UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON,
D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE
14A
(Rule
14a-101)
INFORMATION
REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE
14A INFORMATION
Proxy
Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed
by the Registrant ☒
Filed
by a Party other than the Registrant ☐
Check
the appropriate box:
☒ |
Preliminary
Proxy Statement |
☐ |
Confidential,
for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
☐ |
Definitive
Proxy Statement |
☐ |
Definitive
Additional Materials |
☐ |
Soliciting
Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
AgeX
Therapeutics, 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): |
☒ |
No
fee required. |
☐ |
Fee
paid previously with preliminary materials. |
☐ |
Fee
computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
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1101 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 201 |
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Alameda, CA 94501 |
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T: 510-671-8370, F: 510-671-8619 |
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www.agexinc.com |
________,
2022
Dear
Stockholder:
You
are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. which will be held on Wednesday, December
7, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. We will be holding the Annual Meeting this year as a “virtual” meeting, by online
participation only. Our stockholders may attend and participate at the online Annual Meeting at https://web.lumiagm.com/268644388.
We will not be accommodating, live in-person attendance at the Annual Meeting this year.
The
Notice and Proxy Statement on the following pages contain details concerning the business to come before the Annual Meeting. Management
will report on current operations, and there will be an opportunity for discussion concerning AgeX and its activities. Please sign and
return your proxy card in the enclosed envelope to ensure that your shares will be represented and voted at the Annual Meeting even if
you cannot attend. You are urged to sign and return the enclosed proxy card even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting online.
I
look forward to personally meeting all stockholders who are able to attend.
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Judith
Segall |
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Secretary |
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1101 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 201 |
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Alameda, CA 94501 |
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T: 510-671-8370, F: 510-671-8619 |
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www.agexinc.com |
NOTICE
OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To
Be Held December 7, 2022
NOTICE
IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. (“AgeX”),
will be held on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time for the following purposes:
1.
To elect four (4) directors to hold office until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their respective successors are duly
elected and qualified. The nominees of the Board of Directors are: Gregory H. Bailey, Joanne M. Hackett, Michael H. May, and Michael
D. West;
2.
To ratify the appointment of WithumSmith + Brown PC as AgeX’s independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2022;
3.
To approve an amendment to AgeX’s Certificate of Incorporation to increase the total number of authorized shares of common stock,
par value $0.0001 per share, that AgeX may issue from 100,000,000 shares to 200,000,000 shares (the “Common Stock Amendment”);
4.
To seek approval of an amendment to the AgeX 2017 Equity Incentive Plan to make an additional 4,000,000 shares of common stock available
for equity awards;
5.
To seek approval of AgeX stockholders to allow Juvenescence Limited (“Juvenescence”) to acquire additional shares of AgeX
common stock through the exercise of warrants or the conversion of all or a portion of the principal amount of certain loans to AgeX
if as a result of the acquisition Juvenescence would (a) acquire more than 19.9% of the AgeX common stock outstanding as of February
14, 2022 at a price less than the applicable market value of AgeX common stock or book value per share, and/or (b) own 50% or more of
the outstanding shares of AgeX common stock;
6.
To approve the adjournment of the Annual Meeting if a quorum is not present or to provide additional time to solicit proxies for approval
of the Common Stock Amendment; and
7.
To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments of the Annual Meeting.
The
Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on October 28, 2022 as the record date for determining stockholders entitled to receive
notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any postponement or adjournment of the Annual Meeting.
We
will be holding the Annual Meeting this year as a “virtual” meeting, by online participation only. Our stockholders may attend
and participate at the Annual Meeting online at https://web.lumiagm.com/268644388. If you wish to attend the Annual Meeting online
you will need to gain admission in the manner described in the Proxy Statement.
Whether
or not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting online, you are urged to sign and date the enclosed form of proxy and return it promptly
so that your shares may be represented and voted at the Annual Meeting. If you are present at the Annual Meeting, your proxy will be
returned to you if you so request.
WHETHER
OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE ONLINE ANNUAL MEETING, PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR PROXY PROMPTLY BY FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE PROXY CARD.
Important
Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials
for
the Stockholder Meeting to be Held December 7, 2022.
The
Letter to Stockholders, Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, and Annual Report on Form 10-K,
are
available at: https://materials.proxyvote.com//00848H
By
Order of the Board of Directors,
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Judith
Segall |
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Secretary |
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Alameda,
California |
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__________,
2022 |
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PRELIMINARY
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL
MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To
Be Held on Wednesday, December 7, 2022
QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE PROXY MATERIALS
AND
THE ANNUAL MEETING
Q:
Why have I received this Proxy Statement?
AgeX
Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“AgeX”, “we”, “us”, “our”) is holding its
Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Meeting”) at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 for the purposes
stated in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting, which include (1) electing directors, (2) ratifying the appointment of our independent
registered public accountants, (3) approving an amendment to AgeX’s Certificate of Incorporation to increase the total number of
authorized shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, that AgeX may issue from 100,000,000 shares to 200,000,000 shares (the
“Common Stock Amendment Proposal”), (4) approving an amendment to the AgeX 2017 Equity Incentive Plan to make an additional
4,000,000 shares of common stock available for equity awards (the “Incentive Plan Amendment Proposal”), (5) to address provisions
of the NYSE American (the “Exchange”) Company Guide applicable to companies like AgeX that have shares listed on the Exchange,
by approving a proposal to allow Juvenescence Limited (“Juvenescence”) to acquire additional shares of AgeX common stock
through the exercise of warrants or the conversion of all or a portion of the principal amount of certain loans to AgeX, if as a result
Juvenescence would (a) acquire more than 19.9% of the AgeX common stock outstanding as of February 14, 2022 at a price less than the
applicable market value of AgeX common stock or book value per share, and/or (b) own 50% or more of the outstanding shares of AgeX common
stock (the “Juvenescence Proposal”), and (6) approving the adjournment of the Meeting if a quorum is not present or to provide
additional time to solicit proxies for approval of the Common Stock Amendment Proposal (the “Adjournment Proposal”). At the
Meeting, our management will also report on current operations, and there will be an opportunity for discussion concerning AgeX and its
activities. This Proxy Statement contains information about those matters, relevant information about the Meeting, and other information
that we are required to include in a Proxy Statement under the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) regulations.
Q:
Who is soliciting my proxy?
The
accompanying proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of AgeX for use at the Meeting.
Q:
Who is entitled to vote at the Meeting?
Only
stockholders of record at the close of business on October 28, 2022, which has been designated as the “record date,” are
entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting. On that date, there were ___________ shares of AgeX common stock, par value $0.0001
per share, issued and outstanding, which constitute the only class of AgeX voting securities outstanding.
Q:
What percentage of the vote is required to elect directors or to approve the other matters that are being presented for a vote by stockholders?
Directors
will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the Meeting. Approval of the Common Stock Amendment Proposal will require the affirmative
vote of a majority of the shares of common stock issued, outstanding, and entitled to vote on the record date. All other matters to be
presented for a vote at the Meeting will require the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of common stock present and voting
on the matter at the Meeting, provided that the affirmative vote cast constitutes a majority of a quorum. A quorum consists of a majority
of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a quorum is not present the Meeting may
be adjourned by a vote of a majority of the shares present. Shares of common stock held by stockholders who participate in the Meeting
online or that are represented by a proxy will be deemed present for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present.
Q:
How many votes do my shares represent?
Each
share of AgeX common stock is entitled to one vote in all matters. Stockholders are not entitled to cumulate votes in the election of
directors.
Q:
What are my choices when voting?
In
the election of directors, you may vote for all nominees or you may withhold your vote from one or more nominees. For the vote on all
other matters you may vote for the proposal, vote against the proposal, or abstain from voting on the proposal. Properly executed proxies
in the accompanying form that are received at or before the Meeting will be voted in accordance with the directions noted on the proxies.
Q:
What if I abstain from voting on a matter?
If
you check the “abstain” box in the proxy form, or if you attend the Meeting online without submitting a proxy and you abstain
from voting on a matter, or if your shares are subject to a “broker non-vote” on a matter, your shares will be deemed to
have not voted on that matter in determining whether the matter has received an affirmative vote sufficient for approval. Please see
“What if I do not specify how I want my shares voted?” below for additional information about broker non-votes.
Q:
Can I change my vote after I submit my proxy form?
You
may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted. If you are a stockholder of record and you wish to revoke your proxy you must do
one of the following things:
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deliver
to the Secretary of AgeX a written revocation; or |
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deliver
to the Secretary of AgeX a signed proxy bearing a date subsequent to the date of the proxy being revoked; or |
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attend
the Meeting through online participation and vote by internet voting. |
If
you are a “beneficial owner” of shares “held in street name” you should follow the directions provided by your
broker or other nominee regarding how to revoke your proxy.
Q:
Can I still attend and vote at the Meeting if I submit a proxy?
You
may attend the Meeting online whether or not you have previously submitted a proxy. If you previously gave a proxy, your attendance at
the Meeting online will not revoke your proxy unless you also vote through internet voting during your online participation at the Meeting.
Q:
How can I vote at the Meeting?
If
you are a stockholder of record and you attend the Meeting online, you may vote your shares at the Meeting in the manner provided for
internet voting. However, if you are a “street name” holder, you may vote your shares online only if you obtain a signed
proxy from your broker or nominee giving you the right to vote your shares. Please refer to additional information in the “HOW
TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING” portion of this Proxy Statement.
Even
if you currently plan to attend the Meeting and vote online, we recommend that you also submit your proxy first so that your vote will
be counted if you later decide not to attend and vote online at the Meeting.
Q:
What are the Board of Directors’ recommendations?
The
Board of Directors recommends that our stockholders vote FOR (1) each nominee for election as a director, (2) approval of the
appointment of WithumSmith + Brown PC (“Withum”) as our independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2022; (3) approval of the Common Stock Amendment Proposal, (4) approval of the Incentive Plan Amendment Proposal, (5) approval
of the Juvenescence Proposal, and (6) approval of the Adjournment Proposal.
Q:
What if I do not specify how I want my shares voted?
Stockholders
of Record. If you are a stockholder of record and you sign and return a proxy form that does not specify how you want your shares
voted on a matter, your shares will be voted FOR (1) each nominee for election as a director, (2) approval of the appointment
of Withum as our independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022; (3) approval of the Common Stock
Amendment Proposal, (4) approval of the Incentive Plan Amendment Proposal, (5) approval of the Juvenescence Proposal, and (6) approval
of the Adjournment Proposal.
Beneficial
Owners. If you are a beneficial owner and you do not provide your broker or other nominee with voting instructions, the broker or
other nominee will determine if it has the discretionary authority to vote on the particular matter. Under the rules of the various national
and regional securities exchanges, brokers and other nominees holding your shares may vote on certain routine matters, including the
approval of the appointment of our independent registered public accountants, but cannot vote in the election of directors or the Incentive
Plan Amendment Proposal. If you hold your shares in street name and you do not instruct your broker or other nominee how to vote on those
matters as to which brokers and nominees are not permitted to vote without your instructions, no votes will be cast on your behalf on
those matters. This is generally referred to as a “broker non-vote.”
Q:
What is the difference between holding shares as a stockholder of record and as a beneficial owner?
Stockholder
of Record. You are a stockholder of record if at the close of business on the record date your shares were registered directly in
your name with American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, our transfer agent.
Beneficial
Owner. You are a beneficial owner if at the close of business on the record date your shares were held in the name of a brokerage
firm or other nominee and not in your name. Being a beneficial owner means that, like most of our stockholders, your shares are held
in “street name.” As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or nominee how to vote your shares by
following the voting instructions your broker or other nominee provides. If you do not provide your broker or nominee with instructions
on how to vote your shares, your broker or nominee will be able to vote your shares with respect to some of the proposals, but not all.
Please see “What if I do not specify how I want my shares voted?” above for additional information.
Q:
What if any matters not mentioned in the Notice of Annual Meeting or this Proxy Statement come up for vote at the Meeting?
The
Board of Directors does not intend to present any business for a vote at the Meeting other than the matters set forth in the accompanying
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, no stockholder has notified us of any other business
that may properly come before the Meeting. If other matters requiring the vote of the stockholders properly come before the Meeting,
then it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying form of proxy to vote the proxy held by them in accordance with their
judgment on such matters.
The
enclosed proxy confers discretionary authority to vote with respect to any and all of the following matters that may come before the
Meeting: (1) matters that the Board of Directors did not know, a reasonable time before the mailing of the notice of the Meeting, would
be presented at the Meeting; and (2) matters incidental to the conduct of the Meeting.
Q:
Who will bear the cost of soliciting proxies for use at the Meeting?
AgeX
will bear all of the costs of the solicitation of proxies for use at the Meeting. In addition to the use of the mails, proxies may be
solicited by a personal interview, telephone, or electronic communication by our directors, officers, and employees, who will undertake
such activities without additional compensation. Banks, brokerage houses, and other institutions, nominees, or fiduciaries will be requested
to forward the proxy materials to the beneficial owners of the common stock held of record by such persons and entities and will be reimbursed
for their reasonable expense incurred in connection with forwarding such material.
Q:
How can I attend and vote at the Meeting?
If
you plan on attending the Meeting, please read the “HOW TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING”
section of this Proxy Statement for information about the documents you will need to attend and participate in the Meeting online.
This
Proxy Statement and the accompanying form of proxy are first being sent or made available to our stockholders on or about November 4,
2022.
ELIMINATING
DUPLICATE MAILINGS
AgeX
has adopted a procedure called “householding.” Under this procedure, we may deliver a single copy of this Proxy Statement
and our Annual Report to multiple stockholders who share the same address, unless we receive contrary instructions from one or more of
the stockholders. This procedure reduces the environmental impact of our annual meetings and reduces our printing and mailing costs.
We
will deliver separate copies of the Proxy Statement and Annual Report to each stockholder sharing a common address if they notify us
that they wish to receive separate copies. If you wish to receive a separate copy of the Proxy Statement or Annual Report, you may contact
us by telephone at (510) 671-8370, or by mail at 1101 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 201., Alameda, California 94501. You may also contact
us at the above phone number or address if you are presently receiving multiple copies of the Proxy Statement, and Annual Report but
would prefer to receive a single copy instead.
ELECTION
OF DIRECTORS
At
the Meeting, four (4) directors will be elected to hold office until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and until their successors
have been duly elected and qualified. All of the nominees named below, Gregory H. Bailey, Joanne M. Hackett, Michael H. May, and Michael
D. West, are incumbent directors.
It
is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed proxy, unless the proxy specifies otherwise, to vote the shares represented by
such proxy FOR the election of the nominees listed below. In the unlikely event that any nominee should be unable to serve as
a director, proxies may be voted in favor of a substitute nominee designated by the Board of Directors. If you are a beneficial owner
of shares held in street name, your broker or other nominee will not be allowed to vote in the election of directors unless you instruct
your broker or other nominee how to vote on the form that the broker or nominee provided to you.
Directors
and Nominees for Election
The
following table sets forth information regarding our directors and other nominees for election as directors:
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Committee
Membership |
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Nominating
and |
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Corporate |
Name
of Director |
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Age |
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Director
Since |
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Audit |
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Compensation |
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Governance |
Non-Employee
Director |
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Gregory
H. Bailey, M.D. |
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66 |
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August
2018 |
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Chair |
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Member |
Joanne
M. Hackett, Ph.D. |
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43 |
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December
2021 |
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Member |
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Member |
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Chair |
Michael
H. May, Ph.D. |
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54 |
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August
2019 |
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Chair |
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Member |
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Member |
Employee
Director |
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Michael
D. West, Ph.D. |
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69 |
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January
2017 |
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Gregory
H. Bailey, M.D. joined our Board of Directors in August 2018 and served as the Chairman of our Board of Directors from October 2018
until May 2022. Dr. Bailey is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Juvenescence Limited, a privately held company focused on the
development of therapies for ageing and age-related diseases. Dr. Bailey is also a director of Manx Financial Group, plc, BioHaven Inc,
SalvaRx Inc and Portage Biotech. Dr. Bailey has founded and served as a director of a number of private and public companies and previously
served as a managing partner of Palantir Group, Inc., a merchant bank involved in a number of biotech company startups and financings.
Dr. Bailey practiced emergency medicine for ten years before entering finance. Dr. Bailey received his M.D. from the University of Western
Ontario. We believe that Dr. Bailey is qualified to serve on our Board based on his years of experience in medicine and as an executive
and in finance for the biotechnology industry.
