Form 8-K - Current report

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

 

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (date of earliest event reported): February 6, 2024

 

Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

Delaware		001-41596		88-0860746
(State or other jurisdiction  of incorporation)		(Commission File Number)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

822 A1A North, Suite 306

Ponte Vedra, Florida 32082

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

 

[phone]

(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

 

N/A

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

☐	Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

☐	Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class		Trading Symbol(s)		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share		CVKD		The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (Nasdaq Capital Market)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company ☒

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by checkmark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

  

On February 6, 2024, Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) entered into an offer letter agreement (the “Offer Letter”) with Jeffrey Cole describing the terms of his employment as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer. On February 12, 2024, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Cole (the “Employment Agreement”), effective as of February 8, 2024, to employ Mr. Cole as the Chief Operating Officer, which Employment Agreement supersedes the Offer Letter. The Employment Agreement provides for an annual base salary of $405,000, a discretionary bonus of up to 40% of his base salary upon achievement of objectives as may be determined by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s board of directors, and continuation of base salary payments for a period of twelve months as severance in the event of a termination without cause, the full target cash bonus amount for the fiscal year in which the termination date occurs payable in a lump sum as soon as practicable, and accelerated vesting of all of outstanding stock options, restricted stock units or other equity awards.

 

The Employment Agreement provides for the grant to Mr. Cole, on or before March 14, 2024, under the Company’s 2022 Successor Equity Incentive Plan of 150,000 options to purchase the Company’s common stock, which options are to vest 25% on the one-year anniversary of the date of grant, with the balance vesting pro rata over 36 months. Mr. Cole is also bound by confidentiality provisions.

 

Mr. Cole, age 56, brings over 25 years of experience in global pharmaceutical manufacturing and commercial operations, finance, and corporate development. He has served as a consultant to the Company since November 2023. Since August 2010, Mr. Cole has served as Principal of J. Scott Capital, LLC, a firm that provides executive and capital resources to emerging growth life science organizations, where he also provided consulting services to the Company from July 2022 to July 2023. From March 2015 to July 2020, he served as President, Chief Financial Officer and co-founder of Espero BioPharma, Inc. (“Espero”), where he also served as a director from April 2016 until August 2018. From August 2010 to February 2015, he served as President and co-founder of MarcasUSA, LLC, a marketer and distributor of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. From May 2008 to August 2010, Mr. Cole was Chief Financial Officer of Legacy Pharmaceuticals International GmbH, a global contract manufacturing organization, and founding President of its generic pharmaceuticals subsidiary Solco Healthcare U.S., Inc. From February 2002 to May 2008, Mr. Cole held various executive positions at Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (now Bausch Health Companies), including General Manager, Vice President of Corporate Development, and Chief Financial Officer for North America. Prior to the pharmaceutical industry, Mr. Cole worked in the technology industry from January 2000 to January 2002. Mr. Cole also served as Principal in the Financial Management Consulting practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers from July 1994 to January 2000. Mr. Cole holds an MBA with honors from the University of Michigan and a BS in accounting from the University of Southern California.

 

There are no family relationships between Mr. Cole and any of the Company’s directors or executive officers. In addition, except as set forth above, Mr. Cole is not a party to any transaction, or series of transactions, required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

 

The descriptions of the Offer Letter and Employment Agreement do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the Employment Agreement, copies of which are filed as Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 8.01. Other Events.

 

On February 8, 2024, the Company issued a press release announcing the appointment of Jeffrey Cole as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit No.		Description
10.1		Offer Letter dated, February 6, 2024, between Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc. and Jeffrey Cole
10.2		Employment Agreement, effective as of February 8, 2024, between Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc. and Jeffrey Cole
99.1		Press Release of Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc., dated February 8, 2024
104		Cover Page Interactive Data File (the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document)

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

Dated: February 12, 2024	CADRENAL THERAPEUTICS, INC.
	By:	/s/ Quang Pham
	Name:	Quang Pham
	Title:	Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

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Exhibit 10.1

 

 

February 6, 2024

 

Jeffrey S. Cole

 

Via email: [e-mail]

 

Dear Jeff,

 

We are pleased to offer you the position of Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) (“Executive”) of Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc. In the capacity of COO, the Executive will render such business and professional services in the performance of his duties, consistent with the Executive’s position within the Company.

 

Specific activities include (but are not limited to): Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC), Intellectual property (IP) enhancements, assessing commercial strategy and developing a draft plan for commercialization prelaunch and launch, work to build initial operations hiring and staffing strategy and associated budgets and participation in business development/partnering and fundraising activities as needed.

 

Executive’s expected start date is no later than February 8, 2022 with an expected execution of Executive’s employment agreement within 72 hours thereafter, and you will report to Quang Pham, Chief Executive Officer. Executive is expected to devote 100% of his time to Company duties except for those that are not in conflict and approved by the CEO.

 

Outlined below are the offer terms:

 

Cash Compensation

 

●

Upon the start date, the Executive is deemed to be a W-2 employee of Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc.

 

●

Annual Base Salary at $405,000; paid bi-monthly in accordance with normal company policy

 

●

Annual Targeted Cash Bonus – 40% of Base

 

Equity Compensation

 

●

150,000 options (granted on January 18, 2024; exercise price of $0.94)

 

●

150,000 additional options which shall be granted no later than March 14, 2024

 

●

Vesting: 25% at 1-year anniversary, balance monthly over 36 months

 

●

Executive is eligible for annual equity grants commensurate with other members of the Executive Leadership Team and/or market data (as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors)

 

Standard Employee Benefits

 

●

Participation in 401K plan; matching contribution (in accordance with normal company policy)

 

●

Health, dental, and other insurance benefits for Executive will be provided.

 

 

 

 

Termination of Employment Clauses

 

●

Change of Control (COC) – 12 Months of Annual Base and Targeted Bonus; all equity immediately vests; 100% of cobra premiums for 12 months.

 

●

Termination without Cause or for Good Reason – 12 Annual Base and Targeted Bonus; all equity immediately vests; 100% of cobra premiums for 12 months.

 

●

Termination with Cause – No severance

 

Accepted by Cadrenal Therapeutics:			Accepted by Jeffrey S. Cole:
By:	/s/ Quang Pham		By:	/s/ Jeffrey S. Cole
Name:	Quang Pham		Name:	Jeffrey S. Cole
Title:	Chief Executive Officer		Title:	COO Applicant
Date: 2/6/2024			Date: 2/6/2024

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.2

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”), effective as of February 8, 2024 by and between Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and Jeffrey S. Cole (“Executive”). Together, Executive and the Company are sometimes referred to as the “Parties.” Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in Section 9 below.

 

WHEREAS, the Executive currently serves as a consultant to the Company, pursuant to a Consulting Agreement, dated November 10, 2023;

 

WHEREAS, the Executive shall serve as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer commencing on the Effective Date;

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires for Executive to continue to provide services to the Company, and wishes to provide Executive with certain compensation and benefits in return for such services, as set forth in this Agreement;

 

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive desire to enter into this Agreement such that this Agreement provides all of the terms and conditions of Executive’s employment with the Company as of the Effective Date.

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the material advantages accruing to the two Parties and the mutual covenants contained herein, and intending to be legally and ethically bound hereby, the Company and Executive:

 

1. Duties and Scope of Employment.

 

(a) Positions and Duties. Executive will serve, at the pleasure of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), as Chief Operating Officer of the Company and shall report to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or such other senior Company officer as may be designated by the Board. In the capacity of Chief Operating Officer, Executive will render such business and professional services in the performance of Executive’s duties, consistent with Executive’s position within the Company, including, but not limited to, activities related to Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC), intellectual property enhancements, assessing commercial strategy and developing a draft plan for commercialization pre-launch and launch, working to build initial operations, developing hiring and staffing strategy and associated budgets, and participation in business development/partnering and fundraising activities, as needed. The employment relationship between the Parties shall continue to be governed by the general employment policies and practices of the Company, as adopted or modified from time to time in the Company’s discretion, except that when the terms of this Agreement differ from or are in conflict with the Company’s general employment policies or practices, this Agreement shall control.

 

(b) Location. Executive’s primary work location shall be in Orange County, California; provided, however, that the Company reserves the right to reasonably require Executive to perform Executive’s duties at places other than Executive’s primary work location from time to time, and to require reasonable business travel, including but not limited to the Company’s office in Ponte Vedra, Florida.

 

(c) Obligations. During the Employment Term, Executive will devote Executive’s full business efforts and time to the Company and will use good faith efforts to discharge Executive’s obligations under this Agreement to the best of Executive’s ability. For the duration of the Employment Term, Executive agrees not to actively engage in any other employment, occupation, or consulting activity for any direct or indirect remuneration without the prior approval of the Chief Executive Officer or Board; provided, however, that Executive may, without the approval of the Board, serve in any capacity with any civic, educational, or charitable organization and serve on the board(s) set forth on Schedule A attached hereto, provided such services do not materially interfere with Executive’s obligations to the Company. After the date of this Agreement, Executive shall seek the approval of the Company’s Compensation Committee before accepting or seeking any further positions. Executive shall also do the same with any outside paid employment/consulting positions. Executive represents that Executive is not subject to any non-competition, confidentiality, trade secrets or other agreement(s) that would preclude, or restrict in any way, Executive from fully performing Executive’s services hereunder during Executive’s employment with the Company.

