Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-248738

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(To Prospectus Dated September 17, 2020)

Up to $15,250,000

Common Stock

We have entered into an At The Market Offering Agreement, or the sales agreement, with H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC, or the sales agent, dated as of January 13, 2021, relating to the offer and sale of shares of our common stock. In accordance with the terms of the sales agreement, under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, we may offer and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $15,250,000 from time to time through the sales agent.

Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market, or Nasdaq, under the symbol “ACOR.” On January 12, 2021, the last reported sale price of our common stock on Nasdaq was $4.24 per share. You are urged to obtain current market quotations for our common stock.

Sales of our common stock, if any, under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be made in sales deemed to be “at the market offerings” as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, including sales made directly on or through Nasdaq, the existing trading market for our common stock, sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange or otherwise, directly to the sales agent as principal, in negotiated transactions at market prices prevailing at the time of sale or at prices related to such prevailing market prices, and/or in any other method permitted by law. If we and the sales agent agree on a method of distribution other than sales of shares of our common stock on or through Nasdaq or another existing U.S. trading market at market prices, we will file a further prospectus supplement providing all information about such offering as required by Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act. The sales agent is not required to sell any certain number of shares or dollar amount of our common stock, but it will act as sales agent on a commercially reasonable efforts basis consistent with its normal trading and sales practices.

The sales agent will be entitled to compensation at a fixed commission rate equal to 3% of the gross sales price per share sold under the sales agreement. In connection with the sale of the common stock on our behalf, the sales agent may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and the compensation of the sales agent may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. We have also agreed to reimburse certain expenses of the sales agent in connection with the sales agreement as further described in the Plan of Distribution section beginning on page S-10 of this prospectus supplement.

As of January 7, 2021, the aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $46,010,782, which we calculated based on 9,483,236 shares of common stock that were issued and outstanding as of January 7, 2021, of which 9,363,394 shares were held by non-affiliates, and a price per share of $4.9139 on December 2, 2020 (as adjusted for our one-for-six reverse stock split that took effect December 31, 2020). Pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3, in no event will we sell, pursuant to the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement forms a part, securities in a public primary offering with a value exceeding one-third of the aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates in any 12-month period, so long as the aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates remains below $75 million. During the 12 calendar months prior to and including the date of this prospectus supplement, we have not offered or sold any securities pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3.

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described under “Risk Factors” on page S-4 of this prospectus supplement, on page 5 of the accompanying prospectus, any related free writing prospectus and other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, before making a decision to invest in our securities.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

H.C. Wainwright & Co.

The date of this prospectus supplement is January 13, 2021.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, using a “shelf” registration procedure. Under this prospectus supplement, we may offer shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $15,250,000 from time to time at prices and on terms to be determined by market conditions at the time of offering.

This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the terms of this offering of common stock and also adds to and updates information contained in the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. The second part, the accompanying prospectus, provides more general information. Generally, when we refer to this prospectus, we are referring to both parts of this document combined. To the extent there is a conflict between the information contained in this prospectus supplement, on the one hand, and the information contained in the accompanying prospectus or in any document incorporated by reference that was filed with the SEC before the date of this prospectus supplement, on the other hand, you should rely on the information in this prospectus supplement. If any statement in one of these documents is inconsistent with a statement in another document having a later date — for example, a document incorporated by reference in the accompanying prospectus — the statement in the document having the later date modifies or supersedes the earlier statement.

We further note that the representations, warranties and covenants made by us in any agreement that is filed as an exhibit to any document that is incorporated by reference herein were made solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreement, including, in some cases, for the purpose of allocating risk among the parties to such agreements, and should not be deemed to be a representation, warranty or covenant to you. Moreover, such representations, warranties or covenants were effective only as of the date when made. Accordingly, such representations, warranties and covenants should not be relied on as accurately representing the current state of our affairs.

Neither we nor the sales agent have authorized anyone else to provide you with different or additional information from that contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any free writing prospectus prepared by us or on our behalf. Neither we nor the sales agent take responsibility for, and provide no assurance as the reliability of, any information that others may give. Neither we nor the sales agent are making an offer to sell or soliciting an offer to buy our common stock under any circumstance in any jurisdiction where the offer or solicitation is not permitted. You should assume that the information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any free writing prospectus prepared by us or on our behalf is accurate only as of the date of the respective document in which the information appears, and that any information in documents that we have incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any sale of a security. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, shares of common stock only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the offering of the common stock in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the common stock and the distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus outside the United States. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus by any person in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful for such person to make such an offer or solicitation.

All references in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to “Acorda,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar references refer to Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. and its subsidiaries, except where the context otherwise requires or as otherwise indicated.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated herein and therein by reference contain forward-looking statements relating to future events and our future performance within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. You are cautioned that such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including:

These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industry and markets in which we operate and management’s beliefs and

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assumptions. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated herein by reference regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements we make, and investors should not place undue reliance on these statements. In addition to the risks and uncertainties described above, we have included important factors in the cautionary statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as updated by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2020, respectively, particularly in the “Risk Factors” sections of such reports (as updated by the disclosures in our subsequent filings with the SEC that are incorporated by reference herein), that we believe could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements that we make. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures or investments that we may make. Forward-looking statements in this prospectus supplement are made only as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any information incorporated by reference herein or therein, whether as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise.

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RISK FACTORS

Our business is subject to numerous risks. Prior to making a decision about investing in our shares of common stock, you should carefully consider the following risks, in addition to the risks described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and in Part II, Item 1A of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2020, June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2020, and as may be described in our future filings with the SEC, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. You should also carefully consider the other information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any free writing prospectus. Each of the risks described in these documents could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, and could result in a partial or complete loss of your investment.

Risks Related to Our Business

We may be unable to complete the pending sale of our Chelsea, Massachusetts facility, and if we do complete this transaction we will rely on a sole third party for the commercial manufacture of Inbrija (levodopa inhalation powder).

On January 13, 2021, we announced that we entered into a definitive agreement to sell our Inbrija manufacturing facility in Chelsea, Massachusetts to Catalent Pharma Solutions LLC, or Catalent. We may be unable to close the transaction or conclude an agreement on acceptable terms. Failure to complete the transaction may require us to incur significant additional costs to support unused capacity at the facility.

In addition, in connection with the sale, we entered into a long-term global supply agreement under which Catalent will manufacture and package Inbrija on an exclusive basis (other than for sale in China). If we close the transaction, we will be reliant on Catalent to supply all of our commercial and clinical supply of Inbrija and, subject to the negotiation of an amendment or new supply agreement, other ARCUS inhaled therapeutic product candidates. Although Catalent has significant experience in commercial manufacturing, given applicable regulatory requirements and the complexity of the manufacturing processes for pharmaceuticals, Catalent may be unable or otherwise not successful in passing any required regulatory inspection prior to manufacturing, carrying out its contractual duties, meet expected deadlines or effectively manufacture or release Inbrija in a timely manner in accordance with current good manufacturing practices and other regulatory requirements. If we are unable to obtain adequate supplies of Inbrija under our supply agreement with Catalent, or if the supplies we receive do not meet quality and safety standards, we could face supply shortages, significant additional costs, product liability claims and reputational harm. In addition, we may be unable to offset our payment commitments under the supply agreement if we are forced to obtain Inbrija from another supplier, which we may be unable to identify. Any of these factors, alone or in combination, could materially harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Risks Related to this Offering

You will experience immediate and substantial dilution in the book value per share of the common stock you purchase.

