Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

(Rule 14a-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934

Filed by the Registrant ☑

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐

Check the appropriate box:

 

☐ Preliminary Proxy Statement

 

☐ Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

 

☑ Definitive Proxy Statement

 

☐ Definitive Additional Materials

 

☐ Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

ALNYLAM PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

 

(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

 

☑ No fee required.

 

☐ Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

 

(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

 

 

 

(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

 

 

 

(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

 

 

 

(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

 

 

 

(5) Total fee paid:

 

 

 

☐ Fee paid previously with preliminary materials:                        

 

☐ Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

 

(1) Amount previously paid:

 

 

 

(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

 

 

 

(3) Filing Party:

 

 

 

(4) Date Filed:

 

 

 

Table of Contents

LOGO

 

LETTER FROM OUR CEO

March 23, 2018

To our Stockholders:

We invite you to attend the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which will be held online on Thursday, May 10, 2018, beginning at 8:00 a.m., Eastern Time. You may attend the meeting virtually via the Internet at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/ALNY2018 , where you will be able to vote electronically and submit questions. You will need the 16-digit control number included with these proxy materials to attend the annual meeting.

The following notice of our annual meeting of stockholders contains details of the business to be conducted at the meeting. Only stockholders of record at the close of business on March 15, 2018 will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the annual meeting.

On behalf of our Board of Directors, thank you for your continued support and investment in Alnylam.

Very truly yours,

 

LOGO

John M. Maraganore, Ph.D.

Chief Executive Officer and Director

On behalf of the Board of Directors of

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Table of Contents

LOGO

 

NOTICE OF 2018 ANNUAL MEETING

OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

Date:    Thursday, May 10, 2018
Time:    8:00 a.m., Eastern Time
Place:    Online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/ALNY2018
Record Date:    March 15, 2018. Only Alnylam stockholders of record at the close of business on the record date for the annual meeting are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
Items of Business:   

1.  To elect four (4) members to our board of directors, as nominated by our board of directors, each to serve as a Class II director for a term ending in 2021, or until a successor has been duly elected and qualified;

  

2.  To approve the adoption of our 2018 Stock Incentive Plan;

  

3.  To approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers, as described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” executive compensation tables and accompanying narrative disclosures in this proxy statement;

  

4.  To ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018; and

  

5.  To transact any other business that may properly come before the annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

Virtual Meeting:    To participate in the annual meeting virtually via the Internet, please visit www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/ALNY2018 . You will need the 16-digit control number included on your proxy card or the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials. Stockholders will be able to vote and submit questions during the annual meeting.
   You will not be able to attend the annual meeting in person.
Voting:    Proposal 1 relates solely to the election of four (4) Class II directors nominated by our board of directors and does not include any other matters relating to the election of directors, including without limitation, the election of directors nominated by any stockholder of the company.
   Your vote is important regardless of the number of shares you own. Whether or not you plan to participate in the annual meeting online, we hope you will take the time to vote your shares. To assure your representation at the annual meeting, if you are a stockholder of record, please vote in one of these three ways:
   Vote Over the Internet , by going to www.proxyvote.com and entering the 16-digit control number provided on your proxy card or voting instruction form;

Table of Contents
   Vote by Telephone , by calling 1-800-690-6903 or the number on your proxy card or voting instruction form. You will need the 16-digit control number provided on your proxy card or voting instruction form; or
   Vote by Mail , by completing, signing and dating the proxy card or voting instruction form and mailing it in the accompanying pre-addressed envelope. If you vote over the Internet or by telephone, please do not mail your proxy.
   If you vote via the Internet or by telephone or mail your proxy in, you will not limit your right to vote online at the annual meeting.
   If your shares are held in “street name,” that is, held for your account by a broker or other nominee, you will receive instructions from the holder of record that you must follow for your shares to be voted.

 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials

for the Stockholder Meeting to Be Held on May 10, 2018

This Notice of 2018 Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement, 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Annual Report to Stockholders are available for viewing, printing and downloading at www.proxyvote.com .

By Order of the Board of Directors

LOGO

Laurie B. Keating

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

Cambridge, Massachusetts

March 23, 2018

This notice and proxy statement are expected to be first mailed to stockholders on or about March 26, 2018. Our Annual Report to Stockholders and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 are being mailed with these proxy materials to all stockholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

LOGO

 

PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

This summary highlights important information you will find in this Proxy Statement. As it is only a summary, please review the complete Proxy Statement before you vote.

Virtual Annual Meeting Information

 

 

   Date:      Thursday, May 10, 2018
   Time:      8:00 a.m., Eastern Time
   Location:      Online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/ALNY2018
     You will not be able to attend the annual meeting in person.
  Record Date:      March 15, 2018

Voting Items and Board Recommendations

 

         

Board

        Recommendation        

Proposal 1    Election of Four (4) Class II Directors    FOR All Nominees
Proposal 2    Approval of 2018 Stock Incentive Plan    FOR
Proposal 3    Say-on-Pay—Advisory Vote on Approval of Executive Compensation    FOR
Proposal 4    Ratification of Independent Auditors    FOR

All proxies will be voted in accordance with the instructions contained in those proxies. If no choice is specified, the proxies will be voted in favor of the matters set forth in the accompanying Notice of Meeting. On any other matters properly brought before the annual meeting, the named proxies shall vote in accordance with their best judgment.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 1

Table of Contents

How to Vote

 

     

Vote Right Away Through Advance Voting Methods

 

      Vote During Meeting

Vote by Internet

Using Your Computer

 

LOGO

   

Vote by

Telephone

 

LOGO

   

Vote by

Mail

 

LOGO

   

Vote During the

Meeting

 

LOGO

Go to www.proxyvote.com and enter the 16-digit control number provided on your proxy card or voting instruction form.      

Call 1-800-690-6903 or the number on your proxy card or voting instruction form. You will need the 16-digit control number provided on your proxy card or voting instruction form.

 

      Complete, sign and date the proxy card or voting instruction form and mail it in the accompanying pre-addressed envelope.       See “Important Information About the Annual Meeting and Voting – Voting” for details on how to vote during the Annual Meeting.

 

 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for

the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be Held on May 10, 2018

This Proxy Statement, our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Annual Report to Stockholders are available for viewing, printing and downloading at www.proxyvote.com .

A copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on February 15, 2018, will be furnished without charge to any stockholder upon written request to Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 300 Third Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, Attention: Investor Relations and Corporate Communications.

This Proxy Statement and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 are also available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov .

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 2

Table of Contents

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE

ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

Notice and Access

We are providing these proxy materials to you in connection with the solicitation by our board of directors of proxies to be voted at our 2018 annual meeting of stockholders to be held online on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 8:00 a.m., Eastern Time (ET). As a stockholder of Alnylam, you are invited to participate in our annual meeting virtually via the Internet, and are entitled and requested to vote on the proposals described in this proxy statement.

Who Can Vote

To be entitled to vote, you must be a stockholder of record at the close of business on March 15, 2018, the record date for our annual meeting. As of the record date, there were 100,171,389 shares of our common stock outstanding.

If you were a stockholder of record on March 15, 2018, you are entitled to vote all of the shares that you held on that date at the annual meeting and at any postponement or adjournment thereof.

Voting Rights

Each outstanding share of our common stock will be entitled to one vote on each matter considered at the annual meeting.

Voting

Alnylam’s stockholders may vote their shares over the Internet, by telephone or during the annual meeting by going to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/ALNY2018 . If you requested and/or received a printed version of the proxy card, you may also vote by mail.

 

  •   By Internet. You may vote at www.proxyvote.com , 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will need the 16-digit control number included on your proxy card or voting instruction form. Votes submitted through the Internet must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET on May 9, 2018.
  •   By Telephone. You may vote using a touch-tone telephone by calling 1-800-690-6903, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will need the 16-digit control number included on your proxy card or voting instruction form. Votes submitted by telephone must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET on May 9, 2018.
  •   By Mail. If you received printed proxy materials, you may submit your vote by completing, signing, and dating each proxy card received and returning it in the prepaid envelope. Sign your name exactly as it appears on the proxy card. Proxy cards submitted by mail must be received no later than May 9, 2018 to be voted at the annual meeting.
  •   During the Annual Meeting. You may vote during the annual meeting by going to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/ALNY2018 . You will need the 16-digit control number included on your proxy card or voting instruction form. If you previously voted via the Internet (or by telephone or mail), you will not limit your right to vote online at the annual meeting.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 3

Table of Contents

If you vote via the Internet or by telephone, your electronic vote authorizes the named proxies in the same manner as if you signed, dated, and returned your proxy card. If you vote via the Internet or by telephone, do not return your proxy card.

If your shares are held in “street name,” meaning they are held for your account by a bank, broker or other nominee, you should receive a proxy card and voting instructions with these proxy materials from that organization rather than from Alnylam. You will receive instructions from your bank, broker or other nominee explaining how you can vote your shares and whether they permit Internet or telephone voting. Follow the instructions from your bank, broker or other nominee included with these proxy materials, or contact your bank, broker or other nominee to request a proxy form. You will not be able to vote shares you hold in “street name” at the annual meeting; instead you must instruct your bank, broker or other nominee in advance of the meeting.

Revoking a Proxy

If your shares are registered directly in your name, you may revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time before the annual meeting. To do so, you must do one of the following:

 

  •   Vote over the Internet or by telephone as instructed above. Only your latest Internet or telephone vote is counted. You may not change your vote over the Internet or by telephone after 11:59 p.m. ET on May 9, 2018.
  •   Sign a new proxy and submit it as instructed above. Only your latest dated proxy, received by no later than May 9, 2018, will be counted.
  •   Participate in the annual meeting virtually via the Internet and vote again. Participating in the annual meeting will not revoke your Internet vote, telephone vote or proxy, unless you vote again.

Note that if your shares are held in “street name,” you may submit new voting instructions by contacting your bank, broker or other nominee.

Discretionary Voting Authority

If your shares are registered directly in your name, your shares will not be voted if you do not vote over the Internet, by telephone, by returning your proxy or by voting online during the annual meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/ALNY2018 .

If your shares are held in “street name,” your bank, broker or other nominee may under certain circumstances vote your shares if you do not timely return your proxy. Banks, brokers and other nominees can vote customers’ unvoted shares on discretionary matters but cannot vote such shares on non-discretionary matters. If you do not timely return a proxy to your bank, broker or other nominee to vote your shares, your bank, broker or other nominee may, on discretionary matters, either vote your shares or leave your shares unvoted. Your bank, broker or other nominee cannot vote your shares on any non-discretionary matter.

Effect of Broker Non-Votes and Abstentions

The election of directors (Proposal 1), the approval of the 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (Proposal 2) and the non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation (Proposal 3) are non-discretionary

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 4

Table of Contents

matters. The ratification of the appointment of our independent auditors (Proposal 4) is a discretionary matter. We encourage you to provide voting instructions to your bank, broker or other nominee by giving your proxy to them. This ensures that your shares will be voted at the annual meeting according to your instructions. You should receive directions from your bank, broker or other nominee about how to submit your proxy to them at the time you receive this proxy statement.

Participating in the Virtual Annual Meeting

This year our annual meeting will be a completely virtual meeting. There will be no physical meeting location. The meeting will only be conducted via live webcast.

To participate in the virtual meeting, visit www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/ALNY2018 and enter the 16-digit control number included on your proxy card or on the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials. You may begin to log into the meeting platform beginning at 7:45 a.m. ET on May 10, 2018. The meeting will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. ET on May 10, 2018.

If you wish to submit a question, you may do so in two ways. If you want to ask a question before the meeting, then beginning on March 26, 2018 and until 11:59 p.m. on May 9, 2018, you may log into www.proxyvote.com and enter your 16-digit control number. Once past the login screen, click on “Questions for Management,” type in your question, and click “Submit.” Alternatively, if you want to submit your question during the meeting, log into the virtual meeting platform at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/ALNY2018 , type your question into the “Ask a Question” field, and click “Submit.”

Questions pertinent to meeting matters will be answered during the meeting, subject to time constraints. The meeting is not to be used as a forum to present personal matters, or general economic, political or other views that are not directly related to the business of Alnylam and the matters properly before the meeting, and therefore questions on such matters will not be answered. Any questions pertinent to meeting matters that cannot be answered during the meeting due to time constraints will be posted online and answered at http://investors.alnylam.com/shareholder-services/annual-meeting . The questions and answers will be available as soon as practical after the meeting and will remain available until one week after posting.

If you encounter any technical difficulties with the virtual meeting platform on the meeting day, please call 1-855-449-0991 (Toll Free) or 1-720-378-5962 (International Toll). Technical support will be available starting at 7:30 a.m. ET on May 10, 2018 and will remain available until thirty minutes after the meeting has finished.

Requirements for a Meeting Quorum

A majority of our outstanding shares of common stock must be present to hold the annual meeting and conduct business. This is called a quorum. For purposes of determining whether a quorum exists, we count as present any shares that are voted over the Internet, by telephone, by completing and submitting a proxy, or that are represented online at the meeting. Further, for purposes of establishing a quorum, we will count as present shares that a stockholder holds even if the stockholder votes to abstain or only votes on one of the proposals. In addition, we will count as present shares held in “street name” by banks, brokers or nominees who indicate on their proxies that they do not have authority to vote those shares on Proposals 1, 2 and 3. If a quorum is not present, we expect to adjourn the annual meeting until we obtain a quorum.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 5

Table of Contents

Vote Required to Approve Each Item on the Proxy

Proposal 1—Election of Four (4) Class II Directors

With respect to the election of directors (Proposal 1), each nominee presented in Proposal 1 must be elected by a majority of the votes either cast online or by proxy at the annual meeting. Nominees are elected by a majority vote for non-contested director elections. Because the number of nominees properly nominated for the annual meeting is the same as the number of directors to be elected, the election of directors at this annual meeting is non-contested. If the number of votes FOR a nominee exceeds the number of votes AGAINST a nominee (among votes properly cast by stockholders who are either present online or represented by proxy), then the nominee will be elected.

Proposal 1 is a non-discretionary matter. Therefore, if your shares are held by your bank, broker or other nominee in “street name” and you do not vote your shares, your bank, broker or other nominee cannot vote your shares on Proposal 1. Shares held in “street name” by banks, brokers or nominees who indicate on their proxies that they do not have authority to vote the shares on Proposal 1 will not be counted as votes FOR or AGAINST any nominee and will be treated as “broker non-votes.” As a result, “broker non-votes” will have no effect on the voting on Proposal 1. Similarly, a vote to ABSTAIN with respect to any nominee will have no impact on the outcome of the vote because abstention does not count as a vote cast. With respect to Proposal 1, you may:

 

  •   vote FOR all nominees;
  •   vote FOR one or more nominee(s) and AGAINST one or more of the other nominee(s);
  •   vote AGAINST all nominees; or
  •   ABSTAIN from voting for or against one or more nominee(s).

Proposal 2 – Approval of our 2018 Stock Incentive Plan

To approve Proposal 2 relating to the adoption of our 2018 Stock Incentive Plan, which we refer to as the 2018 Plan, which provides for, among other things, the issuance of up to 3,500,000 shares in addition to the shares remaining available for issuance under our Second Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan, which we refer to as the 2009 Plan, stockholders holding a majority of the votes either cast on the matter online or by proxy at the annual meeting must vote FOR the proposal.

Proposal 2 is a non-discretionary matter. Therefore, if your shares are held by your bank, broker or other nominee in “street name” and you do not vote your shares, your bank, broker or other nominee cannot vote your shares on Proposal 2, and your non-vote will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal. If you vote to ABSTAIN on this Proposal 2, your shares will not be voted FOR or AGAINST the proposal and will also not be counted as votes cast or shares voting on Proposal 2. As a result, voting to ABSTAIN will have no effect on the voting on Proposal 2.

Proposal 3 – Non-binding Advisory Vote on the Compensation of Our Named Executive Officers

To approve Proposal 3, stockholders holding a majority of the votes either cast on the matter online or by proxy at the annual meeting must vote FOR the approval of the compensation of our named executive officers, as described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” executive

compensation tables and accompanying narrative disclosures in this proxy statement.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 6

Table of Contents

Proposal 3 is a non-discretionary matter. Therefore, if your shares are held by your bank, broker or other nominee in “street name” and you do not vote your shares, your bank, broker or other nominee cannot vote your shares on Proposal 3, and your non-vote will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal. If you vote to ABSTAIN on this Proposal 3, your shares will not be voted FOR or AGAINST the proposal and will also not be counted as votes cast or shares voting on Proposal 3. As a result, voting to ABSTAIN will have no effect on the voting on Proposal 3.

As an advisory vote, this proposal is not binding. The outcome of this advisory vote will not overrule any decision by us or our board of directors (or any committee thereof). However, our compensation committee and our board of directors’ value the opinions expressed by our stockholders in their vote on this proposal and will consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions for our named executive officers.

Proposal 4 – Ratification of Appointment of Independent Auditors

To approve Proposal 4, stockholders holding a majority of the votes either cast on the matter online or by proxy at the annual meeting must vote FOR the proposal.

Proposal 4 is a discretionary matter. If your shares are held by your bank, broker or other nominee in “street name” and you do not vote your shares, your bank, broker or other nominee may vote your unvoted shares on Proposal 4. If you vote to ABSTAIN on Proposal 4, your shares will not be voted FOR or AGAINST the proposal and will also not be counted as votes cast or shares voting on the proposal. As a result, voting to ABSTAIN will have no effect on the voting on Proposal 4.

Although stockholder approval of our audit committee’s appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent auditors for the year ending December 31, 2018 is not required, we believe that it is advisable to give stockholders an opportunity to ratify this appointment. If this proposal is not approved at the annual meeting, our audit committee will reconsider its appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent auditors for the year ending December 31, 2018.

Other Matters to be Voted On

The board of directors is not aware of any other issue or matter that may come before the annual meeting other than the election of four (4) Class II directors, the approval of the 2018 Plan, the non-binding advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers and the ratification of the appointment of our independent auditors. If any other matters are properly presented at the annual meeting, the persons named in the accompanying proxy intend to vote, or otherwise act, in accordance with their best judgment on the matter.

Vote Results

Preliminary voting results will be announced at the annual meeting. We expect to report the voting results in a Current Report on Form 8-K within four business days following the adjournment of our annual meeting. If final voting results are not available to us in time to file a Current Report on Form 8-K within four business days after the annual meeting, we intend to file a Current Report on Form 8-K to publish preliminary results and, within four business days after the final results are known to us, to file an additional Current Report on Form 8-K to publish the final results.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 7

Table of Contents

Inspector of Election

The inspector of election and the tabulator of all proxies, ballots and voting tabulations that identify stockholders are independent and are not Alnylam employees.

Cost of Soliciting Proxies

We will bear the cost of soliciting proxies. In addition to these proxy materials, our directors, officers and employees may solicit proxies by telephone, e-mail, facsimile and in person, without additional compensation. We have also retained Alliance Advisors LLC to solicit proxies by mail, courier, telephone and facsimile and to request brokers, custodians and fiduciaries to forward proxy soliciting materials to the owners of stock held in their names. For these services, we paid a fee of approximately $20,000, plus expenses. We may reimburse brokers or persons holding stock in their names, or in the names of their nominees, for their expenses in sending proxies and proxy materials to beneficial owners.

Alnylam’s 401(k) Savings Plan

You may give voting instructions for the number of shares of Alnylam common stock equal to the interest in Alnylam common stock credited to your 401(k) plan account as of the record date. To vote these shares, complete and return to Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. the proxy card sent to you with this proxy statement. The 401(k) plan trustee will vote your shares according to your instructions. Only Broadridge and its affiliates or agents will have access to your individual voting instructions. You may revoke previously given voting instructions by filing with the trustee either a written revocation or a properly completed and signed proxy bearing a later date. To vote your 401(k) plan shares, you must provide your voting instructions to Broadridge before 11:59 p.m. ET on May 7, 2018, for your proxy to be valid and your vote to count. If you do not provide voting instructions to the 401(k) plan trustee, the 401(k) plan trustee will not vote your shares.

Householding of Annual Meeting Materials

Some banks, brokers and other nominee record holders may be participating in the practice of “householding” proxy statements and annual reports. This means that only one copy of our proxy statement and annual report to stockholders may have been sent to multiple stockholders in your household. We will promptly deliver a separate copy of either document to you upon written or oral request to Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 300 Third Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, Attention: Investor Relations and Corporate Communications, telephone: (617) 551-8200. If you want to receive separate copies of the proxy statement or annual report to stockholders in the future, or if you are receiving multiple copies and would like to receive only one copy per household, you should contact your bank, broker or other nominee record holder, or you may contact us at the above address and phone number.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 8

Table of Contents

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

General

We believe that good corporate governance is important to ensure that Alnylam is managed for the long-term benefit of our stockholders. This section describes key corporate governance practices that we have adopted.

Corporate Governance Materials

We have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics, which applies to all of our officers, directors and employees, as well as charters for our audit committee, our compensation committee, our nominating and corporate governance committee, and our science and technology committee. We have also adopted corporate governance guidelines. We have posted copies of these documents on the Corporate Governance page of the Investors section of our website, www.alnylam.com . We intend to disclose on our website any amendments to, or waivers from, our code of business conduct and ethics required to be disclosed by law or NASDAQ Global Select Market listing standards.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

Our board of directors has adopted corporate governance guidelines to assist in the exercise of its duties and responsibilities and to serve the best interests of Alnylam and our stockholders. These guidelines, which provide a framework for the conduct of our board of directors’ business, provide that:

 

  •   our board’s principal responsibility is to oversee the management of Alnylam;
  •   a majority of the members of our board shall be independent directors;
  •   the independent directors meet regularly in executive session;
  •   directors have full and free access to management and, as necessary and appropriate, independent advisors;
  •   periodically, our board and its committees will conduct a self-evaluation to determine whether they are functioning effectively;
  •   our nominating and corporate governance committee will evaluate the composition, organization and governance of our board of directors and its committees and identify individuals qualified to become board members;
  •   our nominating and corporate governance committee will review annually the external commitments of our board members to evaluate any potential conflicts of interest; and
  •   our nominating and corporate governance committee will review all proposed external commitments of our executive officers to evaluate any potential conflicts of interest and confirm that external time commitments are appropriate relative to the executive’s responsibilities to the company.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 9

Table of Contents

INFORMATION CONCERNING DIRECTOR NOMINEES –

ELECTION OF CLASS II DIRECTORS (PROPOSAL 1)

We have three classes of directors, Class I, Class II and Class III. At each annual meeting, directors are elected for a term of three years to succeed those whose terms are expiring. The directors are divided as equally as possible among the three classes, and the terms of the three classes are staggered so that only one class is elected by stockholders annually. Kevin P. Starr has resigned from our board of directors, effective as of March 31, 2018. Mr. Starr was elected to our board of directors in 2003 and has most recently served as a Class III director. In connection with Mr. Starr’s resignation, our board of directors reduced the size of our board to ten directors, effective as of March 31, 2018. In the event that our nominating and corporate governance committee nominates, and our board elects, a new director, he or she will become a Class III director, who, if elected by our board prior to the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders, would be a nominee for election by our stockholders at the 2019 annual meeting.

At the annual meeting, we are proposing the election of four (4) Class II directors to hold office until the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2021, or until their respective successors have been duly elected and qualified. Upon the recommendation of the nominating and corporate governance committee of our board, the board has nominated Dennis A. Ausiello, M.D., John K. Clarke, Marsha H. Fanucci and David E.I. Pyott for election to the board of directors as Class II directors. Dr. Ausiello, Messrs. Clarke and Pyott and Ms. Fanucci are currently serving as Class II directors. Dr. Ausiello has served as a director since 2012, Mr. Clarke has served as a director since 2002, Ms. Fanucci has served as director since 2010 and Mr. Pyott has served as a director since 2015. The persons named in the enclosed proxy will vote to elect each nominee for Class II director unless the proxy is marked otherwise. Dr. Ausiello, Messrs. Clarke and Pyott and Ms. Fanucci have indicated their willingness to serve on our board, but if any nominee should be unwilling or unable to serve, the person acting under the proxy may vote the proxy for a substitute nominee designated by our board, unless the board reduces the number of directors accordingly.

Each nominee for Class II director receiving a majority of the votes cast by stockholders entitled to vote thereon will be elected to serve on our board. As described more fully below under the heading “Majority Voting Policy,” we have adopted a resignation policy in the event a director nominee does not receive a majority of such votes. Abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, are not counted for purposes of this proposal. The Class II directors elected at this year’s annual meeting will serve as members of our board until the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders, or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified.

 

 

Board Recommendation

Our board of directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the election of

each of Dr. Ausiello, Messrs. Clarke and Pyott and Ms. Fanucci as a Class II director.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 10

Table of Contents

Set forth below for each director, including the Class II director nominees, is information as of March 1, 2018 with respect to his or her (a) name and age, (b) positions and offices at Alnylam, if any, (c) principal occupation and business experience during at least the past five years, (d) directorships, if any, of other publicly-held companies, held currently or during the past five years, and (e) the year such person became a member of our board of directors. Committee memberships are presented as they will be composed as of March 31, 2018, following the effectiveness of Mr. Starr’s resignation.

We have also included information below regarding each director’s specific experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that led the nominating and corporate governance committee and our board of directors to the conclusion that he or she should serve as a director in light of our business and structure. Our board has determined that each director serving on our board of directors, with the exception of Dr. Maraganore, is independent within the meaning of the director independence standards of the NASDAQ Global Select Market and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers.

Class II—Directors/Nominees to be elected at the 2018 annual meeting (terms expiring in 2021)

 

Dennis A. Ausiello, M.D.

 

Committees:

•  Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

•  Science and Technology Committee

 

Director since: 2012

Age: 72

 

Dr. Ausiello has served as a member of our board of directors since April 2012.

 

Experience, Expertise and Qualifications

Dr. Ausiello serves as the Director of the Center for Assessment Technology and Continuous Health (CATCH), Jackson Distinguished Professor of Clinical Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Physician-in-Chief Emeritus at Massachusetts General Hospital, and served as the Chief of Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital from 1996 to April 2013. Dr. Ausiello was the President of the Association of American Physicians in 2006. He is a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Ausiello also serves as a director of Pfizer Inc. and Seres Therapeutics, Inc.

 

Key Contributions to the Board

Dr. Ausiello’s experience as a practicing physician, a scientist and a nationally recognized leader in academic medicine enable him to bring valuable insights to our board, particularly as we advance our late stage clinical development pipeline and initiate additional clinical trials. In addition, Dr. Ausiello oversaw a large research portfolio and an extensive research and education budget at Massachusetts General Hospital for nearly 20 years, giving him a valuable perspective on drug discovery and development. Through his previous work as the Chief of Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Ausiello also brings leadership, oversight and finance experience to our board.

 

 

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 11

Table of Contents

John K. Clarke

Committees:

•  Audit Committee

•  Science and Technology Committee

 

Director since: 2002

Age: 64

 

Mr. Clarke is a founder of Alnylam, has served as a member of our board of directors since June 2002 and served as the chair of our board until December 2015.

 

Experience, Expertise and Qualifications

Since founding Cardinal Partners, a venture capital firm focused on healthcare, in 1997, Mr. Clarke has served as its Managing General Partner. Mr. Clarke also serves as the Chair of the board of directors of aTyr Pharma, Inc., and formerly served as a director of Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Verastem, Inc.

 

Key Contributions to the Board

Mr. Clarke has over 30 years of experience as a venture capitalist in the life sciences and healthcare industries, bringing a deep understanding to our board of the challenges of building a successful biotechnology company. He co-founded and served as interim chief executive officer of numerous successful private and publicly traded biotechnology companies. Mr. Clarke has a deep financial background as well as a keen understanding of the interplay between management and the board and is well-versed in the current best practices in corporate governance.

 

Marsha H. Fanucci

 

Committees:

•  Audit Committee (Chair)

•  Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

 

Director since: 2010

Age: 64

 

Ms. Fanucci has served as a member of our board of directors since December 2010.

 

Experience, Expertise and Qualifications

Ms. Fanucci served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company (now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited), from July 2004 to January 2009. While at Millennium, she also served as Vice President, Finance and Corporate Strategy from July 2003 to June 2004, and prior to that as Vice President of Corporate Development from 2000. Prior to joining Millennium, Ms. Fanucci served as Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategy at Genzyme Corporation, a biotechnology company (now Sanofi Genzyme, the specialty care global business unit of Sanofi), from 1998 to 2000. Ms. Fanucci also serves as a director of Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Syros Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and formerly served as a director of Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

 

Key Contributions to the Board

Ms. Fanucci has substantial expertise with respect to public company and financial accounting matters, including over 25 years of leadership and consulting experience in biotechnology and healthcare companies. Her leadership in the areas of corporate strategy, financial planning and reporting, and operations, are an asset to our board, and in particular, as the chair of our audit committee, as we continue to grow our company, advance our late stage clinical programs, build our global commercial operations in preparation for the potential launch of our first product in 2018, and partner additional programs and technologies.

 

 

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 12

Table of Contents

David E.I. Pyott

 

Committees:

•  Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (Chair)

 

Director since: 2015

Age: 64

 

Mr. Pyott has served as a member of our board of directors since December 2015.

 

Experience, Expertise and Qualifications

Mr. Pyott served as the Chief Executive Officer of Allergan, Inc., a global specialty pharmaceutical and medical device company, from January 1998 to March 2015 and as the Chair of Allergan’s board of directors from March 2001 until March 2015. Prior to Allergan, Mr. Pyott served as the Head of the Novartis Nutrition Division and as a member of the Executive Committee of Switzerland-based Novartis AG. Mr. Pyott also serves as the lead independent director at Avery Dennison Corporation, a director of BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. and a member of the Supervisory Board of Royal Philips in the Netherlands. Mr. Pyott formerly served as a director of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation.

 

   

Key Contributions to the Board

Mr. Pyott possesses over 30 years of operational, commercial and senior management experience, including his successful tenure as the Chief Executive Officer and Chair of Allergan’s board of directors, where he transformed the company from a small eye care business to a global specialty pharmaceutical and medical device company. His in-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical growth and commercial expansion, combined with his entrepreneurial leadership experience in the healthcare industry, position him well to serve as a member of our board and make significant contributions as we continue to advance our late stage clinical programs and build our global commercial operations in preparation for the potential launch of our first product in 2018. Mr. Pyott’s substantial public company governance experience from serving on the boards of several large public companies also makes him an asset to our board and to our nominating and corporate governance committee, which he chairs.

 

 

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 13

Table of Contents

Class III—Directors Whose Terms Expire in 2019

 

Steven M. Paul, M.D.

 

Committees:

•  Compensation Committee

•  Science and Technology Committee

 

Director since: 2010

Age: 67

 

Dr. Paul has served as a member of our board of directors since September 2010.

 

Experience, Expertise and Qualifications

Dr. Paul has served as the President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Voyager Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company, since September 2014. Dr. Paul has also served as an Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at Washington University of St. Louis School of Medicine since September 2017. Dr. Paul was the founding director of the Appel Alzheimer’s Disease Research Institute, and was a Professor of Neurology (Neuroscience), Psychiatry and Pharmacology at Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University from September 2010 to 2017. Dr. Paul also served as a Venture Partner at Third Rock Ventures, a healthcare venture firm, from September 2010 to 2017. Dr. Paul served for 17 years at Eli Lilly and Company, a pharmaceutical company, most recently as the Executive Vice President for Science and Technology and President of the Lilly Research Laboratories, a division of Eli Lilly and Company, from July 2003 to his retirement in February 2010. He is a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences and a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Prior to joining Lilly, Dr. Paul served in several senior roles at the National Institute of Mental Health, including serving as the Scientific Director of the Intramural Research Program. Dr. Paul also serves as a director of Voyager Therapeutics, Inc. and SAGE Therapeutics, Inc., and formerly served as a director of the Sigma-Aldrich Corporation (which was acquired by Merck KGaA).

 

   

Key Contributions to the Board

Dr. Paul brings to our board more than 20 years of management experience in the pharmaceutical industry and 35 years of scientific research experience. He is widely recognized as a leader across many dimensions of medical research and drug development, and this expertise is important to our board as we continue to advance our late stage clinical development pipeline and initiate additional clinical programs.

 

 

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 14

Table of Contents

Amy W. Schulman

 

Committees:

•  Compensation Committee (Chair)

•  Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

 

Director since: 2014

Age: 57

 

 

 

Ms. Schulman has served as a member of our board of directors since July 2014.

