Document:

cycn-ex102_241.htm

Exhibit 10.2

 

Certain information has been excluded from this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because such information is both not material and the type that the registrant treats as private or confidential.

 

CONFIDENTIAL

 

LICENSE AGREEMENT

This License Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made effective as of June 3, 2021 (the “Effective Date”) by and between Cyclerion Therapeutics, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (“Cyclerion”) and Akebia Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Akebia”) (each of Cyclerion and Akebia being a “Party”, and collectively, the “Parties”). 

WHEREAS, Cyclerion controls certain intellectual property rights with respect to the Licensed Compounds (as defined herein) and Products (as defined herein) in the Territory (as defined herein); and

WHEREAS, Cyclerion wishes to grant to Akebia, and Akebia wishes to be granted, an exclusive license under such intellectual property rights to Exploit (as defined herein) Licensed Compounds and Products in the Territory, in each case, in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth below.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual promises and conditions hereinafter set forth, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, do hereby agree as follows:

Article 1
DEFINITIONS

The following terms, whether used in the singular or the plural, shall have the meanings designated to them under this Article unless otherwise specifically indicated.

	
1.1
	
“Additional Development Materials” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.5.

	
1.2
	
“Affiliate” means, with respect to a Party, any Person controlled by, controlling, or under common control with such Party.  For purposes of this Section 1.2 only, “control” and, with corresponding meanings, the terms “controlled by,” “controlling,” and “under common control with” means (a) the ownership, directly or indirectly, of more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting securities, participating profit interest, or other ownership interests of a legal entity, or (b) the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct the management or policies of a legal entity, whether through the ownership of voting securities or by contract relating to voting rights or corporate governance.

	
1.3
	
“Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

	
1.4
	
“Akebia” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

	
1.5
	
“Akebia Indemnitees” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.1.

	
1.6
	
“Akebia Intellectual Property” means (a) any Know-How Controlled by Akebia or any of its Affiliates as of the effective date of termination of this Agreement that is used in the Exploitation of any Product as of such effective date of termination, and (b) any Patents Controlled by Akebia or any of its Affiliates as of the effective date of termination of this Agreement that would be infringed by the Exploitation of any Product. 

 

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1.7
	
“Akebia Primary Patents” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(b)(i).

	
1.8
	
“Assigned Trademarks” means the Trademarks set forth on Schedule 1.8.

	
1.9
	
“Business Day” means any day except (a) Saturday, (b) Sunday, (c) any day that is a federal legal holiday in the U.S., or (d) any day on which banking institutions in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are authorized or required by law or other governmental action to close.  

	
1.10
	
“Calendar Quarter” means each successive period of three (3) calendar months commencing on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1, except that the first Calendar Quarter of the Term shall commence on the Effective Date and end on the day immediately prior to the first to occur of January 1, April 1, July 1 or October 1 after the Effective Date, and the last Calendar Quarter shall end on the last day of the Term.

	
1.11
	
“Calendar Year” means each successive period of twelve (12) calendar months commencing on January 1 and ending on December 31, except that the first Calendar Year of the Term shall commence on the Effective Date and end on December 31 of the year in which the Effective Date occurs and the last Calendar Year of the Term shall commence on January 1 of the year in which the Term ends and end on the last day of the Term.

	
1.12
	
“Centralized Approval Procedure” means the procedure through which a MAA filed with the EMA results in a single marketing authorization valid throughout the European Union.

	
1.13
	
“Clinical Trial” means a study in humans to obtain information regarding a pharmaceutical or biological product, including information relating to the safety, tolerability, pharmacological activity, pharmacokinetics, dose ranging or efficacy of such product, including a Phase 2 Clinical Trial and a Phase 3 Clinical Trial. 

	
1.14
	
“Combination Product” means a Product that is comprised of or contains a Licensed Compound as an active ingredient together with one or more other active ingredients and is sold either as a fixed dose or as separate doses but in any event for a single price. 

	
1.15
	
“Commercialization” means any and all activities directed to the preparation for sale of, offering for sale of, or sale of a Product, including activities related to pricing and reimbursement (including obtaining and maintaining Pricing Approval), marketing, promoting, distributing, and importing, and interacting with Regulatory Authorities regarding any of the foregoing, but excluding activities directed to Development, Manufacturing, and Medical Affairs.  When used as a verb, “to Commercialize” and “Commercializing” means to engage in Commercialization, and “Commercialized” has a corresponding meaning. 

	
1.16
	
“Commercial Sublicense Income” means any consideration received by Akebia or any of its Affiliates solely on the basis of sales of the Products by any Significant Sublicensee in any of the Major Countries (and sales by such Significant Sublicensee in any other countries or other jurisdictions in the Territory to the extent included in the grant of such a sublicense for any Major Country), including [***]. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, Commercial Sublicense Income shall exclude [***]. To the extent that Akebia or its Affiliates receives any amounts not solely related to the sale of the Products, then the “Commercial Sublicense Income” attributable to the Products will be apportioned between [***].

	
1.17
	
“Commercially Reasonable Efforts” means, with respect to the efforts to be expended by a Party with respect to any objective or activity, [***].  

 

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CONFIDENTIAL

 

	
1.18
	
“Confidential Information” means, subject to Section 10.1, (a) the terms of this Agreement and (b) with respect to each Party, Know-How and any technical, scientific, trade, research, manufacturing, business, financial, marketing, product, supplier, intellectual property, and other information that may be disclosed by one Party to the other Party pursuant to this Agreement (including information disclosed prior to the Effective Date pursuant to the that certain Confidential Disclosure Agreement between the Parties, [***]), regardless of whether such information is specifically designated as confidential or proprietary and regardless of whether such information is in written, oral, electronic, or other form.

	
1.19
	
“Control” means, with respect to any item of Know-How, Patent, or any intellectual property right, that a Party owns or has a license to such item or right and has the ability to grant to the other Party a license or sublicense under such item or right as provided for in this Agreement without breaching or otherwise violating the terms of any agreement or other arrangement with any Third Party in existence as of the time such Party or its Affiliates would first be required hereunder to grant the other Party such access, right to use, license, or sublicense. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Party and its Affiliates will not be deemed to “Control” any Know-How, Patent, or any intellectual property right that, (i) prior to the consummation of an acquisition of such Party (whether by merger, stock purchase, or purchase of assets), is owned or in-licensed by a Third Party that becomes an Affiliate of such acquired Party (or that merges or consolidates with such Party) after the Effective Date as a result of such acquisition, or (ii) is generated or discovered after such an acquisition independent of this Agreement by employees or consultants of the Third Party that becomes an Affiliate of a Party who conduct no activities under this Agreement and who have no access to the Confidential Information disclosed or generated under this Agreement, unless (A) prior to the consummation of such acquisition, such acquired Party or any of its Affiliates also Controlled such Know-How, Patent, or intellectual property right, or (B) after the consummation of such acquisition, such acquired Party or any of its Affiliates determines to use or uses any such Know-How, Patent, or intellectual property right in the performance of its obligations or exercise of its rights under this Agreement, in each of which cases ((A) and (B)), such Know-How, Patent, or intellectual property right, as applicable, will be “Controlled” by such Party for purposes of this Agreement. “Controlled” and “Controlling” have corresponding meanings.

	
1.20
	
“Control Transferring Patent” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(a)(i).

	
1.21
	
“Convicted Entity” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.3(d).

	
1.22
	
“Convicted Individual” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.3(d).

	
1.23
	
“Cover” means, when used to refer to the relationship between a particular Patent and particular subject matter, that the manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale, or importation of such subject matter would fall within the scope of one or more claims in, or is otherwise claimed by, such Patent.

	
1.24
	
“Cyclerion” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

	
1.25
	
“Cyclerion Competing Product” means any pharmaceutical product that contains [***].

	
1.26
	
“Cyclerion Indemnitee” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.2. 

	
1.27
	
“Cyclerion Indication” means [***]. 

	
1.28
	
“Cyclerion Intellectual Property” means the Cyclerion Patents and Cyclerion Know-How and Cyclerion’s interest in the Joint Intellectual Property Rights. 

 

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1.29
	
“Cyclerion Know-How” means any Know-How, other than Joint Know-How, Controlled by Cyclerion or any of its Affiliates as of the Effective Date or during the Term that is necessary or reasonably useful for the Exploitation of any Licensed Compound or Product.

	
1.30
	
“Cyclerion Patent” means any Patent, other than a Joint Patent, Controlled by Cyclerion or its Affiliates as of the Effective Date or [***].

	
1.31
	
“Debarred Entity” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.3(b).

	
1.32
	
“Debarred Individual” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.3(a). 

	
1.33
	
“Development” means all internal and external research, development, and regulatory activities regarding the Licensed Compound or the Products.  This includes (a) research, preclinical testing, toxicology, route of synthesis, non-clinical activities, formulation, and clinical studies of such Licensed Compound or Products; and (b) preparation, submission, review, and development of data or information for the purpose of submission to a Regulatory Authority to obtain authorization to conduct Clinical Trials and to obtain or maintain Regulatory Approval of a Product.  Development also includes development and regulatory activities for additional forms, formulations or Indications for a Product, including Clinical Trials initiated following receipt of Regulatory Approval or any Clinical Trial to be conducted after a Regulatory Approval that was mandated by the applicable Regulatory Authority as a condition of such Regulatory Approval with respect to an approved Indication including post-marketing studies and observational studies, if required by any Regulatory Authority in any country in the Territory to maintain Regulatory Approval for a Product in such country, but Development excludes all activities directed to Manufacturing, Medical Affairs, and Commercialization.  “Develop,” “Developing,” and “Developed” will be construed accordingly. 

	
1.34
	
“Development Materials” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.4.  

	
1.35
	
“Development Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1. 

	
1.36
	
“Dollars” means U.S. dollars.

	
1.37
	
“Drug Product” means that certain finished Product manufactured [***].

	
1.38
	
“Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

	
1.39
	
“EMA” means the European Medicine Agency or any successor agency thereto or authority having substantially the same function. 

	
1.40
	
“E.U. Regulatory Approval” means (a) receipt of Regulatory Approval by the EMA through the Centralized Approval Procedure or (b) receipt of Regulatory Approval from the applicable Regulatory Authorities in [***] Major European Countries.

	
1.41
	
“European Union” or “E.U.” means the economic, scientific, and political organization of member states known as the European Union, as its membership may be altered from time to time, and any successor thereto; provided that for the purposes of this Agreement, the European Union shall be deemed to include the United Kingdom.

	
1.42
	
“Excluded Entity” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.3(c).

 

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1.43
	
“Excluded Individual” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.3(c).  

	
1.44
	
“Excluded Indication” means [***]. 

	
1.45
	
“Executive Officer” means, with respect to Cyclerion, its Chief Executive Officer and, with respect to Akebia, its Chief Executive Officer. 

	
1.46
	
“Existing Drug Substance” means the existing inventory of praliciguat drug substance that Cyclerion has on hand as of the Effective Date, [***].  

	
1.47
	
“Exploit” means to Develop, Manufacture, perform Medical Affairs with respect to, Commercialize, and otherwise make, use, sell, offer for sale, or import.

	
1.48
	
“FDA” means the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any successor agency thereto or authority having substantially the same function.

	
1.49
	
“FDA’s Disqualified/Restricted List” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.3(d).

	
1.50
	
“FFDCA” means the U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act (21 U.S.C. Section 301 et seq.), as amended from time to time, together with any rules, regulations and requirements promulgated thereunder. 

	
1.51
	
“Field” means the treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of any diseases or conditions in humans.

	
1.52
	
“First Commercial Sale” means, with respect to a Product and a country or other jurisdiction in the Territory, the first bona fide, arm’s length sale of such Product in such country after Regulatory Approval has been obtained for such Product in such country or other jurisdiction. First Commercial Sale excludes any sale or other distribution of a Product for Clinical Trial or other Development purposes, early access programs (such as to provide patients with such Product prior to Regulatory Approval pursuant to treatment INDs or protocols, named patient programs or compassionate use programs) or any similar use.

	
1.53
	
“GAAP” means U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (or such accounting principles adopted by Akebia for the calculation of Net Sales, as applicable), consistently applied.

	
1.54
	
“Generic Product” means, with respect to a Product and a particular country, any pharmaceutical product that (a) is sold in such country by a Third Party that is not a Sublicensee of Akebia or its Affiliates, or any of their Sublicensees, under a Regulatory Approval granted by the applicable Regulatory Authority to a Third Party, (b) contains as an active ingredient the same active ingredient as such Product, and (c) is approved in part in reliance on the prior approval (or on safety or efficacy data submitted in support of the prior approval) of such Product (i) in the U.S., pursuant to Section 505(b)(2) or Section 505(j) of the FFDCA (21 U.S.C. 355(b)(2) and 21 U.S.C. 355(j), respectively), or (ii) in any other country or jurisdiction in the Territory, pursuant to all equivalents of any of the foregoing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, [***].

	
1.55
	
“Good Clinical Practices” or “GCP” means the then-current standards, practices and procedures for designing, conducting, recording and reporting Clinical Trials as required by applicable Regulatory Authorities or applicable law in the relevant jurisdiction of such Clinical Trial, including, in the U.S., those promulgated or endorsed by the FDA and in the E.U. those required by the EMA under comparable applicable laws in the European Union, as set forth in the guidelines 

 

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entitled “Guidance for Industry E6 Good Clinical Practice: Consolidated Guidance,” and including related regulatory requirements imposed by the FDA or EMA, as applicable.

	
1.56
	
“Good Manufacturing Practices” or “GMP” means the then-current good manufacturing practices applicable from time to time to the Manufacturing of the Licensed Compounds or the Products or any intermediate thereof pursuant to applicable law in the jurisdiction of Manufacture, including in the U.S. those required by the FDA, as set forth in the FFDCA and the regulations promulgated thereunder, and in the E.U. those required by the EMA under comparable applicable laws in the European Union, for the manufacture, testing and release of pharmaceutical materials, as they may be updated from time to time, and applicable quality guidelines promulgated under the ICH (International Council for Harmonization). 

	
1.57
	
“IND” means (a) an Investigational New Drug Application as defined in the FFDCA and applicable regulations promulgated thereunder by the FDA, the filing of which is necessary to commence a Clinical Trial, and equivalent filings with Regulatory Authorities outside the U.S., including the EMA and PMDA, and (b) all supplements and amendments that may be filed with respect to the foregoing.

	
1.58
	
“Indemnitee” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.3.

	
1.59
	
“Indemnitor” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.3.

	
1.60
	
“Indication” means each separate and distinct disease, disorder, or condition.  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary set forth in this Agreement: (a) with respect to a Product, if such Product has received Regulatory Approval for which at least one adequate and well-controlled Clinical Trial is required to support the addition of a disease, disorder, or condition to the indication statement on the Regulatory Authority-approved labeling for such Product, such approval shall be deemed to be Regulatory Approval for a new Indication; (b) each of the following will be treated as the same Indication and not a distinct Indication: (i) the treatment of a disease, disorder, or condition in a particular patient population and the treatment of the same disease, disorder, or condition in another population (e.g., adult population and pediatric population); (ii) different subtypes or lines of therapy for the same disease, disorder, or condition; and (iii) different doses or dosing schedules for the same disease, disorder, or condition; and (c) each of the following will be treated as distinct Indications: [***]. 

	
1.61
	
“Initial Supply” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.

	
1.62
	
“Initial Supply Notice Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.

	
1.63
	
“Initiating Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4(d). 

	
1.64
	
“Initiation” means, with respect to a given Clinical Trial, the administration of the first dose of a Product to the first duly screened and enrolled subject in accordance with the study protocol for such Clinical Trial.

	
1.65
	
“Joint Intellectual Property Rights” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(b).

	
1.66
	
“Joint Know-How” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(b). 

	
1.67
	
“Joint Patents” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(b). 

 

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1.68
	
“Know-How” means any (a) proprietary information or materials, including records, improvements, modifications, techniques, assays, processes, methods, utilities, formulations, compositions of matter, articles of manufacture, materials (including chemical or biological materials), creation, discovery or finding, designs, protocols, formulas, data (including physical data, chemical data, toxicology data, animal data, raw data, clinical data, and analytical and quality control data), dosage regimens, control assays, product specifications, marketing, pricing and distribution costs, algorithms, technology, forecasts, profiles, strategies, plans, results in any form whatsoever, know-how, and trade secrets (in each case, whether or not patentable, copyrightable, or otherwise protectable), and (b) any physical embodiments of any of the foregoing. 

	
1.69
	
“Knowledge” means the actual knowledge, as of the Effective Date, of the individuals of Cyclerion [***].  

	
1.70
	
“Licensed Compound” means (a) the pharmaceutical compound known as praliciguat, which has the chemical structure set forth on Schedule 1.70, and (b) any metabolite, salt, ester, hydrate, solvate, isomer, enantiomer, free acid form, free base form, crystalline form, co-crystalline form, amorphous form, pro-drug (including ester pro-drug) form [***], racemate, polymorph, chelate, stereoisomer, tautomer, or optically active form of any of the foregoing. 

	
1.71
	
“MAA” or “Marketing Authorization Application” means (a) a New Drug Application as defined in the FFDCA, or any corresponding foreign application in the Territory, including, with respect to the European Union, a Marketing Authorization Application filed with the EMA pursuant to the Centralized Approval Procedure or with the applicable Regulatory Authority of any country in the European Union with respect to the mutual recognition or any other national approval procedure, and (b) all supplements and amendments to any of the foregoing.

	
1.72
	
“Major Countries” means [***]. 

	
1.73
	
“Major European Countries” means [***]. 

	
1.74
	
“Manufacture” and “Manufacturing” means, with respect to any product (including active pharmaceutical ingredient and other intermediate or material contained therein), any and all activities related to the manufacture of such product, including qualification, validation and scale-up, pre-clinical, clinical and commercial manufacture, packaging, labeling, filling, finishing, assembly, processing, in-process and finished product testing, release of such product or any component or ingredient thereof, quality assurance, quality control and audit activities related to manufacturing, testing and release of such product, ongoing stability tests, storage, shipping, supply or storage of such product (or any components or process steps involving such product or any companion diagnostic), placebo or comparator agent, as the case may be, product characterization, technical support activities, and regulatory activities related to any of the foregoing, but excluding any activities directed to Development, Medical Affairs, and Commercialization of such product. 

	
1.75
	
“Manufacturing Process” means the process for the Manufacture of the Licensed Compounds and Products, including the then-current process for the Manufacture of the Licensed Compounds and Products. 

	
1.76
	
“Manufacturing Process Improvements” means any [***].

	
1.77
	
“Manufacturing Process Patents” means any Patents Controlled by Akebia that Cover any Manufacturing Process Improvements.

 

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1.78
	
“Manufacturing Transfer Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.7.

	
1.79
	
“Medical Affairs” means, with respect to a Product, any and all activities performed by or on behalf of a Party’s or its Affiliates’ medical affairs departments interacting with physicians or other healthcare professionals who utilize or conduct research related to a drug or biological product, including: supporting continuing medical education and other medical programs and communications; development, publication, and dissemination of publications; development and fulfillment of medical information responses; development and execution of disease awareness education including symposia and digital education initiatives; sponsorship and booth exhibition at key congresses; conducting health economic, burden of illness/disease, natural history and real world evidence studies;; supporting educational fellowships and research grants, supporting external research efforts such as scientific research agreements and investigator initiated trials (following Regulatory Approval); medical resourcing, training and allocation; medical and scientific platform, content development, publications, and communications; conducting appropriate activities involving opinion leaders, including communications and engagement; conducting medical science liaison activities; advisory boards (to the extent related to medical affairs or clinical guidance) and conducting advisory board meetings or other consultant programs; establishing patient registries and expanded access programs; post-approval investigator initiated trials or scientific research agreements; life cycle management activities and clinical research and investigator initiated research (IIR), expressly excluding activities directed to Development, Manufacturing, and Commercialization.

