Kiora Pharmaceuticals Inc 8-K, filed Nov 8, 2021
Kiora Pharmaceuticals Inc (KPRX)
About this 8-K
Kiora Pharmaceuticals Inc filed this 8-K on November 8, 2021, reporting on events of November 5, 2021.
Items reported
- Item 5.03: Charter or bylaw amendment, or fiscal year change
- Item 8.01: Other events
- Item 9.01: Financial statements and exhibits
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT
TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported):
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
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Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Item 5.03. Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.
On November 5, 2021, Kiora Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (formerly known as EyeGate Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) (the “Company”) filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware a Certificate of Ownership and Merger, merging its wholly-owned Delaware subsidiary, Kiora Pharmaceuticals, Inc., into the Company and amending the Company’s certificate of incorporation to change its name to “Kiora Pharmaceuticals, Inc.” effective November 8, 2021 (the “Name Change”). The Company also amended and restated its bylaws to reflect the change to the Company’s name (the “Bylaws Amendment”). The Name Change and the Bylaws Amendment each became effective on November 8, 2021.
In connection with the Name Change, the Company’s common stock will trade on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the new ticker symbol “KPRX”. The new ticker symbol will become effective at the open of the market on November 8, 2021. The Name Change resulted in a change to the CUSIP number for the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. The new CUSIP number for such common stock is 49721T101. Outstanding stock certificates for shares of common stock of the Company continue to be valid and need not be exchanged.
Copies of the Certificate of Ownership and Merger, as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, reflecting the Name Change amendment to the certificate of incorporation, and the Bylaws Amendment, are attached hereto as Exhibit 3.1 and Exhibit 3.2, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 8.01 Other Events.
On November 8, 2021, the Company moved its headquarters to 1371 East 2100 South, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84105. The Company’s telephone number remains the same: (781) 788-9043.
On November 8, 2021, the Company issued a press release announcing the Name Change, corporate rebranding initiative and launch of its new website, www.kiorapharma.com. The press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference. The Company’s investor relations information, including press releases and links to the Company’s SEC filings, will now be found on this website. The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Company’s corporate governance documents, including the charters of the committees of the Company’s board of directors and Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, are available on this website. Any amendment to or waivers of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct will be disclosed on this website.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
| (d) | Exhibits. |
The Company hereby files or furnishes, as applicable, the following exhibits:
| 3.1 | Certificate of Ownership and Merger, amending the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation to change its name to “Kiora Pharmaceuticals, Inc.”, effective November 8, 2021 |
| 3.2 | Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Kiora Pharmaceuticals, Inc., effective November 8, 2021 |
| 99.1 | Press Release of the Company, dated as of November 8, 2021 |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| KIORA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Brian M. Strem, Ph.D. | |
| Brian M. Strem, Ph.D. | ||
| President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
| Date: November 8, 2021 | ||
Exhibit 3.1
Certificate of Ownership and Merger
Merging
Kiora Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
with and into
EyeGate Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
November 5, 2021
Pursuant to Section 253 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), EyeGate Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), does hereby certify to the following information relating to the merger (the “Merger”) of Kiora Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Subsidiary”), with and into the Corporation, with the Corporation remaining as the surviving corporation:
1. The Corporation was incorporated on December 28, 2004, under and pursuant to the DGCL.
2. The Subsidiary was incorporated on October 19, 2021, under and pursuant to the DGCL.
3. The Corporation owns all of the outstanding shares of each class of capital stock of the Subsidiary.
4. The Board of Directors of the Corporation, by resolutions duly adopted at a meeting held on October 20, 2021 and attached hereto as Exhibit A, determined to merge the Subsidiary with and into the Corporation and to change the Corporation’s name to Kiora Pharmaceuticals, Inc. pursuant to Section 253 of the DGCL.
5. The Corporation shall be the surviving corporation of the Merger.
6. Pursuant to Section 253(b) of the DGCL, the name of the Corporation shall be amended upon the effectiveness of the Merger to be “Kiora Pharmaceuticals, Inc.”
7. The Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as in effect immediately prior to the Merger, shall be the Certificate of Incorporation of the surviving corporation, except that Article I shall be amended to read in its entirety as follows:
“The name of the corporation is Kiora Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Corporation”).”