 

Experience, Expertise and Qualifications

Ms. Schulman joined Polaris Partners, a venture capital firm, as a Venture Partner in August 2014. In July 2015, Ms. Schulman co-founded Lyndra, Inc., where she serves as the Chief Executive Officer and a director. In February 2017, Ms. Schulman became Chief Executive Officer of Olivo Labs, LLC and also serves as Executive Chair of SQZ Biotech and Suono Bio. Since July 2014, Ms. Schulman has also been a senior lecturer at Harvard Business School. Ms. Schulman served as Chief Executive Officer of Arsia Therapeutics, Inc. from August 2014 to November 2016, when Arsia was acquired by Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Ms. Schulman was previously the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Pfizer Inc., a global pharmaceutical company, from May 2008 to July 2014, where she also served as the Business Unit Lead for Pfizer’s Consumer Healthcare business from 2012 to 2013. Before joining Pfizer, she was a partner at DLA Piper. Ms. Schulman also serves as a director of Blue Buffalo Pet Products, Inc., Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Arsanis, Inc., and formerly served as a director of BIND Therapeutics, Inc.

 

Key Contributions to the Board

Ms. Schulman brings to our board a diverse background that includes legal, operational and commercial expertise. As our business grows and becomes more complex, Ms. Schulman’s unique qualifications will enable her to counsel us in a number of critical areas, including commercial strategy and capability building, as well as legal, regulatory and transactional considerations. In addition, her experience at Pfizer as Executive Sponsor of Pfizer’s Global Women’s Council, where she helped shape efforts to increase diversity and expand opportunities for both women and men across the company, will be an important resource as we grow our workforce to support the advancement of our late stage clinical development pipeline and build our global commercial operations in preparation for the potential launch of our first product 2018.

 

 

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 15

Table of Contents

Class I—Directors Whose Terms Expire in 2020

 

Michael W. Bonney

Chair of the Board

 

Committees:

•  Audit Committee

•  Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

 

Director since: 2014

Age: 59

  

Mr. Bonney has served as a member of our board of directors since December 2014 and was appointed chair of our board in December 2015.

 

Experience, Expertise and Qualifications

Mr. Bonney has served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chair of Kaleido Biosciences, a biotechnology company, since June 2017. Mr. Bonney was a Partner at Third Rock Ventures, a healthcare venture firm, from January to July 2016. Mr. Bonney previously served as the Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors of Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company (now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.), from June 2003 until his retirement in December 2014. From January 2002 to June 2003, he served as Cubist’s President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Bonney is also a trustee of the Tekla complex of life sciences and healthcare dedicated funds, publicly traded investment funds. In addition, Mr. Bonney serves as a director of Celgene Corporation and Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., and formerly served as a director of Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc., NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Cubist.

 

Key Contributions to the Board

Mr. Bonney possesses over 30 years of operational, commercial and senior management experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, including his long tenure as the Chief Executive Officer and a director of Cubist. His breadth of experience and deep commercial background enable him to make significant contributions as chair of our board as we continue to advance our late stage clinical programs and build our global commercial operations in preparation for the potential launch of our first product in 2018.

 

John M. Maraganore, Ph.D.

Chief Executive Officer

 

Director since: 2002

Age: 55

  

Dr. Maraganore has served as our Chief Executive Officer and as a member of our board of directors since December 2002.

 

Experience, Expertise and Qualifications

Dr. Maraganore also served as our President from December 2002 to December 2007. From April 2000 to December 2002, Dr. Maraganore served as Senior Vice President, Strategic Product Development for Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company (now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited). He also serves as the Chair of the board of directors of Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Chair of the Biotechnology Industry Organization, a non-profit biotechnology trade organization. Dr. Maraganore formerly served as a director of bluebird bio, Inc. and Regulus Therapeutics Inc.

 

 

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 16

Table of Contents
    

 

Key Contributions to the Board

Dr. Maraganore has over 25 years of experience in the biotechnology industry, bringing to our board critical scientific, research and development, and general management expertise. In prior roles, Dr. Maraganore has led the research, development and FDA approval and commercialization of important drug therapies, including Angiomax ® , an anticoagulant for patients undergoing coronary angioplasty procedures, of which Dr. Maraganore was an inventor. As a founder and leader of new businesses, he has developed high-performing organizations and created stockholder value while focusing on leading-edge scientific research. A true visionary, strategist and innovator, Dr. Maraganore’s broad experience and personal passion bring an invaluable perspective to our board.

 

Paul R. Schimmel, Ph.D.

 

Committees:

•  Compensation Committee

•  Science and Technology Committee

 

Director since: 2002

Age: 77

  

Dr. Schimmel is a scientific founder of Alnylam and has served as a member of our board of directors since June 2002. As required by our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Dr. Schimmel offered his resignation to the board of directors upon reaching the age of 75. After considering Dr. Schimmel’s many contributions to the board of directors and his specialized experience in areas critical to our company, our board of directors determined not to accept Dr. Schimmel’s resignation and Dr. Schimmel was re-elected as a director at the 2017 annual meeting of stockholders.

 

Experience, Expertise and Qualifications

Dr. Schimmel has been the Ernest and Jean Hahn Professor of Molecular Biology and Chemistry and a member of the faculty of the Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology at the Scripps Research Institute since 1997. Previously, he was the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Schimmel is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Medicine, the American Philosophical Society, the National Academy of Inventors and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Schimmel also serves as a director of aTyr Pharma, Inc. and Tocagen Inc.

 

    

Key Contributions to the Board

Dr. Schimmel is a noted academic scholar, and his knowledge and experience offer a critical scientific perspective to our board. Dr. Schimmel has authored or co-authored more than 490 scientific papers, and has been active in many scientific and academic organizations and committees. Having a longstanding interest in the applications of basic biomedical research to human health, Dr. Schimmel holds several patents and is a co-founder or founding director of a number of biotechnology companies, of which seven, including Alnylam, became publicly traded. As one of our scientific founders, Dr. Schimmel’s insight and scientific expertise are invaluable assets to our board when evaluating our strategy and unique challenges as one of the first companies focused on the discovery and development of therapeutics based on RNA interference, or RNAi.

 

 

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 17

Table of Contents

Phillip A. Sharp, Ph.D.

 

Committees:

•  Science and Technology Committee (Chair)

 

Director since: 2002

Age: 73

  

Dr. Sharp is a scientific founder of Alnylam and has served as a member of our board of directors since June 2002.

 

Experience, Expertise and Qualifications

Dr. Sharp is an Institute Professor at the David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and was the Founding Director of the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT. Dr. Sharp has been a professor at MIT since 1974. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Sharp also serves as a director of Syros Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and formerly served as a director of Biogen Inc., which he co-founded in 1978.

 

Key Contributions to the Board

Dr. Sharp, a leading researcher in molecular biology and biochemistry, brings to our board a fundamental understanding of the core scientific principles of our business. Dr. Sharp received the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1993, received numerous awards and honorary degrees for his scientific work, and served on many advisory boards for the government, academic institutions, scientific societies and companies. Dr. Sharp also has strategic expertise based upon his role as a co-founder and former director of Biogen. As one of our scientific founders, Dr. Sharp’s insight and scientific expertise are invaluable assets to our board when evaluating our strategy and unique challenges as one of the first companies focused on the discovery and development of RNAi therapeutics, and he is uniquely qualified to serve as the chair of our science and technology committee.

 

 

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 18

Table of Contents

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ITS COMMITTEES

Board of Directors Meetings and Attendance

Our board met seven times during 2017 either in person or by teleconference. During 2017, each of our directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of board meetings and meetings of the committees on which he or she then served.

Our directors are expected to participate in the virtual annual meeting of stockholders, unless they have a conflict that cannot be resolved. All but two of our then-current directors attended the 2017 annual meeting of stockholders.

Board Determination of Independence

Under the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules, a director will qualify as an “independent director” if, in the opinion of our board, that person does not have a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. Our board has determined that none of Mses. Fanucci and Schulman, Drs. Ausiello, Paul, Schimmel and Sharp, and Messrs. Bonney, Clarke, Pyott and Starr (who has resigned, effective as of March 31, 2018) have a relationship which would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director and that each of these directors is an “independent director” as defined under NASDAQ Rule 5605(a)(2). Furthermore, the board has determined that each member of our audit committee, compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee is independent within the meaning of the applicable director independence standards of the NASDAQ Global Select Market and the Exchange Act. In making such determination, our board considered relationships, if any, that each non-employee director or family member of such director has with Alnylam, their beneficial ownership of our outstanding common stock and other facts and circumstances our board deemed relevant in determining their independence.

Role of the Board

Our business is managed under the direction of the board of directors. Management has primary responsibility for the day-to-day operations and affairs of our company and the role of our board is to provide independent oversight of management. In its oversight role, our board, as a whole and through its committees, is responsible for establishing broad corporate policies and reviewing our overall performance. Our board selects and provides for the succession of executive officers and, subject to stockholder election, directors. Our board also evaluates the performance of our chief executive officer. It reviews and approves corporate objectives, strategies and annual investment plans, and evaluates significant policies and proposed major commitments of corporate resources. Our board also participates in decisions that have a potential major economic impact on our company. Management keeps our directors informed of company activity through regular communication, including written reports and presentations at board of directors and committee meetings.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 19

Table of Contents

The Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

We face a number of risks in our business, including risks related to: pre-clinical and clinical research and development; manufacturing; regulatory reviews, approvals, policies and oversight; growth and capability expansion in the United States and abroad; preparations for potential commercial operations and our ability to obtain reimbursement for the new drugs we are developing if, and when, they gain regulatory approval; intellectual property filings, prosecution, maintenance and challenges; the establishment and maintenance of strategic alliances; competition; litigation and government investigations; and the ability to access additional funding for our business; as well as other risks. Our management is responsible for the day-to-day management of the risks that we face, while our board of directors, as a whole and through its committees, has responsibility for the oversight of risk management.

Our board administers its risk oversight function directly and through its four committees. Our chair meets regularly with our chief executive officer and other executive officers to discuss strategy and risks facing the company. Members of senior management attend the quarterly board meetings and are available to address any questions or concerns raised by the board on risk management-related and any other matters. Each quarter, the board of directors receives presentations from members of senior management on strategic matters involving our business. In addition, as part of its charter, the audit committee regularly discusses with management our risk exposures in the areas of financial reporting, internal controls and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements with potential impact on our financial statements, and the steps we take to manage them. The compensation committee assists the board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to the management of risks arising from our compensation policies and programs and succession planning for our executive officers, and evaluates potential risks associated with independent director compensation for consideration by the full board. The nominating and corporate governance committee assists the board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to the management of risks associated with board organization, membership and structure, succession planning for our directors, corporate governance and our compliance programs with respect to non-financial compliance matters and quality programs. The science and technology committee reviews and advises the board regarding risks arising from our discovery and development strategy and programs.

Board Leadership Structure

Our board has determined that the roles of chief executive officer and chair of the board should be separated at the current time. Mr. Bonney, an independent director, has served as our chair since December 2015. Prior to that time, Mr. Clarke, also an independent director, served as our chair from the founding of Alnylam in 2002. Dr. Maraganore has served as our chief executive officer and a director since 2002. Separating these positions allows our chief executive officer to focus on our day-to-day business operations, while allowing the chair to lead the board in its fundamental role of providing advice to and independent oversight of management. The board recognizes the time, effort and energy that the chief executive officer is required to devote to his position in the current business environment, as well as the commitment required to serve as our chair, particularly as the board’s oversight responsibilities continue to grow. While our bylaws and corporate governance guidelines do not require that our chair and chief executive officer positions be separate, our board believes that our current leadership structure is appropriate because it provides an effective balance between strategy development and independent leadership and management oversight.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 20

Table of Contents

Board Committees

Our board of directors has established four standing committees — audit, compensation, nominating and corporate governance, and science and technology — each of which operates under a written charter that has been approved by our board. We have posted copies of each committee’s charter on the Corporate Governance page of the Investors section of our website, www.alnylam.com . The members of each committee are appointed by our board, upon the recommendation of our nominating and corporate governance committee.

Our board has determined that all of the members of each of the audit, compensation, and nominating and corporate governance committees are independent as defined under the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules, and, in the case of all members of our audit committee, the independence requirements of Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Exchange Act. Committee memberships as of April 1, 2018 are shown in the table below:

 

     

Audit

Committee

   Compensation
Committee 		   Nominating and
Corporate
Governance
Committee 		   Science and
Technology
Committee

 

Dennis A. Ausiello, M.D.

 

        

 

LOGO

  

 

LOGO

 

Michael W. Bonney LOGO

 

  

 

LOGO

     

 

LOGO

  

 

John K. Clarke

 

  

 

LOGO

        

 

LOGO

 

Marsha H. Fanucci

 

  

 

LOGO

     

 

LOGO

  

 

John M. Maraganore, Ph.D.

 

           

 

Steven M. Paul, M.D.

 

     

 

LOGO

     

 

LOGO

 

David E.I. Pyott

 

        

 

LOGO

  

 

Paul R. Schimmel, Ph.D.

 

     

 

LOGO

     

 

LOGO

 

Amy W. Schulman

 

     

 

LOGO

  

 

LOGO

  

 

Phillip A. Sharp, Ph.D.

 

                 

 

LOGO

 

  LOGO Chair of Board   LOGO   Committee Chair   LOGO   Member

Audit Committee

As described more fully in its charter, the audit committee oversees our accounting and financial reporting processes, internal controls and audit functions. In fulfilling its role, our audit committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

  •   appointing, evaluating, retaining, approving the compensation of and, when necessary, terminating the engagement of our independent auditors;

 

  •   taking appropriate action, or recommending that our board of directors take appropriate action, to oversee the independence of our independent auditors;

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 21

Table of Contents
  •   reviewing and discussing with management and the independent auditors our annual and quarterly financial statements and related disclosures, including earnings releases;

 

  •   monitoring our internal control over financial reporting, disclosure controls and procedures, and compliance with financial corporate securities, tax and similar regulatory or legal requirements relating to financial matters;

 

  •   reviewing and discussing our financial risk management policies, including but not limited to our investment policy;

 

  •   reviewing and approving matters related to tax planning;

 

  •   establishing policies regarding hiring employees from our independent auditors and procedures for the receipt and retention of accounting-related complaints and concerns;

 

  •   meeting independently with our independent auditors and management; and

 

  •   preparing the annual audit committee report required by SEC rules, which is included below under the heading “Report of the Audit Committee.”

In addition, our audit committee must approve or ratify any related person transaction entered into by us. Our policies and procedures for the review and approval of related person transactions are summarized under the heading “Policies and Procedures for Related Person Transactions,” which appears below.

As of March 31, 2018, the members of our audit committee will be Ms. Fanucci (Chair) and Messrs. Bonney and Clarke. Mr. Clarke replaced Mr. Bonney as a member of our audit committee in October 2017. Mr. Starr has resigned from our board and as the chair of our audit committee effective as of March 31, 2018, at which time Ms. Fanucci will be appointed as chair and Mr. Bonney will again be appointed as a member of the committee. We believe that each member of our audit committee satisfies the requirements for membership, including independence, under the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules and Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Exchange Act. Our board has determined that each of Ms. Fanucci and Mr. Bonney is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K. No member of our audit committee is the beneficial owner of more than 10% of our common stock.

 

 

Our audit committee met five times during 2017, either in person or by teleconference.

Compensation Committee

Our compensation committee’s responsibilities include, among other things:

 

  •   annually reviewing and making recommendations to our board with respect to corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our executive officers;

 

  •   reviewing and approving, or making recommendations to our board with respect to, the compensation of our chief executive officer and other executive officers;

 

  •   overseeing an evaluation of our senior executives;

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 22

Table of Contents
  •   reviewing and making recommendations to our board with respect to management succession planning;

 

  •   overseeing and administering our stock-based compensation plans and 401(k) plan, and performing the duties imposed on the compensation committee by the terms of those plans;

 

  •   reviewing and making recommendations to our board with respect to director compensation;

 

  •   reviewing, and amending as necessary, our compensation philosophy and objectives, and reviewing annually and updating our peer group for compensation purposes;

 

  •   reviewing and discussing any potential risks that could arise from our compensation policies and programs;

 

  •   reviewing and discussing annually with management our “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” which is included beginning on page 38 of this proxy statement; and

 

  •   preparing the annual compensation committee report required by SEC rules, which is included immediately following the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section appearing below.

The processes and procedures followed by our compensation committee in considering and determining executive compensation are described below under the heading “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”

As of March 31, 2018, the members of our compensation committee will be Ms. Schulman (Chair) and Drs. Paul and Schimmel. Mr. Starr replaced Dr. Paul as a member of our Compensation Committee in October 2017 and Ms. Schulman succeeded Dr. Paul as chair at that time. Mr. Starr has resigned from our board and as a member of our compensation committee effective as of March 31, 2018, at which time Dr. Paul will again be appointed as a member of the committee. We believe that each member of our compensation committee is an independent director within the meaning of the director independence standards of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules, a non-employee director as defined in Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act, and an outside director pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, also referred to as the Code.

 

 

Our compensation committee met four times during 2017, either in person or by teleconference.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During fiscal year 2017, none of the members of our compensation committee was a current or former officer or employee of Alnylam and none had any related person transaction involving Alnylam.

During fiscal year 2017, no executive officer of our company served as: (i) a member of the compensation committee (or other committee of the board of directors performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire board of directors) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on our compensation committee; (ii) a director of another

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 23

Table of Contents

entity, one of whose executive officers served on our compensation committee; or (iii) a member of the compensation committee (or other committee of the board of directors performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire board of directors) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served as a director of our company.

Risk Considerations in Executive Compensation

Our compensation committee has discussed the concept of risk as it relates to our executive compensation program and our compensation committee does not believe our executive compensation program encourages excessive or inappropriate risk taking. As described more fully below in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” we structure our pay to consist of both fixed and variable compensation to motivate our executives to produce superior short-and long-term results that are in the best interests of our company and stockholders in order to attain our ultimate objective of increasing stockholder value. We have established, and our compensation committee endorses, several controls to address and mitigate compensation-related risk.

We engaged our outside consultant, Radford, to assist the compensation committee in evaluating whether our policies and practices create excessive risk in our compensation programs. In conducting its independent assessment, Radford reviewed all of our incentive compensation and other programs and determined there were no compensation policies or practices that encourage excessive or inappropriate risk-taking. Radford discussed the detailed findings of this review with management and the chair of the compensation committee in February 2017, and management presented the results of the review to the compensation committee. As a result, the compensation committee concluded that our compensation policies and practices are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our company. The compensation committee intends to continue to evaluate on an ongoing basis the potential risks associated with our compensation policies and practices, with the assistance of Radford or another independent consultant. Assuming we receive regulatory approval for and launch our first product in 2018, this evaluation will also include the potential risks associated with field-based incentive compensation and commercial-related goals and targets, as well as any other changes to our compensation policies and practices.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

Our nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

  •   advising our board on board organization, structure and appropriate size;

 

  •   identifying individuals qualified to become members of our board and evaluating candidates recommended by stockholders for election to our board and stockholder proposals submitted for inclusion in our proxy materials;

 

  •   recommending to our board the persons to be nominated for election as directors and the persons to be appointed to each of our board committees;

 

  •   reviewing the external commitments of our directors and executive officers to evaluate potential conflicts of interest or time commitment concerns;

 

  •   developing and recommending to our board a set of corporate governance principles and making recommendations to our board regarding corporate governance matters;

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 24

Table of Contents
  •   overseeing the annual evaluation of our board and its committees; and

 

  •   overseeing management’s implementation of compliance programs with respect to non-financial matters and our quality programs.

The processes and procedures followed by our nominating and corporate governance committee in identifying and evaluating director candidates are described below under the heading “Director Nomination Process.”

The current members of our nominating and corporate governance committee are Mr. Pyott (Chair), Dr. Ausiello, Mr. Bonney, and Mses. Fanucci and Schulman. Mr. Bonney became a member of our nominating and corporate governance committee in October 2017, at which time Mr. Clarke and Dr. Sharp stepped down from the committee. Mr. Pyott succeeded Mr. Clarke as chair at that time. We believe that each member of our nominating and corporate governance committee satisfies the requirements for membership, including independence, as established under the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules.

 

 

Our nominating and corporate governance committee met three times during 2017,

either in person or by teleconference.

Science and Technology Committee

Our science and technology committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

  •   overseeing our scientific advisory board;

 

  •   reviewing our overall scientific and research and development strategy;

 

  •   reviewing our research and development strategy and programs; and

 

  •   reviewing our regulatory and quality programs.

The current members of our science and technology committee are Drs. Sharp (Chair), Ausiello, Paul and Schimmel and Mr. Clarke, who became a member of the committee in October 2017.

 

 

Our science and technology committee met three times during 2017,

either in person or by teleconference.

Director Nomination Process

Our nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for identifying individuals qualified to become directors, consistent with criteria approved by our board, and recommending the persons to be nominated for election as directors.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 25

Table of Contents

The process followed by our nominating and corporate governance committee to identify and evaluate director candidates includes requests to board members and others for recommendations, meetings from time to time to evaluate biographical information and background material relating to potential candidates, and interviews of selected candidates by members of the committee and our board.

Criteria and Diversity

Our corporate governance guidelines specify that diversity on the board should be considered by the nominating and corporate governance committee in the director identification and nomination process. In considering whether to recommend any particular candidate for inclusion in our board’s slate of recommended director nominees, our nominating and corporate governance committee will apply certain criteria, including the candidate’s integrity, business acumen, knowledge of our business and industry, experience, diligence, conflicts of interest and ability to act in the interests of all stockholders. Our nominating and corporate governance committee also considers issues of diversity, such as diversity of gender, race and national origin, education, professional experience and differences in viewpoints and skills. While our nominating and corporate governance committee does not have a formal policy with respect to diversity, our board and nominating and corporate governance committee believe that it is essential that the board members represent diverse viewpoints. The committee does not assign specific weights to particular criteria and no particular criterion is a prerequisite for each prospective nominee. We believe that the backgrounds and qualifications of our directors, considered as a group, should provide a composite mix of experience, knowledge and abilities that will allow our board to promote our strategic objectives and fulfill its responsibilities to our stockholders.

The director nominee biographies appearing above under the heading “Information Concerning Director Nominees – Election of Class II Directors (Proposal 1)” indicate each nominee’s experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that led our nominating and corporate governance committee and board to conclude that he or she should continue to serve as a member of our board. Our nominating and corporate governance committee and board believe that each of the nominees has had substantial achievement in his or her professional and personal pursuits, and possesses the background, talents and experience that our board desires and that will contribute to the best interests of our company and to long-term stockholder value.

Stockholder Nominations

Stockholders may recommend individuals to our nominating and corporate governance committee for consideration as potential director candidates by submitting their names, together with appropriate biographical information and background materials and, if the stockholder is not a stockholder of record, a statement as to whether the stockholder or group of stockholders making the recommendation has beneficially owned more than 5% of our common stock for at least a year as of the date such recommendation is made, to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, c/o Corporate Secretary, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 300 Third Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142. Assuming that appropriate biographical and background material has been provided on a timely basis, the committee will evaluate stockholder-recommended candidates by following substantially the same process, and applying substantially the same criteria, as it follows for candidates submitted by others. Stockholders also have the right under our bylaws to nominate director candidates directly, without any action or recommendation on the part of the committee or the board, by following the procedures set forth below under the heading “Stockholder Proposals.”

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 26

Table of Contents

At the annual meeting, stockholders will be asked to consider the election of Dr. Ausiello, Messrs. Clarke and Pyott and Ms. Fanucci, each of whom currently serves on our board of directors. Dr. Ausiello, Messrs. Clarke and Pyott (who was initially recommended for consideration by our nominating and corporate governance committee in 2015 and has been nominated for re-election at the 2018 annual meeting) and Ms. Fanucci were proposed to our board by our nominating and corporate governance committee and our board determined to include them as its nominees.

Majority Voting Policy

Our bylaws provide that the vote required for the election of a director by the stockholders shall, except in a contested election, be the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast with respect to the election of such director nominee at a meeting of stockholders. In order to receive a majority of the votes cast, the number of shares voted “FOR” must exceed the number of votes “AGAINST.” In any non-contested election of directors, any incumbent director nominee who receives a greater number of votes cast against his or her election than in favor of his or her election shall, promptly following the certification of the stockholder vote, tender his or her resignation to the board. The board shall then decide, through a process managed by our nominating and corporate governance committee, whether to accept the resignation, or take other action. The board expects that a director whose resignation is under consideration shall abstain from participating in any decision regarding his or her resignation. In reaching its decision, the board may consider any factors deemed relevant, including the incumbent director nominee’s qualifications, the incumbent director nominee’s past and expected future contributions to the company, the overall composition of the board, and whether accepting the tendered resignation would cause us to fail to meet any applicable rule or regulation (including NASDAQ Global Select Market listing standards and federal securities laws). The board will publicly disclose its decision and rationale, within ninety (90) days following certification of the stockholder vote. If an incumbent director nominee’s resignation is not accepted, he or she will continue to hold office until the next annual meeting and until his or her successor shall be duly elected and qualified. In such circumstances, the director will remain in his or her existing class and the election held at the next such annual meeting shall be whether to elect him or her to serve the remainder of his or her three-year term.

Communicating with the Independent Directors

Our board of directors will give appropriate attention to written communications that are submitted by stockholders, and will respond if and as appropriate. The chair of our board (if an independent director), the lead director (if one is appointed), or otherwise the chair of our nominating and corporate governance committee, is primarily responsible for monitoring communications from stockholders and for providing copies or summaries to the other directors as he or she considers appropriate.

Communications are forwarded to all directors if they relate to important substantive matters and include suggestions or comments that the chair of our board (if an independent director), or the lead director (if one is appointed), or otherwise the chair of our nominating and corporate governance committee, considers to be important for the directors to know. In general, communications relating to corporate governance and long-term corporate strategy are more likely to be forwarded than communications relating to ordinary business affairs, personal grievances and matters as to which we tend to receive repetitive communications.

Stockholders who wish to send communications on any topic to our board should address such communications to the Board of Directors, c/o Corporate Secretary, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 300 Third Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 27

Table of Contents

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Compensation of Directors

We compensate our non-employee directors for their service as directors. We do not pay directors who are also our employees any additional compensation for their service as a director. Accordingly, Dr. Maraganore does not receive any additional compensation for his service as a director.

Our compensation committee periodically reviews the compensation we pay our non-employee directors, with input from its independent compensation consultants. Our compensation committee compares our board compensation to compensation paid to non-employee directors of our peer group companies. Our compensation committee also considers the responsibilities we ask of our board members along with the amount of time required to perform those responsibilities. During 2017, our compensation committee, with the assistance of its independent compensation consultants, performed a comprehensive review of director compensation. Following this review, in March 2018, the compensation committee and our board of directors determined to adjust certain elements of the cash compensation paid to our non-employee directors, including the fees for our audit and compensation committee chairs and our compensation committee members, to be more competitive with our peer group. In addition, based on the results of this review and the significant increase in our stock price over 2017, as well as the continuing evaluation and management of our equity compensation strategy across the organization to manage our equity utilization during a period of rapid growth, the compensation committee and our board of directors determined to reduce the initial and annual stock option awards for non-employee directors.

The table below reflects the non-employee director compensation that was in effect throughout 2017 as well as the changes (in italics) to non-employee director compensation that were approved in March 2018, and were effective as of April 1, 2018. Increases in fees will be pro-rated for 2018 based upon the date of approval and each non-employee director’s committee appointments, if applicable.

 

Compensation Type     

Compensation Amount

Before April 1, 2018

    

Compensation Amount

as of April 1, 2018

Annual Retainer

     $50,000      $50,000

Board Chair Fee

     $30,000      $30,000

Committee Chair Fees:

         

Audit

     $15,000      $25,000

Compensation

     $10,000      $20,000

Nominating and Corporate Governance

     $10,000      $10,000

Science and Technology

     $10,000      $10,000

Committee Member Fees:

         

Audit

     $10,000      $10,000

Compensation

     $7,500      $10,000

Nominating and Corporate Governance

     $5,000      $5,000

Science and Technology

     $5,000      $5,000

Initial Stock Option Award (vests ratably in three annual installments)

     25,000 shares      18,000 shares

Annual Stock Option Award (vests on one-year anniversary)*

     11,250 shares      9,000 shares

  *Each non-employee director is generally eligible for an annual stock option award beginning in the sixth month following his or her election to our board.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 28

Table of Contents

Our board may, in its discretion, increase or decrease the size of the stock option award made to a non-employee director upon election or in connection with the annual stock option award or make other option awards to our non-employee directors, subject to the current limitations contained in our 2009 Plan described below. The exercise price of stock option awards is the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. We also reimburse our directors for reasonable travel and other related expenses incurred in connection with their service on our board.

In March 2016, based on the recommendation of our compensation committee, our board determined that it was in the best interests of the company and its stockholders to add a limit on the maximum number of shares of common stock that may be subject to initial or annual awards granted to non-employee directors in our 2009 Plan. In 2017, our stockholders approved these limits in connection with their approval of the 2009 Plan. Specifically, in addition to the aggregate limit on grants to non-employee directors contained in the 2009 Plan, the 2009 Plan includes the following limits on initial and annual awards which was effective through March 31, 2018:

 

  •   the maximum number of shares of common stock subject to an award of stock options granted in connection with an individual non-employee director’s initial appointment or election to the board shall be 50,000 (or 33,333 in the case of restricted stock or other full value awards); and

 

  •   the maximum number of shares of common stock subject to an award of stock options granted in connection with an individual non-employee director’s annual service on the board during any calendar year shall be 22,500 (or 15,000 in the case of restricted stock or other full value awards).

As indicated in the table above, our current practice is to make stock option awards covering fewer shares of common stock than permitted by these limits. In March 2018, in connection with the reduction in initial and annual stock option awards, our board of directors approved a reduction to these maximum limits. In Proposal 2 below, we are asking stockholders to approve the 2018 Plan. The 2018 Plan includes the reduced maximum amounts of 36,000 (or 24,000 in the case of restricted stock or other full value awards) and 18,000 (or 12,000 in the case of restricted stock or other full value awards) for initial and annual awards, respectively, which amounts represent two times the reduced initial and annual award amounts approved by the compensation committee and our board of directors in March 2018. We are asking stockholders to approve these limits in connection with their approval of the 2018 Plan.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 29

Table of Contents

The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of our non-employee directors in 2017.

Director Compensation

 

 

Name

  

Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash

($)

    

Option Awards

($)(2)(3)(4)

    

All Other
Compensation

($)

    

Total

($)

 

Dennis A. Ausiello, M.D.

     60,000        500,145        —        560,145  

Michael W. Bonney

     88,750        500,145        —        588,895  

John K. Clarke

     61,250        500,145        —        561,395  

Marsha H. Fanucci

     65,000        500,145        —        565,145  

Steven M. Paul, M.D.

     62,500        500,145        —        562,645  

David E.I. Pyott

     56,250        500,145        —        556,395  

Paul R. Schimmel, Ph.D.

     62,500        500,145        —        562,645  

Amy W. Schulman

     63,125        500,145        —        563,270  

Phillip A. Sharp, Ph.D.

     63,750        500,145        25,000(5)        588,895  

Kevin P. Starr(1)

     66,875        500,145        —        567,020  

 

(1) Mr. Starr has resigned from our board of directors, effective as of March 31, 2018.

 

(2) The amounts in this column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, Topic 718, of stock options granted under our equity plans for service on our board and treated for accounting purposes as employee awards. There can be no assurance that these amounts will ever be realized. Whether, and to what extent, a non-employee director realizes value will depend on our actual operating performance, stock price fluctuations and the non-employee director’s continued service on our board. The assumptions we used to calculate these amounts are included in Note 9 to our audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 15, 2018.

 

(3) At December 31, 2017, our non-employee directors held the following aggregate number of shares under outstanding stock options (representing unexercised option awards – both exercisable and unexercisable):

Director Outstanding Stock Options for Service

 

Name    Number of Shares
Underlying
Outstanding Stock Options
for Board Service(#) 		       Number of Shares
Underlying Outstanding
Stock Options for
Non-Board Service(#)

Dennis A. Ausiello, M.D.

     50,867        —

Michael W. Bonney

     63,750        —

John K. Clarke

     138,750        —

Marsha H. Fanucci

     123,750        —

Steven M. Paul, M.D.

     127,138        —

David E.I. Pyott

     47,500        —

Paul R. Schimmel, Ph.D.

     61,573        —

Amy W. Schulman

     63,750        —

Phillip A. Sharp, Ph.D.

     202,420        45,000(b)

Kevin P. Starr(a)

     112,420        —

 

  (a) Upon Mr. Starr’s resignation from our board, effective as of March 31, 2018, all unvested stock options will be cancelled. Mr. Starr will have the lesser of five years and the remainder of the stock option term following the effective date of his resignation to exercise any vested stock options, after which time all such outstanding stock options will be cancelled.