	
1.80
	
[***]

	
1.81
	
[***]

	
1.82
	
[***]

	
1.83
	
[***]

	
1.84
	
“Net Sales” means [***].

	
1.85
	
“New License Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.5.

	
1.86
	
“Non-Commercial Sublicense Income” means any consideration (including in the form of upfront payments, license fees, milestone payments, including any milestone payments for the receipt of Regulatory Approval but excluding [***], and the fair market value of any non-cash consideration as determined in accordance with Section 7.6(c).) received by Akebia or any of its Affiliates from any Significant Sublicensee in consideration for the grant by Akebia or any of its Affiliates of a sublicense to such Significant Sublicensee of any of the rights granted to Akebia under this Agreement with respect to the Licensed Compounds or the Products or under any of the Cyclerion Intellectual Property in any of the Major Countries (and any other countries or other jurisdictions in the Territory to the extent included in the grant of such a sublicense for any Major Country), including [***]. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, Non-Commercial Sublicense Income shall exclude [***].

	
1.87
	
“Non-Control Transferring Patent” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(c)(i).  

	
1.88
	
“Party” or “Parties” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto. 

 

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1.89
	
“Patent(s)” means (a) any and all national, regional and international patents, certificates of invention, applications for certificates of invention, priority patent filings and patent applications, including provisional patent applications, and (b) any renewal, divisional, continuation (in whole or in part), or request for continued examination of any of such patents, certificates of invention and patent applications, and any and all patents (including utility models, petty patents and design patents) or certificates of invention issuing thereon, and any and all reissues, reexaminations, extensions, divisions, renewals, substitutions, confirmations, registrations, revalidations, revisions, and additions of or to any of the foregoing.

	
1.90
	
“Patent Challenge” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.2(c).

	
1.91
	
“Patent Contact” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.3.

	
1.92
	
“Patent Linkage” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(f).

	
1.93
	
“Patent Term Extension” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(f).

	
1.94
	
“Patent Transfer Date” means the earlier of [***], and (b) such date that the Parties may agree, following request by Akebia or Cyclerion.

	
1.95
	
“Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, governmental entity, or other legal entity of any nature whatsoever.

	
1.96
	
“Phase 2 Clinical Trial” means a human clinical trial of a product, which trial the FDA permits to be conducted under an open IND, with the endpoint of evaluating its effectiveness for a particular Indication or Indications in one or more specified doses or its short term tolerance and safety, as well as its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic information in patients with the Indications under study, that is prospectively designed to generate sufficient data (if successful) to commence a Phase 3 Clinical Trial for such product, and that satisfies the requirements of U.S. federal regulation 21 C.F.R. § 312.21(b) and its successor regulation or equivalents in other jurisdictions.  

	
1.97
	
“Phase 3 Clinical Trial” means a human clinical trial of a product on a sufficient number of patients, which trial the FDA permits to be conducted under an open IND, and that is designed to: (a) establish that the product is safe and efficacious for its intended use; (b) define warnings, precautions, and adverse reactions that are associated with the product in the dosage range to be prescribed; and (c) enable, without additional clinical trials, the submission of an MAA to a Regulatory Authority for the product, and that satisfies the requirements of U.S. federal regulation 21 C.F.R. § 312.21(c) and its successor regulation or equivalents in other jurisdictions.  

	
1.98
	
“PMDA” means the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency of Japan or any successor agency thereto or authority having substantially the same function.

	
1.99
	
“Pricing Approval” means such approval, agreement, determination, or decision establishing prices for a Product that can be charged to consumers or reimbursed by Regulatory Authorities in a country or regulatory jurisdiction where the applicable Regulatory Authorities of such country or regulatory jurisdiction approve or determine the pricing or reimbursement of pharmaceutical products.

	
1.100
	
“Product” means any pharmaceutical product containing a Licensed Compound, alone or in combination with one or more other active ingredients (including all Combination Products), in any and all forms, presentations, delivery systems, dosages, and formulations. 

 

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1.101
	
“Product Infringement” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4(a).

	
1.102
	
“Reduction Floor” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5(e)(iv).

	
1.103
	
“Regulatory Approval” means, with respect to a country or other jurisdiction in the Territory, any and all approvals (including approval of an MAA), licenses, registrations, or authorizations of any Regulatory Authority necessary to commercially distribute, sell, and market a Licensed Compound or Product in such country or other jurisdiction, excluding any Pricing Approvals in such country or other jurisdiction (where applicable).

	
1.104
	
“Regulatory Authority” means any applicable supra-national, federal, national, regional, state, provincial, or local governmental or regulatory agencies, departments, bureaus, commissions, councils, or other government entities (e.g., the FDA, EMA, and PMDA) regulating or otherwise exercising authority with respect to activities contemplated in this Agreement, including the Development, Manufacture, or Commercialization of pharmaceutical products.

	
1.105
	
“Regulatory Exclusivity” means any exclusive marketing rights or data exclusivity rights conferred by any Regulatory Authority with respect to a Product in a country or jurisdiction in the Territory other than Patents that (a) prohibit any Person from relying on safety or efficacy data generated by or on behalf of a Party with respect to such Product in an application for Regulatory Approval of a Generic Product, or (b) confer an exclusive Commercialization period during which Akebia or its Affiliates or Sublicensees have the exclusive right to market and sell a Licensed Compound or a Product in such country or jurisdiction, including rights conferred in the U.S. under the Hatch-Waxman Act or the FDA Modernization Act of 1997 (including pediatric exclusivity), orphan drug exclusivity, or rights similar thereto outside the U.S.  

	
1.106
	
“Regulatory Submissions” means all (a) applications (including all INDs and MAAs), registrations, licenses, authorizations, and approvals (including Regulatory Approvals); (b) correspondence and reports submitted to or received from Regulatory Authorities (including minutes and official contact reports relating to any communications with any Regulatory Authority) and all supporting documents with respect thereto, including all regulatory drug lists, advertising and promotion documents, adverse event files, and complaint files; and (c) clinical and other data contained or relied upon in any of the foregoing, in each case ((a), (b), and (c)) relating to a Licensed Compound or Product. 

	
1.107
	
“Residual Knowledge” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.5.

	
1.108
	
“Restricted Product” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.8(c).

	
1.109
	
“Royalty Term” means, with respect to each Product and each country or other jurisdiction in the Territory, the period beginning on the date of [***] in such country or other jurisdiction, and ending on the latest to occur of [***].

	
1.110
	
“Sell-Down Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.3(g).

	
1.111
	
“Significant Sublicensee” means any Sublicensee to whom Akebia or an Affiliate of Akebia grants a sublicense of any of the rights granted to Akebia in Section 8.1 as permitted under Section 8.4 (a) in any of the Major Countries (and in any other countries or other jurisdictions in the Territory to the extent included in the grant of such a sublicense for any Major Country), and (b) that includes a grant of rights to sell one or more Products on such Sublicensee’s own behalf in such Major 

 

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Countries and Sublicensee has the right to record such Product sales in its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP or similar accounting standards in countries outside of the U.S..    

	
1.112
	
“Sublicensee” means any Third Party to whom Akebia or an Affiliate of Akebia grants a sublicense of any of the rights granted to Akebia in Section 8.1 as permitted under Section 8.4, but expressly excluding all Third Party Distributors. 

	
1.113
	
“Supply Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.

	
1.114
	
“Term” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.1.

	
1.115
	
“Territory” means worldwide.

	
1.116
	
“Third Party” means any person or entity other than Cyclerion, Akebia, and their respective Affiliates.

	
1.117
	
“Third Party Claims” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.1.

	
1.118
	
“Third Party Distributor” means, with respect to a country, any Third Party that purchases its requirements for Products in such country from Akebia or its Affiliates or Sublicensees and is appointed as a distributor to distribute, market, and resell such Product in such country, even if such Third Party is granted ancillary rights to Develop, package, or obtain Regulatory Approval of such Product in order to distribute, market, or sell such Product in such country. 

	
1.119
	
“Trademarks” means any word, name, symbol, color, shape, designation or any combination thereof that functions as an identifier of source or origin, including any trademarks, trade names, trade dress, service marks, domain names, logos, slogans and brandings, registered or unregistered, whether at common law or statutory, and all registrations and applications therefor, and all goodwill associated with the foregoing.

	
1.120
	
“U.S.” means the United States of America, including its territories and possessions.

	
1.121
	
“Valid Claim”  (a) a claim of any issued and unexpired Patent whose validity, enforceability, or patentability has not been affected by any of the following: (i) irretrievable lapse, abandonment, revocation, dedication to the public, or disclaimer; or (ii) a holding, finding, or decision of invalidity, unenforceability, or non-patentability by a court, governmental agency, national or regional patent office, or other appropriate body that has competent jurisdiction, such holding, finding, or decision being final and unappealable or unappealed within the time allowed for appeal, or (b) a claim of a pending Patent application, which claim has not been pending for more than [***] since the earliest date such Patent application is entitled to claim priority, unless and until such claim becomes an issued claim of an issued patent in which case it will again be considered a Valid Claim under the foregoing clause (a). 

Article 2
INFORMATION SHARING

	
2.1
	
Good Faith Information Sharing. The Parties agree that they will cooperate in good faith to share relevant information and expertise regarding the Development (including CMC), Manufacturing, Medical Affairs, and Commercialization of the Product through discussions between appropriate representatives of the Parties as may be arranged from time to time. On an [***] basis, through a presentation to representatives of Cyclerion, Akebia will provide Cyclerion with an update with 

 

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respect to the Development, Manufacturing, Medical Affairs, and Commercialization activities that it has performed, or caused to be performed, for the Products in the Field in the Territory on a Major Country-by-Major Country basis since the preceding update and a summary of the key Development, Manufacturing, Medical Affairs, and Commercialization activities that Akebia expects to perform, or caused to be performed, for the Products in the Field in the Territory on a Major Country-by-Major Country basis during the then-current Calendar Year.  Following each such [***] meeting, Akebia shall provide to Cyclerion with a written copy of such presentation as was presented by Akebia to the representatives of Cyclerion.  

Article 3
DEVELOPMENT 

	
3.1
	
Overview of Development.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Akebia shall have sole control over and decision-making authority with respect to the Development of the Licensed Compounds and Products in the Field in the Territory in accordance with this Article 3, including obtaining and maintaining Regulatory Approval therefor. 

	
3.2
	
Diligence.  Akebia shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, perform any and all Development activities under this Agreement in compliance in all material respects with applicable laws and regulations, including as applicable GCP and GMP. Akebia shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to [***]. Akebia shall have the right to satisfy its diligence obligations under this Section 3.2 through its Affiliates or Sublicensees.  If at any time Cyclerion has a reasonable basis to believe that Akebia is [***].  

	
3.3
	
Development Plan. All Development of the Products in the Territory will be governed by a written development plan, as such development plan may be revised by Akebia in its sole discretion from time to time (the “Development Plan”). The initial Development Plan is attached hereto as Schedule 3.3. For the avoidance of doubt, Akebia is under no obligation to provide Cyclerion notice of, or copies of, any changes to the Development Plan.

	
3.4
	
Third Party Contractors.  Akebia may engage any Third Party subcontractor to perform any or all of its obligations hereunder, provided that (a) Akebia will (i) remain primarily liable to Cyclerion for the performance of all of its obligations under, and Akebia’s compliance with all provisions of, this Agreement, and (ii) be fully responsible and liable for any conduct by any of its subcontractors that would amount to a breach of the terms of this Agreement if performed by Akebia, in each case, to the same extent as if Akebia itself has committed such breach, and (b) the agreement pursuant to which Akebia engages any Third Party subcontractor must (i) be consistent in all material respects with this Agreement, (ii) contain terms with respect to intellectual property that are consistent with the intellectual property provisions of this Agreement, and (iii) contain obligations of confidentiality and non-use no less stringent that the confidentiality terms of this Agreement.  

	
3.5
	
Development Costs.  Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, Akebia shall be responsible for all of its costs and expenses in connection with the Development of, and obtaining and maintaining Regulatory Approvals for, the Products in the Field in the Territory.

	
3.6
	
Records. Akebia shall maintain records in sufficient detail and in good scientific manner appropriate for patent and regulatory purposes, and in compliance with applicable law, which shall reflect all work done and results achieved in the performance of its Development activities for the Products in the Field in the Territory.  Such records shall be retained by Akebia for at least [***] 

 

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years after the termination of this Agreement, or for such longer period as may be required by applicable law.

Article 4
REGULATORY MATTERS

	
4.1
	
Transfer of Regulatory Submissions.  [***] following the Effective Date, Cyclerion shall transfer to Akebia all INDs for the Products listed on Schedule 4.1 (unless otherwise agreed by the Parties) and any other Regulatory Submissions for the Licensed Compounds and Products in the Field in the Territory, and in connection with such transfer Cyclerion shall take all actions required to assign, convey, transfer, and deliver to Akebia, all of Cyclerion’s rights, title, and interests in and to such Regulatory Submissions (including executing and delivering such endorsements, assignments, and other documents as may be necessary). Without limiting Cyclerion’s obligations under this Section 4.1, [***] the Effective Date, Cyclerion will submit to the applicable Regulatory Authorities a letter or other necessary documentation (with copy to Akebia) notifying such Regulatory Authorities of such transfer. Following transfer to Akebia, Akebia shall thereafter be responsible for the maintenance of such INDs and any other Regulatory Submissions for the Licensed Compounds and the Products in the Field in the Territory at its sole cost and expense.  

	
4.2
	
Regulatory Responsibilities.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, as between the Parties, Akebia shall have sole control over and decision-making authority with respect to, at its own expense, preparing, filing, and maintaining all Regulatory Submissions for Licensed Compounds and Products in the Field in all countries and regulatory jurisdictions of the Territory, including preparing all reports required in connection with the submission of any application for Regulatory Approval.  All Regulatory Submissions for the Licensed Compounds and the Products in the Field shall be filed in the name of Akebia or one of its Affiliates or Sublicensees, or in the case of an investigator-sponsored trial, in the name of the investigator or institution conducting the study, and, as between the Parties, Akebia shall sole control over and decision-making authority with respect to all communications and other dealings with the Regulatory Authorities relating to the Licensed Compounds and the Products in the Field in the Territory.  As between the Parties, following completion of the assignment and transfer contemplated in Section 4.1, Akebia shall be the legal and beneficial owner of all Regulatory Submissions and Regulatory Approvals for the Licensed Compounds and the Products in the Field in all countries and regulatory jurisdictions of the Territory.

Article 5
MANUFACTURE AND SUPPLY OF PRODUCT AND PRE-CLINICAL MATERIALS

	
5.1
	
Initial Supply of Products. Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Parties, the Parties shall enter into a supply agreement (the “Supply Agreement”) [***] the Effective Date, which will include the terms set forth in this Article 5 as well as other terms customary for supply arrangements between licensees and licensors pursuant to which licensor receives milestone and royalty payments. Pursuant to the Supply Agreement, Cyclerion [***]. The Parties shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to ensure that delivery of the Initial Supply shall occur no later than [***] from the Initial Supply Notice Date, or at such a time agreed upon by the Parties in writing. The term of the Supply Agreement shall conclude [***].  

	
5.2
	
Compliance; Warranties.  The Supply Agreement will contain terms and conditions regarding compliance with applicable law and specifications for the Existing Drug Substance and Drug Product, delivery, acceptance, recalls, indemnification, and limitations of liability.

 

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5.3
	
Price.  The Initial Supply shall be supplied to Akebia or its designee at Cyclerion’s actual fully-burdened Manufacturing [***].  The fully-burdened Manufacturing cost will include [***], solely to the extent incurred after the Effective Date. The approximate cost of the Initial Supply is [***], assuming an Initial Supply as set forth in Schedule 5.3.  If Cyclerion becomes aware that the cost of the Initial Supply is anticipated to materially increase from this estimate, then Cyclerion shall promptly provide notice to Akebia of such anticipated cost change and the new estimated cost of the Initial Supply. Promptly thereafter, the Parties will meet and discuss in good faith any steps that either Party may take to mitigate such cost increase.  

	
5.4
	
Development Materials. The Parties acknowledge that, as of the Effective Date, Cyclerion is in the physical possession of that inventory of [***] (collectively, [***] the “Development Materials”), in each case, as set forth on Schedule 11.1(u).  Promptly after the Effective Date and pursuant to the terms of the Supply Agreement, Cyclerion shall supply Akebia with all Development Materials that Cyclerion controls, including those materials in the possession of Cyclerion’s Third Party contract manufacturers, and that are listed on Schedule 11.1(u), at no cost to Akebia, and Cyclerion shall transfer title to Akebia to all such Development Materials in accordance with the terms of the Supply Agreement. Cyclerion hereby agrees to manage any storage, handling, and shipment of such inventory in accordance with Akebia’s reasonable written directions and, as applicable, the terms of the Supply Agreement, including by transferring such Development Materials to Akebia or its designee at Akebia’s direction. 

	
5.5
	
Additional Development Materials. The Parties acknowledge that as of the Effective Date Cyclerion is in physical possession of that inventory of [***] (the “Additional Development Materials”). At any time during the period commencing on the Effective Date and continuing until the date that is [***] thereafter, Akebia may elect to purchase and take delivery of any or all of such inventory, in units that are readily available and at the applicable price set forth on Schedule 11.1(u), by providing written notice to Cyclerion of the Additional Development Materials Akebia elects to purchase and have delivered, and Cyclerion shall deliver such inventory to Akebia or its designee at Akebia’s direction, at Akebia’s cost and expense, and title to such Additional Development Materials shall transfer to Akebia at the time of delivery. Cyclerion shall use reasonable efforts to manage any storage and handling of all Additional Development Materials in accordance with standard industry practice. Akebia shall reimburse Cyclerion all reasonable costs incurred by Cyclerion or its Affiliates in connection with the storage of such Additional Development Materials during such [***] period until delivery thereof to Akebia, within [***] after receipt of an invoice therefor. Notwithstanding the foregoing, on a material-by-material basis Akebia may waive its option to purchase some or all of such Additional Development Materials by providing written notice of such waiver, and from the date of delivery of such notice Akebia shall no longer reimburse Cyclerion for the costs incurred by Cyclerion or its Affiliates in connection with the storage of such material.  

	
5.6
	
Manufacture of Licensed Compounds and Products after Initial Supply.  As between the Parties, after successful supply to Akebia or its designee of all Initial Supply and after the Supply Agreement expires or is terminated, Akebia shall have sole control over and decision-making authority with respect to, at its expense, (a) Manufacturing (or having Manufactured) the Licensed Compounds and Products and (b) Manufacturing (or having Manufactured) [***], and all other intermediates and other precursors of the Licensed Compounds and the Products, solely for the purpose of Manufacturing the Licensed Compounds and the Products for Development and Commercialization in the Field in the Territory by Akebia and its Affiliates and Sublicensees.    

	
5.7
	
Transfer of Responsibility for Manufacturing.  Upon request by Akebia (but no later than the date of delivery of the Initial Supply to Akebia or its designee, as the case may be), on a 

 

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manufacturer-by-manufacturer and material-by-material basis, the Parties shall collaborate to [***], each a “Manufacturing Transfer Plan”). For the avoidance of doubt, Akebia may request the [***].

