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Exhibit 10.1

MASTER CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Master Consulting Services Agreement, including Exhibits A-F (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of August 7, 2020 (the “Effective Date”) by and between Jason A. Amello with an address of 1700 Beacon Street, Newton, MA 02468 (“Consultant”) and Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. (“Akebia” or the “Company”), a Delaware corporation having an address at 245 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02142.  Consultant and Akebia are each referenced individually herein as a “Party” and together as the “Parties.”
Whereas, Akebia wishes to engage Consultant to provide certain consulting and other services to Akebia, and Consultant is willing to provide such services to Akebia, in each case on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and all applicable Statements of Work as defined below.
Now, therefore, in consideration of the foregoing, and of the mutual covenants set forth in this Agreement and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
1.    Consulting Services.
(a)    From time to time, Akebia may request that Consultant provide certain consulting and other services (the “Services”) described in one or more statements of work executed by both Parties and referencing this Agreement (“Statement of Work”) numbered sequentially.  Akebia and Consultant intend that the Services shall not exceed 20% of the average level of services provided by Consultant to Akebia as an employee during the thirty-six (36) months prior to the commencement of the Term of this Agreement and in no event will the Services provided by Consultant under all Statements of Work exceed in the aggregate twenty (20) hours on average per month.  Each such Statement of Work shall contain material terms for Services specifically requested by Akebia and agreed upon by Consultant, such as project objectives, fees, deliverables, specifications and other requirements, and the project schedule. In the event of any conflict between this Agreement and any Statement of Work, this Agreement shall prevail, except to the extent that the Statement of Work expressly specifies that a particular provision in the Statement of Work will supersede this Agreement. The initial Statement of Work is attached to this Agreement as Exhibit A.  
(b)    Once executed, any changes in or additions to a Statement of Work, including but not limited to, changes to scope, fees, and timing, will be made only by a mutual written agreement in the form of a Change Order.
(c)    Consultant will render the Services at such times and locations as reasonably requested by Akebia and will provide Akebia with written project or status reports as specified by Akebia. The Consultant will allow Akebia representatives to review and audit the content, quality, and results of these reports and the Services.  The Consultant will also provide Akebia with such writings, specifications, drawings, models, and the like, as are appropriate to the nature of the Services.  

