NRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc S-3, filed Jun 9, 2022
NRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NRXP)
S-3
2022-06-09
View Original
Added on
October 18, 2026
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 8, 2022
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
NRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| |
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
1201 Orange Street, Suite 600
Wilmington, DE 19801 (484) 254-6134
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices) |
| |
82-2844431
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
Alessandra Daigneault
Chief Corporate Officer, General Counsel & Secretary 1201 Orange Street, Suite 600 Wilmington, Delaware 19801 (484) 254-6134
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone
number, including area code, of agent for service) |
|
Copies to:
David S. Huntington, Esq.
David A. Curtiss, Esq.
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
1285 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10019-6064
(212) 373-3000
David A. Curtiss, Esq.
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
1285 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10019-6064
(212) 373-3000
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are to be offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ☐
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are being offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. ☒
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| | Large accelerated filer | | | ☐ | | | Accelerated filer | | | ☐ | |
| | Non-accelerated filer | | | ☒ | | | Smaller reporting company | | | ☒ | |
| | | | | | | | 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 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act. ☐
The registrant hereby amends this document on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
To understand the terms of the securities offered by this prospectus, you should carefully read this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement. You should also read the documents referred to under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” for information on us and the business conducted by us.
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may offer and sell from time to time shares of our Common Stock, shares of our preferred stock, debt securities, depositary shares, warrants, rights, purchase contracts or units, or any combination thereof, in one or more offerings in amounts, at prices and on terms that we determine at the time of the offering, with an aggregate initial offering price of up to $150,000,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currencies, currency units or composite currencies). This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities. Each time we offer the securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that describes the terms of the offering. The prospectus supplement also may add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. Before making an investment decision, you should read carefully both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus as described below under the heading “Incorporation by Reference.”
The registration statement that contains this prospectus, including the exhibits to the registration statement and the information incorporated by reference, provides additional information about us and our securities. That registration statement can be found on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
You should rely only on the information provided in the registration statement, this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement, including the information incorporated by reference. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any supplement to this prospectus is accurate at any date other than the date indicated on the cover page of these documents. We are not making an offer to sell the securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
We may sell the securities to or through underwriters, dealers or agents or directly to purchasers. The securities may be sold for U.S. dollars, foreign-denominated currency, currency units or composite currencies. Amounts payable with respect to any securities may be payable in U.S. dollars or foreign-denominated currency, currency units or composite currencies as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. We and our agents reserve the sole right to accept or reject in whole or in part any proposed purchase of the securities. The prospectus supplement, which we will provide each time we offer the securities, will set forth the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents involved in the sale of the securities, and any related fee, commission or discount arrangements. See “Plan of Distribution.”
The prospectus supplement may also contain information about any material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the securities covered by the prospectus supplement.
In this prospectus, the terms “NRx,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to NRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
As required by the Securities Act, we filed a registration statement relating to the securities offered by this prospectus with the SEC. This prospectus is a part of that registration statement, which includes additional information.
We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and are required to file with the SEC annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information. Such reports include our audited financial statements. Our publicly available filings can be found on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Our filings, including the audited financial and additional information that we have made public to investors, may also be found on our website at www.nrxpharma.com. Information on or accessible through our website does not constitute part of this prospectus (except for SEC reports expressly incorporated by reference herein).
As permitted by SEC rules, this prospectus does not contain all of the information we have included in the registration statement and the accompanying exhibits and schedules we file with the SEC. You may refer to the registration statement, exhibits and schedules for more information about us and the securities. The registration statement, exhibits and schedules are available through the SEC’s website.
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INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus. Information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede information in this prospectus. In all cases, you should rely on the later information over different information included in this prospectus or the prospectus supplement. The following documents have been filed by us with the SEC and are incorporated by reference into this prospectus:
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our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2021 as filed with the SEC on March 31, 2022 and April 29, 2022, respectively;
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our Current Reports on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on February 3, 2022, February 11, 2022, March 9, 2022, March 18, 2022, May 25, 2022, and May 31, 2022, and June 8, 2022.
All reports and other documents that we subsequently file with the SEC (other than any portion of such filings that are furnished under applicable SEC rules rather than filed) pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus and before the later of (1) the completion of the offering of the securities described in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement and (2) the date we stop offering securities pursuant to this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, will be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus and to be part of this prospectus from the date of filing of such reports and documents. The information contained on our website (www.nrxpharma.com) is not incorporated into this prospectus.
You should not assume that the information in this prospectus, the prospectus supplement, any applicable pricing supplement or any document incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date of the applicable document. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or any other subsequently filed document that is deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus modifies or supersedes the statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.
You may request a copy of any or all documents referred to above that have been or may be incorporated by reference into this prospectus (excluding certain exhibits to the documents) at no cost, by writing or calling us at the following address or telephone number:
NRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Alessandra Daigneault
Chief Corporate Officer, General Counsel & Secretary
1201 North Market Street, Suite 111
Wilmington, Delaware 19801
(484) 254-6134
Alessandra Daigneault
Chief Corporate Officer, General Counsel & Secretary
1201 North Market Street, Suite 111
Wilmington, Delaware 19801
(484) 254-6134
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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This document and the information incorporated by reference herein include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our financial outlook, product development, business prospects, and market and industry trends and conditions, as well as the Company’s strategies, plans, objectives, and goals. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs, expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections of, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company’s management. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “believe,” “hope,” “target,” “project,” “goals,” “estimate,” “potential,” “predict,” “may,” “will,” “might,” “could,” “would,” “seek,” “plan,” “intend,” “shall,” and variations of these terms or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond the Company’s control. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, our relatively limited operating history; our ability to expand, retain and motivate our employees and manage our growth; risks associated with general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (“COVID-19”); the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the Company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; changes in laws, rules or regulations relating to any aspect of the Company’s business operations, or general economic, market and business conditions; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the Company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions. Furthermore, there can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline products that the products will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. As a result of these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions, forward-looking events and circumstances discussed herein might not occur in the way that the Company’s management expects, if at all. Accordingly, you should not place reliance on any forward-looking statement, and all forward-looking statements are herein qualified by reference to the cautionary statements set forth above.
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THE COMPANY
Overview
NRx is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company which develops, through its wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, NeuroRx, Inc., (“NeuroRx”) a Delaware corporation, and NeuroRx 2015 LTD, an Israeli limited liability company, novel therapeutics for the treatment of central nervous system disorders and life-threatening pulmonary diseases. Our strategy is to apply innovative science to known molecules in the pursuit of therapies for high unmet needs, including lethal conditions. Given the recent geopolitical changes and other developments, our company recently re-prioritized its development activities and geographic focus. We are currently developing the following pharmaceutical products across our psychiatry and pulmonary areas:
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NRX-100 and NRX-101. NRX-100 and NRX-101 are NMDA-targeted medicines designed to address both depression and suicidal ideation. NRX-101 is a patented, fixed dose combination of D-cycloserine and lurasidone. The NMDA receptor of the brain is increasingly viewed as a key target for treating suicidal depression. However, to the best of our knowledge, NRX-101 is the first investigational medicine to advance to Phase 3 for severe bipolar depression in patients with Acute Suicidal Ideation and Behavior (“ASIB”). NRX-101 has not shown neurotoxicity or addiction. NRX-101 has been granted Fast Track Designation, Breakthrough Therapy Designation, and a Special Protocol Agreement (“SPA”) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) for the treatment of severe bipolar depression in patients with ASIB after initial stabilization with ketamine or other effective therapy.
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ZYESAMI® (aviptadil), a sterile liquid for intravenous administration, was developed as an FDA Fast Track-designated, investigational drug for COVID-19 related respiratory failure. Aviptadil has previously been used in studies of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and other respiratory conditions. Although the Company’s Phase IIb/III clinical study in patients with Acute Respiratory Failure in COVID-19 did not meet its primary endpoint of Alive and Free of Respiratory Failure at Day 60, data indicated a reduction in mortality compared to placebo. However, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (“NIH”) recently halted recruitment of a Phase III study of ZYESAMI for intravenous administration in patients with Critical COVID-19 (ACTIV-3b TESICO study) due to futility. As a result, the Company is shifting focus away from COVID-19 efforts, reallocating resources in favor of NRX-101, and will begin evaluating the options for ZYESAMI® in protecting the lungs in other respiratory disorders, as well as its potential in other therapeutic areas. Although the Company will evaluate the data from the NIH study when it becomes available, the likelihood and timing of a submission of ZYESAMI for any New Drug Application cannot be ascertained at this time.
We have re-initiated our psychiatry clinical work and expect to start a new registrational study of NRX-101 for severe bipolar depression in patients with ASIB after initial stabilization with ketamine (NRX-100), using newly-manufactured commercial level material in the second half of 2022. In addition, we have initiated a Phase II clinical study for bipolar depression with sub-acute suicidal ideation and behavior (“SSIB”). Furthermore, we are evaluating the potential of NRX-101 in post-traumatic stress disorder (“PTSD”), another area of unmet need which is also associated with suicidality. NRX-100 is ketamine, which is a generic anesthetic, that is being used off-label in psychiatry. NRX-100 is part of a regimen of two sequential studies that we have agreed to with the FDA as part of our SPA for NRX-101 in the treatment of severe bipolar depression with ASIB. NRX-100 is not required as part of our outpatient protocol for treatment of SSIB.
Background
We were incorporated as Big Rock Partners Acquisition Corp. (“BRPA”) on September 18, 2017. On May 24, 2021, BRPA consummated the business combination (the “Business Combination”) with NeuroRx pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated December 13, 2020, as amended (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among our BRPA, NeuroRx and Big Rock Merger Corp (“Merger Sub”). As a result of the Business Combination, NeuroRx became a wholly-owned subsidiary of BRPA, and BRPA changed its name to NRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. While BRPA was the legal acquirer of NeuroRx in the Business
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Combination, NeuroRx is deemed to be the accounting acquirer, and the historical financial statements of NeuroRx became the historical financial statements of BRPA upon the closing of the Business Combination.