	
5.8
	
Non-Manufacturing Information Sharing. In addition to Cyclerion’s obligations set forth in Section 5.7, Cyclerion will provide to Akebia copies of all Cyclerion Know-How that is necessary or reasonably useful for Akebia to Develop, perform Medical Affairs with respect to, Commercialize, and otherwise use, sell, offer for sale, or import the Licensed Compounds or Products in the Territory in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement no later than [***] after the Effective Date. Thereafter, Cyclerion will provide to Akebia copies of all Cyclerion Know-How that is made, conceived, discovered, or otherwise generated following such initial transfer of Cyclerion Know-How and is necessary or reasonably useful to continue to enable Akebia to Develop, perform Medical Affairs with respect to, Commercialize, and otherwise use, sell, offer for sale, or import any Licensed Compounds and Products in the Territory in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. In addition to providing copies of the Cyclerion Know-How in accordance with this Section 5.8, Cyclerion will, to the extent reasonably requested by Akebia, make its personnel reasonably available to Akebia for the purposes of assisting on issues arising during Akebia’s Exploitation under the Cyclerion Intellectual Property of the Licensed Compounds and Products in the Territory.   

Article 6
MEDICAL AFFAIRS AND COMMERCIALIZATION

	
6.1
	
Medical Affairs and Commercialization.  Subject to the terms of this Agreement, Akebia shall have sole control over and decision-making authority with respect to the performance of Medical Affairs and Commercialization of the Products in the Field in the Territory, including the establishment and implementation of its commercial strategy.  Akebia shall be solely responsible for all costs and expenses associated with its performance of Medical Affairs and Commercialization of the Products in the Field in the Territory.

	
6.2
	
Diligence.  Akebia shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to [***].  

	
6.3
	
Statements and Compliance with Applicable Law.  Akebia shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, comply with all applicable law with respect to the Commercialization of Products.

Article 7
PAYMENTS

	
7.1
	
Upfront Payment.  No later than [***], Akebia shall pay Cyclerion an upfront amount equal to Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000).  Such payment shall be nonrefundable and noncreditable against any other payments due hereunder.  

	
7.2
	
Development and Regulatory Milestone Payments. In partial consideration of the rights granted by Cyclerion to Akebia hereunder and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, including Section 7.2, Akebia shall pay to Cyclerion the applicable milestone payment 

 

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set forth in Table 7.2 within [***] after the first achievement of each of the following milestones by Akebia or its Affiliates for the first Product: 

 

		
	
Table 7.2 – Development and Regulatory Milestones

	
U.S.
	
Development and

Regulatory Milestone

Payment

	
Initiation of a Phase 2 Clinical Trial in the U.S. for a Product for the first Indication
	
[***]

	
Initiation of a Phase 3 Clinical Trial in the U.S. for a Product for the first Indication 
	
[***]

	
Initiation of a Phase 3 Clinical Trial in the U.S. for a Product for the second Indication
	
[***]

	
Receipt of Regulatory  Approval by the FDA for a Product for the first Indication 
	
[***]

	
Receipt of Regulatory Approval by the FDA for a Product for the second Indication
	
[***]

	
[***]
	
[***]

	
[***]
	
Development and

Regulatory Milestone

Payment

	
Receipt of [***] Regulatory Approval for a Product for the first Indication
	
[***]

	
Receipt of [***] Regulatory Approval for a Product for the second Indication
	
[***]

	
[***]
	
[***]

	
[***]
	
Development and

Regulatory Milestone

Payment

	
Receipt of Regulatory Approval by [***] for a Product for the first Indication
	
[***]

	
Receipt of Regulatory Approval by [***] for a Product for the second Indication 
	
[***]

	
[***]
	
[***]

Each milestone payment in this Section 7.2 shall be payable one time only upon the first achievement of such milestone by the first Product. 

If Akebia or its Affiliates achieves any milestone set forth in this Section 7.2 for a particular Product in a particular Indication before an earlier listed milestone for the same Product in the same Indication, then the earlier listed milestone shall become payable at the same time as the achieved milestone for the same Product in such Indication.  No milestone payments in this Section 7.2 shall be due based on the achievement of any of the foregoing milestone events by any Significant Sublicensee.

	
7.3
	
Delayed Phase 2 Milestone Payment. If Akebia or its Affiliates have not Initiated a Phase 2 Clinical Trial in the U.S. for any Product by the date that is [***] from the Initial Supply Notice Date, then within [***] of such date Akebia shall pay Cyclerion a one-time milestone of [***], which payment shall be [***] for the Initiation of a Phase 2 Clinical Trial in the U.S. for a Product for the first Indication. If (a) Akebia has not [***]. 

 

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7.4
	
Sales Milestone Payments.  

	
 
	
(a)
	
In partial consideration of the rights granted by Cyclerion to Akebia hereunder, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including Section 7.4(b), on [***], in the event the aggregate Net Sales of all Products recorded by Akebia, or any of its Affiliates [***] in [***] first exceeds each of the three sales milestone events set forth in Table 7.4 below, Akebia shall pay to Cyclerion the sales milestone payment in the corresponding amount set forth in the right-hand column of the table.  In the event that Akebia or its Affiliates [***] that is exceeded [***].  Each such milestone payment shall be due within [***] of the end of [***] in which such milestone was achieved. 

 

		
	
Table 7.4 – Sales Milestones

	
[***]
	
[***]

	
[***]
	
[***]

	
[***]
	
[***]

	
[***]
	
[***]

 

For the avoidance of doubt, each sales milestone payment in this Section 7.4(a) shall be payable one time only upon the first achievement of such sales milestone event [***]. For the avoidance of doubt, (i) the maximum aggregate amount payable by Akebia pursuant to this Section 7.4(a) [***], and (ii) the maximum aggregate amount payable by Akebia pursuant to this Section 7.4(a) worldwide is [***].  

	
 
	
(b)
	
[***].   

	
7.5
	
Royalty Payments.  

	
 
	
(a)
	
Akebia Royalty Rate – [***].  As further consideration for the rights granted to Akebia hereunder, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including the other terms of this Section 7.5, [***], during the Royalty Term for a Product [***], Akebia shall pay to Cyclerion tiered royalties based on Net Sales recorded by Akebia or its Affiliates of all Products in [***] in a [***] at the applicable royalty rates set forth below:  

 

		
	
Table 7.5 – Akebia Royalties [***]

	
[***]
	
[***]

	
[***]
	
[***]

	
[***]
	
[***]

	
[***]
	
[***]

	
[***]
	
[***]

	
[***]
	
[***]

 

	
 
	
(b)
	
Significant Sublicensee.  [***]. In addition, notwithstanding any provision to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, Akebia shall have no obligation pay Cyclerion any royalties based on sales of Products sold by any such Significant Sublicensees other than as set forth in Section 7.6.

	
 
	
(c)
	
ROW Royalty Rate.  As further consideration for the rights granted to Akebia hereunder, subject to the other terms of this Section 7.5, during the Royalty Term of a Product [***], unless Akebia has entered into an agreement with a Significant Sublicensee that includes a grant of rights [***], Akebia shall pay to Cyclerion a royalty of [***] on Net Sales recorded 

 

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by Akebia or its Affiliates or Sublicensees (other than a Significant Sublicensee) of all Products [***] in a [***].    

	
 
	
(d)
	
Royalty Term.  Akebia shall have no obligation to pay any royalty pursuant to this Section 7.5 with respect to sales of any Product in any country or other jurisdiction after the Royalty Term for such Product in such country or other jurisdiction has expired.

	
 
	
(e)
	
Reductions.  

	
 
	
(i)
	
Expiration of Valid Claims. Subject to Section 7.5(e)(iv), on a Product-by-Product and country-by-country basis, during [***] following [***], the royalty rate set forth in this Section 7.5 with respect to such country shall be reduced by [***]. 

	
 
	
(ii)
	
Generic Product Entry.  Subject to Section 7.5(e)(iv), in the event that (A) a Generic Product for a Product is made commercially available in any country in the Territory during the Royalty Term and (B) the Net Sales of such Product in such country [***] are [***] of the royalties otherwise due to Cyclerion with respect to such Product in such country.  

	
 
	
(iii)
	
Third Party Intellectual Property. If Akebia makes any payment under any agreement with a Third Party pursuant to which Akebia is granted a license, sublicense or other rights under a Patent or other intellectual property right owned or controlled by a Third Party [***] to Exploit one or more Products, then Akebia may offset against the royalties due to Cyclerion for such Product(s) an amount equal to [***] of the amounts paid in consideration for, or in connection with obtaining, such rights from such Third Party (including any upfront payments, milestone payments, royalties, litigation costs, settlement fees, or other expenses relating to the foregoing) in all cases, subject to Section 7.5(e)(iv).  

	
 
	
(iv)
	
Maximum Payment Adjustments. [***], in no event will the adjustments under Section 7.5(e)(i), Section 7.5(e)(ii), and Section 7.5(e)(iii) taken together reduce the royalties due to Cyclerion in a country [***] with respect to a Product by more than [***] of the amount that would have been due [***] for such Product in such country but for the application of the reductions in this Section 7.5(e) (the “Reduction Floor”); provided that [***].  

	
 
	
(f)
	
Royalty Payments and Reports.  Akebia shall calculate all amounts payable to Cyclerion pursuant to this Section 7.5 at the end of each Calendar Quarter, which amounts shall be converted to Dollars in accordance with Section 7.8.  Within [***] after the end of each Calendar Quarter after the First Commercial Sale of a Product in the Territory, Akebia shall provide to Cyclerion a written, good faith estimate of the amount of Net Sales of each Product made by Akebia and its Affiliates in each country or other jurisdiction in the Territory during the applicable Calendar Quarter for which royalties pursuant to this Section 7.5 are payable. Akebia shall pay to Cyclerion the royalty amounts due with respect to a given Calendar Quarter within (i) [***] after the end of such Calendar Quarter or (ii) for the portion of any such payment is due to sales by a Sublicensee, as soon as practicable after Akebia is paid by such Sublicensee.  Each payment of royalties due to Cyclerion shall be accompanied by a statement of the amount of Net Sales of each Product made by Akebia and its Affiliates and its Sublicensees (other than Significant Sublicensees) in each country or other jurisdiction in the Territory during the applicable Calendar Quarter for which 

 

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royalties pursuant to this Section 7.5 are payable (including such amounts expressed in local currency and as converted to Dollars), and a calculation of the amount of royalty payment due on such Net Sales for such Calendar Quarter. 

	
7.6
	
Sublicense Income.  

	
 
	
(a)
	
Akebia shall pay to Cyclerion an amount equal to [***].  

	
 
	
(b)
	
Akebia shall pay to Cyclerion an amount equal to [***].

	
 
	
(c)
	
For purposes of calculating [***].  

	
 
	
(d)
	
Akebia shall pay Cyclerion its portion of all [***].  

	
7.7
	
Payment Method.  All payments due under this Agreement to Cyclerion shall be made by bank wire transfer in immediately available funds to an account as designated by Cyclerion from time to time by notice to Akebia.  All payments hereunder shall be made in Dollars.

	
7.8
	
Exchange Rate. The rate of exchange to be used in computing the amount of currency equivalent in Dollars owed under this Agreement shall be equal to the exchange rate between each currency of origin and Dollars as reported by Citibank, N.A., or an equivalent resource as agreed by the Parties, on the last Business Day of the Calendar Quarter in which the applicable Net Sales were made. 

	
7.9
	
Taxes.

	
 
	
(a)
	
[***].  

	
 
	
(b)
	
[***].  

	
7.10
	
Interest.  If Akebia fails to make any payment due to Cyclerion under this Agreement, then interest shall accrue on a daily basis at the annual rate equal to [***] above the then-applicable prime commercial lending rate of Citibank, N.A., New York, New York, or at the maximum rate permitted by applicable law, whichever is the lower.  

	
7.11
	
Financial Records; Audit. 

	
 
	
(a)
	
Retention.  Akebia shall, and shall cause its Affiliates and Sublicensees to, keep for at least [***] following the end of the Calendar Year to which they pertain accurate records of the Net Sales of the Products in the Territory, the number of Product units sold, and other matters relating to the calculation of Net Sales and the royalties paid to Cyclerion hereunder, and matters relating to Non-Commercial Sublicense Income and Commercial Sublicense Income paid to Cyclerion hereunder, in sufficient detail to calculate relevant amounts payable hereunder and to verify compliance with its obligations under this agreement.   

	
 
	
(b)
	
Access to Records.  At the request of Cyclerion, Akebia shall, and shall cause its Affiliates and Sublicensees to, permit an independent auditor designated by Cyclerion and reasonably acceptable to Akebia, at reasonable times and upon at least [***] advance notice, to audit the books and records maintained pursuant to Section 7.11(a) to ensure the accuracy of all reports and payments made hereunder relating to Net Sales, royalties, Non-Commercial 

 

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Sublicense Income, and Commercial Sublicense Income.  Except as provided below, the cost of this audit shall be borne by Cyclerion, unless the audit reveals a variance of more than [***] from the reported amounts, in which case Akebia shall bear the cost of the audit.  If such audit concludes that (i) additional amounts were owed by Akebia, then Akebia shall pay the additional amounts, with interest from the date originally due as provided in Section 7.10, or (ii) excess payments were made by Akebia, then Cyclerion shall reimburse such excess payments, in either case ((i) or (ii)), within [***] after the date on which such audit is completed by Cyclerion.  

Article 8
LICENSE RIGHTS AND LIMITATIONS

	
8.1
	
Licenses to Akebia.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including 8.2 and Cyclerion’s retained rights under Section 8.7, Cyclerion hereby grants and will grant to Akebia and its Affiliates an exclusive royalty-bearing, worldwide license (with the right to sublicense solely in accordance with Section 8.4) under the Cyclerion Intellectual Property, solely to Exploit the Licensed Compounds and the Products in the Field in the Territory, which license shall include the exclusive right to Develop, Manufacture, make, use or import [***] and all other intermediates and other precursors to the Licensed Compounds and the Products solely for the purpose of Manufacturing the Licensed Compounds and the Products in the Field in the Territory in accordance with this Agreement.  

	
8.2
	
Certain Restrictions.  Akebia shall not, and shall cause its Affiliates not to (a) directly or indirectly Exploit any Licensed Compound or Product, or any intermediate or other precursor thereof, in any Excluded Indication in any country or other jurisdiction in the Territory, or (b) license, authorize, appoint, or otherwise enable any Third Party to directly or indirectly Exploit any Licensed Compound or Product, or any intermediate or other precursor thereof, in any [***]. 

	
8.3
	
Assigned Trademarks.  Cyclerion hereby assigns to Akebia all of its rights, title, and interests in and to the Assigned Trademarks, and agrees to take all actions reasonably requested by Akebia, at Akebia’s expense, to evidence such assignment. Akebia hereby accepts such assignment.

	
8.4
	
Rights to Sublicense.  Akebia shall have the right to grant to any Third Party or Affiliate sublicenses of the rights granted with respect to the Products or Cyclerion Intellectual Property under Section 8.1 [***] without the prior written consent of Cyclerion, provided that each sublicense agreement with a Third Party must (a) be consistent with and expressly made subject to the applicable terms and conditions of this Agreement, (b) contain terms obligating any Third Party to whom a sublicense is granted to comply with the intellectual property provisions of this Agreement, and (c) contain obligations of confidentiality and non-use no less stringent that the confidentiality terms of this Agreement.  Akebia shall remain primarily liable to Cyclerion for the performance of all its obligations under, and Akebia’s compliance with all the provisions of, this Agreement, and shall be responsible and liable for any conduct by any of its Sublicensees that would amount to a breach of the terms of this Agreement if performed by Akebia, in each case to the same extent as if Akebia itself has committed any such breach.  [***] after execution of any sublicense of the rights granted to Akebia hereunder to a Sublicensee, Akebia will provide Cyclerion with a true and complete copy of any executed sublicense agreement with any Sublicensee, subject to Akebia’s right to redact any confidential information contained therein that is not necessary for Cyclerion to determine compliance with the terms of this Agreement.   

	
8.5
	
Survival of Sublicenses. Upon [***] not then in breach of its sublicense agreement or the terms of this Agreement applicable to such Sublicensee, Cyclerion will enter into a direct license from 

 

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Cyclerion to such Sublicensee on the same terms as this Agreement, taking into account any difference in license scope, territory, and duration of sublicense grant (each a “New License Agreement”); provided, however, that, [***].  Under any such New License Agreement between Cyclerion and such former Sublicensee, such Sublicensee will be required to pay to Cyclerion the same amounts in consideration for such direct grant as Cyclerion would have otherwise received from Akebia pursuant to this Agreement on account of such Sublicensee’s Exploitation of the Products had this Agreement not been terminated.  Under such New License Agreement, the Parties agree that Cyclerion will not be bound by any grant of rights broader than, and will not be required to perform any obligation other than those rights and obligations contained in, this Agreement and all applicable rights of Cyclerion set forth in this Agreement will be included in such New License Agreement.    

	
8.6
	
No Implied Licenses. Neither Party grants (or agrees to grant) to the other Party any right or license to use any of its intellectual property, Know-How, or other proprietary information, materials or technology, or to practice any of its Patents, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, or any of its Trademarks (other than the Assigned Trademarks).

	
8.7
	
Retained Rights. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, Cyclerion (on behalf of itself and its licensees, other than Akebia and its Sublicensees) expressly retains the right under the Cyclerion Intellectual Property to (a) exercise its rights and perform its obligations under this Agreement, (b) Manufacture the Licensed Compounds and Products (including the right to Develop, Manufacture, make, use or import [***] and all other intermediates and precursors to the Licensed Compounds and the Products for the purposes of Manufacturing Licensed Compound and Products) solely for the purpose of supplying the same to Akebia or its Affiliates in accordance with this Agreement, and (c) Exploit [***] and all other intermediates and precursors to the Licensed Compounds and the Products for the purpose of Exploiting compounds and products that are not Licensed Compounds or Products. Any rights not expressly granted to Akebia by Cyclerion under this Agreement are hereby retained by Cyclerion.  

	
8.8
	
Non-Competition.  

	
 
	
(a)
	
Cyclerion Obligations.  Cyclerion shall not, and shall cause its Affiliates not [***]. 

	
 
	
(b)
	
Cyclerion Indications.  Notwithstanding Section 8.8(a), [***]. 

	
 
	
(c)
	
Acquisition of Restricted Product.  Notwithstanding Section 8.8(a), [***]. 

Article 9
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 

	
9.1
	
Ownership of Intellectual Property.  

	
 
	
(a)
	
Ownership of Technology.  As between the Parties, each Party shall own and retain all rights, title, and interests in and to any and all: (i) inventions and other Know-How conceived, discovered, developed, or otherwise made by or on behalf of such Party (or its Affiliates or Sublicensees) under or in connection with this Agreement, whether or not patented or patentable, and any and all Patents Covering any such Know-How, and (ii) other inventions and other Know-How, Patents, and other intellectual property rights that are owned or otherwise Controlled (other than pursuant to the license grants set forth herein) by such Party, its Affiliates, or its licensees or Sublicensees.

 

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(b)
	
Ownership of Joint Patent and Joint Know-How. As between the Parties, the Parties shall each own an equal, undivided interest in any and all (i) inventions and other Know-How that are conceived, discovered, developed, or otherwise made jointly by or on behalf of Cyclerion or its Affiliates, on the one hand, and Akebia or its Affiliates or Sublicensees, on the other hand, in connection with the work conducted under or in connection with this Agreement, whether or not patented or patentable (the “Joint Know-How”), and (ii) Patents (the “Joint Patents”) and other intellectual property rights with respect to the inventions and other Know-How described in clause (i) (together with Joint Know-How and Joint Patents, the “Joint Intellectual Property Rights”).  Each Party shall promptly disclose to the other Party in writing, and shall cause its Affiliates, (and in the case of Akebia, its Sublicensees) to so disclose, the development, making, conception, or reduction to practice of any Joint Know-How or Joint Patents.  Subject to the licenses and rights of reference granted herein and each Party’s respective exclusivity obligations hereunder, each Party shall have the right to exploit the Joint Intellectual Property Rights without a duty of seeking consent or accounting to the other Party. 

	
 
	
(c)
	
Manufacturing Process Improvements. 

