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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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Confidential, For use of the Commission only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
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Definitive proxy statement
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Definitive additional materials
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Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
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Titan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
   
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
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No fee required.
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
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(1)
Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
   
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(2)
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
   
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(3)
Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
   
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials:
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing.
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(3)
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TITAN PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
400 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 505
South San Francisco, California 94080​
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To be held December 30, 2020
To the Stockholders of Titan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.:
The annual meeting of stockholders of Titan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“our company, “Titan,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) will be held at our executive offices at 400 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 505, South San Francisco, California 94080 on Friday, December 30, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. local time for the following purposes:
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to elect a board of five directors;
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to approve amendments to our 2015 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”) to (i) increase the number of shares authorized for issuance thereunder from 1,666,666 to 30,000,000 and (ii) increase the number of shares of common stock that may be granted as awards to any individual in a single year from 83,334 to 4,500,000 (collectively, the “Plan Amendments”);
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to ratify the appointment of OUM & Co. LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020; and
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to consider and take action upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
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The close of business on November 18, 2020 has been fixed as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
You are cordially invited to attend the meeting in person. However, to assure your representation at the meeting, please mark, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy as promptly as possible in the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope. If you attend the meeting you may vote in person, even if you returned a proxy.
Our proxy statement and proxy are enclosed, along with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. These materials are also available on our website: www.titanpharm.com.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SHARE AMOUNTS AND EXERCISE PRICES SET FORTH IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT, INCLUDING WITH RESPECT TO THE PLAN AMENDMENTS, DO NOT REFLECT TO A REVERSE SPLIT THAT MAY BE EFFECTED PRIOR TO THE MEETING DATE, IF APPROVED BY STOCKHOLDERS AT THE SPECIAL MEETING ON NOVEMBER 30, 2020.
IMPORTANT
Please note, if your shares are held in street name, your broker, trust, bank or other nominee holder cannot vote your shares on the approval of the Plan Amendments unless you direct the nominee holder how to vote by marking your form of proxy and returning it as instructed.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Marc Rubin, M.D.
Executive Chairman of the Board
November 24, 2020
 
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TITAN PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
400 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 505
South San Francisco, California 94080​
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
We are furnishing this proxy statement to the holders of our common stock in connection with the solicitation of proxies on behalf of our board of directors (the “Board”) for use at our annual meeting of stockholders to be held at our executive offices at 400 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 505, South San Francisco, California 94080 on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. local time, and any adjournment thereof. We will bear the cost of soliciting proxies. In addition to solicitation of proxies by mail, our employees, without extra remuneration, may solicit proxies personally or by telephone. We will reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners and seeking instruction with respect thereto.
We mailed these proxy materials on or about November 30, 2020 to our stockholders of record and beneficial owners as of November 18, 2020.
Annual Report on Form 10-K
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 as filed with the SEC (the “2019 10-K”) is accessible free of charge on our website at www.titanpharm.com/investors/secfilings. It contains audited financial statements covering our fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. You can request a copy of the 2019 10-K free of charge by calling 1-650-989-2268 or sending an e-mail to bcrowley@titanpharm.com. Please include your contact information with the request. The 2019 10-K, without exhibits, accompanies this proxy statement.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT VOTING
Record Date
Only the holders of record of our common stock at the close of business on the record date, November 18, 2020 (the “Record Date”), are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. On the Record Date, there were 196,763,180 shares of our common stock outstanding. Stockholders are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held on the Record Date.
Quorum
Consistent with Delaware law and our bylaws, the presence, in person or by proxy, of at least a majority of the shares entitled to vote at the annual meeting will constitute a quorum for purposes of voting on a particular matter at the annual meeting. Once a share is represented for any purpose at the annual meeting, it is deemed present for quorum purposes for the remainder of the meeting and any adjournment thereof unless a new record date is set for the adjournment. If a quorum is not present, the annual meeting will be adjourned until a quorum is obtained.
Voting
When a proxy is properly executed and returned (and not subsequently properly revoked), the shares it represents will be voted in accordance with the directions indicated thereon, or, if no direction is indicated thereon, it will be voted:
1)
FOR the election of the five director nominees identified therein;
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2)
FOR approval of the Plan Amendments;
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3)
FOR ratification of the appointment of OUM & Co. LLP to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020; and
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4)
in the discretion of the proxies with respect to any other matters properly brought before the stockholders at the meeting.
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Votes Required for Approval
Assuming the presence of a quorum at the annual meeting:
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The election of directors will be determined by a plurality of the votes cast. This means that the five nominees receiving the highest number of “FOR” votes will be elected as directors. Abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, are not treated as votes cast, and therefore will have no effect on the proposal to elect directors.
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The approval of the Plan Amendments and the ratification of the appointment of OUM & Co. LLP require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock present or represented and entitled to vote on the proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, are not treated as votes cast, and therefore will have no effect on this proposal.
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Broker Non-Votes
A “broker non-vote” occurs when a broker, bank, or other holder of record holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because that holder (i) has not received instructions from the beneficial owner and (ii) does not have discretionary voting power for that particular item.
If you are a beneficial owner and you do not give instructions to your broker, bank, or other holder of record, such holder of record will be entitled to vote the shares with respect to “routine” items but will not be permitted to vote the shares with respect to “non-routine” items (those shares are treated as “broker non-votes”). If you are a beneficial owner, your broker, bank, or other holder of record has discretion to vote your shares on the to ratify the appointment of OUM & Co. LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm if the holder of record does not receive voting instructions from you. However, such holder of record may not vote your shares on the election of directors or the proposal to approve the Plan Amendments without your voting instructions on this proposal. Accordingly, without your voting instructions on these proposals, a broker non-vote will occur.
We encourage you to provide instructions to your bank, brokerage firm, or other nominee by voting your proxy. This action ensures that your shares will be voted in accordance with your wishes at the annual meeting.
Revocability of Proxies
You may revoke any proxy given in response to this solicitation by notifying the Company in writing at the above address, attention: Corporate Secretary by 5 p.m. on December 29, 2020, or by voting a subsequent proxy or in person at the annual meeting. Attendance by a stockholder at the meeting does not alone serve to revoke a proxy. If a broker, trust, bank or other nominee holds your shares, please follow the instructions you receive from that person.
Delivery of Documents to Stockholders Sharing an Address
The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies to deliver a single Notice of Internet Availability or a single copy of proxy materials to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless a company has received contrary instructions from one or more of the stockholders at that address. Upon request, we will promptly deliver a separate Notice of Internet Availability or separate copy of proxy materials to one or more stockholders at a shared address to which a single Notice of Internet Availability or a single copy of proxy materials was delivered. Stockholders may request a separate Notice of Internet Availability or separate copy of proxy materials by contacting our Vice President, Finance either by calling 1-650-989-2268 or by mailing a request to 400 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 505, South San Francisco, California 94080. Stockholders at a shared address who receive multiple Notices of Internet Availability or multiple copies of proxy materials may request to receive a single Notice of Internet Availability or a single copy of proxy materials in the future in the same manner as described above.
 
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Board Composition
Our Board is currently comprised of seven members. Joseph A. Akers, Sunil Bhonsle, Kate Beebe DeVarney, Ph.D., M. David MacFarlane, Ph.D., James R. McNab, Jr., Marc Rubin, M.D. and Scott A. Smith. Sunil Bhonsle and Scott Smith have determined not to stand for reelection at the meeting and, accordingly, the size of our Board is being reduced to five members.
Independence of Directors
The following individuals meet the independence requirements and standards currently established by the NASDAQ Stock Market (“Nasdaq”): Joseph A. Akers, M. David MacFarlane, Ph.D., James R. McNab, Jr. and Scott A. Smith.
Board Committees
Our Board has established the following three standing committees: audit committee; compensation committee; and nominating and governance committee, or nominating committee.
The audit committee was formed in compliance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and currently consists of Joseph A. Akers (chair), M. David MacFarlane, Ph.D. and James R. McNab, Jr., each of whom meets the independence requirements and standards currently established by Nasdaq and the SEC. In addition, the Board has determined that Mr. Akers is an “audit committee financial expert” and “independent” as defined under the relevant rules of the SEC and Nasdaq. The audit committee assists the Board by overseeing the performance of the independent auditors and the quality and integrity of Titan’s internal accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices. The audit committee is responsible for retaining (subject to stockholder ratification) and, as necessary, terminating, the independent auditors, annually reviewing the qualifications, performance and independence of the independent auditors and the audit plan, fees and audit results, and pre-approving audit and non-audit services to be performed by the auditors and related fees. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, the audit committee met four times.
The compensation committee makes recommendations to the Board concerning salaries and incentive compensation for our officers, including our principal executive officer, and employees and administers our stock option plans. The compensation committee currently consists of Joseph A. Akers, M. David MacFarlane, Ph.D. (chair) and Scott A. Smith, each of whom meets the independence requirements and standards currently established by Nasdaq. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, the compensation committee met one time as a separate committee and took action by written consent one time.
The purpose of the nominating committee is to assist the Board in identifying qualified individuals to become Board members, in determining the composition of the Board and in monitoring the process to assess Board effectiveness. The nominating committee consists of Joseph A. Akers, M. David MacFarlane, Ph.D. and Scott A. Smith (chair), each of whom meets the independence requirements and standards currently established by Nasdaq. The nominating committee did not meet during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.
The charters for the audit, compensation and governance committees, which have been adopted by our Board, contain detailed descriptions of the committees’ duties and responsibilities and are available in the About Titan section of our website at www.titanpharm.com.
Board Leadership Structure
Since the retirement of Sunil Bhonsle from his position as chief executive officer on October 31, 2020, our principal executive officer and chairman of the Board positions are both held by Marc Rubin, M.D.
Role of the Board in Risk Oversight
Our audit committee is primarily responsible for overseeing our risk management processes on behalf of the full Board. The audit committee receives reports from management at least quarterly regarding our
 
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assessment of risks. In addition, the audit committee reports regularly to the full Board, which also considers our risk profile. The audit committee and the full Board focus on the most significant risks we face and our general risk management strategies. While the Board oversees our risk management, management is responsible for day-to-day risk management processes. Our Board expects management to consider risk and risk management in each business decision, to proactively develop and monitor risk management strategies and processes for day-to-day activities and to effectively implement risk management strategies adopted by the audit committee and the Board. We believe this division of responsibilities is the most effective approach for addressing the risks we face and that our Board leadership structure, which also emphasizes the independence of the Board in its oversight of its business and affairs, supports this approach.
Board Meetings
Our business affairs are managed under the direction of our Board, which is currently composed of seven members. The primary responsibilities of the Board are to provide oversight, strategic guidance, counseling and direction to our management. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, the Board met seven times and took action by written consent two times. No director attended fewer than 75% of the meetings of the Board and Board committees of which the director was a member. All of the members of the Board attended our last annual meeting of stockholders either in person or by telephone.
Code of Ethics
We adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) in February 2013 that applies to all directors, officers and employees. The Code was filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and is available on our website at www.titanpharm.com as part of that report. A copy of the Code will also be provided to any person without charge, upon written request sent to us at our offices located at 400 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 505, South San Francisco, California 94080.
Communications with the Board
Stockholders can mail communications to the Board, c/o Titan Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 400 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 505, South San Francisco, California 94080, who will forward the correspondence to each addressee.
 