The shares sold in this offering, if any, will be sold from time to time at various prices; however, the assumed offering price of our common stock is substantially higher than the as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our common stock. Therefore, investors purchasing shares of our common stock in this offering will pay a price per share that substantially exceeds the as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering. Assuming that an aggregate of 3,596,698 shares of our common stock are sold at an assumed offering price of $4.24 per share, the last reported sale price of our common stock on Nasdaq on January 12, 2021, for aggregate gross proceeds of $15,250,000, and after deducting commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, new investors in this offering will experience immediate dilution of $8.28 per share, representing the difference between the assumed offering price and our as adjusted net

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tangible book value per share of the common stock you purchase in this offering. See the section entitled “Dilution” below for a more detailed discussion of the dilution you will incur if you purchase common stock in this offering. In addition, we have a significant number of options and restricted stock units outstanding. If the holders of these securities exercise them or become vested in them, as applicable, you may incur further dilution.

The common stock offered hereby will be sold in “at the market” offerings, and investors who buy shares at different times will likely pay different prices.

Investors who purchase shares of common stock in this offering at different times will likely pay different prices. As a result, investors may experience different outcomes in their investment results. We will have discretion, subject to market demand, to vary the timing, prices and numbers of shares sold. Investors may experience a decline in the value of their shares as a result of share sales made at prices lower than the prices they paid.

The actual number of shares of common stock we will issue under the sales agreement, at any one time or in total, is uncertain.

Subject to certain limitations in the sales agreement and compliance with applicable law, we have the discretion to deliver a sales notice to the sales agent at any time throughout the term of the sales agreement. The number of shares that are sold by the sales agent after we deliver a sales notice will fluctuate based on the market price of our common stock during the sales period and limits we set with the sales agent. Because the price per share of each share sold will fluctuate based on the market price of our common stock during the sales period, it is not possible at this stage to predict the number of shares that will be ultimately issued.

Management will have broad discretion as to the use of proceeds from this offering and may invest or spend the proceeds in ways with which you do not agree and in ways that may not increase the value of your investment.

Our management will have broad discretion over the use of proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock in this offering, including for any of the purposes described in the section of this prospectus entitled “Use of Proceeds,” and could spend the proceeds in ways that do not improve our results of operations or enhance the value of our common stock. You may not agree with our decisions, and our use of the proceeds may not yield any return on your investment. Our failure to apply the net proceeds from the sale of our shares in this offering could effectively have a material adverse effect on our business, delay the development of our products, compromise our ability to pursue our business strategy, and cause the price of our common stock to decline, and we might not be able to yield a significant return, if any, on our investment of these net proceeds. In addition, the net proceeds from the sale of our shares in this offering may not be sufficient for our anticipated uses, and we may need additional resources to progress our product candidates to the stage we expect.

Sales of a significant number of shares of our common stock in the public markets, or the perception that such sales could occur, could cause our stock price to decline.

Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public markets, or the perception that such sales could occur, could depress the market price of our common stock and impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities. It is possible that we could issue and sell additional shares of our common stock in the public markets. Furthermore, if our existing stockholders sell a large number of shares of our common stock, or the public market perceives that existing stockholders might sell shares of common stock, the market price of our common stock could decline significantly. Sales of substantial amounts of shares of our common stock in the public market by our executive officers, directors, 5% or greater stockholders or other stockholders, or the prospect of such sales, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. We cannot predict the effect that future sales of our common stock would have on the market price of our common stock.

As of January 7, 2021, 9,483,236 shares of our common stock were issued and outstanding, including 23,458 shares subject to unvested restricted stock awards outstanding under the 2015 Omnibus Incentive

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Compensation Plan, and an additional 1,331,125 shares are issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options under the 2015 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan and the 2006 Employee Incentive Plan and upon the vesting and settlement of restricted stock units outstanding under the 2015 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan. Additional shares of common stock are authorized for issuance pursuant to options and other stock-based awards under the 2015 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan and under the 2019 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and additional stock-based awards could be issued under the 2016 Inducement Plan. To the extent that option holders exercise outstanding options, there may be further dilution and the sales of shares issued upon such exercises could cause our stock price to drop further. In addition, we may elect to settle future interest payments on, and/or all or a portion of our conversion or make-whole payment obligations under, our 6.00% Convertible Senior Secured Notes due 2024 in shares of common stock, which could lead our stockholders to experience significant dilution.

We cannot predict the effect that our reverse stock split will have on the market price for shares of our common stock.

On December 31, 2020, we completed a one-for-six reverse stock split of our shares of common stock and proportionate reduction in the number of authorized shares of common stock from 370,000,000 to 61,666,666. The reverse stock split was effected in accordance with the authorization adopted by our stockholders at the Company’s Special Meeting of Stockholders convened on July 31, 2020 and was announced on December 21, 2020. Our Board of Directors determined to effect the reverse stock split because it is a potentially effective means to increase the per share market price of our common stock and thus enable us to regain compliance with the $1.00 per share minimum closing price required to maintain continued listing of our common stock on Nasdaq under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1), or the Minimum Bid Requirement. However, there can be no assurance that the market price of our common stock following the reverse stock split will remain at the level required for continuing compliance with the Minimum Bid Requirement, and there are a number of risks and potential disadvantages associated with a reverse stock split.

We cannot predict the effect of the reverse stock split upon the market price for shares of our common stock, and the history of similar reverse stock splits for companies in like circumstances has varied. Some investors may have a negative view of a reverse stock split. Even if the reverse stock split has a positive effect on the market price for shares of our common stock, performance of our business and financial results, general economic conditions and the market perception of our business, and other adverse factors which may not be in our control could lead to a decrease in the price of our common stock following the reverse stock split.

Even if the reverse stock split does result in an increased market price per share of our common stock, the market price per share following the reverse stock split may not increase in proportion to the reduction of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding before the implementation of the reverse stock split. Accordingly, even with an increased market price per share, the total market capitalization of shares of our common stock after the reverse stock split could be lower than the total market capitalization before the reverse stock split. Also, even if there is an initial increase in the market price per share of our common stock after the reverse stock split, the market price many not remain at that level.