(d)    Consultant agrees to: (i) use reasonable efforts to make himself/herself available to provide the Services during the Term of this Agreement as requested by Akebia; (ii) provide all Services within the time specified in the applicable Statement of Work, and (iii) perform the Services in accordance with the highest prevailing industry standards and practices for the performance of similar services.   
(e)    As full consideration for the Services:
i.    Consultant’s outstanding option, restricted stock unit and performance restricted stock unit awards under Akebia’s 2014 Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2014 Plan”) shall (i) continue to vest for the Term and (ii) in the case of the option awards, remain exercisable until three (3) months following expiration or termination of this Agreement, in the case of each of (i) and (ii), pursuant and subject to the terms of the 2014 Plan and the applicable equity award agreements thereunder.
ii.    Consultant’s outstanding option award under Akebia’s Amended and Restated 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2008 Plan”) shall remain exercisable for one (1) month following the expiration or termination of this Agreement, pursuant and subject to the terms of the 2008 Plan and the applicable option award agreement thereunder.  
2.    Consulting Expenses.
(a)    Subject to compliance with the attached Consultant Travel and Expense Reimbursement Policy attached hereto as Exhibit B, Akebia shall pay for Consultant's documented reasonable, out-of-pocket expenses, including reasonable travel, lodging and meal expenses, relating directly to the provision of the Services as contemplated in the applicable Statement of Work. Akebia shall not pay for expenses for spouses or guests of Consultant.  If required by Akebia, travel and accommodations shall be booked through Akebia or Akebia’s travel vendor.  Individual expenses greater than $500 require Akebia’s prior written approval.  
(b)    Payments to Consultant may be subject to U.S. tax withholding.  The withholding amount may be reduced or eliminated depending on provisions of an applicable Income Tax Treaty, and whether certain documents are provided to Akebia by the Consultant.   Therefore, as a condition to payment under this Agreement, the Consultant shall provide a U.S. taxpayer identification number (“TIN”) and complete the appropriate tax form designated by Akebia to confirm Consultant’s tax status (e.g., an IRS Form W-9 or W-8BEN).  If Consultant does not timely provide the TIN or an accurate completed tax form to Akebia, then Akebia will withhold income tax.  Irrespective of whether income tax withholding applies, Akebia may be required to file reports with tax authorities in connection with payments made to Consultant under this Agreement.
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(c)    All invoices are due on or before the fifth (5th) business day of each month for expenses incurred in the prior month or as otherwise specified in the applicable Statement of Work, providing such detail as Akebia reasonably requires.  Invoices are to be sent to Akebia Therapeutics, Inc., to the attention of Accounts Payable, 245 First Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142 or via email to apinvoices@akebia.com.  Akebia will pay undisputed invoices within forty-five (45) days of Akebia's receipt of such invoice. 
(d)    All invoices must refer to the purchase order number if a purchase order has been issued. A sample invoice is attached as Exhibit C to this Agreement. Consultant will retain complete and accurate financial records related to all expenses and Services performed for Akebia, including, but not limited to, records related to invoice calculations, and such records will be subject to audit by Akebia.
3.    Developments.
(a)    Akebia may use any results or products of the Services without further payment or obligation.  However, Akebia understands and agrees that in connection with Services contemplated by this Agreement Consultant may utilize and deliver materials, data, results, documents, information, ideas, improvements, inventions, tools, templates, knowledge, and techniques that were owned or licensed by Consultant prior to performing the Services (the “Consultant Pre-Existing IP”).  All Consultant Pre-Existing IP shall be and remain the exclusive property of Consultant, and no right, title or interest in any Consultant Pre-Existing IP is conveyed by this Agreement to Akebia other than the limited license granted below in Section 3(b).
(b)    Consultant hereby grants to Akebia, and Akebia hereby accepts, a fully paid-up, worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free, non-exclusive, non-sublicenseable, non-transferable license to use, execute, reproduce, translate, and modify any Consultant Pre-Existing IP delivered in connection with the Services for the limited purposes of Akebia’s use and enjoyment of the Services. 