 

  (b) Dr. Sharp received these stock options between 2008 and 2010 in connection with his service on our scientific advisory board.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 30

Table of Contents
(4) The number of shares underlying stock options granted to our non-employee directors for their service on our board during 2017 and the grant date fair value of such stock options are as follows:

Director Grants

 

Name    Date of
Grant 		       Number of Shares
Underlying Stock
Option Grants in
2017(#) 		      

Grant Date Fair Value

of Stock Option

Grants in 2017

($)(b)

 

Dennis A. Ausiello, M.D.

     06/02/2017          11,250          500,145  

Michael W. Bonney

     06/02/2017          11,250          500,145  

John K. Clarke

     06/02/2017          11,250          500,145  

Marsha H. Fanucci

     06/02/2017          11,250          500,145  

Steven M. Paul, M.D.

     06/02/2017          11,250          500,145  

David E.I. Pyott

     06/02/2017          11,250          500,145  

Paul R. Schimmel, Ph.D.

     06/02/2017          11,250          500,145  

Amy W. Schulman

     06/02/2017          11,250          500,145  

Phillip A. Sharp, Ph.D.

     06/02/2017          11,250          500,145  

Kevin P. Starr(a)

     06/02/2017          11,250          500,145  

 

  (a) As a result of Mr. Starr’s resignation from our board of directors, effective as of March 31, 2018, this option award will be cancelled.

 

  (b) The grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 represents the value of stock options granted during 2017. The grant date fair value per option was $44.46. There can be no assurance that the grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 will ever be realized. Whether, and to what extent, a non-employee director realizes value will depend on our actual operating performance, stock price fluctuations and the non-employee director’s continued service on our board. The exercise price for the June 2, 2017 grants is $71.99.

 

(5) This amount reflects compensation paid to Dr. Sharp for service as the chair of our scientific advisory board during 2017.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 31

Table of Contents

SECURITIES OWNERSHIP

OWNERSHIP OF OUR COMMON STOCK

The following table sets forth information regarding beneficial ownership of our common stock as of February 28, 2018, except as otherwise set forth in the footnotes below, by:

 

  •   each person, or group of affiliated persons, known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock;
  •   each of our directors and director nominees;
  •   our principal executive officer, our principal financial officers during 2017 and our three other most highly compensated executive officers who were serving as executive officers on December 31, 2017, whom, collectively, we refer to as our named executive officers or NEOs; and
  •   all of our current directors and current executive officers as a group.

The number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by each person or entity is determined in accordance with the applicable rules of the SEC and includes voting or investment power with respect to shares of our common stock. The information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Unless otherwise indicated, to our knowledge, all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to their shares of common stock, except to the extent authority is shared by spouses under community property laws. The inclusion herein of any shares as beneficially owned does not constitute an admission of beneficial ownership of those shares by the person listed in the table.

 

  Name and Address of

  Beneficial Owner(1)

  

Number of

Shares Owned(#)

     +     

Number of
Shares

Acquirable
Within

60 Days(#)(2)

     =     

Total

Beneficial

Ownership(#)

    

Percentage of

Common
Stock

Beneficially

Owned(%)(3)

 

Holders of more than 5% of our common stock

                 

FMR LLC(4)

     14,875,621           —           14,875,621        14.9  

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.(5)

     12,233,241           —           12,233,241        12.2  

Sanofi(6)

     10,554,134           —           10,554,134        10.6  

Wellington Management Group LLP(7)

     9,182,530           —           9,182,530        9.2  

Dodge & Cox(8)

     8,231,595           —           8,231,595        8.2  

The Vanguard Group(9)

     7,263,914           —           7,263,914        7.3  

BlackRock, Inc.(10)

     7,115,063           —           7,115,063        7.1  

Vanguard Specialized Funds-Vanguard Health Care Fund(11)

     6,670,468           —           6,670,468        6.7  

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 32

Table of Contents

  Name and Address of

  Beneficial Owner(1)

  

Number of

Shares Owned(#)

    +     

Number of
Shares

Acquirable
Within

60 Days(#)(2)

     =     

Total

Beneficial

Ownership(#)

    

Percentage of

Common
Stock

Beneficially

Owned(%)(3)

 

Directors and Named Executive Officers

                

Dennis A. Ausiello, M.D.

     3,500 (13)         39,617           43,117        *  

Michael W. Bonney

     4,000 (14)         52,500           56,500        *  

John K. Clarke

     8,891          127,500           136,391        *  

Marsha H. Fanucci

     —          112,500           112,500        *  

John M. Maraganore, Ph.D.

     154,257 (15)         1,053,389           1,207,646        1.2  

Steven M. Paul, M.D.

     1,000          115,888           116,888        *  

David E.I. Pyott

     27,900 (16)         27,917           55,817        *  

Paul R. Schimmel, Ph.D.

     306,996 (17)         50,323           357,319        *  

Amy W. Schulman

     —          52,500           52,500        *  

Phillip A. Sharp, Ph.D.

     266,899 (18)         236,170           503,069        *  

Kevin P. Starr(12)

     —          101,170           101,170        *  

Barry E. Greene

     103,255 (15)         575,536           678,791        *  

Yvonne L. Greenstreet, MBChB, MBA

     233 (15)         60,937           61,170        *  

Akshay K. Vaishnaw, M.D., Ph.D.

     11,553 (15)         243,116           254,669        *  

Manmeet S. Soni**

     20 (15)         —           20        *  

Michael P. Mason***

     231 (15)         4,499           4,730        *  

David-Alexandre C. Gros, M.D.****

     3,000          —           3,000        *  

All current directors and current executive officers as a group (16 persons)

     903,492 (15)               2,856,769                 3,760,261        3.7  

 

* Less than 1% of our outstanding common stock.
** Joined Alnylam as an executive officer in May 2017.
*** Served as our principal financial officer for a portion of 2017.
**** Served as our principal financial officer for a portion of 2017, resigned effective January 6, 2017.

 

(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each stockholder is c/o Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 300 Third Street, Cambridge, MA 02142.

 

(2) Reflects shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options that are exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days after February 28, 2018.

 

(3) Percentage of beneficial ownership is based on 99,925,300 shares of our common stock outstanding as of February 28, 2018. Shares of common stock subject to options currently exercisable, or exercisable within 60 days of February 28, 2018, are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of the common stock beneficially owned by the person holding such options but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

 

(4)

According to Amendment No. 13 to a Schedule 13G filed by FMR LLC (previously known as FMR Corp.) with the SEC on February 13, 2018, as of December 29, 2017, Fidelity Management & Research Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR LLC and an investment adviser registered under Section 203 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, is the beneficial owner of 14,875,621 shares of our common stock, as a result of acting as an investment adviser to various investment companies registered under Section 8 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. Abigail P. Johnson, Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FMR LLC and FMR LLC, through its control of Fidelity Management & Research Company and the funds, each has sole power to dispose of the 14,875,621 shares of our common stock owned by such funds. The ownership of one investment company, Fidelity Growth Company Fund, amounted to 4,970,716 shares of our common stock. Neither FMR LLC nor Abigail P. Johnson has the sole power to

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 33

Table of Contents
  vote or direct the voting of the shares owned directly by such funds, which power resides with the funds’ Boards of Trustees. Fidelity Management & Research Company carries out the voting of the shares under written guidelines established by the funds’ Boards of Trustees. Various persons have the right to receive or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or the proceeds from the sale of, the shares of our common stock held by these funds. The address of FMR LLC is 245 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210.

 

(5) According to Amendment No. 1 to a Schedule 13G filed by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. with the SEC on February 14, 2018, as of December 31, 2017, T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. has the sole power to vote or direct the voting of 3,701,800 of the shares owned and sole dispositive power with respect to all shares owned. The address of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. is 100 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202.

 

(6) According to Amendment No. 3 to a Schedule 13G filed by Sanofi with the SEC on February 13, 2018, as of December 31, 2017, Sanofi was the record and beneficial owner of 10,554,134 shares of our common stock. Sanofi has shared power to vote or to direct the vote with respect to 10,554,134 shares of our common stock and shared power to dispose or to direct the disposition of 8,766,338 shares of our common stock. In January 2014, we entered into a global, strategic collaboration with Sanofi Genzyme (formerly Genzyme Corporation), the specialty care global business unit of Sanofi, to discover, develop and commercialize RNAi therapeutics as genetic medicines to treat orphan diseases, which we restructured in January 2018. The address of Sanofi is 54 Rue La Boétie, 75008 Paris (France).

 

(7) According to Amendment No. 5 to a Schedule 13G filed by Wellington Management Group LLP (formerly Wellington Management Company, LLP), or Wellington Management, with the SEC on February 8, 2018, as of December 29, 2017, Wellington Management, in its capacity as an investment adviser, may be deemed to beneficially own 9,182,530 shares of our common stock which are held of record by clients of Wellington Management. Those clients have the right to receive, or the power to direct the receipt of, dividends from, or the proceeds from the sale of, such securities. Vanguard Health Care Fund is the only client known to have such right or power with respect to more than five percent of the reported shares. Wellington Management has shared power to vote or to direct the vote with respect to 1,871,834 shares of our common stock and shared power to dispose or to direct the disposition of 9,182,530 shares of our common stock. The address of Wellington Management is 280 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210.

 

(8) According to Amendment No. 2 to a Schedule 13G filed by Dodge & Cox with the SEC on February 9, 2018, as of December 31, 2017, Dodge & Cox has the sole power to vote or direct the voting of 7,828,895 of the shares owned. The clients of Dodge & Cox, including investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and other managed accounts, have the right to receive or power to direct the receipt of dividends from, and the proceeds from the sale of, shares of our common stock. The address of Dodge & Cox is 555 California Street, 40 th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104.

 

(9) According to Amendment No. 2 to a Schedule 13G filed by The Vanguard Group with the SEC on February 12, 2018, as of December 31, 2017, The Vanguard Group has the sole power to vote 65,949 of the shares owned, shared power to vote 19,431 of the shares owned, sole dispositive power for 7,181,234 of the shares owned and shared dispositive power for 82,680 of the shares owned. Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company and Vanguard Investments Australia, Ltd., wholly-owned subsidiaries of The Vanguard Group, are the beneficial owners of 39,949 and 68,731 of the shares owned, respectively. The address of The Vanguard Group is 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PA 19355.

 

(10) According to Amendment No. 1 to a Schedule 13G filed by BlackRock, Inc. with the SEC on February 8, 2018, as of December 31, 2017, BlackRock, Inc. has the sole power to vote or direct the voting of 6,564,439 of the shares owned. Various persons have the right to receive or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or the proceeds from the sale of, the shares of our common stock held by BlackRock, Inc. The address of BlackRock, Inc. is 55 East 52 nd Street, New York, NY 10055.

 

(11) According to Amendment No. 4 to a Schedule 13G filed by Vanguard Specialized Funds – Vanguard Health Care Fund, or Vanguard, with the SEC on February 2, 2018, as of December 31, 2017, Vanguard has the sole power to vote the shares owned. The address of Vanguard is 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PA 19355.

 

(12) Mr. Starr has resigned from our board of directors, effective as of March 31, 2018. Upon the effective date of Mr. Starr’s resignation, all unvested stock options will be cancelled. Mr. Starr will have the lesser of five years and the remainder of the stock option term following the date of his resignation to exercise any vested stock options, after which time all such outstanding stock options will be cancelled.

 

(13) Represents shares held in a trust, of which Dr. Ausiello’s spouse is the trustee.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 34

Table of Contents
(14) Represents shares held in a trust, of which Mr. Bonney is the trustee and over which he has sole voting and investment power.

 

(15) Includes shares of our common stock contributed by Alnylam to our 401(k) plan for the benefit of our executive officers as of February 28, 2018: Dr. Maraganore, 2,960 shares; Mr. Greene, 2,827 shares; Dr. Greenstreet, 233 shares; Dr. Vaishnaw, 338 shares; Mr. Soni, 20 shares; Mr. Mason, 231 shares; and Laurie B. Keating, an executive officer who is not an NEO listed in the table above, 257 shares.

 

(16) Represents shares held in a trust, of which Mr. Pyott is the trustee and over which he has sole voting and investment power.

 

(17) Includes shares of our common stock held by the Paul Schimmel Prototype PSP, of which Dr. Schimmel is the trustee and over which he has sole voting and investment power, and the Schimmel Revocable Trust U/A dated 9/6/2000, of which Dr. Schimmel and his spouse are trustees and share voting and investment power.

 

(18) Includes shares of our common stock held by the Phillip A. Sharp Revocable Trust, of which Dr. Sharp is the trustee and over which he has sole voting and investment power. Also includes shares held in trusts for the benefit of Dr. Sharp’s children, of which Dr. Sharp’s spouse and children are the trustees.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers and the holders of more than 10% of our common stock to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership of our common stock and other equity securities on a Form 3 and reports of changes in such ownership on a Form 4 or Form 5. Officers, directors and 10% stockholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on a review of our records and written representations by the persons required to file these reports, we believe that all such persons complied on a timely basis with the filing requirements of Section 16(a) during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. However, on September 22, 2017, Mr. Mason diversified shares of common stock contributed by Alnylam and held in his 401(k) account and this transaction was inadvertently reported as a change in indirect beneficial ownership on his next Form 4 reporting his indirect holdings, filed with the SEC on January 3, 2018. The sale of the shares was subsequently properly reported on a Form 5 filed with the SEC on February 9, 2018.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 35

Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

All executive officers of the company are appointed annually and serve at the pleasure of our board of directors. Set forth below with respect to each executive officer is information as of March 1, 2018 with respect to his or her (a) name and age, (b) positions and offices at Alnylam, (c) principal occupation and business experience during at least the past five years, and (d) directorships, if any, of other publicly-held companies, held currently or during the past five years. There are no family relationships between any of our directors and executive officers. None of the corporations or other organizations referred to below with which an executive officer has previously been employed or otherwise associated is a parent, subsidiary or affiliate of Alnylam.

John M. Maraganore, Ph.D. , 55, has served as our Chief Executive Officer and as a member of our board of directors since December 2002. Dr. Maraganore also served as our President from December 2002 to December 2007. From April 2000 to December 2002, Dr. Maraganore served as Senior Vice President, Strategic Product Development at Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company (now Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company). Dr. Maraganore serves as the Chair of the board of directors of Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Chair of the Biotechnology Industry Organization, a non-profit biotechnology trade organization. Dr. Maraganore formerly served as a director of bluebird bio, Inc. and Regulus Therapeutics Inc.

Barry E. Greene , 54, has served as our President since December 2007, as our Chief Operating Officer from the time he joined us in October 2003 through September 2016, and from February 2004 through December 2005, as our Treasurer. From February 2001 to September 2003, Mr. Greene served as General Manager of Oncology at Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company (now Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company). Mr. Greene serves as a member of the board of directors of Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. and as the lead independent director of Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc.

Akshay K. Vaishnaw, M.D., Ph.D. , 55, has served as our President, Research and Development since March 2018 and was our Executive Vice President of Research and Development from December 2014 to March 2018 and our Chief Medical Officer from June 2011 to December 2016. He served as our Executive Vice President from June 2012 to December 2014 and prior to that as our Senior Vice President from June 2011 to June 2012. He served as our Senior Vice President, Clinical Research from December 2008 to June 2011, and prior to that served as our Vice President, Clinical Research from the time he joined us in January 2006. From December 1998 through December 2005, Dr. Vaishnaw held various positions at Biogen Inc., a biopharmaceutical company. Dr. Vaishnaw serves as a member of the board of directors of Editas Medicine, Inc. Dr. Vaishnaw is a Member of the Royal College of Physicians, United Kingdom.

Yvonne L. Greenstreet, MBChB, MBA , 55, has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since September 2016. Prior to joining Alnylam, Dr. Greenstreet most recently served as the founder and Managing Director of Highgate LLC, from January 2014 to August 2016. Prior to that time, Dr. Greenstreet served as the Senior Vice President and Head of Medicines Development at Pfizer Inc., a multinational pharmaceutical company, from December 2010 to November 2013. Prior to joining Pfizer, Dr. Greenstreet worked for 18 years at GlaxoSmithKline plc,

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 36

Table of Contents

or GSK, a multinational pharmaceutical, biologics, vaccines and consumer healthcare company, where she served in various positions, most recently as Senior Vice President and Chief of Strategy for Research and Development and as a member of GSK’s Product Management Board. Dr. Greenstreet serves as a member of the board of directors of Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Indivior PLC and Moelis & Company, and formerly served as a director of Advanced Accelerator Applications S.A. Dr. Greenstreet also serves on the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Laurie B. Keating, J.D. , 64, has served as our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since September 2014. Prior to joining Alnylam, Ms. Keating served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company, a biopharmaceutical company, from September 2004 to January 2014. Prior to Millennium, Ms. Keating was co-founder and the first chief executive officer of Hydra Biosciences, Inc. Before co-founding Hydra, she served as an executive at several high growth technology companies. Upon graduating from law school, Ms. Keating practiced law at McCutchen, Doyle, Brown and Enersen (which became Bingham McCutchen and is now a part of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius).

Manmeet S. Soni , 40, has served as our Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Financial Officer since May 2017. From March 2016 to February 2017, Mr. Soni served as the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, when ARIAD was acquired by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Mr. Soni continued as an employee of ARIAD through May 2017. Previously, he served as Chief Financial Officer of Pharmacyclics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, until its acquisition by AbbVie, Inc. in May 2015, after which he supported AbbVie during the post-acquisition transition through September 2015. He first joined Pharmacyclics in September 2012 as corporate controller and served in various roles prior to being appointed as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in February 2014. Mr. Soni worked at ZELTIQ Aesthetics Inc., a publicly held medical technology company, from January 2012 to September 2012, where he served as Controller and Senior Director of Finance. Prior to ZELTIQ, Mr. Soni worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers from June 2007 to January 2012 in the Life Science and Venture Capital Group. Prior to that, he worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers India providing audit and assurance services. Mr. Soni serves as director of Pulse Biosciences, Inc. Mr. Soni is a certified public accountant and completed his Chartered Accountancy from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

Michael P. Mason , 43, has served as our Vice President of Finance and Treasurer and our Principal Accounting Officer since February 2011, and previously served as our Principal Financial Officer from February 2011 to June 2016 and from January 2017 to May 2017. From December 2005 to February 2011, Mr. Mason served as our Corporate Controller, and from August 2009 to February 2011, as our Senior Director of Finance. From June 2006 to July 2009, Mr. Mason served as our Director of Finance. From May 2000 through November 2005, Mr. Mason served in several finance and commercial roles at Praecis Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, a public biotechnology company, most recently as Corporate Controller. Prior to Praecis, Mr. Mason worked in the audit practice at KPMG LLP, a national audit, tax and advisory services firm. Mr. Mason has an MBA and is a certified public accountant.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 37

Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Executive Summary

Our compensation committee is responsible for overseeing the total compensation of our senior management team, which is comprised of our named executive officers, or NEOs, our senior vice presidents and all of our vice presidents. Our compensation committee formally approves the compensation of our NEOs and our senior vice presidents. This Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes the pay philosophy established for Alnylam’s NEOs, the design of our compensation programs, the process used to examine performance in the context of executive pay decisions, and the results for each NEO named below.

 

John M. Maraganore, Ph.D.

  Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Barry E. Greene

  President

Yvonne L. Greenstreet, MBChB, MBA

  Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

Akshay K. Vaishnaw, M.D., Ph.D. 1

  President, Research and Development

Manmeet S. Soni 2

  Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

Michael P. Mason 3

  Vice President of Finance and Treasurer

David-Alexandre C. Gros, M.D. 4

  Former Senior Vice President, Chief Business Officer

 

1 Dr. Vaishnaw served as our executive vice president, research and development through March 8, 2018, at which time he was appointed as our president, research and development.
2 Mr. Soni was appointed as our senior vice president, chief financial officer and principal financial officer as of May 9, 2017.
3 Mr. Mason served as our principal financial officer from January 6, 2017 through May 8, 2017.
4 Dr. Gros served as our principal financial officer from July 1, 2016 through January 6, 2017, the date of his resignation from Alnylam.

Although we describe our programs in the context of the NEOs, it is important to note that our programs generally have broad eligibility and therefore in most cases apply to employee populations outside the NEO group as well.

Stockholder Engagement and Feedback

2017 Say-on-Pay Results

We pay careful attention to any feedback we receive from our stockholders about our executive compensation program. At our 2017 annual meeting, our say-on-pay proposal received

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 38

Table of Contents

support from 99% of the votes cast by our stockholders on the matter. Our compensation committee believes that the stockholders, through this advisory vote, generally endorsed our compensation philosophy and principles, thus, our compensation committee maintained the basic structure and design of our executive compensation program for fiscal year 2017. Over the past five years, our annual say-on-pay proposal has received consistent, overwhelming support from our stockholders, receiving at least 90% of the votes cast by our stockholders on the matter each year. The board and the compensation committee are encouraged by the sustained level of stockholder support for our executive compensation program. Nevertheless, the company is committed to engagement with stockholders to ensure that we continue to understand stockholder feedback about our compensation programs and other key matters of interest to them, and to enable us to take that feedback into consideration for our compensation decisions.

Alnylam maintains an ongoing commitment to corporate governance principles and strong performance orientation in our compensation program by proactively reviewing our policies and program design. In 2017, this included an evaluation of our incentive compensation, including annual incentive targets under our short-term cash incentive program for executive and non-executive employees and adoption of a short-term cash incentive program for non-executive field-based employees in the United States and abroad in preparation for the potential commercialization of our first product in 2018; adoption of guidelines for separation pay for non-executive and executive employees; evaluation of appropriate change-in-control (CIC) benefits for our executives relative to our peer group and industry practice; and an ongoing evaluation of on-hire and annual long-term incentive awards, including our overall strategy with respect to equity incentive awards in the context of our expected growth over the next several years. We also evaluated, with assistance from an independent compensation consultant, our peer group and made certain adjustments for 2017.

Best Practices in Compensation Governance

In addition to our performance-sensitive direct compensation structure, Alnylam has strong compensation governance practices. Our compensation governance practices are rooted in our Compensation Philosophy, which is described below.

Compensation Governance

 

Alnylam’s Policies and Practices

•   Pay-for-performance

 

Alnylam’s executive compensation program reinforces our performance driven culture. A significant percentage of our executive officer compensation is at-risk and may not be realized if corporate goals are not achieved.

 

 

  

•   No default single-trigger equity acceleration

 

Our CIC agreements for executives, adopted in 2017, and our 2009 Plan do not allow, and our 2018 Plan, if approved, will not allow, for the automatic accelerated vesting of outstanding equity awards upon a CIC event.

 

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 39

Table of Contents

•   Emphasis on long-term performance

 

Executive compensation should reflect alignment with the interests of stockholders. For 2017, and in each of the prior four years, 50% of our executive officers’ annual equity awards were delivered in the form of performance-based stock option awards that vest in three or four equal installments based upon the achievement of pre-specified clinical development, regulatory and/or commercial events. The grant of annual performance-based stock option awards emphasizes the importance of long-term performance for value creation.

 

  

•   Clawback policy

 

We have a clawback policy that covers our chief executive officer and our principal financial officer, as well as all of our officers at the level of vice president and above. The policy provides that covered executives who engage in misconduct, including embezzlement, fraud, willful misconduct or breach of fiduciary duty, resulting in a financial restatement, shall be required, upon the determination of our board of directors, to repay the company any excess proceeds from cash and equity incentive compensation earned during the covered period.

 

•   No guaranteed annual bonus or guaranteed salary increase

 

We do not provide our executive officers with guaranteed annual salary increases or annual or multi-year guaranteed bonuses.

 

  

•   No hedging

 

Alnylam’s Insider Trading Policy expressly prohibits hedging company securities. Further, it does not permit waivers allowing for pre-clearance/pre-approval under certain situations.

 

•   No excise tax and generally no other tax gross-ups

 

We do not provide our executives with excise tax gross-up and we generally do not provide other recurring tax gross-ups.

 

  

•   No pledging

 

Alnylam’s Insider Trading Policy expressly prohibits pledging of company securities. Further, it does not permit waivers allowing for pre-clearance/pre-approval under certain situations.

 

•   Limited perquisites

 

Consistent with our pay-for-performance philosophy, we provide very limited perquisites to our executives. We do not provide personal perquisites such as automobile leases, driver services or personal use of aircraft.

 

  

•   Stock ownership guidelines

 

We maintain stock ownership guidelines for our directors (including our CEO) and for the president of the company.

 

•   Independent compensation consultant

 

Our compensation committee engages an independent consultant to advise it on topics related to board and executive compensation.

 

 

    

Select Business Highlights For 2017

We are a global biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics based on RNAi. RNAi is a naturally occurring biological pathway within cells for sequence-specific silencing and regulation of gene expression. We are harnessing the RNAi pathway to develop a potential new class of innovative medicines, known as RNAi therapeutics. RNAi therapeutics are comprised of small interfering RNA and function upstream of today’s medicines by silencing messenger RNA that encode

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 40

Table of Contents

for disease-causing proteins, thus preventing them from being made. This is a revolutionary approach with the potential to transform the care of patients with genetic and other diseases.

We believe 2017 was a transformative year for Alnylam, as we continued to make significant progress on our clinical development and other corporate goals, moving us closer toward fulfilling our Alnylam 2020 strategy of building a multi-product global commercial-stage company with a deep and sustainable clinical pipeline and a robust product engine by the end of 2020, a company profile rarely achieved in biotech history. Most importantly, we reported positive Phase 3 data for patisiran, our investigational therapeutic in development for the treatment of hATTR amyloidosis patients, and filed our first applications for regulatory approval in the United States and the European Union, or EU. In addition, we, together with our partners, advanced several other late-stage clinical development programs, and we continued to advance earlier stage candidates and optimize our product platform. We also continued to execute on our business objectives, forming strategic relationships, strengthening our financial position and building our global commercial infrastructure. We did experience an unfortunate setback in our fitusiran program, reporting a fatal thrombotic event which resulted in our temporary suspension of dosing in all ongoing fitusiran studies, including the Phase 2 open label extension, or OLE, study and ATLAS Phase 3 program. We reached alignment with regulatory authorities and the clinical hold was lifted prior to year-end. Based on our performance in 2017, our board determined that we achieved 110% of our corporate goals for fiscal year 2017, including the majority of our pipeline goals and all of our strategic infrastructure, growth and growth management goals, which are critical for our company during this time of rapid growth as we move towards potential commercialization in 2018, as well as certain stretch goals. Given the strongly positive Phase 3 results for patisiran and the rapid filing of regulatory submissions for marketing approval in the United States and EU, together with significant advances on other fronts of our business, our board exercised its discretion to allocate an additional 20% for exceeding performance on a number of our corporate goals and award the full corporate performance level of 130% under our 2017 Annual Incentive Program.

 

SELECT BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2017

CLINICAL & REGULATORY ACHIEVEMENTS

•    Advanced robust pipeline ending 2017 with seven candidates in clinical development

 

•    Presented positive, final results from our APOLLO Phase 3 study of patisiran in patients with polyneuropathy due to hATTR amyloidosis, and submitted a new drug application, or NDA, in the United States and a marketing authorisation application, or MAA, in the EU

 

•    Received Breakthrough Therapy Designation and Priority Review status from the United States Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, for patisiran and expansion of patisiran’s Orphan Drug Designation to the “treatment of transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (ATTR amyloidosis)”

 

•    Received Accelerated Assessment status from the European Medicines Agency, or EMA, and a Promising Innovative Medicine designation from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency in the United Kingdom, for patisiran

 

•    Reported positive preliminary results from our Phase 1 study of ALN-TTRsc02 for the treatment of ATTR amyloidosis

 

•    Aligned with FDA and other regulatory authorities on a Phase 3 trial design, including, with the FDA, on an interim analysis plan and initiated our ENVISION Phase 3 clinical study of givosiran for the treatment of acute hepatic porphyrias

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 41

Table of Contents

 

•    Initiated our ATLAS Phase 3 program for fitusiran for the treatment of hemophilia A and B, with and without inhibitors

 

•    Our partner, The Medicines Company, reported positive results from its ORION-1 Phase 2 trial of inclisiran in patients with hypercholesterolemia and initiated comprehensive ORION Phase 3 program for inclisiran

 

•    Reported positive interim Phase 1/2 results for lumasiran for the treatment of primary hyperoxaluria type 1

 

•    Opened enrollment in a Phase 2 trial for cemdisiran for the treatment of atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome

 

BUSINESS AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

•    Formed strategic alliance with Vir Biotechnology, Inc. for the development and commercialization of RNAi therapeutics for infectious diseases, including chronic hepatitis B virus infection

 

•    Achieved hiring and growth management goals

 

FINANCIAL RESULTS

•    Completed two successful public offerings raising $1.14 billion in net proceeds

 

•    Exceeded our year-end cash guidance, ending the year with $1.73 billion in cash, cash equivalents, fixed income marketable securities and restricted investments

 

STOCKHOLDER RETURN

•    Achieved 9.41% three-year total stockholder return (TSR) for fiscal years 2015-2017 and 47.42% five-year TSR for fiscal years 2013-2017. Our one-year TSR for 2017 was 239.34%

 

CLINICAL AND REGULATORY DISAPPOINTMENTS

•    Temporarily suspended dosing in all ongoing fitusiran studies, including our Phase 2 OLE study and ATLAS Phase 3 program, in September 2017 due to a fatal thrombotic event in a patient with hemophilia A without inhibitors in the Phase 2 OLE study, and pending review of the safety event and development of risk mitigation measures, including bleed management guidelines, with agreement from FDA. Due to this temporary suspension of dosing, and delays resulting from protocol amendments, our ATLAS Phase 3 program and enrollment goals for 2017 were not achieved. As noted above, we reached alignment with the FDA on clinical risk mitigation measures and the clinical hold was lifted in December 2017.

 

 

Compensation Philosophy

At Alnylam, our board believes a well-designed compensation program should align executive interests with the drivers of growth and stockholder returns, support achievement of the company’s primary business goals, and attract and retain executives whose talents, expertise, leadership and contributions are expected to sustain growth in long-term stockholder value. Consequently, our board believes the substantial majority of NEO compensation should be performance-based and variable pay.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 42

Table of Contents

Significant Compensation Decisions in 2017

As noted above, our compensation committee regularly reviews Alnylam’s policies and program design for both our NEOs and all employees. In 2017, this included an evaluation of our incentive compensation, including a reduction in certain target on-hire and annual award amounts under our long-term equity incentive program to reflect the increased value of the stock option awards granted to our employees, as well as to manage equity usage during a period of rapid growth. We expect to continue to evaluate our equity compensation strategy across the organization during 2018 to manage our equity utilization during 2019 and beyond, and determine if additional adjustments are warranted. During 2017, given our growth and transition towards being a global, commercial-stage company, we also evaluated the appropriateness of adopting CIC agreements for our senior leaders. With assistance from an independent compensation consultant, based on the practices of our peer group and the broader industry, we determined that in order to attract and retain the best talent it was appropriate and in the best interest of stockholders to adopt CIC agreements, described below, for all members of our management board, which includes all of our NEOs with the exception of Mr. Mason, as well as certain other key executives. We also evaluated, with assistance from an independent compensation consultant, our peer group and made certain adjustments for 2017.

Role of the Compensation Consultant

Pursuant to its charter, our compensation committee has the authority to select and retain independent advisors and counsel to assist it with carrying out its duties and responsibilities, and we have provided appropriate funding to the compensation committee to do so. The compensation committee has exercised this authority to engage Radford as an independent compensation consultant. Radford serves as an advisor to our compensation committee on topics primarily related to our total compensation program, our equity compensation and our future equity compensation strategy, director and executive compensation, and peer group selection and evaluation. Radford reports directly to our compensation committee chair on the matters on which it has been retained. For 2017, we paid Radford approximately $190,000 for advice and services provided to the compensation committee by Radford in its capacity as an independent compensation consultant.

Our compensation committee regularly reviews the services provided by its outside consultant and believes that Radford is independent from the company in providing executive compensation consulting services. Our compensation committee has assessed the independence of Radford consistent with NASDAQ Global Select Market listing standards and has concluded that the engagement of Radford does not raise any conflicts of interest. Our compensation committee continues to monitor the independence of its compensation consultant on a periodic basis.

In addition to their services with respect to compensation for the NEOs and other matters, described above, in 2017, Radford provided compensation consulting services to our management with respect to the compensation of employees outside the United States, as well as assistance with certain proxy-related matters. For 2017, we paid Radford approximately $54,000 for advice and services that were not related to executive compensation. The decision to use Radford for advice and services not related to executive compensation was made by management. While the compensation committee does not pre-approve these non-executive compensation services, it does annually review Radford’s internal guidelines and practices designed to guard against conflicts and ensure the objectivity of advice. The compensation committee believes that advice and services unrelated to executive compensation that Radford provided to the company in 2017 did not impact advice and services that Radford provided to the compensation committee on executive compensation matters or the independence of Radford with respect to management.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 43

Table of Contents

Compensation Risk Oversight

We structure our pay to consist of both fixed and variable compensation to motivate our executives to produce superior short- and long-term results that are in the best interests of our company and stockholders in order to attain our ultimate objective of increasing stockholder value. In addition, we have established, and the compensation committee endorses, several controls to address and mitigate compensation-related risk, such as maintaining an anti-hedging and anti-pledging policy, stock ownership guidelines for directors (including our chief executive officer) and the president of the company, and a clawback policy to recover cash and equity incentive awards in the event that incentive plan award decisions are based on financial results that are subsequently restated.