 

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2. At-Will Employment. Executive and the Company agree that Executive’s employment with the Company constitutes “at-will” employment. Executive and the Company acknowledge that this employment relationship may be terminated at any time, with or without Cause (as defined below) or advance notice.

 

3. Term of Agreement. This Agreement is effective as of February 8, 2024 (the “Effective Date”) and, and shall continue until terminated in accordance with Sections 6 and 7 below. The period Executive is employed by the Company under this Agreement is referred to herein as the “Employment Term.”

 

4. Compensation.

 

(a) Base Salary. The Company will continue to pay Executive an annual salary of $405,000 as compensation for Executive’s services (such annual salary, as is then effective, to be referred to herein as “Base Salary”). The Base Salary will be paid periodically in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices and be subject to the usual, required withholdings. Executive’s Base Salary will be subject to review by the Compensation Committee of the Board, or any successor thereto (the “Compensation Committee”) not less than annually, and increases will be made in the discretion of the Compensation Committee. Subsequent increases in Executive’s Base Salary shall not require an amendment to this Agreement, provided that the change is documented in a resolution duly adopted by the Compensation Committee.

 

(b) Target Cash Bonus. Executive is eligible to earn a target cash bonus of 40% of Executive’s Base Salary (the “Target Cash Bonus”) for each fiscal year; provided, however, that any Target Cash Bonus actually paid to Executive shall not exceed 100% of Executive’s Base Salary, except as provided in Section 7(b) below. The exact amount of the Target Cash Bonus shall be determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”) in its sole and absolute discretion based on achievement of personal and Company target goals that are mutually agreed upon by the Compensation Committee and Executive each fiscal year. The amount of any Target Cash Bonus and the target goals will be subject to review annually, and such changes shall not require an amendment to this Agreement; provided, however, that any such changes are documented in a resolution duly adopted by the Compensation Committee. The Target Cash Bonus, if any, will accrue and be paid on such date as determined by the Board or Compensation Committee, subject to Executive’s continued service through such date.

 

(c) Other Equity Incentive Compensation. Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Company’s equity incentive plans, as in effect from time to time, and shall be considered for grants and awards at such times and in such amounts as shall be deemed appropriate by the Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, commensurate with other members of the executive leadership team of the Company and/or market data. On or prior to March 14, 2024, subject to approval of the Board of Directors, Executive shall be granted an additional 150,000 options to purchase the Company’s common stock, which options shall vest 25% on the one-year anniversary of the date of grant, with the balance vesting pro rata over 36 months, and which shall be granted to Executive on or before March 14, 2024.

 

(d) Employment Taxes. All of Executive’s compensation and payments under this Agreement shall be subject to customary withholding taxes and any other employment taxes as are commonly required to be collected or withheld by the Company.

 

(e) Stock Ownership Guidelines. Executive shall be subject to, and shall comply with, the Company’s stock ownership guidelines, including compliance with its Insider Trading Policy, including the Addendum thereto, and with Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

5. Executive Benefits

 

(a) Generally. Executive will be eligible to participate in accordance with the terms of all Company employee benefit plans, policies, and arrangements that are applicable to other executive officers of the Company, as such plans, policies, and arrangements may exist from time to time.

 

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(b) Paid Time Off.  Executive will be entitled to accrue paid time off (PTO time) at a rate of twenty (20) days per year. Upon a termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive shall receive payment for all accrued, unused PTO time.

 

(c) Benefit Plans. The Company shall cover 100% of the insurance premiums (medical, dental, and vision) for Executive and his family. The Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee benefit plans and programs (excluding severance plans, if any) generally made available by the Company to senior executives of the Company, including participation in a 401K plan, with up to four percent (4%) matching contribution (in accordance with normal Company policy), to the extent permissible under the general terms and provisions of such plans or programs and in accordance with the provisions thereof including any such eligibility requirements. The Company may amend, modify or rescind any employee benefit plan or program and/or change employee contribution amounts to benefit costs without notice in its discretion.

 

(d) Expenses. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable travel, business entertainment and other expenses incurred by Executive in the furtherance of the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy as in effect from time to time.

 

6. Termination of Employment. In addition to any other compensation payable to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement, in the event Executive’s employment with the Company terminates for any reason, Executive will be entitled to any (a) unpaid Base Salary and any Target Cash Bonus accrued and unpaid up to the Termination Date, (b) pay for accrued but unused vacation, (c) benefits or compensation as provided under the terms of any employee benefit and compensation agreements or plans applicable to Executive and under which Executive has a vested right (including any right that vests in connection the termination of Executive’s employment), (d) unreimbursed business expenses to which Executive is entitled to reimbursement under the Company’s expense reimbursement policy, and (e) rights to indemnification Executive may have under the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended from time to time, the Company’s Bylaws, as amended and/or restated, this Agreement, or Executive’s separate indemnification agreement, as applicable, including any rights Executive may have under directors and officers insurance policies (items (a) through (e), collectively, the “Accrued Obligations”).

 

7. Severance.

 

(a) Termination Without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason Unrelated to Change of Control.  If (i) Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company without Cause (other than as a result of Executive’s death or Disability, or (ii) Executive resigns for Good Reason (as defined below), then, subject to compliance with the Release Requirement, and provided such termination or resignation constitutes a Separation from Service, Executive will be eligible to receive the following severance benefits, to be paid as soon as practical following the Release Effective Date:

 

(1) Severance Payment. Continuation of Executive’s Base Salary as in effect immediately before the Termination Date for a period of 12 months, subject to required payroll deductions and tax withholdings and payable in installments according to the Company’s regular payroll schedule beginning after the Release Effective Date. For such purposes, Executive’s Base Salary will be calculated prior to giving effect to any reduction in Base Salary that would give rise to Executive’s right to resign for Good Reason;

 

(2) Accrued Target Cash Bonus. The full Target Cash Bonus amount for the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurs, less standard deductions and withholdings, payable in a lump sum as soon as practicable after the Release Effective Date;

 

(3) Equity Acceleration and Option Exercise Extension. Upon the Termination Date, (A) all of the outstanding stock options, restricted stock units or other equity awards Executive holds with respect to the Company’s Common Stock shall accelerate and vest such that 100% of such equity awards shall be deemed vested and fully exercisable and (B) each of Executive’s then-outstanding stock options shall remain exercisable until such stock option’s original expiration date (“Accelerated Vesting”); and

 

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(4) COBRA Premiums. If Executive timely elects continued coverage under COBRA, the Company will pay Executive’s COBRA premiums to continue Executive’s coverage (including coverage for Executive’s eligible dependents, if applicable) (“COBRA Premiums”) through the period starting on the Termination Date and ending 12 months after Termination Date (the “COBRA Premium Period”); provided, however, that the Company’s provision of the COBRA Premium benefits will immediately cease if during the COBRA Premium Period Executive becomes eligible for group health insurance coverage through a new employer or Executive ceases to be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage for any reason, including plan termination. In the event Executive becomes covered under another employer’s group health plan or otherwise ceases to be eligible for COBRA during the COBRA Premium Period, Executive must immediately notify the Company of such event. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that it cannot pay the COBRA Premiums without potentially incurring financial costs or penalties under applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), regardless of whether Executive or Executive’s dependents elect or are eligible for COBRA coverage, the Company instead shall pay to Executive, on the first day of each calendar month following the termination date, a fully taxable cash payment equal to the applicable COBRA premiums for that month (including the amount of COBRA premiums for Executive’s eligible dependents), subject to applicable tax withholdings (such amount, the “Special Cash Payment”), for the remainder of the COBRA Premium Period. Executive may, but is not obligated to, use such Special Cash Payments toward the cost of COBRA premiums.

 

(b) Termination Without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason During Change of Control Period. If, at any time during the Change of Control Period, (i) Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company without Cause (other than as a result of Executive’s death or Disability), or (ii) Executive resigns for Good Reason, then, subject to compliance with the Release Requirement, and provided such termination or resignation constitutes a Separation from Service, Executive will be eligible to receive the following severance benefits in lieu of (and not in addition to) the severance benefits described in Section 7(a) above, and provided that Executive satisfies the Release Requirement and remains in compliance with the terms of this Agreement, to be paid as soon as practical following the Release Effective Date:

 

(1) Change of Control Severance Payment. Executive shall be eligible for a lump sum cash severance payment, to be made as soon as practicable following the Release Effective Date and subject to required payroll deductions and tax withholdings (the “Change of Control Severance Payment”), in an amount equal to (i) (x) 12 months of Executive’s Base Salary as in effect immediately before the Termination Date, plus (y) an amount equal to the Target Cash Bonus for the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurs.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, the Base Salary used in determining Executive’s Change of Control Severance Payment shall be calculated prior to giving effect to any reduction in Base Salary that would give rise to Executive’s right to resign for Good Reason.

