UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No.     )

 

Filed by the Registrant  ☒                             Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  ☐

Check the appropriate box:

 

Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

 

     

 

 

 

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100 Campus Drive, Suite 102

Florham Park, NJ 07932

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF

STOCKHOLDERS AND PROXY STATEMENT

Dear Stockholder:

The annual meeting of stockholders of Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc. will be held virtually at http://www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PHAT2021 on May 21, 2021 at 10:45 a.m., Eastern Time, for the following purposes:

The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the attached proxy statement, which forms a part of this notice and is incorporated herein by reference. Our board of directors has fixed the close of business on March 26, 2021, as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

We have elected to take advantage of Securities and Exchange Commission rules that allow companies to furnish proxy materials to their stockholders by providing access to these documents on the Internet instead of mailing printed copies. Those rules allow a company to provide its stockholders with the information they need, while lowering the costs of delivery and reducing the environmental impact of the annual meeting. Most of our stockholders will not receive printed copies of our proxy materials unless requested, but instead will receive a notice with instructions on how they may access and review our proxy materials on the Internet and how they may cast their vote via the Internet. If you would like to receive a printed or e-mail copy of our proxy materials, please follow the instructions for requesting the materials in the Notice of Internet Availability that is being sent to you.

Your vote is important. Whether or not you expect to attend our virtual annual meeting, please vote as soon as possible. If you received the Notice of Internet Availability, a proxy card was not sent to you and you may vote only via the Internet unless you attend the annual meeting, in which case you will be able to vote via live webcast at http://www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PHAT2021, or request that a proxy card and proxy materials be mailed to you. If you have requested that a proxy card and proxy materials be mailed to you, and you have received those materials, then you may vote via the Internet, by telephone or by mailing a completed proxy card. For specific voting instructions, please refer to the information provided in the accompanying Proxy Statement and in the Notice of Internet Availability.

This year’s Annual Meeting will be hosted as a completely virtual meeting of stockholders, which will be conducted solely online via live webcast. There is no physical location for the Annual Meeting.  We are excited to embrace the latest technology to provide expanded access, improved communication and cost savings for our stockholders and the company and believe that hosting a virtual meeting will enable greater stockholder attendance and participation from any location around the world.

All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting. We appreciate your continued support of the company.

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Florham Park, New Jersey

April 6, 2021

Your vote is important. Please vote your shares whether or not you plan to attend the meeting.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

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100 Campus Drive, Suite 102

Florham Park, NJ 07932

PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE 2021 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021

The board of directors of Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is soliciting the enclosed proxy for use at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held virtually at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PHAT2021, on May 21, 2021 at 10:45 a.m., Eastern Time.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for

the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be Held on May 21, 2021:

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

Why am I receiving these materials?

We have prepared these proxy materials, including this proxy statement and the related proxy card, because our board of directors is soliciting your proxy to vote at the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders. This proxy statement summarizes information related to your vote at the annual meeting. All stockholders who find it convenient to do so are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting via live webcast. However, you do not need to attend the meeting to vote your shares. Instead, you may simply submit your proxy via the Internet in accordance with the instructions provided on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or if you elected to receive printed copies of the proxy materials, you may submit your proxy via telephone by completing, signing and returning the enclosed proxy card.  

Why did I receive a one-page notice in the mail regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials instead of a full set of proxy materials?

In accordance with rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, we use the Internet as the primary means of furnishing proxy materials to our stockholders. Accordingly, we are sending a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials to our stockholders with instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the Internet or request a printed copy of the materials, and for voting over the Internet.

Stockholders may follow the instructions in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials to elect to receive future proxy materials in print by mail or electronically by email. We encourage our stockholders to take advantage of the availability of the proxy materials on the Internet to help reduce the environmental impact of its annual meetings and reduce the cost to us associated with the printing and mailing of materials.

We intend to mail the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials on or before April 6, 2021 to all stockholders of record entitled to vote at the annual meeting. You will need the 16‐digit control number provided on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or your proxy card (if applicable).

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Why are you holding a virtual meeting instead of a physical meeting?

We are excited to embrace technology and provide expanded access, improved communication and cost savings for our company and our stockholders. We believe that hosting a virtual meeting will enable more of our stockholders to attend and participate in the meeting because our stockholders can participate from any location around the world with Internet access. We also believe holding a virtual meeting this year will help safeguard the health of all meeting participants in view of the continued concerns regarding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

What if I have trouble accessing the Annual Meeting virtually?

The virtual meeting platform is fully supported across browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome and Safari) and devices (desktops, laptops, tablets and cell phones) running the most up-to-date version of applicable software and plugins. Participants should ensure that they have a strong WiFi connection wherever they intend to participate in the meeting. We encourage you to access the meeting prior to the start time. A link on the meeting page will provide further assistance should you need it.

Only stockholders of record at the close of business on the record date for the 2021 annual meeting, March 26, 2021, are entitled to vote at the annual meeting. At the close of business on this record date, there were 31,321,613 shares of our common stock outstanding. Common stock is our only class of stock entitled to vote.

Stockholders of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name

If, on the record date, your shares were registered directly in your name with the transfer agent for our common stock, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., then you are a stockholder of record. As a stockholder of record, you may vote your shares by proxy via the Internet by visiting www.proxyvote.com, by telephone or by mail. You will need the 16-digit control number included on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or your proxy card (if applicable). Whether or not you plan to participate in the virtual annual meeting, we encourage you to vote by proxy via the Internet, by telephone or by mail, as instructed below to ensure your vote is counted.  

Beneficial Owners: Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker or Bank

If, on the record date, your shares were held in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, dealer or other similar organization, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by that organization. The organization holding your account is considered the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the virtual annual meeting. As a beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or other agent on how to vote the shares in your account. You are also invited to attend the annual meeting, but you will need the 16‐digit control number provided on the voting instructions that accompanied your proxy materials from your broker, bank or other agent.

What am I voting on?

There are two proposals scheduled for a vote:

Proposal 1: To elect two directors to serve as Class II directors for a three-year term.

Proposal 2: To consider and vote upon the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2021.

 

How many votes do I have?

Each share of our common stock that you own as of March 26, 2021 entitles you to one vote.

How do I vote?

With respect to the election of directors, you may either vote “For” all of the nominees to the board of directors or you may “Withhold” your vote for any nominee you specify. With respect to the ratification of the appointment of

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Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm, you may vote “For,” “Against” or “Abstain” from voting.

 

Stockholders of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name

If you are a stockholder of record, there are several ways for you to vote your shares. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy prior to the virtual annual meeting to ensure that your vote is counted.

 

Beneficial Owners: Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker or Bank

If you are a beneficial owner of shares registered in the name of your broker, bank or other agent, you should have received voting instructions from that organization rather than directly from us. Please check with your bank, broker, or other agent and follow the voting instructions they provide to vote your shares. Generally, you have three options for returning your proxy.

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May I revoke my proxy?

If you give us your proxy, you may revoke it at any time before it is exercised. You may revoke your proxy in any one of the three following ways:

What constitutes a quorum?

The presence at the annual meeting, in person or by proxy, of holders representing a majority of our outstanding common stock as of March 26, 2021, or approximately 15,660,807 shares, constitutes a quorum at the meeting, permitting us to conduct our business.

 

What vote is required to approve each proposal?

Proposal 1: Election of Directors. The two nominees who receive the most “For” votes (among votes properly cast in person or by proxy) will be elected. Only votes “For” or “Withhold” will affect the outcome.

Proposal 2: Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. The ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP must receive “For” votes from the holders of a majority in voting power of the votes cast affirmatively or negatively on the proposal. Only votes “For” or “Against” will affect the outcome.

Voting results will be tabulated and certified by the inspector of election appointed for the annual meeting.

How will my shares be voted if I do not specify how they should be voted?

If you are a stockholder of record and you indicate when voting on the Internet or by telephone that you wish to vote as recommended by the Board, then your shares will be voted at the annual meeting in accordance with the Board’s recommendation on all matters presented for a vote at the annual meeting. Similarly, if you sign and return a proxy card but do not indicate how you want to vote your shares for a particular proposal or for all of the proposals, then for any proposal for which you do not so indicate, your shares will be voted in accordance with the Board’s recommendation.

If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name and do not provide the organization that holds your shares with specific voting instructions, then, the organization that holds your shares may generally vote your shares in their discretion on “routine” matters but cannot vote on “non-routine” matters. If the organization that holds your shares does not receive instructions from you on how to vote your shares on a non-routine matter, that organization will inform the inspector of election that it does not have the authority to vote on that matter with respect to your shares. This is generally referred to as a “broker non-vote.”

What is the effect of withheld votes, abstentions and broker non-votes?

Shares of common stock held by persons attending the virtual annual meeting but not voting, and shares represented by proxies that reflect withheld votes or abstentions as to a particular proposal, will be counted as present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum. Abstentions are not an affirmative or negative vote on a proposal, so abstaining does not count as a vote cast and has no effect for purposes of determining whether our stockholders have ratified the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm. The election of directors is determined by a plurality of votes cast, so a “Withhold” vote will not be counted in determining the outcome of such proposal.

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Shares represented by proxies that reflect a broker non-vote will be counted as present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum exists. As discussed above, a broker non-vote occurs when an organization holding shares for a beneficial owner has not received instructions from the beneficial owner and does not have discretionary authority to vote the shares for certain non-routine matters. With regard to the election of directors, which is considered a non-routine matter, broker non-votes will not be counted as votes cast and will have no effect on the result of the vote. However, ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP is considered a routine matter on which a broker or other nominee has discretionary authority to vote. Accordingly, no broker non-votes will likely result from this proposal.

How does the Board recommend that I vote?

The Board recommends that you vote:

If you vote via the Internet, by telephone, or sign and return the proxy card by mail but do not make specific choices, your shares, as permitted, will be voted as recommended by our board of directors. If any other matter is presented at the annual meeting, your proxy will vote in accordance with his or her best judgment. As of the date of this proxy statement, we know of no matters that needed to be acted on at the annual meeting, other than those discussed in this proxy statement.

