NSTK Nastech Pharmaceutical Company (MM)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
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NASTECH PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY INC.

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3830 Monte Villa Parkway

Bothell, Washington 98021

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To Be Held Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 9:00 A.M. (Eastern Daylight Time)

 

TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF NASTECH PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY INC.:

 

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of NASTECH PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY INC. will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at 9:00 A.M., Eastern Daylight Time, at The University Club, 1 West 54 ^th  Street, New York, New York 10019 to consider and vote on the following proposals:

 

1. To elect eight (8) persons to our Board of Directors, each to hold office until the 2009 annual meeting of stockholders and until their respective successors shall have been duly elected or appointed and qualify;

 

2. To consider and vote upon a proposal to ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the ensuing year;

 

3. To consider and vote upon a proposal to change our capital structure by increasing the number of authorized shares of common stock from 50,000,000 to 90,000,000;

 

4. To consider and vote upon a proposal to adopt the Company’s 2008 Stock Incentive Plan; and

 

5. To consider and vote upon a proposed amendment to our certificate of incorporation to change the name of the Company to “MDRNA, Inc.”

 

The enclosed Proxy Statement includes information relating to these proposals. Additional purposes of the Annual Meeting are to receive reports of officers (without taking action thereon) and to transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

 

Only stockholders of record as of the close of business on April 11, 2008 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. The holders of at least a majority of our outstanding shares of common stock present in person or by proxy are required for a quorum. You may vote electronically through the Internet or by telephone. The instructions on your proxy card describe how to use these convenient services. Of course, if you prefer, you can vote by mail by completing your proxy card and returning it to us in the enclosed envelope.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

Bruce R. York
Secretary and CFO

 

May 5, 2008

Bothell, Washington

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

3830 Monte Villa Parkway

Bothell, Washington 98021

 

PROXY STATEMENT FOR

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To be held Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 9:00 A.M. (Eastern Daylight Time)

 

ANNUAL MEETING AND PROXY SOLICITATION INFORMATION

 

General

 

This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the board of directors (the “Board of Directors”) of NASTECH PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY INC., a Delaware corporation, for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at 9:00 A.M., Eastern Daylight Time, at The University Club, 1 West 54 ^th  Street, New York, New York 10019, and at any postponements or adjournments thereof (the “Annual Meeting”). This Proxy Statement, the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and the accompanying proxy card, are being mailed to stockholders on or about May 5, 2008.

 

Solicitation and Voting Procedures

 

Solicitation.   The solicitation of proxies will be conducted by mail, and we will bear all attendant costs. These costs will include the expense of preparing and mailing proxy materials for the Annual Meeting and reimbursements paid to brokerage firms and others for their expenses incurred in forwarding solicitation materials regarding the Annual Meeting to beneficial owners of our common stock, par value $0.006 per share (the “Common Stock”). We intend to use the services of Morrow & Co., Inc., 470 West Ave., Stamford, CT 06902, in soliciting proxies and, as a result, we expect to pay approximately $7,500, plus out-of-pocket expenses, for such services. We may conduct further solicitation personally, telephonically, electronically or by facsimile through our officers, directors and regular employees, none of whom would receive additional compensation for assisting with the solicitation.

 

Voting.   Stockholders of record may authorize the proxies named in the enclosed proxy card to vote their shares of Common Stock in the following manner:

 

 

Revocability of Proxies.   Any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by the person giving it at any time before it is exercised in the same manner in which it was given, or by delivering to Bruce R. York, Secretary, Nastech Pharmaceutical Company Inc., 3830 Monte Villa Parkway, Bothell, Washington 98021, a written notice of revocation or a properly executed proxy bearing a later date, or by attending the Annual Meeting and giving notice of your intention to vote in person.

 

Voting Procedure.   The presence at the Annual Meeting of a majority of our outstanding shares of Common Stock, represented either in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. The close of business on April 11, 2008 has been fixed as the record date (the “Record Date”) for determining the holders of shares of Common Stock entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.

Each share of Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date is entitled to one vote on all matters. As of the Record Date, there were 26,725,861 shares of Common Stock outstanding. Under Delaware law, stockholders will not have appraisal or similar rights in connection with any proposal set forth in this Proxy Statement.

 

Stockholder votes will be tabulated by the persons appointed by the Board of Directors to act as inspectors of election for the Annual Meeting. Shares represented by a properly executed and delivered proxy will be voted at the Annual Meeting and, when instructions have been given by the stockholder, will be voted in accordance with those instructions. If no instructions are given, the shares will be voted FOR Proposal Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Abstentions and broker non-votes will each be counted as present for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions will have no effect on the outcome of the election of directors, but will be counted as a vote AGAINST the ratification of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the ensuing year, AGAINST the proposed increase in the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 50,000,000 to 90,000,000, AGAINST the approval of our 2008 Stock Incentive Plan and AGAINST the proposal to change our corporate name.

 

Broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the election of directors, the ratification of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm or the approval of our 2008 Stock Incentive Plan, but will be considered as a vote AGAINST the proposed increase in the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 50,000,000 to 90,000,000 and AGAINST the proposal to change our corporate name. A broker non-vote occurs when a broker submits a proxy card with respect to shares of Common Stock held in a fiduciary capacity (typically referred to as being held in “street name”), but declines to vote on a particular matter because the broker has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner. Conduct Rule 2260 of the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) states that member organizations are not permitted to give proxies when instructions have not been received from beneficial owners; provided, however, that a member organization may give proxies when instructions have not been received from beneficial owners if given pursuant to the rules of a national securities exchange to which the member is also responsible. Under Rule 452 of the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), which governs brokers who are voting with respect to shares held in street name, a broker may have the discretion to vote such shares on routine matters, but not on non-routine matters. Routine matters include the election of directors, the ratification of independent registered public accounting firm and increases in authorized common stock for general corporate purposes. Accordingly, a broker that is a member organization of Nasdaq will not be permitted to vote a properly executed proxy when no instructions have been given, unless such broker is also a member of the NYSE, in which case such broker would have the discretion to vote the proxy for Proposal Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 5 in accordance with Rule 452 of the NYSE, but will not have discretion to cast a vote on Proposal No. 4.

 

On each matter properly presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting, stockholders will be entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock held. Stockholders do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors. For the election of directors, the nominees who receive a plurality of votes from the shares present and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be elected. For the ratification of our independent registered public accounting firm and for the approval of the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan, the vote of a majority of the shares present and entitled to vote is required. For the approval of the proposal to change our capital structure and the proposal to change our corporate name the affirmative vote of a majority of our outstanding shares of Common Stock is required.

 

If any other matters are properly presented for consideration at the meeting, the persons named in the enclosed proxy will have discretion to vote on those matters in accordance with their best judgment.

 

Some banks, brokers and other nominee record holders may be participating in the practice of “householding” proxy statements and annual reports. This means that only one copy of this Proxy Statement or our annual report may have been sent to multiple shareholders in your household. We will promptly deliver a separate copy of either document to you if you call or write us at the following address or phone number: Nastech Pharmaceutical Company Inc., 3830 Monte Villa Parkway, Bothell, Washington 98021, phone: (425) 908-3600, Attention: Bruce R. York, Secretary. If you want to receive separate copies of our annual report and Proxy Statement in the future, or if you are receiving multiple copies and would like to receive only one copy for your household, you should contact your bank, broker or other nominee record holder, or you may contact us at the above address and phone number.

 

PROPOSAL NO. 1:

 

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

General

 

Our Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”) provide that the Board of Directors shall consist of not less than five (5) members and not more than eleven (11) members, as fixed by the Board of Directors. Following the Annual Meeting, the number of our Board of Directors shall be fixed at eight (8).

 

At the Annual Meeting, eight (8) directors are to be elected by the holders of the Common Stock to serve until the 2009 annual meeting of our stockholders and until such directors’ respective successors are elected or appointed and qualify or until any such director’s earlier resignation or removal. The Board of Directors, acting upon the recommendation of its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, has nominated Dr. Steven C. Quay, Susan B. Bayh, Alexander D. Cross, Ph.D., John V. Pollock, Bruce R. Thaw, James Rothman, Ph.D., Gregory Sessler and Daniel Peters for election to the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting. In the event any nominee is unable or unwilling to serve as a director at the time of the Annual Meeting, the proxies may be voted for the balance of those nominees named and for any substitute nominee designated by the current Board of Directors or the proxy holders to fill such vacancy or for the balance of those nominees named without the nomination of a substitute, or the size of the Board of Directors may be reduced in accordance with our Bylaws.

 

Nominees

 

The following information is submitted concerning the nominees for election as directors based upon information received by us from such persons:

 

Dr. Steven C. Quay.   Dr. Quay has served as our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) since August 2000, and he served as our President from August 2000 until December 19, 2007. Dr. Quay has also served as the Chairman and CEO of MDRNA Research, Inc. (formerly MDRNA, Inc.), our wholly-owned subsidiary, since August 2007. In 1999, Dr. Quay founded and was Chairman, President and CEO of Atossa Healthcare, Inc. (“Atossa”), which focused on the development of a proprietary platform of diagnostics and treatments related to breast cancer risk assessment and therapeutics and other healthcare products for women. We acquired Atossa in August 2000. In 1991, Dr. Quay founded Sonus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Sonus”), a company engaged in the research and development of drug delivery systems and oxygen delivery products based on emulsion and surfactant technology, where he served as CEO, President and a director until June 1999. In 1984, Dr. Quay founded Salutar, Inc. (“Salutar”) to develop contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging. Two pharmaceuticals, OmniScan ^® and TeslaScan ^® , were invented by Dr. Quay at Salutar and are now FDA-approved for sale in the United States and other countries. Dr. Quay has authored more than 100 papers in diagnostic imaging, oncology, RNA interference and biochemistry and holds 65 U.S. patents. Dr. Quay graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School, where he received an M.A. and a Ph.D. in biological chemistry in 1974 and 1975, respectively, and an M.D. in 1977. Dr. Quay completed his post-graduate work in the chemistry department of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and received his residency training at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School in Boston. From 1980 to 1986, he was a faculty member of Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Quay serves as a member of the Board of Directors pursuant to an agreement with us set forth in his employment agreement. See “Executive Compensation — Employment Agreements.”

 

Susan B. Bayh.   Mrs. Bayh has been a member of our Board of Directors since July 2005 and currently serves as a member of the Compensation and Chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees of our Board of Directors. Mrs. Bayh currently serves on the boards of directors of Curis, Inc., a therapeutic drug development company, Dendreon Corporation, a therapeutic drug development company, Dyax Corp., a biopharmaceutical company, Emmis Communications, a diversified media company, and Wellpoint, Inc., a Blue Cross/ Blue Shield company. In addition, Mrs. Bayh is a member of the Audit and Compensation Committees of the board of directors of Curis, Inc., and a member of the Compensation Committee of the board of directors of Emmis Communications. Previously, Mrs. Bayh also served on the

boards of directors of Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a pharmaceutical company, from 2000 to 2004, and Esperion Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, from 2000 to 2003. From 1994 to 2004, she was a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the College of Business Administration at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. From 1994 to 2000, she was a Commissioner for the International Joint Commission of the Water Treaty Act between the United States and Canada. From 1989 to 1994, Mrs. Bayh served as an attorney in the Pharmaceutical Division of Eli Lilly and Company. Mrs. Bayh earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California at Berkeley and received her J.D. degree from the University of Southern California Law Center.

