ABGENIX INC
S-8, 1999-11-10
BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS, (NO DIAGNOSTIC SUBSTANCES)
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<PAGE>


      As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 10, 1999
                                                   Registration No. 333-________
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                    FORM S-8
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                                  ABGENIX, INC.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

          DELAWARE                        2836                    94-3248826
      (STATE OR OTHER              (PRIMARY STANDARD          (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION   INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION      INDENTIFICATION
      OR ORGANIZATION)                CODE NUMBER)                 NUMBER)

                              7601 DUMBARTON CIRCLE
                                FREMONT, CA 94555
                                 (510) 608-6500

  (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                   REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)

                       1999 NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN
                            (FULL TITLE OF THE PLANS)

                                 R. SCOTT GREER
                      PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                                  ABGENIX, INC.
                              7601 DUMBARTON CIRCLE
                                FREMONT, CA 94555
                                 (510) 608-6500
    (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA
                CODE AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

                                    COPY TO:
                             CHRIS F. FENNELL, ESQ.
                        WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI
                            PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
                               650 PAGE MILL ROAD
                        PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA 94304-1050

     APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

     If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box.   / /

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                PROPOSED            PROPOSED
                                                             AMOUNT             MAXIMUM             MAXIMUM           AMOUNT OF
                                                              TO BE             OFFERING           AGGREGATE        REGISTRATION
         TITLE OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED              REGISTERED       PRICE PER SHARE      OFFERING PRICE          FEE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>             <C>                  <C>                <C>
 1999 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan Common Stock,
 $0.0001 par value (1)                                      1,400,000          $45.9375          $64,312,500.00      $17,879.00
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(1)  The shares covered by this Registration Statement represent shares of
     Common Stock which are available for issuance under the Registrant's 1999
     Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan. The Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per
     Share has been estimated in accordance with Rule 457(c) under the
     Securities Act of 1933 solely for the purpose of calculating the
     registration fee. The computation is based upon the average of the high and
     low price of Registrant's Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National
     Market System on November 10, 1999 because the price at which the options
     to be granted in the future is not currently determinable.
<PAGE>


                                  ABGENIX, INC.
                       REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8

                                     PART II

                 INFORMATION REQUIRED IN REGISTRATION STATEMENT

Item 3.    INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE.

         There are hereby incorporated by reference in this Registration
Statement the following documents and information heretofore filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission:

         (a)      The description of the Registrant's Common Stock contained in
                  the Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed pursuant to
                  Section 12 of the Exchange Act on May 5, 1998.

         (b)      The Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
                  year ended December 31, 1998.

         (c)      The Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 30,
                  1999.

         (d)      The Registrant's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
                  ended March 31, 1999.

         (e)      The Registrant's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
                  ended June 30, 1999.

         All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c),
14 and 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act") on or after the date of this Registration Statement and prior to
the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities
offered have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement
and to be part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.

Item 4.    DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES.

         Not applicable.

Item 5.    INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL.

         Not applicable.

Item 6.    INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

         The Registrant has adopted provisions in its Certificate of
Incorporation that eliminate the personal liability of its directors and
officers for monetary damages arising from a breach of their fiduciary duties in
certain circumstances to the fullest extent permitted by law and authorizes the
Registrant to indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent
permitted by law. Such limitation of liability does not affect the availability
of equitable remedies such as injunctive relief or rescission.


                                      -2-

<PAGE>

         The Registrant's Bylaws provide that the Registrant shall indemnify its
directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the General
Corporation Law of Delaware, including circumstances in which indemnification is
otherwise discretionary under Delaware law. Section 145 of the General
Corporation Law of Delaware provides for the indemnification of officers,
directors and other corporate agents in terms sufficiently broad to indemnify
such persons, under certain circumstances, for certain liabilities (including
reimbursement of expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"). The Registrant has entered into indemnification
agreements to such effect with its officers and directors containing provisions
which are in some respects broader than the specific indemnification provisions
contained in the General Corporation Law of Delaware. The indemnification
agreements may require the Company, among other things, to indemnify such
officers and directors against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of
their status or service as directors or officers (other than liabilities arising
from willful misconduct of a culpable nature) and to advance their expenses
incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be
indemnified.