Who is paying the costs of soliciting these proxies?

We will pay all of the costs of soliciting these proxies. Our directors, officers and other employees may solicit proxies in person or by mail, telephone, fax or email. We will not pay our directors, officers and other employees any additional compensation for these services. We will ask banks, brokers and other institutions, nominees and fiduciaries to forward these proxy materials to their principals and to obtain authority to execute proxies. We will then reimburse them for their expenses. Our costs for forwarding proxy materials will not be significant.

How do I obtain an Annual Report on Form 10-K?

If you would like a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 that we filed with the SEC on March 30, 2021, we will send you one without charge. Please write to:

 

Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

100 Campus Drive, Suite 102

Florham Park, NJ 07932

Attn: Corporate Secretary

All of our SEC filings are also available free of charge in the “Investors & Media—Financials & Filings—SEC Filings” section of our website at www.phathompharma.com.

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How can I find out the results of the voting at the annual meeting?

Preliminary voting results will be announced at the annual meeting. Final voting results will be published in our current report on Form 8-K to be filed with the SEC within four business days after the annual meeting. If final voting results are not available to us in time to file a Form 8-K within four business days after the meeting, we intend to file a Form 8-K to publish preliminary results and, within four business days after the final results are known to us, file an additional Form 8-K to publish the final results.

 

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PROPOSAL 1:

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Our board of directors is divided into three classes, with one class of our directors standing for election each year, generally for a three-year term. Directors for each class are elected at the annual meeting of stockholders held in the year in which the term for their class expires and hold office until the third annual meeting following election and until such director’s successor is elected and qualified, or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.  James Topper, M.D., Ph.D., a Class II director, previously informed us that although he will serve out the remainder of his term, he does not intend to stand for reelection as a director at the annual meeting of stockholders. As a result, our board of directors following the annual meeting will consist of two Class I directors, two Class II directors and three Class III directors. As detailed in the section below, the composition of our board of directors will be as follows: Class I consists of Terrie Curran and Mark Stenhouse; Class II consists of Michael F. Cola and Asit Parikh, M.D., Ph.D.; and Class III consists of Heidi Kunz, David Socks and Tadataka Yamada, M.D.

At this meeting, two nominees for director are to be elected as Class II directors for a three-year term expiring at our 2024 annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. The nominees, who were recommended for nomination by the nominating and corporate governance committee of our board of directors, are Michael F. Cola and Asit Parikh, M.D., Ph.D. The Class III directors have one year remaining on their terms of office and the Class I directors have two years remaining on their terms of office.

If no contrary indication is made, proxies in the accompanying form are to be voted for Mr. Cola or Dr. Parikh, or in the event that Mr. Cola or Dr. Parikh is not a candidate or is unable to serve as a director at the time of the election (which is not currently expected), for any nominee who is designated by our board of directors to fill the vacancy. Each of Mr. Cola and Dr. Parikh is currently a member of our board of directors.

All of our directors bring to the board of directors’ significant leadership experience derived from their professional experience and service as executives or board members of other corporations and/or private equity and venture capital firms. The process undertaken by the nominating and corporate governance committee in recommending qualified director candidates is described below under “Director Nomination Process.” Certain individual qualifications and skills of our directors that contribute to the board of directors’ effectiveness as a whole are described in the following paragraphs.  

Information Regarding Directors

The information set forth below as to the directors and nominees for director has been furnished to us by the directors and nominees for director:

Nominees for Election to the Board of Directors

For a Three-Year Term Expiring at the

2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (Class II)

 

 

Michael F. Cola has served as a member of our board of directors since September 2019. Mr. Cola has served as Chief Executive Officer of Cerecor Inc. since its acquisition of Aevi Genomic Medicine, Inc. in February 2020. Prior to the acquisition, Mr. Cola had served as Chief Executive Officer and President of Aevi Genomic Medicine, Inc. since September 2013. Mr. Cola served as President of Shire plc’s Specialty Pharmaceuticals business from 2007 until April 2012. Mr. Cola joined Shire in July 2005 as Executive Vice President for Global Therapeutic Business Units and Portfolio Management prior to being named President of the Specialty Pharmaceuticals business. Prior to joining Shire, Mr. Cola spent more than five years at Safeguard Scientifics, where he served as President of

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the Life Sciences Group. As part of his role with Safeguard Scientifics, Mr. Cola served as Chairman and CEO of Clarient, a cancer diagnostics company, and chairman of Laureate Pharma, a full service contract manufacturing organization serving research based biologics companies. Prior to joining Safeguard Scientifics, Mr. Cola held senior positions of increasing responsibility in product development and commercialization at AstraMerck, and later with AstraZeneca. Mr. Cola currently serves on the board of directors of Cerecor Inc. and Sage Therapeutics, Inc. Mr. Cola received his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology and physics from Ursinus College and his Master of Science degree in biomedical science from Drexel University. Mr. Cola’s executive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, knowledge of our business and service as a director of other biopharmaceutical companies contributed to our board of directors’ conclusion that he should serve as a director of our company.

 

Asit Parikh, M.D., Ph.D. joined our board of directors in December 2019. Dr. Parikh has served as the Chief Executive Officer of MOMA Therapeutics since April 2021. From October 2014 through March 2021, Dr. Parikh served as the Senior Vice President and head of the Gastrointestinal Therapeutic Area Unit at Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Parikh has served in various positions at Takeda since 2006. Dr. Parikh received a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Northwestern University and an M.D. and Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Pennsylvania and completed specialty training in gastroenterology at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He also completed postdoctoral work in cancer biology at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Parikh’s extensive knowledge of our business and prior oversight of the Takeda team bringing vonoprazan to the Japanese market in seven indications contributed to our board of directors’ conclusion that he should serve as a director of our company.

 

Members of the Board of Directors Continuing in Office

Term Expiring at the

2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (Class III)

 

 

Heidi Kunz has served as a member of our board of directors since September 2019. Ms. Kunz served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Blue Shield of California from September 2003 until her retirement in December 2012. Prior to joining Blue Shield of California, she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Gap, Inc. from 1999 to January 2003. From 1995 to 1999, Ms. Kunz served as the Chief Financial Officer of ITT Industries, Inc. She has also held senior financial management positions at General Motors Corporation, including Vice President and Treasurer during her 16-year tenure from 1979 to 1995. Ms. Kunz currently serves as a director of Agilent Technologies Inc., a global scientific instrument manufacturing and clinical diagnostics company, and Avanos Medical, Inc., a public medical device company, and previously served as a director of Financial Engines, Inc., an investment advisement company. Ms. Kunz received an MBA in Finance and Accounting from Columbia Business School and a bachelor’s degree in Russian Language from Georgetown University. Ms. Kunz’s extensive experience as a chief financial officer and service as a director of other public companies contributed to our board of directors’ conclusion that she should serve as a director of our company.

 

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David Socks is our co-founder and has served as a member of our board of directors since January 2018. Mr. Socks previously served as our Chief Executive Officer from January 2018 until his appointment as interim Chief Financial Officer, a position he held from December 2019 until July 2020.  From July 2020 until March 2021, Mr. Socks served as a Strategic Advisor to the company.  Since August 2014, Mr. Socks has been a Venture Partner at Frazier. In this capacity, he co-founded Arcutis, Inc., Nexcida Therapeutics, Inc., Outpost Medicine, LLC, Passage Bio, Inc., Recida Therapeutics, Inc., and Scout Bio, Inc. Mr. Socks served as Chief Executive Officer of Nexcida Therapeutics, Outpost Medicine and Scout Bio. Prior to joining Frazier, Mr. Socks co-founded Incline Therapeutics, Inc. in 2010 and served as its President and Chief Operating Officer from 2010 until its sale to The Medicines Company in 2013. He also cofounded Cadence Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in 2004 and served as its Vice President of Business Development and then as its Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Strategy from 2004 until 2010. From 2000 to 2004, Mr. Socks was a Venture Partner at Windamere Venture Partners, a venture capital firm founding and investing in early stage life science companies, where he cofounded several biopharmaceutical companies including Somaxon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Verus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Previously, he worked at Neurocrine Biosciences, EFO Holdings, L.P., an investment firm, and Kaiser Associates, Inc., a strategic management consulting firm. Mr. Socks holds a B.S. from Georgetown University and an MBA from Stanford University. Mr. Socks’ knowledge of our business and significant experience as a biopharmaceutical executive and board member, contributed to our board of directors’ conclusion that he should serve as a director of our company.

 

Tadataka Yamada, M.D. has served as Chairman of our board of directors since March 2019. Dr. Yamada has served as a Venture Partner at Frazier since June 2015. Since June 2019, Dr. Yamada has served as a member of the board of Athira Pharma, a neurologic disease company, and has served as its chair since January 2020. From June 2011 to June 2015, Dr. Yamada served as the Chief Medical and Scientific Officer and as a member of the board of directors of Takeda. From 2011 to January 2021, Dr. Yamada served as a member of the board of directors of Agilent Technologies, a global scientific instrument manufacturing and clinical diagnostics company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. From June 2016 to October 2019, Dr. Yamada served on the board of directors of CSL Limited, a biotechnology company that is publicly traded on the Australian Securities Exchange, and since June 2017 as Chairman of the Board of Passage Bio, a genetic medicines company listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Dr. Yamada previously served as President of the Global Health Program of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation from June 2006 to June 2011. From 2000 to 2006, Dr. Yamada was Chairman of Research and Development and a member of the board of directors of GlaxoSmithKline Inc. and prior to that, he held research and development positions at SmithKline Beecham. Prior to joining SmithKline Beecham, Dr. Yamada was Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School and Physician-in-Chief of the University of Michigan Medical Center. Dr. Yamada serves as chair of the board of directors at the Clinton Health Access Initiative and a member of the National Academy of Medicine. He is also a Fellow of the Imperial College of Medicine, a Master of the American College of Physicians, a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, a Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a past-President of the American Gastroenterological Association and the Association of American Physicians. Dr. Yamada received his M.D. from New York University School of Medicine and a B.A. in History from Stanford University. He has authored over 150 manuscripts in peer reviewed journals and is the editor of The Textbook of Gastroenterology. He has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Distinguished Achievement Award in Gastrointestinal Physiology from the American Physiological Society, the Friedenwald Medal from the American Gastroenterological Association, and the Watanabe Prize in Translational Research from Indiana University and Eli Lilly & Co. Dr. Yamada’s extensive research and experience in gastrointestinal drug development, particularly his involvement in the development of vonoprazan at Takeda, as well as his service as a director or officer of other healthcare companies, contributed to our board of directors’ conclusion that he should serve as Chairman of our board of directors.