 

(2) Change of Control COBRA Premiums. If Executive timely elects continued coverage under COBRA, the Company will pay Executive’s COBRA premiums to continue Executive’s coverage (including coverage for Executive’s eligible dependents, if applicable) (the “Change of Control COBRA Premiums”) for a period of 12 months following the effective date of the Change of Control (the “Change of Control COBRA Premium Period”); provided that the Company’s provision of the Change of Control COBRA Premium benefits will immediately cease if during the Change of Control COBRA Premium Period Executive becomes eligible for group health insurance coverage through a new employer or Executive ceases to be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage for any reason, including plan termination. In the event Executive becomes covered under another employer’s group health plan or otherwise ceases to be eligible for COBRA during the Change of Control COBRA Premium Period, Executive must immediately notify the Company of such event. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that it cannot pay the Change of Control COBRA Premiums without potentially incurring financial costs or penalties under applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), regardless of whether Executive or Executive’s dependents elect or are eligible for COBRA coverage, the Company instead shall pay to Executive, on the first day of each calendar month following the termination date, a fully taxable cash payment equal to the applicable Change of Control COBRA Premiums for that month (including the amount of Change of Control COBRA Premiums for Executive’s eligible dependents), subject to applicable tax withholdings (such amount, the “Special Cash Payment”), for the remainder of the COBRA Premium Period. Executive may, but is not obligated to, use such Special Cash Payments toward the cost of the Change of Control COBRA Premiums; and

 

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(3) Equity Acceleration and Option Exercise Extension. Upon the Termination Date, (A) all of the outstanding stock options, restricted stock units or other equity awards Executive holds with respect to the Company’s Common Stock, including, without limitation, any then outstanding prior Awards (as defined in Section 17 below) shall accelerate and vest such that 100% of such equity awards shall be deemed vested and fully exercisable and (B) each of Executive’s then-outstanding stock options shall remain exercisable until such stock option’s original expiration date.

 

(c) Termination by Company for Cause, by Executive without Good Reason. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder at any time for Cause upon written notice to the Executive. The Executive may voluntarily terminate his employment hereunder at any time without Good Reason upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Company; provided, however, the Company reserves the right, upon written notice to the Executive, to accept the Executive’s notice of resignation and to accelerate such notice and make the Executive’s resignation effective immediately, or on such other date prior to Executive’s intended last day of work as the Company deems appropriate. It is understood and agreed that the Company’s election to accelerate Executive’s notice of resignation shall not be deemed a termination by the Company without Cause or otherwise constitute Good Reason. If Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, by Executive without Good Reason, or due to Executive’s death or Disability, then the Company shall pay the Accrued Obligations. All further vesting of Executive’s outstanding equity awards will terminate immediately, and Company shall have no further obligations to Executive under this Agreement.

 

(d) Termination Resulting from the Executive’s Death or Disability. As a result of any Disability suffered by the Executive, the Company may, upon thirty (30) days prior notice to the Executive, terminate the Executive’s employment under this Agreement. The Executive’s employment shall automatically terminate upon his death. If the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to this Section 7(c), the Executive or the Executive’s estate, as the case may be, shall be entitled to receive, and the Company’s sole obligation under this Agreement or otherwise shall be to pay or provide to the Executive or the Executive’s estate, as the case may be, the Accrued Obligations, Accelerated Vesting and a lump sum payment equal to twelve (12) months’ Base Salary (at the rate in effect immediately prior to the Termination Date) (less applicable withholdings and authorized deductions), to be paid on the next regular payroll date following the Termination Date.

 

(e) Termination by Mutual Agreement of the Parties. Executive’s employment pursuant to this Agreement may be terminated at any time upon mutual agreement, in writing, signed by both of the Parties. Any such termination of employment shall have the consequences specified in such writing.

 

8. Covenants; Conditions to Receipt of Severance; Mitigation.

 

(a) Non-disparagement.  During the Employment Term and for the 12 months thereafter, Executive will not, and will cause Executive’s relatives, agents and representatives to not, knowingly disparage, criticize or otherwise make any derogatory statements regarding the Company, its directors, or its officers, and the Company will not knowingly disparage, criticize or otherwise make any derogatory statements regarding Executive. The Company’s obligations under the preceding sentence shall be limited to communications by its senior corporate executives having the rank of Vice President or above and members of the Board. The foregoing restrictions will not apply to any statements that are made truthfully in response to a subpoena or other compulsory legal process. Moreover, nothing in this agreement prevents you from discussing or disclosing information about unlawful acts in the workplace, such as harassment or discrimination or any other conduct that you have reason to believe is unlawful. Payments of severance to Executive, in accordance with Section 7 above, shall immediately cease, and no further payments shall be made, in the event that Executive breaches the provisions of this Section 8(a).

 

(b) Release of Claims. To be eligible for any of the severance benefits provided in Sections 7(a) or 7(b) of this Agreement, Executive must satisfy the following release requirement (the “Release Requirement”): return to the Company a signed and dated general release of all known and unknown claims in a termination agreement acceptable to the Company (the “Release”) within the applicable deadline set forth therein, but in no event later than 45 calendar days following Executive’s termination date, and permit the Release to become effective and irrevocable in accordance with its terms (such effective date of the Release, the “Release Effective Date”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the period for satisfaction of the Release Requirement begins in one taxable year and ends in another taxable year, then the Release Effective Date shall occur no sooner than the first date of such second taxable year. No severance benefits pursuant to this Agreement will be paid prior to the Release Effective Date. Accordingly, if Executive breaches the preceding sentence and/or refuses to sign and deliver to the Company an executed Release or signs and delivers to the Company the Release but exercises Executive’s right, if any, under applicable law to revoke the Release (or any portion thereof), then Executive will not be entitled to any severance, payment or benefit under this Agreement.

 

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(c) Mitigation. Payments of severance to Executive, in accordance with Section 7 above, shall immediately cease, and no further payments shall be made, in the event that Executive materially breaches the PIICA (as defined in Section 11(d) below) (provided, however, that Executive’s right to future payments will be restored, and any omitted payments will be made to Executive promptly, if the Board in its reasonable good faith judgment determines that such breach is curable, and Executive cures the breach to the reasonable satisfaction of the Board within 30 days of having been notified thereof). Executive agrees to cooperate with the Company and to provide timely notice as to Executive’s activities following a termination without Cause so that the Company may monitor its obligation under this Section 8 and its subsections.

 

9. Definitions.

 

For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(a) “Cause” means the occurrence of any one or more of the following: (i) Executive’s commission of any felony or any crime involving fraud or dishonesty under the laws of the United States or any state thereof; (ii) Executive’s attempted commission of, or participation in, a fraud or material act of dishonesty against the Company; (iii) Executive’s intentional, material violation of any contract or agreement between Executive and the Company (including this Agreement and/or the PIICA); (iv) Executive’s intentional, material violation of any statutory duty owed to the Company that is not cured within 30 days following the issuance of written notice from the Company to the Executive reasonably explaining the basis for the Company’s conclusion that said violation has occurred, provided that notice and opportunity to cure shall not apply where the violation is not reasonably susceptible of cure; (v) Executive’s unauthorized use or disclosure of the Company’s confidential information or trade secrets; or (vi) Executive’s gross misconduct relating to the business affairs of the Company. Executive’s termination of employment will not be considered to be for Cause unless it is approved by a majority vote of the members of the Board of Directors or an independent committee thereof. It is understood that good faith decisions of Executive relating to the conduct of the Company’s business or the Company’s business strategy will not constitute “Cause.”

 

(b) “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any one or more of the following events: (i) any person (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) becomes the owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities (other than in connection with a transaction involving the issuance of securities by the Company the principal purpose of which is to raise capital for the Company); (ii) there is consummated a merger, consolidation or similar transaction to which the Company is a party and the stockholders of the Company immediately prior thereto do not own outstanding voting securities representing more than 50% of the combined outstanding voting power of the surviving entity immediately following such merger, consolidation or similar transaction or more than 50% of the combined outstanding voting power of the parent of the surviving entity immediately following such merger, consolidation or similar transaction; or (iii) there is consummated a sale, lease exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (and any of its subsidiaries), other than a sale, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (and any of its subsidiaries) to an entity more than 50% of the combined voting power of which is owned immediately following such disposition by the stockholders of the Company immediately prior thereto. For the avoidance of doubt, a reincorporation of the Company shall not be deemed a Change of Control.

 

(c) “Change of Control Period” means the time period commencing three months before the effective date of a Change of Control and ending on the date that is 12 months after the effective date of a Change of Control.

 

(d) “Disability” means Executive’s absence from Executive’s responsibilities with the Company on a full-time basis for 180 calendar days in any consecutive 12-month period as a result of Executive’s mental or physical illness or injury shall mean the inability of Executive to perform Executive’s duties under this Agreement because Executive has become permanently disabled within the meaning of any policy of disability income insurance covering employees of the Company then in force. In the event the Company has no policy of disability income insurance covering employees of the Company in force when Executive becomes disabled, the term Disability shall mean the inability of Executive to perform Executive’s duties under this Agreement by reason of any incapacity, physical or mental, which the Board, based upon medical advice or an opinion provided by a licensed physician acceptable to the Board, determines can be expected to result in death or expected to last for a continuous period of more than four months. Based upon such medical advice or opinion, the determination of the Board shall be final and binding and the date such determination is made shall be the date of such Disability for purposes of this Agreement. The Company shall act upon this Section in compliance with the Family Medical Leave Act (if applicable to the Company), the Americans with Disabilities Act (as amended), and applicable state and local laws.