(c)    Subject to the provisions of Sections 3(a) and (b) above, any inventions, improvements, or ideas made or conceived by the Consultant in connection with or during the performance of the Services shall be delivered to and be the property of Akebia.  The Consultant, without charge to Akebia (other than reasonable payment for time involved if this Agreement shall have terminated), shall execute, acknowledge, and deliver to Akebia all papers, including applications for patents, as are necessary for Akebia to publish or protect said inventions, improvements, and ideas by patent or otherwise in any and all countries, and to vest title to said patents, inventions, improvements, and ideas in Akebia or its nominees, their successors or assigns.  The Consultant will assist Akebia, as needed and at Akebia’s expense, in any Patent Office proceeding or litigation involving said inventions, improvements, or ideas.  The Consultant will keep contemporaneous written records of work done under this Agreement, and shall submit such records to Akebia when requested or at the termination of this Agreement.  Consultant hereby assigns to Akebia all 
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inventions and any and all related patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade names, trade secrets and other industrial and intellectual property rights and applications therefore, in the United States and elsewhere, and appoints any officer of Akebia as his/her duly authorized attorney to execute, file, prosecute and protect the same before any government agency, court, or authority.
(d)    Akebia shall retain ownership of all right, title, and interest in and to any of its materials, data, results, documents, information, ideas, improvements inventions, tools templates, knowledge, and techniques that are owned or licensed by Akebia and provided to Consultant in connection with the Services (“Akebia Pre-Existing IP”).  Akebia hereby grants to Consultant and Consultant hereby accepts, a fully paid-up, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive, non-sublicenseable, non-transferable license to use execute, reproduce, translate, and modify any Akebia Pre-Existing IP to the extent necessary for Consultant to perform the Services.
(e)    Any copyrightable work created by Consultant in connection with and arising from the performance of the Services shall be considered a work made for hire within the meaning of the Copyright Act of 1976, whether published or not.  All rights in this work shall be the property of Akebia as author and owner of the copyright.
(f)    Consultant warrants that she/he has the right to make the assignments made by him/her hereunder, and further warrants that no intellectual property incorporated into any Services provided to Akebia will infringe any patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret or other proprietary right of any third party.  
4.    Confidentiality.
In order to carry out the Services, it may be necessary for Consultant to receive certain information proprietary or confidential to Akebia or to third parties to whom Akebia has confidentiality obligations.  The term “Confidential Information” includes, without limitation, any technical, scientific, trade, research, manufacturing, marketing, supplier or other information, financing plans, business plans, financial data, customer lists, projects, economic information, systems, plans, procedures, operations, techniques, patent applications, trade secrets, know-how, inventions, technical data or specifications, testing methods, research and development activities, marketing strategies, Personal Information (as defined in Section 22), or the terms of this Agreement that may be disclosed by or on behalf of Akebia to Consultant in connection with the Services, as well as materials and deliverables developed by Consultant in the performance of the Services, regardless of whether such information is specifically designated as confidential and regardless of whether such information is in written, oral, electronic, or other form. Consultant agrees not to use to his/her own or any other person’s advantage or to disclose to any person or entity any Confidential Information.  Except with respect to Personal Information, the foregoing non-disclosure obligations shall not apply to information that: (i) is already in the possession of Consultant without obligation of confidentiality (as shown by written records not derived from Akebia), (ii) was in the public domain at the time it was disclosed to Consultant or subsequent to disclosure becomes part of the public domain 
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through no fault of Consultant, (iii) becomes known to Consultant without restriction from a source other than Akebia without breach of this Agreement and otherwise not in violation of Akebia’s rights, or (iv) is disclosed pursuant to a requirement of a governmental body, provided, however, that Consultant shall provide prompt notice thereof to enable Akebia to seek a protective order or otherwise prevent such disclosure.  Information shall not be deemed to be in public domain simply because one or more component portions thereof are in the public domain.  Upon request of Akebia, the Consultant shall promptly return to Akebia or destroy all originals, copies, and summaries of documents, materials, and other tangible manifestations of Confidential Information in the possession or control of Consultant.
5.    Independent Contractor.
