|
|
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
| |||||||||
Achillion Pharmaceuticals DEF 14A 2008 Table of ContentsUNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A (Rule 14a-101) Information Required in Proxy Statement Schedule 14A Information Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant x Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ¨ Check the appropriate box:
Achillion 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):
Table of ContentsACHILLION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. 300 George Street New Haven, Connecticut 06511 NOTICE OF 2008 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS To Be Held on June 3, 2008 To our stockholders: We invite you to attend our 2008 annual meeting of stockholders, which will be held at our offices at 300 George Street, New Haven, Connecticut on Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at 9:00 a.m., local time. At the meeting, stockholders will consider and act upon the following matters: 1. To elect three Class II Directors for terms to expire at our 2011 annual meeting of stockholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified; 2. To ratify the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the current fiscal year; and 3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. Stockholders of record at the close of business on April 18, 2008, the record date for the annual meeting, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting. Your vote is important regardless of the number of shares you own. Whether or not you expect to attend the meeting, we hope you will take the time to vote your shares. If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote over the Internet or by completing and mailing the enclosed proxy card in the envelope provided. If your shares are held in street name, that is, held for your account by a broker or other nominee, you will receive instructions from the holder of record that you must follow for your shares to be voted. You may revoke your proxy at any time prior to its exercise at the annual meeting. Our stock transfer books will remain open for the purchase and sale of our common stock.
New Haven, Connecticut April 24, 2008
Table of ContentsTABLE OF CONTENTS
i
Table of ContentsACHILLION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. 300 George Street New Haven, Connecticut 06511 Proxy Statement for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders To Be Held on June 3, 2008 This proxy statement contains information about the 2008 annual meeting of stockholders of Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., including postponements and adjournments of the meeting. We are holding the meeting at our offices at 300 George Street, New Haven, Connecticut on Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at 9:00 a.m., local time. In this proxy statement, we refer to Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. as Achillion, we and us. We are sending you this proxy statement in connection with the solicitation of proxies by our Board of Directors for use at the annual meeting. We are mailing our Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2007 with these proxy materials on or about May 2, 2008. You can find our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 on the Internet at our website at www.achillion.com or through the Securities and Exchange Commissions electronic data system, called EDGAR, at www.sec.gov. You may also obtain a printed copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, free of charge, from us by sending a written request to: ir@achillion.com or Investor Relations, Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 300 George Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING
1
Table of Contents
2
Table of Contents
3
Table of Contents
Delivery of Security Holder Documents Some banks, brokers and other nominee record holders may be participating in the practice of householding proxy statements and annual reports. This means that only one copy of our proxy statement and annual report to stockholders may have been sent to multiple stockholders in your household. Householding is designed to reduce duplicate mailings and save significant printing and postage costs. If you receive a household mailing this year and would like to receive additional copies of our annual report and/or proxy statement, please call us at 203-624-7000 or send a written request to ir@achillion.com or Investor Relations, Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 300 George Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511. If you want to receive separate copies of the proxy statement or annual report to stockholders in the future, or if you are receiving multiple copies and would like to receive only one copy for your household, you should contact your bank, broker or other nominee record holder, or you may contact us at the above address and phone number. Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management The following table sets forth certain information, as of March 1, 2008, or such earlier date as indicated below, with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock by:
4
Table of Contents
The number of shares of our common stock owned by each person is determined under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under these rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares as to which the individual has sole or shared voting power or investment power and also any shares which the individual has the right to acquire within 60 days after March 1, 2008 through the exercise of any warrant, stock option or other right. Unless otherwise indicated, each person has sole investment and voting power, or shares such power with his or her spouse, with respect to the shares set forth in the following table. The inclusion in this table of any shares deemed beneficially owned does not constitute an admission of beneficial ownership of those shares. Percentage of common stock outstanding is based on 15,638,346 shares of our common stock outstanding as of March 1, 2008. Shares of common stock subject to stock options currently exercisable, or exercisable within 60 days of March 1, 2008, and shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants, are deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of the person holding such securities but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each person is to the care of Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 300 George Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511.
5
Table of Contents
6
Table of Contents
7
Table of ContentsPROPOSAL 1ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Our Board of Directors is divided into three classes. One class is elected each year and members of each class hold office for three-year terms. The Board has set the number of directors at nine. There are three Class I Directors, three Class II Directors and three Class III Directors. The Class I, Class II and Class III Directors will serve until the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2010, 2008 and 2009, respectively, and until their respective successors are elected and qualified. The persons named in the enclosed proxy will vote to elect as Class II Directors Messrs. Grey, Kishbauch and Van Nostrand, unless you indicate on your proxy that your shares should be withheld from one or more of the nominees. Each of the nominees is currently a member of our Board of Directors. If they are elected, Messrs. Grey, Kishbauch and Van Nostrand will each hold office until our annual meeting of stockholders in 2011 and until his successor is duly elected and qualified. Each of the nominees has indicated his willingness to serve, if elected; however, if any nominee should be unable to serve, the shares of common stock represented by proxies may be voted for a substitute nominee designated by the Board of Directors. There are no family relationships between or among any of our officers or directors. Below are the names, ages and certain other information for each member of the Board of Directors, including the nominees for election as Class II Directors. Information with respect to the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by each director, directly or indirectly, as of March 1, 2008 appears above under the heading Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management. Nominees for Term Expiring in 2011 (Class II Directors) Michael G. Grey, age 55. Mr. Grey has served as a director of Achillion since November 2001 and currently serves on our audit committee. Since January 2005, he has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of SGX Pharmaceuticals (formerly Structural GenomiX, Inc.), a biotechnology company, where he previously served as President from June 2003 to January 2005 and as Chief Business Officer from April 2001 until June 2003. From December 1998 to April 2001, he served as a director of Trega Biosciences, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company acquired by Lion Bioscience AG in 2001. Prior to joining Trega, from November 1994 to August 1998, Mr. Grey served as President of BioChem Therapeutics, Inc., a division of BioChem Pharma, Inc., a pharmaceutical company. During 1994, Mr. Grey served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Ansan, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company. From 1974 to 1993, Mr. Grey served in various roles with Glaxo, Inc. and Glaxo Holdings, plc, a pharmaceutical company, culminating in his position as Vice President, Corporate Development. Mr. Grey also serves on the Board of Directors of IDM Pharma, Inc. (formerly known as Epimmune Inc.) and Biomarin Pharmaceutical, Inc. Mr. Grey received a B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom. Michael D. Kishbauch, age 59. Mr. Kishbauch has served as our President, Chief Executive Officer and a director, since 2004. From September 2000 to July 2004, Mr. Kishbauch founded and served as President and Chief Executive Officer of OraPharma, Inc., a publicly traded, commercial-stage pharmaceutical company focused on oral health care, which was acquired by Johnson & Johnson in 2003. Prior to OraPharma, Inc., Mr. Kishbauch held senior management positions with MedImmune, Inc. Mr. Kishbauch is also a director of ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Mr. Kishbauch holds a M.B.A. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. in biology from Wesleyan University. Robert L. Van Nostrand, age 51. Mr. Van Nostrand has served as a director of Achillion since April 2007 and currently serves as chair of our audit committee. Mr. Van Nostrand has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of AGI Dermatics, a private biotechnology company, since July 2007. From May
8
Table of Contents2005 to July 2007, Mr. Van Nostrand served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. a biotechnology company, where he previously served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from December 1996 through May 2005, and as Vice President, Finance and Administration prior to that. He also served as OSIs Treasurer from March 1992 to May 2005 and Secretary from March 1995 to January 2004. Mr. Van Nostrand joined OSI as Controller and Chief Accounting Officer in September 1986. Prior to joining OSI, Mr. Van Nostrand served in a managerial position with the accounting firm, Touche Ross & Co., currently Deloitte and Touche. Mr. Van Nostrand is on the Board and Chairman of the Audit Committee of Apex Bioventures, Inc., a special purpose acquisition company focused in the life sciences industry, and Metabolix, Inc., a biotechnology company. Mr. Van Nostrand holds a B.S. in Accounting from Long Island University, New York, and he completed advanced management studies at the Wharton School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is a Certified Public Accountant. Directors Whose Terms Expire in 2010 (Class I Directors) Jean-Francois Formela, M.D., age 51. Dr. Formela has served as a director of Achillion since January 2000 and currently serves on our compensation committee. Dr. Formela is a Partner of Atlas Venture, which he joined in September 1993. Previously, he was Senior Director, Medical Marketing and Scientific Affairs at Schering-Plough, a pharmaceutical company. Dr. Formela also practiced emergency medicine at Necker University Hospital in Paris. Dr. Formela serves on the Board of Directors of ARCA Discovery, Inc., and Resolvyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., private biotechnology companies, and SGX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a public biotechnology company. Dr. Formela holds a M.D. from Paris University School of Medicine and a M.B.A. from Columbia Business School. James Garvey, age 61. Mr. Garvey has served as a director of Achillion since March 2001 and currently serves on our nominating and corporate governance committee and as chair of our compensation committee. Mr. Garvey joined SV Life Sciences Advisers, LLC, or SVLS (formerly Schroder Ventures Life Sciences Advisers, Inc.), a venture capital firm, in May 1995 and currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of SVLS. Prior to joining SVLS, Mr. Garvey was Managing Director for the Venture Capital division of Allstate Corporation, preceded by managing Allstates healthcare investment activity. He has held several senior management positions in companies with multinational operations including Kendall Tyco and Millipore. He was also President and CEO of start-ups Allegheny International Medical Technology and National Teledata. Mr. Garvey currently serves on the board of directors of the following privately held companies: CardioFocus, CHF Solutions, Inc., Cellutions, Inc., and Alliance Care, Inc. Mr. Garvey holds a B.S. degree from Northern Illinois University. David I. Scheer, age 55. Mr. Scheer has served as a director of Achillion since August 1998 and currently serves on our nominating and corporate governance committee. Since 1981, Mr. Scheer has been President of Scheer & Company, Inc., a life sciences advisory firm which has as its principal focus, originating and building companies in the life sciences, along with advisory services. Mr. Scheer is Chairman of the Board of the following privately-held biotechnology companies: Tengion, Inc., Optherion, Inc., and Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Mr. Scheer is also a member of the Advisory Board to the Harvard Malaria Initiative and to the Leadership Council for the Harvard School of Public Health. Mr. Scheer received an A.B., cum laude, from Harvard College and an M.S. from Yale University. Directors Whose Terms Expire in 2009 (Class III Directors) Jason S. Fisherman, M.D., age 51. Dr. Fisherman has served as a director of Achillion since March 2000 and currently serves on our nominating and corporate governance committee. Dr. Fisherman is a Managing Director of Advent Healthcare Ventures, a life science venture capital firm he co-founded in 2007. From 1994 to 2007, Dr. Fisherman was at Advent International Corporation, a global private equity firm, where he was a Managing Director since 2002. Prior to Advent, Dr. Fisherman served for four years as Senior Director of Medical Research for Enzon, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, and previously managed the clinical
9
Table of Contentsdevelopment of a number of oncology drugs at the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Fisherman is currently a director of Torrey Pines Therapeutics, Inc., and several other private biopharmaceutical companies. Dr. Fisherman received his B.A. from Yale University, his M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and his M.B.A. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. David P. Wright, age 60. Mr. Wright has served as a director of Achillion since August 2007 and currently serves on our audit committee. Mr. Wright has been President and Chief Executive Officer of PharmAthene, Inc., a biodefense company, since July 2003. Prior to joining PharmAthene, Inc. he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of GenVec Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, from January 2002 through January 2003. He also served as President and Chief Business Officer of Guilford Pharmaceuticals, a pharmaceutical company, from January 2000 through January 2002. Mr. Wright served as Executive Vice President for MedImmune, Inc., a biotechnology company, from 1990 to 2000. Additionally he has held various marketing and sales positions at pharmaceutical companies including Smith-Kline & French, G.D. Searle, and Glaxo. Mr. Wright received an M.A. in Speech Pathology and Audiology from the University of South Florida. Gary E. Frashier, age 71. Mr. Frashier has served as a director of Achillion since March 2008 and currently serves on our compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees. Mr. Frashier, through his company Management Associates, has been a strategic consultant to emerging growth companies in the life sciences field since 2000. From 1990 until September 1998, he served as Chief Executive Officer of OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biotechnology company, and, from January 1997 until September 2000, as its Chairman of the Board. From 1987 until 1990, he served as President and CEO of Genex Corporation, a protein engineering company, and from 1984 until 1987, as Chairman and CEO of Continental Water Systems, Inc., a manufacturer and marketer of equipment to produce high purity water used by the pharmaceutical, medical, electronics and research industries. Mr. Frashier also served as Executive Vice President of Millipore Corporation, a provider of products and services to biopharmaceutical, manufacturing, clinical, analytical and research laboratories, and President of Millipores Waters Associates subsidiary. Mr. Frashier also serves on the Board of Directors of Alseres Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Apex Bioventures, Inc., a special purpose acquisition company, and Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corp. Mr. Frashier received a B.S in Chemical Engineering from Texas Tech University and received his M.B.A. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The Board of Directors believes that the election of Messrs. Grey, Kishbauch and Van Nostrand to serve as Class II directors is in the best interests of Achillion and the best interests of our stockholders and therefore recommends a vote FOR this proposal.