 

 

Term Expiring at the

2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (Class I)

 

 

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Terrie Curran has served as a member of our board of directors since August 2019. On December 2, 2019, as part of a planned transition, Ms. Curran succeeded Mr. Socks as Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Curran previously served as the President, Global Inflammation and Immunology Franchise at Celgene Corporation and a member of its Executive Committee from April 2017 until November 2019. Ms. Curran joined Celgene in 2013 as the U.S. Commercial Head of the I&I Franchise and built the capabilities and recruited the teams that executed the successful launch of OTEZLA, before becoming Head of Worldwide Markets. Prior to joining Celgene, she served as Senior Vice President and General Manager - Global Women’s Health at Merck & Co. Before joining Merck, Ms. Curran held a number of Country General Manager positions at Schering-Plough and Pharmacia across Europe and Asia Pacific. She currently serves on the boards of Myovant Sciences Ltd. and Arcutis Biotherapeutics, both biotechnology companies, and previously served on the board of H. Lundbeck A/S, a global pharmaceutical company. Ms. Curran holds a Graduate Diploma of Marketing and a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) from the University of Technology, Sydney. Ms. Curran’s knowledge of our business and extensive biopharmaceutical industry experience contributed to our board of directors’ conclusion that she should serve as a director of our company.

 

Mark Stenhouse has served on our board of directors since March 2020. Mr. Stenhouse has served as the Chief Operating Officer of Prometheus Biosciences since March 2021, and previously served as General Manager, Screening Business Unit at Exact Sciences Corporation, a biotechnology company, from April 2018 to January 2021. From October 2016 until March 2018, Mr. Stenhouse served as Vice President, U.S. Immunology of AbbVie, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, where he oversaw U.S. expansion into the immunology marketplace.  From April 2010 until September 2016, Mr. Stenhouse served as Vice President and Vice President/General Manager, U.S. Immunology—Gastroenterology Franchise at AbbVie. From September 2006 through March 2010, Mr. Stenhouse held various senior management, marketing and sales positions within Abbott Laboratories’ U.S. Immunology division. Mr. Stenhouse earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the College of Charleston. Mr. Stenhouse’s executive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry and knowledge of our business contributed to our board of directors’ conclusion that he should serve as a director of our company.

Director Independence

Our board of directors currently consists of eight members. Our board of directors has determined that Dr. Yamada, Mr. Cola, Ms. Kunz, Mr. Stenhouse, Dr. Parikh and Dr. Topper are independent directors in accordance with the listing requirements of the Nasdaq Global Select Market, or Nasdaq. The Nasdaq independence definition includes a series of objective tests, including that the director is not, and has not been for at least three years, one of our employees and that neither the director nor any of his or her family members has engaged in various types of business dealings with us. In addition, as required by Nasdaq rules, our board of directors has made a subjective determination as to each independent director that no relationships exist, which, in the opinion of our board of directors, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. In making these determinations, our board of directors reviewed and discussed information provided by the directors and us with regard to each director’s business and personal activities and relationships as they may relate to us and our management. There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers.

Board Leadership Structure

Our board of directors is currently led by its chairman, Dr. Yamada. Our board of directors recognizes that it is important to determine an optimal board leadership structure to ensure the independent oversight of management as the company continues to grow. We separate the roles of chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors in recognition of the differences between the two roles. The chief executive officer is responsible for setting the strategic direction for the company and the day-to-day leadership and performance of the company, while the chairman of the board of directors provides guidance to the chief executive officer and presides over meetings of the full board of directors. We believe that this separation of responsibilities provides a balanced approach to managing the board of directors and overseeing the company.

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Our board of directors has concluded that our current leadership structure is appropriate at this time. However, our board of directors will continue to periodically review our leadership structure and may make such changes in the future as it deems appropriate.

Role of Board in Risk Oversight Process

Our board of directors has responsibility for the oversight of our risk management processes and, either as a whole or through its committees, regularly discusses with management our major risk exposures, their potential impact on our business and the steps we take to manage them. The risk oversight process includes receiving regular reports from board committees and members of senior management to enable our board of directors to understand our risk identification, risk management and risk mitigation strategies with respect to areas of potential material risk, including operations, finance, legal, regulatory, strategic and reputational risk.

The audit committee reviews information regarding liquidity and operations, and oversees our management of financial risks. Periodically, the audit committee reviews our policies with respect to risk assessment, risk management, loss prevention and regulatory compliance. Oversight by the audit committee includes direct communication with our external auditors, and discussions with management regarding significant risk exposures and the actions management has taken to limit, monitor or control such exposures. The compensation committee is responsible for assessing whether any of our compensation policies or programs has the potential to encourage excessive risk-taking. The nominating and corporate governance committee manages risks associated with the independence of the board of directors, corporate disclosure practices and potential conflicts of interest. While each committee is responsible for evaluating certain risks and overseeing the management of such risks, the entire board of directors is regularly informed through committee reports about such risks. Matters of significant strategic risk are considered by our board of directors as a whole.

Board of Directors Meetings

Including telephonic meetings, our board of directors met seven times during fiscal year 2020. In that year, each director attended at least 75% of the total number of meetings held during such director’s term of service by the board of directors and each committee of the board of directors on which such director served.

Board Committees and Independence

Our board of directors has established three standing committees—audit, compensation and nominating and corporate governance – each of which operates under a charter that has been approved by our board of directors.  

Audit Committee

The audit committee’s main function is to oversee our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of our financial statements. This committee’s responsibilities include, among other things:

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The members of our audit committee are Ms. Kunz, Mr. Cola and Mr. Stenhouse. Ms. Kunz serves as the chairperson of the committee. The audit committee met five times during fiscal year 2020. All members of our audit committee meet the requirements for financial literacy under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq. Our board of directors has determined that Ms. Kunz is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by applicable SEC rules and has the requisite financial sophistication as defined under the applicable Nasdaq rules and regulations. Our board of directors has determined each of Ms. Kunz, Mr. Cola and Mr. Stenhouse is independent under the applicable rules of the SEC and Nasdaq. The audit committee operates under a written charter that satisfies the applicable standards of the SEC and Nasdaq, which the audit committee will review and evaluate periodically.

Both our external auditor and internal financial personnel meet privately with the audit committee and have unrestricted access to this committee.  

Compensation Committee

The compensation committee approves policies relating to compensation and benefits of our officers and employees. The compensation committee approves corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers, evaluates the performance of these officers in light of those goals and objectives and approves the compensation of these officers based on such evaluations. The compensation committee also approves the issuance of equity awards under our equity plan. The compensation committee will review and evaluate, at least annually, the performance of the compensation committee and its members, including compliance by the compensation committee with its charter.

The members of our compensation committee are Mr. Cola, Mr. Stenhouse, Dr. Topper and Dr. Yamada. Following the 2021 annual meeting, Dr. Topper will no longer serve as a director or a member of the compensation committee and Dr. Parikh will become a member of the compensation committee.  The compensation committee met five times during fiscal year 2020. Mr. Cola serves as the chairperson of the committee. Our board of directors has determined that each member of our compensation committee is independent under the applicable rules and regulations of Nasdaq and is a “non-employee director” as defined in Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. The compensation committee operates under a written charter, which the compensation committee will review and evaluate periodically.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

The nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for assisting our board of directors in discharging the board’s responsibilities regarding the identification of qualified candidates to become board members, the selection of nominees for election as directors at our annual meetings of stockholders (or special meetings of stockholders at which directors are to be elected), and the selection of candidates to fill any vacancies on our board of directors and any committees thereof. In addition, the nominating and corporate governance

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committee is responsible for overseeing our corporate governance policies, reporting and making recommendations to our board of directors concerning governance matters and oversight of the evaluation of our board of directors.

The members of our nominating and corporate governance committee are Ms. Kunz, Dr. Topper and Dr. Yamada.  Dr. Topper currently serves as the chairman of the committee. The nominating and corporate governance committee met three times during fiscal year 2020. Dr. Topper will continue to serve as a member of the nominating and corporate governance committee through May 21, 2021, the date of the annual meeting of stockholders, at which point Dr. Parikh will become a member of the nominating and corporate governance committee and Dr. Yamada will serve as the chairman.  Our board has determined that each member of our nominating and corporate governance committee is independent under the applicable rules and regulations of Nasdaq relating to nominating and corporate governance committee independence. The nominating and corporate governance committee operates under a written charter, which the nominating and corporate governance committee will review and evaluate periodically.

Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors

The audit committee oversees the company’s financial reporting process on behalf of our board of directors. Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process, including the systems of internal controls. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the audit committee reviewed the audited financial statements in the company’s annual report with management, including a discussion of any significant changes in the selection or application of accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments, the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements and the effect of any new accounting initiatives.