At the effective time of the Business Combination (the “Effective Time”), each share of preferred stock and common stock of NeuroRx issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time was converted into the right to receive 3.16 shares of our Common Stock (or an aggregate of 44,419,279 shares) plus two earn out rights. The first earn out right was the right to receive 1.58 additional shares of our Common Stock (or an aggregate of 21,804,164 shares) if, prior to December 31, 2022, ZYESAMI receives Emergency Use Authorization (“EUA”) by the FDA, and NRx submits and the FDA files for review a new drug application for ZYESAMI (the “Earnout Shares Milestone”). The second earn out right was the right to receive approximately USD$5.00 per share of NeuroRx common stock (or an aggregate of approximately $88,800,000 after adjustments) upon the earlier to occur of (a) FDA approval of ZYESAMI and the listing of ZYESAMI in the FDA’s “Orange Book”, and (b) FDA’s approval of NRX-100 and NRX-101 and the listing of NRX- 100 and NRX-101 in the FDA’s “Orange Book”, in each case prior to December 31, 2022 (the occurrence of either clauses (a) or (b), the “Earnout Cash Milestone”). If the Earnout Shares Milestone is achieved, the shares of our Common Stock will be issued within five (5) business days after the occurrence of the Earnout Shares Milestone. If the Earnout Cash Milestone is achieved, the Merger Agreement does not require the earnout cash to be delivered to the former NeuroRx securityholders within any specified period of time, and the board of directors of NRx (the “Board”) will use its good faith judgment to determine the date to pay such cash.
On August 23, 2021, we consummated a private placement (the “August Private Placement”) pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 19, 2021. At the closing of the August Private Placement, we issued 2,727,273 shares of Common Stock for a purchase price of $11.00 per share and preferred investment options to purchase up to an aggregate of 2,727,273 shares of Common Stock for an exercise price of $12.00 per share. On August 23, 2021, we also issued preferred investment options to purchase 136,364 shares of Common Stock for an exercise price of $13.75 per share to the placement agents of the August Private Placement in lieu of certain professional fees associated with the August Private Placement (the “August 2021 Placement Agent Options”).
On February 2, 2022, we consummated a private placement (the “Private Placement”) pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 30, 2022 (the “Purchase Agreement”), with the selling securityholders. At the closing of the Private Placement, we issued 7,824,727 shares of Common Stock for a purchase price of $3.195 per share and Investment Options to purchase up to an aggregate of 7,824,727 shares of Common Stock for an exercise price of $3.07 per share.
On February 2, 2022, we issued placement agent options to purchase 391,236 shares of Common Stock for an exercise price of $3.99375 per share to the placement agents of the Private Placement in lieu of certain professional fees associated with the Private Placement (the “Placement Agent Options”). The investment [ptions issued to the selling security holders and Placement Agent Options issued to the placement agent may be exercised starting six months from the date of issuance.
The rights of holders of our Common Stock and warrants are governed by our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation (the “Charter”), our second amended and restated bylaws (the “Bylaws”), and the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), and, in the case of the warrants, the Warrant Agreement, dated November 20, 2017, as amended, between us and Continental Stock Transfer and Trust Company (the “Warrant Agreement”). See the “Description of Capital Stock” section of this prospectus.
Summary of Risk Factors
Our business is subject to a number of risks of which you should be aware before making an investment decision. These risks are discussed more fully in the “Risk Factors” section of our annual report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2022. Some of the risks related to our business and industry are summarized below. Such risks include, but are not limited to:
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We have a limited operating history upon which to base an investment decision. We have not been profitable historically and may not achieve or maintain profitability in the future.
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We need to raise additional capital to operate our business. If we fail to obtain the capital necessary to fund our operations, we will be unable to continue or complete our product development.
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NRX-100, NRX-101, and ZYESAMI are still in Phase IIb/III of clinical testing, and our initial application to the FDA for Emergency Use Authorization for ZYESAMI was not granted.
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We have not yet scaled manufacturing of our drug products to levels that are required for sustained sales.
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The Company has been, and may become involved in, disputes, claims, arbitration and litigation, including our dispute with Relief Therapeutics.
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If we fail to obtain or maintain FDA and other regulatory clearances for our products, or if such clearances are delayed, we will be unable to commercially distribute and market our products in the U.S.
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Our products will face significant competition in the markets for such products and future products may never achieve market acceptance. We are faced with rapid technological change and developments by competitors may render our products or technologies obsolete or non-competitive.
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We do not anticipate obtaining orphan drug protection for the treatment of COVID-19.
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Our business activities have been disrupted due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Likewise, we are currently operating in a period of economic uncertainty and capital markets disruption, which has been significantly impacted by geopolitical instability due to the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
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Our relationships with customers and payors will be subject to applicable anti-kickback, fraud and abuse, transparency, and other healthcare laws and regulations, which could expose us to criminal sanctions, civil penalties, contractual damages, reputational harm, and administrative burdens.
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Managing our growth as we expand operations may strain our resources.
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Failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could impair our ability to produce timely and accurate financial statements or comply with applicable regulations and have a material adverse effect on our business.
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Even if a drug product is approved, the regulators may impose limitations on the use or marketing of such product.
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If we are unable to design, conduct and complete clinical trials successfully, our drug candidates will not be able to receive regulatory approval. We cannot predict whether regulatory agencies will determine that the data from our clinical trials of our product candidates supports marketing approval.
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There is no guarantee that regulators will grant NDA approval of our current or future product candidates.
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If an adverse event occurs during a clinical trial, the regulators or an internal review board may delay or terminate the trial.
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Discussions and guidance of clinical trials are not binding obligations on the part of regulatory authorities. The results of our current or future clinical trials may not support our product candidate claims or may result in the discovery of unexpected adverse side effects.
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Delays in the commencement or completion of pharmaceutical development, manufacturing or clinical efficacy and safety testing could result in increased costs to us and delay our ability to generate revenues.
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Even if our products are approved by regulatory authorities, if we or our suppliers fail to comply with ongoing FDA regulation or if we experience unanticipated problems with our products, these products could be subject to market restrictions or withdrawals.
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Conducting clinical trials of our drug candidates or commercial sales of a drug candidate may expose us to expensive product liability claims and we may not be able to maintain product liability insurance on reasonable terms or at all.
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The use of a controlled substance in our NRX-100 drug candidate subjects us to DEA scrutiny and compliance, which may result in additional expense and clinical delays, and may generate controversy. In addition, the use of controlled substances may limit the availability of the active ingredients needed for NRX-100 and NRX-101.
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We may need to focus our future efforts in new therapeutic areas where we have little or no experience.
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Modifications to our products may require new NDA approvals and some of our other product candidates will require Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies.
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Our formulation of ZYESAMI is not covered by an issued patent and may be subject to future generic competition. Our business relies on certain licensing rights that can be terminated in certain circumstances.
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Our business depends upon securing and protecting critical intellectual property. Our patent position is highly uncertain. If we are found to be infringing on patents or trade secrets owned by others, we may be forced to cease or alter our product development efforts, obtain a license to continue development or sale of our products, and/or pay damages.
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Breaches by our employees or other parties may allow our trade secrets to become known to our competitors.
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We may not receive royalty or milestone revenue relating to our product candidates under our collaboration and future license agreements for several years, or at all.
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We do not have direct control of third parties performing preclinical and clinical trials. If such third parties do not perform as contractually required or expected, we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval for or commercialize our products.
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We have no manufacturing capabilities and depend on other parties for manufacturing operations. These manufacturers may fail to satisfy our requirements and applicable regulatory requirements.
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Upon commercialization of our products, we may be dependent on third parties to market, distribute and sell our products. We may not be successful in contracting with third parties for these services on favorable terms.
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Our issuance of additional shares of Common Stock or convertible securities could make it difficult for another company to acquire us, may dilute your ownership of us and could adversely affect our stock price. Future sales, or the perception of sales, of our Common Stock by us or our existing stockholders could cause the market price for our Common Stock to decline.
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We qualify as an “emerging growth company” as well as a “smaller reporting company” within the meaning of the Securities Act, which could make our securities less attractive to investors and may make it more difficult to evaluate our performance.
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Anti-takeover provisions in our governing documents and under Delaware law could make an acquisition of us more difficult, limit attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management and limit the market price of our Common Stock.
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Certain of our stockholders have effective control of NRx, and their interests may conflict with NRx’s or yours in the future. We are no longer a “controlled company” under the corporate governance rules of Nasdaq. However, during the applicable phase-in periods we may continue to rely on exemptions from certain corporate governance standards.
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The obligations associated with being a public company will involve significant expenses, and will require significant resources and management attention, which may divert from our business operations.
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We do not intend to pay dividends on our Common Stock for the foreseeable future.
Corporate Information
We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on September 18, 2017 under the name Big Rock Partners Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: BRPA). Upon the closing of the Business Combination, we
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changed our name to NRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The Company does not maintain a principal executive office. Our registered office is located at 1201 Orange Street, Suite 600, Wilmington, Delaware 19801 and our mailing address is at 1201 North Market Street, Suite 111, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. Our telephone number is (484) 254-6134. Our website address is www.nrxpharma.com. The information contained in, or accessible through, our website does not constitute a part of this prospectus. We have included our website address in this prospectus solely as an inactive textual reference.
Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company
We qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), as modified by the JOBS Act. As such, we will be eligible for and intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies for as long as it continues to be an emerging growth company, including (a) the exemption from the auditor attestation requirements with respect to internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, (b) the exemptions from say-on-pay, say-on-frequency and say-on-golden parachute voting requirements and (c) reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements.