We engaged our outside consultant, Radford, to assist the compensation committee in evaluating whether the company’s policies and practices create excessive risk in the company’s compensation programs. In conducting its independent assessment, Radford reviewed all of the company’s incentive compensation and other programs and determined there were no compensation policies or practices that encourage excessive or inappropriate risk-taking. Radford discussed the detailed findings of this review with management and the chair of the compensation committee in February 2017, and management presented the results of the review to the compensation committee. As a result, the compensation committee concluded that the company’s compensation policies and practices are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our company. The compensation committee intends to continue to evaluate on an ongoing basis the potential risks associated with the company’s compensation policies and practices, with the assistance of Radford or another independent consultant. Assuming we receive regulatory approval for and launch our first product in 2018, this evaluation will also include the potential risks associated with field-based incentive compensation and commercial-related goals and targets, as well as any other changes to our compensation policies and practices.

Committee Process for Setting Total Compensation

Our compensation committee conducts an annual performance review of our NEOs and reviews the compensation of each member of our senior management team, approving compensation for our NEOs and senior vice presidents. Our compensation committee may also review the compensation of our NEOs during the course of the year. Our compensation committee may apply its discretion, as it deems appropriate, in determining executive compensation.

During the first quarter of each year, annual corporate goals and individual performance objectives are determined and set forth in writing. Corporate goals are weighted and approved by our board. At the beginning of the second half of each year, senior management formally reviews performance against goals for the first half of the year and re-aligns key goals for the second half of the year if necessary and subject to board approval. For 2017, the individual objectives for our executive officers were the same as the corporate goals for the purpose of determining annual cash incentive awards. The individual contributions of each executive officer towards the achievement of the corporate goals were considered for the purposes of determining other elements of compensation. Individual objectives for 2017 for the remaining members of our senior management team focused on contributions that were intended to drive achievement of the corporate goals and were proposed by each non-executive member of senior management, with review and input from our chief executive officer. In 2017, our compensation committee established the maximum cash bonus opportunity for each member of our senior management team under the 2017 annual incentive program, representing a percentage of each individual’s base salary.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 44

Table of Contents

In connection with the continued build-out of our global commercial organization and preparations for the potential launch of our first commercial product in 2018, our compensation committee shifted the timing of annual performance reviews and the determination of base salary merit increases, annual cash incentive awards and annual equity awards for 2017 to the first quarter of 2018. Accordingly, with respect to year-end 2017 compensation matters, our senior management team evaluated our corporate performance at the end of 2017 and the individual performance of employees, as compared to the corporate goals for that year, during the first quarter of 2018. During the first quarter of 2018, our compensation committee, with input and recommendations from our chief executive officer, evaluated each of our NEO’s individual performance and determined any increases in base salary and any annual stock option awards and/or, based solely on our performance against corporate goals, cash awards under our annual incentive program. Our compensation committee, with input from the chair of our board, evaluated our chief executive officer’s individual performance and determined whether to change his base salary, grant him an annual stock option award and/or grant him a cash award under our annual incentive program. Given the shift in our year-end compensation process, our compensation committee made grants of annual stock option awards, and determined changes in base salary and the amount of any annual cash incentive payments, at its first regularly scheduled meeting in 2018. Accordingly, any equity awards made with respect to 2017 performance were not granted until 2018, and therefore, will not be reflected in the executive compensation tables for 2017, although they are reflected in the tables included in this compensation discussion and analysis to provide all details of compensation related to 2017 performance. Changes in base salary of our NEOs approved in March 2018 were effective retroactively to the beginning of 2018. Beginning in 2019, salary adjustments based on the prior years’ performance will be effective when approved in the first quarter of the year. The cash incentive payments awarded under our 2017 annual incentive program were paid in March 2018.

Compensation Peer Group and Peer Selection Process

We develop our compensation programs after reviewing publicly available compensation data and subscription survey data for our peer group, provided by Radford. In evaluating the total compensation of our NEOs, our compensation committee, using information provided by Radford, establishes a peer group of publicly traded, national and regional companies in the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industries that is selected based on a balance of the following criteria:

 

 

Peer Selection Considerations

 

Organizational Structure

 

•

  

Companies whose organizational structure, number of employees, stage of development, market capitalization, and research and development expenditures are similar to ours

 

Executive Positions

 

•

  

Companies with similar executive positions to ours

 

Executive Talent Pool

 

•

  

Companies against which we believe we compete for executive talent

 

Operations in U.S.

 

•

  

Public companies with substantial operations in the United States whose compensation and financial data are available in proxy statements or other public documents

 

 

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 45

Table of Contents

In addition to the criteria above, our compensation committee also reviewed the peer selection criteria used by proxy advisors and considered the specific peers identified independently by each advisor. Further, the compensation committee evaluated total stockholder return on a one-, three- and five-year basis to identify other high growth companies most similar to Alnylam. There are limited companies with a comparable profile to Alnylam. As such, Radford identified four categories of companies that were all considered for purposes of selecting a balanced group of peers: Large Biopharma; Similarly Situated Commercial; Similarly Situated Pre-Commercial; and Governance Peers meeting at least two selection criteria.

2017 Peer Group

Our compensation committee periodically reviews the company’s peer group to ensure that the peer companies continue to be appropriate peers for compensation benchmarking purposes. Alnylam’s 2016 peer group consisted of 17 companies operating in the biopharmaceutical/biotechnology industry. From the 2016 set of 17 companies, the committee, in consultation with Radford, determined that three companies were no longer appropriate as peers on a go-forward basis for a variety of reasons, including corporate transactions due to mergers and acquisitions, size and other considerations, and also selected three companies to be added as peer companies based primarily on the growth of our market capitalization. The 2017 peer group reflecting these changes and approved by our compensation committee is shown below, with the new peer companies identified in italics.

 

2017 Peer Group

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.    Exelixis, Inc.    Seattle Genetics, Inc.
Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc.    Incyte Corporation    TESARO, Inc.
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.    Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.    Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc.
Alkermes plc    Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc    United Therapeutics Corporation
BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.    Juno Therapeutics, Inc.    Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
bluebird bio, Inc.    Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.     

From the 2016 peer group, the following companies were excluded as a peer for 2017: Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Kite Pharma, Inc. (acquired by Gilead Sciences, Inc.) and Medivation, Inc. (now a subsidiary of Pfizer Inc.).

Compensation Benchmarking

To provide the appropriate context for executive pay decisions, our compensation committee, in consultation with Radford, assessed the compensation practices and pay levels of our peer group. We believe that the compensation practices of our peer group provided us with appropriate compensation benchmarks for evaluating the compensation of our NEOs during 2017. In determining adjustments for base salaries for 2017 at the end of 2016, as well as target bonus amounts under our 2017 Annual Incentive Program, our compensation committee utilized data from our 2016 peer group. In determining adjustments for base salaries at the end of 2017, as well as the amount of long-term incentive awards granted in early 2018 for 2017 performance, our compensation committee utilized our 2017 peer group. Notwithstanding the similarities of our peer group to Alnylam, due to the nature of our business, we compete for executive talent with many companies that are larger and more established than we are or that possess greater resources than we do, as well as with

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 46

Table of Contents

prestigious academic and non-profit institutions. Accordingly, in 2017, our compensation committee generally targeted compensation for our executive officers as shown in the table below. In keeping with our pay-for-performance philosophy, actual compensation levels are correlated to the achievement of corporate goals. Moreover, our compensation committee considers other criteria, including market factors, experience level of the executive, leadership, individual performance against established corporate goals, potential difficulties in replacing the executive and contributions to long-term strategic performance in determining variations to this general target range.

 

Compensation Component    Target Benchmark

Base Salary

   Between 50 th to 60 th percentiles of the salaries in our peer group

Annual Cash Incentive Awards

   At or below the 50 th percentile of our peer group

Annual Equity Incentive Awards

   Between 50 th to 75 th percentile of our peer group

Total Compensation

   Between 50 th to 75 th percentiles of total compensation paid to similarly situated executives of the companies in our peer group

Because a significant portion of our total compensation is tied to equity incentive compensation, total compensation for our NEOs had been higher than the 75 th percentile due to the significant appreciation in our stock price from 2012 through mid-2015 and again beginning in 2017. In light of this, our compensation committee reviewed our equity incentive compensation guidelines during 2015, with assistance from Radford, and made reductions in equity incentive awards at most levels of the organization. Our compensation committee continued to evaluate our equity incentive compensation and our long-term equity strategy in 2016 and 2017, with continued assistance from Radford, and made further adjustments to equity incentive awards at certain levels of the organization. We expect to review our equity incentive compensation guidelines annually and to make further adjustments in 2018 and beyond, as needed and dependent on our stock price and peer position, particularly in light of our planned growth as we move towards potential commercialization in 2018.

Other Key Performance Factors and Industry Specific Considerations

As the biopharmaceutical industry is characterized by a very long product development cycle, including a lengthy research and development period and a rigorous approval phase involving human testing and governmental regulatory approval, many of the traditional benchmarking metrics, such as product sales, revenues and profits are inappropriate for a pre-commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company, such as Alnylam. Instead, the specific performance factors our compensation committee considers when determining the compensation of our NEOs include:

 

  •   key research and development achievements, including advances in RNAi delivery and technology;
  •   initiation and progress of clinical trials;
  •   achievement of regulatory milestones, including regulatory filings for product approvals;
  •   establishment and maintenance of key strategic relationships and new business initiatives;
  •   filing, prosecution, defense and enforcement of key intellectual property rights;
  •   development of global organizational capabilities, success in hiring and growth management initiatives; and
  •   financial and operating performance.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 47

Table of Contents

These performance factors are considered by our compensation committee in connection with our annual performance reviews and are a critical component in the determination of annual cash and equity incentive awards for our executives.

Compensation Objectives

Our compensation programs are designed to attract, motivate and retain qualified and talented executives, motivating them to achieve our business goals and rewarding them for superior short- and long-term performance. In particular, our compensation programs are intended to reward the achievement of specified pre-determined quantitative and qualitative individual and corporate performance goals and objectives and to align the interests of our senior management team with those of our stockholders in order to attain our ultimate objective of increasing stockholder value.

Components of our Compensation Program

As discussed above, the guiding principle of our compensation program is to provide a compensation structure that allows Alnylam to attract and retain highly qualified executive talent and to motivate such executives to achieve clinical, business and financial goals that create value for stockholders in a manner consistent with our core business and leadership values. Three primary components make up Alnylam’s executive pay program: base salary, short-term cash incentives and long-term equity incentives. We do not provide our executives with supplemental retirement benefits or personal perquisites.

Each Compensation Element Serves a Unique Purpose

 

Compensation Element    Description    Strategic Role
Base Salary   

•   Fixed cash compensation

 

•   Targeted within the range of the market median taking into consideration each NEO’s individual performance, skills, experience and internal equity

 

  

•   Attracts and rewards high performing executives via market competitive pay and industry norms and reflects individual performance

Short-Term Cash Incentives—Variable Pay   

•   Quantitative and qualitative performance objectives that are annually pre-determined and based on achievement of specific measures

 

•   Cash incentives are awarded only if corporate performance against goals is at least 50%

 

•   Awards capped at specified target percentage (130% for fiscal year 2017)

 

  

•   Drives company-wide and individual performance

 

•   Rewards annual performance

 

•   Motivates executives to achieve performance objectives that are key to our annual operating and strategic plans

 

•   Aligns executive and stockholder interests

Long-Term Equity Incentives—Variable Pay   

•   Primarily in the form of stock options

 

•   Annual equity awards take the form of a 50/50 mix of multi-year time- and performance-based vesting upon achievement of clinical development, regulatory and/or commercial milestones

 

•   Equity awards for 2017 performance were granted in March 2018

  

•   Encourages executives to achieve multi-year strategic objectives and clinical development, regulatory and commercial milestones

•   Motivates executives to deliver sustained long-term growth

•   Unique position within our peer group focused on significant use of performance-based vesting for stock option awards to align executive and stockholder interests through long-term value creation

•   Enhances retention of key talent

 

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 48

Table of Contents

The compensation committee is committed to ensuring that a substantial portion of executive compensation is “at-risk” and variable. As such, 91% of our CEO’s total direct compensation for 2017 and, on average, 83% of our other NEOs’ total direct compensation for 2017, is variable and directly affected by both the company’s and each NEO’s performance. In addition, for both our CEO and our other NEOs, 50% of annual equity compensation was made up of performance-based stock options beginning in 2013 and continuing through the stock option award with respect to 2017, which was granted in March 2018, but is reflected in the 2017 compensation mix analysis below.

 

LOGO

Note: For purposes of the calculation of “All Other NEOs Average 2017 Compensation Mix,” we annualized Mr. Soni’s base salary for 2017, assumed an annual short-term cash incentive payout at 130% of his target award for 2017 and an annual stock option award of 27,500. The figures above exclude (i) Mr. Soni’s $100,000 initial sign-on bonus and his on-hire stock option award, (ii) Dr. Greenstreet’s one-time performance-based restricted stock unit award, and (iii) Dr. Gros as a result of his resignation in January 2017. We included the annual stock option awards made with respect to 2017 performance, although such awards were not granted until March 1, 2018. With respect to the performance-based stock option awards reflected above, we assumed that as of the grant date it was probable that 100% of the performance conditions would be achieved. See Notes 9 and 13 of the Summary Compensation Table below for additional information regarding the treatment of performance-based equity awards.

Base Salary

Our compensation committee typically determines the base salary for each new executive based on the executive’s responsibilities, experience and, if applicable, the base salary level of the executive prior to joining Alnylam. In addition, our compensation committee reviews and considers the level of base salary paid by companies in our peer group for similar positions.

Merit-based increases in base salary for all of our continuing executive officers, other than our chief executive officer, are approved by our compensation committee based upon a recommendation from our chief executive officer. Any merit-based increase in base salary for our chief executive officer is based upon an assessment of his performance by our compensation committee, input from the chair of our board and a review by our compensation committee of the base salaries of chief executive officers in our peer group.

For fiscal year 2017, our CEO and each of our remaining NEOs received a salary increase of 3.0% (with the exception of Dr. Greenstreet, who received a pro-rated base salary increase due to her September 2016 start date).

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 49

Table of Contents

During the first quarter of 2018, our compensation committee approved increases for fiscal year 2018 base salary for our CEO and each of our other NEOs, as reflected below, based upon the company’s performance against the corporate goals, as well as each NEO’s individual contribution to the achievement of those corporate goals, and a review by our compensation committee of the base salaries of comparable NEOs in our 2017 peer group. The annual increases for Drs. Maraganore and Greenstreet address a gap in their base salaries relative to the market median. The increase in Dr. Vaishnaw’s salary reflects the increased responsibilities of his role in the company relative to his comparative peers. Mr. Soni received a pro-rated base salary increase due to his May 2017 start date.

The table below sets forth the 2018 and 2017 base salaries, in dollars, and the adjustment to base salaries, as a percentage, for each of our NEOs:

Base Salary Adjustments

 

Name*    2018 Base
Salary($) 		     2017 Base
Salary($) 		     Increase(%)

John M. Maraganore, Ph.D.

   800,000      753,548      6.2

Barry E. Greene

   580,000      562,792      3.1

Yvonne L. Greenstreet, MBChB, MBA

   540,000      504,200      7.1

Akshay K. Vaishnaw, M.D., Ph.D.

   570,000      542,141      5.1

Manmeet S. Soni**

   500,000      490,000      2.0

Michael P. Mason

   327,871      318,322      3.0

 

* Dr. Gros resigned from the company in January 2017 and therefore, he has been excluded from the table.
** Mr. Soni joined the company in May 2017 and received a pro-rated base salary adjustment.

Short-Term Incentives—2017 Annual Incentive Program

Annual cash incentives are paid to our NEOs through Alnylam’s Annual Incentive Program, or AIP. Our short-term incentive structure is intended to align NEOs’ interests directly with Alnylam’s corporate goals. In making its determination regarding awards under the 2017 AIP, our compensation committee and our board considered our success against pre-established 2017 corporate goals. Based on our performance in 2017, our board determined that we achieved 110% of our corporate goals for fiscal year 2017, including the majority of our pipeline goals and all of our strategic infrastructure, growth and growth management goals, which are critical for our company during this time of rapid growth as we move towards potential commercialization in 2018, as well as certain stretch goals. Given the strongly positive Phase 3 results for patisiran and the rapid filing of regulatory submissions for marketing approval in the United States and the EU, together with significant advances on other fronts of our business, our board exercised its discretion to allocate an additional 20% for exceeding performance on a number of our corporate goals and award the full corporate performance level of 130% under our 2017 AIP.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 50

Table of Contents

Annual Metrics and Goal Assessment

The 2017 corporate goals approved by our board, the relative weightings assigned to each goal, our actual achievement during the performance period as a percentage of target and the weighted performance against these corporate goals for 2017, as approved by our compensation committee and our full board, were as follows:

Annual Incentive Payout Matrix

 

2017 Corporate Goals    Relative
Weighting(%) 		     Actual
Achievement
For 2017 (As
% of Target) 		     Weighted
Performance(%) 		 

•    Execute on key development pipeline objectives, including:

        

¡    Achieve positive results in APOLLO Phase 3 study;

     25        100        25  

¡    Prepare for and fulfill appropriate requests from physicians for early access or compassionate use of patisiran;

     5        100          5  

¡    Increase medical education initiatives for hATTR amyloidosis specialists;

     5        100          5  

¡    Initiate ATLAS Phase 3 program in early-2017;

     15        66        10  

¡    Initiate Envision Phase 3 study in late-2017;

     15        100        15  

¡    Achieve portfolio strategy initiatives; and

     5        100          5  

¡    Stretch Goals - Exceed certain specified pipeline advancement timelines and metrics.

     +30        50        +15  

•    Advance key research/platform objectives.

     10        100        10  

•    Advance key manufacturing, commercial and infrastructure objectives.

     10        100        10  

•    Achieve a year-end cash balance of greater than $700.0 million, including restricted investments.

     7.5        100        7.5  

•    Achieve employee growth and growth management objectives.

     2.5        100        2.5  

Additional Factors

                       +20*  

Approved 2017 Corporate Performance Level

     130                 130*  

 

* Includes an additional 20% allocated by our board for exceeding performance on multiple corporate goals in advancing towards Alnylam 2020.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 51

Table of Contents

Calculation of Annual Cash Incentives

Annual cash incentives were calculated as shown below.

 

LOGO

 

* If the 2017 corporate performance level was determined to be below 50%, then the corporate performance modifier would be 0% and no awards would be granted under the AIP.
** Board of directors and/or compensation committee has the discretion to make adjustments in connection with the AIP as it deems appropriate. Our board of directors exercised such discretion to increase the performance level proposed by management from 110% to 130% for exceeding multiple goals in 2017 and for overall achievements during 2017 in advancing towards Alnylam 2020 .

Our compensation committee aims to determine an appropriate mix of cash incentive opportunities and equity incentive grants to meet short- and long-term goals and objectives. In February 2017, our compensation committee approved the 2017 AIP, including the opportunity for eligible participants to achieve incentive awards above established bonus targets based on the company’s performance against 2017 corporate goals. Each potential bonus award for 2017 ranged from 0% to 130% of the individual’s target award, thus making 130% of each individual’s target award the maximum bonus award achievable in 2017 in the event the company met all of its corporate goals (100%) plus its stretch goals (30%).

The table below shows the target award under the 2017 AIP as a percentage of each NEO’s annual base salary in 2017, assuming (1) all of the corporate goals were met but not providing additional credit for the achievement of any stretch goals, (2) the maximum cash award opportunity in dollars for 2017 that would be paid if all of the corporate goals were met and certain goals were exceeded (stretch goals), (3) the actual cash bonus payments to our NEOs under the AIP for 2017 performance, which were paid in March 2018, and (4) the actual bonus payment as a percentage of the target award opportunity.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 52

Table of Contents

2017 Annual Incentive Program Awards

 

Name*  

2017

Target Award

(% of Base
Salary)

   

2017

Target

Award
Opportunity($)

   

2017

Maximum

Award
Opportunity($)***

   

2017

Actual

AIP

Payout($)

   

2017

Actual

AIP Payout

(% of Target
Award
Opportunity)

 

John M. Maraganore, Ph.D.

    65       489,806       636,748       636,748       130  

Barry E. Greene

    50       281,396       365,814       365,814       130  

Yvonne L. Greenstreet, MBChB, MBA

    50       252,100       327,730       327,730       130  

Akshay K. Vaishnaw, M.D., Ph.D.

    50       271,071       352,391       352,391       130  

Manmeet S. Soni**

    40       127,400       165,620       165,620       130  

Michael P. Mason

    30       95,496       124,145       124,145       130  

 

* Dr. Gros resigned from the company in January 2017 and, as a result, he was not eligible for an incentive award for 2017 and has been excluded from the table.
** Mr. Soni’s award opportunity was pro-rated based on his May 2017 hire date.
*** Assuming 130% corporate performance modifier to account for stretch goals.

Following a review of our CEO’s compensation in March 2018 and input from Radford, as described above, our compensation committee determined to adjust Dr. Maraganore’s target award under the Annual Incentive Program for 2018 from 65% to 75% to bring it more in line with comparable executives in the 2017 peer group.

Long-Term Incentives – 2017 Equity Awards

The market for qualified and talented executives in the biopharmaceutical industry is highly competitive and we compete for talent with many companies that have greater resources than we do. Accordingly, we believe equity compensation is a crucial component of any competitive executive compensation package we offer.

 

 

LOGO

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 53

Table of Contents

Our equity awards program is designed to:

 

  •   reward demonstrated leadership and performance;

 

  •   align our executive officers’ interests with those of our stockholders through long-term value creation;

 

  •   affect pay-for-performance achievement;

 

  •   retain our executive officers through the vesting period of the awards;

 

  •   maintain competitive levels of executive compensation; and

 

  •   motivate our executive officers for outstanding future performance.

Historically, our equity awards have taken the form of stock options, which we believe further strengthens the long-term alignment between our executives and stockholders. We typically grant stock options to each of our executive officers upon commencement of employment and annually in conjunction with our review of individual performance.

Also, historically, all stock option awards to our executive officers were approved by our compensation committee and, other than stock option awards to new hires, were typically granted at our compensation committee’s regularly scheduled meeting at the end of the year. This was the case in 2016 and 2015. However, with respect to 2017, as noted above, the compensation committee evaluated 2017 performance and determined new annual incentive plan amounts and long-term equity incentive plan grants at a meeting in the first quarter of 2018.

Stock option awards typically vary among our executive officers based on their positions and annual performance assessments. In addition, our compensation committee reviews all components of the executive’s compensation to ensure that his or her total compensation is aligned with our overall philosophy and objectives. All stock options granted to our executives have exercise prices equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant, so that the recipient will not earn any compensation from his or her stock options unless our stock price increases above the value on the date of grant. Accordingly, this portion of our executive officers’ compensation is “at risk” and is directly aligned with stockholder value creation.

Stock options granted to our executive officers upon commencement of employment typically vest over four years, which we believe provides an incentive to our executives to add value to the company over the long-term and to remain with Alnylam.

Performance-Based Stock Option Awards.

Beginning in 2013, our compensation committee began granting annual stock option awards with both time-based and performance-based vesting terms. Generally, annual stock options will include a vesting schedule whereby 50% of the grant has time-based vesting over four years, while the remaining 50% of the grant will vest in thirds or fourths upon the achievement of certain pre-determined performance milestones that are generally expected to occur in a staggered fashion over a three- to four-year period. We are not aware of any other company in our current peer group

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 54

Table of Contents

that has adopted a similar approach to emphasizing long-term performance through the grant of annual performance-based stock option awards.

More specifically, time-based stock options generally vest as to 25% of the shares on the first anniversary of the grant date and as to an additional 6.25% of the shares at the end of each successive three-month period thereafter until the fourth anniversary of the grant date. With respect to the performance-based portion of the annual stock option awards, a portion of the shares subject to the performance-based option will vest upon the later of the one-year anniversary of the date of grant and the achievement of specific clinical development, regulatory and/or commercial events, as approved by our compensation committee. Set forth below is a summary of the performance-based vesting events for the performance-based portion of the annual stock option awards made from 2013 through 2017, together with the status of the achievement of such events:

 

  Year     Performance Milestone (% of Award)     Date Achieved     Status of Potential  Achievement*  
     

2013

 

•    Start of Second Phase 3 Clinical Trial (33%)

 

  ✓  December 2014    
 

•    Achievement of Positive Phase 3 Clinical Data (33%)

 

  ✓  September 2017    
 

•    Receipt of First Regulatory Approval for an Alnylam Product (33%)

 

     

•    Patisiran NDA PDUFA date August 11, 2018

       

2014

 

•    Completion of Patient Enrollment in APOLLO Phase 3 Clinical Trial (33%)

 

  ✓  February 2016    
 

•    Start of Third Phase 3 Clinical Trial (33%)

 

  ✓  July 2017    
 

•    Receipt of First Regulatory Approval for an Alnylam Product (33%)

 

 

     

•    Patisiran NDA PDUFA date August 11, 2018

       

2015

 

•    Completion of Patient Enrollment in Third Phase 3 Clinical Trial (25%)

 

     

•    Completion of givosiran Phase 3 enrollment possible in late 2018

 

 

•    Start of Fourth Phase 3 Clinical Trial (25%)

 

  ✓  November 2017    
 

•    Achievement of Positive Phase 3 Clinical Data in Second Clinical Program (25%)

 

     

•    Givosiran interim analysis expected mid-2018

 

       
   

•    Achievement of First $100.0 Million in Cumulative Gross Product Sales (25%)

 

     

•    Timing of achievement depends on the success of regulatory filing(s) and potential product launch(es)

 

       

2016

 

•    Filing of First NDA for Regulatory Approval with the FDA (25%)

 

  ✓  December 2017    
 

•    Achievement of Positive Phase 3 Clinical Data in Second Clinical Program (25%)

 

     

•    Givosiran interim analysis expected mid-2018

 

 

•    Filing of Second NDA for Regulatory Approval with the FDA (25%)

 

     

•    Givosiran NDA possible late-2018

 

 

•    Achievement of First $100.0 Million in Cumulative Gross Product Sales (25%)

 

     

•    Timing of achievement depends on the success of regulatory filing(s) and potential product launch(es)

 

 

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 55

Table of Contents
  Year     Performance Milestone (% of Award)     Date Achieved     Status of Potential  Achievement*  
       

2017

 

•    Achievement of Human Proof of Concept for Investigational Therapeutic Utilizing ESC+GaINAc Conjugate Platform (33%)

 

     

•    Timing of achievement depends on the success of early stage research and development efforts

 

 

•    Filing of Third NDA or MAA for Regulatory Approval with the FDA or EMA (33%)

 

     

•    Timing of achievement depends on progress of Phase 3 programs

 

 

•    Achievement of First $500.0 Million in Cumulative Net Product Revenues (33%)

 

 

     

•    Timing of achievement depends on the success of regulatory filing(s) and potential product launch(es)

 

 

* Timing of actual achievement, if at all, will depend on the progress of our clinical trials and the timing and success of regulatory filing(s) and potential product launch(es). Actual achievement may be based upon events not listed above.

Any determination as to whether or not a vesting event has been met shall be approved by our compensation committee and the date of vesting shall be the later of the date of such determination by the committee and the one-year anniversary of the date of grant.

Stock option awards typically have a term of ten years. Vesting of option grants to employees typically ceases upon termination of employment and exercise rights typically cease three months following termination of employment, except in the case of death or disability, or with respect to members of our management board, in the event of a qualifying termination following a CIC. Prior to the exercise of an option, the stock option holder does not have any rights as a stockholder with respect to the shares subject to such option, including voting rights and the right to receive dividends or dividend equivalents.

In connection with the annual review of each executive officer’s individual performance and consistent with our compensation philosophy, our compensation committee approved annual equity incentive awards for our executive officers for 2017 performance. Of note, with respect to annual equity incentive awards for 2016 performance, our compensation committee made equity grants covering an equal number of shares to each of the members of our senior executive team after significantly reducing the amount of the CEO grant from the prior year, as well as reducing the amounts of the grants to our president and president of research and development. Following an extremely successful year, our compensation committee considered the appropriate equity grants for our senior executive team for 2017 performance and, after input from management and Radford, determined to align the approach for 2017 equity awards for these individuals with the remainder of the organization. Accordingly, equity awards for 2017 for the senior executive team were generally within the 50 th to 75 th percentile of our 2017 peer group, and reflected adjustment where appropriate in line with the overall strategy to manage long-term equity usage and value transfer.

We view equity incentive compensation as a critical component of our compensation strategy and therefore to date we have maintained a broad-based program for all employees to have an opportunity to participate as owners of the company. This program is consistent with the description above for our NEOs and includes equity incentive awards upon the commencement of employment and annual equity incentive awards for all employees. Annual awards are structured in the same way for all employees, with 50% vesting over time and 50% vesting only upon the achievement of specified performance milestones.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 56

Table of Contents

The annual equity incentive awards granted to our NEOs for 2017, 2016 and 2015 performance, and the percentage change from 2017 versus each of 2016 and 2015, are set forth in the table below:

Annual Equity Incentive Awards

 

    Number of Shares Granted              
Name*   2017 Annual
Stock Option
Award(#)*** 		    2016 Annual
Stock Option
Award(#) 		    2015 Annual
Stock Option
Award(#) 		   

2017 versus
2016

Year-over-Year
Change(%)

   

2017 versus
2015

Year-over-Year
Change(%)

 

John M. Maraganore, Ph.D.

    105,000       50,000       130,000       110       (19 ) 

Barry E. Greene

    60,000       50,000       80,000       20       (25 ) 

Yvonne L. Greenstreet, MBChB, MBA

    50,000       50,000       N/A       —       N/A  

Akshay K. Vaishnaw, M.D., Ph.D.

    50,000       50,000       60,000       —       (17 ) 

Manmeet S. Soni**

    17,875       N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  

Michael P. Mason

    8,000       11,100       14,400       (28 )      (44 ) 
  * Dr. Gros resigned from the company in January 2017 and, as a result, his annual stock option awards for 2016 and 2015 were cancelled and he has been excluded from the table.
  ** Mr. Soni joined the company in May 2017 and received a pro-rated award for 2017.
  *** Award was made in March 2018 for 2017 performance due to a shift in our year-end compensation process.

In June 2017, our compensation committee approved the one-time award of 15,000 performance-based RSUs to Dr. Greenstreet as recognition of her leadership role in advancing the company towards commercial readiness and achievement of our Alnylam 2020 strategic goals. The vesting of 7,500 performance-based RSUs is predicated on the launch of our first internally developed product and the vesting of 7,500 performance-based RSUs is predicated on the launch of our second internally developed product, but in no event will the award vest in less than one year from the date of grant, assuming, in each case, Dr. Greenstreet remains continuously employed by us as of the vesting date.

Benefits and Other Compensation

Other compensation to our executives consists primarily of the broad-based benefits we provide to all employees, including health and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, an employee stock purchase plan and a 401(k) plan, except that executive officers are not eligible to participate in our employee stock purchase plan. Our 401(k) plan is a tax-qualified retirement savings plan pursuant to which all U.S. based employees, including executive officers, are able to contribute the lesser of up to 60% of their annual salary or the limit prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service on a before-tax basis. We match, in the form of shares of our common stock, 50% of the first 6% of a plan participant’s pay that is contributed to the plan. Our contribution is made at the end of each quarter up to an annual maximum number of shares with a value of $8,000 for each participant. Our matching contributions become 50% vested after the employee has been employed by us for one year and fully vested after the employee has been employed by us for two years.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 57

Table of Contents

Employment Arrangements

Each executive officer has signed a nondisclosure, non-competition and assignment of intellectual property agreement providing for the protection of our confidential information and ownership of intellectual property developed by such executive officer and a covenant not to compete with us for a period of 18 months after termination of employment.

Pursuant to the terms of her letter of employment, we paid Dr. Greenstreet an initial, one-time sign-on bonus of $100,000 in September 2016. Had Dr. Greenstreet voluntarily terminated her employment with us, other than for good reason, or been terminated by us for cause, within the first 12 months of her employment with us, she would have been required to repay the full amount of this initial sign-on bonus. Pursuant to the terms of her letter of employment, Dr. Greenstreet is also entitled to receive reimbursement for certain expenses related to her relocation to the Boston area, as well as a tax-gross up for certain taxable relocation payments.