	
 
	
(i)
	
Unblocking Manufacturing Process Patent License. Akebia hereby grants Cyclerion a [***], under any Manufacturing Process Patents for any and all purposes, other than to Develop or Commercialize a Product in the Field in the Territory.  

	
 
	
(ii)
	
Right to Negotiate for a License to Manufacturing Process Improvements. Upon Cyclerion’s [***], the Parties will discuss in good faith the terms on which Akebia would grant to Cyclerion a [***] to any Manufacturing Process Improvements. 

All Manufacturing Process Improvements shall be the Confidential Information of Akebia and Akebia shall be under no obligation to disclose the technical details or other information required to enable Cyclerion to practice any Manufacturing Process Improvements, except pursuant to the terms of a license agreement negotiated between the Parties as provided herein. [***].   

	
 
	
(d)
	
United States Law.  The determination of whether Know-How and inventions are conceived, discovered, developed, or otherwise made by a Party for the purpose of allocating proprietary rights (including Patent, copyright, or other intellectual property rights) therein, shall, for purposes of this Agreement, be made in accordance with applicable law in the U.S., irrespective of where such conception, discovery, development or making occurs.

	
9.2
	
Patent Prosecution and Maintenance.    

	
 
	
(a)
	
Prosecution of Control Transferring Patents Before Patent Transfer Date. 

	
 
	
(i)
	
As between the Parties, from the Effective Date until the Patent Transfer Date, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties, Cyclerion shall control the preparation, filing, prosecution, and maintenance (including any interferences, reissue proceedings, reexaminations, oppositions, invalidation proceedings, and defense of validity or enforceability challenges) of those Cyclerion Patents, other than the Non-Control Transferring Patent, including those Cyclerion Patents set forth on 

 

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Schedule 9.2(a) (the “Control Transferring Patents”), at its sole cost and expense and by Cyclerion’s counsel as of the Effective Date, provided that:

(1)If Cyclerion chooses to use counsel other than its counsel as of the Effective Date, then such counsel shall be reasonably acceptable to Akebia;

(2)Cyclerion shall consult with Akebia on all prosecution strategies, including what subject matter to pursue in an application, strategies for responding to substantive communications from a patent office, and divisional filing strategies with respect to the Control Transferring Patents;

(3)Cyclerion shall provide Akebia copies of all correspondence received from the relevant patent office regarding the Control Transferring Patents;

(4)Cyclerion shall provide Akebia copies of all documents relevant to such filing and prosecution at least [***] prior to submission of such documents to the applicable patent office;

(5)Cyclerion shall incorporate all reasonable comments with respect to any Control Transferring Patent provided by Akebia no later than [***] prior to the next deadline for the applicable action that must be taken with respect to such Control Transferring Patent, except that the foregoing obligation will not be construed to require Cyclerion to take any course of action that would negatively impact patent protection for Cyclerion’s proprietary compound, olinciguat, unless such course of action may be necessary to maintain patent protection for praliciguat; 

(6)Cyclerion shall not, without the prior written consent of Akebia, file a divisional application for any Control Transferring Patent; provided, however, that, no such consent shall be required to file any divisional application that contains claims solely Covering Cyclerion’s proprietary compound, olinciguat, unless such divisional filing could negatively impact any issued patent or pending application Covering praliciguat, in which case, prior written consent of Akebia is required; 

(7)Cyclerion shall not, without the prior written consent of Akebia, abandon or cease prosecution or maintenance of any Control Transferring Patent; 

(8)Cyclerion shall use reasonable efforts to prepare, file, prosecute, and maintain the Control Transferring Patents so as to maximize the protection offered by such Control Transferring Patents for the Licensed Compounds and Products;

(9)the Control Transferring Patents shall be deemed the Confidential Information of both Parties;

(10)Cyclerion shall not, without the prior written consent of Akebia, (A) grant any Third Party control over the preparation, filing, prosecution, or maintenance of any Control Transferring Patent or (B) any right to comment on Cyclerion’s preparation, filing, prosecution, or maintenance of any Control Transferring Patent that either (I) would permit such Third Party to provide comments directly to Akebia after the Patent Transfer Date, or (II) exceeds or is otherwise incompatible with Cyclerion’s right to provide comments after the Patent Transfer Date as provided under Section 9.2(b)(i); and

(11)Cyclerion shall not, without the prior written consent of Akebia, take or fail to take any action (whether alone or in conjunction with other actions) in the course of 

 

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preparation, filing, prosecution, and maintenance of any Control Transferring Patent that could materially diminish or limit the scope of such Control Transferring Patent’s protection of one or more Licensed Compounds or Products (if such Control Transferring Patent were to issue in its then-current form) in favor of increasing the protection of any other compound or product, including for the avoidance of doubt, Cyclerion’s proprietary compound, olinciguat. If at any time any course of action taken by Cyclerion may negatively impact patent protection for the Licensed Compounds or Products, then upon Akebia’s request Cyclerion shall cease such action.

	
 
	
(b)
	
Prosecution of Control Transferring Patents After Patent Transfer Date and Joint Patents.

	
 
	
(i)
	
As between the Parties, Akebia shall have the first right, but not the obligation, to control the preparation, filing, prosecution, and maintenance (including any interferences, reissue proceedings, reexaminations, oppositions, invalidation proceedings, and defense of validity or enforceability challenges) of (A) after the Patent Transfer Date, the Control Transferring Patents and (B) after the Effective Date, Joint Patents (collectively, ((A) and (B)), the “Akebia Primary Patents”), in each case, at its sole cost and expense and by counsel of its own choice that is reasonably acceptable to Cyclerion. Akebia shall (x) keep Cyclerion reasonably informed of all substantive matters relating to prosecution and maintenance of those Akebia Primary Patents that Cover Cyclerion’s proprietary compound, olinciguat, including by providing Cyclerion copies of all documents relevant to such filing and prosecution at least [***] prior to submission of such documents to the applicable patent office with respect to any such Akebia Primary Patents for Cyclerion’s review and comment and by providing Cyclerion reasonable advance written notice of [***]. 

	
 
	
(ii)
	
In the event that Akebia desires to abandon or cease prosecution or maintenance of any Akebia Primary Patent, Akebia shall provide reasonable prior written notice to Cyclerion of such intention to abandon (which notice shall, to the extent possible, be given no later than [***] prior to the next deadline for any action that must be taken with respect to any such Akebia Primary Patent in the relevant patent office).  In such case, upon Cyclerion’s written election provided no later than [***] after such notice from Akebia, Cyclerion shall have the right to assume the prosecution and maintenance of such Akebia Primary Patent at Cyclerion’s expense. 

	
 
	
(c)
	
Prosecution of Non-Control Transferring Patent.

	
 
	
(i)
	
As between the Parties, Cyclerion shall have the first right, but not the obligation, to control the preparation, filing, prosecution, and maintenance (including any interferences, reissue proceedings, reexaminations, oppositions, invalidation proceedings, and defense of validity or enforceability challenges, in each case, except as provided in Section 9.4(c)) of the Cyclerion Patents set forth on Schedule 9.2(c) (the “Non-Control Transferring Patent”), at its sole cost and expense and by counsel of its own choice. Cyclerion will keep Akebia reasonably informed of all substantive matters relating to prosecution and maintenance of the Non-Control Transferring Patent, including by providing Akebia copies of all documents relevant to such filing and prosecution at least [***] prior to submission of such documents to the applicable patent office with respect to any such Non-Control Transferring Patent for Akebia’s review and comment and will incorporate any 

 

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reasonable comments with respect thereto provided by Akebia no later than [***] prior to the next deadline for the applicable action that must be taken with respect to any such Non-Control Transferring Patent. Cyclerion shall not take any action that could jeopardize the validity or enforceability of the Akebia Primary Patents or any action may negatively impact the Akebia Primary Patents.   

	
 
	
(ii)
	
In the event that Cyclerion desires to abandon or cease prosecution or maintenance of any Non-Control Transferring Patent, Cyclerion shall provide reasonable prior written notice to Akebia of such intention to abandon (which notice shall, to the extent possible, be given no later than [***] prior to the next deadline for any action that must be taken with respect to any such Non-Control Transferring Patent in the relevant patent office).  In such case, upon Akebia’s written election provided no later than [***] after such notice from Cyclerion, Akebia shall have the right to assume the prosecution and maintenance of such Non-Control Transferring Patent at Akebia’s expense.  If Akebia does not provide such election within [***] after such notice from Cyclerion, Cyclerion may, in its sole discretion, continue or discontinue prosecution and maintenance of such Non-Control Transferring Patent.    

	
 
	
(d)
	
Update to Schedule 1.30 upon Patent Transfer. [***] after the Patent Transfer Date, but in any event within [***], Cyclerion shall provide Akebia an updated Schedule 1.30 setting forth all Cyclerion Patents existing as of the Patent Transfer Date.      

	
 
	
(e)
	
Cooperation.  Each Party shall provide the other Party all reasonable assistance and cooperation, at the other Party’s request and expense, in the patent prosecution efforts provided above in this Section 9.2, including providing any necessary powers of attorney, executing any other required documents or instruments for such prosecution, and making its personnel with appropriate scientific expertise available to assist in such efforts. 

	
 
	
(f)
	
Patent Term Extensions and Patent Linkage. Akebia will have the sole right and discretion to determine and control (i) all filings of requests for patent term extensions, supplementary protection certificates, or equivalents thereto in any country in the Territory with respect to the Akebia Primary Patents (each a “Patent Term Extension”) and (ii) linking of Patents to an approved Product such as in the FDA’s “Orange Book” or its foreign equivalent in any country in the Territory with respect to Cyclerion Patents (each “Patent Linkage”). [***].  Upon the request of Akebia [***], Cyclerion will provide support, assistance, and all necessary documents, in full executed form if needed, to Akebia for the purpose of supporting, filing, obtaining, and maintaining Patent Term Extensions and Patent Linkage.

	
9.3
	
Patent Contacts.  Each Party will designate patent counsel representatives who will be responsible for coordinating the activities between the Parties in accordance with this Article 9 (each a “Patent Contact”).  Each Party will designate its initial Patent Contact within [***] following the Effective Date and will promptly thereafter notify the other Party of such designation.  Each Party will promptly notify the other Party of any substitution of another person as its Patent Contact.  The Patent Contacts will, from time to time, discuss the respective Patent strategies of the Parties relating to this Agreement.  In particular the Patent Contacts will discuss the global intellectual property activities under this Agreement and review and update the list of Cyclerion Patents from time to time.  The Patent Contacts will meet at least [***], or as otherwise agreed to by the Parties until the Patent Transfer Date, and thereafter at least annually. 

 

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9.4
	
Infringement by Third Parties.

	
 
	
(a)
	
Notice.  Each of Akebia and Cyclerion shall promptly notify the other Party in writing of any alleged or threatened infringement of any Non-Control Transferring Patent or Akebia Primary Patent by a Third Party in the Territory of which the Party becomes aware (including alleged or threatened infringement based on the Exploitation of a product that could be competitive with a Product in the Territory (a “Product Infringement”)). 

	
 
	
(b)
	
Right to Bring Suit.  [***] shall have the first right to bring and control any action or proceeding with respect to any alleged or threatened infringement of a Cyclerion Patent or Joint Patents in the Territory.  If [***] does not bring and continue pursuing diligently an action or proceeding against, or otherwise cause the cessation of, a Product Infringement of any Cyclerion Patent or Joint Patent by or after (A) [***] before the time limit, if any, set forth in the appropriate laws and regulations for the filing of such an action, whichever comes first, then [***] shall have the right to bring and control an infringement action under the applicable Cyclerion Patents or Joint Patents with respect to such Product Infringement at its own expense and by counsel of its own choice.  

	
 
	
(c)
	
Defense of Patents in Related Proceedings. Notwithstanding Section 9.2(c), as between the Parties, [***] shall have the first right, but not the obligation, to control the defense (including any interferences, oppositions, invalidation proceedings, and defense of validity or enforceability challenges) of Non-Control Transferring Patent if such defense is related to any actual or threatened enforcement of such Patents by [***] under this Section 9.4, at [***] sole cost and expense and by counsel of its own choice; provided that [***] shall obtain the written consent of [***] prior to settling or compromising such defense, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.  [***] may participate in any such claim, suit, or proceeding in the Territory with counsel of its choice at its own expense.  If [***] elects not to defend or control the defense of any such Non-Control Transferring Patent in a suit brought in the Territory, or otherwise fails to initiate and maintain the defense of any such claim, suit, or proceeding, then [***] may conduct and control the defense of any such claim, suit, or proceeding at its own expense. As between the Parties Akebia shall have the first right, but not the obligation, to control the defense (including any interferences, oppositions, invalidation proceedings, and defense of validity or enforceability challenges) of Akebia Primary Patents if such defense is related to any actual or threatened enforcement of such Patents by Akebia under this Section 9.4 and any settlement or compromise of such defense related to the Akebia Primary Patents shall be in Akebia’s sole discretion.

	
 
	
(d)
	
Cooperation; Settlement.  For any action or proceeding brought by a Party under this Section 9.4 (the “Initiating Party”), regardless of which Party brings such action or proceeding, the other Party (the “Non-Initiating Party”) hereby agrees to cooperate reasonably in any such effort, all at the Initiating Party’s expense, and the Parties shall reasonably cooperate to address new facts or circumstances that come to light during the course of any such action or proceeding that may affect the need for one Party or the other to participate in such action.  The Non-Initiating Party agrees to be joined as a party plaintiff, at the Initiating Party’s expense, in any such action if needed for the Initiating Party to bring or continue an infringement action hereunder.  Cyclerion shall, at its own expense and with its own counsel, have the right to participate in any action brought by Akebia under this Section 9.4.  Akebia shall, at its own expense and with its own counsel, have the right to participate in any action brought by Cyclerion involving a Product Infringement.  Neither Party may settle any action or proceeding brought under this Section 

 

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9.4 in a manner that, or knowingly take any other action in the course thereof that, materially adversely affects the other Party’s interest in the Non-Control Transferring Patent or Akebia Primary Patents, without the written consent of such other Party, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.  

	
 
	
(e)
	
Recoveries.  Any recovery realized as a result of such litigation described in Section 9.4 (whether by way of settlement or otherwise) shall be first, allocated to [***].  Any remainder after [***] shall be [***]; provided, however, that to the extent that any award or settlement (whether by judgment or otherwise) is attributable to loss of sales with respect to a Product, then such award or settlement will be treated [***]. 

	
9.5
	
Third Party Claims for Infringement or Misappropriation.  If the Exploitation of a Licensed Compound or Product in the Territory under this Agreement results in, or may result in, any claim, suit, or proceeding by a Third Party alleging patent infringement by Akebia (or its Affiliates or Sublicensees), then the Party with knowledge of such actual or potential claim shall [***] notify the other Party thereof in writing.  [***] shall have the first right, but not the obligation, to defend and control the defense of any such claim, suit, or proceeding at its own expense, using counsel of its own choice.  [***] may participate in any such claim, suit, or proceeding with counsel of its choice at its own expense.  If [***] elects (in a written communication submitted to [***] within a reasonable amount of time after notice of the alleged patent infringement) not to defend or control the defense of, or otherwise fails to initiate and maintain the defense of, any such claim, suit, or proceeding, within such time periods so that [***] is not prejudiced by any delays, [***] may conduct and control the defense of any such claim, suit, or proceeding at its own expense.  Each Party shall keep the other Party reasonably informed of all material developments in connection with any such claim, suit, or proceeding.  Any recoveries by [***] of any sanctions awarded to [***] and against a party asserting a claim being defended under this Section 9.5 shall be applied first to reimburse [***] and [***] for its reasonable out-of-pocket costs of defending such claim, suit, or proceedings.  The balance of any such recoveries shall be retained by [***], provided, however, [***].

	
9.6
	
Product Trademarks.  Akebia will have the right to brand the Products using Trademarks it determines appropriate for the Product, which may vary by region or within a region (the “Product Marks”).  Akebia will own all rights in the Product Marks in the Territory and will register and maintain the Product Marks in the Territory that it determines reasonably necessary, at its expense.  Akebia will be solely responsible, at its expense, for enforcing such Product Marks against any Third Party infringement as Akebia reasonably determines in its sole discretion. 

Article 10 

CONFIDENTIALITY

	
10.1
	
Confidentiality Obligations.  At all times during the Term and for a period of [***] following termination or expiration hereof, each Party shall, and shall cause its officers, directors, employees and agents to, keep confidential and not publish or otherwise disclose to a Third Party and not use for any purpose any Confidential Information furnished or otherwise made known to it by the other Party, except to the extent such disclosure or use is expressly permitted by the terms of this Agreement or is reasonably necessary for the performance of, or the exercise of such Party’s rights under, this Agreement.  The terms of this Agreement shall be the Confidential Information of both Parties, and each Party shall be deemed to be the receiving Party thereto. To the extent the receiving Party can demonstrate by documentation or other competent proof, the following information will not be deemed Confidential Information and the confidentiality and non-use obligations under this Section 10.1 will not apply to any such information that:

 

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(a)
	
has been published by a Third Party or is or hereafter becomes part of the public domain by public use, publication, general knowledge, or the like through no wrongful act, fault, or negligence on the part of the receiving Party;

	
 
	
(b)
	
has been in the receiving Party’s possession prior to disclosure by the disclosing Party without any obligation of confidentiality with respect to such information; 

	
 
	
(c)
	
is subsequently received by the receiving Party from a Third Party without restriction and without breach of any agreement between such Third Party and the disclosing Party; or 

	
 
	
(d)
	
has been independently developed by or for the receiving Party without reference to, or use or disclosure of the disclosing Party’s Confidential Information.

Specific aspects or details of Confidential Information shall not be deemed to be within the public domain or in the possession of the receiving Party merely because the Confidential Information is embraced by more general information in the public domain or in the possession of the receiving Party.  Further, any combination of Confidential Information shall not be considered in the public domain or in the possession of the receiving Party merely because individual elements of such Confidential Information are in the public domain or in the possession of the receiving Party unless the combination and its principles are in the public domain or in the possession of the receiving Party.

	
10.2
	
Permitted Disclosures.  Each Party may disclose Confidential Information to the extent that such disclosure is:

	
 
	
(a)
	
required to be disclosed pursuant to law, regulation, applicable stock exchange rule or made in response to a valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction or other supra-national, federal, national, regional, state, provincial, and local governmental or regulatory body of competent jurisdiction, including under subpoena, document requests related to litigation, or by reason of filing with securities regulators (including, for the avoidance of doubt, filing this Agreement as a material agreement as may be required pursuant to securities regulations); provided, however, that the receiving Party shall first have given prompt written notice (and to the extent practicable, at least [***] notice) to the disclosing Party and provides reasonable assistance to the disclosing Party in taking whatever action the disclosing Party deems necessary to protect its Confidential Information.  In the event that no protective order or other remedy is obtained, or the disclosing Party waives compliance with the terms of this Section 10.2(a), the receiving Party shall furnish only that portion of Confidential Information that the receiving Party is required to disclose.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, at [***] prior to either Party filing this Agreement with securities regulators, such filing Party will furnish a proposed redacted copy of this Agreement to the other Party for review, and such filing Party will incorporate all reasonable additional redactions requested by the other Party;

	
 
	
(b)
	
made by or on behalf of the receiving Party to the Regulatory Authorities as required in connection with any Regulatory Submission or in connection with any inspection or audit by any Regulatory Authority; 

	
 
	
(c)
	
made by the receiving Party or its Affiliates or sublicensees to its or their actual or bona fide potential advisors, consultants, clinicians, vendors, service providers, contractors, licensees, collaborators, or sublicensees (and to each of their respective bankers, lawyers, accountants, or agents) as may be [***] in connection with the Exploitation of the Licensed 

 

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Compounds or the Products, or otherwise in connection with the performance of its obligations or exercise of its rights as contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however, that such Persons shall be subject to obligations of confidentiality and non-use with respect to such Confidential Information no less stringent than the obligations of confidentiality and non-use of the receiving Party pursuant to this Article 10; 

	
 
	
(d)
	
subject to Section 9.4, made by or on behalf of the receiving Party to a patent authority as may be reasonably [***] for purposes of filing, prosecuting, maintaining, enforcing, or defending a Patent as permitted under this Agreement; or

	
 
	
(e)
	
made by or on behalf of the receiving Party to actual or bona fide potential investors or acquirers or other Third Party transactional parties (and to each of their respective bankers, lawyers, accountants, or agents), as may be necessary in connection with their evaluation of such potential or actual investment or acquisition; provided, however, that such Third Parties shall be subject to obligations of confidentiality and non-use with respect to such Confidential Information no less stringent than the obligations of confidentiality and non-use of the receiving Party pursuant to Section 10.1 (with durations of confidentiality and non-use as appropriate).  

