UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On January 5, 2023, EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its preliminary fourth quarter and full-year 2022 net product revenue and certain other corporate updates. The amounts included in the press release are preliminary, have not been audited and are subject to change upon completion of the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022. Additional information and disclosures would be required for a more complete understanding of the Company’s financial position and results of operations as of December 31, 2022. A copy of the press release is filed as Exhibit 99.1 hereto.
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
Jay S. Duker, M.D. Promotion and Employment Agreement Amendment
Effective January 3, 2023 (the “Duker Start Date”), the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company appointed Jay S. Duker, M.D., age 64, as the Company's President and Chief Operating Officer.
Dr. Duker has served as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer since November 2021. Dr. Duker previously served as the Company’s Chief Strategic Scientific Officer in a part time capacity from July 2020 to November 2021 and as an independent member of the Board from 2016 to 2020. Dr. Duker has served in wide-ranging roles in clinical, research, business, start-ups, and academic settings. In addition to his earlier roles at the Company, Dr. Duker was the Director of the New England Eye Center and Chair of Ophthalmology at Tufts Medical Center and the Tufts University School of Medicine from 2001 to 2021. Additionally, Dr. Duker co-founded several start-ups, including Hemera Biosciences, a gene therapy company that developed an anti-complement treatment for dry macular degeneration, which was acquired by Janssen in 2020. Dr. Duker is currently the Chair of the Board of Sesen Bio, a publicly traded clinical stage biopharmaceutical company. He has published more than 300 journal articles related to ophthalmology and is co-author of Yanoff and Duker’s Ophthalmology, an ophthalmic textbook. Dr. Duker received an A.B. from Harvard University and an M.D. from the Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University.
In connection with Dr. Duker’s appointment on the Duker Start Date, the Company and Dr. Duker entered into an amendment (the “Duker Employment Agreement Amendment”) to that certain Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, initially effective as of November 1, 2021 (the “Duker Employment Agreement”).
Pursuant to the Duker Employment Agreement Amendment, Dr. Duker was promoted to the role of President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, reporting to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Duker is entitled to receive an annual base salary of $581,000, subject to increase from time to time. In addition, Dr. Duker is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus, which is based on the achievement of individual and corporate performance objectives, calculated as a percentage of his annual base salary, and which will be determined by the Board, in its sole discretion. Dr. Duker’s target annual bonus is 55% of his annual base salary.
Pursuant to the Duker Employment Agreement Amendment, subsequent to the Duker Start Date on dates to be determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board, the Company will grant Dr. Duker, subject to the Company’s adoption and stockholder approval of a new equity incentive plan, (a) an option to purchase 85,000 shares of the Company's common stock with 25% of the shares underlying the options vesting on the first anniversary of the applicable grant date followed by ratable monthly vesting through the fourth anniversary of the applicable grant date, and (b) 45,000 restricted stock units with 33% of the shares underlying the restricted stock units vesting 12 months following the applicable grant date, 33% of the shares underlying the restricted stock units vesting 24 months following the applicable grant date and 33% of the shares underlying the restricted stock units vesting 30 months following the applicable grant date.
Under the Duker Employment Agreement Amendment, if Dr. Duker’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Dr. Duker for Good Cause (as such terms are defined in the Duker Employment Agreement), Dr. Duker will be entitled to (a) his base salary for the period of 12 months from the date of termination; (b) 100% of his target bonus for the calendar year in which his employment terminates, pro-rated through the date of termination; (c) 100% of his target bonus, in each case of (a), (b) and (c), payable in equal installments during the period of base salary continuation payable in clause (a); and (d) reimbursements equal to the portion of the monthly health premiums paid by the Company on Dr. Duker’s behalf and that of his eligible dependents immediately preceding the date that Dr. Duker’s employment terminates until the earlier of (i) the last day of the period of base salary continuation under clause (a) and (ii) the date that Dr. Duker and his eligible dependents become ineligible for COBRA coverage. In addition, any unvested equity awards held by Dr. Duker as of immediately prior to his termination of employment that would have vested as of the first anniversary of the date of his termination of employment had he remained in continuous employment with the Company or any subsidiary through such first anniversary will vest upon Dr. Duker’s termination of employment and any such equity awards that are subject to exercise shall remain exercisable until the earlier of three (3) months following the date of Dr. Duker’s termination of employment and the last day of the option term.
In the event Dr. Duker’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Dr. Duker for Good Cause within 60 days prior to, or within 18 months following a "Change of Control" (as such term is defined in the Duker Employment Agreement), the Company will pay Dr. Duker (i) his base salary for 18 months from the date of termination, payable in a lump sum; (ii) 100% of his target bonus for the calendar year in which his employment terminates, pro-rated through the date of termination payable in a lump sum; (iii) 150% of his target bonus payable in a lump sum; and (iv) reimbursements equal to the portion of the monthly health premiums paid by the Company on Dr. Duker’s behalf and that of his eligible dependents immediately preceding the date that Dr. Duker’s employment terminates until the earlier of (A) the last day of the period of base salary continuation under clause (i) and (B) the date that Dr. Duker and his eligible dependents become ineligible for COBRA coverage. In addition, all of Dr. Duker’s then-outstanding equity awards will immediately accelerate and vest in full upon such termination of employment (or, if later, upon the occurrence of the Change of Control) and any such equity awards that are subject to exercise shall remain exercisable until the earlier of the first anniversary of the date of Dr. Duker’s termination (or three (3) months following the date of his employment termination in the case of any incentive stock options) and the last day of the option term.
In addition to the payments set forth in the preceding paragraphs, upon the termination of Dr. Duker’s employment for any reason, Dr. Duker will be entitled to receive any earned or accrued amounts and vested benefits that remain unpaid as of the date of his termination of employment. The payments and benefits set forth above are subject to Dr. Duker’s execution of a release of claims.
There are no family relationships between Dr. Duker and any director or executive officer of the Company, and he has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
The description of the Duker Employment Agreement Amendment contained herein does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Duker Employment Agreement Amendment, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this current report on Form 8-K.