10
Table of ContentsGeneral This section describes key corporate governance guidelines and practices that we have adopted. Complete copies of our corporate governance guidelines, committee charters and code of conduct described below are available on our website at www.achillion.com. Alternatively, you can request a copy of any of these documents by writing to: Investor Relations, Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 300 George Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511. Our Board of Directors believes that good corporate governance is important to ensure that we are managed for the long-term benefit of our stockholders. Corporate Governance Guidelines Our Board of Directors adopted corporate governance guidelines to assist the Board in the exercise of its duties and responsibilities and to serve the best interests of Achillion and our stockholders. These guidelines, which provide a framework for the conduct of the Boards business, provide that:
Board Determination of Independence Under applicable NASDAQ rules, a director only qualifies as an independent director if, in the opinion of our Board of Directors, that person does not have a relationship which would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. Our Board of Directors has determined that none of Messrs. Frashier, Garvey, Grey, Scheer, Van Nostrand, Wright or Drs. Fisherman or Formela has a relationship which would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director and that each of these directors is an independent director as defined under Rule 4200(a)(15) of the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. Marketplace Rules. Director Nomination Process The process followed by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to identify and evaluate candidates includes requests to Board members and others for recommendations, meetings from time to time to evaluate biographical information and background material relating to potential candidates and interviews of selected candidates by members of the Committee and the Board. In considering whether to recommend any particular candidate for inclusion in the Boards slate of recommended director nominees, including candidates recommended by stockholders, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers the criteria as set forth in our Corporate Governance Guidelines. These criteria include the candidates integrity, business acumen, knowledge of our business and industry, experience, diligence, age, conflicts of interest and the ability to act in the interests of all stockholders. The Committee does not assign specific weights to particular criteria and no particular criterion is a prerequisite for each nominee. We believe that the backgrounds and qualifications of the directors, considered as a group, should provide a significant composite mix of experience, knowledge and abilities that will allow the Board to fulfill its responsibilities.
11
Table of ContentsStockholders may recommend individuals to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee for consideration as potential director candidates by submitting their names, together with appropriate biographical information and background materials and a statement as to whether the stockholder or group of stockholders making the recommendation has beneficially owned more than 5% of our common stock for at least a year as of the date such recommendation is made, to our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, c/o Secretary, Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 300 George Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511. Assuming that appropriate biographical and background material is provided for candidates recommended by stockholders, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will evaluate those candidates by following substantially the same process, and applying substantially the same criteria, as for candidates submitted by others. Our stockholders also have the right to nominate director candidates themselves, without any prior review or recommendation by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee or the Board, by following the procedures set forth below under Stockholder Proposals for the 2009 Annual Meeting. Board Meetings and Attendance The Board of Directors held five meetings, either in person or by teleconference, during the year ended December 31, 2007, or fiscal 2007. During fiscal 2007, each of our directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of Board meetings and meetings held by all committees on which he then served. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that our directors are expected to attend the annual meeting of stockholders. In 2007, all directors attended the annual meeting of stockholders. Board Committees The Board of Directors has established three standing committeesAudit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance, each of which operates under a written charter that has been approved by the Board of Directors. Current copies of each committees charter are posted on the Corporate Governance section of our website, www.achillion.com. The Board of Directors has determined that all of the members of each of the Boards three standing committees are independent as defined under the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market, including, in the case of all members of the Audit Committee, the independence requirements contemplated by Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act. Audit Committee The Audit Committees responsibilities include:
12
Table of Contents
The members of our Audit Committee are Messrs. Grey, Van Nostrand and Wright. Mr. Van Nostrand chairs the Audit Committee. Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Van Nostrand is an audit committee financial expert as defined by applicable SEC rules. Our Audit Committee held five meetings, either in person or by teleconference during fiscal 2007. Compensation Committee The Compensation Committees responsibilities include:
The processes and procedures followed by our Compensation Committee in considering and determining compensation are described below in Compensation Discussion and Analysis under the heading Compensation Processes. The Compensation Committee is authorized to retain advisors and consultants and to compensate them for their services. Additionally, the Compensation Committee may delegate authority to one or more subcommittees as it deems appropriate. The members of our Compensation Committee are Dr. Formela and Messrs. Garvey and Van Nostrand. Mr. Garvey chairs the Compensation Committee. Our Compensation Committee held five meetings during fiscal 2007. Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees responsibilities include:
13
Table of Contents
The processes and procedures followed by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in identifying and evaluating director candidates are described below under the heading Director Nomination Process. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is authorized to retain advisors and consultants and to compensate them for their services. The members of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are Dr. Fisherman and Messrs. Garvey and Scheer. Mr. Scheer chairs the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met twice during fiscal 2007. Communicating with the Independent Directors Our Board of Directors will give appropriate attention to written communications that are submitted by stockholders, and will respond if and as appropriate. The Chairman of the Board (if an independent director), or the Lead Director (if one is appointed), or otherwise the Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is primarily responsible for monitoring communications from stockholders and for providing copies or summaries to the other directors as he considers appropriate. Under procedures approved by a majority of the independent directors, communications are forwarded to all directors if they relate to important substantive matters and include suggestions or comments that the Chairman of the Board, Lead Director or Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, as appropriate, considers to be important for the directors to know. In general, communications relating to corporate governance and corporate strategy are more likely to be forwarded than communications relating to ordinary business affairs, personal grievances and matters as to which we tend to receive repetitive or duplicative communications. Stockholders who wish to send communications on any topic to the Board of Directors should address such communications to Board of Directors, c/o Secretary, Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 300 George Street, New Haven, CT 06511-6624. Code of Business Conduct and Ethics We have adopted a written Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees, including our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and corporate controller, or persons performing similar functions. We have posted a copy of the code on our website, www.achillion.com. In addition, we intend to post on our website all disclosures that are required by law or NASDAQ Stock Market listing standards concerning any amendments to, or waivers of, our code.