8. This Certificate of Ownership and Merger and the Merger shall become effective on November 8, 2021.
[signature page follows]
In Witness Whereof, the Corporation has caused this Certificate of Ownership and Merger to be signed by an authorized officer, as of the date first written above.
| EyeGate Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
| By: | /s/ Brian M. Strem, Ph.D. | |
| Name: | Brian M. Strem, Ph.D. | |
| Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer |
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EXHIBIT A
EYEGATE PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
Resolutions of the board of Directors
October 20, 2021
Subsidiary Merger and Name Change
| WHEREAS: | The Board has determined that it is in the best interests of EyeGate Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Corporation”) to change the name of the Corporation to Kiora Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; |
| WHEREAS: | The Corporation owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Kiora Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Subsidiary”); and |
| WHEREAS: | The Board has determined that it is in the best interests of the Corporation to merge the Subsidiary with and into the Corporation, and then amend the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) to change the name of the Corporation to Kiora Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
| RESOLVED: | That the Subsidiary be merged with and into the Corporation pursuant to Section 253 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “Merger”), so that the separate existence of the Subsidiary shall cease as soon as the Merger shall become effective, and the Corporation shall continue as the surviving corporation; |
| RESOLVED: | That each share of common stock of the Subsidiary, par value $0.01 per share, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Merger shall automatically be cancelled and retired and shall cease to exist; |
| RESOLVED: | That the Certificate of Incorporation, as in effect immediately prior to the Merger, shall be the Certificate of Incorporation of the surviving corporation, except that the First Article shall be amended to read in its entirety as follows: |
“The name of the corporation is Kiora Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Corporation”).”
| RESOLVED: | That that any of the Executive Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation (collectively, the “Authorized Officers”) be, and each of them hereby is, authorized to prepare and execute a Certificate of Ownership and Merger setting forth a copy of these resolutions, and to file the Certificate of Ownership and Merger with the Secretary of State of Delaware and pay any fees related to such filing; and |
| RESOLVED: | That each of the Authorized Officers be, and each of them hereby is, authorized and empowered to take all such further actions and to execute, deliver and file all such further agreements, certificates, instruments and documents, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, and if requested or required, under its corporate seal duly attested by the Secretary; to pay or cause to be paid all expenses; to take all such other actions as they or any one of them shall deem necessary, desirable, advisable or appropriate to consummate, effectuate, carry out or further the transactions contemplated by and the intent and purposes of the foregoing resolutions. |
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Exhibit 3.2
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED
BYLAWS OF
KIORA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,
EFFECTIVE: NOVEMBER 8, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| ARTICLE I OFFICES AND RECORDS | 1 | |
| Section 1.1 | Delaware Office | 1 |
| Section 1.2 | Other Offices | 1 |
| Section 1.3 | Books and Records | 1 |
| ARTICLE II STOCKHOLDERS | 1 | |
| Section 2.1 | Annual Meeting | 1 |
| Section 2.2 | Special Meeting | 1 |
| Section 2.3 | Place of Meeting | 1 |
| Section 2.4 | Notice of Meeting | 1 |
| Section 2.5 | Quorum and Adjournment | 2 |
| Section 2.6 | Proxies | 2 |
| Section 2.7 | Notice of Stockholder Business and Nominations | 2 |
| Section 2.8 | Procedure for Election of Directors | 4 |
| Section 2.9 | Inspectors of Elections | 5 |
| Section 2.10 | Conduct of Meetings | 5 |
| Section 2.11 | No Consent of Stockholders in Lieu of Meeting | 6 |
| ARTICLE III BOARD OF DIRECTORS | 6 | |
| Section 3.1 | General Powers | 6 |
| Section 3.2 | Number, Tenure and Qualifications | 6 |
| Section 3.3 | Regular Meetings | 6 |
| Section 3.4 | Special Meetings | 6 |
| Section 3.5 | Action By Unanimous Consent of Directors | 7 |
| Section 3.6 | Notice | 7 |
| Section 3.7 | Conference Telephone Meetings | 7 |
| Section 3.8 | Quorum | 7 |
| Section 3.9 | Vacancies | 7 |
| Section 3.10 | Committees | 8 |
| Section 3.11 | Removal | 8 |
| ARTICLE IV OFFICERS | 8 | |
| Section 4.1 | Elected Officers | 8 |
| Section 4.2 | Election and Term of Office | 8 |
| Section 4.3 | Chairman of the Board | 9 |
| Section 4.4 | President and Chief Executive Officer | 9 |
| Section 4.5 | Secretary | 9 |
| Section 4.6 | Treasurer | 9 |
| Section 4.7 | Removal | 9 |
| Section 4.8 | Vacancies | 10 |
| ARTICLE V STOCK CERTIFICATES AND TRANSFERS | 10 | |
| Section 5.1 | Stock Certificates and Transfers | 10 |
| ARTICLE VI INDEMNIFICATION | 10 | |
| Section 6.1 | Right to Indemnification | 10 |
| Section 6.2 | Right to Advancement of Expenses | 11 |
| Section 6.3 | Right of Indemnitee to Bring Suit | 11 |
| Section 6.4 | Non-Exclusivity of Rights | 12 |
| Section 6.5 | Insurance | 12 |
| Section 6.6 | Amendment of Rights | 12 |
| Section 6.7 | Indemnification of Employees and Agents of the Corporation | 12 |
| ARTICLE VII MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS | 12 | |
| Section 7.1 | Fiscal Year | 12 |
| Section 7.2 | Dividends | 12 |
| Section 7.3 | Seal | 12 |
| Section 7.4 | Waiver of Notice | 12 |
| Section 7.5 | Audits | 13 |
| Section 7.6 | Resignations | 13 |
| Section 7.7 | Contracts | 13 |
| Section 7.8 | Proxies | 13 |
| ARTICLE VIII AMENDMENTS | 14 | |
| Section 8.1 | Amendments | 14 |
ARTICLE I
OFFICES AND RECORDS
Section 1.1 Delaware Office. The registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware shall be located in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle.