Nancy S. Lurker Employment Agreement
Effective as of January 3, 2023, the role of President of the Company transitioned from Nancy S. Lurker to Dr. Duker. Ms. Lurker will remain Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
On January 3, 2023, the Company and Ms. Lurker entered into an amendment (the “Lurker Employment Agreement Amendment”) to that certain employment agreement, initially effective as of September 15, 2016 (the “Lurker Employment Agreement”). The Lurker Employment Agreement Amendment provides that if Ms. Lurker’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Ms. Lurker for Good Cause (as such terms are defined in the Lurker Employment Agreement), Ms. Lurker will be entitled to (a) her base salary for the period of 18 months from the date of termination; (b) 100% of her target bonus for the calendar year in which her employment terminates, pro-rated through the date of termination; (c) 150% of her target bonus, in each case of (a), (b) and (c), payable in equal installments during the period of base salary continuation payable in clause (a); and (d) reimbursements equal to the portion of the monthly health premiums paid by the Company on Ms. Lurker’s behalf and that of her eligible dependents immediately preceding the date that Ms. Lurker’s employment terminates until the earlier of (A) the last day of the period of base salary continuation under clause (a) and (B) the date that Ms. Lurker and her eligible dependents become ineligible for COBRA coverage. In addition, any unvested options to purchase common stock of the Company held by Ms. Lurker as of immediately prior to her termination of employment that would have vested as of the eighteen (18) month anniversary of the date of her termination of employment had she remained in continuous employment with the Company or any subsidiary through such eighteen (18) month anniversary will vest upon Ms. Lurker’s termination of employment and shall remain exercisable until the earlier of three (3) months following the date of Ms. Lurker’s termination of employment and the last day of the option term.
In the event Ms. Lurker’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Ms. Lurker for Good Cause within 60 days prior to, or within 18 months following a "Change of Control" (as such term is defined in the Lurker Employment Agreement), the Company will pay Ms. Lurker (i) her base salary for 24 months from the date of termination, payable in a lump sum; (ii) 100% of her target bonus for the calendar year in which her employment terminates, pro-rated through the date of termination payable in a lump sum; (iii) 200% of her target bonus payable in a lump sum; and (iv) reimbursements equal to the portion of the monthly health premiums paid by the Company on Ms. Lurker’s behalf and that of her eligible dependents immediately preceding the date that Ms. Lurker’s employment terminates until the earlier of (A) the end of the twenty-four (24) month period immediately following the date of termination and (B) the date that Ms. Lurker and her eligible dependents become ineligible for COBRA coverage. In addition, all of Ms. Lurker’s then-outstanding equity awards will immediately accelerate and vest in full upon such termination of employment (or, if later, upon the occurrence of the Change of Control) and any such equity awards that are subject to exercise shall remain exercisable until the earlier of the first anniversary of the date of Ms. Lurker’s termination (or three (3) months following the date of her employment termination in the case of any incentive stock options) and the last day of the option term.
In addition to the payments set forth in the preceding paragraphs, upon the termination of Ms. Lurker’s employment for any reason, Ms. Lurker will be entitled to receive any earned or accrued amounts and vested benefits that remain unpaid as of the date of her termination of employment. The payments and benefits set forth above are subject to Ms. Lurker’s execution of a release of claims.
The description of the Lurker Employment Agreement Amendment contained herein does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Lurker Employment Agreement Amendment, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 to this current report on Form 8-K.
George O. Elston Amended and Restated Employment Agreement
On January 3, 2023, the Company entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with George O. Elston, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer (as amended, the “A&R Elston Employment Agreement”). The A&R Elston Employment Agreement provides that Mr. Elston is entitled to receive an annual base salary of $473,616, subject to adjustment from time to time. Mr. Elston is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus, which is based on the achievement of individual and corporate performance objectives, calculated as a percentage of his annual base salary, and which will be determined by the Board, in its sole discretion. Mr. Elston’s initial target annual bonus is 45% of his annual base salary.
Under the A&R Elston Employment Agreement, if Mr. Elston’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Elston for Good Cause (as such terms are defined in the A&R Elston Employment Agreement), Mr. Elston will be entitled to (a) his base salary for the period of 12 months from the date of termination; (b) 100% of his target bonus for the calendar year in which his employment terminates, pro-rated through the date of termination; (c) 100% of his target bonus, in each case of (a), (b) and (c), payable in equal installments during the period of base salary continuation payable in clause (a); and (d) reimbursements equal to the portion of the monthly health premiums paid by the Company on Mr. Elston’s behalf and that of his eligible dependents immediately preceding the date that Mr. Elston’s employment terminates until the earlier of (i) the last day of the period of base salary continuation under clause (a) and (ii) the date that Mr. Elston and his eligible dependents become ineligible for COBRA coverage. In addition, any unvested equity awards held by Mr. Elston as of immediately prior to his termination of employment that would have vested as of the first anniversary of the date of his termination of employment had he remained in continuous employment with the Company or any subsidiary through such first anniversary will vest upon Mr. Elston’s termination of employment and any such equity awards that are subject to exercise shall remain exercisable until the earlier of three (3) months following the date of Mr. Elston’s termination of employment and the last day of the option term.
In the event Mr. Elston’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Elston for Good Cause within 60 days prior to, or within 18 months following a "Change of Control" (as such term is defined in the Elston Employment Agreement), the Company will pay Mr. Elston (i) his base salary for 18 months from the date of termination, payable in a lump sum; (ii) 100% of his target bonus for the calendar year in which his employment terminates, pro-rated through the date of termination payable in a lump sum; (iii) 150% of his target bonus payable in a lump sum; and (iv) reimbursements equal to the portion of the monthly health premiums paid by the Company on Mr. Elston’s behalf and that of his eligible dependents immediately preceding the date that Mr. Elston’s employment terminates until the earlier of (A) the end of the eighteen (18) month period immediately following the date of termination and (B) the date that Mr. Elston and his eligible dependents become ineligible for COBRA coverage. In addition, all of Mr. Elston’s then-outstanding equity awards will immediately accelerate and vest in full upon such termination of employment (or, if later, upon the occurrence of the Change of Control) and any such equity awards that are subject to exercise shall remain exercisable until the earlier of three (3) months following the date of his employment termination and the last day of the option term.