It is understood and agreed between the Parties that, during the period Consultant renders the Services hereunder, all of his/her activities shall be undertaken and performed as an independent contractor and not as an employee of Akebia for purposes of the activities performed under this Agreement.  Consultant, and his/her representatives, shall not in any way represent him/herself to be an employee, partner, joint venturer, agent, or officer of or with Akebia.  Consultant is not authorized to act or attempt to act, or represent him or herself, directly or by implication, as an agent of Akebia or in any manner assume or create or attempt to assume or create any obligation or responsibility, express or implied, on behalf of, or in the name of, Akebia or to bind Akebia in any manner.  Consultant will be solely and unconditionally responsible for any and all federal, state, or local taxes, social security withholding, and other self-employment tax obligations with respect to payments made to Consultant under this Agreement.  By virtue of this Agreement or the consulting relationship contemplated herein, Consultant shall not be entitled to any Company-provided employee benefits, coverages, or privileges, including (without limitation) health and life insurance, pension plans, 401(k) plans, stock options, or bonus plans.  
6.    Assignment and Subcontracting.
Consultant may not assign this Agreement or subcontract his/her obligations hereunder to another person or entity without the express written permission of Akebia.
7.    Term and Termination.
(a)    Term.  This Agreement shall commence upon termination of Consultant’s employment with Akebia and will expire on April 1, 2022 (“Term”).  This Agreement may be extended by mutual written agreement of the parties or earlier terminated in accordance with Section 7(b).
(b)    Termination for Convenience.  Either Party shall have the right to terminate the Agreement at any time for any reason on ninety (90) days prior written notice.
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(c)    Termination for Material Breach.  Either Party may terminate this Agreement at any time upon or after the material breach of this Agreement by the other Party by providing written notice thereof to the breaching Party.  In addition, Akebia may terminate this Agreement at any time upon or after a material breach by Consultant of any Separation Agreement entered into by the Parties after the Effective Date.
(d)    Effect of Expiration or Termination.  Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, neither Party shall have any further obligations under this Agreement, except that any liabilities accrued through the date of termination and Sections 3, 4, 5, 7(e), 8, 12, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22 and Exhibits D, E, and F shall survive termination or expiration of this Agreement.  Section 11 shall survive for 2 years following the termination or expiration of this Agreement.
(e)    Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, Consultant will terminate all Services in progress in an orderly manner as soon as practical and in accordance with a schedule agreed to by Akebia, unless Akebia specifies in the notice of termination that Services in progress should be completed.  Consultant will deliver to Akebia any materials, developments and deliverables in its possession or control and all deliverables and developments made through expiration or termination.   Consultant will also return to Akebia or destroy all originals, copies, and summaries of documents, materials, and other tangible manifestations of Personal Information in the possession or control of Consultant.
8.    Use of Names/Publicity.
Consultant shall not use Akebia’s name or the name of its employees or consultants in any advertising, sales or promotional material and Consultant shall not originate any publicity, news release, or other public announcement, written or oral, whether to the public press or otherwise, relating to this Agreement or to performance of the Services hereunder without Akebia’s prior written consent.
9.    Conflicting Obligations.
Consultant represents that he/she is under no obligation to any third party that would prevent Consultant from carrying out his/her duties and obligations under this Agreement or which is inconsistent with the provisions contained herein, such as confidentiality obligations.  Consultant represents that she/he has no financial interest in the outcome of the Services and agrees to avoid having any such a financial interest during the term of this Agreement.  
10.    Conflicts of Interest.
During the Term of this Agreement, Consultant will not, without Akebia’s prior written consent, directly or indirectly: (i) render any service to any person or entity that competes with the Business of the Company (“Competing Company”), provided, however, that Consultant may render services to a business unit or division of a Competing Company if 
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such business unit or division does not compete with the Business of the Company; or (ii) alone or as a partner, joint venturer, officer, director, employee, consultant, agent, independent contractor or stockholder of any company or business, engage in any business activity that directly or indirectly competes with any of the products being developed, marketed, distributed, planned, sold or otherwise provided by the Company at such time.  For the purposes of this Agreement, the “Business of the Company” means the research, development, licensing and/or commercialization of one or more products (i) related to the treatment of anemia and/or iron deficiency and/or (ii) based on hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) biology or hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH) biology and/or (iii) related to the treatment of hyperphosphatemia and/or the control of serum phosphorus levels.

