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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
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PROSPECTUS
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Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. and other trademarks or service marks of Esperion Therapeutics appearing in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are the property of Esperion Therapeutics. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may refer to brand names, trademarks, service marks or trade names of other companies and organizations, and those brand names, trademarks, service marks and trade names are the property of their respective holders.
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are part of a “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3 ASR (File No. 333-258397) that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, on August 3, 2021 and which became effective upon filing.
This prospectus supplement describes the specific terms of an offering of shares of our common stock, Pre-funded Warrants and Common Warrants and also adds to and updates information contained in the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into the accompanying prospectus. The second part, the accompanying prospectus, provides more general information. If the information in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with the accompanying prospectus or any document incorporated by reference therein filed prior to the date of this prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in this prospectus supplement.
We and the underwriter have not authorized anyone to provide you with any information or to make any representations other than those included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and any relevant free writing prospectus. If you receive any information not authorized by us, we and the underwriter take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, such information. We are not making an offer to sell the securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus or any relevant free writing prospectus is accurate as of any date other than its respective date.
It is important for you to read and consider all of the information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in making your investment decision. We include cross-references in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to captions in these materials where you can find additional related discussions. The table of contents in this prospectus supplement provides the pages on which these captions are located. You should read both this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, together with the additional information described in the sections entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation by Reference” of this prospectus supplement, before investing in our common stock.
We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, securities only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the offering of the securities in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the securities and the distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus outside the United States. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus by any person in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful for such person to make such an offer or solicitation.
Unless the context otherwise requires, “Esperion,” the “company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and similar names refer to Esperion Therapeutics, Inc.
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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read together with, the more detailed information and financial statements and related notes thereto appearing elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Before you decide to invest in our securities, you should read the entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus carefully, including the risk factors and the financial statements and related notes included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
Company Overview
We are the Lipid Management Company, a pharmaceutical company singularly focused on developing and commercializing affordable, oral, once-daily, non-statin medicines for the treatment of patients struggling with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or LDL-C. Our team of lipid experts are dedicated to lowering bad cholesterol through the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative medicines and their combinations with established medicines. Our first two products were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, European Medicines Agency, or EMA, and Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products, or Swissmedic, in 2020. Bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablets are oral, once-daily, non-statin, LDL-C lowering medicines for patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or ASCVD, or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, or HeFH.
On April 26, 2021, we entered into a license and collaboration agreement with Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd, or DS. Pursuant to the agreement, we granted DS exclusive development and commercialization rights to bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablet in South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil, Macao, Cambodia and Myanmar, or the DS Territory. The agreement allows for potential expansion across geographies including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Yemen, Colombia and other Latin American countries. Except for certain development activities in South Korea and Taiwan, DS will be responsible for development and commercialization in these territories. We received an upfront cash payment of $30.0 million in May 2021 and are eligible to receive up to an additional $175.0 million in sales milestones. We will also receive tiered royalties ranging from 5 percent to 20 percent on net sales in the DS Territory.
On April 26, 2021, we entered into Amendment No. 2, or the RIPA Amendment, to the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, or RIPA, with Eiger III SA LLC, or Oberland, an affiliate of Oberland Capital LLC, as agent for the purchaser parties thereto dated as of June 26, 2019 (as amended by the Amendment No. 1 dated as of November 9, 2020). Pursuant to the RIPA Amendment, Oberland waived the original trailing six-month world-wide net sales condition to the third installment payment under the RIPA and released the final $50 million payment payable to us under the terms of the RIPA. The Company and Oberland also agreed to amend additional terms of the RIPA and the related Security Agreement, which are discussed further in Note 8 “Liability Related to the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement” in our condensed financial statements included in our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021.
On October 18, 2021, we announced a reduction in force (the “Reduction”) of approximately 40% of our corporate workforce across the United States, or approximately 170 employees. The Reduction was approved after a systematic review of the organization and the challenges associated with launching NEXLETOL and NEXLIZET during the COVID pandemic and in connection with the Company’s plan to align operational and expense structure to better enable future growth for its approved products and to prioritize its investment in CLEAR Outcomes trial. We focused our commercialization efforts on an optimized blend of focused outreach including a streamlined sales force, directed to targeted cardiologists and primary care physicians, and a suite of digital initiatives designed to increase awareness and utilization of our medicines in appropriate patients. The Reduction was substantially complete as of October 31, 2021.
Additionally, we revised our 2021 operating expense guidance and expect at least $20 million of savings from prior issued mid-point expense guidance. We now estimate Research and Development expenses for fiscal year 2021 to be $110 to $115 million (from $120 to $130 million previously) and Selling, General and Administrative expenses for fiscal year 2021 to be $195 to $200 million (from $200 to $210 million previously). These reductions reflect optimization activities already implemented, as well as additional savings we expect to realize during the fourth quarter of 2021.
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We anticipate Research and Development expenses for fiscal year 2022 to be $100 to $110 million and Selling, General and Administrative expenses for fiscal year 2022 to be $120 to $130 million. We expect fiscal year 2022 operating expenses to be $220 to $240 million, inclusive of $25 million of non-cash, stock-based compensation expense.
On October 22, 2021, we entered into a privately negotiated exchange agreement, or the Exchange Agreement, with two co-managed holders, or the Holders, of our 4.00% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2025, or the Convertible Notes. Under the terms of the Exchange Agreement the Holders agreed to exchange with us $15.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes held in the aggregate by them (and accrued interest thereon) for shares of our common stock. Pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, the number of shares of common stock to be issued by us to the Holders upon consummation of the exchange was determined based upon the volume-weighted-average-price per share of common stock, subject to a floor of $5.62 per share, during the five trading-day averaging period, commencing on the trading day immediately following the date of the Exchange Agreement. The exchange closed on November 3, 2021, and we issued an aggregate of 1,094,848 shares of common stock to the Holders.
As of September 30, 2021, cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash totaled approximately $153.7 million, of which $50.0 million is restricted cash subject to a block account control agreement pursuant to the Amendment to the Security Agreement and Waiver by and among the Company, Eiger Partners II LP and Eiger III SA LLC (the “Amendment and Waiver”) after Specified Net Revenue (as defined in the Amendment and Waiver) for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 did not exceed $15.0 million. There were approximately 26.8 million shares of common stock outstanding, excluding the 2.0 million treasury shares to be purchased in the prepaid forward transaction as part of the convertible debt financing with another 4.6 million issuable upon exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units.
Since our inception, we have focused substantially all of our efforts and financial resources on developing bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablets. In February 2020, the FDA approved NEXLETOL and NEXLIZET as adjuncts to diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy for the treatment of adults with HeFH or established ASCVD who require additional lowering of LDL-C. NEXLETOL was commercially available in the U.S. on March 30, 2020 and NEXLIZET was commercially available in the U.S. on June 4, 2020. We have funded our operations to date primarily through proceeds from sales of preferred stock, convertible promissory notes and warrants, public offerings of common stock, the incurrence of indebtedness, through collaborations with third parties and revenue interest purchase agreements, and we have incurred losses in each year since our inception.
We expect to continue to incur significant expenses and operating losses for the foreseeable future in connection with our ongoing CLEAR Outcomes trial and the continued advancement of commercialization activities associated with NEXLETOL and NEXLIZET in the U.S. Accordingly, we will need additional financing to support our continuing operations and further the development of our products. We may seek to fund our operations and further development activities through collaborations with third parties, strategic alliances, licensing arrangements, permitted debt financings, permitted royalty-based financings, permitted public or private equity offerings, including under “at-the-market” equity offering program, or through other sources. Adequate additional financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. Our failure to raise capital as and when needed would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and our ability to pursue our business strategy or continue operations. We will need to generate significant revenues to achieve profitability, and we may never do so.
Corporate Information
We were incorporated in Delaware in January 2008 and commenced our operations in April 2008. Our principal executive offices are located at 3891 Ranchero Drive, Suite 150, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 and our telephone number is (734) 887-3903. Our website address is www.esperion.com. No portion of our website is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. We do not incorporate the information on or accessible through our website into this prospectus, and you should not consider any information on, or that can be accessed through, our website as part of this prospectus. Our common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “ESPR”.
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The Offering
Common stock offered by us
shares of common stock.
Pre-funded Warrants offered by us
Pre-funded warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of shares of common stock. We are also offering to each purchaser the opportunity to purchase, if the purchaser so chooses, Pre-funded Warrants, in lieu of shares of common stock. Each Pre-funded Warrant will be exercisable for one share of our common stock. The purchase price of each Pre funded Warrant will equal the price per share at which the shares of common stock are being sold to the public in this offering, minus $0.01, and the exercise price of each Pre funded Warrant will be $0.01 per share. This offering also relates to the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of any Pre funded Warrants sold in this offering. The exercise price and number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise will be subject to certain further adjustments as described herein. See “Description of Securities Offered” on page S-16 of this prospectus supplement.
Common Warrants offered by us
Common Warrants to purchase an aggregate of shares of our common stock. Each share of our common stock and each Pre-funded Warrant to purchase one share of our common stock is being sold together with a Common Warrant to purchase one share of our common stock. Each Common Warrant has an exercise price of $ per share, is immediately exercisable and will expire on the second anniversary of the original issuance date. The shares of common stock or the Pre-funded Warrants, and the accompanying Common Warrants, as the case may be, can only be purchased together in this offering but will be issued separately and will be immediately separable upon issuance. This offering also relates to the offering of the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Common Warrants. See “Description of Securities Offered” on page S-16 of this prospectus supplement.
Option to purchase additional shares
We have granted the underwriter an option for a period of 30 days to purchase up to additional shares and/or Common Warrants to purchase up to shares of common stock.
Common stock to be outstanding after this offering
shares of common stock (or shares of common stock if the underwriter exercises its option to purchase additional shares and/or Common Warrants in full) assuming all of the Pre-funded Warrants issued in this offering are exercised and no exercise of any Common Warrants issued in this offering.
Use of Proceeds
We estimate that the net proceeds to us from this offering will be $ million (or $ million if the underwriter exercises its option to purchase additional shares and/or Common Warrants in full). We currently intend to use the net proceeds from this offering, together with our existing cash and cash equivalents, to fund the ongoing
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commercialization efforts for NEXLETOL and NEXLIZET, research and clinical development of current or additional pipeline candidates, and general corporate purposes. See “Use of Proceeds” on page S-13 of this prospectus supplement.
Risk Factors
Investing in our securities involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-9 of this prospectus supplement or otherwise incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement for a discussion of factors to consider before deciding to invest in our securities.
NASDAQ Global Market Symbol
Our common stock is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “ESPR.” There is no established trading market for the Pre-funded Warrants or the Common Warrants, and we do not expect a trading market to develop. We do not intend to list the Pre-funded Warrants or Common Warrants on any securities exchange or nationally recognized trading system. Without a trading market, the liquidity of the Pre-funded Warrants and the Common Warrants will be extremely limited.
Unless otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus related to the number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering is based on 29,889,415 shares of our common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2021, after giving pro forma effect to the exchange of the Convertible Notes with an aggregate principal amount of $15.0 million with 1,094,848 shares of our common stock upon completion of the exchange on November 3, 2021. The number of shares outstanding as of September 30, 2021 excludes:
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3,703,938 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options outstanding as of September 30, 2021, at a weighted average exercise price of $37.02 per share as of such date;
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879,349 shares of common stock issuable upon the vesting of restricted stock units;
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45,300 shares of common stock issuable upon the achievement of the performance criteria of our performance-based restricted stock units;
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691,786 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2020 Employee Stock Purchase Plan as of September 30, 2021;
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1,744,446 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our Amended and Restated 2013 Stock Option and Incentive Plan and our 2017 Inducement Equity Plan as of September 30, 2021;
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534,303 shares of common stock issued to Jefferies LLC, as sales agent, in “at-the-market” offerings pursuant to an open market sales agreement, following September 30, 2021; and
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shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Common Warrants issued in this offering.
Unless otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus supplement assumes no exercise of the underwriter’s option to purchase additional shares of common stock and/or Common Warrants from us and no exercise of outstanding stock options or settlement of unvested restricted stock units or unvested performance-based restricted stock units or shares issued from the Employee Stock Purchase Plan after September 30, 2021, and no exercise of the Pre-funded Warrants or the Common Warrants offered and sold in this offering.
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RISK FACTORS
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risk factors described below, together with the risks under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 6 of the accompanying prospectus and under Part I, Item A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on February 23, 2021, and all other information contained or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including our financial statements and the related notes, as updated by our subsequent filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and in any free writing prospectus that we have authorized for use in connection with this offering before acquiring any of our common stock. These risks could have a material and adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and growth prospects, which may cause the trading price of our common stock to decline and you could lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Related to this Offering
You may experience immediate and substantial dilution.
The effective public offering price per share in this offering may exceed the net tangible book value per share of our common stock outstanding prior to this offering, in which case you may incur an immediate and substantial dilution in the net tangible book value of the shares of common stock you purchase in this offering or the shares of common stock underlying the Pre-funded Warrants and the Common Warrants you purchase in this offering. After giving effect to the sale by us of (i) shares of our common stock and accompanying Common Warrants to purchase shares of our common stock at the public offering price of $ per share of common stock and accompanying Common Warrant, and (ii) Pre-funded Warrants to purchase shares of common stock and accompanying Common Warrants at an effective public offering price of $ per Pre-funded Warrant and accompanying Common Warrant, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us and assuming full exercise of the Pre-funded Warrants, you will experience immediate dilution of $ per share, representing the difference between the effective public offering price per share and our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share as of September 30, 2021 after giving effect to the pro forma adjustment and this offering. The exercise of warrants, including the Common Warrants issued in this offering, conversion of convertible notes, exercise of outstanding stock options and vesting of other stock awards may result in further dilution of your investment. See the section entitled “Dilution” appearing elsewhere in this prospectus supplement for a more detailed illustration of the dilution you would incur if you participate in this offering.