In addition to the payments set forth in the preceding paragraphs, upon the termination of Mr. Elston’s employment for any reason, Mr. Elston will be entitled to receive any earned or accrued amounts and vested benefits that remain unpaid as of the date of his termination of employment. The payments and benefits set forth above are subject to Mr. Elston’s execution of a release of claims.
The description of the A&R Elston Employment Agreement contained herein does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the A&R Elston Employment Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.3 to this current report on Form 8-K.
Scott Jones A&R Employment Agreement
On January 3, 2023, the Company entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Scott Jones, the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer (as amended, the “A&R Jones Employment Agreement”). The A&R Jones Employment agreement provides that Mr. Jones is entitled to receive an annual base salary of $440,414, subject to adjustment from time to time. Mr. Jones is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus, which is based on the achievement of individual and corporate performance objectives, calculated as a percentage of his annual base salary, and which will be determined by the Board, in its sole discretion. Mr. Jones’ initial target annual bonus is 45% of his annual base salary.
Under the A&R Jones Employment Agreement, if Mr. Jones’ employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Jones for Good Cause (as such terms are defined in the A&R Jones Employment Agreement), Mr. Jones will be entitled to (a) his base salary for the period of 12 months from the date of termination; (b) 100% of his target bonus for the calendar year in which his employment terminates, pro-rated through the date of termination; (c) 100% of his target bonus, in each case of (a), (b) and (c), payable in equal installments during the period of base salary continuation payable in clause (a); and (d) reimbursements equal to the portion of the monthly health premiums paid by the Company on Mr. Jones’ behalf and that of his eligible dependents immediately preceding the date that Mr. Jones’ employment terminates until the earlier of (i) the last day of the period of base salary continuation
under clause (a) and (ii) the date that Mr. Jones and his eligible dependents become ineligible for COBRA coverage. In addition, any unvested equity awards held by Mr. Jones as of immediately prior to his termination of employment that would have vested as of the first anniversary of the date of his termination of employment had he remained in continuous employment with the Company or any subsidiary through such first anniversary will vest upon Mr. Jones’ termination of employment and any such equity awards that are subject to exercise shall remain exercisable until the earlier of three (3) months following the date of Mr. Jones’ termination of employment and the last day of the option term.
In the event Mr. Jones’ employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Jones for Good Cause within 60 days prior to, or within 18 months following a "Change of Control" (as such term is defined in the A&R Jones Employment Agreement), the Company will pay Mr. Jones (i) his base salary for 18 months from the date of termination, payable in a lump sum; (ii) 100% of his target bonus for the calendar year in which his employment terminates, pro-rated through the date of termination payable in a lump sum; (iii) 150% of his target bonus payable in a lump sum; and (iv) reimbursements equal to the portion of the monthly health premiums paid by the Company on Mr. Jones’ behalf and that of his eligible dependents immediately preceding the date that Mr. Jones’ employment terminates until the earlier of (A) the end of the eighteen (18) month period immediately following the date of termination and (B) the date that Mr. Jones and his eligible dependents become ineligible for COBRA coverage. In addition, all of Mr. Jones’ then-outstanding equity awards will immediately accelerate and vest in full upon such termination of employment (or, if later, upon the occurrence of the Change of Control) and any such equity awards that are subject to exercise shall remain exercisable until the earlier of three (3) months following the date of his employment termination and the last day of the option term.
In addition to the payments set forth in the preceding paragraphs, upon the termination of Mr. Jones’ employment for any reason, Mr. Jones will be entitled to receive any earned or accrued amounts and vested benefits that remain unpaid as of the date of his termination of employment. The payments and benefits set forth above are subject to Mr. Jones’ execution of a release of claims.
The description of the A&R Jones Employment Agreement contained herein does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the A&R Jones Employment Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.4 to this current report on Form 8-K.
Item 8.01 Other Events.
On January 4, 2023, the Company issued a press release announcing the appointment of Dr. Duker. A copy of the press release is filed with this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.2.
On January 5, 2023, the Company issued a press release announcing its preliminary fourth quarter and full-year 2022 net product revenue and certain other corporate updates. A copy of the press release is filed with this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.1.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.
Exhibit No. |
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Description |
10.1 |
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10.2 |
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10.3 |
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10.4 |
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99.1 |
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Press Release of EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc. dated January 5, 2023 |
99.2 |
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Press Release of EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc. dated January 4, 2023 |
104 |
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Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the inline XBRL document) |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
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EYEPOINT PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. |
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Date: |
January 6, 2023 |
By: |
/s/ George O. Elston |
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George O. Elston |
Exhibit 10.1
FIRST amendment to employment agreement
FIRST AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”), dated as of January 3, 2023, between EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Company”), and Jay S. Duker, M.D. (“Employee”).
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Company and Employee have previously entered into that certain Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective as of November 1, 2021 (the “Employment Agreement”);
WHEREAS, the Company and Employee desire to enter into this Amendment to modify certain provisions of the Employment Agreement regarding Employee’s role and severance benefits.
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
(d) Employee’s principal place of employment hereunder shall be the Company’s headquarters in Watertown, Massachusetts. Employee acknowledges and agrees that Employee may be required to travel from time to time for business reasons.
(e) Death and Disability. Employee’s employment hereunder shall automatically terminate in the event of Employee’s death during employment. In the event Employee becomes disabled during employment and, as a result, is unable to continue to perform substantially all of Employee’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, either with or without reasonable accommodation, the Company will continue to pay Employee the Base Salary and to provide Employee
benefits in accordance with Section 2(c) above, to the extent permitted by plan terms, for up to twelve (12) weeks of disability during any period of three hundred sixty-five (365) consecutive calendar days. If Employee is unable to return to work after twelve (12) weeks of disability, the Company may terminate Employee’s employment, upon notice to Employee. If any question shall arise as to whether Employee is disabled to the extent that Employee is unable to perform substantially all of Employee’s duties and responsibilities for the Company and its subsidiaries, Employee shall, at the Company’s request, submit to a medical examination by a physician selected by the Company to whom Employee or Employee’s guardian, if any, has no reasonable objection to determine whether Employee is so disabled, and such determination shall for purposes of this Agreement be conclusive of the issue. If such a question arises and Employee fails to submit to the requested medical examination, the Company’s determination of the issue shall be binding on Employee.
