Insider filing report for Changes in Beneficial Ownership
- Schedule 13G & 13D forms are used to report a party's ownership of stock which exceeds 5% of a company's total stock issue.
- Schedule 13G is a shorter version of Schedule 13D with fewer reporting requirements.
"Insiders might sell their shares for any number of reasons, but they buy them for only one: they think the price will rise"
- Peter Lynch
What is insider trading>>
- Peter Lynch
What is insider trading>>
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 |
|
SCHEDULE 13D
|
Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
|
|
POSEIDA THERAPEUTICS, INC.
|
(Name of Issuer)
|
|
Common Stock, par value $0.0001
|
(Title of Class of Securities)
|
|
73730P108
|
(CUSIP Number)
|
|
Astellas US LLC
2375 Waterview Drive
Northbrook, IL 60062
Attention: President
800-888-7704
With a copy to:
Astellas US LLC
2375 Waterview Drive
Northbrook, IL 60062
Attention: General Counsel
(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person
Authorized to Receive Notices and Communication) |
|
August 4, 2023 (Date of Event which Requires Filing of this Statement)
|
If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is
filing this schedule because of §§240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box. [ ]
Note. Schedules filed in paper format shall include a
signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See Rule 240.13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.
*The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person's initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of
securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.
The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 ("Act") or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).
CUSIP No. 73730P108
|
|
SCHEDULE 13D
|
1
|
NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Astellas Pharma Inc.
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|||
2
|
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
|
(a) ☐
|
||||
|
|
|
(b) ☒
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|||
3
|
SEC USE ONLY
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
4
|
SOURCE OF FUNDS (See Instructions)
|
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
WC
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|||
5
|
CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)
|
☐
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|||
6
|
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Japan |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|||
NUMBER OF
SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH |
7
|
SOLE VOTING POWER
|
|
|||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
||||
8
|
SHARED VOTING POWER
|
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
8,333,333(1)
|
|
|||
|
|
|
||||
9
|
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
|
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
-0-
|
|
|||
|
|
|
||||
10
|
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
|
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
8,333,333(1)
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11
|
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
|
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
8,333,333(1)
|
|
|||
|
|
|
||||
12
|
CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (See Instructions)
|
☐
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|||
13
|
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
|
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
8.7%(2)
|
|
|||
|
|
|
||||
14
|
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (See Instructions)
|
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
CO
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
Represents shares of the Issuer’s common stock directly held by Astellas US LLC, a wholly owned direct subsidiary of Astellas US Holding, Inc., which is
in turn a wholly owned direct subsidiary of Astellas Pharma Inc. Astellas Pharma Inc., Astellas US Holding, Inc. and Astellas US LLC may each be deemed to have shared voting and dispositive power over all of the shares.
|
|
Based upon the sum of (i) 86,916,199 shares of the Issuer’s common stock outstanding as of August 4, 2023, as reported in the Issuer’s Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q filed on August 8, 2023 and (ii) an additional 8,333,333 shares of the Issuer’s common stock outstanding following the closing of the private placement pursuant to that certain Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 4,
2023, by and between the Issuer and Astellas US LLC, attached hereto as Exhibit 3 (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”).
|
CUSIP No. 73730P108
|
|
SCHEDULE 13D
|
1
|
NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Astellas US Holding, Inc.
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|||
2
|
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
|
(a) ☐
|
||||
|
|
|
(b) ☒
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|||
3
|
SEC USE ONLY
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
4
|
SOURCE OF FUNDS (See Instructions)
|
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
WC
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|||
5
|
CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)
|
☐
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|||
6
|
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Delaware |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|||
NUMBER OF
SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH |
7
|
SOLE VOTING POWER
|
|
|||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
||||
8
|
SHARED VOTING POWER
|
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
8,333,333(1)
|
|
|||
|
|
|
||||
9
|
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
|
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
-0-
|
|
|||
|
|
|
||||
10
|
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
|
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
8,333,333(1)
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11
|
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
|
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
8,333,333(1)
|
|
|||
|
|
|
||||
12
|
CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (See Instructions)
|
☐
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|||
13
|
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
|
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
8.7%(2)
|
|
|||
|
|
|
||||
14
|
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (See Instructions)
|
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
CO
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
Represents shares of the Issuer’s common stock directly held by Astellas US LLC, a wholly owned direct subsidiary of Astellas US Holding, Inc., which
is in turn a wholly owned direct subsidiary of Astellas Pharma Inc. Astellas Pharma Inc., Astellas US Holding, Inc. and Astellas US LLC may each be deemed to have shared voting and dispositive power over all of the shares.