14
Table of ContentsAudit Committee Report The Audit Committee has reviewed our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and discussed them with our Senior Executives and our independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has also received from, and discussed with, our independent registered public accounting firm various communications that our independent registered public accounting firm is required to provide to the Audit Committee, including the matters required to be discussed by the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (AICPA, Professional Standards, Vol. 1, AU section 380), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T. The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from our independent registered public accounting firm required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees ), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3600T, and has discussed with our independent registered public accounting firm their independence. Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to our Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
15
Table of ContentsFees of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Auditors Fees The following table summarizes the fees of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, billed to us for each of the last two fiscal years. For fiscal 2007, audit fees include an estimate of amounts not yet billed.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures Our Audit Committee has adopted policies and procedures relating to the approval of all audit and non-audit services that are to be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm. This policy generally provides that we will not engage our independent registered public accounting firm to render audit or non-audit services unless the service is specifically approved in advance by the Audit Committee or the engagement is entered into pursuant to one of the pre-approval procedures described below. From time to time, our Audit Committee may pre-approve specified types of services that are expected to be provided to us by our independent registered public accounting firm during the next 12 months. Any such pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or type of services to be provided and is also generally subject to a maximum dollar amount. Our Audit Committee has also delegated to the chairman of the Audit Committee the authority to approve any audit or non-audit services to be provided to us by our independent registered public accounting firm. Any approval of services by the chairman of the Audit Committee pursuant to this delegated authority is reported on at the next meeting of the Audit Committee. In fiscal 2007, there were no audit fees approved outside of the pre-approval process outlined above. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K requires us to disclose in our proxy statement any transaction since January 1, 2007, involving more than $120,000 in which we are a participant and in which any related person has
16
Table of Contentsor will have a direct or indirect material interest. A related person is any executive officer, director, nominee for director, or holder of 5% or more of our common stock, or an immediate family member of any of those persons. As described below, in 2007, we received cost-share payments under our collaboration and license agreement with Gilead Sciences, a holder of 5% or more of our common stock. Policies and Procedures Regarding Review, Approval or Ratification of Related Person Transactions In accordance with our Audit Committee Charter, our Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving the terms and conditions of all related person transactions. In reviewing and approving related person transactions, the Audit Committee reviews and considers information regarding the related person transaction as it deems appropriate under the circumstances, which may include information such as the related persons interest in the transaction, the approximate dollar value involved in the transaction, whether the transaction was undertaken in the ordinary course of business, whether the terms of the transaction are no less favorable to us than terms that could have been reached with an unrelated third party and the purpose of, and the potential benefits to us of, the transaction. The Audit Committee may approve or ratify the transaction only if it determines that the transaction is not inconsistent with our best interests. Collaboration and License Agreement with Gilead Sciences, Inc. In November 2004, we entered into a research collaboration and license agreement with Gilead Sciences, Inc., which holds approximately 7% of our common stock, pursuant to which we are collaborating exclusively with Gilead Sciences throughout the world to develop and commercialize compounds for the treatment of chronic hepatitis which inhibit the replication of HCV, the virus that causes hepatitis C, through a novel mechanism of action targeting the NS4A protein. Research and development activities prior to proof-of-concept are overseen by a research committee comprised of equal numbers of our representatives and representatives from Gilead Sciences. The joint research committee assigns research and development tasks and agrees upon a budget for the research program. In addition, the parties may agree at any time to increase or decrease the research budget. Prior to proof-of-concept, any disputes within the joint research committee that cannot be resolved between designated executives of each party will be resolved by Gilead Sciences. According to the current jointly-agreed upon research plan for our next generation NS4A antagonist, the joint research committee determined that we would perform certain early-stage preclinical activities, while Gilead would perform later preclinical and clinical studies. We would continue to be responsible for back-up activities until such time as proof-of-concept is achieved, and Gilead Sciences would continue to be responsible for manufacturing, formulation and commercialization activities. Gilead Sciences is otherwise responsible for all development and commercialization of compounds, including all regulatory filings and clinical trials after proof-of-concept. Gilead Sciences is responsible for the manufacturing of compounds throughout all stages of development and commercialization. Gilead Sciences has agreed under the agreement to use reasonably diligent efforts to develop and commercialize at least one compound in each of the United States, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. In connection with Gilead Sciences exclusive right to market and commercialize products, we have a one-time option to participate on a limited basis in the marketing effort in the United States. Pursuant to the terms of the collaboration agreement, Gilead Sciences must provide us with notice following commencement of a phase III clinical trial and prior to filing of an NDA. We must then notify Gilead Sciences whether we intend to designate field-based personnel to support their commercial activities within the United States. Following Gilead Sciences receipt of our notice, the parties must negotiate in good faith to determine the number of Achillion field-based personnel and the manner of their participation. These field-based personnel will operate under the supervision of Gilead Sciences and receive training at a similar level to equivalent Gilead Sciences field-based personnel. We bear the costs associated with the commercial participation of our field-based personnel; provided, however, that Gilead Sciences shall bear the expense of training. Our participation does not change the amount of any royalty payments Gilead Sciences is obligated to pay us on net sales of any drugs pursuant to our collaboration
17
Table of Contentsagreement. Under the agreement, Gilead Sciences is required to make royalty payments, if any, to us until the end of the royalty term, which is the earlier of (i) ten years following the date of the first commercial sale of a compound or (ii) the expiration of the last Achillion patent or patent owned jointly with Gilead Sciences. We received $10.0 million from Gilead Sciences upon the execution of the agreement, consisting of license fees and an equity investment, and could receive up to $157.5 million in development, regulatory and sales milestone payments, assuming the successful simultaneous development of a lead and back-up compound, and annual sales in excess of $600 million. We could also receive royalties on net sales of products. Through March 31, 2007, we shared equally with Gilead Sciences all costs of the research program through proof-of-concept. Effective April 1, 2007 and through proof-of-concept, we and Gilead Sciences amended our collaboration agreement such that each partys own internal costs, substantially full-time equivalent personnel costs, will be borne by each party and external research costs will continue to be shared equally by the parties. We expect that Achillion and Gilead Sciences will each contribute roughly one half of total personnel hours. After proof-of-concept, Gilead Sciences will assume all costs for development and commercialization of compounds, other than a portion of patent prosecution costs that we have agreed to pay. The agreement will expire on the last to expire royalty term. In addition, Gilead Sciences may terminate the agreement for any reason by providing us with 120 days notice. Either party has the right to terminate for material breach, though we may terminate for Gilead Sciences breach only on a market-by-market basis and, if applicable, a product-by-product basis. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, we received an aggregate of $1,945,000 in cost-share payments from Gilead Sciences under this agreement.