Item 7.    EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED.

         Not applicable.

Item 8.    EXHIBITS.

         The Exhibits listed on the accompanying Index to Exhibits are filed as
part hereof, or incorporated by reference into, this Registration Statement.
(See Index below).

Item 9.    UNDERTAKINGS.

         A.       The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

                  (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are
being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement to include
any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously
disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such
information in the registration statement.

                  (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under
the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a
new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.

                  (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.

         B.       The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for
purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of
the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's
annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is
incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a
new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.


                                      -3-

<PAGE>

         C.       Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons
of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.


                                      -4-

<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
the Registrant, Abgenix, Inc., certifies that it has reasonable grounds to
believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has
duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto, duly authorized, in the City of Fremont, State of
California, on November 10, 1999.

                                      ABGENIX, INC.

                                      By: /s/ R. Scott Greer
                                         --------------------------------------
                                          R. Scott Greer
                                          President and Chief Executive Officer


                                      -5-

<PAGE>

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints R. Scott Greer and Kurt W. Leutzinger,
jointly and severally, his attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of
substitution, for him in any and all capacities to sign any amendments to this
Registration Statement on Form S-8, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto
and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said
attorneys-in-fact, or his substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done
by virtue hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           SIGNATURE                    TITLE                     DATE
           ---------                    -----                     ----
<S>                               <C>                           <C>
      /s/ R. Scott Greer
- --------------------------------  President and Chief
        (R. Scott Greer)          Executive Officer and         November 10, 1999
                                  Director (Principal
                                  Executive Officer)

     /s/ Kurt W. Leutzinger
- --------------------------------  Vice President, Finance
      (Kurt W. Leutzinger)        and Chief Financial Officer   November 10, 1999
                                  (Principal Financial and
                                  Accounting Officer)

    /s/ Stephen A. Sherwin
- --------------------------------
   (Stephen A. Sherwin, M.D.)     Chairman of the Board         November 10, 1999

    /s/ M. Kathleen Behrens
- --------------------------------
  (M. Kathleen Behrens, Ph.D.)    Director                      November 10, 1999

   /s/ Raju S. Kucherlapati
- --------------------------------
 (Raju S. Kucherlapati, Ph.D.)    Director                      November 10, 1999

       /s/ Mark B. Logan
- --------------------------------
        (Mark B. Logan)           Director                      November 10, 1999

     /s/ Joseph E. Maroun
- --------------------------------
       (Joseph E. Maroun)         Director                      November 10, 1999
</TABLE>

                                      -6-

<PAGE>

                                  ABGENIX, INC.

                       REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8

                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS

     EXHIBIT
       NO.                                         DESCRIPTION

         5.1   Opinion of counsel as to legality of securities being registered.

         10.1  1999 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan

         23.1  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.

         23.2  Consent of counsel (contained in Exhibit 5.1).

         24.1  Power of Attorney (included in Registration Statement on page 6).


                                      -7-

<PAGE>


                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1

                                November 10, 1999

Abgenix, Inc.
7601 Dumbarton Circle
Fremont, CA 94555

RE: REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         We have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-8 to be filed by
you with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of the 1999
Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan (as to 1,400,000 shares) (the "Plan" and "Shares"
as appropriate). As legal counsel for Abgenix, Inc., we have examined the
proceedings taken and are familiar with the proceedings proposed to be taken by
you in connection with the sale and issuance of the Shares pursuant to the Plan.

         It is our opinion that, upon completion of the proceedings to be taken
prior to issuance of the shares pursuant to the Prospectus constituting part of
the Registration Statement on Form S-8 and upon completion of the proceedings
being taken in order to permit such transactions to be carried out in accordance
with the securities laws of the various states where required, the shares, when
issued and sold in the manner referred to in the Plan and the agreements which
accompany the Plan, and in accordance with the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation, will be legally and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

         We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to said
Registration Statement and further consent to the use of our name wherever
appearing in said Registration Statement, and amendments thereto.