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth as of the Record Date, the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by (i) each person who is known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of our common stock; (ii) each current director and director nominee; (iii) each of the named executive officers; and (iv) all directors and executive officers as a group. As of the Record Date, we had 196,763,180 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Unless otherwise indicated, the stockholders listed in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares indicated.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1)
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Shares
Beneficially
Owned(2)
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Percent of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned
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Joseph A. Akers(3)
​ ​ ​ ​ 74,974 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ *% ​ ​
Sunil Bhonsle(4)
​ ​ ​ ​ 309,155 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ * ​ ​
Kate Beebe DeVarney, Ph.D.(5)
​ ​ ​ ​ 55,876 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ * ​ ​
M. David MacFarlane, Ph.D.(6)
​ ​ ​ ​ 39,327 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ * ​ ​
James R. McNab, Jr.(7)
​ ​ ​ ​ 89,475 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ * ​ ​
Marc Rubin, M.D.(8)
​ ​ ​ ​ 329,250 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ * ​ ​
Scott A. Smith(9)
​ ​ ​ ​ 2,501 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ * ​ ​
All executive officers and directors as a group (7) persons
​ ​ ​ ​ 900,558 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ * ​ ​
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*
Less than one percent.
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(1)
Unless otherwise indicated, the address of such individual is c/o Titan Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 400 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 505, South San Francisco, California 94080.
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(2)
In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of a person, shares of our common stock subject to options held by that person that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date are deemed outstanding. Such shares, however, are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of each other person. Except as indicated in the footnotes to this table and pursuant to applicable community property laws, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock.
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(3)
Includes (i) 6,138 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options and (ii) 33,334 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants.
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(4)
Includes (i) 177,429 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options, (ii) 50,000 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants and (iii) 9,117 shares held in a family trust for which he serves as trustee.
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(5)
Includes 53,489 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options.
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(6)
Includes (i) 8,944 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options and (ii) 13,334 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants.
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(7)
Includes (i) 6,138 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options and (ii) 33,334 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants.
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(8)
Includes (i) 169,855 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options and (ii) 66,667 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants.
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(9)
Represents shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options.
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PROPOSAL NO. 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
At the meeting, five directors will be elected by the stockholders to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until their successors are elected and shall qualify. It is intended that the accompanying proxy will be voted for the election, as directors, of Marc Rubin, M.D., Joseph A. Akers, Kate Beebe DeVarney, Ph.D., M. David MacFarlane, Ph.D. and James R. McNab, Jr. unless the proxy contains contrary instructions. Sunil Bhonsle and Scott Smith have decided not to stand for reelection at the meeting and will be retiring from the Board on the meeting date. We have no reason to believe that any of the nominees will not be a candidate or will be unable to serve. In the event that any of the nominees should become unable or unwilling to serve as a director, however, the persons named in the proxy have advised that they will vote for the election of such person or persons as shall be designated by the directors.
Our directors are appointed for a one-year term to hold office until the next annual meeting of our stockholders or until they resign or are removed from office in accordance with our bylaws. Set forth below are the respective principal occupations or brief employment histories of the seven nominees.
Marc Rubin, M.D. (65) served as our president and chief executive from October 2007 until December 2008 and was re-engaged as our executive chairman in May 2009. Until February 2007, Dr. Rubin served as head of global research and development for Bayer Schering Pharma, as well as a member of the Executive Committee of Bayer Healthcare and the Board of Management of Bayer Schering Pharma. Prior to the merger of Bayer Pharmaceuticals and Schering AG in June 2006, Dr. Rubin was a member of the Executive Board of Schering AG since joining the Company in October 2003, as well as chairman of Schering Berlin Inc. and President of Berlex Pharmaceuticals, a division of Schering AG. From 1990 until August 2003, Dr. Rubin was employed by GlaxoSmithKline where he held positions of increasing responsibility in global clinical and commercial development overseeing programs in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America. From 2001 through 2003, he was senior vice president of Global Clinical Pharmacology & Discovery Medicine. Dr. Rubin holds an M.D. from Cornell University Medical College. Dr. Rubin currently serves on the board of directors of Curis Inc. and Galectin Therapeutics. Based on Dr. Rubin’s position as our executive chairman, his extensive senior management experience and service on boards of directors in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries and his medical background, our Board believes that Dr. Rubin has the appropriate set of skills to serve as a member of the Board.
Joseph A. Akers (75) was employed in various capacities by Bayer Corporation, Bayer Healthcare and certain related entities, including as president of the Hematology/Cardiology Business Unit from 2004 to 2007, president and chief executive officer of Bayer Business and Corporate Services from July 2002 through 2003 and executive vice president and chief administrative and financial officer from 1999 to July 2002. Mr. Akers received a B.S. in marketing and an M.B.A. in finance from the University of California at Berkeley. Based on Mr. Akers’ extensive management experience in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the areas of administration and finance, our Board believes that Mr. Akers has the appropriate set of skills to serve as a member of the Board.
Kate Beebe DeVarney, Ph.D. (59) joined Titan in February 2007 and has served as our President and Chief Operating Officer since October 2020. Prior thereto, she served as Chief Scientific Officer. She has been a member of the Board since December 2019. During her 13 years with us, Dr. Beebe DeVarney has served in various scientific and medical research and development capacities, with primary responsibility for oversight of our product research and development, Regulatory Affairs, and Medical Affairs. She has 25 years of experience as a Neuroscientist in the pharmaceutical industry, including positions of increasing responsibility with SmithKline Beecham, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, and Corcept Therapeutics. Prior to her pharmaceutical career, Dr. Beebe DeVarney was a hospital-based clinician and worked in academic medicine for 10 years. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Neuropsychology from George Mason University, and completed a two-year post-doctoral fellowship at Graduate Hospital and the University of Pennsylvania. Based on Dr. Beebe DeVarney’s extensive knowledge of our product development programs, our Board believes that Dr. Beebe DeVarney has the appropriate set of skills to serve as member of the Board.
M. David MacFarlane, Ph.D. (80) served as Vice President and Responsible Head of Regulatory Affairs of Genentech, Inc. from 1989 until his retirement in August 1999. Prior to joining Genentech, Inc., he served
 
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in various positions with Glaxo Inc., last as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs. Based on Dr. MacFarlane’s management experience in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the area of clinical and regulatory affairs, our Board believes that Dr. MacFarlane has the appropriate set of skills to serve as a member of the Board.
James R. McNab, Jr. (76) has served since June 2014 as chief executive officer of JT Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately-held drug discovery company he founded. Since 2009, Mr. McNab has served as executive chairman of FirstString Research, Inc., a privately-held biopharmaceutical company. Mr. McNab has co-founded several privately-held companies, including Sontra Medical Corporation, a drug delivery company, and Parker Medical Associates, a manufacturer and worldwide supplier of orthopedic and sports-related products. He received a B.A. in economics from Davidson College and an M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Based on Mr. McNab’s extensive management experience in the pharmaceutical industry, our Board believes that Mr. McNab has the appropriate set of skills to serve as a member of the Board.
As indicated above, each of our directors has extensive management and operational experience in one or more facets of the pharmaceutical industry, including research, product development, clinical and regulatory affairs, manufacturing and sales and marketing, providing our company with the leadership needed by a biotechnology company in all stages of its development.
Directors hold office until the next annual stockholders’ meeting or until their death, resignation, retirement, removal, disqualification, or until their successors have been elected and are qualified.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES LISTED ABOVE.
 
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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The following table summarizes compensation that our non-employee directors earned during 2019 for services as members of our Board.
Name
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Fees
Earned or
Paid in
Cash ($)
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Stock
Awards ($)
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Options
Awards ($)(1)
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Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
​ ​
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings ($)
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All Other
Compensation
($)
​ ​
Total ($)
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Joseph A. Akers(2)
​ ​ ​ $ 57,500 ​ ​ ​ ​ $  — ​ ​ ​ ​ $  — ​ ​ ​ ​ $  — ​ ​ ​ ​ $  — ​ ​ ​ ​ $  — ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 57,500 ​ ​
Rajinder Kumar(3)
​ ​ ​ ​ 50,000 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 50,000 ​ ​
M. David MacFarlane(4)
​ ​ ​ ​ 60,000 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 60,000 ​ ​
James R. McNab, Jr.(5)
​ ​ ​ ​ 57,500 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 57,500 ​ ​
Federico Seghi Recli(6)
​ ​ ​ ​ 16,875 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 16,875 ​ ​
Scott A. Smith(7)
​ ​ ​ ​ 52,500 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 52,500 ​ ​
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(1)
Valuation assumptions are found under “Titan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Financial Statements — Notes to Financial Statements — Note 9 — Stock Plans.”
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(2)
The aggregate number of option awards held at December 31, 2019 was 6,138.
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(3)
The aggregate number of option awards held at December 31, 2019 was 2,501. Mr. Kumar retired from the Board in December 2019.
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(4)
The aggregate number of option awards held at December 31, 2019 was 8,944.
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(5)
The aggregate number of option awards held at December 31, 2019 was 6,138.
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(6)
The aggregate number of option awards held at December 31, 2019 was 834. Mr. Seghi Recli resigned from the Board in May 2019.
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(7)
The aggregate number of option awards held at December 31, 2019 was 2,501.
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Overview
During 2019, the compensation packages of Dr. Rubin, serving as our executive chairman, Sunil Bhonsle, serving as our chief executive officer and president, Kate Beebe DeVarney, Ph.D., serving as our executive vice president and chief scientific officer, and Dane Hallberg, serving as our executive vice president and chief commercial officer, reflected our level of operations and resources. The key objectives for 2019 were the commercialization of our Probuphine product and the support of our ProNeura product development programs.
This compensation discussion describes the material elements of compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to each of our executive officers who served as named executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2019. This compensation discussion focuses on the information contained in the following tables and related footnotes and narrative for primarily the last completed fiscal year; however, we also describe compensation actions taken before or after the last completed fiscal year to the extent it enhances the understanding of our executive compensation disclosure.
Compensation Program Objectives and Philosophy
Our compensation committee currently oversees the design and administration of our executive compensation program. It reviews and approves all elements of compensation for each of our named executive officers taking into consideration recommendations from our principal executive officer (for compensation other than his own), as well as competitive market guidance. We define our competitive markets for executive talent to be the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries in northern California. To date, we have utilized the Radford Biotechnology Surveys, a third party market specific compensation survey, and, when applicable, other independent third-party compensation consultants to benchmark our executive compensation.
 
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The principal elements of our executive compensation program have historically been base salary, long-term equity incentives in the form of stock options or restricted stock awards, eligibility for bonus, post-termination severance and acceleration of stock option vesting for certain named executive officers upon termination and/or a change in control. We also provide other benefits and perquisites have consisting of life, health and disability insurance benefits, and a qualified 401(k) savings plan. Our philosophy has been to position the aggregate of these elements at a level that is competitive within the industry and commensurate with our size and performance recognizing operational needs and limited financial resources during this period.
Base Salaries
During 2019, the base salaries of our named executives was based on their respective employment agreements and was reflective of the availability of resources and level of continuing operations at the time the agreements were entered into. Dr. Rubin received an annual salary of $295,000 and Mr. Bhonsle received an annual salary of $395,000 under their previous employment agreements which expired on March 31, 2019. Beginning on April 1, 2019, Dr. Rubin received an annual salary of $325,000 and Mr. Bhonsle received an annual salary of $425,000 under subsequent two-year employment agreements. Beginning in January 2020, Dr. Rubin and Mr. Bhonsle agreed to a 50% reduction in their base salaries through June 30, 2020. Dr. Beebe DeVarney received an annual salary of $365,000 and Mr. Hallberg received an annual salary of $350,000 under their existing employment agreements.
Long-term Equity Incentives
We provide the opportunity for our named executive officers and other executives to earn a long-term equity incentive award. Long-term incentive awards provide employees with the incentive to stay with us for longer periods of time, which in turn, provides us with greater stability. Equity awards also are less costly to us in the short term than cash compensation. We review long-term equity incentives for our named executive officers and other executives annually.
Historically, for our named executive officers, our stock option grants were of a size and term determined and approved by the compensation committee in consideration of the range of grants in the Radford Survey, generally falling within the 50-75% range outlined in the survey. We have traditionally used stock options as our form of equity compensation because stock options provide a relatively straightforward incentive for our executives and result in less immediate dilution of existing stockholders’ interests. Generally, all grants of stock options to our employees were granted with exercise prices equal to or greater than the fair market value of our common stock on the respective grant dates.
We do not time stock option grants to executives in coordination with the release of material non-public information. Our stock option grants have a 10-year contractual exercise term. In general, the option grants are also subject to the following post-termination and change in control provisions:
​
Event
​ ​
Award Vesting
​ ​
Exercise Term
​
​
•
Termination by us for Reason Other than Cause, Disability or Death
​
 ​ ​
•
Forfeit Unvested Options
​
 ​ ​
•
Earlier of: (1) 90 days or (2) Remaining Option Period
​
 ​
​
•
Termination for Disability, Death or Retirement
​
 ​ ​
•
Forfeit Unvested Options
​
 ​ ​
•
Earlier of: (1) 2 years or (2) Remaining Option Period
​
 ​
​
•
Termination for Cause
​
 ​ ​
•
Forfeit Vested and Unvested Options
​
 ​ ​
•
Expire
​
 ​
​
•
Other Termination
​
 ​ ​
•
Forfeit Unvested Options
​
 ​ ​
•
Earlier of: (1) 90 days or (2) Remaining Option Period
​
 ​
​
•
Change in Control
​
 ​ ​
•
Accelerated*
​
 ​ ​
•
*
​
 ​
​
*
The compensation committee may provide that, in the event of a change in control, any outstanding awards that are unexercisable or otherwise unvested will become fully vested and immediately exercisable. If there is a termination of employment, the applicable termination provisions regarding exercise term will apply.
​
 
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Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
No member of our compensation committee was, or has been at any time in the last 10 years, an officer or employee of Titan or any of our former subsidiaries. No member of the compensation committee has a relationship that would constitute an interlocking relationship with executive officers or directors of our company or another entity.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table shows information concerning the annual compensation for services provided to us by our named executive officers for the periods set forth.
Name and Principal Position
​ ​
Year
​ ​
Salary ($)
​ ​
Bonus
($)
​ ​
Options
Awards
($) (1)
​ ​
Stock
Awards
($) (1)
​ ​
All Other
Compensation
($)
​ ​
Total
Compensation
($)
​
Marc Rubin, M.D.
Executive Chairman
​ ​ ​ ​ 2019 ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 318,750 ​ ​ ​ ​ $  — ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 266,629 ​ ​ ​ ​ $  — ​ ​ ​ ​ $  — ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 583,379 ​ ​
​ ​ ​ 2018 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 295,000 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 125,079 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 420,079 ​ ​
Sunil Bhonsle
Chief Executive Officer, President and Principal Financial Officer
​ ​ ​ ​ 2019 ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 417,115 ​ ​ ​ ​ $ — ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 266,629 ​ ​ ​ ​ $ — ​ ​ ​ ​ $ — ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 683,744 ​ ​
​ ​ ​ 2018 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 395,000 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 125,079 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 520,079 ​ ​
Kate Beebe DeVarney, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer
​ ​ ​ ​ 2019 ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 365,000 ​ ​ ​ ​ $ — ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 18,017 ​ ​ ​ ​ $ — ​ ​ ​ ​ $ — ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 383,017 ​ ​
​ ​ ​ 2018 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 362,708 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 125,087 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 487,795 ​ ​
Dane Hallberg
Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer
​ ​ ​ ​ 2019 ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 350,000 ​ ​ ​ ​ $ — ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 72,748 ​ ​ ​ ​ $ — ​ ​ ​ ​ $ — ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 422,748 ​ ​
​ ​ ​ 2018 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 102,101 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 39,080 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 141,181 ​ ​
​
(1)
Amounts shown represent the grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC 718. The assumptions used by us with respect to the valuation of option grants and stock awards are set forth in Note 9 of the Notes to Financial Statements in the 2019 10-K.
​
Employee Benefits Plans
The principal purpose of our stock incentive plans is to attract, motivate, reward and retain selected employees, consultants and directors through the granting of stock-based compensation awards. The stock option plans provides for a variety of awards, including non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code), stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, performance-based awards and other stock-based awards.
2001 Stock Option Plan
In August 2001, we adopted the 2001 Employee Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, or the 2001 NQ Plan, pursuant to which 53,031 shares of common stock were authorized for issuance for option grants to employees and consultants who are not officers or directors of Titan. The 2001 NQ Plan expired by its terms in August 2011. On the Record Date, options to purchase an aggregate of 12,246 shares of our common stock were outstanding under the 2001 NQ Plan.
2002 Stock Incentive Plan
In July 2002, we adopted the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, or the 2002 Plan. Under the 2002 Plan, as amended, a total of approximately 217,000 shares of our common stock were authorized for issuance to employees, officers, directors, consultants, and advisers. The 2002 Plan expired by its terms in July 2012. On the Record Date, options to purchase an aggregate of 42,523 shares of our common stock were outstanding under the 2002 Plan.
 