(a) Final Compensation. In the event of termination of Employee’s employment with the Company, howsoever occurring, the Company shall pay Employee (i) the Base Salary for the final payroll period of Employee’s employment, pro-rated through the date that Employee’s employment terminates; (ii) compensation at the rate of the Base Salary for any accrued, unused vacation time; and (iii) reimbursement, in accordance with Section 2(g) hereof, for business expenses incurred by Employee but not yet paid to Employee as of the date Employee’s employment terminates; provided Employee submits all expenses and supporting documentation required within sixty (60) days of the date Employee’s employment terminates, and provided further that such expenses are reimbursable under Company policies as then in effect (all of the foregoing, “Final Compensation”). Except as otherwise provided in Section 4(a)(iii), Final Compensation will be paid to Employee within thirty (30) days following the date of termination (or such shorter period required by law).
(b) Severance Payments. Subject to Section 4(c) below, in the event of any termination of Employee’s employment pursuant to Section 3(b) or Section 3(c) above, the Company will pay Employee, in addition to Final Compensation, (i) the Base Salary for the period of twelve (12) months from the date of termination; (ii) the Target Bonus for the calendar year in which Employee’s employment terminates, pro-rated through the date that Employee’s employment terminates; (iii) one times the Target Bonus; in cases (i), (ii) and (iii), payable in equal installments during the period of Base Salary continuation under clause (i); and (iv) provided Employee timely elects continuation coverage for Employee and Employee’s eligible dependents under the federal law known as “COBRA” or similar state law, a monthly amount that equals the portion of the monthly health premiums paid by the Company on Employee’s behalf and that of Employee’s eligible dependents immediately preceding the date that Employee’s employment
terminates until the earlier of (A) the last day of the period of Base Salary continuation under clause (i) and (B) the date that Employee and Employee’s eligible dependents become ineligible for COBRA coverage pursuant to applicable law or plan terms. The severance payments described in clauses (i) through (iv) above are referred to as the “Severance Payments”. In addition, in the event of any termination of Employee’s employment pursuant to Section 3(b) or Section 3(c) above, any unvested equity awards held by Employee as of immediately prior to Employee’s termination of employment that would have vested as of the first anniversary of the date of Employee’s termination of employment had Employee remained in continuous employment with the Company or any subsidiary through such first anniversary will vest upon Employee’s termination of employment and any such equity awards that are subject to exercise shall remain exercisable until the earlier of three (3) months following the date of Employee’s termination of employment and the last day of the option term (the “Equity Acceleration”).
(c) Change of Control Severance Payments. In the event of any termination of Employee’s employment pursuant to Section 3(b) or Section 3(c) above, in each case within sixty (60) days prior to, or within eighteen (18) months following, the occurrence of a Change of Control (the “Change of Control Period”), the Company will pay Employee, in addition to Final Compensation and in lieu of the Severance Payments and the Equity Acceleration set forth in Section 4(b) above, (i) the Base Salary for the period of eighteen (18) months from the date of termination; (ii) the Target Bonus for the calendar year in which Employee’s employment terminates, pro-rated through the date that Employee’s employment terminates; (iii) one and one-half (1.5) times the Target Bonus; in cases (i), (ii) and (iii), payable in a lump sum; and (iv) provided Employee timely elects continuation coverage for Employee and Employee’s eligible dependents under the federal law known as “COBRA” or similar state law, a monthly amount that equals the portion of the monthly health premiums paid by the Company on Employee’s behalf and that of Employee’s eligible dependents immediately preceding the date that Employee’s employment terminates until the earlier of (A) the end of the eighteen (18) month period immediately following the date of termination and (B) the date that Employee and Employee’s eligible dependents become ineligible for COBRA coverage to the extent permissible by law and plan terms. The severance payments described in clauses (i) through (iv) above are referred to as the “Change of Control Severance Payments”. In addition, in the event of any termination of Employee’s employment pursuant to Section 3(b) or Section 3(c) above, in each case during the Change in Control Period, all of Employee’s then-outstanding equity awards shall immediately accelerate and vest in full upon such termination of employment (or, if later, upon the occurrence of the Change of Control) and any such equity awards that are subject to exercise shall remain exercisable until the earlier of the first anniversary of the date of your employment termination (or three (3) months following the date of your employment termination in the case of any incentive stock options) and the last day of the option term (the “Change of Control Equity Acceleration”).
(d) Conditions to and Timing of Severance Payments. Any obligation of the Company to provide Employee the Severance Payments and the Equity Acceleration, or the Change of Control Severance Payments and the Change of Control Equity Acceleration, as applicable, is conditioned, however, on Employee’s cooperation in the transition of Employee’s duties and Employee’s execution and return to the Company of a Separation Agreement and General Release, which will include a release by Employee of all releasable claims relating to employment or separation from employment, reaffirmation of Employee’s obligations under the Confidential Information, Non-Disclosure, Non-Solicitation, Non-Compete and Rights to Intellectual Property Agreement, a twelve-month post-employment non-competition provision, and confidentiality, non-disparagement and cooperation obligations of the parties (the “Separation Agreement”) in a form substantially similar to the form attached hereto as Exhibit 4(c). The Separation Agreement must become binding and enforceable within 60 calendar days after Employee’s termination of employment (or such shorter period provided for in the Separation Agreement). Unless otherwise provided by this Agreement, the first payment of the Severance Payment or the Change of Control Severance Payment, as applicable, will be made on the Company’s next regular payday following the effective date of the Separation Agreement; but that first payment shall include all amounts accrued retroactive to the day following the date Employee’s employment terminated. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, in the event that the period during which Employee may review and revoke the Separation Agreement begins in one calendar year and ends in the following calendar year, any severance payments hereunder that constitute non-qualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 409A”), shall be paid to Employee no earlier than January 1 of the second calendar year.
(e) Benefits Termination. Except as provided in Sections 4(b) and (c) above or under COBRA, Employee’s participation in all employee benefit plans, if applicable, shall terminate in accordance with the terms of the applicable benefit plans based on the date of termination of Employee’s employment, without regard to any continuation of the Base Salary or other payment to Employee following termination and Employee shall not be eligible to earn vacation or other paid time off following the termination of Employee’s employment.