                                           Very truly yours,

                                           WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI
                                           Professional Corporation


                                           /s/ Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati


<PAGE>


                                  ABGENIX, INC.

                       1999 NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN

         1.       PURPOSES OF THE PLAN. The purposes of this Nonstatutory Stock
                  Option Plan are:

                  -        to attract and retain the best available personnel
                           for positions of substantial responsibility,

                  -        to provide additional incentive to Employees and
                           Consultants, and

                  -        to promote the success of the Company's business.

         Options granted under the Plan will be Nonstatutory Stock Options.

         2. DEFINITIONS. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:

                  (a) "ADMINISTRATOR" means the Board or any of its Committees
as shall be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

                  (b) "APPLICABLE LAWS" means the requirements relating to the
administration of stock option plans under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S.
federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation
system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of
any foreign country or jurisdiction where Options are, or will be, granted under
the Plan.

                  (c) "BOARD" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

                  (d) "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.

                  (e) "COMMITTEE" means a committee of Directors appointed by
the Board in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.


                  (f) "COMMON STOCK" means the Common Stock of the Company.

                  (g) "COMPANY" means Abgenix, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

                  (h) "CONSULTANT" means any person, including an advisor,
engaged by the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render services to such
entity.

                  (i) "DIRECTOR" means a member of the Board.

                  (j) "DISABILITY" means total and permanent disability as
defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

<PAGE>

                  (k) "EMPLOYEE" means any person, including Officers, employed
by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. A Service Provider
shall not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence
approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or
between the Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or any successor. Neither
service as a Director nor payment of a director's fee by the Company shall be
sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company.

                  (l) "EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended.

                  (m) "FAIR MARKET VALUE" means, as of any date, the value of
Common Stock determined as follows:

                              (i)   If the Common Stock is listed on any
established stock exchange or a national market system, including without
limitation the Nasdaq National Market or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market of The
Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for
such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such
exchange or system for the last market trading day prior to the time of
determination, as reported in THE WALL STREET JOURNAL or such other source as
the Administrator deems reliable;

                              (ii)  If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by
a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair
Market Value of a Share of Common Stock shall be the mean between the high bid
and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the last market trading day prior
to the day of determination, as reported in THE WALL STREET JOURNAL or such
other source as the Administrator deems reliable;

                              (iii) In the absence of an established market for
the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the
Administrator.

                  (n) "NOTICE OF GRANT" means a written or electronic notice
evidencing certain terms and conditions of an individual Option grant. The
Notice of Grant is part of the Option Agreement.


                  (o) "OFFICER" means a person who is an officer of the Company
within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder.

                  (p) "OPTION" means a nonstatutory stock option granted
pursuant to the Plan, that is not intended to qualify as an incentive stock
option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations
promulgated thereunder.

                  (q) "OPTION AGREEMENT" means an agreement between the Company
and an Optionee evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Option
grant. The Option Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

                  (r) "OPTION EXCHANGE PROGRAM" means a program whereby
outstanding options are surrendered in exchange for options with a lower
exercise price.


                                      -2-

<PAGE>

                  (s) "OPTIONED STOCK" means the Common Stock subject to an
Option.

                  (t) "OPTIONEE" means the holder of an outstanding Option
granted under the Plan.

                  (u) "PARENT" means a "parent corporation," whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

                  (v) "PLAN" means this 1999 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan.

                  (w) "SERVICE PROVIDER" means an Employee including an Officer
or Consultant who is not also a Director.

                  (x) "SHARE" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 12 of the Plan.

                  (y) "SUBSIDIARY" means a "subsidiary corporation," whether now
or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.


         3.       STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN. Subject to the provisions of
Section 12 of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be
optioned and sold under the Plan is 1,400,000 Shares. The Shares may be
authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

         If an Option expires or becomes unexercisable without having been
exercised in full, or is surrendered pursuant to an Option Exchange Program, the
unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto shall become available for future
grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated).

         4.       ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN.