	
10.3
	
Use of Name.  Except as expressly provided herein, neither Party shall mention or otherwise use the name, logo, or Trademark of the other Party or any of its Affiliates (or any abbreviation or adaptation thereof) in any publication, press release, marketing and promotional material, or other form of publicity, without the prior written approval of such other Party in each instance, except for either Party’s references to the other as the licensor or licensee (as applicable) or a collaboration partner under this Agreement.  The restrictions imposed by this Section 10.3 shall not prohibit either Party from making any disclosure identifying the other Party that, in the opinion of the disclosing Party’s counsel, is required by applicable law; provided that such Party shall use reasonable efforts to submit the proposed disclosure identifying the other Party in writing to the other Party as far in advance as reasonably practicable so as to provide a reasonable opportunity to comment thereon.  

	
10.4
	
Public Announcements.  The Parties will cooperate in good faith and agree upon the content of a press release, which may be issued by Cyclerion following the Effective Date. Except as set forth in Section 10.2, neither Party shall issue any other public announcement, press release or other public disclosure regarding this Agreement or its subject matter without the other Party’s prior written consent. Without limiting the foregoing, to the extent permitted by applicable law and any applicable stock exchange rules, [***]. After the permitted public disclosure by a Party, either Party may make subsequent public disclosures reiterating such information without having to obtain the other Party’s prior consent and approval so long as the information in such public announcement remains true, correct, and the most current information with respect to the subject matters set forth therein. 

	
10.5
	
Residual Knowledge.  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, Confidential Information will not include any knowledge, technique, experience, or Know-How that is retained in the unaided memory of any authorized representative of the receiving Party after having access to such Confidential Information (“Residual Knowledge”).  Any use made by the receiving Party of any such Residual Knowledge is on an “as is, where is” basis, with all faults and all representations and warranties disclaimed and at its sole risk. 

	
10.6
	
Return of Confidential Information.  Upon the effective date of the termination of this Agreement for any reason, either Party may request in writing, and the other Party shall either, with 

 

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respect to Confidential Information to which such first Party does not retain rights under the surviving provisions of this Agreement: (a) promptly destroy all copies of such Confidential Information in the possession of the other Party and confirm such destruction in writing to the requesting Party; or (b) promptly deliver to the requesting Party, at the other Party’s expense, all copies of such Confidential Information in the possession of the other Party; provided, however, the other Party shall be permitted to retain copies of such Confidential Information for the sole purpose of performing any continuing obligations hereunder or for archival purposes.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, such other Party also shall be permitted to retain such additional copies of or any computer records or files containing such Confidential Information that have been created solely by such Party’s automatic archiving and back-up procedures, to the extent created and retained in a manner consistent with such other Party’s standard archiving and back-up procedures, but not for any other use or purpose.

Article 11

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

	
11.1
	
Representations and Warranties by Cyclerion.  Cyclerion hereby represents and warrants to Akebia as of the Effective Date as follows:

	
 
	
(a)
	
the execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate actions;  

	
 
	
(b)
	
this Agreement constitutes a valid obligation of Cyclerion and is binding and enforceable against Cyclerion in accordance with the terms hereof; 

	
 
	
(c)
	
Cyclerion and, to Cyclerion’s Knowledge, its contractors and consultants, have complied in all material respects with all applicable law in the Development and Manufacture of the Licensed Compound and Product prior to the Effective Date;  

	
 
	
(d)
	
Cyclerion has the corporate power and authority and the legal right to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder, and there is no contractual restriction or other legal obligation binding on Cyclerion that would be contravened by execution and delivery of this Agreement or by the performance or observance of its terms;

	
 
	
(e)
	
Cyclerion has not granted, and will not grant during the Term, a license or sublicense to any Affiliate or Third Party under the Cyclerion Intellectual Property that would conflict with the rights granted to Akebia hereunder;

	
 
	
(f)
	
all Cyclerion Patents existing as of the Effective Date are set forth on Schedule 1.30, and such Cyclerion Patents represent all Patents Cyclerion Controls that are necessary or reasonably useful for Akebia’s Exploitation of the Licensed Compounds or the Products as contemplated by this Agreement;   

	
 
	
(g)
	
Cyclerion is the sole and exclusive owner of the entire right, title, and interest in the Cyclerion Patents set forth on Schedule 1.30, free of any encumbrance, lien, or claim of ownership by any Third Party; 

	
 
	
(h)
	
(i) there are no claims, judgments or settlements against Cyclerion pending or, to Cyclerion’s Knowledge, threatened, that invalidate or seek to invalidate the Cyclerion Patents set forth on Schedule 1.30, (ii) there is no opposition pending in any jurisdiction outside of the United States that challenges the validity or enforceability of, or Cyclerion’s 

 

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ownership rights in, any of the Cyclerion Patents set forth on Schedule 1.30 in that jurisdiction, (iii) there is no litigation pending against Cyclerion or any Affiliate of Cyclerion that alleges that any of the activities contemplated by this Agreement will violate any Patent or other intellectual property rights of any Third Party (nor has it received any written communication threatening such litigation), and (iv) Cyclerion has not received any written correspondence from a Third Party alerting Cyclerion of any intellectual property rights that allegedly would be infringed by Akebia’s Exploitation of a Licensed Compound or Product or asserting that any claim in the Cyclerion Patents set forth on Schedule 1.30 is invalid or unenforceable; 

	
 
	
(i)
	
to Cyclerion’s Knowledge, the Cyclerion Patents set forth on Schedule 1.30 have been diligently prosecuted with the respective patent offices where such Cyclerion Patents have been filed in the Territory in accordance with applicable law, and all applicable fees necessary to maintain the Cyclerion Patents set forth on Schedule 1.30 have been paid on or before the due date for such payment; 

	
 
	
(j)
	
each individual who is an inventor of or otherwise has or has had any rights in or to any Cyclerion Patents identified as being owned by Cyclerion on Schedule 1.30 has assigned to Cyclerion all of his or her interest therein;  

	
 
	
(k)
	
Cyclerion is entitled to grant the licenses specified herein;

	
 
	
(l)
	
the conception, development, and reduction to practice of any of the Cyclerion Intellectual Property have not constituted or involved the misappropriation of trade secrets or other intellectual property rights of any Third Party; 

	
 
	
(m)
	
the process used by Cyclerion to Manufacture the Licensed Compounds or Products (as applicable) as of the Effective Date does not require the use of any Third Party intellectual property right; 

	
 
	
(n)
	
to Cyclerion’s Knowledge, the practice by Cyclerion or Akebia under the Cyclerion Intellectual Property or the Exploitation by Cyclerion or Akebia (or their respective Affiliates or Sublicensees) of any Licensed Compound or Product, in each case, as contemplated under this Agreement, does not and will not infringe, misappropriate, or otherwise violate any intellectual property rights of any Third Party;      

	
 
	
(o)
	
no Third Party has challenged the ownership, scope, duration, validity, enforceability, priority, or right to use any Cyclerion Patent (including, by way of example, through the institution of or written threat of institution of interference, inter partes review, reexamination, protest, opposition, nullity, or similar invalidity proceeding before the United States Patent and Trademark Office or any foreign patent authority or court);  

	
 
	
(p)
	
Cyclerion has not previously assigned, transferred, conveyed, or granted any license or other rights under the Cyclerion Intellectual Property, except in each case where such assignment, transfer, conveyance, or grant is not inconsistent with the rights and licenses granted to Akebia under this Agreement;

	
 
	
(q)
	
all rights in all inventions and discoveries made, developed or conceived by any employee or independent contractor of Cyclerion during the course of their employment (or other retention) by Cyclerion and included in the Cyclerion Know-How or that are the subject to one (1) or more Cyclerion Patents have been (or to the extent present assignment of future 

 

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inventions is not permitted by applicable law, will be) assigned in writing to Cyclerion pursuant to a written agreement to assign such inventions and discoveries to Cyclerion;  

	
 
	
(r)
	
the Cyclerion Know-How that constitutes trade secrets under applicable law has been kept confidential or has been disclosed to Third Parties only under terms of confidentiality.  To Cyclerion’s Knowledge, no breach of such confidentiality has been committed by any Third Party; 

	
 
	
(s)
	
the inventions Covered by the Cyclerion Patents on Schedule 1.30 were not created pursuant to, subject to, or otherwise made in connection with any research activities funded, in whole or part, by the federal government of the United States or any agency thereof or any other governmental authority worldwide, and are not subject to the requirements of the Bayh-Dole Act or any similar provision of any applicable law;

	
 
	
(t)
	
all INDs owned or Controlled by Cyclerion that cover any Licensed Compound are listed on Schedule 4.1;  

	
 
	
(u)
	
Cyclerion has provided to Akebia true, complete, and correct (redacted) copies of all agreements between Cyclerion or an Affiliate of Cyclerion and a Third Party relating to the Manufacture or supply of the Licensed Compounds and Products and components thereof (as applicable) that are in effect as of the Effective Date, a complete list of which are listed on Schedule 11.1(u);   there are no [***] between Cyclerion or its Affiliates, on the one hand, and any Third Party relating to the Manufacture or supply of the Licensed Compounds or Products and components thereof (as applicable) to Cyclerion, on the other hand, that would limit Akebia’s ability to Manufacture, or have the Licensed Compounds or Products and components thereof (as applicable) Manufactured; 

	
 
	
(v)
	
Cyclerion has obtained the right (including under any Patent and other intellectual property right) to use all materials (including any formulations and Manufacturing processes and procedures) [***] for the Exploitation of the Licensed Compounds or the Products, as contemplated by this Agreement, in each case that was developed or delivered by any Third Party under any agreements between Cyclerion and any such Third Party with respect to the Licensed Compounds or Products, and Cyclerion has the rights under each such agreement to transfer such materials to Akebia and its designees and to grant Akebia the right to use such materials in the Exploitation of the Licensed Compounds and Products without restriction and without payments required by Akebia beyond those set forth in this Agreement;  

	
 
	
(w)
	
there are no amounts that will be required to be paid by Akebia to any Third Party as a result of the Exploitation of the Licensed Compounds or Products (as applicable) that arise out of any agreements to which Cyclerion or its Affiliates are a party;

	
 
	
(x)
	
all works of authorship and all other materials subject to copyright protection included in Cyclerion Know-How are original and were either created by employees of Cyclerion or its Affiliates within the scope of their employment or are otherwise works made for hire, or all right, title, and interest in and to such materials have been legally and fully assigned and transferred to Cyclerion or such Affiliate, and all rights in all Know-How and discoveries developed or invented by any employee or independent contractor of Cyclerion or such Affiliate during the course of their employment (or other retention) by Cyclerion or such Affiliate, and included in Cyclerion Know-How, or that are the subject of one or more Cyclerion Patents, have been assigned in writing to Cyclerion or its Affiliate;

 

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(y)
	
to Cyclerion’s Knowledge: (i) there are no scientific or technical facts or circumstances that have not been disclosed to Akebia, and that would [***] the scientific, therapeutic, or commercial potential of the Products; (ii) there is nothing within Cyclerion’s control that has not been disclosed to Akebia and that could [***] the acceptance, or the subsequent approval, by any Regulatory Authority of any Regulatory Submissions with respect to any Product; and (iii) except as disclosed to Akebia in Cyclerion’s virtual data room, there are no [***]; and 

	
 
	
(z)
	
Cyclerion has provided Akebia with the opportunity to review all written material data in Cyclerion’s possession relating to the subject matter of this Agreement, and has not intentionally concealed from Akebia any such material data.

	
11.2
	
Representations and Warranties by Akebia.  Akebia hereby represents and warrants to Cyclerion as of the Effective Date as follows:

	
 
	
(a)
	
The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate actions;  

	
 
	
(b)
	
This Agreement constitutes a valid obligation of Akebia and is binding and enforceable against Akebia in accordance with the terms hereof; and

	
 
	
(c)
	
Akebia has the corporate power and authority and the legal right to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder, and there is no contractual restriction or obligation binding on Akebia that would be contravened by execution and delivery of this Agreement or by the performance or observance of its terms.

	
11.3
	
Debarment.  Neither Party has ever been, is not currently, nor is it the subject of a proceeding that could lead to it becoming a Debarred Entity, Excluded Entity, or Convicted Entity and it will not use in any capacity, in connection with the obligations to be performed under this Agreement, any person who is a Debarred Individual, Excluded Individual or a Convicted Individual, nor are they listed on the FDA’s Disqualified/Restricted List for clinical investigators.  Each Party further covenants that if, during the Term, it becomes a Debarred Entity, Excluded Entity, or Convicted Entity or if any employee or agent performing any of its obligations hereunder becomes a Debarred Individual, Excluded Individual, or a Convicted Individual, or added to FDA’s Disqualified/Restricted List for clinical investigators, then such Party shall immediately notify the other Party.  For purposes of this provision, the following definitions shall apply:

	
 
	
(a)
	
A “Debarred Individual” is an individual who has been debarred by the FDA pursuant to 21 U.S.C. §335a (a) or (b) from providing services in any capacity to a person that has an approved or pending drug or biological product application. 

	
 
	
(b)
	
A “Debarred Entity” is a corporation, partnership or association that has been debarred by the FDA pursuant to 21 U.S.C. §335a (a) or (b) from submitting or assisting in the submission of any abbreviated drug application, or a subsidiary or affiliate of a Debarred Entity. 

	
 
	
(c)
	
An “Excluded Individual” or “Excluded Entity” is (A) an individual or entity, as applicable, who has been excluded, debarred, suspended or is otherwise ineligible to participate in federal health care programs such as Medicare or Medicaid by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG/HHS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or (B) is an individual or entity, as applicable, who has been excluded, debarred, suspended 

 

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or is otherwise ineligible to participate in federal procurement and non-procurement programs, including those produced by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).

	
 
	
(d)
	
A “Convicted Individual” or “Convicted Entity” is an individual or entity, as applicable, who has been convicted of a criminal offense that falls within the ambit of 21 U.S.C. §335a (a) or 42 U.S.C. §1320a - 7(a), but has not yet been excluded, debarred, suspended or otherwise declared ineligible.

	
 
	
(e)
	
“FDA’s Disqualified/Restricted List” is the list of clinical investigators restricted from receiving investigational drugs, biologics, or devices if FDA has determined that the investigators have repeatedly or deliberately failed to comply with regulatory requirements for studies or have submitted false information to the study sponsor. 

	
11.4
	
Disclaimer.  EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS WARRANTIES SET FORTH HEREIN, NEITHER PARTY MAKES ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR GRANTS ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, EITHER IN FACT OR BY OPERATION OF LAW, BY STATUTE OR OTHERWISE, AND EACH PARTY SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER WRITTEN OR ORAL, OR EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF QUALITY, MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE OR PURPOSE OR ANY WARRANTY AS TO THE VALIDITY OF ANY PATENTS OR THE NON-INFRINGEMENT OF ANY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES.

Article 12
INDEMNIFICATION

	
12.1
	
Indemnification by Akebia.  Akebia shall indemnify Cyclerion, its Affiliates, and its and their respective directors, officers, employees, and agents (“Akebia Indemnitees”), and defend and hold each of them harmless, from and against any and all losses, damages, liabilities, penalties, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) (collectively, “Losses”) in connection with any and all suits, investigations, claims, or demands of Third Parties (collectively, “Third Party Claims”) incurred by or rendered against the Akebia Indemnitees arising from or relating to: (a) the breach by Akebia of this Agreement, (b) the gross negligence, reckless conduct, or willful misconduct on the part of Akebia or its Affiliates or Sublicensees in performing its or their obligations under this Agreement, or (c) the Exploitation by Akebia or any of its Affiliates or Sublicensees of any Licensed Compound or Product in the Territory, except, in each case ((a) – (c)), for those Losses for which Cyclerion, in whole or in part, has an obligation to indemnify Akebia pursuant to Section 12.2 hereof, as to which Losses each Party shall indemnify the other to the extent of their respective liability.

	
12.2
	
Indemnification by Cyclerion.  Cyclerion shall indemnify Akebia, its Affiliates, and its and their respective directors, officers, employees, and agents (the “Cyclerion Indemnitees”), and defend and hold each of them harmless, from and against any and all Losses in connection with any and all Third Party Claims incurred by or rendered against the Cyclerion Indemnitees arising from or relating to: (a) the breach by Cyclerion of this Agreement, (b) the gross negligence, reckless conduct or willful misconduct on the part of Cyclerion or its Affiliates in performing its obligations under this Agreement, or (c) the Exploitation by Cyclerion or any of its Affiliates, licensees (other than Akebia), or Sublicensees of any Licensed Compound or Product in the Territory, except, in each case ((a) – (c)), for those Losses for which Akebia, in whole or in part, has an obligation to indemnify Cyclerion pursuant to Section 12.1 hereof, as to which Losses each Party shall indemnify the other to the extent of their respective liability for the Losses.  

 

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12.3
	
Indemnification Procedures.  A Party seeking indemnification under Section 12.1 or Section 12.2 hereof (the “Indemnitee”) shall promptly notify the other Party (the “Indemnitor”) in writing of any claim, lawsuit, or other action in respect of which the Indemnitee, its Affiliates, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or agents intend to claim such indemnification.  [***]. The Indemnitee, its Affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents shall cooperate fully with the Indemnitor and its legal representatives in the investigation and defense of any claim, lawsuit or other action covered by this indemnification.  The Indemnitee shall have the right, but not the obligation, to be represented by counsel of its own selection and expense. 

	
12.4
	
Special, Indirect, and Other Losses.  EXCEPT FOR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT AND EXCEPT IN THE EVENT OF A PARTY’S BREACH OF ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER ARTICLE 10 OR SECTIONS 8.2 OR 8.8, AND EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT ANY SUCH DAMAGES ARE REQUIRED TO BE PAID TO A THIRD PARTY AS PART OF A CLAIM FOR WHICH A PARTY PROVIDES INDEMNIFICATION UNDER THIS ARTICLE 12, NEITHER PARTY NOR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES SHALL BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR LOSS OF PROFITS OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF STATUTORY DUTY OR OTHERWISE IN CONNECTION WITH OR ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

	
12.5
	
Insurance.  The Parties shall maintain insurance with creditworthy insurance companies against such risks and in such amounts as are usually maintained or insured against by other companies of established repute and in the same or a similar business. 

Article 13
TERM AND TERMINATION

	
13.1
	
Term.  This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and, unless earlier terminated in accordance herewith, shall continue in force and effect, on a Product-by- Product and country-by-country basis, in full force and effect until the expiration of the Royalty Term applicable to such Product and such country and will expire in its entirety upon the expiration of the last Royalty Term (such period, the “Term”). 

	
13.2
	
Termination.

	
 
	
(a)
	
Convenience. At any time after the date one (1) year after the Effective Date, Akebia may terminate this Agreement in its entirety, by providing written notice to Cyclerion thereof, which termination will be effective one hundred eighty (180) days following the date of such notice, except, in the event that Akebia has received Regulatory Approval for a Product in any Major Country, such notice period will be [***] prior written notice.  