18
Table of ContentsINFORMATION ABOUT EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION Compensation Discussion and Analysis Compensation Objectives The primary objective of the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors with respect to executive compensation is to attract, retain and motivate the best possible executive talent. The Compensation Committee strives to tie short and long-term cash and equity incentives to achievement of measurable corporate and individual performance objectives, and to align executives incentives with stockholder value creation. To achieve this objective, the Compensation Committee has maintained, and expects to further implement, compensation plans that tie a substantial portion of executives overall compensation to our research, clinical, regulatory, business development and operational performance. Compensation Processes The Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing and monitoring the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and our other named executive officers. Our chief executive officer makes recommendations regarding compensation to the Compensation Committee. Our chief executive and chief financial officer develop these recommendations by utilizing publicly available compensation data and subscription compensation survey data for national and regional companies in the biopharmaceutical industry. We believe that the information provided by these surveys provide us with an appropriate starting place for compensation benchmarks, because many of the companies included in these surveys have similar organizational structures and tend to compete with us for executives and other employees. For benchmarking executive compensation, we typically review the compensation data we have collected from the complete group of companies, as well as a subset of the data from those companies that are located in the same geographic region, that have a similar number of employees, and that are at a similar stage of development as our company. Our Compensation Committee has approved a pay-for-performance compensation philosophy, which is intended to bring base salaries and total executive compensation in line with approximately the mean of the companies with a similar number of employees and in a similar stage of development represented in the compensation data that we review. We operate within the framework of this pay-for-performance philosophy to determine each component of an executives initial compensation package based on numerous factors, including:
We have implemented, and the Compensation Committee has approved, an annual performance review process under which annual performance objectives are determined and set forth in writing at the beginning of each calendar year for the corporation as a whole, for each individual executive, and by extension, the functional department that each executive oversees. Annual corporate goals are proposed by senior executives and approved
19
Table of Contentsby the Board of Directors at the beginning of each calendar year. These corporate goals target the achievement of specific research, clinical, regulatory, business development and financial and operational milestones. Individual and department goals are proposed by each executive and approved by the Chief Executive Officer during the first quarter of each calendar year. Annual individual and department goals focus on contributions, which facilitate the achievement of the corporate goals. The Chief Executive Officers goals and our named executive officers individual goals are reviewed and approved by the Compensation Committee. During the last two months of the calendar year, our Chief Executive Officer, other senior executives and the Compensation Committee evaluate individual, department, and corporate performance against the written goals for the completed year and annual salary increases, annual bonuses, and annual stock option awards granted to our employees are tied to the achievement of these goals. Consistent with our compensation philosophy, each non-executive employees evaluation begins with a written self-assessment, which is submitted to the employees supervisor. The supervisor then prepares a written evaluation based on the employees self-assessment, the supervisors own evaluation of the employees performance, and, in some cases, input from others within the company. This process leads to a recommendation by senior executives for annual employee salary increases, annual stock option awards, and bonuses, if any, which is then reviewed and approved by the Compensation Committee. Our executive officers, other than the Chief Executive Officer, submit their self-assessments to the Chief Executive Officer, who performs the individual evaluations and submits recommendations for salary increases, bonuses, and stock option awards, which are reviewed and approved by the Compensation Committee. In the case of the Chief Executive Officer, his individual performance evaluation is conducted by the Compensation Committee and the Compensation Committee determines his salary increases, bonuses, and stock option awards. For all employees, including our executive officers, annual base salary increases, annual stock option awards, and annual bonuses, to the extent granted, are implemented effective the first day of the new calendar year. Compensation Components The components of our compensation package are as follows: Base Salary Base salaries for our executives and non-executive employees are established based on the scope of their responsibilities and their prior relevant background, training, and experience, taking into account competitive market compensation paid by the companies represented in the compensation data we review for similar positions and the overall market demand for such executives at the time of hire. As with total executive compensation, we believe that executive base salaries should generally target the mean of the range of salaries for executives in similar positions and with similar responsibilities in the companies of similar size to us represented in the compensation data we review. An executives base salary is also evaluated together with other components of the executives compensation to ensure that the executives total compensation is in line with our overall compensation philosophy. Base salaries are reviewed annually as part of our performance review process and increased for merit, as determined through an assessment of each employees or executives success in meeting or exceeding individual performance objectives and an assessment of whether significant corporate goals were achieved. If we identify significant market changes in our data analysis, we also realign base salaries with market levels for the same positions in the companies of similar size to us represented in the compensation data we review. Additionally, we adjust base salaries as warranted throughout the year for promotions or other changes in the scope or breadth of an employees or executives role or responsibilities. In December 2007, our Compensation Committee approved an aggregate increase in non-executive employee salaries of 6%. Executive salaries were increased by 5% for executives other than our chief executive officer; our chief executive officers salary was not changed.
20
Table of ContentsAnnual Performance-Based Cash Bonus Our compensation program includes eligibility for an annual performance-based discretionary cash bonus in the case of all executives and certain other employees. Our Board of Directors has established cash bonus targets for different positions or ranks of employees within our organization that range from 5% to 50%. The Board and Compensation Committee have discretion to adjust these targets. For example, in July 2007 the Compensation Committee amended the target bonus range for certain director-level employees and executives from 20% to 25% and from 25% to 30%, respectively. The amount of the cash bonus paid depends on the level of achievement of the stated corporate, department, and individual performance goals. The current target annual performance-based cash bonus percentage is 30% of base salary for all executives, other than our Chief Executive Officer and is 50% of base salary for our Chief Executive Officer. In its discretion, the Compensation Committee may award bonus payments to our executives above or below the target amount, particularly in cases in which goals are exceeded. Equity-Based Awards We believe that long-term performance is achieved through an ownership culture that encourages long-term participation by all our employees in equity-based awards. Our 2006 Stock Incentive Plan allows for the grant to employees, including executive officers, of stock options, restricted stock, and other equity-based awards. We typically make an initial equity award of stock options to new employees and annual performance-based equity grants as part of our overall compensation review. Our Board of Directors has delegated authority to our Compensation Committee to make initial new employee equity grants, as well as annual grants of options to all of our employees. Occasionally, upon promotion or other special circumstances, the Compensation Committee may grant awards at other times during the year. Initial stock option awards. Executives and other employees who join us are awarded initial stock option grants. These grants have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the grant date and a vesting schedule of 25% on the first anniversary of the date of grant and 6.25% quarterly thereafter for the following three years. The size of the initial stock option award is determined based on the employees position with us and analysis of the competitive practices of the companies similar in size to us represented in the compensation data that we review. Restricted stock awards. While both our 1998 Stock Option Plan and 2006 Stock Incentive Plan permit the issuance of restricted stock awards to executive officers and certain high level non-executive employees, no such restricted stock awards have been issued to date, except that prior to our initial public offering, we granted options that were exercisable immediately for shares of restricted stock that vested over a specified period of time. The Compensation Committee may, in the future, issue restricted stock awards in order to achieve its compensation plan objectives. Annual stock option awards. Our practice is to grant annual stock option awards as part of our overall compensation review process program. The Compensation Committee believes that stock options between long-term corporate performance and the creation of stockholder value. We intend that the annual aggregate value of these awards will be set in an amount required to maintain the employee group as a whole, and executives as a subset, at or near competitive median levels for companies represented in the compensation data we review. As part of the year-end compensation review by our Compensation Committee, our senior executives recommend, and the Compensation Committee approves, a pool of options to be granted to employees other than executive officers. The size of this pool is based upon the number of shares required to reach competitive levels of employee ownership for companies represented in the compensation data we review. Also as part of the year-end compensation review by our Compensation Committee, our CEO recommends, and the Compensation Committee approves, certain option grants to executive officers. The size of those grants is based upon the number of shares required to reach mean levels of stock ownership for officers in similar positions within the companies represented in the compensation data we review.