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2014 Incentive Plan
In February 2014, our Board adopted the 2014 Incentive Plan, or the 2014 Plan, pursuant to which 75,758 shares of our common stock were authorized for issuance to employees, directors, officers, consultants and advisors. On the Record Date, options to purchase 38,162 shares of our common stock were outstanding under the 2014 Plan.
2015 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan
In June 2015, our Board adopted, and in August 2015 our stockholders approved, the 2015 Plan. The 2015 Plan, as amended, authorizes a total of 1,666,667 shares of our common stock for issuance to employees, directors, officers, consultants and advisors. On the Record Date, options to purchase 747,733 shares of our common stock were outstanding under the 2015 Plan. See “Proposal No. 2. Approval of Plan Amendments.”
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END
The following table summarizes the number of securities underlying plan awards for each named executive officer as of December 31, 2019.
​ ​ ​
Option Awards
​
Name
​ ​
Number of
Securities Underlying
Unexercised Awards (#)
Exercisable
​ ​
Number of
Securities Underlying
Unexercised Awards
(#) Unexercisable
​ ​
Exercise
Price ($)
​ ​
Expiration
Date
​
Marc Rubin, M.D.
​ ​ ​ ​ 4,546 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 46.20 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 4/15/2021 ​ ​
​ ​ ​ 7,576 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 37.92 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 1/3/2022 ​ ​
​ ​ ​ 6,061 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 19.80 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 3/16/2025 ​ ​
​ ​ ​ 15,151 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 30.60 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 12/14/2025 ​ ​
​ ​ ​ 13,184 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 30.60 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 02/02/2026 ​ ​
​ ​ ​ 11,668 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 23.40 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 02/13/2027 ​ ​
​ ​ ​ 28,335 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 5.82 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 03/07/2028 ​ ​
​ ​ ​ 83,334 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 116,666(1) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 1.75 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 4/2/2029 ​ ​
Sunil Bhonsle
​ ​ ​ ​ 6,061 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 46.20 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 4/15/2021 ​ ​
​ ​ ​ 9,091 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 37.92 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 1/3/2022 ​ ​
​ ​ ​ 7,273 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 19.80 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 3/16/2025 ​ ​
​ ​ ​ 15,151 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 30.60 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 12/14/2025 ​ ​
​ ​ ​ 14,851 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 30.60 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2/2/2026 ​ ​
​ ​ ​ 13,334 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 23.40 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 02/13/2027 ​ ​
​ ​ ​ 28,334 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 5.82 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 03/7/2028 ​ ​
​ ​ ​ 83,334 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 116,666(1) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 1.75 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 4/2/2029 ​ ​
Kate Beebe DeVarney, Ph.D.
​ ​ ​ ​ 3,031 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 1.553 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 5/11/2021 ​ ​
​ ​ ​ 4,546 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 1.553 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 1/3/2022 ​ ​
​ ​ ​ 4,243 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 19.80 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 3/16/2025 ​ ​
​ ​ ​ 6,667 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 1.553 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 12/14/2025 ​ ​
​ ​ ​ 6,667 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 1.553 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2/13/2027 ​ ​
​ ​ ​ 28,335 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 5.82 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 3/7/2028 ​ ​
Dane Hallberg
​ ​ ​ ​ 12,155 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 29,512(2) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 1.26 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 10/1/2028 ​ ​
​ ​ ​ 20,000 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 60,000(3) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 1.50 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 6/5/2029 ​ ​
​
(1)
These options vested as to 83,334 shares on the grant date with the balance to vest at such time, if ever, as we received stockholder approval of a previously authorized Board’s amendment to Section 5.1 of the Plan to increase the limitation on the number of awards granted to a single individual in any calendar year. Such approval was not obtained and the unvested portions of the options were cancelled.
​
(2)
These option grants vest monthly over 48 months from the grant date.
​
 
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(3)
These option grants vest monthly over 24 months from the grant date.
​
There were no option exercises by our named executive officers during 2019 and through the Record Date.
Pension Benefits
We do not sponsor any qualified or non-qualified defined benefit plans.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
We do not maintain any non-qualified defined contribution or deferred compensation plans. The compensation committee, which is comprised solely of “outside directors” as defined for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code, may elect to provide our officers and other employees with non-qualified defined contribution or deferred compensation benefits if the compensation committee determines that doing so is in our best interests. We sponsor a tax qualified defined contribution 401(k) plan in which Dr. Rubin and Mr. Bhonsle participated.
Employment Agreements
On April 1, 2019, we entered into new employment agreements with Dr. Rubin and Mr. Bhonsle providing for base annual salaries of $325,000 and $425,000, respectively. The employment agreements contain the following terms:
•
Bonuses.   The executive may, at the sole discretion of the board of directors or the compensation committee, be considered for an annual bonus of up to 50% of his then base salary, payable in cash or awards under the Company’s equity incentive plan.
​
•
Term; Termination.   The employment agreements have a two-year term but may be terminated by the Company for any reason at any time. In the event of termination by the Company without Cause or their resignation for Good Reason, not in connection with a Change of Control (as those terms are defined in such agreements), the executives are entitled to (i) severance in the form of continuation of their base salary for 12 months, (ii) a pro rata portion of any annual bonus, (iii) 12 months of COBRA payments, and (iv) the immediate accelerated vesting of any unvested restricted shares and stock options. In the event such a termination is within 30 days prior to or six months following a change of control, the severance payment provided in clause (i) above shall be made in a lump sum.
​
•
Restrictive Covenants.   The employment agreements contain 12-month post-termination noncompetition and non-solicitation provisions.
​
•
Clawback.   The employment agreements contain a two-year post-termination clawback of bonuses and equity compensation in the event of a restatement of financial results upon which such benefits were based.
​
In November 2018, we entered into an employment agreements with Dr. Beebe DeVarney providing for a base annual salary of $365,000. The employment agreement contains the following terms:
•
Bonuses.   The executive may, at the sole discretion of the board of directors or the compensation committee, be considered for an annual bonus of up to 50% of her then base salary, payable in cash or awards under the Company’s equity incentive plan.
​
•
Term; Termination.   The employment agreement may be terminated by the Company for any reason at any time. In the event of termination by the Company without Cause or their resignation for Good Reason, not in connection with a Change of Control (as those terms are defined in such agreement), the executive is entitled to (i) severance in the form of continuation of her base salary for 12 months, (ii) a pro rata portion of any annual bonus, (iii) 12 months of COBRA payments, and (iv) the immediate accelerated vesting of any unvested restricted shares and stock options.
​
•
Restrictive Covenants.   The employment agreements contain 12-month post-termination noncompetition and non-solicitation provisions.
​
 
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EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table sets forth aggregate information regarding our equity compensation plans that will be in effect as of December 31, 2019:
Plan category
​ ​
Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options
(a)
​ ​
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options
(b)
​ ​
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans
(c)
​
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
​ ​ ​ ​ 1,138,132 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 5.37 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 577,879 ​ ​
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders(1)(2)
​ ​ ​ ​ 53,591 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 24,33 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​
Total
​ ​ ​ ​ 1,191,723 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 6.23 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 577,879 ​ ​
​
(1)
Includes 12,246 shares underlying options granted to employees and consultants who are not officers or directors of Titan under our 2001 Employee Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan.
​
(2)
Includes 41,345 non-qualified stock options granted to employees, directors and consultants under our 2014 Incentive Plan.
​
 
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AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The report of the audit committee is not “soliciting material,” is not deemed “filed” with the SEC and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, both as amended.
The audit committee has reviewed Titan’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 and has discussed these statements with management and OUM & Co. LLP, or OUM, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. Titan management is responsible for the preparation of the Company’s financial statements and for maintaining an adequate system of disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting for that purpose. The independent registered public accounting firm audits the annual consolidated financial statements prepared by management, expresses an opinion as to whether those consolidated financial statements present fairly the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Titan in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and discusses any issues they believe should be raised with us. The audit committee is responsible for providing independent, objective oversight of the Company’s accounting functions and internal controls.
The audit committee also received from, and discussed with, OUM the written disclosures and other communications that the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is required to provide to the audit committee, including the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 1301, as amended (Communications with Audit Committees), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or PCAOB, in Rule 3200T.
OUM also provided the audit committee with the written disclosures and the letter required by the PCAOB requiring independent registered public accounting firms to annually disclose in writing all relationships that, in their professional opinion, may reasonably be thought to bear on independence, to confirm their perceived independence and to engage in a discussion of independence. The audit committee has reviewed this disclosure and has discussed with OUM their independence from Titan.
Based on its discussions with management and our independent registered public accounting firm as outlined above, and its review of the representations and information provided by management and our independent registered public accounting firm, the audit committee recommended to the Board that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the 2019 10-K for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Respectfully submitted by the audit committee,
Joseph A. Akers, Chair
M. David MacFarlane, Ph.D.
James R. McNab, Jr.
 
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PROPOSAL NO. 2
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS TO THE 2015 OMNIBUS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
In November 2020, the Board adopted, subject to the receipt of stockholder approval, the Plan Amendments to the 2015 Plan to (i) increase the number of shares authorized for issuance thereunder from 1,666,667 to 30,000,000 and (ii) increase the number of shares of common stock that can be granted as awards to any one individual in a single calendar year from 83,334 to 4,500,000. The proposed increase in the number of shares authorized under the 2015 Plan represents an increase from approximately 1% of the 196,763,180 common shares outstanding on the Record Date to approximately 15% of the Record Date number of shares. None of the foregoing share amounts reflect a reverse stock split that may be effected if approved by stockholders at the special meeting scheduled for November 30, 2020. A reverse stock split would have the effect of proportionately reducing the both the authorized number of shares under the 2015 Plan and the maximum yearly grant to any one individual, but will not impact the percentages set forth above.
The purpose of the Plan Amendments is to assist us in attracting and retaining the key personnel we believe we need to conduct our research and development activities while maintaining cost-cutting measures necessary to fund our operations with our limited available capital. The Plan Amendments will only become effective upon our receipt of stockholder approval of this Proposal No. 2.
General Description of the 2015 Plan
The following is a summary of the material provisions of the 2015 Plan and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the 2015 Plan, a copy of which is attached to this proxy statement as Annex A.
Administration.   The 2015 Plan is administered by the compensation committee of the Board, which consists of three members of the Board, each of whom is a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act and an “outside director” within the meaning of Code Section 162(m). Among other things, the compensation committee has complete discretion, subject to the express limits of the 2015 Plan, to determine the directors, employees and nonemployee consultants to be granted an award, the type of award to be granted the terms and conditions of the award, the form of payment to be made and/or the number of shares of common stock subject to each award, the exercise price of each option and base price of each stock appreciation right (“SAR”), the term of each award, the vesting schedule for an award, whether to accelerate vesting, the value of the common stock underlying the award, and the required withholding, if any. The compensation committee may amend, modify or terminate any outstanding award, provided that the participant’s consent to such action is required if the action would impair the participant’s rights or entitlements with respect to that award. The compensation committee is also authorized to construe the award agreements, and may prescribe rules relating to the 2015 Plan.
Grant of Awards; Shares Available for Awards.   The 2015 Plan provides for the grant of stock options, SARs, performance share awards, performance unit awards, distribution equivalent right awards, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards and unrestricted stock awards to non-employee directors, officers, employees and nonemployee consultants of Titan or its affiliates. We have reserved a total of 1,666,667 shares of common stock for issuance as or under awards to be made under the 2015 Plan. As of the Record Date, awards covering an aggregate of 747,733 shares of common stock were outstanding under the 2015 Plan. If any award expires, is cancelled, or terminates unexercised or is forfeited, the number of shares subject thereto is again available for grant under the 2015 Plan. The number of shares of common stock for which awards may be granted under the 2015 Plan to a participant who is an employee in any calendar year is currently limited to 83,334 shares.
The Amendments, if approved by our stockholders, will increase the number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2015 Plan to 30,000,000 and will increase the number of shares that may be granted to a participant who is an employee in any calendar year to 4,500,000.
Currently, there are 16 employees and directors entitled to receive stock options and/or shares of restricted stock under the 2015 Plan. Future new hires and additional non-employee directors and/or consultants would be eligible to participate in the 2015 Plan as well. The number of stock options and/or
 
15
​
 
shares of restricted stock to be granted to executives and directors cannot be determined at this time as the grant of stock options and/or shares of restricted stock is dependent upon various factors such as hiring requirements and job performance.
Stock Options.   The 2015 Plan provides for either “incentive stock options” (“ISOs”), which are intended to meet the requirements for special federal income tax treatment under the Code, or “nonqualified stock options” (“NQSOs”); provided, however, that ISOs may only be issued if our stockholders approve the 2015 Plan at the annual meeting. Stock options may be granted on such terms and conditions as the compensation committee may determine; provided, however, that the per share exercise price under a stock option may not be less than the fair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant and the term of the stock option may not exceed 10 years (110% of such value and five years in the case of an ISO granted to an employee who owns (or is deemed to own) more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of capital stock of our company or a parent or subsidiary of our company). ISOs may only be granted to employees. In addition, the aggregate fair market value of our common stock covered by one or more ISOs (determined at the time of grant) which are exercisable for the first time by an employee during any calendar year may not exceed $100,000. Any excess is treated as an NQSO.
Stock Appreciation Rights.   A SAR entitles the participant, upon exercise, to receive an amount, in cash or stock or a combination thereof, equal to the increase in the fair market value of the underlying common stock between the date of grant and the date of exercise. SARs may be granted in tandem with, or independently of, stock options granted under the 2015 Plan. A SAR granted in tandem with a stock option (i) is exercisable only at such times, and to the extent, that the related stock option is exercisable in accordance with the procedure for exercise of the related stock option; (ii) terminates upon termination or exercise of the related stock option (likewise, the common stock option granted in tandem with a SAR terminates upon exercise of the SAR); (iii) is transferable only with the related stock option; and (iv) if the related stock option is an ISO, may be exercised only when the value of the stock subject to the stock option exceeds the exercise price of the stock option. A SAR that is not granted in tandem with a stock option is exercisable at such times as the compensation committee may specify.
Performance Shares and Performance Unit Awards.   Performance share and performance unit awards entitle the participant to receive cash or shares of our common stock upon the attainment of specified performance goals. In the case of performance units, the right to acquire the units is denominated in cash values.
Distribution Equivalent Right Awards.   A distribution equivalent right award entitles the participant to receive bookkeeping credits, cash payments and/or common stock distributions equal in amount to the distributions that would have been made to the participant had the participant held a specified number of shares of our common stock during the period the participant held the distribution equivalent right. A distribution equivalent right may be awarded as a component of another award under the 2015 Plan, where, if so awarded, such distribution equivalent right will expire or be forfeited by the participant under the same conditions as under such other award.
Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Unit Awards.   A restricted stock award is a grant or sale of common stock to the participant, subject to our right to repurchase all or part of the shares at their purchase price (or to require forfeiture of such shares if issued to the participant at no cost) in the event that conditions specified by the compensation committee in the award are not satisfied prior to the end of the time period during which the shares subject to the award may be repurchased by or forfeited to us. Our restricted stock unit entitles the participant to receive a cash payment equal to the fair market value of a share of common stock for each restricted stock unit subject to such restricted stock unit award, if the participant satisfies the applicable vesting requirement.
Unrestricted Stock Awards.   An unrestricted stock award is a grant or sale of shares of our common stock to the participant that is not subject to transfer, forfeiture or other restrictions, in consideration for past services rendered to Titan or an affiliate or for other valid consideration.
Change-in-Control Provisions.   In connection with the grant of an award, the compensation committee may provide that, in the event of a change in control, such award will become fully vested and immediately exercisable.
 