If Consultant is a faculty member, employee of, or affiliated with, a university or hospital, governmental agency, public authority, or any other similar employer that imposes restrictions on employees providing outside consulting services (“Institution”), Consultant represents and warrants that pursuant to Institution’s policies, Consultant is permitted to enter into this Agreement.  If Consultant’s Institution requires Consultant to disclose to it any proposed consulting agreements, Consultant has made such disclosure.  If Institution’s prior approval of this Agreement is required by Institution policies, Consultant has obtained such approval, and if required pursuant to the policies of the Institution, such approval is evidenced by the Institution’s signature to this Agreement.  Further, in performing the Services, Consultant agrees not to utilize Institution facilities, space, materials, resources, or intellectual property.

11.    Transparency.
Whenever the Consultant writes or speaks in public about a matter that relates to the Services or Akebia product(s), or serves on a committee or governing board that assists in developing clinical practice guidelines, makes decisions about reimbursement for Akebia product(s) (e.g., a formulary committee), Consultant shall: (i) disclose to said committee the existence and nature of his/her relationship with Akebia, and (ii) Consultant shall follow the procedures set forth by the committee of which he/she is a member, which may include recusing oneself from decisions relating to the products for which he/she has provided services to Akebia.
12.    Non-Referral.
The Parties agree that Consultant is under no obligation to solicit, refer, or solicit referrals of patients for any Akebia business.  Consultant is not required to use Akebia’s products and will not receive any benefit of any kind for making any referrals nor suffer any detriment for not making such referrals.  The Parties further agree that no amount paid hereunder is intended to be, nor shall be construed as, an inducement or payment for referral of, or recommending referral of, patients for any Akebia business by Consultant to Akebia (or its affiliates) or by Akebia (or its affiliates) to Consultant.  In addition, the consideration hereunder does not include any discount, rebate, kickback, or other 
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reduction in charge.  The sole purpose of the consideration hereunder is to pay fair market value for the Services provided by Consultant to Akebia hereunder, and to reimburse legitimate out-of-pocket expenses. The Parties represent and warrant that the consideration hereunder was determined by the Parties through good faith and arms’ length bargaining, constitutes fair market value for the Services, and has not been determined in a manner that takes into account the volume or value of any business between the Parties.  
13.    Representations and Warranties of Consultant.
Consultant represents and warrants as follows:
a)    Consultant has not been or is under consideration to be, excluded, suspended, or debarred from, or otherwise declared ineligible to participate in, federal or state healthcare programs, procurement or non-procurement programs, any governmental program in any jurisdiction, or any other activities or programs related to the Services contemplated by this Agreement.  Further, if Akebia consents to Consultant’s employment or engagement of any other person or entity to perform any Services under this Agreement, Consultant represents that he/she has no knowledge of such person or entity having been suspended, debarred or excluded.  Consultant will notify Akebia immediately in writing upon receipt of notice of any such debarment or any threatened or scheduled debarment proceedings involving Consultant or any of his/her employees or contractors.
b)    Consultant is the individual he/she represents himself/herself to be and that Consultant will independently comply with IRCA’s (as defined below) requirements.    
14.    Compliance with Laws and Industry Standards.
Consultant shall perform the Services with requisite care, skill and diligence, and in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations and industry codes and standards, including but not limited to: (i) the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, and the UK Bribery Act, the 1997 OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, and other local anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws, (ii) federal and state anti-kickback laws and regulations and laws governing payments to and relationships with healthcare professionals, including 42 U.S.C. §1320a-7b(b); (iii) federal Food and Drug Administration laws, regulations and guidance, including the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Prescription Drug Marketing Act, (iv) federal and state securities laws, meaning that Consultant acknowledges that Akebia is a publicly traded company and by virtue of his or her work for Akebia, Consultant may qualify as an “insider” or have access to information that is material and not public, such that federal and state securities laws that prohibit the purchase, sale, or pledge of Akebia stock while in possession of any material, non-public 
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information, may apply to Consultant; (v) applicable Good Laboratory Practices (“GLP”), Good Clinical Practices (“GCP”) and/or Good Manufacturing Practices (“GMP”); and (vi) European Union (“EU”) Data Protection Laws (as defined in Exhibit D), U.S. federal and state privacy and data protection laws, including, but not limited to, the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, California Consumer Privacy Act (as defined in Exhibit F) and Chapter 93H of the Massachusetts General Laws, and their implementing regulations (the “Privacy Laws”). In addition, Consultant will comply with (i) all Akebia policies and procedures that have been communicated to Consultant in writing; and (ii) as applicable, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (“IRCA”) to ensure Consultant is authorized to perform the necessary work in the U.S.
15.    Indemnification.
(a)    Indemnification by Consultant:  Consultant will indemnify, defend and hold harmless Akebia, its affiliates, and its and their respective officers, directors, employees and agents against any third party claims and any fines or penalties imposed under applicable law or regulation, including reasonable attorneys’ fees for defending those claims or the imposition of such fines or penalties, to the extent such claims, fines, or penalties arise out of or relate to Consultant’s performance of the Services;   Consultant’s negligence, willful misconduct or breach of this Agreement; Consultant’s violation of applicable law or regulation; or Consultant’s infringement of any patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret or other proprietary right of any third party.