(f) Assistance in Litigation. Employee agrees to reasonably cooperate with the Company in the defense or prosecution of any claims or actions that relate to events or occurrences that transpired while Employee is or was employed by the Company. Employee’s cooperation includes, but is not limited to, being available to meet with counsel to prepare for discovery or trial and to act as a witness on behalf of the Company as requested at mutually convenient times. Employee’s cooperation also includes fully cooperating with the Company in connection with any investigation or review by any federal, state, or local regulatory authority as any such investigation or review relates to events or occurrences that transpired while Employee is or was employed by the Company. The Company shall pay
Employee all expenses relating to such cooperation, and shall pay for his time at his then current consulting rate for all such cooperation (other than the execution and return of documents) during any period that the Company is not paying Employee wages or post-employment separation pay.
(g) Survival. Provisions of this Agreement shall survive any termination of employment if so provided in this Agreement or if necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of other surviving provisions, including without limitation each party’s obligations under Section 4. The obligation of the Company to make payments to Employee under Section 4(b) or Section 4(c), as applicable, are expressly conditioned upon continued full performance of Employee’s obligations under Section 4 hereof. Upon termination by either Employer or the Company, all rights, duties and obligations of Employee and the Company to each other shall cease, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement.
[Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment on the date first set forth above.
EYEPOINT PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
By /s/ Nancy Lurker
Name: Nancy S. Lurker
Title: Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Jay Duker
Jay S. Duker, M.D.
Exhibit 10.2
FIRST amendment to employment LETTER agreement
FIRST AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT LETTER AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”), dated as of January 3, 2023, between EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Company”), and Nancy S. Lurker (“Employee”).
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Company and Employee have previously entered into that certain employment letter agreement, dated September 15, 2016 (the “Employment Agreement”);
WHEREAS, the Company and Employee desire to enter into this Amendment to modify certain provisions of the Employment Agreement regarding Employee’s title and severance benefits.
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
(d) You agree that you shall, subject to reasonable business travel, perform your duties and responsibilities hereunder on a remote basis from your personal residence.
(a) Final Compensation. In the event of termination of your employment with the Company, howsoever occurring, the Company shall pay you (i) the Base Salary for the final payroll period of your employment, through the date that your employment terminates; (ii) compensation at the rate of the Base Salary for any vacation time earned but not used as of the date your employment terminates; and (iii) reimbursement, in accordance with Section 2(g) hereof, for business expenses incurred by you but not yet paid to you as of the date your employment terminates; provided you submit all expenses and supporting documentation required within sixty (60) days of the date your employment terminates, and provided further that such expenses are reimbursable under Company policies as then in effect (all of the foregoing, “Final Compensation”).
Except as otherwise provided in Section 5(a)(iii), Final Compensation will be paid to you within thirty (30) days following the date of termination (or such shorter period required by law).
(b) Severance Payments. Subject to Section 5(c) below, in the event of any termination of your employment pursuant to Section 4(b) or Section 4(c) above, the Company will pay you, in addition to Final Compensation, (i) the Base Salary for the period of eighteen (18) months from the date of termination; (ii) the Target Bonus for the calendar year in which your employment terminates, pro-rated through the date that your employment terminates; (iii) one and one-half (1.5) times the Target Bonus, in cases (i), (ii) and (iii), payable in equal installments during the period of Base Salary continuation under clause (i); and (iv) provided you timely elect continuation coverage for yourself and your eligible dependents under the federal law known as “COBRA” or similar state law, a monthly amount that equals the portion of the monthly health premiums paid by the Company on your behalf and that of your eligible dependents immediately preceding the date that your employment terminates until the earlier of (A) the last day of the period of Base Salary continuation under clause (i) and (B) the date that you and your eligible dependents become ineligible for COBRA coverage pursuant to applicable law or plan terms. The severance payments described in clauses (i) through (iv) above are referred to as the “Severance Payments”. In the event of any termination of your employment pursuant to Section 4(b) or Section 4(c) above, any unvested options to purchase Stock (other than the Options vesting under Section 2(c) in such a termination above) held by you as of immediately prior to your employment termination that would have vested as of the eighteen (18) month anniversary of your employment termination date had you remained in continuous employment with the Company or any subsidiary through such eighteen (18) month anniversary will vest upon your termination of employment and remain exercisable until the earlier of three (3) months following the date of your employment termination and the last day of the option term (the “Termination Acceleration”).
(c) Change of Control Severance Payments. In the event of any termination of your employment pursuant to Section 4(b) or Section 4(c) above, in each case within sixty (60) days prior to, or within eighteen (18) months following, the occurrence of a Change of Control (the “Change of Control Period”), the Company will pay you, in addition to Final Compensation and in lieu of the Severance Payments and the Equity Acceleration set forth in Section 5(b) above, (i) the Base Salary for the period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of termination; (ii) the Target Bonus for the calendar year in which your employment terminates, pro-rated through the date that your employment terminates; (iii) two (2) times the Target Bonus; in cases (i), (ii) and (iii), payable in a lump sum; and (iv) provided you timely elect continuation coverage for you and your eligible dependents under the federal law known as “COBRA” or similar state law, a monthly amount that equals the portion of the monthly health premiums paid by the Company on your behalf and that of your eligible
dependents immediately preceding the date that your employment terminates until the earlier of (A) the end of the twenty-four (24) month period immediately following the date of termination and (B) the date that you and your eligible dependents become ineligible for COBRA coverage to the extent permissible by law and plan terms. The severance payments described in clauses (i) through (iv) above are referred to as the “Change of Control Severance Payments”. In addition, in the event of any termination of your employment pursuant to Section 4(b) or Section 4(c) above, in each case during the Change in Control Period, all of your then-outstanding equity awards shall immediately accelerate and vest in full upon such termination of employment (or, if later, upon the occurrence of the Change of Control) and any such equity awards that are subject to exercise shall remain exercisable until the earlier of the first anniversary of the date of your employment termination (or three (3) months following the date of your employment termination in the case of any incentive stock options) and the last day of the option term (the “Change of Control Equity Acceleration,” and together with the Inducement Option Acceleration, the Inducement PSU Acceleration, and the Termination Acceleration, the “Equity Acceleration”).