 

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(e) “Good Reason” for Executive’s resignation from employment with the Company means the occurrence of any of the following events without Executive’s prior written consent: (i) a material breach of this Agreement by the Company; (ii) a material reduction (but not less than 10%) by the Company of Executive’s Base Salary, unless such reduction is part of a reduction program applicable generally to other executive employees of the Company; (iii) a material reduction in Executive’s duties, authority or responsibilities, taken as a whole, other than if asked to assume substantially similar duties and responsibilities in a larger entity after a Change of Control (provided, that a change in job position (including a change in title) or reporting line shall not be deemed a “material reduction” in and of itself unless Executive’s new duties are materially reduced from the prior duties); or (iv) following a Change of Control, an involuntary relocation of Executive’s principal place of employment to a place that increases Executive’s one-way commute by more than 50 miles as compared to Executive’s then-current principal place of employment immediately prior to such relocation. In order for Executive to resign for Good Reason, each of the following requirements must be met: (w) Executive must provide written notice to the Board of Executive’s intent to terminate for Good Reason within 90 days following the first occurrence of the condition(s) that Executive believes constitutes Good Reason, which notice shall describe such condition(s); (x) the Company has not reasonably cured such event within 30 calendar days following receipt of such written notice (the “Cure Period”); and (z) Executive actually resigns from all positions Executive then holds with the Company within the first 15 days after expiration of the Cure Period.

 

(f) “Separation from Service” has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h), without regard to any alternative definition thereunder.

 

(g) “Termination Date” shall mean the effective date of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company for any reason.

 

(h) “Transaction Price” shall mean the per share consideration payable for the Company’s Common Stock in connection with a Change of Control.

 

10. Indemnification. Subject to applicable law, Executive will be provided indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by the Company’s bylaws and Articles of Incorporation, including coverage, if applicable, under any directors and officers insurance policies, with such indemnification determined by the Board or any of its committees in good faith based on principles consistently applied (subject to such limited exceptions as the Board may approve in cases of hardship) and on terms no less favorable than provided to any other Company executive officer or director.

 

11. Confidential Information, etc.

 

(a) Non-Disclosure of Information. It is understood that the business of the Company is of a confidential nature. During the period of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive may receive and/or may secure confidential information concerning the Company or any of the Company’s affiliates which, if known to competitors thereof, would damage the Company or its said affiliates. Executive agrees that during and after Executive’s employment, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, divulge, disclose or appropriate to Executive’s own use, or to the use of any third party, any secret, proprietary or confidential information or knowledge obtained by him during his employment concerning such confidential matters of the Company or its affiliates, including, but not limited to, information pertaining to contact information, financial information, research, product plans, products, services, customers, markets, developments, processes, designs, drawings, business plans, business strategies or arrangements, or intellectual property or trade secrets. Upon termination of Executive’s employment, Executive shall promptly deliver to the Company all materials of a secret or confidential nature relating to the business of the Company or any of its affiliates that are, directly or indirectly, in the possession or under the control of Executive. Notwithstanding the foregoing, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1833(b), Executive shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (1) is made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (2) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.

 

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(b) Trade Secrets. Executive acknowledges and agrees that during Executive’s employment and in the course of the discharge of Executive’s duties, Executive shall have access to and become acquainted with information concerning the operation and processes of the Company, including without limitation, proprietary, technical, financial, personnel, sales and other information that is owned by the Company and regularly used in the operation of the Company’s business, and that such information constitutes the Company’s trade secrets. Executive specifically agrees that Executive shall not misuse, misappropriate, or disclose any such trade secrets, directly or indirectly, to any other person or use them in any way, either during Executive’s employment or at any other time thereafter, except as is required in the course of Executive’s employment hereunder. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the sale or unauthorized use or disclosure of any of the Company’s trade secrets obtained by Executive during the course of Executive’s employment, including information concerning the Company’s current or any future and proposed work, services, or products, the fact that any such work, services, or products are planned, under consideration, or in production, as well as any descriptions thereof, constitute unfair competition. Executive promises and agrees not to engage in any unfair competition with the Company, either during his employment or at any other time thereafter. Executive further agrees that all files, records, documents, specifications, and similar items relating to the Company’s business, whether prepared by Executive or others, are and shall remain exclusively the property of the Company and that they shall be removed from the premises of the Company only with the express prior written consent of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or his designee.

 

(c) Cooperation. Executive agrees to cooperate with and provide assistance to the Company and its legal counsel in connection with any litigation (including arbitration or administrative hearings) or investigation affecting the Company, in which, in the reasonable judgment of the Company’s counsel, Executive’s assistance or cooperation is needed. Executive shall, when requested by the Company, provide testimony or other assistance and shall travel at the Company’s reasonable request and expense in order to fulfill this obligation.

 

(d) Proprietary Inventions and Assignment Agreement. As a condition of employment, Executive shall execute and abide by the Company’s standard form of Proprietary Information, Invention and Confidentiality Agreement (the “PIICA”), attached hereto as Exhibit A.

 

(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other agreement between the Company and Executive, nothing in this Agreement shall limit Executive’s right to (i) discuss his employment or report possible violations of law or regulation with any federal government agency or similar state or local agency, or (ii) discuss or disclose information with others regarding the terms and conditions of his employment or unlawful acts in the Company’s workplace, including but not limited to sexual harassment.

 

12. Assignment. This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of (a) the heirs, executors, and legal representatives of Executive upon Executive’s death, and (b) any successor of the Company. Any such successor of the Company will be deemed substituted for the Company under the terms of this Agreement for all purposes. For this purpose, “successor” means any person, firm, corporation, or other business entity, which at any time, whether by purchase, merger or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires all or substantially all of the assets or business of the Company. None of the rights of Executive to receive any form of compensation payable pursuant to this Agreement may be assigned or transferred except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any other attempted assignment, transfer, conveyance, or other disposition of Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits will be null and void.

 

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13. Notices. All notices, requests, demands, and other communications called for hereunder will be in writing and will be deemed given (a) on the date of delivery if delivered personally, (b) one day after being sent overnight by a well-established commercial overnight service, or (c) four days after being mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, prepaid and addressed to the parties or their successors at the following addresses, or at such other addresses as the parties may later designate in writing:

 

If to the Company:

 

Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc.
822 A1A North, Suite 320

Ponte Vedra, Florida 32082Attn: Quang Pham, Chief Executive Officer

Email: [e-mail]

 

If to Executive:

 

Jeffrey S. Cole

 

at the last residential address known by the Company

 

14. Severability. If any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction or an arbitrator to be illegal, unenforceable, or void, this Agreement will continue in full force and effect without said provision.

 

15. Governing Law. This Agreement will be deemed to be made in and in all respects will be interpreted, construed and governed by and in accordance with the law of the State of California without regard to any applicable principles of conflicts of law. This Agreement shall not be interpreted or construed with any presumption against the party causing this Agreement to be drafted.

 

16. Dispute Resolution; Arbitration Agreement.

 

(a) Agreement to Arbitrate All Disputes.  To ensure the timely and economical resolution of disputes that may arise between Executive and the Company, both Executive and the Company mutually agree that pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §1-16, and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, they will submit solely to final, binding and confidential arbitration any and all disputes, claims, or causes of action arising from or relating to:  (i)  the negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance, breach or enforcement of this Agreement; or (ii) Executive’s employment with the Company (including but not limited to all statutory claims); or (iii) the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company (including but not limited to all statutory claims).  By agreeing to this arbitration procedure, both Executive and the Company waive the right to resolve any such disputes through a trial by jury or judge or through an administrative proceeding. 

 

(b) Arbitrator Authority.   The Arbitrator shall have the sole and exclusive authority to determine whether a dispute, claim or cause of action is subject to arbitration under this Arbitration section and to determine any procedural questions which grow out of such disputes, claims or causes of action and bear on their final disposition. 

 

(c) Individual Capacity Only.  All claims, disputes, or causes of action under this Arbitration section, whether by Executive or the Company, must be brought solely in an individual capacity, and shall not be brought as a plaintiff (or claimant) or class member in any purported class or representative proceeding, nor joined or consolidated with the claims of any other person or entity.   The Arbitrator may not consolidate the claims of more than one person or entity, and may not preside over any form of representative or class proceeding.  To the extent that the preceding sentences in this paragraph are found to violate applicable law or are otherwise found unenforceable, any claim(s) alleged or brought on behalf of a class shall proceed in a court of law rather than by arbitration.  