The trading price of our common stock could be highly volatile, which could result in substantial losses for purchasers of our common stock in this offering. Securities class action or other litigation involving our company or members of our management team could also substantially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our stock price is volatile. The stock market in general and the market for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in particular have experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. As a result of this volatility, you may not be able to sell your common stock at or above the public offering price and you may lose some or all of your investment. The market price for our common stock may be influenced by many factors, including:
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volatility resulting from the economic turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic;
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the success of existing or new competitive products or technologies;
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regulatory actions with respect to our products or our competitors’ products and product candidates;
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announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, collaborations or capital commitments;
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the design, timing or outcome of our CLEAR Outcomes trial of bempedoic acid;
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results of clinical trials of product candidates of our competitors;
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regulatory or legal developments in the United States and other countries;
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developments or disputes concerning patent applications, issued patents or other proprietary rights;
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the recruitment or departure of key personnel;
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the extent to which we in-license, acquire or invest in other indications or product candidates;
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actual or anticipated changes in estimates as to financial results or development timelines;
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announcement or expectation of additional financing efforts;
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sales of our common stock by us, our insiders or other stockholders;
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variations in our financial results or those of companies that are perceived to be similar to us;
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changes in estimates or recommendations by securities analysts, if any, that cover us;
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changes in the structure of healthcare payment systems;
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market conditions in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors; and
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general economic, industry and market conditions.
In the past, securities class action litigation has often been brought against a company following a decline in the market price of its securities. This risk is especially relevant for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, which have experienced significant stock price volatility in recent years.
We have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds from this offering and may invest or spend the proceeds in ways with which you do not agree and in ways that may not yield a return on your investment.
Although we currently intend to use the net proceeds from this offering in the manner described in the section titled “Use of Proceeds” in this prospectus supplement, our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds from this offering and could spend the proceeds in ways that do not improve our results of operations or enhance the value of our common stock. You will not have the opportunity to influence our decisions on how to use the net proceeds from this offering. The failure by our management to apply these funds effectively could result in financial losses that could harm our business, cause the price of our common stock to decline and delay the development of our product candidates. Pending their use, we may invest the net proceeds from this offering in a manner that does not produce income or that loses value.
You may experience future dilution as a result of future equity offerings. In addition, this offering and future equity offerings and other issuances of our common stock or other securities may adversely affect the price of our common stock.
In order to raise additional capital, we may in the future offer additional shares of our common stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock at prices that may not be the same as the price per share in this offering. We may sell shares or other securities in any other offering at a price per share that is less than the price per share paid by investors in this offering, and investors purchasing shares or other securities in the future could have rights superior to existing stockholders. If we sell common stock, convertible securities, or other equity securities, investors may be materially diluted by subsequent sales. In addition, the sale of shares of common stock in this offering and any future sales of a substantial number of shares of common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales may occur, could adversely affect the price of our common stock. We cannot predict the effect, if any, that market sales of those shares of common stock or the availability of those shares for sale will have on the market price of our common stock.
The sale of our common stock in this offering, including any shares issuable upon exercise of any Pre-funded Warrants or Common Warrants, and any future sales of our common stock, or the perception that such sales could occur, may depress our stock price and our ability to raise funds in new stock offerings.
We may from time to time issue additional shares of common stock at a discount from the current trading price of our common stock. As a result, our stockholders would experience immediate dilution upon the purchase of any shares of our common stock sold at such discount. In addition, as opportunities
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present themselves, we may enter into financing or similar arrangements in the future, including the issuance of debt securities, preferred stock or common stock. Sales of shares of our common stock in this offering, including any shares issuable upon exercise of any Pre-funded Warrants or Common Warrants issued in this offering and in the public market following this offering, or the perception that such sales could occur, may lower the market price of our common stock and may make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that our management deems acceptable, or at all.
There is no public market for the Pre-funded Warrants or Common Warrants being offered in this offering.
There is no established public trading market for the Pre-funded Warrants or Common Warrants being offered in this offering, and we do not expect a market to develop. In addition, we do not intend to apply to list the Pre-funded Warrants or Common Warrants on any securities exchange or nationally recognized trading system, including Nasdaq. Without an active market, the liquidity of the Pre-funded Warrants and the Common Warrants will be limited.
In certain circumstances, we may call the Common Warrants for redemption.
We may call all or any portion of the Common Warrants for cancellation at a price of $0.001 per warrant share at any time after the date that is three months in accordance with the provisions of Common Warrants following the public announcement by the Company of the top-line results from the CLEAR Outcomes trial, upon written notice of redemption, provided that the volume weighted average price of our common stock exceeds 200% of the exercise price for the Common Warrants, subject to adjustment for forward and reverse stock splits, recapitalizations, stock dividends and the like, per share, for 20 consecutive trading days. The right to exercise will be forfeited unless the Common Warrants are exercised prior to the date and time specified in the call notice. On and after the call date, a record holder of a Common Warrant will have no further rights except to receive the call price for such holder’s Common Warrant upon surrender of such warrant.
If we call the Common Warrants for cancellation, that could force you to (i) exercise your Common Warrants and pay the exercise price therefor at a time when it may be disadvantageous for you to do so, (ii) sell your Common Warrants at the then-current market price when you might otherwise wish to hold your Common Warrants or (iii) accept the nominal redemption price which, at the time the outstanding Common Warrants are called for redemption, is likely to be substantially less than the market value of your Common Warrants. Furthermore, the exercise price must be paid in cash at the time of exercise unless the condition for “cashless” exercise is satisfied pursuant to the terms of the Common Warrants. As a result, you would be unable to benefit from owning the Common Warrants being called. A call notice may also result in our common stock price becoming more volatile and being subject to greater selling pressure which could result in declines in the market price for our common stock.
The Common Warrants being offered may not have value.
The Common Warrants being offered by us in this offering have an exercise price of $ per share, subject to certain adjustments, and expire two years from the date of issuance, upon which date such warrants will be automatically exercised on a cashless basis. In the event that the applicable volume weighted average price of our common stock does not exceed the exercise price of the Common Warrants during the period when they are exercisable, the Common Warrants may not have any value.
Holders of Pre-funded Warrants and Common Warrants purchased in this offering will have no rights as common stockholders until such holders exercise their Pre-funded Warrants or Common Warrants and acquire our common stock.
Until holders of Pre-funded Warrants or Common Warrants acquire shares of our common stock upon exercise of such warrants, holders of Pre-funded Warrants and Common Warrants will have no rights with respect to the shares of our common stock underlying such Pre-funded Warrants and Common Warrants. Upon exercise of the Pre-funded Warrants and Common Warrants, the holders will be entitled to exercise the rights of a common stockholder only as to matters for which the record date occurs after the exercise date.
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Risks Related to Our Financial Position
We have incurred significant operating losses since our inception, and anticipate that we will incur continued losses for the foreseeable future.
Pharmaceutical product development is a highly speculative undertaking and involves a substantial degree of risk. We were incorporated in January 2008. Our operations to date have been limited primarily to organizing and staffing our company and conducting research and development activities for bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablet, as well as preparing for the commercial launch and the initial commercial launch of these products. Since the launch of our products, we have generated $40.8 million in revenue from product sales in the U.S. We have obtained regulatory approval for both products from the FDA in the U.S., the EC in Europe and Swissmedic in Switzerland, but have not received approval for bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablet from any other regulatory agency. As such, we are subject to all the risks incident to the development, regulatory approval and commercialization of new pharmaceutical products and we may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other unknown factors.
Since our inception, we have focused substantially all of our efforts and financial resources on developing bempedoic acid. We have funded our operations to date primarily through proceeds from sales of preferred stock, public offerings of common stock, convertible promissory notes and warrants, the incurrence of indebtedness, milestone payments from collaboration agreements and revenue interest purchase agreements, and we have incurred losses in each year since our inception. Our net losses were $143.6 million, $97.2 million and $201.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. As of September 30, 2021, we had an unaudited accumulated deficit of $1.0 billion. Substantially all of our operating losses resulted from costs incurred in connection with our development program and from selling, general and administrative costs associated with our operations. We will have to attempt to secure additional cash resources or implement additional cost reduction initiatives as needed to continue to fund the commercialization and further development of bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablet. After taking into account the 40% corporate workforce reduction and other targeted program savings, and excluding the $50.0 million of restricted cash (which could remain restricted until our secured obligations under the RIPA are satisfied), we expect that our current cash runway allows us to operate into the second quarter of 2022.
Our prior losses, combined with expected future losses, have had and will continue to have an adverse effect on our stockholders’ equity and working capital. We expect to continue to incur significant expenses and increasing operating losses for the foreseeable future related to the CLEAR Outcomes trial and to commercialization activities, as well as other related personnel and activities. Our research and development expenses are expected to continue in the foreseeable future as they relate to our ongoing CLEAR Outcomes trial and any other early-stage development programs or additional indications we choose to pursue. We also expect to incur significant sales, marketing and outsourced manufacturing expenses and expect further significant increases in our general and administration expenses in connection with the commercialization of bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablet, respectively. Even though bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablet are approved in the U.S. and Europe for commercial sale, and despite expending these costs, bempedoic acid or the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablet may not be commercially successful drugs. As a public company, we have incurred and will continue to incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company. As a result, we expect to continue to incur significant and increasing operating losses for the foreseeable future. Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with developing pharmaceutical products, we are unable to predict the extent of any future losses or when we will become profitable, if at all. Even if we do become profitable, we may not be able to sustain or increase our profitability on a quarterly or annual basis.
Risks Related to our Business Development and Commercialization
We depend almost entirely on the success of two products, bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablet. There is no assurance that our commercialization efforts in the U.S. and DSE’s effort in Europe with respect to either product will be successful or that we will be able to generate revenues at the levels or within the timing we expect or at the levels or within the timing necessary to support our goals.
To date, we have generated $40.8 million in revenues from the sale of products in the U.S. Our lead products, NEXLETOL (bempedoic acid) tablet and NEXLIZET (bempedoic acid and ezetimibe) tablets,
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were approved by the FDA in February 2020. NEXLETOL became commercially available in the U.S. in March 2020 and NEXLIZET became commercially available in the U.S. in June 2020. On April 6, 2020, we announced that the EC approved NILEMDO (bempedoic acid) and NUSTENDI (bempedoic acid and ezetimibe) tablets for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia. The decision is applicable to all 27 European Union member states plus the United Kingdom, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. NILEMDO (bempedoic acid) and NUSTENDI (bempedoic acid and ezetimibe) are the branded product names for bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablets in Europe. In November 2020, we announced the commercial launch of NILEMDO and NUSTENDI in Germany. In December 2020, we announced the approval of NILEMDO and NUSTENDI in Switzerland. There is no assurance that the commercial launches will be successful or that additional launches will occur on the timing we anticipate. We may encounter delays or hurdles related to our launches that affect timing.
Our business currently depends heavily on our ability to successfully commercialize NEXLETOL and NEXLIZET in the U.S. to treat patients as an adjunct to diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy for the treatment of adults with HeFH or established ASCVD who require additional lowering of LDL-C. We may never be able to successfully commercialize the products or meet our expectations with respect to revenues. Prior to our launch in March 2020, we had never marketed, sold or distributed for commercial use any pharmaceutical product. There is no guarantee that the infrastructure, systems, processes, policies, personnel, relationships and materials we have built to launch and commercialize either product in the U.S. will be sufficient for us to achieve success at the levels we expect. Additionally, healthcare providers may not accept a new treatment paradigm for patients with HeFH or established ASCVD who require additional lowering of LDL-C. We may also encounter challenges related to reimbursement of bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablet, even if we have positive early indications from payors, including potential limitations in the scope, breadth, availability, or amount of reimbursement covering each product. Additionally, coverage by a third-party payor does not guarantee reimbursement. For example, the terms of certain agreements require or may require practitioners to seek prior authorization from the third-party payor. Payors have implemented prior authorization requirements for our products which has impacted utilization and, thus, our ability to generate revenue from commercial sales of NEXLIZET and NEXLETOL in the United States. The Company implemented a prior authorization support program to assist certain physician practices in facilitating prior authorizations. In addition, we have created a bridge program for patients who have been prescribed our product but are experiencing delays in obtaining insurance coverage. If patients continue to experience difficulty in obtaining prior authorization for our products and/or our programs on a timely basis, this may adversely impact ongoing sales of our products.
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including the documents that we incorporate by reference, contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Any statements about our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and may be forward-looking. These statements are often, but are not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “projects,” “potential,” “continue,” and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms. Accordingly, these statements involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in them. Any forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed throughout this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and in particular those factors referenced in the section “Risk Factors.”
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contain forward-looking statements that are based on our management’s belief and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:
•
our ability to successfully commercialize NEXLETOL® (bempedoic acid) tablet and NEXLIZET® (bempedoic acid and ezetimibe) tablets in the United States and any other jurisdictions where we may receive marketing approval in the future;
•
our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval for our approved drugs or obtain and maintain regulatory approval for any of our current or future drug candidates, and any related restrictions, limitations, and/or warnings in the labels of NEXLETOL, NEXLIZET, NILEMDO® (bempedoic acid) tablet and NUSTENDI® (bempedoic acid and ezetimibe) tablet, or any of our current or future drug candidates that may receive marketing approval;
•
the rate and degree of market acceptance for our approved drugs or any current or future drug candidate for which we may receive marketing approval;
•
our ability and plans in continuing to build out our commercial infrastructure and successfully launch, market, and sell our approved drugs and any current or future drug candidate for which we may receive marketing approval;
•
our ability to achieve clinical, regulatory or commercial milestones with our existing cash resources;
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the design, timing or outcome of our CLEAR Outcomes trial of bempedoic acid;
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our ability to realize the intended benefits of the commercial collaboration and license arrangements with Daiichi Sankyo Europe GmbH, or DSE, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., or Otsuka, and Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd., or DS, and of our revenue interest purchase agreement with Eiger II SA LLC, or Oberland, an affiliate of Oberland Capital LLC;
•
our ability to replicate positive results from a completed clinical study in a future clinical study;
•
the potential benefits, effectiveness or safety of bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablets, as compared to statins and other low density lipoprotein cholesterol, or LDL-C, lowering therapies, either those currently available or those in development;
•
our ability to respond and adhere to changes in regulatory requirements, including any requirement to conduct additional, unplanned clinical studies in connection with our pursuit of bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablets as LDL-C lowering therapies;
•
guidelines relating to LDL-C levels and cardiovascular risk that are generally accepted within the medical community, including recent changes and any future changes to such guidelines;
•
reimbursement policies, including any future changes to such policies or related legislative, executive, or administrative actions, and their impact on our ability to market, distribute and obtain payment;
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•
for bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablets in the United States and in Europe, and, if approved, in other territories;
•
the accuracy of our estimates of the size and growth potential of the LDL-C lowering market and the rate and degree of bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablets’ market acceptance in the United States and in Europe, and, if approved, in other territories;
•
our ability to comply with healthcare laws and regulations in the U.S. and any foreign countries, including, without limitation, those applying to the marketing and sale of commercial drugs;
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our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablet without infringing on the intellectual property rights of others in the U.S., Europe and other territories;
•
our ability to attract and retain key personnel, including scientific, clinical, commercial or management personnel;
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our plan and ability to establish strategic relationships or partnerships, as needed;
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our ability to meet our payment obligations under our revenue interest purchase agreement and to service the interest on our convertible notes and repay such notes, to the extent required;
•
the impact of global economic and political developments on our business, including economic slowdowns or recessions that may result from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which could harm our commercialization efforts, as well as the value of our common stock and our ability to access capital markets; and
•
our ability to compete with other companies that are, or may be, developing or selling products that may compete with bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablet, in the United States and in Europe, and, if approved, in other territories.
These forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees of future performance due to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements, including, without limitation the risk factors and cautionary statements described in other documents that we file from time to time with the SEC, specifically under “Item 1A: Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K, and the section of the prospectus titled “Risk Factors.”
The forward-looking statements in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, any related free writing prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference represent our views as of their respective dates. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our views to change. However, while we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements except to the extent required by applicable law. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the dates on which they were made.
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, any related free writing prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference also contain estimates, projections and other information concerning our industry, our business, and the markets for certain diseases, including data regarding the estimated size of those markets, and the incidence and prevalence of certain medical conditions. Information that is based on estimates, forecasts, projections, market research or similar methodologies is inherently subject to uncertainties and actual events or circumstances may differ materially from events and circumstances reflected in this information. Unless otherwise expressly stated, we obtained this industry, business, market and other data from reports, research surveys, studies and similar data prepared by market research firms and other third parties, industry, medical and general publications, government data and similar sources.
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USE OF PROCEEDS
We estimate that the net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $ million (or $ million if the underwriter exercises its option to purchase additional shares and/or Common Warrants to purchase additional shares of common stock in full), after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. These estimates exclude the proceeds, if any, from the exercise of Common Warrants and Pre-funded Warrants sold in this offering.
We currently intend to use potential proceeds from this offering, together with our existing cash and cash equivalents, to fund the ongoing commercialization efforts for NEXLETOL and NEXLIZET, research and clinical development of current or additional pipeline candidates, and general corporate purposes. The expected use of the net proceeds from this offering represents our intentions based upon our current plans and business conditions, which could change in the future as our plans and business conditions evolve. The amounts and timing of our actual expenditures will depend on numerous factors, including the factors described under “Risk Factors” in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference herein, as well as the amount of cash used in our operations. We may find it necessary or advisable to use the net proceeds for other purposes, and we will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds. Pending the uses described above, we plan to invest the net proceeds from this offering in short- and intermediate-term, interest-bearing obligations, investment-grade instruments, certificates of deposit or direct or guaranteed obligations of the U.S. government.
The amounts and timing of our use of the net proceeds from this offering will depend on a number of factors, such as the timing or outcome of our CLEAR Outcomes trial of bempedoic acid, the timing and progress of any collaborative or strategic partnering efforts, and the competitive environment for our products. As of the date of this prospectus supplement, we cannot specify with certainty all of the particular uses for the net proceeds to us from this offering. Accordingly, our management will have broad discretion in the timing and application of these proceeds.
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DILUTION
If you invest in our securities in this offering, your ownership interest will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the effective public offering price per share of our common stock, Pre-funded Warrants and/or Common Warrants in this offering and the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately after this offering. The net tangible book value of our common stock as of September 30, 2021 was approximately $(362.8) million, or approximately $(12.60) per share of common stock based upon 28,794,567 shares outstanding. Net tangible book value per share is equal to our total tangible assets, less our total liabilities, divided by the total number of shares of common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2021.
Our pro forma net tangible book value as of September 30, 2021 was a deficit of $347.8 million, or $(11.63) per share of our common stock. Pro forma net tangible book value represents the amount of our total tangible assets less our total liabilities, after giving effect to the exchange of the Convertible Notes with an aggregate principal amount of $15.0 million with 1,094,848 shares of our common stock upon completion of the exchange on November 3, 2021, and the reduction of our total liabilities by approximately $15 million. Total liabilities as of September 30, 2021 have not been adjusted for issuance costs, tax impacts and certain other adjustments in connection with the exchange of the Convertible Notes, and accordingly, actual results could materially differ from this pro forma presentation. Pro forma net tangible book value per share represents pro forma net tangible book value divided by the total number of shares outstanding as of September 30, 2021, after giving effect to the pro forma adjustment described above.
Net tangible book value dilution per share to investors participating in this offering represents the difference between the effective public offering price per share paid by purchasers of securities in this offering and the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately after this offering. After giving effect to the sale of (i) shares of our common stock and accompanying Common Warrants to purchase shares of common stock in this offering at a public offering price of $ per share, and (ii) Pre-funded Warrants to purchase shares of common stock and accompanying Common Warrants to purchase shares of common stock in this offering at a public offering price of $ per Pre-funded Warrant and accompanying Common Warrant, and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by us, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value as of September 30, 2021 would have been approximately $ million, or $ per share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $ per share to existing stockholders and immediate dilution of $ per share to investors purchasing our securities in this offering at the public offering price. The following table illustrates this dilution on a per share basis:
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Public offering price per share and accompanying Common Warrant
|
| | | | | | | | | $ | | | |
| |
Historical net tangible book value per share as of September 30, 2021
|
| | | $ | (12.60) | | | | | | | | |
| |
Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to the pro forma
adjustment described above |
| | | | 0.97 | | | | | | | | |
| |
Pro forma net tangible book value per share as of September 30, 2021
|
| | | $ | (11.63) | | | | | | | | |
| |
Increase in pro forma net tangible book value per share attributable to this
offering |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
Pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after giving effect to
this offering |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
Dilution in net tangible book value per share to investors participating in this offering
|
| | | | | | | | | $ | | | |
If the underwriter exercises in full its option to purchase up to an additional shares of our common stock and/or Common Warrants, the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value after this offering would be $ per share, representing an increase in net tangible book value of $ per share to our existing stockholders and immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $ per share to new investors purchasing securities in this offering.
The discussion and table above assume no exercise of Common Warrants and full exercise of the Pre-funded Warrants sold in this offering.
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The above discussion and table are based on 28,794,567 shares of our common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2021. The number of shares outstanding as of September 30, 2021 excludes:
•
3,703,938 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options outstanding as of September 30, 2021, at a weighted average exercise price of $37.02 per share as of such date;
•
879,349 shares of common stock issuable upon the vesting of restricted stock units;
•
45,300 shares of common stock issuable upon the achievement of the performance criteria of our performance-based restricted stock units;
•
691,786 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2020 Employee Stock Purchase Plan as of September 30, 2021;
•
1,744,446 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our Amended and Restated 2013 Stock Option and Incentive Plan and our 2017 Inducement Equity Plan as of September 30, 2021;
•
534,303 shares of common stock issued to Jefferies LLC, as sales agent, in “at-the-market” offerings pursuant to an open market sales agreement, following September 30, 2021; and
•
shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Common Warrants issued in this offering.
To the extent that outstanding options as of September 30, 2021 have been or may be exercised, unvested restricted stock units or performance-based restricted stock units have settled or other shares issued, investors purchasing our securities in this offering may experience further dilution. In addition, we may choose to raise additional capital due to market conditions or strategic considerations even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. To the extent that additional capital is raised through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the issuance of these securities could result in further dilution to our stockholders.
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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OFFERED
We are offering shares of our common stock, Pre-funded Warrants to purchase shares of our common stock and Common Warrants to purchase shares of our common stock. We are also registering the shares of common stock issuable from time to time upon exercise of the Pre-funded Warrants and Common Warrants offered hereby.
Common Stock
The material terms and provisions of our common stock and each other class of our securities which qualifies or limits our common stock are described in the section entitled “Description of Capital Stock” beginning on page 9 of the accompanying prospectus and the Description of Securities included as Exhibit 4.4 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2020.
Pre-Funded Warrants
The following summary of certain terms and provisions of Pre-funded Warrants that are being offered hereby is not complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the Pre-funded Warrant, the form of which will be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K in connection with this offering and incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement forms a part. Prospective investors should carefully review the terms and provisions of the form of Pre-funded Warrant for a complete description of the terms and conditions of the Pre-funded Warrants.
Pre-funded warrants will be issued in certificated form only.
Duration and Exercise Price
Each Pre-funded Warrant offered hereby will have an initial exercise price per share equal to $0.01. The exercise price and number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise is subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of stock dividends, stock splits, reorganizations or similar events affecting our common stock and the exercise price.
Exercisability
The Pre-funded Warrants will be exercisable, at the option of each holder, in whole or in part, by delivering to us a duly executed exercise notice accompanied by payment in full for the number of shares of our common stock purchased upon such exercise (except in the case of a cashless exercise as discussed below). A holder (together with its affiliates) may not exercise any portion of such holder’s Pre-funded Warrant to the extent that the holder would own more than 4.99% (or, at the election of the purchaser, 9.99%) of the outstanding shares of common stock immediately after exercise, except that upon at least 61 days’ prior notice from the holder to us, the holder may increase the amount of ownership of outstanding shares of common stock after exercising the holder’s Pre-funded Warrants up to 9.99% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, as such percentage ownership is determined in accordance with the terms of the Pre-funded Warrants. No fractional shares of common stock will be issued in connection with the exercise of a Pre-funded Warrant. In lieu of fractional shares, we will either pay the holder an amount in cash equal to the fractional amount multiplied by the exercise price or round up to the next whole share.
Cashless Exercise
In lieu of making the cash payment otherwise contemplated to be made to us upon such exercise in payment of the aggregate exercise price, the holder may elect instead to receive upon such exercise (either in whole or in part) the net number of shares of common stock determined according to a formula set forth in the Pre-funded Warrants.
Fundamental Transactions
In the event of any fundamental transaction, as described in the Pre-funded Warrants and generally including any merger with or into another entity, sale of all or substantially all of our assets, tender offer or
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exchange offer, or reclassification of our shares of common stock, then upon any subsequent exercise of a Pre-funded Warrant, the holder will have the right to receive as alternative consideration, for each share of common stock that would have been issuable upon such exercise immediately prior to the occurrence of such fundamental transaction, the number of shares of common stock of the successor or acquiring corporation or of our company, if it is the surviving corporation, and any additional consideration receivable upon or as a result of such transaction by a holder of the number of shares of common stock for which the Pre-funded Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to such event.
Transferability
Subject to applicable laws, a Pre-funded Warrant may be transferred at the option of the holder upon surrender of the Pre-funded Warrant to us together with the appropriate instruments of transfer and payment of funds sufficient to pay any transfer taxes (if applicable).
Exchange Listing
There is no established trading market for the Pre-funded Warrants. We do not intend to list the Pre-funded Warrants on any securities exchange or nationally recognized trading system.
Right as a Stockholder
Except as otherwise provided in the Pre-funded Warrants or by virtue of such holder’s ownership of shares of our common stock, the holders of the Pre-funded Warrants do not have the rights or privileges of holders of our common stock, including any voting rights, until such Pre-funded Warrant holders exercise their Pre-funded Warrants.
Common Warrants
The following summary of certain terms and provisions of the Common Warrants that are being offered hereby is not complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the Common Warrant, the form of which will be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K in connection with this offering and incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement forms a part. Prospective investors should carefully review the terms and provisions of the form of Common Warrant for a complete description of the terms and conditions of the Common Warrants.
Common Warrants will be issued in certificated form only.
Duration and Exercise Price
Each Common Warrant offered hereby has an initial exercise price per share equal to $ . The Common Warrants are immediately exercisable and will expire on the second anniversary of the original issuance date. The exercise price and number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise is subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of stock dividends, stock splits, reorganizations or similar events affecting our common stock and the exercise price.
Exercisability
The Common Warrants will be exercisable, at the option of each holder, in whole or in part, by delivering to us a duly executed exercise notice accompanied by payment in full for the number of shares of our common stock purchased upon such exercise (except in the case of a cashless exercise as discussed below). A holder (together with its affiliates) may not exercise any portion of such holder’s Common Warrant to the extent that the holder would own more than 4.99% (or, at the election of the purchaser, 9.99%) of the outstanding shares of common stock immediately after exercise, except that upon at least 61 days’ prior notice from the holder to us, the holder may increase the amount of ownership of outstanding shares of common stock after exercising the holder’s Common Warrants up to 9.99% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, as such percentage ownership is determined in accordance with the terms of the Common Warrants. No fractional shares of common stock
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will be issued in connection with the exercise of a Common Warrant. In lieu of fractional shares, we will either pay the holder an amount in cash equal to the fractional amount multiplied by the exercise price or round up to the next whole share.
Cashless Exercise
If, at the time a holder exercises its Common Warrants, a registration statement registering the issuance of the shares of common stock underlying the Common Warrants under the Securities Act is not then effective or available, then in lieu of making the cash payment otherwise contemplated to be made to us upon such exercise in payment of the aggregate exercise price, the holder may elect instead to receive upon such exercise (either in whole or in part) the net number of shares of common stock determined according to a formula set forth in the Common Warrants. The Common Warrants will be automatically exercised on a cashless basis on the expiration date.
Call Provision
Subject to the restrictions described below under the heading “Exercisability”, after the date that is three months following the public announcement of our top-line results from the CLEAR Outcomes trial (the “Trigger Date”), we can call for cancellation of all or any portion of the then-outstanding Common Warrants for which a notice of exercise has not yet been delivered, in accordance with the provisions of Common Warrants, for consideration equal to $0.001 per warrant share, if all of the following conditions are met: (a) the volume weighted average of the prices per share of our common stock for each trading day in any period of 20 consecutive trading days (the “Measurement Period”, which 20 consecutive trading day period shall not have commenced until after the Trigger Date) exceeds 200% of the exercise price for the Common Warrants, subject to adjustment for forward and reverse stock splits, recapitalizations, stock dividends and the like, per share; (b) the average daily volume for such Measurement Period exceeds $100,000 per trading day (subject to adjustment for forward and reverse stock splits, recapitalizations, stock dividends and the like); and (c) the holders of any Common Warrants being called for cancellation are not in possession of any information that constitutes, or might constitute, material non-public information which was provided by us or any of our officers, directors, employees, agents or affiliates. We may exercise our call right within one trading day following the end of the relevant Measurement Period by providing an irrevocable written notice to the holders of the Common Warrants. We are required to honor all notices of exercise of Common Warrants that we receive no later than 6:30 p.m. (New York City time) on the tenth trading day after our call notice is received by the holder of such Common Warrants.
