<PAGE>
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section
240.14a-12
The Immune Response Corporation
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction
applies:
------------------------------------------------------------
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
------------------------------------------------------------
3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction
computed pursuant to Exchange Act rule 0-11 (set forth the
amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it
was determined):
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4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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5) Total fee paid:
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[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting
fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid:
------------------------------------------------------------
2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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3) Filing Party:
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4) Date Filed:
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<PAGE>
[COMPANY LOGO]
THE IMMUNE RESPONSE CORPORATION
5935 DARWIN COURT
CARLSBAD, CA 92008
(760) 431-7080
April 24, 2000
Dear Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
which will be held on May 25, 2000 at 9:00 a.m., at the offices of the Company,
5935 Darwin Court, Carlsbad, California.
The formal notice of the Annual Meeting and the Proxy Statement have
been made a part of this invitation.
After reading the Proxy Statement, please mark, date, sign and return,
at an early date, the enclosed proxy in the prepaid envelope addressed to Harris
Trust Company of California, our agent, to ensure that your shares will be
represented. YOUR SHARES CANNOT BE VOTED UNLESS YOU SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE
ENCLOSED PROXY OR ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING IN PERSON.
A copy of the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders is also enclosed.
The Board of Directors and Management look forward to seeing you at the
meeting.
Sincerely yours,
Dennis J. Carlo
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
<PAGE>
THE IMMUNE RESPONSE CORPORATION
----------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MAY 25, 2000
-----------------------
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of The Immune Response Corporation
(the "Company") will be held at the offices of the Company, 5935 Darwin Court,
Carlsbad, California, on May 25, 2000, at 9:00 a.m., for the following purposes:
1. To elect two Class II directors.
2. To ratify the selection of Arthur Andersen LLP as the
Company's independent auditors.
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before
the Annual Meeting and any adjournment of the Annual Meeting.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on April 5, 2000
as the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of and to
vote at the Annual Meeting and any adjournment thereof. A complete list of
stockholders entitled to vote will be available at the Secretary's office, 5935
Darwin Court, Carlsbad, California, for ten days prior to the meeting.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR SHARES ARE REPRESENTED AT THIS MEETING. EVEN
IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL PROMPTLY MARK, SIGN,
DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY. THIS WILL NOT LIMIT YOUR RIGHTS TO ATTEND OR
VOTE AT THE MEETING.
By order of the Board of Directors.
Howard Sampson
VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE,
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, SECRETARY AND TREASURER
April 24, 2000
<PAGE>
THE IMMUNE RESPONSE CORPORATION
--------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
--------------------
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the
solicitation by the Board of Directors of The Immune Response Corporation, a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), of proxies in the accompanying form to
be used at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the offices of
the Company, 5935 Darwin Court, Carlsbad, California, on May 25, 2000 and any
adjournment thereof (the "Annual Meeting"). The shares represented by the
proxies received in response to this solicitation and not revoked will be
voted at the Annual Meeting. A proxy may be revoked at any time before it is
exercised by filing with the Secretary of the Company a written revocation or
a duly executed proxy bearing a later date or by voting in person at the
Annual Meeting. On the matters coming before the Annual Meeting for which a
choice has been specified by a stockholder by means of the ballot or the
proxy, the shares will be voted accordingly. If no choice is specified, the
shares will be voted FOR the election of the two nominees for Class II
director listed in this Proxy Statement and FOR the approval of Proposal 2
described in the Notice of Annual Meeting and in this Proxy Statement.
Stockholders of record at the close of business on April 5, 2000 are
entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. As of the close of
business on such date, the Company had 27,354,037 shares of Common Stock
outstanding and entitled to vote. Each holder of Common Stock is entitled to
one vote for each share held as of the record date.
Any disabled stockholder or stockholder's representative may request
reasonable assistance or accommodation from the Company in connection with
the Annual Meeting by contacting The Immune Response Corporation, Investor
Relations, 5935 Darwin Court, Carlsbad, California 92008 (760) 431-7080. To
provide the Company sufficient time to arrange for reasonable assistance or
accommodation, please submit all requests by May 10, 2000.
Directors are elected by a plurality vote. Accordingly, the two
director nominees who receive the most votes cast in their favor will be
elected. Proposal 2 will be decided by affirmative vote of a majority of
shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on this
matter. Abstentions with respect to any matter are treated as shares present
or represented and entitled to vote on that matter and thus have the same
effect as negative votes. If shares are not voted by the broker who is the
record holder of such shares, or if shares are not voted in other
circumstances in which proxy authority is defective or has been withheld with
respect to any matter, these non-voted shares are not deemed to be present or
represented for purposes of determining whether stockholder approval of that
matter has been obtained.