 

(d) Arbitration Process.  Any arbitration proceeding under this Arbitration section shall be presided over by a single arbitrator and conducted by JAMS, Inc. (“JAMS”) in San Diego, California under the then applicable JAMS rules for the resolution of employment disputes (available upon request and also currently available at http://www.jamsadr.com/rules-employment-arbitration/).  Executive and the Company both have the right to be represented by legal counsel at any arbitration proceeding, at each party’s own expense.  The Arbitrator shall: (i) have the authority to compel adequate discovery for the resolution of the dispute; (ii) issue a written arbitration decision, to include the arbitrator’s essential findings and conclusions and a statement of the award; and (iii) be authorized to award any or all remedies that Executive or the Company would be entitled to seek in a court of law. The Company shall pay all JAMS arbitration fees in excess of the amount of court fees that would be required of Executive if the dispute were decided in a court of law.

 

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(e) Excluded Claims.  This Arbitration section shall not apply to any action or claim that cannot be subject to mandatory arbitration as a matter of law, including, without limitation, claims for workers’ compensation or unemployment compensation benefits, claims under an employee benefit or pension plan that specifies a different arbitration procedure, and harassment claims to the extent such claims are not permitted by applicable law to be submitted to mandatory arbitration and are not preempted by the Federal Arbitration Act (collectively, the “Excluded Claims”).  In the event Executive intends to bring multiple claims, including one of the Excluded Claims listed above, the Excluded Claims may be publicly filed with a court, while any other claims will remain subject to mandatory arbitration. This Arbitration section also shall not prohibit the filing of an administrative charge to any federal, state or local equal opportunity or fair employment practices agency, an administrative charge to the National Labor Relations Board, an agency charge or complaint to exhaust an administrative remedy, or any other charge filed with or communication to a federal, state or local government office, official or agency.

 

(f) Injunctive Relief and Final Orders.  Nothing in this Arbitration section is intended to prevent either Executive or the Company from obtaining injunctive relief in court to prevent irreparable harm pending the conclusion of any such arbitration. Any final award in any arbitration proceeding hereunder may be entered as a judgment in the federal and state courts of any competent jurisdiction and enforced accordingly.

 

(g) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parties shall continue performing their respective obligations under this Agreement while any dispute is being resolved unless and until such obligations are terminated or expire in accordance with the provisions hereof.

 

17. Integration. This Agreement, together with its Exhibits, and the standard forms of equity award grants as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission that describe Executive’s outstanding equity awards, represents the entire agreement and understanding between the parties as to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements whether written or oral, including without limitation, the Offer Letter dated February 6, 2024 between the Executive and the Company. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the prior option awards granted to Executive as consulting compensation prior to his employment as set forth on Exhibit B hereto, (the “Prior Awards”) shall not expire as a result of entering into this Agreement and shall continue to vest in accordance with their stated terms and Executive’s employment hereunder will satisfy the continuation of service requirements of such Prior Awards.. No waiver, alteration, or modification of any of the provisions of this Agreement will be binding unless in a writing and is signed by duly authorized representatives of the parties hereto. In entering into this Agreement, no party has relied on or made any representation, warranty, inducement, promise or understanding that is not in this Agreement.

 

18. Waiver of Breach.  The waiver of a breach of any term or provision of this Agreement, which must be in writing, will not operate as or be construed to be a waiver of any other previous or subsequent breach of this Agreement.

 

19. Survival. The PIICA and the Company’s and Executive’s responsibilities under Sections 6 (Termination of Employment), 7 (Severance), 8 (Covenants; Conditions of Receipt of Severance; Mitigation), 9 (Definitions), 10 (Indemnification), 11 (Confidential Information), 12 (Assignment), 13 (Notices), 14 (Severability), and 15 (Governing Law), 16 (Dispute Resolution; Arbitration Agreement), 17 (Integration), 18 (Waiver of Breach), 19 (Survival), 20 (Headings), 21 (Tax Withholding), 22 (Acknowledgment), 23 (Internal Revenue Code Section 409A), 24 (Section 280G; Limitations on Payment) will survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

20. Headings. All captions and section headings used in this Agreement are for convenient reference only and do not form a part of this Agreement.

 

21. Tax Withholding. All payments and awards contemplated or made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholdings of applicable taxes in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations of all appropriate government authorities. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company has neither made any assurances nor any guarantees concerning the tax treatment of any payments or awards contemplated by or made pursuant to this Agreement. Executive has had the opportunity to retain a tax and financial advisor and fully understands the tax and economic consequences of all payments and awards made pursuant to this Agreement.

 

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22. Acknowledgments; Representations. Executive acknowledges that he has had the opportunity to discuss this matter with and obtain advice from Executive’s private attorney, has had sufficient time to, and has carefully read and fully understands all the provisions of this Agreement, and is knowingly and voluntarily entering into this Agreement. Executive represents and warrants that, as of the date he is executing this Agreement, he is not aware of any events or actions that have occurred since such date that would give rise to his resignation of employment for Good Reason (as defined and set forth below and in the Prior Agreement or any other agreement relating to his employment). Executive further acknowledges that, by execution of this Agreement, he is no longer entitled to any of the compensation and/or benefits described in the Prior Agreement, including but not limited to the benefits described in Section 8(a) of the Prior Agreement.

 

23. Internal Revenue Code Section 409A. It is intended that all of the severance benefits and other payments payable under this Agreement satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of Code Section 409A provided under Treasury Regulations 1.409A-1(b)(4), 1.409A-1(b)(5) and 1.409A-1(b)(9) (“Section 409A”), and this Agreement will be construed to the greatest extent possible as consistent with those provisions, and to the extent not so exempt, this Agreement (and any definitions hereunder) will be construed in a manner that complies with Section 409A. For purposes of Section 409A (including, without limitation, for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii)), Executive’s right to receive any installment payments under this Agreement (whether severance payments, reimbursements or otherwise) shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each installment payment hereunder shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is deemed by the Company at the time of Executive’s Separation from Service to be a “specified Executive” for purposes of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i), and if any of the payments upon Separation from Service set forth herein and/or under any other agreement with the Company are deemed to be “deferred compensation,” then to the extent delayed commencement of any portion of such payments is required in order to avoid a prohibited distribution under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) and the related adverse taxation under Section 409A, such payments shall not be provided to Executive prior to the earliest of (i) the expiration of the six-month and one day period measured from the date of Executive’s Separation from Service, (ii) the date of Executive’s death or (iii) such earlier date as permitted under Section 409A without the imposition of adverse taxation. Upon the first business day following the expiration of such applicable Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) period, all payments deferred pursuant to this Section 23 shall be paid in a lump sum to Executive, and any remaining payments due shall be paid as otherwise provided herein or in the applicable agreement. No interest shall be due on any amounts so deferred. If the Company determines that any severance benefits provided under this Agreement constitutes “deferred compensation” under Section 409A, for purposes of determining the schedule for payment of the severance benefits, the effective date of the Release will not be deemed to have occurred any earlier than the 60^th day following the Separation from Service, regardless of when the Release actually becomes effective. To the extent required to avoid accelerated taxation and/or tax penalties under Section 409A, amounts reimbursable to Executive under this Agreement shall be paid to Executive on or before the last day of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred and the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement (and in-kind benefits provided to Executive) during any one year may not effect amounts reimbursable or provided in any subsequent year. The Company makes no representation that any or all of the payments described in this Agreement will be exempt from or comply with Section 409A and makes no undertaking to preclude Section 409A from applying to any such payment.

 

24. Section 280G; Limitations on Payment.

 

(a) If any payment or benefit Executive will or may receive from the Company or otherwise (a “280G Payment”) would (i) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and (ii) but for this sentence, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then any such 280G Payment provided pursuant to this Agreement (a “Payment”) shall be equal to the Reduced Amount. The “Reduced Amount” shall be either (x) the largest portion of the Payment that would result in no portion of the Payment (after reduction) being subject to the Excise Tax or (y) the largest portion, up to and including the total, of the Payment, whichever amount (i.e., the amount determined by clause (x) or by clause (y)), after taking into account all applicable federal, state and local employment taxes, income taxes, and the Excise Tax (all computed at the highest applicable marginal rate), results in Executive’s receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greater economic benefit notwithstanding that all or some portion of the Payment may be subject to the Excise Tax. If a reduction in a Payment is required pursuant to the preceding sentence and the Reduced Amount is determined pursuant to clause (x) of the preceding sentence, the reduction shall occur in the manner (the “Reduction Method”) that results in the greatest economic benefit for Executive. If more than one method of reduction will result in the same economic benefit, the items so reduced will be reduced pro rata (the “Pro Rata Reduction Method”).

 

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(b) Notwithstanding any provision of Section 24(a) above to the contrary, if the Reduction Method or the Pro Rata Reduction Method would result in any portion of the Payment being subject to taxes pursuant to Section 409A that would not otherwise be subject to taxes pursuant to Section 409A, then the Reduction Method and/or the Pro Rata Reduction Method, as the case may be, shall be modified so as to avoid the imposition of taxes pursuant to Section 409A as follows: (1) as a first priority, the modification shall preserve to the greatest extent possible, the greatest economic benefit for Executive as determined on an after-tax basis; (2) as a second priority, Payments that are contingent on future events (e.g., being terminated without Cause), shall be reduced (or eliminated) before Payments that are not contingent on future events; and (3) as a third priority, Payments that are “deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A shall be reduced (or eliminated) before Payments that are not deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A.