	
 
	
(b)
	
Material Breach. 

	
 
	
(i)
	
Termination. Either Party may terminate this Agreement at any time upon written notice to the other Party if the other Party is in material breach of this Agreement and such material breach is not cured within [***] after written notice thereof is delivered to the defaulting or breaching Party provided, however, if such breach is not reasonably curable within [***] and if the breaching Party is making a bona fide effort to cure such breach, such termination shall be delayed for a time period 

 

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to be agreed by the Parties in order to permit the breaching Party a reasonable period of time to cure such breach (but in no event will such additional time period be more than [***].  Any notice provided pursuant to this Section 13.2(b) shall identify with particularity the alleged breach and state the non-breaching Party’s intent to terminate this Agreement if such breach is not cured. If the material breach described in the notice of such material breach solely pertains to one or more specific Major Countries, then the other Party may terminate this Agreement solely with respect to those Major Countries to which such breach pertains.  

	
 
	
(ii)
	
Disputes Regarding Material Breach.  If the Parties reasonably and in good faith disagree as to whether there has been a material breach, then the breaching Party that disputes whether there has been a material breach may contest the allegation in accordance with Section 14.12, and the applicable cure period will toll upon the initiation of such dispute resolution procedures.  If, as a result of such dispute resolution process, it is finally determined pursuant to Section 14.12 that the breaching Party committed a material breach of this Agreement, then the applicable cure period will resume and if the breaching Party does not cure such material breach within the remainder of such cure period (as such cure period may be extended pursuant to Section 13.2(b)(i)), then this Agreement will terminate effective as of the expiration of such cure period.  This Agreement will remain in full force and effect during the pendency of any such dispute resolution proceeding and the applicable cure period.  Any such dispute resolution proceeding will not suspend any obligations of either Party hereunder and each Party will use reasonable efforts to mitigate any damages. Any payments that are made by one Party to the other Party pursuant to this Agreement pending resolution of the dispute will be promptly refunded if it is determined pursuant to Section 14.12 that such payments are to be refunded by one Party to the other Party.  If, as a result of such dispute resolution proceeding, it is determined that the breaching Party did not commit such material breach (or such material breach was cured in accordance with this Section 13.2(b)(i)), then no termination of this Agreement will be effective, and this Agreement will continue in full force and effect.

	
 
	
(c)
	
Patent Challenge. If Akebia or any of its Affiliates or Sublicensees commences any interference or opposition proceeding with respect to, challenges the validity or enforceability of, or opposes any extension of or the grant of a supplementary protection certificate with respect to, any Cyclerion Patent in any court, tribunal, patent office, or other proceeding in a country or other jurisdiction in the Territory (a “Patent Challenge”), then Cyclerion will have the right to terminate this Agreement on [***] written notice to Akebia; such termination of such license to be effective immediately following such notice period; provided that, if Akebia or its Affiliate or Sublicensee withdraws (or causes to be withdrawn) such Patent Challenge within [***] after being requested to do so by Cyclerion in writing (which termination notice will be deemed a request), then Cyclerion will have no right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 13.2(c).  For the avoidance of doubt, Cyclerion may not terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 13.2(c) if Akebia or its Affiliate or Sublicensee is required by legal process to be joined as a party in any Patent Challenge by a Third Party.  In addition, notwithstanding the foregoing, Cyclerion will have no right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 13.2(c) with respect to: (i) any affirmative defense or other validity, enforceability, or non-infringement challenge, whether in the same action or in any other agency or forum of competent jurisdiction advanced by Akebia, or any of its Affiliates or Sublicensees in response to any claim or action brought in the first instance by, on behalf of, Cyclerion or 

 

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any of its Affiliates or licensees; (ii) any Patent Challenge to the extent commenced by a Third Party that after the Effective Date acquires or is acquired by Akebia or any of its Affiliates or its of their business or assets, whether by stock purchase, merger, asset purchase or otherwise; provided that such proceeding commenced prior to the closing of such acquisition; or (iii) any Patent Challenge that is commenced by a Sublicensee; provided that Akebia demands that such Sublicensee withdraw such Patent Challenge promptly after Akebia becomes aware of such Patent Challenge and terminates the sublicense agreement with the applicable Sublicensee if such Sublicensee does not withdraw such Patent Challenge [***] after receipt of notice from Akebia.

	
 
	
(d)
	
Bankruptcy. All rights and licenses now or hereafter granted by Cyclerion to Akebia under or pursuant to this Agreement, including, for the avoidance of doubt, the licenses granted to Akebia pursuant to Section 8.1, are, for all purposes of Section 365(n) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, licenses of rights to “intellectual property” as defined in the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Upon the filing or institution of bankruptcy, reorganization, liquidation, or receivership proceedings, upon the appointment of a receiver or trustee over all or substantially all property, or upon an assignment of a substantial portion of the assets for the benefit of creditors by Cyclerion, Cyclerion agrees that Akebia, as licensee of such rights under this Agreement, will retain and may fully exercise all of its rights and elections under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Cyclerion and Akebia intend and agree that any sale of Cyclerion’s assets under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code shall be subject to Akebia’s rights under Section 365(n), that Akebia cannot be compelled to accept a money satisfaction of its interests in the intellectual property licensed pursuant to this Agreement, and that any such sale therefore may not be made to a purchaser “free and clear” of Akebia’s rights under this Agreement and Section 365(n) without the express, contemporaneous consent of Akebia.  Further, each Party agrees and acknowledges that all payments by Akebia to Cyclerion hereunder, other than the royalty payments pursuant to Section 7.5 and the sales milestones pursuant to Section 7.4, do not constitute royalties within the meaning of Section 365(n) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or relate to licenses of intellectual property hereunder.  Cyclerion will, during the Term, create and maintain current copies or, if not amenable to copying, detailed descriptions or other appropriate embodiments, to the extent feasible, of all such intellectual property rights. Each Party acknowledges and agrees that “embodiments” of intellectual property rights within the meaning of Section 365(n) include laboratory notebooks, cell lines, product samples, and inventory, research studies and data, all Regulatory Approvals (and all applications for Regulatory Approval) and rights of reference therein, the Cyclerion Intellectual Property, and all information related to the Cyclerion Intellectual Property. If (A) a case under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code is commenced by or against Cyclerion, (B) this Agreement is rejected as provided in the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and (C) Akebia elects to retain its rights hereunder as provided in Section 365(n) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, then Cyclerion (in any capacity, including debtor-in-possession) and its successors and assigns (including a trustee) will:

	
 
	
(1)
	
provide Akebia with all such intellectual property rights (including all embodiments thereof) held by Cyclerion and such successors and assigns, or otherwise available to them, immediately upon Akebia’s written request. Whenever Cyclerion or any of its successors or assigns provides to Akebia any of the intellectual property rights licensed hereunder (or any embodiment thereof) pursuant to this Section 13.2(d), Akebia will have the right to perform Cyclerion’s obligations hereunder with respect to such intellectual property rights, but neither such provision nor such 

 

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performance by Akebia will release Cyclerion from liability resulting from rejection of the license or the failure to perform such obligations; and

	
 
	
(2)
	
not interfere with Akebia’s rights under this Agreement, or any agreement supplemental hereto, to such intellectual property rights (including such embodiments), including any right to obtain such intellectual property rights (or such embodiments) from another entity, to the extent provided in Section 365(n) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

	
 
	
(ii)
	
All rights, powers, and remedies of Akebia provided herein are in addition to and not in substitution for any and all other rights, powers, and remedies now or hereafter existing at law or in equity (including the U.S. Bankruptcy Code) in the event of the commencement of a case under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code with respect to Cyclerion. The Parties agree that they intend the following rights to extend to the maximum extent permitted by law, and to be enforceable under U.S. Bankruptcy Code Section 365(n):

	
 
	
(1)
	
the right of access to any intellectual property rights (including all embodiments thereof) of Cyclerion, or any Third Party with whom Cyclerion contracts to perform an obligation of Cyclerion under this Agreement, and, in the case of the Third Party, which is necessary for the manufacture, use, sale, import, export or other Exploitation of any Licensed Compound or Product; and

	
 
	
(2)
	
the right to contract directly with any Third Party to complete the contracted work.

	
13.3
	
Consequences of Termination.  In the event of a termination of this Agreement in its entirety for any reason, the following will apply: 

	
 
	
(a)
	
all rights and licenses granted by Cyclerion hereunder shall immediately terminate;

	
 
	
(b)
	
unless the Agreement is terminated by Akebia pursuant to Section 13.2(b) for Cyclerion’s breach, then Akebia shall, and hereby does effective as of the effective date of termination, grant Cyclerion an non-exclusive, royalty-free license, with the right to grant multiple tiers of sublicenses, under the Akebia Intellectual Property to Exploit in the Territory any Licensed Compound or Product; 

	
 
	
(c)
	
in the event there are any on-going Clinical Trials of the Products: 

	
 
	
(i)
	
the Parties shall work together in good faith to either adopt, and (A) if Cyclerion has become the sponsor in such Clinical Trial, then Cyclerion shall have the final decision-making authority with respect to, or (B) if Cyclerion has not become the sponsor in such Clinical Trial, then Akebia shall after good faith consultation with Cyclerion and taking into account reasonable suggestions from Cyclerion, have the final decision-making authority with respect to, a plan to (A) wind-down the Development activities in the Territory in an orderly fashion, with due regard for patient safety and the rights of any subjects that are participants in any Clinical Trials of the Products and take any actions it deems reasonably necessary or appropriate to avoid any human health or safety problems and in compliance with 

 

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all applicable laws and regulations or (B) transfer such on-going Clinical Trials in the Territory to Cyclerion; 

	
 
	
(ii)
	
all costs and expenses incurred from the effective date of the termination notice in winding down the Development and Commercialization activities with respect to the Products shall be borne solely by Akebia, unless the Agreement is terminated by Akebia pursuant to Section 13.2(b) for Cyclerion’s breach, in which case such costs and expenses shall be borne by Cyclerion;

	
 
	
(d)
	
unless the Agreement is terminated by Akebia pursuant to Section 13.2(b) for Cyclerion’s breach, then Akebia shall assign or cause to be assigned to Cyclerion or its designee (or to the extent not so assignable, Akebia shall take all reasonable actions as soon as practicable to make available to Cyclerion or its designee the benefits of) all Regulatory Submissions (including Regulatory Approvals) filed, submitted or received after the Effective Date solely for the Products in the Territory Controlled by Akebia or its Affiliates;

	
 
	
(e)
	
unless the Agreement is terminated by Akebia pursuant to Section 13.2(b) for Cyclerion’s breach, then Akebia shall, and hereby does, effective on the effective date of such termination, assign to Cyclerion all of Akebia’s and its Affiliates’ right, title, and interest in and to the Product Marks, including all goodwill therein, and Akebia shall promptly take such actions and execute such instruments, assignments, and documents as may be necessary to effect, evidence, register, and record such assignment, at Akebia’s cost; provided, however, that the foregoing obligations shall not apply to any Product Marks that include, in whole or part, any corporate name or logo of Akebia or its Affiliates;

	
 
	
(f)
	
unless the Agreement is terminated by Akebia pursuant to Section 13.2(b) for Cyclerion’s breach, then upon Cyclerion’s request, Akebia shall assign to Cyclerion any agreements with Third Party suppliers, contract research organizations, or other vendors that solely relate to the supply or sale of the Products in the Territory; provided that if any such contract between Akebia and a Third Party is not assignable to Cyclerion (whether by such contract’s terms or because such contract does not relate specifically to the Product) but is otherwise [***] for Cyclerion to commence Developing or Commercializing the Products in the Territory, then Akebia shall reasonably cooperate with Cyclerion to negotiate for the continuation of services or supply from such entity for a period not to [***]; and

	
 
	
(g)
	
Akebia shall have the right to sell in the Territory any remaining inventory over a period of [***] after the effective date of termination, or such other period as may be agreed by the Parties or required by applicable Regulatory Authorities (the “Sell-Down Period”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Akebia has not received Regulatory Approval for any Product before the effective date of termination or expiration of this Agreement, the Sell-Down Period shall be [***] after the effective date of termination or expiration of this Agreement. Unless the Agreement is terminated by Akebia pursuant to Section 13.2(b) for Cyclerion’s breach, [***], Akebia shall report such inventory as of the end of the Sell-Down Period, and Cyclerion shall have the right to purchase from Akebia all or part of the inventory of Licensed Compound, Product, or any intermediate thereof held by Akebia as of the end of the Sell-Down Period at a price equal to the price paid by Akebia for the supply of such inventory.   

	
13.4
	
Cumulative Remedies.  Except as expressly stated otherwise herein, termination of this Agreement or other jurisdiction(s) in accordance with the provisions hereof shall not limit remedies that may otherwise be available in law or equity.

 

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13.5
	
Accrued Obligations.  Except as set forth herein, any termination or expiration of this Agreement shall not relieve either Party of any obligation that has accrued prior to the effective date of such termination or expiration, which obligations shall remain in full force and effect for the period provided therein.

	
13.6
	
 Survival.  The terms of Sections 7.7 through 7.11, 8.5, 9.1(a), 9.1(b), 9.1(c)(i), 9.1(d), 11.4, 13.3, 13.4, 13.5, 13.6, 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.7, 14.8, 14.9, 14.10, 14.11, 14.12 14.13, 14.14 and Article 1, Article 10 and Article 12 shall survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement.

Article 14
MISCELLANEOUS

	
14.1
	
Notices.  Any notice, request, demand, waiver, consent, approval, or other communication which is required or permitted to be given to any Party shall be in writing and shall be deemed given only if delivered to the Party personally, sent to the Party by registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, sent by a nationally recognized courier service guaranteeing next-day or second-day delivery, charges prepaid, or by email with affirmative confirmation of receipt, in each case addressed to the Party at its address set forth below, or at such other address as such Party may from time to time specify by notice given in the manner provided herein to the Party entitled to receive notice hereunder:

If to Akebia, to: 

Akebia Therapeutics, Inc.

245 First Street

14th Floor

Cambridge, MA 02142

Attention:  [***]

Email: [***] 

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Akebia Therapeutics, Inc.
245 First Street
Cambridge, MA 02142
Attention:  [***]

Email:  [***]

 

And

 

Ropes & Gray LLP 
Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston Street 
Boston, MA  02199-3600 
Attention:  [***] 

Email:  [***]

 

If to Cyclerion, to:

 

Cyclerion Therapeutics, Inc.

245 First Street

Riverview II, 18th Floor

Cambridge, MA 02142

 

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Attention: [***] 

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Cyclerion Therapeutics, Inc.

245 First Street

Riverview II, 18th Floor

Cambridge, MA 02142

Attention: [***]

 

	
14.2
	
Entire Agreement; Amendment.  This Agreement (including any Schedules or other attachments hereto) constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and no oral or written statement may be used to interpret or vary the meaning of the terms and conditions hereof.  This Agreement supersedes any prior or contemporaneous agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, including that certain Confidential Disclosure Agreement between the Parties, dated August 18, 2020, which is hereby terminated.  No amendment, modification, release, or discharge shall be binding upon the Parties unless in writing and duly executed by authorized representatives of both Parties. 

	
14.3
	
Assignment.  Without the prior written consent of the other Party, neither Party shall sell, transfer, assign, delegate, pledge, or otherwise dispose of, whether voluntarily, involuntarily, by operation of law or otherwise, this Agreement or any of its rights or duties hereunder; provided, however, that a Party may make such an assignment without the other Party’s prior written consent to (a) its Affiliate (b) to a successor, whether in a merger, sale of stock, sale of assets or any other transaction, of the business to which this Agreement relates or (c) in connection with a collateral assignment as a security to any lender or financial institution.  Notwithstanding the forgoing, each Party shall have the right to sell, transfer, assign, delegate, pledge, encumber, or otherwise dispose of, whether voluntarily, involuntarily, by operation of law or otherwise, such Party’s rights to receive payments under this Agreement (including as part of a royalty monetization transaction) without the other Party’s consent. Any attempted assignment or delegation in violation of this Section 14.2 shall be void and of no effect.  All validly assigned and delegated rights and obligations of the Parties hereunder shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by and against the successors and permitted assigns of Cyclerion or Akebia, as the case may be.  The permitted assignee or permitted transferee shall assume in writing all obligations of its assignor or transferor under this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, the grant of rights set forth in this Agreement shall be binding upon any successor or permitted assignee of Cyclerion, and the obligations of Cyclerion, including the payment obligations, shall run in favor of any such successor or permitted assignee of Cyclerion’s benefits under this Agreement. 

	
14.4
	
Designation of Affiliates.  Each Party may discharge any obligations and exercise any rights hereunder through delegation of its obligations or rights to any of its Affiliates.  Each Party hereby guarantees the performance by its Affiliates of such Party’s obligations under this Agreement and will cause its Affiliates to comply with the provisions of this Agreement in connection with such performance.

	
14.5
	
Further Assurance.  Each of Cyclerion and Akebia agrees to duly execute and deliver, or cause to be duly executed or delivered, such further instruments and do and cause to be done such further acts, including the filing of additional assignments, agreements, documents, and instruments, as the other Party may at any time and from time to time reasonably request in connection with this 

 

41

 

CONFIDENTIAL

 

		
Agreement or to carry out more effectively the provisions and purposes of, or to better assure and confirm unto such other Party its rights and remedies under, this Agreement.

	
14.6
	
Force Majeure.  Neither Party shall be held liable or responsible to the other Party or be deemed to have defaulted under or breached this Agreement for failure or delay in fulfilling or performing any term of this Agreement (other than an obligation to make payments) when such failure or delay is caused by or results from events beyond the reasonable control of the non-performing Party, including fires, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, embargoes, shortages, epidemics, pandemics, quarantines, war, acts of war (whether war be declared or not), terrorist acts, insurrections, riots, civil commotion, strikes, lockouts, or other labor disturbances (whether involving the workforce of the non-performing Party or of any other Person), acts of God or acts, omissions or delays in acting by any governmental authority (except to the extent such delay results from the breach by the non-performing Party or any of its Affiliates of any term or condition of this Agreement). The Parties agree the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic that is ongoing as of the Effective Date (including related government orders) may be invoked as a force majeure for the purposes of this Agreement even though the pandemic is ongoing and those effects may be reasonably foreseeable (but are not known for certain) as of the Effective Date.  In addition, a force majeure may include reasonable measures affirmatively taken by a Party or its Affiliates to respond to any epidemic, pandemic, or spread of infectious disease (including the COVID-19 pandemic), such as requiring employees to stay home, closures of facilities, delays of Clinical Trials, or cessation of activities in response to an epidemic or other force majeure event.  The non-performing Party shall notify the other Party of such force majeure within [***] after such occurrence by giving written notice to the other Party stating the nature of the event, its anticipated duration, and any action being taken to avoid or minimize its effect.  The suspension of performance shall be of no greater scope and no longer duration than is reasonably necessary and the non-performing Party shall use reasonable efforts to remedy its inability to perform.  