The expense of printing and mailing proxy materials will be borne by
the Company. In addition to the solicitation of proxies by mail, solicitation
may be made by certain directors, officers and other employees of the Company
by personal interview, telephone or facsimile. No additional compensation
will be paid to such persons for such solicitation. The Company will
reimburse brokerage firms and others for their reasonable expenses in
forwarding solicitation materials to beneficial owners of the Company's
Common Stock.
This Proxy Statement and the accompanying form of proxy are being
mailed to stockholders on or about April 24, 2000.
<PAGE>
IMPORTANT
PLEASE MARK, SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND RETURN IT AT YOUR
EARLIEST CONVENIENCE IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PREPAID RETURN ENVELOPE SO THAT,
WHETHER YOU INTEND TO BE PRESENT AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OR NOT, YOUR SHARES
CAN BE VOTED. THIS WILL NOT LIMIT YOUR RIGHTS TO ATTEND OR VOTE AT THE ANNUAL
MEETING.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Company has three classes of directors serving staggered
three-year terms. Class I and Class III consist of three directors each and
Class II consists of four directors. Two Class II directors are to be elected
at the Annual Meeting to serve until the 2003 Annual Meeting and until their
respective successors shall have been elected and qualified or until such
directors' earlier resignation, removal from office, death or incapacity. The
terms of the Class III and Class I directors expire in 2001 and 2002,
respectively. Currently one Class I director's seat, two Class II director's
seats and one Class III director's seat are vacant and such seats will remain
vacant following the Annual Meeting as the Nominating Committee has not yet
identified suitable candidates for such seats. Shares represented by the
enclosed proxy cannot be voted for a greater number of persons than the
number of nominees named.
Unless authority to vote for directors is withheld, it is intended
that the shares represented by the enclosed proxy will be voted for the
election of Melvin Perelman, Ph.D. and William M. Sullivan as Class II
directors. Dr. Perelman and Mr. Sullivan are currently members of the Board
of Directors of the Company. Each of the nominees has been nominated as a
Class II director by the Nominating Committee of the Company's Board of
Directors. In the event either of such nominees becomes unable or unwilling
to accept nomination or election, the shares represented by the enclosed
proxy will be voted for the election of the other nominee and such other
nominee as the Board of Directors may select. The Board of Directors has no
reason to believe that either such nominee will be unable or unwilling to
serve. There are no family relationships among executive officers or
directors of the Company.
Set forth below is information regarding the nominees for Class II
director and the continuing directors of Class III and Class I, principal
occupations at present and for the past five years, certain directorships
held by each, their ages as of April 5, 2000 and the year in which each
became a director of the Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AT PRESENT AND DIRECTOR
FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS; DIRECTORSHIPS SINCE AGE
CLASS II ------------------------------------------------------ ----------- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Melvin Perelman, Ph.D. Executive Vice President of Eli Lilly & Company and 1996 69
President of The Lilly Research Laboratories from 1986
to 1993; Director of Eli Lilly & Company from 1976 to
1993; Director of Inhale Therapeutic Systems Inc. and
Cinergy Corporation.
William M. Sullivan Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company from 1987 65
March 1987 to May 1993; Chairman of the Board of Sparta
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from October 1991 to March 1998
and President and Chief Executive Officer from October
1991 to March 1996; Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer of Burroughs Wellcome Co., a
pharmaceutical company, from December 1981 to January
1986; Director of BioVentures, Inc. and Research
Corporation Technologies.
2
<PAGE>
NAME AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AT PRESENT AND DIRECTOR
FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS; DIRECTORSHIPS SINCE AGE
CLASS III ----------------------------------------------------- ------------ ---
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Dennis J. Carlo, Ph.D. President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company 1987 56
since September 1994, Chief Scientific Officer from
April 1987 to September 1995, and Assistant Corporate
Secretary since October 1987, Chief Operating Officer
from April 1987 to September 1994 and Executive Vice
President from October 1987 to September 1994; Vice
President of Research and Development and Vice President
of Therapeutic Manufacturing at Hybritech Incorporated,
a biotechnology company that was acquired in March 1986
by Eli Lilly & Company, a pharmaceutical company, from
January 1982 to May 1987; Director of AVANIR
Pharmaceuticals.
Kevin B. Kimberlin Chairman of the Board of Spencer Trask & Co., an 1986 47
investment banking company, since July 1991; Secretary
of the Company from November 1986 to September 1989;
President of St. James Capital Corp., an investment
company, from July 1991 to June 1994; Director of
Faroudja, Inc.