We will remain an emerging growth company until December 31, 2022. In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the exemption from complying with new or revised accounting standards provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act as long as we are an emerging growth company. An emerging growth company can therefore delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected not to opt out of such extended transition.
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RISK FACTORS
Investing in our securities involves risk. Before you decide whether to purchase any of our securities, you should carefully consider the specific risks discussed in, or incorporated by reference into, the applicable prospectus supplement, together with all the other information contained in the prospectus supplement or incorporated by reference into this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement. You should also consider the risks, uncertainties and assumptions discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” included in our annual report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2022, as supplemented and updated by subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K that we have filed or will file with the SEC, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. These risk factors may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time by other reports we file with the SEC in the future. For more information, please see “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation by Reference.” These risks could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition and could result in a partial or complete loss of your investment.
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USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless we specify another use in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered by us for general corporate purposes, which may include, among other things, general corporate expenses, funding of clinical trial programs and working capital purposes. We may also use such proceeds to fund acquisitions of businesses or technologies that complement our current business. We may set forth additional information on the use of net proceeds from the sale of the securities we offer under this prospectus in a prospectus supplement related to a specific offering.
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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
General
The following description summarizes some of the terms of our Charter and Bylaws and of the DGCL. This description is summarized from, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, our Charter and Bylaws, each of which has been publicly filed with the SEC, as well as the relevant provisions of the DGCL.
Capital Stock
Our authorized capital stock consists of 500,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share. As of May 11, 2022, there were 66,641,314 shares of Common Stock outstanding. No shares of preferred stock have been issued or are outstanding. Unless our Board determines otherwise, we will issue all shares of our capital stock in uncertificated form.
Common Stock
Holders of shares of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. The holders of Common Stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.
In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up and after payment in full of all amounts required to be paid to creditors and to any future holders of preferred stock having liquidation preferences, if any, the holders of Common Stock will be entitled to receive pro rata our remaining assets available for distribution. Holders of Common Stock do not have preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Common Stock. The rights, powers, preferences and privileges of holders of the Common Stock are subject to those of the holders of any shares of preferred stock that the Board may authorize and issue in the future.
Preferred Stock
Under the terms of the Charter, our Board is authorized to direct us to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series without stockholder approval. Our Board has the discretion to determine the rights, powers, 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 to issue preferred stock and determine its rights and preferences is to eliminate delays associated with a stockholder vote on specific issuances. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions, future financings and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or could discourage a third party from seeking to acquire, a majority of the outstanding voting stock. Additionally, the issuance of preferred stock may adversely affect the holders of Common Stock by restricting dividends on the Common Stock, diluting the voting power of the Common Stock or subordinating the liquidation rights of the Common Stock. As a result of these or other factors, the issuance of preferred stock could have an adverse impact on the market price of the Common Stock. No shares of preferred stock have been issued.
Dividends
Declaration and payment of any dividend is subject to the discretion of our Board. The time and amount of dividends is dependent upon, among other things, our business prospects, results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements and availability, debt repayment obligations, capital expenditure needs, contractual restrictions, covenants in the agreements governing current and future indebtedness, industry trends, the provisions of Delaware law affecting the payment of dividends and distributions to stockholders and any other factors or considerations our Board may regard as relevant.
We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business, and therefore do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends on Common Stock in the foreseeable future.
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Anti-Takeover Provisions
The Charter and Bylaws contain provisions that may delay, defer or discourage another party from acquiring control of us. We expect that these provisions, which are summarized below, will discourage coercive takeover practices or inadequate takeover bids.
These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our Board, which may result in an improvement of the terms of any such acquisition in favor of our stockholders. However, they also give our Board the power to discourage acquisitions that some stockholders may favor.
Authorized but Unissued Shares
The authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock and preferred stock are available for future issuance without stockholder approval, subject to any limitations imposed by the listing standards of Nasdaq. These additional shares may be used for a variety of corporate finance transactions, acquisitions and employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued and unreserved Common Stock and preferred stock could make more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.
Classified Board of Directors
Our Charter provides that our Board is divided into three classes of directors, with the classes to be as nearly equal in number as possible, and with each director serving a three-year term. As a result, approximately one-third of our Board will be elected each year. The classification of directors has the effect of making it more difficult for stockholders to change the composition of our Board.
Stockholder Action; Special Meetings of Stockholders
Our Charter provides that, unless Jonathan Javitt and Daniel Javitt own at least a majority of the shares of the Common Stock, stockholders may not take action by written consent, but may only take action at annual or special meetings of stockholders. As a result, a holder controlling a majority of capital stock would not be able to amend the Bylaws or remove directors without holding a meeting of stockholders called in accordance with the Bylaws. Further, our Charter provides that only the chairperson of our Board, a majority of our Board, our Chief Executive Officer or our President may call special meetings of stockholders, thus prohibiting a stockholder from calling a special meeting. These provisions might delay the ability of stockholders to force consideration of a proposal or for stockholders controlling a majority of capital stock to take any action, including the removal of directors.
Advance Notice Requirements for Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations
In addition, our Bylaws establish an advance notice procedure for stockholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting or special meeting of stockholders. Generally, in order for any matter to be “properly brought” before a meeting, the matter must be (a) specified in a notice of meeting given by or at the direction of our Board, (b) if not specified in a notice of meeting, otherwise brought before the meeting by our Board or the chairperson of the meeting, or (c) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by a stockholder present in person who (i) was a stockholder both at the time of giving the notice and at the time of the meeting, (ii) is entitled to vote at the meeting, and (iii) has complied with the advance notice procedures specified in our Bylaws or properly made such proposal in accordance with Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, which proposal has been included in the proxy statement for the annual meeting. Further, for business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder must (a) provide Timely Notice in writing and in proper form to the secretary and (b) provide any updates or supplements to such notice at the times and in the forms required by our Bylaws. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to, or mailed and received at, our principal executive offices not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the one-year anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that if the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered, or mailed and received, not later than the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or, if later, the
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10th day following the day on which public disclosure of the date of such annual meeting was first made (such notice within such time periods, “Timely Notice”).
Stockholders at an annual meeting or special meeting may only consider proposals or nominations specified in the notice of meeting or brought before the meeting by or at the direction of our Board or by a qualified stockholder of record on the record date for the meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has delivered timely written notice in proper form to our secretary of the stockholder’s intention to bring such business before the meeting. These provisions could have the effect of delaying stockholder actions that are favored by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities until the next stockholder meeting.
Amendment of Charter or Bylaws
Our Bylaws may be amended or repealed by a majority vote of our Board or by the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (662∕3%) of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class. The affirmative vote of a majority of our Board and at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (662∕3%) in voting power of the outstanding shares entitled to vote would be required to amend certain provisions of our Charter.
Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors
Our Charter and Bylaws provide indemnification and advancement of expenses for our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, subject to certain limited exceptions. We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and officers. In some cases, the provisions of those indemnification agreements may be broader than the specific indemnification provisions contained under Delaware law. In addition, as permitted by Delaware law, our Charter and Bylaws include provisions that eliminate the personal liability of directors for monetary damages resulting from breaches of certain fiduciary duties as a director. The effect of this provision is to restrict our rights and the rights of our stockholders in derivative suits to recover monetary damages against a director for breach of fiduciary duties as a director. These provisions may be held not to be enforceable for violations of the federal securities laws of the United States.
Dissenters’ Rights of Appraisal and Payment
Under the DGCL, with certain exceptions, our stockholders have appraisal rights in connection with a merger or consolidation of our company. Pursuant to Section 262 of the DGCL, stockholders who properly demand and perfect appraisal rights in connection with such merger or consolidation have the right to receive payment of the fair value of their shares as determined by the Delaware Court of Chancery.
Stockholders’ Derivative Actions
Under the DGCL, any of our stockholders may bring an action in our name to procure a judgment in its favor, also known as a derivative action, provided that the stockholder bringing the action is a holder of the our shares at the time of the transaction to which the action relates.
Forum Selection
Our Charter and Bylaws provide that unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the (a) Chancery Court of the State of Delaware (or, in the event that the Chancery Court does not have jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware or other state courts of the State of Delaware) shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for: (i) any derivative action brought by a stockholder on our behalf, (ii) any action, suit or proceeding asserting a claim of breach of fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers, stockholders to us or to our stockholders, (iii) any action, suit or proceeding asserting a claim arising pursuant to the DGCL, the Charter or the Bylaws, or (iv) any action, suit or proceeding asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine; and (b) subject to the foregoing, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such forum selection provisions shall not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty
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created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts of the United States have exclusive jurisdiction. The choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers, or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers, and other employees. Alternatively, if a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in the Charter to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Additionally, Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. As noted above, the Charter and the Bylaws will provide that the federal district courts of the United States of America shall have jurisdiction over any action arising under the Securities Act. Accordingly, there is uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce such provision. Our stockholders will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, One State Street Plaza, New York, New York 10004.
Trading Symbol and Market
Our Common Stock is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “NRXP” and certain of our warrants are listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “NRXPW”.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES
The following description of the terms of the debt securities sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the debt securities to which any prospectus supplement may relate. The particular terms of the debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement and the extent, if any, to which these general provisions may apply to those debt securities will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to those debt securities. Accordingly, for a description of the terms of a particular issue of debt securities, reference must be made to both the prospectus supplement relating thereto and to the following description.
We may issue debt securities from time to time in one or more series. The debt securities will be general obligations of NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The debt securities may be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a secured or unsecured senior or subordinated basis, jointly and severally, by guarantors, if any. In the event that any series of debt securities will be subordinated to other indebtedness that we have outstanding or may incur, the terms of the subordination will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the subordinated debt securities. Debt securities will be issued under one or more indentures between us and a trustee. The following discussion of certain provisions of the indenture is a summary only and should not be considered a complete description of the terms and provisions of the indenture. Accordingly, the following discussion is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the indenture, including the definition of certain terms used below. You should refer to the indenture for the complete terms of the debt securities.