	
14.7
	
No Strict Construction; Headings.  The headings of clauses contained in this Agreement preceding the text of the sections, subsections, and paragraphs hereof are inserted solely for convenience and ease of reference only and shall not constitute any part of this Agreement, or have any effect on its interpretation or construction.  Except where the context expressly requires otherwise, (a) the use of any gender herein will be deemed to encompass references to either or both genders, and the use of the singular will be deemed to include the plural (and vice versa), (b) the words “include”, “includes” and “including” will be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation,” (c) the word “will” will be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall,” (d) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein will be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein), (e) any reference herein to any person or entity will be construed to include the person’s or entity’s successors and assigns, (f) the words “herein,” “hereof,” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, will be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (g) all references herein to Sections or Schedules will be construed to refer to Sections or Schedules of this Agreement, and references to this Agreement include all Schedules hereto, (h) the word “notice” means notice in writing (whether or not specifically stated) and will include notices, consents, approvals and other written communications contemplated under this Agreement, (i) provisions that require that a Party, the Parties or any committee hereunder “agree,” “consent,” or “approve” or the like will require that such agreement, consent or approval be specific and in writing, whether by written agreement, letter, approved minutes or otherwise (but excluding e-mail and instant messaging), (j) references to any specific law, rule or regulation, or article, section or other division thereof, will be deemed to include the then-current amendments thereto or any replacement or successor law, rule or 

 

42

 

CONFIDENTIAL

 

		
regulation thereof, (k) the term “or” will be interpreted in the inclusive sense commonly associated with the term “and/or,” and (l) references to any Sections include Sections and subsections that are part of the related Section (e.g., a section numbered “Section 2.2” would be part of “Section 2”, and references to “Section 2.2” would also refer to material contained in the subsection described as “Section 2.2(a)”). Ambiguities and uncertainties in this Agreement, if any, shall not be interpreted against either Party, irrespective of which Party may be deemed to have caused the ambiguity or uncertainty to exist.  This Agreement has been prepared in the English language and the English language shall control its interpretation.  In addition, all notices required or permitted to be given hereunder, and all written, electronic, oral or other communications between the Parties regarding this Agreement shall be in the English language.

	
14.8
	
Relationship of the Parties.  It is expressly agreed that Cyclerion, on the one hand, and Akebia, on the other hand, shall be independent contractors and that the relationship between the two Parties shall not constitute a partnership, joint venture, or agency.  Neither Cyclerion, on the one hand, nor Akebia, on the other hand, shall have the authority to make any statements, representations, or commitments of any kind, or to take any action, which shall be binding on the other, without the prior written consent of the other Party to do so.  All persons employed by a Party shall be employees of such Party and not of the other Party and all costs and obligations incurred by reason of any such employment shall be for the account and expense of such Party.

	
14.9
	
Severability.  If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable under any present or future law, and if the rights or obligations of either Party under this Agreement will not be materially and adversely affected thereby, then (a) such provision shall be fully severable, (b) this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof, (c) the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be affected by the illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision or by its severance herefrom, and (d) in lieu of such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision, there shall be added automatically as a part of this Agreement a legal, valid, and enforceable provision as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision as may be possible and reasonably acceptable to the Parties.  To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Party hereby waives any provision of law that would render any provision hereof illegal, invalid, or unenforceable in any respect.

	
14.10
	
No Third-Party Beneficiaries.  Covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement are for the sole benefit of the Parties hereto and their successors and permitted assigns, and they shall not be construed as conferring any rights on any other Persons.

	
14.11
	
Governing Law.  This Agreement or the performance, enforcement, breach or termination hereof shall be interpreted, governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, excluding any conflicts or choice of law rule or principle that might otherwise refer construction or interpretation of this Agreement to the substantive law of another jurisdiction. 

	
14.12
	
Dispute Resolution.  In the event of any dispute under this Agreement, the Parties shall refer such dispute to the Executive Officers for attempted resolution by good faith negotiations within [***] after such referral is made. If the Executive Officers are unable to resolve the dispute within the time allotted, either Party may proceed as set forth below.  

	
 
	
(a)
	
Alternative Dispute Resolution.  Any dispute that cannot be resolved pursuant to Section 14.12 above shall be finally settled under the Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce [***] appointed in accordance with said Rules, [***]. The place of arbitration shall be Boston, Massachusetts and the language to be used in any 

 

43

 

CONFIDENTIAL

 

	
 
		
such proceeding (and for all testimony, evidence and written documentation) shall be English. The IBA Rules on the Taking of Evidence in International Arbitration shall apply on any evidence to be taken up in the arbitration.

	
 
	
(b)
	
Waiver of Jury Trial.  EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE ACTIONS OF ANY PARTY HERETO IN THE NEGOTIATION, ADMINISTRATION, PERFORMANCE AND ENFORCEMENT HEREOF.  NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, NEITHER PARTY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO A JURY PROCEEDING FOR THE DETERMINATION OF DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY SUCH ACTION PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM.

	
 
	
(c)
	
Disputes Related to Patent Rights.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, any and all issues regarding the validity and enforceability of any Patent shall be determined in a court or other tribunal, as the case may be, of competent jurisdiction under the applicable Patent laws of such country, with a jury trial being however excluded.  If such dispute involves such Patent matters and other matters, the arbitrators will have the right to stay the arbitration until determination of such Patent matters material to the resolution of the dispute as to the other matters is resolved.

	
 
	
(d)
	
Injunctive Relief.  Nothing contained in the Agreement shall deny either Party the right to injunctive relief, equitable relief, interim or provisional relief including a temporary restraining order, specific performance, preliminary or permanent injunction or other interim equitable relief from a court of competent jurisdiction in the context of a breach or threatened breach of any provision of the Agreement, bona fide emergency or prospective irreparable harm, or as reasonable and necessary to protect its legitimate interests.  Such an action may be filed and maintained, notwithstanding any ongoing discussions between the Parties or any ongoing arbitration proceeding concerning a dispute if necessary to protect the interests of such Party or to preserve the status quo pending the arbitration proceeding.

	
14.13
	
No Waiver.  Any term or condition of this Agreement may be waived at any time by the Party that is entitled to the benefit thereof, but no such waiver shall be effective unless set forth in a written instrument duly executed by or on behalf of the Party waiving such term or condition.  The waiver by either Party hereto of any right hereunder or of the failure to perform or of a breach by the other Party shall not be deemed a waiver of any other right hereunder or of any other breach or failure by such other Party whether of a similar nature or otherwise.  The rights and remedies provided herein are cumulative and do not exclude any other right or remedy provided by applicable law or otherwise available except as expressly set forth herein. 

 

	
14.14
	
Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, and by the respective Parties in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Counterparts may be delivered via electronic mail, including AdobeTM Portable Document Format (PDF) or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. Federal ESIGN Act of 2000, and any counterpart so delivered be valid and binding upon the Parties, and, upon delivery, will constitute due execution of this Agreement.

[SIGNATURES PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

 

44

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the Effective Date by their respective duly authorized officers.

 

 

 

	
CYCLERION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
By:
	
 
	
/s/ Cheryl Gault

	
Name:
	
 
	
Cheryl Gault

	
Title:
	
 
	
Chief Operating Officer

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
AKEBIA THERAPEUTICS, INC.

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
By:
	
 
	
/s/ John P. Butler

	
Name:
	
 
	
John P. Butler

	
Title:
	
 
	
Chief Executive Officer

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
By:
	
 
	
/s/ David A. Spellman

	
Name:
	
 
	
David A. Spellman

	
Title:
	
 
	
Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

[Signature Page to Akebia Cyclerion License Agreement]

 

 

Schedule 1.8

 

Assigned Trademarks

[***]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule 1.30

Cyclerion Patents

 

	
Cyclerion

Reference
	
Title
	
Country
	
Status
	
Application

No.
	
Filing Date
	
Publication

No.
	
Publication

Date
	
Patent No.
	
Issue Date

	
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CONFIDENTIAL

 

 

Schedule 1.70

Licensed Compounds

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CONFIDENTIAL

 

Schedule 1.81

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CONFIDENTIAL

 

 

Schedule 3.3

Initial Development Plan

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Schedule 4.1

 

Existing INDs

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1

 

 

 

CONFIDENTIAL

 

 

Schedule 5.3

Estimated Initial Supply

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1

 

 

 

CONFIDENTIAL

 

 

Schedule 9.2(a)

Control Transferring Patents

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Schedule 9.2(c)

Non-Control Transferring Patent

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Schedule 11.1(u)

Agreements relating to the Manufacture or supply of the Licensed Compounds and Products

Development Materials and related contracts:

[***]nxgn-ex1037_129.htm

 

Exhibit 10.37

RELEASE OF CLAIMS

 

This release of claims (this “Agreement”) is made by and between NextGen Healthcare, Inc. (the “Company”), and John R. Frantz (“Executive”). The Company and Executive are sometimes collectively referred to herein as the “Parties” and individually referred to as a “Party.”

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, Executive signed a Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement (the “Confidentiality Agreement”) with the Company on July 7, 2015, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A;

 

WHEREAS, Executive and the Company are parties to an Executive Employment Agreement effective as of July 1, 2015, as amended by that certain Executive Employment Agreement Addendum effective as of January 22, 2019 (together, the “Severance Agreement”), which, among other things, provides for certain termination benefits to be paid to Executive by the Company upon the termination of Executive’s employment under certain circumstances;

 

WHEREAS, Executive was employed by the Company until June 18, 2021, when Executive’s employment terminated (“Termination Date”);

 

WHEREAS, Executive has agreed to enter into a standard release of claims in favor of the Company as a condition to receiving the Termination Benefits (as defined below) described in this Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Parties wish to resolve any and all disputes, claims, complaints, grievances, charges, actions, petitions and demands that Executive may have against the Company and any of the Releasees (as defined below), including, but not limited to, any and all claims arising out of or in any way related to Executive’s employment relationship with the Company and the termination of that relationship.

 

NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, including the mutual promises and covenants made herein, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:

 

COVENANTS

 

1.Termination. Executive’s employment with the Company terminated on the Termination Date. The Termination Date will be the termination date of Executive’s employment with the Company and any of its affiliates for all purposes, including active participation in and coverage under all benefit plans and programs sponsored by or through the Company and its affiliates, except as provided in this Agreement.  Executive hereby confirms his resignation from all positions he holds with the Company and any of its affiliates, including his position as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and as a member of the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”), effective as of the Termination Date.

 

2.Payment of Salary and Receipt of All Benefits. 

 

(a)Accrued Compensation.  On the Termination Date, the Company will pay Executive all accrued but unpaid wages, including any accrued, unused vacation or paid time off, through the Termination Date.  Executive shall receive any other benefits due to Executive under any Company-

 

 

provided plans, policies, and arrangements in accordance with such plans, policies or arrangement. Executive acknowledges and represents that, other than the consideration to be paid in accordance with this Section 2 or Section 3 below, the Company has paid or provided all salary, wages, bonuses, accrued vacation/paid time off, premiums, leaves, housing allowances, relocation costs, interest, severance, outplacement costs, fees, reimbursable expenses, commissions, draws, stock, stock options or other equity awards (including restricted stock unit awards), vesting, and any and all other benefits and compensation due to Executive and that no other reimbursements or compensation are owed to Executive, including under the Severance Agreement.

 

(b)The Company will reimburse Executive for any and all reasonable and necessary business expenses incurred by Executive in connection with the performance of his job duties prior to the Termination Date in accordance with the Company’s policies, which expenses shall be submitted to the Company with supporting receipts and/or documentation no later than thirty (30) days after the Termination Date.

 

(c) Subject to Section 3 below, and except as otherwise required by applicable law, Executive’s entitlement to health benefits from the Company, and eligibility to participate in the Company’s health benefit plans, shall cease on the last day of the calendar month during which the Termination Date occurs, except to the extent Executive elects to and is eligible to receive continued healthcare coverage pursuant to the provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), for himself and any covered dependents. Executive’s entitlement to other benefits from the Company, and eligibility to participate in the Company’s other benefit plans and programs, shall cease on the Termination Date.

 

3.Termination Benefits.  In consideration for Executive’s agreement to be bound by the terms of this Agreement, including but not limited to the release of claims in Section 4, but subject to Executive’s compliance with Section 9, the Company agrees to provide Executive with the following termination benefits (the “Termination Benefits”):

 

(a)Termination Payment.  Executive will receive a payment (less applicable withholding taxes) equal to $2,126,250, representing one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the sum of the Executive’s annual base salary ($675,000) plus the Executive’s target bonus for 2021 ($742,500), each at the level in effect immediately prior to the Termination Date paid in a single lump sum payment on the sixtieth (60th) day following the Termination Date.  For the avoidance of doubt, Executive will not be entitled to any bonus, or pro-rated portion thereof, for fiscal year 2022.

 

(b)Equity Vesting.  Notwithstanding any language to the contrary set forth in any award agreements issued to Executive under Company’s Amended and Restated 1998 Stock Option Plan, Company’s Second Amended and Restated 2005 Stock Option and Incentive Plan or Company’s 2015 Equity Incentive Plan or any subsequent Company stock plan, upon the thirtieth (30th) day following the Termination Date, for awards the vesting of which is solely time-based and not subject to the satisfaction of a performance condition, the unvested portion of any such unvested stock option, restricted stock unit or other equity award granted to Executive shall vest, which portion shall be the number of shares that would have vested per the applicable award as of the eighteen-month anniversary of the Termination Date had Executive remained continuously employed by Company through such date.  As of the Termination Date, all equity awards that are subject to the satisfaction of a performance condition (including, without limitation, all performance stock units or performance stock awards granted to Executive), and any equity awards that are not eligible to vest pursuant to this Section 3(b) on the thirtieth (30th) day following the Termination Date, shall terminate immediately upon the Termination Date. Executive’s vested equity awards, after giving effect to such accelerated vesting, is set forth on Exhibit B.  Executive’s vested equity awards, and the period of time during which Executive may exercise his vested stock options following the 

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Termination Date, shall be governed by the terms and conditions of the equity award agreements and the equity plan under which such equity awards were granted.  With respect to any tax withholding obligation arising in connection with the vesting and distribution of the restricted stock awards held by Executive, the vesting of which will accelerate pursuant to this Section 3(b), such tax withholding obligation shall be satisfied by means of the surrender or withholding of a net number of vested shares of Company common stock subject to such awards having a then current fair market value not exceeding the amount necessary to satisfy the tax withholding obligation of the Company based on the minimum applicable statutory withholding rates for federal, state and local income tax and payroll tax purposes, in accordance with the terms of the equity plan pursuant to which such equity awards were granted.

 

(c)Continuation Coverage.  If Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, then the Company will reimburse Executive for the COBRA premiums for such coverage (at the coverage levels in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination) until the earlier of (i) a period of eighteen (18) months from the Termination Date or (ii) the date upon which Executive becomes covered under similar plans of a subsequent employer.  The reimbursements will be made by the Company to Executive consistent with the Company’s normal expense reimbursement policy.  Notwithstanding the first sentence of this Section 3(c), if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the foregoing benefit without potentially violating, or being subject to an excise tax under, applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will in lieu thereof provide to Executive a taxable monthly payment, payable on the last day of a given month, in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that Executive would be required to pay to continue Executive’s group health coverage in effect on the termination of employment date (which amount will be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments will be made regardless of whether Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage and will commence on the month following Executive’s termination of employment and will end on the earlier of (x) the date upon which Executive obtains other employment or (y) the date the Company has paid an amount equal to eighteen (18) such payments.  For the avoidance of doubt, the taxable payments in lieu of COBRA reimbursements may be used for any purpose, including, but not limited to continuation coverage under COBRA, and will be subject to all applicable tax withholdings.

 

4.Release of Claims. Executive agrees that the consideration to be paid in accordance with Section 3 of this Agreement represents settlement in full of all outstanding obligations owed to Executive by the Company and its current and former officers, directors, employees, agents, investors, attorneys, stockholders, administrators, affiliates, benefit plans, plan administrators, insurers, trustees, divisions, and subsidiaries, and predecessor and successor corporations and assigns (collectively, the “Releasees”). Executive, on Executive’s own behalf and on behalf of Executive’s respective heirs, family members, executors, agents, and assigns, hereby and forever releases the Releasees from, and agrees not to sue concerning, or in any manner to institute, prosecute, or pursue, any claim, complaint, charge, duty, obligation, demand, or cause of action relating to any matters of any kind, whether presently known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, that Executive may possess against any of the Releasees arising from any omissions, acts, facts, or damages that have occurred up until and including the date of Executive’s execution of this Agreement, including, without limitation the following:

 

(a)any and all claims relating to or arising from Executive’s employment relationship with the Company and the termination of that relationship;

 

(b)any and all claims relating to, or arising from, Executive’s right to purchase, or actual purchase of shares of stock of the Company, including, without limitation, any claims for fraud, misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of duty under applicable state corporate law, and securities fraud under any state or federal law;

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(c)           any and all claims for wrongful discharge of employment; termination in violation of public policy; discrimination; harassment; retaliation; breach of contract, both express and implied; breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing, both express and implied; promissory estoppel; negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress; fraud; negligent or intentional misrepresentation; negligent or intentional interference with contract or prospective economic advantage; unfair business practices; defamation; libel; slander; negligence; personal injury; assault; battery; invasion of privacy; false imprisonment; conversion; and disability benefits;

 

(d)any and all claims for violation of any federal, state, or municipal statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Equal Pay Act; the Fair Labor Standards Act; the Fair Credit Reporting Act; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act; the Family and Medical Leave Act; the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, as amended, Cal. Lab. Code § 12940 et seq.; the California Equal Pay Law, as amended, Cal. Lab. Code §§ 1197.5(a),1199.5; the Moore-Brown-Roberti Family Rights Act of 1991, as amended, Cal. Gov’t Code §§ 12945.2, 19702.3; the California Labor Code; the California Business & Professions Code; the California WARN Act, Cal. Lab. Code § 1400 et seq.; the California False Claims Act, Cal. Gov’t Code § 12650 et seq.; or the California Corporate Criminal Liability Act, Cal. Penal Code § 387; the Georgia Equal Pay Act; the Georgia Prohibition of Age Discrimination in Employment Act; the Georgia Equal Employment for Persons with Disabilities Code; the Georgia Discriminatory Wage Practices Based on Sex Act; and the Wyoming Fair Employment Practices Act Wyo. Stat. Ann. §§ 27-9-101 to 27-9-106; 

 

 (e)           any and all claims for violation of the federal, or any state, constitution;

 

(f)      any and all claims arising out of any other laws and regulations relating to employment or employment discrimination;

 

(g)           any claim for any loss, cost, damage, or expense arising out of any dispute over the non-withholding or other tax treatment of any of the proceeds received by Executive as a result of this Agreement or the Severance Agreement; and

 

(h)           any and all claims for attorneys’ fees and costs.

 

Executive agrees that the release set forth in this Section 4 (the “Release”) will be and remain in effect in all respects as a complete general release as to the matters released. The Release does not release claims that cannot be released as a matter of law. Executive represents that Executive has made no assignment or transfer of any right, claim, complaint, charge, duty, obligation, demand, cause of action, or other matter waived or released by this Section 4. Nothing in this Agreement waives (i) Executive’s rights to indemnification or any payments under any fiduciary insurance policy, if any, provided by any act or agreement of the Company, state or federal law or policy of insurance, or any other indemnification rights to which Executive may be entitled under the Company’s Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, by contract, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or under any power that the Company may have to indemnify Executive or hold Executive harmless;(ii) any vested rights Executive may have under the employee benefit plans, programs, or policies of the Company and its affiliates; (iii) Executive’s right to enforce the terms of this Agreement; and (iv) any right that may not be waived by private agreement.

 

5.Acknowledgment of Waiver of Claims under ADEA. Executive acknowledges that Executive is waiving and releasing any rights Executive may have under the Age Discrimination in 

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Employment Act of 1967 (“ADEA”) and that this waiver and release is knowing and voluntary. Executive agrees that this waiver and release does not apply to any rights or claims that may arise under the ADEA after the date on which Executive executes this Agreement. Executive acknowledges that the consideration given for this waiver and release Agreement is in addition to anything of value to which Executive was already entitled. Executive further acknowledges that Executive is hereby advised by this writing that (a) Executive should consult with an attorney prior to executing this Agreement; (b) Executive has at least twenty-one (21) days within which to consider this Agreement; (c) Executive has seven (7) days following the execution of this Agreement by the parties to revoke the Agreement; (d) this Agreement will not be effective until the revocation period has expired; and (e) nothing in this Agreement prevents or precludes Executive from challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of this waiver under the ADEA, nor does it impose any condition precedent, penalties or costs for doing so, unless specifically authorized by federal law. In the event Executive signs this Agreement and delivers it to the Company in less than the twenty-one (21)-day period identified above, Executive hereby acknowledges that Executive has freely and voluntarily chosen to waive the time period allotted for considering this Agreement. Executive acknowledges and understands that revocation must be accomplished by a written notification to the Chief Legal Officer of the Company that is received prior to the Effective Date (as defined below).

