termination of your employment with the Company for any reason (including, but not limited to, any claims of breach of contract, wrongful termination or age, sex, race, national origin, disability or other discrimination or harassment), you and the
Company agree to be bound by the arbitration terms set forth on Appendix A attached hereto. 

 Page 3 
 Duane Nash 
  
 This Agreement, along with the Confidentiality Agreement and Severance Agreement, constitute the entire agreement between you and the Company regarding the subject matters discussed herein, and they
supersede all prior negotiations, representations or agreements between you and the Company, including the offer letter agreement between you and the Company dated February 27, 2012. This Agreement may only be modified by a written agreement
signed by you and the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. 
 To accept the Agreement, please sign in the space indicated and
return it to the Company. Your signature will acknowledge that you have read and understood and agreed to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and Appendix A. 

 

			
	Sincerely,
	
	VITAL THERAPIES, INC.
		
	By	 	/s/ Terence E. Winters        
		 	Terence E. Winters
		 	Chief Executive Officer

 I have read and understood this Agreement and Appendix A and hereby acknowledge, accept and agree
to the terms as set forth herein and in Appendix A and further acknowledge that no other commitments were made to me as part of my employment offer except as specifically set forth herein. 

 

									
					
		 	Date: October 30, 2013	 		 		 	/s/ Duane Nash        
		 		 		 		 	Duane Nash
		 		 		 		 	Executive Vice President, Chief Business Officer

 Appendix A 

ARBITRATION AGREEMENT 
 (a) Arbitration. In consideration of my employment with the Company, its promise to arbitrate all employment-related disputes, and my receipt of the compensation, pay raises and other
benefits paid to me by the Company, at present and in the future, I agree that any and all controversies, claims, or disputes with anyone (including the Company and any employee, officer, director, stockholder or benefit plan of the Company in their
capacity as such or otherwise) arising out of, relating to, or resulting from my employment with the Company or termination thereof, including any breach of this Agreement, will be subject to binding arbitration under the Arbitration Rules set
forth in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1280 through 1294.2, including Section 1281.8 (the “Act”), and pursuant to California law. The Federal Arbitration Act will also apply with full force and effect,
notwithstanding the application of procedural rules set forth under the Act. 
 (b) Dispute Resolution. Disputes that
I agree to arbitrate, and thereby agrees to waive any right to a trial by jury, include any statutory claims under local, state, or federal law, including, but not limited to, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Sarbanes Oxley Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act,
the Family and Medical Leave Act, the California Family Rights Act, the California Labor Code, claims of harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination, and any statutory or common law claims. I further understand that this Agreement to
arbitrate also applies to any disputes that the Company may have with me. 
 (c) Procedure. I agree that any arbitration
will be administered by the Judicial Arbitration & Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”), pursuant to its Employment Arbitration Rules & Procedures (the “JAMS Rules”). The arbitrator will have the power to decide
any motions brought by any party to the arbitration, including motions for summary judgment and/or adjudication, motions to dismiss and demurrers, and motions for class certification, prior to any arbitration hearing. The arbitrator will have the
power to award any remedies available under applicable law, and the arbitrator will award attorneys’ fees and costs to the prevailing party, except as prohibited by law. The Company will pay for any administrative or hearing fees charged by the
administrator or JAMS, and all arbitrator’s fees, except that I will pay any filing fees associated with any arbitration that I initiate, but only so much of the filing fee as I would have instead paid had I filed a complaint in a court of law.
I agree that the arbitrator will administer and conduct any arbitration in accordance with California law, including the California Code of Civil Procedure and the California Evidence Code, and that the arbitrator will apply substantive and
procedural California law to any dispute or claim, without reference to the rules of conflict of law. To the extent that the JAMS Rules conflict with California law, California law will take precedence. The decision of the arbitrator will be in
writing. Any arbitration under this Agreement will be conducted in San Diego County, California. 

 Page 5 
 Duane Nash 
  
 (d) Remedy. Except as provided by the Act, arbitration will be the sole, exclusive, and final remedy for any dispute between me and the Company. Accordingly, except as provided by the Act and
this Agreement, neither I nor the Company will be permitted to pursue court action regarding claims that are subject to arbitration. Notwithstanding, the arbitrator will not have the authority to disregard or refuse to enforce any lawful Company
policy, and the arbitrator will not order or require the Company to adopt a policy not otherwise required by law which the Company has not adopted. 
 (e) Administrative Relief. I am not prohibited from pursuing an administrative claim with a local, state, or federal administrative body or government agency that is authorized to enforce or
administer laws related to employment, including, but not limited to, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, or the Workers’ Compensation Board. However, I
may not pursue court action regarding any such claim, except as permitted by law. 
 (f) Voluntary Nature of Agreement.
I acknowledge and agree that I is executing this Agreement voluntarily and without any duress or undue influence by the Company or anyone else. I further acknowledge and agree that I have carefully read this Agreement and that I have asked any
questions needed for me to understand the terms, consequences and binding effect of this Agreement and fully understands it, including that I AM WAIVING MY RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL. Finally, I agree that I have been provided an
opportunity to seek the advice of an attorney of my choice before signing this Agreement.

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