 

Alexander D. Cross, Ph.D.   Dr. Cross has been a member of our Board of Directors since July 2005 and currently is the Chairperson of the Audit and a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees of the Board of Directors. Dr. Cross served on the board of directors of Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc. and was a member of its Audit and Compensation Committees until March 2007. Dr. Cross also served as Chairman of the Board and CEO of Cytopharm, Inc. until August 2006. Dr. Cross has been a consultant in the fields of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology since January 1986 and is presently a principal of NDA Partners. Previously, Dr. Cross served as President and CEO of Zoecon Corporation, a biotechnology company, from April 1983 to December 1985, and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from 1979 to 1983. Dr. Cross also previously held several corporate management positions at Syntex Corporation from 1961 through 1979. Dr. Cross holds 109 issued United States patents and is the author of 90 peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Cross received his B.Sc., Ph.D. and D.Sc. degrees from the University of Nottingham, England, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

 

Daniel Peters.   Mr. Peters was most recently President and CEO of Medical Diagnostics at GE Healthcare and a corporate officer at GE, retiring at the end of 2007. Prior to his role at GE, Mr. Peters served as Chief Operating Officer at Amersham Health. Previously, Mr. Peters served as the President of Nycomed Amersham Imaging Inc, where he was responsible for managing the company’s diagnostic pharmaceutical operations in North, South and Central America. Mr. Peters had been President of Nycomed Imaging Inc. in the Americas from 1994 to 1997. Prior to that, Mr. Peters held roles of increasing responsibility within the U.S. pharmaceuticals business of Sterling Winthrop, being appointed President of the U.S. Pharmaceutical business in 1993. Mr. Peters is currently on the board of Phadia AB in Uppsala Sweden, serving as Chairman. Previously, Mr. Peters served as a Trustee and founding member of the Health Care Institute of New Jersey from 1996 to 2006, a board member of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America from 1995 to 2005, and a board member of the National Pharmaceutical Council from 1990 to 1993. Mr. Peters also served on the board of Diatide Inc. from 1994 to 1997. Mr. Peters holds a bachelors degree from Western Illinois University.

 

John V. Pollock.   Mr. Pollock has been a member of our Board of Directors since September 1993, and currently serves as a member of the Audit and Compensation Committees of the Board of Directors. Mr. Pollock is presently the Executive Vice President of United Bank in Vienna, Virginia. From 1975 through the present, he has been a senior banking executive and CEO of other banks in the Washington, D.C. area. From 1991 to 2003, Mr. Pollock served as a director of Frank E. Basil, Inc., a worldwide provider of facilities maintenance, engineering and operations maintenance services. Mr. Pollock has also served as a consultant to the partners of Basil Properties and as President of Nastech-Basil International, Inc., a joint venture between Basil Properties and us, which joint venture was dissolved in 1993.

 

James E. Rothman, Ph.D.   Dr. Rothman is one of the world’s most distinguished biochemists and cell biologists and is currently the Clyde and Helen Wu Professor of Chemical Biology and Director of Columbia University’s Judith P. Sulzberger, M.D. Genome Center. From 2004 until 2007, Dr. Rothman served as Chief Science Advisor of GE Healthcare. He is renowned for discovering the molecular machinery responsible for the transfer of materials among compartments within cells. Prior to joining Columbia University in 2004, Dr. Rothman held Professorships at Stanford University from 1978 to 1988 and Princeton University from 1988 to 1991. In 1991, he founded the Cellular Biochemistry and Biophysics Department at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and was Vice-Chairman of Sloan-Kettering in New York City from 1991 to 2004. Dr. Rothman’s pioneering research in cell biology has been recognized by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences in 1993. He has also received numerous international awards, including the Lasker Award in 2002.

Gregory Sessler.   Mr. Sessler has served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) of Spiration, Inc. since 2002, and is also currently a director and chairman of the audit committee of VLST, Corp. Prior to joining Spiration, Mr. Sessler served as Senior Vice President and CFO of Rosetta Inpharmatics, a leader in informational genomics, from March 2000 until its acquisition by Merck & Co., Inc. (“Merck”) in July 2001 for $540 million. Mr. Sessler is a member of the AICPA and FEI, and he previously served on the board of directors of Corixa Corporation. He also serves on the Executive Committee and is a past chairman of the board of directors of the Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association. Mr. Sessler holds a bachelors degree, magna cum laude, from Syracuse University and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

 

Bruce R. Thaw.   Mr. Thaw has been a member of our Board of Directors since June 1991 and currently serves as Lead Independent Director and as a member of the Audit and Compensation Committees of the Board of Directors. Since January 2000, Mr. Thaw has served as the President and CEO of Bulbtronics, Inc., a national distributor of technical and specialty light sources and related products to the medical, scientific, entertainment and industrial markets. Mr. Thaw is a practicing attorney and was admitted to the bar of the State of New York in 1978 and the California State Bar in 1983. From 1984 to 2001, Mr. Thaw served as our general counsel. From 1990 until April 2007, Mr. Thaw served as a member of the board of directors of SafeNet, Inc., a company that designs, manufactures and markets information security systems, products and services that protect and secure digital identities, communications, intellectual property and applications over wide area networks and virtual private networks. Mr. Thaw holds a B.B.A. degree in Banking and Finance from Hofstra University and a J.D. degree from the Hofstra University School of Law.

 

Vote Required and Board of Directors’ Recommendation

 

Assuming a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting, either in person or by proxy, is required for the election of a director. For purposes of the election of directors, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the result of the vote.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” ALL OF THE NOMINEES NAMED IN PROPOSAL NO. 1.

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

 

Set forth below is certain information as of December 31, 2007 with respect to each person or group who is known to us, in reliance on Schedules 13D and 13G reporting beneficial ownership and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding shares of Common Stock. Except as otherwise noted below, all shares of Common Stock are owned beneficially by the individual or group listed with sole voting and/or investment power.

 

 

 

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT

 

Set forth below is certain information as of March 31, 2008 for (i) the members of and nominees for the Board of Directors, (ii) our executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table below, and (iii) our directors and executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each person in the table below is c/o Nastech Pharmaceutical Company Inc., 3830 Monte Villa Parkway, Bothell, Washington 98021. No shares identified below are subject to a pledge.

 

 

 

 

 

Biographical information concerning our CEO and the director nominees is set forth above under the caption “Proposal No. 1 — Election of Directors.” Biographical information concerning our remaining executive officers is set forth below.

 

Philip C. Ranker.   Mr. Ranker joined us as Vice President of Finance in August 2004. In September 2005, he was named interim CFO and interim Secretary. Effective January 1, 2006, the interim titles for Mr. Ranker were removed. On January 4, 2008, Mr. Ranker resigned from his positions with us effective immediately. In March 2006, Mr. Ranker was appointed to the board of directors of ImaRx Therapeutics, Inc. and serves on the audit committee. Prior to joining us, Mr. Ranker served as Director of Finance of ICOS Corporation from 2001 to 2004. Mr. Ranker also served as Assistant Corporate Controller of Scholastic Corporation from 1999 to 2000 and was employed by Aventis Pharma from 1984 to 1999, holding positions of Accounting Supervisor, Finance Manager, Business Manager and Senior Finance Director. Mr. Ranker was employed by Peat Marwick from 1981 to 1984. Mr. Ranker earned a B.S. in accounting from the University of Kansas. Mr. Ranker received his CPA certificate in 1983.

Timothy M. Duffy.   Mr. Duffy has been employed by us since June 2004 and served as our Vice President, Marketing and Business Development until January 2006. In January 2006, Mr. Duffy was promoted to Executive Vice President, Marketing, Business Development and Legal Affairs. On February 12, 2008, we appointed Mr. Duffy to the position of Chief Business Officer. Prior to joining us, Mr. Duffy held the position of Vice President, Business Development at Prometheus Laboratories Inc., a privately held specialty pharmaceutical company. Prior to Prometheus, Mr. Duffy served for 13 years in functional and management positions in the pharmaceutical division at The Procter & Gamble Company. Mr. Duffy received a B.A. in biology from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa.

 

Dr. Gordon C. Brandt.   Dr. Brandt joined us in November 2002. On December 19, 2007, Dr. Brandt was promoted to the position of President. As President he manages the day-to-day operations of the company, as well as overseeing the drug development process from discovery through preclinical and clinical testing and regulatory submission. Prior to becoming President, Dr. Brandt served as our Executive Vice President of Clinical Research and Medical Affairs. In his 25 year career developing drugs, biologicals, and medical devices, Dr. Brandt has held positions in engineering, marketing and management. Dr. Brandt graduated from Yale University with a B.S. degree in Engineering, received an M.D. from the University of California, San Francisco, and completed a residency in internal medicine at Kaiser Foundation Hospital, San Francisco. Dr. Brandt is the author of numerous scientific papers and abstracts, and is an inventor on five U.S. patents.

 

Peter J. Knudsen, Ph.D, J.D.   Mr. Knudsen has been employed by us since April 2005 and serves as our Intellectual Property Counsel. Prior to joining us, Mr. Knudsen provided legal counsel to biotechnology startups in Seattle, Washington as Principal of his own legal firm from 2002 to 2005. Earlier, in New York City, Mr. Knutson was an Associate at the law firm of Fish and Neave from 1995 to 2002, mainly practicing patent litigation and a Patent Agent at Fitzpatrick Cella Harper and Scinto from 1990 to 1995, mainly practicing patent prosecution. He received his law degree from St. John’s University in 1994. Prior to practicing law, Mr. Knudsen served as a faculty member and principal investigator in biotechnology research at Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons from 1986 to 1990, and earlier, in Boston, at Harvard University Medical School, Cambridge, from 1980 to 1984. In 1980, Mr. Knudsen received a Ph.D. in Biophysics from the chemistry department, University of California, Berkeley, from which he also earlier received an A.B. in Psychology.

 

David E. Wormuth.   Mr. Wormuth was terminated in connection with our reduction in force on November 19, 2007. Under the terms of a separation agreement between Mr. Wormuth and the Company, Mr. Wormuth is serving as a consultant through May 15, 2008 and his stock options and restricted stock continue to vest through that date. Mr. Wormuth had been employed by us since March 2001 as our Senior Vice President, Operations. From 1997 to 2001, Mr. Wormuth was President of David E. Wormuth & Associates, a consulting firm providing expert consulting services to the pharmaceutical industry related to manufacturing and quality control. From 1992 until 1997, Mr. Wormuth served as Vice President of Operations for Sonus. Prior to joining Sonus, Mr. Wormuth spent five years in various operational and manufacturing positions with Kabivitrum, Inc., a Swedish firm, specializing in emulsion technology and the development of amino acids for LVP applications. Prior to Kabivitrum, Mr. Wormuth spent 13 years with Abbott Laboratories in various manufacturing roles until 1987. Mr. Wormuth graduated from Newberry College in Newberry, South Carolina, where he received a B.A. in history and political science, and also served in the United States Marine Corps.

 

Bruce R. York.   Following Mr. Ranker’s resignation in January 2008, Mr. York was appointed to serve as our CFO and Secretary. Mr. York joined us as our Director, Accounting and Corporate Controller in August 2004. In September 2005, he was appointed our Senior Director, Finance, interim Chief Accounting Officer and interim Assistant Secretary. Effective January 1, 2006, the interim titles for Mr. York were removed. Prior to joining us, Mr. York served as VP, CFO and Corporate Secretary of Cellular Technical Services Company, Inc. from 1999 to 2004. Mr. York also served as Director of Finance for Cell Therapeutics, Inc. from 1998 to 1999, and was employed by Physio Control International Corporation from 1987 to 1998, holding positions of Director of Business Planning, Director of Finance — Europe, Director of Finance and Corporate Controller and Manager of Tax and Assets. Mr. York was employed by Price Waterhouse from 1978 to 1987. Mr. York

earned a B.A. in government from Dartmouth College and an M.B.A. in finance and accounting from the Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. Mr. York has been a licensed CPA since 1979.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

Contractual Arrangements.   Pursuant to the terms and conditions of Dr. Quay’s employment agreement, we agreed, for the term of Dr. Quay’s employment with us, (i) to nominate Dr. Quay for successive terms as a member and Chairman of the Board of Directors, and (ii) to nominate a designee of Dr. Quay, who is reasonably acceptable to us, for successive terms as a member of the Board of Directors. We are obligated to use all best efforts to cause Dr. Quay and his designee to be elected to the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting. Gerald R. Stanewick, a current member of the Board of Directors, was designated by Dr. Quay for election to the Board of Directors at the 2005, 2006 and 2007 Annual Meetings. Dr. Quay did not nominate a designee for the 2008 Annual Meeting.