Our right to call the Common Warrants for cancellation must be exercised ratably among the Common Warrant holders based on each holder's initial purchase of the Common Warrants in this offering.
Fundamental Transaction
In the event of any fundamental transaction, as described in the Common Warrants and generally including any merger with or into another entity, sale of all or substantially all of our assets, tender offer or exchange offer, or reclassification of our shares of common stock, then upon any subsequent exercise of a Common Warrant, the holder will have the right to receive as alternative consideration, for each share of common stock that would have been issuable upon such exercise immediately prior to the occurrence of such fundamental transaction, the number of shares of common stock of the successor or acquiring corporation of our company, if it is the surviving corporation, and any additional consideration receivable upon or as a result of such transaction by a holder of the number of shares of common stock for which the Common Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to such event. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a fundamental transaction, the holders of the Common Warrants have the right to require us or a successor entity to redeem the Common Warrants for cash in the amount of the Black-Scholes Value (as defined in each Common Warrant) of the unexercised portion of the Common Warrants concurrently with or within 30 days following the consummation of a fundamental transaction. However, in the event of a fundamental transaction which is not in our control, including a fundamental transaction not approved by our board of directors, the holders of the Common Warrants will only be entitled to receive from us or our successor entity, as of the date of consummation of such fundamental transaction the same type or form of consideration (and in the same proportion), at the Black Scholes Value of the unexercised portion of the Common Warrant
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that is being offered and paid to the holders of our common stock in connection with the fundamental transaction, whether that consideration is in the form of cash, stock or any combination of cash and stock, or whether the holders of our common stock are given the choice to receive alternative forms of consideration in connection with the fundamental transaction.
Transferability
Subject to applicable laws, a Common Warrant may be transferred at the option of the holder upon surrender of the Common Warrant to us together with the appropriate instruments of transfer and payment of funds sufficient to pay any transfer taxes (if applicable).
Exchange Listing
There is no trading market available for the Common Warrants on any securities exchange or nationally recognized trading system. We do not intend to list the Common Warrants on any securities exchange or nationally recognized trading system.
Right as a Stockholder
Except as otherwise provided in the Common Warrants or by virtue of such holder’s ownership of shares of our common stock, the holders of the Common Warrants do not have the rights or privileges of holders of our common stock, including any voting rights, until they exercise their Common Warrants.
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MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK
The principal market on which our common stock is being traded is The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “ESPR.” As of September 30, 2021, there were 28,794,567 shares of our common stock outstanding, held of record by 5 stockholders, which excludes stockholders whose shares were held in nominee or street name by brokers. On December 1, 2021, the closing price for the common stock as reported on The Nasdaq Global Market was $8.04.
DIVIDEND POLICY
We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings to fund the growth and development of our business. We do not intend to pay cash dividends to our stockholders in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to declare dividends will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our financial condition, operating results, capital requirements, general business conditions, and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.
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UNDERWRITING
Pursuant to the underwriting agreement with H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC, or the underwriter and the sole book-running manager of this offering, we have agreed to issued and sell, and the underwriter has agreed to purchase, the number of shares of common stock, Pre-funded Warrants and accompanying Common Warrants listed opposite its name below, less the underwriting discounts and commissions, on the closing date, subject to the terms and conditions contained in the underwriting agreement. The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriter are subject to certain customary conditions precedent, representations and warranties contained therein.
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Underwriter
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Number of
Shares |
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Number of
Pre-Funded Warrants |
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Number of
Common Warrants |
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H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC
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Pursuant to the underwriting agreement, the underwriter has agreed to purchase all of the shares, Pre-funded Warrants and accompanying Common Warrants sold under the underwriting agreement if any of these shares, Pre-funded Warrants and accompanying Common Warrants are purchased, other than those shares covered by the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of common stock and/or Common Warrants described below.. The underwriter has advised us that they do not intend to confirm sales to any account over which it exercises discretionary authority.
Discounts, Commissions and Expenses
The underwriter proposes to offer the shares of common stock, the Pre-funded Warrants and the accompanying Common Warrants to the public at the public offering prices set forth on the cover of this prospectus supplement. The underwriter may offer the shares of common stock, the Pre-funded Warrants and the accompanying Common Warrants to securities dealers at the public offering price less a concession not in excess of $ per share and accompanying Common Warrant. If all of the shares of common stock, the Pre-funded Warrants and the accompanying Common Warrants are not sold at the public offering prices, the underwriter may change the offering price and other selling terms.
The underwriter is offering the shares of common stock, the Pre-funded Warrants and the accompanying Common Warrants subject to its acceptance of the shares of common stock, Pre-funded Warrants and accompanying Common Warrants from us and subject to prior sale. The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriter to pay for and accept delivery of the securities offered by this prospectus supplement are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and to certain other conditions specified in the underwriting agreement.
We have granted to the underwriter an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement, to purchase up to additional shares of common stock (up to 15% of the shares of common stock and shares underlying Pre-funded Warrants offered in this offering) and/or Common Warrants to purchase up to shares of our common stock at the public offering price per share of common stock or Common Warrant, respectively, listed on the cover page of this prospectus supplement, less underwriting discounts and commissions.
The following table shows the public offering price, underwriting discounts and commissions and proceeds, before expenses and fees, to us. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriter’s option to purchase additional securities.
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Per Share
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Per Share and
Accompanying Common Warrant |
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Per Pre-Funded
Warrant and Accompanying Common Warrant |
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Total
without Option |
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Total
with Option |
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Public offering price
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| | | $ | | | | | $ | | | | | ||||||
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Underwriting discounts and commissions payable by us
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| | | $ | | | | | $ | | | | | ||||||
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Proceeds, before expenses and fees, to us
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| | | $ | | | | | $ | | | | | | |||||
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We have agreed to pay the legal fees and expenses of the underwriter, in the sum of up to $100,000 in connection with this offering, $35,000 for nonaccountable expenses and clearing fees of $15,950. We have also agreed to pay the underwriter a fee equal to 7.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds in this offering and a commission of 7.0% of the gross exercise price paid upon exercise of each Common Warrant for cash. We estimate that the total expenses of the offering, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $ and are payable by us.
Indemnification
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriter against certain liabilities, including civil liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments that the underwriter may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
Lock-Up Agreements
We have agreed to not sell any shares of our common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable into share of common stock, subject to certain exceptions, for a period of 90 days after the date of this prospectus supplement unless we obtain prior written consent of the underwriter. This consent may be given at any time without public notice, and the underwriter may consent in its sole discretion. The exceptions to the restriction include, among other things, the issuance of any shares of our capital stock or securities convertible into shares of our capital stock that are issued (i) pursuant to a stock or option plan, (ii) pursuant to the exercise or exchange of or conversion of any securities exercisable or exchangeable for or convertible into shares of common stock issued and outstanding on the date of this prospectus supplement, and (iii) as consideration in an acquisition, merger or similar strategic transaction approved by a majority of the disinterested directors, provided that such securities are issued as “restricted securities” as defined in Rule 144 and carry no registration rights that require or permit the filing of any registration statement in connection therewith within 90 days following the pricing of this offering, and provided that any such issuance shall only be to a person providing us business synergies and additional benefits in addition to the investment of funds, but shall not include a transaction in which we are issuing securities primarily for the purpose of raising capital or to an entity whose primary business is investing in securities. The exceptions to the restriction also include filing of a new “universal shelf” registration statement on Form S-3 after the 60th day following the date of this prospectus solely for new primary offerings by us following the expiration of the 90th day following the date of this prospectus.
In addition, subject to certain limited circumstances, each of our directors and executive officers has entered into a lock-up agreement with the underwriter. Under the lock-up agreements, subject to certain limited circumstances, the directors and executive officers may not, directly or indirectly, sell, offer to sell, contract to sell, or grant any option for the sale (including any short sale), grant any security interest in, pledge, hypothecate, hedge, establish an open “put equivalent position” (within the meaning of Rule 16a-1(h) under the Exchange Act), or otherwise dispose of, or enter into any transaction which is designed to or could be expected to result in the disposition of, any shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our common stock, or publicly announce any intention to do any of the foregoing, unless such directors and executive officers obtain prior written consent of the underwriter for a period of 90 days from the date of this prospectus supplement. This consent may be given at any time without public notice, and the underwriter may consent in its sole discretion. Such lock-up restriction does not apply to any securities acquired in this offering by our directors and executive officers.
Price Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids
In connection with this offering, the underwriter may engage in stabilizing transactions, overallotment transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids in connection with our common stock.
Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase shares of common stock so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum.
Overallotment transactions involve sales by the underwriter of shares of common stock in excess of the number of shares the underwriter is obligated to purchase. This creates a syndicate short position which may be either a covered short position or a naked short position. In a covered short position, the number of
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shares over-allotted by the underwriter is not greater than the number of shares that it may purchase in the overallotment option. In a naked short position, the number of shares involved is greater than the number of shares in the overallotment option. The underwriter may close out any short position by exercising its overallotment option and/or purchasing shares in the open market.
Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of common stock in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. Such a naked short position would be closed out by buying securities in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriter is concerned that there could be downward pressure on the price of the securities in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering.
Penalty bids permit the underwriter to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the securities originally sold by the syndicate member are purchased in a stabilizing or syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions. These stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our common stock. As a result, the price of our common stock in the open market may be higher than it would otherwise be in the absence of these transactions. Neither we nor the underwriter makes any representation or prediction as to the effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of our common stock. These transactions may be effected on the NASDAQ Global Market, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
In connection with this offering, the underwriter also may engage in passive market making transactions in our common stock in accordance with Regulation M during a period before the commencement of offers or sales of shares of our common stock in this offering and extending through the completion of the distribution. In general, a passive market maker must display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid for that security. However, if all independent bids are lowered below the passive market maker’s bid that bid must then be lowered when specific purchase limits are exceeded. Passive market making may stabilize the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
Electronic Distribution
A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the websites maintained by the underwriter, if any, participating in this offering and the underwriter may distribute prospectuses electronically. Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on these websites is not part of this prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus form a part, has not been approved or endorsed by us or the underwriter, and should not be relied upon by investors.
Other Relationships
From time to time, the underwriter and its affiliates have provided, and may provide in the future, various advisory, investment and commercial banking and other services to us in the ordinary course of business, for which it has received and may continue to receive customary fees and commissions.
Transfer Agent
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A. The transfer agent’s address is 250 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021.
Listing on the NASDAQ Global Market
Our common stock is listed on NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “ESPR.” There is no established trading market for the Pre-funded Warrants or the Common Warrants, and we do not expect a trading market to develop. We do not intend to list the Pre-funded Warrants or the Common Warrants on any securities exchange or nationally recognized trading system. Without a trading market, the liquidity of the Pre-funded Warrants and the Common Warrants will be extremely limited.
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NOTICE TO INVESTORS
European Economic Area and the United Kingdom
This prospectus has been prepared on the basis that any offer of securities in any member state of the European Economic Area or the United Kingdom (each a “Relevant State”) will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Regulation from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of securities. Accordingly any person making or intending to make an offer in that Relevant State of securities which are the subject of the offering contemplated in this prospectus may only do so in circumstances in which no obligation arises for the company or the underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the Prospectus Regulation, in each case in relation to such offer. Neither the company nor the underwriter have authorized, nor do they authorize, the making of any offer of securities in circumstances in which an obligation arises for the company or the underwriter to publish or supplement a prospectus for such offer. Neither the company nor the underwriter have authorized, nor do they authorize, the making of any offer of securities through any financial intermediary, other than offers made by the underwriter, which constitute the final placement of the securities contemplated in this prospectus.
The expression “Prospectus Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended or superseded).
In relation to each Relevant State, no securities have been offered or will be offered to the public in that Relevant State, except that offers of securities may be made to the public in that Relevant State:
•
to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined under the Prospectus Regulation;
•
to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined under the Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the representatives for any such offer; or
•
in any other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation,
provided that no such offer of securities shall require the company or the underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the Prospectus Regulation.
Each person in a Relevant State who receives any communication in respect of, or who acquires any securities under, the offers to the public contemplated in this prospectus, or to whom the securities are otherwise made available, will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed to and with the company and the underwriter that it and any person on whose behalf it acquires securities is a (a) qualified investor within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation; and (b) in the case of any securities acquired by it as a financial intermediary as that term is used in Article 5(1) of the Prospectus Regulation, (i) the securities acquired by it in the offer have not been acquired on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in any Relevant State other than qualified investors, as that term is defined in the Prospectus Regulation, or in circumstances in which the prior consent of the underwriter has been obtained to each such proposed offer or resale, or (ii) where securities have been acquired by it on behalf of persons in any Relevant State other than qualified investors, the offer of those securities to it is not treated under the Prospectus Regulation as having been made to such persons.
We, the underwriter and affiliates will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations, acknowledgements and agreements.
For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer to the public” in relation to any securities in any Relevant State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for any securities, and the expression “Prospectus Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.
Any distributor subject to Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, “MiFID II”) subsequently offering, selling or recommending the securities is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the securities and determining the appropriate distribution channels for the purposes of the MiFID II product governance rules under Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2017/593 (“Delegated
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Directive”). Neither the company nor the underwriter makes any representations or warranties as to a Distributor’s compliance with the Delegated Directive.
References to Regulations or Directives include, in relation to the United Kingdom, those Regulations or Directives as they form part of United Kingdom domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 or have been implemented in United Kingdom domestic law, as appropriate. The above selling restriction is in addition to any other selling restrictions set out below.
In connection with the offering, the underwriter is not acting for anyone other than the issuer and will not be responsible to anyone other than the issuer for providing the protections afforded to their clients nor for providing advice in relation to the offering.
United Kingdom
This document is for distribution only to persons who (i) have professional experience in matters relating to investments and who qualify as investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the “Financial Promotion Order”), (ii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) (“high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.”) of the Financial Promotion Order, (iii) are outside the United Kingdom, or (iv) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (“FSMA”)) in connection with the issue or sale of any securities may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). This document is directed only at relevant persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons.
Switzerland
This document is not intended to constitute an offer to, or solicitation of, investors in Switzerland to purchase or invest in securities. The securities may not be publicly offered, directly or indirectly, in Switzerland within the meaning of FinSA (unless in circumstances falling within article 36 of the FinSA). This document does not constitute a prospectus pursuant to the FinSA and has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under the FinSA, art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the securities or the offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.
Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, the company, or the securities have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this document has not been and will not be reviewed or approved by a Swiss reviewing body (“Prüfstelle”) pursuant to article 51 of the FinSA and does not comply with the disclosure requirements applicable to a prospectus within the meaning of article 35 of the FinSA. Further, this document will not be filed with, and the offer of securities will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (“FINMA”), and the offer of securities has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes (“CISA”). The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of securities.
Canada
The securities may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the securities must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.
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Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.
Pursuant to section 3A.3 (or, in the case of securities issued or guaranteed by the government of a non-Canadian jurisdiction, section 3A.4) of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.
Israel
This document does not constitute a prospectus under the Israeli Securities Law, 5728-1968, or the Securities Law, and has not been filed with or approved by the Israel Securities Authority. In the State of Israel, this document is being distributed only to, and is directed only at, and any offer of the securities is directed only at, investors listed in the first addendum, or the Addendum, to the Israeli Securities Law, consisting primarily of joint investment in trust funds, provident funds, insurance companies, banks, portfolio managers, investment advisors, members of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, underwriters, venture capital funds, entities with equity in excess of NIS 50 million and “qualified individuals”, each as defined in the Addendum (as it may be amended from time to time), collectively referred to as qualified investors (in each case purchasing for their own account or, where permitted under the Addendum, for the accounts of their clients who are investors listed in the Addendum). Qualified investors will be required to submit written confirmation that they fall within the scope of the Addendum, are aware of the meaning of same and agree to it.
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LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters in connection with this offering and the validity of the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Goodwin Procter LLP, Boston, MA. Haynes and Boone LLP, New York, New York is acting as counsel to the underwriter in connection with this offering.
EXPERTS
Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, as set forth in their reports, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP’s reports, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act with respect to the securities offered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement. This prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement do not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and its exhibits and schedules in accordance with SEC rules and regulations. For further information with respect to us and the securities being offered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, you should read the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, including its exhibits and schedules. Statements contained in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including documents that we have incorporated by reference, as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily complete, and, with respect to any contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement or any other such document, each such statement is qualified in all respects by reference to the corresponding exhibit. You should review the complete contract or other document to evaluate these statements. You may obtain copies of the registration statement and its exhibits via the SEC’s EDGAR database or our website.
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other documents with the SEC under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers, including us, that file electronically with the SEC. You may obtain documents that we file with the SEC at www.sec.gov.
We also make these documents available on our website at www.esperion.com. Our website and the information contained or connected to our website is not incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, and you should not consider it part of this prospectus or any prospectus supplement.
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INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information and reports we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to these documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information already incorporated by reference. We are incorporating by reference the documents listed below, which we have already filed with the SEC (SEC File No. 001-35986), and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, including all filings made after the date of the filing of this prospectus, except as to any portion of any future report or document that is not deemed filed under such provision, after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of this offering:
•
•
The information specifically incorporated by reference into our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 from our definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A (other than information furnished rather than filed), which was filed with the SEC on April 15, 2021;
•
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC for the quarters ended March 31, 2021, June 30, 2021, September 30, 2021, filed with the SEC on May 4, 2021, August 3, 2021 and November 2, 2021, respectively;
•
Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 26, 2021, May 17, 2021, May 28, 2021, June 28, 2021, August 3, 2021, October 18, 2021, October 25, 2021, and November 1, 2021 (in each case, excluding information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 or 7.01, or corresponding information furnished under Item 9.01 or included as an exhibit); and
•
We incorporate by reference any future filings made with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act between the date of this prospectus and the termination of the offering.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless specifically stated to the contrary, information that we furnish (and that is not deemed “filed” with the SEC) under Items 2.02 and 7.01 of any Current Report on Form 8-K, including the related exhibits under Item 9.01, is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
Any statement contained in a document that is incorporated by reference will be modified or superseded for all purposes to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus, or in any other document that is subsequently filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference into this prospectus, modifies or is contrary to that previous statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed a part of this prospectus, except as so modified or superseded. Since information that we later file with the SEC will update and supersede previously incorporated information, you should look at all of the SEC filings that we incorporate by reference to determine if any of the statements in this prospectus or in any documents previously incorporated by reference have been modified or superseded.
Upon request, we will provide, without charge, to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this prospectus is delivered, a copy of the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus but not delivered therewith. You may request a copy of these filings, and any exhibits we have specifically incorporated by reference as an exhibit in this prospectus, at no cost by writing or telephoning us at the following address: Esperion Therapeutics, Inc., 3891 Ranchero Drive, Suite 150, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, Attention: Investor Relations; or by telephone at 734-887-3903.
You may also access these documents, free of charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or on our website at www.esperion.com. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus and you should not consider any information on, or that can be accessed from, our website as part of this prospectus.
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This prospectus is part of a registration statement we filed with the SEC. We have incorporated exhibits into this registration statement. You should read the exhibits carefully for provisions that may be important to you.
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or in the documents incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus or those documents.
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PROSPECTUS
![[MISSING IMAGE: lg_esperion-4c.jpg]](https://cdn.kscope.io/c31408590cd51a22b0f9a1484394e43e-lg_esperion-4c.jpg){kind=small}
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Debt Securities
Warrants
Units
We may from time to time issue, in one or more series or classes, our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants and/or units. We may offer these securities separately or together in units. We will specify in the applicable accompanying prospectus supplement the terms of the securities being offered. We may sell these securities to or through underwriters and also to other purchasers or through agents. We will set forth the names of any underwriters or agents, and any fees, conversions or discount arrangements, in the applicable accompanying prospectus supplement. We may not sell any securities under this prospectus without delivery of the applicable prospectus supplement.
You should read this document and any prospectus supplement or amendment carefully before you invest in our securities.
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “ESPR.” On July 30, 2021, the closing price for our common stock, as reported on the Nasdaq Global Market, was $15.39 per share. Our principal executive office is located at 3891 Ranchero Drive, Suite 150, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108.
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should review carefully the risks and uncertainties referenced under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in this prospectus beginning on page 6 and any applicable prospectus supplement, and under similar headings in the other documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this Prospectus is August 3, 2021.
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of an automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), as a “well-known seasoned issuer” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Under this shelf registration process, we may from time to time sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings.
This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide one or more prospectus supplements that will contain specific information about the terms of the offering. The applicable prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page 27 of this prospectus.
You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, the accompanying prospectus supplement or in any related free writing prospectus filed by us with the SEC. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. This prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the securities described in the accompanying prospectus supplement or an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy such securities in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, the documents incorporated by reference and any related free writing prospectus is accurate only as of their respective dates. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed materially since those dates.
Unless the context suggests otherwise, all references to “us,” “our,” “Esperion Therapeutics,” “we,” the “Company” and similar designations refer to Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. and, where appropriate, our subsidiary.
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RISK FACTORS
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks referenced below and described in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, as well as other information we include or incorporate by reference into this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, before making an investment decision. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by the materialization of any of these risks. The trading price of our securities could decline due to the materialization of any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment. This prospectus and the documents incorporated herein by reference also contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks referenced below and described in the documents incorporated herein by reference, including (i) our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, which is on file with the SEC and is incorporated herein by reference, (ii) our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2021, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and (iii) other documents we file with the SEC that are deemed incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
2
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement, any related free writing prospectus and the documents that we incorporate by reference herein or therein contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Any statements about our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and may be forward-looking. These statements are often, but are not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “projects,” “potential,” “continue,” and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms, or similar expressions. Accordingly, these statements involve estimates, assumptions, risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in them. Any forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed throughout this prospectus, and in particular those factors referenced in the section “Risk Factors.”
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that are based on our management’s belief and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:
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our ability to successfully commercialize NEXLETOL® (bempedoic acid) tablet and NEXLIZET® (bempedoic acid and ezetimibe) tablets in the United States and any other jurisdictions where we may receive marketing approval in the future;
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our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval for our approved drugs or obtain and maintain regulatory approval for any of our current or future drug candidates, and any related restrictions, limitations, and/or warnings in the labels of NEXLETOL, NEXLIZET, NILEMDO™ (bempedoic acid) tablet and NUSTENDI™ (bempedoic acid and ezetimibe) tablet, or any of our current or future drug candidates that may receive marketing approval;
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the rate and degree of market acceptance for our approved drugs or any current or future drug candidate for which we may receive marketing approval;
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our ability and plans in continuing to build out our commercial infrastructure and successfully launch, market, and sell our approved drugs and any current or future drug candidate for which we may receive marketing approval;
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our ability to achieve clinical, regulatory or commercial milestones with our existing cash resources;
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the design, timing or outcome of our CVOT of bempedoic acid;
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our ability to realize the intended benefits of the commercial collaboration and license arrangements with Daiichi Sankyo Europe GmbH, or DSE, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., or Otsuka, and Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd., or DS, and of our revenue interest purchase agreement with Eiger II SA LLC, or Oberland, an affiliate of Oberland Capital LLC;
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our ability to replicate positive results from a completed clinical study in a future clinical study;
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the potential benefits, effectiveness or safety of bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablets, as compared to statins and other low density lipoprotein cholesterol, or LDL-C, lowering therapies, either those currently available or those in development;
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our ability to respond and adhere to changes in regulatory requirements, including any requirement to conduct additional, unplanned clinical studies in connection with our pursuit of bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablets as LDL-C lowering therapies;
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guidelines relating to LDL-C levels and cardiovascular risk that are generally accepted within the medical community, including recent changes and any future changes to such guidelines;
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reimbursement policies, including any future changes to such policies or related legislative, executive, or administrative actions, and their impact on our ability to market, distribute and obtain payment
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for bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablets in the United States and in Europe, and, if approved, in other territories;
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the accuracy of our estimates of the size and growth potential of the LDL-C lowering market and the rate and degree of bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablets’ market acceptance in the United States and in Europe, and, if approved, in other territories;
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our ability to comply with healthcare laws and regulations in the U.S. and any foreign countries, including, without limitation, those applying to the marketing and sale of commercial drugs;
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our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablet without infringing on the intellectual property rights of others in the U.S., Europe and other territories;
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our ability to attract and retain key personnel, including scientific, clinical, commercial or management personnel;
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our plan and ability to establish strategic relationships or partnerships, as needed;
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our ability to meet our payment obligations under our revenue interest purchase agreement and to service the interest on our convertible notes and repay such notes, to the extent required;
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the impact of global economic and political developments on our business, including economic slowdowns or recessions that may result from the outbreak of COVID-19, which could harm our commercialization efforts, as well as the value of our common stock and our ability to access capital markets; and
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our ability to compete with other companies that are, or may be, developing or selling products that may compete with bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablet, in the United States and in Europe, and, if approved, in other territories.
These forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees of future performance due to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements, including, without limitation the risk factors and cautionary statements described in other documents that we file from time to time with the SEC, specifically under “Item 1A: Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2020 and our most recent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2021 and our Current Reports on Form 8-K, and the section of any accompanying prospectus supplement entitled “Risk Factors.”
The forward-looking statements in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference represent our views as of their respective dates. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our views to change. However, while we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements except to the extent required by applicable law. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the dates on which they were made.
This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference also contain estimates, projections and other information concerning our industry, our business, and the markets for certain diseases, including data regarding the estimated size of those markets, and the incidence and prevalence of certain medical conditions. Information that is based on estimates, forecasts, projections, market research or similar methodologies is inherently subject to uncertainties and actual events or circumstances may differ materially from events and circumstances reflected in this information. Unless otherwise expressly stated, we obtained this industry, business, market and other data from reports, research surveys, studies and similar data prepared by market research firms and other third parties, industry, medical and general publications, government data and similar sources.
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THE COMPANY
Overview
We are the Lipid Management Company, a pharmaceutical company singularly focused on developing and commercializing affordable, oral, once-daily, non-statin medicines for the treatment of patients struggling with elevated low density lipoprotein cholesterol, or LDL-C. Our team of lipid experts are dedicated to lowering bad cholesterol through the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative medicines and their combinations with established medicines. Our first two products were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, European Medicines Agency, or EMA, and Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products, or Swissmedic, in 2020. Bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablets are oral, once-daily, non-statin, LDL-C lowering medicines for patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or ASCVD, or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, or HeFH.
On April 26, 2021, we entered into a license and collaboration agreement with Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd, or DS. Pursuant to the agreement, we granted DS exclusive development and commercialization rights to bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablet in South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil, Macao, Cambodia and Myanmar, or the DS Territory. The agreement allows for potential expansion across geographies including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Yemen, Colombia and other Latin American countries. Except for certain development activities in South Korea and Taiwan, DS will be responsible for development and commercialization in these territories. We received an upfront cash payment of $30.0 million in May 2021 and are eligible to receive up to an additional $175.0 million in sales milestones. We will also receive tiered royalties ranging from 5 percent to 20 percent on net sales in the DS Territory.
On April 26, 2021, we entered into Amendment No. 2, or the RIPA Amendment, to the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, or RIPA, with Eiger III SA LLC, or Oberland, an affiliate of Oberland Capital LLC, as agent for the purchaser parties thereto dated as of June 26, 2019 (as amended by the Amendment No. 1 dated as of November 9, 2020). Pursuant to the RIPA Amendment, Oberland waived the original trailing six-month world-wide net sales condition to the third installment payment under the RIPA and released the final $50 million payment payable to us under the terms of the RIPA. The Company and Oberland also agreed to amend additional terms of the RIPA and the related Security Agreement, which are discussed further in Note 8 “Liability Related to the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement” in our condensed financial statements included in our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021.
We were incorporated in Delaware in January 2008 and commenced our operations in April 2008. Since our inception, we have focused substantially all of our efforts and financial resources on developing bempedoic acid and the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination tablets. In February 2020, the FDA approved NEXLETOL and NEXLIZET. NEXLETOL was commercially available in the U.S. on March 30, 2020 and NEXLIZET was commercially available in the U.S. on June 4, 2020. We have funded our operations to date primarily through proceeds from sales of preferred stock, convertible promissory notes and warrants, public offerings of common stock, the incurrence of indebtedness, through collaborations with third parties and revenue interest purchase agreements, and we have incurred losses in each year since our inception.