If the market price of shares of our common stock declines following the reverse stock split, the percentage decline as an absolute number and as a percentage of our overall market capitalization may be greater than would occur in the absence of the reverse stock split due to decreased liquidity in the market for our common stock. Accordingly, the total market capitalization of our common stock following the reverse stock split could be lower than the total market capitalization before the reverse stock split.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

The amount of proceeds from this offering will depend upon the number of shares of our common stock sold and the market price at which they are sold. There can be no assurance that we will be able to sell any shares under or fully utilize the sales agreement with the sales agent as a source of financing. If we were to sell shares at an assumed offering price equal to the closing price of our common stock on January 12, 2021 of $4.24 per share, the maximum number of shares that we could sell is 3,596,698. We estimate that the offering expenses, other than the sales agent’s commission, will be approximately $425,000. If we were to sell 3,596,698 shares of common stock at the January 12, 2021 closing price, we would receive $15,250,000 of gross proceeds, which would result in net proceeds of approximately $14.4 million after deduction of the sales agent’s commission and our estimated offering expenses. The actual proceeds to us, if any, will vary.

We intend to use the net proceeds, if any, from the sale of shares of common stock under this prospectus supplement for general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures. We may also use the net proceeds for working capital, the repayment of debt obligations, including our $69,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021, which mature on June 15, 2021, acquisitions or investments in other businesses, products or technologies that are complementary to our own, and other capital expenditures. Our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds received from this offering. Until we use net proceeds from this offering, we intend to invest them primarily in short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing securities and cash management funds.

The expected use of net proceeds from this offering reflects our intentions based on our current plans and business conditions, which could change in the future as our plans and business conditions evolve. The amounts and timing of our expenditures may vary significantly depending on numerous factors.

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DILUTION

If you invest in our common stock in this offering, your ownership interest will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the price per share you pay in this offering and our as adjusted net tangible book deficit per share after this offering. We calculate net tangible book deficit per share by dividing our net tangible book deficit, which is tangible assets less total liabilities, by the number of outstanding shares of our common stock.

Our net tangible book deficit as of September 30, 2020 was approximately $(61.2 million), or $(7.66) per share (as adjusted for our one-for-six reverse stock split that took effect December 31, 2020). Net tangible book deficit per share after this offering gives effect to the sale of $15,250,000 of common stock in this offering at an assumed offering price of $4.24 per share, which was the closing price of our common stock as reported on Nasdaq on January 12, 2021, after deducting offering commissions and estimated expenses payable by us. Our net tangible book deficit as of September 30, 2020, after giving effect to this offering as described above, would have been approximately $(46.8 million), or $(4.04) per share of common stock. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $3.62 per share to existing stockholders and an immediate dilution of $8.28 per share to new investors purchasing our common stock in this offering. The following table illustrates the per share dilution:

The table above assumes for illustrative purposes that an aggregate of 3,596,698 shares of our common stock are sold pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus at a price of $4.24 per share, the last reported sale price of our common stock on Nasdaq on January 12, 2021, for aggregate gross proceeds of $15,250,000. The shares sold in this offering, if any, will be sold from time to time at various prices. An increase of $0.25 per share in the price at which the shares are sold from the assumed offering price of $4.24 per share shown in the table above, assuming all of our common stock in the aggregate amount of $15,250,000 is sold at that price, would result in a pro forma net tangible book deficit per share, as adjusted, after the offering of $(4.11) per share and would increase the dilution in net tangible book value per share to new investors in this offering to $8.60 per share, after deducting commissions and estimated aggregate offering expenses payable by us. A decrease of $0.25 per share in the price at which the shares are sold from the assumed offering price of $4.24 per share shown in the table above, assuming all of our common stock in the aggregate amount of $15,250,000 is sold at that price, would result in a pro forma net tangible book deficit per share, as adjusted, after the offering of $(3.96) per share and would decrease the dilution in net tangible book value per share to new investors in this offering to $7.95 per share, after deducting commissions and estimated aggregate offering expenses payable by us.

The above discussion and table are based on 7,994,310 shares of our common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2020, after giving effect to the 1-for-6 reverse stock split that took effect on December 31, 2020, and excludes, as of that date (on a post-split basis):

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To the extent that any of the outstanding options are exercised, restricted stock units are vested and settled or common stock is issued upon the conversion of or payment of interest with respect to our 6.00% Convertible Senior Secured Notes due 2024, there may be further dilution to investors participating in this offering. In addition, we may choose to raise additional capital because of market conditions or strategic considerations, even if we believe that we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. If we raise additional capital through the sale of equity securities, the issuance of these securities could result in further dilution to our stockholders.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We have entered into a sales agreement with the sales agent pursuant to which we may offer and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $15,250,000 from time to time through the sales agent pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Sales of our common stock, if any, under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be made in sales deemed to be “at the market offerings” as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act, including sales made directly on or through Nasdaq, the existing trading market for our common stock. Under the sales agreement, sales of our common stock may also be made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange or otherwise, directly to the sales agent as principal, in negotiated transactions at market prices prevailing at the time of sale or at prices related to such prevailing market prices, and/or in any other method permitted by law, and in each case may be deemed to be “at the market offerings.” If we and the sales agent agree on a method of distribution other than sales of shares of our common stock on or through Nasdaq or another existing U.S. trading market at market prices, we will file a further prospectus supplement providing all information about such offering as required by Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act.

During the term of the sales agreement, we may deliver a sales notice to the sales agent specifying the amount of common stock to be sold, the minimum price below which sales can not be made, and the length of the selling period. Upon receipt of a sales notice from us, and subject to the terms and conditions of the sales agreement, the sales agent agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices and applicable law and regulations to sell the shares of our common stock on such terms. We or the sales agent may suspend the offering of our common stock at any time upon proper notice to the other.

Settlement for sales of our common stock will occur at 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the second trading day following the date any sales were made, unless we otherwise agree with the sales agent. The obligation of the sales agent under the sales agreement to sell shares of our common stock pursuant to any sales notice is subject to a number of conditions, which the sales agent may waive in its sole discretion. Sales of our common stock as contemplated in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus will be settled through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company or by such other means as we and sales agent may agree upon. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in an escrow, trust or similar arrangement.

We will pay the sales agent a commission equal to 3% of the gross sales price of the shares of our common stock that the sales agent sells pursuant to the sales agreement. Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to close this offering, the actual total public offering amount, commissions and proceeds to us, if any, are not determinable at this time. Pursuant to the sales agreement, we have also agreed to reimburse the sales agent for the fees and disbursements of its legal counsel in an amount not to exceed $50,000. In addition, we have agreed to reimburse the sales agent for the fees and disbursements of its legal counsel in connection with the sales agent’s ongoing diligence, drafting and other filing requirements arising from this offering in an amount not to exceed $2,500 in the aggregate per calendar quarter. We estimate that the total expenses for the offering, excluding compensation and reimbursements payable to the sales agent under the terms of the sales agreement, will be approximately $425,000. We will report at least quarterly the number of shares of our common stock sold through the sales agent under the sales agreement and the net proceeds to us in connection with such sales of our common stock.