Joanne
M. Hackett, Ph.D. joined our Board of Directors in December 2021 and became the Chairperson of our Board of Directors in May
2022. Dr. Hackett is currently the Head of Genomic and Precision Medicine at IQVIA. IQVIA is a world leader in using data, technology,
advanced analytics, and expertise to help customers drive healthcare forward. From 2017 to 2020 Dr. Hackett served as Chief Commercial
Officer of Genomics England, where she engaged industry, academia and the clinical community to achieve the goal of sequencing genomes
of patients and families of patients with rare diseases, and patients with common cancers. Genomics England is owned by the Department
of Health and Social Care in the United Kingdom. During 2016 and 2017 Dr. Hackett served as Chief Commercial Officer and Interim Chief
Executive Officer of Precision Medicine Catapult, which was established in the United Kingdom with the goal of developing, delivering
and commercializing precision medicine. Dr. Hackett served as Director of Commercial Development for UCLPartners in London, England from
2013 – 2016. UCLPartners is focused on co-creating, testing and implementing innovative healthcare solutions with its academic
and healthcare partners, and fostering the wider spread and adoption of those solutions. Previously, she served as Chief Operating Officer
and Research Lead at Cambridge University Health Partners, and she has held other positions in the biomedical industry and in academia,
including as a research scientist, and she has served on a number of advisory committees and advisory boards in the biomedical and healthcare
fields. Dr. Hackett holds a PhD in Molecular Genetics from the University of New Brunswick. Dr. Hackett’s years of experience in
genomics and regenerative medicine with a focus on commercialization of new therapies and technologies makes her an excellent candidate
to serve on our Board of Directors.
Michael
H. May, Ph.D. joined our Board of Directors during August 2019. Dr. May is President and Chief Executive Officer of CCRM (Centre
for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine), the CEO of CCRM Enterprises Inc. (the investment arm of CCRM) and Chair of the Board
of OmniaBio (a CDMO spin-off of CCRM). CCRM is a public- private consortium founded under Canada’s Centres of Excellence for Commercialization
and Research Program to generate sustainable health and economic benefits through global collaboration in cell and gene therapy, and
regenerative medicine. Dr. May co-founded Rimon Therapeutics Ltd., a Toronto- based tissue engineering company developing novel medical
polymers that possess drug-like activity, and served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Rimon from 2000 to 2006, and President
and Chief Operating Officer from 2006 to 2010. Dr. May serves on a number of boards of directors and advisory committees in the field
of stem cell research and regenerative medicine, including at the International Society for Cell Therapy (ISCT) and the Foundation for
Cell & Gene Medicine. Dr. May completed his PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of Toronto in 1998 as an NSERC Scholar
and was awarded the Martin Walmsley Fellowship for Technological Entrepreneurship. We believe that Dr. May is qualified to serve on our
Board based on his years of experience in tissue engineering and the fields of stem cell research and regenerative medicine.
Michael
D. West, Ph.D. joined the Board of Directors during January 2017 and has served as our Chief Executive Officer since that date. Dr.
West was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (formerly BioTime, Inc.) during October 2007 and then served
as Co-Chief Executive Officer from October 2015 until September 2018. Dr. West also served as interim President and Chief Executive Officer
of Asterias Biotherapeutics, Inc. from April 2014 to June 2014, and as Vice President of Technology Integration of Asterias until December
2015. Dr. West served as a director of: Lineage from 2002 until September 2018; Asterias from 2012 until September 2018; and Oncocyte
Corporation from 2013 to 2016. Prior to becoming Chief Executive Officer of Lineage, Dr. West served as Chief Executive Officer, President,
and Chief Scientific Officer of Ocata Therapeutics, Inc., a company engaged in developing human stem cell technology for use in regenerative
medicine. Dr. West also founded Geron Corporation of Menlo Park, California, and from 1990 to 1998, he was a Director and Vice-President,
where he initiated and managed programs in telomerase diagnostics, oligonucleotide-based telomerase inhibition as anti-tumor therapy,
and the cloning and use of telomerase in telomerase-mediated therapy wherein telomerase is utilized to immortalize human cells. From
1995 to 1998 he organized and managed the research between Geron and its academic collaborators, James Thomson and John Gearhart, which
led to the first isolation of human embryonic stem and human embryonic germ cells. Dr. West received a B.S. from Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute in 1976, an M.S. in Biology from Andrews University in 1982, and a Ph.D. from Baylor College of Medicine in 1989 concentrating
on the biology of cellular aging. Dr. West is an internationally renowned pioneer and expert in stem cell research, and we believe that
he is qualified to serve on our Board based on his years of executive experience in the fields of stem cell research and regenerative
medicine.
Previous
Arrangement for the Designation of Directors
Pursuant
to a Stockholders Agreement between our former parent company Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (“Lineage”), formerly known
as BioTime, Inc., and our current largest stockholder Juvenescence Limited (“Juvenescence”), Lineage had the right to designate
two members of our Board of Directors and Juvenescence had the right to designate three members of our Board of Directors. Under the
Stockholders Agreement, the remaining members of the Board of Directors were to be independent of Lineage and Juvenescence and mutually
agreed to and designated by Lineage and Juvenescence. Pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, Juvenescence designated Gregory H. Bailey
and Annalisa Jenkins as directors. Lineage had previously appointed Michael D. West and Michael H. Mulroy as directors. The Stockholders
Agreement is no longer in effect, having expired on November 28, 2018 when Lineage distributed to its stockholders, on a pro rata basis,
12,697,028 shares of the AgeX common stock it then held.
Director
Independence
Gregory
H. Bailey, Joanne M. Hackett and Michael H. May qualify as “independent” in accordance with Section 803(A) of the NYSE American
Company Guide. Annalisa Jenkins served as director during 2021 also qualified as independent under that standard. Dr. Jenkins’
term as a director expired at the 2021 Meeting. The members of our Audit Committee meet the additional independence standards under Section
803(B)(2) of the NYSE American Company Guide and Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange
Act”). The members of our Compensation Committee meet the additional independence standards under Section 805(c)(1) of the NYSE
American Company Guide. Our independent directors received no compensation or remuneration during the last fiscal year for serving as
directors except as disclosed under “DIRECTOR COMPENSATION.” None of the independent directors, nor any of the members of
their respective families, have participated in any transaction with us that would disqualify them as “independent” directors
under the standards described above.
Michael
D. West does not qualify as “independent” because he serves as our President and Chief Executive Officer. Gregory H. Bailey
does not meet the independence standard for service on the Audit Committee under Exchange Act Rule 10A-3 because he is the Chief Executive
Officer of Juvenescence Limited, which is our largest stockholder and owns more than 43% of our issued and outstanding shares of common
stock.
CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE
Board
Meetings and Attendance
During
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, our Board of Directors met twelve times. None of our current directors attended fewer than 75%
of the meetings of the Board and the committees on which they served during their terms as directors. Directors are also encouraged to
attend our annual meetings of stockholders, although they are not formally required to do so.
Meetings
of Non-Management Directors
Our
non-management directors met periodically in executive session, without any directors who are AgeX officers or employees present. These
meetings allowed the non-management directors to engage in open and frank discussions about corporate governance and about our business,
operations, finances, and management performance.
Stockholder
Communications with Directors
If
you wish to communicate with the Board of Directors or with individual directors, you may do so by following the procedure described
on our website www.agexinc.com.
Attendance
at Annual Meetings of Stockholders.
Our
directors are encouraged, but not required, to attend our annual meetings of stockholders. Last year, all of our continuing directors
attended the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders.
Code
of Ethics
We
have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (“Code of Ethics”) that applies to our principal executive officers, our
principal financial officer and accounting officer, our other executive officers, and our directors. The purpose of the Code of Ethics
is to promote (i) honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal
and professional relationships; (ii) full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that we file
with or submit to the SEC and in our other public communications; (iii) compliance with applicable governmental rules and regulations;
(iv) prompt internal reporting of violations of the Code of Ethics to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Code of Ethics;
and (v) accountability for adherence to the Code of Ethics. A copy of our Code of Ethics has been posted on our internet website and
can be found at www.agexinc.com. We intend to disclose any future amendments to certain provisions of our Code of Ethics, and
any waivers of those provisions granted to our principal executive officers, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer
or controller or persons performing similar functions, by posting the information on our website within four business days following
the date of the amendment or waiver.
Board
Leadership Structure
Our
leadership structure bifurcates the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. In other words, although our Chief Executive
Officer is a member of our Board, Joanne M. Hackett currently serves as Chairman of the Board. AgeX believes that the Chairman can provide
support and advice to the Chief Executive Officer and can lead the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities. The Chairman of the Board
serves as an active liaison between the Board and our Chief Executive Officer and our other senior management. The Chairman of the Board
also interfaces with our other non-management directors with respect to matters such as the members and chairs of Board committees, other
corporate governance matters, and strategic planning.
The
Board’s Role in Risk Management
The
Board has an active role, as a whole, in overseeing management of the risks of our business. The Board regularly reviews information
regarding our credit, liquidity, and operations, as well as the risks associated with our research and development activities and our
plans to expand our business. The Audit Committee provides oversight of our financial reporting processes and the annual audit of our
financial statements. In addition, the Audit Committee reviews and must approve any business transactions between AgeX and its executive
officers, directors, and stockholders who beneficially own 5% or more of our outstanding shares of common stock.
Hedging
Transactions
We
have adopted a policy that prohibits our directors and our officers and other employees from purchasing financial instruments, including
prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars, and exchange funds, or to otherwise engage in transactions that hedge or offset,
or that are designed to hedge or offset, risks of any decrease in the market value of our common stock or other equity securities granted
to the employee or director as part of their compensation, or held, directly or indirectly, by the employee or director.
Committees
of the Board
The
Board of Directors has an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, and a Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee, the members of
which are “independent” as defined in Nasdaq Rule 5605(a)(2). The members of the Audit Committee meet the additional independence
standards under Nasdaq Rule 5605(c)(2) and Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. The members of the Compensation Committee must also meet
the additional independence considerations under Nasdaq Rule 5605(d)(2).
Audit
Committee
The
members of the Audit Committee are Michael H. May (Chair) and Joanne M. Hackett. The Audit Committee held six meetings during 2021. Annalisa
Jenkins served as the Chairman of the Audit Committee during 2021 until her term as a director expired in December 2021. The purpose
of the Audit Committee is to recommend the engagement of our independent registered public accountants, to review their performance and
the plan, scope, and results of the audit, and to review and approve the fees we pay to our independent registered public accountants.
The Audit Committee also will review our accounting and financial reporting procedures and controls, all requests for waivers of, our
Code of Ethics, and significant transactions between us and our executive officers, directors, and stockholders who beneficially own
5% or more of any class of our voting securities. A copy of the Audit Committee Charter has been posted on our internet website and can
be found at www.agexinc.com.
Compensation
Committee
The
members of the Compensation Committee are Gregory H. Bailey (Chair), Michael H. May and Joanne M. Hackett. Annalisa Jenkins also served
as a member of the Compensation Committee during 2021 until her term as a director expired in December 2021. The Compensation Committee
held one meeting during 2021. The Compensation Committee oversees our compensation and employee benefit plans and practices, including
executive compensation arrangements and incentive plans and awards of stock options and other equity-based awards under our equity plans,
including our 2017 Equity Incentive Plan. The Compensation Committee will determine or recommend to the Board of Directors the terms
and amount of executive compensation and grants of equity-based awards to executives, key employees, consultants, and independent contractors.
The Chief Executive Officer may make recommendations to the Compensation Committee concerning executive compensation and performance,
but the Compensation Committee makes its own determination or recommendation to the Board of Directors with respect to the amount and
components of compensation, including salary, bonus and equity awards to executive officers, generally taking into account factors such
as company performance, individual performance, and compensation paid by peer group companies. A copy of the Compensation Committee Charter
has been posted on our internet website and can be found at www.agexinc.com.
Report
of the Audit Committee on the Audit of Our Financial Statements
The
following is the report of the Audit Committee with respect to AgeX’s audited financial statements for the year ended December
31, 2021.
The
information contained in this report shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or otherwise considered “filed”
with the SEC, and such information shall not be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that AgeX specifically incorporates such information
by reference in such filing.
The
members of the Audit Committee held discussions with our management and representatives of WithumSmith + Brown PC, our former independent
registered public accountants, concerning the audit of our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021. The independent
public accountants are responsible for performing an independent audit of our financial statements and issuing an opinion on the conformity
of those audited financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The Audit Committee does not
itself prepare financial statements or perform audits, and its members are not auditors or certifiers of AgeX’s financial statements.
The
Audit Committee members reviewed and discussed with management and representatives of the auditors the audited financial statements contained
in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. Our auditors also discussed with the Audit Committee the adequacy
of AgeX’s internal control over financial reporting.
The
Audit Committee members discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of
the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the SEC. The Audit Committee received the written disclosures and the letter mandated
by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant’s communications
with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and discussed with the independent accountant the independent accountant’s independence.
Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee unanimously recommended to the Board of Directors that the
audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC.
The
Audit Committee also met on a quarterly basis with the auditors during 2021 to review and discuss our financial statements for the quarter
and the adequacy of internal control over financial reporting.
The
Audit Committee: Michael H. May (Chair) and Joanne M. Hackett.
Nomination
of Candidates for Election as Directors
Nominating
& Corporate Governance Committee and Nominating Policies and Procedures
The
members of the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee are Joanne M. Hackett (Chair), Gregory H. Bailey, and Michael H. May.
Dr. Hackett was appointed to the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee during January 2022. The Nominating & Corporate
Governance Committee held one meeting during 2021.
The
purpose of the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee is to recommend to the Board of Directors individuals qualified to serve
as directors and on committees of the Board, and to make recommendations to the Board on issues and proposals regarding corporate governance
matters. A copy of the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee Charter has been posted on our internet website and can be found
at www.agexinc.com.
The
Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee will consider nominees for election as directors proposed by stockholders, provided that
they notify the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee of the nomination in writing at least 120 days prior to the one-year
anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that if the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days
before or more than 60 days after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered, or mailed and received,
not later than the 90 days day prior to such annual meeting or, if later, the tenth day following the day on which public disclosure
of the date of such annual meeting was first made. Within the applicable time frame the stockholder and the nominee must also provide
the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee with all information that the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee may
reasonably request regarding the nominee.
The
Board and the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee have not set any specific minimum qualifications that a prospective nominee
would need in order to be nominated to serve on the Board of Directors. Rather, in evaluating any new nominee or incumbent director,
the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee will consider whether the particular person has the knowledge, skills, experience,
and expertise needed to manage our affairs in light of the skills, experience, and expertise of the other members of the Board as a whole.
The Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee will also consider whether a nominee or incumbent director has any conflicts of interest
with AgeX that might conflict with our Code of Ethics or that might otherwise interfere with their ability to perform their duties in
a manner that is in the best interest of AgeX and its stockholders. The Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee will also consider
whether including a prospective director on the Board will result in a Board composition that complies with (a) applicable state corporate
laws, (b) applicable federal and state securities laws, and (c) the rules of the SEC and each stock exchange on which our shares are
listed.
The
Board of Directors and the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee have not adopted specific policies with respect to a particular
mix or diversity of skills, experience, expertise, perspectives, and background that nominees should have. However, the present Board
was assembled with a focus on attaining a Board comprised of people with substantial experience in bioscience, the pharmaceutical industry,
corporate management, and finance. The Board believes that this interdisciplinary approach will best suit our needs as we work to develop
and commercialize novel therapeutics targeting human aging and degenerative diseases.
Some
of the factors considered by the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee and the Board in selecting the Board’s nominees
for election at the Meeting are discussed in this Proxy Statement under “ELECTION OF DIRECTORS.”
Because
our principal executive office is located in California, we must comply with recently enacted Section 301.3 and Section 301.4 of the
California Corporations Code. Section 301.3 provides that a publicly held corporation, as defined in Section 301.3, that has its principal
executive offices in California must have at least one, and may be required to have as many as three, female directors, depending on
the authorized number of directors. Section 301.4 provides that a publicly held corporation that has its principal executive offices
in California must have at least one, and by the close of 2022 may be required to have as many as three, directors from underrepresented
communities, depending on the authorized number of directors. Section 301.4 defines a director from an underrepresented community to
mean an individual who self-identifies as Black, African American, Hispanic, Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, Native
Hawaiian, or Alaska Native, or who self-identifies as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. Failure to comply with Section 301.3 or
Section 301.4 can lead to the imposition of fines. Our Board of Directors presently includes one woman and one director from an underrepresented
community as required by Section 301.3 and Section 301.4 based on our authorized number of directors.