16
​
 
Repricing Prohibited.   Without stockholder approval or as a result of a change in control, the compensation committee does not have the power or authority to reduce, whether through amendment or otherwise, the exercise price under any outstanding option or stock appreciation right, or to grant any new award or make any payment of cash in substitution for or upon the cancellation of options and/or stock appreciation rights previously granted.
Amendment and Termination.   The compensation committee may adopt, amend and rescind rules relating to the administration of the 2015 Plan, and amend, suspend or terminate the 2015 Plan, but no such amendment or termination will be made that materially and adversely impairs the rights of any participant with respect to any award received thereby under the 2015 Plan without the participant’s consent, other than amendments that are necessary to permit the granting of awards in compliance with applicable laws. We have attempted to structure the 2015 Plan so that remuneration attributable to stock options and other awards will not be subject to the deduction limitation contained in Code Section 162(m).
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of the 2015 Plan
The following is a general summary of the federal income tax consequences under current U.S. tax law to Titan and to participants in the 2015 Plan who are individual citizens or residents of the United States for federal income tax purposes (“U.S. Participants”) of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance shares, performance units, restricted stock units, distribution equivalent rights and unrestricted stock. It does not purport to cover all of the special rules including special rules relating to limitations on the ability of the Company to deduct the amounts for federal income tax purposes of certain compensation, special rules relating to deferred compensation, golden parachutes, participants subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or the exercise of a stock option with previously-acquired shares of the Company’s common stock. For purposes of this summary it is assumed that U.S. Participants will hold their shares of the Company’s common stock received under the 2015 Plan as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code. In addition, this summary does not address the non-U.S. state or local income or other tax consequences, or any U.S. federal non-income tax consequences, inherent in the acquisition, ownership, vesting, exercise, termination or disposition of an award under the 2015 Plan, or shares of the Company’s common stock issued pursuant thereto. All participants are urged to consult with their own tax advisors concerning the tax consequences to them of an award under the 2015 Plan or shares of the Company’s common stock issued thereto pursuant to the 2015 Plan.
A U.S. Participant does not recognize taxable income upon the grant of an NQSO or an ISO. Upon the exercise of an NQSO, the U.S. Participant recognizes ordinary income in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the shares acquired on the date of exercise over the exercise price paid therefor under the NQSO, and the Company will generally be entitled to a deduction for such amount at that time. If the U.S. Participant later sells shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an NQSO, the U.S. Participant recognizes long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on the period for which the shares were held. Long-term capital gain is generally subject to more favorable tax treatment than ordinary income or short-term capital gain. Upon the exercise of an ISO, the U.S. Participant does not recognize taxable income. If the U.S. Participant disposes of the shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an ISO more than two years after the date of grant and more than one year after the transfer of the shares to the U.S. Participant, the U.S. Participant recognizes long-term capital gain or loss and the Company will not be entitled to a deduction. However, if the U.S. Participant disposes of such shares prior to the end of the required holding period, all or a portion of the gain is treated as ordinary income and the Company is generally entitled to deduct such amount. In addition to the tax consequences described above, a U.S. Participant may be subject to the alternative minimum tax, which is payable to the extent it exceeds the U.S. Participant’s regular tax. For this purpose, upon the exercise of an ISO, the excess of the fair market value of the shares over the exercise price paid therefor under the ISO is a preference item for alternative minimum taxable income determination purposes. In addition, the U.S. Participant’s basis in such shares is increased by such excess for purposes of computing the gain or loss on the disposition of the shares for alternative minimum tax purposes.
A U.S. Participant does not recognize taxable income upon the grant of an SAR. The U.S. Participant has ordinary compensation income upon exercise of the SAR equal to the increase in the value of the underlying shares, and the Company will generally be entitled to a deduction for such amount.
 
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A U.S. Participant does not recognize taxable income upon the receipt of a performance share award until the shares are received. At such time, the U.S. Participant recognizes ordinary compensation income equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the shares over any amount thereby paid for the shares, and the Company will generally be entitled to deduct such amount at such time.
A U.S. Participant does not recognize taxable income upon the receipt of a performance unit award, restricted stock unit award or dividend equivalent right award until a cash payment is received. At such time, the U.S. Participant recognizes ordinary compensation income equal to the amount of cash received, and the Company will generally be entitled to deduct such amount at such time.
A U.S. Participant who receives a grant of restricted stock generally recognizes ordinary compensation income equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of such shares of stock at the time the restriction lapses over any amount paid timely for the shares. Alternatively, the U.S. Participant may elect to be taxed on the fair market value of such shares at the time of grant. The Company thereby will generally be entitled to a deduction at the same time and in the same amount as the income required to be included by the U.S. Participant.
A U.S. Participant recognizes ordinary compensation income upon receipt of the shares under an unrestricted stock award equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the shares over any amount paid thereby for the shares, and the Company will generally be entitled to deduct such amount at such time.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENTS TO THE 2015 PLAN.
 
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PROPOSAL NO. 3
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The audit committee has selected OUM & Co. LLP to serve as our independent accountants for the year ending December 31, 2019. A representative of OUM is expected to be present by teleconference at the annual meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement if he or she so desires. The representative also is expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.
Selection of our independent registered public accounting firm is not required to be submitted to a vote of stockholders and, accordingly, the vote will not be binding on our Board or our company. However, if stockholders fail to ratify the appointment, the audit committee will reconsider its appointment of OUM.
Aggregate fees billed by OUM during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:
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2019
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2018
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Audit Fees
​ ​ ​ $ 461,322 ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 302,204 ​ ​
Audit-Related Fees
​ ​ ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 3,159 ​ ​
Tax Fees
​ ​ ​ ​ 44,920 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 43,500 ​ ​
Total
​ ​ ​ $ 506,242 ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 348,863 ​ ​
Audit Fees — This category includes aggregate fees billed by our independent auditors for the audit of our annual financial statements, audit of management’s assessment and effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting, review of financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and services that are normally provided by the auditor in connection with statutory and regulatory filings for those fiscal years, including consents and comfort letters.
Audit-Related Fees — This category consists of services by our independent auditors that, including accounting consultations on transaction related matters, are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported above under Audit Fees.
Tax Fees — This category consists of professional services rendered for tax compliance and preparation of our corporate tax returns and other tax advice.
All Other Fees — During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, OUM did not incur any fees for other professional services.
The audit committee reviewed and approved all audit and non-audit services provided by OUM and concluded that these services were compatible with maintaining its independence. The audit committee approved the provision of all non-audit services by OUM. Of the total number of hours expended during OUM’s engagement to audit our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, none of the hours were attributed to work performed by persons other than permanent, full-time employees of OUM.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
In accordance with the SEC’s auditor independence rules, the audit committee has established the following policies and procedures by which it approves in advance any audit or permissible non-audit services to be provided to us by our independent auditor.
Prior to the engagement of the independent auditors for any fiscal year’s audit, management submits to the audit committee for approval lists of recurring audit, audit-related, tax and other services expected to be provided by the independent auditors during that fiscal year. The audit committee adopts pre-approval schedules describing the recurring services that it has pre-approved, and is informed on a timely basis, and in any event by the next scheduled meeting, of any such services rendered by the independent auditor and the related fees.
 
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The fees for any services listed in a pre-approval schedule are budgeted, and the audit committee requires the independent auditor and management to report actual fees versus the budget periodically throughout the year. The audit committee will require additional pre-approval if circumstances arise where it becomes necessary to engage the independent auditor for additional services above the amount of fees originally pre-approved. Any audit or non-audit service not listed in a pre-approval schedule must be separately pre-approved by the audit committee on a case-by-case basis.
Every request to adopt or amend a pre-approval schedule or to provide services that are not listed in a pre-approval schedule must include a statement by the independent auditors as to whether, in their view, the request is consistent with the SEC’s rules on auditor independence.
The audit committee will not grant approval for:
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any services prohibited by applicable law or by any rule or regulation of the SEC or other regulatory body applicable to us;
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provision by the independent auditors to us of strategic consulting services of the type typically provided by management consulting firms; or
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the retention of the independent auditors in connection with a transaction initially recommended by the independent auditors, the tax treatment of which may not be clear under the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations and which it is reasonable to conclude will be subject to audit procedures during an audit of our financial statements.
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Tax services proposed to be provided by the auditor to any director, officer or employee of Titan who is in an accounting role or financial reporting oversight role must be approved by the audit committee on a case-by-case basis where such services are to be paid for by us, and the audit committee will be informed of any services to be provided to such individuals that are not to be paid for by us.
In determining whether to grant pre-approval of any non-audit services in the “all other” category, the audit committee will consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including the following four basic guidelines:
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whether the service creates a mutual or conflicting interest between the auditor and us;
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whether the service places the auditor in the position of auditing his or her own work;
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whether the service results in the auditor acting as management or an employee of our company; and
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whether the service places the auditor in a position of being an advocate for our company.
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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF OUM TO SERVE AS OUR INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2020.
 
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
There were no related party transactions in 2019.
Our Board is charged with reviewing and approving all potential related party transactions and, in accordance with its charter, the audit committee reviews and provides oversight of related-person transactions, as required by stock exchange rules and regulations.
SECTION 16(a) REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our executive officers, directors and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of our common stock and other equity securities. Such executive officers, directors, and greater than 10% beneficial owners are required by SEC regulation to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms filed by such reporting persons.
Based solely on our review of such forms furnished to us and written representations from certain reporting persons, we believe that all filing requirements applicable to our executive officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners were complied with during 2019.
GENERAL
Management does not know of any matters other than those stated in this proxy statement that are to be presented for action at the meeting. If any other matters should properly come before the meeting, it is intended that proxies in the accompanying form will be voted on any such other matters in accordance with the judgment of the persons voting such proxies. Discretionary authority to vote on such matters is conferred by such proxies upon the persons voting them.
We will bear the cost of preparing, printing, assembling and mailing the proxy, proxy statement and other material which may be sent to stockholders in connection with this solicitation. It is contemplated that brokerage houses will forward the proxy materials to beneficial owners at our request. In addition to the solicitation of proxies by use of the mails, officers and regular employees of Titan may solicit proxies without additional compensation, by telephone or other electronic means. We may reimburse brokers or other persons holding stock in their names or the names of their nominees for the expenses of forwarding soliciting material to their principals and obtaining their proxies.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other documents with the SEC under the Exchange Act. Titan’s SEC filings made electronically through the SEC’s EDGAR system are available to the public at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549-1004. Please call the SEC at (800) SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference room.
We will only deliver one proxy statement to multiple security holders sharing an address unless we have received contrary instructions from one or more of the security holders. Upon written or oral request, we will promptly deliver a separate copy of this proxy statement and any future annual reports and proxy or information statements to any security holder at a shared address to which a single copy of this proxy statement was delivered, or deliver a single copy of this proxy statement and any future annual reports and proxy or information statements to any security holder or holders sharing an address to which multiple copies are now delivered. You should direct any such requests to our company at following address: 400 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 505, South San Francisco, California 94080.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
The annual meeting of stockholders for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020 is expected to be held in August 2021. Any stockholder proposal intended to be included in our proxy statement and form of proxy for presentation at the 2020 annual meeting of stockholders pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange
 
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Act must be received by us not later than July 28, 2021. As to any proposal submitted for presentation at the 2020 annual meeting outside the processes of Rule 14a-8, the proxies named in the form of proxy for the 2020 annual meeting will be entitled to exercise discretionary authority on that proposal unless we receive notice of the matter on or before July 28, 2021.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ Marc Rubin
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Marc Rubin, M.D.
Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors
Dated: November 24, 2020
 
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ANNEX A-AMENDED AND RESTATED 2015 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
TITAN PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED
2015 OMNIBUS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
 