(d) Conditions to and Timing of Severance Payments. Any obligation of the Company to provide you the Severance Payments and the Termination Acceleration, or the Change of Control Severance Payments and the Change of Control Equity Acceleration, as applicable, is conditioned, however, on your signing and returning to the Company a timely and effective separation agreement containing a general release of claims substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Release of Claims”) and other customary terms in the form provided to you by the Company at the time your employment is terminated. The Release of Claims must become effective, if at all, by the sixtieth (60th) calendar day following the date your employment is terminated (or such shorter period provided for in the Release of Claims). Unless otherwise provided by this Agreement, the first payment of the Severance Payment or the Change of Control Severance Payment, as applicable, will be made on the Company’s next regular payday following the effective date of the Release of Claims; but that first payment shall include all amounts accrued retroactive to the day following the date your employment terminated. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, in the event that the period during which you may review and revoke the Release of Claims begins in one calendar year and ends in the following calendar year, any severance payments hereunder that constitute non-qualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 409A”), shall be paid to you no earlier than January 1 of the second calendar year.
(e) Benefits Termination. Except as provided in Sections 5(b) and (c) above or under the COBRA or other applicable law, your participation in all employee benefit plans shall terminate in accordance with the terms of the applicable benefit plans based on the date of termination of your employment, without regard to any continuation of the Base Salary or other payment to you
following termination and you shall not be eligible to earn vacation or other paid time off following the termination of your employment.
(g) Survival. Provisions of this Agreement shall survive any termination of employment if so provided in this Agreement or if necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of other surviving provisions, including without limitation your obligations under Section 3 and the Company’s obligations under Section 2(c), Section 5 and Section 14 of this Agreement. The obligation of the Company to make payments to you under Section 5(b) or Section 5(c), as applicable, and your right to retain the same, are expressly conditioned upon your continued full performance of your obligations under Section 3 hereof. Upon termination by either you or the Company, all rights, duties and obligations of you and the Company to each other shall cease, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement.
[Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment on the date first set forth above.
EYEPOINT PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
By /s/ Jennifer Leonard
Name: Jennifer Leonard
Title: Chief People Officer & SVP IT
/s/ Nancy Lurker
Nancy S. Lurker
Exhibit 10.3
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (hereinafter the “Agreement”) is made as of January 3, 2023 (the “Effective Date”), by and between George O. Elston, who currently resides at xxx (“Employee”) and EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (hereinafter together with its subsidiaries, and related or affiliated entities referred to as the “Company”), having its headquarters at 480 Pleasant Street, Suite C-400, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472 (collectively the “Parties”).
Recitals
WHEREAS, Employee serves as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company;
WHEREAS, Employee has previously entered into an Employment Agreement with the Company, as amended to the date hereof (the “Existing Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, the Company desires to enter into a new employment agreement with Employee to ensure that Employee is retained on a full-time basis in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein.
Agreement
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Company and Employee hereby agree as follows:
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7. Conflicting Agreements. Employee hereby represents and warrants that the signing of this Agreement and the performance of Employee’s obligations under it will not breach or be in conflict with any other agreement to which Employee is a party or is bound, and that Employee is
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not subject to any covenants against competition or similar covenants or any court order that could affect the performance of Employee’s obligations under this Agreement. Employee agrees that Employee will not disclose to or use on behalf of the Company any confidential or proprietary information of a third party without that party's consent.
8. Withholding. All payments made by the Company under this Agreement shall be reduced by any tax or other amounts required to be withheld by the Company under applicable law.
9. Assignment. Neither Employee nor the Company may make any assignment of this Agreement or any interest in it, by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other; provided, however, the Company may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement without Employee’s consent to one of its subsidiaries or to any individual, corporation, limited liability company, association, partnership, estate, trust or any other entity or organization with whom the Company shall hereafter effect a reorganization, consolidate or merge, or to whom the Company shall hereafter transfer all or substantially all of its properties or assets. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon Employee and the Company, and each of its respective successors, executors, administrators, heirs and permitted assigns.
If to Company: EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
480 Pleasant Street
Suite C-400
Watertown, MA 02472
Attention: Jennifer Leonard, Chief People Officer & SVP, IT
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If to Employee: George Elston
xxx
All notices shall be deemed to have been given upon receipt if delivered personally, or by recognized overnight courier, or five (5) days after mailing if mailed.
Any and all service of process and any other notice in any such claim shall be effective against any party if given personally or by registered mail, return receipt requested, mailed to such party as provided herein. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to affect the right of any party to serve process in any manner permitted by law.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Employee
By: /s/ Jennifer Leonard /s/ George O. Elston
Jennifer Leonard George O. Elston
Chief People Officer & SVP, IT
Date: 01/03/2023 Date: 01/03/2023
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EXHIBIT A
Confidential Information, Non-Disclosure, Non-Solicitation, Non-Compete, and
Rights to Intellectual Property Agreement
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Exhibit 10.4
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (hereinafter the “Agreement”) is made as of January 3, 2023 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Scott Jones, who currently resides at xxx (“Employee”) and EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (hereinafter together with its subsidiaries, and related or affiliated entities referred to as the “Company”), having its headquarters at 480 Pleasant Street, Suite C-400, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472 (collectively the “Parties”).
Recitals
WHEREAS, Employee serves as the Chief Commercial Officer of the Company;
WHEREAS, Employee has previously entered into an Employment Agreement with the Company, as amended to the date hereof (the “Existing Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, the Company desires to enter into a new employment agreement with Employee to ensure that Employee is retained on a full-time basis in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein.
Agreement
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Company and Employee hereby agree as follows:
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7. Conflicting Agreements. Employee hereby represents and warrants that the signing of this Agreement and the performance of Employee’s obligations under it will not breach or be in conflict with any other agreement to which Employee is a party or is bound, and that Employee is
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not subject to any covenants against competition or similar covenants or any court order that could affect the performance of Employee’s obligations under this Agreement. Employee agrees that Employee will not disclose to or use on behalf of the Company any confidential or proprietary information of a third party without that party's consent.
8. Withholding. All payments made by the Company under this Agreement shall be reduced by any tax or other amounts required to be withheld by the Company under applicable law.