                  (a) ADMINISTRATION. The Plan shall be administered by (i) the
Board or (ii) a Committee, which committee shall be constituted to satisfy
Applicable Laws.

                  (b) POWERS OF THE ADMINISTRATOR. Subject to the provisions of
the Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties
delegated by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator shall have the
authority, in its discretion:

                              (i)   to determine the Fair Market Value of the
Common Stock;

                             (ii)   to select the Service Providers to whom
Options may be granted hereunder;

                            (iii)   to determine whether and to what
extent Options are granted hereunder;

                             (iv)   to determine the number of shares of
Common Stock to be covered by each Option granted hereunder;


                                      -3-

<PAGE>

                              (v)   to approve forms of agreement for use
under the Plan;

                             (vi)   to determine the terms and conditions,
not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any award granted hereunder.
Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price,
the time or times when Options may be exercised (which may be based on
performance criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture
restrictions, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Option or the
shares of Common Stock relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as
the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine;

                            (vii)   to reduce the exercise price of any
Option to the then current Fair Market Value if the Fair Market Value of the
Common Stock covered by such Option shall have declined since the date the
Option was granted;

                           (viii)   to institute an Option Exchange
Program;

                             (ix)   to construe and interpret the terms of
the Plan and awards granted pursuant to the Plan;

                              (x)   to prescribe, amend and rescind rules
and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating
to sub-plans established for the purpose of qualifying for preferred tax
treatment under foreign tax laws;

                             (xi)   to modify or amend each Option (subject
to Section 14(b) of the Plan), including the discretionary authority to extend
the post-termination exercisability period of Options longer than is otherwise
provided for in the Plan;

                            (xii)   to authorize any person to execute on
behalf of the Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Option
previously granted by the Administrator;

                           (xiii)   to determine the terms and restrictions
applicable to Options;

                            (xiv)   to allow Optionees to satisfy withholding
tax obligations by electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be
issued upon exercise of an Option that number of Shares having a Fair Market
Value equal to the amount required to be withheld. The Fair Market Value of the
Shares to be withheld shall be determined on the date that the amount of tax to
be withheld is to be determined. All elections by an Optionee to have Shares
withheld for this purpose shall be made in such form and under such conditions
as the Administrator may deem necessary or advisable; and

                             (xv)   to make all other determinations deemed
necessary or advisable for administering the Plan.

                  (c)           EFFECT OF ADMINISTRATOR'S DECISION. The
Administrator's decisions, determinations and interpretations shall be final and
binding on all Optionees and any other holders of Options.


                                      -4-

<PAGE>

         5.       ELIGIBILITY. Options may be granted to Service Providers other
than Officers (except as set forth in this Section 5 below). Officers and
Directors shall not be eligible to receive Options under this Plan; provided,
however, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Plan,
Options may be granted to an Officer not previously employed by the Company, as
an inducement essential to the individual's entering into an employment contract
with the Company.

         6.       LIMITATION. Neither the Plan nor any Option shall confer upon
an Optionee any right with respect to continuing the Optionee's relationship as
a Service Provider with the Company, nor shall they interfere in any way with
the Optionee's right or the Company's right to terminate such relationship at
any time, with or without cause.

         7.       TERM OF PLAN. The Plan shall become effective upon its
adoption by the Board. It shall continue in effect for ten (10) years, unless
sooner terminated under Section 14 of the Plan.

         8.       TERM OF OPTION. The term of each Option shall be stated in the
Option Agreement.

         9.       OPTION EXERCISE PRICE AND CONSIDERATION.

                  (a)      EXERCISE PRICE. The per share exercise price for the
Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be determined by the
Administrator.

                  (b)      WAITING PERIOD AND EXERCISE DATES. At the time an
Option is granted, the Administrator shall fix the period within which the
Option may be exercised and shall determine any conditions which must be
satisfied before the Option may be exercised.