 

Independence of the Board of Directors

 

The Board of Directors has adopted Nasdaq’s standards for determining the independence of its members and believes that it interprets these requirements conservatively. In applying these standards, the Board of Directors considers commercial, industrial, banking, consulting, legal, accounting, charitable and familial relationships, among others, in assessing the independence of directors, and must disclose any basis for determining that a relationship is not material. The Board of Directors has determined that a majority of the current members of the Board of Directors, namely Susan B. Bayh, Dr. Alexander D. Cross, Dr. Ian D. Ferrier, Myron Z. Holubiak, Leslie D. Michelson, John V. Pollock, Bruce R. Thaw and Devin N. Wenig, are independent directors within the meaning of such Nasdaq independence standards in terms of independence from management, such members constituting eight (8) of the ten (10) current members of the Board of Directors. The Board also has determined that a majority of the nominees for the Board of Directors, namely Susan B. Bayh, Dr. Alexander D. Cross, Daniel Peters, John V. Pollock, Gregory Sessler and Bruce R. Thaw, are independent directors within the meaning of such Nasdaq independence standards in terms of independence from management during the past year, such members constituting six (6) of the eight (8) director nominees. In making these independence determinations, the Board of Directors did not exclude from consideration as immaterial any relationship potentially compromising the independence of any of the above directors.

 

Meetings of the Board of Directors

 

The Board of Directors held eleven meetings during 2007. During 2007, all directors except Mr. Wenig, who attended eight meetings, attended more than 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board of Directors. We do not have a formal policy regarding attendance by members of the Board of Directors at the annual meetings of stockholders, but we strongly encourage all members of the Board of Directors to attend our annual meetings and expect such attendance except in the event of extraordinary circumstances. All members of the Board of Directors, except Mr. Wenig, attended our annual meeting of stockholders on June 13, 2007.

 

Executive Sessions of the Board of Directors consisting only of independent directors will be held at least twice per year, and periodically as determined by the independent directors. Such Executive Sessions will typically occur immediately following regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Directors or at any other time and place as the independent directors may determine. The Board of Directors has designated Bruce R. Thaw to serve as our Lead Independent Director. In this capacity, Mr. Thaw is generally responsible for organizing, managing and presiding over the Executive Sessions of the Board of Directors and performing such other oversight functions from time to time as the independent directors deem necessary or appropriate, and reporting on outcomes of the Executive Sessions and such other activities to the Board of Directors and CEO as appropriate. Interested parties may submit matters for consideration to the independent directors by utilizing the procedures identified under “Stockholder Communications” in this Proxy Statement. During 2007, the independent directors met in Executive Session eleven times.

Committees of the Board of Directors

 

The Board of Directors has three standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Board of Directors has adopted written charters for each of these Committees, which we make available free of charge on or through our Internet website, as well as items related to corporate governance matters, including the charters of the Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees of the Board of Directors and our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to all employees, officers and directors. We maintain our Internet website at www.nastech.com. You can access our committee charters and code of conduct on our website by first clicking “About Nastech” and then “Corporate Governance.” We intend to disclose on our Internet website any amendments to or waivers from our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, as well as any amendments to the charters of any of the Audit, Compensation or Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees of the Board of Directors. Any stockholder also may obtain copies of these documents, free of charge, by sending a request in writing to: Nastech Pharmaceutical Company Inc., Investor Relations Department, 3830 Monte Villa Parkway, Bothell, Washington 98021. The current members of these committees are identified in the following table:

 

 

Audit Committee.   The Audit Committee, which currently consists of Dr. Alexander D. Cross, Chairman, John V. Pollock, Bruce R. Thaw and Leslie D. Michelson, held eight meetings during 2007. All members of the Audit Committee attended at least 75% of the meetings during the periods served as committee members in 2007. Among other functions, the Audit Committee authorizes and approves the engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm, reviews the results and scope of the audit and other services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm, reviews our financial statements, reviews and evaluates our internal control functions, approves or establishes pre-approval policies and procedures for all professional audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm and reviews and approves any proposed related party transactions.

 

The Board of Directors has determined that each of Dr. Alexander D. Cross, John V. Pollock, Bruce R. Thaw and Leslie D. Michelson is an independent director within the meaning of the Nasdaq independence standards and Rule 10A-3 promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). In addition, the Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee qualifies as an Audit Committee Financial Expert under applicable SEC Rules and satisfies the Nasdaq standards of financial literacy and financial or accounting expertise or experience.

 

Compensation Committee.   The Compensation Committee, which currently consists of Myron Z. Holubiak, Chairman, Susan B. Bayh, John V. Pollock and Bruce R. Thaw, held nine meetings during 2007. All members attended at least 75% of the meetings during the periods served as committee members in 2007. The Board of Directors has determined that each of the members of the Compensation Committee is an independent director within the meaning of the Nasdaq independence standards.

 

The Compensation Committee’s functions include reviewing and approving the compensation and benefits for our executive officers, administering our equity compensation plans and making recommendations to the Board of

Directors regarding these matters. The CEO does not participate in the determination of his own compensation or the compensation of directors. However, he makes recommendations to the committee regarding the amount and form of the compensation of the other executive officers and key employees, and he often participates in the committee’s deliberations about their compensation. No other executive officers participate in the determination of the amount or form of the compensation of executive officers or directors. During 2007 the compensation committee retained Mercer Human Resource Consulting, a human resource and compensation consulting firm (“Mercer”), as its independent compensation consultant. The consultant served at the request of the committee, and the consultant’s fees were approved by the committee. The consultant provided the committee with a report regarding the compensation paid by our competitors and other employers who compete with us for executives.

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.   The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, which currently consists of Susan B. Bayh, Chairman, Dr. Alexander D. Cross, Leslie D. Michelson and Myron Z. Holubiak, held four meetings during 2007. All members attended at least 75% of the meetings during the periods served as committee members in 2007. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee searches for and recommends to the Board of Directors potential nominees for director positions and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the size, composition and compensation of the Board of Directors and its committees. The Board of Directors has determined that each of Susan B. Bayh, Dr. Alexander D. Cross, Leslie D. Michelson and Myron Z. Holubiak is an independent director within the meaning of the Nasdaq independence standards.

 

In selecting candidates for the Board of Directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee begins by determining whether the incumbent directors whose terms expire at the annual meeting of stockholders desire and are qualified to continue their service on the Board of Directors. We are of the view that the continuing service of qualified incumbents promotes stability and continuity in the board room, giving us the benefit of the familiarity and insight into our affairs that our directors have accumulated during their tenure, while contributing to the Board of Directors’ ability to work as a collective body. Accordingly, it is the policy of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, absent special circumstances, to nominate qualified incumbent directors who continue to satisfy the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s criteria for membership on the Board of Directors, whom the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believes will continue to make important contributions to the Board of Directors and who consent to stand for re-election and, if re-elected, will continue their service on the Board of Directors. If there are positions on the Board of Directors for which the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will not be re-nominating an incumbent director, or if there is a vacancy on the Board of Directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will solicit recommendations for nominees from persons whom the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believes are likely to be familiar with qualified candidates, including members of our Board of Directors and our senior management. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may also engage a search firm to assist in the identification of qualified candidates. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will review and evaluate each candidate whom it believes merits serious consideration, taking into account all available information concerning the candidate, the existing composition and mix of talent and expertise on the Board of Directors and other factors that it deems relevant. In conducting its review and evaluation, the Committee may solicit the views of management and other members of the Board of Directors and may, if deemed helpful, conduct interviews of proposed candidates.

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee generally requires that all candidates for the Board of Directors be of the highest personal and professional integrity and have demonstrated exceptional ability and judgment. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider whether such candidate will be effective, in conjunction with the other members of the Board of Directors, in collectively serving the long-term interests of our stockholders. In addition, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee requires that all candidates have no interests that materially conflict with our interests and those of our stockholders, have meaningful management, advisory or policy making experience, have a general appreciation of the major business issues facing us and have adequate time to devote to service on the Board of Directors. We also require that a majority of our directors be independent, at least three directors have the financial literacy necessary for service on the Audit Committee under applicable Nasdaq rules and at least one director qualifies as an Audit Committee Financial Expert in accordance with applicable SEC rules.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider stockholder recommendations for nominees to fill director positions, provided that the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will not entertain stockholder nominations from stockholders who do not meet the eligibility criteria for submission of stockholder proposals under SEC Rule 14a-8 of Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act. Stockholders may submit written recommendations for committee appointments or recommendations for nominees to the Board of Directors, together with appropriate biographical information and qualifications of such nominees as required by our Bylaws, to our Corporate Secretary following the same procedures as described in “Stockholder Communications” in this Proxy Statement. In order for the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to consider a nominee for directorship submitted by a stockholder, such recommendation must be received by the Corporate Secretary by the time period set forth in our most recent proxy statement for the submission of stockholder proposals under SEC Rule 14a-8 of Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act. The Corporate Secretary shall then deliver any such communications to the Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will evaluate stockholder recommendations for candidates for the Board of Directors using the same criteria as for other candidates, except that the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may consider, as one of the factors in its evaluation of stockholder recommended candidates, the size and duration of the interest of the recommending stockholder or stockholder group in the equity of the Company.

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

No member of our Compensation Committee was at any time during fiscal 2007, or at any time in the past, one of our officers or employees, or had a relationship in fiscal 2007 requiring disclosure under applicable SEC regulations. None of our executive officers currently serves, or served during fiscal 2007, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving as a member of our Board or Compensation Committee.

 

Stockholder Communications

 

All stockholder communications must (i) be addressed to our Corporate Secretary at our address, (ii) be in writing either in print or electronic format, (iii) be signed by the stockholder sending the communication, (iv) indicate whether the communication is intended for the entire Board of Directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, or the independent directors, (v) if the communication relates to a stockholder proposal or director nominee, identify the number of shares held by the stockholder, the length of time such shares have been held, and the stockholder’s intention to hold or dispose of such shares, provided that the Board of Directors and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will not entertain shareholder proposals or shareholder nominations from shareholders who do not meet the eligibility and procedural criteria for submission of shareholder proposals under Commission Rule 14a-8 of Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act and (vi) if the communication relates to a director nominee being recommended by the stockholder, must include appropriate biographical information of the candidate as is required by our Bylaws.

 

Upon receipt of a stockholder communication that is compliant with the requirements identified above, the Corporate Secretary shall promptly deliver such communication to the appropriate member(s) of the Board of Directors or committee member(s) identified by the stockholder as the intended recipient of such communication by forwarding the communication to either the chairman of the Board of Directors with a copy to the CEO, the chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, or to each of the independent directors, as the case may be.

 

The Corporate Secretary may, in his or her sole discretion and acting in good faith, provide copies of any such stockholder communication to any one or more of our directors and executive officers, except that in processing any stockholder communication addressed to the independent directors, the Corporate Secretary may not copy any member of management in forwarding such communications. In addition, the Secretary may, in his or her sole discretion and acting in good faith, not forward certain items if they are deemed of a commercial or frivolous nature or otherwise inappropriate for consideration by the intended recipient, and any such correspondence may be forwarded elsewhere in the Company for review and possible response.

 

PROPOSAL NO. 2

 

RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

KPMG LLP served as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2007, has been our independent registered public accounting firm for each completed fiscal year beginning with the year ended December 31, 1996, and has been appointed by the Audit Committee to continue as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008. In the event that ratification of this appointment of independent registered public accounting firm is not approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast on the matter, then the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm will be reconsidered by the Audit Committee. Representatives of KPMG LLP are expected to be present at the annual meeting to respond to appropriate questions and will be given the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so.

 

Your ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008 does not preclude the Audit Committee from terminating its engagement of KPMG LLP and retaining a new independent registered public accounting firm, if it determines that such an action would be in our best interest. Total fees billed to us by KPMG LLP for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 were $483,827 and $350,570, respectively, and were comprised of the following:

 

Audit Fees.   The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered in connection with (i) the audit of our annual financial statements, (ii) the audit of our internal controls over financial reporting, (iii) the review of the financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, June 30 and September 30, (iv) consents and comfort letters issued in connection with equity offerings and (v) services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements were $483,827 for the year ended December 31, 2007 and $350,570 for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

 

Audit-Related Fees.   We did not incur any audit-related fees for the years ended December 31, 2007 or December 31, 2006.