DIRECTOR
COMPENSATION
Directors
and members of committees of the Board of Directors who are our employees are entitled to receive compensation as employees but are not
compensated for serving as directors or attending meetings of the Board or committees of the Board. All directors are entitled to reimbursements
for their out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board or committees of the Board.
Each
Non-Employee Director who was serving on our Board of Directors on June 21, 2021 received an Annual Director Award of 65,000 stock options,
and the grant date fair value for each stock option was $74,524. Those options will vest and become exercisable in equal quarterly installments
over a one-year period from the date of grant. Dr. May also received a special award of 35,000 stock options vesting on the date of grant
for his service as the sole member of Special Committee considering a proposed merger transaction.
The
following table summarizes certain information concerning the compensation paid during the past fiscal year to each of the persons who
served as directors during the year ended December 31, 2021 and who were not our employees on the date the compensation was earned.
Name | |
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash | | |
Option Awards (1) | | |
All Other Compensation | | |
Total | |
Gregory H. Bailey | |
$ | 60,000 | | |
$ | 74,524 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 134,524 | |
Annalisa Jenkins (2) | |
$ | 50,000 | | |
$ | 74,524 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 124,524 | |
Michael H. May | |
$ | 40,000 | | |
$ | 114,653 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 154,653 | |
Joanne M. Hackett (3) | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | |
(1) |
In
accordance with SEC rules, the amounts shown reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of stock awards granted to Non-Employee
Directors during 2021, computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718
(“FASB ASC 718”). We used the Black-Scholes Pricing Model to compute option fair values based on applicable exercise
and stock prices, an expected option term, volatility assumptions, and risk-free interest rates. Our directors will only realize
compensation upon exercise of the stock options and to the extent the trading price of our common stock is greater than the exercise
price of such stock options at the time of exercise. |
|
|
(2) |
Dr.
Jenkins’ term as a director expired on December 29, 2021. On that date, 16,250 unvested stock options were immediately forfeited,
and 148,750 stock options were vested and expire on March 29, 2022, 90 days from the date her term as director expired. |
|
|
(3) |
Dr.
Hackett was elected as a director on December 29, 2021. No stock option or other equity awards were granted to her as of December
31, 2021. |
EXECUTIVE
OFFICERS
The
following table sets forth information regarding our executive officers:
Name |
|
Age |
|
Officer
Since |
|
Position |
Michael
D. West, Ph.D. |
|
69 |
|
January
2017 |
|
Chief
Executive Officer |
Andrea
E. Park |
|
50 |
|
May
2020 |
|
Chief
Financial Officer |
Nafees
N. Malik, MBChB, MPhil |
|
45 |
|
October
2018 |
|
Chief
Operating Officer |
Hal
Sternberg, Ph.D. |
|
69 |
|
August
2017 |
|
Vice
President of Research |
For
Dr. West’s biographical information see above with those of the other members of our Board of Directors.
Andrea
E. Park, CPA (inactive) was appointed as Chief Financial Officer of AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. in May 2020. Ms. Park served as AgeX’s
Vice President of Finance and Controller since October 2019. Ms. Park’s career spans over 24 years of public accounting and finance
experience. Before joining AgeX, Ms. Park served as Vice President of Finance and Controller from June 2016 to September 2019 and as
Corporate Controller from February 2005 to June 2016 for Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (formerly BioTime, Inc.). While at Lineage,
Ms. Park was directly involved in the accounting and financial reporting of the public spin off and eventually the deconsolidation of
three of its then subsidiaries including Asterias Biotherapeutics, Inc., Oncocyte Corporate and AgeX. Earlier in her career she has worked
in the audit and assurance practice at Deloitte. Ms. Park has a B.A. in Business Economics with Concentration in Accounting from the
University of California, Santa Barbara.
Nafees
N. Malik, MBChB, MPhil was appointed as our Chief Operating Officer during October 2018. He was also appointed Head of Cell and Gene
Therapy at Juvenescence UK Ltd during October 2018. He founded and was managing director of Asklepian Consulting Limited from June 2013
where he focused on the strategic and commercial analysis of cell and gene therapies and regenerative medicine. Dr. Malik received his
medical degree from the University of Liverpool and his Master of Philosophy degree in Bioscience Enterprise from the University of Cambridge.
Hal
Sternberg, Ph.D. was appointed Vice President of Research in August 2017. Prior to serving in that role, Dr. Sternberg was Vice President
of Research of Lineage for over 25 years and was one of Lineage co-founders. Prior to co-founding and joining Lineage, Dr. Sternberg
held various positions at the University of California at Berkeley from 1982 to 1988, where he supervised a team of researchers studying
Alzheimer’s Disease. Dr. Sternberg holds a M.S. in Chemistry and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Maryland.
EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION
Emerging
Growth Company and Smaller Reporting Company
We
are an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 and a “smaller reporting
company” as defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC. As an emerging growth company and as a smaller reporting company we
may take advantage of specified reduced disclosure and other requirements that are otherwise applicable, in general, to public companies
that are not emerging growth companies or smaller reporting companies. Accordingly, this Proxy Statement includes reduced disclosure
about our executive compensation arrangements.
The
following tables show certain information relating to the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and the two highest paid individuals
who were serving as executive officers at year end and in each case whose total compensation exceeded $100,000 during 2021. We refer
to such executive officers referred to as our “Named Executive Officers”.
Summary
Compensation Table
The
following table sets forth the compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to our Named Executive Officers in respect of their service
to the Company for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Name
and principal position |
|
Year |
|
Salary |
|
|
Option
Awards(1) |
|
|
All
Other
Compensation(2) |
|
|
Total |
|
Michael
D. West |
|
2021 |
|
$ |
546,782 |
|
|
$ |
137,501 |
(3) |
|
$ |
14,500 |
|
|
$ |
698,783 |
|
Chief
Executive Officer |
|
2020 |
|
|
546,782 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
14,250 |
|
|
|
561,032 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Andrea
E. Park |
|
2021 |
|
|
266,019 |
|
|
|
85,938 |
(4) |
|
|
13,301 |
|
|
|
365,258 |
|
Chief
Financial Officer |
|
2020 |
|
|
264,144 |
|
|
|
160,520 |
(5) |
|
|
13,207 |
|
|
|
437,871 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nafees
N. Malik(6) |
|
2021 |
|
|
282,272 |
(7) |
|
|
85,938 |
(4) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
368,210 |
|
Chief
Operating Officer |
|
2020 |
|
|
282,272 |
(7) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
282,272 |
|
(1) |
Amounts
shown in this column do not reflect dollar amounts actually received by our Named Executive Officers. Instead, these amounts reflect
the aggregate grant date fair value of each stock option granted, computed in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 718,
Compensation-Stock Compensation. We used the Black-Scholes Pricing Model to compute option fair values based on applicable
exercise and stock prices, an expected option term, volatility assumptions, and risk-free interest rates. Our Named Executive Officers
will only realize compensation upon exercise of the stock options and to the extent the trading price of our common stock is greater
than the exercise price of such stock options at the time of exercise. |
|
|
|
One
fourth of the options vested upon completion of 12 full months of continuous employment measured from the date of grant, and the
balance of the options vest in 36 equal monthly installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant, based on the
completion of each month of continuous service as an employee or director of AgeX or its subsidiaries. |
|
|
(2) |
Amounts
represent 401(k) matching contributions by us for the periods presented unless described otherwise. |
|
|
(3) |
Dr.
West’s equity awards in 2021 reflect the fair value of 120,000 stock options awarded in June 2021. |
|
|
(4) |
Equity
awards in 2021 to Ms. Park and Dr. Malik reflect the fair value of 75,000 stock options awarded in June 2021. |
|
|
(5) |
Ms.
Park’s equity awards in 2020 reflect the fair value of 300,000 stock options awarded upon her appointment as Chief Financial
Officer in May 2020. Ms. Park previously served as AgeX’s VP of Finance and Controller since October 2019. |
|
|
(6) |
Dr.
Malik serves as our Chief Operating Officer as a consultant, with his services provided by Juvenescence. Dr. Malik devotes a majority
of his time to AgeX’s operations and AgeX reimburses Juvenescence for his services. |
|
|
(7) |
Amounts
represent consulting fees made to Juvenescence for Dr. Malik. |
Employment
Agreements and Change of Control Provisions
Employment
Agreements
We
have entered into an employment agreement with our Chief Executive Officer Michael D. West, effective October 18, 2018 (the “West
Employment Agreement”). Pursuant to the West Employment Agreement, Dr. West’s annual base salary was initially set at $525,000.
Under the West Employment Agreement, Dr. West is eligible to earn an annual incentive cash bonus with a target of no less than 50% of
annual base salary. Actual bonus amounts will be based on Dr. West’s attainment of individual performance goals at target levels
set by the Board of Directors for the applicable calendar year. If such performance goals for the applicable year are fully achieved,
the Board of Directors may approve a bonus amount exceeding the target bonus level.
Under
the West Employment Agreement, Dr. West was granted options to purchase 500,000 shares of our common stock with an exercise price of
$3.00 per share, with one fourth of the options vesting following 12 full months of continuous service as an employee of AgeX, measured
from the date of grant, and the balance vesting in 36 equal monthly installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant,
based upon the completion of each month of continuous service as an employee of AgeX. Such options expire on the earliest of (1) 10 years
from the date of grant, (2) three months after Dr. West ceases to provide continuous service to us (other than due to death or disability)
or (3) one year after Dr. West ceases to provide continuous service to us due to death or disability.
Under
the West Employment Agreement, Dr. West has agreed to certain covenants regarding confidential information and assignment of inventions,
as well as a covenant not to solicit our employees during Dr. West’s employment with us and for one year thereafter. The West Employment
Agreement also includes a covenant not to compete with us during his employment. In the event of Dr. West’s resignation or termination
from AgeX for any reason, Dr. West has agreed to promptly resign from the Board of Directors of AgeX and any of its subsidiaries.
We
have entered into an employment agreement with our Chief Financial Officer Andrea E. Park, effective May 15, 2020 (the “Park Employment
Agreement”). Pursuant to the Park Employment Agreement, Ms. Park’s annual base salary was initially set at $265,000. Under
the Park Employment Agreement, Ms. Park is eligible to earn an annual incentive cash bonus with a target of no less than 40% of annual
base salary. Actual bonus amounts will be based on Ms. Park’s attainment of individual performance goals at target levels set by
the Board of Directors for the applicable calendar year. If such performance goals for the applicable year are fully achieved, the Board
of Directors may approve a bonus amount exceeding the target bonus level.
Under
the Park Employment Agreement, Ms. Park was granted options to purchase 300,000 shares of our common stock with an exercise price of
$0.738 per share, with one fourth of the options vesting following 12 full months of continuous service as an employee of AgeX, measured
from the date of grant, and the balance vesting in 36 equal monthly installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant,
based upon the completion of each month of continuous service as an employee of AgeX. Such options expire on the earliest of (1) 10 years
from the date of grant, (2) three months after Ms. Park’s ceases to provide continuous service to us (other than due to death or
disability) or (3) one year after Ms. Park ceases to provide continuous service to us due to death or disability.
Severance
and Change of Control Arrangements
Pursuant
to the West Employment Agreement and Park Employment Agreement, each officer is entitled to severance benefits under certain circumstances.
If
we terminate Dr. West’s employment without “cause” or he resigns for “good reason” at any time, he will
be entitled to (1) 12 months base salary, (2) all accrued but unpaid salary earned prior to or as of the date of termination or resignation,
(3) full payment of Dr. West’s target bonus due for such year and (4) for a period of six months, all benefits under any health
insurance plan of AgeX. In addition, if we terminate Dr. West’s employment without “cause” or he resigns for “good
reason,” (1) all of Dr. West’s outstanding equity awards that would otherwise have vested during the 12 months following
termination or resignation will become fully vested and exercisable immediately and (2) with respect to any outstanding vested but unexercised
options, the exercise period following termination or resignation will be extended to the earlier of the (A) 12 months after termination
or (B) the natural expiration date of the applicable option. If we terminate Dr. West’s employment without “cause,”
or he resigns for “good reason,” following a “Change of Control,” (1) Dr. West will be entitled to all of the
benefits and payments that he would have been entitled to if his employment had been otherwise terminated without “cause”
or if he resigned for “good reason,” as set forth above, and (2) all of Dr. West’s unvested options and restricted
stock units, if any, will become fully vested and exercisable immediately. The severance compensation may be paid in a lump sum or, at
our election, in installments consistent with the payment of Dr. West’s salary while employed by us. In order to receive the severance
benefits, Dr. West must execute a general release of all claims against us.
If
we terminate Ms. Park’s employment without “cause” or she resigns for “good reason” at any time, she will
be entitled to (1) 9 months base salary, (2) all accrued but unpaid salary earned prior to or as of the date of termination or resignation,
(3) full payment of Ms. Park’s target bonus due for such year and (4) for a period of six months, all benefits under any health
insurance plan of AgeX. In addition, if we terminate Ms. Park’s employment without “cause” or she resigns for “good
reason,” (1) all of Ms. Park’s outstanding equity awards that would otherwise have vested during the 12 months following
termination or resignation will become fully vested and exercisable immediately and (2) with respect to any outstanding vested but unexercised
options, the exercise period following termination or resignation will be extended to the earlier of the (A) 9 months after termination
or (B) the natural expiration date of the applicable option. If we terminate Ms. Park’s employment without “cause,”
or she resigns for “good reason,” following a “Change of Control,” (1) Ms. Park will be entitled to all of the
benefits and payments that she would have been entitled to if her employment had been otherwise terminated without “cause”
or if she resigned for “good reason,” as set forth above, and (2) all of Ms. Park’s unvested options and restricted
stock units, if any, will become fully vested and exercisable immediately. The severance compensation may be paid in a lump sum or, at
our election, in installments consistent with the payment of Ms. Park’s salary while employed by us. In order to receive the severance
benefits, Ms. Park must execute a general release of all claims against us.
“Change
of Control,” is defined to mean any one of the following:
|
● |
the
acquisition of our voting securities by a person or an Affiliated Group entitling the holder to elect a majority of our directors,
except that an increase in the amount of voting securities held by a person or Affiliated Group who on the date of the Employment
Agreement beneficially owned more than 10% of our voting securities will not be a Change of Control. In addition, an acquisition
of voting securities by one or more persons acting as an underwriter in connection with a sale or distribution of voting securities
will not constitute a Change of Control; |
|
|
|
|
● |
the
sale of all or substantially all of our assets; or |
|
|
|
|
● |
a
merger or consolidation in which we merge or consolidate into another corporation or entity in which our stockholders immediately
before the merger or consolidation do not own, in the aggregate, voting securities of the surviving corporation or entity entitling
them, in the aggregate (and without regard to whether they constitute an Affiliated Group) to elect a majority of the directors or
persons holding similar powers of the surviving corporation or entity. |
A
Change of Control will not occur if all of the persons acquiring our voting securities or assets, or merging or consolidating with us,
are one or more of our direct or indirect subsidiaries or parent corporations. “Affiliated Group” means (A) a person and
one or more other persons in control of, controlled by, or under common control with, such person; and (B) two or more persons who, by
written agreement among them, act in concert to acquire voting securities entitling them to elect a majority of our directors.