In connection with the sale of the common stock on our behalf, the sales agent may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and the compensation of the sales agent may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. We have agreed to provide indemnification and contribution to the sales agent against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

To the extent required by Regulation M, the sales agent will not engage in any market making activities involving our shares of common stock while the offering is ongoing under this prospectus supplement.

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The offering of our common stock pursuant to the sales agreement will terminate upon the earlier of the termination of the sales agreement as provided therein and the expiration of the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus form a part.

The sales agent and its affiliates may in the future provide various investment banking and other financial services for us and our affiliates, for which services they may in the future receive customary fees.

This is a brief summary of the material provisions of the sales agreement and does not purport to be a complete statement of its terms and conditions. We are filing a copy of the sales agreement with the Securities and Exchange Commission on a Current Report on Form 8-K concurrently with the filing of this prospectus supplement.

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the common stock offered by this prospectus supplement will be passed upon for us by Covington & Burling LLP. Certain corporate legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for the sales agent by Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP, New York, New York.

EXPERTS

Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, as set forth in their reports, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP’s reports, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K, including any amendments to those reports, proxy and information statements and other information that we file with or furnish to the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act can also be accessed free of charge on our website at www.acorda.com under “Investors — Financial Information — SEC Filings.” These filings will be available as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.

We have filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-248738) under the Securities Act, of which this prospectus supplement forms a part. The rules and regulations of the SEC allow us to omit from this prospectus supplement certain information included in the registration statement. For further information about us and the securities we are offering under this prospectus supplement, you should refer to the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed with the registration statement. With respect to the statements contained in this prospectus supplement regarding the contents of any agreement or any other document, in each instance, the statement is qualified in all respects by the complete text of the agreement or document, a copy of which has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement or an item incorporated by reference in the registration statement. You can obtain a copy of the registration statement, at prescribed rates, from the SEC at the address listed above. The registration statement and the documents referred to below under “Incorporation by Reference” are also available on our website, www.acorda.com. We have not incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus the information on, or that can be accessed through, our website, and you should not consider it to be a part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.

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INCORPORATION OF INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information which we incorporate by reference is an important part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and certain information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the following documents (File No. 001-31938):

In addition, all reports and other documents that we subsequently file pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the termination of this offering, but excluding any information furnished to, rather than filed with, the SEC, will be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and deemed to be part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus from the time of the filing of such reports and documents.

You may access our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to any of these reports, free of charge on the SEC’s website. Information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

In addition, we will furnish without charge to you, on written or oral request, a copy of any or all of the documents incorporated by reference, other than exhibits to those documents. You should direct any requests for documents to Corporate Secretary, Acorda Therapeutics, Inc., 420 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley, New York 10502, or call (914) 347-4300.

We are responsible for the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and in any related free-writing prospectus we prepare or authorize. We have not authorized anyone to give you any other information, and we take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. We are not making offers to sell or seeking offers to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is accurate as of the date on the front of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or incorporated document only, as the case may be. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

S-13

PROSPECTUS

ACORDA THERAPEUTICS, INC.

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Debt Securities

Warrants

Units

We may offer under this prospectus from time to time, at prices and on terms to be determined by market conditions at the time we make the offer, our:

You should read this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and free writing prospectus, together with any documents we incorporate by reference, before you invest in our securities. The prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus may also add to, update, supplement or clarify information contained in this prospectus. This prospectus may not be used to sell our securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “ACOR.” On September 10, 2020, the last reported sale price of our common stock on The Nasdaq Global Select Market was $0.47 per share. You are urged to obtain current market quotations for our common stock.

The aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $40,205,564, which we calculated based on 47,979,115 shares of outstanding common stock as of July 22, 2020, of which 47,300,663 shares were held by non-affiliates, and a price per share of $0.85 as of July 22, 2020, which is a date within 60 days prior to the date of this prospectus. Pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3, in no event will we sell, pursuant to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, securities in a public primary offering with a value exceeding one-third of the aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates in any 12-month period, so long as the aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates remains below $75 million. During the 12 calendar months prior to and including the date of this prospectus, we have not offered or sold any securities pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3.

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described under “Risk Factors” on page 5, as well as in the applicable prospectus supplement, any related free writing prospectus and other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, before making a decision to invest in our securities.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

We may offer and sell the securities described in this prospectus to or through one or more agents, underwriters, dealers or other third parties or directly to one or more purchasers on a continuous or delayed basis. If we use any agents, underwriters or dealers to sell the securities described in this prospectus, we will name them and describe their compensation in a prospectus supplement. The price to the public of our securities offered through this prospectus and the net proceeds we expect to receive from the sale of such securities will also be set forth in a prospectus supplement.

The date of this prospectus is September 17, 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, using a “shelf” registration procedure. Under this shelf process, we may, from time to time, offer or sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings.

This prospectus only provides you with a general description of the securities that we may offer. Each time we offer to sell securities pursuant to this prospectus, we will describe in a prospectus supplement, which will be delivered with this prospectus, specific information about the offering and the terms of the particular securities offered. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change the information contained in this prospectus. Before purchasing any securities described in this prospectus, you should carefully read both this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us, together with the additional information described under “Where You Can Find More Information.”

This prospectus does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. For a more complete understanding of the offering of the securities described in this prospectus, you should refer to the registration statement, including its exhibits. Those exhibits may be filed with the registration statement or may be incorporated by reference to earlier SEC filings listed in the registration statement or in subsequent filings that we may make under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different or additional information from that contained in this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any information that others may give. We are not making an offer to sell or soliciting an offer to buy these securities under any circumstance in any jurisdiction where the offer or solicitation is not permitted. You should assume that the information contained in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus that we have prepared is accurate only as of the date of the respective document in which the information appears, and that any information in documents that we have incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any prospectus supplement or any sale of a security. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus and the documents incorporated herein by reference contain forward-looking statements relating to future events and our future performance within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. You are cautioned that such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including:

These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industry and markets in which we operate and management’s beliefs and assumptions. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this prospectus and the documents incorporated herein by reference regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements we make, and investors should not place undue reliance on these statements. In addition to the risks and uncertainties described above, we have included important

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factors in the cautionary statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as updated by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020, respectively, particularly in the “Risk Factors” sections of such reports (as updated by the disclosures in our subsequent filings with the SEC that are incorporated by reference herein), that we believe could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements that we make. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures or investments that we may make. Forward-looking statements in this prospectus are made only as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus, the accompanying prospectus supplement or any information incorporated by reference herein or therein, whether as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise.

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OUR COMPANY

We are a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies that restore function and improve the lives of people with neurological disorders. We market Inbrija (levodopa inhalation powder), which is approved in the U.S. for intermittent treatment of OFF episodes, also known as OFF periods, in people with Parkinson’s disease treated with carbidopa/levodopa. Inbrija is for as needed use and utilizes our ARCUS pulmonary delivery system, a technology platform designed to deliver medication through inhalation that we believe has potential to be used in the development of a variety of inhaled medicines. We also market branded Ampyra (dalfampridine) Extended Release Tablets, 10 mg.