                  (c)      FORM OF CONSIDERATION. The Administrator shall
determine the acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option,
including the method of payment. Such consideration may consist entirely of:

                              (i)   cash;

                             (ii)   check;

                            (iii)   promissory note;

                             (iv)   other Shares which (A) in the case of Shares
acquired upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more
than six months on the date of surrender, and (B) have a Fair Market Value on
the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to
which said Option shall be exercised;

                              (v)   consideration received by the Company under
a cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the
Plan;

                             (vi)   a reduction in the amount of any Company
liability to the Optionee, including any liability attributable to the
Optionee's participation in any Company-sponsored deferred compensation program
or arrangement;


                                      -5-

<PAGE>

                            (vii)   such other consideration and method of
payment for the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws;
or

                           (viii) any combination of the foregoing methods of
payment.

         10.      EXERCISE OF OPTION.

                  (a)      PROCEDURE FOR EXERCISE; RIGHTS AS A SHAREHOLDER. Any
Option granted hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan
and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator
and set forth in the Option Agreement. An Option may not be exercised for a
fraction of a Share.

                           An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company
receives: (i) written or electronic notice of exercise (in accordance with the
Option Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full
payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised. Full
payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the
Administrator and permitted by the Option Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued
upon exercise of an Option shall be issued in the name of the Optionee or, if
requested by the Optionee, in the name of the Optionee and his or her spouse.
Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books
of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right
to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist
with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option.
The Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the
Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right
for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as
provided in Section 12 of the Plan.

                           Exercising an Option in any manner shall decrease the
number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for
sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is
exercised.

                  (b)      TERMINATION OF RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER. If
an Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the Optionee's
death or Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or her Option, but only
within such period of time as is specified in the Option Agreement, and only to
the extent that the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event
later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option
Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the
Option shall remain exercisable for three (3) months following the Optionee's
termination. If, on the date of termination, the Optionee is not vested as to
his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the
Option shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination, the Optionee does not
exercise his or her Option within the time specified by the Administrator, the
Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to
the Plan.

                  (c)      DISABILITY OF OPTIONEE. If an Optionee ceases to be a
Service Provider as a result of the Optionee's Disability, the Optionee may
exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the
Option Agreement, to the extent the Option is vested on the date of


                                      -6-

<PAGE>

termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such
Option as set forth in the Option Agreement). In the absence of a specified time
in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12)
months following the Optionee's termination. If, on the date of termination, the
Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the
unvested portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination,
the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified
herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall
revert to the Plan.

                  (d)      DEATH OF OPTIONEE. If an Optionee dies while a
Service Provider, the Option may be exercised within such period of time as is
specified in the Option Agreement (but in no event later than the expiration of
the term of such Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant), by the Optionee's
estate or by a person who acquires the right to exercise the Option by bequest
or inheritance, but only to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of
death. In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the Option
shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Optionee's
termination. If, at the time of death, the Optionee is not vested as to his or
her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option
shall immediately revert to the Plan. The Option may be exercised by the
executor or administrator of the Optionee's estate or, if none, by the person(s)
entitled to exercise the Option under the Optionee's will or the laws of descent
or distribution. If the Option is not so exercised within the time specified
herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall
revert to the Plan.

                  (e)      BUYOUT PROVISIONS. The Administrator may at any time
offer to buy out for a payment in cash or Shares, an Option previously granted
based on such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and
communicate to the Optionee at the time that such offer is made.

         11.      NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTIONS.  Unless determined otherwise
by the Administrator, an Option may not be sold, pledged, assigned,
hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by
the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of
the Optionee, only by the Optionee. If the Administrator makes an Option
transferable, such Option shall contain such additional terms and conditions as
the Administrator deems appropriate.


         12.      ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION, DISSOLUTION,
MERGER OR ASSET SALE.

                  (a)      CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION. Subject to any required
action by the shareholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock
covered by each outstanding Option, and the number of shares of Common Stock
which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to which no
Options have yet been granted or which have been returned to the Plan upon
cancellation or expiration of an Option, as well as the price per share of
Common Stock covered by each such outstanding Option, shall be proportionately
adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common
Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend,
combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or
decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt
of consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any
convertible securities of the Company shall not


                                      -7-

<PAGE>

be deemed to have been "effected without receipt of consideration." Such
adjustment shall be made by the Board, whose determination in that respect shall
be final, binding and conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no
issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities
convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment
by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of shares
of Common Stock subject to an Option.