(b)    Indemnification by Akebia:  Akebia will indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Consultant against any third party claims and any fines or penalties imposed under applicable law or regulation, including reasonable attorneys’ fees for defending those claims or the imposition of such fines or penalties, to the extent such claims, fines, or penalties arise out of or relate to the use of the Services or deliverables by Akebia; Akebia’s negligence, willful misconduct or breach of this Agreement; or Akebia’s violation of applicable law or regulation.

(c)    Each Party must notify the other Party within thirty (30) days after receipt of any claims made or any fines or penalties for which the other party might be liable under this section.  The indemnifying party will have the sole right to defend, negotiate, and settle such claims or penalty proceedings.  The indemnified party will be entitled to participate in the defense of such matter and to employ counsel at its expense to assist in such defense; provided, however, that the indemnifying party will have final decision-making authority regarding all aspects of the defense of the claim/proceeding.  The indemnified party will provide the indemnifying party with such information and assistance as the indemnifying party may reasonably request, at the expense of the indemnifying party.  Neither Party will be responsible or bound by any settlement of any claim or suit or penalty proceeding made without its prior written 
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consent; provided, however, that the indemnified party will not unreasonably withhold or delay such consent.

16.    Notices.
Any notice required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing delivered by express mail or express delivery service and shall be addressed to the Party at the address indicated below or at such other address as the addressee shall have last furnished in writing to the addressor and shall be effective upon receipt by the addressee.  All notices to Akebia shall be marked:  Attention: Legal Department.  Notices to Consultant shall be sent to the most recent address of record for Consultant.
17.    Governing Law/Disputes.
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the conflict or choice of law provisions thereof.  Consultant acknowledges that, because Akebia is headquartered in Massachusetts, and she/he will have regular interaction with Company representatives based in Massachusetts, any dispute concerning this Agreement shall be heard by a court of competent jurisdiction within Massachusetts. Consultant acknowledges that she/he is subject to the personal jurisdiction of the Massachusetts courts in any county where Akebia has operations or facilities.  
18.    Survivability.
If any part of this Agreement shall be held unenforceable, the remainder of the Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect and the unenforceable provision shall be construed by the court in such a manner as to be held enforceable while giving maximum effect to the intended meaning.
19.    Entire Agreement.
This Agreement represents the entire and integrated agreement between Akebia and Consultant with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and terminates all prior negotiations, representations, or agreements with respect to the subject matter hereof, either written or oral.  This Agreement may be amended only by written instrument signed by both Parties.
20.    Public Disclosure.
By signing this Agreement, Consultant acknowledges that Akebia or Akebia’s collaboration partners may publicly disclose information concerning the relationship between Akebia and Consultant, including, but not limited to, Consultant’s name and the consideration hereunder, travel, lodging and meals costs, and other transfers of value provided to Consultant by Akebia, in order to enable Akebia or its collaboration partners to fully comply with any public or other reporting requirements imposed by applicable 
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laws, regulations and industry codes, and that such information may be publicly posted on a governmental or Akebia website.
21.    Waiver.  
No waiver of any term, provision, or condition of this Agreement in any one or more instances will be deemed to be or construed as a further or continuing waiver of any other term, provision, or condition of this Agreement.  Any such waiver must be evidenced by an instrument in writing executed by Consultant and, in the case of Akebia, by a duly authorized signatory.
22.    Data Security and Data Privacy.  
a. Data Security. Consultant will maintain (and, as applicable, cause any subcontractors permitted in accordance with Section 6 to maintain) data security procedures and other safeguards that are  compliant with applicable Privacy Laws and consistent with industry standards, against the accidental, unlawful or unauthorized access to or acquisition, use, disclosure, destruction, loss, or alteration of Akebia’s Confidential Information (a “Data Breach”).  In the event that Consultant, in the course of providing Services to Akebia, receives, creates, stores, maintains, processes or otherwise has access to “Personal Information” (meaning any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person that is protected by applicable Privacy Laws, including, but not limited to, an individual’s name and social security number, driver’s license number or financial number, health information, and personal data, as further defined in such Privacy Laws), then Consultant shall implement and maintain appropriate technical and organizational measures, reflected in written security policies, to protect such Personal Information against a Data Breach and otherwise safeguard this information in accordance with these laws, and to the extent that Consultant experiences, becomes aware of, or suspects a Data Breach with respect to Personal Information in connection with this Agreement or any Statement of Work or amendment hereto, Consultant shall: (i) notify Akebia in writing without undue delay, and in any event, within twenty four (24) hours of becoming aware of such Data Breach (such notification to include, at minimum, a description of the nature of the Data Breach including the categories of Personal Information and approximate number of individuals affected and records concerned; the likely consequences of the Data Breach; and any measures taken or proposed by Consultant to mitigate or otherwise address the Data Breach); (ii) use Consultant’s best endeavors to mitigate the effects and to minimize any damage resulting from the Data Breach; and (iii) to the extent permitted by applicable law, reasonably assist and co-operate with Akebia in investigating, resolving and remediating the Data Breach, including providing Akebia with such further information as may be reasonably requested and coordinating with Akebia any public communication, communication to affected individuals, or response to any regulatory or supervisory authority in respect of the Data Breach.
b. Data Privacy. Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall it be construed, to permit Consultant to receive, create, access, store, maintain, disclose or process any Personal Information for any purpose other than performing the Services and fulfilling its 
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obligations under the Agreement.  Further, no Personal Information shall be commercially exploited by or on behalf of Consultant.  Consultant shall comply with the obligations specified in Exhibit D and/or Exhibit F, as applicable, depending on the nature of Personal Information processed.
23.    Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in more than one counterpart and signature pages may be exchanged by facsimile or email.
[signature page follows]

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IN WITNESS, WHEREOF, the Parties have duly executed this Master Consulting Services Agreement as of the Effective Date.

AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED BY:

						
	AKEBIA THERAPEUTICS, INC.

By:    /s/ David A. Spellman        

Print Name:     David A. Spellman

Title:    Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer  

Date:    August 7, 2020            
	Jason A. Amello

By: /s/ Jason A. Amello            

Date:    August 7, 2020            
         
Email: _______________________________

Telephone: ___________________________

13myok-ex101_331.htm

Exhibit 10.1

 

MYOKARDIA, Inc. (the “Company”)

change in control and SEVERANCE Policy

 

Adopted on october 17, 2015

(Amended on october 24, 2018)
(AMENDED ON fEBRUARY 22, 2019)

(AMENDED ON JUNE 3, 2020)

(AMENDED ON October 3, 2020)

 

In the event a senior management employee of the Company experiences an Involuntary Termination (as defined below), including a Sale Event Termination (as defined below), such senior management employee shall be entitled to receive either the Involuntary Termination Benefits (as defined below) or the Sale Event Termination Benefits (as defined below), as applicable, subject, in either case, to each such employee’s execution and non-revocation of a severance agreement within 60 days following the date of such termination, including a general release of claims (the “Release Agreement”).  Prior to a Sale Event, the Release Agreement shall be in a form acceptable to the Company, and on or following a Sale Event, the Release Agreement shall be in a form acceptable to the Company’s acquirer and consistent in all material respects with the form that such acquirer has previously provided to the Company.