|
|
Based upon the sum of (i) 86,916,199 shares of the Issuer
019;s common stock outstanding as of August 4, 2023, as reported in the Issuer’s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 8, 2023 and (ii) an additional 8,333,333 shares of the Issuer’s common stock outstanding following the closing of the private placement pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement.
|
CUSIP No. 73730P108
|
|
SCHEDULE 13D
|
1
|
NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Astellas US LLC
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|||
2
|
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
|
(a) ☐
|
||||
|
|
|
(b) ☒
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|||
3
|
SEC USE ONLY
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
4
|
SOURCE OF FUNDS (See Instructions)
|
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
WC
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|||
5
|
CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)
|
☐
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|||
6
|
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Delaware |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|||
NUMBER OF
SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH |
7
|
SOLE VOTING POWER
|
|
|||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
||||
8
|
SHARED VOTING POWER
|
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
8,333,333(1)
|
|
|||
|
|
|
||||
9
|
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
|
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
-0-
|
|
|||
|
|
|
||||
10
|
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
|
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
8,333,333(1)
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11
|
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
|
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
8,333,333(1)
|
|
|||
|
|
|
||||
12
|
CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (See Instructions)
|
☐
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|||
13
|
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
|
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
8.7%(2)
|
|
|||
|
|
|
||||
14
|
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (See Instructions)
|
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
CO
|
|
|||
|
|
|
1
|
Represents shares of the Issuer’s common stock directly held by Astellas US LLC, a wholly owned direct subsidiary of Astellas US Holding, Inc., which is in turn a wholly owned direct subsidiary of
Astellas Pharma Inc. Astellas Pharma Inc., Astellas US Holding, Inc. and Astellas US LLC may each be deemed to have shared voting and dispositive power over all of the shares.
|
2
|
Based upon the sum of (i) 86,916,199 shares of the Issuer’s common stock outstanding as of August 4, 2023, as reported in the Issuer’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 8, 2023 and (ii) an
additional 8,333,333 shares of the Issuer’s common stock outstanding following the closing of the private placement pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement.
|
Item 1. Security and Issuer
This Schedule 13D (the “Statement”) relates to the common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Poseida
Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Issuer”). The Issuer’s principal executive offices are located at 9390 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, California 92121.
Item 2. Identity and Background
This Statement is being filed on behalf of each of the following persons (each a “Reporting Person” and, collectively, the “Reporting Persons”):
(i)
|
Astellas Pharma Inc., a company incorporated under the laws of Japan (“Astellas”), with its principal business address at
2-5-1, Nihonbashi-Honcho, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo 103-8411, Japan;
|
(ii)
|
Astellas US Holding, Inc., a company incorporated under the laws of Delaware (“Astellas Holding”), with its principal
business address at 2375 Waterview Drive, Northbrook, IL 60062; and
|
(iii)
|
Astellas US LLC, a company formed under the laws of Delaware (“Astellas US”), with its principal business address at 2375
Waterview Drive, Northbrook, IL 60062.
|
The Reporting Persons are part of a pharmaceutical business operating in more than 70 countries around the world. The business is promoting the Focus Area Approach that is designed to identify opportunities for the
continuous creation of new drugs to address diseases with high unmet medical needs by focusing on Biology and Modality.
The directors and executive officers of each Reporting Person are set forth on Schedule I, attached hereto. Schedule I sets forth the following information with respect to each such person:
(a) name;
(b) business address;
(c) position with the Reporting Person and present principal occupation or employment and, for persons not employed by the Reporting Persons, the name, principal business and
address of any corporation or other organization in which such employment is conducted; and
(f) citizenship.