General
The debt securities will represent direct, general obligations of NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and:
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may rank equally with other unsubordinated debt or may be subordinated to other debt we have or may incur;
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may be issued in one or more series with the same or various maturities;
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may be issued at a price of 100% of their principal amount or at a premium or discount;
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may be issued in registered or bearer form and certificated or uncertificated form; and
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may be represented by one or more global debt securities registered in the name of a designated depositary’s nominee, and if so, beneficial interests in the global note will be shown on and transfers will be made only through records maintained by the designated depositary and its participants.
The aggregate principal amount of debt securities that we may authenticate and deliver is unlimited. Subject to limitations contained in the indenture, we may from time to time, without notice to or the consent of the holders of a series of debt securities, issue additional debt securities of any such series on the same terms and conditions as the debt securities of such series, except for any differences in the issue price and, if applicable, the initial interest accrual date and interest payment date; provided that if the additional debt securities are not fungible with the debt securities of such series for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such additional debt securities will have one or more separate CUSIP numbers. You should refer to the applicable prospectus supplement for the following terms of the debt securities of the series with respect to which that prospectus supplement is being delivered:
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the title of the debt securities of the series (which will distinguish the debt securities of that particular series from the debt securities of any other series) and ranking (including the terms of any subordination provisions);
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the price or prices of the debt securities of the series at which such debt securities will be issued;
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whether the debt securities are entitled to the benefit of any guarantee by any guarantor;
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any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of the series that may be authenticated and delivered under the indenture (except for debt securities authenticated and delivered upon registration or transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other debt securities of the series);
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the date or dates on which the principal and premium with respect to the debt securities of the series are payable;
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the person to whom any interest on a security of the series shall be payable if other than the person in whose name that security is registered at the close of business on the record date;
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the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) at which the debt securities of the series will bear interest (if any) or the method of determining such rate or rates (including, but not limited to, any commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index or financial index), the date or dates from which such interest, if any, will accrue, the interest payment dates on which such interest, if any, will be payable or the method by which such dates will be determined, the record dates for the determination of holders thereof to whom such interest is payable (in the case of securities in registered form), and the basis upon which interest will be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months;
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the currency or currencies in which debt securities of the series will be denominated and/or in which payment of the principal, premium, if any, and interest of any of the securities shall be payable, if other than U.S. dollars, the place or places, if any, in addition to or instead of the corporate trust office of the trustee (in the case of securities in registered form) where the principal, premium and interest, if any, with respect to debt securities of the series will be payable, where notices and demands to or upon us in respect of the debt securities and the indenture may be delivered, and the method of such payment, if by wire transfer, mail or other means;
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the price or prices at which, the period or periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which debt securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at our option or otherwise;
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whether debt securities of the series are to be issued as securities in registered form or securities in bearer form or both and, if securities in bearer form are to be issued, whether coupons will be attached to them, whether securities in bearer form of the series may be exchanged for securities in registered form of the series, and the circumstances under which and the places at which any such exchanges, if permitted, may be made;
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if any debt securities of the series are to be issued as securities in bearer form or as one or more global securities representing individual securities in bearer form of the series, whether certain provisions for the payment of additional interest or tax redemptions will apply; whether interest with respect to any portion of a temporary bearer security of the series payable with respect to any interest payment date prior to the exchange of such temporary bearer security for definitive securities in bearer form of the series will be paid to any clearing organization with respect to the portion of such temporary bearer security held for its account and, in such event, the terms and conditions (including any certification requirements) upon which any such interest payment received by a clearing organization will be credited to the persons entitled to interest payable on such interest payment date; and the terms upon which a temporary bearer security may be exchanged for one or more definitive securities in bearer form of the series;
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the obligation or right, if any, to redeem, purchase or repay debt securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a holder of such debt securities and the price or prices at which, the period or periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which, debt securities of the series will be redeemed, purchased or repaid, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligations;
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the terms, if any, upon which the debt securities of the series may be convertible into or exchanged for any issuer’s common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, other debt securities or warrants for common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, indebtedness or other securities of any kind and the terms and conditions upon which such conversion or exchange will be effected, including the initial conversion or exchange price or rate, the conversion or exchange period and any other additional provisions;
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if other than minimum denominations of $2,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof, the denominations in which debt securities of the series will be issuable;
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if the amount of principal, premium or interest with respect to the debt securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index or pursuant to a formula, the manner in which such amounts will be determined;
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if the principal amount payable at the stated maturity of debt securities of the series will not be determinable as of any one or more dates prior to such stated maturity, the amount that will be deemed to be such principal amount as of any such date for any purpose, including the principal amount thereof which will be due and payable upon any maturity other than the stated maturity or which will be deemed to be outstanding as of any such date (or, in any such case, the manner in which such deemed principal amount is to be determined), and if necessary, the manner of determining the equivalent thereof in U.S. dollars;
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any changes or additions to the provisions of the indenture dealing with defeasance;
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if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of debt securities of the series that will be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof or provable in bankruptcy;
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the terms, if any, of the transfer, mortgage, pledge or assignment as security for the debt securities of the series of any properties, assets, moneys, proceeds, securities or other collateral and any corresponding changes to provisions of the indenture as then in effect;
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any addition to or change in the events of default with respect to the debt securities of the series and any change in the right of the trustee or the holders to declare the principal, premium and interest, if any, with respect to such debt securities due and payable;
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if the debt securities of the series will be issued in whole or in part in the form of a global security, the terms and conditions, if any, upon which such global security may be exchanged in whole or in part for other individual debt securities in definitive registered form, the depositary (as defined in the applicable prospectus supplement) for such global security and the form of any legend or legends to be borne by any such global security in addition to or in lieu of the legend referred to in the indenture;
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any trustee, authenticating or paying agent, transfer agent or registrar or any other agent with respect to the debt securities;
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the applicability of, and any addition to, deletion of or change in, the covenants and definitions then set forth in the indenture or in the terms then set forth in the indenture relating to permitted consolidations, mergers or sales of assets;
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the terms, if any, of any guarantee of the payment of principal, premium and interest with respect to debt securities of the series and any corresponding changes to the provisions of the indenture as then in effect;
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the subordination, if any, of the debt securities of the series pursuant to the indenture and any changes or additions to the provisions of the indenture relating to subordination;
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with regard to debt securities of the series that do not bear interest, the dates for certain required reports to the trustee;
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any provisions granting special rights to holders when a specified event occurs;
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any co-issuer;
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the place or places where the principal of and interest, if any, on the debt securities will be payable, where the debt securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon us in respect of the debt securities and the indenture may be served, and the method of such payment, if by wire transfer, mail or other means; and
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any other terms of the debt securities of the series (which terms will not be prohibited by the provisions of the indenture).
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The prospectus supplement will also describe any material U.S. federal income tax consequences or other special considerations applicable to the series of debt securities to which such prospectus supplement relates, including those applicable to:
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securities in bearer form;
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debt securities with respect to which payments of principal, premium or interest are determined with reference to an index or formula (including changes in prices of particular securities, currencies or commodities);
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debt securities with respect to which principal or interest is payable in a foreign or composite currency;
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debt securities that are issued at a discount below their stated principal amount, bearing no interest or interest at a rate that at the time of issuance is below market rates or original issue discount debt securities; and
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variable rate debt securities that are exchangeable for fixed rate debt securities.
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, securities in registered form may be transferred or exchanged at the office of the trustee at which its corporate trust business is principally administered in the United States, subject to the limitations provided in the indenture, without the payment of any service charge, other than any tax or governmental charge payable in connection therewith. Securities in bearer form will be transferable only by delivery. Provisions with respect to the exchange of securities in bearer form will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to those securities in bearer form.
All funds that we pay to a paying agent for the payment of principal, premium or interest with respect to any debt securities that remain unclaimed at the end of two years after that principal, premium or interest will have become due and payable will be repaid to us, and the holders of those debt securities or any related coupons will thereafter look only to us for payment thereof.
Global Securities
The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities. A global security is a debt security that represents, and is denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of, all outstanding debt securities of a series, or any portion thereof, in either case having the same terms, including the same original issue date, date or dates on which principal and interest are due, and interest rate or method of determining interest. A global security will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depositary, which will be identified in the prospectus supplement relating to such debt securities. Global securities may be issued in either registered or bearer form and in either temporary or definitive form. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the individual debt securities represented thereby, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depositary to a nominee of the depositary, by a nominee of the depositary to the depositary or another nominee of the depositary, or by the depositary or any nominee of the depositary to a successor depositary or any nominee of such successor.
The terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to a series of debt securities will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such debt securities. We anticipate that the following provisions will generally apply to depositary arrangements, in all cases subject to any restrictions or limitations described in the prospectus supplement relating to such debt securities.
Upon the issuance of a global security, the depositary for such global security will credit, on its book entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the individual debt securities represented by such global security to the accounts of persons that have accounts with the depositary. Such accounts will be designated by the dealers or underwriters with respect to such debt securities or, if such debt securities are offered and sold directly by us or through one or more agents, by us or such agents. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to participants or persons that hold beneficial interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in such global security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary (with respect to interests of participants) or records maintained by participants (with respect to interests of persons other than participants). The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of
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securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such limitations and laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global security.
So long as the depositary for a global security, or its nominee, is the registered owner or holder of such global security, such depositary or nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the individual debt securities represented by such global security for all purposes under the indenture. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a global security will not be entitled to have any of the individual debt securities represented by such global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of any of such debt securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the indenture.