The audit committee reviewed with Ernst & Young LLP, which is responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of the company’s audited financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles, its judgments as to the quality, not just the acceptability, of the company’s accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the audit committee under generally accepted auditing standards and the matters listed in Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Auditing Standard No. 16, Communications with Audit Committees. In addition, the audit committee has discussed with Ernst & Young LLP its independence from management and the company, has received from Ernst & Young LLP the written disclosures and the letter required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding Ernst & Young LLP’s communications with the audit committee concerning independence, and has considered the compatibility of non-audit services with the auditors’ independence.

The audit committee met with Ernst & Young LLP to discuss the overall scope of its services, the results of its audit and reviews, and the overall quality of the company’s financial reporting. Ernst & Young LLP, as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm, also periodically updates the audit committee about new accounting developments and their potential impact on the company’s reporting. The audit committee’s meetings with Ernst & Young LLP were held with and without management present. The audit committee is not employed by the company, nor does it provide any expert assurance or professional certification regarding the company’s financial statements. The audit committee relies, without independent verification, on the accuracy and integrity of the information provided, and representations made, by management and the company’s independent registered public accounting firm.

In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the audit committee has recommended to the company’s board of directors that the audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. The audit committee and the company’s board of directors also have recommended, subject to stockholder approval, the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2021.

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This report of the audit committee is not “soliciting material,” shall not be deemed “filed” with the SEC and shall not be incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this proxy statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate this information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such acts.

The foregoing report has been furnished by the audit committee.

 

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

Mr. Cola (chairperson), Mr. Stenhouse, Dr. Topper and Dr. Yamada served on our compensation committee during the 2020 fiscal year. None of the members of our compensation committee during the 2020 fiscal year has ever been one of our officers or employees. None of our executive officers currently serves, or has served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving as a member of our board of directors or compensation committee.

Director Nomination Process

Director Qualifications

Our nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for reviewing with the board of directors, on an annual basis, the appropriate characteristics, skills and experience required for the board of directors as a whole and its individual members. In evaluating the suitability of individual candidates (both new candidates and current members), the nominating and corporate governance committee, in recommending candidates for election, and the board of directors, in approving (and, in the case of vacancies, appointing) such candidates, will take into account many factors, including the following:

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Currently, our board of directors evaluates each individual in the context of the board of directors as a whole, with the objective of assembling a group that can best maximize the success of the business and represent stockholder interests through the exercise of sound judgment using its diversity of experience in these various areas.

Other than the foregoing, there are no stated minimum criteria for director nominees, although the nominating and corporate governance committee may also consider such other factors as it may deem to be in the best interests of our company and our stockholders. The nominating and corporate governance committee does, however, believe it appropriate for at least one, and preferably, several, members of our board of directors to meet the criteria for an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by SEC rules, and that a majority of the members of our board of directors meet the definition of “independent director” under Nasdaq qualification standards. The nominating and corporate governance committee also believes it is appropriate for our Chief Executive Officer to serve as a member of our board of directors.

Identification and Evaluation of Nominees for Directors

The nominating and corporate governance committee identifies nominees for director by first evaluating the current members of our board of directors willing to continue in service. Current members with qualifications and skills that are consistent with the nominating and corporate governance committee’s criteria for board of director service and who are willing to continue in service are considered for re-nomination, balancing the value of continuity of service by existing members of our board of directors with that of obtaining a new perspective or expertise.

If any member of our board of directors does not wish to continue in service or if our board of directors decides not to re-nominate a member for re-election or if the board of directors decides to expand the size of the board, the nominating and corporate governance committee identifies the desired skills and experience of a new nominee in light of the criteria above. The nominating and corporate governance committee generally polls our board of directors and members of management for their recommendations. The nominating and corporate governance committee may also review the composition and qualification of the boards of directors of our competitors and may seek input from industry experts or analysts. The nominating and corporate governance committee reviews the qualifications, experience and background of the candidates. Final candidates are interviewed by the members of the nominating and corporate governance committee and by certain of our other independent directors and executive management. In making its determinations, the nominating and corporate governance committee evaluates each individual in the context of our board of directors as a whole, with the objective of assembling a group that can best contribute to the success of our company and represent stockholder interests through the exercise of sound business judgment. After review and deliberation of all feedback and data, the nominating and corporate governance committee makes its recommendation to our board of directors. Historically, the nominating and corporate governance committee has not relied on third-party search firms to identify director candidates. The nominating and corporate governance may in the future choose to do so in those situations where particular qualifications are required or where existing contacts are not sufficient to identify an appropriate candidate.

The nominating and corporate governance committee evaluates nominees recommended by stockholders in the same manner as it evaluates other nominees. We have not received director candidate recommendations from our stockholders, and we do not have a formal policy regarding consideration of such recommendations. However, any recommendations received from stockholders will be evaluated in the same manner that potential nominees suggested by members of our board of directors, management or other parties are evaluated.

Under our amended and restated bylaws, a stockholder wishing to suggest a candidate for director should write to our corporate secretary and provide such information about the stockholder and the proposed candidate as is set forth in our amended and restated bylaws and as would be required by SEC rules to be included in a proxy statement. In addition, the stockholder must include the consent of the candidate and describe any arrangements or undertakings between the stockholder and the candidate regarding the nomination. In order to give the nominating and corporate governance committee sufficient time to evaluate a recommended candidate and include the candidate in our proxy statement for the 2022 annual meeting, the recommendation should be received by our corporate secretary at our principal executive offices in accordance with our procedures detailed in the section below entitled “Stockholder Proposals.”

 

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Director Attendance at Annual Meetings

Although we do not have a formal policy regarding attendance by members of our board of directors at our annual meeting, we encourage all of our directors to attend and all of our directors attended our 2020 annual meeting.

Communications with our Board of Directors

Stockholders seeking to communicate with our board of directors should submit their written comments to our corporate secretary, Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 100 Campus Drive, Suite 102, Florham Park, NJ 07932. The corporate secretary will forward such communications to each member of our board of directors; provided that, if in the opinion of our corporate secretary it would be inappropriate to send a particular stockholder communication to a specific director, such communication will only be sent to the remaining directors (subject to the remaining directors concurring with such opinion).

Corporate Governance

We have adopted a written code of business conduct and ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. Our code of business conduct and ethics, as well as our corporate governance guidelines, audit committee charter, compensation committee charter and nominating and corporate governance committee charter, are available free of charge under the Corporate Governance section of our website at www.phathompharma.com. Please note, however, that the information contained on the website is not incorporated by reference in, or considered part of, this proxy statement. We will also provide copies of these documents as well as our company’s other corporate governance documents, free of charge, to any stockholder upon written request to Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 100 Campus Drive, Suite 102, Florham Park, NJ 07932.

 

Director Compensation

 

Our non-employee director compensation program provides for annual retainer fees and/or long-term equity awards for our non-employee directors. Each non-employee director receives an annual retainer of $40,000. Non-employee directors serving as the chairs of the audit, compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees receive additional annual retainers of $20,000, $15,000 and $10,000, respectively. Non-employee directors serving as members of the audit, compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees receive additional annual retainers of $10,000, $7,500 and $5,000, respectively. Additionally, the non-executive chairman of the board receive an additional annual retainer of $40,000. The non-employee directors also receive initial grants of options to purchase 20,000 shares of our common stock upon election to the board of directors, one-third of which will vest on the first anniversary of the grant date and the remainder of which will vest in quarterly installments over the following 24 months, and thereafter annual grants of options to purchase 10,000 shares of our common stock, vesting on the first to occur of (1) the first anniversary of the grant date or (2) the next occurring annual meeting of our stockholders, in each case, subject to the non-employee director continuing in service on our board of directors through such vesting date.

 

Compensation under our non-employee director compensation program is subject to the annual limits on non-employee director compensation set forth in our 2019 Incentive Award Plan, or 2019 Plan. Our board of directors or its authorized committee may modify the non-employee director compensation program from time to time in the exercise of its business judgment, taking into account such factors, circumstances and considerations as it shall deem relevant from time to time, subject to the annual limit on non-employee director compensation set forth in the 2019 Plan. As provided in the 2019 Plan, our board of directors or its authorized committee may make exceptions to this limit for individual non-employee directors in extraordinary circumstances, as the board of directors or its authorized committee may determine in its discretion, provided that the non-employee director receiving such additional compensation may not participate in the decision to award such compensation or in other compensation decisions involving non-employee directors.

 

We have reimbursed and will continue to reimburse all of our non-employee directors for their travel, lodging and other reasonable expenses incurred in attending meetings of our board of directors and committees of our board of directors.

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The following table summarizes cash and stock compensation received by our non‑employee directors during the year ended December 31, 2020. Ms. Curran is not included in the following table as her compensation is included in the Summary Compensation Table in the “Executive Compensation and Other Information” section below. Mr. Socks served as an executive officer until July 2020 and as a non-executive employee until March 2021, but Mr. Socks is not a named executive officer included in the Summary Compensation Table in the “Executive Compensation and Other Information” section below.  Because he served as an employee during 2020, Mr. Socks did not receive compensation under our non-employee director compensation program during 2020, but he will commence receiving this compensation following his transition to non-employee director in March 2021 following the termination of his employment as Strategic Advisor.  We have described Mr. Socks’ compensation in his role as an employee under the “All Other Compensation” column below.

 

 

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The aggregate number of shares subject to stock options or restricted stock outstanding at December 31, 2020 for the individuals who served as non‑employee directors during 2020 was as follows:

 

 

(1)Represents restricted shares held by Dr. Yamada and Mr. Socks, the vesting of which is governed by stock restriction agreements executed in March 2019.  The restricted shares reflected in the table above will vest in equal monthly installments through March 13, 2023, subject, in each case, to continued employment or status as a service provider. Any unvested shares held by either Dr. Yamada or Mr. Socks upon a termination of employment or service (after giving effect to any accelerated vesting provisions described further below), will be subject to repurchase by us at the original purchase price ($0.0002958 per share).  Under the stock restriction agreements, 100% of any unvested shares will automatically accelerate and vest upon (1) a termination of the director’s service (including as a consultant) by us without cause or by him for good reason, (2) the director’s death or disability, or (3) the refusal by us to enter into a consulting agreement with the director in connection with his resignation as a director, subject to his continued employment or service through the date of such event

Vote Required; Recommendation of the Board of Directors

If a quorum is present and voting at the annual meeting, directors shall be elected by a plurality of votes cast, meaning that the two nominees receiving the highest number of shares voted “For” their election will be elected to our board of directors. Votes withheld from any nominee, abstention and broker non-votes will be counted only for purposes of determining a quorum and are not considered votes cast for the foregoing purpose. Broker non-votes will have no effect on this proposal as brokers or other nominees are not entitled to vote on such proposals in the absence of voting instructions from the beneficial owner.