We were incorporated in 1995 as a Delaware corporation. Our principal executive offices are located at 420 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley, New York 10502. Our telephone number is (914) 347-4300. Our website is www.acorda.com. Please note that all references to “www.acorda.com” in this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement and documents incorporated by reference herein are inactive textual references only and that the information contained on Acorda’s website is neither incorporated by reference nor intended to be used in connection with this offering.

We and our subsidiaries own several registered trademarks in the U.S. and in other countries. These registered trademarks include, in the U.S., the marks “Acorda Therapeutics,” our stylized Acorda Therapeutics logo, “Biotie Therapies,” “Ampyra,” “Inbrija” and “ARCUS.” Also, our marks “Fampyra” and “Inbrija” are registered marks in the European Community Trademark Office and we have registrations or pending applications for these marks in other jurisdictions. Our trademark portfolio also includes several registered trademarks and pending trademark applications in the U.S. and worldwide for potential product names or for disease awareness activities. Third party trademarks, trade names, and service marks used in this report are the property of their respective owners.

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RISK FACTORS

Our business is subject to numerous risks, as more fully described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and in Part II, Item 1A of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020, and as may be described in our future filings with the SEC, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus, as well the other information contained in any applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus. You should also carefully consider the other information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus. Each of the risks described in these documents could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, and could result in a partial or complete loss of your investment.

USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless we state otherwise in a prospectus supplement, we will use the net proceeds from the sale of securities by us under this prospectus for general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures. Until we use net proceeds for these purposes, we intend to invest them primarily in short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing securities.

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DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

General

We have the authority to issue 370,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share. As of September 9, 2020, there were 47,968,173 shares of our voting common stock were issued and outstanding (not including 29,304 shares of common stock that were held in treasury), and a maximum of 8,547,360 shares of common stock were issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options and the vesting and settlement of restricted stock units.

The following description of our common stock is only a summary and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended (our “certificate of incorporation”), and our bylaws, as amended (our “bylaws”). Holders of common stock have one vote per share and have no preemption rights. Holders of common stock have the right to participate ratably in all distributions, whether of dividends or assets in liquidation, dissolution or winding up, subject to any superior rights of holders of preferred stock outstanding at the time. See “Preferred Stock” below. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. Holders of our common stock are not liable under our certificate of incorporation for further calls or to assessment by us.

Computershare Trust Company, N.A. is the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock. Their address is P.O. Box 505000, Louisville, KY 40233-5000 and their telephone number is (800) 368-5948.

Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law

We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which, subject to certain exceptions, prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the time that such stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:

In general, Section 203 defines “business combination” to include the following:

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In general, Section 203 defines “interested stockholder” as an entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by such entity or person.

Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws include a number of provisions that may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying or preventing changes in control or our management. For example, our certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $.001 par value per share, of which 1,000,000 shares have been designated as Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock. Our board of directors has the authority, without approval of the stockholders, to issue and determine the rights and preferences of series of preferred stock. The ability to authorize and issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences makes it possible for our board of directors to issue preferred stock with super voting, special approval, dividend or other rights or preferences on a discriminatory basis that could impede the success of any attempt to acquire us.

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws also provide that our board of directors is divided into three classes, each serving staggered three-year terms ending at the annual meeting of our stockholders in the third year of their term. All directors elected to our classified board of directors will serve until the election and qualification of their respective successors or their earlier resignation or removal. Members of the board of directors may only be removed for cause and only by the affirmative vote of 75% of our outstanding voting stock. These provisions are likely to increase the time required for stockholders to change the composition of our board of directors.

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that a meeting of stockholders may only be called by our board of directors, the chairman of our board of directors or our chief executive officer. Our bylaws also specify requirements as to the form and content of a stockholder’s notice. The provisions may delay or preclude stockholders from calling a meeting of stockholders, bringing matters before a meeting of stockholders or from making nominations for directors at a stockholders’ meeting, which could delay or deter takeover attempts or changes in management. Our certificate of incorporation also does not provide for cumulative voting. The absence of cumulative voting may make it more difficult for stockholders owning less than a majority of our stock to elect any directors to our board of directors.

Our bylaws provide that any matter to be voted upon, other than the election of directors, shall be decided based on the majority of votes cast, except where a different vote is otherwise required by the by-laws, applicable law or our certificate of incorporation. The bylaws further provide that directors shall be elected by a plurality of votes cast by the stockholder entitle to vote on the election; provided, however that in an uncontested election, a director who receives a majority “withhold” vote shall be required to tender his or her resignation for consideration by the board of directors.

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DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

General

We have the authority to issue 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock. As of June 30, 2020, zero shares of our preferred stock were outstanding. The description of preferred stock provisions set forth below is only a summary and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the certificate of designations relating to any series of preferred stock.

The board of directors has the right, without the consent of holders of common stock, to designate and issue one or more series of preferred stock, which may be convertible into common stock at a ratio determined by the board. A series of preferred stock may bear rights superior to common stock as to voting, dividends, redemption, distributions in liquidation, dissolution, or winding up, and other relative rights and preferences. The board may set the following terms of any series of preferred stock, and a prospectus supplement will specify these terms for any series offered:

The preferred stock will, if issued, be fully paid and nonassessable. The rights of the holders of preferred stock will be subordinate to those of our general creditors.

Certain Anti-Takeover Matters

Refer to “Description of Common Stock–Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law” and “Description of Common Stock–Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws” for a discussion of provisions of the DGCL and our certificate of incorporation and bylaws that may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control.

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

The debt securities covered by this prospectus will be our direct unsecured obligations and will be either senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. The senior debt securities will be issued in one or more series under a senior indenture, dated as of June 23, 2014, between Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement. The subordinated debt securities will be issued under a subordinated indenture between us and a trustee to be specified in an accompanying prospectus supplement. Subordinated debt securities will be issued under a subordinated indenture. We refer to the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture each as an indenture and together as the indentures.

The following description is a summary of selected portions of the indentures. The indentures have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and you should read each indenture carefully for provisions that may be important to you.

In addition, the material specific terms particular to debt securities of each series will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to the debt securities of that series.

Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be registered debt securities. Debt securities may be sold at a substantial discount below their stated principal amount, bearing no interest or interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market rates. The material United States federal income tax considerations applicable to debt securities sold at a discount will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. The debt securities may be convertible into shares of our common stock or preferred stock.

Senior Debt Securities

General

The senior debt securities will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt, but will be junior to our secured indebtedness, including our 6.00% Convertible Senior Secured Notes due 2024. The indenture does not limit the amount of debt we may issue under the indenture or otherwise. We may issue the debt securities in one or more series. The debt securities may be issued at various times and may have differing maturity dates and may bear interest at differing rates. The prospectus supplement applicable to each series of debt securities will specify some or all of the following:

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Merger Covenant

We may not merge into any other person or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of our properties and assets to any person, and we shall not permit any person to consolidate with or merge into us, unless:

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Under the indenture, “person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint-venture, joint-stock company, limited liability company or other unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof. The successor will succeed to, and except in the case of a lease, be substituted for, us under the indenture.