 

 

Tax Fees.   The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered in connection with tax compliance, tax planning and federal and state tax advice were zero for the years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006.

 

 

All Other Fees.   We did not incur any other fees for the years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006.

 

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

 

Pursuant to its charter, the Audit Committee has the sole authority to appoint or replace our independent registered public accounting firm (subject, if applicable, to stockholder ratification). The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the compensation and oversight of the work of the independent registered public accounting firm (including resolution of disagreements between management and the independent registered public accounting firm regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work. The independent registered public accounting firm is engaged by, and reports directly to, the Audit Committee.

 

The Audit Committee pre-approves all auditing services and permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) to be performed for us by our independent registered public accounting firm, subject to the de minimis exceptions for non-audit services described in Section 10A(i)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act and SEC Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X, provided that all such excepted services are subsequently approved by the Audit Committee prior to the completion of the audit. In the event pre-approval for such auditing services and permitted non-audit services cannot be obtained as a result of inherent time constraints in the matter for which such services are required, the Chairman of the Audit Committee has been granted the

authority to pre-approve such services, provided that the estimated cost of such services on each such occasion does not exceed $15,000, and the Chairman of the Audit Committee reports for ratification such pre-approval to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. The Audit Committee has complied with the procedures set forth above, and has otherwise complied with the provisions of its charter.

 

Vote Required and Board of Directors’ Recommendation

 

Assuming a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote, either in person or by proxy, is required for approval of Proposal No. 2. For purposes of the ratification of our independent registered public accounting firm, abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against this proposal and broker non-votes will have no effect on the result of the vote.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL NO. 2.

 

PROPOSAL NO. 3

 

CHANGE OUR CAPITAL STRUCTURE BY INCREASING THE NUMBER OF
AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK FROM 50,000,000 TO 90,000,000

 

General

 

The Board of Directors is proposing to amend our current Certificate of Incorporation, as amended and restated to date (the “Current Certificate”), to increase the number of our authorized shares of Common Stock from 50,000,000 to 90,000,000, as more fully described below. Other than the proposed increase in the number of shares of our authorized Common Stock, the proposed amendment is not intended to modify the rights of existing stockholders in any material respect. The Board of Directors approved the proposed increase in the number of authorized shares of Common Stock and recommends the approval and adoption of Proposal No. 3 by the stockholders.

 

If approved, the proposed amendment to the Current Certificate (the “Authorized Capital Amendment”) under this Proposal No. 3 will become effective upon the filing of the Authorized Capital Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, which we would process promptly after the Annual Meeting. If Proposal No. 3 is not approved, the Authorized Capital Amendment would not be filed, and the Current Certificate would remain in effect, unless Proposal No. 5 is approved, in which case we will file an amendment to the Current Charter to reflect the change of the corporate name to “MDRNA, Inc.”, as further discussed in Proposal No. 5. If both Proposal Nos. 3 and 5 are approved, then in lieu of the Authorized Capital Amendment, we shall file an amendment to the Current Certificate to reflect both the increase in authorized shares of Common Stock described in this Proposal No. 3 and the change of our corporate name as described in Proposal No. 5. A copy of the Current Certificate is available as Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 20, 2005.

 

Background of Proposed Increase in the Number of Authorized Shares of Common Stock

 

Under Delaware law, we may only issue shares of our capital stock to the extent such shares have been authorized for issuance under our Current Certificate. The Current Certificate authorizes the issuance of up to 50,000,000 shares of Common Stock and up to 100,000 shares of preferred stock, having a par value of $0.01 per share. As of March 31, 2008, 26,693,935 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding, 3,355,486 unissued shares of Common Stock were reserved for future issuance under our equity compensation plans, including 300,000 unissued shares of Common Stock which were reserved for future issuance under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and 144,430 unissued shares of Common Stock which were reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding warrants, leaving approximately 19,806,149 shares of Common Stock unissued and unreserved. In addition, 50,000 shares of the authorized preferred stock have been designated as Series A Preferred Stock in connection with the Company’s stockholder rights plan, which number shall increase to 90,000 through an amendment to the Current Certificate if Proposal No. 3 is approved. However, no shares of Series A Preferred Stock have been issued. In order to ensure sufficient shares of Common Stock will be available for issuance by the Company, the Board of Directors has approved, subject to stockholder approval, the Authorized Capital Amendment to increase the number of shares of such Common Stock authorized for issuance from 50,000,000 to 90,000,000.

 

Purpose and Effect of the Authorized Capital Amendment

 

The Board of Directors believes it desirable to increase the authorized number of shares of Common Stock in order to provide us with adequate flexibility in corporate planning and strategies. The availability of additional shares of Common Stock for issuance could be used for a number of purposes, including corporate financing, public or private offerings of Common Stock, future acquisitions, stock dividends, stock splits, strategic relationships with corporate partners, stock options, and other stock-based compensation. The availability of additional shares of Common Stock is particularly important in the event that the Board of Directors needs to undertake any of the foregoing actions on an expedited basis and thus to avoid the time and expense of seeking stockholder approval in connection with the contemplated issuance of Common Stock.

There are currently no plans, agreements or understandings regarding the issuance of any of the additional shares of Common Stock that would be available if this proposal is approved. Such additional authorized shares may be issued for such purposes and for such consideration as the Board of Directors may determine without further stockholder approval, unless such action is required by applicable law or the rules of Nasdaq or any stock exchange on which our securities may be listed.

 

The increase in authorized Common Stock will not have any immediate effect on the rights of existing stockholders. The additional shares of Common Stock for which authorization is sought would be part of the existing class of Common Stock. There will be no change in voting rights, dividend rights, liquidation rights, preemptive rights or any other stockholder rights as a result of the Authorized Capital Amendment. However, the Board of Directors will have the authority to issue authorized Common Stock without requiring future stockholder approval of such issuances, except as may be required by applicable law or the rules of Nasdaq or any stock exchange on which our securities may be listed. To the extent that additional authorized shares are issued in the future, they may decrease the existing stockholders’ percentage equity ownership and, depending on the price at which they are issued, could be dilutive to the existing stockholders. The holders of Common Stock have no preemptive rights and the Board of Directors has no plans to grant such rights with respect to any such shares.

 

The increase in our authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock that would result from adoption of the Authorized Capital Amendment could have a potential anti-takeover effect with respect to the Company, although management is not presenting the proposal for this reason and does not presently anticipate using the increased authorized shares for such a purpose. The potential anti-takeover effect of the Authorized Capital Amendment arises because it would enable us to issue additional shares of Common Stock up to the total authorized number with the effect that stockholdings and related voting rights of then existing stockholders would be diluted to an extent proportionate to the number of additional shares of Common Stock issued. In addition, if we were the subject of a hostile takeover attempt, we could try to impede the takeover by issuing shares of Common Stock, thereby diluting the voting power of the other outstanding shares and increasing the potential cost of the takeover. The availability of this defensive strategy to the Company could discourage unsolicited takeover attempts, thereby limiting the opportunity for our stockholders to realize a higher price for their shares than is generally available in the public markets. This proposal is not being presented with the intent that it be utilized as a type of anti-takeover device with respect to any attempt or contemplated attempt to acquire control of the Company.

 

Vote Required and Board of Directors Recommendation

 

Assuming a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock as of the record date, either in person or by proxy, is required for approval of Proposal No. 3. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted as present for purposes of determining if a quorum is present, but will have the same effect as a negative vote on the outcome of this proposal.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL NO. 3.

 

PROPOSAL NO. 4

 

APPROVAL OF THE COMPANY’S 2008 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

 

In late 2007 and early 2008, the Board of Directors was evaluating whether we had a sufficient number of shares available under our existing stock incentive plans in order to continue to attract, motivate and retain talented and experienced employees, and in order to continue to provide stock-related compensation to non-employee directors in lieu of cash compensation they might otherwise be paid. As part of this process, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) reviewed the number of shares available under our 2000 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, our 2002 Stock Option Plan and our 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (collectively, the “Existing Plans”), and determined that an insufficient number of shares were available under the Existing Plans to enable us to provide sufficient future grants of stock options or other stock awards.

 

Consequently, on April 3, 2008, the Compensation Committee recommended the adoption of the Nastech Pharmaceutical Company Inc. 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”). The 2008 Plan is structured to permit awards of stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights and performance shares, as is the case under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan.

 

The purpose of the 2008 Plan is to attract and retain the best available employees and directors for our company and to encourage the highest level of performance by such persons, thereby enhancing the value of our company for the benefit of its stockholders. The 2008 Plan is also intended to motivate such persons to contribute to our future growth and profitability, to reward the performance of these individuals and increase the proprietary and vested interest of all such persons in our growth and performance in a manner that provides them with a means to increase their holdings of Common Stock and aligns their interests with the interests of our stockholders. Potentially all of our employees, officers and directors are eligible to participate in the 2008 Plan. As of April 11, 2008, the closing price of our Common Stock on the NASDAQ Global Market (“NASDAQ”) was $2.49 per share. There are currently no participants in the 2008 Plan. Because participation in, and the types of awards that may be made under, the 2008 Plan are subject to the discretion of the Compensation Committee, the benefits or amounts that will be received by any participant or groups of participants, including our directors, executive officers and other employees, are not currently determinable. As of April 11, 2008, there were approximately five executive officers, 80 employees and nine non-employee directors of our Company and its subsidiaries who were eligible to participate in the 2008 Plan.

 

In addition, we have entered into agreements with each of Gunter Blobel, M.D., Dr. Roger D. Kornberg, Carl Novina, M.D., Ph.D., and Dr. James E. Rothman, Ph.D. to serve as members of the Scientific Advisory Board (the “SAB”) of our wholly-owned subsidiary, MDRNA Research, Inc. (formerly MDRNA, Inc.), pursuant to which we contemplate that each SAB member may be granted, following approval by our Board of Directors, options to purchase up to approximately one percent of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s Common Stock on a diluted basis. We anticipate that the options to be granted to the members of the SAB (exercisable for approximately 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock) will be granted under the 2008 Plan.

 

The following table shows the number of equity awards outstanding, as well as the number of shares remaining available for grant under the Existing Plans as of December 31, 2007.

 

 

The 2008 Plan provides for the granting of stock options, restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights, and performance-share awards to our employees and our non-employee directors. The 2008 Plan does not permit the repricing of options or the granting of discounted options, and does not contain an evergreen

provision (which would automatically increase the number of shares available under the 2008 Plan). Provisions have been included to meet the requirements for deductibility of executive compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), with respect to options and other awards by qualifying payments under the 2008 Plan as performance-based compensation.

 

The following is a brief description of the 2008 Plan. The full text of the 2008 Plan is attached as Annex A to this Proxy Statement, and the following description is qualified in its entirety by reference to Annex A. It is the judgment of the Board of Directors that approval of the 2008 Plan is in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders.

 

Administration and Duration

 

The administration of the 2008 Plan is the responsibility of the Compensation Committee. It is anticipated that each member of the Compensation Committee will be a “non-employee Director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and an “outside director” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code. Currently, the Compensation Committee is comprised of four independent Directors. Nevertheless, if the Compensation Committee is not so composed it will not invalidate any award. The Board of Directors also may act in place of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee will have the authority to interpret the 2008 Plan, to establish and revise rules and regulations relating to the 2008 Plan, and to make any other determinations that it believes necessary or advisable for the administration of the 2008 Plan.

 

Limit on Awards under the 2008 Plan

 

The maximum number of shares of Common Stock as to which stock options and other stock awards may be granted under the 2008 Plan is 4,500,000 shares. No individual may be granted stock options, stock appreciation rights or other stock-based awards with respect to more than 2,250,000 shares in any calendar year. The shares to be delivered under the 2008 Plan will be made available from authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock, from treasury shares, or from shares purchased in the open market or otherwise. Shares that are subject to awards under the 2008 Plan but are not actually issued (for example because the award lapsed or was cancelled) and shares of unvested restricted stock that are forfeited, will be available for further awards and options.