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF MICHAEL F. COLA AND ASIT PARIKH, M.D., Ph.D., PROXIES SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL BE SO VOTED UNLESS STOCKHOLDERS SPECIFY OTHERWISE.

 

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PROPOSAL 2:

RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The audit committee has selected Ernst & Young LLP as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2021 and has further directed that management submit the selection of independent registered public accounting firm for ratification by the stockholders at the annual meeting. Ernst & Young LLP has audited the company’s financial statements since our inception in 2019. Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to be present at the annual meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

Stockholder ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm is not required by Delaware law, the company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation, or the company’s amended and restated bylaws. However, the audit committee is submitting the selection of Ernst & Young LLP to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If the stockholders fail to ratify the selection, the audit committee will reconsider whether to retain that firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the audit committee in its discretion may direct the appointment of different independent registered accounting firm at any time during the year if the audit committee determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the company and its stockholders.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Fees

The following table represents aggregate fees billed to us for services related to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, by Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm.

 

The audit committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services is compatible with maintaining the independence of Ernst & Young LLP, and has concluded that the provision of such services is compatible with maintaining the independence of our auditors.

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Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

Our audit committee has established a policy that all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm will be pre-approved by the audit committee, and all such services were pre-approved in accordance with this policy during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. The audit committee considers whether the provision of each non-audit service is compatible with maintaining the independence of our auditors. Pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is generally subject to a specific budget. Our independent registered public accounting firm and management are required to periodically report to the audit committee regarding the extent of services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with this pre-approval, and the fees for the services performed to date.

Vote Required; Recommendation of the Board of Directors

The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the votes cast affirmatively or negatively on the proposal will be required to ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP, meaning the number of shares voted “For” the proposal must exceed the number of shares voted “Against” the proposal. Abstentions will not be counted toward the tabulation of votes cast on this proposal and will have no effect on the proposal. The approval of Proposal 2 is a routine proposal on which a broker or other nominee has discretionary authority to vote. Accordingly, no broker non-votes will likely result from this proposal.

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2021. PROXIES SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL BE SO VOTED UNLESS STOCKHOLDERS SPECIFY OTHERWISE.

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN

BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth information relating to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 26, 2021, by:

The number of shares beneficially owned by each stockholder is determined under rules issued by the SEC. Under these rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares as to which a person has sole or shared voting power or investment power. Applicable percentage ownership is based on 31,321,613 shares of common stock outstanding on March 26, 2021. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, shares of common stock subject to options or other rights held by such person that are currently exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days of March 26, 2021 are considered outstanding, although these shares are not considered outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner listed below is c/o Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 100 Campus Drive, Suite 102, Florham Park, NJ 07932. We believe, based on information provided to us, that each of the stockholders listed below has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned by the stockholder unless noted otherwise, subject to community property laws where applicable.

 

 

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Our Executive Officers

The following table sets forth the name, age and position of each of our executive officers as of March 26, 2021.

 

 

Executive Officers

The biography of Terrie Curran can be found under “Proposal 1—Election of Directors.”

Azmi Nabulsi, M.D., M.P.H. is our co-founder and has served as our Chief Operating Officer since March 2019. Dr. Nabulsi has been an entrepreneur-in-residence at Frazier since October 2018. Also, since March 2020, Dr. Nabulsi has served as a director of ReAlta Life Sciences, an early stage biotechnology company, and since January 2019, Dr. Nabulsi has served as a business and clinical advisor to Saama Technologies, Inc., a clinical data and analytics company. Previously, through October 2018, Dr. Nabulsi spent fourteen years at Takeda. Dr. Nabulsi held a number of leadership positions at Takeda, most recently as the Deputy Chief Medical & Scientific Officer and Head of Global Development from 2014 until October 2018. In his roles at Takeda, Dr. Nabulsi oversaw global drug development for both early and late stage product candidates and led global medical, analytic and operational functions responsible for bringing new medicines in multiple therapeutic areas to many markets. Prior to joining Takeda, Dr. Nabulsi held numerous positions at Abbott Laboratories, including Head of Immunology and Oncology Ventures from 1998 to 2002. Dr. Nabulsi has an M.D. from Ain-Shams University in Cairo and a M.P.H. from the University of Minnesota.

 

Todd P. Branning has served as our Chief Financial Officer since July 2020. Previously, Mr. Branning served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a publicly traded pharmaceutical company, from January 2019 through March 2020. Before that, Mr. Branning served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of the global generic medicines division at Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., a multinational generic pharmaceuticals company, from August 2016 to March 2018. Prior to joining Teva, Mr. Branning served as Vice President, Finance for Allergan plc, a global pharmaceutical company, from June 2013 to August 2016. Mr. Branning has also held financial leadership roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, PPG Industries, Inc. and Merck & Co., Inc. Mr. Branning received his BBA from the University of Miami and MBA from Carnegie Mellon University. Mr. Branning is also a Certified Public Accountant and has completed a CFO certification program at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

 

 

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Executive Compensation and Other Information

Overview

This section discusses the material components of the executive compensation program for the individuals listed in the “Summary compensation table” below. For 2020, our “named executive officers” are Terrie Curran, our President and Chief Executive Officer, Azmi Nabulsi, M.D., M.P.H., our Chief Operating Officer, and Todd P. Branning, our Chief Financial Officer.

Summary Compensation Table

The following table presents summary information regarding the total compensation that was awarded to, earned by, or paid to our named executive officers for services rendered during the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

 

 

 

(3)      Includes the value of matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan.

Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table

Annual Base Salary

The compensation of our named executive officers is generally determined and approved at the time of their commencement of employment by our board of directors or the compensation committee.

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In connection with her commencement of employment in 2019, our board of directors established Ms. Curran’s initial base salary of $500,000 for 2019.  In July 2020, our board of directors increased Ms. Curran’s base salary to $535,000.

In May 2019 in connection with the Takeda license transaction, our board of directors established the initial base salary for Dr. Nabulsi of $470,000. In July 2020, our board of directors increased Dr. Nabulsi’s base salary to $482,500.

Also, in connection with his commencement of employment in 2020, our board of directors established Mr. Branning’s initial base salary of $425,000.

Bonus Compensation

Each named executive officer is also eligible for a performance bonus based upon the achievement of certain corporate performance goals and objectives approved by our board of directors.

Bonus target amounts are set based on the executive’s base salary as of the end of the bonus year and are expected to be paid out in the first quarter of the following year. The target levels for executive bonuses for 2020 were as follows:  40% of base salary for Dr. Nabulsi and 50% of base salary for Ms. Curran, which percentages were increased effective July 1, 2020 to 50% and 60%, respectively, and 40% of base salary for Mr. Branning, whose bonus was prorated for 2020 to reflect the portion of 2020 during which he was employed by us.

For 2020, the board of directors (considering the recommendations of the compensation committee and management) set corporate goals and milestones for the year. These goals and milestones and the proportional emphasis placed on each were set by the board of directors after considering management input and our overall strategic objectives. These goals generally related to factors such as financial targets, achievement of product development objectives and achievement of product regulatory milestones. The board of directors, upon recommendation of the compensation committee, determines the level of achievement of the corporate goals for each year.

All final bonus payments to our named executive officers are determined by our compensation committee. The actual bonuses awarded in any year, if any, may be more or less than the target, depending on the achievement of corporate objectives and may also vary based on other factors at the discretion of the compensation committee.

For 2020, corporate objectives fell into the following three categories: regulatory, clinical and supply chain developments (70%); strategic planning (20%), and culture and general corporate performance and operational goals (10%).

In evaluating management’s performance against our 2020 corporate goals, our compensation committee determined to award a corporate achievement level of 125% relative to those goals, noting our achievements in both regulatory, clinical and operational progress, including completing (or meeting target) enrollment in both of our Phase 3 clinical trials despite the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both qualitative and quantitative guidelines were established for purposes of evaluating performance relative to the corporate objectives during 2020. These performance objectives were used as a guide by the compensation committee in subjectively determining overall corporate performance as they represented those areas in which the named executive officers and our employees generally were expected to focus their efforts.

The annual performance bonuses paid to our named executive officers for 2020 are set forth in the “Summary Compensation Table” above.

 

Equity-Based Incentive Awards

Our equity-based incentive awards are designed to align our interests and the interests of our stockholders with those of our employees and consultants, including our named executive officer. Our board of directors or the compensation committee approves equity grants. Prior to our initial public offering, we granted equity awards to our

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named executive officers under our 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, or Pre-IPO Equity Plan, or on a stand-alone basis and not pursuant to any formal plan. Following our initial public offering, we grant equity awards under our 2019 Incentive Award Plan, or 2019 Plan.

 

Stock Option and PSU Awards to Ms. Curran and Dr. Nabulsi

 

In 2020, Ms. Curran and Dr. Nabulsi were each awarded a stock option grant under our 2019 Plan of 175,000 and 70,000 stock options, respectively. These stock options have a ten-year term and an exercise price of $32.20 per share, the close price of our common stock on the date of grant.  These options will vest over a four-year period, with 25% of the stock options vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date and remaining stock options vesting in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter, subject to each of their continued employment or service on each vesting date.  