Payments of principal, premium and interest with respect to individual debt securities represented by a global security will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner or holder of such global security. Neither we, the trustee, any paying agent or registrar for such debt securities nor any agent of ours or the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for:
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any aspect of the records relating to or payments made by the depositary, its nominee or any participants on account of beneficial interests in the global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial interests;
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the payment to the owners of beneficial interests in the global security of amounts paid to the depositary or its nominee; or
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any other matter relating to the actions and practices of the depositary, its nominee or its participants.
Neither we, the trustee, any paying agent or registrar for such debt securities nor any agent of ours or the trustee will be liable for any delay by the depositary, its nominee or any of its participants in identifying the owners of beneficial interests in the global security, and we and the trustee may conclusively rely on, and will be protected in relying on, instructions from the depositary or its nominee for all purposes.
We expect that the depositary for a series of debt securities or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium or interest with respect to a definitive global security representing any of such debt securities, will immediately credit participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of such global security, as shown on the records of the depositary or its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in such global security held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers and registered in “street name.” Such payments will be the responsibility of such participants. See “— Limitations on Issuance of Securities in Bearer Form” below.
If the depositary for a series of debt securities is at any time unwilling, unable or ineligible to continue as depositary, we will appoint a successor depositary. If a successor depositary is not appointed by us within 90 days, we will issue individual debt securities of such series in exchange for the global security representing such series of debt securities. In addition, we may at any time and in our sole discretion determine to no longer have debt securities of a series represented by a global security and, in such event, will issue individual debt securities of such series in exchange for the global security representing such series of debt securities. Furthermore, if we so specify with respect to the debt securities of a series, an owner of a beneficial interest in a global security representing debt securities of such series may, on terms acceptable to us, the trustee and the depositary for such global security, receive individual debt securities of such series in exchange for such beneficial interests. In any such instance, an owner of a beneficial interest in a global security will be entitled to physical delivery of individual debt securities of the series represented by such global security equal in principal amount to such beneficial interest and to have such debt securities registered in its name (if the debt securities are issuable as securities in registered form). Individual debt securities of such series so issued generally will be issued:
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as securities in registered form in minimum denominations, unless otherwise specified by us, of $2,000 and any integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof if the debt securities are issuable as securities in registered form;
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as securities in bearer form in the denomination or denominations specified by us if the debt securities are issuable as securities in bearer form; or
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as either securities in registered form or securities in bearer form as described above if the debt securities are issuable in either form.
Limitations on Issuance of Securities in Bearer Form
The debt securities of a series may be issued as securities in registered form (which will be registered as to principal and interest in the register maintained by the registrar for such debt securities) or securities in bearer form (which will be transferable only by delivery). If such debt securities are issuable as securities in bearer form, the applicable prospectus supplement will describe certain special limitations and considerations that will apply to such debt securities.
Certain Covenants
If debt securities are issued, the indenture, as supplemented for a particular series of debt securities, will contain certain covenants for the benefit of the holders of such series of debt securities, which will be applicable (unless waived or amended) so long as any of the debt securities of such series are outstanding, unless stated otherwise in the prospectus supplement. The specific terms of the covenants, and summaries thereof, will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such series of debt securities.
Subordination
Debt securities of a series and any guarantees, may be subordinated, which we refer to as subordinated debt securities, to senior indebtedness (as defined in the applicable prospectus supplement) to the extent set forth in the prospectus supplement relating thereto. To the extent we conduct operations through subsidiaries, the holders of debt securities (whether or not subordinated debt securities) will be structurally subordinated to the creditors of our subsidiaries, except to the extent such subsidiary is a guarantor of such series of debt securities.
Events of Default
Each of the following will constitute an event of default under the form of indenture with respect to any series of debt securities:
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default in payment of the principal amount of the debt securities of that series, when such amount becomes due and payable at maturity, upon acceleration, required redemption or otherwise;
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failure to pay interest on the debt securities of that series within 30 days of the due date;
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failure to comply with the obligations described under “— Mergers and Sales of Assets” below;
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failure to comply for 90 days after notice with any of our other agreements in the debt securities of that series or the indenture or supplemental indenture related to that series of debt securities; or
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certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization affecting us.
A prospectus supplement may omit, modify or add to the foregoing events of default.
An event of default under one series of debt securities does not necessarily constitute an event of default under any other series of debt securities. A default under the fourth bullet above will not constitute an event of default until the trustee notifies us or the holders of 30% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series notify us and the trustee of the default and we do not cure such default within the time specified after receipt of such notice.
If any event of default (other than an event of default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization) occurs and is continuing with respect to a particular series of debt securities, either the trustee or the holders of not less than 30% in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series then outstanding by written notice to us (and to the trustee if such notice is given by the holders), may declare the principal amount of (or in the case of original issue discount debt securities, the portion
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thereby specified in the terms thereof), and accrued interest on the debt securities of that series to be immediately due and payable. In the case of certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, the principal amount of, and accrued interest on the debt securities of that series will automatically become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or any holders. Upon a declaration by the trustee or the holders, we will be obligated to pay the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest of each affected series of debt securities so declared due and payable.
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of any series then outstanding by notice to the trustee under the indenture may on behalf of the holders of all of such series of debt securities waive any existing default or event of default and its consequences under the applicable indenture except a continuing default or event of default in the payment of interest on, or the principal of, the debt securities of such series.
Subject to the provisions of the indenture relating to the duties of the trustee in case an event of default will occur and be continuing, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture or debt securities at the request or direction of any of the holders of any series of debt securities, unless such holders have offered to the trustee indemnity or security satisfactory to the trustee against any cost, loss, liability or expense. Subject to such provisions for the indemnification of the trustee, the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series 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 such series of debt securities. The trustee, however, may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or the indenture or that the trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other holder of such series of debt securities (it being understood that the trustee does not have an affirmative duty to ascertain whether or not any such direction unduly prejudices the rights of such holders) or that would involve the trustee in personal liability. Prior to taking any action under the indenture, the trustee will be entitled to indemnification satisfactory to it in its sole discretion against all costs, losses, liabilities and expenses caused by taking or not taking such action.
Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest when due, no holder of debt securities of a series has any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the indenture or debt securities, or for the appointment of a receiver or a trustee, or for any other remedy thereunder, unless:
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such holder has previously given to the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default with respect to such series of debt securities;
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the holder or holders of at least 30% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series have made written request, and such holder or holders have offered security or indemnity satisfactory to the trustee against any loss, liability or expense, to the trustee to institute such proceeding as trustee; and
•
the trustee has failed to institute such proceeding, and has not received from the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series a direction inconsistent with such request, within 60 days after such notice, request and offer.
However, such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a holder of a debt security of such series for the enforcement of payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest on such debt security on or after the applicable due date specified in such debt security.
The indenture will provide that if a default with respect to a series of debt securities occurs and is continuing and is actually known to a trust officer of the trustee, the trustee must send to each holder of such debt securities notice of the default within 90 days after it is actually known to a trust officer of the trustee. Except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal or premium, if any, upon acceleration, redemption or otherwise with respect to any debt security of a series when such amount becomes due and payable, the trustee may withhold notice if and so long as a committee of its trust officers in good faith determines that withholding notice is not opposed to the interests of the holders.
The indenture will require us to furnish to the trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, a statement by certain of our officers as to whether or not we, to their knowledge, are in default in the
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performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of the indenture and, if so, specifying all such known defaults. We will also be required to deliver to the trustee, within 30 days after the occurrence thereof, written notice of any event which would constitute a default; provided, however, that failure to provide such written notice will not in and of itself result in a default under the indenture.
Street name and other indirect holders should consult their banks and brokers for information on their requirements for giving notice or taking other actions upon a default.
Modification and Waiver
Subject to certain exceptions, modifications and amendments of the indenture, any supplemental indenture and any series of debt securities may be made by us and the trustee with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series affected by such modification or amendment.
No such modification or amendment may, without the consent of each holder affected thereby:
•
reduce the percentage of principal amount of the outstanding debt securities, the consent of whose holders is required for any amendment;
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reduce the principal amount of, or interest on, or extend the Stated Maturity or interest payment periods of, any debt securities;
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change the provisions applicable to the redemption of any debt securities;
•
make any debt securities payable in money or securities other than those stated in the debt securities;
•
impair the contractual right of any holder of the debt securities to receive payment of principal of and interest on such holder’s debt securities on or after the due dates therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such holder’s debt securities;
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except as otherwise provided as described under “— Satisfaction and Discharge” and “— Defeasance” herein, release any security or guarantee that may have been granted with respect to any debt securities;
•
in the case of any subordinated securities, or coupons appertaining thereto, make any change in the provisions of the indenture relating to subordination that adversely affects the rights of any holder under such provisions (including any contractual subordination of senior unsubordinated debt securities); or
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make any change in the amendment provisions which require each holder’s consent or in the waiver provisions
Without the consent of any holder, we and the trustee may amend the indenture for one or more of the following purposes:
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to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency;
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to surrender any right or power conferred upon the Company by the indenture, to add to the covenants of the Company such further covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions for the protection of the holders of all or any series of debt securities as the board of directors of the Company will consider to be for the protection of the holders of such debt securities, and to make the occurrence, or the occurrence and continuance, of a default in respect of any such additional covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions a default or an event of default under the indenture; provided, however, that with respect to any such additional covenant, restriction, condition or provision, such amendment may provide for a period of grace after default, which may be shorter or longer than that allowed in the case of other defaults, may provide for an immediate enforcement upon such default, may limit the remedies available to the trustee upon such default or may limit the right of holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of any series to waive such default;
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to provide for the assumption by a successor company of the obligations of the Company under the indenture;
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•
to add guarantees with respect to the debt securities or to secure the debt securities;
•
to make any change that does not adversely affect in any material respect the rights of any holder of the debt securities;
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to add to, change, or eliminate any of the provisions of the indenture with respect to one or more series of debt securities, so long as any such addition, change or elimination not otherwise permitted under the indenture will (a) neither apply to any debt securities of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture and entitled to the benefit of such provision nor modify the rights of the holders of any such debt securities with respect to the benefit of such provision or (b) become effective only when there is no such debt securities outstanding;
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to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor or separate trustee with respect to the debt securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of the indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the indenture by more than one trustee;
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to add or to change any of the provisions of the indenture to provide that debt securities in bearer form may be registrable as to principal, to change or eliminate any restrictions on the payment of principal or premium with respect to debt securities in registered form or of principal, premium or interest with respect to debt securities in bearer form, or to permit debt securities in registered form to be exchanged for debt securities in bearer form, so as to not adversely affect the interests of the holders of debt securities or any coupons of any series in any material respect or permit or facilitate the issuance of debt securities of any series in uncertificated form;
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in the case of subordinated debt securities, to make any change in the provisions of the indenture or any supplemental indenture relating to subordination that would limit or terminate the benefits available to any holder of senior Indebtedness under such provisions (but only if each such holder of senior Indebtedness consents to such change);
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to comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with the qualification of the indenture or any supplemental indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;
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to conform any provision in the indenture or the debt securities to the description of any debt securities in an offering document;
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to approve a particular form of any proposed amendment;
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to provide for the issuance of additional debt securities of any series;
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to establish the form or terms of debt securities and coupons of any series pursuant to the indenture;
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to comply with the rules of any applicable depositary;
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to make any amendment to the provisions of the indenture relating to the transfer and legending of debt securities; provided, however, that (a) compliance with the indenture as so amended would not result in debt securities being transferred in violation of the Securities Act or any other applicable securities law and (b) such amendment does not materially and adversely affect the rights of holders of debt securities to transfer debt securities; or
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to convey, transfer, assign, mortgage or pledge any property to or with the trustee, or to make such other provisions in regard to matters or questions arising under the indenture as shall not adversely affect, in any material respect, the interests of any holders of debt securities of any series.