9. Assignment. Neither Employee nor the Company may make any assignment of this Agreement or any interest in it, by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other; provided, however, the Company may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement without Employee’s consent to one of its subsidiaries or to any individual, corporation, limited liability company, association, partnership, estate, trust or any other entity or organization with whom the Company shall hereafter effect a reorganization, consolidate or merge, or to whom the Company shall hereafter transfer all or substantially all of its properties or assets. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon Employee and the Company, and each of its respective successors, executors, administrators, heirs and permitted assigns.
If to Company: EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
480 Pleasant Street
Suite C-400
Watertown, MA 02472
Attention: Jennifer Leonard, Chief People Officer & SVP, IT
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If to Employee: Scott Jones
xxx
All notices shall be deemed to have been given upon receipt if delivered personally, or by recognized overnight courier, or five (5) days after mailing if mailed.
Any and all service of process and any other notice in any such claim shall be effective against any party if given personally or by registered mail, return receipt requested, mailed to such party as provided herein. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to affect the right of any party to serve process in any manner permitted by law.
[THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Employee
By: /s/ Jennifer Leonard /s/ Scott Jones
Jennifer Leonard Scott Jones
Chief People Officer & SVP, IT
Date: 01/03/2023 Date: 01/03/2023
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EXHIBIT A
Confidential Information, Non-Disclosure, Non-Solicitation, Non-Compete, and
Rights to Intellectual Property Agreement
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Exhibit 99.1
EyePoint Pharmaceuticals Provides Business Update and Key 2023 Clinical Timelines
– Topline data for Phase 2 DAVIO 2 clinical trial in wet AMD expected in 4Q 2023 –
– Enrollment remains on-track in Phase 2 DAVIO 2 clinical trial for wet AMD and Phase 2 PAVIA clinical trial for NPDR –
– Full-year 2022 net product revenue estimated to exceed $39.5 million versus $35.3 million in 2021 –
– Cash and investments of approximately $144 million as of December 31, 2022 –
WATERTOWN, Mass, January 5, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYPT), a pharmaceutical company committed to developing and commercializing therapeutics to help improve the lives of patients with serious eye disorders, today announced a business update and key 2023 clinical timelines for its lead product candidate, EYP-1901.
EYP-1901 is an investigational sustained delivery product for serious retinal diseases that uses a bioerodible Durasert® micro insert of vorolanib, a selective and patented tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). EYP-1901 represents a potential new mechanism of action and treatment paradigm for retinal diseases by acting as an intracellular vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor blocker, which could provide added benefits beyond the traditional large molecule anti-VEGFs. EYP-1901 is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials for wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR).
“EyePoint had a tremendous year executing on the advancement of EYP-1901, including the successful completion of our Phase 1 DAVIO trial for wet AMD, which featured positive safety and efficacy results. In addition, we initiated Phase 2 clinical trials in both wet AMD and NPDR,” said Nancy Lurker, Chief Executive Officer of EyePoint Pharmaceuticals. “The current standard of care for wet AMD requires monthly or bi-monthly injections and frequent doctor’s visits, which is a tremendous treatment burden and often results in skipped treatments. For NPDR, although there are approved agents to treat this disease, this same significant treatment burden translates to the vast majority, 97%, of patients receiving no course of treatment apart from observation by their eye doctor, until their disease progresses to vision loss. Treatment compliance is key in these serious eye disorders, and a missed appointment can result in both vision loss and serious ocular complications. EYP-1901’s 'Treat to Maintain' therapeutic approach has the potential to shift this paradigm by providing patients with an efficacious, safe and convenient six to nine month sustained delivery option coupled with the potential benefits of a new mechanism of action to maintain patient vision and reduce treatment burden.”
Ms. Lurker continued, “In 2023, we are focused on executing on the ongoing Phase 2 wet AMD and NPDR trials and better understanding the unique benefits that EYP-1901’s differentiated TKI mechanism provides patients. EYP-1901 has the potential to transform the way that these serious eye diseases are managed by retina specialists and improve patient outcomes, and we look forward to sharing initial topline data from our Phase 2 DAVIO 2 trial in the fourth quarter of 2023.”
Anticipated 2023 Milestones:
There are currently two Phase 4 trials underway for YUTIQ:
Corporate Updates
Financial Outlook
We expect cash, cash equivalents and investments on hand as of December 31, 2022 and expected net cash inflows from our product sales to enable us to fund our current and planned operations into the second half of 2024.
The preliminary fourth quarter and full-year 2022 revenue results and cash on hand included in this release were calculated prior to the completion of a review by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and are therefore subject to adjustment.