Section 1.2 Other Offices. The Corporation may have such other offices, either within or without the State of Delaware, as the Board of Directors may designate or as the business of the Corporation may from time to time require.
Section 1.3 Books and Records. The books and records of the Corporation may be kept at the Corporation’s headquarters or at such other locations within or without the State of Delaware as may from time to time be designated by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE II
STOCKHOLDERS
Section 2.1 Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation shall be held at such date, place and/or time as may be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors.
Section 2.2 Special Meeting. Special meetings of stockholders of the Corporation may be called only by the Chairman of the Board or the President or by the Board of Directors acting pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board. For purposes of these Second Amended and Restated Bylaws, the term “Whole Board” shall mean the total number of authorized directors whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships.
Section 2.3 Place of Meeting. The Board of Directors may designate the place of meeting for any meeting of the stockholders or the means of remote communications by which any meeting shall be held. If no designation is made by the Board of Directors, the place of meeting shall be the principal office of the Corporation.
Section 2.4 Notice of Meeting. Except as otherwise required by law, written, printed or electronic notice stating the place, if any, date and time of the meeting, the means of remote communications, if any, by which the stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, and in the case of a special meeting, the purposes for which the meeting is called shall be prepared and delivered by the Corporation not less than ten (10) days nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting, either personally, by mail, or in the case of stockholders who have consented to such delivery, by electronic transmission (as such term is defined in the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “GCL”)), to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the U.S. mail with postage thereon prepaid, addressed to the stockholder at his address as it appears on the stock transfer books of the Corporation. Notice given by electronic transmission shall be effective (A) if by facsimile, when faxed to a number where the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (B) if by electronic mail, when mailed electronically to an electronic mail address at which the stockholder has consented to receive such notice; (C) if by posting on an electronic network together with a separate notice of such posting, upon the later to occur of (1) the posting or (2) the giving of separate notice of the posting; or (D) if by other form of electronic communication, when directed to the stockholder in the manner consented to by the stockholder. Meetings may be held without notice if all stockholders entitled to vote are present (except as otherwise provided by law), or if notice is waived by those not present. Any previously scheduled meeting of the stockholders may be postponed and (unless the Corporation’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) otherwise provides) any special meeting of the stockholders may be cancelled, by resolution of the Board of Directors upon public notice given prior to the time previously scheduled for such meeting of stockholders.
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Section 2.5 Quorum and Adjournment. Except as otherwise provided by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Voting Stock”), represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of stockholders, except that when specified business is to be voted on by a class or series voting separately as a class or series, the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares of such class or series shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of such business for the purposes of taking action on such business. If a quorum shall fail to attend any meeting, the chairman of the meeting may adjourn the meeting to another place, if any, date or time. No notice of an adjourned meeting need be given if the time, place, if any, and the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present and vote at such adjourned meeting are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken; provided such adjournment is for not more than thirty (30) days and further provided that no new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting.
Section 2.6 Proxies. At all meetings of stockholders, a stockholder may vote by proxy executed in writing by the stockholder or as may be permitted by law, or by his duly authorized attorney-in-fact. Such proxy must be filed with the Secretary of the Corporation or his representative, or otherwise delivered telephonically or electronically as set forth in the applicable proxy statement, at or before the time of the meeting.
Section 2.7 Notice of Stockholder Business and Nominations.
A. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors and the proposal of business to be transacted by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders (1) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice with respect to such meeting, (2) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (3) by any stockholder of record of the Corporation who was a stockholder of record at the time of the giving of the notice provided for in the following paragraph, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.7.