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TITAN PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED
2015 OMNIBUS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
ARTICLE I
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Titan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2015 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) is to benefit Titan Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and its stockholders, by assisting the Company to attract, retain and provide incentives to key employees and directors of, and consultants to, the Company and its Affiliates, and to align the interests of such service providers with those of the Company’s stockholders. Accordingly, the Plan provides for the granting of Non-qualified Stock Options, Incentive Stock Options, Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Unit Awards, Stock Appreciation Rights, Performance Stock Awards, Performance Unit Awards, Unrestricted Stock Awards, Distribution Equivalent Rights or any combination of the foregoing.
ARTICLE II
DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall be applicable throughout the Plan unless the context otherwise requires:
2.1   “Affiliate” shall mean any corporation which, with respect to the Company, is a “subsidiary corporation” within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code or other entity in which the Company has a controlling interest in such entity or another entity which is part of a chain of entities in which the Company or each entity has a controlling interest in another entity in the unbroken chain of entities ending with the applicable entity.
2.2   “Award” shall mean, individually or collectively, any Option, Restricted Stock Award, Restricted Stock Unit Award, Performance Stock Award, Performance Unit Award, Stock Appreciation Right, Distribution Equivalent Right or Unrestricted Stock Award.
2.3   “Award Agreement” shall mean a written agreement between the Company and the Holder with respect to an Award, setting forth the terms and conditions of the Award.
2.4   “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
2.5   “Base Value” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 14.2.
2.6   “Cause” shall mean (i) if the Holder is a party to an employment or service agreement with the Company or an Affiliate which agreement defines “Cause” (or a similar term), “Cause” shall have the same meaning as provided for in such agreement, or (ii) for a Holder who is not a party to such an agreement, “Cause” shall mean termination by the Company or an Affiliate of the employment (or other service relationship) of the Holder by reason of the Holder’s (A) intentional failure to perform reasonably assigned duties, (B) dishonesty or willful misconduct in the performance of the Holder’s duties, (C) involvement in a transaction which is materially adverse to the Company or an Affiliate, (D) breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit, (E) willful violation of any law, rule, regulation or court order (other than misdemeanor traffic violations and misdemeanors not involving misuse or misappropriation of money or property), (F) commission of an act of fraud or intentional misappropriation or conversion of any asset or opportunity of the Company or an Affiliate, or (G) material breach of any provision of the Plan or the Holder’s Award Agreement or any other written agreement between the Holder and the Company or an Affiliate, in each case as determined in good faith by the Board, the determination of which shall be final, conclusive and binding on all parties.
2.7   “Change of Control” shall mean: (i) for a Holder who is a party to an employment or consulting agreement with the Company or an Affiliate which agreement defines “Change of Control” (or a similar term), “Change of Control” shall have the same meaning as provided for in such agreement, or (ii) for a Holder who is not a party to such an agreement, “Change of Control” shall mean the satisfaction of any one or more of the following conditions (and the “Change of Control” shall be deemed to have occurred as of the first day that any one or more of the following conditions shall have been satisfied):
 
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(a)   Any person (as such term is used in paragraphs 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, hereinafter in this definition, “Person”), other than the Company or an Affiliate or an employee benefit plan of the Company or an Affiliate, becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities;
(b)   The closing of a merger, consolidation or other business combination (a “Business Combination”) other than a Business Combination in which holders of the Shares immediately prior to the Business Combination have substantially the same proportionate ownership of the common stock of the surviving corporation immediately after the Business Combination as immediately before;
(c)   The closing of an agreement for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to any entity that is not an Affiliate;
(d)   The approval by the holders of shares of Shares of a plan of complete liquidation of the Company, other than a merger of the Company into any subsidiary or a liquidation as a result of which persons who were stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such liquidation have substantially the same proportionate ownership of shares of common stock of the surviving corporation immediately after such liquidation as immediately before; or
(e)   Within any twenty-four (24) month period, the Incumbent Directors shall cease to constitute at least a majority of the Board or the board of directors of any successor to the Company; provided, however, that any director elected to the Board, or nominated for election, by a majority of the Incumbent Directors then still in office, shall be deemed to be an Incumbent Director for purposes of this paragraph (e), but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of either an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of an individual, entity or “group” other than the Board (including, but not limited to, any such assumption that results from paragraphs (a), (b), (c), or (d) of this definition).
2.8   “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference in the Plan to any section of the Code shall be deemed to include any amendments or successor provisions to any section and any regulation under such section.
2.9   “Committee” shall mean a committee comprised of two (2) or more members of the Board who are selected by the Board as provided in Section 4.1.
2.10   “Company” shall have the meaning given to such term in the introductory paragraph, including any successor thereto.
2.11   “Consultant” shall mean any non-Employee (individual or entity) advisor to the Company or an Affiliate who or which has contracted directly with the Company or an Affiliate to render bona fide consulting or advisory services thereto.
2.12   “Director” shall mean a member of the Board or a member of the board of directors of an Affiliate, in either case, who is not an Employee.
2.13   “Distribution Equivalent Right” shall mean an Award granted under Article XIII of the Plan which entitles the Holder to receive bookkeeping credits, cash payments and/or Share distributions equal in amount to the distributions that would have been made to the Holder had the Holder held a specified number of Shares during the period the Holder held the Distribution Equivalent Right.
2.14   “Distribution Equivalent Right Award Agreement” shall mean a written agreement between the Company and a Holder with respect to a Distribution Equivalent Right Award.
2.15   “Effective Date” shall mean August 24, 2015 or such later date that the Plan is approved by the stockholders of the Company.
2.16   “Employee” shall mean any employee, including any officer, of the Company or an Affiliate.
2.17   “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
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2.18   “Fair Market Value” shall mean, as of any specified date, the closing sales price of the Shares for such date (or, in the event that the Shares are not traded on such date, on the immediately preceding trading date) on the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”), as reported by NASDAQ, or such other domestic or foreign national securities exchange on which the Shares may be listed. If the Shares are not listed on NASDAQ or on a national securities exchange, but are quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board or by the National Quotation Bureau, the Fair Market Value of the Shares shall be the mean of the highest bid and lowest asked prices per Share for such date. If the Shares are not quoted or listed as set forth above, Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Board in good faith by any fair and reasonable means (which means may be set forth with greater specificity in the applicable Award Agreement). The Fair Market Value of property other than Shares shall be determined by the Board in good faith by any fair and reasonable means consistent with the requirements of applicable law.
2.19   “Family Member” of an individual shall mean any child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law, including adoptive relationships, any person sharing the Holder’s household (other than a tenant or employee of the Holder), a trust in which such persons have more than fifty percent (50%) of the beneficial interest, a foundation in which such persons (or the Holder) control the management of assets, and any other entity in which such persons (or the Holder) own more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting interests.
2.20   “Holder” shall mean an Employee, Director or Consultant who has been granted an Award or any such individual’s beneficiary, estate or representative, who has acquired such Award in accordance with the terms of the Plan, as applicable.
2.21   “Incentive Stock Option” shall mean an Option which is intended by the Committee to constitute an “incentive stock option” and conforms to the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code.
2.22   “Incumbent Director” shall mean, with respect to any period of time specified under the Plan for purposes of determining whether or not a Change of Control has occurred, the individuals who were members of the Board at the beginning of such period.
2.23   “Non-qualified Stock Option” shall mean an Option which is not an Incentive Stock Option or which is designated as an Incentive Stock Option but does not meet the applicable requirements of Section 422 of the Code.
2.24   “Option” shall mean an Award granted under Article VII of the Plan of an option to purchase Shares and shall include both Incentive Stock Options and Non-qualified Stock Options.
2.25   “Option Agreement” shall mean a written agreement between the Company and a Holder with respect to an Option.
2.26   “Performance Criteria” shall mean the criteria selected by the Committee for purposes of establishing the Performance Goal(s) for a Holder for a Performance Period.
2.27   “Performance Goals” shall mean, for a Performance Period, the written goal or goals established by the Committee for the Performance Period based upon the Performance Criteria, which may be related to the performance of the Holder, the Company or an Affiliate.
2.28   “Performance Period” shall mean one or more periods of time, which may be of varying and overlapping durations, selected by the Committee, over which the attainment of the Performance Goals shall be measured for purposes of determining a Holder’s right to, and the payment of, a Qualified Performance-Based Award.
2.29   “Performance Stock Award” or “Performance Stock” shall mean an Award granted under Article XII of the Plan under which, upon the satisfaction of predetermined Performance Goals, Shares are paid to the Holder.
2.30   “Performance Stock Agreement” shall mean a written agreement between the Company and a Holder with respect to a Performance Stock Award.
 
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2.31   “Performance Unit” shall mean a Unit awarded to a Holder pursuant to a Performance Unit Award.
2.32   “Performance Unit Award” shall mean an Award granted under Article XI of the Plan under which, upon the satisfaction of predetermined Performance Goals, a cash payment shall be made to the Holder, based on the number of Units awarded to the Holder.
2.33   “Performance Unit Agreement” shall mean a written agreement between the Company and a Holder with respect to a Performance Unit Award.
2.34   “Plan” shall mean this Titan Pharmaceuticals 2015 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time, together with each of the Award Agreements utilized hereunder.
2.35   “Qualified Performance-Based Award” shall mean an Award that is intended to qualify as “performance-based” compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code.
2.36   “Restricted Stock Award” and “Restricted Stock” shall mean an Award granted under Article VIII of the Plan of Shares, the transferability of which by the Holder is subject to Restrictions.
2.37   “Restricted Stock Agreement” shall mean a written agreement between the Company and a Holder with respect to a Restricted Stock Award.
2.38   “Restricted Stock Unit Award” and “RSUs” shall refer to an Award granted under Article X of the Plan under which, upon the satisfaction of predetermined individual service-related vesting requirements, a cash payment shall be made to the Holder, based on the number of Units awarded to the Holder.
2.39   “Restricted Stock Unit Agreement” shall mean a written agreement between the Company and a Holder with respect to a Restricted Stock Award.
2.40   “Restriction Period” shall mean the period of time for which Shares subject to a Restricted Stock Award shall be subject to Restrictions, as set forth in the applicable Restricted Stock Agreement.
2.41   “Restrictions” shall mean the forfeiture, transfer and/or other restrictions applicable to Shares awarded to an Employee, Director or Consultant under the Plan pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award and set forth in a Restricted Stock Agreement.
2.42   “Rule 16b-3” shall mean Rule 16b-3 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act, as such may be amended from time to time, and any successor rule, regulation or statute fulfilling the same or a substantially similar function.
2.43   “Shares” or “Stock” shall mean the common stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share.
2.44   “Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” shall mean an Award granted under Article XIV of the Plan of a right, granted alone or in connection with a related Option, to receive a payment equal to the increase in value of a specified number of Shares between the date of Award and the date of exercise.
2.45   “Stock Appreciation Right Agreement” shall mean a written agreement between the Company and a Holder with respect to a Stock Appreciation Right.
2.46   “Tandem Stock Appreciation Right” shall mean a Stock Appreciation Right granted in connection with a related Option, the exercise of some or all of which results in termination of the entitlement to purchase some or all of the Shares under the related Option, all as set forth in Article XIV.
2.47   “Ten Percent Stockholder” shall mean an Employee who, at the time an Option is granted to him or her, owns shares possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of shares of the Company or of any parent corporation or subsidiary corporation thereof (both as defined in Section 424 of the Code), within the meaning of Section 422(b)(6) of the Code.
2.48   “Termination of Service” shall mean a termination of a Holder’s employment with, or status as a Director or Consultant of, the Company or an Affiliate, as applicable, for any reason, including, without limitation, Total and Permanent Disability or death, except as provided in Section 6.4. In the event Termination of Service shall constitute a payment event with respect to any Award subject to Code Section 409A,
 
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Termination of Service shall only be deemed to occur upon a “separation from service” as such term is defined under Code Section 409A and applicable authorities.
2.49   “Total and Permanent Disability” of an individual shall mean the inability of such individual to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.
2.50   “Unit” shall mean a bookkeeping unit, which represents such monetary amount as shall be designated by the Committee in each Performance Unit Agreement, or represents one Share for purposes of each Restricted Stock Unit Award.
2.51   “Unrestricted Stock Award” shall mean an Award granted under Article IX of the Plan of Shares which are not subject to Restrictions.
2.52   “Unrestricted Stock Agreement” shall mean a written agreement between the Company and a Holder with respect to an Unrestricted Stock Award.
ARTICLE III
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN
The Plan shall be effective as of the Effective Date.
ARTICLE IV
ADMINISTRATION
4.1   Composition of Committee. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, which shall be appointed by the Board. If necessary, in the Board’s discretion, to comply with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and Section 162(m) of the Code, the Committee shall consist solely of two (2) or more Directors who are each (i) “outside directors” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code (“Outside Directors”), (ii) “non-employee directors” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 (“Non-Employee Directors”) and (iii) “independent” for purposes of any applicable listing requirements; provided, however, that the Board or the Committee may delegate to a committee of one or more members of the Board who are not (x) Outside Directors, the authority to grant Awards to eligible persons who are not (A) then “covered employees” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code and are not expected to be “covered employees” at the time of recognition of income resulting from such Award, or (B) persons with respect to whom the Company wishes to comply with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code, and/or (y) Non-Employee Directors, the authority to grant Awards to eligible persons who are not then subject to the requirements of Section 16 of the Exchange Act. If a member of the Committee shall be eligible to receive an Award under the Plan, such Committee member shall have no authority hereunder with respect to his or her own Award.
4.2   Powers. Subject to the other provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have the sole authority, in its discretion, to make all determinations under the Plan, including but not limited to (i) determining which Employees, Directors or Consultants shall receive an Award, (ii) the time or times when an Award shall be made (the date of grant of an Award shall be the date on which the Award is awarded by the Committee), (iii) what type of Award shall be granted, (iv) the term of an Award, (v) the date or dates on which an Award vests (including acceleration of vesting), (vi) the form of any payment to be made pursuant to an Award, (vii) the terms and conditions of an Award (including the forfeiture of the Award, and/or any financial gain, if the Holder of the Award violates any applicable restrictive covenant thereof), (viii) the Restrictions under a Restricted Stock Award, (ix) the number of Shares which may be issued under an Award, (x) Performance Goals applicable to any Award and certification of the achievement of such goals, and (xi) the waiver of any Restrictions or Performance Goals, subject in all cases to compliance with applicable laws. In making such determinations the Committee may take into account the nature of the services rendered by the respective Employees, Directors and Consultants, their present and potential contribution to the Company’s (or the Affiliate’s) success and such other factors as the Committee in its discretion may deem relevant.
4.3   Additional Powers. The Committee shall have such additional powers as are delegated to it under the other provisions of the Plan. Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, the Committee is authorized
 