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, our net losses were $43.7 million and $134.6 million, respectively. In the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, we recorded net income of $124.6 million and $46.4 million, respectively, which was primarily due to revenue generated from our collaboration agreements with DSE and Otsuka. We expect to incur significant expenses and operating losses for the foreseeable future. In response to our history of operating losses and the uncertainty around the ongoing impact of COVID-19 we have initiated certain cost optimization measures and will implement additional cost reduction measures as needed if additional collaboration or capital funding is not available. Despite such cost savings initiatives we expect to continue to incur significant expenses and operating losses for the foreseeable future in connection with our ongoing activities, including, among others:
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commercializing NEXLETOL and NEXLIZET tablets in the U.S.; and
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completing the clinical development activities for the CLEAR global cardiovascular outcomes trial, or CVOT.
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Accordingly, we may need additional financing to support our continuing operations and further the development of our products. We may seek to fund our operations and further development activities through collaborations with third parties, strategic alliances, licensing arrangements, permitted debt financings, permitted royalty-based financings, permitted public or private equity offerings or through other sources. Adequate additional financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. Our failure to raise capital as and when needed would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and our ability to pursue our business strategy or continue operations. We will need to generate significant revenues to achieve profitability, and we may never do so.
Corporate Information
Our principal executive offices are located at 3891 Ranchero Drive, Suite 150, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 and our telephone number is (734) 887-3903. Our website address is www.esperion.com. No portion of our website is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. We do not incorporate the information on or accessible through our website into this prospectus, and you should not consider any information on, or that can be accessed through, our website as part of this prospectus. Our common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “ESPR”.
We use various trademarks and trade names in our business, including without limitation our corporate name and logo. All other trademarks or trade names referred to in this prospectus are the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, the trademarks and trade names in this prospectus may be referred to without the ® and ™ symbols, but such references should not be construed as any indicator that their respective owners will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, their rights thereto.
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USE OF PROCEEDS
We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of any securities offered under this prospectus for general corporate purposes unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. General corporate purposes may include costs associated with the ongoing commercialization efforts for NEXLETOL and NEXLIZET; research and development and clinical development costs to support the advancement of our potential product candidates and the expansion of our research and development programs; working capital; capital expenditures; and other general corporate purposes. We may temporarily invest the net proceeds in a variety of capital preservation instruments, including short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing instruments and U.S. government securities, or may hold such proceeds as cash, until they are used for their stated purpose. We have not determined the amount of net proceeds to be used specifically for such purposes. As a result, management will retain broad discretion over the allocation of net proceeds.
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GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
We may offer shares of common or preferred stock, various series of senior or subordinated debt securities, warrants, or units consisting of combinations of the foregoing, in each case from time to time under this prospectus, together with the applicable prospectus supplement, at prices and on terms to be determined by market conditions at the time of offering. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. At the time we offer a particular type or series of securities, we will provide an applicable prospectus supplement describing the specific amounts, prices and other important terms of the securities, including, to the extent applicable:
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designation or classification;
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aggregate principal amount or aggregate offering price;
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voting or other rights;
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rates and times of payment of interest, dividends or other payments;
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liquidation preference;
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original issue discount;
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maturity;
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ranking;
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restrictive covenants;
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redemption, conversion, exercise, exchange, settlement or sinking fund terms, including prices or rates, and any provisions for changes to or adjustments in such prices or rates and in the securities or other property receivable upon conversion, exercise, exchange or settlement;
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any securities exchange or market listing arrangements; and
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important U.S. federal income tax considerations.
This prospectus may not be used to offer or sell securities unless accompanied by an applicable prospectus supplement. The applicable prospectus supplement may add, update or change information contained in this prospectus or in documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You should read the prospectus supplement related to any securities being offered.
We may sell the securities directly to or through underwriters, dealers or agents. We and our underwriters, dealers or agents reserve the right to accept or reject all or part of any proposed purchase of securities. If we do offer securities through underwriters or agents, we will include in the applicable prospectus supplement (i) the names of the underwriters or agents and applicable fees, discounts and commissions to be paid to them; (ii) details regarding over-allotment options, if any; and (iii) net proceeds to us.
The following descriptions are not complete and may not contain all the information you should consider before investing in any securities we may offer hereunder; they are summarized from, and qualified by reference to, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated by-laws and the other documents referred to in the descriptions, all of which are or will be publicly filed with the SEC, as applicable. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”
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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
The following description of our common stock and preferred stock, together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the common stock and preferred stock that we may offer under this prospectus. The following description of our capital stock does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (our “certificate of incorporation”) and our Amended and Restated By-laws (our “by-laws” and, together with our certificate of incorporation, our “Charter Documents”), which are exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and by applicable law. The terms of our common stock and preferred stock may also be affected by Delaware law.
Authorized Capital Stock
Our authorized capital stock consists of 120,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, all of which are undesignated preferred stock. As of June 30, 2021, we had 28,268,533 shares of common stock outstanding and approximately 5 stockholders of record of our common stock, and no shares of preferred stock outstanding.
Common Stock
Dividends
Holders of our Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends ratably, if any, as may be declared by our board of directors out of legally available funds, subject to any preferential dividend rights of any Preferred Stock then outstanding.
Voting
Holders of our Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock held of record for the election of directors and on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders. The holders of our Common Stock do not have any cumulative voting rights.
Our by-laws provide that, except as required by law or our Charter Documents and other than with respect to the election of a director or directors, all matters will be decided by the vote of the majority of the votes properly cast for and against such matter. Any election of directors by stockholders shall be determined by a plurality of the votes properly cast on the election of directors.
Other Rights
In the event of our dissolution, liquidation or winding up, holders of our Common Stock are entitled to share ratably in our net assets legally available after the payment of all our debts and other liabilities, subject to the preferential rights of any Preferred Stock then outstanding. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of Common Stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of Preferred Stock that we may designate and issue in the future. Holders of our Common Stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights and no sinking fund provisions are applicable to our Common Stock.
When we issue shares of common stock under this prospectus, the shares will fully be paid and nonassessable and will not have, or be subject to, any preemptive or similar rights.
Listing
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “ESPR.” On July 30, 2021, the closing price for our common stock, as reported on the Nasdaq Global Market, was $15.39 per share.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
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Undesignated Preferred Stock
Our board of directors is authorized to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock in one or more series without stockholder approval. Our board of directors may determine the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including voting rights, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation preferences, of each series of preferred stock.
The purpose of authorizing our board of directors to issue preferred stock in one or more series and determine the number of shares in the series and its rights and preferences is to eliminate delays associated with a stockholder vote on specific issuances. Examples of rights and preferences that the Board may fix are:
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dividend rights;
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dividend rates;
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conversion rights;
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voting rights;
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terms of redemption; and
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liquidation preferences.
The existence of authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock may enable our board of directors to render more difficult or to discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise. For example, if in the due exercise of its fiduciary obligations, our board of directors were to determine that a takeover proposal is not in the best interests of us or our stockholders, our board of directors could cause shares of preferred stock to be issued without stockholder approval in one or more private offerings or other transactions that might dilute the voting or other rights of the proposed acquirer, stockholder or stockholder group. The rights of holders of our common stock described above, will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of any preferred stock that we may designate and issue in the future. The issuance of shares of preferred stock could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to holders of shares of common stock. The issuance may also adversely affect the rights and powers, including voting rights, of these holders and may have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control of us.
We will incorporate by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement, which includes this prospectus, the form of any certificate of designation that describes the terms of the series of preferred stock we are offering. This description and the applicable prospectus supplement will include:
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the title and stated value;
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the number of shares authorized;
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the liquidation preference per share;
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the purchase price;
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the dividend rate, period and payment date, and method of calculation for dividends;
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whether dividends will be cumulative or non-cumulative and, if cumulative, the date from which dividends will accumulate;
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the procedures for any auction and remarketing, if any;
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the provisions for a sinking fund, if any;
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the provisions for redemption or repurchase, if applicable, and any restrictions on our ability to exercise those redemption and repurchase rights;
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any listing of the preferred stock on any securities exchange or market;
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whether the preferred stock will be convertible into our common stock, and, if applicable, the conversion price, or how it will be calculated, and the conversion period;
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whether the preferred stock will be exchangeable into debt securities, and, if applicable, the exchange price, or how it will be calculated, and the exchange period;
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voting rights, if any, of the preferred stock;
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preemptive rights, if any;
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restrictions on transfer, sale or other assignment, if any;
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whether interests in the preferred stock will be represented by depositary shares;
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a discussion of any material United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the preferred stock;
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the relative ranking and preferences of the preferred stock as to dividend rights and rights if we liquidate, dissolve or wind up our affairs;
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any limitations on issuance of any class or series of preferred stock ranking senior to or on a parity with the series of preferred stock as to dividend rights and rights if we liquidate, dissolve or wind up our affairs; and
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any other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of, or restrictions on, the preferred stock.
When we issue shares of preferred stock under this prospectus, the shares will fully be paid and nonassessable and will not be subject to any preemptive or similar rights.
Antitakeover Effects of Delaware Law and Provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws
Certain provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law and of our certificate of incorporation and by-laws could have the effect of delaying, deferring or discouraging another party from acquiring control of us. These provisions, which are summarized below, are expected to discourage certain types of coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids and, as a consequence, they might also inhibit temporary fluctuations in the market price of our common stock that often result from actual or rumored hostile takeover attempts. These provisions are also designed in part to encourage anyone seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our board of directors. These provisions might also have the effect of preventing changes in our management. It is possible that these provisions could make it more difficult to accomplish transactions that stockholders might otherwise deem to be in their best interests. However, we believe that the advantages gained by protecting our ability to negotiate with any unsolicited and potentially unfriendly acquirer outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging such proposals, including those priced above the then-current market value of our common stock, because, among other reasons, the negotiation of such proposals could improve their terms.
Delaware Takeover Statute
We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a three-year period following the time that this stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. Under Section 203, a business combination between a corporation and an interested stockholder is prohibited unless it satisfies one of the following conditions:
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before the stockholder became interested, our board of directors approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;
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upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding, shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers, and employee stock plans, in some instances, but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder; or
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at or after the time the stockholder became interested, the business combination was approved by our board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder.
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Section 203 defines a business combination to include:
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any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder;
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any sale, transfer, lease, pledge, exchange, mortgage or other disposition involving the interested stockholder of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation;
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subject to exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder;
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subject to exceptions, any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; or
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the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation.
In general, Section 203 defines an interested stockholder as any entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by the entity or person.
Provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws
Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws include a number of provisions that may have the effect of delaying, deferring or discouraging another party from acquiring control of us and encouraging persons considering unsolicited tender offers or other unilateral takeover proposals to negotiate with our board of directors rather than pursue non-negotiated takeover attempts. These provisions include the items described below.
Board composition and filling vacancies. Our certificate of incorporation provides that directors may be removed only for cause and then only by the affirmative vote of the holders of 75% or more of the shares then entitled to vote at an election of directors. Furthermore, any vacancy on our board of directors, however occurring, including a vacancy resulting from an increase in the size of our board, may only be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of our directors then in office even if less than a quorum.
No written consent of stockholders. Our certificate of incorporation provides that all stockholder actions are required to be taken by a vote of the stockholders at an annual or special meeting, and that stockholders may not take any action by written consent in lieu of a meeting.
Meetings of stockholders. Our by-laws provide that only a majority of the members of our board of directors then in office may call special meetings of stockholders and only those matters set forth in the notice of the special meeting may be considered or acted upon at a special meeting of stockholders. Our by-laws limit the business that may be conducted at an annual meeting of stockholders to those matters properly brought before the meeting.
Advance notice requirements. Our by-laws establish advance notice procedures with regard to stockholder proposals relating to the nomination of candidates for election as directors or new business to be brought before meetings of our stockholders. These procedures provide that notice of stockholder proposals must be timely given in writing to our corporate secretary prior to the meeting at which the action is to be taken. Generally, to be timely, notice must be received at our principal executive offices not less than 90 days or more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary date of the annual meeting for the preceding year. The notice must contain certain information specified in the by-laws.
Amendment to certificate of incorporation and by-laws. As required by the Delaware General Corporation Law, any amendment of our certificate of incorporation must first be approved by a majority of our board of directors and, if required by law or our certificate of incorporation, thereafter be approved by a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the amendment, and a majority of the outstanding shares of each class entitled to vote thereon as a class, except that the amendment of the provisions relating to stockholder action, directors, limitation of liability and the amendment of our by-laws and certificate of incorporation must be approved by not less than 75% of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the amendment, and not less than 75% of the outstanding shares of each class entitled to vote thereon as a class.
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Our by-laws may be amended by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office, subject to any limitations set forth in the by-laws; and may also be amended by the affirmative vote of at least 75% of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the amendment, or, if the board of directors recommends that the stockholders approve the amendment, by the affirmative vote of the majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the amendment, in each case voting together as a single class..
Undesignated preferred stock. Our certificate of incorporation provides for authorized shares of preferred stock. The existence of authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock may enable our board of directors to render more difficult or to discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise. For example, if in the due exercise of its fiduciary obligations, our board of directors were to determine that a takeover proposal is not in the best interests of us or our stockholders, our board of directors could cause shares of preferred stock to be issued without stockholder approval in one or more private offerings or other transactions that might dilute the voting or other rights of the proposed acquirer or insurgent stockholder or stockholder group. In this regard, our certificate of incorporation grants our board of directors broad power to establish the rights and preferences of authorized and unissued shares of preferred stock. The issuance of shares of preferred stock could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to holders of shares of common stock. The issuance may also adversely affect the rights and powers, including voting rights, of these holders and may have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control of us.
Exclusive jurisdiction for certain actions. Our by-laws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United Stated will be the sole and exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. In addition, our by-laws provide that any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our common stock is deemed to have notice of and consented to the foregoing provision. The enforceability of similar choice of forum provisions in other companies’ certificates of incorporation and by-laws has been challenged in legal proceedings, and it is possible that a court could find these types of provisions to be inapplicable or unenforceable.
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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
This section describes the general terms and provisions of our debt securities that we may issue from time to time. We may issue debt securities, in one or more series, as either senior or subordinated debt or as senior or subordinated convertible debt. While the terms we have summarized below will apply generally to any future debt securities we may offer under this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus will describe the specific terms of any debt securities offered through that prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus. The terms of any debt securities we offer under a prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus may differ from the terms we describe below. Unless the context requires otherwise, whenever we refer to the “indentures,” we also are referring to any supplemental indentures that specify the terms of a particular series of debt securities.