Events of Default

The following are events of default under the indenture with respect to any series of debt securities issued:

If, with regard to any series of debt securities, an event of default resulting from a failure to pay principal, any premium or interest occurs and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the principal of all debt securities of that series immediately due and payable.

If an event of default other than (i) a failure to pay principal, any premium or interest or (ii) an event of bankruptcy or insolvency occurs and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all affected series (all such series voting together as a single class) may declare the principal of all debt securities of such affected series immediately due and payable.

If an event of default resulting from an event of bankruptcy or insolvency occurs and is continuing, then the principal of all outstanding debt securities shall become immediately due and payable without any declaration or other action by the trustee or the holders of the outstanding debt securities.

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all affected series (voting together as a single class) may waive any past default with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default or events of default regarding payment of principal, any premium or interest, in which case the holders of the outstanding debt securities of each affected series shall vote to waive such default or event of default as a separate class. Such a waiver will eliminate the default.

Concerning the Trustee

The trustee, except when there is an event of default, will perform only those duties as are specifically stated in the indenture, including the authentication and delivery of the debt securities. If an event of default has

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occurred with respect to any series of debt securities, the trustee must exercise with respect to such debt securities the rights and powers it has under the indenture and use the same degree of care and skill as a prudent person would exercise or use in the conduct of his or her own affairs. The trustee or its affiliates may from time to time in the future provide banking and other services to us in the ordinary course of their business.

Discharge

The indenture provides that, subject to the terms of the indenture and any limitation otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus applicable to a particular series of debt securities, we can elect to be discharged from our obligations with respect to one or more series of debt securities, except for specified obligations, including obligations to:

In order to exercise our rights to be discharged, we must deposit with the trustee money or government obligations sufficient to pay all the principal of, any premium and interest on, the debt securities of the series on the dates payments are due.

Modification of the Indenture

Together with the trustee, we may make modifications and amendments to the indenture without the consent of the holders of the debt securities to, among other things:

Together with the trustee, we may, when authorized by our board of directors, also make modifications and amendments to the indenture with the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all affected series. However, without the consent of each affected holder, no modification may:

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Governing Law

The indenture is, and the debt securities issued under it will be, governed by, and will be construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York. The indenture will be subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of the indenture and will, to the extent applicable, be governed by such provisions.

Subordinated Debt Securities

General

The subordinated debt securities will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and subordinated debt, but will be junior to our secured indebtedness, including our 6.00% Convertible Senior Secured Notes due 2024, and any senior debt securities that we may issue, as described below under the heading “—Subordination”. The indenture does not limit the amount of debt securities that we may issue under the indenture or otherwise. We may issue the debt securities in one or more series. The debt securities may be issued at various times and may have differing maturity dates and may bear interest at differing rates.”

The prospectus supplement relating to each series of debt securities will specify all of the following:

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If we denominate the purchase price of any of the debt securities in a foreign currency or currencies, or if the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on any series of debt securities is payable in a foreign currency or

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currencies, we will include in the applicable prospectus supplement information on the restrictions, elections, material United States federal income tax considerations, specific terms and other information with respect to that issue of debt securities and the relevant foreign currency or currencies.

Subordination

Except as otherwise provided in a prospectus supplement, subordinated debt securities will be unsecured and will be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all of our secured and senior indebtedness, as more fully described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a deposit is made in accordance with the terms of the indenture with respect to any debt securities (and provided all other conditions set out in the indenture shall have been satisfied with respect to such debt securities), then, when the 90th day after such deposit has ended, no money obligations so deposited, and no proceeds thereon, will be subject to any rights of holders of senior indebtedness, including any rights of subordination.

Under the indenture, senior indebtedness means, without duplication, the principal, premium, if any, unpaid interest (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or for reorganization, whether or not a claim for post-filing interest is allowed in such proceeding), fees, charges, expenses, reimbursement and indemnification obligations, and all other amounts payable under or in respect of the following indebtedness, whether any such indebtedness exists as of the date of the indenture or is created, incurred or assumed after such date:

Events of Default; Waiver

Unless we indicate otherwise in a prospectus supplement with respect to a particular series of debt securities, an “event of default,” when used in the indenture, means any of the following:

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If an event of default occurs and continues as described in the first, second, third or sixth bullet above, either the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series then outstanding by written notice to us (with a copy to the trustee, if given by holders) may declare the principal amount of the debt securities of that series to be immediately due and immediately payable. If an event of default occurs and continues as described in the fourth or fifth bullet above, the principal amount of all of the debt securities issued under the indenture shall automatically be deemed immediately due and payable.

The indenture also provides that the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of each series outstanding at the time may, on behalf of the holders of all of the debt securities of that series, waive any past default with respect to the debt securities and its consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities or a bankruptcy or insolvency-related default, or with respect to any covenant or provision that cannot be modified or amended under the terms of the indenture without the holder of such outstanding debt security so affected.

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of each series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee. However, the trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or the indenture or that the trustee determines in good faith may be unjustly prejudicial to the holders of the debt securities not consenting or that may involve the trustee in personal liability. In addition, the trustee may take any other action it deems proper that is not inconsistent with any such direction received from the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities.

The trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by the indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the holders of any debt securities or related coupons pursuant to the provisions of the indenture, unless such holders shall have offered to the trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against the losses, costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request, order or direction. Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, no holder of a debt security will have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy under the indenture unless:

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The indenture requires the applicable trustee to notify the holders of a series regarding the existence of any default known to the trustee, unless the default has been cured or waived. In addition, except in the case of a default in payment of principal of or interest on any debt security or the payment of any sinking or purchase fund installment, the trustee may withhold notice of a default if and so long as the trustee in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of the holders of the debt securities. Furthermore, the trustee shall not provide notice of default to the holders of debt securities following our failure to duly observe or perform any of the covenants or agreements contained in the debt securities or indenture (other than certain payment obligations) unless at least 30 days after the occurrence thereof. For purposes of these requirements, a “default” means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an event of default under the indenture with respect to the debt securities of such series.

We are required to deliver to the trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, commencing with the year during which the first series of debt securities is issued under the indenture, a written statement signed by certain officers regarding our performance under the indenture throughout the year and specifying any known default in the fulfilment of any of our obligations under the indenture, together with certain additional details regarding any such known default.

Merger, Consolidated, Sale, Lease or Conveyance

Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement with respect to a particular series of debt securities, we will not merge into or consolidate with any other corporation, or sell or convey all or substantially all of our assets to any person, firm, or corporation, unless:

In the case of any such consolidation or merger, sale or conveyance and upon any such assumption by the successor corporation, the successor corporation shall succeed to, and be substituted for, us under the indenture with the same effect as if it had been an original party to such indenture.