Pursuant to the terms of his letter of employment, we paid Mr. Soni an initial sign-on bonus of $100,000 in May 2017. In addition, Mr. Soni will be entitled to receive an additional bonus of $50,000 following the first anniversary of his employment start date. In the event that Mr. Soni voluntarily terminates his employment with us, other than for good reason, or is terminated by us for cause, within 12 months of (i) the initial sign-on bonus or (ii) the subsequent bonus, Mr. Soni will be required to repay the full amount of the initial sign-on bonus or the subsequent bonus, respectively. Pursuant to the terms of his letter of employment, Mr. Soni is also entitled to receive reimbursement for certain expenses related to his relocation to the Boston area, as well as a tax-gross up for certain taxable relocation payments.

Pursuant to the terms of his letter of employment, we paid Dr. Gros a supplemental sign-on bonus of $100,000 in June 2016. Pursuant to the terms of his letter of employment, due to his resignation in January 2017, Dr. Gros repaid the full amount of this supplemental sign-on bonus.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control

In November 2017, we entered into an individual CIC agreement with each member of our management board, including our CEO and all of our other current NEOs, with the exception of Mr. Mason. The CIC agreements entitle each executive to certain benefits in the event of certain terminations of employment with us within 12 months following a CIC (as defined in the CIC agreement). Pursuant to each CIC Agreement, if an executive is terminated by us without Cause (as defined in the CIC agreement) or if an executive terminates his or her employment for Good Reason (as defined in the CIC agreement), in either case, within 12 months following a CIC, such executive will be entitled to receive (i) a lump sum cash payment equal to one and a half times the sum of: (A) his or her annual base salary in effect immediately prior to termination (or prior to the CIC, if higher) and (B) his or her target bonus for the fiscal year in which the CIC occurred; and (ii) if the executive was participating in our group health plan immediately prior to such termination and elects continuation coverage under COBRA, a monthly cash payment for 18 months (or the expiration of the COBRA continuation period, if earlier) equal to the monthly employer contribution we would have paid to provide the executive with health insurance if he or she had remained employed. In addition, following a CIC and qualifying termination of employment, all of an executive’s outstanding unvested stock options and other stock-based awards shall immediately accelerate and become fully exercisable or nonforfeitable. Receipt of these payments and benefits is subject to execution of a general release of claims in favor of us.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 58

Table of Contents

If any payment and benefits to be paid or provided to an executive, whether pursuant to the terms of a CIC Agreement or otherwise, would be subject to “golden parachute” excise taxes under the Code, the payments and benefits will be reduced to the extent necessary to avoid such excise taxes, but only if such a reduction of pay or benefits would result in a greater after-tax benefit to the executive.

Each CIC Agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (i) an executive’s termination of employment with us for any reason prior to a CIC, (ii) an executive’s termination of employment with Alnylam after a CIC other than for Cause or Good Reason or (iii) the date that is 12 months after a CIC, if the executive is still employed by the Company.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

In March 2015, our compensation committee adopted share ownership guidelines for our directors (including our chief executive officer) and the president of the company, which were updated in December 2016 for our CEO and president. Under these guidelines, directors (other than our CEO) are required to hold equity securities having a minimum value of $150,000, our CEO is required to hold equity securities having a minimum value of six times his base salary and our president is required to hold equity securities having a minimum value of three times his base salary. Newly appointed/elected persons have five years to achieve the guideline. The following forms of equity count toward the ownership guideline: shares owned outright; unvested restricted stock, RSUs and deferred stock units to be settled in shares; and vested but unexercised “in-the-money” stock options. The company reviews compliance annually, valuing stock at the higher of the fair market value on date of review or the trailing 90-day average. All of our directors (including our CEO) and our president are currently in compliance with our ownership guidelines.

Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging Policy

Our insider trading policy expressly prohibits all of our employees, including our NEOs, as well as our directors, from engaging in speculative transactions in our stock, including short sales, puts/calls, hedging transactions and margin accounts or pledges. Waivers of these prohibitions are also not permitted under the policy.

Clawback Policy

We have a clawback policy that covers our chief executive officer and our principal financial officer, as well as all of our officers at the level of vice president and above. The policy provides that covered executives who engage in misconduct, including embezzlement, fraud, willful misconduct or breach of fiduciary duty, resulting in a financial restatement shall be required, upon the determination of our board of directors, to repay the company any excess proceeds from cash and equity incentive compensation earned during the covered period.

Tax and Accounting Considerations

Section 162(m) of the Code generally places a $1 million limit on the amount of compensation a company can deduct in any one year for certain executive officers and certain other individuals. While the compensation committee considers tax deductibility as one factor in determining executive compensation, the compensation committee also looks at other factors in making its decisions, as

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 59

Table of Contents

noted above, and retains the flexibility to award compensation that it determines to be consistent with the goals of our executive compensation program even if the awards are not deductible by us for tax purposes. The exemption from Section 162(m)’s deduction limit for performance-based compensation has been repealed, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, such that compensation paid to our named executive officers in excess of $1 million will not be deductible unless it qualifies for the limited transition relief applicable to certain arrangements in place as of November 2, 2017.

Despite the compensation committee’s efforts to structure certain performance-based awards in a manner intended to be exempt from Section 162(m) and therefore not subject to its deduction limits, because of ambiguities and uncertainties as to the application and interpretation of Section 162(m) and the regulations issued thereunder, including the uncertain scope of the transition relief under the legislation repealing the performance-based compensation exemption from the deduction limit, no assurance can be given that compensation intended to satisfy the requirements for exemption from Section 162(m) in fact will. Further, the compensation committee reserves the right to modify compensation that was initially intended to be exempt from Section 162(m) if it determines that such modifications are consistent with our business needs. The compensation committee believes that stockholder interests are best served if its discretion and flexibility in awarding compensation is not restricted, even though some compensation awards may result in non-deductible compensation expenses.

Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation

The members of our compensation committee through March 31, 2018 have reviewed and discussed the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management. Based upon such review and discussions, our compensation committee recommended to our board that such section be included in this proxy statement and incorporated by reference in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, which was filed with the SEC on February 15, 2018.

By the compensation committee of the board of directors of Alnylam,

Amy W. Schulman, Chair

Paul R. Schimmel, Ph.D.

Kevin P. Starr

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 60

Table of Contents

Executive Compensation

The following table sets forth the total compensation paid or accrued for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 to our named executive officers.

Summary Compensation Table

 

Name and Principal Position   Year     Salary
($) 		    Bonus
($) 		   

Stock
Awards

($)(8)(9)(10)

   

Option
Awards

($)(11)(12)

   

Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation

($)(14)

   

All Other
Compensation

($)(15)

   

Total
($)

 

John M. Maraganore, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)

    2017       753,548       —           —           —           636,748       27,098       1,417,394  
    2016       731,600       —           —           620,958 (13)      380,432       11,852       1,744,842  
    2015       710,273       —           —           7,123,547 (13)      419,772       7,566       8,261,158  

Barry E. Greene
President

    2017       562,792       —           —           —           365,814       15,539       944,145  
    2016       546,400       —           —           620,958 (13)      218,560       10,195       1,396,113  
    2015       530,450       —           —           4,465,293 (13)      261,247       7,896       5,264,886  

Yvonne L. Greenstreet, MBChB, MBA (1)
Executive Vice President,
Chief Operating Officer

    2017       504,200       —           —           —           327,730       152,744       984,674  
    2016       144,231       100,000 (5)      —           5,646,746 (13)      56,000       40,379       5,987,356  
               

Akshay K. Vaishnaw, M.D., Ph.D. (2)
President, Research and Development

    2017       542,141       —           —           —           352,391       20,686       915,218  
    2016       526,350       —           —           787,825 (13)      210,540       10,119       1,534,834  
    2015       500,148       —           —           3,316,048 (13)      251,668       7,566       4,075,430  

Manmeet S. Soni (3)
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer)

    2017       318,500       100,000 (6)      —           3,853,400 (13)      165,620       44,180       4,481,700  
               
               

Michael P. Mason
Vice President of Finance and Treasurer (former principal financial officer)

    2017       318,322       —           —           —           124,145       8,893       451,360  
    2016       309,050       —           318,315       137,853 (13)      74,172       6,704       846,094  
    2015       300,021       —           —           1,211,050 (13)      88,657       6,261       1,605,989  

David-Alexandre C. Gros, M.D. (4)
Former Senior Vice President, Chief Business Officer (former principal financial officer)

    2017       8,313       —           —           —           —           8,541       16,854  
    2016       432,300       100,000 (7)      —           620,958 (13)      138,336       1,610       1,293,204  
    2015       241,106       200,000 (7)      —           9,630,797 (13)      95,819       508       10,168,230  
               
                                                               

 

  (1) Dr. Greenstreet joined Alnylam in September 2016 as our executive vice president, chief operating officer. The amount reported as salary for 2016 for Dr. Greenstreet represents the total salary earned during 2016 and is based upon an annual salary of $500,000. Dr. Greenstreet was eligible to participate in the 2016 annual cash incentive program with a pro-rated award. In addition, Dr. Greenstreet received a stock option award upon commencement of her employment and an annual stock option award in December 2016.

 

  (2) Dr. Vaishnaw has served as our president, research and development since March 2018 and was our executive vice president of research and development from December 2014 to March 2018.

 

  (3) Mr. Soni joined Alnylam as our senior vice president, chief financial officer in May 2017. The amount reported as salary for 2017 represents the total salary earned by Mr. Soni during 2017 and is based upon an annual salary of $490,000. Mr. Soni was eligible to participate in the 2017 annual cash incentive program with a pro-rated award. In addition, Mr. Soni received a stock option award upon commencement of his employment and was eligible to receive a pro-rated annual stock option award for 2017, which was granted in March 2018 and therefore, is not reflected in the table above.

 

  (4) Dr. Gros joined Alnylam as our senior vice president, chief business officer in June 2015 and was appointed as our principal financial officer in July 2016. Dr. Gros resigned from Alnylam on January 6, 2017. The amount reported as salary for 2017 represents the total salary earned by Dr. Gros during 2017 and is based on his annual salary for 2016. The amount reported as salary for 2015 represents the total salary earned by Dr. Gros during 2015 and is based upon an annual salary of $425,000. Dr. Gros was eligible to participate in the 2015 annual cash incentive program with a pro-rated award. In addition, Dr. Gros received a stock option award upon commencement of his employment and a pro-rated annual stock option award in December 2015.

 

  (5) Pursuant to the terms of her letter of employment, we paid Dr. Greenstreet an initial, one-time sign-on bonus of $100,000 in September 2016.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 61

Table of Contents
  (6) Pursuant to the terms of his letter of employment, we paid Mr. Soni an initial sign-on bonus of $100,000 in May 2017. In the event that Mr. Soni either voluntarily terminates his employment with us, other than for good reason, or is terminated by us for cause, within the first 12 months of his employment with us, he will be required to repay the full amount of this initial sign-on bonus.

 

  (7) Pursuant to the terms of his letter of employment, we paid Dr. Gros an initial sign-on bonus of $200,000 in June 2015. Dr. Gros received a supplemental sign-on bonus of $100,000 in June 2016. As a result of his resignation in January 2017, Dr. Gros repaid the full amount of this supplemental sign-on bonus.

 

  (8) The amount reported in the Stock Awards column represents the grant date fair value of a one-time award of 8,502 time-based RSUs made to Mr. Mason in 2016, calculated in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 718. The assumptions we used in calculating this amount are included in Note 9 of our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 15, 2018. The grant date fair value for time-based RSUs is measured based on the closing fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. We did not grant any time-based RSUs to any of our NEOs in 2015 or 2017.

 

  (9) On June 29, 2017, Dr. Greenstreet received a one-time award of 15,000 performance-based RSUs. The vesting of 7,500 performance-based RSUs is predicated on the launch of our first internally developed product and the vesting of 7,500 performance-based RSUs is predicated on the launch of our second internally developed product, but in no event will the awards vest in less than one year from the date of grant, assuming, in each case, Dr. Greenstreet remains continuously employed by us as of the vesting date. In accordance with SEC rules, the grant date fair value to be reported for performance-based RSUs in the Stock Awards column is calculated based on the probable outcome of the performance condition as of the grant date. We determined that as of the date of the grant it was not probable, as defined under applicable accounting guidance, that either performance condition would be achieved and assigned a grant date fair value of $0 in the Stock Awards column based on this evaluation. However, if we had determined that as of the date of the grant it was probable that the performance conditions would be achieved, we would have assigned a grant date fair value of $1,185,450 for the performance-based RSU awards in the Stock Awards column, measured based on the closing fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant.

 

       On November 7, 2017, we entered into a CIC Agreement with each member of our management board, including our CEO and all other NEOs, with the exception of Mr. Mason. If a member of our management board is terminated by us without Cause (as defined in the CIC Agreement) or if a management board member terminates his or her employment for Good Reason (as defined in the CIC Agreement), in either case, within 12 months following a CIC, such management board member will be entitled to receive certain benefits, including the immediate acceleration of all outstanding unvested stock options and other stock-based awards. Under the applicable accounting guidance, compensation cost to be recognized for any performance-based RSUs that vest under a modified performance condition, and were not determined to be probable of vesting at the modification date, will be based on the modification date value instead of the grant date fair value. In accordance with accounting guidance for stock-based compensation expense, we expect to record the modification date fair value for any equity grants that were not considered probable of vesting as of November 7, 2017 that ultimately vest. We also determined as of the date of modification it was not probable, as defined under applicable accounting guidance, that the modified performance conditions would be achieved and assigned a modification date fair value of $0 based on this evaluation. However, if 100% achievement is probable, the fair value of the June 29, 2017 grant to Dr. Greenstreet would be increased as a result of this modification from the grant date fair value by $757,050.

 

  (10) In January 2016, we granted performance-based RSUs to our employees, excluding our chief executive officer and the president of the company. The vesting of these performance-based RSUs is predicated on the launch of our first internally developed product, assuming, the employee remains continuously employed by us as of the vesting date. In accordance with SEC rules, the grant date fair value to be reported for performance-based RSUs in the Stock Awards column is calculated based on the probable outcome of the performance condition as of the grant date. We determined that as of the date of the grant it was not probable, as defined under applicable accounting guidance, that this performance condition would be achieved and assigned a grant date fair value of $0 in the Stock Awards column based on this evaluation. If we had determined that as of the date of the grant it was probable that the performance condition would be achieved, we would have assigned the following grant date fair value for the performance-based RSU awards in the Stock Awards column, measured based on the closing fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant, made to each NEO, excluding our chief executive officer and president, as follows: Dr. Vaishnaw, $160,384; Mr. Mason, $94,146; and Dr. Gros, $133,405. Dr. Gros resigned from the company in January 2017 and, as a result, his award was cancelled. Dr. Greenstreet and Mr. Soni were not employed by the company at the time of grant. We did not grant any performance-based RSUs to any of our named executive officers in 2015.

 

       In connection with the CIC Agreement with Dr. Vaishnaw on November 7, 2017, described above, we also determined as of the date of modification it was not probable, as defined under applicable accounting guidance, that the modified performance condition would be achieved and assigned a modification date fair value of $0 based on this evaluation. However, if 100% achievement is probable, the fair value of this grant to Dr. Vaishnaw, a member of our management board, would be increased as a result of this modification from the grant date fair value by $62,874.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 62

Table of Contents
  (11) The amounts reported in the Option Awards column represent the aggregate grant date fair value for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 of grants of time-based stock options to each of the NEOs, calculated in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 718. The assumptions we used in calculating these amounts are included in Note 9 of our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 15, 2018. To see the value actually realized by the NEO from stock option exercises in 2017, see the 2017 Option Exercises and Stock Vested table appearing below.

 

       In connection with the continued build-out of our global commercial organization and preparations for the potential launch of our first commercial product in 2018, our compensation committee shifted the timing of annual performance reviews and the determination of annual equity awards for 2017 from the fourth quarter of the year to the first quarter of the subsequent year. As a result, options granted in March 2018 for 2017 performance are not reflected in the Summary Compensation Table above and will be included as 2018 compensation in our 2019 proxy statement.

 

       The amounts reported in the Summary Compensation Table for these time-based stock option awards may not represent the amounts that the NEOs will actually realize from the awards. Whether, and to what extent, a NEO realizes value will depend on our actual operating performance, stock price fluctuations and the NEO’s continued employment.

 

  (12) The amounts reported in the Option Awards column for 2015 also include the grant date fair value of the time-based portion of the 2014 Contingent Option Awards that were approved by the compensation committee of our board on December 17, 2014 subject to and contingent upon approval by our stockholders at the 2015 annual meeting of the Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan, which approval was obtained on May 1, 2015. The grant date fair value of the time-based portion of 2014 Contingent Option Awards is based on a Black-Scholes valuation model based on the fair market value of the stock on May 1, 2015, the date of such stockholder approval. No stock-based compensation expense was recorded in 2014 relating to the 2014 Contingent Option Awards. It is important to note that the 2014 Contingent Option Awards were made as part of the NEOs’ compensation for 2014, and do not represent compensation awarded for 2015 performance.

 

  (13) Each of (i) the 2014 Contingent Option Award that was granted, for accounting purposes, on May 1, 2015, (ii) the December 18, 2015 annual stock option award, (iii) the on-hire grants to each of Dr. Greenstreet on September 19, 2016 and Mr. Soni on May 8, 2017, and (iv) the December 20, 2016 annual stock option award, included certain stock options that are subject to vesting upon the achievement of specific performance conditions. See the 2017 Grants of Plan-Based Awards table for additional information regarding the on-hire grant to Mr. Soni in May 2017. In accordance with SEC rules, the grant date fair value to be reported for performance-based stock options in the Option Awards column is calculated based on the probable outcome of the performance conditions as of the grant date. We determined that as of the date of the grant it was not probable, as defined under applicable accounting guidance, that any of the performance conditions would be achieved and assigned a grant date fair value of $0 in the Options Awards column based on this evaluation. If we had determined that as of the date of the grant it was probable that 100% of the performance conditions would be achieved, we would have assigned the grant date fair value included in the table below for the performance-based stock option awards made to each NEO in the Options Awards column for the related year of grant.

 

       In connection with the CIC Agreements on November 7, 2017, described above, we also determined as of the date of modification it was not probable, as defined under applicable accounting guidance, that certain of the performance conditions of performance-based stock options that were unvested as of November 7, 2017 would be achieved and assigned a modification date fair value of $0 based on this evaluation. Under the applicable accounting guidance, compensation cost to be recognized for any performance-based stock option awards that vest under the modified performance condition and were not considered probable as of the date of the modification will be based on the modification date value instead of the grant date fair value. If 100% achievement of the performance conditions not is probable, the fair value would be increased as a result of this modification from the grant date fair value as noted in the table below under “Incremental CIC Modification Fair Value of Performance-Based Option Awards if 100% Achievement Probable.”

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 63

Table of Contents
Name   Date of Grant     Performance
Year
Associated
with Grant 		    Date of
Compensation
Committee
Approval 		    Grant Date Fair
Value of
Performance–
Based Option
Awards if 100%
Achievement
Probable($) 		    Incremental CIC
Modification Fair
Value of
Performance–
Based Option
Awards if 100%
Achievement
Probable($) 		 

John M. Maraganore, Ph.D.

    12/20/16       2016       12/20/16       620,958       1,436,432  
    12/18/15       2015       12/18/15       2,964,962 (a)      1,599,094  
    05/01/15       2014       12/17/14       4,158,585       426,395  
    12/18/13       2013       12/18/13       3,078,463       1,215,930  

Barry E. Greene

    12/20/16       2016       12/20/16       620,958       1,436,432  
    12/18/15       2015       12/18/15       1,824,592 (a)      984,058  
    05/01/15       2014       12/17/14       2,640,701       270,761  
    12/18/13       2013       12/18/13       1,847,078       729,216  

Yvonne L. Greenstreet, MBChB, MBA

    12/20/16       2016       12/20/16       620,958       1,436,432  
    09/19/16       N/A       09/14/16       1,005,158       1,159,848  

Akshay K. Vaishnaw, M.D., Ph.D.

    12/20/16       2016       12/20/16       620,958       1,436,432  
    12/18/15       2015       12/18/15       1,368,444 (a)      738,044  
    05/01/15       2014       12/17/14       1,947,604       199,672  
    12/18/13       2013       12/18/13       1,334,001       526,591  

Manmeet S. Soni

    05/08/17       N/A       05/03/17       770,680       1,662,605  

Michael P. Mason

    12/20/16       2016       12/20/16       137,853       N/A  
    12/18/15       2015       12/18/15       328,427 (a)      N/A  
    05/01/15       2014       12/17/14       457,444       N/A  

David-Alexandre C. Gros, M.D.

    12/20/16       2016       12/20/16       620,958       N/A  
    12/18/15       2015       12/18/15       684,724 (a)      N/A  
                                         

 

  (a) In December 2016, our Compensation Committee approved a modification to a performance condition of the December 18, 2015 annual stock option award, relating to 25% of the performance-based portion of the award, to remove the reference to a specific clinical program and provide that vesting would occur upon the completion of patient enrollment in our third Phase 3 study. We determined as of the date of grant and as of the date of modification it was not probable, as defined under applicable accounting guidance, that the original performance condition would be achieved and assigned a fair value of $0 based on this evaluation. We also determined as of the date of modification it was not probable, as defined under applicable accounting guidance, that the modified performance condition would be achieved and assigned a modification date fair value of $0 based on this evaluation. Under the applicable accounting guidance, compensation cost to be recognized for any performance-based stock option awards that vest under the modified performance condition and were not considered probable as of the date of the modification will be based on the modification date value instead of the grant date fair value. As a result of this modification, the fair value of the December 18, 2015 annual stock option award subject to performance-based vesting if 100% achievement is probable, would be reduced from the amount included above by the following amounts: Dr. Maraganore, $482,040; Mr. Greene, $296,640; Dr. Vaishnaw, $222,480; Mr. Mason, $53,395; and Dr. Gros, $111,329.

 

  (14) The amounts reported in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column reflect the annual cash incentive bonus earned by the NEOs for each respective year. The annual cash incentive bonuses were paid in the first quarter of the calendar year following the year to which the cash bonus relates.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 64

Table of Contents
  (15) The amounts reported in the All Other Compensation column reflect, for each NEO, the sum of (i) the dollar value of life insurance premiums we paid; (ii) the amount we contributed to the 401(k) plan in respect of such executive officer; and (iii) the incremental cost to us of all perquisites and other personal benefits. Specifically, the All Other Compensation column above includes:

 

Name    Year    

Term Life
Insurance
Premiums Paid
by Alnylam

($)

   

Dollar Value of Alnylam
Common Stock Contributed
by Alnylam to the
Executive’s Account Under
401(k) Plan

($)

   

Incremental Cost to
Alnylam of All
Perquisites and Other
Personal Benefits

($)

 

John M. Maraganore, Ph.D.

     2017       19,098       8,000       —  
     2016       6,602       5,250       —  
     2015       2,316       5,250       —  

Barry E. Greene

     2017       7,165       8,000       374 (a) 
     2016       4,633       5,250       312 (a) 
     2015       2,316       5,250       330 (a) 

Yvonne L. Greenstreet, MBChB, MBA

     2017       11,113       12,035       129,596 (b) 
     2016       4,408       —       35,971 (b) 

Akshay K. Vaishnaw, M.D., Ph.D.

     2017       12,312       8,000       374 (a) 
     2016       4,658       5,250       211 (a) 
     2015       2,316       5,250       —  

Manmeet S. Soni

     2017       667       1,507       42,006 (c) 

Michael P. Mason

     2017       1,192       7,341       360 (a) 
     2016       1,094       5,250       360 (a) 
     2015       651       5,250       360 (a) 

David-Alexandre C. Gros, M.D.

     2017       228       —       8,313 (d) 
     2016       1,610       —       —  
     2015       508       —       —  

 

  (a) Represents amounts for an employee fitness benefit, paid by Alnylam.

 

  (b) Represents amounts paid to Dr. Greenstreet for relocation assistance pursuant to her letter of employment, including $87,542 in reimbursement for relocation expenses and $42,054 for a gross-up related to taxable relocation benefits in 2017 and $24,402 in reimbursement for relocation expenses and $11,569 for a gross-up related to taxable relocation benefits in 2016.

 

  (c) Represents amounts paid to Mr. Soni for relocation assistance in 2017 pursuant to his letter of employment, including $28,375 in reimbursement for relocation expenses and $13,631 for a gross-up related to taxable relocation benefits in 2017.

 

  (d) Represents amounts paid in 2017 for accrued vacation to Dr. Gros upon his resignation from Alnylam in January 2017.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 65

Table of Contents

The following table sets forth information concerning each grant of an award made to a named executive officer during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 under any plan, contract, authorization or arrangement pursuant to which cash, securities, similar instruments or other property may be received:

2017 Grants of Plan-Based Awards(1)

 

Name(2)

 

 

Award Type

 

 

Date of
Grant

 

   

Estimated Future Payouts

Under Non-Equity Incentive

Plan Awards(5)

 

   

Estimated Future Payouts

Under Equity Incentive

Plan Awards(6)

 

   

All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares
of Stock or
Units(#)

 

   

All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options(#)

 

   

Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($)

 

    Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock
and
Option 		 
     

Threshold

($)

 

   

Target

($)

 

   

Maximum

($)

 

   

Threshold
(#)

 

   

Target
(#)

 

   

Maximum
(#)

 

         

Awards
($)(7)

 
John M. Maraganore, Ph.D.   Cash incentive       0       489,806       636,748                

Barry E. Greene

  Cash incentive       0       281,396       365,814                

Yvonne L. Greenstreet, MBChB, MBA

  Cash incentive       0       252,100       327,730                
  Performance-based RSUs     06/29/17 (3)            —       15,000       15,000             —(8)      

Akshay K. Vaishnaw, M.D., Ph.D.

  Cash incentive       0       271,071       352,391                

Manmeet S. Soni

  Cash incentive       0       127,400       165,620                
  Time-based stock options     05/08/17 (4)                    125,000 (5)      52.61       3,853,400  
  Performance-based stock options     05/08/17 (4)            —       25,000 (5)      25,000 (5)          52.61       —(8)      

Michael P. Mason

  Cash incentive             0       95,496       124,145                                                          

 

  (1) As described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and under the Summary Compensation Table, the stock options for 2017 annual performance were granted in the first quarter of 2018. These stock options will be included in 2018 Grants of Plan-Based Awards in our 2019 proxy statement.

 

  (2) Dr. Gros resigned from Alnylam in January 2017. As a result, Dr. Gros was not eligible for the 2017 annual cash incentive program. In addition, there were no stock-based awards granted to Dr. Gros in 2017.

 

  (3) Our compensation committee approved the award of 15,000 performance-based RSUs to Dr. Greenstreet, effective June 29, 2017. The vesting of 7,500 performance-based RSUs is predicated on the launch of our first internally developed product and the vesting of 7,500 performance-based RSUs is predicated on the launch of our second internally developed product, but in no event will the awards vest in less than one year from the date of grant, assuming, in each case, Dr. Greenstreet remains continuously employed by us as of the vesting date.

 

  (4) Our compensation committee approved an on-hire grant, effective as of May 8, 2017, to Mr. Soni of non-qualified stock options to purchase an aggregate of 150,000 shares of common stock. This was granted as an inducement grant outside of our stockholder approved stock plans in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). Stock options to purchase 125,000 shares of common stock vest as to 25% of the shares on the first anniversary of the grant date and as to an additional 6.25% of the shares at the end of each successive three-month period thereafter until the fourth anniversary of the grant date. Stock options to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock will vest upon the later of the one-year anniversary of the date of grant and the launch of our first internally developed product, assuming in each case Mr. Soni remains continuously employed by us as of such dates. The option exercise price was equal to 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant.

 

  (5) The amounts shown in the threshold, target and maximum columns reflect the minimum, target and maximum amounts payable, respectively, under our 2017 annual cash incentive program, which is described above in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” under the heading “Short-Term Incentives—2017 Annual Incentive Program.” The actual amounts paid to each NEO can be found above in the Summary Compensation Table under the column entitled Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation.

 

  (6) The amounts shown in the threshold, target and maximum columns reflect the minimum, target and maximum potential future payout range for equity awards granted with performance-based vesting milestones.

 

  (7)

The grant date fair value, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, represents the value of RSUs and stock options granted during the year. In accordance with SEC rules, the grant date fair value to be reported for performance-based equity awards in the Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards column is calculated based on the probable outcome of the performance condition(s) as of the grant date. The amounts reported in the 2017 Grants of Plan-Based Awards table for the time-

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 66

Table of Contents
  based stock option awards reflect our accounting expense, excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures, and may not represent the amounts our NEOs will actually realize from the awards. Whether, and to what extent, a NEO realizes value will depend on our actual operating performance, stock price fluctuations and the NEO’s continued employment.

 

  (8) We determined that as of the date of the grant it was not probable, as defined under applicable accounting guidance, that any of the performance-based vesting conditions for these equity awards would be achieved and assigned a grant date fair value of $0 in the Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards column based on this determination.

Information Relating to Equity Awards and Holdings

The following table sets forth information concerning outstanding equity awards held by each of our named executive officers on December 31, 2017.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End for 2017

 

         

Option Awards(1)    

   

Stock Awards(2)        

 
  Name(3)   Grant Date    

Number of

Securities

Underlying
Unexercised

Options (#)

Exercisable

   

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Options (#)

Unexercisable

    Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#) 		   

Option
Exercise
Price

($)

   

Option
Expiration

Date

    Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number
of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have Not
Vested
(#) 		    Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market
or Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have Not
Vested
($) 		 

  John M. Maraganore, Ph.D.

    12/09/2008       148,636       —         21.35       12/09/2018      
    12/10/2009       98,913       —         16.43       12/10/2019      
    12/08/2010       139,060       —         9.14       12/08/2020      
    11/30/2011       135,915       —         7.10       11/30/2021      
    12/20/2012       144,641       —         18.66       12/20/2022      
    09/11/2013       10,000 (4)      —         55.96       09/11/2023      
    12/18/2013       148,413       —         63.00       12/18/2023      
    12/18/2013       50,000 (5)      —       25,000 (5)      63.00       12/18/2023      
    05/01/2015       56,250 (6)      18,750 (6)        96.45       12/17/2024      
    05/01/2015       50,000 (7)      —       25,000 (7)      96.45       12/17/2024      
    12/18/2015       32,500       32,500         88.95       12/18/2025      
    12/18/2015       16,250 (8)      —       48,750 (8)      88.95       12/18/2025      
    12/20/2016       6,250       18,750         42.22       12/20/2026      
    12/20/2016       6,250 (9)      —       18,750 (9)      42.22       12/20/2026      

  Barry E. Greene

    12/10/2009       58,913       —         16.43       12/10/2019      
    12/08/2010       89,060       —         9.14       12/08/2020      
    11/30/2011       85,915       —         7.10       11/30/2021      
    12/20/2012       94,641       —         18.66       12/20/2022      
    10/21/2013       10,000 (4)      —         59.31       10/21/2023      
    12/18/2013       90,000       —         63.00       12/18/2023      
    12/18/2013       30,000 (5)      —       15,000 (5)      63.00       12/18/2023      
    05/01/2015       35,719 (6)      11,906 (6)        96.45       12/17/2024      
    05/01/2015       31,750 (7)      —       15,875 (7)      96.45       12/17/2024      
    12/18/2015       20,000       20,000         88.95       12/18/2025      
    12/18/2015       10,000 (8)      —       30,000 (8)      88.95       12/18/2025      
    12/20/2016       6,250       18,750         42.22       12/20/2026      
    12/20/2016       6,250 (9)      —       18,750 (9)      42.22       12/20/2026      

  Yvonne L. Greenstreet, MBChB, MBA

    09/19/2016       39,062       85,938         77.10       09/19/2026      
    09/19/2016       —       —       25,000 (10)      77.10       09/19/2026      
    12/20/2016       6,250       18,750         42.22       12/20/2026      
    12/20/2016       6,250 (9)      —       18,750 (9)      42.22       12/20/2026      
    06/29/2017                 15,000 (12)      1,905,750  

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 67

Table of Contents
         

Option Awards(1)    

   

Stock Awards(2)        

 
  Name(3)   Grant Date    

Number of

Securities

Underlying
Unexercised

Options (#)

Exercisable

   

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Options (#)

Unexercisable

    Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#) 		   

Option
Exercise
Price

($)

   

Option
Expiration

Date

    Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have Not
Vested
(#) 		    Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have
Not
Vested ($) 		 

  Akshay K. Vaishnaw, M.D., Ph.D.