                  (b)      DISSOLUTION OR LIQUIDATION. In the event of the
proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall
notify each Optionee as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such
proposed transaction. The Administrator in its discretion may provide for an
Optionee to have the right to exercise his or her Option until ten (10) days
prior to such transaction as to all of the Optioned Stock covered thereby,
including Shares as to which the Option would not otherwise be exercisable. In
addition, the Administrator may provide that any Company repurchase option
applicable to any Shares purchased upon exercise of an Option shall lapse as to
all such Shares, provided the proposed dissolution or liquidation takes place at
the time and in the manner contemplated. To the extent it has not been
previously exercised, an Option will terminate immediately prior to the
consummation of such proposed action.

                  (c)      MERGER OR ASSET SALE. In the event of a merger of the
Company with or into another corporation, or the sale of substantially all of
the assets of the Company, each outstanding Option shall be assumed or an
equivalent option or right substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent
or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. In the event that the successor
corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the Option, the Optionee shall
fully vest in and have the right to exercise the Option as to all of the
Optioned Stock, including Shares as to which it would not otherwise be vested or
exercisable. If an Option becomes fully vested and exercisable in lieu of
assumption or substitution in the event of a merger or sale of assets, the
Administrator shall notify the Optionee in writing or electronically that the
Option shall be fully vested and exercisable for a period of fifteen (15) days
from the date of such notice, and the Option shall terminate upon the expiration
of such period. For the purposes of this paragraph, the Option shall be
considered assumed if, following the merger or sale of assets, the option or
right confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share of Optioned
Stock, immediately prior to the merger or sale of assets, the consideration
(whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the merger or
sale of assets by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective
date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration,
the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding
Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the merger or
sale of assets is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its
Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation,
provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of the Option,
for each Share of Optioned Stock to be solely common stock of the successor
corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share
consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the merger or sale of
assets.

         13.      DATE OF GRANT.  The date of grant of an Option shall be, for
all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the determination
granting such Option, or such other later date as is determined by the
Administrator. Notice of the determination shall be provided to each Optionee
within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.


                                      -8-

<PAGE>

         14.      AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN.

                  (a)      AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION. The Board may at any time
amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.

                  (b)      EFFECT OF AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION.  No amendment,
alteration, suspension or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights of any
Optionee, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the
Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and
the Company. Termination of the Plan shall not affect the Administrator's
ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to options
granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination.


         15.      CONDITIONS UPON ISSUANCE OF SHARES.

                  (a)      LEGAL COMPLIANCE.  Shares shall not be issued
pursuant to the exercise of an Option unless the exercise of such Option and the
issuance and delivery of such Shares shall comply with Applicable Laws and shall
be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to
such compliance.

                  (b)      INVESTMENT REPRESENTATIONS.  As a condition to the
exercise of an Option the Company may require the person exercising such Option
to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are
being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or
distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a
representation is required.

         16.      INABILITY TO OBTAIN AUTHORITY.  The inability of the Company
to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which
authority is deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful
issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any
liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which
such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.

         17.      RESERVATION OF SHARES.  The Company, during the term of this
Plan, will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as
shall be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.


                                      -9-

<PAGE>

                                  ABGENIX, INC.

                       1999 NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN

                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

         Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall
have the same defined meanings in this Option Agreement.

I.       NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT

         [OPTIONEE'S NAME AND ADDRESS]

         You have been granted an option to purchase Common Stock of the
Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option
Agreement, as follows:

         Date of Grant
                                                 -----------------------------
         Vesting Commencement Date
                                                 -----------------------------
         Exercise Price per Share                $
                                                  ----------------------------
         Total Number of Shares Granted
                                                 -----------------------------
         Total Exercise Price                    $
                                                  ----------------------------

         Type of Option:                         Nonstatutory Stock Option

         Term/Expiration Date:
                                                 -----------------------------
         VESTING SCHEDULE:

         Subject to the Optionee continuing to be a Service Provider on such
dates, this Option shall vest and become exercisable in accordance with the
following schedule:

         [25% OF THE SHARES SUBJECT TO THE OPTION SHALL VEST TWELVE MONTHS AFTER
THE VESTING COMMENCEMENT DATE, AND 1/48TH OF THE SHARES SUBJECT TO THE OPTION
SHALL VEST UPON THE LAST DAY OF EACH MONTH THEREAFTER.]