(d) - (e) During the last five years, neither the Reporting Persons nor, to the knowledge of the Reporting Persons, any person named in Schedule I have been (i) convicted in a criminal proceeding
(excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors) or (ii) a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction, as a result of which, he, she or it was or is subject to a judgment, decree or final
order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws.
Item 3. Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration
This information set forth in Item 6 of this Statement is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Item 3. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Item 3 or the preceding Items of this Statement are defined in Item 6.
On August 4, 2023, the Issuer and Astellas US entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, the Issuer agreed to issue and sell to
Astellas US in a private placement an aggregate of 8,333,333 shares of common stock of the Issuer, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $25.0 million. On August 7, 2023, Astellas US paid such purchase price to the Issuer and the
Issuer delivered to Astellas US such shares of the Issuer’s common stock and the transaction contemplated by the Securities Purchase Agreement closed.
Also on August 4, 2023, the Issuer and Astellas US entered into a Strategic Rights Letter Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit 5 (the “Strategic Rights Letter”). Pursuant to the Strategic Rights Letter, as
partial consideration for the rights afforded to Astellas US thereunder, Astellas US agreed to pay the Issuer a one-time payment in the amount of $25.0 million (the “Upfront Payment”). In connection with a Change in Control transaction (as
defined in the Strategic Rights Letter) or Program Transaction between the Issuer and Astellas, some, all or none of the Upfront Payment may be offset against payments owed by Astellas to the Company or its controlled affiliates, dependent on
certain factors set forth in the Strategic Rights Letter. A “Program Transaction” is an exclusive or co-exclusive license or co-promote or co-marketing arrangement or granting of commercial rights to sell, promote or market one or more
products of the Program for any indication in the world.
The shares of the Issuer purchased by the Reporting Persons were purchased using general working capital and cash on hand.
CUSIP No. 73730P108
|
|
SCHEDULE 13D
|
Item 4. Purpose of Transaction
This information set forth in Item 6 of this Statement is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Item 4. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Item 4 or the preceding Items of this Statement are defined in Item 6.
As discussed in more detail in Item 6 of this Statement, the Strategic Rights Letter affords Astellas US certain Board Observer Rights, Exclusivity Rights and Strategic Transaction Rights, which include certain
rights of first offer and rights of first refusal and negotiation with respect to a Program Transaction, as well as certain notice rights in connection with a potential Change in Control transaction. At present, the Reporting Persons intend
to monitor the desirability of exercising, and potentially exercise such rights.
The acquisition by the Reporting Persons of the Issuer’s securities as described herein was effected pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement. The Reporting Persons acquired their securities in furtherance
of the purpose of the Strategic Rights Letter, including the Board Observer Rights, Exclusivity Rights and Strategic Transaction Rights.
Subject to the Lock-up and the Standstill Agreement (each as further described in Item 6 below), the Reporting Persons intend to continue to review their investment in the Issuer on an ongoing basis and,
depending on various factors, including, without limitation, the Issuer’s financial position, the price of the Issuer’s common stock, conditions in the securities markets and general economic and industry conditions, the Reporting Persons
may, in the future, take such actions with respect to their shares of the Issuer’s common stock as they deem appropriate, including, without limitation: purchasing additional shares of the Issuer’s common stock; selling shares of the Issuer’s
common stock (including in registered offerings pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement); or taking any other action with respect to the Issuer or any of its securities in any manner permitted by law or with respect to any and all
matters referred to in subparagraphs (a) through (j) of Item 4 of Schedule 13D.
Except as described in this Statement, the Reporting Persons do not have any present plans or proposals that relate to or would result in any of the actions described in subparagraphs (a) through (j) of Item 4
of Schedule 13D. However, subject to compliance with the agreements described in Item 6 of this Statement, the Reporting Persons, at any time and from time to time, may review, reconsider and change their position or change their
purpose or develop such plans.
Item 5.
|
Interest in Securities of the Issuer
|
||
|
|
|
|
(a) - (b):
Number of shares of the Issuer’s common stock beneficially owned:
Astellas
|
|
8,333,333 shares
|
Astellas Holding
|
|
8,333,333 shares
|
Astellas US
|
|
8,333,333 shares
|
Percent of class:
Astellas
|
8.7%
|
Astellas Holding
|
8.7%
|
Astellas US
|
8.7%
|
The percentage ownership was calculated based upon the sum of (i) 86,916,199 shares of the Issuer’s common stock outstanding as of August 4,
2023, as reported in the Issuer’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 8, 2023 and (ii) an additional 8,333,333 shares of the Issuer’s common stock outstanding following the closing of the private placement pursuant to the Securities
Purchase Agreement.