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B. For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to paragraph (A)(3) of this Section 2.7, (1) the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation, (2) such business must be a proper matter for stockholder action under the GCL, (3) if the stockholder, or the beneficial owner on whose behalf any such proposal or nomination is made, has provided the Corporation with a Solicitation Notice, as that term is defined in subclause (c)(iii) of this paragraph, such stockholder or beneficial owner must, in the case of a proposal, have delivered prior to the meeting a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s voting shares required under applicable law to carry any such proposal, or, in the case of a nomination or nominations, have delivered prior to the meeting a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of a percentage of the Corporation’s voting shares reasonably believed by such stockholder or beneficial holder to be sufficient to elect the nominee or nominees proposed to be nominated by such stockholder, and must, in either case, have included in such materials the Solicitation Notice and (4) if no Solicitation Notice relating thereto has been timely provided pursuant to this section, the stockholder or beneficial owner proposing such business or nomination must not have solicited a number of proxies sufficient to have required the delivery of such a Solicitation Notice under this section. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than forty-five (45) or more than seventy-five (75) days prior to the first anniversary (the “Anniversary”) of the date on which the Corporation first mailed its proxy materials for the preceding year’s annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that if no proxy materials were mailed by the Corporation in connection with the preceding year’s annual meeting, or if the date of the annual meeting is advanced more than thirty (30) days prior to or delayed by more than thirty (30) days after the anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not later than the close of business on the later of (x) the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or (y) the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. Such stockholder’s notice shall set forth (a) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director all information relating to such person as would be required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for the election of such nominees as directors pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and such person’s written consent to serve as a director if elected; (b) as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of such business, the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; and (c) as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made (i) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation’s books, and of such beneficial owner, (ii) the class and number of shares of the Corporation that are owned beneficially and of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner, and (iii) whether either such stockholder or beneficial owner intends to deliver a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of, in the case of a proposal, at least the percentage of the Corporation’s voting shares required under applicable law to carry the proposal or, in the case of a nomination or nominations, a sufficient number of holders of the Corporation’s voting shares to elect such nominee or nominees (an affirmative statement of such intent, a “Solicitation Notice”).
C. Notwithstanding anything in the second sentence of paragraph (B) of this Section 2.7 to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board of Directors is increased and there is no public announcement naming all of the nominees for director or specifying the size of the increased Board of Directors made by the Corporation at least fifty-five (55) days prior to the Anniversary, a stockholder’s notice required by this Bylaw shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.
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D. Only persons nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.7 shall be eligible to serve as directors and only such business shall be conducted at an annual meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.7. The chair of the meeting shall have the power and the duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting has been made in accordance with the procedures set forth in these Bylaws and, if any proposed nomination or business is not in compliance with these Bylaws, to declare that such defective proposed business or nomination shall not be presented for stockholder action at the meeting and shall be disregarded.
E. Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting (1) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (2) by any stockholder of record of the Corporation who is a stockholder of record at the time of giving of notice provided for in this paragraph, who shall be entitled to vote at the meeting and who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.7. Nominations by stockholders of persons for election to the Board of Directors may be made at such a special meeting of stockholders if the stockholder’s notice required by paragraph (B) of this Section 2.7 shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such special meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the Board of Directors to be elected at such meeting.
F. For purposes of this Section 2.7, “public announcement” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or a comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
G. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.7, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to matters set forth in this Section 2.7. Nothing in this Section 2.7 shall be deemed to affect any rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act.
Section 2.8 Procedure for Election of Directors. Election of directors at all meetings of the stockholders at which directors are to be elected shall be by written ballot, and, except as otherwise set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation with respect to the right of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock or any other series or class of stock to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, a plurality of the votes cast thereat shall elect directors.
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Except as otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, all matters other than the election of directors submitted to the stockholders at any meeting shall be decided by the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding Voting Stock present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote thereon.
Section 2.9 Inspectors of Elections. The Board of Directors by resolution may, and to the extent required by law, shall appoint one or more inspectors, which inspector or inspectors may include individuals who serve the Corporation in other capacities, including, without limitation, as officers, employees, agents or representatives of the Corporation, to act at the meeting and make a written report thereof. One or more persons may be designated as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. If no inspector or alternate has been appointed to act, or if all inspectors or alternates who have been appointed are unable to act, at a meeting of stockholders, the chairman of the meeting may, and to the extent required by law, shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Each inspector, before discharging his or her duties, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of his or her ability. The inspectors shall have the duties prescribed by the GCL.
Section 2.10 Conduct of Meetings.
A. The President and Chief Executive Officer shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders. In the absence of the President and Chief Executive Officer, the Chairman of the Board shall preside at a meeting of the stockholders. In the absence of both the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the Board, the Secretary shall preside at a meeting of the stockholders. In the anticipated absence of all officers designated to preside over the meetings of stockholders, the Board of Directors may designate an individual to preside over a meeting of the stockholders.
B. The chairman of the meeting shall fix and announce at the meeting the date and time of the opening and the closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders will vote at a meeting. The chairman shall have the power to adjourn the meeting to another place, if any, date and time.