Equity
Awards Outstanding at Fiscal Year End
The
following table summarizes certain information concerning outstanding stock options granted by us under our 2017 Equity Incentive Plan
(the “Incentive Plan”) and held by our Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 2021.
|
|
|
|
Option
Awards |
|
Stock
Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options |
|
|
Option
Exercise |
|
|
Option
Expiration |
|
Number
of
Shares
or
Units
of
Stock
That
Have
Not |
|
|
Market
Value
of
Shares
or
Units
of
Stock
That
Have
Not |
|
Name |
|
Grant
Date |
|
Exercisable(1) |
|
|
Unexercisable |
|
|
Price |
|
|
Date |
|
Vested |
|
|
Vested(2) |
|
Michael
D. West |
|
6/4/2021 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
120,000 |
|
|
$ |
1.45 |
|
|
6/3/2031 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
3/11/2019 |
|
|
68,751 |
|
|
|
31,249 |
|
|
$ |
4.28 |
|
|
3/10/2029 |
|
|
15,625 |
(3) |
|
$ |
17,031 |
|
|
|
10/18/2018 |
|
|
395,833 |
|
|
|
104,167 |
|
|
$ |
3.00 |
|
|
10/17/2028 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
10/10/2017 |
|
|
660,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
$ |
2.00 |
|
|
10/9/2027 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Andrea
E. Park |
|
6/4/2021 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
$ |
1.45 |
|
|
6/3/2031 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
5/21/2020 |
|
|
118,750 |
|
|
|
181,250 |
|
|
$ |
0.738 |
|
|
5/20/2030 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
10/1/2019 |
|
|
10,833 |
|
|
|
9,167 |
|
|
$ |
1.77 |
|
|
9/30/2029 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nafees
N. Malik |
|
6/4/2021 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
$ |
1.45 |
|
|
6/3/2031 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
3/11/2019 |
|
|
48,125 |
|
|
|
21,875 |
|
|
$ |
4.28 |
|
|
3/10/2029 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
10/18/2018 |
|
|
277,083 |
|
|
|
72,917 |
|
|
$ |
3.00 |
|
|
10/17/2028 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
(1) |
The
options listed are fully vested. Vesting of all options is subject to continued service as an employee, director and/or consultant
of AgeX or a subsidiary on the applicable vesting date. Unless described otherwise, one fourth of the options vested or will vest
on the first anniversary of the date of grant, and the remaining balance of the options vested or will vest in 36 equal monthly installments
thereafter. |
|
|
(2) |
Value
calculated based on $1.09 closing price of AgeX common stock on the NYSE American on December 31, 2021. |
|
|
(3) |
Represents
Restricted Stock Units or “RSUs”, which have vested or will vest according to the following schedule: 12,500 of the shares
vested on March 11, 2020, and 37,500 of the shares vested or will vest in equal quarterly installments over a period of 3 years through
March 11, 2023. Each RSU represents a contingent right to receive one share of AgeX common stock. |
Risk
Considerations and Recoupment Policies
The
Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors considers, in establishing and reviewing the executive compensation program, whether
the program encourages unnecessary or excessive risk taking. Most of our executive compensation arrangements include a fixed salary that
provides a steady income so that executives do not feel pressured to focus exclusively on stock price performance or short term financial
targets to the detriment of our long-term operational and strategic objectives. We supplement fixed salaries with discretionary bonus
awards based on the executive’s performance as well as the performance of AgeX. The stock options that we have granted to our executive
officers under the Incentive Plan vest over four to five years, assuring that the executives take a long-term perspective in viewing
their equity ownership. Because we have not adopted compensation plans, or made incentive awards, based on quantified financial performance
measures, we have not adopted specific policies regarding the adjustment or recovery of awards or payments if the relevant performance
measures are restated or otherwise adjusted in a manner that would reduce the size of an award or payment. We may adopt such policies,
however, if we adopt incentive compensation plans or grant incentive bonuses based on financial performance measures or if we are required
to do by the rules of any national securities exchange or interdealer quotation system on which our common stock or other equity securities
are listed.
The
Incentive Plan
The
following summary of the Incentive Plan is a summary only and does not purport to include all of the terms of the Incentive Plan, and
is qualified by the full terms of the Incentive Plan. The Incentive Plan permits us to grant awards (“Awards”) consisting
of stock options, the grant or sale of restricted stock (“Restricted Stock”), the grant of stock appreciation rights (“SARs”),
and the grant of hypothetical restricted stock units issued with reference to our common stock (“RSUs”), for up to 4,500,000
shares of our common stock. Awards may be granted under the Incentive Plan to employees, directors, and consultants of AgeX and our subsidiaries,
including also subsidiaries that we may form or acquire in the future. The Incentive Plan will be administered by our Board of Directors
(the “Board”) or by a committee authorized by our Board (“Committee”), who will make all determinations with
regard to the grant and terms of Awards, subject to the terms of the Incentive Plan.
Awards
may vest and thereby become exercisable or have restrictions on forfeiture lapse on the date of grant or in periodic installments or
upon the attainment of performance goals, or upon the occurrence of specified events as determined by the Board or the Committee. The
Board or Committee, in its discretion, may accelerate the vesting of an Award after the date of grant.
No
person shall be granted, during any one year period, options to purchase, or SARs with respect to, more than 1,000,000 shares in the
aggregate, or any Awards of Restricted Stock or RSUs with respect to more than 500,000 shares in the aggregate. If an Award is to be
settled in cash, the number of shares on which the Award is based shall not count toward the individual share limit.
No
Awards may be granted under the Incentive Plan more than ten years after the date upon which the Incentive Plan was adopted by the Board,
and no options or SARS granted under the Incentive Plan may be exercised after the expiration of ten years from the date of grant.
Stock
Options
Options
granted under the Incentive Plan may be either “incentive stock options” within the meaning of Section 422(b) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, or “non-qualified” stock options that do not qualify incentive stock options.
Incentive stock options may be granted only to employees of AgeX and its subsidiaries. The exercise price of stock options granted under
the Incentive Plan must be equal to the fair market of our common stock on the date the option is granted. In the case of an optionee
who, at the time of grant, owns more than 10% of the combined voting power of all classes of our stock, the exercise price of any incentive
stock option must be at least 110% of the fair market value of our common stock on the grant date, and the term of the option may be
no longer than five years. The aggregate fair market value of common stock (determined as of the grant date of the option) with respect
to which incentive stock options become exercisable for the first time by an optionee in any calendar year may not exceed $100,000.
The
exercise price of an option may be payable in cash or in shares of our common stock having a fair market value equal to the exercise
price, or in a combination of cash and common stock, or other legal consideration for the issuance of stock as the Board or Committee
may approve.
Generally,
options will be exercisable only while the optionee remains an employee, director or consultant, or during a specific period thereafter
as approved by the Board or Committee, which will generally be three months, but in the case of the termination of an employee, director,
or consultant’s services due to death or disability, the period for exercising a vested option shall be extended to the earlier
of 12 months after termination or the expiration date of the option.
The
number of shares covered by the Incentive Plan, and the number of shares and the exercise price per share of each outstanding option,
shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued and outstanding shares of common stock resulting
from a subdivision or consolidation of shares or the payment of a stock dividend, or any other increase or decrease in the number of
issued and outstanding shares of common stock effected without receipt of consideration by us.
Restricted
Stock and RSUs
In
lieu of granting options, we may enter into purchase agreements with employees under which they may purchase or otherwise acquire Restricted
Stock or RSUs subject to such vesting, transfer, and repurchase terms and restrictions as the Board or Committee may determine. We may
permit employees or consultants who purchase Restricted Stock to pay for their shares by delivering a promissory note or an installment
payment agreement that may be secured by a pledge of their Restricted Stock. We may also issue Restricted Stock for services actually
performed by the recipient prior to the issuance of the Restricted Stock.
The
Board or Committee may require that Restricted Stock shall be held by us or in escrow pending the expiration or release of the applicable
restrictions. Unvested Restricted Stock for which we have not received payment may be forfeited to us, or we may have the right to repurchase
unvested shares upon the occurrence of specified events, such as termination of employment.
Subject
to the restrictions set by the Board or Committee, a recipient of Restricted Stock generally shall have the rights and privileges of
a stockholder, including the right to vote the Restricted Stock and the right to receive dividends; provided that, any cash dividends
and stock dividends with respect to the Restricted Stock shall be withheld by us for the recipient’s account, and interest may
be credited on the amount of the cash dividends withheld at a rate and subject to such terms as determined by the Board or Committee.
The cash dividends or stock dividends so withheld and attributable to any particular share of Restricted Stock (and earnings thereon,
if applicable) shall be distributed to the recipient in cash or, at the discretion of the Board or Committee, in common stock having
a fair market value equal to the amount of such dividends, if applicable, upon the release of restrictions on the Restricted Stock and,
if the Restricted Stock is forfeited, the recipient shall have no right to the dividends.
SARs
An
SAR is the right to receive, upon exercise, an amount payable in cash or shares or a combination of shares and cash, as determined by
the Board or Committee, equal to the number of shares subject to the SAR that is being exercised, multiplied by the excess of (a) the
fair market value of a share of common stock on the date the SAR is exercised, over (b) the exercise price specified in the SAR Award
agreement. SARs may be granted either as free standing SARs or in tandem with options, and with such terms and conditions as the Board
or Committee may determine. No SAR may be exercised later than 10 years after the date of grant.
The
exercise price of an SAR will be determined by the Board or Committee, but shall not be less than 100% of the fair market value of one
share of common stock on the date of grant. An SAR granted in conjunction with an option shall have the same exercise price as the related
option, shall be transferable only upon the same terms and conditions as the related option, and shall be exercisable only to the same
extent as the related option; provided, however, that the SAR by its terms shall be exercisable only when the fair market value per share
exceeds the exercise price per share of the SAR or related option. Upon any exercise of an SAR granted in tandem with an option, the
number of shares for which the related option shall be exercisable shall be reduced by the number of shares for which the SAR has been
exercised. The number of shares for which an SAR issued in tandem with an option shall be exercisable shall be reduced by the number
of shares for which the related option has been exercised.
Withholding
To
the extent provided by the terms of an Award Agreement or as may be approved by the AgeX Board or Committee, an optionee or recipient
of a Restricted Stock or RSU Award or SAR may satisfy any federal, state or local tax withholding obligation relating to the Award by
any of the following means (in addition to our right to withhold from any compensation paid to the Award recipient) or by a combination
of such means: (a) tendering a cash payment; (b) authorizing us to withhold shares of common stock from the shares otherwise issuable
to the recipient as a result of the exercise or acquisition of shares under the Award, provided, however, that no shares are withheld
with a value exceeding the minimum amount of tax required to be withheld by law; or (c) delivering to us previously owned and unencumbered
shares of our common stock.
Changes
in Shares Under the Incentive Plan
In
the event of changes in the outstanding common stock or in our capital structure by reason of any stock or extraordinary cash dividend,
stock split, reverse stock split, an extraordinary corporate transaction such as any recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation,
combination, exchange, or other relevant change in capitalization, the terms of Awards granted under the Incentive Plan, and the maximum
number of shares subject to all Awards under the Incentive Plan or with respect to which any one person may be granted Awards during
any one year period, will be equitably adjusted or substituted, as to the number, price or kind of shares or other consideration subject
to the Awards to the extent necessary to preserve the economic intent of the Awards. In making such adjustments, the Board or Committee
shall generally ensure that the adjustments will not constitute a modification, extension or renewal of an incentive stock option within
the meaning of Section 424(h)(3) of the Code, and in the case of non-qualified options, ensure that any adjustments will not constitute
a modification of such non-qualified options within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, and that adjustments or substitutions of
Awards intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code will not cause us to be denied
a tax deduction on account of Section 162(m) of the Code.
Restrictions
on Transfers of Options
Under
the Incentive Plan, stock options may be transferred to a limited class of defined “Permitted Transferees,” such as the option
holder’s immediate family members, family trusts and family controlled companies. In addition, options may be transferred to a
securities broker/dealer to exercise the options on the option holder’s behalf as a means of the option holder obtaining the funds
needed to exercise the option, provided that the fair market value of the shares being acquired exceeded the exercise price of the option
at the close of the market on the trading day preceding the exercise date.
Repricing
Prohibition
The
Plan prohibits any modification of the purchase price or exercise price of an outstanding option or other Award if the change would effect
a “repricing” without stockholder approval. As defined in the Incentive Plan, “repricing” means a reduction in
the exercise price of an outstanding option or SAR or cancellation of an “underwater” or “out-of-the-money” Award
in exchange for other Awards or cash. An “underwater” or “out-of-the-money” Award is defined to mean an Award
for which the exercise price is less than the “fair market value” of our common stock. The fair market value will generally
be determined by the AgeX Board, but if our common stock becomes publicly traded, the fair market value will be the closing price of
the common stock on a national securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which the common stock is traded.
Limitation
on Share Recycling
Shares
subject to an Award shall not again be made available for issuance or delivery under the Incentive Plan if those shares are (a) shares
tendered in payment of an option, (b) shares delivered or withheld by us to satisfy any tax withholding obligation, (c) shares covered
by a stock-settled SAR or other Award that were not issued upon the settlement of the Award, or (d) shares repurchased by us using the
proceeds from option exercises. Only shares subject to an Award that is cancelled or forfeited or expires prior to exercise or realization
may be regranted under the Incentive Plan.
The
foregoing description of the Incentive Plan is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Incentive Plan, a copy of which is filed
as an Exhibit to our Registration Statement on Form 10 and is incorporated herein by reference.
Other
Compensation Plans
We
do not have any pension plans, defined benefit plans, or non-qualified deferred compensation plans. We may make contributions to 401(k)
plan accounts for participating executive officers and other employees.
PRINCIPAL
STOCKHOLDERS AND SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
The
following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of September 1, 2022, by (i) each of
our named executive officers, (ii) each of our directors, (iii) all of our directors and executive officers as a group; and (iv) each
person, or group of affiliated persons, who is known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock. Our calculation of the
percentage of beneficial ownership is based on 37,945,108 shares of common stock outstanding as of September 1, 2022.
Beneficial
ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC and generally means that a person has beneficial ownership of a security if
he, she or it possesses sole or shared voting or investment power of that security, including options that are currently exercisable
or exercisable within 60 days of September 1, 2022, and restricted stock units that will vest within 60 days of September 1, 2022. Shares
of our common stock issuable pursuant to stock options and restricted stock units currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days
of September 1, 2022, and restricted stock units that will vest within 60 days of September 1, 2022, are deemed outstanding for computing
the percentage of the person holding such equity awards and the percentage of any group of which the person is a member but are not deemed
outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person. Except as indicated by the footnotes below, we believe, based on the information
furnished to us, that the persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares they beneficially
own, subject to community property laws where applicable. The information does not necessarily indicate beneficial ownership for any
other purpose, including for purposes of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
Name of Beneficial Owner | |
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned | | |
Percentage of Shares Beneficially Owned | |
5% Stockholders | |
| | | |
| | |
Juvenescence Limited (1) | |
| 55,543,454 | | |
| 72.10 | % |
Entities affiliated with Broadwood Partners, L.P. (2) | |
| 3,003,446 | | |
| 7.92 | % |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Named Executive Officers and Directors | |
| | | |
| | |
Michael D. West (3) | |
| 1,335,168 | | |
| 3.40 | % |
Andrea E. Park (4) | |
| 222,017 | | |
| * | |
Nafees N. Malik (5) | |
| 437,708 | | |
| 1.14 | % |
Gregory H. Bailey (6) | |
| 165,000 | | |
| * | |
Michael H. May (6) | |
| 126,534 | | |
| * | |
Joanne M. Hackett (7) | |
| 48,750 | | |
| * | |
All executive officers and directors as a group (7 persons) (8) | |
| 2,400,413 | | |
| 5.96 | % |
* |
Less
than 1% |
|
|
(1) |
Includes
10,919,485 shares that may be acquired upon the exercise of common stock purchase warrants and additional 28,176,469 shares that
may be acquired through the conversion of the amounts outstanding under the Loan Agreements into shares of AgeX common stock at an
assumed conversion price of $0.68 per share based on the closing price of AgeX common stock on the NYSE American on August 17, 2022,
but subject to the “19.9% Cap” and the “50% Cap” provisions of the 2022 Secured Convertible Promissory Note
Agreement below under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, — Dept Arrangements with Juvenescence” limiting
the loan amount that can be converted into AgeX common stock without stockholder approval. The address of Juvenescence is 18 Athol
Street, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 1JA. The foregoing information is based solely on a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on August
23, 2022, which provides information only as of August 16, 2022. |
(2) |
Includes
2,997,156 shares owned by Broadwood Partners, L.P. and 6,290 shares owned by Neal Bradsher. Broadwood Capital, Inc. is the general
partner of Broadwood Partners, L.P. Neal Bradsher is the President of Broadwood Capital, Inc. Mr. Bradsher and Broadwood Capital,
Inc. have disclaimed beneficial ownership of the shares owned by Broadwood Partners, L.P. except to the extent of their respective
pecuniary interests in such shares. The address of these entities is 142 West 57th Street, 11th Floor, New
York, NY 10019. The foregoing information is based solely on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on December 10, 2018, which provides
information only as of November 28, 2018. Consequently, the beneficial ownership of these reporting entities or person may have changed
between November 28, 2018 and September 1, 2022. |
|
|
(3) |
Includes
1,289,584 shares that may be acquired upon the exercise of certain stock options that are presently exercisable or that will become
exercisable within 60 days and 3,125 RSUs that will vest within 60 days. Excludes 90,416 shares that may be acquired upon the exercise
of certain stock options that are not presently exercisable and that will not become exercisable within 60 days, and 6,250 RSUs that
are not presently vested and will not vest within 60 days. |
|
|
(4) |
Includes
221,666 shares of common stock that may be acquired upon the exercise of certain stock options that are presently exercisable or
that will become exercisable within 60 days. Excludes 173,334 shares that may be acquired upon the exercise of certain stock options
that are not presently exercisable and that will not become exercisable within 60 days. |
|
|
(5) |
Consists
entirely shares of common stock that may be acquired upon the exercise of certain stock options that are presently exercisable or
that will become exercisable within 60 days. Excludes 57,292 shares that may be acquired upon the exercise of certain stock options
that are not presently exercisable and that will not become exercisable within 60 days. |
|
|
(6) |
Consists
entirely shares of common stock that may be acquired upon the exercise of certain stock options that are presently exercisable or
that will become exercisable within 60 days. |
|
|
(7) |
Consists
entirely shares of common stock that may be acquired upon the exercise of certain stock options that will become exercisable within
60 days. Excludes 16,250 shares that may be acquired upon the exercise of certain stock options that are not presently exercisable
and that will not become exercisable within 60 days. |
|
|
(8) |
Includes
2,354,345 shares that may be acquired upon the exercise of certain stock options that are presently exercisable or that will become
exercisable within 60 days and 3,125 RSUs that will vest within 60 days. Excludes 342,189 shares that may be acquired upon the exercise
of certain stock options that are not presently exercisable and that will not become exercisable within 60 days and 6,250 RSUs that
are not presently vested and will not vest within 60 days. |
CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Compensation
of Our Chief Operating Officer
Since
October 2018, AgeX’s Chief Operating Officer, Nafees N. Malik, who is an employee of Juvenescence, has been devoting a majority
of his time to AgeX’s operations for which AgeX reimburses Juvenescence for his services on an agreed upon fixed annual rate of
$272,000 from October 18, 2018 through March 10, 2019 and $283,000 from March 11, 2019 through December 31, 2020. Additionally, Dr. Malik
received a $50,000 bonus in March 2019. As of December 31, 2021 AgeX had accrued approximately $71,000 payable to Juvenescence for Dr.