    12/10/2009       38,913       —         16.43       12/10/2019      
    11/30/2011       5,000       —         7.10       11/30/2021      
    12/20/2012       44,641       —         18.66       12/20/2022      
    12/18/2013       32,500       —         63.00       12/18/2023      
    12/18/2013       21,668 (5)      —       10,832 (5)      63.00       12/18/2023      
    05/01/2015       26,344 (6)      8,781 (6)        96.45       12/17/2024      
    05/01/2015       23,418 (7)      —       11,707 (7)      96.45       12/17/2024      
    12/18/2015       15,000       15,000         88.95       12/18/2025      
    12/18/2015       7,500 (8)      —       22,500 (8)      88.95       12/18/2025      
    01/04/2016                 1,724 (11)      219,034  
    02/23/2016       10,000 (4)      —         94.14       02/23/2026      
    12/20/2016       6,250       18,750         42.22       12/20/2026      
    12/20/2016       6,250 (9)      —       18,750 (9)      42.22       12/20/2026      

  Manmeet S. Soni

    05/08/2017       —       125,000         52.61       05/08/2027      
    05/08/2017       —       —       25,000 (13)      52.61       05/08/2027      

  Michael P. Mason

    12/18/2013       3,439       —         63.00       12/18/2023      
    12/18/2013       1,667 (5)      —       1,666 (5)      63.00       12/18/2023      
    05/01/2015       6,187 (6)      2,063 (6)        96.45       12/17/2024      
    05/01/2015       5,500 (7)      —       2,750 (7)      96.45       12/17/2024      
    12/07/2015       10,000 (4)      —         97.72       12/07/2025      
    12/18/2015       3,600       3,600         88.95       12/18/2025      
    12/18/2015       1,800 (8)      —       5,400 (8)      88.95       12/18/2025      
    01/04/2016                 1,012 (11)      128,575  
    12/20/2016       1,388       4,162         42.22       12/20/2026      
    12/20/2016       1,388 (9)      —       4,162 (9)      42.22       12/20/2026                  

 

  (1) All stock option awards were granted with a ten-year term and typically vest as to 25% of the shares on the first anniversary of the grant date and as to an additional 6.25% at the end of each successive three-month period thereafter, unless otherwise noted, assuming the NEO continues to be employed with us through each vesting date.

 

  (2) The market value of RSUs that have not vested is based on the number of unvested RSUs outstanding times the closing price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on December 29, 2017, the last trading day of 2017.

 

  (3) Upon Dr. Gros’ resignation from Alnylam in January 2017, all unvested stock options and RSUs were cancelled. Dr. Gros had three months following the date of his resignation to exercise any vested stock options, after which time all such outstanding stock options were cancelled.

 

  (4) These options were granted in recognition of ten years of service by the employee and were fully vested on the date of grant.

 

  (5) These options were granted on December 18, 2013 and will vest in three equal installments upon the achievement of each of three specific clinical development or regulatory events. One-third of these options vested in December 2014 based on the start of a second Phase 3 clinical trial of an “Alnylam 5x15” program. One-third of these options vested in September 2017 based on the positive topline results from our APOLLO Phase 3 study.

 

  (6) On December 17, 2014, our compensation committee approved the grant of the 2014 Contingent Option Awards to members of our management team, including our NEOs, in connection with their performance and compensation review for 2014. These 2014 Contingent Option Awards were approved subject to and contingent upon approval by our stockholders at the 2015 annual meeting of the Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan, which approval was obtained on May 1, 2015. These options represent the half of the 2014 Contingent Option Award subject to time-based vesting.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 68

Table of Contents
  (7) These options represent the half of the 2014 Contingent Option Award described in Note 6 above subject to performance-based vesting. These options will vest in three equal installments upon the achievement of each of three specific clinical development or regulatory events, assuming the NEO continues to be employed with us through each vesting date. One-third of these options vested in February 2016 based upon the completion of patient enrollment in our APOLLO Phase 3 study and one-third vested in July 2017 based on the initiation of the ATLAS Phase 3 program for fitusiran.

 

  (8) These options were granted on December 18, 2015 and will vest in four equal installments upon the later of one year from the date of grant and the achievement of each of four specific clinical development or commercial events, assuming the NEO continues to be employed with us through each vesting date. One-fourth of these options vested in November 2017 based upon the start of our fourth Phase 3 clinical trial.

 

  (9) These options were granted on December 20, 2016 and will vest in four equal installments upon the later of one year from the date of grant and the achievement of each of four specific clinical development, regulatory or commercial events, assuming the NEO continues to be employed with us through each vesting date. One-fourth of these options vested in December 2017 based upon our filing of an NDA with the FDA for patisiran.

 

  (10) These options were granted on September 19, 2016 and will vest upon the launch of our first internally developed product, assuming Dr. Greenstreet continues to be employed with us through the vesting date.

 

  (11) These performance-based RSU awards were granted on January 4, 2016 and will vest upon the launch of our first internally developed product, assuming each NEO continues to be employed with us through the vesting date.

 

  (12) These performance-based RSU awards were granted on June 29, 2017 and will vest as to 7,500 shares upon the launch of our first internally developed product and will vest as to 7,500 shares upon the launch of our second internally developed product, but in no event will the awards vest in less than one year from the date of grant, assuming, in each case, Dr. Greenstreet remains continuously employed by us as of the vesting date.

 

  (13) These options were granted on May 8, 2017 and will vest upon the later of the one-year anniversary of the grant date and the launch of our first internally developed product, assuming Mr. Soni continues to be employed with us through the vesting date.

The following table sets forth information concerning the exercise of stock options and the vesting of RSUs during 2017 for each of our named executive officers.

2017 Option Exercises and Stock Vested

 

    Option Awards     Stock Awards  
Name  

Number of Shares

Acquired on
Exercise(#)

   

Value Realized

on Exercise
($)(1)

    Number of Shares
Acquired on
Vesting(#) 		    Value Realized
on Vesting
($) 		 

John M. Maraganore, Ph.D.

    150,342       14,495,747 (2)      —       —  

Barry E. Greene

    173,975       15,304,663 (2)      —       —  

Yvonne L. Greenstreet, MBChB,
MBA

    —       —       —       —  

Akshay K. Vaishnaw, M.D., Ph.D.

    90,084       5,633,241 (2)      —       —  

Manmeet S. Soni

    —       —       —       —  

Michael P. Mason(3)

    9,375       524,663       8,502       1,080,179  

David-Alexandre C. Gros, M.D.

    —       —       —       —  

 

  (1) The value realized on exercise is based on the sales price of the shares less the applicable option exercise price.

 

  (2) This amount also includes the value realized for exercise and hold transactions. The value realized on exercise and hold transactions is based on the market price of the shares on the date of exercise less the applicable option exercise price.

 

  (3) On December 30, 2016, our compensation committee granted to Mr. Mason an award of time-based RSUs that vested in full on December 30, 2017. The value realized on vesting of the RSU is based on the market price of the shares on the date of vesting.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 69

Table of Contents

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control (CIC)

The following table sets forth potential payments and benefits payable assuming a termination date of December 31, 2017 for our NEOs in connection with a CIC. Other than the CIC agreements described below with the members of our management board, we do not maintain employment agreements with any of executive officers pursuant to which they would become eligible for potential severance payments upon termination.

 

Name(1)  

Cash

Severance
Benefits($)(2)

   

Continuation

of Medical,

Dental and

Vision

Benefits($)(3)

    Accelerated
Vesting of
Stock
Options($)(4) 		    Accelerated
Vesting of
Restricted
Stock
Awards($)(5) 		    Total
Amount
($) 		 

John M. Maraganore, Ph.D.

    1,865,031       34,509       9,216,750       —       11,116,290  

Barry E. Greene

    1,266,282       34,887       6,896,974       —       8,198,143  

Yvonne L. Greenstreet, MBChB, MBA

    1,134,450       34,887       8,722,478       1,905,750       11,797,565  

Akshay K. Vaishnaw, M.D., Ph.D.

    1,219,818       34,628       5,930,597       219,034       7,404,077  

Manmeet S. Soni

    1,029,000       34,887       11,166,000       —       12,229,887  

 

  (1) In November 2017, we entered into an individual CIC agreement with each member of our management board, including our CEO and all of our other current NEOs, with the exception of Mr. Mason.

 

  (2) The amount represents 150% of the sum of his or her (i) base salary for 2017 and (ii) target bonus for 2017.

 

  (3) The amount is calculated as the monthly Alnylam contribution we would pay to provide the executive with medical, dental and vision benefits if he or she remained employed based on rates as of January 2018 multiplied by 18 months.

 

  (4) The value is calculated based on the number of stock options unvested as of December 31, 2017, including performance-based stock options, multiplied by the result of $127.05 per share (the closing price on the last trading day of 2017) minus the respective exercise price per share.

 

  (5) The value is calculated as the number of unvested RSUs, including performance-based RSUs, multiplied by $127.05 per share (the closing price on the last trading day of 2017).

The actual amount an executive would realize upon termination related to a CIC would likely differ from the amounts above, including adjustments to base salary, adjustments to target bonus, stock price fluctuations and the vesting and grant of additional stock-based awards, as well as the exercise and sale of any stock-based award prior to any such termination. In the event an executive would be subject to “golden parachute taxes” under the Code, payments and benefits in connection with a CIC will be reduced to the extent necessary to avoid such taxes, but only if such reduction provided a greater after-tax benefit to an executive.

Change-in-Control Agreements

In November 2017, we entered into an individual CIC agreement with each member of our management board, including our CEO and all of our other current NEOs, with the exception of Mr. Mason. The CIC agreements entitle each executive to certain benefits in the event of certain terminations of employment with us within 12 months following a CIC (as defined in the CIC agreement). Pursuant to each CIC Agreement, if an executive is terminated by us without Cause (as defined in the CIC agreement) or if an executive terminates his or her employment for Good Reason (as defined in the CIC agreement), in either case, within 12 months following a CIC, such executive will be entitled to receive (i) a lump sum cash payment equal to one and a half times the sum of: (A) his or her annual base salary in effect immediately prior to termination (or prior to the CIC, if

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 70

Table of Contents

higher) and (B) his or her target bonus for the fiscal year in which the CIC occurred; and (ii) if the executive was participating in our group health plan immediately prior to such termination and elects continuation coverage under COBRA, a monthly cash payment for 18 months (or the expiration of the COBRA continuation period, if earlier) equal to the monthly employer contribution we would have paid to provide the executive with health insurance if he or she had remained employed. In addition, in the event of a CIC and a qualifying termination of employment, all of an executive’s outstanding unvested stock options and other stock-based awards shall immediately accelerate and become fully exercisable or nonforfeitable. Receipt of these payments and benefits is subject to execution of a general release of claims in favor of us.

If any payment and benefits to be paid or provided to an executive, whether pursuant to the terms of a CIC Agreement or otherwise, would be subject to “golden parachute” excise taxes under the Code, the payments and benefits will be reduced to the extent necessary to avoid such excise taxes, but only if such a reduction of pay or benefits would result in a greater after-tax benefit to the executive.

Each CIC Agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (i) an executive’s termination of employment with us for any reason prior to a CIC, (ii) an executive’s termination of employment with Alnylam after a CIC other than for Cause or Good Reason or (iii) the date that is 12 months after a CIC, if the executive is still employed by us.

CEO Pay Ratio

In connection with Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K adopted pursuant to Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, we are required to calculate and disclose the median annual compensation of all of our employees (excluding our CEO, Dr. Maraganore), the annual compensation of Dr. Maraganore, and the ratio of these two amounts.

Our median employee was identified using the entire population of our employees as of October 1, 2017 based on a consistently applied compensation measure, or CACM, that reasonably reflects the annual compensation of employees. The CACM selected by us for our disclosure included annual base salary, overtime for the year-to-date period ended October 1, 2017, the target bonus amount for 2017 pro-rated based on the employee start date for new hires in 2017 and the grant-date fair value for stock-based awards (calculated in accordance with requirements for the Summary Compensation Table).

In connection with the continued build-out of our global commercial organization and preparations for the potential launch of our first commercial product in 2018, our compensation committee shifted the timing of annual performance reviews and the determination of annual equity awards for 2017 from the fourth quarter of the year to the first quarter of the subsequent year. As a result, the valuation of the stock options granted for 2017 performance are not reflected in the 2017 compensation and will be reflected as 2018 compensation in our 2019 proxy statement.

Based on the CACM methodology described above, we identified the median employee and determined this employee to have anomalous characteristics based on the employee’s 2017 hire date. As a result, we then selected the employee nearest to the median compensated employee that did not have anomalous characteristics. We calculated the 2017 compensation for this selected employee in the same manner we determine the annual total compensation of our NEOs for

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 71

Table of Contents

purposes of the Summary Compensation Table, to be $200,642. Dr. Maraganore’s 2017 compensation as disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table is $1,417,394. As a result, our CEO to median employee pay ratio for 2017 is 7:1.

This pay ratio is a reasonable estimate calculated by a method consistent with the SEC requirements, described above, based on our payroll and employment records. As a result of a variety of factors, including employee populations, potential differences in the components used for the CACM, compensation philosophies and certain assumptions, pay ratios reported by other companies may not be comparable to our pay ratio. The pay ratio is not utilized by our management or our compensation committee for compensation-related decisions.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 72

Table of Contents

APPROVAL OF 2018 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN (PROPOSAL 2)

Proposal

Our board of directors believes that stock options and other stock-based incentive awards can play an important role in the success of Alnylam by encouraging and enabling the employees, officers, non-employee directors and other key persons of Alnylam and its global subsidiaries upon whose judgment, initiative and efforts we largely depend for the successful conduct of our business to acquire a proprietary interest in Alnylam. Our board of directors anticipates that providing these people with a direct stake in Alnylam will assure a closer identification of the interests of these individuals with those of Alnylam and its stockholders, thereby stimulating their efforts on our behalf for long-term value creation and strengthening their desire to remain with Alnylam. Our board of directors’ views equity incentive compensation as a critical component of our compensation strategy and therefore to date we have maintained a broad-based program for all employees to have an opportunity to participate as owners of the company.

As of March 1, 2018, there were 1,468,736 shares of common stock available for future grants under the Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan, also referred to herein as the 2009 Plan. On March 8, 2018, upon recommendation of our compensation committee, our board of directors approved, subject to stockholder approval, the 2018 Stock Incentive Plan, also referred to herein as the 2018 Plan, which will replace our 2009 Plan. Under the 2018 Plan, we have authorized 3,500,000 shares for issuance thereunder, plus the number of shares remaining available for issuance under the 2009 Plan as of the date of our 2018 annual meeting.

Authorizing shares under the 2018 Plan is designed to enhance the flexibility to grant stock options and other equity awards to our officers, employees, non-employee directors and other key persons and to ensure that we can continue to grant stock options and other equity awards to eligible recipients at levels determined to be appropriate by our board of directors and/or our compensation committee. We are focused on advancement of our “Alnylam 2020” strategy for the development and commercialization of RNAi therapeutics as a potential new class of innovative medicines. Specifically, our goal is to build a multi-product global commercial-stage company with a deep and sustainable clinical pipeline and a robust product engine by the end of 2020, a company profile rarely achieved in biotech history. In order to achieve our goals for 2020, we expect to grow our company significantly over the next several years. During 2017, we added 280 new employees in the United States and abroad. In 2017, we reported positive Phase 3 data for patisiran and filed our first applications for regulatory approval in the United States and the EU. We expect 2018 to be a significant year for Alnylam as we continue to prepare for the potential commercial launch of patisiran in the United States mid-year and in the EU later in the year, assuming regulatory approvals, as well as advance, alone or with our partners, seven programs in clinical development. As we focus on growing our company and continuing to enable our global supply chain, medical, quality, compliance and commercial organizations to support our transition from a development-stage company toward a multi-product, commercial-stage global biopharmaceutical company, we expect to continue to hire a significant number of employees in 2018 and beyond.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 73

Table of Contents

In the opinion of our board, our future success depends in large part on our ability to maintain a competitive position in attracting, retaining and motivating key employees with experience and ability. Our board believes that approval of the 2018 Plan and the authorization of the additional shares for issuance thereunder is appropriate and in the best interests of our stockholders given our current expectations on hiring, the highly competitive environment in which we recruit and retain employees, and our historical burn rate. Our management will carefully consider all proposed grants under the 2018 Plan.

A copy of the 2018 Plan is attached as Appendix  A  to this proxy statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

As of March 1, 2018, there were stock options to acquire 12,986,631 shares of common stock outstanding under our equity compensation plans, as well as equity awards granted outside of our equity compensation plans to new hires as inducement grants made in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4), including stock options to acquire 2,998,759 shares of common stock subject to performance vesting. These stock options have a weighted-average exercise price of $71.06 and a weighted-average remaining contractual term of 7.41 years. In addition, as of March 1, 2018, there were 153,873 unvested full-value awards, including 149,187 unvested full-value awards with performance-based vesting outstanding under our equity compensation plans. Other than the foregoing, no other equity awards were outstanding as of March 1, 2018.

At March 1, 2018, the number of remaining securities available for future issuance under equity compensation plans of 1,629,065 shares consist of 160,329 shares of our common stock available for future issuance under our Amended and Restated 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2004 Plan, and 1,468,736 shares of our common stock available for future issuance under our 2009 Plan. This amount does not reflect the additional 3,500,000 shares to be reserved under the 2018 Plan, as set forth in this Proposal 2.

Summary of Material Features

The material features of the 2018 Plan are:

 

  •   The maximum number of shares of common stock available for awards under the 2018 Plan is 3,500,000 shares, plus the number of the shares reserved and available for issuance under the 2009 Plan as of the date of our 2018 annual meeting and any shares underlying any awards granted under the 2009 Plan that expire, or are terminated, surrendered or canceled without having been fully exercised or are forfeited in whole or in part after the date of our 2018 annual meeting.

 

  •   Grants of “full-value” awards are deemed for purposes of determining the number of shares available for future grants under the 2018 Plan as an award for 1.5 shares for each share of common stock subject to the award. Grants of stock options or stock appreciation rights are deemed to be an award of one share for each share of common stock subject to the award.

 

  •   Shares tendered or held back for taxes will not be added back to the reserved pool under the 2018 Plan. Upon the exercise of a stock appreciation right that is settled in shares of common stock, the full number of shares underlying the award will be charged to the reserved pool. Additionally, shares we reacquire on the open market or otherwise using cash proceeds of option exercises will not be added to the reserved pool.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 74

Table of Contents
  •   The maximum number of shares with respect to which awards may be granted to non-employee directors, in the aggregate, is 10% of the maximum number of authorized shares under the 2018 Plan. Additionally, the maximum number of shares with respect to which awards may be granted to an individual non-employee director in connection with his or her initial appointment or election is 36,000 shares, and the maximum number of shares with respect to which awards may be granted to any non-employee director in any calendar year is 18,000 shares (excluding any awards granted in connection with a non-employee director’s initial appointment or election).

 

  •   Stock options and stock appreciation rights will not be repriced in any manner without stockholder approval.

 

  •   The award of stock options (both incentive and non-qualified options), stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards is permitted.

 

  •   Minimum vesting periods are required for awards granted under the 2018 Plan, with certain exceptions described below.

 

  •   During the vesting period, restricted stock may be credited with dividends and restricted stock unit awards may be credited with dividend equivalent rights (but no dividends shall be paid unless and until such restricted stock or restricted stock units have vested).

 

  •   Any material amendment to the 2018 Plan is subject to approval by our stockholders.

Based solely on the closing price of our common stock as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market on March 1, 2018 and the maximum number of shares that would have been available for awards as of such date taking into account the proposed increase described herein, the maximum aggregate market value of the common stock that could potentially be issued under the 2018 Plan is $591,925,520. The shares we issue under the 2018 Plan will be authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares. The shares of common stock underlying any awards that are forfeited, canceled or otherwise terminated, other than by exercise, under the 2018 Plan are added back to the shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2018 Plan. Shares tendered or held back upon exercise of a stock option or settlement of an award under the 2018 Plan to cover the exercise price or tax withholding, shares subject to a stock appreciation right that are not issued in connection with the stock settlement of the stock appreciation right upon exercise thereof and shares repurchased by us on the open market, are not added back to the shares of common stock available for issuance under 2018 Plan.

Rationale for 2018 Plan

The 2018 Plan is a key component to our ongoing effort to build stockholder value. Equity incentive awards are a critical aspect of our executive and non-executive employees’ compensation. Our compensation committee and our board of directors believe that we must continue to offer a broad-based, competitive equity compensation program in order to attract, retain and motivate the talented and qualified employees necessary for our continued growth and success. Adopting the 2018 Plan is designed to enhance the flexibility to grant stock options and other equity awards to our officers, employees, non-employee directors and other key persons and to ensure that we can continue to grant stock options and other equity awards to eligible recipients at levels determined to be appropriate by our board of directors and/or our compensation committee. As noted above, we are focused on the advancement of our “Alnylam 2020” strategy for the development and

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 75

Table of Contents

commercialization of RNAi therapeutics as a potential new class of innovative medicines. In order to achieve our goals for 2020, we expect to grow our company significantly over the next several years. During 2017, we added 280 new employees in the United States and abroad. We expect 2018 to be a significant year for Alnylam as we continue to prepare for the potential commercial launch of patisiran in the United States mid-year and in the EU later in the year, assuming regulatory approvals, as well as advance, alone or with our partners, seven programs in clinical development. As we focus on growing our company to support our transition from a development-stage company toward a multi-product, commercial-stage global biopharmaceutical company, we expect to continue to hire a significant number of employees in 2018 and beyond.

Our board believes that approval of the 2018 Plan and the authorization of the additional shares for issuance thereunder is appropriate and in the best interests of our stockholders given our current expectations on hiring, the highly competitive environment in which we recruit and retain employees and our historical burn rate. Our management will carefully consider all proposed grants under the 2018 Plan.

We manage our long-term stockholder dilution by limiting the number of equity incentive awards granted annually. Our compensation committee carefully reviews both our annual net burn rate and total dilution and our projected burn rate and dilution over the next several years based upon our expected growth and equity strategy in order to maximize stockholder value by granting only the number of equity incentive awards that it believes are necessary and appropriate to attract, reward and retain our employees. Our compensation philosophy reflects broad-based eligibility for equity incentive awards for all of our employees. By doing so, we link the interests of our employees with those of our stockholders and motivate our employees to act as owners of the business.

Burn Rate

The following table sets forth information regarding historical awards granted and earned for the 2015 through 2017 period, and the corresponding burn rate, which is defined as the number of shares subject to time-based equity awards granted and performance-based equity awards earned in a year divided by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for that year, for each of the last three fiscal years:

 

     Year  
Share Element    2017     2016      2015  

Time-Based Stock Options Granted

     1,664,075 (1)      2,548,411        2,402,974 (2) 

Performance-Based Stock Options Earned

     614,796 (1)      159,122        —  

Time-Based Full-Value Awards Granted

     5,665       17,273        —  

Performance-Based Full-Value Awards Earned

     —       —        —  

Total Time-Based Awards Granted and
Performance-Based Awards Earned

     2,284,536       2,724,806        2,402,974  

Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding During the Fiscal Year

     90,554,423       85,596,082        83,991,788  

Annual Burn Rate

     2.52 %      3.18%        2.86%  

Three Year Average Burn Rate(3)

     2.86 %                  

 

  (1) In connection with the continued build-out of our global commercial organization and preparations for the potential launch of our first commercial product in 2018, our compensation committee shifted the timing of annual performance reviews and the determination of annual equity awards for 2017 from the fourth quarter of the year to the first quarter of the subsequent year. As a result, options granted in March 2018 for 2017 performance are not reflected in the table above.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 76

Table of Contents
  (2) On December 17, 2014, our compensation committee approved the grant of stock options to purchase 612,085 shares of our common stock, at an exercise price of $96.45 per share, to members of our management team, including our NEOs in connection with their performance and compensation review for 2014. These stock option grants, referred to as the 2014 Contingent Option Awards, were approved subject to and contingent upon approval by our stockholders at the 2015 annual meeting of the Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan, to, among other things, increase the shares authorized for issuance thereunder. In May 2015, our stockholders approved the Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan. One-half of the 2014 Contingent Option Awards granted are time-based stock options and one-half are performance-based stock options. These 2014 Contingent Option Awards are included in 2015 grant amounts.

 

  (3) As illustrated in the table above, our three-year average burn rate for the 2015-2017 period was 2.86%, which is below the ISS industry category burn rate threshold of 7.08%.

If our request to adopt the 2018 Plan is approved by stockholders, we will have approximately 5,129,065 shares available for grant after the 2018 annual meeting, which is based on 160,329 shares available for future issuance under our 2004 Plan and 1,468,736 shares available for issuance under our 2009 Plan as of March 1, 2018, together with the 3,500,000 reserved for issuance under the 2018 Plan. Our compensation committee determined the number of shares available for issuance under the 2018 Plan based on projected equity awards to anticipated new hires, projected annual equity awards to existing employees, non-employee directors and scientific advisory board members, and an assessment of the magnitude of increase that our institutional investors and the firms that advise them would likely find acceptable. We anticipate that if our request to increase the share reserve is approved by our stockholders, it will be sufficient to provide equity incentives to attract, retain and motivate employees through our 2019 annual meeting of stockholders.

Summary of the 2018 Plan

The following description of certain features of the 2018 Plan is intended to be a summary only. The summary is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the 2018 Plan, which is attached hereto as Appendix A .

Plan Administration . The 2018 Plan is administered by our compensation committee. The compensation committee has full power to select, from among the individuals eligible for awards, the individuals to whom awards will be granted, to make any combination of awards to participants, and to determine the specific terms and conditions of each award, subject to the provisions of the 2018 Plan. The compensation committee may delegate to one or more officers of the company the authority to grant equity awards to employees who are not “executive officers” (as defined by Rule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act ) and who are not “officers” (as defined by Rule 16a-1 under the Exchange Act), subject to certain limitations and guidelines.

Eligibility.  Persons eligible to participate in the 2018 Plan are employees, officers, directors, consultants and advisors of Alnylam as selected from time to time by the compensation committee in its discretion. As of March 1, 2018, 822 individuals are currently eligible to participate in the 2018 Plan, which includes seven executive officers, 796 employees who are not executive officers, nine non-employee/director members of our scientific advisory board and ten non-employee directors.

Plan Limits . The maximum number of shares with respect to which awards may be granted to non-employee directors in the aggregate is 10% of the total number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2018 Plan. The maximum number of shares with respect to which awards may be granted to an individual non-employee director in connection with his or her initial appointment or election is 36,000 shares, and the maximum number of shares with respect to which awards may be granted to

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 77

Table of Contents

any non-employee director in any calendar year is 18,000 shares (excluding any awards granted in connection with a non-employee director’s initial appointment or election). These maximum amounts represent two-times the current board approved initial and annual award amounts for our non-employee directors of 18,000 and 9,000, respectively.

Effect of Awards . For purposes of determining the number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2018 Plan, the grant of any “full-value” award, such as a restricted stock, restricted stock unit or other stock-based award will be counted as 1.5 shares for each share of common stock actually subject to the award. The grant of any stock option or stock appreciation right will be counted for this purpose as one share from each share of common stock actually subject to the award.

Minimum Vesting. Awards granted under the 2018 Plan shall not become exercisable and/or vested (as applicable) prior to the first anniversary of the date of grant. This minimum vesting restriction does not apply to awards granted for up to an aggregate of 5% of the maximum number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2018 Plan. In addition, the compensation committee may accelerate the vesting schedule in the event of death or disability of the participant or a change in control of Alnylam.

Stock Options . The 2018 Plan permits the granting of (1) options to purchase common stock intended to qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Code and (2) options that do not so qualify. Options granted under the 2018 Plan will be non-qualified options if they fail to qualify as incentive options or exceed the annual limit on incentive stock options. Incentive stock options may only be granted to employees of Alnylam and its subsidiaries. Non-qualified options may be granted to any persons eligible to receive incentive options and to non-employee directors, consultants and advisors. The option exercise price of each option will be determined by the compensation committee but may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. Fair market value for this purpose will be the closing price of the shares of common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on the grant date. The exercise price of an option may not be reduced after the date of the option grant, other than to appropriately reflect changes in our capital structure.

The term of each option will be fixed by the compensation committee and may not exceed ten years from the date of grant. The compensation committee will determine at what time or times each option may be exercised. Options may be made exercisable in installments and the exercisability of options may be accelerated by the compensation committee.

Upon the exercise of an option, the option exercise price must be paid in full by (i) cash or check, (ii) by delivery of an irrevocable and unconditional undertaking by a creditworthy broker to deliver promptly to Alnylam sufficient funds to pay the exercise price and any required tax withholding or by delivery by the participant of a copy of irrevocable and unconditional instructions to a creditworthy broker to deliver promptly to Alnylam cash or check sufficient to pay the exercise price and any required tax withholding, (iii) by delivery (either by actual delivery or attestation) of shares of common stock owned by the participant valued at the fair market value, subject to certain restrictions and subject to the prior approval by the compensation committee with respect to any executive officer, (iv) with respect to non-qualified options, by a “net exercise” arrangement, as a result of which the participant would receive the number of shares of common stock underlying the option reduced by the number of shares equal to the aggregate exercise price of the option divided

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 78

Table of Contents

by the fair market value on the date of exercise, subject to the prior approval by the compensation committee with respect to any executive officer, (v) to the extent provided in the applicable option agreement or approved by the compensation committee and subject to applicable law, by payment of such other lawful consideration as the compensation committee may determine or (vi) a combination of the above permitted forms of payment.

To qualify as incentive options, options must meet additional federal tax requirements, including a $100,000 limit on the value of shares subject to incentive options that first become exercisable by a participant in any one calendar year.

Stock Appreciation Rights.  The compensation committee may award stock appreciation rights subject to such conditions and restrictions as the compensation committee may determine. Stock appreciation rights entitle the recipient to shares of common stock equal to the value of the appreciation in the stock price over the exercise price. The exercise price may not be less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. The maximum term of a stock appreciation right is ten years.

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.  The compensation committee may award shares of common stock and restricted stock units to participants subject to such conditions and restrictions as the compensation committee may determine. These conditions and restrictions may include the achievement of certain performance goals (as summarized above) and/or continued employment with us through a specified restricted period. Restricted stock units are ultimately payable in the form of shares of common stock. During the vesting period, restricted stock may be credited with dividends and restricted stock unit awards may be credited with dividend equivalent rights (but no dividends shall be paid unless and until such restricted stock or restricted stock units have vested).

Other Stock-Based Awards. The compensation committee may award shares of common stock or other awards that are valued, in whole or in part, by reference to, or are otherwise based on, shares of our common stock or other property.

Change in Control Provisions.  The 2018 Plan provides that, in connection with a “reorganization event,” as defined in the 2018 Plan, the compensation committee may take any one or more of the following actions as to all or any outstanding awards other than restricted stock and restricted stock units: (i) provide that awards shall be assumed, or substantially equivalent awards shall be substituted, by the acquiring or succeeding corporation (or affiliate thereof), (ii) upon written notice to a participant, provide that the participant’s unexercised awards will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such reorganization event unless exercised by the participant within a specified period of time following the date of such notice, (iii) provide that outstanding awards shall become exercisable, realizable, or deliverable, or restrictions applicable to an award shall lapse, in whole or in part, prior to the reorganization event, (iv) in the event of a reorganization event in which holders of common stock will receive, upon the consummation thereof, a cash payment for each share surrendered in the reorganization event, make or provide for a cash payment to a participant, in exchange for the cancellation of such awards, equal to the excess, if any, of (a) the price paid to the holders of common stock in the reorganization event times the number of shares subject to the participant’s awards over (b) the aggregate exercise price of all such outstanding awards and any applicable tax withholdings, (v) provide that, in connection with a liquidation or dissolution of Alnylam, awards shall convert into the right to receive liquidation proceeds (if applicable, net of the exercise price thereof and any applicable tax withholdings), and (vi) any combination of the foregoing.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 79

Table of Contents

Upon the occurrence of a reorganization event other than a liquidation or dissolution, our repurchase and other rights with respect to outstanding restricted stock and restricted stock units shall inure to the benefit of the successor entity and shall, unless the board of directors determines otherwise, apply to the cash, securities or other property into which the common stock was converted or exchanged for pursuant to such reorganization event in the same manner and to the same extent they applied to the common stock subject to the restricted stock or restricted stock unit. However, the compensation committee may provide for termination or deemed satisfaction of such repurchase or other rights under the instrument evidencing the restricted stock or restricted stock units or other agreement between the participant and us. Upon the occurrence of a reorganization right involving the liquidation or dissolution of Alnylam, except to the extent specifically provided to the contrary in the instrument evidencing the award or any other agreement between the participant and us, all restrictions and conditions on all restricted stock and restricted stock units then outstanding shall automatically be deemed terminated or satisfied.