C. The Board of Directors may, to the extent not prohibited by law, adopt by resolution such rules and regulations for the conduct of the meeting of stockholders as it shall deem appropriate. Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules and regulations as adopted by the Board of Directors, the chairman of any meeting of stockholders shall have the right and authority to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such chairman, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting. Such rules, regulations or procedures, whether adopted by the Board of Directors or prescribed by the chairman of the meeting, may to the extent not prohibited by law include, without limitation, the following: (i) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (ii) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present; (iii) limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to stockholders of record of the Corporation, their duly authorized and constituted proxies or such other persons as the chairman of the meeting shall determine; (iv) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof and (v) limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants. Unless, and to the extent, determined by the Board of Directors or the chairman of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure.
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Section 2.11 No Consent of Stockholders in Lieu of Meeting. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such stockholders.
ARTICLE III
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 3.1 General Powers. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. In addition to the powers and authority expressly conferred upon them by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these Bylaws, the directors are hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation.
Section 3.2 Number, Tenure and Qualifications. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, the number of directors shall be fixed from time to time exclusively by the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board. The directors, other than those who may be elected by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock under specified circumstances, shall be divided into three classes pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation. At each annual meeting of stockholders, directors elected to succeed those directors whose terms expire shall be elected for a term of office to expire at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders after their election. The foregoing notwithstanding, each director shall serve until such director’s successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, or until such director’s prior death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or other removal. The Board of Directors is authorized to assign members of the Board of Directors already in office to such classes as it may determine at the time the classification of the Board of Directors becomes effective.
Section 3.3 Regular Meetings. The Board of Directors may, by resolution, provide the time and place for the holding of regular meetings of the Board of Directors. A notice of each regular meeting shall not be required.
Section 3.4 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be called at the request of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or a majority of the Board of Directors. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Board of Directors may fix the place and time of the meetings, and the writing or transmission shall be filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors.
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Section 3.5 Action By Unanimous Consent of Directors. The Board of Directors may take action without the necessity of a meeting by unanimous consent of directors. Such consent may be in writing or given by electronic transmission, as such term is defined in the GCL.
Section 3.6 Notice. Notice of any special meeting shall be given to each director at his business or residence in writing, or by telegram, facsimile transmission, telephone communication or electronic transmission (provided, with respect to electronic transmission, that the director has consented to receive the form of transmission at the address to which it is directed). If mailed, such notice shall be deemed adequately delivered when deposited in the United States mails so addressed, with postage thereon prepaid, at least five (5) days before such meeting. If by telegram, such notice shall be deemed adequately delivered when the telegram is delivered to the telegraph company at least twenty-four (24) hours before such meeting. If by facsimile transmission or other electronic transmission, such notice shall be transmitted at least twenty-four (24) hours before such meeting. If by telephone, the notice shall be given at least twelve (12) hours prior to the time set for the meeting. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors need be specified in the notice of such meeting, except for amendments to these Bylaws as provided under Section 8.1 of Article VIII hereof. A meeting may be held at any time without notice if all the directors are present (except as otherwise provided by law) or if those not present waive notice of the meeting in writing or by electronic transmission, either before or after such meeting.
Section 3.7 Conference Telephone Meetings. Members of the Board of Directors, or any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or such committee by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and such participation in a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
Section 3.8 Quorum. A whole number of directors equal to at least a majority of the Whole Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but if at any meeting of the Board of Directors there shall be less than a quorum present, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice. The act of the majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors.
Section 3.9 Vacancies. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or any vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause shall, unless otherwise provided by law or by resolution of the Board of Directors, be filled only by a majority vote of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum (and not by stockholders), and directors so chosen shall hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders at which the term of office of the class to which they have been chosen expires or until such director’s successor has been duly elected and qualified. No decrease in the authorized number of directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.
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Section 3.10 Committees.
A. The Board of Directors may designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation. The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of the committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in place of any such absent or disqualified member. Any such committee, to the extent permitted by law and to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board of Directors, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it; provided, however, that no committee shall have power or authority in reference to the following matters: (1) approving, adopting or recommending to stockholders any action or matter required by law to be submitted to stockholders for approval or (2) adopting, amending or repealing any bylaw.
B. Unless the Board of Directors otherwise provides, each committee designated by the Board of Directors may make, alter and repeal rules for the conduct of its business. In the absence of such rules each committee shall conduct its business in the same manner as the Board of Directors conducts its business pursuant to these Bylaws.
Section 3.11 Removal. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, any director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
Section 4.1 Elected Officers. The elected officers of the Corporation shall be a Chairman of the Board, a President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and such other officers as the Board of Directors from time to time may deem proper. The Chairman of the Board shall be chosen from the directors. All officers chosen by the Board of Directors shall each have such powers and duties as generally pertain to their respective offices, subject to the specific provisions of this Article IV. Such officers shall also have powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred by the Board of Directors or by any committee thereof.