Malik’s services rendered.
Debt
Arrangements with Juvenescence
2019
Loan Agreement
On
August 13, 2019, AgeX and Juvenescence entered into a Loan Facility Agreement (the “2019 Loan Agreement”) pursuant to which
Juvenescence has provided to AgeX a $2.0 million line of credit for a period of 18 months. On February 10, 2021, AgeX entered into an
amendment (the “First Amendment”) to the 2019 Loan Agreement. The First Amendment extended the maturity date of loans under
the 2019 Loan Agreement to February 14, 2022 (the “Extended Repayment Date”) and increased the amount of the loan facility
by $4.0 million. On November 8, 2021, AgeX entered into Amendment No. 2 (the “Second Amendment”) to the 2019 Loan Agreement.
The Second Amendment increased the amount of the loan facility by another $1.0 million. As of December 31, 2021, AgeX had borrowed all
of the $7.0 million total line of credit under the 2019 Loan Agreement, as amended. Concurrent with the first draw down of funds under
the 2019 Loan Agreement, AgeX issued to Juvenescence 19,000 shares of AgeX common stock, with an approximate value of $56,000. On February
14, 2022, AgeX refinanced the $7.0 million outstanding principal amount of the loans and a $160,000 origination fee due under the 2019
Loan Agreement, as amended. See the discussion below regarding the 2022 Secured Convertible Promissory Note and repayment of the amounts
borrowed under the 2019 Loan Agreement.
As
consideration for the line of credit under the 2019 Loan Agreement, AgeX issued to Juvenescence warrants to purchase 150,000 shares of
AgeX common stock, with an exercise price of $2.60 per share, which was the volume weighted average price on the NYSE American (VWAP)
of AgeX common stock over the twenty trading days prior to the date the warrants were issued. The warrants expired on August 12, 2022
at 5:00 p.m. New York time three years after the date of issue.
2020
Loan Agreement
On
March 30, 2020, AgeX and Juvenescence entered into a new Secured Convertible Facility Agreement (the “2020 Loan Agreement”)
pursuant to which Juvenescence provided to AgeX an $8.0 million line of credit for a period of 18 months. AgeX has borrowed the full
$8.0 million line of credit. The outstanding principal balance of the loans under the 2020 Loan Agreement will become due and payable
on March 30, 2023.
AgeX
issued to Juvenescence 28,500 shares of AgeX common stock as an arrangement fee for the loan facility when AgeX borrowed an aggregate
of $3.0 million under the 2020 Loan Agreement, and AgeX issued to Juvenescence warrants to purchase a total of 3,670,663 shares of AgeX
common stock (“2020 Warrants”). The number of 2020 Warrants issued was determined by the warrant formula described below.
The repayment date for outstanding principal balance of the loan under the 2020 Loan Agreement will be March 30, 2023. Events of Default
under the 2020 Loan Agreement include: (i) AgeX fails to pay any amount in the manner and at the time provided in the 2020 Loan Agreement
and the failure to pay is not remedied within 10 business days; (ii) AgeX fails to perform any of its obligations under the 2020 Loan
Agreement and if the failure can be remedied it is not remedied to the satisfaction of Juvenescence within 10 business days after notice
to AgeX; (iii) other indebtedness for money borrowed in excess of $100,000 becomes due and payable or can be declared due and payable
prior to its due date or if indebtedness for money borrowed in excess of $25,000 is not paid when due; (iv) AgeX stops payment of its
debts generally or discontinues its business or becomes unable to pay its debts as they become due or enters into any arrangement with
creditors generally, (v) AgeX becoming insolvent or in liquidation or administration or other insolvency procedures, or a receiver, trustee
or similar officer is appointed in respect of all or any part of its assets and such appointment continues undischarged or unstayed for
sixty days, (vi) it becomes illegal for AgeX to perform its obligations under the 2020 Loan Agreement or any governmental permit, license,
consent, exemption or similar requirement for AgeX to perform its obligations under the 2020 Loan Agreement or to carry out its business
is not obtained or ceases to remain in effect; (vii) the issuance or levy of any judgment, writ, warrant of attachment or execution or
similar process against all or any material part of the property or assets of AgeX if such process is not released, vacated or fully
bonded within sixty calendar days after its issue or levy; (viii) any injunction, order or judgement of any court is entered or issued
which in the opinion of Juvenescence materially and adversely affects the ability of AgeX to carry out its business or to pay amounts
owed to Juvenescence under the 2020 Loan Agreement, (ix) there is a change in AgeX’s financial condition that in the opinion of
Juvenescence materially and adversely affects, or is likely to so affect, its ability to perform any of its obligations under the 2020
Loan Agreement; (x) AgeX or a designated subsidiary sells, leases, licenses, consigns, transfers, or otherwise disposes of a material
part of their assets other than inventory in the ordinary course of business or certain intercompany transactions, or certain other limited
permitted transactions, unless Juvenescence approves, (xi) AgeX or a designated subsidiary contests the validity of its obligations under
the 2020 Loan Agreement or other related agreement with Juvenescence, (xii) any representation, warranty, or other statement made by
AgeX or a designated subsidiary under the 2020 Loan Agreement is incomplete, untrue, incorrect, or misleading, or (xiii) AgeX or a designated
subsidiary suspends or ceases to carry on all or a material part of its business or threatens to do so.
Under
the terms of the 2020 Loan Agreement, each time AgeX received an advance of funds under the 2020 Loan Agreement, AgeX issued to Juvenescence
a number of 2020 Warrants equal to 50% of the number determined by dividing the amount of the advance by the applicable Market Price.
The Market Price set each 2020 Warrant when issued was the closing price per share of AgeX common stock on the NYSE American on the date
of the applicable notice from AgeX requesting a draw of funds that triggered the obligation to issue the 2020 Warrant. The exercise price
of the 2020 Warrants is the applicable Market Price. The 2020 Warrants will expire at 5:00 p.m. New York time three years after the date
of issue. As of June 30, 2022, AgeX had issued to Juvenescence 2020 Warrants to purchase 3,670,663 shares of AgeX common stock. The exercise
prices of the 2020 Warrants issued through June 30, 2022 range from $0.70 per share to $1.895 per share representing the market closing
price on the NYSE American of AgeX common stock on the one day prior to delivery of the drawdown notices. The number of shares issuable
upon exercise of the warrants and the exercise price per share are subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events such as
a stock split or reverse split or combination of the common stock, stock dividend, recapitalization or reclassification of the common
stock, and similar events.
2022
Secured Convertible Promissory Note and Security Agreement
On
February 14, 2022, AgeX and Juvenescence entered into a Secured Convertible Promissory Note (the “Secured Note”) pursuant
to which Juvenescence has agreed to provide to AgeX a $13,160,000 line of credit for a period of 12 months. AgeX drew an initial $8,160,000
of the line of credit and used $7,160,000 to refinance the outstanding principal and the loan origination fees under its 2019 Loan Agreement
with Juvenescence. Through additional draws on the Secured Note line of credit, AgeX has now borrowed $11,160,000 . The remaining $2.0
million of the line of credit may be drawn down from time to time until February 14, 2023 subject to Juvenescence’s discretion
to approve each loan draw. AgeX may not draw more than $1.0 million in any subsequent single draw. The outstanding principal balance
of the Secured Note will become due and payable on February 14, 2024 (the “Repayment Date”).
As
an arrangement fee for the Secured Note, AgeX will pay Juvenescence an Origination Fee in an amount equal to 4% of the amount each draw
of loan funds, which will accrue as each draw is funded, and an additional 4% of all the total amount of funds drawn that will accrue
following the end of the 12 month period during which funds may be drawn from the line of credit. The Origination Fee will become due
and payable on the Repayment Date or in a pro rata amount with any prepayment of in whole or in part of the outstanding principal balance
of the Secured Note.
2022
Warrants – Upon each draw down of funds under the Secured Note, AgeX will issue to Juvenescence warrants to purchase shares
of AgeX common stock (“2022 Warrants”). The 2022 Warrants will be governed by the terms of a Warrant Agreement between AgeX
and Juvenescence. The number of 2022 Warrants to be issued will be equal to 50% of the number determined by dividing the amount of the
applicable loan draw by the applicable Market Price. The Market Price will be the last closing price per share of AgeX common stock on
the NYSE American or other national securities exchange preceding the delivery of the notice from AgeX requesting a draw of funds that
triggers the obligation to issue 2022 Warrants; provided, however that if AgeX common stock is not traded on a national securities exchange
the Market Price shall be determined with reference to closing prices quoted or bid and asked prices on an interdealer quotation system
averaged over twenty consecutive trading days. The exercise price of the 2022 Warrants will be the applicable Market Price. The 2022
Warrants will expire at 5:00 p.m. New York time three years after the date of issue.
The
Warrant Agreement governing the 2022 Warrants contains a “change of control blocker” provision intended to prevent an exercise
of 2022 Warrants that would violate the Change in Control Rule. The exercise price of the 2022 Warrants is set with reference to the
market price of AgeX common stock so the 20% Rule would have no effect on the exercise of 2022 Warrants. Under the terms of the Secured
Note, AgeX has agreed to seek the vote of AgeX stockholders to approve the ability of Juvenescence to exercise its 2022 Warrants if the
exercise would cause Juvenescence’s ownership of AgeX common stock to equal or exceed 50% of the outstanding AgeX common stock.
As
of September 1, 2022, AgeX had issued to Juvenescence 2022 Warrants to purchase 7,248,822 shares of AgeX common stock. The exercise prices
of the 2022 Warrants issued through September 1, 2022 range from $0.67 per share to $0.88 per share representing the market closing price
of AgeX common stock on the NYSE American on the one day prior to delivery of the drawdown notices. The number of shares issuable upon
exercise of the warrants and the exercise price per share are subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events such as a stock
split or reverse split or combination of the common stock, stock dividend, recapitalization or reclassification of the common stock,
and similar events.
Conversion
of Loan Amounts to Common Stock – In lieu of repayment of funds borrowed, AgeX may convert the loan balance and any accrued
but unpaid Origination Fees (collectively the “Outstanding Amount”) into AgeX common stock or “units” (a “Borrower
Conversion”) if AgeX consummates a “Qualified Offering” which means a sale of common stock (or common stock paired
with warrants or other convertible securities in “units”) in which the gross sale proceeds are at least $10.0 million. The
conversion price per share or units shall be the lowest price at which shares or units are sold in the Qualified Offering before deducting
underwriting commissions and discounts, placement agent commissions and fees, and other expenses of the Qualified Offering. In the case
of sales of shares of common stock by AgeX from time to time in an “at the market offering” a Qualified Offering shall be
deemed to have occurred if and when such proceeds of the sales reaches $10.0 million.
Juvenescence
may convert the Outstanding Amount in whole or in part into AgeX common stock (a “Lender Conversion”) at any time at Juvenescence’s
election at the closing price per share of AgeX common stock on the NYSE American or other national securities exchange on the date prior
to the date Juvenescence gives AgeX notice Juvenescence’s election to convert the Outstanding Amount or a portion thereof into
common stock.
Any
Borrower Conversion or Lender Conversion is subject to certain restrictions to comply with applicable requirements of the NYSE American
(the “Exchange”) where AgeX common stock is listed. Section 713 of the Exchange Company Guide requires listed companies to
obtain stockholder approval as a prerequisite to Exchange listing approval before: (i) issuing additional shares in a transaction involving
the sale, issuance, or potential issuance by the issuer of common stock (or securities convertible into common stock) equal to 20% or
more of stock outstanding (determined as of the date of the particular transaction agreement) for less than the greater of book or market
value of the Exchange listed common stock (the “20% Rule”) and (ii) issuing shares that will result in a change of control
of the company (the “Change of Control Rule”). While the Exchange has not defined “change of control”, the Exchange
considers any issuance of stock to be subject to the Change of Control Rule if the issuance of stock would result in a stockholder holding
50% or more of a company’s outstanding stock. The Secured Note contains a “19.9 % blocker” provision and a “change
of control blocker” provision intended to prevent a conversion of the Outstanding Amount that would violate the 20% Rule or the
Change of Control Rule.
The
19.9% blocker provides that any conversion of the Secured Note into common stock must either (i) not involve the issuance of more than
19.9% of the common stock outstanding on the date of the Secured Note at a price lower than the applicable market price (as further explained
below) so that stockholder approval under the 20% Rule would not be required, or (ii) be approved by the AgeX stockholders. Under the
Secured Note, AgeX may borrow funds from Juvenescence in period installments or “tranches” and the market price of AgeX common
stock is determined for each such tranche. Each tranche market price is based on the closing price of AgeX common stock on the date of
the drawdown notice from AgeX to Juvenescence requesting funding of the loan tranche. Upon Borrower Conversion, which can take place
only in connection with a Qualified Offering by AgeX, only shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of a tranche with a tranche
market price greater than the applicable conversion price would be aggregated (along with any other common stock that might be issued
to Juvenescence in connection with the Qualified Offering) for the purpose of determining the applicability of the 19.9% blocker. Upon
Lender Conversion, only shares issuable upon the conversion of a tranche with a tranche market price that is lower than the market price
on the date prior to the date the Juvenescence delivers a conversion notice to AgeX are aggregated for the purposes of determining the
applicability of the 19.9% blocker. The change of control blocker provision provides that without the prior approval of AgeX stockholders
a Borrower Conversion or a Lender Conversion may not take place if it would cause Juvenescence’s ownership to equal or exceed 50%
of the outstanding shares of AgeX common stock.
Consequently,
without the approval of AgeX stockholders the Outstanding Amount may not be converted into AgeX common stock under the Borrower Conversion
provisions or the Lender Conversion provisions of the Secured Note in an amount that would (a) equal or exceed 19.9% of the outstanding
common stock (measured at the date of the Secured Note) at a conversion price less than the greater of the book value or the applicable
tranche market value of AgeX common stock, or (b) cause Juvenescence’s ownership to equal or exceed 50% of the outstanding shares
of AgeX common stock.