 

(c) Unless the Parties agree on an alternative accounting firm or law firm, the accounting firm engaged by the Company for general tax compliance purposes as of the day prior to the effective date of the Change of Control transaction shall perform the foregoing calculations. If the accounting firm so engaged by the Company is serving as accountant or auditor for the individual, entity or group effecting the Change of Control, the Company shall appoint a nationally recognized accounting or law firm to make the determinations required by this Section 24. The Company shall bear all expenses with respect to the determinations by such accounting or law firm required to be made hereunder. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the accounting or law firm engaged to make the determinations hereunder to provide its calculations, together with detailed supporting documentation, to Executive and the Company within fifteen (15) calendar days after the date on which Executive’s right to a 280G Payment becomes reasonably likely to occur (if requested at that time by Executive or the Company) or such other time as requested by Executive or the Company.

 

(d) If Executive receives a Payment for which the Reduced Amount was determined pursuant to clause (x) of Section 24(a) above and the Internal Revenue Service determines thereafter that some portion of the Payment is subject to the Excise Tax, Executive agrees to promptly return to the Company a sufficient amount of the Payment (after reduction pursuant to clause (x) of Section 24(a) above) so that no portion of the remaining Payment is subject to the Excise Tax. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Reduced Amount was determined pursuant to clause (y) of Section 24(a) above, Executive shall have no obligation to return any portion of the Payment pursuant to the preceding sentence.

 

25. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each counterpart will have the same force and effect as an original and will constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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For California Employees

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in the case of the Company by a duly authorized officer, on the day and year written below.

 

Company:
CADRENAL THERAPEUTICS, INC.
By:	/s/ Quang Pham
Name:	Quang Pham
Title:	Chief Executive Officer
Date:	2-12-24

 

Executive:
/s/ Jeffrey S. Cole
Jeffrey S. Cole

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE A

 

	●	J. Scott Capital, LLC

●

Aladera, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sch A-1

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Employee Proprietary Information, Inventions and Confidentiality Agreement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ex A-1

 

 

CADRENAL THERAPEUTICS, INC.

 

Proprietary Information, Inventions and Confidentiality Agreement

 

In consideration of my employment or continued employment by Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc. (“Employer”), and its subsidiaries, parents, affiliates, successors and assigns (together with Employer, “Company”), the compensation paid to me now and during my employment with Company, and Company’s agreement to provide me with access to its Confidential Information (as defined below), I enter into this Proprietary Information, Inventions and Confidentiality Agreement with Employer (the “Agreement”). Accordingly, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, Employer (on behalf of itself and Company) and I agree as follows:

 

1. Confidential Information Protections.

 

1.1 Recognition of Company’s Rights; Nondisclosure. My employment by Company creates a relationship of confidence and trust with respect to Confidential Information (as defined below) and Company has a protectable interest in the Confidential Information. At all times during and after my employment, I will hold in confidence and will not disclose, use, lecture upon, or publish any Confidential Information, except as required in connection with my work for Company, or as approved by an officer of Company. I will obtain written approval by an officer of Company before I lecture on or submit for publication any material (written, oral, or otherwise) that discloses and/or incorporates any Confidential Information. I will take all reasonable precautions to prevent the disclosure of Confidential Information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1833(b), I will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (1) is made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (2) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. I agree that Company information or documentation to which I have access during my employment, regardless of whether it contains Confidential Information, is the property of Company and cannot be downloaded or retained for my personal use or for any use that is outside the scope of my duties for Company.

 

1.2 Confidential Information. “Confidential Information” means any and all confidential knowledge or data of Company, and includes any confidential knowledge or data that Company has received, or receives in the future, from third parties that Company has agreed to treat as confidential and to use for only certain limited purposes. By way of illustration but not limitation, Confidential Information includes (a) trade secrets, inventions, ideas, processes, formulas, software in source or object code, data, technology, know-how, designs and techniques, and any other work product of any nature, and all Intellectual Property Rights (defined below) in all of the foregoing (collectively, “Inventions”), including all Company Inventions (defined in Section 2.1); (b) information regarding research, development, new products, business and operational plans, budgets, unpublished financial statements and projections, costs, margins, discounts, credit terms, pricing, quoting procedures, future plans and strategies, capital-raising plans, internal services, suppliers and supplier information; (c) information about customers and potential customers of Company, including customer lists, names, representatives, their needs or desires with respect to the types of products or services offered by Company, and other non-public information; (d) information about Company’s business partners and their services, including names, representatives, proposals, bids, contracts, and the products and services they provide; (e) information regarding personnel, employee lists, compensation, and employee skills; and (f) any other non-public information that a competitor of Company could use to Company’s competitive disadvantage. However, Company agrees that I am free to use information that I knew prior to my employment with Company or that is, at the time of use, generally known in the trade or industry through no breach of this Agreement by me. Company further agrees that this Agreement does not limit my right to discuss my employment or unlawful acts in Company’s workplace, including but not limited to sexual harassment, or report possible violations of law or regulation with any federal, state or local government agency, or to discuss the terms and conditions of my employment with others to the extent expressly permitted by Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act, or to the extent that such disclosure is protected under the applicable provisions of law or regulation, including but not limited to “whistleblower” statutes or other similar provisions that protect such disclosure, to the extent any such rights are not permitted by applicable law to be the subject of nondisclosure obligations.

 

Ex A-2

 

 

1.3 Term of Nondisclosure Restrictions. I will only use or disclose Confidential Information as provided in this Section 1 and I agree that the restrictions in Section 1.1 are intended to continue indefinitely, even after my employment by Company ends. However, if a time limitation on my obligation not to use or disclose Confidential Information is required under applicable law, and the Agreement or its restriction(s) cannot otherwise be enforced, Company and I agree that the two year period after the date my employment ends will be the time limitation relevant to the contested restriction; provided, however, that my obligation not to disclose or use trade secrets that are protected without time limitation under applicable law shall continue indefinitely.

 

1.4 No Improper Use of Information of Prior Employers and Others. During my employment by Company, I will not improperly use or disclose confidential information or trade secrets, if any, of any former employer or any other person to whom I have an obligation of confidentiality, and I will not bring onto Company’s premises any unpublished documents or property belonging to a former employer or any other person to whom I have an obligation of confidentiality unless that former employer or person has consented in writing.

 

2. Assignments of Inventions.

 

2.1 Definitions. The term (a) “Intellectual Property Rights” means all past, present and future rights of the following types, which may exist or be created under the laws of any jurisdiction in the world: trade secrets, Copyrights, trademark and trade name rights, mask work rights, patents and industrial property, and all proprietary rights in technology or works of authorship (including, in each case, any application for any such rights and any rights to apply for any such rights, as well as all rights to pursue remedies for infringement or violation of any such rights); (b) “Copyright” means the exclusive legal right to reproduce, perform, display, distribute and make derivative works of a work of authorship (for example, a literary, musical, or artistic work) recognized by the laws of any jurisdiction in the world; (c) “Moral Rights” means all paternity, integrity, disclosure, withdrawal, special and similar rights recognized by the laws of any jurisdiction in the world; and (d) “Company Inventions” means any and all Inventions (and all Intellectual Property Rights related to Inventions) that are made, conceived, developed, prepared, produced, authored, edited, amended, reduced to practice, or learned or set out in any tangible medium of expression or otherwise created, in whole or in part, by me, either alone or with others, during my employment by Company, and all printed, physical, and electronic copies, and other tangible embodiments of Inventions.

 

2.2 California Limited Exclusion Notification.

 

(a) I acknowledge that California Labor Code section 2870(a) provides that I cannot be required to assign to Company any Invention that I develop entirely on my own time without using Company’s equipment, supplies, facilities or trade secret information, except for Inventions that either (i) relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice to Company’s business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (ii) result from any work performed by me for Company (“Nonassignable Inventions”).

 

(b) To the extent that a provision in this Agreement purports to require me to assign a Nonassignable Invention to Company, the provision is against the public policy of the state of California and is unenforceable.

 

(c) This limited exclusion does not apply to any patent or Invention covered by a contract between Company and the United States or any of its agencies requiring full title to such patent or Invention to be in the United States.

 

2.3 Prior Inventions.

 

(a) On the signature page to this Agreement is a list describing any Inventions that (i) are owned by me or in which I have an interest and that were made or acquired by me prior to my date of first employment by Company, and (ii) may relate to Company’s business or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, and (iii) are not to be assigned to Company (“Prior Inventions”). If no such list is attached, I represent and warrant that no Inventions that would be classified as Prior Inventions exist as of the date of this Agreement.