Section 4.2 Election and Term of Office. The elected officers of the Corporation shall be elected annually by the Board of Directors at the regular meeting of the Board of Directors held after each annual meeting of the stockholders. If the election of officers shall not be held at such meeting, such election shall be held as soon thereafter as convenient. Subject to Section 4.7 of these Bylaws, each officer shall hold office until his successor shall have been duly elected and shall have qualified or until his death or until he shall resign.
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Section 4.3 Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Board shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors.
Section 4.4 President and Chief Executive Officer. The President and Chief Executive Officer shall be the general manager of the Corporation, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, and as such shall, subject to Section 2.10(A) hereof, preside at all meetings of stockholders, shall have general supervision of the affairs of the Corporation, shall sign or countersign or authorize another officer to sign all certificates, contracts, and other instruments of the Corporation as authorized by the Board of Directors, shall make reports to the Board of Directors and stockholders, and shall perform all such other duties as are incident to such office or are properly required by the Board of Directors. If the Board of Directors creates the office of Chief Executive Officer as a separate office from President, the President shall be the chief operating officer of the corporation and shall be subject to the general supervision, direction, and control of the Chief Executive Officer unless the Board of Directors provides otherwise.
Section 4.5 Secretary. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of stockholders and directors and all other notices required by law or by these Bylaws, and in case of his absence or refusal or neglect so to do, any such notice may be given by any person thereunto directed by the Chairman of the Board or the President, or by the Board of Directors, upon whose request the meeting is called as provided in these Bylaws. The Secretary shall record all the proceedings of the meetings of the Board of Directors, any committees thereof and the stockholders of the Corporation in a book to be kept for that purpose, and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to the Secretary by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the President. The Secretary shall have custody of the seal of the Corporation and shall affix the same to all instruments requiring it, when authorized by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the President, and attest to the same.
Section 4.6 Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation. The Treasurer shall deposit all moneys and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositaries as may be designated by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors the Chairman of the Board, or the President, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements. The Treasurer shall render to the Chairman of the Board, the President and the Board of Directors, whenever requested, an account of all his transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation. If required by the Board of Directors, the Treasurer shall give the Corporation a bond for the faithful discharge of his duties in such amount and with such surety as the Board of Directors shall prescribe.
Section 4.7 Removal. Any officer elected by the Board of Directors may be removed by the Board of Directors at any time, with or without cause. No elected officer shall have any contractual rights against the Corporation for compensation by virtue of such election beyond the date of the election of his successor, his death, his resignation or his removal, whichever event shall first occur, except as otherwise provided in an employment contract or an employee plan.
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Section 4.8 Vacancies. A newly created office and a vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, or removal may be filled by the Board of Directors for the unexpired portion of the term at any meeting of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE V
STOCK CERTIFICATES AND TRANSFERS
Section 5.1 Stock Certificates and Transfers.
A. Unless the Board of Directors has determined by resolution that some or all of any or all classes or series of stock shall be uncertificated shares, the interest of each stockholder of the Corporation shall be evidenced by certificates for shares of stock in such form as the appropriate officers of the Corporation may from time to time prescribe. The shares of the stock of the Corporation shall be transferred on the books of the Corporation by the holder thereof in person or by his attorney, upon surrender for cancellation of certificates for the same number of shares, with an assignment and power of transfer endorsed thereon or attached thereto, duly executed, and with such proof of the authenticity of the signature as the Corporation or its agents may reasonably require.
B. Every holder of stock represented by certificates shall be entitled to have a certificate signed, countersigned and registered in such manner as the Board of Directors may by resolution prescribe, which resolution may permit all or any of the signatures on such certificates to be in facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate has ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.
ARTICLE VI
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 6.1 Right to Indemnification. Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (hereinafter a “proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or, while a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, trustee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan (hereinafter an “indemnitee”), where the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee, trustee or agent or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, trustee or agent, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the GCL, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than permitted prior thereto), against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such indemnitee in connection therewith and such indemnification shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee, trustee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the indemnitee’s heirs, executors and administrators; provided, however, that, except as provided in Section 6.3 hereof with respect to proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification, the Corporation shall indemnify any such indemnitee in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such indemnitee only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
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Section 6.2 Right to Advancement of Expenses. The right to indemnification conferred in Section 6.1 shall include the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses (including attorney’s fees) incurred in defending any proceeding for which such right to indemnification is applicable in advance of its final disposition (hereinafter an “advancement of expenses”); provided, however, that, if the GCL requires, an advancement of expenses incurred by an indemnitee in his or her capacity as a director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such indemnitee, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) shall be made only upon delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking (hereinafter an “undertaking”), by or on behalf of such indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal (hereinafter a “final adjudication”) that such indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified for such expenses under this Section or otherwise.