 

In addition, in 2020 Ms. Curran and Dr. Nabulsi were also granted 15,000 and 10,000 PSUs, respectively, under the 2019 Plan. The PSUs vest upon the approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) of vonoprazan for H. pylori and then, or concurrent with, erosive esophagitis, subject to the executive’s continued employment or service through such event.  The PSUs will vest in full upon a change in control as defined in the 2019 Plan.

For a description of the accelerated vesting applicable to Ms. Curran’s or Dr. Nabulsi’s stock awards, see “Employment Letters with Our Named Executive Officers” and "Other Elements of Compensation--Change in Control Benefits" below.

Stock Option and Performance-based Stock Unit Awards to Mr. Branning

Effective July 13, 2020, we appointed Mr. Branning as our Chief Financial Officer. In connection with this appointment, we granted him stock options to purchase 85,000 shares of our common stock under our 2019 Plan and 10,000 PSUs under the 2019 Plan. The stock options have a ten-year term and an exercise price of $29.43 per share, the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. Mr. Branning’s options will vest over a four-year period, with 25% of the stock options vesting on the first anniversary of his commencement of employment with us and the remaining stock options vesting in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter, subject to his continued employment or service on each vesting date.  The PSUs vest upon the approval by FDA of vonoprazan for H. pylori and then, or concurrent with, erosive esophagitis, subject to Mr. Branning’s continued employment or service through such event. The PSUs will vest in full upon a change in control as defined in the 2019 Plan.

For a description of the accelerated vesting applicable to Mr. Branning’s stock awards, see “Employment Letters with Our Named Executive Officers” and "Other Elements of Compensation--Change in Control Benefits" below.

 

Employment Letters with our Named Executive Officers

We have entered into employment letters with each of our named executive officers, as described below. Each of our named executive officers’ employment is “at will” and may be terminated at any time, subject to our contractual obligations to them as described below.

Employment Letter with Terrie Curran

The employment letter for Ms. Curran provides for her annual base salary and target bonus. Additionally, under the employment letter, Ms. Curran is eligible to participate in all employee benefit plans and programs generally available to similarly situated employees of our company and is entitled to vacation benefits in accordance with our policies.

Regardless of the manner in which Ms. Curran’s employment terminates, she will be entitled to receive amounts previously earned during her term of employment, including unpaid salary and accrued but unused vacation. In addition, Ms. Curran will be entitled to certain severance benefits under her employment letter, subject to her execution of a release of claims, returning of all company property, compliance with post-termination obligations and resignation from positions with us.

 

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Ms. Curran’s employment letter provides for severance benefits for certain terminations that arise during and outside a change in control period (as defined below). Upon a termination without cause or resignation for good reason outside of a change in control period, Ms. Curran will be entitled to: (1) continuation of her base salary for 12 months (such applicable period, the “severance period”), (2) a lump sum equal to her target bonus for the year during which such termination occurs, plus any unpaid annual bonus for the calendar year prior to the year in which her termination occurs, to the extent she is entitled to such bonus and if such bonus has not already been paid, (3) payment of the COBRA premiums for her and her eligible dependents until the earliest of (a) the end the severance period, (b) expiration of her eligibility under for continuation coverage under COBRA, or (c) the date she becomes eligible for health insurance coverage in connection with her new employment, and (4) acceleration of the vesting of all outstanding equity awards that would have vested during the severance period (other than the PSUs).

Upon a termination without cause or resignation for good reason that occurs during the period that is three months prior to or any time on or after a change in control (such period, the “change in control period”), Ms. Curran will be entitled to all of the same severance benefits described above, except (1) the severance period is increased from 12 months to 18 months, (2) Ms. Curran will be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to 1.5 times her target bonus for the year during which such termination occurs, plus any unpaid annual bonus for the calendar year prior to the year in which her termination occurs, to the extent she is entitled to such bonus and if such bonus has not already been paid, and (3) all unvested and outstanding equity awards will become fully vested on the later of the date her release of claims becomes effective or the date of the change in control.

For purposes of Ms. Curran’s employment letter:

 

 

 

 

Employment Letter with Dr. Nabulsi

The employment letter for Dr. Nabulsi provides for his annual base salary and target bonus. Pursuant to his employment letter, Dr. Nabulsi will work for our company on a full-time basis. Additionally, under his employment letter, Dr. Nabulsi is eligible to participate in all employee benefit plans and programs generally available to similarly situated employees of our company and is entitled to vacation benefits in accordance with our policies.

Regardless of the manner in which Dr. Nabulsi’s employment terminates, he will be entitled to receive amounts previously earned during his term of employment, including unpaid salary and accrued but unused vacation. In

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addition, Dr. Nabulsi will be entitled to certain severance benefits under his employment letter, subject to his execution of a release of claims, returning of all company property, compliance with post-termination obligations and resignation from positions with us.

Dr. Nabulsi’s amended and restated employment letter provides for severance benefits for certain terminations that arise during and outside a change in control period (as defined below). Upon a termination without cause or resignation for good reason outside of a change in control period, Dr. Nabulsi will be entitled to: (1) continuation of his base salary for 9 months (such applicable period, the “severance period”), (2) a lump sum equal to his prorated target bonus for the year during which such termination occurs, plus any unpaid annual bonus for the calendar year prior to the year in which his termination occurs, to the extent he is entitled to such bonus and if such bonus has not already been paid, (3) payment of the COBRA premiums for him and his eligible dependents until the earliest of (a) the end the severance period, (b) expiration of his eligibility under for continuation coverage under COBRA, or (c) the date he becomes eligible for health insurance coverage in connection with his new employment, and (4) acceleration of the vesting of all outstanding equity awards that would have vested during the severance period (other than the PSUs).

Upon a termination without cause or resignation for good reason that occurs during the period that is three months prior to or the 24 months following a change in control (such period, the “change in control period”), Dr. Nabulsi will be entitled to all of the same severance benefits described above, except (1) the severance period is increased from 9 months to 12 months, (2) Dr. Nabulsi will be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to his target bonus for the year during which such termination occurs, plus any unpaid annual bonus for the calendar year prior to the year in which his termination occurs, to the extent he is entitled to such bonus and if such bonus has not already been paid, and (3) all unvested and outstanding equity awards will become fully vested on the later of the date his release of claims becomes effective or the date of the change in control.

For purposes of Dr. Nabulsi’s amended and restated offer letter, “cause”, “change in control” and “good reason” have the same definitions as set forth in Ms. Curran’s employment letter described above.

Employment Letter with Mr. Branning

The employment letter for Mr. Branning provides for his annual base salary and target bonus. His annual bonus for 2020 was pro-rated based on the portion of the year he was employed by us. Additionally, under the employment letter, Mr. Branning is eligible to participate in all employee benefit plans and programs generally available to similarly situated employees of our company and is entitled to vacation benefits in accordance with our policies.

Regardless of the manner in which Mr. Branning’s employment terminates, he will be entitled to receive amounts previously earned during his term of employment, including unpaid salary and accrued but unused vacation. In addition, Mr. Branning will be entitled to certain severance benefits under his employment letter, subject to his execution of a release of claims, returning of all company property, compliance with post-termination obligations and resignation from positions with us.

 

Mr. Branning’s employment letter provides for severance benefits for certain terminations that arise during and outside a change in control period (as defined below). Upon a termination without cause or resignation for good reason outside of a change in control period, Mr. Branning will be entitled to: (1) continuation of his base salary for 9 months (such applicable period, the “severance period”), (2) a lump sum equal to his prorated target bonus for the year during which such termination occurs, plus any unpaid annual bonus for the calendar year prior to the year in which his termination occurs, to the extent he is entitled to such bonus and if such bonus has not already been paid, (3) payment of the COBRA premiums for him and his eligible dependents until the earliest of (a) the end the severance period, (b) expiration of his eligibility under for continuation coverage under COBRA, or (c) the date he becomes eligible for health insurance coverage in connection with his new employment, and (4) acceleration of the vesting of all outstanding equity awards that would have vested during the severance period (other than the PSUs).

Upon a termination without cause or resignation for good reason that occurs during the period that is three months prior to or twenty four months after a change in control (such period, the “change in control period”), Mr. Branning will be entitled to all of the same severance benefits described above, except (1) the severance period is increased from 9 months to 12 months, (2) Mr. Branning will be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to his target bonus for

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the year during which such termination occurs, plus any unpaid annual bonus for the calendar year prior to the year in which his termination occurs, to the extent he is entitled to such bonus and if such bonus has not already been paid, and (3) all unvested and outstanding equity awards will become fully vested on the later of the date his release of claims becomes effective or the date of the change in control.

For purposes of Mr. Branning’s employment letter “cause” and “good reason” have the same definitions as set forth in Ms. Curran’s employment letter described above and “change in control” has the same meaning given to such term in our 2019 Plan. 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table sets forth certain information regarding equity awards granted to our named executive officers that remained outstanding as of December 31, 2020.

 

 

Other Elements of Compensation

Perquisites, Health, Welfare and Retirement Benefits

Our named executive officers are eligible to participate in our employee benefit plans, including our medical, dental, vision, group life, disability, accidental death and dismemberment insurance plans, and 401(k) plan, in each case on

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generally the same basis as all of our other employees. We also pay a portion of the premiums for term life insurance and disability insurance for all of our employees, including our named executive officers. Our board of directors may elect to adopt additional benefit plans, qualified or non-qualified, in the future if it determines that doing so is in our best interests.

We generally do not provide other perquisites or personal benefits to our named executive officers.

401(k) Plan

 

We maintain a 401(k) plan intended to qualify as a tax-qualified plan under Section 401 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which our US-based named executive officers are eligible to participate in on the same basis as our other employees. The 401(k) plan allows us to make discretionary matching contributions. In January 2021, the Board of Directors approved the 2020 discretionary match, which was equal to 75% of each employee’s annual contribution up to the IRS maximum contribution amount of $19,500.  The 2020 match under our 401(k) plan was made in the form of Phathom common stock.