         TERMINATION PERIOD:

         This Option may be exercised for three months after Optionee ceases to
be a Service Provider. Upon the death or Disability of the Optionee, this Option
may be exercised for such longer

<PAGE>

period as provided in the Plan. In no event shall this Option be exercised later
than the Term/Expiration Date as provided above.

II.      AGREEMENT

         1.       GRANT OF OPTION. The Plan Administrator of the Company hereby
grants to the Optionee named in the Notice of Grant attached as Part I of this
Agreement (the "Optionee") an option (the "Option") to purchase the number of
Shares, as set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise price per share set
forth in the Notice of Grant (the "Exercise Price"), subject to the terms and
conditions of the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to
Section 14(b) of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and
conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of this Option Agreement,
the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.

         2.       EXERCISE OF OPTION.

                  (a)      RIGHT TO EXERCISE.  This Option is exercisable during
its term in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Grant
and the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement.


                  (b)      METHOD OF EXERCISE.  This Option is exercisable by
delivery of an exercise notice, in the form attached as Exhibit A (the "Exercise
Notice"), which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of
Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised (the "Exercised
Shares"), and such other representations and agreements as may be required by
the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. The Exercise Notice shall be
completed by the Optionee and delivered to Chief Financial Officer of the
Company. The Exercise Notice shall be accompanied by payment of the aggregate
Exercise Price as to all Exercised Shares. This Option shall be deemed to be
exercised upon receipt by the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice
accompanied by such aggregate Exercise Price.

                  No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of this
Option unless such issuance and exercise complies with Applicable Laws. Assuming
such compliance, for income tax purposes the Exercised Shares shall be
considered transferred to the Optionee on the date the Option is exercised with
respect to such Exercised Shares.

         3.       METHOD OF PAYMENT.  Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price
shall be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of
the Optionee:


                  (a)      cash;

                  (b)      check;

                  (c)      consideration received by the Company under a
cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the
Plan; or


                                      -2-

<PAGE>

                  (d)      surrender of other Shares which (i) in the case of
Shares acquired upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for
more than six (6) months on the date of surrender, AND (ii) have a Fair Market
Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate Exercise Price of the
Exercised Shares.

         4.       NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTION.  This Option may not be
transferred in any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or
distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by the
Optionee. The terms of the Plan and this Option Agreement shall be binding upon
the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of the Optionee.

         5.       TERM OF OPTION.  This Option may be exercised only within the
term set out in the Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only
in accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option Agreement.

         6.       TAX CONSEQUENCES.  Some of the federal tax consequences
relating to this Option, as of the date of this Option, are set forth below.
THIS SUMMARY IS NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE
SUBJECT TO CHANGE. THE OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING
THIS OPTION OR DISPOSING OF THE SHARES.

                  (a)      EXERCISING THE OPTION.  The Optionee may incur
regular federal income tax liability upon exercise of an NSO. The Optionee will
be treated as having received compensation income (taxable at ordinary income
tax rates) equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the
Exercised Shares on the date of exercise over their aggregate Exercise Price. If
the Optionee is an Employee or a former Employee, the Company will be required
to withhold from his or her compensation or collect from Optionee and pay to the
applicable taxing authorities an amount in cash equal to a percentage of this
compensation income at the time of exercise, and may refuse to honor the
exercise and refuse to deliver Shares if such withholding amounts are not
delivered at the time of exercise.

                  (b)      DISPOSITION OF SHARES.  If the Optionee holds NSO
Shares for at least one year, any gain realized on disposition of the Shares
will be treated as long-term capital gain for federal income tax purposes.