 

Eligibility for Awards

 

All employees of the Company and the Company’s non-employee directors will be eligible to participate in the 2008 Plan. From time to time, the Compensation Committee will determine who will be granted awards and the number of shares subject to such awards. The Compensation Committee may delegate to one or more officers the authority to designate the employees eligible to receive awards (other than the key officers) and the size of each such award. Each individual who receives an award under the 2008 Plan is referred to as a “Recipient.”

 

Stock Options

 

Options granted under the 2008 Plan may be either non-qualified stock options or incentive stock options qualifying under Section 422 of the Code. The exercise price of any stock option may not be less than the fair market value of the stock on the date the option is granted. The option price is payable in cash or, with the consent of the Compensation Committee, in Common Stock.

 

The Compensation Committee determines the terms of each stock option grant at the time of grant. Unless the option agreement granting an option specifies otherwise, options to employees will be exercisable as to one-third of the shares on each of the first three anniversaries of the option grant and will remain exercisable until the tenth anniversary of the date of the grant. Options granted to non-employee directors will be fully exercisable on the first anniversary of grant, except that an option granted in conjunction with the annual stockholders meeting will be exercisable at the earlier of the first anniversary of grant and the next annual stockholders meeting (which may be slightly earlier than the first anniversary). No option may be

exercised before the first anniversary of date of grant (or the next stockholders meeting in the case of non-employee directors) or after the tenth anniversary of the date of grant.

 

Stock Appreciation Rights

 

A stock appreciation right (“SAR”) entitles the Recipient to receive — in cash or shares of stock, at the Compensation Committee’s discretion — the excess of the fair market value of a share of stock on the date of exercise over the fair market value on the date of grant. A SAR may, but need not, relate to an option. The Compensation Committee determines the terms of each SAR at the time of the grant. A SAR cannot have a term longer than ten years.

 

Restricted Stock

 

The Compensation Committee, in its discretion, may grant awards of restricted stock. A share of restricted stock is a share of Company stock that may not be transferred before it is vested and may be subject to such other conditions as the Compensation Committee sets forth in the agreement evidencing the award. In addition, if the Recipient terminates employment, he or she will forfeit any unvested shares. Unless the agreement granting restricted stock specifies otherwise, one third of a restricted stock award will vest on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. The grant or vesting of a restricted stock award may be made contingent on achievement of performance goals established by the Compensation Committee. If the Compensation Committee determines that a restricted stock award is intended to constitute “performance-based compensation” for purposes of Code Section 162(m) (see “Code Section 162(m)” below), the grant or vesting of the restricted stock award will be contingent on achievement of objective performance targets based on corporate or divisional earnings-based measures (which may be based on net income, operating income, cash flow, residual income or any combination thereof) and/or one or more corporate, divisional or individual scientific or inventive measures.

 

Performance Shares

 

The Compensation Committee, in its discretion, may grant awards of performance shares. A performance share entitles the Recipient to receive shares of Company stock or to be paid the value of such shares in cash, in the Compensation Committee’s discretion, if specified performance goals are met. If the Compensation Committee determines that a performance share award is intended to constitute “performance-based compensation” for purposes of Code Section 162(m) (see “Code Section 162(m)” below), the specified performance goals will be based on the criteria listed above under “Restricted Stock.”

 

Amendment or Termination

 

Subject to applicable Nasdaq rules, the Board of Directors may amend, alter or terminate the 2008 Plan without stockholder approval. Under the Nasdaq rules, the Board of Directors may not, without stockholder approval, increase the total number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2008 Plan or make any other material changes to the 2008 Plan. In addition, no amendment, alteration or termination by the Board of Directors may adversely affect the rights of a holder of a stock incentive award without the holder’s consent. Unless terminated earlier, the 2008 Plan will terminate on April 4, 2018. Upon termination of the 2008 Plan, outstanding grants and awards made before termination will continue in accordance with their terms. However, no new grants or awards may be made following termination.

 

Federal Income Tax Consequences

 

The following discussion outlines generally the current federal income tax consequences of the 2008 Plan. Applicable tax laws and their interpretations are subject to change at any time and application of such laws may vary in individual circumstances.

Incentive Stock Options

 

A Recipient who is granted an incentive stock option does not recognize taxable income upon the grant or exercise of the option. However, the difference between the fair market value of our Common Stock on the date of exercise and the option exercise price is a tax preference item that may subject the Recipient to alternative minimum tax. A Recipient generally will receive long-term capital gain or loss treatment on the disposition of shares acquired upon exercise of the option, provided that the disposition occurs more than two years from the date the option is granted, and the Recipient holds the stock acquired for more than one year. A Recipient who disposes of shares acquired by exercise prior to the expiration of the forgoing holding periods realizes ordinary income upon the disposition equal to the difference between the option price and the lesser of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise and the disposition price. Any appreciation between the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise and the disposition price is taxed to the Recipient as long or short-term capital gain, depending on the length of the holding period. To the extent the Recipient recognizes ordinary income, we receive a corresponding tax compensation deduction.

 

Nonqualified Stock Options

 

A Recipient will not recognize income upon the grant of a nonqualified option. Upon exercise, the Recipient will recognize ordinary income equal to the excess of the fair market value of the stock on the date of exercise over the price paid for the stock. We are entitled to a tax compensation deduction equal to the ordinary income recognized by the Recipient. Any taxable income recognized by a Recipient in connection with an option exercise is subject to income and employment tax withholding. When the Recipient disposes of shares acquired by the exercise of a nonqualified option, any amount received in excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise will be treated as capital gain. Dispositions made after one year from the exercise date will be treated as long-term capital gain. Dispositions made less than one year from the exercise date will be treated as short-term capital gain.

 

Stock Appreciation Rights

 

A Recipient will not recognize income upon the grant of an SAR. Upon exercise, the Recipient will recognize ordinary income equal to the cash or fair market value of the shares of Common Stock received from the exercise, which will be subject to income and employment tax withholding. We will receive a tax compensation deduction equal to the ordinary income recognized by the Recipient.

 

Restricted Stock

 

Generally, a Recipient will not recognize income upon the grant of restricted stock. When the shares of restricted stock vest, the Recipient will recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market value of the stock and also will be subject to income and employment tax withholding. We will receive a tax compensation deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the Recipient. A Recipient who receives a restricted stock award may elect to accelerate his or her tax obligation by submitting a Code Section 83(b) election within 30 days after the grant date, pursuant to which the Recipient will be taxed on the fair market value of the restricted stock as of the grant date, and we will receive a tax compensation deduction as of the grant date equal to the ordinary income recognized by the Recipient. Any gain or loss upon a subsequent disposition of the shares will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares are held for more than one year and otherwise will be short-term capital gain or loss. If, after making the Section 83(b) election, the shares are forfeited, the Recipient will not be entitled to a loss deduction.

 

Performance Shares

 

A Recipient will not recognize income upon the grant of performance shares. At the time that the performance goals are achieved and the individual receives the shares or cash, he or she will recognize ordinary income equal to the cash or fair market value of Common Stock, or combination thereof, received, at which time the Recipient also will be subject to income and employment tax withholding. We will receive a tax compensation deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the Recipient.

Code Section 162(m)

 

Code Section 162(m) denies a federal income tax deduction for certain compensation in excess of $1 million per year paid to the CEO and the four other most highly paid executive officers of a publicly traded corporation. Certain types of compensation, including compensation based on performance criteria that are approved in advance by stockholders, are excluded from the computation of the deduction limit. Options and SARs granted under the 2008 Plan are excluded from the computation of the deduction limit and the Compensation Committee can cause other awards under the 2008 Plan to be similarly excluded from the computation of the deduction limit by conditioning the grant or vesting upon specified performance goals.

 

Vote Required and Board of Directors’ Recommendation

 

Assuming a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote, either in person or by proxy, is required for approval of Proposal No. 4. For purposes of the adoption of the Nastech Pharmaceutical Company Inc. 2008 Stock Incentive Plan, abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against this proposal and broker non-votes will have no effect on the result of the vote.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL NO. 4.

 

PROPOSAL NO. 5

 

APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO OUR CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO
CHANGE THE NAME OF THE COMPANY TO MDRNA, INC.

 

The Board of Directors has adopted resolutions approving, declaring advisable and recommending that our stockholders approve an amendment to our current Certificate of Incorporation, as amended and restated to date (the “Current Certificate”), to change our corporate name from “Nastech Pharmaceutical Company Inc.” to “MDRNA, Inc.” If approved by our stockholders, Proposal No. 5 will become effective upon the filing of a certificate of amendment of the Current Certificate with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. We plan to file the certificate of amendment as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving approval of the amendment from our stockholders.

 

If this proposal is approved, Article First of the Current Certificate will be amended to read in its entirety as follows:

 

“The name of the Corporation is MDRNA, Inc.”

 

Purpose and Rationale for the Proposed Amendment

 

The Board is recommending the approval of the company name change to reflect our increased focus on our proprietary ribonucleic acid interference (“RNAi”) technology following the recent restructuring of our business operations. We believe we are at the forefront of small interfering RNA (“siRNA”) therapeutic research and development. Our RNAi therapeutic programs are targeted at both developing and delivering novel therapeutics using siRNA to down-regulate the expression of certain disease-causing proteins that are over-expressed in inflammation, viral respiratory infections and other diseases. The Board believes that changing our name to reflect our focus on our RNAi technology platform will further promote the awareness of our company in the minds of strategic partners, stockholders and the investment community.

 

Effect of the Proposed Amendment

 

If approved by stockholders, the change in corporate name will not affect the validity or transferability of any existing stock certificates that bear the name “Nastech Pharmaceutical Company Inc.” If the proposed name change is approved, stockholders with certificated shares should continue to hold their existing stock certificates, and will not be required to submit their stock certificates for exchange. The rights of stockholders holding certificated shares under existing stock certificates and the number of shares represented by those certificates will remain unchanged. Direct registration accounts and any new stock certificates that are issued after the name change becomes effective will bear the name “MDRNA, Inc.”

 

Currently our common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “NSTK.” If the proposed name change is approved, the stock will trade under the symbol “MRNA.” A new CUSIP number will also be assigned to the common stock following the name change.

 

If the proposal to change the corporate name is not approved, the proposed amendment to the Current Certificate will not be made and our corporate name and ticker symbol will remain unchanged. However, if Proposal No. 3 is approved, we will file an amendment to the Current Certificate to reflect the increased number of shares of authorized Common Stock, as further discussed in Proposal No. 3. If both Proposal Nos. 3 and 5 are approved, then we shall file an amendment to the Current Certificate to reflect both the increase in authorized shares of Common Stock described in this Proposal No. 3 and the change of our company name as described in Proposal No. 5.

 

Prior to and in connection with Proposal No. 5, we have changed the name of our wholly-owned subsidiary, MDRNA, Inc., to MDRNA Research, Inc.

 

Vote Required and Board of Directors’ Recommendation

 

Assuming a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the total issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock as of the record date, either in person or by proxy, is required for

approval of Proposal No. 5. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted as present for purposes of determining if a quorum is present, but will have the same effect as a negative vote on the outcome of this proposal.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL NO. 5.

 

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, on behalf of the Board of Directors, serves as an independent and objective party to monitor and provide general oversight of the integrity of our financial statements, the independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications and independence, the performance of the independent registered public accounting firm, the compliance by us with legal and regulatory requirements and our standards of business conduct. The Audit Committee performs these oversight responsibilities in accordance with its Amended and Restated Audit Committee Charter.

 

Our management is responsible for preparing our financial statements and our financial reporting process. Our independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of our audited financial statements to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. The Audit Committee met with the independent registered public accounting firm, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations, their evaluations of our internal controls, and the overall quality of our financial reporting.

 

In this context, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007 with management and with the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communications with Audit Committees), which includes, among other items, matters related to the conduct of the audit of our annual financial statements and the audit of our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

The Audit Committee has also received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accounting firm required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees) and has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the issue of its independence from us and management. In addition, the Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services by the independent registered public accounting firm in 2007 is compatible with maintaining the registered public accounting firm’s independence and has concluded that it is.

 

Based on its review of the audited financial statements and the various discussions noted above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

Each of the members of the Audit Committee is independent as defined under the standards of the SEC and Nasdaq, and meets all other requirements of Nasdaq and of such rules of the SEC.