21
Table of ContentsOther Compensation We maintain broad-based benefits that are provided to all employees, including health insurance, life and disability insurance, dental insurance, and a 401(k) defined contribution plan. In particular circumstances, we also utilize cash signing bonuses when certain executives and non-executives join us. Such cash signing bonuses are typically repayable in full to the company if the recipient voluntarily terminates employment with us prior to the first anniversary of the date of hire. Whether a signing bonus is paid and the amount thereof is determined on a case-by-case basis under the specific hiring circumstances. For example, we will consider paying signing bonuses to compensate for amounts forfeited by an employee upon terminating prior employment, to assist with relocation expenses, and/or to create additional incentive for an employee to join our company in a position where there is high market demand. Termination Based Compensation Severance. All of our named executive officers are entitled to receive severance payments under their employment agreements under certain circumstances. In setting the terms of such severance arrangements, the Compensation Committee recognizes that executives, especially highly-ranked executives, often face challenges securing new employment following termination. Further, in cases of change in control, the Compensation Committee believes such severance arrangements minimize operational disruption due to executive departures and help ensure smooth transition of the officers responsibilities. Our employment agreements with our named executive officers other than our Chief Executive Officer provide for severance payments to such officers in an amount equal to twelve months base salary upon termination without cause, or upon resignation for good reason (including our requiring him or her to relocate such that his or her daily commute exceeds 60 miles) within 12 months following a change in control. Our Chief Executive Officers employment agreement provides severance of eighteen months of base salary if his employment is terminated without cause, or if he resigns for good reason (including our requiring him or her to relocate such that his or her daily commute exceeds 60 miles) within 12 months following a change in control, or if he resigns due to our requiring him to relocate such that his daily commute exceeds 60 miles, whether or not in connection with a change in control. We believe that the severance packages of our executive officers are generally consistent with severance packages offered to similar executive officers of the companies of similar size to us represented in the compensation data we reviewed. Acceleration of vesting of equity-based awards. Our employment agreements with our named executive officers provide for the acceleration of vesting as to 100% of the original number of stock options granted to the officer if he or she is terminated for certain reasons after a change of control, which we refer to as double trigger acceleration. In addition, our employment agreements with our named executive officers provide for the acceleration of vesting as to 25% of the original number of stock options granted to the executive upon the occurrence of a change of control regardless of whether the executives employment is terminated, which we refer to as single trigger acceleration. We believe that double trigger acceleration prevents an unintended windfall in the event of a friendly (non-hostile) change of control and provides an incentive for officers to remain with the company despite the uncertainties raised by a possible change of control, while the single trigger provides an incentive for officers to pursue change of control events that could result in a termination of the officers employment but are in the best interests of our stockholders. Compliance with IRS Code Section 162(m) Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, generally disallows a tax deduction for compensation in excess of $1.0 million paid to our chief executive officer and other officers whose compensation is required to be disclosed under the Exchange Act by reason of being among our four most highly compensated officers. Qualifying performance-based compensation is not subject to the deduction limitation if specified requirements are met. We periodically review the potential consequences of Section 162(m) and we generally intend to structure the performance-based portion of our executive compensation, where feasible, to comply with exemptions in Section 162(m) so that the compensation remains tax deductible to us. However, the Compensation Committee may, in its judgment, authorize compensation payments that do not comply with exemptions in Section 162(m) when it believes that such payments are appropriate to attract and retain executive talent and are in the best interests of our stockholders.
22
Table of ContentsCompensation Committee Report The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with the Companys management. Based on this review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Companys Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement. By the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors: James Garvey, Chair Jean-Francois Formela, M.D. Robert Van Nostrand
23
Table of ContentsExecutive Compensation The following table shows the total compensation paid or accrued for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 for our chief executive officer, our chief financial officer and our three other most highly compensated executive officers who served as executive officers during the year ending December 31, 2007. We refer to these officers as our named executive officers. SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
24
Table of ContentsGRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS The following table sets forth information regarding each grant of an award made to a named executive officer during fiscal 2007 under any plan, contract, authorization or arrangement pursuant to which cash, securities, similar instruments or other property may be received.
Information Relating to Equity Awards and Holdings Fiscal Year 2007 Equity Awards Dr. Deshpande was awarded a stock option grant by our Compensation Committee in connection with his promotion to Executive Vice President in June 2007. The remaining stock option awards disclosed in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table were awarded by our Compensation Committee as part of the annual option award grants to our officers and employees. These awards represent compensation for performance in 2007. All of the stock options in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table were issued under our 2006 Stock Incentive Plan and were granted with an exercise price per share equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant, as determined by our Board of Directors.
25
Table of ContentsOUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END The following table sets forth information concerning stock options on December 31, 2007, the last day of our fiscal year, for each of the named executive officers.
26
Table of Contents
OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED The following table sets forth information concerning stock options exercised and restricted stock that vested in 2007 for each of the named executive officers.