Default
Provisions – The Outstanding Amount may become immediately due and payable prior to the Repayment Date if an Event of Default
as defined in the Secured Note occurs. Events of Default under the Secured Note include: (a) AgeX fails to pay any principal amount payable
by it in the manner and at the time provided under and in accordance with the Secured Note, (b) AgeX fails to pay any other amount payable
by it in the manner and at the time provided under and in accordance with the Secured Note or the Security Agreement described below
or any other agreement executed in connection with the Secured Note (the “Loan Documents”) and the failure is not remedied
within three business days; (c) AgeX fails to perform any of its covenants or obligations or fail to satisfy any of the conditions under
the Secured Note or any other Loan Document and, such failure (if capable of remedy) remains unremedied to the satisfaction of Juvenescence
(in its sole discretion) for 10 business days after the earlier of (i) notice requiring its remedy has been given by Juvenescence to
AgeX and (ii) actual knowledge of the failure by senior officers of AgeX; (d) if any indebtedness of AgeX in excess of $100,000 becomes
due and payable, or a breach or other circumstance arises thereunder such that Juvenescence is entitled to declare such indebtedness
due and payable, prior to its due date, or any indebtedness of AgeX in excess of $25,000 is not paid on its due date; (e) AgeX stops
payment of its debts generally or ceases or threatens to cease to carry on its business or is unable to pay its debts as they fall due
or is deemed by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unable to pay its debts as they fall due, or enters into any arrangements with
its creditors generally; (f) if (i) an involuntary proceeding (other than a proceeding instituted by Juvenescence or an affiliate of
Juvenescence) shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect
of AgeX and any subsidiary, or of all or a substantial part of its assets, under any federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency,
receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) an involuntary appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator,
conservator or similar official for AgeX or a subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets occurs (other than in a proceeding instituted
by Juvenescence or an affiliate of Juvenescence), and, in any such case, such proceeding shall continue undismissed and unstayed for
sixty (60) consecutive days without having been dismissed, bonded or discharged or an order of relief is entered in any such proceeding;
(g) it becomes unlawful for AgeX to perform all or any of its obligations under the Secured Note or any authorization, approval, consent,
license, exemption, filing, registration or other requirement of any governmental, judicial or public body or authority necessary to
enable AgeX to comply with its obligations under the Secured Note or to carry on its business is not obtained or, having been obtained,
is modified in a manner that precludes AgeX or its subsidiaries from conducting their business in any material respect, or is revoked,
suspended, withdrawn or withheld or fails to remain in full force and effect; (h) the issuance or levy of any judgment, writ, warrant
of attachment or execution or similar process against all or any material part of the property or assets of AgeX or a subsidiary if such
process is not released, vacated or fully bonded within 60 calendar days after its issue or levy; (i) any injunction, order, judgment
or decision of any court is entered or issued which, in the opinion of Juvenescence, materially and adversely affects, or is reasonably
likely so to affect, the ability of AgeX or a subsidiary to carry on its business or to pay amounts owed to Juvenescence under the Secured
Note; (j) AgeX, whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, sells, leases, licenses, consigns, transfers or
otherwise disposes of any material portion of its assets (with any such disposition with respect to any asset or assets with a fair value
of at least $250,000 being deemed material), other than (i) certain permitted investments (ii) sales, transfers and dispositions of inventory
in the ordinary course of business, (iii) any termination of a lease of real or personal property that is not necessary in the ordinary
course of the AgeX’s business, could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect and does not result from AgeX’s
default, and (iv) any sale, lease, license, consignment, transfer or other disposition of assets that are no longer necessary in the
ordinary course of business or which has been approved in writing by Juvenescence; (k) any of the following shall occur: (i) the security
and/or liens created by the Security Agreement or any other Loan Document shall at any time cease to constitute valid and perfected security
and/or liens on any material portion of the collateral intended to be covered thereby; (ii) except for expiration in accordance with
its terms, the Security Agreement or any other Loan Document pursuant to which a lien is granted by AgeX in favor of Juvenescence shall
for whatever reason be terminated or shall cease to be in full force and effect; (iii) the enforceability of the Security Agreement or
any other Loan Document pursuant to which a lien is granted by AgeX in favor of Juvenescence shall be contested by AgeX or a subsidiary,
(iv) AgeX shall assert that its obligations under the Secured Note or any other Loan Document shall be invalid or unenforceable, or (v)
a loss, theft, damage or destruction occurs with respect to a material portion of the collateral; (l) there is any change in the financial
condition of AgeX and its subsidiaries which, in the opinion of Juvenescence, materially and adversely affects, or is reasonably likely
so to affect, the ability of AgeX to perform any of its obligations under the Secured Note; and (m) any representation, warranty or statement
made, repeated or deemed made or repeated by AgeX in the Secured Note, or pursuant to the Loan Documents, is incomplete, untrue, incorrect
or misleading in any material respect when made, repeated or deemed made.
Restrictive
Covenants – The Secured Note includes certain covenants that among other matters such as financial reporting: (i) impose financial
restrictions on AgeX while the Secured Note remains unpaid, including restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness by AgeX
and its subsidiaries, except that AgeX’s subsidiary Reverse Bio will be permitted to incur debt convertible into equity not guaranteed
or secured by the assets of AgeX or any other AgeX subsidiary, and the restrictions on the incurrence of indebtedness applicable to Reverse
Bio will end if it raises more than $15.0 million in debt or equity financing within 12 months from the date of the Secured Note; (ii)
require that AgeX use loan proceeds and funds that may be raised through certain equity offerings only for research and development work,
professional and administrative expenses, for general working capital, and for repayment of all or a portion of AgeX’s indebtedness
to Juvenescence; and (iii) prohibit AgeX from making additional investments in subsidiaries, unless AgeX obtains the written consent
of Juvenescence to a transaction that otherwise would be prohibited or restricted.
Security
Agreement – AgeX has entered into a Security Agreement granting Juvenescence a security interest in substantially all of the
assets of AgeX, including a security interest in shares of AgeX subsidiaries that hold certain assets, as collateral for AgeX’s
loan obligations. If an Event of Default occurs, Juvenescence will have the right to foreclose on the assets pledged as collateral.
Registration
Rights Agreements
AgeX
entered into certain Registration Rights Agreements pursuant to which it has agreed to register for sale under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) all shares of AgeX common stock presently held by Juvenescence or that may be acquired
by Juvenescence through the exercise of common stock purchase warrants that they hold or that they may acquire pursuant to the 2020 Loan
Agreement, and shares that they may acquire through the conversion of the loans into AgeX common stock. AgeX has filed a registration
statement on Form S-3, which has become effective under the Securities Act, for offerings on a delayed or continuous basis covering 16,447,500
shares of our common stock held by Juvenescence and 3,248,246 shares of AgeX common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of warrants
held by Juvenescence. Juvenescence retains the right to require AgeX to register additional shares of common stock that Juvenescence
may acquire through the exercise of warrants or the conversion of loans. AgeX is obligated to pay the fees and expenses of each registered
offering under such registration rights agreement except for underwriting discounts and commissions. AgeX and Juvenescence will indemnify
each other from certain liabilities in connection the registration, offer, and sale of securities under a registration statement, including
liabilities arising under the Securities Act.
AgeX
entered into an amendment to its Registration Rights Agreement with Juvenescence to include the 2022 Warrants and underlying shares and
any shares issuable upon the conversion of the Secured Note into common stock as registrable securities under the Registration Rights
Agreement.
Stockholder
Approval of Certain Matters
2020
Loan Agreement and 2022 Warrants
The
2020 Loan Agreement and the related Warrant Agreement governing the 2020 Warrants placed certain limits on the number of shares of AgeX
common stock that may be issued to Juvenescence upon conversion of outstanding loan amounts or exercise of the 2020 Warrants, in order
to comply with applicable NYSE American listing requirements, prior to stockholder approval of the issuance of shares to Juvenescence
that would result in (a) Juvenescence receiving additional shares in excess of 19.9% of the AgeX common stock outstanding as of March
30 2020, the date of the 2020 Loan Agreement, for less than the greater of book value or the applicable tranche market values of AgeX
common stock (the “19.9% Cap”), or (b) Juvenescence owning 50% or more of the outstanding AgeX common stock (the “50%
Cap”). As required by the terms of the 2020 Loan Agreement, AgeX sought and obtained the vote of AgeX stockholders approving (i)
the ability of AgeX and Juvenescence to convert the Outstanding Amount into shares of AgeX common stock under the Borrower Conversion
and Lender Conversion provisions of the 2020 Loan Agreement even if the Borrower Conversion or Lender Conversion, as applicable, would
result in (a) Juvenescence receiving additional shares in excess of the 19.9% Cap or the 50% Cap, and (ii) the ability of Juvenescence
to exercise its 2022 Warrants even if the exercise would cause Juvenescence’s ownership of AgeX common stock to equal or exceed
the 50% Cap.
Secured
Note and 2022 Warrants
Under
the terms of the Secured Note, AgeX has agreed to seek the vote of AgeX stockholders to approve the ability of AgeX and Juvenescence
to convert the Outstanding Amount into shares of AgeX common stock under the Borrower Conversion and Lender Conversion provisions of
the Secured Note, and the ability of Juvenescence to exercise its 2022 Warrants, even if (A) the Borrower Conversion or Lender Conversion,
as applicable, would result in (i) Juvenescence receiving additional shares in excess of 19.9% of the AgeX common stock outstanding as
of the date of the Secured Note for less than the greater of book value or the applicable tranche market values of AgeX common stock,
or (ii) Juvenescence owning more than 50% of AgeX outstanding common stock, or if (B) the exercise of 2022 Warrants would cause Juvenescence’s
ownership of AgeX common stock to equal or exceed 50% of the outstanding AgeX common stock.
DELINQUENT
SECTION 16(a) REPORTS
Section
16(a) of Exchange Act requires our directors and executive officers and persons who own more than ten percent (10%) of a registered class
of our equity securities (“Reporting Persons”) to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in
ownership of our common stock and other AgeX equity securities. Officers, directors and greater than ten percent beneficial owners are
required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all reports they file under Section 16(a).
To
our knowledge, based solely on our review of the copies of Forms, 3 and 4 and amendments thereto filed during the last fiscal year, and
Forms 5 and amendments thereto filed with respect to the last fiscal year, by the Reporting Persons, or written representation from the
Reporting Persons that no Form 5 was required, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to our officers, directors, and greater
than ten percent beneficial owners were complied with during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, except that a Form 4 was filed
late by Michael D. West, AgeX’s Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Board of Directors, for restricted stock units vested
on September 11, 2021.
RATIFICATION
OF THE SELECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC
ACCOUNTANTS
The
Board of Directors has selected WithumSmith + Brown PC (“Withum”) as our independent registered public accountants. OUM &
Co., LLP (“OUM”) served as our independent registered public accountants from October 2017 until July 15, 2021 when OUM and
Withum entered into a transaction pursuant to which partners and professional staff of OUM joined Withum as partners or employees. As
a result of that transaction, on July 15, 2021, OUM resigned as our independent registered public accounting firm and our Audit Committee
appointed Withum as our independent registered public accountants.
Other
than a going concern qualification, the audit reports of Withum and OUM on our consolidated financial statements for the years ended
December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified
as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. During the two most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, there
were no disagreements between us and Withum and OUM (through the subsequent interim periods preceding OUM’s resignation), on any
matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if
not resolved to the satisfaction of Withum and OUM would have caused them to make reference thereto in their respective reports on our
financial statements for such years.
During
the two most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, there were no reportable events within the meaning set forth in Item
304(a)(1)(v) of SEC Regulation S-K. Through the interim periods preceding Withum’s engagement, we did not consult with Withum on
either (1) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; or the type of audit opinion
that may be rendered on our financial statements, and Withum did not provide either a written report or oral advise to us that Withum
concluded was an important factor considered by us in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue;
or (2) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement with OUM or a reportable event, as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation
S-K.
The
Board of Directors proposes and recommends that the stockholders ratify the selection of the firm of Withum to serve as our independent
registered public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022. Approval of the selection of Withum to serve as our independent
registered public accountants requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of common stock present and voting on the matter
at the Meeting, provided that the affirmative vote cast constitutes a majority of a quorum. Unless otherwise directed by the stockholders,
proxies will be voted FOR approval of the selection of Withum to audit our financial statements.
We
expect that a representative of Withum will be present at the Meeting, online, and will have an opportunity to make a statement if he
or she so desires and may respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.
The
Board of Directors Recommends a Vote “FOR” Ratification of the Selection of Withum as Our
Independent
Registered Public Accountants
The
following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed to us during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 by Withum and OUM:
| |
Withum | | |
OUM | | |
Total | |
| |
2021 | | |
2020 | | |
2021 | | |
2020 | | |
2021 | | |
2020 | |
Audit Fees (1) | |
$ | 267,000 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 36,000 | | |
$ | 285,000 | | |
$ | 303,000 | | |
$ | 285,000 | |
Audit Related (2) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 54,000 | | |
| 28,000 | | |
| 54,000 | | |
| 28,000 | |
| |
$ | 267,000 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 90,000 | | |
$ | 313,000 | | |
$ | 357,000 | | |
$ | 313,000 | |
(1) |
Audit
Fees consist of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements included in our Annual
Report on Form 10-K, and review of interim financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and services that
are normally provided by our independent registered public accountants in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements. |
|
|
(2) |
Audit-Related
Fees relate to assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our consolidated
financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.” This category would include fees related to non-routine
SEC filings. |
Pre-Approval
of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services
Our
Audit Committee requires pre-approval of all audit and non-audit services. Other than de minimis services incidental to audit
services, non-audit services shall generally be limited to tax services such as advice and planning and financial due diligence services.
All fees for such non-audit services must be approved by the Audit Committee, except to the extent otherwise permitted by applicable
SEC regulations. The Audit Committee may delegate to one or more designated members of the Audit Committee the authority to grant pre-approvals,
provided such approvals are presented to the Audit Committee at a subsequent meeting. During 2021 and 2020, 100% of the fees paid to
Withum and OUM were approved by the Audit Committee.
COMMON
STOCK AMENDMENT PROPOSAL
We
are asking our stockholders to approve an amendment (the “Common Stock Amendment”) to our Certificate of Incorporation that,
if approved, will increase the authorized number of shares of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, to 200,000,000 shares from
the currently authorized number of 100,000,000 shares. We refer to this proposal as the Common Stock Amendment Proposal.
The
operative provision of the proposed Common Stock Amendment would read as follows:
“Article
4 of the Certificate of Incorporation of the corporation is amended to read as follows:
Article
4
Capital
Stock
The
corporation is authorized to issue two classes of stock, which shall be designated “Common Stock” and “Preferred Stock.”
The number of shares of Common Stock which the corporation is authorized to issue is two hundred million (200,000,000), with a par value
of $0.0001 per share. The number of shares of Preferred Stock which the corporation is authorized to issue is five million (5,000,000),
with a par value of $0.0001 per share. The Preferred Stock may be issued in one or more series as the board of directors of the corporation
may by resolution or resolutions designate. The board of directors of the corporation is authorized to fix by resolution or resolutions
the designations and the powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions and the number of shares
of any series of Preferred Stock and to determine or alter the rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions granted to or imposed
upon the Preferred Stock as a class, or upon any wholly unissued series of Preferred Stock. The board of directors may, by resolution,
increase or decrease (but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding) the number of shares of any series of Preferred
Stock subsequent to the issue of shares of that series.”
The
text of the proposed Common Stock Amendment is subject to modification to include such changes as our Board of Directors determines to
be necessary or advisable to effect the Common Stock Amendment Proposal.
Vote
Required; Effect of Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes
For
the Common Stock Amendment Proposal to be approved in accordance with the requirements of Delaware law and our Bylaws, the affirmative
vote of the holders of not less than a majority of our outstanding shares entitled to vote is required. Unless otherwise directed by
the stockholders, proxies will be voted FOR approval of the Common Stock Amendment Proposal.
Broker
non-votes occur when a beneficial owner of outstanding shares held in “street name” fails to provide instructions to the
broker or nominee holding the shares as to how to vote on matters deemed “non-routine” under applicable stock exchange rules.