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Modification of the Indenture

Unless we indicate otherwise in a prospectus supplement and except as set forth below, modification and amendment of the indenture, or entry into a supplemental indenture applicable to the debt securities, may be made only when authorized by our board of directors and with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the debt securities outstanding affected by such supplemental indenture, voting together as a single class.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no modification or amendment of an indenture as applicable to any series of debt securities may:

In addition, we and the trustee may modify or amend the indenture as applicable to the debt securities, with the consent of our board of directors but without the consent of any holder of the debt securities, for any of the following purposes:

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The trustee shall not be obligated to enter into any amendment or supplemental indenture that adversely affects the trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under the indenture or otherwise.

Subject to the requirements for the holders to waive a default related to bankruptcy events, defaults related to covenants or provisions that cannot be modified without the consent of each affected holder, and the rights of any holder of a debt security to receive payment of principal of, premium, if any, on and interest on such debt securities, holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities voting as a single class of such series or of all debt securities, as the case may be, then outstanding may waive all defaults with respect to that series or with respect to all securities treated as a single class and rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences, but no waiver or rescission and annulment will extend to or affect any subsequent default.

Satisfaction and Discharge

The indenture may be discharged and cease to be of further effect as to the applicable debt securities, when:

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Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

Legal Defeasance

Under the terms of the indenture and unless otherwise provided in a supplemental indenture, we will be deemed to have paid and will be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the debt securities after we have made the deposit referred to below and the conditions precedent and subsequent set forth below are satisfied, and the provisions of the indenture will cease to be applicable with respect to the debt securities (except for, among other matters, certain rights of the holders to receive payments of principal, premium and interest when due on such debt securities from the trust fund, and our obligations to register the transfer of or exchange of the debt securities, prepare temporary debt securities, replace stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities, maintain paying agents and hold funds for payment in trust, and rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities with respect to the trustee) if:

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Covenant Defeasance

Under the terms of the indenture and unless as otherwise provided in a supplemental indenture, we will not need to comply with certain restrictive covenants, and the provisions of the applicable indenture will cease to be applicable with respect to an event of default under the debt securities other than an event of default due to our failure to pay the principal of or interest on the debt securities when due, upon:

If we exercise our option to omit compliance with certain provisions of the indenture as described in the immediately preceding paragraph and the debt securities are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of an event of default that remains applicable, the amount of money and/or non-callable government securities on deposit with the trustee may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities at the time of acceleration resulting from such event of default. In such event, we will remain liable for such payments.

Trustee

The accompanying prospectus supplement will specify the trustee for the particular series of debt securities to be issued under the indenture.

At all times, the trustee must be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States or any state or territory thereof or of the District of Columbia, with authority to exercise corporate trust powers, be subject to the supervision or examination by federal, state, territorial or District of Columbia authority, have at all times a combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000 and not be the Company or any person directly or indirectly controlled or controlled by or under common control with the Company.

If the trustee acquires any conflicting interest, as defined in the Trust Indenture Act, with respect to the debt securities, within 90 days after the trustee has acquired a conflicting interest, which has not been cured or waived, the trustee would generally be required by the Trust Indenture Act to eliminate that conflicting interest or resign as trustee with respect to the debt securities issued under the applicable indenture. If the trustee resigns, we are required to appoint a successor trustee with respect to the affected securities promptly. The trustee and/or certain of its affiliates may provide banking, investment and other services to us.

Governing Law

The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York. The indenture will be subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of the indenture and will, to the extent applicable, be governed by such provisions.

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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

We may issue warrants for the purchase of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, or any combination thereof. Warrants may be issued independently or together with common stock, preferred stock or debt securities and may be attached to or separate from any offered securities. The following description, together with the additional information we may include in any applicable prospectus supplement, summarizes the material terms and provisions of any warrants that we may offer under this prospectus and the related warrant agreements and warrant certificates. While the terms summarized below will apply generally to any warrants that we may offer, we will describe the particular terms of any series of warrants in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of any warrants offered under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below. With respect to any warrants that we offer, specific warrant agreements will contain additional important terms and provisions and will be incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement that includes this prospectus or as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K, incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

General

With respect to any warrants that we offer, we will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the series of warrants, including:

Before exercising their warrants, holders of warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities purchasable upon such exercise, including:

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Exercise of Warrants

With respect to any warrants that we issue, each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase the securities that we specify in the applicable prospectus supplement at the exercise price that we describe in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless we otherwise specify in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the warrants may exercise the warrants at any time up to 5:00 p.m. New York time on the expiration date set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void.

Holders of the warrants may exercise the warrants by delivering the warrant certificate representing the warrants to be exercised together with specified information, and paying the required amount to the warrant agent in immediately available funds, as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. We will set forth on the reverse side of the warrant certificate and in the applicable prospectus supplement the information that the holder of the warrant will be required to deliver to the warrant agent.

Upon receipt of the required payment and the warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will issue and deliver the securities purchasable upon such exercise. If fewer than all of the warrants represented by the warrant certificate are exercised, then we will issue a new warrant certificate for the remaining amount of warrants. If we so indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the warrants may surrender securities as all or part of the exercise price for the warrants (“cashless exercise”).

Enforceability of Rights by Holders of Warrants

With respect to any warrants that we issue, each warrant agent will act solely as our agent under the applicable warrant agreement and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with any holder of any warrant. A single bank or trust company may act as warrant agent for more than one issue of warrants. A warrant agent will have no duty or responsibility in case of any default by us under the applicable warrant agreement or warrant, including any duty or responsibility to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise, or to make any demand upon us. Any holder of a warrant may, without the consent of the related warrant agent or the holder of any other warrant, enforce by appropriate legal action its right to exercise, and receive the securities purchasable upon exercise of, its warrants.

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DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

We may issue units comprised of one or more of the other securities described in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement in any combination. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder, with the rights and obligations of a holder, of each security included in the unit. The units may be issued under unit agreements to be entered into between us and a unit agent, which may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or times before a specified date or upon the occurrence of a specified event or occurrence.

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe:

The preceding summary of the terms of the units does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the terms of the units being offered, as well as any applicable unit agreement and the terms of the applicable classes of securities comprising the unit. Therefore, you should carefully consider the actual provisions of the unit, any unit agreement and the applicable securities.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell the securities offered through this prospectus from time to time pursuant to underwritten public offerings, negotiated transactions, block trades or a combination of these methods or through underwriters, dealers or agents or directly to one or more purchasers. The securities may be distributed from time to time in one or more transactions at:

Each time that we sell securities pursuant to this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement or supplements that will describe the method of distribution and set forth the terms and conditions of the offering of such securities, including the following information:

We may grant to the underwriters options to purchase additional securities at the public offering price, with additional underwriting commissions or discounts, as applicable, set forth in the prospectus supplement. The terms of any option to purchase additional securities will be set forth in the prospectus supplement for those securities.