27
Table of ContentsEmployment Agreements and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control Michael D. Kishbauch In July 2004, we entered into an employment agreement with Michael D. Kishbauch, our President and Chief Executive Officer. The agreement is automatically renewable after the initial term for successive one-year periods unless either party provides written notice to the other party at least six months prior to the expiration of the applicable term. Under the agreement, Mr. Kishbauch currently receives an annual base salary of $363,000, subject to adjustment at the discretion of our Board of Directors. In addition, Mr. Kishbauch is eligible to receive an annual performance bonus of up to 50% of his annual base salary, to be paid at the discretion of the Board of Directors if he achieves certain performance goals mutually agreed upon between the Board and Mr. Kishbauch. Mr. Kishbauch is also entitled to participate in all benefit programs available to our other employees, to the extent his position, salary, age and other qualifications make him eligible to participate. In connection with the execution of the agreement, we paid Mr. Kishbauch a signing bonus of $50,000 and granted him an option to purchase 270,627 shares of our common stock, which vests over four years. Under the agreement, either we or Mr. Kishbauch may terminate the agreement at any time upon at least 15 days prior written notice. In addition, Mr. Kishbauch may terminate the agreement (i) if we require him to relocate such that his daily commute exceeds 60 miles or (ii) for good reason within 12 months following a change in control or similar corporate transaction. If Mr. Kishbauch terminates his employment with us for either of the reasons described in (i) or (ii) above, or if we elect to terminate his employment upon 15 days notice, we are required to continue to pay Mr. Kishbauch his then-current salary until the earlier of 18 months following the date of employment termination or the date upon which Mr. Kishbauch commences full-time employment with another company, but in any event for at least 12 months. If Mr. Kishbauch terminates his employment as described in (i) or (ii) above or if we terminate his employment within 12 months following a change in control or similar corporate transaction, all of the stock options granted to Mr. Kishbauch will immediately vest and become exercisable. In addition, in the event we experience a change of control or similar corporate transaction, 25% of the original number of common shares subject to stock options held by Mr. Kishbauch will vest and become immediately exercisable. Mary Kay Fenton In September 2003, we entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Mary Kay Fenton, which was further amended in February 2006. The agreement is automatically renewable after the initial term for successive one-year periods unless either party provides written notice to the other party at least six months prior to the expiration of the applicable term. Under this agreement, Ms. Fenton currently receives an annual base salary of $210,000, subject to adjustment at the discretion of our Board of Directors. In addition, Ms. Fenton is eligible to receive an annual performance bonus of up to 30% of her annual base salary, to be paid at the discretion of the Board of Directors if she achieves certain performance goals. Ms. Fenton is entitled to participate in all benefit programs available to our other employees, to the extent her position, salary, age and other qualifications make her eligible to participate. In connection with the execution of the agreement, we granted Ms. Fenton an option to purchase 10,625 shares of our common stock, which vested over four years. Under the agreement, either we or Ms. Fenton may terminate the agreement at any time upon at least 15 days prior written notice. In addition, Ms. Fenton may terminate the agreement (i) if we require her to relocate such that her daily commute exceeds 60 miles or (ii) for good reason within 12 months following a change in control or similar corporate transaction. If Ms. Fenton terminates her employment with us for either of the reasons described in (i) or (ii) above, or if we elect to terminate her employment upon 15 days notice, we are required to continue to pay Ms. Fenton her then-current salary until the earlier of 12 months following the date of employment termination or the date upon which Ms. Fenton commences full-time employment with another company. If Ms. Fenton terminates her employment as described in (i) or (ii) above or if we terminate her employment within 12 months following a change in control or similar corporate transaction, all of the stock options granted to Ms. Fenton will immediately vest and become exercisable. In addition, in the event we experience a change of control or similar corporate transaction, 25% of the original number of common shares subject to stock options held by Ms. Fenton will vest and become immediately exercisable.
28
Table of ContentsMilind S. Deshpande, Ph.D. In September 2003, we entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Milind Deshpande, Ph.D., which was further amended in February 2006. The agreement is automatically renewable after the initial term for successive one-year periods unless either party provides written notice to the other party at least six months prior to the expiration of the applicable term. Under this agreement, Dr. Deshpande currently receives an annual base salary of $288,000, subject to adjustment at the discretion of our Board of Directors. In addition, Dr. Deshpande is eligible to receive an annual performance bonus of up to 30% of his annual base salary, to be paid at the discretion of the Board of Directors if he achieves certain performance goals. Dr. Deshpande is entitled to participate in all benefit programs available to our other employees, to the extent his position, salary, age and other qualifications make him eligible to participate. In connection with the execution of the agreement, we granted Dr. Deshpande an option to purchase 18,750 shares of our common stock, which vested over four years. Under the agreement, either we or Dr. Deshpande may terminate the agreement at any time upon at least 15 days prior written notice. In addition, Dr. Deshpande may terminate the agreement (i) if we require him to relocate such that his daily commute exceeds 60 miles or (ii) for good reason within 12 months following a change in control or similar corporate transaction. If Dr. Deshpande terminates his employment with us for either of the reasons described in (i) or (ii) above, or if we elect to terminate his employment upon 15 days notice, we are required to continue to pay Dr. Deshpande his then-current salary until the earlier of 12 months following the date of employment termination or the date upon which Dr. Deshpande commences full-time employment with another company. If Dr. Deshpande terminates his employment as described in (i) or (ii) above or if we terminate his employment within 12 months following a change in control or similar corporate transaction, all of the stock options granted to Dr. Deshpande will immediately vest and become exercisable. In addition, in the event we experience a change of control or similar corporate transaction, 25% of the original number of common shares subject to stock options held by Dr. Deshpande will vest and become immediately exercisable. Gautam Shah, Ph.D. In May 2004, we entered into an employment agreement with Gautam Shah, Ph.D., which was amended in February 2006. The agreement is automatically renewable after the initial term for successive one-year periods unless either party provides written notice to the other party at least six months prior to the expiration of the applicable term. Under this agreement, Dr. Shah currently receives an annual base salary of $265,000, subject to adjustment at the discretion of our Board of Directors. In addition, Dr. Shah is eligible to receive an annual performance bonus of up to 30% of his annual base salary, to be paid at the discretion of the Board of Directors if he achieves certain performance goals. Dr. Shah is entitled to participate in all benefit programs available to our other employees, to the extent his position, salary, age and other qualifications make him eligible to participate. In connection with the execution of the agreement, we granted Dr. Shah an option to purchase 18,125 shares of our common stock, which vests over four years. Under the agreement, either we or Dr. Shah may terminate the agreement at any time upon at least 15 days prior written notice. In addition, Dr. Shah may terminate the agreement (i) if we require him to relocate such that his daily commute exceeds 60 miles or (ii) for good reason within 12 months following a change in control or similar corporate transaction. If Dr. Shah terminates his employment with us for either of the reasons described in (i) or (ii) above, or if we elect to terminate his employment upon 15 days notice, we are required to continue to pay Dr. Shah his then-current salary until the earlier of 12 months following the date of employment termination or the date upon which Dr. Shah commences full-time employment with another company. If Dr. Shah terminates his employment as described in (i) or (ii) above or if we terminate his employment within 12 months following a change in control or similar corporate transaction, all of the stock options granted to Dr. Shah will immediately vest and become exercisable. In addition, in the event we experience a change of control or similar corporate transaction, 25% of the original number of common shares subject to stock options held by Dr. Shah will vest and become immediately exercisable.