About EyePoint Pharmaceuticals
EyePoint Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: EYPT) is a pharmaceutical company committed to developing and commercializing therapeutics to help improve the lives of patients with serious eye disorders. The Company's pipeline leverages its proprietary Durasert® technology for sustained intraocular drug delivery including EYP-1901, an investigational sustained delivery intravitreal treatment currently in Phase 2 clinical trials. The proven Durasert drug delivery platform has been safely administered to thousands of patients' eyes across four U.S. FDA approved products, including YUTIQ® for the treatment of posterior segment uveitis, which is currently marketed by the Company. EyePoint Pharmaceuticals is headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENTS UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION ACT OF 1995: To the extent any statements made in this press release deal with information that is not historical, these are forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the use of proceeds for the offering and other statements identified by words such as “will,” “potential,” “could,” “can,” “believe,” “intends,” “continue,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “may,” other words of similar meaning or the use of future dates. Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Uncertainties and risks may cause EyePoint’s actual results to be materially different than those expressed in or implied by EyePoint’s forward-looking statements. For EyePoint, this includes uncertainties regarding the timing and clinical development of our product candidates, including EYP-1901; the potential for EYP-1901 as a novel sustained delivery treatment for serious eye diseases, including wet age-related macular degeneration and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy; the effectiveness and timeliness of clinical trials, and the usefulness of the data; the timeliness of regulatory approvals; the success of current and future license agreements; our dependence on contract research organizations, co-promotion partners, and other outside vendors and service providers; effects of competition and other developments affecting sales of our commercialized products, YUTIQ® and DEXYCU®; the loss of pass-through reimbursement status for DEXYCU as of January 1, 2023; market acceptance of our products; product liability; industry consolidation; compliance with environmental laws; risks and costs of international business operations; volatility of stock price; possible dilution; absence of dividends; the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on EyePoint's business, the medical community and the global economy and the impact of general business and economic conditions; protection of our intellectual property and avoiding intellectual property infringement; retention of key personnel; manufacturing risks; and other factors described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We cannot guarantee that the results and other expectations expressed, anticipated or implied in any forward-looking statement will be realized. A variety of factors, including these risks, could cause our actual results and other expectations to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed, anticipated or implied in our forward-looking statements. Should known or unknown risks materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could differ materially from past results and those anticipated, estimated or projected in the forward-looking statements. You should bear this in mind as you consider any forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the dates on which they are made. EyePoint undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
For EyePoint Pharmaceuticals:
Investors:
Christina Tartaglia
Stern IR
Direct: 212-698-8700
christina.tartaglia@sternir.com
Media Contact:
Amy Phillips
Green Room Communications
Direct: 412-327-9499
aphillips@greenroompr.com
Exhibit 99.2
EyePoint Pharmaceuticals Promotes Jay S. Duker, M.D. to President and Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Duker has served as EyePoint’s Chief Operating Officer since November 2021
WATERTOWN, Mass., January 4, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYPT), a pharmaceutical company committed to developing and commercializing therapeutics to improve the lives of patients with serious eye disorders, today announced that Jay S. Duker, M.D., who has served as the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) since November 2021, has been promoted to the additional role of President. In addition to continuing to oversee his duties as COO, in his expanded role, Dr. Duker will also oversee regulatory affairs.
“Jay has been a tremendous asset to our team since he joined as COO, and we look forward to continuing to benefit from his strong leadership in his additional role as President. Jay has helped to strengthen our organization in the past year, as we made significant progress across our pipeline of exciting and innovative ocular products, including reporting positive data for our Phase 1 DAVIO trial in wet AMD and the initiation of two Phase 2 trials for EYP-1901,” said Nancy Lurker, CEO of EyePoint Pharmaceuticals.
“It has been a privilege working with the talented team at EyePoint on our mission to bring innovative ocular therapies to patients with serious eye disorders. I am excited to expand my role in the company, as we advance the clinical trials of our sustained release anti-VEGF, EYP-1901, which acts through a unique mechanism of action. We hope that EYP-1901 proves to be a safe, effective, and well tolerated six-month treatment option for patients with wet AMD and a potential nine-month treatment for those with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy,” said Dr. Duker.
Prior to serving as Chief Operating Officer at EyePoint, Dr. Duker held earlier roles at EyePoint as Chief Strategic Scientific Officer on a part-time basis beginning in 2020, after having served as an independent member of EyePoint’s Board of Directors since 2016. Previously, Dr. Duker was the Director of the New England Eye Center and Chair of Ophthalmology at Tufts Medical Center and the Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Duker also co-founded several start-ups, including Hemera Biosciences, a gene therapy company that developed an anti-complement treatment for dry macular degeneration, which was acquired by Janssen in 2020. In addition, Dr. Duker is currently the Chair of the Board of Sesen Bio, a publicly traded clinical stage biopharmaceutical company. He has published more than 300 journal articles related to ophthalmology and is co-author of Yanoff and Duker’s Ophthalmology, a best-selling ophthalmic textbook. Dr. Duker received an A.B. from Harvard University and an M.D. from the Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University.
About EyePoint Pharmaceuticals
EyePoint Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: EYPT) is a pharmaceutical company committed to developing and commercializing therapeutics to help improve the lives of patients with serious eye disorders. The Company's pipeline leverages its proprietary Durasert® technology for sustained intraocular drug delivery including EYP-1901, an investigational sustained delivery intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment currently in Phase 2 clinical trials. The proven Durasert drug delivery platform has been safely administered to thousands of patients' eyes across four U.S. FDA approved products, including YUTIQ® for the treatment of posterior segment uveitis, which is currently marketed by the Company. EyePoint Pharmaceuticals is headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENTS UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION ACT OF 1995: To the extent any statements made in this press release deal with information that is not historical, these are forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the use of proceeds for the offering and other statements identified by words such as “will,” “potential,” “could,” “can,” “believe,” “intends,” “continue,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “may,” other words of similar meaning or the use of future dates. Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Uncertainties and risks may cause EyePoint’s actual results to be materially different than those expressed in or implied by EyePoint’s forward-looking statements. For EyePoint, this includes uncertainties regarding the timing and clinical development of our product candidates, including EYP-1901; the potential for EYP-1901 as a novel sustained delivery treatment for serious eye diseases, including wet age-related macular degeneration and non-proliferative diabetic
retinopathy; the effectiveness and timeliness of clinical trials, and the usefulness of the data; the timeliness of regulatory approvals; the success of current and future license agreements; our dependence on contract research organizations, co-promotion partners, and other outside vendors and service providers; effects of competition and other developments affecting sales of our commercialized products, YUTIQ® and DEXYCU®; the loss of pass-through reimbursement status for DEXYCU at the end of 2022; market acceptance of our products; product liability; industry consolidation; compliance with environmental laws; risks and costs of international business operations; volatility of stock price; possible dilution; absence of dividends; the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on EyePoint's business, the medical community and the global economy and the impact of general business and economic conditions; protection of our intellectual property and avoiding intellectual property infringement; retention of key personnel; manufacturing risks; and other factors described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We cannot guarantee that the results and other expectations expressed, anticipated or implied in any forward-looking statement will be realized. A variety of factors, including these risks, could cause our actual results and other expectations to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed, anticipated or implied in our forward-looking statements. Should known or unknown risks materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could differ materially from past results and those anticipated, estimated or projected in the forward-looking statements. You should bear this in mind as you consider any forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the dates on which they are made. EyePoint undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
For EyePoint Pharmaceuticals:
Investors:
Christina Tartaglia
Stern IR
Direct: 212-698-8700
christina.tartaglia@sternir.com
Media Contact:
Amy Phillips
Green Room Communications
Direct: 412-327-9499
aphillips@greenroompr.com