We will issue any senior debt securities under the senior indenture that we will enter into with the trustee named in the senior indenture. We will issue any subordinated debt securities under the subordinated indenture that we will enter into with the trustee named in the subordinated indenture. We have filed forms of these documents as exhibits to the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, and supplemental indentures and forms of debt securities containing the terms of the debt securities being offered will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or will be incorporated by reference from reports that we file with the SEC.
The indentures will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”). We use the term “trustee” to refer to either the trustee under the senior indenture or the trustee under the subordinated indenture, as applicable.
The following summaries of material provisions of the senior debt securities, the subordinated debt securities and the indentures are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the indenture applicable to a particular series of debt securities. We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus and any related free writing prospectuses related to the debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus, as well as the complete applicable indenture that contains the terms of the debt securities. Except as we may otherwise indicate, the terms of the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture are identical.
General
We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus the terms of the series of debt securities being offered, including:
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the title;
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the principal amount being offered, and if a series, the total amount authorized and the total amount outstanding;
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any limit on the amount that may be issued;
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whether or not we will issue the series of debt securities in global form, and, if so, the terms and who the depository will be;
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the maturity date;
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whether and under what circumstances, if any, we will pay additional amounts on any debt securities held by a person who is not a United States person for tax purposes, and whether we can redeem the debt securities if we have to pay such additional amounts;
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the annual interest rate, which may be fixed or variable, or the method for determining the rate and the date interest will begin to accrue, the dates interest will be payable and the regular record dates for interest payment dates or the method for determining such dates;
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whether or not the debt securities will be secured or unsecured, and the terms of any secured debt;
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the terms of the subordination of any series of subordinated debt;
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the place where payments will be payable;
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restrictions on transfer, sale or other assignment, if any;
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our right, if any, to defer payment of interest and the maximum length of any such deferral period;
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the date, if any, after which, the conditions upon which, and the price at which, we may, at our option, redeem the series of debt securities pursuant to any optional or provisional redemption provisions and the terms of those redemption provisions;
•
the date, if any, on which, and the price at which we are obligated, pursuant to any mandatory sinking fund or analogous fund provisions or otherwise, to redeem, or at the holder’s option, to purchase, the series of debt securities and the currency or currency unit in which the debt securities are payable;
•
whether the indenture will restrict our ability or the ability of our subsidiaries to:
•
incur additional indebtedness;
•
issue additional securities;
•
create liens;
•
pay dividends or make distributions in respect of our capital stock or the capital stock of our subsidiaries;
•
redeem capital stock;
•
place restrictions on our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends, make distributions or transfer assets;
•
make investments or other restricted payments;
•
sell or otherwise dispose of assets;
•
enter into sale-leaseback transactions;
•
engage in transactions with stockholders or affiliates;
•
issue or sell stock of our subsidiaries; or
•
effect a consolidation or merger;
•
whether the indenture will require us to maintain any interest coverage, fixed charge, cash flow-based, asset-based or other financial ratios;
•
a discussion of certain material or special United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the debt securities;
•
information describing any book-entry features;
•
provisions for a sinking fund purchase or other analogous fund, if any;
•
the applicability of the provisions in the indenture on discharge;
•
whether the debt securities are to be offered at a price such that they will be deemed to be offered at an “original issue discount” as defined in paragraph (a) of Section 1273 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;
•
the denominations in which we will issue the series of debt securities, if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof;
•
the currency of payment of debt securities if other than U.S. dollars and the manner of determining the equivalent amount in U.S. dollars; and
•
any other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of, or restrictions on, the debt securities, including any additional events of default or covenants provided with respect to the debt securities, and any terms that may be required by us or advisable under applicable laws or regulations or advisable in connection with the marketing of the debt securities.
Conversion or Exchange Rights
We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus the terms on which a series of debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock, our preferred stock
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or other securities (including securities of a third-party). We will include provisions as to whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option. We may include provisions pursuant to which the number of shares of our common stock, our preferred stock or other securities (including securities of a third-party) that the holders of the series of debt securities receive would be subject to adjustment.
Consolidation, Merger or Sale
Unless we provide otherwise in the prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus applicable to a particular series of debt securities, the indentures will not contain any covenant that restricts our ability to merge or consolidate, or sell, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets. However, any successor to or acquirer of such assets must assume all of our obligations under the indentures or the debt securities, as appropriate. If the debt securities are convertible into or exchangeable for other securities of ours or securities of other entities, the person with whom we consolidate or merge or to whom we sell all of our property must make provisions for the conversion of the debt securities into securities that the holders of the debt securities would have received if they had converted the debt securities before the consolidation, merger or sale.
Events of Default Under the Indenture
Unless we provide otherwise in the prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus applicable to a particular series of debt securities, the following are events of default under the indentures with respect to any series of debt securities that we may issue:
•
if we fail to pay interest when due and payable and our failure continues for 90 days and the time for payment has not been extended;
•
if we fail to pay the principal, premium or sinking fund payment, if any, when due and payable at maturity, upon redemption or repurchase or otherwise, and the time for payment has not been extended;
•
if we fail to observe or perform any other covenant contained in the debt securities or the indentures, other than a covenant specifically relating to another series of debt securities, and our failure continues for 90 days after we receive notice from the trustee or holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the applicable series; and
•
if specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occur.
We will describe in each applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus any additional events of default relating to the relevant series of debt securities.
If an event of default with respect to debt securities of any series occurs and is continuing, other than an event of default specified in the last bullet point above, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series, by notice to us in writing, and to the trustee if notice is given by such holders, may declare the unpaid principal, premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, due and payable immediately. If an event of default specified in the last bullet point above occurs with respect to us, the unpaid principal, premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, of each issue of debt securities then outstanding shall be due and payable without any notice or other action on the part of the trustee or any holder.
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of an affected series may waive any default or event of default with respect to the series and its consequences, except defaults or events of default regarding payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, unless we have cured the default or event of default in accordance with the indenture. Any waiver shall cure the default or event of default.
Subject to the terms of the indentures, if an event of default under an indenture shall occur and be continuing, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under such indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of the applicable series of debt securities, unless such holders have offered the trustee reasonable indemnity or security satisfactory to it against any loss, liability
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or expense. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee, with respect to the debt securities of that series, provided that:
•
the direction so given by the holder is not in conflict with any law or the applicable indenture; and
•
subject to its duties under the Trust Indenture Act, the trustee need not take any action that might involve it in personal liability or might be unduly prejudicial to the holders not involved in the proceeding.
A holder of the debt securities of any series will have the right to institute a proceeding under the indentures or to appoint a receiver or trustee, or to seek other remedies if:
•
the holder has given written notice to the trustee of a continuing event of default with respect to that series;
•
the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series have made written request, and such holders have offered reasonable indemnity to the trustee or security satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense or to be incurred in compliance with instituting the proceeding as trustee; and
•
the trustee does not institute the proceeding, and does not receive from the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series other conflicting directions within 90 days after the notice, request and offer.
These limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a holder of debt securities if we default in the payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest on, the debt securities, or other defaults that may be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus.
We will periodically file statements with the trustee regarding our compliance with specified covenants in the indentures.
Modification of Indenture; Waiver
Subject to the terms of the indenture for any series of debt securities that we may issue, we and the trustee may change an indenture without the consent of any holders with respect to the following specific matters:
•
to fix any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the indenture;
•
to comply with the provisions described above under “Description of Our Debt Securities — Consolidation, Merger or Sale;”
•
to comply with any requirements of the SEC in connection with the qualification of any indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;
•
to add to, delete from or revise the conditions, limitations, and restrictions on the authorized amount, terms, or purposes of issue, authentication and delivery of debt securities, as set forth in the indenture;
•
to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms and conditions of the debt securities of any series as provided under “Description of Our Debt Securities — General,” to establish the form of any certifications required to be furnished pursuant to the terms of the indenture or any series of debt securities, or to add to the rights of the holders of any series of debt securities;
•
to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor trustee;
•
to provide for uncertificated debt securities and to make all appropriate changes for such purpose;
•
to add to our covenants such new covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions for the benefit of the holders, to make the occurrence, or the occurrence and the continuance, of a default in any such additional covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions an event of default or to surrender any right or power conferred to us in the indenture; or
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•
to change anything that does not materially adversely affect the interests of any holder of debt securities of any series.
In addition, under the indentures, the rights of holders of a series of debt securities may be changed by us and the trustee with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series that is affected. However, subject to the terms of the indenture for any series of debt securities that we may issue or as otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus applicable to a particular series of debt securities, we and the trustee may make the following changes only with the consent of each holder of any outstanding debt securities affected:
•
extending the stated maturity of the series of debt securities;
•
reducing the principal amount, reducing the rate of or extending the time of payment of interest, or reducing any premium payable upon the redemption or repurchase of any debt securities; or
•
reducing the percentage of debt securities, the holders of which are required to consent to any amendment, supplement, modification or waiver.
Discharge
Each indenture provides that, subject to the terms of the indenture and any limitation otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus applicable to a particular series of debt securities, we can elect to be discharged from our obligations with respect to one or more series of debt securities, except for specified obligations, including obligations to:
•
register the transfer or exchange of debt securities of the series;
•
replace stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities of the series;
•
maintain paying agencies;
•
hold monies for payment in trust;
•
recover excess money held by the trustee;
•
compensate and indemnify the trustee; and
•
appoint any successor trustee.
In order to exercise our rights to be discharged, we must deposit with the trustee money or government obligations sufficient to pay all the principal of, any premium and interest on, the debt securities of the series on the dates payments are due.
Form, Exchange and Transfer
We will issue the debt securities of each series only in fully registered form without coupons and, unless we otherwise specify in the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. The indentures provide that we may issue debt securities of a series in temporary or permanent global form and as book-entry securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company or another depository named by us and identified in a prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus with respect to that series.
At the option of the holder, subject to the terms of the indentures and the limitations applicable to global securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, the holder of the debt securities of any series can exchange the debt securities for other debt securities of the same series, in any authorized denomination and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount.
Subject to the terms of the indentures and the limitations applicable to global securities set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, holders of the debt securities may present the debt securities for exchange or for registration of transfer, duly endorsed or with the form of transfer endorsed thereon duly executed if so required by us or the security registrar, at the office of the security registrar or at the office of any transfer agent designated by us for this purpose. Unless otherwise provided in the debt
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securities that the holder presents for transfer or exchange, we will make no service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange, but we may require payment of any taxes or other governmental charges.
We will name in the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus the security registrar, and any transfer agent in addition to the security registrar, that we initially designate for any debt securities. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents or rescind the designation of any transfer agent or approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts, except that we will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of each series. If we elect to redeem the debt securities of any series, we will not be required to:
•
issue, register the transfer of, or exchange any debt securities of that series during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of mailing of a notice of redemption of any debt securities that may be selected for redemption and ending at the close of business on the day of the mailing; or
•
register the transfer of or exchange any debt securities so selected for redemption, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any debt securities we are redeeming in part.
Information Concerning the Trustee
The trustee, other than during the occurrence and continuance of an event of default under an indenture, undertakes to perform only those duties as are specifically set forth in the applicable indenture. Upon an event of default under an indenture, the trustee must use the same degree of care as a prudent person would exercise or use in the conduct of his or her own affairs.
Subject to this provision, the trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers given it by the indentures at the request of any holder of debt securities unless it is offered reasonable security and indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that it might incur.
Payment and Paying Agents
Unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, we will make payment of the interest on any debt securities on any interest payment date to the person in whose name the debt securities, or one or more predecessor securities, are registered at the close of business on the regular record date for the interest.
We will pay principal of and any premium and interest on the debt securities of a particular series at the office of the paying agents designated by us, except that unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, we will make interest payments by check that we will mail to the holder or by wire transfer to certain holders. Unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, we will designate the corporate trust office of the trustee as our sole paying agent for payments with respect to debt securities of each series. We will name in the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus any other paying agents that we initially designate for the debt securities of a particular series. We will maintain a paying agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of a particular series.
All money we pay to a paying agent or the trustee for the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any debt securities that remains unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable will be repaid to us, and the holder of the debt security thereafter may look only to us for payment thereof.
Governing Law
The indentures and the debt securities will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, except to the extent that the Trust Indenture Act is applicable.
Ranking of Debt Securities
The subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in priority of payment to certain of our other indebtedness to the extent described in a prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus. The
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subordinated indenture does not limit the amount of subordinated debt securities that we may issue. It also does not limit us from issuing any other secured or unsecured debt.
The senior debt securities will rank equally in right of payment to all our other senior unsecured debt. The senior indenture does not limit the amount of senior debt securities that we may issue. It also does not limit us from issuing any other secured or unsecured debt.
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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
The following description, together with the additional information we may include in any applicable prospectus supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the warrants that we may offer under this prospectus and the related warrant agreements and warrant certificates. While the terms summarized below will apply generally to any warrants that we may offer, we will describe the particular terms of any series of warrants in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. If we indicate in the prospectus supplement, the terms of any warrants offered under that prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below. Specific warrant agreements will contain additional important terms and provisions and will be incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement, which includes this prospectus.
General
We may issue warrants for the purchase of common stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities in one or more series. We may issue warrants independently or together with common stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities, and the warrants may be attached to or separate from these securities.
We will evidence each series of warrants by warrant certificates that we will issue under a separate warrant agreement. We will enter into the warrant agreement with a warrant agent. We will indicate the name and address of the warrant agent in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of warrants.
We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the series of warrants, including:
•
the offering price and aggregate number of warrants offered;
•
the currency for which the warrants may be purchased;
•
if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which the warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each such security or each principal amount of such security;
•
if applicable, the date on and after which the warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable;
•
in the case of warrants to purchase debt securities, the principal amount of debt securities purchasable upon exercise of one warrant and the price at, and currency in which, this principal amount of debt securities may be purchased upon such exercise;
•
in the case of warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock, the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, purchasable upon the exercise of one warrant and the price at which these shares may be purchased upon such exercise;
•
the effect of any merger, consolidation, sale or other disposition of our business on the warrant agreement and the warrants;
•
the terms of any rights to redeem or call the warrants;
•
any provisions for changes to or adjustments in the exercise price or number of securities issuable upon exercise of the warrants;
•
the periods during which, and places at which, the warrants are exercisable;
•
the manner of exercise;
•
the dates on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence and expire;
•
the manner in which the warrant agreement and warrants may be modified;
•
federal income tax consequences of holding or exercising the warrants;
•
the terms of the securities issuable upon exercise of the warrants; and
•
any other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of or restrictions on the warrants.