 

Respectfully submitted by the Audit Committee,

 

Dr. Alexander D. Cross, Chairman

Leslie D. Michelson

John V. Pollock

Bruce R. Thaw

 

The foregoing Audit Committee Report does not constitute soliciting material and shall not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other Company filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act, except to the extent we specifically incorporate this Audit Committee Report by reference therein.

 

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

General

 

Our Compensation Committee is composed entirely of independent, outside directors. Its functions include establishing our general compensation policies, reviewing and approving compensation for executive officers, and administering our stock-based incentive plans. One important goal of the Compensation Committee is to have the members of the committee design compensation packages for our executive officers sufficient to attract and retain persons of exceptional quality and to provide effective incentives to motivate and reward such executives for achieving the scientific, financial and strategic goals essential to our long-term success and growth in stockholder value.

 

We compensate our executive officers through a combination of base salary, cash bonus awards and performance-based equity compensation. Our compensation program is designed to attract and retain the best possible executive talent, to tie annual and incentive cash and long term equity compensation to the achievement of measurable corporate, business and individual performance objectives, and to align compensation incentives available to our executives with the goal of creating stockholder value. To this end, we tie a substantial portion of our executive officers’ overall compensation to measurable annual corporate milestones and to the achievement of individual goals for the executive officers that are specific to their areas of responsibility and relate to the corporate milestones. In addition, we provide our executives a variety of other benefits that we also make available to all salaried employees.

 

Our CEO, our CFO and our most senior Human Resources executive are typically invited to attend meetings of the Compensation Committee. For compensation decisions, including decisions regarding the grant of equity compensation relating to executive officers (other than our CEO), the Compensation Committee considers the recommendations of our CEO. The input of our CEO, our CFO and our most senior Human Resources executive helps us evaluate our compensation practices and assists us with developing and implementing our executive compensation program and philosophy. Based on information presented to us by Mercer Human Resource Consulting (“Mercer”), a human resource and compensation consulting firm we retained to advise the Compensation Committee, we believe we have generally established our executive officers’ base salary and incentive compensation at approximately the median of market ranges for companies in our peer group. Our equity component, based upon increasing shareholder value, can increase our executives’ total compensation above the median. As a result, we believe the total compensation of our executive officers is equitable when compared to executive officers from a peer group of competitive companies.

 

Establishing Compensation Opportunities and Compensation Philosophy

 

Overall, our aim is to offer our executive officers total compensation opportunities that represent a competitive level among a peer group of companies. Accordingly, on an annual basis, Mercer helps us identify a peer group of competitive companies to which we may refer when establishing executive compensation and assists with, among other things, structuring our various compensation programs and determining appropriate levels of salary, bonus and other compensatory awards payable to our executive officers and other employees. Mercer also guides us in the development of near-term and long-term individual performance objectives established by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee also may consider other factors to adjust executive compensation after appropriate research and deliberation.

 

Benchmarking of Base Compensation and Equity Holdings

 

With information provided by Mercer regarding compensation programs for executive officers, our Compensation Committee performs periodic strategic reviews of the cash compensation and share and option holdings of our executive officers to determine whether they provide adequate incentives and motivation to our executive officers and whether they adequately compensate our executive officers relative to the comparable officers in other competitive companies. Mercer identified such competitive companies as companies that most closely matched our core businesses and stage of development. In addition to the information supplied by

Mercer regarding compensation for executive officers of a peer group of competitive companies, the Compensation Committee also reviews other salary and compensation surveys from various sources, such as Aon Consulting, Inc., for guidance in setting compensation for our executive officers.

 

Allocation among Compensation Components

 

Our typical executive compensation package has historically consisted of three main components: (1) base salary; (2) cash bonuses; and (3) stock options and restricted stock awards. We view these three components of our executive compensation program as related but distinct. Although the Compensation Committee reviews the total compensation of our executive officers, we do not believe that significant compensation derived from one component of compensation should negate or reduce compensation from any other components. We determine the appropriate level for each compensation component based in part, but not exclusively, on the market for executive compensation, utilizing the survey data referred to above, individual performance, our view of internal equity and consistency and other information we deem relevant. We believe that, as is common in the biotechnology sector, stock-related awards are the primary motivator in attracting and retaining executives, and that salary and cash bonus awards are secondary considerations. Except as described below, due to the small size of our executive team and the need to tailor each executive officer’s award to attract and retain that executive officer, the Compensation Committee has not adopted any formal or informal policies or guidelines for allocating compensation between long-term and currently paid out compensation, between cash and non-cash compensation, or among different forms of compensation. The table below gives a breakdown among major compensation components received in 2007 by the Named Executive Officers set forth in the Summary Compensation Table below, and treats the equity compensation component consistently with the Summary Compensation Table methodology.

 

 

Description of Our Compensation Components

 

We provide the following compensation components to our executives:

 

Base Salary.   The Compensation Committee’s approach is to offer base salaries targeted near the median of the range of salaries for executives in similar positions and with similar responsibilities at our peer group of competitive companies. To that end, the Compensation Committee evaluates the competitiveness of our base salaries based upon information drawn from various sources, including published and proprietary survey data, consultants’ reports and our own experience in recruiting and training executives and professionals. The base salaries for 2007 for the Named Executive Officers are intended to be consistent with competitive practice and the executive officer’s level of responsibility and were based upon the terms of employment contracts with the Named Executive Officers. Base salaries of the Named Executive Officers are reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee and may be increased in accordance with the terms of the executive officers’ respective employment agreements and certain performance criteria, including, without limitation, (i) individual performance, (ii) our performance as a company, (iii) the functions performed by the executive officer and (iv) changes in the compensation peer group in which we compete for executive talent. The Compensation Committee uses its discretion to determine the weight given to each of the factors listed above and such weight may vary from individual to individual.

 

The Compensation Committee recommends the salary for our CEO and, with the aid of the CEO, for each executive officer below the CEO level, for approval by the full Board of Directors. Our 2007 salary increases were part of our normal annual salary review and reflected the Compensation Committee’s review of

the compensation levels in our peer group of competitive companies, in addition to considering any expansion of job responsibilities during the periods being reviewed.

 

Cash Incentive Bonuses.   In addition to base salary, pursuant to their employment agreements, our executive officers are eligible to receive discretionary incentive bonuses, from time to time, upon the achievement of certain scientific, financial and other business milestones related to company and individual performance. At the beginning of each year, the Compensation Committee and our CEO review each executive’s job responsibilities and goals for the upcoming year and establish performance criteria for achieving the target bonus amount (or portions thereof) expressed as a percentage of base salary. Once established by the Compensation Committee these criteria are submitted for approval to the full Board of Directors on an annual basis, and include specific goals and objectives relating to the achievement of clinical, regulatory, business and/or financial milestones. For 2007, these goals and objectives included metrics on shareholder value, business partnering, new feasibility studies, expansion of our patent portfolio, advancement of clinical products, balance sheet strength, systems improvements and uptime, manufacturing shipments and production of preclinical and clinical supplies. The Compensation Committee uses its discretion to determine the weight given to each of the goals and objectives listed above. The Compensation Committee believed the targets provided realistic, motivating incentives for achieving the performance desired by our board of directors. The Named Executive Officers may be awarded cash bonuses higher than their respective target cash bonus amount in the discretion of the Compensation Committee, subject to certain limitations as specified in each Named Executive’s respective employment contract, if applicable. In addition, the Compensation Committee, in its discretion, may award a cash bonus to any Named Executive Officer below that of his respective stated target cash bonus in the event his target goals and objectives are not fully met.

 

At year-end the Compensation Committee evaluates individual and corporate performance against the target goals for the recently completed year, in conformance with its evaluation process, and then approves the employee bonus program incentive level for our CEO, and for each officer below the CEO level based on the CEO’s recommendations. The following table shows the target discretionary cash incentive bonuses and the applicable payout range as a percentage of base salary for each of the named executive officers (including one former executive officer who no longer served as an executive officer as of December 31, 2007), actual awards under our cash incentive bonus plan, and the actual awards as a percentage of salary earned in 2007. The Compensation Committee did not approve any discretionary cash incentive bonuses for executive officers in recognition of services performed in during the 2007 fiscal year. Mr. Knudsen’s bonus was paid as part of the bonus plan for non-executive employees.

 

2007 Annual Cash Incentive Bonuses

 

 

 

 

If an executive officer is terminated prior to the scheduled payment date, his or her incentive bonus will be forfeited, subject to contractual provisions in his or her employment agreements. Neither the Compensation Committee nor the board of directors has considered whether we would attempt to recover any portion of cash incentive bonus payments to the extent such payments were determined and paid based on our financial results if our financial results are later restated in a downward direction.

Stock options and restricted stock grants.   We believe that long-term company performance is best achieved through an ownership culture that encourages long-term performance by our executive officers through the use of stock-based awards. We grant stock options and other stock awards in order to provide certain executive officers with a competitive total compensation package and to reward them for their contribution to the long-term growth in value of the company and the long-term price performance of our common stock. Grants of stock options and other stock awards are designed to align the executive officer’s interest with that of our stockholders although we do not currently have formal guidelines specifying security ownership requirements for our executive officers. To assist us in retaining employees and encouraging employees to seek long-term appreciation in the value of our stock, the benefits of the awards generally vest over a specified period, usually three years, and therefore a grantee must remain with us for a specified period to enjoy the full potential economic benefit of an award. The Compensation Committee may consider as one of a number of factors the level of an executive officer’s realizable compensation from awards granted in prior years when making decisions with respect to awards being granted to that executive officer for the most recently ended fiscal year.

 

We maintain three compensation plans under which equity compensation awards may be made to employees: the Nastech Pharmaceutical Company Inc. Amended and Restated 2000 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, the Nastech Pharmaceutical Company Inc. 2002 Stock Option Plan, and the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (collectively herein, the “Employee Option Plans”). Additionally, all employees and officers may participate in our Employee Stock Purchase Plan which commenced October 1, 2007 on a payroll deduction basis in two six-month purchase periods per year subject to IRS and Company purchase limits. We may award options under the 2000 and 2002 plans, and a variety of stock-based units, including options and restricted stock under, our 2004 Plan. Awards granted under the Employee Option Plans are based on a number of factors, including (i) the executive officer’s or key employee’s position with us, (ii) his or her performance and responsibilities, (iii) the extent to which he or she already holds an equity stake with us, (iv) equity participation levels of comparable executives and key employees at other companies in the compensation peer group and (v) individual contribution to the success of our financial performance. However, the Employee Option Plans do not provide any formulated method for weighing these factors, and a decision to grant an award is based primarily upon the evaluation by the Compensation Committee, in consultation with our CEO, of the performance and responsibilities of and the retention strategy for the individual in question. Awards to executive officers are first reviewed and approved by the Compensation Committee, which then makes a recommendation for final approval by our Board of Directors.

 

Stock awards to newly-hired employees (including, without limitation, executive officers) are made on the start date of employment and are approved by the CEO based upon guidelines from and authority delegated to him by the Compensation Committee. Other than grants to newly-hired employees, option grants are generally planned to be awarded in February of each year at the regularly scheduled meetings of the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors. Our programs, policies and practices do not time option grants with the release of any non-public information for newly-hired executive officers. As a part of its agenda for each meeting, the Compensation Committee reviews and approves all grants of options and awards made by our CEO since the previous meeting. Restricted stock awards are made to attract and retain talented employees in a competitive market and to align the interest of the employee with that of the shareholder. Because shares of restricted stock have a defined value at the time the restricted stock awards are made, restricted stock awards are often perceived as having more immediate value than stock options, which have a less determinable value when granted, and thus we typically grant fewer shares of restricted stock than stock options. Furthermore, any unvested restricted stock holdings are subject to forfeiture upon termination of employment.

 

The exercise price of all option awards granted to Named Executive Officers in 2007 was equal to the closing price of our common stock on the date of the grant.

 

Other Compensation.   We maintain broad-based benefits that are provided to all employees, including health insurance, life and disability insurance, dental insurance and a 401(k) plan. In certain circumstances, on a case-by-case basis, we have used cash signing bonuses, which may have time-based repayment terms, when certain executives and senior non-executives have joined us. We do not provide any special reimbursement for

perquisites such as country clubs, automobiles, corporate aircraft, living or security expenses for our employees or for any executive officers.