Mergers and Sales of Assets
The indenture will provide that we will not consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease in one transaction or a series of related transactions, directly or indirectly, all or substantially all of our properties and assets to, another person, unless (i) the resulting, surviving or transferee person, if not NRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is a person organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; (ii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing under the indenture; (iii) the resulting,
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surviving or transferee person, if not NRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., expressly assumes by supplemental indenture in a form satisfactory to the trustee all of our obligations under the debt securities and the indenture; and (iv) we or the successor person has delivered to the trustee the certificates and opinions of counsel required under the indenture. Upon any such consolidation, merger or transfer, the resulting, surviving or transferee person shall succeed to, and may exercise every right and power of, NRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. under the indenture.
Satisfaction and Discharge of the Indenture; Defeasance
Unless otherwise provided for in the prospectus supplement, the indenture will generally cease to be of any further effect with respect to a series of debt securities if (a) we have delivered to the trustee for cancellation all debt securities of such series (with certain limited exceptions) or (b) all debt securities and coupons of such series not theretofore delivered to the trustee for cancellation will have become due and payable, or are by their terms to become due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year, and we will have irrevocably deposited with the trustee as trust funds the entire amount sufficient to pay at maturity or upon redemption all such debt securities and coupons (and if, in either case, we will also pay or cause to be paid all other sums payable under the indenture by us).
In addition, we will have a “legal defeasance option” (pursuant to which we may terminate, with respect to the debt securities of a particular series, all of our obligations under such debt securities and the indenture with respect to such debt securities) and a “covenant defeasance option” (pursuant to which we may terminate, with respect to the debt securities of a particular series, our obligations with respect to such debt securities under certain specified covenants contained in the indenture). If we exercise our legal defeasance option with respect to a series of debt securities, payment of such debt securities may not be accelerated because of an event of default. If we exercise our covenant defeasance option with respect to a series of debt securities, payment of such debt securities may not be accelerated because of an event of default related to the specified covenants.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the procedures we must follow in order to exercise our defeasance options
Regarding the Trustee
The indenture will provide that, except during the continuance of an event of default, the trustee will perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in the indenture. During the existence of an event of default, the trustee may exercise such rights and powers vested in it under the indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent person would exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.
The indenture and provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are incorporated by reference therein will contain limitations on the rights of the trustee, should it become one of our creditors, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases or to realize on certain property received by it in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The trustee will be permitted to engage in other transactions with us or any of our affiliates; provided, however, that if it acquires any conflicting interest (as defined in the indenture or in the Trust Indenture Act), it must eliminate such conflict, apply to the SEC for permission to continue, or resign.
Governing Law
The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
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DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
General
We may, at our option, elect to offer fractional shares rather than full shares of the preferred stock of a series. In the event that we determine to do so, we will issue receipts for depositary shares, each of which will represent a fraction (to be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of preferred stock) of a share of a particular series of preferred stock as more fully described below.
The shares of any series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares will be deposited under one or more deposit agreements among us, a depositary to be named in the applicable prospectus supplement, and the holders from time to time of depositary receipts issued thereunder. Subject to the terms of the applicable deposit agreement, each holder of a depositary share will be entitled, in proportion to the applicable fraction of a share of preferred stock represented by the depositary share, to all the rights and preferences of the preferred stock represented thereby (including, as applicable, dividend, voting, redemption, subscription and liquidation rights).
The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the deposit agreement. Depositary receipts will be distributed to those persons purchasing the fractional shares of the related series of preferred stock.
The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the depositary shares to which any prospectus supplement may relate. The particular terms of the depositary shares to which any prospectus supplement may relate and the extent, if any, to which such general provisions may apply to the depositary shares so offered will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. To the extent that any particular terms of the depositary shares or the deposit agreement described in a prospectus supplement differ from any of the terms described below, then the terms described below will be deemed to have been superseded by that prospectus supplement relating to such deposited shares. The forms of deposit agreement and depositary receipt will be filed as exhibits to the documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
The following summary of certain provisions of the depositary shares and deposit agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by express reference to, all the provisions of the deposit agreement and the applicable prospectus supplement, including the definitions.
Immediately following our issuance of shares of a series of preferred stock that will be offered as fractional shares, we will deposit the shares with the depositary, which will then issue and deliver the depositary receipts to the purchasers thereof. Depositary receipts will only be issued evidencing whole depositary shares. A depositary receipt may evidence any number of whole depositary shares.
Pending the preparation of definitive depositary receipts, the depositary may, upon our written order, issue temporary depositary receipts substantially identical to (and entitling the holders thereof to all the rights pertaining to) the definitive depositary receipts but not in definitive form. Definitive depositary receipts will be prepared thereafter without unreasonable delay, and such temporary depositary receipts will be exchangeable for definitive depositary receipts at our expense.
Dividends and Other Distributions
The depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions received in respect of the related series of preferred stock to the record holders of depositary shares relating to the series of preferred stock in proportion to the number of the depositary shares owned by the holders.
In the event of a distribution other than in cash, the depositary will distribute property received by it to the record holders of depositary shares entitled thereto in proportion to the number of depositary shares owned by the holders, unless the depositary determines that the distribution cannot be made proportionately among the holders or that it is not feasible to make the distributions, in which case the depositary may, with our approval, adopt any method as it deems equitable and practicable for the purpose of effecting the distribution, including the sale (at public or private sale) of the securities or property thus received, or any part thereof, at the place or places and upon those terms as it may deem proper.
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The amount distributed in any of the foregoing cases will be reduced by any amounts required to be withheld by us or the depositary on account of taxes or other governmental charges.
Redemption of Depositary Shares
If any series of the preferred stock underlying the depositary shares is subject to redemption, the depositary shares will be redeemed from the proceeds received by the depositary resulting from any redemption, in whole or in part, of the series of the preferred stock held by the depositary. The redemption price per depositary share will be equal to the applicable fraction of the redemption price per share payable with respect to the series of the preferred stock. If we redeem shares of a series of preferred stock held by the depositary, the depositary will redeem as of the same redemption date the number of depositary shares representing the shares of preferred stock so redeemed. If less than all the depositary shares are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot or substantially equivalent method determined by the depositary.
After the date fixed for redemption, the depositary shares so called for redemption will no longer be deemed to be outstanding and all rights of the holders of the depositary shares will cease, except the right to receive the monies payable upon redemption and any money or other property to which the holders of the depositary shares were entitled upon such redemption, upon surrender to the depositary of the depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares. Any funds deposited by us with the depositary for any depositary shares that the holders thereof fail to redeem will be returned to us after a period of two years from the date the funds are so deposited.
Voting the Underlying Preferred Stock
Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of any series of the preferred stock are entitled to vote, the depositary will mail the information contained in the notice of meeting to the record holders of the depositary shares relating to the series of preferred stock. Each record holder of the depositary shares on the record date (which will be the same date as the record date for the related series of preferred stock) will be entitled to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the number of shares of the series of preferred stock represented by that holder’s depositary shares. The depositary will endeavor, insofar as practicable, to vote or cause to be voted the number of shares of preferred stock represented by the depositary shares in accordance with the instructions, provided the depositary receives the instructions sufficiently in advance of the meeting to enable it to so vote or cause to be voted the shares of preferred stock, and we will agree to take all reasonable action that may be deemed necessary by the depositary in order to enable the depositary to do so. The depositary will abstain from voting shares of the preferred stock to the extent it does not receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary shares representing the preferred stock.