 

6.Unknown Claims. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been advised to consult with legal counsel and is familiar with the provisions of California Civil Code Section 1542, a statute that otherwise prohibits the release of unknown claims, which provides as follows:

 

A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR OR RELEASING PARTY DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, THAT IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER WOULD HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR OR RELEASED PARTY.

 

Executive, being aware of California Civil Code Section 1542, agrees to expressly waive any rights Executive may have thereunder, as well as under any other statute or common law principles of similar effect.

 

7.No Pending or Future Lawsuits. Executive represents that Executive has no lawsuits, claims, or actions pending in Executive’s name, or on behalf of any other person or entity, against the Company or any of the other Releasees. Executive also represents that Executive does not intend to bring any claims on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of any other person or entity against the Company or any of the other Releasees. Executive confirms that Executive has no knowledge of any wrongdoing involving improper or false claims against a federal or state governmental agency, or any other wrongdoing that involves Executive or any other present or former Company employees, including violations of the federal and state securities laws.

 

8.Sufficiency of Consideration. Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that Executive has received good and sufficient consideration for every promise, duty, release, obligation, agreement and right contained in this Agreement and the Release contained in Section 4.

 

9.          Restrictive Covenants.

 

(a)Confidential Information. Executive reaffirms and agrees to observe and abide by the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement, specifically including the provisions therein regarding nondisclosure of the Company’s trade secrets and confidential and proprietary information, which agreement will continue in force; provided, however, that as to any provisions regarding solicitation of 

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employees contained in the Confidentiality Agreement that conflict with the provisions regarding solicitation of employees contained in this Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement will control.

 

(b)Noncompetition.  Executive acknowledges that: the Company does business or is actively planning to conduct business in the states of California, Georgia, and Wyoming, and each of the United States.  Consequently, in order to protect the Company’s interest in the goodwill of its relationship with customers and its trade secrets and confidential information, in (i) California, Georgia and Wyoming, and each of the United States, (ii) any area within one hundred (100) miles of any facility/hub of the Company or its subsidiaries, and (iii)  any other geographic area in which the Company or any of its subsidiaries  conducts, or is planning to conduct, the business at any time on or prior to the Termination Date (the “Restricted Territory”), for a period of eighteen (18) months following the Termination Date (the “Restricted Period”), Executive shall not, anywhere in the Restricted Territory, directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of the Company, perform services for, with or without pay, or have a financial interest of any kind in, any business, individual, partner, firm, corporation, or other entity, whether as an employee, officer, director, consultant, owner, manager, operator, stockholder, member, partner, lender or otherwise, that is then a Competitor (as defined herein).  For purposes of this Agreement, a “Competitor” is any person or entity engaged in or planning to engage in the Business.  For purposes of this Agreement, the “Business” means the business of ambulatory-focused healthcare software and services solutions.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the “beneficial ownership” by Executive, either individually or as a member of a “group,” as such terms are used in Regulation 13D of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), of not more than one percent (1%) of the voting stock of any publicly held corporation shall not alone constitute a violation of this Agreement.

(c)Solicitation of Customers.  Executive acknowledges that continuity of the Company’s relationships with its customers, suppliers and service providers is material to the value of the Company and its business.  During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, solicit or influence or attempt to solicit or influence any customers, suppliers or service providers of the Company to terminate or limit their relationship as customers, suppliers or service providers to the Company or to divert their purchases, sales, supplies or other activities with respect to the Business to any Competitor.

(d) Solicitation of Employees. Executive agrees that, during the Restricted Period, Executive will not directly or indirectly (i) solicit, induce, recruit or encourage any of the Company’s employees to leave their employment at the Company or (ii) attempt to solicit, induce, recruit or encourage either for Executive or for any other person or entity, any of the Company’s employees to leave their employment.

 

(e)Return of Company Property; Passwords and Password-protected Documents. Executive confirms that Executive has returned to the Company in good working order all keys, files, records (and copies thereof), equipment (including, but not limited to, computer hardware, software and printers, wireless handheld devices, cellular phones and pagers), access or credit cards, Company identification, and any other Company-owned property in Executive’s possession or control, provided that Executive may retain his personal copies of (i) his compensation records, (ii) materials distributed to shareholders generally and (iii) any written agreement to which Executive is a party. Executive further confirms that Executive has cancelled all accounts for Executive’s benefit, if any, in the Company’s name, including, but not limited to, credit cards, telephone charge cards, cellular phone and/or pager accounts and computer accounts. Executive also confirms that Executive has delivered all passwords in use by Executive at the time of Executive’s termination, a list of any documents that Executive created or of which Executive is otherwise aware that are password-protected, along with the password(s) necessary to access such password-protected documents.

 

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(f)Nondisparagement. Subject to Section 11 of this Agreement, Executive agrees that Executive will not in any way, directly or indirectly, do or say anything at any time which disparages the Company, its business interests or reputation, or that of any of the other Releasees, except as required by law.  

 

(g)Reformation of Provisions. If it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in any state that any restriction in this Section 9 is excessive in duration or scope or is unreasonable or unenforceable under the laws of that state, it is the intention of the parties that such restriction may be modified or amended by the court to render it enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by the law of that state.

 

(h)Remedies.  It is expressly agreed that the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates will or would suffer irreparable injury if Executive were to breach any of the provisions of this Section 9 and that the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates would by reason of any such breach be entitled to injunctive relief in a court of competent jurisdiction without the need to post a bond or other security and without the need to demonstrate special damages.  The aforementioned injunctive relief is and shall be in addition to any other remedies that may be available to the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates under this Agreement or otherwise.  In addition to all other rights and remedies available to the Company under law or in equity, the Company shall be entitled to withhold all Termination Benefits from Executive in the event of his breach of this Section 9.

 

10.No Cooperation. Subject to Section 11 of this Agreement, Executive agrees that Executive will not knowingly encourage, counsel, or assist any attorneys or their clients in the presentation or prosecution of any disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints by any third party against any of the Releasees, unless under a subpoena or other court order to do so or as related directly to the ADEA waiver in this Agreement. Executive agrees both to immediately notify the Company upon receipt of any such subpoena or court order, and to furnish, within three (3) business days of its receipt, a copy of such subpoena or other court order. If approached by anyone for counsel or assistance in the presentation or prosecution of any disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints against any of the Releasees, Executive will state no more than that Executive cannot provide any such counsel or assistance.

 

11.Protected Activities. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement or the Confidentiality Agreement shall (a) prohibit Executive from filing a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other comparable federal agency, state agency or securities regulatory body (the “Government Agencies”); (b) prohibit Executive from reporting possible violations of law to an appropriate Government Agency in a confidential manner without notice to the Company as authorized in any whistleblower protection provisions of any federal or state law or regulation; (c) communicating directly with any governmental, law enforcement, regulatory or self-regulatory body; or (d) limit Executive’s lawful opportunity to cooperate with or participate in any administrative proceeding or investigation that may be conducted by a Government Agency. With respect to any information disclosed pursuant to this protected activity exception that may constitute confidential or proprietary information, Executive agrees to take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure to any parties other than the relevant agency or authority. Except as prohibited by applicable law, rule, or regulation, the payments paid to pursuant to this Agreement will be the sole monetary relief available to Executive, and Executive will not be entitled to recover, and agrees to waive, any additional personal monetary relief that may be sought from or awarded against the Company in the future without regard to who filed or brought such claim. However, this Agreement does not waive Executive’s right to receive an award for original information from any Government Agency, including but not limited to any such award pursuant to Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Further, 

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Executive’s participation in an investigation or other legal matter may include a disclosure of trade secret information provided that it must comply with the restrictions in the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“DTSA”).  The DTSA provides that no individual will be held criminally or civilly liable under Federal or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (i) is made in confidence to a Federal, State, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and made solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or, (ii) is made in a complaint or other document if such filing is under seal so that it is not made public. Also, an individual who pursues a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of the law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal, and does not disclose the trade secret, except as permitted by court order.  

 

12.No Admission of Liability. Executive understands and acknowledges that this Agreement constitutes a compromise and settlement of any and all actual or potential disputed claims by Executive. No action taken by the Company hereto, either previously or in connection with this Agreement, will be deemed or construed to be (a) an admission of the truth or falsity of any actual or potential claims or (b) an acknowledgment or admission by the Company of any fault or liability whatsoever to Executive or to any third party.

 

13.        Costs. The Parties will each bear their own costs, attorneys’ fees and other fees incurred in connection with the preparation of this Agreement.

 

14.        Arbitration.

 

(a)Agreement to Arbitrate.  The Company and Executive hereby agree to resolve by final and binding arbitration any and all claims or controversies in any way arising out of, relating to or associated with Executive’s employment with the Company or any of its parents, affiliates, or subsidiaries, or the termination of such employment or any breach of this Agreement. This mutual agreement to arbitrate includes any claims that the Company may have against Executive, or that Executive may have against the Company or against any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, successors, or parent, subsidiary, or affiliated entities so long as such claim is related to Executive’s employment with the Company. The Company and Executive agree that arbitration, as provided for in this Agreement, shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any covered dispute between the Parties. The Company and Executive agree that their mutual agreement to arbitrate shall constitute sufficient consideration by each Party for the promises made in this Section 14.

 

(b)Scope of Agreement. The claims covered by this Section 14 include, but are not limited to, claims for breach of any contract or covenant, express or implied; claims for breach of any fiduciary duty or other duty owed to Executive by Company or to Company by Executive; tort claims; claims for wages or other compensation due; claims for discrimination or harassment, including but not limited to discrimination or harassment based on race, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, or sexual orientation; and claims for violation of any federal, state or other governmental constitution, statute, ordinance or regulation (as originally enacted and as amended), including but not limited to claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VII”), the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”), the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”), and the Family and Medical Leave Act  (“FMLA”) (collectively, “Arbitrable Disputes”).

 

(c)Procedure.  Executive’s request to arbitrate must be directed to the Board at the Company’s principal place of business. A request submitted by the Company shall be sent to the Executive at the Executive’s address as reflected on the Company’s personnel records. Any arbitration shall be 

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conducted before a single arbitrator of JAMS under the Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedures (the “Rules”) of JAMS then in effect. Executive can obtain a copy of the Rules on the website of JAMS, which is www.jamsadr.com and a copy will be provided to Executive upon request. JAMS has previously maintained the Rules at this URL: http://www.jamsadr.com/rules-employment-arbitration. The arbitration will be conducted in Atlanta, Georgia, and Executive and the Company consent to jurisdiction in California and venue in Atlanta, Georgia.  If Executive is making a claim, the Company will pay any arbitration filing fee in excess of the amount Executive would have been required to pay (if any) to file the claim in court, and the Company will pay all of the arbitrator’s fees and other arbitration expenses. If the Company is making a claim, the Company will pay all filing fees and all expenses of the arbitration, including the arbitrator’s fees. Each Party shall bear its, his, or her own costs of legal representation; provided, however, if any Party prevails on a claim entitling the prevailing Party to attorneys’ fees and/or costs, the arbitrator may award reasonable fees and/or costs to the prevailing Party in accordance with such claim. The arbitrator shall have the authority to order such discovery by way of deposition, interrogatory, document production, or otherwise, as the arbitrator considers necessary to a full and fair exploration of the issues in dispute, consistent with the expedited nature of arbitration. The arbitrator shall issue a written decision that reveals the essential findings and conclusions on which the decision is based, and the arbitrator’s decision shall be subject to such judicial review as is provided by law. The mutual agreement to arbitrate claims as set forth in this Section 14 is enforceable under and governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. § 1 et seq. (the “FAA”), but if the FAA is held not to apply to this Agreement for any reason, this mutual agreement to arbitrate claims shall be enforced under the laws of the State of Georgia.

 

(d)Administrative Relief.  This Section 14 does not limit Executive’s right to file an administrative charge with the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”), or any state agency charged with enforcement of fair employment practice laws, but Executive agrees to arbitrate under this Agreement all rights to any form of recovery or relief, including monetary or other damages. This agreement also does not apply to or cover claims for workers’ compensation benefits or compensation, claims for unemployment compensation benefits, or claims based upon an employee pension or benefit plan the terms of which contain an arbitration or other non-judicial dispute resolution procedure, in which case the provisions of such plan shall apply.

 

(e)Voluntary Nature of Agreement.  Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive is executing this Agreement voluntarily and without any duress or undue influence by the Company or anyone else.  Executive further acknowledges and agrees that Executive has carefully read this Agreement and that Executive has asked any questions needed for Executive to understand the terms, consequences and binding effect of this Section 14 of this Agreement and fully understands it, including that EXECUTIVE EXPLICITLY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.  Finally, Executive agrees that Executive has been provided an opportunity to seek the advice of an attorney of Executive’s choice before signing this Agreement.

 

15.Section 409A.

 

(a)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no severance pay or benefits to be paid or provided to Executive, if any, pursuant to this Agreement that, when considered together with any other severance payments or separation benefits, are considered deferred compensation subject to and not exempt from Section 409A of the Code, and the final regulations and any guidance promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”) (together, the “Deferred Payments”) will be paid or otherwise provided until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.  Similarly, no severance payable to Executive, if any, pursuant to this Agreement that otherwise would be exempt from Section 409A pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) will be payable until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.

 

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(b)It is intended that none of the severance payments under this Agreement will constitute Deferred Payments but rather will be exempt from Section 409A as a payment that would fall within the “short-term deferral period” as described in Section 15(d) below or resulting from an involuntary separation from service as described in Section 15(d) below.  However, any severance payments or benefits under this Agreement that would be considered Deferred Payments will be paid on, or, in the case of installments, will not commence until, the Release Deadline, or, if later, such time as required by Section 15(c). Except as required by Section 15(c), any installment payments that would have been made to Executive during the period immediately following Executive’s separation from service but for the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the Release Deadline following Executive’s separation from service and the remaining payments will be made as provided in this Agreement.  In any case where Executive’s separation from service and the Release Deadline fall in two separate calendar years, any amount required to be paid to Executive that is conditioned on the effectiveness of the Release and is treated as a Deferred Payment shall be paid in the later calendar year.

 

(c)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A on the Termination Date (other than due to death), then the Deferred Payments, if any, that are payable within the first six (6) months following Executive’s separation from service, will become payable on the first payroll date that occurs on or after the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Executive’s separation from service. All subsequent Deferred Payments, if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Executive dies following Executive’s separation from service, but before the six (6) month anniversary of the separation from service, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of Executive’s death and all other Deferred Payments will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit.  Each payment and benefit payable under this Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment under Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.

 

(d)Any amount paid under this Agreement that satisfies the requirements of the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations will not constitute Deferred Payments for purposes of clause (i) above.  Any amount paid under this Agreement that qualifies as a payment made as a result of an involuntary separation from service pursuant to Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations that does not exceed the Section 409A Limit (as defined below) will not constitute Deferred Payments for purposes of Section 15(a) above.

 

(e)Any reimbursement of expenses or in-kind benefits payable under this Agreement shall be made in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv) and shall be paid on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which Executive incurred the expenses. The amount of expenses reimbursed or in-kind benefits payable in one year shall not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits payable in any other taxable year of Executive’s, and Executive’s right to reimbursement for such amounts shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other benefit.

 

(f)The foregoing provisions are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the severance payments and benefits to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to so comply. The Company and Executive agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition before actual payment to Executive under Section 409A.

 

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16.         Authority. The Company represents and warrants that the undersigned has the authority to act on behalf of the Company and to bind the Company and all who may claim through it to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Executive represents and warrants that Executive has the capacity to act on Executive’s own behalf and on behalf of all who might claim through Executive to bind them to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Each Party warrants and represents that there are no liens or claims of lien or assignments in law or equity or otherwise of or against any of the claims or causes of action released herein.

 

17.        No Representations. Executive represents that Executive has had the opportunity to consult with an attorney, and has carefully read and understands the scope and effect of the provisions of this Agreement. Executive has relied upon any representations or statements made by the Company that are not specifically set forth in this Agreement.

 

18.        Severability. In the event that any provision or any portion of any provision hereof or any surviving agreement made a part hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction or arbitrator to be illegal, unenforceable, or void, this Agreement will continue in full force and effect without said provision or portion of provision.

 

19.   Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire agreement and understanding between the Company and Executive concerning the subject matter of this Agreement and Executive’s employment with and separation from the Company and the events leading thereto and associated therewith, and supersedes and replaces any and all prior agreements and understandings concerning the subject matter of this Agreement and Executive’s relationship with the Company, including, without limitation, the Severance Agreement; provided, however, that the Confidentiality Agreement and any of Executive’s written equity compensation agreements with the Company that are not superseded by this Agreement.

 

20.        No Oral Modification. This Agreement may only be amended in writing signed by Executive and the Chairman of the Compensation Committee of the Board.

 

21.Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Georgia, without regard for choice-of-law provisions. Executive consents to personal and exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the State of Georgia. Any claims or legal actions by one Party against the other arising out of the relationship between the Parties contemplated herein (whether or not arising under this Agreement) will be commenced or maintained in any state or federal court located in Atlanta, Georgia, and Executive and the Company hereby submit to the jurisdiction and venue of any such court.

 

22.        Effective Date. Executive understands that this Agreement will be null and void if not executed by Executive no later the end of the twenty-first (21st) calendar day after the Agreement is provided to Executive for consideration. Executive has seven (7) days after that Party signs this Agreement to revoke it. This Agreement will become effective on the eighth (8th) day after Executive signs this Agreement, so long as it has been signed by the Parties and has not been revoked by Executive before that date (the “Effective Date”).  Executive acknowledges and agrees that he will not be eligible for any of the Termination Benefits unless the Effective Date occurs within thirty (30) days following the Termination Date.  The Parties agree that any material or immaterial changes to this Agreement shall not extend the deadline for the occurrence of the Effective Date.

 

23.Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable income, employment and other taxes.

 

11

 

 

 

24. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and by facsimile, and each counterpart and facsimile will have the same force and effect as an original and will constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned.

 

25.Voluntary Execution of Agreement. Executive understands and agrees that Executive executed this Agreement voluntarily, without any duress or undue influence on the part or behalf of the Company or any third party, with the full intent of releasing all of Executive’s claims against the Company and any of the other Releasees. Executive expressly acknowledges that:

 

(a)        Executive has read this Agreement;

 

(b)       Executive has been represented in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of Executive’s own choice or has elected not to retain legal counsel;

 

(c)       Executive understands the terms and consequences of this Agreement and of the releases it contains; and

 

(d)        Executive is fully aware of the legal and binding effect of this Agreement.

 

* * * * *

 

 

[Signature page to follow]

12

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the respective dates set forth below.

 

 

	
COMPANY
	
NEXTGEN HEALTHCARE, INC.

	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 

	
 
	
By:
	
 /s/ Craig A. Barbarosh

	
 
	
Name:
	
 Craig A. Barbarosh

	
 
	
Title:
	
Vice Chairman of the Board

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
Dated:
	
 June 19, 2021

	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 

	
EXECUTIVE
	
John R. Frantz, an individual

	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 /s/ John R. Frantz

	
 
	
(Signature)

	
 
	
 

	
 
	
Dated:
	
 June 19, 2021

 

 

13

 

 

EXHIBIT A

CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT

 

[ATTACHED]

 

14

 

 

EXHIBIT B

VESTED EQUITY AWARDS

 

[ATTACHED]

 

15

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