 

401(k) Savings Plan.   We maintain a tax-qualified 401(k) savings and profit-sharing plan for our eligible employees (the “401(k) Plan”). Employees who have attained the age of 21 and completed at least three months and at least 250 hours of service with us are eligible to elect to defer up to the lesser of $15,500 during calendar year 2007 or 100% of their base pay on a pre-tax basis. Participants age 50 and older may make additional pre-tax contributions to the 401(k) Plan of up to $5,000 during calendar year 2007. We may make discretionary matching or profit-sharing contributions to the 401(k) Plan on behalf of eligible participants in any plan year, as may be determined by the Board of Directors. For calendar year 2007, the Board of Directors decided to match employee pre-tax contributions of up to 6% of compensation at 25 cents for each dollar contributed by the employee. Accordingly, we made discretionary matching contributions of approximately $207,000 to the 401(k) Plan for calendar year 2007, including matching contributions for executive officers as follows: $5,124 for Dr. Steven C. Quay, $3,750 for Philip C. Ranker, $3,736 for Timothy M. Duffy, $3,875 for Dr. Gordon C. Brandt, $0 for Peter J. Knudsen and $2,920 for David E. Wormuth.

 

Pension Benefits.   We do not offer qualified or non-qualified defined benefit plans to our executive officers or employees. In the future, our Compensation Committee may elect to adopt qualified or non-qualified defined benefit plans if the Compensation Committee determines that doing so is in our best interests.

 

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation.   None of our Named Executive Officers participates in or has account balances in non-qualified defined contribution plans or other deferred compensation plans maintained by us. To date, we have not had a significant reason to offer such non-qualified defined contribution plans or other deferred compensation plans. In the future, the Compensation Committee may elect to provide our executive officers or other employees with non-qualified defined contribution or deferred compensation benefits if the Compensation Committee determines that doing so is in our best interests.

 

Severance and Change of Control Arrangements.   As discussed more fully in the section below entitled “Employment Agreements,” our executive officers are entitled to certain benefits upon the termination of their respective employment agreements. The severance agreements are intended to mitigate some of the risk that our executive officers may bear in working for a developing company such as ours.

 

Policies Regarding Tax Deductibility of Compensation.   Within our performance-based compensation program, we aim to compensate the Named Executive Officers in a manner that is tax-effective for us. Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code restricts the ability of publicly held companies to take a federal income tax deduction for compensation paid to certain of their executive officers to the extent that compensation exceeds $1.0 million per covered officer in any fiscal year. However, this limitation does not apply to compensation that is performance-based.

 

The non-performance based compensation paid in cash to our executive officers in 2007 did not exceed the $1.0 million limit per officer, and the Compensation Committee does not anticipate that the non-performance based compensation to be paid in cash to our executive officers in 2008 will exceed that limit.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The following table sets forth information regarding compensation earned during 2007 and 2006 by our Chairman and CEO, our CFO and our other most highly compensated executive officers (“Named Executive Officers”).

 

Summary Compensation Tables

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007 for details as to the assumptions used to determine the fair value of the option awards. See also our discussion in our Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 2007 of stock-based compensation under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting

Policies.” Additionally, see the detailed information and footnotes contained in the 2007 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table.

 

 

Employment Agreements

 

We have entered into employment agreements with four of our Named Executive Officers, namely: Dr. Quay, Dr. Brandt, Mr. Duffy and Mr. Ranker. All of such employment agreements remain in effect, except for the employment agreement that we entered into with Mr. Ranker, which was in effect until his resignation effective January 4, 2008. These agreements are summarized below and include the ability to receive certain payments from us in the event of certain change of control or termination events. We did not have a formal employment agreement with Mr. Wormuth, however, certain elements of his compensation and other employment arrangements were set forth in a letter agreement at the time his employment commenced. The letter agreement provided, among other things, initial base salary, eligibility to receive annual performance-based bonuses for meeting and exceeding expectations, such bonus, if any, being at the discretion of the board of directors and initial stock option awards. For a description of the potential payments upon termination or change of control, please see “Potential payments upon termination or change in control arrangements” and “2007 Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control Tables” below.

 

Steven C. Quay, M.D., Ph.D.

 

We entered into a new employment agreement (the “Quay Employment Agreement”) on June 3, 2005 with Dr. Steven C. Quay, M.D., Ph.D., our Chairman of the Board and CEO, for a term of four years ending December 31, 2009. A copy of the Quay Employment Agreement was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 3, 2005.

 

Pursuant to the Quay Employment Agreement, Dr. Quay was entitled to annual base compensation of $500,000 in 2006, with an annual increase in base compensation of at least five percent for each year thereafter. Effective January 1, 2007 his annual base compensation was $525,000.

 

Under the Quay Employment Agreement, Dr. Quay’s incentive cash compensation is limited to fifty percent of his annual base compensation for the year, with the actual amount determined by the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee in consultation with Dr. Quay, in light of performance criteria agreed upon by the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee and Dr. Quay prior to the beginning

of the year. Pursuant to the Quay Employment Agreement, on July 20, 2005 Dr. Quay was granted 168,000 shares of restricted Common Stock and options to purchase 600,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $14.72 per share, the closing price of our Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market on July 20, 2005. The 600,000 options have a term of 10 years from the date of grant, and will vest in four equal annual installments beginning on July 20, 2006. The 168,000 shares of restricted stock will vest in four equal annual installments beginning on July 20, 2006.

 

The Quay Employment Agreement also provides that we will, in connection with each election of our directors during the term of the agreement, nominate, recommend and use our best efforts to cause the election to the Board of Directors of Dr. Quay and a person designated by Dr. Quay who is reasonably acceptable to us. We are also obligated to use all best efforts to cause the election of Dr. Quay as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

 

Under the Quay Employment Agreement, in the event that, prior to December 31, 2009, we terminate Dr. Quay’s employment without cause or Dr. Quay is constructively terminated by us, in addition to pay for any unused paid time off accrued, Dr. Quay will be entitled to receive as severance the amount of base compensation that would have been payable through December 31, 2009 and the amount of his incentive cash compensation for the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs (determined on a pro rated basis). Upon such event, the options and shares of restricted stock granted to Dr. Quay pursuant to the Quay Employment Agreement shall become fully vested and such options shall become fully exercisable and shall remain exercisable for the remainder of the term set forth in the applicable option grant agreements. For these purposes, a constructive termination means (i) a demotion or substantial diminution of responsibilities, (ii) a failure by us to honor our obligations under the agreement or (iii) prior to six months before the expiration date of the applicable agreement, either Dr. Quay or Dr. Quay’s designee (if any) is not elected to the Board of Directors, or Dr. Quay is not elected as Chairman of the Board, unless, in the case of Dr. Quay’s designee only, the lost election was the result of votes against the designee by non-affiliate stockholders of the Company representing the majority of the votes cast.

 

In the event that, prior to December 31, 2009, Dr. Quay’s employment is terminated due to disability or death, in addition to pay for any unused paid time off accrued, Dr. Quay or his estate, as applicable, is entitled to receive as severance the lesser of twelve months base compensation or the compensation that would have been payable to Dr. Quay through December 31, 2009, computed using the base salary rate in effect on the date of termination, as well as a pro rated incentive cash compensation payment for the year in which such termination occurs. In the event that Dr. Quay’s employment is terminated for any reason, each option granted to Dr. Quay pursuant to the Quay Employment Agreement which is vested as of the date of such termination (or becomes vested as a result of such termination) shall remain exercisable for the remainder of its term, rather than expiring within the otherwise applicable exercise period (generally ninety (90) days) provided for in the event of termination of employment under the 2004 Plan.

 

In the event that, during the one-year period following a change in control of us and prior to January 1, 2010, Dr. Quay’s employment is terminated by us or by Dr. Quay for any reason, in addition to pay for any unused paid time off accrued, Dr. Quay will be entitled to receive as severance an amount equal to the greater of twelve months base compensation or the base compensation payable through December 31, 2009, the amount of his incentive cash compensation for the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs (determined on a pro-rated basis) and an additional payment equal to the full amount of targeted incentive cash compensation for the year in which the termination occurs. Dr. Quay is also entitled to an additional gross-up payment to cover any “golden parachute” excise taxes that may be payable by Dr. Quay upon receipt of these severance payments. In addition, upon such event, the options and shares of restricted stock granted to Dr. Quay pursuant to the Quay Employment Agreement shall become fully vested and such options shall become fully exercisable and shall remain exercisable for the remainder of the term set forth in the applicable option grant agreements. Pursuant to the agreements, a change in control generally means (i) the acquisition by any person or group of 40% or more of our voting securities, (ii) our reorganization or merger or sale of all or substantially all of our assets, following which our stockholders prior to the consummation of such reorganization, merger or sale hold 60% or less of the voting securities of the surviving or acquiring entity, as applicable, (iii) a turnover of the majority of the Board of Directors as constituted on the effective date of the

Quay Employment Agreement, provided that under most circumstances any individual elected by a majority of the incumbent Board of Directors shall be considered as a member of the incumbent Board of Directors for this purpose, or (iv) a complete liquidation or dissolution of us.

 

Philip C. Ranker

 

We entered into an employment agreement (the “Ranker Employment Agreement”) on January 1, 2006 with Philip C. Ranker in connection with his being named our CFO for a term of three years ending January 2, 2009. A copy of the Ranker Employment Agreement was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 5, 2006. Mr. Ranker voluntarily resigned his position effective January 4, 2008.

 

Pursuant to the Ranker Employment Agreement, Mr. Ranker was entitled to annual base compensation of $250,004 in 2007, and was eligible for increases in his base salary determined by our Board of Directors and our CEO. Mr. Ranker’s incentive cash compensation under the Ranker Employment Agreement was limited to forty percent of his annual base compensation for the year, with the actual amount to be determined in light of performance criteria by the Board of Directors and our CEO.

 

Pursuant to the Ranker Employment Agreement, on January 1, 2006, Mr. Ranker was granted 20,133 shares of restricted Common Stock and options to purchase 20,133 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $14.72 per share, the closing price of our Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market on December 30, 2005. The 20,133 options had a term of 10 years from the date of grant, and were to vest in three equal annual installments beginning on January 1, 2007. The 20,133 shares of restricted stock were to vest in three equal annual installments beginning on January 1, 2007.

 

Under the Ranker Employment Agreement, in the event that, prior to January 2, 2009, we terminate Mr. Ranker’s employment without cause or if Mr. Ranker terminated his employment as the result of a substantial diminution in his authority or role as CFO, the failure of us to pay any amounts of base salary and/or incentive cash compensation, the failure of us to honor promptly any of our other material obligations under the Ranker Employment Agreement, or a material demotion in his title or status, then, in addition to pay for any unused paid time off accrued, Mr. Ranker would have been entitled to receive as severance a lump sum payment equal to twelve (12) months of his specified base salary at the rate in effect on the date of termination, the amount of his incentive cash compensation for the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs (determined on a pro rated basis) and we would continue to contribute towards the cost of COBRA coverage for six months. Upon such event, the options and shares of restricted stock granted to Mr. Ranker pursuant to the Ranker Employment Agreement would have become fully vested and such options would have become fully exercisable and would have remained exercisable for the remainder of the term set forth in the applicable option grant agreements.

 

In the event that, prior to January 2, 2009, the Ranker Employment Agreement had been terminated due to disability or death, then in addition to pay for any unused paid time off accrued, Mr. Ranker or his estate, as applicable, would have been entitled to receive as severance a lump sum payment equal to his specified base salary at the rate in effect on the date of termination for the lesser of twelve (12) months or the remaining term of the Ranker Employment Agreement and the amount of his incentive cash compensation for the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs (determined on a pro rated basis).