 

Involuntary Termination Benefits:

 

	
 
	
•
	
No automatic acceleration of vesting of outstanding stock options and other equity awards with time-based vesting; 

 

	
 
	
•
	
Company-paid outplacement services by a counselor of a firm nationally recognized as a reputable national provider of such services (the “Outplacement Services”) for a period of time following the Involuntary Termination not to exceed the time set forth below. The Outplacement Services will be provided by an outside organization selected by the Company. If the employee elects not to take advantage of the Outplacement Services within thirty (30) days of the employee’s Involuntary Termination, then unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Company and the employee, the Company will not be obligated to provide the Outplacement Services to the employee. In no circumstance will the Company pay cash or provide any other consideration to any employee in lieu of the Outplacement Services, and in no event will the terms of the Outplacement Services be more favorable than the terms of the Sale Event Outplacement Services (as defined below); and

 

	
 
	
•
	
Payment of (a) cash severance in a lump sum in the applicable amount set forth below and (b) if the employee was participating in the Company’s group health plan immediately prior to the date of termination of his or her employment and elects COBRA health continuation, payment of a monthly cash payment for the period set forth below or the employee’s COBRA health continuation period, whichever ends earlier, in an amount equal to the monthly employer contribution that the Company would have made to provide health insurance to the employee if the employee had remained employed by the Company

1

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

 

	
Position
	
Severance (Amount of Base Salary)
	
Target Bonus
	
Benefits Continuation
	
Outplacement Services

	
Chief Executive Officer

 
	
12 months
	
None
	
12 months
	
12 months

	
C-Level Executive, Executive Vice President and Senior Vice President

 
	
9 months
	
None
	
9 months
	
12 months

	
Vice President

 
	
6 months
	
None
	
6 months
	
12 months

 

Sale Event Termination Benefits:

 

	
 
	
•
	
Full acceleration of vesting of outstanding stock options and other equity awards with time-based vesting; 

 

	
 
	
•
	
Company-paid outplacement services, on the same terms as provided by the Company’s acquirer to its employees (the “Sale Event Outplacement Services”), for a period of time following the Sale Event Termination not to exceed the time set forth below. If the employee elects not to take advantage of the Sale Event Outplacement Services within thirty (30) days of the employee’s Sale Event Termination, then unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Company and the employee, the Company will not be obligated to provide the Sale Event Outplacement Services to the employee. In no circumstance will the Company pay cash or provide any other consideration to any employee in lieu of the Sale Event Outplacement Services; and 

 

	
 
	
•
	
Payment of (a) cash severance in a lump sum in the applicable amount set forth below, (b) a lump sum target bonus payment in the applicable amount set forth below, and (c) if the employee was participating in the Company’s group health plan immediately prior to the date of termination of his or her employment and elects COBRA health continuation, payment of a monthly cash payment for the period set forth below or the employee’s COBRA health continuation period, whichever ends earlier, in an amount equal to the monthly employer contribution that the Company would have made to provide health insurance to the employee if the employee had remained employed by the Company.

 

					
	
Position
	
Severance (Amount of Base Salary)
	
Target Bonus
	
Benefits Continuation
	
Sale Event Outplacement Services 

2

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

					
	
Chief Executive Officer

 
	
18 months
	
1.5x Target Bonus
	
18 months
	
12 months

	
Senior Management Employees (1)

 
	
12 months
	
1x Target Bonus
	
12 months
	
12 months

 

	
 
	
(1)
	
Senior Management Employees include all employees of the Company at the level of Vice President and above (other than the Chief Executive Officer).

 

The amounts payable pursuant to this policy, including both the Involuntary Termination Benefits and the Sale Event Termination Benefits, shall be paid or commence to be paid within sixty (60) days following the date of termination of employment, provided that if the sixty (60)-day period begins in one calendar year and ends in a second calendar year, such payments shall be paid or commence to be paid in the second calendar year by the last day of such sixty (60)-day period.

In addition, except as otherwise provided in a Make Whole Agreement between the employee and the Company that is entered into with the prior consent of the Company’s acquirer, upon the consummation of a Sale Event, to the extent Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code is applicable to such employee, each employee shall be entitled to receive either: (a) payment of the full amounts set forth above to which the employee is entitled or (b) payment of such lesser amount that does not trigger excise taxes under Section 280G, whichever results in the employee receiving a higher amount after taking into account all federal, state and local income, excise and employment taxes.