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to construe the Plan and the respective Award Agreements executed hereunder, to prescribe such rules and regulations relating to the Plan as it may deem advisable to carry out the intent of the Plan, to determine the terms, restrictions and provisions of each Award and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for administering the Plan. The Committee may correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in any Award Agreement in the manner and to the extent the Committee shall deem necessary, appropriate or expedient to carry it into effect. The determinations of the Committee on the matters referred to in this Article IV shall be conclusive and binding on the Company and all Holders.
4.4   Committee Action. Subject to compliance with all applicable laws, action by the Committee shall require the consent of a majority of the members of the Committee, expressed either orally at a meeting of the Committee or in writing in the absence of a meeting. No member of the Committee shall have any liability for any good faith action, inaction or determination in connection with the Plan.
ARTICLE V
SHARES SUBJECT TO PLAN AND LIMITATIONS THEREON
5.1   Authorized Shares and Award Limits.   The Committee may from time to time grant Awards to one or more Employees, Directors and/or Consultants determined by it to be eligible for participation in the Plan in accordance with the provisions of Article VI. Subject to Article XV, the aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan shall not exceed One Million Six Hundred Sixty-Six Thousand Six Hundred Sixty-Seven (1,666,667) Shares. Shares shall be deemed to have been issued under the Plan solely to the extent actually issued and delivered pursuant to an Award. To the extent that an Award lapses, expires, is canceled, is terminated unexercised or ceases to be exercisable for any reason, or the rights of its Holder terminate, any Shares subject to such Award shall again be available for the grant of a new Award. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, the maximum number of Shares that may be subject to Awards granted to any one person during any calendar year, shall be Eighty-Three Thousand Three Hundred Thirty-Four (83,334) Shares (subject to adjustment in the same manner as provided in Article XV with respect to Shares subject to Awards then outstanding). The limitation set forth in the preceding sentence shall be applied in a manner which shall permit compensation generated in connection with the exercise of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights to constitute “performance-based” compensation for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code, including, but not limited to, counting against such maximum number of Shares, to the extent required under Section 162(m) of the Code, any Shares subject to Options or Stock Appreciation Rights that are canceled or re-priced.
5.2   Types of Shares . The Shares to be issued pursuant to the grant or exercise of an Award may consist of authorized but unissued Shares, Shares purchased on the open market or Shares previously issued and outstanding and reacquired by the Company.
ARTICLE VI
ELIGIBILITY AND TERMINATION OF SERVICE
6.1   Eligibility. Awards made under the Plan may be granted solely to individuals or entities who, at the time of grant, are Employees, Directors or Consultants. An Award may be granted on more than one occasion to the same Employee, Director or Consultant, and, subject to the limitations set forth in the Plan, such Award may include, a Non-qualified Stock Option, a Restricted Stock Award, a Restricted Stock Unit Award, an Unrestricted Stock Award, a Distribution Equivalent Right Award, a Performance Stock Award, a Performance Unit Award, a Stock Appreciation Right, a Tandem Stock Appreciation Right, or any combination thereof, and solely for Employees, an Incentive Stock Option.
6.2   Termination of Service. Except to the extent inconsistent with the terms of the applicable Award Agreement and/or the provisions of Section 6.3 or 6.4, the following terms and conditions shall apply with respect to a Holder’s Termination of Service with the Company or an Affiliate, as applicable:
(a)   The Holder’s rights, if any, to exercise any then exercisable Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights shall terminate:
(i)   If such termination is for a reason other than the Holder’s Total and Permanent Disability or death, ninety (90) days after the date of such Termination of Service;
 
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(ii)   If such termination is on account of the Holder’s Total and Permanent Disability, one (1) year after the date of such Termination of Service; or
(iii)   If such termination is on account of the Holder’s death, one (1) year after the date of the Holder’s death.
Upon such applicable date the Holder (and such Holder’s estate, designated beneficiary or other legal representative) shall forfeit any rights or interests in or with respect to any such Options and Stock Appreciation Rights. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may provide for a different time period in the Award Agreement, or may extend the time period, following a Termination of Service, during which the Holder has the right to exercise any vested Non-qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right, which time period may not extend beyond the expiration date of the Award term.
(b)   In the event of a Holder’s Termination of Service for any reason prior to the actual or deemed satisfaction and/or lapse of the Restrictions, vesting requirements, terms and conditions applicable to a Restricted Stock Award and/or Restricted Stock Unit Award, such Restricted Stock and/or RSUs shall immediately be canceled, and the Holder (and such Holder’s estate, designated beneficiary or other legal representative) shall forfeit any rights or interests in and with respect to any such Restricted Stock and/or RSUs. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may determine, prior to or within thirty (30) days after the date of such Termination of Service that all or a portion of any such Holder’s Restricted Stock and/or RSUs shall not be so canceled and forfeited.
6.3   Special Termination Rule. Except to the extent inconsistent with the terms of the applicable Award Agreement, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Article VI, if a Holder’s employment with, or status as a Director of, the Company or an Affiliate shall terminate, and if, within ninety (90) days of such termination, such Holder shall become a Consultant, such Holder’s rights with respect to any Award or portion thereof granted thereto prior to the date of such termination may be preserved, if and to the extent determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, as if such Holder had been a Consultant for the entire period during which such Award or portion thereof had been outstanding. Should the Committee effect such determination with respect to such Holder, for all purposes of the Plan, such Holder shall not be treated as if his or her employment or Director status had terminated until such time as his or her Consultant status shall terminate, in which case his or her Award, as it may have been reduced in connection with the Holder’s becoming a Consultant, shall be treated pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.2, provided, however, that any such Award which is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option shall, upon the Holder’s no longer being an Employee, automatically convert to a Non-qualified Stock Option. Should a Holder’s status as a Consultant terminate, and if, within ninety (90) days of such termination, such Holder shall become an Employee or a Director, such Holder’s rights with respect to any Award or portion thereof granted thereto prior to the date of such termination may be preserved, if and to the extent determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, as if such Holder had been an Employee or a Director, as applicable, for the entire period during which such Award or portion thereof had been outstanding, and, should the Committee effect such determination with respect to such Holder, for all purposes of the Plan, such Holder shall not be treated as if his or her Consultant status had terminated until such time as his or her employment with the Company or an Affiliate, or his or her Director status, as applicable, shall terminate, in which case his or her Award shall be treated pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.2.
6.4   Termination of Service for Cause. Notwithstanding anything in this Article VI or elsewhere in the Plan to the contrary, and unless a Holder’s Award Agreement specifically provides otherwise, in the event of a Holder’s Termination of Service for Cause, all of such Holder’s then outstanding Awards shall expire immediately and be forfeited in their entirety upon such Termination of Service.
ARTICLE VII
OPTIONS
7.1   Option Period. The term of each Option shall be as specified in the Option Agreement; provided, however, that except as set forth in Section 7.3, no Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date of its grant.
7.2   Limitations on Exercise of Option. An Option shall be exercisable in whole or in such installments and at such times as specified in the Option Agreement. 7.3   Special Limitations on Incentive Stock Options.
 
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To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time the respective Incentive Stock Option is granted) of Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by an individual during any calendar year under all plans of the Company and any parent corporation or subsidiary corporation thereof (both as defined in Section 424 of the Code) which provide for the grant of Incentive Stock Options exceeds One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) (or such other individual limit as may be in effect under the Code on the date of grant), the portion of such Incentive Stock Options that exceeds such threshold shall be treated as Non-qualified Stock Options. The Committee shall determine, in accordance with applicable provisions of the Code, Treasury Regulations and other administrative pronouncements, which of a Holder’s Options, which were intended by the Committee to be Incentive Stock Options when granted to the Holder, will not constitute Incentive Stock Options because of such limitation, and shall notify the Holder of such determination as soon as practicable after such determination. No Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to an Employee if, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, such Employee is a Ten Percent Stockholder, unless (i) at the time such Incentive Stock Option is granted the Option price is at least one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to the Incentive Stock Option, and (ii) such Incentive Stock Option by its terms is not exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years from the date of grant. No Incentive Stock Option shall be granted more than ten (10) years from the Effective Date. The designation by the Committee of an Option as an Incentive Stock Option shall not guarantee the Holder that the Option will satisfy the applicable requirements for “incentive stock option” status under Section 422 of the Code.
7.4   Option Agreement. Each Option shall be evidenced by an Option Agreement in such form and containing such provisions not inconsistent with the other provisions of the Plan as the Committee from time to time shall approve, including, but not limited to, provisions intended to qualify an Option as an Incentive Stock Option. An Option Agreement may provide for the payment of the Option price, in whole or in part, by the delivery of a number of Shares (plus cash if necessary) that have been owned by the Holder for at least six (6) months and having a Fair Market Value equal to such Option price, or such other forms or methods as the Committee may determine from time to time, in each case, subject to such rules and regulations as may be adopted by the Committee. Each Option Agreement shall, solely to the extent inconsistent with the provisions of Sections 6.2, 6.3, and 6.4, as applicable, specify the effect of Termination of Service on the exercisability of the Option. Moreover, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a Non-qualified Stock Option Agreement may provide for a “cashless exercise” of the Option, in whole or in part, by (a) establishing procedures whereby the Holder, by a properly-executed written notice, directs (i) an immediate market sale or margin loan as to all or a part of Shares to which he is entitled to receive upon exercise of the Option, pursuant to an extension of credit by the Company to the Holder of the Option price, (ii) the delivery of the Shares from the Company directly to a brokerage firm and (iii) the delivery of the Option price from sale or margin loan proceeds from the brokerage firm directly to the Company, or (b) reducing the number of Shares to be issued upon exercise of the Option by the number of such Shares having an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the Option price (or portion thereof to be so paid) as of the date of the Option’s exercise. An Option Agreement may also include provisions relating to: (i) subject to the provisions hereof, accelerated vesting of Options, including but not limited to, upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, (ii) tax matters (including provisions covering any applicable Employee wage withholding requirements) and (iii) any other matters not inconsistent with the terms and provisions of the Plan that the Committee shall in its sole discretion determine. The terms and conditions of the respective Option Agreements need not be identical.
7.5   Option Price and Payment. The price at which an Share may be purchased upon exercise of an Option shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that such Option price (i) shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of an Share on the date such Option is granted (or 110% of Fair Market Value for an Incentive Stock Option held by Ten Percent Stockholder, as provided in Section 7.3), and (ii) shall be subject to adjustment as provided in Article XV. The Option or portion thereof may be exercised by delivery of an irrevocable notice of exercise to the Company. The Option price for the Option or portion thereof shall be paid in full in the manner prescribed by the Committee as set forth in the Plan and the applicable Option Agreement, which manner, with the consent of the Committee, may include the withholding of Shares otherwise issuable in connection with the exercise of the Option. Separate share certificates shall be issued by the Company for those Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option and for those Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of a Non-qualified Stock Option.
 
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7.6   Stockholder Rights and Privileges. The Holder of an Option shall be entitled to all the privileges and rights of a stockholder of the Company solely with respect to such Shares as have been purchased under the Option and for which share certificates have been registered in the Holder’s name.
7.7   Options and Rights in Substitution for Stock or Options Granted by Other Corporations. Options may be granted under the Plan from time to time in substitution for stock options held by individuals employed by entities who become Employees, Directors or Consultants as a result of a merger or consolidation of the employing entity with the Company or any Affiliate, or the acquisition by the Company or an Affiliate of the assets of the employing entity, or the acquisition by the Company or an Affiliate of stock or shares of the employing entity with the result that such employing entity becomes an Affiliate.
7.8   Prohibition Against Re-Pricing. Except to the extent (i) approved in advance by holders of a majority of the shares of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, or (ii) as a result of any Change of Control or any adjustment as provided in Article XV, the Committee shall not have the power or authority to reduce, whether through amendment or otherwise, the exercise price under any outstanding Option or Stock Appreciation Right, or to grant any new Award or make any payment of cash in substitution for or upon the cancellation of Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights previously granted.
ARTICLE VIII
RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS
8.1   Award. A Restricted Stock Award shall constitute an Award of Shares to the Holder as of the date of the Award which are subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” as defined under Section 83 of the Code during the specified Restriction Period. At the time a Restricted Stock Award is made, the Committee shall establish the Restriction Period applicable to such Award. Each Restricted Stock Award may have a different Restriction Period, in the discretion of the Committee. The Restriction Period applicable to a particular Restricted Stock Award shall not be changed except as permitted by Section 8.2.
8.2   Terms and Conditions. At the time any Award is made under this Article VIII, the Company and the Holder shall enter into a Restricted Stock Agreement setting forth each of the matters contemplated thereby and such other matters as the Committee may determine to be appropriate. Shares awarded pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award shall be represented by a share certificate registered in the name of the Holder of such Restricted Stock Award. If provided for under the Restricted Stock Agreement, the Holder shall have the right to vote Shares subject thereto and to enjoy all other stockholder rights, including the entitlement to receive dividends on the Shares during the Restriction Period, except that (i) the Holder shall not be entitled to delivery of the share certificate until the Restriction Period shall have expired, (ii) the Company shall retain custody of the share certificate during the Restriction Period (with a share power endorsed by the Holder in blank), (iii) the Holder may not sell, transfer, pledge, exchange, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of the Shares during the Restriction Period and (iv) a breach of the terms and conditions established by the Committee pursuant to the Restricted Stock Agreement shall cause a forfeiture of the Restricted Stock Award. At the time of such Award, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, prescribe additional terms and conditions or restrictions relating to Restricted Stock Awards, including, but not limited to, rules pertaining to the effect of Termination of Service prior to expiration of the Restriction Period. Such additional terms, conditions or restrictions shall, to the extent inconsistent with the provisions of Sections 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4, as applicable, be set forth in a Restricted Stock Agreement made in conjunction with the Award. Such Restricted Stock Agreement may also include provisions relating to: (i) subject to the provisions hereof, accelerated vesting of Awards, including but not limited to accelerated vesting upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, (ii) tax matters (including provisions covering any applicable Employee wage withholding requirements) and (iii) any other matters not inconsistent with the terms and provisions of the Plan that the Committee shall in its sole discretion determine. The terms and conditions of the respective Restricted Stock Agreements need not be identical. All Shares delivered to a Holder as part of a Restricted Stock Award shall be delivered and reported by the Company or the Affiliate, as applicable, to the Holder at the time of vesting.
8.3   Payment for Restricted Stock. The Committee shall determine the amount and form of any payment from a Holder for Shares received pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, if any, provided that in
 