Number of shares of the Issuer’s common stock as to which such person has:
(i)
|
|
Sole power to vote or to direct the vote:
|
Astellas
|
|
0 shares
|
Astellas Holding
|
|
0 shares
|
Astellas US
|
|
0 shares
|
(ii)
|
|
Shared power to vote or to direct the vote:
|
Astellas
|
|
8,333,333 shares
|
Astellas Holding
|
|
8,333,333 shares
|
Astellas US
|
|
8,333,333 shares
|
(iii)
|
|
Sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition of:
|
Astellas
|
|
0 shares
|
Astellas Holding
|
|
0 shares
|
Astellas US
|
|
0 shares
|
(iv)
|
|
Shared power to dispose or to direct the disposition of:
|
Astellas
|
|
8,333,333 shares
|
Astellas Holding
|
|
8,333,333 shares
|
Astellas US
|
|
8,333,333 shares
|
To the knowledge of the Reporting Persons, none of the individuals listed on Schedule I beneficially owns any of the Issuer’s common stock.
(c) Except as reported in this Statement, to the knowledge of the Reporting Persons, neither the Reporting Persons nor any of the individuals listed on Schedule I have effected any transactions
in the Issuer’s common stock during the past sixty (60) days.
(d) Not applicable.
(e) Not applicable.
Item 6. Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships with respect to Securities of the Issuer
The information set forth in Items 3 and 4 of this Statement is incorporated by reference into this Item 6. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Item 6 are defined in Item 3.
Securities Purchase Agreement
On August 4, 2023, the Issuer and Astellas US entered into the Securities Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which the Issuer agreed to issue and sell to Astellas US in a private placement an aggregate of 8,333,333
shares of common stock of the Issuer (the “Shares”), for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $25.0 million. The transaction closed on August 7, 2023 (the “Closing Date”). The Securities Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and agreements by the Issuer, customary representations, warranties
and agreements by the Astellas US, customary conditions to closing, indemnification obligations of the Issuer and other obligations of the parties.
Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Reporting Persons may not, without the prior written consent of the Issuer, during the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the date that is 180
days after the Closing Date (i) lend, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of,
directly or indirectly, any shares of the Issuer’s common stock; or (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any shares of the Issuer’s common
stock, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of the Issuer’s common stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise (the “Lock-up”). The Lock-up is subject to certain limited exceptions, including the ability to transfer shares to affiliates of Astellas US and certain related persons; provided the transferee agrees to be bound by such
restrictions.
The foregoing description of the Securities Purchase Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 3 and
incorporated into this Item 6 by reference.
Registration Rights Agreement
On August 4, 2023, the Issuer and Astellas US entered into a registration rights agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit 4 (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which the Issuer agreed to register the resale of the Shares. Under the Registration Rights Agreement, the Issuer has
agreed to file a registration statement covering the resale of the Shares no later than April 13, 2024. The Issuer has agreed to use reasonable best efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective as promptly as practicable
after the filing thereof but in any event on or prior to the Effectiveness Deadline (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement), and to keep such registration statement continuously effective until the earlier of (i) the date the Shares
covered by such registration statement have been sold or may be resold pursuant to Rule 144 without restriction, or (ii) the date that is three (3) years following the Closing Date. The Issuer has also agreed, among other things, to pay all
reasonable fees and expenses (excluding any underwriters’ discounts and commissions and all fees and expenses of legal counsel, accountants and other advisors for Astellas US except as specifically provided in the Registration Rights Agreement)
incident to the performance of or compliance with the Registration Rights Agreement by the Issuer.
The Issuer and Astellas US granted each other customa
ry indemnification rights in connection with the registration statement. The Issuer made
additional customary covenants, including with respect to “piggyback” registrations, cooperating in underwritten offerings of the Shares and taking steps to allow the Shares to be resold pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933.