Withdrawal of Stock
Upon surrender of the depositary receipts at the corporate trust office of the depositary and upon payment of the taxes, charges and fees provided for in the deposit agreement and subject to the terms thereof, the holder of the depositary shares evidenced thereby will be entitled to delivery at such office, to or upon his or her order, of the number of whole shares of the related series of preferred stock and any money or other property, if any, represented by the depositary shares. Holders of depositary shares will be entitled to receive whole shares of the related series of preferred stock, but holders of the whole shares of preferred stock will not thereafter be entitled to deposit the shares of preferred stock with the depositary or to receive depositary shares therefor. If the depositary receipts delivered by the holder evidence a number of depositary shares in excess of the number of depositary shares representing the number of whole shares of the related series of preferred stock to be withdrawn, the depositary will deliver to the holder or upon his or her order at the same time a new depositary receipt evidencing the excess number of depositary shares.
Amendment and Termination of a Deposit Agreement
The form of depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares of any series and any provision of the applicable deposit agreement may at any time and from time to time be amended by agreement between us
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and the depositary. However, any amendment that materially adversely alters the rights of the holders of depositary shares of any series will not be effective unless the amendment has been approved by the holders of at least a majority of the depositary shares of the series then outstanding. Every holder of a depositary receipt at the time the amendment becomes effective will be deemed, by continuing to hold the depositary receipt, to be bound by the deposit agreement as so amended. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may any amendment impair the right of any holder of any depositary shares, upon surrender of the depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares and subject to any conditions specified in the deposit agreement, to receive shares of the related series of preferred stock and any money or other property represented thereby, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law. The deposit agreement may be terminated by us at any time upon not less than 60 days prior written notice to the depositary, in which case, on a date that is not later than 30 days after the date of the notice, the depositary shall deliver or make available for delivery to holders of depositary shares, upon surrender of the depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares, the number of whole or fractional shares of the related series of preferred stock as are represented by the depositary shares. The deposit agreement shall automatically terminate after all outstanding depositary shares have been redeemed or there has been a final distribution in respect of the related series of preferred stock in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of us and the distribution has been distributed to the holders of depositary shares.
Charges of Depositary
We will pay all transfer and other taxes and the governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. We will pay the charges of the depositary, including charges in connection with the initial deposit of the related series of preferred stock and the initial issuance of the depositary shares and all withdrawals of shares of the related series of preferred stock, except that holders of depositary shares will pay transfer and other taxes and governmental charges and any other charges as are expressly provided in the deposit agreement to be for their accounts.
Resignation and Removal of Depositary
The depositary may resign at any time by delivering to us written notice of its election to do so, and we may at any time remove the depositary. Any resignation or removal will take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary, which successor depositary must be appointed within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal and must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000.
Miscellaneous
The depositary will forward to the holders of depositary shares all reports and communications from us that are delivered to the depositary and which we are required to furnish to the holders of the related preferred stock.
The depositary’s corporate trust office will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, the depositary will act as transfer agent and registrar for depositary receipts and if shares of a series of preferred stock are redeemable, the depositary will also act as redemption agent for the corresponding depositary receipts.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE WARRANTS
The following description of the terms of the warrants sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the warrants to which any prospectus supplement may relate. We may issue warrants for the purchase of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities or depositary shares. Warrants may be issued independently or together with common stock, preferred stock, debt securities or depositary shares offered by any prospectus supplement and may be attached to or separate from any such offered securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of warrants. The following summary of certain provisions of the warrants does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the provisions of the warrant agreement that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the offering of such warrants.
Debt Warrants
The prospectus supplement relating to a particular issue of debt warrants will describe the terms of such debt warrants, including the following:
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the title of such debt warrants;
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the offering price for such debt warrants, if any;
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the aggregate number of such debt warrants;
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the designation and terms of the debt securities purchasable upon exercise of such debt warrants;
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if applicable, the designation and terms of the debt securities with which such debt warrants are issued and the number of such debt warrants issued with each such debt security;
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if applicable, the date from and after which such debt warrants and any debt securities issued therewith will be separately transferable;
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the principal amount of debt securities purchasable upon exercise of a debt warrant and the price at which such principal amount of debt securities may be purchased upon exercise (which price may be payable in cash, securities or other property);
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the date on which the right to exercise such debt warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire;
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if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of such debt warrants that may be exercised at any one time;
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whether the debt warrants represented by the debt warrant certificates or debt securities that may be issued upon exercise of the debt warrants will be issued in registered or bearer form;
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information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;
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the currency or currency units in which the offering price, if any, and the exercise price are payable;
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if applicable, a discussion of material United States federal income tax considerations;
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the antidilution or adjustment provisions of such debt warrants, if any;
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the redemption or call provisions, if any, applicable to such debt warrants; and
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any additional terms of such debt warrants, including terms, procedures, and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of such debt warrants.
Stock Warrants
The prospectus supplement relating to any particular issue of common stock warrants, preferred stock warrants or depositary share warrants will describe the terms of such warrants, including the following:
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the title of such warrants;
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•
the offering price for such warrants, if any;
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the aggregate number of such warrants;
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the designation and terms of the offered securities purchasable upon exercise of such warrants;
•
if applicable, the designation and terms of the offered securities with which such warrants are issued and the number of such warrants issued with each such offered security;
•
if applicable, the date from and after which such warrants and any offered securities issued therewith will be separately transferable;
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the number of shares of common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares purchasable upon exercise of a warrant and the price at which such shares may be purchased upon exercise;
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the date on which the right to exercise such warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire;
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if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of such warrants that may be exercised at any one time;
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the currency or currency units in which the offering price, if any, and the exercise price are payable;
•
if applicable, a discussion of material United States federal income tax considerations;
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the antidilution provisions of such warrants, if any;
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the redemption or call provisions, if any, applicable to such warrants; and
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any additional terms of such warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of such warrants.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE RIGHTS
We may issue rights to purchase our common stock. The rights may or may not be transferable by the persons purchasing or receiving the rights. In connection with any rights offering, we may enter into a standby underwriting or other arrangement with one or more underwriters or other persons pursuant to which such underwriters or other persons would purchase any offered securities remaining unsubscribed for after such rights offering. Each series of rights will be issued under a separate rights agent agreement to be entered into between us and one or more banks, trust companies or other financial institutions, as rights agent, that we will name in the applicable prospectus supplement. The rights agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the rights and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of rights certificates or beneficial owners of rights.
The prospectus supplement relating to any rights that we offer will include specific terms relating to the offering, including, among other matters:
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the date of determining the security holders entitled to the rights distribution;
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the aggregate number of rights issued and the aggregate number of shares of common stock purchasable upon exercise of the rights;
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the exercise price;
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the conditions to completion of the rights offering;
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the date on which the right to exercise the rights will commence and the date on which the rights will expire; and
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any applicable federal income tax considerations.
Each right would entitle the holder of the rights to purchase for cash the principal amount of shares of common stock at the exercise price set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Rights may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for the rights provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised rights will become void.
If less than all of the rights issued in any rights offering are exercised, we may offer any unsubscribed securities directly to persons other than our security holders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, including pursuant to standby arrangements, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PURCHASE CONTRACTS
We may issue, from time to time, purchase contracts, including contracts obligating holders to purchase from us and us to sell to the holders, a specified principal amount of debt securities, shares of common stock or preferred stock, depositary shares, government securities, or other securities that we may sell under this prospectus at a future date or dates. The consideration payable upon settlement of the purchase contracts may be fixed at the time the purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by a specific reference to a formula set forth in the purchase contracts. The purchase contracts may be issued separately or as part of units consisting of a purchase contract and other securities or obligations issued by us or third parties, including United States treasury securities, securing the holders’ obligations to purchase the relevant securities under the purchase contracts. The purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to the holders of the purchase contracts or units or vice versa, and the payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis. The purchase contracts may require holders to secure their obligations under the purchase contracts.
The prospectus supplement related to any particular purchase contracts will describe, among other things, the material terms of the purchase contracts and of the securities being sold pursuant to such purchase contracts, a discussion, if appropriate, of any special United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the purchase contracts and any material provisions governing the purchase contracts that differ from those described above. The description in the prospectus supplement will not necessarily be complete and will be qualified in its entirety by reference to the purchase contracts, and, if applicable, collateral arrangements and depositary arrangements, relating to the purchase contracts.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE UNITS
We may, from time to time, issue units comprised of one or more of certain other securities that may be offered under this prospectus, in any combination. Each unit may also include debt obligations of third parties, such as U.S. Treasury securities. Each unit 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.
Any prospectus supplement related to any particular units will describe, among other things:
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the material 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;
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any material provisions relating to the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units or of the securities comprising the units;
•
if appropriate, any special United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the units; and
•
any material provisions of the governing unit agreement that differ from those described above.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may offer and sell the securities in any one or more of the following ways:
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to or through underwriters, brokers or dealers;
•
directly to one or more other purchasers;
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through a block trade in which the broker or dealer engaged to handle the block trade will attempt to sell the securities as agent, but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;
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through agents on a best-efforts basis; or
•
otherwise through a combination of any of the above methods of sale.
In addition, we may enter into option, share lending or other types of transactions that require us to deliver shares of common stock to an underwriter, broker or dealer, who will then resell or transfer the shares of common stock under this prospectus. We may also enter into hedging transactions with respect to our securities. For example, we may:
•
enter into transactions involving short sales of the shares of common stock by underwriters, brokers or dealers;
•
sell shares of Common Stock short and deliver the shares to close out short positions;
•
enter into option or other types of transactions that require us to deliver shares of Common Stock to an underwriter, broker or dealer, who will then resell or transfer the shares of Common Stock under this prospectus; or
•
loan or pledge the shares of Common Stock to an underwriter, broker or dealer, who may sell the loaned shares or, in the event of default, sell the pledged shares.
We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement 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 identified 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. 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.
Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will name any underwriter, dealer or agent involved in the offer and sale of the securities. The prospectus supplement will also set forth the terms of the offering, including:
•
the purchase price of the securities and the proceeds we will receive from the sale of the securities;
•
any underwriting discounts and other items constituting underwriters’ compensation;
•
any public offering or purchase price and any discounts or commissions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers;
•
any commissions allowed or paid to agents;
•
any other offering expenses;
•
any securities exchanges on which the securities may be listed;
•
the method of distribution of the securities;
34
•
the terms of any agreement, arrangement or understanding entered into with the underwriters, brokers or dealers; and
•
any other information we think is important.