CLASS I
James B. Glavin Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company since 1987 64
May 1993, Chief Executive Officer from April 1987 to
September 1994, President from October 1987 to September
1994, and Treasurer from April 1987 to May 1991;
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Smith
Laboratories, Inc. ("Smith Labs"), a medical products
company, from September 1985 to May 1990 and Acting
President and Chief Executive Officer of Smith Labs from
September 1985 to August 1989; Director of Inhale
Therapeutic Systems, Inc., AVANIR Pharmaceuticals and
the Meridian Fund.
Philip M. Young General Partner of U.S. Venture Partners, a venture 1987 60
capital company, since April 1990; Director of Vical
Incorporated, Zoran Corporation and several privately
held companies.
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE>
The Board of Directors held 15 meetings during the year ended
December 31, 1999. Each of the directors attended at least 75% of the
aggregate number of meetings of the Board of Directors and of the committees
on which such directors serve.
The Board of Directors has appointed an Executive Committee, a Stock
Option and Compensation Committee, an Employee Stock Option Committee, an
Audit Committee and a Nominating Committee.
The members of the Executive Committee are James B. Glavin, Dennis
J. Carlo and Philip M. Young. The Executive Committee held no meetings during
1999. Subject to the ultimate direction and control of the Board of
Directors, the Executive Committee's function is to exercise, with certain
exceptions, all of the powers and authority of the Board in the management of
the business and affairs of the Company.
The members of the Stock Option and Compensation Committee are
William M. Sullivan, Kevin B. Kimberlin and Melvin Perelman. The Stock Option
and Compensation Committee held three meetings during 1999. The Stock Option
and Compensation Committee's functions are to assist in the administration
of, and grant options under, the 1989 Stock Plan and to assist in the
implementation of, and provide recommendations with respect to, general and
specific compensation policies and practices of the Company.
The sole member of the Employee Stock Option Committee is Dennis J.
Carlo. The Employee Stock Option Committee held 24 meetings during 1999. The
Employee Stock Option Committee's functions are to assist in the
administration of, and grant options under, the 1989 Stock Plan with respect
to employees who are not officers or directors of the Company.
The members of the Audit Committee are Kevin B. Kimberlin and Philip
M. Young. The Audit Committee held two meetings during 1999. The Audit
Committee's functions are to review the scope of the annual audit, monitor
the independent auditor's relationship with the Company, advise and assist
the Board of Directors in evaluating the auditor's report, supervise the
Company's financial and accounting organization and financial reporting and
nominate for stockholder approval at the annual meeting, with the approval of
the Board of Directors, a firm of certified public accountants whose duty it
is to audit the financial records of the Company for the fiscal year for
which it is appointed.
The members of the Nominating Committee are William M. Sullivan and
Philip M. Young. The Nominating Committee held one meeting during 1999. The
Nominating Committee's function is to select and nominate individuals to fill
vacancies in the Company's Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee will
not consider nominees recommended by securityholders.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE CLASS II DIRECTOR
NOMINEES LISTED ABOVE.
4
<PAGE>
STOCK OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
The following table sets forth information as of April 5, 2000 as to
shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by (i) each person known by the
Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares
of the Common Stock of the Company, (ii) each of the Company's directors and
nominees for director, (iii) each of the Company's executive officers and
former executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table set forth
herein and (iv) the Company's directors and executive officers as a group.
Except as otherwise indicated and subject to applicable community property
laws, each person has sole investment and voting power with respect to the
shares shown. Ownership information is based upon information furnished, or
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, by the respective
individuals or entities, as the case may be.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Beneficial Ownership
--------------------------------
Of Common Stock
Number of Percent
Shares Of Class
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Capital Guardian Trust Company(1)
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071................................................. 1,358,600 5.0
Dennis J. Carlo(2)(3).................................................... 898,627 3.2
James B. Glavin(4)....................................................... 335,075 1.2
Kevin B. Kimberlin(5)(6)(7).............................................. 2,162,230 7.9
Philip M. Young(8)(9).................................................... 121,756 *
William M. Sullivan(10).................................................. 107,131 *
Melvin Perelman(11)...................................................... 44,668 *
Howard Sampson(12)....................................................... 50,167 *
Steven P. Richieri(13)................................................... 43,735 *
Steven W. Brostoff(14)................................................... 42,285 *
All executive officers and directors as a group (9 persons)(15).......... 3,805,674 13.3%
- ----------
</TABLE>
* Less than one percent.
(1) Based on its Schedule 13G filed February 14, 2000, Capital Guardian
Trust Company ("CGTC") reported the beneficial ownership of 1,358,600
shares of Common Stock. The Schedule 13G states that CGTC has sole
power to vote or direct the vote of 1,358,600 of such shares and sole
power to dispose or direct the disposition of all 1,358,600 shares.