The foregoing description of the Registration Rights Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference
to such agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 4 and incorporated into this Item 6 by reference.
Strategic Rights Letter Agreement
On August 4, 2023, the Issuer and Astellas US entered into the Strategic Rights Letter. Pursuant to the Strategic Rights Letter, the Issuer
granted Astellas US the right to designate a representative, reasonably acceptable to the Issuer, to attend meetings and receive related materials provided thereto of the Issuer’s board of directors (the “Board”), any committee of the
Board, and the Issuer’s scientific advisory board, subject to certain customary exceptions. The rights described in this sub-section are referred to in this Statement as the “Board Observer Rights.”
During the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the 12-month anniversary of the Closing Date (the “Exclusivity Period”), the Issuer has agreed not to (i) solicit, knowingly encourage, negotiate or otherwise enter into bona fide discussions about a Program Transaction with any third party, (ii)
provide access to any confidential information of the Issuer relating to P-MUC1C-ALLO1, the Issuer’s fully allogeneic CAR-T product candidate for multiple solid tumor indications (the “Program”),
for purposes of knowingly facilitating a Program Transaction, or (iii) enter into any letter of intent, contract or other commitment for a Program Transaction. The rights described in this sub-section are referred to in this Statement as the “Exclusivity Rights.”
Further, pursuant to the Strategic Rights Letter, the Issuer has agreed to provide notice to Astellas US (i) if the Issuer receives a bona
fide proposal for a Change in Control (as defined in the Strategic Rights Letter) transaction from a third party, unless such proposal is rejected by the Board, or (ii) of the commencement of a process approved by the Board for a Change in
Control, (iii) if the Issuer receives a bona fide proposal for a Program Transaction from a third party unless the proposal is rejected by the Board (a “Program Transaction Proposal”)
or, (iv) following the Exclusivity Period, the commencement of substantive discussions for a Program Transaction with a third party in connection with a process approved by the Board for a Program Transaction (a “Program Process”). In connection with a notice related to (x) a Program Transaction Proposal, Astellas shall have a right of first refusal to provide a competing proposal that is in aggregate more
favorable to the Issuer than the Program Transaction Proposal, and thereby have a right to negotiate exclusively a possible Program Transaction for a specified period and (y) a Program Process, Astellas US shall have a right of first offer to
negotiate a Program Transaction for a specified period before the Issuer engages with any third party in meaningful substantive discussions, in each case, in accordance with the procedures and subject to the conditions set forth in the
Strategic Rights Letter. The rights described in this sub-section are referred to in this Statement as the “Strategic Transaction Rights.”
This Strategic Rights Letter shall terminate upon the earliest to occur of (i) the 18-month anniversary of the Closing Date, (ii) such time
that Astellas US owns fewer than 8,000,000 shares of the Issuer’s common stock (subject to adjustment for any stock splits, stock dividends or recapitalizations) and (iii) the consummation of a Change in Control.
The foregoing description of the Strategic Rights Letter does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such
agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 5 and incorporated into this Item 6 by reference.
Standstill Agreement
In connection with the private placement and the transactions contemplated by the Strategic Rights Letter, Astellas US also entered into a
standstill agreement with the Issuer (the “Standstill Agreement”) pursuant to which, for a period of 18 months from August 4, 2023, Astellas US will not (subject to certain exceptions):
(a)
|
make, effect, initiate, cause or participate in (i) any acquisition of beneficial ownership of any securities of the
Issuer or any securities (including derivatives thereof) of any subsidiary or other affiliate of the Issuer other than the securities to be acquired from the Issuer pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, (ii) any
acquisition of any assets of the Issuer or any assets of any subsidiary, division or other affiliate of the Issuer, (iii) any tender offer, exchange offer, merger, business combination, recapitalization, restructuring,
liquidation, dissolution or extraordinary transaction involving the Issuer or any subsidiary or other controlled affiliate of the Issuer or involving any securities or assets of the Issuer or any securities or assets of any
subsidiary, division or other affiliate of the Issuer (iv) any “solicitation” of “proxies” (as those terms are used in the proxy rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission) or consents with respect to any securities of the
Issuer;
|
(b)
|
form, join or participate in a “group” (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules
promulgated thereunder) with respect to the beneficial ownership of any securities of the Issuer or any subsidiary or division of the Issuer;
|
(c)
|
act, alone or in concert with others, to seek to control or influence the management, Board or policies of the Issuer;
|
(d)
|
take any action that might require the Issuer to make a public announcement regarding any of the types of matters set
forth in clause “(a)” above;
|
(e)
|
agree or offer to take, or encourage or propose (publicly or otherwise) the taking of, any action referred to in clause
“(a)”, “(b)”, “(c)” or “(d)” above;
|
(f)
|
assist, induce or encourage any other person to take any action of the type referred to in clause “
;(a)”, “(b)”, “(c)”,
“(d)” or “(e)” above;
|
(g)
|
enter into any discussion, negotiation, arrangement or agreement with any other person relating to any of the foregoing;
or
|
(h)
|
request or propose (either directly or indirectly) that the Issuer or any of the Issuer’s Representatives amend, waive or
consider the amendment or waiver of any provision set forth in the Standstill Agreement.