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the absence of such a determination, a Holder shall not be required to make any payment for Shares received pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, except to the extent otherwise required by law.
ARTICLE IX
UNRESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS
9.1   Award. Shares may be awarded (or sold) to Employees, Directors or Consultants under the Plan which are not subject to Restrictions of any kind, in consideration for past services rendered thereby to the Company or an Affiliate or for other valid consideration.
9.2   Terms and Conditions. At the time any Award is made under this Article IX, the Company and the Holder shall enter into an Unrestricted Stock Agreement setting forth each of the matters contemplated hereby and such other matters as the Committee may determine to be appropriate.
9.3   Payment for Unrestricted Stock. The Committee shall determine the amount and form of any payment from a Holder for Shares received pursuant to an Unrestricted Stock Award, if any, provided that in the absence of such a determination, a Holder shall not be required to make any payment for Shares received pursuant to an Unrestricted Stock Award, except to the extent otherwise required by law.
ARTICLE X
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARDS
10.1   Award. A Restricted Stock Unit Award shall constitute a promise to grant Shares (or cash equal to the Fair Market Value of Shares) to the Holder at the end of a specified Restriction Period. At the time a Restricted Stock Unit Award is made, the Committee shall establish the Restriction Period applicable to such Award. Each Restricted Stock Unit Award may have a different Restriction Period, in the discretion of the Committee. A Restricted Stock Unit shall not constitute an equity interest in the Company and shall not entitle the Holder to voting rights, dividends or any other rights associated with ownership of Shares prior to the time the Holder shall receive a distribution of Shares pursuant to Section 10.3.
10.2   Terms and Conditions. At the time any Award is made under this Article X, the Company and the Holder shall enter into a Restricted Stock Unit Agreement setting forth each of the matters contemplated thereby and such other matters as the Committee may determine to be appropriate. The Restricted Stock Unit Agreement shall set forth the individual service-based vesting requirement which the Holder would be required to satisfy before the Holder would become entitled to distribution pursuant to Section 10.3 and the number of Units awarded to the Holder. Such conditions shall be sufficient to constitute a “substantial risk of forfeiture” as such term is defined under Section 409A of the Code. At the time of such Award, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, prescribe additional terms and conditions or restrictions relating to Restricted Stock Unit Awards in the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, including, but not limited to, rules pertaining to the effect of Termination of Service prior to expiration of the applicable vesting period. The terms and conditions of the respective Restricted Stock Unit Agreements need not be identical.
10.3   Distributions of Shares. The Holder of a Restricted Stock Unit shall be entitled to receive a cash payment equal to the Fair Market Value of an Share, or one Share, as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee and as set forth in the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, for each Restricted Stock Unit subject to such Restricted Stock Unit Award, if the Holder satisfies the applicable vesting requirement. Such distribution shall be made no later than by the fifteenth (15th) day of the third (3rd) calendar month next following the end of the calendar year in which the Restricted Stock Unit first becomes vested (i.e., no longer subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture”).
ARTICLE XI
PERFORMANCE UNIT AWARDS
11.1   Award. A Performance Unit Award shall constitute an Award under which, upon the satisfaction of predetermined individual and/or Company (and/or Affiliate) Performance Goals based on selected Performance Criteria, a cash payment shall be made to the Holder, based on the number of Units awarded to the Holder. At the time a Performance Unit Award is made, the Committee shall establish the Performance Period and applicable Performance Goals. Each Performance Unit Award may have different Performance
 
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Goals, in the discretion of the Committee. A Performance Unit Award shall not constitute an equity interest in the Company and shall not entitle the Holder to voting rights, dividends or any other rights associated with ownership of Shares.
11.2   Terms and Conditions. At the time any Award is made under this Article XI, the Company and the Holder shall enter into a Performance Unit Agreement setting forth each of the matters contemplated thereby and such other matters as the Committee may determine to be appropriate. The Committee shall set forth in the applicable Performance Unit Agreement the Performance Period, Performance Criteria and Performance Goals which the Holder and/or the Company would be required to satisfy before the Holder would become entitled to payment pursuant to Section 11.3, the number of Units awarded to the Holder and the dollar value or formula assigned to each such Unit. Such payment shall be subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” under Section 409A of the Code. At the time of such Award, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, prescribe additional terms and conditions or restrictions relating to Performance Unit Awards, including, but not limited to, rules pertaining to the effect of Termination of Service prior to expiration of the applicable performance period. The terms and conditions of the respective Performance Unit Agreements need not be identical.
11.3   Payments. The Holder of a Performance Unit shall be entitled to receive a cash payment equal to the dollar value assigned to such Unit under the applicable Performance Unit Agreement if the Holder and/or the Company satisfy (or partially satisfy, if applicable under the applicable Performance Unit Agreement) the Performance Goals set forth in such Performance Unit Agreement. If necessary to satisfy the requirements of Code Section 162(m), if applicable, the achievement of such Performance Goals shall be certified in writing by the Committee prior to any payment. All payments shall be made no later than by the fifteenth (15th) day of the third (3rd) calendar month next following the end of the Company’s fiscal year to which such performance goals and objectives relate.
ARTICLE XII
PERFORMANCE STOCK AWARDS
12.1   Award. A Performance Stock Award shall constitute a promise to grant Shares (or cash equal to the Fair Market Value of Shares) to the Holder at the end of a specified Performance Period subject to achievement of specified Performance Goals. At the time a Performance Stock Award is made, the Committee shall establish the Performance Period and applicable Performance Goals based on selected Performance Criteria. Each Performance Stock Award may have different Performance Goals, in the discretion of the Committee. A Performance Stock Award shall not constitute an equity interest in the Company and shall not entitle the Holder to voting rights, dividends or any other rights associated with ownership of Shares unless and until the Holder shall receive a distribution of Shares pursuant to Section 11.3.
12.2   Terms and Conditions. At the time any Award is made under this Article XII, the Company and the Holder shall enter into a Performance Stock Agreement setting forth each of the matters contemplated thereby and such other matters as the Committee may determine to be appropriate. The Committee shall set forth in the applicable Performance Stock Agreement the Performance Period, selected Performance Criteria and Performance Goals which the Holder and/or the Company would be required to satisfy before the Holder would become entitled to the receipt of Shares pursuant to such Holder’s Performance Stock Award and the number of Shares subject to such Performance Stock Award. Such distribution shall be subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” under Section 409A of the Code. If such Performance Goals are achieved, the distribution of Shares (or the payment of cash, as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee), shall be made no later than by the fifteenth (15th) day of the third (3rd) calendar month next following the end of the Company’s fiscal year to which such goals and objectives relate. At the time of such Award, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, prescribe additional terms and conditions or restrictions relating to Performance Stock Awards, including, but not limited to, rules pertaining to the effect of the Holder’s Termination of Service prior to the expiration of the applicable performance period. The terms and conditions of the respective Performance Stock Agreements need not be identical.
12.3   Distributions of Shares. The Holder of a Performance Stock Award shall be entitled to receive a cash payment equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share, or one Share, as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, for each Performance Stock Award subject to such Performance Stock Agreement, if the Holder satisfies the applicable vesting requirement. If necessary to satisfy the requirements of Code
 
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Section 162(m), if applicable, the achievement of such Performance Goals shall be certified in writing by the Committee prior to any payment. Such distribution shall be made no later than by the fifteenth (15th) day of the third (3rd) calendar month next following the end of the Company’s fiscal year to which such performance goals and objectives relate.
ARTICLE XIII
DISTRIBUTION EQUIVALENT RIGHTS
13.1   Award. A Distribution Equivalent Right shall entitle the Holder to receive bookkeeping credits, cash payments and/or Share distributions equal in amount to the distributions that would have been made to the Holder had the Holder held a specified number of Shares during the specified period of the Award.
13.2   Terms and Conditions. At the time any Award is made under this Article XIII, the Company and the Holder shall enter into a Distribution Equivalent Rights Award Agreement setting forth each of the matters contemplated thereby and such other matters as the Committee may determine to be appropriate. The Committee shall set forth in the applicable Distribution Equivalent Rights Award Agreement the terms and conditions, if any, including whether the Holder is to receive credits currently in cash, is to have such credits reinvested (at Fair Market Value determined as of the date of reinvestment) in additional Shares or is to be entitled to choose among such alternatives. Such receipt shall be subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” under Section 409A of the Code and, if such Award becomes vested, the distribution of such cash or Shares shall be made no later than by the fifteenth (15th) day of the third (3rd) calendar month next following the end of the Company’s fiscal year in which the Holder’s interest in the Award vests. Distribution Equivalent Rights Awards may be settled in cash or in Shares, as set forth in the applicable Distribution Equivalent Rights Award Agreement. A Distribution Equivalent Rights Award may, but need not be, awarded in tandem with another Award (other than an Option or a SAR), whereby, if so awarded, such Distribution Equivalent Rights Award shall expire, terminate or be forfeited by the Holder, as applicable, under the same conditions as under such other Award.
13.3   Interest Equivalents. The Distribution Equivalent Rights Award Agreement for a Distribution Equivalent Rights Award may provide for the crediting of interest on a Distribution Rights Award to be settled in cash at a future date (but in no event later than by the fifteenth (15th) day of the third (3rd) calendar month next following the end of the Company’s fiscal year in which such interest is credited and vested), at a rate set forth in the applicable Distribution Equivalent Rights Award Agreement, on the amount of cash payable thereunder.
ARTICLE XIV
STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
14.1   Award. A Stock Appreciation Right shall constitute a right, granted alone or in connection with a related Option, to receive a payment equal to the increase in value of a specified number of Shares between the date of Award and the date of exercise.
14.2   Terms and Conditions. At the time any Award is made under this Article XIV, the Company and the Holder shall enter into a Stock Appreciation Right Agreement setting forth each of the matters contemplated thereby and such other matters as the Committee may determine to be appropriate. The Committee shall set forth in the applicable Stock Appreciation Right Agreement the terms and conditions of the Stock Appreciation Right, including (i) the base value (the “Base Value”) for the Stock Appreciation Right, which shall be not less than the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant of the Stock Appreciation Right, (ii) the number of Shares subject to the Stock Appreciation Right, (iii) the period during which the Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised; provided, however, that no Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date of its grant, and (iv) any other special rules and/or requirements which the Committee imposes upon the Stock Appreciation Right. Upon the exercise of some or all of the portion of a Stock Appreciation Right, the Holder shall receive a payment from the Company, in cash or in the form of Shares having an equivalent Fair Market Value or in a combination of both, as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, equal to the product of:
(a)   The excess of (i) the Fair Market Value of an Share on the date of exercise, over (ii) the Base Value, multiplied by, (b)The number of Shares with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised.
 
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14.3   Tandem Stock Appreciation Rights. If the Committee grants a Stock Appreciation Right which is intended to be a Tandem Stock Appreciation Right, the Tandem Stock Appreciation Right shall be granted at the same time as the related Option, and the following special rules shall apply:
(a)   The Base Value shall be equal to or greater than the per Share exercise price under the related Option;
(b)   The Tandem Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised for all or part of the Shares which are subject to the related Option, but solely upon the surrender by the Holder of the Holder’s right to exercise the equivalent portion of the related Option (and when a Share is purchased under the related Option, an equivalent portion of the related Tandem Stock Appreciation Right shall be canceled);
(c)   The Tandem Stock Appreciation Right shall expire no later than the date of the expiration of the related Option;
(d)   The value of the payment with respect to the Tandem Stock Appreciation Right may be no more than one hundred percent (100%) of the difference between the per Share exercise price under the related Option and the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to the related Option at the time the Tandem Stock Appreciation Right is exercised, multiplied by the number of the Shares with respect to which the Tandem Stock Appreciation Right is exercised; and
(e)   The Tandem Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised solely when the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to the related Option exceeds the per Share exercise price under the related Option.
ARTICLE XV
RECAPITALIZATION OR REORGANIZATION
15.1   Adjustments to Shares. The shares with respect to which Awards may be granted under the Plan are Shares as presently constituted; provided, however, that if, and whenever, prior to the expiration or distribution to the Holder of Shares underlying an Award theretofore granted, the Company shall effect a subdivision or consolidation of the Shares or the payment of an Share dividend on Shares without receipt of consideration by the Company, the number of Shares with respect to which such Award may thereafter be exercised or satisfied, as applicable, (i) in the event of an increase in the number of outstanding Shares, shall be proportionately increased, and the purchase price per Share shall be proportionately reduced, and (ii) in the event of a reduction in the number of outstanding Shares, shall be proportionately reduced, and the purchase price per Share shall be proportionately increased. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Article XV, any adjustment made with respect to an Award (x) which is an Incentive Stock Option, shall comply with the requirements of Section 424(a) of the Code, and in no event shall any adjustment be made which would render any Incentive Stock Option granted under the Plan to be other than an “incentive stock option” for purposes of Section 422 of the Code, and (y) which is a Non-qualified Stock Option, shall comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, and in no event shall any adjustment be made which would render any Non-qualified Stock Option granted under the Plan to become subject to Section 409A of the Code.
15.2   Recapitalization. If the Company recapitalizes or otherwise changes its capital structure, thereafter upon any exercise or satisfaction, as applicable, of a previously granted Award, the Holder shall be entitled to receive (or entitled to purchase, if applicable) under such Award, in lieu of the number of Shares then covered by such Award, the number and class of shares and securities to which the Holder would have been entitled pursuant to the terms of the recapitalization if, immediately prior to such recapitalization, the Holder had been the holder of record of the number of Shares then covered by such Award.
15.3   Other Events. In the event of changes to the outstanding Shares by reason of an extraordinary cash dividend, reorganization, merger, consolidation, combination, split-up, spin-off, exchange or other relevant change in capitalization occurring after the date of the grant of any Award and not otherwise provided for under this Article XV, any outstanding Awards and any Award Agreements evidencing such Awards shall be adjusted by the Board in its discretion in such manner as the Board shall deem equitable or appropriate taking into consideration the applicable accounting and tax consequences, as to the number
and price of Shares or other consideration subject to such Awards. In the event of any adjustment pursuant to Sections 15.1, 15.2 or this Section 15.3, the aggregate number of Shares available under the
 