 

(b) I agree that if I use any Prior Inventions and/or Nonassignable Inventions in the scope of my employment, or if I include any Prior Inventions and/or Nonassignable Inventions in any product or service of Company, or if my rights in any Prior Inventions and/or any Nonassignable Inventions may block or interfere with, or may otherwise be required for, the exercise by Company of any rights assigned to Company under this Agreement (each, a “License Event”), (i) I will immediately notify Company in writing, and (ii) unless Company and I agree otherwise in writing, I hereby grant to Company a non-exclusive, perpetual, transferable, fully-paid, royalty-free, irrevocable, worldwide license, with rights to sublicense through multiple levels of sublicensees, to reproduce, make derivative works of, distribute, publicly perform, and publicly display in any form or medium (whether now known or later developed), make, have made, use, sell, import, offer for sale, and exercise any and all present or future rights in, such Prior Inventions and/or Nonassignable Inventions. To the extent that any third parties have any rights in or to any Prior Inventions or any Nonassignable Inventions, I represent and warrant that such third party or parties have validly and irrevocably granted to me the right to grant the license stated above. For purposes of this paragraph, “Prior Inventions” includes any Inventions that would be classified as Prior Inventions, whether or not they are listed on the signature page to this Agreement.

 

Ex A-3

 

 

2.4 Assignment of Company Inventions. I hereby assign to Employer all my right, title, and interest in and to any and all Company Inventions other than Nonassignable Inventions and agree that such assignment includes an assignment of all Moral Rights. To the extent such Moral Rights cannot be assigned to Employer and to the extent the following is allowed by the laws in any country where Moral Rights exist, I hereby unconditionally and irrevocably waive the enforcement of such Moral Rights, and all claims and causes of action of any kind against Employer or related to Employer’s customers, with respect to such rights. I further agree that neither my successors-in-interest nor legal heirs retain any Moral Rights in any Company Inventions. Nothing contained in this Agreement may be construed to reduce or limit Company’s rights, title, or interest in any Company Inventions so as to be less in any respect than that Company would have had in the absence of this Agreement.

 

2.5 Obligation to Keep Company Informed. During my employment by Company, I will promptly and fully disclose to Company in writing all Inventions that I author, conceive, or reduce to practice, either alone or jointly with others. At the time of each disclosure, I will advise Company in writing of any Inventions that I believe constitute Nonassignable Inventions; and I will at that time provide to Company in writing all evidence necessary to substantiate my belief. Subject to Section 2.3(b), Company agrees to keep in confidence, not use for any purpose, and not disclose to third parties without my consent, any confidential information relating to Nonassignable Inventions that I disclose in writing to Company.

 

2.6 Government or Third Party. I agree that, as directed by Company, I will assign to a third party, including without limitation the United States, all my right, title, and interest in and to any particular Company Invention.

 

2.7 Ownership of Work Product. I acknowledge that all original works of authorship that are made by me (solely or jointly with others) within the scope of my employment and that are protectable by Copyright are “works made for hire,” pursuant to United States Copyright Act (17 U.S.C., Section 101).

 

2.8 Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights and Assistance. I will assist Company, in every way Company requests, including signing, verifying and delivering any documents and performing any other acts, to obtain and enforce United States and foreign Intellectual Property Rights and Moral Rights relating to Company Inventions in any jurisdictions in the world. My obligation to assist Company with respect to Intellectual Property Rights relating to Company Inventions will continue beyond the termination of my employment, but Company will compensate me at a reasonable rate after such termination for the time I actually spend on such assistance. If Company is unable for any reason, after reasonable effort, to secure my signature on any document needed in connection with the actions specified in this paragraph, I hereby irrevocably designate and appoint Employer and its duly authorized officers and agents as my agent and attorney in fact, which appointment is coupled with an interest, to act for and on my behalf to execute, verify and file any such documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the purposes of this Agreement with the same legal force and effect as if executed by me. I hereby waive and quitclaim to Company any and all claims, of any nature whatsoever, which I now or may hereafter have for infringement of any Intellectual Property Rights assigned to Employer under this Agreement.

 

2.9 Incorporation of Software Code. I agree not to incorporate into any Inventions, including any Company software, or otherwise deliver to Company, any software code licensed under the GNU General Public License, Lesser General Public License, or any other license that, by its terms, requires or conditions the use or distribution of such code on the disclosure, licensing, or distribution of any source code owned or licensed by Company, except in strict compliance with Company’s policies regarding the use of such software or as directed by Company.

 

3. Records. I agree to keep and maintain adequate and current records (in the form of notes, sketches, drawings and in any other form that is required by Company) of all Confidential Information developed by me and all Company Inventions made by me during the period of my employment at Company, which records will be available to and remain the sole property of Employer at all times.

 

Ex A-4

 

 

4. Duty of Loyalty During Employment. During my employment by Company, I will not, without Company’s written consent, directly or indirectly engage in any employment or business activity that is directly or indirectly competitive with, or would otherwise conflict with, my employment by Company.

 

5. No Solicitation of Employees, Consultants or Contractors. To the extent permitted by applicable law, I agree that during my employment and for the 12 month period after the date my employment ends for any reason, including but not limited to voluntary termination by me or involuntary termination by Company, I will not, as an officer, director, employee, consultant, owner, partner, or in any other capacity, either directly or through others (except on behalf of Company) solicit, induce, encourage any person known to me to be an employee, consultant, or independent contractor of Company to terminate his, her or its relationship with Company.

 

6. Reasonableness of Restrictions. I have read this entire Agreement and understand it. I agree that (a) this Agreement does not prevent me from earning a living or pursuing my career, and (b) the restrictions contained in this Agreement are reasonable, proper, and necessitated by Company’s legitimate business interests. I represent and agree that I am entering into this Agreement freely, with knowledge of its contents and the intent to be bound by its terms. If a court finds this Agreement, or any of its restrictions, are ambiguous, unenforceable, or invalid, Company and I agree that the court will read the Agreement as a whole and interpret such restriction(s) to be enforceable and valid to the maximum extent allowed by law. If the court declines to enforce this Agreement in the manner provided in this Section and/or Section 12.2, Company and I agree that this Agreement will be automatically modified to provide Company with the maximum protection of its business interests allowed by law, and I agree to be bound by this Agreement as modified.

 

7. No Conflicting Agreement or Obligation. I represent that my performance of all the terms of this Agreement and as an employee of Company does not and will not breach any agreement to keep in confidence information acquired by me in confidence or in trust prior to my employment by Company. I have not entered into, and I agree I will not enter into, any written or oral agreement in conflict with this Agreement.

 

8. Return of Company Property. When I cease to be employed by Company, I will deliver to Company any and all materials, together with all copies thereof, containing or disclosing any Company Inventions, or Confidential Information. I will not copy, delete, or alter any information contained upon my Company computer or Company equipment before I return it to Company. In addition, if I have used any personal computer, server, or e-mail system to receive, store, review, prepare or transmit any Company information, including but not limited to, Confidential Information, I agree to provide Company with a computer-useable copy of all such information and then permanently delete such information from those systems; and I agree to provide Company access to my system as reasonably requested to verify that the necessary copying and/or deletion is completed. I further agree that any property situated on Company’s premises and owned by Company, including disks and other storage media, filing cabinets or other work areas, is subject to inspection by Company’s personnel at any time during my employment, with or without notice. Prior to leaving, I hereby agree to: provide Company any and all information needed to access any Company property or information returned or required to be returned pursuant to this paragraph, including without limitation any login, password, and account information; cooperate with Company in attending an exit interview; and complete and sign Company’s termination statement if required to do so by Company.

 

9. Legal and Equitable Remedies. I agree that (a) it may be impossible to assess the damages caused by my violation of this Agreement or any of its terms, (b) any threatened or actual violation of this Agreement or any of its terms will constitute immediate and irreparable injury to Company, and (c) Company will have the right to enforce this Agreement by injunction, specific performance or other equitable relief, without bond and without prejudice to any other rights and remedies that Company may have for a breach or threatened breach of this Agreement. If Company enforces this Agreement through a court order, I agree that the restrictions of Section 5 will remain in effect for a period of 12 months from the effective date of the order enforcing the Agreement.

 

Ex A-5

 

 

10. Notices. Any notices required or permitted under this Agreement will be given to Company at its headquarters location at the time notice is given, labeled “Attention Chief Executive Officer,” and to me at my address as listed on Company payroll, or at such other address as Company or I may designate by written notice to the other. Notice will be effective upon receipt or refusal of delivery. If delivered by certified or registered mail, notice will be considered to have been given five business days after it was mailed, as evidenced by the postmark. If delivered by courier or express mail service, notice will be considered to have been given on the delivery date reflected by the courier or express mail service receipt.

 

11. Publication of This Agreement to Subsequent Employer or Business Associates of Employee. If I am offered employment, or the opportunity to enter into any business venture as owner, partner, consultant or other capacity, while the restrictions in Section 5 of this Agreement are in effect, I agree to inform my potential employer, partner, co-owner and/or others involved in managing the business I have an opportunity to be associated with, of my obligations under this Agreement and to provide such person or persons with a copy of this Agreement. I agree to inform Company of all employment and business ventures which I enter into while the restrictions described in Section 5 of this Agreement are in effect and I authorize Company to provide copies of this Agreement to my employer, partner, co-owner and/or others involved in managing the business I have an opportunity to be associated with and to make such persons aware of my obligations under this Agreement.

 

12. General Provisions.

 

12.1 Governing Law; Consent to Personal Jurisdiction. This Agreement will be governed by and construed according to the laws of the State of California without regard to any conflict of laws principles that would require the application of the laws of a different jurisdiction. I expressly consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in California for any lawsuit filed there against me by Company arising from or related to this Agreement.