|
The foregoing description of the Standstill Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to such agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 6 and incorporated into this Item 6 by reference.
Item 7. Material to Be Filed as Exhibits
Exhibit 1
|
Power of Attorney (Astellas Pharma Inc.) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to the Schedule 13D filed by Audentes Therapeutics Inc.,
SEC File No. 005-91724, filed October 31, 2022).
|
Exhibit 2
|
Joint Filing Agreement among Astellas Pharma Inc., Astellas US Holding, Inc. and Astellas US LLC
|
Exhibit 3
|
Securities Purchase Agreement between the Issuer and Astellas US LLC, dated August 4, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K, SEC File No. 001-39376, filed August 7, 2023).
|
Exhibit 4
|
Registration Rights Agreement between the Issuer and Astellas US LLC, dated August 4, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to
the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K, SEC File No. 001-39376, filed August 7, 2023).
|
Exhibit 5
|
Strategic Rights Letter Agreement between the Issuer and Astellas US LLC, dated August 4, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3
to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K, SEC File No . 001-39376, filed August 7, 2023).
|
Exhibit 6
|
Standstill Agreement between the Issuer and Astellas US LLC, dated August 4, 2023.
|
SIGNATURE
|
After reasonable inquiry and to the best of each of the undersigned’s knowledge and belief, each of the undersigned certifies
that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.
Dates as of August 14, 2023
|
ASTELLAS PHARMA INC.
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Chad Diehl
|
|
Name:
|
Chad Diehl
|
|
Title:
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASTELLAS US HOLDING, INC.
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Nahrin Marino
|
|
Name:
|
Nahrin Marino
|
|
Title:
|
Corporate Secretary
|
|
|
|
|
ASTELLAS US LLC
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Nahrin Marino
|
|
Name:
|
Nahrin Marino
|
|
Title:
|
Corporate Secretary
|
|
|
|
Schedule I
Astellas Pharma Inc.
The name and present principal occupation of each of the executive officers and directors of Astellas Pharma Inc. are set forth below. Unless otherwise noted, each
of these persons has as their business address 2-5-1, Nihonbashi-Honcho, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo 103-8411, Japan.
Name
|
Position within Astellas Pharma Inc.
|
Principal Occupation and, if
not employed by Astellas
Pharma Inc., Name,
Principal Business and Address of Employer
&
#xA0;
|
Citizenship
|
Kenji Yasukawa
|
Representative Director, Chairman of the Board
|
Company Director
|
Japan
|
Naoki Okamura
|
Representative Director, President and CEO
|
President and CEO, concurrently holds the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
|
Japan
|
Katsuyoshi Sugita
|
Representative Director, Executive Vice President
|
Chief People Officer and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer (CPO & CECO)
|
Japan
|
Takashi Tanaka
|
Outside Director
|
Chairman and Executive Director
KDDI Corporation
3-10-10, Iidabashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8460 Japan
|
Japan
|
Eriko Sakurai
|
Outside Director
|
Company Director
|
Japan
|
Masahiro Miyazaki
|
Outside Director
|
Company Director
|
Japan
|
Yoichi Ohno
|
Outside Director
|
Visiting Professor, Social Medicine, Research Administration Center and Medical Education Center, Saitama Medical University
|
Japan
|
Toru Yoshimitsu
|
Director, Audit & Supervisory Committee Member
|
Audit & Supervisory Committee
|
Japan
|
Raita Takahashi
|
Outside Director, Audit & Supervisory Committee Member
|
Certified Public Accountant
Takahashi Raita CPA office
Gionnosucho 5 kagoshima Japan
|
Japan
|
Mika Nakayama
|
Outside Director, Audit & Supervisory Committee Member
|
Company Director
|
Japan
|
Rie Akiyama
|
Outside Director, Audit & Supervisory Committee Member
|
Baba & Sawada Law Office
|
Japan
|
Claus Zieler
|
Chief Commercial Officer
|
Germany
|
|
Yoshitsugu Shitaka, Ph.D.