29
Table of ContentsPotential Termination and Change in Control Payments Potential termination and change-in-control payments pursuant to the employment agreements assuming termination or change in control occurs on December 31, 2007 are set forth in the table below.
30
Table of ContentsSecurities Authorized for Issuance Under Our Equity Incentive Plans The following table provides information about the securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2007. Equity Compensation Plan Information
Compensation of Directors In December 2006, our Compensation Committee approved our Director Compensation Policy. Effective beginning fiscal year 2007, each of our non-employee directors receives (i) a fee of $1,500 for each Board meeting that such non-employee director attends in person, (ii) a fee of $500 for each Board meeting at which the director participates telephonically and (iii) reimbursement for all expenses incurred in attending Board and committee meetings. In addition, each non-employee director who is not affiliated with a venture capital firm that is a stockholder of Achillion receives an annual retainer of $20,000, payable in quarterly installments. Directors who serve on the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee or Nominating or Corporate Governance Committee receive a fee of $500 for each such committee meeting attended outside of a regularly scheduled meeting of the full Board. The Chairperson of the Audit Committee receives an additional annual retainer of $10,000, and each of the chairpersons of the Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee receive an additional annual retainer of $5,000. In addition, subject to approval of the Board of Directors, each non-employee director receives (i) upon initial election to the Board of Directors, a nonstatutory stock option for the purchase of 15,000 shares of our common stock which vests immediately upon election and (ii) an annual stock option grant for the purchase of 15,000 shares of our common stock under our 2006 stock incentive plan, which vests over a four-year period. We do not compensate directors who are also our officers or employees for service as a director.
31
Table of ContentsThe following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of our non-employee directors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007:
32
Table of ContentsCompensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation The current members of the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Garvey, Van Nostrand, and Dr. Formela. Dr. Ryser served on our compensation committee from January 2007 through April 2007. No member of the Compensation Committee was at any time during 2007, or formerly, an officer or employee of ours or any subsidiary of ours, nor has any member of the Compensation Committee had any relationship with us requiring disclosure under Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act. No executive officer of Achillion has served as a director or member of the Compensation Committee (or other committee serving an equivalent function) of any other entity, one of whose executive officers served as a director of or member of our Compensation Committee.
33
Table of ContentsPROPOSAL 2RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Our Audit Committee has selected the firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the current fiscal year. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since 2002. Although stockholder approval of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is not required by law, the Board of Directors believes that it is advisable to give stockholders an opportunity to ratify this selection. If this proposal is not approved at our 2008 annual meeting, our Audit Committee will reconsider its selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP are expected to be present at the annual meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and will also be available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders. The Board of Directors believes that the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm is in the best interests of Achillion and the best interests of our stockholders and therefore recommends a vote FOR this proposal.
34
Table of ContentsSection 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers and holders of more than 10% of our common stock to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of common stock and other of our equity securities. Based solely on our review of copies of Section 16(a) reports furnished to us and representations made to us, we believe that during 2007 our officers, directors and holders of more than 10% of our common stock complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements. Stockholder Proposals for the 2009 Annual Meeting Proposals of stockholders intended to be presented at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must be received by us at our principal office in New Haven, Connecticut not later than January 1, 2009 for inclusion in the proxy statement for that meeting. In addition, our By-laws require that we be given advance notice of stockholder nominations for election to our Board of Directors and of other matters which stockholders wish to present for action at an annual meeting of stockholders (other than matters included in our proxy statement in accordance with Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act). The required notice must be received by our Secretary at our principal offices not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary date of the preceding years annual meeting of stockholders. The advance notice provisions of our By-laws supersede the notice requirements contained in recent amendments to Rule 14a-4 under the Exchange Act.
April 24, 2008 OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS ENCOURAGES STOCKHOLDERS TO ATTEND THE MEETING. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND, YOU ARE URGED TO COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE. A PROMPT RESPONSE WILL GREATLY FACILITATE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE MEETING AND YOUR COOPERATION WILL BE APPRECIATED.
35
Table of ContentsForm of Proxy Card Ú IF YOU HAVE NOT SUBMITTED YOUR PROXY VIA THE INTERNET, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. Ú
Proxy ACHILLION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
PROXY FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS to be held on June 3, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. local time THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF ACHILLION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. Those signing on the reverse side, revoking any prior proxies, hereby appoint(s) Michael D. Kishbauch or Mary Kay Fenton, or each of them, with full power of substitution, as proxies for those signing on the reverse side to act and vote at the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and at any adjournments thereof as indicated upon all matters referred to on the reverse side and described in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting, and, in their discretion, upon any other matters which may properly come before the Annual Meeting. THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED BY THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO SUCH DIRECTIONS ARE GIVEN, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF ACHILLION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. LISTED IN PROPOSAL 1 ON THE REVERSE SIDE AND FOR PROPOSAL NUMBER 2 REGARDING THE RATIFICATION OF THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM. CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE
Table of Contents
Ú IF YOU HAVE NOT SUBMITTED YOUR PROXY VIA THE INTERNET, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. Ú
A. Proposals The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all the nominees listed in Proposal 1 and FOR Proposal 2 regarding the ratification of the independent registered public accounting firm. 1. Election of Directors: 01 - Michael G. Grey 02 - Michael D. Kishbauch 03 - Robert Van Nostrand + ¨ Mark here to vote FOR all nominees ¨ Mark here to WITHHOLD vote from all nominees
In their discretion the proxy holders are authorized to vote upon such other business, if any, that may properly come before the meeting and any adjournment of the meeting. B. NonVoting Items
C Authorized Signatures Sign Here- This section must be completed for your vote to be counted Date and Sign Below. Please be sure to sign and date this Proxy Appointment Form. Please sign this proxy exactly as you name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign personally. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation or partnership, please give full title as such. If a corporation or partnership only authorized persons should sign.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||