 

In the event that Mr. Ranker’s employment had been terminated by us or by Mr. Ranker for any reason, other than due to death or disability, during the one-year period following a change in control of us and prior to January 2, 2009, or prior to the date upon which Mr. Ranker’s options and shares of restricted stock have become fully vested and such options are fully exercisable, then in addition to pay for any unused paid time off accrued, Mr. Ranker would have been entitled to receive as severance a lump sum payment equal to the greater of twelve (12) months base salary or the balance of his base salary through January 2, 2009, in each case at the rate in effect on the date of termination, the amount of his incentive cash compensation for the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs (determined on a pro-rated basis), and an additional payment equal to the full amount of targeted incentive cash compensation for the year in which such termination occurs. In addition, upon such event, all of Mr. Ranker’s options and shares of restricted stock would have become fully vested and such options would have become fully exercisable and would remain

exercisable for the remainder of the term set forth in the applicable option grant agreements. Pursuant to the Ranker Employment Agreement, a change in control generally means (i) the acquisition by any person or group of 40% or more of our voting securities, (ii) our reorganization or merger or sale of all or substantially all of our assets, following which our stockholders prior to the consummation of such reorganization, merger or sale hold 60% or less of the voting securities of the surviving or acquiring entity, as applicable, (iii) a turnover of the majority of the Board of Directors as constituted on the effective date of the Ranker Employment Agreement, provided that under most circumstances any individual elected by a majority of the incumbent Board of Directors shall be considered as a member of the incumbent Board of Directors for this purpose, or (iv) a complete liquidation or dissolution of us.

 

Dr. Gordon C. Brandt

 

We entered into an employment agreement (the “Brandt Employment Agreement”) on December 19, 2007 with Gordon C. Brandt, M.D., in connection with Dr. Brandt being named our President for the period beginning December 19, 2007 and ending December 31, 2010. A copy of the Brandt Employment Agreement was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 20, 2007.

 

Pursuant to the Brandt Employment Agreement, Dr. Brandt is entitled to annual base compensation of $376,000 effective December 19, 2007 and will be eligible for increases in his base salary as may be determined by our Board of Directors and our CEO. Effective for our fiscal year that began on January 1, 2008, Dr. Brandt’s targeted incentive cash compensation under the Brandt Employment Agreement is fifty percent of his annual base compensation for the year, with the actual amount, which may be more or less than said targeted amount, to be determined by the Board of Directors and our CEO.

 

Under the Brandt Employment Agreement, in the event that, prior to December 31, 2010, we terminate Dr. Brandt’s employment without cause or if Dr. Brandt terminates his employment as the result of a substantial diminution in his authority or role as President, the failure of us to pay any amounts of base salary and/or incentive cash compensation, the failure of us to honor promptly any of our other material obligations under the Brandt Employment Agreement, or a material demotion in his title or status, then in addition to pay for any unused paid time off accrued, Dr. Brandt will be entitled to receive as severance a lump sum payment equal to twelve (12) months of his specified base salary at the rate in effect on the date of termination, the amount of his incentive cash compensation for the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs (determined on a pro rated basis) and we shall continue to contribute towards the cost of COBRA coverage for six months. Upon such event, Dr. Brandt’s options and shares of restricted stock shall become fully vested and such options shall become fully exercisable and shall remain exercisable as specified in the applicable grant agreements.

 

In the event that, prior to December 31, 2010, the Brandt Employment Agreement is terminated due to disability or death, then in addition to pay for any unused paid time off accrued, Dr. Brandt or his estate, as applicable, is entitled to receive as severance a lump sum payment equal to his specified base salary at the rate in effect on the date of termination for the lesser of twelve (12) months or the remaining term of the Brandt Employment Agreement and the amount of his incentive cash compensation for the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs (determined on a pro rated basis).

 

In the event that Dr. Brandt’s employment is terminated by us or by Dr. Brandt for any reason, other than due to death or disability, during the one-year period following a change in control of us and prior to December 31, 2010, then in addition to pay for any unused paid time off accrued, Dr. Brandt will be entitled to receive as severance a lump sum payment equal to the greater of twelve (12) months base salary or the balance of his base salary through December 31, 2010, in each case at the rate in effect on the date of termination, the amount of his incentive cash compensation for the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs (determined on a pro rated basis), and an additional payment equal to 50% of his base salary for such year. In addition, upon such event, all of Dr. Brandt’s options and shares of restricted stock shall become fully vested and such options shall become fully exercisable and shall remain exercisable as specified in the applicable option grant agreements. Pursuant to the Brandt Employment Agreement, a change in control generally means (i) the acquisition by any person or group of 40% or more of our voting securities, (ii) our reorganization or merger or

sale of all or substantially of our assets, following which our stockholders prior to the consummation of such reorganization, merger or sale hold 60% or less of the voting securities of the surviving or acquiring entity, as applicable, (iii) a turnover of the majority of the Board of Directors as constituted on the effective date of the Brandt Employment Agreement, provided that under most circumstances any individual elected by a majority of the incumbent Board of Directors shall be considered as a member of the incumbent Board of Directors for this purpose, or (iv) a complete liquidation or dissolution of us.

 

In connection with the entry into the Brandt Employment Agreement, we and Dr. Brandt also entered into an omnibus amendment to all of Dr. Brandt’s outstanding grant awards to provide that the terms of the Brandt Employment Agreement shall supersede any conflicting terms contained in grant awards.

 

Timothy M. Duffy

 

We entered into an employment agreement (the “Duffy Employment Agreement”) on September 15, 2006 with Timothy M. Duffy for the period beginning September 15, 2006 and ending June 30, 2009. Mr. Duffy, formerly our Executive Vice President of Marketing, Business Development & Legal, assumed the position of Chief Business Officer on February 12, 2008. A copy of the Duffy Employment Agreement was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 20, 2006.

 

Pursuant to the Duffy Employment Agreement, Mr. Duffy is entitled to annual base compensation of $249,500 effective January 1, 2007, and will be eligible for increases in his base salary as may be determined by our Board of Directors and our CEO. Effective for the our fiscal year that began on January 1, 2007, and each calendar year thereafter during the term of the Duffy Employment Agreement, Mr. Duffy’s targeted incentive cash compensation is forty percent of his annual base compensation for the year, with the actual amount, which may be more or less than said targeted amount, to be determined by the Board of Directors and our CEO.

 

Under the Duffy Employment Agreement, in the event that, prior to June 30, 2009, we terminate Mr. Duffy’s employment without cause or if Mr. Duffy terminates his employment as the result of a substantial diminution in his authority or role as Chief Business Officer, the failure of us to pay any amounts of base salary and/or incentive cash compensation, the failure of us to honor promptly any of our other material obligations under the Duffy Employment Agreement, or a material demotion in his title or status, then in addition to pay for any unused paid time off accrued, Mr. Duffy will be entitled to receive as severance a lump sum payment equal to twelve (12) months of his specified base salary at the rate in effect on the date of termination, the amount of his incentive cash compensation for the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs (determined on a pro rated basis) and we shall continue to contribute towards the cost of COBRA coverage for six months. Upon such event, Mr. Duffy’s options and shares of restricted stock shall become fully vested and such options shall become fully exercisable and shall remain exercisable as specified in the applicable grant agreements.

 

In the event that, prior to June 30, 2009, the Duffy Employment Agreement is terminated due to disability or death, then in addition to pay for any unused paid time off accrued, Mr. Duffy or his estate, as applicable, is entitled to receive as severance a lump sum payment equal to his specified base salary at the rate in effect on the date of termination for the lesser of twelve (12) months or the remaining term of the Duffy Employment Agreement and the amount of his incentive cash compensation for the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs (determined on a pro rated basis).

 

In the event that Mr. Duffy’s employment is terminated by us or by Mr. Duffy for any reason, other than due to death or disability, during the one-year period following a change in control of us and prior to June 30, 2009, then in addition to pay for any unused paid time off accrued, Mr. Duffy will be entitled to receive as severance a lump sum payment equal to the greater of twelve (12) months base salary or the balance of his base salary through June 30, 2009, in each case at the rate in effect on the date of termination, the amount of his incentive cash compensation for the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs (determined on a pro rated basis), and an additional payment equal to 40% of his base salary for such year. In addition, upon such event, all of Mr. Duffy’s options and shares of restricted stock shall become fully vested and such options shall become fully exercisable and shall remain exercisable as specified in the applicable option grant

agreements. Pursuant to the Duffy Employment Agreement, a change in control generally means (i) the acquisition by any person or group of 40% or more of our voting securities, (ii) our reorganization or merger or sale of all or substantially all of our assets, following which our stockholders prior to the consummation of such reorganization, merger or sale hold 60% or less of the voting securities of the surviving or acquiring entity, as applicable, (iii) a turnover of the majority of the Board of Directors as constituted on the effective date of the Duffy Employment Agreement, provided that under most circumstances any individual elected by a majority of the incumbent Board of Directors shall be considered as a member of the incumbent Board of Directors for this purpose, or (iv) a complete liquidation or dissolution of us.

 

In connection with the entry into the Duffy Employment Agreement, we and Mr. Duffy also entered into an omnibus amendment to all of Mr. Duffy’s outstanding grant awards to provide that the terms of the Duffy Employment Agreement shall supersede any conflicting terms contained in grant awards.

 

2007 Grants of Plan Based Awards Table

 

The following table sets forth information regarding the awards granted to each Named Executive Officer during 2007:

 

 

 

 

2007 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table

 

The following table sets forth information regarding the outstanding equity awards held by our Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 2007:

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007 Option Exercises and Stock Vested Table

 

The following table sets forth the number of shares acquired and the aggregate dollar amount realized pursuant to the exercise of options and restricted stock awards that vested for our Named Executive Officers during 2007:

 

 

 

 

Option repricings

 

We have not engaged in any option repricings or other modifications to any of our outstanding equity awards to our Named Executive Officers during fiscal year 2007.

Potential payments upon termination or change in control arrangements

 

See “Employment Agreements” above for a description of the severance and change in control arrangements for our Named Executive Officers. Each of our Named Executive Officers will be eligible to receive severance payments only if each officer signs a general release of claims. The Compensation Committee, as plan administrator of our Stock Option Plans, has the authority to provide for accelerated vesting of options or restricted stock held by our Named Executive Officers and any other person in connection with certain changes in control of our company. In addition, Dr. Quay’s employment agreement provides for a “gross up” of Total Benefits, as such term is defined is Dr. Quay’s employment agreement, potentially granted to Dr. Quay upon his termination or a change in control.

 

In those employment agreements with our Named Executive Officers containing a change in control provision, subject to certain exceptions, a change in control is generally defined as (i) the acquisition by an entity of 40% or more of either (a) the outstanding shares of our capital stock or (b) the combined voting power of our outstanding voting securities entitled to vote in the election of directors, (ii) the cessation of the individuals who comprised the Board of Directors as of the effective date of such agreements to constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors, (iii) approval by the shareholders of a business reorganization in which all or substantially all of the holders of our outstanding capital stock and voting securities immediately prior to such reorganization do not, following such reorganization, own more than 60% of our outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of our outstanding voting securities, (iv) our complete liquidation or dissolution, or (v) a sale or disposition of all or substantially all of our assets.

 

Estimated payments and benefits upon termination

 

The amount of compensation and benefits payable to each Named Executive Officer under various termination events and circumstances has been estimated in the tables below. The amounts shown assume that such termination was effective as of December 31, 2007, our last business day of 2007, and thus includes amounts earned through such time and are estimates of the amounts that would be paid out to the executive officers upon their termination. Amounts under equity awards are determined based on the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2007, which was $3.80 per share. The actual amounts to be paid out can only be determined at the time of such executive officer’s separation from our company.

 

Unless otherwise provided by our plan administrator in stock option or restricted stock award agreements or in employment contracts with our Named Executive Officers, upon termination of a participant’s employment or service, participants generally will forfeit any outstanding awards, except that a participant will have (i) 90 days (but in no event after the original expiration date of the award) following termination of employment or service to exercise any then-vested options and (ii) the earlier of one year or the original expiration of the grant if termination of employment or service is a result of the participant’s disability or death. In the event of the death or disability of a Named Executive Officer, the Named Executive Officer will receive benefits under our disability plan or payments under our life insurance plan, as appropriate. The terms “cause”, “good reason”, “change of control” and “disability” have the meanings given to such terms in the employment agreements with our Named Executive Officers.

 

2007 Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control Table