|
Chief Scientific Officer
|
Japan
|
|
Catherine Levitt
|
General Counsel
|
General Counsel,
Astellas US LLC,
2375 Waterview Drive Northbrook, IL 60062
|
US
|
Hideki Shima
|
Chief Manufacturing Officer
|
Japan
|
|
Tadaaki Taniguchi, M.D., Ph.D.
|
Chief Medical Officer
|
Chief Medical Officer
Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc.
2375 Waterview Drive Northbrook, IL 60062
|
Japan
|
Adam Pearson
|
Chief Strategy Officer
|
UK
|
Astellas US Holding, Inc.
The name and present principal occupation of each of the executive officers and directors of Astellas US Holding, Inc. are set forth below. Unless
otherwise noted, each of these persons has as their business address 2375 Waterview Drive, Northbrook, IL 60062.
Name
|
Position within Astellas US Holding Inc.
|
Principal Occupation and, if
not employed by Astellas
US Holding Inc., Name,
Principal Business and Address of Employer
|
Citizenship
|
|||||||
Mark Reisenauer
|
Director, President
|
President
Astellas US Holding, Inc.
2375 Waterview Drive
Northbrook, IL 60062
|
US
|
|||||||
Marloes Schaddelee
|
Director
|
Head of Governance, Risk and Strategy Operations
Astellas B. V.
Sylviusweg 62, 2333 BE Leiden, Netherlands
|
The Netherlands
|
|||||||
Frank Hudson
|
Director
|
Senior Vice President, Head of Corporate Finance and Control
Astellas US LLC
2375 Waterview Drive
Northbrook, IL 60062
|
US
|
|||||||
Karissa Marcello
|
Treasurer
|
Executive Director, Commercial Finance U.S.
Astellas US LLC
2375 Waterview Drive
Northbrook, IL 60062
|
US
|
|||||||
Nahrin Marino
|
Secretary
|
SVP, Legal Head of Commercial, Regulatory and Privacy
Astellas US LLC
2375 Waterview Drive
Northbrook, IL 60062
|
US
|
|||||||
Molly McCoy
|
Assistant Secretary
|
Executive Director, Legal Commercial Lead US
Astellas US LLC
2375 Waterview Drive
Northbrook, IL 60062
|
US
|
Astellas US LLC
The name and present principal occupation of each of the executive officers and directors of Astellas US LLC are set forth below. Unless otherwise
noted, each of these persons has as their business address 2375 Waterview Drive, Northbrook, IL 60062.
Name
|
Position within Astellas US LLC
|
Principal Occupation and, if
not employed by Astellas
US LLC Name,
Principal Business and Address of Employer
|
Citizenship
|
|||||||
Mark Reisenauer
|
Director, President
|
President
|
US
|
|||||||
Marloes Schaddelee
|
Director
|
Head of Governance, Risk and Strategy Operations
Astellas B. V.
Sylviusweg 62, 2333 BE Leiden, Netherlands
|
The Netherlands
|
|||||||
Karissa Marcello
|
Treasurer
|
Executive Director, Commercial Finance U.S.
|
US
|
|||||||
Nahrin Marino
|
Secretary
|
SVP, Legal Head of Commercial, Regulatory and Privacy
|
US
|
|||||||
Molly McCoy
|
Assistant Secretary
|
Executive Director, Legal Commercial Lead US
|
US
|