Termination and Change in Control Benefits

Our named executive officers may become entitled to certain benefits or enhanced benefits in connection with certain qualifying terminations and/or a change in control of our company. Our named executive officers’ employment letters entitle them to certain accelerated vesting of equity awards, as well as certain other benefits, upon a qualifying termination and/or in connection with a change in control of our company. For additional discussion, please see “Employment Letters with Our Named Executive Officers” above.  The restricted stock held by Dr. Nabulsi will also vest in full or in part upon a qualifying termination and/or in connection with a change in control of our company, as further described in footnote (4) to the “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End” table above.  In addition, the PSUs granted to each named executive officer will vest in full upon a change in control as defined in the 2019 Plan.

In the event of a change in control where the acquirer does not assume awards granted under the Pre-IPO Plan and the 2019 Plan, awards issued under these plans shall be subject to accelerated vesting such that 100% of the awards will become vested and exercisable or payable, as applicable, and which may be subject to such terms and conditions as apply generally to holders of common stock under the change in control documents.

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Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table summarizes securities available under our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2020.  

 

 

(1)With respect to the 2019 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, represents 559,645 shares available for issuance under such plan as of December 31, 2020 (of which all 559,645 shares were eligible for issuance pursuant to the offering period in effect on such date).

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

We describe below the transactions and series of similar transactions, since January 1, 2019 to which we were a party or will be a party, in which:

 

May 2019 Convertible Promissory Note Financing

In May 2019, we entered into a convertible promissory note purchase agreement with certain investors, or the 2019 Note Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which in May 2019 we issued and sold to such investors convertible promissory notes, or the May 2019 Notes, in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $90.3 million. The May 2019 Notes accrued interest at a rate of 6% per annum and become payable upon demand of the holders of at least 60% of the outstanding principal amount of the May 2019 Notes one year from the date of issuance, subject to earlier conversion or repayment in the event we complete an equity financing or a change of control. Immediately prior to the completion of our IPO on October 29, 2019, the May 2019 Notes automatically converted into 6,107,918 shares of common stock, representing the outstanding principal and interest of the May 2019 notes at the date of automatic conversion. We did not pay any interest on the May 2019 Notes. The participants in this May 2019 Note financing included the following 5% or greater stockholders and or entities affiliated with members of our board of directors.

Investor Rights Under the 2019 Note Purchase Agreement

Registration Rights

The 2019 Note Purchase Agreement provides FLS IX, Takeda, and all holders of the May 2019 Notes with specified registration rights relating to the registration of shares of common stock held by such entities, including shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of the May 2019 Notes and shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise or conversion of any securities exercisable or convertible into shares of our common stock.

The registration rights terminate upon the earlier of: (i) October 29, 2024 (i.e. five years after the closing of our offering public offering) or (ii) with respect to a particular holder, such time at which such holder can sell all shares held by it in compliance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act.

Voting Rights

The 2019 Note Purchase Agreement provides for rights relating to the election of members to serve on our board of directors. Pursuant to the 2019 Note Purchase Agreement, as amended in September 2019, the following directors were each elected to serve as members on our board of directors: David Socks, Tadataka Yamada, M.D., Michael F. Cola, Terrie Curran, Jonathan Edwards, Ph.D., Heidi Kunz, Chris Slavinsky, and James Topper, M.D., Ph.D. The voting rights provisions of the 2019 Note Purchase Agreement terminated upon the closing of our initial public offering in October 2019.

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Other Rights

The 2019 Note Purchase Agreement provided certain holders of our May 2019 Notes with various additional rights including, among others, information rights, pre-emptive rights, drag along rights, rights of first refusal, co-sale rights, and certain additional covenants made by us. Except with respect to registration rights as set forth above, all rights under the 2019 Note Purchase Agreement terminated upon the closing of our initial public offering in October 2019.

Takeda Agreements

License Agreement and Clinical Manufacturing and Supply Agreement

On May 7, 2019, we and Takeda, one of our 5% stockholders, entered into a license agreement, or the Takeda License, and a clinical manufacturing and supply agreement. Pursuant to the Takeda License, Takeda granted us an exclusive, sublicensable (with Takeda’s reasonable consent) license under certain patents and know how relating to vonoprazan and owned or controlled by Takeda during the term of the Takeda License to commercialize vonoprazan products using specified formulations for all human therapeutic uses in the United States, Europe and Canada, and a non-exclusive license under such patents and know how to develop and manufacture such vonoprazan products anywhere in the world (subject to Takeda’s consent as to each country) for the purposes of commercializing the vonoprazan products in the United States, Europe and Canada. We granted Takeda a non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicensable license under our rights in any patents and know-how that are necessary or useful to enable Takeda to develop and manufacture vonoprazan products anywhere in the world for the purposes of commercialization outside United States, Europe and Canada. We also granted Takeda an exclusive, royalty-free license under our rights in certain patents and know-how owned or controlled by us and necessary for the exploitation of vonoprazan products, in each case for Takeda to commercialize any vonoprazan product outside of the United States, Canada, and Europe and for purposes other than human therapeutic use.

During the term of the Takeda License, we and our affiliates are not permitted to commercialize any pharmaceutical product, other than vonoprazan, that treats acid-related disorders, except for certain generic and OTC competing products in specified circumstances. We will be responsible, at our cost, for the development, manufacture and commercialization of the vonoprazan products. We are required to use commercially reasonable efforts to develop and commercialize the vonoprazan products in our licensed territory.

Under the Takeda License, Takeda has the sole right and authority, with our input, to prepare, file, prosecute, and maintain all Takeda and joint patents on a worldwide basis at its own cost. We are responsible, at our cost, for preparing, filing, prosecuting, and maintaining patents on inventions made solely by us in connection with vonoprazan, subject to input from Takeda. We have the first right to enforce the licensed patent rights with respect to certain infringing products in the United States, Europe and Canada.

We paid Takeda upfront consideration consisting of a cash payment of $25.0 million, 1,084,000 shares of common stock and a warrant to purchase 7,588,000 shares of common stock, or the Takeda Warrant. We agreed to make milestone payments to Takeda upon achieving certain tiered aggregate annual net sales of licensed products in the United States, Europe and Canada up a total maximum milestone amount of $250.0 million. We also agreed to make tiered royalty payments in the low double digits to the mid-teens on net sales of licensed products, subject to specified offsets and reductions. Royalties will be payable, on a product-by-product and country-by-country basis from the first commercial sale of such product in such country, until the latest of expiration of the licensed patents covering the applicable product, expiration of regulatory exclusivity in such country, or 15 years following first commercial sale in such country.

The Takeda License will continue until the expiration of the obligation to pay royalties in all countries and on all products. We may terminate the Takeda License in its entirety without cause upon six months’ prior written notice. We and Takeda may terminate the Takeda License in the case of the other party’s insolvency, or upon prior written notice within a specified time period for the other party’s material uncured breach. Takeda may terminate the

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Takeda License in its entirety if we challenge the licensed patents, or if we assist any third party in challenging such patents.

In connection with the Takeda License, we entered into a clinical manufacturing and supply agreement with Takeda whereby Takeda provides certain quantities of vonoprazan.

In connection with the Takeda License, we (i) entered into a Stock Issuance Agreement with Takeda, pursuant to which we issued Takeda 1,084,000 shares of our common stock, (ii) issued a warrant, or the Takeda Warrant, to purchase 7,588,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.00004613 per share and (iii) granted to Takeda a right, or the Takeda Warrant Right, to receive an additional common stock warrant upon the closing of this offering if Takeda’s fully-diluted ownership represents less than a specified percentage of our fully-diluted capitalization, including shares issuable upon conversion of outstanding convertible promissory notes, calculated immediately prior to the closing of our initial public offering, each as partial consideration under the Takeda License. The Takeda Warrant would have expired ten years from its date of issuance, subject to its earlier termination upon the completion of certain mergers, acquisitions and similar transactions. The Takeda Warrant Right expired upon the closing of our initial public offering in October 2019.

Commercial Supply Agreement

On May 5, 2020, the Company entered into a Commercial Supply Agreement (the “Commercial Supply Agreement”) with Takeda, pursuant to which Takeda will supply commercial quantities of vonoprazan bulk drug product. Pursuant to the Commercial Supply Agreement, Takeda has agreed to supply the Company with and the Company has agreed to purchase from Takeda certain quantities of vonoprazan bulk drug product according to approved specifications at a fixed price per batch of bulk drug product in order to commercialize vonoprazan in accordance with the Takeda License. Unless terminated earlier, the term of the Commercial Supply Agreement extends for a period of two years from the date the Company places an order for bulk drug product for the first commercial launch of vonoprazan in any jurisdiction in the licensed territory, provided that this two-year period will expire no later than December 31, 2023. The Commercial Supply Agreement will terminate immediately upon the termination of the Takeda License in accordance with its terms. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had $0.2 million in outstanding accounts payable and accrued expenses related to these bulk drug product costs. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company incurred $0.3 million of expenses related to the Commercial Supply Agreement. The Company has a remaining minimum purchase obligation of approximately $2.2 million related to this agreement.

Temporary Services Agreement

In connection with the Takeda License, the Company entered into a temporary services agreement (the “Temporary Services Agreement”) with Takeda on November 24, 2020. Pursuant to the Temporary Services Agreement, Takeda agreed to provide or procure the provision of services related to the ongoing clinical development of vonoprazan.  The Temporary Services Agreement will terminate immediately upon termination of the Takeda License in accordance with its terms. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had $0.2 million in outstanding accounts payable and accrued expenses related to these temporary services. For the year ended December 31, 2020 the Company incurred $0.2 million of expenses related to the temporary services performed by Takeda.

PCI Pharma Services

Frazier is a principal stockholder in PCI Pharma Services (“PCI”).  In the third quarter of 2019, the Company engaged PCI for clinical manufacturing services.  For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company incurred $2.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively, of expenses related to services performed by PCI.