Section 6.3 Right of Indemnitee to Bring Suit. The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in Section 6.1 and Section 6.2, respectively, shall be contract rights. If a claim under Section 6.1 or Section 6.2 is not paid in full by the Corporation within sixty days after a written claim has been received by the Corporation, except in the case of a claim for an advancement of expenses, in which case the applicable period shall be twenty days, the indemnitee may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim. If successful in whole or in part in any such suit, or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the indemnitee shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting or defending such suit. In (A) any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to an advancement of expenses) it shall be a defense that, and (B) in any suit by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking the Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final adjudication that, the indemnitee has not met any applicable standard for indemnification set forth in the GCL. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such suit that indemnification of the indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because the indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the GCL, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that the indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct or, in the case of such a suit brought by the indemnitee, be a defense to such suit. In any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Section or otherwise shall be on the Corporation.
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Section 6.4 Non-Exclusivity of Rights. The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in this Article VI shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under the Certificate of Incorporation, these Second Amended and Restated Bylaws, or any statute, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.
Section 6.5 Insurance. The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the GCL.
Section 6.6 Amendment of Rights. Any amendment, alteration or repeal of this Article VI that adversely affects any right of an indemnitee or its successors shall be prospective only and shall not limit or eliminate any such right with respect to any proceeding involving any occurrence or alleged occurrence of any action or omission to act that took place prior to such amendment or repeal.
Section 6.7 Indemnification of Employees and Agents of the Corporation. The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors, grant rights to indemnification, and to the advancement of expenses, to any employee or agent of the Corporation to the fullest extent of the provisions of this Section with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses of directors and officers of the Corporation.
ARTICLE VII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 7.1 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin on the first day of January and end on the thirty-first day of December of each year.
Section 7.2 Dividends. The Board of Directors may from time to time declare, and the Corporation may pay, dividends on its outstanding shares in the manner and upon the terms and conditions provided by law and its Certificate of Incorporation.
Section 7.3 Seal. The corporate seal shall have inscribed the name of the Corporation thereon and shall be in such form as may be approved from time to time by the Board of Directors.
Section 7.4 Waiver of Notice. Whenever any notice is required to be given to any stockholder or director of the Corporation under the provisions of the GCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, or a waiver by electronic transmission, whether before or after the time of the event for which notice is to be given, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any annual or special meeting of the stockholders or the Board of Directors need be specified in any waiver of notice of such meeting. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
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Section 7.5 Audits. The accounts, books and records of the Corporation shall be audited upon the conclusion of each fiscal year by an independent certified public accountant selected by the Board of Directors, and it shall be the duty of the Board of Directors to cause such audit to be made annually.
Section 7.6 Resignations. Any director or any officer, whether elected or appointed, may resign at any time by serving written notice of such resignation on the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the Secretary, or by submitting such resignation by electronic transmission (as such term is defined in the GCL), and such resignation shall be deemed to be effective as of the close of business on the date said notice is received by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, or the Secretary or at such later date as is stated therein. No formal action shall be required of the Board of Directors or the stockholders to make any such resignation effective.
Section 7.7 Contracts. Except as otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any contracts or other instruments may be executed and delivered in the name and on the behalf of the Corporation by such officer or officers of the Corporation as the Board of Directors may from time to time direct. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances as the Board of Directors may determine. The Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or any Vice President may execute bonds, contracts, deeds, leases and other instruments to be made or executed for or on behalf of the Corporation. Subject to any restrictions imposed by the Board of Directors or the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or any Vice President of the Corporation may delegate contractual powers to others under his jurisdiction, it being understood, however, that any such delegation of power shall not relieve such officer of responsibility with respect to the exercise of such delegated power.
Section 7.8 Proxies. Unless otherwise provided by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or any Vice President may from time to time appoint any attorney or attorneys or agent or agents of the Corporation, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, to cast the votes which the Corporation may be entitled to cast as the holder of stock or other securities in any other corporation or other entity, any of whose stock or other securities may be held by the Corporation, at meetings of the holders of the stock and other securities of such other corporation or other entity, or to consent in writing, in the name of the Corporation as such holder, to any action by such other corporation or other entity, and may instruct the person or persons so appointed as to the manner of casting such votes or giving such consent, and may execute or cause to be executed in the name and on behalf of the Corporation and under its corporate seal or otherwise, all such written proxies or other instruments as he may deem necessary or proper in the premises.
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ARTICLE VIII
AMENDMENTS
Section 8.1 Amendments. Subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation (including the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding), these Bylaws may be adopted, amended or repealed at any meeting of the Board of Directors by a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board, provided notice of the proposed change was given in the notice of the meeting in a notice given no less than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting. Subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation (including the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding), the stockholders shall also have power to adopt, amend or repeal these Bylaws, provided that notice of the proposed change was given in the notice of the meeting and provided further that, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation (including the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding), the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, shall be required to adopt, amend or repeal any provision of these Bylaws.