Adjustments for Stock Dividends, Stock Splits, Etc . The 2018 Plan requires the compensation committee to make appropriate adjustments to the number of shares of common stock that are subject to the 2018 Plan, subject to certain limits in the 2018 Plan, and to any outstanding awards to reflect stock dividends, stock splits, recapitalization and similar events.

Tax Withholding.  Participants in the 2018 Plan are responsible for the payment of any federal, state or local taxes that we are required by law to withhold upon the exercise of options or stock appreciation rights or vesting of other awards. Participants may elect to have the tax withholding obligations satisfied by delivery of shares of common stock, subject to the prior approval by the compensation committee for any of our executive officers.

Clawback Policy . All awards made under the 2018 Plan will be subject to our clawback policy.

Amendments and Termination . Our board may at any time amend or discontinue the 2018 Plan. However, no such action may materially adversely affect any rights under any outstanding award without the holder’s consent. To the extent required under NASDAQ rules, any amendments that materially change the terms of the 2018 Plan will be subject to approval by our stockholders. Amendments shall also be subject to approval by our stockholders if and to the extent determined to be required by the Code to preserve the qualified status of incentive options.

Effective Date of the 2018 Plan . Our board adopted the Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2018 Stock Incentive Plan on March 8, 2018, which will become effective upon approval by our stockholders. Awards of incentive options may be granted under the 2018 Plan until March 8, 2028. No other awards may be granted under the 2018 Plan after the date that is ten years from the date of stockholder approval. If the 2018 Plan is not approved by our stockholders, the 2009 Plan will continue in effect until it expires, and awards may be granted thereunder, in accordance with its terms.

New Plan Benefits

Because the grant of awards under the 2018 Plan is within the discretion of our compensation committee, we cannot determine the dollar value or number of shares of common stock that will in the future be received by or allocated to any participant in the 2018 Plan and, accordingly, we have not included a table that reflects such awards.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 80

Table of Contents

Tax Aspects under the Code

The following is a summary of the principal U.S. federal income tax consequences of certain transactions under the 2018 Plan. It does not describe all federal tax consequences under the 2018 Plan, nor does it describe state or local tax consequences.

Incentive Options . No taxable income is generally realized by the optionee upon the grant or exercise of an incentive option. If shares of common stock issued to an optionee pursuant to the exercise of an incentive option are sold or transferred after two years from the date of grant and after one year from the date of exercise, then, (i) upon sale of such shares, any amount realized in excess of the option price (the amount paid for the shares) will be taxed to the optionee as a long-term capital gain, and any loss sustained will be a long-term capital loss, and (ii) we will not be entitled to any deduction for federal income tax purposes. The exercise of an incentive option will give rise to an item of tax preference that may result in alternative minimum tax liability for the optionee.

If shares of common stock acquired upon the exercise of an incentive option are disposed of prior to the expiration of the two-year and one-year holding periods described above, which is referred to as a “disqualifying disposition,” generally (i) the optionee will realize ordinary income in the year of disposition in an amount equal to the excess (if any) of the fair market value of the shares of common stock at exercise (or, if less, the amount realized on a sale of such shares of common stock) over the exercise price thereof, and (ii) we will be entitled to deduct such amount. Special rules will apply where all or a portion of the exercise price of the incentive option is paid by tendering shares of common stock.

If an incentive option is exercised at a time when it no longer qualifies for the tax treatment described above, the option is treated as a non-qualified option. Generally, an incentive option will not be eligible for the tax treatment described above if it is exercised more than three months following termination of employment (or one year in the case of termination of employment by reason of disability). In the case of termination of employment by reason of death, the three-month rule does not apply.

Non-Qualified Options . No income is realized by the optionee at the time the option is granted. Generally (i) at exercise, ordinary income is realized by the optionee in an amount equal to the difference between the exercise price and the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date of exercise, and we receive a tax deduction for the same amount, and (ii) at disposition, appreciation or depreciation after the date of exercise is treated as either short-term or long-term capital gain or loss depending on how long the shares of common stock have been held. Special rules will apply where all or a portion of the exercise price of the non-qualified option is paid by tendering shares of common stock. Upon exercise, the optionee will also be subject to Social Security taxes on the excess of the fair market value over the exercise price of the option.

Other Awards . We will generally be entitled to a tax deduction in connection with an award under the 2018 Plan in an amount equal to the ordinary income realized by the participant at the time the participant recognizes such income. Participants typically are subject to income tax and recognize that tax at the time that an award is exercised, vests or becomes non-forfeitable, unless the award provides for a further deferral.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 81

Table of Contents

Parachute Payments . The vesting of any portion of an option or other award that is accelerated due to the occurrence of a change in control (such as a reorganization event) may cause a portion of the payments with respect to such accelerated awards to be treated as “parachute payments” as defined in the Code. Any such parachute payments may be non-deductible by us, in whole or in part, and may subject the recipient to a non-deductible 20% federal excise tax on all or a portion of such payment (in addition to other taxes ordinarily payable).

Limitation on Deductions . Under Section 162(m) of the Code, our deduction for certain awards under the 2018 Plan may be limited to the extent that any “covered employee” (generally, the chief executive officer, chief financial officer or other executive officer whose compensation is required to be reported in the summary compensation table for any year following 2016) receives compensation in excess of $1.0 million a year.

Vote Required

A majority of the votes cast is required for the approval of the 2018 Plan.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2017 about the securities authorized for issuance under our stockholder approved equity compensation plans, consisting of our 2002 Employee, Director and Consultant Stock Option Plan, or the 2002 Plan, our 2003 Employee, Director and Consultant Stock Option Plan, or the 2003 Plan, our 2004 Plan, our 2009 Plan and our Amended and Restated 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or the 2004 ESPP, as well as equity awards granted outside of such stockholder approved plans to new hires as inducement grants made in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

Equity Compensation Plan Information

as of December 31, 2017

 

     Number of Securities to Be
Issued Upon Exercise of
Outstanding Options and
Rights(#) 		    Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options and
Rights($)(1) 		     Number of Securities Remaining
Available for Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation Plans(#) 		 

Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders

     11,037,798 (2)      61.90        4,168,728 (3) 

Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders(4)

     350,000       61.73        —      

Total

     11,387,798       61.89        4,168,728 (3) 

 

  (1) Since RSUs do not have any exercise price, such units are not included in the weighted-average exercise price calculation.
  (2) Includes 10,889,128 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options and 148,670 shares of common stock issuable upon the vesting of outstanding RSUs.
  (3) Consists of 160,329 shares of our common stock available for future issuance under our 2004 Plan, 3,481,172 shares of our common stock available for future issuance under our 2009 Plan and 527,227 shares of our common stock available for future issuance under our 2004 ESPP. No shares of our common stock were available for issuance under our 2002 Plan or our 2003 Plan as of December 31, 2017.
  (4) Our compensation committee approved a grant, effective as of each May 8, 2017 and September 19, 2016, of non-qualified stock options to purchase an aggregate of 150,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price per share of $52.61 and $77.10, respectively. In addition, effective as of February 6, 2017, our compensation committee approved a grant of non-qualified stock options to purchase an aggregate of 50,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price per share of $43.01. Each of the May 8, 2017, February 6, 2017 and September 19, 2016 option grants was granted as an inducement grant outside of our stockholder approved stock plans in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 82

Table of Contents

The following table provides the information presented in the table above as of March 1, 2018.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

as of March 1, 2018

 

     Number of Securities to Be
Issued Upon Exercise of
Outstanding Options and
Rights(#) 		    Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options and
Rights($)(1) 		     Number of Securities Remaining
Available for Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation Plans(#) 		 

Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders

     12,790,504 (2)      71.32        2,156,292 (4) 

Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders(5)

     350,000       61.73        —      

Total

     13,140,504 (3)      71.06        2,156,292 (4) 

 

  (1) Since RSUs do not have any exercise price, such units are not included in the weighted-average exercise price calculation.
  (2) Includes 12,636,631 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options and 153,873 shares of common stock issuable upon the vesting of outstanding RSUs.
  (3) The weighted-average remaining contractual life for options outstanding as of March 1, 2018 was 7.41 years.
  (4) Consists of 160,329 shares of our common stock available for future issuance under our 2004 Plan, 1,468,736 shares of our common stock available for future issuance under our 2009 Plan and 527,227 shares of our common stock available for future issuance under our 2004 ESPP. No shares of our common stock were available for issuance under our 2002 Plan or our 2003 Plan as of March 1, 2018. This amount does not reflect the proposed shares reserved for issuance under our 2018 Plan, as set forth in Proposal 2.
  (5) See Note 4 in the December 31, 2017 table above.

 

 

BOARD RECOMMENDATION

Our board of directors believes that our future success depends, in large part, upon our ability to maintain a competitive position in attracting, retaining and motivating key personnel. Accordingly, our board believes approval of the Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2018 Equity Incentive Plan is in the best interests of Alnylam and our stockholders and unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” Proposal 2.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 83

Table of Contents

SAY-ON-PAY – ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (PROPOSAL 3)

We are providing our stockholders with the opportunity to vote to approve, on an advisory, non-binding basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement in accordance with the SEC’s rules. This proposal, which is commonly referred to as “say-on-pay,” is required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, which added Section 14A to the Exchange Act.

We encourage stockholders to read closely the “Executive Compensation” section of this proxy statement beginning with the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” on page 38, which describes in detail our executive compensation programs and the decisions made by our compensation committee and our board with respect to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

As we describe in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” we maintain straight-forward executive compensation programs that generally consist of base salary, an annual cash incentive award and equity incentive awards upon the commencement of employment and annually thereafter. These elements of compensation have been selected by our compensation committee because the committee believes that they effectively achieve the fundamental goals of our compensation program, which are to attract, motivate and retain qualified and talented executives, who are critical to our success, motivating them to achieve our business goals and rewarding them for superior short- and long-term performance. The goal of our compensation committee is to ensure that our compensation programs are aligned with the interests of our stockholders and our business goals in order to attain our ultimate objective of increasing stockholder value. We believe that, consistent with these goals, the total compensation paid to each of our named executive officers is fair, reasonable and competitive. Further, we believe our programs do not encourage excessive risk-taking by management, as supported by the assessment described above conducted by Radford, an independent compensation consultant to the compensation committee.

With very limited exceptions, we do not provide any compensation or benefit plans to executive officers that are not also available to other employees. We generally differentiate among executive officers primarily based on size of annual cash incentive awards and annual equity incentive awards and, to a lesser extent, base salary. Annual compensation decisions for executive officers are made by our compensation committee based on the achievement of specified corporate performance goals, and with respect to base salary and annual equity incentive awards, consideration of the executive officer’s individual contributions to the achievement of the corporate goals, as described above under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.” In addition, in 2017, our compensation committee recommended, and our board of directors approved, CIC agreements providing our executive officers with certain benefits in the event of a qualifying termination following a CIC. A description of these CIC agreements is also included in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 84

Table of Contents

Our board of directors is asking stockholders to approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the following resolution:

RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the named executive officers of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., as disclosed pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC, including the compensation discussion and analysis, the compensation tables and any related material disclosed in the proxy statement of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is hereby approved.

As an advisory vote, this proposal is not binding. The outcome of this advisory vote will not overrule any decision by us or our board of directors (or any committee thereof). However, our compensation committee and board of directors value the opinions expressed by our stockholders in their vote on this proposal and will consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions for named executive officers.

 

 

BOARD RECOMMENDATION

Our board of directors unanimously recommends that you vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers by voting “FOR” Proposal 3.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 85

Table of Contents

RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS (PROPOSAL 4)

Our board has appointed the firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018. Although stockholder approval of our board’s appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is not required by law, our board believes that it is advisable to give stockholders an opportunity to ratify this appointment. If this proposal is not approved at the annual meeting, our audit committee will reconsider its appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP are expected to participate in the annual meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement, if they desire to do so, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions from our stockholders.

 

 

BOARD RECOMMENDATION

Our board of directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the ratification

of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent auditors

for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 86

Table of Contents

AUDIT INFORMATION

Report of the Audit Committee

Our audit committee reports to and acts on behalf of our board by providing oversight of our financial management, related person transaction policies and procedures, audits of our financial statements and financial reporting controls and accounting policies and procedures. Our management is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of our financial statements, the appropriateness of our accounting principles and reporting policies, and for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for conducting an independent audit of our annual financial statements and our internal control over financial reporting. Our audit committee is responsible for independently overseeing the conduct of these activities by our management and our independent registered public accounting firm.

Our audit committee operates under a written charter adopted by our board that reflects standards contained in the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. Our audit committee reviews its charter annually. A complete copy of the current audit committee charter is posted on the Corporate Governance page of the Investors section of our website, www.alnylam.com .

Our audit committee has reviewed our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, and has discussed them with our management and our independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Our audit committee has also received from, and discussed with, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP various communications that PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is required to provide to our audit committee, including the matters required to be discussed by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or PCAOB, Auditing Standard No. 1301, Communications with Audit Committees , which requires the independent registered public accounting firm to provide the audit committee with additional information regarding the scope and results of the audit, including the independent registered public accounting firm’s responsibilities under PCAOB standards, significant issues or disagreements concerning our accounting practices or financial statements, significant accounting policies, significant accounting adjustments, alternative accounting treatments, accounting for significant unusual transactions, and estimates, judgments and uncertainties.

In addition, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP provided our audit committee with the written disclosures and the letter required by PCAOB Rule 3526, Communication with Audit Committees Concerning Independence , as amended, and our audit committee and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP have discussed its independence from us and our management, including the matters in those written disclosures.

In this context, our audit committee meets regularly with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and our management (including private sessions with each of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and members of management) to discuss any matters that our audit committee or these individuals believe should be discussed. Our audit committee conducts a meeting each quarter to review the financial statements prior to the public release of earnings.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 87

Table of Contents

Based on its discussions with management and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and its review of the representations and information provided by management and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, our audit committee recommended to our board that the audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. Our audit committee also recommended to our board, and our board has approved, subject to stockholder ratification, the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018.

By the audit committee of the board of directors of Alnylam as of December 31, 2017 and through March 31, 2018,

Kevin P. Starr, Chair

John K. Clarke

Marsha H. Fanucci

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The following table summarizes the fees that our independent auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, billed to us for each of the last two fiscal years for audit and other services:

 

Fee Category    2017($)      2016($)  

Audit Fees(1)

     1,174,350        860,195  

Audit-Related Fees(2)

     99,700        —  

Tax Fees(3)

     115,000        15,000  

All Other Fees(4)

     77,700        85,641  

    Total Fees

     1,466,750        960,836  

 

(1) “Audit Fees” consist of fees for the audit of our annual financial statements, the review of the interim financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other professional services provided in connection with regulatory filings or audit engagements. In 2017, this amount also includes $250,000 for comfort letters and associated fees in connection with our equity offerings.

 

(2) “Audit-Related Fees” in 2017 consist of fees for services performed related to our adoption of the new revenue standard in the first quarter of 2018.

 

(3) “Tax Fees” in 2017 and 2016 consist of fees for procedures completed in connection with a research and development tax credit study.

 

(4) “All Other Fees” in 2017 and 2016 represent non-audit fees in connection with the review of an enterprise resource planning system implementation and access to the PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP on-line accounting research and disclosures database.

All such accountant services and fees were pre-approved by our audit committee in accordance with the “Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures” described below.

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

Our audit committee is required to pre-approve all audit services to be provided to us by our principal independent auditors, as well as all other services to be provided to us by such independent auditors, except that de minimis non-audit services may be approved in accordance with applicable SEC rules.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 88

Table of Contents

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND OTHER

MATTERS

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Policies and Procedures for Related Person Transactions

Our board has adopted written policies and procedures for the review of any transaction, arrangement or relationship in which Alnylam is a participant, the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and one of our executive officers, directors, director nominees or 5% stockholders (or their immediate family members), each of whom we refer to as a “related person,” has a direct or indirect material interest.

If a related person proposes to enter into such a transaction, arrangement or relationship, which we refer to as a “related person transaction,” the related person must report the proposed related person transaction to our general counsel and our chief financial officer. The policy calls for the proposed related person transaction to be reviewed by our general counsel and/or our chief financial officer and, if deemed appropriate, approved by our audit committee. Whenever practicable, the reporting, review and approval will occur prior to entry into the transaction. If advance review and approval is not practicable, our audit committee will review, and, in its discretion, may ratify the related person transaction. The policy also permits the chair of our audit committee to review and, if deemed appropriate, approve proposed related person transactions that arise between committee meetings, subject to ratification by our audit committee at its next meeting. Any related person transactions that are ongoing in nature will be reviewed annually.

A related person transaction reviewed under the policy will be considered approved or ratified if it is authorized by our audit committee after full disclosure of the related person’s interest in the transaction. As appropriate for the circumstances, our audit committee will review and consider:

 

  •   the related person’s interest in the related person transaction;
  •   the approximate dollar value of the amount involved in the related person transaction;
  •   the approximate dollar value of the amount of the related person’s interest in the transaction without regard to the amount of any profit or loss;
  •   whether the transaction was undertaken in the ordinary course of our business;
  •   whether the terms of the transaction are no less favorable to us than terms that could have been reached with an unrelated third party;
  •   the purpose of, and the potential benefits to us of, the transaction; and
  •   any other information regarding the related person transaction or the related person in the context of the proposed transaction that would be material to investors in light of the circumstances of the particular transaction.

Our audit committee may approve or ratify the transaction if the committee determines that, under all of the circumstances, the transaction is not inconsistent with our best interests. Our audit committee may impose any conditions on the related person transaction that it deems appropriate.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 89

Table of Contents

In addition to related person transactions that are excluded by the instructions to the SEC’s related person transaction disclosure rule, our board has determined that the following transactions do not create a material direct or indirect interest on behalf of related persons and, therefore, are not related person transactions for purposes of this policy:

 

  •   interests arising solely from the related person’s position as an executive officer of another entity (whether or not the person is also a director of such entity), that is a participant in the transaction, where (a) the related person and all other related persons own in the aggregate less than a 10% equity interest in such entity, and (b) the related person and his or her immediate family members are not involved in the negotiation of the terms of the transaction and do not receive any special benefits as a result of the transaction; and
  •   a transaction that is specifically contemplated by provisions of our charter or bylaws.

The policy provides that transactions involving the compensation of our executive officers shall be reviewed and approved by our compensation committee in the manner specified in its charter.

In addition to the policy described above, we have adopted a number of internal procedures to assist with the identification and approval of any related person transactions, including annual questionnaires to our directors and officers, quarterly questionnaires to certain legal, human resource and finance personnel, and quarterly review with our audit committee and independent registered public accounting firm.

Related Person Transactions

As part of its rights under our investor agreement with Sanofi Genzyme, Sanofi Genzyme has the right at the beginning of each year to purchase a number of shares of our common stock based on the number of shares we issued during the previous year for compensation-related purposes. Sanofi Genzyme exercised this right to purchase directly from us 196,251 shares of our common stock on January 22, 2015 for $18.3 million and an additional 205,030 shares of our common stock on February 1, 2016 for $14.3 million. Sanofi Genzyme elected not to exercise its compensation-related rights for 2016 and 2017. In addition, in January 2015, in connection with our public offering, Sanofi Genzyme exercised its right to purchase directly from us, in concurrent private placements, 744,566 shares of common stock at the public offering price resulting in $70.7 million in proceeds to us. In May 2017, in connection with our public offering, Sanofi Genzyme exercised its right to purchase directly from us, in a concurrent private placement, 297,501 shares of common stock at the public offering price resulting in $21.4 million in proceeds to us. In each instance, the purchases by Sanofi Genzyme allowed Sanofi Genzyme to maintain its then current ownership level of our common stock. Sanofi Genzyme currently holds approximately 11 percent of our outstanding common stock.

In January 2018, we and Sanofi Genzyme entered into an amendment to our 2014 collaboration. In connection and simultaneously with entering into the 2018 amendment to our 2014 Sanofi Genzyme collaboration, we and Sanofi Genzyme also entered into an Exclusive License Agreement with respect to all TTR products, including patisiran, ALN-TTRsc02 and any back-up products, referred to as the Exclusive TTR License, and the ALN-AT3 Global License Terms with respect to fitusiran and any back-up products, referred to as the AT3 License Terms.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 90

Table of Contents

The stock purchases by Sanofi Genzyme were approved in advance by our board of directors. The 2018 amendment, the Exclusive TTR License and the ALN-AT3 License Terms were approved in advance by our audit committee pursuant to our related person transaction policy, as well as by our full board of directors.

In December 2017, we entered into a six-month consulting agreement with Dr. Mark Keating pursuant to which Dr. Keating will provide us with assistance, on a full-time basis, with our early stage target evaluation and research efforts. In connection with the consulting agreement, we agreed to pay Dr. Keating up to a maximum of $195,000 in connection with his performance of the services and the successful delivery of research opportunities based upon pre-defined metrics. Dr. Keating is the spouse of Laurie Keating, one of our executive officers. The transaction with Dr. Keating was approved in advance by the chair of our audit committee and subsequently ratified by the full audit committee pursuant to our related person transaction policy.

Other than the sales of shares to Sanofi Genzyme, the 2018 amendment to the 2014 Sanofi Genzyme collaboration and related license agreements, and the consulting agreement with Dr. Keating described above, we have not been a participant in any transaction, nor is there any currently proposed transaction, that is currently reportable under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

OTHER MATTERS

Our board of directors does not know of any other matters which may come before the meeting. However, if any other matters are properly presented to the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy card to vote, or otherwise act, in accordance with their judgment on those matters.

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

In order to be included in the proxy materials for the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders, stockholders’ proposals must be received by us at our principal executive offices, 300 Third Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142 no later than November 26, 2018. We suggest that proponents submit their proposals by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to our Corporate Secretary.

In addition, our bylaws require that we be given advance notice of stockholder nominations for election to our board of directors and of other matters which stockholders wish to present for action at an annual meeting of stockholders, other than matters included in our proxy statement. The required notice must be in writing and received by our corporate secretary at our principal offices not later than February 9, 2019 (90 days prior to the first anniversary of our 2018 annual meeting of stockholders) and not before January 10, 2019 (120 days prior to the first anniversary of our 2018 annual meeting of stockholders). However, if the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders is advanced by more than 20 days, or delayed by more than 60 days, from the first anniversary of the 2018 annual meeting of stockholders, notice must be received not earlier than the 120 th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of (1) the 90 th day prior to such annual meeting and (2) the 10 th day following the date on which notice of the date of such annual meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the date of such annual meeting was made, whichever occurs first. Our bylaws also specify requirements relating to the content of the notice which stockholders must provide, including a stockholder nomination for election to our board of directors, to be properly presented at the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 91

Table of Contents

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS ENCOURAGES STOCKHOLDERS TO PARTICIPATE ONLINE IN OUR VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING, YOU ARE URGED TO VOTE BY PROXY OVER THE INTERNET, BY TELEPHONE OR BY MAIL AS DESCRIBED IN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD. A PROMPT RESPONSE WILL GREATLY FACILITATE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING AND YOUR COOPERATION WILL BE APPRECIATED. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING IN PERSON.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | 92

Table of Contents

Appendix A

ALNYLAM PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

2018 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

 

1. Purpose

The purpose of this 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), is to advance the interests of the Company’s stockholders by enhancing the Company’s ability to attract, retain and motivate persons who are expected to make important contributions to the Company by providing such persons with equity ownership opportunities and performance-based incentives that are intended to better align the interests of such persons with those of the Company’s stockholders. Except where the context otherwise requires, the term “ Company ” shall include any of the Company’s present or future parent or subsidiary corporations as defined in Sections 424(e) or (f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any regulations promulgated thereunder (the “ Code ”) and any other business venture (including, without limitation, joint venture or limited liability company) in which the Company has a controlling interest, as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”).

 

2. Eligibility

All of the Company’s employees, officers and directors are eligible to be granted options, stock appreciation rights (“ SARs ”), restricted stock, restricted stock units (“ RSUs ”) and other stock-based awards (each, an “ Award ”) under the Plan. Consultants and advisors to the Company (as such terms are defined and interpreted for purposes of Form S-8 (or any successor form)) are also eligible to be granted Awards. Each person who is granted an Award under the Plan is deemed a “ Participant .”

 

3. Administration and Delegation

(a) Administration by Board of Directors . The Plan will be administered by the Board. The Board shall have authority to grant Awards and to adopt, amend and repeal such administrative rules, guidelines and practices relating to the Plan as it shall deem advisable. The Board may construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and any Award agreements entered into under the Plan. The Board may correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or any Award in the manner and to the extent it shall deem expedient to carry the Plan into effect and it shall be the sole and final judge of such expediency. All decisions by the Board shall be made in the Board’s sole discretion and shall be final and binding on all persons having or claiming any interest in the Plan or in any Award.

(b) Appointment of Committees . To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Board may delegate any or all of its powers under the Plan to one or more committees or subcommittees of the Board (a “ Committee ”). All references in the Plan to the “ Board ” shall mean the Board or a Committee of the Board or the officers referred to in Section 3(c) to the extent that the Board’s powers or authority under the Plan have been delegated to such Committee or officers.

(c) Delegation to Officers . To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Board may delegate to one or more officers of the Company the power to grant Options and other Awards that constitute

 

LOGO   

 

Page | A-1

Table of Contents

rights under Delaware law (subject to any limitations under the Plan) to employees or officers of the Company or any of its present or future subsidiary corporations and to exercise such other powers under the Plan as the Board may determine, provided that the Board shall fix the terms of the Awards to be granted by such officers (including the exercise price of the Awards, which may include a formula by which the exercise price will be determined) and the maximum number of shares subject to such Awards that the officers may grant; provided further, however, that no officer shall be authorized to grant Awards to any “executive officer” of the Company (as defined by Rule 3b-7 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”)) or to any “officer” of the Company (as defined by Rule 16a-1 under the Exchange Act, an “ Executive Officer ”). The Board may not delegate authority under this Section 3(c) to grant restricted stock, unless Delaware law then permits such delegation.

(d) Awards to Non-employee Directors . Discretionary Awards to directors who are not employees of the Company at the time of grant (“ Non-employee Directors ”) will only be granted and administered by a Committee, all of the members of which are independent as defined by the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”).

 

4. Stock Available for Awards

(a) Number of Shares; Share Counting .

(1) Authorized Number of Shares . Subject to adjustment under Section 10, Awards may be made under the Plan for up to the sum of (i) 3,500,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the Company (the “ Common Stock ”), (ii) the number of shares that remain available for grants under the Company’s Second Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (the “ 2009 Plan ”) immediately prior to the Effective Date and (iii) shares of Common Stock underlying any awards granted under the 2009 Plan that expire, or are terminated, surrendered or canceled without having been fully exercised or are forfeited in whole or in part after the Effective Date and become available for issuance under the Plan in accordance with Section 4(a)(3). No more than 18,980,000 shares may be issued in the form of Incentive Stock Options (as hereinafter defined). Shares issued under the Plan may consist in whole or in part of authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares.

(2) Fungible Share Pool . Subject to adjustment under Section 10, any Award that is not a Full-Value Award shall be counted against the share limits specified in Sections 4(a)(1) and 4(b)(1) as one share for each share of Common Stock subject to such Award and any Award that is a Full-Value Award shall be counted against the share limits specified in Sections 4(a)(1) and 4(b)(1) as 1.5 shares for each one share of Common Stock subject to such Full-Value Award. “ Full -Value Award ” means any Restricted Stock Award or Other Stock-Based Award (each as defined below). To the extent a share that was subject to an Award under the Plan or an award under the 2009 Plan that counted as one share is returned to the Plan pursuant to Section 4(a)(3), each applicable share reserve will be credited with one share. To the extent that a share that was subject to a Full-Value Award under the Plan or the 2009 Plan that counted as 1.5 shares is returned to the Plan pursuant to Section 4(a)(3), each applicable share reserve will be credited with 1.5 shares.

(3) Share Counting . For purposes of counting the number of shares available for the grant of Awards under the Plan and under the sub-limits contained in Section 4(b)(1), (i) all shares of Common Stock covered by independent SARs shall be counted against the number of shares available for the grant of Awards; provided , however , that independent SARs that may be settled only in cash shall not

 

LOGO   

 

Page | A-2

Table of Contents

be so counted; (ii) if any Award under the Plan or any award outstanding under the 2009 Plan (A) expires or is terminated, surrendered or canceled without having been fully exercised or is forfeited in whole or in part (including as the result of shares of Common Stock subject to such Award or award being repurchased by the Company at the original issuance price pursuant to a contractual repurchase right) or (B) results in any Common Stock not being issued (including as a result of an independent SAR that was settleable either in cash or in stock actually being settled in cash), the unused Common Stock covered by such Award or award shall again be available for the grant of Awards; provided , however , in the case of Incentive Stock Options (as hereinafter defined), the foregoing shall be subject to any limitations under the Code; and provided further, in the case of independent SARs, that the full number of shares subject to any stock-settled SAR shall be counted against the shares available under the Plan and against the sub-limits listed in the first clause of this Section in proportion to the portion of the SAR actually exercised regardless of the number of shares actually used to settle such SAR upon exercise; (iii) shares of Common Stock delivered (by actual delivery, attestation, or net exercise) to the Company by a Participant to (A) purchase shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of an Award or (B) satisfy tax withholding obligations (including shares retained from the Award creating the tax obligation) shall not be added back to the number of shares available for the future grant of Awards; and (iv) shares of Common Stock repurchased by the Company on the open market using the proceeds from the exercise of an Award shall not increase the number of shares available for future grant of Awards.

(b) Sub -limits . Subject to adjustment under Section 10, the following sub-limits on the number of shares subject to Awards shall apply:

(1) Limits on Awards to Non-employee Directors . The maximum number of shares with respect to which Awards may be granted, in the aggregate, to Non-employee Directors shall be 10% of the maximum number of authorized shares set forth in Section 4(a)(1). The maximum number of shares subject to Awards granted to an individual in connection with such individual’s initial appointment or election as a Non-employee Director shall be 36,000. The maximum number of shares subject to Awards granted to a Non-employee Director in any calendar year in connection with such individual’s service on the Board (excluding for this purpose any shares subject to Awards granted under the preceding sentence) shall be 18,000.

(c) Substitute Awards . In connection with a merger or consolidation of an entity with the Company or the acquisition by the Company of property or stock of an entity, the Board may grant awards in substitution for any options, stock or stock-based awards granted by such entity or an affiliate thereof. Substitute Awards may be granted on such terms as the Board deems appropriate in the circumstances, notwithstanding any limitations on Awards contained in the Plan. Substitute Awards shall not count against the overall share limit set forth in Section 4(a)(1) or any sub-limits contained in the Plan, except as may be required by reason of Section 422 and related provisions of the Code.

(d) Minimum Vesting . Except as provided in the following sentence, and notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, Awards granted to Participants shall not become exercisable and/or vested (as applicable) prior to the first year anniversary of the date of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the Board may, in its discretion, either at the time of grant or at any time thereafter, impose a faster vesting schedule than the schedule prescribed by the preceding sentence in the following extraordinary circumstances: death or disability of the Participant, or a change in control of

 

LOGO   

 

Page | A-3

Table of Contents

the Company, and (ii) the vesting schedule prescribed by the preceding sentence shall not apply to Awards granted, in the aggregate, for up to 5% of the maximum number of authorized shares set forth in Section 4(a)(1).

 

5. Stock Options

(a) General . The Board may grant options to purchase Common Stock (each, an “ Option ”) and determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered by each Option, the exercise price of each Option and the conditions and limitations applicable to the exercise of each Option, including conditions relating to applicable federal or state securities laws, as it considers necessary or advisable. An Option that is not intended to be an Incentive Stock Option (as hereinafter defined) shall be designated a “ Nonstatutory Stock Option ”.

(b) Incentive Stock Options . An Option that the Board intends to be an “incentive stock option” as defined in Section 422 of the Code (an “ Incentive Stock Option ”) shall only be granted to employees of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., any of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s present or future parent or subsidiary corporations as defined in Sections 424(e) or (f) of the Code, and any other entities the employees of which are eligible to receive Incentive Stock Options under the Code, and shall be subject to and shall be construed consistently with the requirements of Section 422 of the Code. The Company shall have no liability to a Participant, or any other party, if an Option (or any part thereof) that is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option is not an Incentive Stock Option or if the Company converts an Incentive Stock Option to a Nonstatutory Stock Option.