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DESCRIPTION OF UNITS
We may issue units comprised of shares of common stock, shares of preferred stock, debt securities and warrants in any combination. We may issue units in such amounts and in as many distinct series as we wish. This section outlines certain provisions of the units that we may issue. If we issue units, they will be issued under one or more unit agreements to be entered into between us and a bank or other financial institution, as unit agent. The information described in this section may not be complete in all respects and is qualified entirely by reference to the unit agreement with respect to the units of any particular series. The specific terms of any series of units offered will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. If so described in a particular supplement, the specific terms of any series of units may differ from the general description of terms presented below. We urge you to read any prospectus supplement related to any series of units we may offer, as well as the complete unit agreement and unit certificate that contain the terms of the units. If we issue units, forms of unit agreements and unit certificates relating to such units will be incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement, which includes this prospectus.
Each unit that we may issue will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date. The applicable prospectus supplement may describe:
•
the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately;
•
any provisions of the governing unit agreement;
•
the price or prices at which such units will be issued;
•
the applicable United States federal income tax considerations relating to the units;
•
any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units or of the securities comprising the units; and
•
any other terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units.
The provisions described in this section, as well as those described under “Description of Capital Stock,” “Description of Debt Securities” and “Description of Warrants” will apply to the securities included in each unit, to the extent relevant and as may be updated in any prospectus supplements.
Issuance in Series
We may issue units in such amounts and in as many distinct series as we wish. This section summarizes terms of the units that apply generally to all series. Most of the financial and other specific terms of a particular series of units will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Unit Agreements
We will issue the units under one or more unit agreements to be entered into between us and a bank or other financial institution, as unit agent. We may add, replace or terminate unit agents from time to time. We will identify the unit agreement under which each series of units will be issued and the unit agent under that agreement in the applicable prospectus supplement.
The following provisions will generally apply to all unit agreements unless otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement:
Modification without Consent
We and the applicable unit agent may amend any unit or unit agreement without the consent of any holder:
•
to cure any ambiguity, including modifying any provisions of the governing unit agreement that differ from those described below;
22
•
to correct or supplement any defective or inconsistent provision; or
•
to make any other change that we believe is necessary or desirable and will not adversely affect the interests of the affected holders in any material respect.
We do not need any approval to make changes that affect only units to be issued after the changes take effect. We may also make changes that do not adversely affect a particular unit in any material respect, even if they adversely affect other units in a material respect. In those cases, we do not need to obtain the approval of the holder of the unaffected unit; we need only obtain any required approvals from the holders of the affected units.
Modification with Consent
We may not amend any particular unit or a unit agreement with respect to any particular unit unless we obtain the consent of the holder of that unit, if the amendment would:
•
impair any right of the holder to exercise or enforce any right under a security included in the unit if the terms of that security require the consent of the holder to any changes that would impair the exercise or enforcement of that right; or
•
reduce the percentage of outstanding units or any series or class the consent of whose holders is required to amend that series or class, or the applicable unit agreement with respect to that series or class, as described below.
Any other change to a particular unit agreement and the units issued under that agreement would require the following approval:
•
If the change affects only the units of a particular series issued under that agreement, the change must be approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding units of that series; or
•
If the change affects the units of more than one series issued under that agreement, it must be approved by the holders of a majority of all outstanding units of all series affected by the change, with the units of all the affected series voting together as one class for this purpose.
These provisions regarding changes with majority approval also apply to changes affecting any securities issued under a unit agreement, as the governing document.
In each case, the required approval must be given by written consent.
Unit Agreements Will Not Be Qualified under Trust Indenture Act
No unit agreement will be qualified as an indenture, and no unit agent will be required to qualify as a trustee, under the Trust Indenture Act. Therefore, holders of units issued under unit agreements will not have the protections of the Trust Indenture Act with respect to their units.
Mergers and Similar Transactions Permitted; No Restrictive Covenants or Events of Default
The unit agreements will not restrict our ability to merge or consolidate with, or sell our assets to, another corporation or other entity or to engage in any other transactions. If at any time we merge or consolidate with, or sell our assets
substantially as an entirety to, another corporation or other entity, the successor entity will succeed to and assume our obligations under the unit agreements. We will then be relieved of any further obligation under these agreements.
The unit agreements will not include any restrictions on our ability to put liens on our assets, nor will they restrict our ability to sell our assets. The unit agreements also will not provide for any events of default or remedies upon the occurrence of any events of default.
Governing Law
The unit agreements and the units will be governed by Delaware law.
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Form, Exchange and Transfer
We will issue each unit in global — i.e., book-entry — form only. Units in book-entry form will be represented by a global security registered in the name of a depositary, which will be the holder of all the units represented by the global security. Those who own beneficial interests in a unit will do so through participants in the depositary’s system, and the rights of these indirect owners will be governed solely by the applicable procedures of the depositary and its participants. We will describe book-entry securities, and other terms regarding the issuance and registration of the units in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Each unit and all securities comprising the unit will be issued in the same form.
If we issue any units in registered, non-global form, the following will apply to them.
The units will be issued in the denominations stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Holders may exchange their units for units of smaller denominations or combined into fewer units of larger denominations, as long as the total amount is not changed.
•
Holders may exchange or transfer their units at the office of the unit agent. Holders may also replace lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated units at that office. We may appoint another entity to perform these functions or perform them ourselves.
•
Holders will not be required to pay a service charge to transfer or exchange their units, but they may be required to pay for any tax or other governmental charge associated with the transfer or exchange. The transfer or exchange, and any replacement, will be made only if our transfer agent is satisfied with the holder’s proof of legal ownership. The transfer agent may also require an indemnity before replacing any units.
•
If we have the right to redeem, accelerate or settle any units before their maturity, and we exercise our right as to less than all those units or other securities, we may block the exchange or transfer of those units during the period beginning 15 days before the day we mail the notice of exercise and ending on the day of that mailing, in order to freeze the list of holders to prepare the mailing. We may also refuse to register transfers of or exchange any unit selected for early settlement, except that we will continue to permit transfers and exchanges of the unsettled portion of any unit being partially settled. We may also block the transfer or exchange of any unit in this manner if the unit includes securities that are or may be selected for early settlement.
Only the depositary will be entitled to transfer or exchange a unit in global form, since it will be the sole holder of the unit.
Payments and Notices
In making payments and giving notices with respect to our units, we will follow the procedures as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell securities:
•
through underwriters;
•
through dealers;
•
through agents;
•
directly to purchasers; or
•
through a combination of any of these methods or any other method permitted by law.
In addition, we may issue the securities as a dividend or distribution or in a subscription rights offering to our existing security holders.
We may directly solicit offers to purchase securities, or agents may be designated to solicit such offers. In the prospectus supplement relating to such offering, we will name any agent that could be viewed as an underwriter under the Securities Act and describe any commissions that we must pay to any such agent. Any such agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment or, if indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, on a firm commitment basis. This prospectus may be used in connection with any offering of our securities through any of these methods or other methods described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
The distribution of the securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions:
•
at a fixed price, or prices, which may be changed from time to time;
•
at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;
•
at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or
•
at negotiated prices.
Each prospectus supplement will describe the method of distribution of the securities and any applicable restrictions.
The prospectus supplement with respect to the securities of a particular series will describe the terms of the offering of the securities, including the following:
•
the name of the agent or any underwriters;
•
the public offering or purchase price;
•
any discounts and commissions to be allowed or paid to the agent or underwriters;
•
all other items constituting underwriting compensation;
•
any discounts and commissions to be allowed or paid to dealers; and
•
any exchanges on which the securities will be listed.
If any underwriters or agents are used in the sale of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered, we will enter into an underwriting agreement, sales agreement or other agreement with them at the time of sale to them, and we will set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such offering the names of the underwriters or agents and the terms of the related agreement with them.
In connection with the offering of securities, we may grant to the underwriters an option to purchase additional securities with an additional underwriting commission, as may be set forth in the accompanying prospectus supplement. If we grant any such option, the terms of such option will be set forth in the prospectus supplement for such securities.
If a dealer is used in the sale of the securities in respect of which the prospectus is delivered, we will sell such securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer, who may be deemed to be an “underwriter” as that term
25
is defined in the Securities Act, may then resell such securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealer at the time of resale.
If we offer securities in a subscription rights offering to our existing security holders, we may enter into a standby underwriting agreement with dealers, acting as standby underwriters. We may pay the standby underwriters a commitment fee for the securities they commit to purchase on a standby basis. If we do not enter into a standby underwriting arrangement, we may retain a dealer-manager to manage a subscription rights offering for us.
Agents, underwriters, dealers and other persons may be entitled under agreements which they may enter into with us to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.
If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize underwriters or other persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase securities from us pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on the date stated in the prospectus supplement. Each contract will be for an amount not less than, and the aggregate amount of securities sold pursuant to such contracts shall not be less nor more than, the respective amounts stated in the prospectus supplement. Institutions with whom the contracts, when authorized, may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and other institutions, but shall in all cases be subject to our approval. Delayed delivery contracts will not be subject to any conditions except that:
•
the purchase by an institution of the securities covered under that contract shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of the jurisdiction to which that institution is subject; and
•
if the securities are also being sold to underwriters acting as principals for their own account, the underwriters shall have purchased such securities not sold for delayed delivery. The underwriters and other persons acting as our agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of delayed delivery contracts.
Offered securities may also be offered and sold, if so indicated in the prospectus supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or more remarketing firms, acting as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us. Any remarketing firm will be identified and the terms of its agreement, if any, with us and its compensation will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters in connection with their remarketing of offered securities.
Certain agents, underwriters and dealers, and their associates and affiliates, may be customers of, have borrowing relationships with, engage in other transactions with, or perform services, including investment banking services, for us or one or more of our respective affiliates in the ordinary course of business.
In order to facilitate the offering of the securities, any underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the securities or any other securities the prices of which may be used to determine payments on such securities. Specifically, any underwriters may over allot in connection with the offering, creating a short position for their own accounts. In addition, to cover overallotments or to stabilize the price of the securities or of any such other securities, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, the securities or any such other securities in the open market. Finally, in any offering of the securities through a syndicate of underwriters, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer for distributing the securities in the offering if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed securities in transactions to cover syndicate short positions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities above independent market levels. Any such underwriters are not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time.
We may engage in at the market offerings into an existing trading market in accordance with Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act. In addition, we may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions.
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If the applicable prospectus supplement so indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and, if not identified in this prospectus, will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment). In addition, we may otherwise loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other third party that in turn may sell the securities short using this prospectus and an applicable prospectus supplement. Such financial institution or other third party may transfer its economic short position to investors in our securities or in connection with a concurrent offering of other securities.
Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. The applicable prospectus supplement may provide that the original issue date for your securities may be more than two scheduled business days after the trade date for your securities. Accordingly, in such a case, if you wish to trade securities on any date prior to the second business day before the original issue date for your securities, you will be required, by virtue of the fact that your securities initially are expected to settle in more than two scheduled business days after the trade date for your securities, to make alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.
The securities may be new issues of securities and may have no established trading market. The securities may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange. We can make no assurance as to the liquidity of or the existence of trading markets for any of the securities.
The specific terms of any lock-up provisions in respect of any given offering will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
The underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with us, or perform services for us, in the ordinary course of business for which they receive compensation.
The anticipated date of delivery of offered securities will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to each offer.
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LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for us by Goodwin Procter LLP, Boston, Massachusetts. Any underwriters will also be advised about the validity of the securities and other legal matters by their own counsel, which will be named in the prospectus supplement.
EXPERTS
Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, as set forth in their reports, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP’s reports, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act with respect to the securities offered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement. This prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement do not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and its exhibits and schedules in accordance with SEC rules and regulations. For further information with respect to us and the securities being offered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, you should read the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, including its exhibits and schedules. Statements contained in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including documents that we have incorporated by reference, as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily complete, and, with respect to any contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement or any other such document, each such statement is qualified in all respects by reference to the corresponding exhibit. You should review the complete contract or other document to evaluate these statements. You may obtain copies of the registration statement and its exhibits via the SEC’s EDGAR database or our website.
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other documents with the SEC under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers, including us, that file electronically with the SEC. You may obtain documents that we file with the SEC at www.sec.gov.
We also make these documents available on our website at www.esperion.com. Our website and the information contained or connected to our website is not incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, and you should not consider it part of this prospectus or any prospectus supplement.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information and reports we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to these documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information already incorporated by reference. We are incorporating by reference the documents listed below, which we have already filed with the SEC (SEC File No. 001-35986), and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, including all filings made after the date of the filing of this registration statement, except as to any portion of any future report or document that is not deemed filed under such provisions until we sell all of the securities:
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The information specifically incorporated by reference into our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 from our definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A (other than information furnished rather than filed), which was filed with the SEC on April 15, 2021;
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Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC for the quarters ended March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2021 filed with the SEC on May 4, 2021 and August 3, 2021, respectively;
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Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 26, 2021, May 17, 2021, May 28, 2021, June 28, 2021 and August 3, 2021 (in each case, excluding information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 or 7.01, or corresponding information furnished under Item 9.01 or included as an exhibit); and
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Upon request, we will provide, without charge, to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this prospectus is delivered, a copy of the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus but not delivered with the prospectus. You may request a copy of these filings, and any exhibits we have specifically incorporated by reference as an exhibit in this prospectus, at no cost by writing or telephoning us at the following address: Esperion Therapeutics, Inc., 3891 Ranchero Drive, Suite 150, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, Attention: Investor Relations, or by telephone request to 734-887-3903.
You may also access these documents, free of charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or on our website at www. esperion.com. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider any information on, or that can be accessed from, our website as part of this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement.
This prospectus is part of a registration statement we filed with the SEC. We have incorporated exhibits into this registration statement. You should read the exhibits carefully for provisions that may be important to you.
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or in the documents incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus or those documents.
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Shares of Common Stock
Pre-Funded Warrants to Purchase up to Shares of Common Stock
Common Warrants to Purchase up to Shares of Common Stock
Pre-Funded Warrants to Purchase up to Shares of Common Stock
Common Warrants to Purchase up to Shares of Common Stock
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
H.C. Wainwright & Co.
, 2021