         7.       ENTIRE AGREEMENT; GOVERNING LAW.  The Plan is incorporated
herein by reference. The Plan and this Option Agreement constitute the entire
agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede
in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and
Optionee with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified
adversely to the Optionee's interest except by means of a writing signed by the
Company and Optionee. This agreement is governed by the internal substantive
laws, but not the choice of law rules, of California.

         8.       NO GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED SERVICE.  OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND
AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS
EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (AND
NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING


                                      -3-

<PAGE>

GRANTED AN OPTION OR PURCHASING SHARES HEREUNDER). OPTIONEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES
AND AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE
VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD,
FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL NOT INTERFERE WITH OPTIONEE'S RIGHT OR THE
COMPANY'S RIGHT TO TERMINATE OPTIONEE'S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT
ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE.

         By your signature and the signature of the Company's representative
below, you and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed
by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. Optionee has
reviewed the Plan and this Option Agreement in their entirety, has had an
opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option
Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Plan and Option Agreement.
Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions
or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions relating to the Plan
and Option Agreement. Optionee further agrees to notify the Company upon any
change in the residence address indicated below.

OPTIONEE                                    ABGENIX, INC.

- -------------------------------------       -----------------------------------
Signature                                   By

- -------------------------------------       -----------------------------------
Print Name                                  Title

- -------------------------------------       -----------------------------------
Residence Address

- -------------------------------------


                                      -4-

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT A

                                     FORM OF

                                  ABGENIX, INC.

                       1999 NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN

                                 EXERCISE NOTICE

Abgenix, Inc.
7601 Dumbarton Circle
Fremont, CA 94555

Attention:  Chief Financial Officer

         1.       EXERCISE OF OPTION.  Effective as of today, ________________,
_____, the undersigned ("Purchaser") hereby elects to purchase ______________
shares (the "Shares") of the Common Stock of Abgenix, Inc. (the "Company") under
and pursuant to the 1999 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") and the
Stock Option Agreement dated ______________ (the "Option Agreement"). The
purchase price for the Shares shall be $______, as required by the Option
Agreement.


         2.       DELIVERY OF PAYMENT. Purchaser herewith delivers to the
Company the full purchase price for the Shares.

         3.       REPRESENTATIONS OF PURCHASER.  Purchaser acknowledges that
Purchaser has received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement
and agrees to abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions.

         4.       RIGHTS AS SHAREHOLDER. Until the issuance (as evidenced by the
appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer
agent of the Company) of the Shares, no right to vote or receive dividends or
any other rights as a shareholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned
Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Shares so acquired shall
be issued to the Optionee as soon as practicable after exercise of the Option.
No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record
date is prior to the date of issuance, except as provided in Section 12 of the
Plan.

         5.       TAX CONSULTATION.  Purchaser understands that Purchaser may
suffer adverse tax consequences as a result of Purchaser's purchase or
disposition of the Shares. Purchaser represents that Purchaser has consulted
with any tax consultants Purchaser deems advisable in connection with the
purchase or disposition of the Shares and that Purchaser is not relying on the
Company for any tax advice.

<PAGE>

         6.       ENTIRE AGREEMENT; GOVERNING LAW. The Plan and Option Agreement
are incorporated herein by reference. This Agreement, the Plan and the Option
Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and
agreements of the Company and Purchaser with respect to the subject matter
hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Purchaser's interest except by
means of a writing signed by the Company and Purchaser. This agreement is
governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of
California.

Submitted by:                            Accepted by:

PURCHASER                                ABGENIX, INC.

- -------------------------------------    --------------------------------------
Signature                                By

- -------------------------------------    --------------------------------------
Print Name                               Title

                                         --------------------------------------
                                         Date Received

ADDRESS:                                 ADDRESS: 7601 Dumbarton Circle
        ----------------------------
                                                  Fremont, CA 94555
        ----------------------------

        ----------------------------


                                      -2-

<PAGE>


                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.1

            CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

         We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the 1999 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan of
Abgenix, Inc., of our report dated January 22, 1999, with respect to the
financial statements of Abgenix, Inc., included in its Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1998, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

                                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Palo Alto, California
November 10, 1999



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