We may engage in at-the-market offerings into an existing trading market in accordance with Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Any at-the-market offering will be through an underwriter or underwriters acting as principal or agent for us.

Sales Through Underwriters or Dealers

If underwriters are used in the sale, the underwriters will acquire the securities offered through this prospectus for their own account, including through underwriting, purchase, security lending or repurchase agreements with us. The underwriters may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions. Underwriters may sell the securities in order to facilitate transactions in any of our other securities (described in this prospectus or otherwise), including other public or private transactions and short sales. Underwriters may offer securities to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more firms acting as underwriters. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to certain conditions, and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the offered securities if they purchase any of them. The underwriters may change from time to time any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers. The prospectus supplement will include the names of the underwriters and the terms of the transaction, including any underwriting discounts or commissions.

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If dealers are used in the sale of securities offered through this prospectus, we will sell the securities to them as principals. They may then resell those securities to the public at varying prices determined by the dealers at the time of resale. The prospectus supplement will include the names of the dealers and the terms of the transaction, including any discounts or commissions received.

Direct Sales and Sales Through Agents

We may sell the securities offered through this prospectus directly. In this case, no underwriters, dealers or agents would be involved. Such securities may also be sold through agents designated from time to time. The prospectus supplement will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of the offered securities and will describe any commissions payable to the agent. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, any agent will agree to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit purchases for the period of its appointment.

We may sell the securities directly to institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any sale of those securities. The terms of any such sales will be described in the prospectus supplement.

Delayed Delivery Contracts

If the prospectus supplement indicates, we may authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers from certain types of institutions to purchase securities offered through this prospectus at the public offering price under delayed delivery contracts. These contracts would provide for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. The contracts would be subject only to those conditions described in the prospectus supplement. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the commission payable for solicitation of those contracts.

Market Making, Stabilization and Other Transactions

Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, all preferred stock, debt securities, warrants and units will be new issues of securities with no established trading market. Unless indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we do not expect to list the offered securities on a securities exchange, except for our common stock, which is listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market. Any underwriters that we use in the sale of offered securities may make a market in such securities, but may discontinue such market making at any time without notice. Therefore, we cannot assure you that the securities will have a liquid trading market.

Any underwriter may also engage in stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Rule 104 of Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Stabilizing transactions involve bids to purchase the underlying security in the open market for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the price of the securities. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the securities in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the securities originally sold by the syndicate member are purchased in a stabilizing or syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions.

Stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our securities or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our securities. As a result, the price of the securities in the open market may be higher than it would otherwise be in the absence of these transactions. The underwriters may, if they commence these transactions, discontinue them at any time.

Derivative Transactions and Hedging

We, the underwriters or other agents may engage in derivative transactions involving the securities offered through this prospectus. These derivatives may consist of short sale transactions and other hedging activities. The

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underwriters or agents may acquire a long or short position in the securities, hold or resell securities acquired and purchase options or futures on the securities and other derivative instruments with returns linked to or related to changes in the price of the securities. In order to facilitate these derivative transactions, we may enter into security lending or repurchase agreements with the underwriters or agents. The underwriters or agents may effect the derivative transactions through sales of the securities to the public, including short sales, or by lending the securities in order to facilitate short sale transactions by others. The underwriters or agents may also use the securities purchased or borrowed from us or others (or, in the case of derivatives, securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives) to directly or indirectly settle sales of the securities or close out any related open borrowings of the securities.

Electronic Auctions

We may also make sales through the Internet or through other electronic means. Since we may from time to time elect to offer securities directly to the public, with or without the involvement of agents, underwriters or dealers, utilizing the Internet or other forms of electronic bidding or ordering systems for the pricing and allocation of such securities, you will want to pay particular attention to the description of that system, which we will provide in a prospectus supplement.

Such electronic system may allow bidders to directly participate, through electronic access to an auction site, by submitting conditional offers to buy that are subject to acceptance by us, and which may directly affect the price or other terms and conditions at which such securities are sold. These bidding or ordering systems may present to each bidder, on a so-called “real-time” basis, relevant information to assist in making a bid, such as the clearing spread at which the offering would be sold, based on the bids submitted, and whether a bidder’s individual bids would be accepted, prorated or rejected. For example, in the case of debt security, the clearing spread could be indicated as a number of “basis points” above an index treasury note.

Upon completion of such an electronic auction process, securities will be allocated based on prices bid, terms of bid or other factors. The final offering price at which securities would be sold and the allocation of securities among bidders would be based in whole or in part on the results of the Internet or other electronic bidding process or auction.

General Information

The specific terms of any lock-up provisions in respect of any given offering will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Underwriters, dealers and agents may be entitled, under agreements entered into with us, to indemnification by us against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Our underwriters, dealers and agents, or their affiliates, may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us, in the ordinary course of business.

In compliance with guidelines of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., or FINRA, and unless otherwise disclosed in the applicable prospectus supplement, we do not intend for the maximum consideration or discount to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker dealer to exceed 8.0% of the aggregate amount of the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement.

Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with us, or perform services for us, in the ordinary course of business for which they receive customary compensation.

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LEGAL MATTERS

Unless otherwise specified in any applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of the securities covered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Covington & Burling LLP. Counsel for any underwriters, dealers or agents will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement.

EXPERTS

Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, as set forth in their reports, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP’s reports, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K, including any amendments to those reports, and other information that we file with or furnish to the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, can also be accessed free of charge on our website at www.acorda.com under “Investors — Financial Information — SEC Filings.” These filings will be available as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, relating to the offering of these securities. The registration statement, including the attached exhibits, contains additional relevant information about us and the securities. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement. You can obtain a copy of the registration statement, at prescribed rates, from the SEC at the address listed above. The registration statement and the documents referred to below under “Incorporation by Reference” are also available on our website, www.acorda.com. We have not incorporated by reference into this prospectus the information on, or that can be accessed through, our website, and you should not consider it to be a part of this prospectus.

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INCORPORATION OF INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information which we incorporate by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and certain information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below, and any future filings we make with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended:

You may access our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to any of these reports, free of charge on the SEC’s website. Information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not part of this prospectus.

In addition, we will furnish without charge to you, on written or oral request, a copy of any or all of the documents incorporated by reference, other than exhibits to those documents. You should direct any requests for documents to Corporate Secretary, Acorda Therapeutics, Inc., 420 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley, New York 10502, or call (914) 347-4300.

We are responsible for the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement and in any related free-writing prospectus we prepare or authorize. We have not authorized anyone to give you any other information, and we take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. We are not making offers to sell or seeking offers to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus is accurate as of the date on the front of this prospectus or incorporated document only, as the case may be. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

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Up to $15,250,000

COMMON STOCK

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

H.C. Wainwright & Co.

January 13, 2021