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Plan pursuant to Section 5.1 (and the Code Section 162(m) limit set forth therein) may be appropriately adjusted by the Board, the determination of which shall be conclusive. In addition, the Committee may make provision for a cash payment to a Holder or a person who has an outstanding Award. The number of Shares subject to any Award shall be rounded to the nearest whole number.
15.4   Powers Not Affected. The existence of the Plan and the Awards granted hereunder shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Board or of the stockholders of the Company to make or authorize any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change of the Company’s capital structure or business, any merger or consolidation of the Company, any issue of debt or equity securities ahead of or affecting Shares or the rights thereof, the dissolution or liquidation of the Company or any sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of all or any part of its assets or business or any other corporate act or proceeding.
15.5   No Adjustment for Certain Awards. Except as hereinabove expressly provided, the issuance by the Company of shares of any class or securities convertible into shares of any class, for cash, property, labor or services, upon direct sale, upon the exercise of rights or warrants to subscribe therefor or upon conversion of shares or obligations of the Company convertible into such shares or other securities, and in any case whether or not for fair value, shall not affect previously granted Awards, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to the number of Shares subject to Awards theretofore granted or the purchase price per Share, if applicable.
ARTICLE XVI
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF PLAN
The Plan shall continue in effect, unless sooner terminated pursuant to this Article XVI, until the tenth (10th) anniversary of the date on which it is adopted by the Board (except as to Awards outstanding on that date). The Board in its discretion may terminate the Plan at any time with respect to any shares for which Awards have not theretofore been granted; provided, however, that the Plan’s termination shall not materially and adversely impair the rights of a Holder with respect to any Award theretofore granted without the consent of the Holder. The Board shall have the right to alter or amend the Plan or any part hereof from time to time; provided, however, that without the approval by a majority of the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders at which a quorum representing a majority of the shares of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors is present in person or by proxy, no amendment or modification of the Plan may (i) materially increase the benefits accruing to Holders, (ii) except as otherwise expressly provided in Article XV, materially increase the number of Shares subject to the Plan or the individual Award Agreements specified in Article V, (iii) materially modify the requirements for participation in the Plan, or (iv) amend, modify or suspend Section 7.7 (re-pricing prohibitions) or this Article XVI. In addition, no change in any Award theretofore granted may be made which would materially and adversely impair the rights of a Holder with respect to such Award without the consent of the Holder (unless such change is required in order to cause the benefits under the Plan to qualify as “performance-based” compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code or to exempt the Plan or any Award from Section 409A of the Code).
ARTICLE XVII
MISCELLANEOUS
17.1   No Right to Award. Neither the adoption of the Plan by the Company nor any action of the Board or the Committee shall be deemed to give an Employee, Director or Consultant any right to an Award except as may be evidenced by an Award Agreement duly executed on behalf of the Company, and then solely to the extent and on the terms and conditions expressly set forth therein.
17.2   No Rights Conferred. Nothing contained in the Plan shall (i) confer upon any Employee any right with respect to continuation of employment with the Company or any Affiliate, (ii) interfere in any way with any right of the Company or any Affiliate to terminate the employment of an Employee at any time, (iii) confer upon any Director any right with respect to continuation of such Director’s membership on the Board, (iv) interfere in any way with any right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate a Director’s membership on the Board at any time, (v) confer upon any Consultant any right with respect to continuation
 
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of his or her consulting engagement with the Company or any Affiliate, or (vi) interfere in any way with any right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate a Consultant’s consulting engagement with the Company or an Affiliate at any time.
17.3   Other Laws; No Fractional Shares; Withholding. The Company shall not be obligated by virtue of any provision of the Plan to recognize the exercise of any Award or to otherwise sell or issue Shares in violation of any laws, rules or regulations, and any postponement of the exercise or settlement of any Award under this provision shall not extend the term of such Award. Neither the Company nor its directors or officers shall have any obligation or liability to a Holder with respect to any Award (or Shares issuable thereunder) (i) that shall lapse because of such postponement, or (ii) for any failure to comply with the requirements of any applicable law, rules or regulations, including but not limited to any failure to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of this Code. No fractional Shares shall be delivered, nor shall any cash in lieu of fractional Shares be paid. The Company shall have the right to deduct in cash (whether under this Plan or otherwise) in connection with all Awards any taxes required by law to be withheld and to require any payments required to enable it to satisfy its withholding obligations. In the case of any Award satisfied in the form of Shares, no Shares shall be issued unless and until arrangements satisfactory to the Company shall have been made to satisfy any tax withholding obligations applicable with respect to such Award. Subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may impose, the Company shall have the right to retain, or the Committee may, subject to such terms and conditions as it may establish from time to time, permit Holders to elect to tender, Shares (including Shares issuable in respect of an Award) to satisfy, in whole or in part, the amount required to be withheld.
17.4   No Restriction on Corporate Action. Nothing contained in the Plan shall be construed to prevent the Company or any Affiliate from taking any corporate action which is deemed by the Company or such Affiliate to be appropriate or in its best interest, whether or not such action would have an adverse effect on the Plan or any Award made under the Plan. No Employee, Director, Consultant, beneficiary or other person shall have any claim against the Company or any Affiliate as a result of any such action.
17.5   Restrictions on Transfer. No Award under the Plan or any Award Agreement and no rights or interests herein or therein, shall or may be assigned, transferred, sold, exchanged, encumbered, pledged or otherwise hypothecated or disposed of by a Holder except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. An Award may be exercisable during the lifetime of the Holder only by such Holder or by the Holder’s guardian or legal representative.
17.6   Beneficiary Designations. Each Holder may, from time to time, name a beneficiary or beneficiaries (who may be contingent or successive beneficiaries) for purposes of receiving any amount which is payable in connection with an Award under the Plan upon or subsequent to the Holder’s death. Each such beneficiary designation shall serve to revoke all prior beneficiary designations, be in a form prescribed by the Company and be effective solely when filed by the Holder in writing with the Company during the Holder’s lifetime. In the absence of any such written beneficiary designation, for purposes of the Plan, a Holder’s beneficiary shall be the Holder’s estate.
17.7   Rule 16b-3. It is intended that the Plan and any Award made to a person subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act shall meet all of the requirements of Rule 16b-3. If any provision of the Plan or of any such Award would disqualify the Plan or such Award under, or would otherwise not comply with the requirements of, Rule 16b-3, such provision or Award shall be construed or deemed to have been amended as necessary to conform to the requirements of Rule 16b-3.
17.8   Section 162(m). The following conditions shall apply if it is intended that the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code be satisfied such that Awards under the Plan which are made to Holders who are “covered employees” (as defined in Section 162(m) of the Code) shall constitute “performance-based” compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code: Any Performance Goal(s) applicable to Qualified Performance-Based Awards shall be objective, shall be established not later than ninety (90) days after the beginning of any applicable Performance Period (or at such other date as may be required or permitted for “performance-based” compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code) and shall otherwise meet the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code, including the requirement that the outcome of the Performance Goal or Goals be substantially uncertain (as defined in the regulations under Section 162(m) of the Code) at the time established. The Performance Criteria to be utilized under the Plan to establish
 
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Performance Goals shall consist of objective tests based on one or more of the following: earnings or earnings per share, cash flow or cash flow per share, operating cash flow or operating cash flow per share revenue growth, product revenue growth, financial return ratios (such as return on equity, return on investment and/or return on assets), share price performance, stockholder return, equity and/or value, operating income, operating margins, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, earnings, pre- or post-tax income, economic value added (or an equivalent metric), profit returns and margins, credit quality, sales growth, market share, working capital levels, comparisons with various share market indices, year-end cash, debt reduction, assets under management, operating efficiencies, strategic partnerships or transactions (including co-development, co-marketing, profit sharing, joint venture or other similar arrangements), and/or financing and other capital raising transaction. Performance criteria may be established on a Company-wide basis or with respect to one or more Company business units or divisions or subsidiaries; and either in absolute terms, relative to the performance of one or more similarly situated companies, or relative to the performance of an index covering a peer group of companies. When establishing Performance Goals for the applicable Performance Period, the Committee may exclude any or all “extraordinary items” as determined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles including, without limitation, the charges or costs associated with restructurings of the Company, discontinued operations, other unusual or non-recurring items, and the cumulative effects of accounting changes, and as identified in the Company’s financial statements, notes to the Company’s financial statements or management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations contained in the Company’s most recent annual report filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act. Holders who are “covered employees” (as defined in Section 162(m) of the Code) shall be eligible to receive payment under a Qualified Performance-Based Award which is subject to achievement of a Performance Goal or Goals only if the applicable Performance Goal or Goals are achieved within the applicable Performance Period, as determined by the Committee. If any provision of the Plan would disqualify the Plan or would not otherwise permit the Plan to comply with Section 162(m) of the Code as so intended, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to the requirements or provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code. The Committee may postpone the exercising of Awards, the issuance or delivery of Shares under any Award or any action permitted under the Plan to prevent the Company or any subsidiary from being denied a federal income tax deduction, provided that such deferral satisfies the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. For purposes of the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.162-27(e)(4)(i), the maximum aggregate amount that may be paid in cash during any calendar year to any one person (measured from the date of any payment) with respect to one or more Awards payable in cash shall be Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000)].
17.9   Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Committee shall have no authority to issue an Award under the Plan with terms and/or conditions which would cause such Award to constitute non-qualified “deferred compensation” under Section 409A of the Code unless such Award shall be structured to be exempt from or comply with all requirements of Code Section 409A. The Plan and all Award Agreements are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code (or to be exempt therefrom) and shall be so interpreted and construed and no amount shall be paid or distributed from the Plan unless and until such payment complies with all requirements of Code Section 409A. It is the intent of the Company that the provisions of this Agreement and all other plans and programs sponsored by the Company be interpreted to comply in all respects with Code Section 409A, however, the Company shall have no liability to the Holder, or any successor or beneficiary thereof, in the event taxes, penalties or excise taxes may ultimately be determined to be applicable to any payment or benefit received by the Holder or any successor or beneficiary thereof.
17.10   Indemnification. Each person who is or shall have been a member of the Committee or of the Board shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from any loss, cost, liability, or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred thereby in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to which such person may be made a party or may be involved by reason of any action taken or failure to act under the Plan and against and from any and all amounts paid thereby in settlement thereof, with the Company’s approval, or paid thereby in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit, or proceeding against such person; provided, however, that such person shall give the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before he or she undertakes to handle and defend it on his or her own behalf. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive and shall be independent of any other rights of indemnification to which such persons may be entitled under the Company’s Articles of Incorporation or By-laws, by contract, as a matter of law, or otherwise.
 
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17.11   Other Benefit Plans. No Award, payment or amount received hereunder shall be taken into account in computing an Employee’s salary or compensation for the purposes of determining any benefits under any pension, retirement, life insurance or other benefit plan of the Company or any Affiliate, unless such other plan specifically provides for the inclusion of such Award, payment or amount received. Nothing in the Plan shall be construed to limit the right of the Company to establish other plans or to pay compensation to its employees, in cash or property, in a manner which is not expressly authorized under the Plan.
17.12   Limits of Liability. Any liability of the Company with respect to an Award shall be based solely upon the contractual obligations created under the Plan and the Award Agreement. None of the Company, any member of the Board nor any member of the Committee shall have any liability to any party for any action taken or not taken, in good faith, in connection with or under the Plan.
17.13   Governing Law. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Plan shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflicts of law.
17.14   Severability of Provisions. If any provision of the Plan is held invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of the Plan, and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if such invalid or unenforceable provision had not been included in the Plan.
17.15   No Funding. The Plan shall be unfunded. The Company shall not be required to establish any special or separate fund or to make any other segregation of funds or assets to ensure the payment of any Award. Prior to receipt of Shares or a cash distribution pursuant to the terms of an Award, such Award shall represent an unfunded unsecured contractual obligation of the Company and the Holder shall have no greater claim to the Shares underlying such Award or any other assets of the Company or Affiliate than any other unsecured general creditor.
17.16   Headings. Headings used throughout the Plan are for convenience only and shall not be given legal significance.
 
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Annex B​
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PROXY
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF TITAN PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 30, 2020
Kate Beebe DeVarney, Ph.D., with full power of substitution, hereby is authorized to vote as specified below or, with respect to any matter not set forth below, as he shall determine, all of the shares of common stock of Titan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. that the undersigned would be entitled to vote, if personally present, at the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders and any adjournment thereof.
Unless otherwise specified, this proxy will be voted FOR Proposals 1, 2 and 3. The board of directors recommends a vote FOR Proposals 1, 2 and 3.
1.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
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☐
FOR all nominees listed below (except as marked to the contrary below)
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 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
☐
WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees listed below
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Marc Rubin, M.D., Kate Beebe DeVarney, Ph.D., Joseph A. Akers, M. David MacFarlane, Ph.D., and James R. McNab, Jr.
INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any nominee, write the nominee’s name in the space provided below.
                                                                    
2.
APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENTS TO THE 2015 OMNIBUS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
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​ ​ ​ ​ ☐     FOR ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ☐    AGAINST ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ☐    ABSTAIN ​
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3.
RATIFICATION OF OUM & Co. LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2020
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​ ​ ​ ​ ☐     FOR ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ☐    AGAINST ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ☐    ABSTAIN ​
Please sign exactly as your name appears below. When shares are held by joint tenants, each should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, corporate officer, or partner, please give full title as such.
​ Date:                , 2020 ​ ​
 
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Signature
 
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Signature if held jointly
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PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.