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Merger

Initial Founder Equity Issuances

On March 13, 2019, we entered into stock restriction agreements with each of Mr. Socks and Dr. Yamada providing for vesting and a company right to repurchase the unvested shares held by Mr. Socks and Dr. Yamada upon the occurrence of certain events.

Merger Agreement

On March 13, 2019, YamadaCo IIA merged with and into our company, with our company surviving the merger, or the Merger. Immediately prior to the Merger, we effected a 1,559.1183-for-1 forward stock split for each outstanding share of our common stock. Effective upon the closing of the Merger, each issued and outstanding share of YamadaCo IIA was converted into 1,559.1183 shares of our common stock.

Additional Equity Issuances

Following the Merger, on March 13, 2019, we issued and sold to FLS IX 1,491,072 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $0.0002958 per share.

Additional Executive Officer Equity Issuances

Following the Merger, on March 13, 2019, we issued and sold to each of Azmi Nabulsi, M.D., M.P.H., our Chief Operating Officer, and Aditya Kohli, Ph.D., our Chief Business Officer, 867,200 and 843,352 shares of our common stock, respectively, at a purchase price of $0.0002958 per share.

Shared Operating Expenses

FLS IX is a principal stockholder of our company and is represented on our board of directors.

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we conducted a portion of our operations within office space controlled by FLS IX and FLS IX allocated a percentage of the costs associated with this office to us. In addition, FLS IX paid for various goods and services, such as employee wages, insurance and expense reimbursements and various administrative services associated with our operations and charged us for those expenses. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we incurred $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of shared operating expenses.

Participation in our Initial Public Offering

Upon the closing of our initial public offering in October 2019, (i) FLS IX and its affiliates purchased 1,052,631 shares of our common; (ii) RA Capital Management, LLC and its affiliates purchased 2,631,578 shares of common stock; (iii) Medicxi Growth I LP and its affiliates purchased 1,052,631 shares of our common stock; and (iv) Janus Henderson Group plc and its affiliates purchased 625,000 shares of our common stock, in each case, at the public offering price of $19.00 per share.  

Director and Executive Officer Compensation

Please see “Proposal 1—Director Compensation” for additional information regarding compensation of our directors. Please see “Executive Compensation and Other Information” for additional information regarding compensation of our executive officers.

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Employment Letters

We have entered into employment letters with our executive officers. For more information regarding these agreements, see “Executive Compensation and Other Information—Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table— Employment Letters with Our Named Executive Officers.”

Indemnification

We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. These agreements, among other things, require us or will require us to indemnify each director (and in certain cases their related venture capital funds) and executive officer to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, including indemnification of expenses such as attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and settlement amounts. incurred by the director or executive officer in any action or proceeding, including any action or proceeding by or in right of us, arising out of the person’s services as a director or executive officer.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws provide that we will indemnify each of our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law. Further, we have purchased a policy of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that insures our directors and officers against the cost of defense, settlement or payment of a judgment under certain circumstances.

Stock Option Grants to Executive Officers and Directors

We have granted stock options to our executive officers and certain of our directors as more fully described in the section entitled “Executive Compensation and Other Information” and “Proposal 1—Director Compensation.”

Policies and Procedures for Related Person Transactions

Our board of directors has adopted a written related person transaction policy setting forth the policies and procedures for the review and approval or ratification of related-person transactions. This policy covers, with certain exceptions set forth in Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, any transaction, arrangement or relationship, or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships in which we were or are to be a participant, where the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and a related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, including, without limitation, purchases of goods or services by or from the related person or entities in which the related person has a material interest, indebtedness, guarantees of indebtedness and employment by us of a related person. In reviewing and approving any such transactions, our audit committee is tasked to consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including, but not limited to, whether the transaction is on terms comparable to those that could be obtained in an arm’s length transaction and the extent of the related person’s interest in the transaction.

 

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

Proposals of stockholders intended to be presented at our annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2022, including nominations of any person for election to our board of directors, must be received by us no later than December 7, 2021, which is 120 days prior to the one-year anniversary of the mailing date of the proxy statement for the 2021 annual meeting, in order to be included in our proxy statement and form of proxy card relating to that meeting, unless the date of the 2022 annual meeting of stockholders is changed by more than 30 days from the anniversary of our 2021 annual meeting, in which case the deadline for such proposals will be a reasonable time before we begin to print and send our proxy materials. These proposals must comply with the requirements as to form and substance established by the SEC in Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act for such proposals in order to be included in the proxy statement.

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In addition, our amended and restated bylaws establish an advance notice procedure with regard to certain matters, including stockholder proposals and nominations of any person for election to our board of directors not included in our proxy statement, to be brought before an annual meeting of stockholders. In general, notice that meets the requirements set forth in our amended and restated bylaws must be received at our principal executive offices not less than 90 calendar days nor more than 120 calendar days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting. Therefore, to be presented at our 2022 annual meeting of stockholders, such a proposal must be received by us no earlier than January 21, 2022 and no later than February 20, 2022. However, if the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after such anniversary date, notice must be received no earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the later of the close of business on the 90th calendar day prior to such annual meeting and the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which public disclosure of the date of such annual meeting was first made. If the stockholder fails to give notice by these dates, then the persons named as proxies in the proxies solicited by the board of directors for the 2022 annual meeting may exercise discretionary voting power regarding any such proposal. Stockholders are advised to review our amended and restated bylaws which also specify requirements as to the form and content of a stockholder’s notice.

ANNUAL REPORT

Any person who was a beneficial owner of our common stock on the record date may request a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, and it will be furnished without charge upon receipt of a written request identifying the person so requesting a report as a stockholder of our company at such date. Requests should be directed to Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 100 Campus Drive, Suite 102, Florham Park, NJ 07932, Attention: Corporate Secretary. The Company makes available free of charge on its website all of its filings that are made electronically with the SEC, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. These materials can be found at www.phathompharma.com in the “Investors & Media” section. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K does not constitute, and should not be considered, a part of this proxy solicitation material.

STOCKHOLDERS SHARING THE SAME ADDRESS

The rules promulgated by the SEC permit companies, brokers, banks or other intermediaries to deliver a single copy of proxy materials, or, where applicable, a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, to households at which two or more stockholders reside. Each stockholder, however, still receives a separate proxy card if he or she receives paper copies. This practice, known as “householding,” is designed to reduce duplicate mailings and save significant printing and postage costs as well as natural resources. Stockholders sharing an address who have been previously notified by their broker, bank or other intermediary and have consented to householding will receive only one copy of our proxy statement and annual report or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. If you would like to opt out of this practice for future mailings and receive a separate proxy statement and annual report or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials for each stockholder sharing the same address, please contact your broker, bank or other intermediary. You may also obtain a separate proxy statement or annual report or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials without charge by sending a written request to Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 100 Campus Drive, Suite 102, Florham Park, NJ 07932 Attention: Corporate Secretary or by calling (877) 742-8466. We will promptly send additional copies of the proxy statement or annual report or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials upon receipt of such request. Stockholders sharing an address that are receiving multiple copies of the proxy statement or annual report or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials can request delivery of a single copy of the proxy statement or annual report or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials by contacting their broker, bank or other intermediary or sending a written request to Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at the address above or by calling (877) 742-8466.

 

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OTHER MATTERS

We do not know of any business other than that described in this proxy statement that will be presented for consideration or action by the stockholders at the annual meeting. If, however, any other business is properly brought before the meeting, shares represented by proxies will be voted in accordance with the best judgment of the persons named in the proxies or their substitutes. All stockholders are urged to vote via the Internet, by telephone or to complete, sign and return a completed proxy card as soon as possible.

 

 

Florham Park, New Jersey

April 6, 2021

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Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]                  Date                                                              Signature (Joint Owners)                                      DateTO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDSTHIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.                   DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLYD46623-P48778         1b.    Asit Parikh, M.D., Ph.D.         Nominees:         1a.    Michael F. ColaThe Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal:2.      To  ratify  the  appointment  of  Ernst  &  Young  LLP  as  Phathom's  independent  registered  public  accounting  firm  for  the  fiscal  year  ending December 31, 2021.NOTE: Such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.1.      To elect two class II directors to hold office until the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.For   Against   AbstainPHATHOM PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR each of the following director nominees:PHATHOM PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.100 CAMPUS DRIVE, SUITE 102FLORHAM PARK, NJ 07932Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer.!     !!     !For                  Withhold!  !  !VOTE BY INTERNET Before The Meeting - Go to www.proxyvote.comUse the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information. Vote by 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on May 20, 2021. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.During The Meeting - Go to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PHAT2021You may attend the meeting via the Internet and vote during the meeting. Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow available and follow the instructions.VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903Use  any  touch-tone  telephone  to  transmit  your  voting  instructions.  Vote  by 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on May 20, 2021. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.VOTE BY MAILMark,  sign  and  date  your  proxy  card  and  return  it  in  the  postage-paid envelope  we  have  provided  or  return  it  to  Vote  Processing,  c/o  Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.

 

 

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Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Annual Report and Notice & Proxy Statement are available at www.proxyvote.com.D46624-P48778PHATHOM PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.Annual Meeting of ShareholdersMay 21, 2021 10:45 AM, EDTThis proxy is solicited by the Board of DirectorsThe  shareholder(s)  hereby  appoint(s)  Terrie  Curran  and  Larry  Miller,  or  either  of  them,  as  proxies,  each  with  the  power  to appoint his/her substitute, and hereby authorize(s) them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side of this ballot,  all  of  the  shares  of  Common  stock  of  PHATHOM  PHARMACEUTICALS,  INC.  that  the  shareholder(s)  is/are  entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at 10:45 AM, EDT on May 21, 2021, via live webcast by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PHAT2021 and any adjournment or postponement thereof.This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no such direction is made, this proxy will be voted in accordance with the Board of Directors' recommendations.Continued and to be signed on reverse side