 

12.2 Severability. If any portion of this Agreement is, for any reason, held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect the other provisions of this Agreement, and this Agreement will be construed as if such provision had never been contained in this Agreement. If any portion of this Agreement is, for any reason, held to be excessively broad as to duration, geographical scope, activity or subject, it will be construed by limiting and reducing it, so as to be enforceable to the extent allowed by the then applicable law.

 

12.3 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement is for my benefit and the benefit of Company and its and their successors, assigns, parent corporations, subsidiaries, affiliates, and purchasers, and will be binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives.

 

12.4 Survival. This Agreement will survive the termination of my employment, regardless of the reason, and the assignment of this Agreement by Company to any successor in interest or other assignee.

 

12.5 Employment At-Will. I understand and agree that nothing in this Agreement will change my at-will employment status or confer any right with respect to continuation of employment by Company, nor will it interfere in any way with my right or Company’s right to terminate my employment at any time, with or without cause or advance notice.

 

12.6 Waiver. No waiver by Company of any breach of this Agreement will be a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach. No waiver by Company of any right under this Agreement will be construed as a waiver of any other right. Company will not be required to give notice to enforce strict adherence to all terms of this Agreement.

 

12.7 Export. I agree not to export, reexport, or transfer, directly or indirectly, any U.S. technical data acquired from Company or any products utilizing such data, in violation of the United States export laws or regulations.

 

12.8 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or other applicable law) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered will be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.

 

Ex A-6

 

 

12.9 Advice of Counsel. I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT, IN EXECUTING THIS AGREEMENT, I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEEK THE ADVICE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL COUNSEL, AND I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL OF THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT. THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE CONSTRUED AGAINST ANY PARTY BY REASON OF THE DRAFTING OR PREPARATION OF THIS AGREEMENT.

 

12.10 Entire Agreement. The obligations in Sections 1 and 2 (except Section 2.2 and Section 2.7, in each case, with respect to a consulting relationship) of this Agreement will apply to any time during which I was previously engaged, or am in the future engaged, by Company as a consultant, employee or other service provider if no other agreement governs nondisclosure and assignment of inventions during such period. This Agreement is the final, complete and exclusive agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes and merges all prior discussions between us, provided, however, if, prior to execution of this Agreement, Company and I were parties to any agreement regarding the subject matter hereof, that agreement will be superseded by this Agreement prospectively only. No modification of or amendment to this Agreement will be effective unless in writing and signed by the party to be charged. Any subsequent change or changes in my duties, salary or compensation will not affect the validity or scope of this Agreement.

 

[Signatures to follow on next page]

 

Ex A-7

 

 

This Agreement will be effective as of the date signed by the Employee below.

 

EMPLOYER: Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc.		EMPLOYEE:
/s/ Quang Pham		/s/ Jeffrey S. Cole
(Signature)		(Signature)
Quang Pham		Jeffrey S. Cole
(Printed Name)		(Printed Name)
Chief Executive Officer		2-12-24
(Title)		(Date Signed)

 

Prior Inventions

 

1. Prior Inventions Disclosure. Except as listed in Section 2 below, the following is a complete list of all Prior Inventions:

 

☒

No Prior Inventions.

 

☐

See below:

 

 

☐

Additional sheets attached.

 

2. Due to a prior confidentiality agreement, I cannot complete the disclosure under Section 1 above with respect to the Prior Inventions generally listed below, the intellectual property rights and duty of confidentiality with respect to which I owe to the following party(ies):

 

	Excluded Invention		Party(ies)		Relationship
1.
2.
3.

 

☐

Additional sheets attached.

 

Ex A-8

 

 

EXHIBIT B

 

Option Grants to Executive Prior to Execution of Employment Agreement

 

Grant Date		Number of Shares of Common Stock				Exercise Price
7/11/22			50,000	(1)		$	0.64
1/18/24			150,000	(2)		$	0.94

 

(1)

In accordance with the terms of the consulting agreement dated 07/01/22 between Company and J. Scott Capital, LLC (“Consultant”), a wholly-owned entity of the Executive, such options are fully-vested as of the effective date of this Agreement.

 

(2)	These options continue to vest in accordance with the following schedule: 25% on the one-year anniversary of the date of grant, with the balance vesting pro rata over 36 months.

 

Ex B-1

Exhibit 99.1 

 

Cadrenal Therapeutics Appoints Jeff Cole as Chief Operating Officer in Advance of Tecarfarin Phase 3 Pivotal Trial

 

PONTE VEDRA, Fla., Feb. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CVKD), a biopharmaceutical company developing tecarfarin, a novel Vitamin K Antagonist (VKA) for unmet needs in anticoagulation (blood thinning) therapy, today announced the appointment of Jeff Cole to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Mr. Cole will be responsible for the Company’s manufacturing and supply chain operations, intellectual property, commercialization strategies, and supporting partnering activities for tecarfarin.

 

Mr. Cole brings over 25 years of experience in global pharmaceutical manufacturing and commercial operations, finance, and corporate development to the Company. This includes senior executive roles at both private and publicly-traded companies such as Espero BioPharma, Valeant Pharmaceuticals International (now Bausch Health Companies), and Legacy Pharmaceuticals. Mr. Cole co-founded Espero, a biopharmaceutical company focusing on the late-stage development and commercialization of medicines to treat cardiovascular diseases, and served as Board Director, President, and Chief Financial Officer where he was responsible for the company’s supply chain, commercialization, and multiple licensing and M&A transactions.

 

“Jeff is an extremely accomplished pharmaceutical operations executive with a deep understanding of product development, manufacturing, and commercialization. His experience will serve Cadrenal well as we advance our tecarfarin clinical program and evaluate partnering opportunities,” commented Quang Pham, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cadrenal Therapeutics.

 

While at Valeant, Mr. Cole held roles of increasing responsibility, including as General Manager, Vice President of Corporate Development, and Chief Financial Officer of North America, where revenue more than tripled during his tenure. As General Manager at Valeant, Mr. Cole managed a division of U.S. prescription and OTC products across multiple therapeutic areas responsible for product development, supply, and commercial operations. Prior to the pharmaceutical industry, Mr. Cole served as Principal in the Financial Management Consulting practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

 

“I am excited to be joining the team at Cadrenal at a pivotal time when demand is increasing for a new anticoagulation therapy to address the unmet needs for patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), and those with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and atrial fibrillation (AFib),” added Jeff Cole. “I look forward to leveraging my experience to advance tecarfarin to the market and help those underserved patient groups.”

 

Mr. Cole holds an MBA with honors from the University of Michigan and a BS in accounting from the University of Southern California.

 

 

 

 

ABOUT CADRENAL THERAPEUTICS, INC.

 

Cadrenal Therapeutics is developing tecarfarin for unmet needs in anticoagulation therapy. Tecarfarin is a late-stage novel oral and reversible anticoagulant (blood thinner) to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and deaths due to blood clots in patients with certain medical conditions. Tecarfarin has orphan drug and fast track designations from the FDA for the prevention of systemic thromboembolism (blood clots) of cardiac origin in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and atrial fibrillation (AFib). Cadrenal is also pursuing additional regulatory strategies for unmet needs in anticoagulation therapy for patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) and those with thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Tecarfarin is specifically designed to leverage a different metabolism pathway than the oldest and most commonly prescribed Vitamin K Antagonist (warfarin). Tecarfarin has been evaluated in eleven (11) human clinical trials and more than 1,000 individuals. In Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 2/3 clinical trials, tecarfarin has generally been well-tolerated in both healthy adult subjects and patients with chronic kidney disease. For more information, please visit: www.cadrenal.com.

 

Safe Harbor Statement

 

Any statements contained in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements.” These statements include statements regarding the Mr. Cole’s experience serving the Company well as it advances its tecarfarin clinical program and evaluates partnering opportunities and leveraging Mr. Cole’s experience to advance tecarfarin to the market and help underserved patient groups. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including the expected contribution from Mr. Cole and the ability to advance tecarfarin with patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), thrombotic APS, and those with AFib and ESKD and the other risk factors described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the Company’s subsequent filings with the SEC, including subsequent periodic reports on Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and, except as required by federal securities laws, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

 

For more information, please contact:

 

Cadrenal Therapeutics:

Matthew Szot, CFO

858-337-0766

[e-mail]

 

Investors:

Lytham Partners, LLC

Robert Blum, Managing Partner

602-889-9700

[e-mail]

 

 

 

 

Cover	Feb. 06, 2024
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	8-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Feb. 06, 2024
Entity File Number	001-41596
Entity Registrant Name	Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001937993
Entity Tax Identification Number	88-0860746
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Address, Address Line One	822 A1A North
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 306
Entity Address, City or Town	Ponte Vedra
Entity Address, State or Province	FL
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	32082
City Area Code	904
Local Phone Number	300-0701
Written Communications	false
Soliciting Material	false
Pre-commencement Tender Offer	false
Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share
Trading Symbol	CVKD
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Emerging Growth Company	true
Elected Not To Use the Extended Transition Period	false

---