(c) Exercise Price . The Board shall establish the exercise price of each Option and specify the exercise price in the applicable option agreement. The exercise price shall be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value (as defined below) on the date the Option is granted; provided that if the Board approves the grant of an Option with an exercise price to be determined on a future date, the exercise price shall be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on such future date. “ Fair Market Value ” of a share of Common Stock for purposes of the Plan will be determined as follows:

(1) if the Common Stock trades on a national securities exchange, the closing sale price (for the primary trading session) on the date of grant;

(2) if the Common Stock does not trade on any such exchange, the average of the closing bid and asked prices as reported by an authorized OTCBB market data vendor as listed on the OTCBB website (otcbb.com) on the date of grant; or

(3) if the Common Stock is not publicly traded, the Board will determine the Fair Market Value for purposes of the Plan using any measure of value it determines to be appropriate (including, as it considers appropriate, relying on appraisals) in a manner consistent with the valuation principles under Section 409A of the Code, except as the Board or Committee may expressly determine otherwise.

For any date that is not a trading day, the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock for such date will be determined by using the closing sale price or average of the bid and asked prices, as appropriate, for the immediately preceding trading day and with the timing in the formulas above adjusted accordingly. The Board can substitute a particular time of day or other measure of “closing sale price” or “bid and asked prices” if appropriate because of exchange or market procedures or can,

 

LOGO   

 

Page | A-4

Table of Contents

in its sole discretion, use weighted averages either on a daily basis or such longer period as complies with Section 409A of the Code. The Board has sole discretion to determine the Fair Market Value for purposes of this Plan, and all Awards are conditioned on the Participants’ agreement that the Board’s determination is conclusive and binding even though others might make a different determination.

(d) Duration of Options . Each Option shall be exercisable at such times and subject to such terms and conditions as the Board may specify in the applicable option agreement; provided , however , that no Option will be granted for a term in excess of 10 years.

(e) Exercise of Option . Options may be exercised by delivery to the Company of a written notice of exercise signed by the proper person or by any other form of notice (including electronic notice) approved by the Company, together with payment in full as specified in Section 5(f) for the number of shares for which the Option is exercised. Shares of Common Stock subject to the Option will be delivered by the Company as soon as practicable following exercise.

(f) Payment Upon Exercise . Common Stock purchased upon the exercise of an Option granted under the Plan shall be paid for as follows:

(1) in cash or by check, payable to the order of the Company;

(2) except as may otherwise be provided in the applicable option agreement, by (i) delivery of an irrevocable and unconditional undertaking by a creditworthy broker to deliver promptly to the Company sufficient funds to pay the exercise price and any required tax withholding or (ii) delivery by the Participant to the Company of a copy of irrevocable and unconditional instructions to a creditworthy broker to deliver promptly to the Company cash or a check sufficient to pay the exercise price and any required tax withholding;

(3) except as may otherwise be provided in the applicable option agreement, by delivery (either by actual delivery or attestation) of shares of Common Stock owned by the Participant valued at their Fair Market Value, provided (i) such method of payment is then permitted under applicable law, (ii) such Common Stock, if acquired directly from the Company, was owned by the Participant for such minimum period of time, if any, as may be established by the Board in its discretion; (iii) such Common Stock is not subject to any repurchase, forfeiture, unfulfilled vesting or other similar requirements and (iv) if the Participant is an Executive Officer, prior approval is obtained from the Board;

(4) with respect to Nonstatutory Options, and except as may otherwise be provided in the applicable option agreement, by delivery of a notice of “net exercise” to the Company, as a result of which the Participant would receive the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the Option so exercised reduced by the number of shares of Common Stock equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Option divided by the Fair Market Value on the date of exercise; provided, if the Participant is an Executive Officer, prior approval is obtained from the Board;

(5) to the extent permitted by applicable law and provided for in the applicable Option agreement or approved by the Board, in its sole discretion, by payment of such other lawful consideration as the Board may determine; or

(6) by any combination of the above permitted forms of payment.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | A-5

Table of Contents

(g) Limitation on Repricing . Unless such action is approved by the Company’s stockholders: (1) no outstanding Option granted under the Plan may be amended to provide an exercise price per share that is lower than the then-current exercise price per share of such outstanding Option (other than adjustments pursuant to Section 10) and (2) the Board may not cancel any outstanding option (whether or not granted under the Plan) and grant in substitution therefor new Awards under the Plan covering the same or a different number of shares of Common Stock and having an exercise price per share lower than the then-current exercise price per share of the cancelled option or effect repricing by cancellation in exchange for cash.

 

6. Director Options

(a) Board Discretion . The Board retains the specific authority to, from time to time, determine the number of shares subject to Options granted to Non-employee Directors under this Section 6, subject to the aggregate and individual limitations on the number of shares issuable to Non-employee Directors contained in Section 4(b)(1). All Options granted to Non-employee Directors shall be Nonstatutory Stock Options. The Board also retains the specific authority to issue SARs, Restricted Stock Awards or Other Stock-Based Awards in lieu of Options, subject to the aggregate and individual limitations on the number of shares issuable to Non-employee Directors contained in Section 4(b)(1).

(b) Terms of Director Options . Options granted under this Section 6 shall (i) have an exercise price equal to the Fair Market Value on the date of grant, (ii) subject to Section 4(d) and except as otherwise set forth in an option agreement, vest in full on the first anniversary of the date of grant provided that the individual is serving on the Board on such date (or, in the case of Options granted under Section 6(a) to a newly elected or appointed director, as to one-third of the shares subject to the Option on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant); provided that no additional vesting shall take place after the Participant ceases to serve as a director and further provided that the Board may provide for accelerated vesting in the case of death, disability or change in control, (iii) expire on the earlier of 10 years from the date of grant or three months following cessation of service on the Board, provided that such three month period shall be extended to five years following cessation of service on the Board for any director with five or more years of continuous service on the Board, and (iv) contain such other terms and conditions as the Board shall determine.

 

7. Stock Appreciation Rights

(a) General . The Board may grant Awards consisting of SARs entitling the holder, upon exercise, to receive an amount of Common Stock or cash or a combination thereof (such form to be determined by the Board) determined by reference to appreciation, from and after the date of grant, in the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock over the measurement price established pursuant to Section 7(c). The date as of which such appreciation is determined shall be the exercise date.

(b) Grants . SARs may be granted in tandem with, or independently of, Options granted under the Plan.

(1) Tandem Awards . When SARs are expressly granted in tandem with Options, (i) the SAR will be exercisable only at such time or times, and to the extent, that the related Option is exercisable

 

LOGO   

 

Page | A-6

Table of Contents

(except to the extent designated by the Board in connection with a Reorganization Event and will be exercisable in accordance with the procedure required for exercise of the related Option; (ii) the SAR will terminate and no longer be exercisable upon the termination or exercise of the related Option, except to the extent designated by the Board in connection with a Reorganization Event and except that a SAR granted with respect to less than the full number of shares covered by an Option will not be reduced until the number of shares as to which the related Option has been exercised or has terminated exceeds the number of shares not covered by the SAR; (iii) the Option will terminate and no longer be exercisable upon the exercise of the related SAR; and (iv) the SAR will be transferable only with the related Option.

(2) Independent SARs . A SAR not expressly granted in tandem with an Option will become exercisable at such time or times, and on such conditions, as the Board may specify in the SAR Award.

(c) Measurement Price . The Board shall establish the measurement price of each SAR and specify it in the applicable SAR agreement. The measurement price shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on the date the SAR is granted; provided that if the Board approves the grant of a SAR with a measurement price to be determined on a future date, the measurement price shall be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on such future date.

(d) Duration of SARs . Each SAR shall be exercisable at such times and subject to such terms and conditions as the Board may specify in the applicable SAR agreement; provided , however , that no SAR will be granted with a term in excess of 10 years.

(e) Exercise of SARs . SARs may be exercised by delivery to the Company of a written notice of exercise signed by the proper person or by any other form of notice (including electronic notice) approved by the Company, together with any other documents required by the Board.

(f) Limitation on Repricing . Unless such action is approved by the Company’s stockholders: (1) no outstanding SAR granted under the Plan may be amended to provide an exercise price per share that is lower than the then-current exercise price per share of such outstanding SAR (other than adjustments pursuant to Section 10) and (2) the Board may not cancel any outstanding SAR (whether or not granted under the Plan) and grant in substitution therefor new Awards under the Plan covering the same or a different number of shares of Common Stock and having an exercise price per share lower than the then-current exercise price per share of the cancelled SAR or effect repricing by cancellation in exchange for cash.

 

8. Restricted Stock; Restricted Stock Units

(a) General . The Board may grant Awards entitling recipients to acquire shares of Common Stock (“ Restricted Stock ”), subject to the right of the Company to repurchase all or part of such shares at their issue price or other stated or formula price (or to require forfeiture of such shares if issued at no cost) from the recipient in the event that conditions specified by the Board in the applicable Award are not satisfied prior to the end of the applicable restriction period or periods established by the Board for such Award. Instead of granting Awards for Restricted Stock, the Board may grant Awards entitling the recipient to receive shares of Common Stock or cash to be delivered at the time such Award vests (“ Restricted Stock Units ”) (Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units are each referred to herein as a “ Restricted Stock Award ”).

 

LOGO   

 

Page | A-7

Table of Contents

(b) Terms and Conditions for All Restricted Stock Awards . Subject to the provisions of the Plan (including, without limitation, Section 4(d)), the Board shall determine the terms and conditions of a Restricted Stock Award, including the conditions for vesting and repurchase (or forfeiture) and the issue price, if any.

(c) Additional Provisions Relating to Restricted Stock .

(1) Dividends . Participants holding shares of Restricted Stock will be entitled to dividends paid with respect to such shares; provided, however, with respect to any unvested share of Restricted Stock, dividends shall accrue during the vesting period but shall not be paid unless and until such share of Restricted Stock has vested. Any such accrued dividends that are attributable to a share of Restricted Stock shall be paid to the Participant in cash or, in the sole discretion of the Board, in shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value (on the date of distribution) equal to the amount of such dividends, upon the vesting of such share and, if such share is forfeited, the Participant shall have no right to such dividends.

(2) Stock Certificates . The Company may require that any stock certificates issued in respect of shares of Restricted Stock shall be deposited in escrow by the Participant, together with a stock power endorsed in blank, with the Company (or its designee). At the expiration of the applicable restriction periods, the Company (or such designee) shall deliver the certificates no longer subject to such restrictions to the Participant or if the Participant has died, to the beneficiary designated, in a manner determined by the Board, by a Participant to receive amounts due or exercise rights of the Participant in the event of the Participant’s death (the “ Designated Beneficiary ”). In the absence of an effective designation by a Participant, “ Designated Beneficiary ” shall mean the Participant’s estate.

(d) Additional Provisions Relating to Restricted Stock Units .

(1) Settlement . Upon the vesting of and/or lapsing of any other restrictions (i.e., settlement) with respect to each Restricted Stock Unit, the Participant shall be entitled to receive from the Company one share of Common Stock or an amount of cash equal to the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock, as provided in the applicable Award agreement. The Board may, in its discretion, provide that settlement of Restricted Stock Units shall be deferred, on a mandatory basis or at the election of the Participant in a manner that complies with Section 409A of the Code.

(2) Voting Rights . A Participant shall have no voting rights with respect to any Restricted Stock Units.

(3) Dividend Equivalents . To the extent provided by the Board, in its sole discretion, a grant of Restricted Stock Units may provide Participants with the right to receive an amount equal to any dividends or other distributions declared and paid on an equal number of outstanding shares of Common Stock (“ Dividend Equivalents ”). Dividend Equivalents shall be credited to an account for the Participants, shall be settled in cash and/or shares of Common Stock and may be subject to the same restrictions on transfer and forfeitability as the Restricted Stock Units with respect to which paid, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion, subject in each case to such terms and conditions as the Board shall establish, in each case to be set forth in the applicable Award agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any unvested Restricted Stock Unit, Dividend Equivalents shall accrue during the vesting period but shall not be paid unless and until such

 

LOGO   

 

Page | A-8

Table of Contents

Restricted Stock Unit has vested. Any such Dividend Equivalents that have accrued and are attributable to a Restricted Stock Unit shall be paid to the Participant in cash or, in the sole discretion of the Board, in shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value (on the date of distribution) equal to the amount of such Dividend Equivalents, upon the vesting of such Restricted Stock Unit and, if such Restricted Stock Unit is forfeited, the Participant shall have no right to such Dividend Equivalents.

 

9. Other Stock -Based Awards

(a) General . Other Awards of shares of Common Stock, and other Awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise based on, shares of Common Stock or other property, may be granted hereunder to Participants (“ Other Stock -Based -Awards ”), including without limitation Awards entitling recipients to receive shares of Common Stock to be delivered in the future. Such Other Stock-Based Awards shall also be available as a form of payment in the settlement of other Awards granted under the Plan or as payment in lieu of compensation to which a Participant is otherwise entitled. Other Stock-Based Awards may be paid in shares of Common Stock or cash, as the Board shall determine.

(b) Terms and Conditions . Subject to the provisions of the Plan (including, without limitation, Section 4(d)), the Board shall determine the terms and conditions of each Other Stock-Based Award, including any purchase price applicable thereto.

 

10. Adjustments for Changes in Common Stock and Certain Other Events

(a) Changes in Capitalization . In the event of any stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, combination of shares, reclassification of shares, spin-off or other similar change in capitalization or event, or any dividend or distribution to holders of Common Stock other than an ordinary cash dividend, (i) the number and class of securities available under the Plan, (ii) the sub-limits, fungible pool and share counting rules set forth in Sections 4(a) and 4(b), (iii) the minimum vesting provisions set forth in Section 4(d), (iv) the number and class of securities and exercise price per share of each outstanding Option and each Option issuable under Section 6, (v) the share- and per-share provisions and the measurement price of each SAR, (vi) the number of shares subject to and the repurchase price per share subject to each outstanding Restricted Stock Award and (vii) the share- and per-share-related provisions and the purchase price, if any, of each outstanding Other Stock-Based Award, shall be equitably adjusted by the Company (or substituted Awards may be made, if applicable) in the manner determined by the Board. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event the Company effects a split of the Common Stock by means of a stock dividend and the exercise price of and the number of shares subject to an outstanding Option are adjusted as of the date of the distribution of the dividend (rather than as of the record date for such dividend), then an optionee who exercises an Option between the record date and the distribution date for such stock dividend shall be entitled to receive, on the distribution date, the stock dividend with respect to the shares of Common Stock acquired upon such Option exercise, notwithstanding the fact that such shares were not outstanding as of the close of business on the record date for such stock dividend.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | A-9

Table of Contents

(b) Reorganization Events .

(1) Definition . A “ Reorganization Event ” shall mean: (a) any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another entity where the stockholders of the Company immediately before the merger or consolidation would not, immediately after the merger or consolidation, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, shares representing a majority of the outstanding voting shares of the resulting or successor entity (or its ultimate parent, if applicable), (b) any transfer or disposition of all of the Common Stock of the Company for cash, securities or other property pursuant to a share exchange or other transaction or (c) any liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

(2) Consequences of a Reorganization Event on Awards Other than Restricted Stock Awards . In connection with a Reorganization Event, the Board may take any one or more of the following actions as to all or any (or any portion of) outstanding Awards other than Restricted Stock Awards on such terms as the Board determines: (i) provide that Awards shall be assumed, or substantially equivalent Awards shall be substituted, by the acquiring or succeeding corporation (or an affiliate thereof), (ii) upon written notice to a Participant, provide that the Participant’s unexercised Awards will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such Reorganization Event unless exercised by the Participant within a specified period following the date of such notice, (iii) provide that outstanding Awards shall become exercisable, realizable, or deliverable, or restrictions applicable to an Award shall lapse, in whole or in part prior to or upon such Reorganization Event, (iv) in the event of a Reorganization Event under the terms of which holders of Common Stock will receive upon consummation thereof a cash payment for each share surrendered in the Reorganization Event (the “ Acquisition Price ”), make or provide for a cash payment to a Participant equal to the excess, if any, of (A) the Acquisition Price times the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Participant’s Awards (to the extent the exercise price does not exceed the Acquisition Price) over (B) the aggregate exercise price of all such outstanding Awards and any applicable tax withholdings, in exchange for the termination of such Awards, (v) provide that, in connection with a liquidation or dissolution of the Company, Awards shall convert into the right to receive liquidation proceeds (if applicable, net of the exercise price thereof and any applicable tax withholdings) and (vi) any combination of the foregoing. In taking any of the actions permitted under this Section 10(b), the Board shall not be obligated by the Plan to treat all Awards, all Awards held by a Participant, or all Awards of the same type, identically.

For purposes of clause (i) above, an Option shall be considered assumed if, following consummation of the Reorganization Event, the Option confers the right to purchase, for each share of Common Stock subject to the Option immediately prior to the consummation of the Reorganization Event, the consideration (whether cash, securities or other property) received as a result of the Reorganization Event by holders of Common Stock for each share of Common Stock held immediately prior to the consummation of the Reorganization Event (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock); provided, however, that if the consideration received as a result of the Reorganization Event is not solely common stock of the acquiring or succeeding corporation (or an affiliate thereof), the Company may, with the consent of the acquiring or succeeding corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of Options to consist solely of common stock of the acquiring or succeeding corporation (or an affiliate thereof) equivalent in value (as determined by the Board) to the per share consideration received by holders of outstanding shares of Common Stock as a result of the Reorganization Event.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | A-10

Table of Contents

(3) Consequences of a Reorganization Event on Restricted Stock Awards . Upon the occurrence of a Reorganization Event other than a liquidation or dissolution of the Company, the repurchase and other rights of the Company under each outstanding Restricted Stock Award shall inure to the benefit of the Company’s successor and shall, unless the Board determines otherwise, apply to the cash, securities or other property which the Common Stock was converted into or exchanged for pursuant to such Reorganization Event in the same manner and to the same extent as they applied to the Common Stock subject to such Restricted Stock Award; provided , however , that the Board may provide for termination or deemed satisfaction of such repurchase or other rights under the instrument evidencing any Restricted Stock Award or any other agreement between a Participant and the Company, either initially or by amendment. Upon the occurrence of a Reorganization Event involving the liquidation or dissolution of the Company, except to the extent specifically provided to the contrary in the instrument evidencing any Restricted Stock Award or any other agreement between a Participant and the Company, all restrictions and conditions on all Restricted Stock Awards then outstanding shall automatically be deemed terminated or satisfied.

 

11. General Provisions Applicable to Awards

(a) Transferability of Awards . Awards shall not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered by the person to whom they are granted, either voluntarily or by operation of law, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution or, other than in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, and, during the life of the Participant, shall be exercisable only by the Participant; provided , however , that the Board may permit or provide in an Award for the gratuitous transfer of the Award by the Participant to or for the benefit of any immediate family member, family trust or other entity established for the benefit of the Participant and/or an immediate family member thereof if, with respect to such proposed transferee, the Company would be eligible to use a Form S-8 for the registration of the sale of the Common Stock subject to such Award under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; provided, further, that the Company shall not be required to recognize any such transfer until such time as the Participant and such permitted transferee shall, as a condition to such transfer, deliver to the Company a written instrument in form and substance satisfactory to the Company confirming that such transferee shall be bound by all of the terms and conditions of the Award. References to a Participant, to the extent relevant in the context, shall include references to authorized transferees.

(b) Documentation . Each Award shall be evidenced in such form (written, electronic or otherwise) as the Board shall determine. Each Award may contain terms and conditions in addition to those set forth in the Plan.

(c) Board Discretion . Except as otherwise provided by the Plan, each Award may be made alone or in addition or in relation to any other Award. The terms of each Award need not be identical, and the Board need not treat Participants uniformly.

(d) Termination of Status . The Board shall determine the effect on an Award of the disability, death, termination or other cessation of employment, authorized leave of absence or other change in the employment or other status of a Participant and the extent to which, and the period during which, the Participant, or the Participant’s legal representative, conservator, guardian or Designated Beneficiary, may exercise rights under the Award.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | A-11

Table of Contents

(e) Withholding . The Participant must satisfy all applicable federal, state, and local or other income and employment tax withholding obligations before the Company will deliver stock certificates or otherwise recognize ownership of Common Stock under an Award. The Company may decide to satisfy the withholding obligations through additional withholding on salary or wages. If the Company elects not to or cannot withhold from other compensation, the Participant must pay the Company the full amount, if any, required for withholding or have a broker tender to the Company cash equal to the withholding obligations. Payment of withholding obligations is due before the Company will issue any shares on exercise or release from forfeiture of an Award or, if the Company so requires, at the same time as is payment of the exercise price unless the Company determines otherwise. A Participant may satisfy such tax obligations in whole or in part by delivery (either by actual delivery or attestation) of shares of Common Stock, including shares retained from the Award creating the tax obligation, valued at their Fair Market Value; provided , however , that if the Participant is an Executive Officer, prior approval is obtained from the Board; provided further , that where stock is being used to satisfy such tax obligations, the total tax withholding cannot exceed the Company’s minimum statutory withholding obligations (based on minimum statutory withholding rates for federal and state tax purposes, including payroll taxes, that are applicable to such supplemental taxable income), unless withholding at a higher rate would not result in adverse accounting treatment (in which case such withholding shall not exceed maximum statutory withholding rates). Shares used to satisfy tax withholding requirements cannot be subject to any repurchase, forfeiture, unfulfilled vesting or other similar requirements.

(f) Amendment of Award . Except as otherwise provided in Section 4(d) with respect to the vesting of Awards or Section 12(d) with respect to actions requiring shareholder approval, the Board may amend, modify or terminate any outstanding Award, including but not limited to, substituting therefor another Award of the same or a different type, changing the date of exercise or realization, and converting an Incentive Stock Option to a Nonstatutory Stock Option. The Participant’s consent to such action shall be required unless (i) the Board determines that the action, taking into account any related action, would not materially and adversely affect the Participant’s rights under the Plan or (ii) the change is permitted under Section 10 hereof.

(g) Conditions on Delivery of Stock . The Company will not be obligated to deliver any shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Plan or to remove restrictions from shares previously delivered under the Plan until (i) all conditions of the Award have been met or removed to the satisfaction of the Company, (ii) in the opinion of the Company’s counsel, all other legal matters in connection with the issuance and delivery of such shares have been satisfied, including any applicable securities laws and any applicable stock exchange or stock market rules and regulations, and (iii) the Participant has executed and delivered to the Company such representations or agreements as the Company may consider appropriate to satisfy the requirements of any applicable laws, rules or regulations.

(h) Acceleration . Except as otherwise provided in Sections 4(d) and 11(i), the Board may at any time provide that any Award shall become immediately exercisable in full or in part, free of some or all restrictions or conditions, or otherwise realizable in full or in part, as the case may be.

 

12. Miscellaneous

(a) No Right To Employment or Other Status . No person shall have any claim or right to be granted an Award, and the grant of an Award shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to continued employment or any other relationship with the Company. The Company expressly

 

LOGO   

 

Page | A-12

Table of Contents

reserves the right at any time to dismiss or otherwise terminate its relationship with a Participant free from any liability or claim under the Plan, except as expressly provided in the applicable Award.

(b) No Rights As Stockholder . Subject to the provisions of the applicable Award, no Participant or Designated Beneficiary shall have any rights as a stockholder with respect to any shares of Common Stock to be distributed with respect to an Award until becoming the record holder of such shares.

(c) Effective Date and Term of Plan . The Plan shall become effective on the date the Plan is approved by the Company’s stockholders (the “ Effective Date ”). No Awards shall be granted under the Plan after the expiration of 10 years from the Effective Date, but Awards previously granted may extend beyond that date.

(d) Amendment of Plan . The Board may amend, suspend or terminate the Plan or any portion thereof at any time provided that (i) no amendment that would require stockholder approval under the NASDAQ rules may be made effective unless and until the Company’s stockholders approve such amendment; and (ii) if NASDAQ amends its corporate governance rules so that such rules no longer require stockholder approval of “material amendments” to equity compensation plans, then, from and after the effective date of such amendment to the NASDAQ rules, no amendment to the Plan (A) materially increasing the number of shares authorized under the Plan (other than pursuant to Sections 4(c) or 10), (B) expanding the types of Awards that may be granted under the Plan, or (C) materially expanding the class of participants eligible to participate in the Plan shall be effective unless and until the Company’s stockholders approve such amendment. In addition, if at any time the approval of the Company’s stockholders is required as to any other modification or amendment under Section 422 of the Code or any successor provision with respect to Incentive Stock Options, the Board may not effect such modification or amendment without such approval. Unless otherwise specified in the amendment, any amendment to the Plan adopted in accordance with this Section 12(d) shall apply to, and be binding on the holders of, all Awards outstanding under the Plan at the time the amendment is adopted, provided the Board determines that such amendment does not materially and adversely affect the rights of Participants under the Plan. Options may be granted that are conditioned upon stockholder approval of any amendment adding shares of Common Stock to the Plan, but no such conditioned Options may be exercised until stockholder approval is obtained. If stockholder approval is not obtained, all such conditioned Option grants shall be cancelled and be of no further force or effect.

(e) Authorization of Sub -Plans . The Board may from time to time establish one or more sub-plans under the Plan for purposes of satisfying applicable securities or tax laws of various jurisdictions. The Board shall establish such sub-plans by adopting supplements to the Plan containing (i) such limitations on the Board’s discretion under the Plan as the Board deems necessary or desirable or (ii) such additional terms and conditions not otherwise inconsistent with the Plan as the Board shall deem necessary or desirable. All supplements adopted by the Board shall be deemed to be part of the Plan, but each supplement shall apply only to Participants within the affected jurisdiction and the Company shall not be required to provide copies of any supplement to Participants in any jurisdiction which is not the subject of such supplement.

(f) Non -U.S. Participants . Awards may be granted to Participants who are non-U.S. citizens or residents employed outside the United States, or both, on such terms and conditions different from those applicable to Awards to Participants employed in the United States as may, in the judgment of the Board, be necessary or desirable in order to recognize differences in local law or tax policy. The

 

LOGO   

 

Page | A-13

Table of Contents

Board also may impose conditions on the exercise or vesting of Awards in order to minimize the Board’s obligation with respect to tax equalization for Participants on assignments outside their home country. The Board may approve such supplements to or amendments, restatements or alternative versions of the Plan as it may consider necessary or appropriate for such purposes, without thereby affecting the terms of this Plan as in effect for any other purpose, and the Secretary or other appropriate officer of the Company may certify any such document as having been approved and adopted in the same manner as this Plan.

(g) Compliance with Section  409A of the Code . Except as provided in individual Award agreements initially or by amendment, if and to the extent any portion of any payment, compensation or other benefit provided to a Participant in connection with his or her employment termination is determined to constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and the Participant is a specified employee as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, as determined by the Company in accordance with its procedures, by which determination the Participant (through accepting the Award) agrees that he or she is bound, such portion of the payment, compensation or other benefit shall not be paid before the day that is six months plus one day after the date of “separation from service” (as determined under Section 409A of the Code) (the “ New Payment Date ”), except as Section 409A of the Code may then permit. The aggregate of any payments that otherwise would have been paid to the Participant during the period between the date of separation from service and the New Payment Date shall be paid to the Participant in a lump sum on such New Payment Date, and any remaining payments will be paid on their original schedule.

The Company makes no representations or warranty and shall have no liability to the Participant or any other person if any provisions of or payments, compensation or other benefits under the Plan are determined to constitute nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code but do not to satisfy the conditions of that section. The Company intends that any Award determined to constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code complies with Section 409A of the Code. To the extent that any provision of the Plan or of any Award agreement is ambiguous as to its compliance with Section 409A of the Code, the provision shall be read in such a manner so that the Plan and such Award complies with Section 409A of the Code. Accordingly, to the extent that any Award is determined to constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, the Award shall be subject to such additional rules and requirements as specified by the Board from time to time in order to comply with Section 409A of the Code.

(h) Limitations on Liability . Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, no individual acting as a director, officer, other employee, or agent of the Company will be liable to any Participant, former Participant, spouse, beneficiary, or any other person for any claim, loss, liability, or expense incurred in connection with the Plan, nor will such individual be personally liable with respect to the Plan because of any contract or other instrument he or she executes in his or her capacity as a director, officer, other employee, or agent of the Company. The Company will indemnify and hold harmless each director, officer, other employee, or agent of the Company to whom any duty or power relating to the administration or interpretation of the Plan has been or will be delegated, against any cost or expense (including attorneys’ fees) or liability (including any sum paid in settlement of a claim with the Board’s approval) arising out of any act or omission to act concerning this Plan unless arising out of such person’s own fraud or bad faith.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | A-14

Table of Contents

(i) Governing Law . The provisions of the Plan and all Awards made hereunder shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, excluding choice-of-law principles of the law of such state that would require the application of the laws of a jurisdiction other than such state.

(j) Clawback . Grants made under this Plan shall be subject to the Company’s clawback policies in effect from time to time.

 

LOGO   

 

Page | A-15

Table of Contents

 

ALNYLAM PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

ATTN: SECRETARY

300 THIRD STREET

CAMBRIDGE, MA 02142

  

VOTE BY INTERNET

Before The Meeting - Go to www.proxyvote.com

 

Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information. Vote by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 9, 2018 for shares held directly and by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 7, 2018 for shares held in a Plan. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.

 

During The Meeting - Go to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/ALNY2018

 

You may attend the meeting via the Internet and vote during the meeting. Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow available and follow the instructions. There will be no physical location at which stockholders may attend the meeting.

 

VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903

Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions. Vote by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 9, 2018 for shares held directly and by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 7, 2018 for shares held in a Plan. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.

 

VOTE BY MAIL

Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge,

51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.

 

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:   
   E41933-P07011            KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS

— — —  — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 

DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.

 

 ALNYLAM PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.                            

 

Proposals — The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR each of the listed director nominees to serve for a term ending in 2021 and FOR Proposals 2, 3 and 4.

 

                             

1.   To elect the following nominees as Class II directors of Alnylam:

  For    Against    Abstain                    

1a.   Dennis A. Ausiello, M.D.

  ☐    ☐    ☐                    

1b.   John K. Clarke

  ☐    ☐    ☐                    

1c.   Marsha H. Fanucci

  ☐    ☐    ☐                    

1d.   David E.I. Pyott

  ☐    ☐    ☐                    
      For    Against    Abstain    

2.   To approve the 2018 Stock Incentive Plan.

      ☐    ☐    ☐     

3.   To approve, in a non-binding advisory vote, the compensation of Alnylam’s named executive officers.

      ☐    ☐    ☐     

4.   To ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as Alnylam’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018.

      ☐    ☐    ☐     

In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon any other business that may properly come before the annual meeting or at any adjournment(s) thereof.

                   

For address changes and/or comments, please check this box and write them on the back where indicated.

  

☐

                   

Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer.

                   

 

       
                  
 

 

Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]

 

 

Date

    

 

Signature (Joint Owners)

 

 

Date

Table of Contents

 

 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Virtual Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be Held on May 10, 2018:

The Proxy Statement, our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Annual Report to Stockholders are available for viewing, printing and downloading at www.proxyvote.com.

 

— — —  — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 

E41934-P07011    

 

 

 

Proxy — ALNYLAM PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

 

VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To be held on May 10, 2018 at 8:00 a.m., Eastern Time

This Proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Alnylam”).

The undersigned, having received notice of the annual meeting of stockholders and the proxy statement therefor and revoking all prior proxies, hereby appoints each of John M. Maraganore, Ph.D., Laurie B. Keating and Manmeet S. Soni (each with full power of substitution), as Proxies of the undersigned, to participate in the annual meeting of stockholders of Alnylam to be held online at 8:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on Thursday, May 10, 2018, and any adjourned or postponed session thereof, and there to vote and act as indicated upon the matters on the reverse side in respect of all shares of common stock which the undersigned would be entitled to vote or act upon, with all powers the undersigned would possess if personally present.

You can revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted at the annual meeting by (i) submitting another properly completed proxy bearing a later date; (ii) giving written notice of revocation to the Secretary of Alnylam; (iii) if you submitted a proxy through the Internet or by telephone, by submitting a proxy again through the Internet or by telephone prior to the close of the Internet voting facility or the telephone voting facility; or (iv) voting online at the annual meeting. If you hold any of the shares of common stock in a fiduciary, custodial or joint capacity or capacities, this proxy is signed by you in every such capacity as well as individually.

The shares of common stock of Alnylam represented by this proxy will be voted as directed by you for the proposals herein proposed by Alnylam. If no direction is given with respect to a proposal specified herein, this proxy will be voted in accordance with the recommendation of the Board of Directors. In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon any other business that may properly come before the annual meeting or any adjournment(s) thereof.

Please vote, date and sign on reverse side and return promptly in the enclosed pre-paid envelope.

Your vote is important. Please vote immediately.

 

       
     Address Changes/Comments:  

 

    
   
   

 

   
   
             

(If you noted any Address Changes/Comments above, please mark corresponding box on the reverse side.)

CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE

SEE REVERSE SIDE

 

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ALNY)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Charts.
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ALNY)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Charts.