If underwriters or dealers are used in the sale, the securities will be acquired by the underwriters or dealers for their own account. The securities may be sold from time to time by us in one or more transactions:
•
at a fixed price or prices that may be changed;
•
at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;
•
at prices related to such prevailing market prices;
•
at varying prices determined at the time of sale; or
•
at negotiated prices.
Such sales may be effected:
•
in transactions on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which the securities may be listed or quoted at the time of sale;
•
in transactions in the over-the-counter market;
•
in block transactions in which the broker or dealer so engaged will attempt to sell the securities as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction, or in crosses, in which the same broker acts as an agent on both sides of the trade;
•
through the writing of options; or
•
through other types of transactions.
The securities may be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more of such firms. Unless otherwise set forth in the prospectus supplement, the obligations of underwriters or dealers to purchase the securities offered will be subject to certain conditions precedent and the underwriters or dealers will be obligated to purchase all the offered securities if any are purchased. Any public offering price and any discount or concession allowed or reallowed or paid by underwriters or dealers to other dealers may be changed from time to time.
Any shares of Common Stock covered by this prospectus that qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act may be sold under Rule 144 rather than pursuant to this prospectus. Any shares of Common Stock offered under this prospectus will be listed on The Nasdaq Global Market (or other such exchange or automated quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed), subject to official notice of issuance.
The securities may be sold directly by us or through agents designated by us from time to time. Any agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered will be named, and any commissions payable by us to such agent will be set forth in, the prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, any such agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.
Offers to purchase the securities offered by this prospectus may be solicited, and sales of the securities may be made by us directly to institutional investors or others, who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any resale of the securities. The terms of any offer made in this manner will be included in the prospectus supplement relating to the offer.
If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, underwriters, dealers or agents will be authorized to solicit offers by certain institutional investors to purchase securities from us pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery at a future date. Institutional investors with which these contracts may be made include, among others:
•
commercial and savings banks;
•
insurance companies;
35
•
pension funds;
•
investment companies; and
•
educational and charitable institutions.
In all cases, these purchasers must be approved by us. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, the obligations of any purchaser under any of these contracts will not be subject to any conditions except that (a) the purchase of the securities must not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of any jurisdiction to which that purchaser is subject, and (b) if the securities are also being sold to underwriters, we must have sold to these underwriters the securities not subject to delayed delivery. Underwriters and other agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of these contracts.
Some of the underwriters, dealers or agents used by us in any offering of securities under this prospectus may be customers of, engage in transactions with, and perform services for us or affiliates of ours in the ordinary course of business. Underwriters, dealers, agents and other persons may be entitled under agreements which may be entered into with us to indemnification against and contribution toward certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to be reimbursed by us for certain expenses.
Subject to any restrictions relating to debt securities in bearer form, any securities initially sold outside the United States may be resold in the United States through underwriters, dealers or otherwise.
Any underwriters to which offered securities are sold by us for public offering and sale may make a market in such securities, but those underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time.
The anticipated date of delivery of the securities offered by this prospectus will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the offering.
To comply with the securities laws of some states, if applicable, the securities may be sold in these jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in some states the securities may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale or an exemption from registration or qualification requirements is available and is complied with.
36
LEGAL MATTERS
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, certain legal matters will be passed upon for us by Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, New York, New York. If legal matters in connection with offerings made pursuant to this prospectus are passed upon by counsel for underwriters, dealers or agents, if any, such counsel will be named in the prospectus supplement relating to such offering.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of NRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and for each of the years then ended have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
37
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NRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
$150,000,000
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Debt Securities
Depositary Shares
Warrants
Rights
Purchase Contracts
Units
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14.
Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution
The following table sets forth the estimated expenses to be borne by us in connection with the issuance and distribution of securities of being registered hereby.
| | | |
Amount to
be Paid |
| |||
|
Registration fee
|
| | | $ | 13,905 | | |
|
Transfer Agent and Trustee fees and expenses
|
| |
*
|
| |||
|
Printing
|
| |
*
|
| |||
|
Legal fees and expenses
|
| |
*
|
| |||
|
Rating Agency fees
|
| |
*
|
| |||
|
Accounting fees and expenses
|
| |
*
|
| |||
|
Miscellaneous
|
| |
*
|
| |||
|
TOTAL
|
| | | $ | 13,905 | | |
*
These fees and expenses are calculated based on the amount of securities offered and accordingly cannot be estimated at this time.
Item 15.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Section 102 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware permits a corporation to eliminate the personal liability of directors of a corporation to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for a breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except where the director breached his duty of loyalty, failed to act in good faith, engaged in intentional misconduct or knowingly violated a law, authorized the payment of a dividend or approved a stock repurchase in violation of Delaware corporate law or obtained an improper personal benefit. Our restated certificate of incorporation provides that no director of the Registrant shall be personally liable to it or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director, notwithstanding any provision of law imposing such liability, except to the extent that the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware prohibits the elimination or limitation of liability of directors for breaches of fiduciary duty.
Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware provides that a corporation has the power to indemnify a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, or a person serving at the request of the corporation for another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise in related capacities against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with an action, suit or proceeding to which he was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, ending or completed action, suit or proceeding by reason of such position, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, in any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful, except that, in the case of actions brought by or in the right of the corporation, no indemnification shall be made with respect to any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or other adjudicating court determines that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all of the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.
We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and officers. These indemnification agreements may require us, among other things, to indemnify our directors and officers for some costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages or liabilities incurred by a director or officer in any action or proceeding arising out of his or her service as
one of our directors or officers, or any of our subsidiaries or any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at our request.
We maintain a general liability insurance policy that covers certain liabilities of directors and officers of our corporation arising out of claims based on acts or omissions in their capacities as directors or officers.
Item 16.
Exhibits
A list of exhibits filed with this registration statement is contained in the exhibits index, which is incorporated by reference.
| |
Exhibit
Number |
| |
Description of Documents
|
|
| | 1.1* | | | Form of Underwriting Agreement for Debt Securities. | |
| | 1.2* | | | Form of Underwriting Agreement for Equity Securities. | |
| | 1.3* | | | Form of Underwriting Agreement for Depositary Shares. | |
| | 1.4* | | | Form of Underwriting Agreement for Purchase Contracts. | |
| | 1.5* | | | Form of Underwriting Agreement for Units. | |
| | 3.1 | | | | |
| | 3.2 | | | | |
| | 4.1* | | | Form of Senior Indenture. | |
| | 4.2* | | | Form of Subordinated Indenture. | |
| | 4.3* | | | Form of Certificate of Designation. | |
| | 4.4* | | | Form of Deposit Agreement. | |
| | 4.5* | | | Form of Depositary Receipt. | |
| | 4.6* | | | Form of Warrant Agreement. | |
| | 4.7* | | | Form of Warrant. | |
| | 4.8* | | | Form of Rights Agent Agreement. | |
| | 4.9* | | | Form of Purchase Contract. | |
| | 4.10* | | | Form of Unit Agreement. | |
| | 5.1* | | | Opinion of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. | |
| | 23.1 | | | | |
| | 23.2* | | | Consent of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.1). | |
| | 24.1* | | | Powers of Attorney (included on the signature page of Registration Statement). | |
| | 25.1* | | | Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of [ ] to act as trustee under the Indenture. | |
| | 107 | | | |
*
To be filed, if necessary, by a post-effective amendment to the registration statement or as an exhibit to a document incorporated by reference herein.
Item 17.
Undertakings.
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1)
To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i)
to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
(ii)
to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the
registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and
(iii)
to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;
provided, however, that: Paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.
(2)
That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3)
To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4)
That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser:
(i)
Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and
(ii)
Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5) or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii) or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.
(5)
That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following
communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
(i)
Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
(ii)
Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;
(iii)
The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
(iv)
Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
(d) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1)
For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b) (1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(2)
For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(e) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, NRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Wilmington, State of Delaware, on June 8, 2022.
NRX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
By:
/s/ Robert Besthof
Name:
Robert Besthof
Title:
Interim Chief Executive Officer
Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Robert Besthof and Ira Strassberg, acting alone or together with another attorney-in-fact, as his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for such person and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all further amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement (and any additional registration statement related hereto permitted by Rule 462(b) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933 (and all further amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto)), and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement on Form S-3 has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| |
Signature
|
| |
Title
|
| |
Date
|
|
| |
/s/ Robert Besthof
Robert Besthof
|
| |
Interim Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
|
| |
June 8, 2022
|
|
| |
/s/ Ira Strassberg
Ira Strassberg
|
| |
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
|
| |
June 8, 2022
|
|
| |
/s/ Patrick J. Flynn
Patrick J. Flynn
|
| |
Director
|
| |
June 8, 2022
|
|
| |
/s/ Sherry A. Glied
Sherry A. Glied
|
| |
Director
|
| |
June 8, 2022
|
|
| |
/s/ Aaron Gorovitz
Aaron Gorovitz
|
| |
Director
|
| |
June 8, 2022
|
|
| |
/s/ Chaim Hurvitz
Chaim Hurvitz
|
| |
Director
|
| |
June 8, 2022
|
|
| |
/s/ Daniel Troy
Daniel Troy
|
| |
Director
|
| |
June 8, 2022
|
|
Exhibit 23.1
KPMG LLP
New Jersey Headquarters
51 John F. Kennedy Parkway
Short Hills, NJ 07078-2702
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the use of our report dated March 31, 2022, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., incorporated herein by reference and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in the registration statement.
Short Hills, New Jersey
June 8, 2022
| KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. |