If you as beneficial owner do not provide voting instructions, the broker or nominee cannot vote the shares with respect to “non-routine”
matters, but can vote the shares with respect to “routine” matters. Typically, when brokers are able to vote the shares,
they vote in favor of the matter. We believe the Common Stock Amendment Proposal is a “routine” matter and, as a result,
we do not expect there to be any broker non-votes for this proposal, however the determination as to whether a broker may vote will be
determined by the broker. If you do not vote your shares for a routine matter, your broker will have the discretion to vote your shares
and their vote might not reflect the vote you would have cast if you had voted by proxy. Accordingly, we strongly encourage you to submit
your proxy and exercise your right to vote as a stockholder to ensure that your shares are voted in the manner in which you want them
to be voted.
If
you check the “abstain” box for the Common Stock Amendment Proposal on the proxy card or if you attend the Meeting without
submitting a proxy and you abstain from voting on the Common Stock Amendment Proposal, your shares will be counted for purposes of determining
the presence or absence of a quorum but will not be counted for purposes of determining whether the Common Stock Amendment Proposal has
received an affirmative vote sufficient for approval. Because the vote to approve the Common Stock Amendment Proposal requires the affirmative
vote of a majority of the shares of our common stock that were outstanding on the record date, an abstention on the Common Stock Amendment
Proposal has the effect of a vote against the Common Stock Amendment Proposal.
The
Board of Directors Recommends a Vote “FOR”
Approval
of the Common Stock Amendment Proposal
Reasons
for the Common Stock Amendment Proposal
Our
Board of Directors believes that the proposed increase in the number of authorized shares of common stock is desirable in order to enhance
our flexibility in taking possible future actions, such as raising additional equity capital, making acquisitions using our equity as
consideration, awarding equity compensation or pursuing other corporate purposes. As of September 29, 2022, we had 37,947,152 shares
of common stock issued and outstanding, approximately 3,267,229 shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding
stock options and upon vesting of RSUs, approximately 1,139,021 shares of our common stock available for future grants under our
Incentive Plan, and 10,919,485 shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding stock purchase warrants.
In addition, the loans from Juvenescence pursuant to the 2022 Secured Note and the 2020 Loan Agreement are convertible into shares of
common stock, as discussed under “CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS — Debt Arrangements with Juvenescence”,
but because the number of shares issuable upon conversion would be determined based on the prevailing market price or prices of the
common stock at the time or times of conversion, the exact number of shares that may be issued upon conversion is not current determinable.
However, by way of example only, if the Secured Note and loans under the 2020 Loan Agreement, including principal and interest outstanding
as of September 29, 2022, had been converted into common stock at the $0.61 per share closing price of the common stock on the NYSE American
on that date, approximately 32,341,239 shares of common stock would have been issued to Juvenescence, leaving only approximately 14,385,874
shares of common stock available to us for use in raising capital, making acquisitions, or pursuing other corporate purposes.
We
have not yet received significant revenues from the sale of products or licensing of technologies, and until such time as we are able
to generate sufficient revenue to finance our operations, we will need to raise additional capital through the sale of common stock,
preferred stock, and securities convertible into or exercisable for shares of common stock or preferred stock, or through additional
debt financing. We presently need additional capital to operate our business, including to reinstitute research and development programs
that have been suspended or out-sourced, to repay loans from Juvenescence, and to increase our stockholders’ equity in order to
regain compliance with the NYSE American continued listing requirements. We may offer and sell shares of common stock to obtain additional
funds for those capital purposes, and we may obtain capital through the sale of shares of capital stock by one or more of our subsidiaries,
but there is no assurance as to the amount of shares that we or our subsidiaries will be able to sell or the price or prices at which
the shares may be sold. We may also issue shares of common stock to acquire other businesses or assets from time to time when opportunities
arise. If the Common Stock Amendment Proposal is not approved, the amount of capital that we may raise directly and not through
subsidiaries, and our opportunities to acquire additional business or assets, will be severely constrained because the number of shares
of common stock that we may offer and sell for cash, or issue for any such acquisitions, will be limited to the number
of authorized and unissued shares not reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants, upon the vesting
of outstanding RSUs, and upon the conversion of the Secured Note and loans under the 2020 Loan Agreement to the extent not repaid with
proceeds from the sale of common stock or from other sources.
We
have entered into a Sales Agreement with Chardan Capital Markets, LLC pursuant to which we may offer and sell shares of common stock
from time to time for cash in “at-the-market” transactions. We are not presently a party of any other financing or acquisition
agreements that require us to issue, or pursuant to which we may issue, shares of common stock, and we may not be able to raise capital
or consummate future acquisitions on terms we deem acceptable, or at all.
Certain
Effects of the Common Stock Amendment Proposal
If
approved by our stockholders, the Common Stock Amendment will allow AgeX to issue shares of common stock to accommodate its foreseeable
needs and objectives without further approval by our stockholders. By increasing the authorized number of shares of common stock in advance
of any specific transactions, we will be able to act in a timely manner when an opportunity involving the issuance of common stock arises,
or when our Board of Directors believes it is in the best interests of AgeX and our stockholders to take action, without the delay, uncertainty
and expense that could be involved in obtaining stockholder approval in the midst of that opportunity. The additional shares of common
stock being authorized by the Common Stock Amendment will be unreserved and available for issuance. No further stockholder authorization
would be required prior to the issuance of those shares of common stock by us, except where approval by our stockholders is required
under NYSE American rules or the Delaware General Corporations Law.
The
additional shares of common stock that would be authorized by adoption of the Common Stock Amendment will have rights identical to the
currently outstanding shares of common stock. Adoption of the Common Stock Amendment and issuance of any newly authorized shares of common
stock will not affect the rights of the holders of the currently outstanding shares of common stock, except for effects incidental to
increasing the number of our shares of common stock outstanding, such as dilution of the earnings (loss) per share and voting rights
of current holders of shares of common stock.
The
increase in authorized shares of common stock could make more difficult or discourage attempts to obtain control of AgeX, thereby having
an anti-takeover effect. The increase in the authorized common stock was not proposed by our Board of Directors in response to any known
threat to acquire control of AgeX.
Our
Certificate of Incorporation currently provide our Board of Directors with the authority to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred
stock and to determine the powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions and the number of shares
of any series of preferred stock and to determine or alter the rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions granted to or imposed
upon the preferred stock as a class, or upon any wholly unissued series of preferred stock, without any further vote or action by our
stockholders. This authority of the Board of Directors will not be changed by the Common Stock Amendment, and the Common Stock Amendment
will not increase the total number of shares of preferred stock that the Board of Directors may determine to issue.
INCENTIVE
PLAN AMENDMENT PROPOSAL
We
are asking our stockholders to approve an amendment to our Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan Amendment”) that, if approved,
will make an additional 4,000,000 shares of our common stock available for the grant of Awards to our employees, directors, and consultants.
Vote
Required; Effect of Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes
Approval
of the Incentive Plan Amendment Proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present and voting on the matter at
the Meeting, provided that the affirmative vote cast constitutes a majority of a quorum. Unless otherwise directed by the stockholders,
proxies will be voted FOR approval of the Incentive Plan Amendment Proposal.
Broker
non-votes occur when a beneficial owner of outstanding shares held in “street name” fails to provide instructions to the
broker or nominee holding the shares as to how to vote on matters deemed “non-routine.” If you as beneficial owner do not
provide voting instructions, the broker or nominee cannot vote the shares with respect to “non-routine” matters, but can
vote the shares with respect to “routine” matters. Typically, when brokers are able to vote the shares, they vote in favor
of the matter. However, we believe the Incentive Plan Amendment Proposal is a “non-routine” matter because it relates to
executive compensation and, as a result, we expect that brokers or nominees will not vote on this proposal unless the beneficial owners
of the AgeX shares they hold instruct them how to vote. Accordingly, if you do not vote your shares for the Incentive Plan Amendment
Proposal, it is likely that your broker will not vote your shares for you on this Proposal. Accordingly, we strongly encourage you to
submit your proxy and exercise your right to vote as a stockholder to ensure that your shares are voted in the manner in which you want
them to be voted.
If
you check the “abstain” box for the Incentive Plan Amendment Proposal on the proxy card or if you attend the Meeting without
submitting a proxy and you abstain from voting on the Incentive Plan Amendment Proposal, your shares will not be counted for purposes
of determining whether the Incentive Plan Amendment Proposal has received an affirmative vote sufficient for approval.
The
Board of Directors Recommends A Vote “FOR” the
Approval
of the Incentive Plan Amendment Proposal
A
copy of the full text of the Incentive Plan Amendment is attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix A. A summary of the Incentive Plan
can be found in this Proxy Statement under “EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION-The Incentive Plan.”
Reasons
for the Incentive Plan Amendment Proposal
Stock
options and other equity-based Awards are an important part of employee and director compensation packages. The Board strongly believes
that our ability to attract and retain the services of employees, consultants, and directors depends in great measure upon our ability
to provide the kind of incentives that are derived from the ownership of stock, stock options, and other equity based incentives that
are offered by other biotechnology companies. We believe that we will be placed at a serious competitive disadvantage in attracting and
retaining capable employees, consultants, and directors at a critical time in our corporate development, unless the Incentive Plan Amendment
is approved by our stockholders.
As
of September 30, 2022, approximately 1,139,021 shares of AgeX common stock remained available for the grant of Awards under the Incentive
Plan, which our Board believes is not sufficient for our needs. As of that date, we had 9 full-time and part-time employees and 3 non-employee
directors who are eligible to receive Awards under the Incentive Plan. We expect to need additional shares for Awards to retain our current
directors, executives, and key employees, and especially to hire new executives and employees for our operations. We also engage consultants
from time to time, and generally have had between 4 and 8 individuals providing consulting services this year, and although we may grant
consultants equity awards under the Incentive Plan we did not do so during 2021 and have not done so during 2022, other than the grant
of 75,000 stock options during 2021 to Nafees Malik, our Chief Operating Officer, who is an employee of Juvenescence and has been devoting
a majority of his time to AgeX’s operations for which AgeX reimburses Juvenescence for his services. Also, our Bylaws permit us
to add additional members to our Board of Directors, which means that the number of non-employee directors eligible to receive Awards
under the Incentive Plan may increase in the future as well.
The
Board believes that the addition of 4,000,000 shares of common stock for the grant of Awards under the Incentive Plan will fulfill our
needs for the near future. Any future increase in the number of shares under the Incentive Plan would be submitted to the stockholders
for approval. Although the Incentive Plan Amendment has been approved by our Board of Directors, the Incentive Plan Amendment has not
yet been approved by our stockholders.
Future
Incentive Plan Awards
Awards
under the Incentive Plan are within the discretion of our Compensation Committee and Board of Directors. The exercise price and value
of each Award will reflect the market price of our common stock at the time of the Award. Future Awards under the Incentive Plan, including
to our non-employee directors and to our officers, are not determinable at this time. It is likely that we will add other employees,
including officers, for research and product development, and we may add other administrative personnel, including officers, as the need
arises. Our Compensation Committee and Board of Directors may adopt guidelines for determining option awards based upon the professional
level of each employee in the organization, but the ultimate decision to grant Awards will also be based on each employee’s and
AgeX’s annual performance. Accordingly, the number and value of additional Awards that might be granted to our executive officers
and other employees is not presently determinable.
The
following table shows certain information concerning the options outstanding and available for issuance under the Incentive Plan as of
December 31, 2021 (in thousands, except weighted average exercise price):
Plan Category | |
Number of Shares to be Issued upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants, and Rights | | |
Weighted Average Exercise Price of the Outstanding Options, Warrants, and Rights | | |
Number of Shares Remaining Available for Future Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans | |
AgeX Stock Option Plans Approved by Stockholders | |
| 3,381 | | |
$ | 2.32 | | |
| 1,035 | |
Federal
Income Tax Consequence of Participation in the Incentive Plan
The
following discussion summarizes certain federal income tax consequences of participation in the Incentive Plan. Although we believe the
following statements are correct based on existing provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)
and the regulations thereunder, the Code or regulations may be amended from time to time, and future judicial interpretations may affect
the veracity of the discussion.
Incentive
Stock Options
Under
Section 422(a) of the Code, the grant and exercise of an incentive stock option pursuant to the Incentive Plan is entitled to the benefits
of Section 421(a) of the Code. Under Section 421(a), an optionee will not be required to recognize income at the time the option is granted
or at the time the option is exercised, except to the extent that the optionee is subject to the alternative minimum tax. If the applicable
holding periods described below are met, when the shares of stock received upon exercise of an incentive stock option are sold or otherwise
disposed of in a taxable transaction, the option holder will recognize compensation income (taxed as a long term capital gain), for the
taxable year in which disposition occurs, in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the common stock at the time of
such disposition over the amount paid for the shares.
We
will not be entitled to any business expense deduction with respect to the grant or exercise of an incentive stock option, except in
connection with a disqualifying disposition as discussed below. No portion of the amount received by the optionee upon the sale of common
stock acquired through the exercise of an incentive stock option will be subject to withholding for federal income taxes, or be subject
to FICA or state disability taxes, except in connection with a disqualifying disposition.
In
order for a participant to receive the favorable tax treatment provided in Section 421(a) of the Code, Section 422 requires that the
participant make no disposition of the option shares within two years from the date the option was granted, nor within one year from
the date the option was exercised and the shares were transferred to the participant. In addition, the participant must, with certain
exceptions for death or disability, be an employee of AgeX (or of a parent or subsidiary of AgeX, as defined in Section 424(e) and (f)
of the Code, or a corporation, or parent or subsidiary thereof, issuing or assuming the option in a merger or other corporate reorganization
transaction to which Section 424(a) of the Code applies) at all times within the period beginning on the date of the grant of the option
and ending on a date within three months before the date of exercise. In the event of the death of the participant, the holding periods
will not apply to a disposition of the option or option shares by the participant’s estate or by persons receiving the option or
shares under the participant’s will or by intestate succession.
If
a participant disposes of stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of an incentive stock option before the expiration of the holding period
requirements set forth above, the participant will realize, at the time of the disposition, ordinary income to the extent the fair market
value of the common stock on the date the shares were purchased exceeded the purchase price. The difference between the fair market value
of the common stock on the date the shares were purchased and the amount realized on disposition is treated as long-term or short-term
capital gain or loss, depending on the participant’s holding period of the shares of common stock. The amount treated as ordinary
income may be subject to the income tax withholding requirements of the Code and FICA withholding requirements. The participant will
be required to reimburse us, either directly or through payroll deduction, for all withholding taxes that we are required to pay on behalf
of the participant. At the time of the disposition, we will be allowed a corresponding business expense deduction under Section 162 of
the Code to the extent of the amount of the participant’s ordinary income. We may adopt procedures to assist us in identifying
such deductions, and may require a participant to notify us of his or her intention to dispose of any such shares.
Regardless
of whether a participant satisfies the requisite holding period for his or her option and shares, the participant may be subject to the
alternative minimum tax with respect to the amount by which the fair market value of the common stock acquired exceeded the exercise
price of the option on the date of exercise.
Other
Options
The
Incentive Plan also permits us to grant options that do not qualify as incentive stock options. These “non-qualified” stock
options may be granted to employees or non-employees, such as persons performing consulting or professional services for us. An Incentive
Plan participant who receives a non-qualified option will not be taxed at the time of receipt of the option, provided that the option
does not have an ascertainable value or an exercise price below fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant, but the participant
will be taxed at the time the option is exercised.
The
amount of taxable income that will be earned upon exercise of a non-qualified option will be the difference between the fair market value
of the common stock on the date of the exercise and the exercise price of the option. We will be allowed a business expense deduction
to the extent of the amount of the participant’s taxable income recognized upon the exercise of a non-qualified option. Because
the option holder is subject to tax immediately upon exercise of the option, there are no applicable holding periods for the stock. The
option holder’s tax basis in the common stock purchased through the exercise of a non-qualified option will be equal to the exercise
price paid for the stock plus the amount of taxable gain recognized upon the exercise of the option. The option holder may be subject
to additional tax on sale of the stock if the price realized exceeds his or her tax basis.
SARs;
Restricted Stock; and RSUs
A
recipient of a SAR will not recognize taxable income upon the grant of the SAR. The recipient of the SAR will recognize ordinary income
upon exercise of the SAR in an amount equal to the difference between the fair market value of the shares and the exercise price on the
date of exercise. Any gain or loss recognized upon any later disposition of the shares generally will be a capital gain or loss.