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Exhibit 99.1
EyeGate is Now Kiora Pharmaceuticals; Provides Update on Company’s
Sharpened Clinical Development Strategy
SALT LAKE CITY, UT, November 8, 2021 – Kiora Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: KPRX), (“Kiora” or the “Company”) is the new name of EyeGate Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYEG). Kiora will trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol "KPRX" and CUSIP number 49721T101. The new brand reflects the Company’s aim to not only treat common eye conditions, but to develop a revolutionary small molecule therapy that has the potential to restore vision loss for a rare, inherited degenerative retinal disease, Retinitis Pigmentosa. The Company’s newly revamped clinical development strategy is available in the Investors section of the Company’s new website at www.kiorapharma.com.
“The rebranding reflects our sharpened focus on developing novel ophthalmic therapeutics,” said Brian M. Strem, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Kiora. "Our small molecule for Retinitis Pigmentosa could offer a revolutionary treatment for a rare disease with a potentially expedited path to market. We’ll continue planned development of our mid and later stage clinical candidates in anterior segment eye diseases and explore partnering opportunities of promising systemic indications outside our core focus.”
Expanded Pipeline and Milestones
Kiora’s pipeline now consists of three assets in early to late-stage development for both common and rare eye diseases. The company anticipates achieving several milestones for these programs that will drive value in the organization.
| · | KIO-101, previously known as PP-001, is a next-generation small molecule inhibitor of Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase (“DHODH”). It has demonstrated picomolar potency with a validated mechanism (blocks T-cell proliferation) that may offer greater safety and tolerability than DHODH inhibitors currently on the market. Anticipated milestones include: |
| o | Report topline data in fourth quarter of 2021 on a Ph1/2a safety, PK and exploratory ocular surface inflammation (dry eye) trial. |
| o | Explore licensing opportunities for non-core indications. |
| · | KIO-301, previously known as B-203, is a light-sensitive small molecule that acts as a reversible ‘photoswitch’, specifically designed to restore the eyes’ ability to perceive and interpret light in visually impaired patients. KIO-301 selectively enters specific retinal ganglion cells (those downstream of degenerated rods and cones) and converts them into light sensing cells, capable of signaling the brain as to the presence or absence of light. Anticipated milestones include: |
| o | Initiate a Phase 1b clinical trial in the third quarter of 2022 in patients with later-stage Retinitis Pigmentosa. |
| o | Apply for orphan drug designation in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2022. |
| o | Further develop the platform for use in patients with Geographic Atrophy, the later stages of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (dry AMD). |
| · | KIO-201, previously known as Ocular Bandage Gel or “OBG”, is a modified form of the natural polymer hyaluronic acid designed to accelerate ocular surface wound healing. Kiora will be discussing the Phase 3b readiness of KIO-201 for patients undergoing photorefractive keratectomy (“PRK”) surgery for corneal wound repair with the FDA, whilst performing an additional exploratory phase 2 clinical trial in patients with persistent corneal epithelial defects. Anticipated milestones include: |
| o | Pre-IND meeting with the FDA in the first quarter of 2022 to confirm Phase 3b readiness in PRK surgery. |
| o | Report topline proof of concept, exploratory phase 2 clinical trial data in persistent epithelial defect patients in the third quarter of 2022. |
About Kiora
Kiora is a clinical-stage specialty pharmaceutical company developing and commercializing products for treating ophthalmic diseases. KIO-301 is a molecular photoswitch that has the potential to restore light perception in patients with inherited and/or age-related retinal degeneration. KIO-101 is a next-generation, non-steroidal, immuno-modulatory and small molecule inhibitor of Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase (“DHODH”) with best-in-class picomolar potency and a validated immune modulating mechanism (T cell proliferation inhibition) designed to overcome the off-target side effects and safety issues associated with DHODH inhibitors. In addition, Kiora is developing KIO-201, a modified form of the natural polymer hyaluronic acid, designed to accelerate corneal wound healing. For more information, please visit www.kiorapharma.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Some of the statements in this press release are “forward-looking” and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These “forward-looking” statements include statements relating to, among other things, the development and commercialization efforts and other regulatory or marketing approval efforts pertaining to Kiora’s products, including KIO-101, KIO-201 and KIO-301, as well as the success thereof, with such approvals or success may not be obtained or achieved on a timely basis or at all. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from the statements set forth in this press release, including, among other things, market and other conditions and certain risk factors described under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in Kiora’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 25, 2021 or described in Kiora’s other public filings. Kiora’s results may also be affected by factors of which Kiora is not currently aware. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Kiora expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to such statements to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any changes in the events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.
Investor Contact
Corey Davis, Ph.D.
LifeSci Advisors
(212) 915-2577
cdavis@lifesciadvisors.com