For purposes of this policy, 

“Base Salary” means the greater of (a) the annual base salary in effect immediately prior to the Involuntary Termination or Sale Event Termination, as applicable and (b) the annual base salary in effect immediately prior to the Sale Event, as applicable.

“Good Reason” means that the affected employee followed the “Good Reason Process” (as defined below) following the occurrence of (a) a material diminution in the employee’s job responsibilities (provided that a mere change in title or reporting relationship shall not be deemed a material diminution in job responsibilities), (b) a 10% or greater reduction in the employee’s base salary (except for across-the-board salary reductions in the salaries of all similarly situated employees based on the Company’s financial performance), or (c) the relocation of the employee’s principal place of business to a location that is more than fifty (50) miles from the employee’s then-current location of employment. 

“Good Reason Process” means that (a) the employee reasonably determines in good faith that a “Good Reason” condition has occurred; (b) the employee notifies the Company or its successor in writing of the first occurrence of the Good Reason condition within sixty (60) days of the first occurrence of such a condition; (c) the employee cooperates in good faith with the Company’s or its successor’s efforts for a period of not fewer than thirty (30) days following such notice (the “Cure Period”) to remedy the condition; (d) notwithstanding such efforts, the Good Reason 

3

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

continues to exist; and (e) termination of the employee’s employment occurs no later than seven (7) days following the expiration of the Cure Period.

“Involuntary Termination” means termination of employment or other service relationship with the Company (or its successor or acquirer) without Cause (as defined in the Plan) or for Good Reason (other than a Sale Event Termination).

“Involuntary Termination Benefits” means the benefits payable following an Involuntary Termination.

“Plan” means the Company’s 2015 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.

“Sale Event” means ‘Sale Event’ as defined in the Plan.

“Sale Event Termination” means an Involuntary Termination that occurs within one (1) year following completion of a Sale Event.

“Sale Event Termination Benefits” means the benefits payable following a Sale Event Termination.

“Target Bonus” means the greater of (a) the target bonus in effect immediately prior to the Sale Event Termination or (b) the target bonus in effect immediately prior to the Sale Event.

This policy shall be administered by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) or the Compensation Committee of the Board (such administrator, the “Administrator”), and the Administrator shall have the power and authority to interpret the terms and provisions of this policy (including eligibility to receive any benefits hereunder), to make all determinations it deems advisable for the administration of this policy, to decide all disputes arising in connection with this policy and to otherwise supervise administration of this policy.  The Administrator retains the right to amend, revise, change or end this policy at any point in the future; provided that the Administrator may not amend or end the policy during the period commencing on the date that the Company enters into a definitive agreement that if consummated, would result in a Sale Event and ending on the earlier of (a) twelve (12) months after consummation of the Sale Event and (b) the termination of the definitive agreement without the consummation of a Sale Event.  This policy does not change the “at-will” employment status of any employee. 

In the event an employee of the Company is party to an agreement or other arrangement with the Company that provides greater benefits than set forth in this policy, such employee shall be entitled to receive the payments or benefits under such other agreement or arrangement and shall not be eligible to receive any payments or benefits under this policy.  

The payments under this policy are intended either to be exempt from Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 409A”), under the short-term deferral, separation pay, or other applicable exception, or to otherwise comply with Section 409A.  This policy shall be administered in a manner consistent with such intent.  For purposes of Section 409A, all payments under this policy shall be considered separate payments.  To the extent that any payment or benefit described in this policy constitutes “non-qualified deferred 

4

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

compensation” under Section 409A, and to the extent that such payment or benefit is payable upon an employee’s termination of employment, then such payments or benefits shall be payable only upon such employee’s “separation from service” (determined in accordance with the presumptions set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)).  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, to the extent an employee is considered a specified employee under Section 409A and would be entitled during the six-month period beginning on such employee’s separation from service to a payment that is not otherwise excluded under Section 409A, such payment will not be made until the earlier of (a) the date six (6) months and one (1) day after the employee’s separation from service and (b) the employee’s death. This policy may be amended as may be necessary to fully comply with Section 409A and all related rules and regulations in order to preserve the payments and benefits provided hereunder.  The Company makes no representation or warranty and shall have no liability to any employee or any other person if any provisions of this Agreement are determined to constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A but do not satisfy an exemption from, or the conditions of, such Section.

5

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