A
recipient of a Restricted Stock Award will not have taxable income upon the grant, unless the Restricted Stock is then vested, or unless
the recipient elects under Section 83(b) of the Code to be taxed at the time of grant. Otherwise, upon vesting of the shares, the recipient
will recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market value of the shares at the time of vesting less the amount paid for such shares,
if any. Any gain or loss recognized upon any later disposition of the shares generally will be a capital gain or loss.
A
recipient of a RSU does not recognize taxable income when the Award is granted. When vested a RSU (and dividend equivalents, if any)
is settled and distributed, the participant will recognize ordinary income equal to the amount of cash or the fair market value of shares
received, less the amount paid for the RSU, if any.
ERISA
The
Incentive Plan is not subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and is not qualified
under Code Section 401(a).
JUVENESCENCE
PROPOSAL
AgeX
has entered into the Secured Note with Juvenescence, its largest stockholder, as further discussed in this Proxy Statement under “CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS—2022 Secured Convertible Promissory Note and Security Agreement”. As of September
1, 2022, Juvenescence held 16,447,500 shares of AgeX common stock or approximately 43.3% of AgeX outstanding common stock, 2020 Warrants
to purchase 3,670,663 shares of AgeX common stock, and 2022 Warrants to purchase 7,248,822 shares of AgeX common stock. As of September
1, 2022, AgeX had drawn $11,160,000 in loans under the Secured Note, which if converted into AgeX common stock at a conversion price
of $0.68 per share, the closing price of AgeX common stock on the NYSE American (the “Exchange”) on August 23, 2022, would
result in AgeX issuing to AgeX an additional 16,411,764 shares of AgeX common stock. If the principal amount of loans under the Secured
Note is converted into common stock, the actual number of shares issuable will depend on the amount of the loan converted and the applicable
conversion price on the date of conversion, as discussed below. AgeX may, subject to the terms and conditions of the Secured Note, borrow
up to an additional $2.0 million from Juvenescence which could be converted into additional shares of AgeX common stock, and Juvenescence
could acquire additional 2022 Warrants to purchase additional shares of AgeX common stock if and when it lends additional funds to AgeX
under the Secured Note.
The
Secured Note provides that the aggregate principal cash amount outstanding under the Secured Note (“Outstanding Amount”)
may be converted into shares of AgeX common stock as follows: (i) the entire Outstanding Amount may be converted at AgeX’s election
(“Borrower Conversion”) upon a sale of shares (or “units” consisting of shares of common stock together with
warrants or any other security convertible into common stock) to third party investors in a bona fide investment transaction in which
the aggregate sales price to AgeX of the shares or units sold in such offering, before deduction of underwriting discounts and commissions,
placement agent fees and offering expenses, is not less than $10 million (a “Qualified Offering”); or (ii) all or any portion
of the Outstanding Amount may be converted at Juvenescence’s election any time (“Lender Conversion”). In the case of
sales of shares of common stock by AgeX from time to time in an “at the market offering” a Qualified Offering shall be deemed
to have occurred if and when such proceeds of the sales reaches $10.0 million.
AgeX
common stock is listed on NYSE American (the “Exchange”) and AgeX must comply with the listing requirements of the Exchange.
Section 713 of the Exchange Company Guide requires listed companies to obtain stockholder approval as a prerequisite to Exchange listing
approval before: (i) issuing additional shares in a transaction involving the sale, issuance, or potential issuance by the issuer of
common stock (or securities convertible into common stock) equal to 20% or more of stock outstanding (determined as of the date of the
particular transaction agreement) for less than the greater of book or market value of the Exchange listed common stock (the “20%
Rule”) and (ii) issuing shares that will result in a change of control of the company (the “Change of Control Rule”).
While the Exchange has not defined “change of control,” the Exchange considers any issuance of stock to be subject to the
Change of Control Rule if the issuance of stock would result in a stockholder holding 50% or more of a company’s outstanding stock.
The Secured Note contains a “19.9 % blocker” provision and a “change of control blocker” provision intended to
prevent a Lender Conversion or Borrower Conversion that would violate the 20% Rule or the Change of Control Rule. The 2022 Warrants contain
a “change of control blocker” provision intended to prevent an exercise of 2022 Warrants that would violate the Change in
Control Rule. The exercise price of the 2022 Warrants is set with reference to the market price of AgeX common stock so the 20% Rule
would have no effect on the exercise of 2022 Warrants by Juvenescence.
The
19.9% blocker provides that any Borrower Conversion or Lender Conversion must either (i) not involve the issuance of more than 19.9%
of the common stock outstanding on the date of the Secured Note at a price lower than the applicable market price (as further explained
below) so that stockholder approval under the 20% Rule would not be required, or (ii) be approved by the AgeX stockholders. Under the
Secured Note, AgeX may borrow funds from Juvenescence in period installments or “tranches” and the market price of AgeX common
stock is determined for each such tranche. Each tranche market price is based on the closing price of AgeX common stock on the date of
the drawdown notice from AgeX to Juvenescence requesting funding of the loan tranche. Upon Borrower Conversion, which can take place
only in connection with a Qualified Offering by AgeX, the number of shares of AgeX common stock issuable to Juvenescence would be the
Outstanding Amount divided by the lowest price per share paid by investors for shares in the Qualified Offering (the “Borrower
Conversion Price”). Accordingly, only shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of a tranche with a tranche market price
greater than the Borrower Conversion Price would be aggregated (along with any other common stock issued to Juvenescence in connection
with the Qualified Offering) for the purpose of determining the applicability of the 19.9% blocker. Upon Lender Conversion, only shares
issuable upon the conversion of a tranche with a tranche market price that is lower than the market price on the date prior to the date
the Juvenescence delivers a conversion notice to AgeX are aggregated for the purposes of determining the applicability of the 19.9% blocker.
The change of control blocker provision provides that without the prior approval of AgeX stockholders a Borrower Conversion, a Lender
Conversion, or an exercise of 2022 Warrants may not take place if it would cause Juvenescence’s ownership to equal or exceed 50%
of the outstanding shares of AgeX common stock.
Consequently,
without the approval of AgeX stockholders the Outstanding Amount may not be converted into AgeX common stock under the Borrower Conversion
provisions or the Lender Conversion provisions of the Secured Note in an amount that would (a) equal exceed 19.9% of the outstanding
common stock (measured at the date of the Secured Note) at a conversion price less than the greater of the book value or the applicable
tranche market value of AgeX common stock, or (b) cause Juvenescence’s ownership to equal or exceed 50% of the outstanding shares
of AgeX common stock. Furthermore, 2022 Warrants may be not exercised by Juvenescence if such exercise would cause Juvenescence’s
ownership to equal or exceed 50% of the outstanding shares of AgeX common stock.
As
required by the terms of the Secured Note, AgeX is seeking the vote of AgeX stockholders to approve (i) the ability of AgeX and Juvenescence
to convert the Outstanding Amount into shares of AgeX common stock under the Borrower Conversion and Lender Conversion and provisions
of the Secured Note even if the Borrower Conversion or Lender Conversion, as applicable, would result in (a) Juvenescence receiving additional
shares in excess of 19.9% of the AgeX common stock outstanding as of February 14, 2022, the date of the Secured Note, for less than the
greater of book value or the applicable tranche market values of AgeX common stock, or (b) Juvenescence owning more than 50% of AgeX
outstanding common stock, and (ii) the ability of Juvenescence to exercise its 2022 Warrants if the exercise would cause Juvenescence’s
ownership of AgeX common stock to equal or exceed 50% of the outstanding AgeX common stock.
Possible
Consequences of the Juvenescence Proposal
Stockholder
approval of the Juvenescence Proposal could permit Juvenescence to acquire a majority interest in the outstanding common stock of AgeX.
As a controlling stockholder, Juvenescence would have the power to elect all directors of AgeX and to approve or reject all matters submitted
for stockholder approval by the AgeX Board of Directors, by Juvenescence as a stockholder, or by other stockholders, including but not
limited to: equity compensation plans for employees, officers, and directors; mergers, acquisitions, and consolidations; sales of AgeX
assets; and amendments of AgeX’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws.
Furthermore,
upon Juvenescence holding more than 50% the outstanding AgeX common stock, AgeX would qualify as a “controlled company” as
defined by the Exchange Company Guide. Being a “controlled company” would entitle AgeX to exempt itself from the requirement
that a majority of its directors be “independent” directors as defined in the Exchange Company Guide, and that the Compensation
Committee and the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee be comprised entirely of independent directors. If AgeX were to take
advantage of any or all of these exceptions available to controlled companies under the Exchange Company Guide it would be required to
disclose doing so in its annual meeting proxy statement or in its Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Even
if Juvenescence does not acquire more than 50% of the outstanding AgeX common stock, the Juvenescence Proposal could allow Juvenescence
to acquire more shares through a Lender Conversion or Borrower Conversion than might otherwise be the case if the 19.9% blocker were
to remain in place.
Certain
Conflict of Interest Considerations
A
member of our Board of Directors, Gregory H. Bailey, is the Chief Executive Officer of Juvenescence. The Secured Note and 2022 Warrants
were approved by the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors pursuant to authority delegated by our Board of Directors with Dr. Bailey
abstaining as to such delegation of authority, and pursuant to our Related Person Transaction Policy. Dr. Bailey is not a member of the
Audit Committee and did not participate in the proceedings of the Audit Committee considering and approving the Secured Note or the 2022
Warrants. Dr. Bailey also abstained from voting on the recommendation of our Board of Directors that our stockholders vote FOR approval
of the Juvenescence Proposal at the Meeting.
As
discussed in the section of this Proxy Statement captioned “ELECTION OF DIRECTORS – Director Independence,” the members
of the Audit Committee qualify as “independent” under Section 803(A) and Section 803(B)(2) of the Exchange Company Guide
and Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. Our Related Person Transaction Policy applies to transactions exceeding $120,000 in which any
of our officers, directors, beneficial owners of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, or any member of their immediate
family, has a direct or indirect material interest, determined in accordance with the policy. We refer to those transactions as Related
Person Transactions. A Related Person Transaction will be subject to review and approval by our Audit Committee prior to effectiveness
or consummation, to the extent practical. The Audit Committee will review the relevant information available to it about the Related
Person Transaction. The Audit Committee may approve or ratify the Related Person Transaction only if the Audit Committee determines that,
under the circumstances, the transaction is in, or is not in conflict with, AgeX’s best interests.
In
approving the Secured Note and 2022 Warrants during February 2022, the Audit Committee considered the following factors to the extent
they determined such factors to be relevant under the Related Person Transactions Policy:
|
● |
Juvenescence’s
interest in the Secured Note and 2022 Warrants; |
|
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|
● |
the
approximate total consideration to Juvenescence under the Secured Note and the 2022 Warrants; |
|
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the
approximate dollar value of the amount of Juvenescence interest in the transaction; |
|
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the
transaction was undertaken in the ordinary course of AgeX’s financing activities; |
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the
availability of other sources of financing; |
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● |
the
purpose and the potential benefits of the transaction to AgeX; and |
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such
other information regarding the Secured Note and 2022 Warrants or Juvenescence that, in the context of the proposed transaction,
the members of the Audit Committee believed could be material to investors in light of the circumstances of the transaction. |
Vote
Required to Approve the Juvenescence Proposal
Approval
of the Juvenescence Proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of common stock present and voting on the matter
at the Meeting, provided that the affirmative vote constitutes a majority of a quorum. Unless otherwise directed by the stockholders,
proxies will be voted FOR approval of this proposal.
The
Board of Directors, with Gregory H. Bailey Abstaining, Recommends a Vote “FOR” the Juvenescence Proposal
ADJOURNMENT
PROPOSAL
If
we do a sufficient number of shares of our common stock are not represented at the Meeting through online participating and by proxy
to constitute a quorum to conduct business at the Meeting, or if we do not receive proxies to vote a sufficient number of shares of common
stock to approve the Common Stock Amendment Proposal, we may propose to adjourn or postpone the Meeting, whether or not a quorum is present,
for a period of not more than 30 days to allow additional time to solicit additional proxies to constitute a quorum for purposes of the
Meeting (if we lacked a quorum at the time of the Meeting) or to solicit additional proxies voting in favor of approval of the Common
Stock Amendment Proposal. We currently do not intend to propose adjournment or postponement at the Meeting if there is a quorum present
and there are sufficient votes to approve the Common Stock Amendment.
Vote
Required
If
a quorum is present for the purpose of holding the Meeting and conducting business, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares
of common stock present and voting at the Meeting is required to approve the Adjournment Proposal, provided that the affirmative vote
cast constitutes a majority of a quorum. If a quorum is not present for purposes of holding and conducting business at the Meeting other
than voting to adjourn, a majority of the shares present and voting, even if less than a majority of a quorum, would be sufficient to
approve the Adjournment Proposal. Unless otherwise directed by the stockholders, proxies will be voted FOR approval of the Adjournment
Proposal if we propose an adjournment or postponement of the Meeting.
The
Board of Directors Recommends a Vote “FOR” the Adjournment Proposal if we submit the proposal to stockholders for a vote
at the Meeting.
PROPOSALS
OF STOCKHOLDERS
Stockholders
who intend to present a proposal for action at our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must notify our management of such intention by
notice received at our principal executive offices not later than August 9, 2023 for such proposal to be included in our proxy statement
and form of proxy relating to such meeting.
ANNUAL
REPORT
Our
Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, without exhibits, may be obtained by a stockholder
without charge, upon written request to the Secretary of AgeX.
HOW
TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING
Participating
in the Meeting Online
The
Meeting will be held online only and we have not made accommodations for the participation of stockholders in person at the Meeting.
Stockholders who wish to attend the Meeting online you will need to gain admission in the manner described below. Stockholders who follow
the procedures for attending the Meeting online will be able to vote at the Meeting and ask questions. If you do not comply with the
procedures described here for attending the Meeting online, you will not be able to participate and vote at the Meeting online but may
view the Meeting webcast by visiting https://web.lumiagm.com/268644388 and following the instructions to log in as a guest using the
password agex2022.
If
you are a “stockholder of record” (meaning that you have a stock certificate registered in your own name), to attend and
participate in the Meeting online you will need to visit https://web.lumiagm.com/268644388 and use the control number on your proxy card
to log on. The password for the Meeting is agex2022.
If
you are a “street name” stockholder (meaning that your shares are held in an account at a broker-dealer firm) and you wish
to participate and vote online at the Meeting, you must first obtain a valid legal proxy from your broker, bank or other agent and then
register in advance to attend the Meeting. After obtaining a valid legal proxy from your broker, bank or other agent, you must register
to attend the Meeting by submitting proof of your legal proxy reflecting the number of your shares along with your name and email address
to American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC to receive an 11-digit control number that may be used to access the Meeting online.
Requests for registration should be directed to proxy@astfinancial.com or to facsimile number 718-765-8730. Written requests can be mailed
to:
American
Stock Transfer & Trust Company LLC
Attn:
Proxy Tabulation Department
6201
15th Avenue
Brooklyn,
NY 11219
Requests
for registration must be labeled as “Legal Proxy” and be received no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on November 30,
2022, five business days before the Meeting.
You
will receive a confirmation of your registration by email after we receive your registration materials. You may attend the Meeting and
vote your shares at https://web.lumiagm.com/268644388 during the Meeting. The password for the meeting is agex2022. Follow the instructions
provided to vote. We encourage you to access the Meeting prior to the start time leaving ample time for the check in.
By
Order of the Board of Directors,
|
|
Judith
Segall |
|
Secretary |
|
|
|
_________,
2022 |
|
APPENDIX
A
AMENDMENT
TO
AGEX
THERAPEUTICS, INC.
2017
EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
Section
4.1 of the AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan is amended to read as follows:
4.1
Subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 11, a total of 8,500,000 shares of Common Stock shall be available for the grant
of Awards under the Plan. Any shares of Common Stock granted in connection with Options and Stock Appreciation Rights shall be counted
against this limit as one share for every one Option or Stock Appreciation Right awarded. Any shares of Common Stock granted in connection
with Awards other than Options and Stock Appreciation Rights shall be counted against this limit as two (2) shares of Common Stock for
every one (1) share of Common Stock granted in connection with such Award. During the terms of the Awards, the Company shall keep available
at all times the number of shares of Common Stock required to satisfy such Awards.
Grafico Azioni AgeX Therapeutics (AMEX:AGE)
Storico
Da Nov 2024 a Dic 2024
Grafico Azioni AgeX Therapeutics (AMEX:AGE)
Storico
Da Dic 2023 a Dic 2024