(2) Includes 16,651 shares held in trust for the benefit of Dr. Carlo's
family, as to which Dr. Carlo maintains shared voting and investment
power and includes as outstanding 511,001 shares which Dr. Carlo may
acquire within 60 days after April 5, 2000 pursuant to the exercise of
options. Includes as outstanding 5,578 shares which Dr. Carlo's wife
may acquire within 60 days after April 5, 2000.
(3) Does not include 256,410 shares which may be acquired pursuant to the
exercise of warrants which have an exercise price of $14.00 and are
callable by the Company if the stock trades at $28 or greater for 45
consecutive days.
(4) Includes as outstanding 315,918 shares which Mr. Glavin may acquire
within 60 days after April 5, 2000 pursuant to the exercise of options.
(5) Includes as outstanding 88,443 shares which Mr. Kimberlin may acquire
within 60 days after April 5, 2000 pursuant to the exercise of options.
5
<PAGE>
(6) Includes 16,000 shares held by a trust as to which Mr. Kimberlin is
trustee and over which he has sole voting and investment power. Also
includes 35,000 shares owned by Mr. Kimberlin's wife, as to which he
disclaims beneficial ownership.
(7) Does not include 1,794,871 shares which may be acquired pursuant to the
exercise of warrants which have an exercise price of $14.00 and are
callable by the Company if the stock trades at $28 or greater for 45
consecutive days.
(8) Includes as outstanding 88,456 shares which Mr. Young may acquire
within 60 days after April 5, 2000 pursuant to the exercise of options.
(9) Includes 2,000 shares held by Mr. Young as custodian for certain
members of his family, as to which Mr. Young has sole voting and
investment power and as to which Mr. Young disclaims beneficial
ownership.
(10) Includes as outstanding 88,431 shares which Mr. Sullivan may acquire
within 60 days after April 5, 2000 pursuant to the exercise of options.
(11) Includes as outstanding 44,668 shares which Dr. Perelman may acquire
within 60 days after April 5, 2000 pursuant to the exercise of options.
(12) Includes as outstanding 50,167 shares which Mr. Sampson may acquire
within 60 days after April 5, 2000 pursuant to the exercise of options.
(13) Includes as outstanding 42,135 shares which Mr. Richieri may acquire
within 60 days after April 5, 2000 pursuant to the exercise of options.
(14) Includes as outstanding 22,535 shares which Dr. Brostoff may acquire
within 60 days after April 5, 2000 pursuant to the exercise of options.
(15) Includes as outstanding an aggregate of 1,257,332 shares which may be
acquired within 60 days after April 5, 2000 pursuant to the exercise of
options. Also, includes 18,651 shares held by family trusts for the
benefit of family members of directors and executive officers as to
which such directors and executive officers have voting and investment
power.
6
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
The following table sets forth the compensation for services
provided to the Company in all capacities for the fiscal years ended December
31, 1997, 1998 and 1999, by those persons who were, respectively, at December
31, 1999 (i) the Company's Chief Executive Officer, (ii) the other most
highly compensated executive officer of the Company whose total annual salary
and bonus for fiscal year 1999 exceeded $100,000 (the "Named Officers"),
(iii) the Company's former Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer, who left the Company effective October 15, 1999 and (iv) the
Company's former Vice President, Research and Development who left the
Company effective October 15, 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
LONG-TERM
ANNUAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION
-------------------------------------------------- ------------
AWARDS
------------
OTHER SECURITIES ALL OTHER
ANNUAL UNDERLYING COMPENSA-
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY ($) BONUS ($) COMPENSATION ($) OPTIONS (#) TION ($)(1)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dennis J. Carlo...................... 1999 358,796 162,868 -- 69,598 17,258
President and.................... 1998 359,560 65,690 1,029,700(2) 60,000 11,746
Chief Executive Officer.......... 1997 343,417 92,138 -- 54,000 10,932
Howard Sampson....................... 1999 144,702 -- -- 185,612 1,771
Vice President, Finance and......
Chief Financial Officer,
Secretary and Treasurer(3).......
Steven P. Richieri................... 1999 205,948 54,151 -- 46,505 54,497
Executive Vice President......... 1998 201,187 49,116 1,005,044(5) 40,000 5,370
and Chief Operating.............. 1997 182,846 51,845 -- 36,000 5,785
Officer(4)
Steven W. Brostoff................... 1999 164,878 51,671 -- 45,126 45,068
Vice President, ................. 1998 191,997 37,159 523,696(6) 40,000 7,220
Research and Development ........ 1997 177,859 45,122 356,521(7) 36,000 7,288
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1) During fiscal year 1999, the Company made contributions under the
401(k) Plan for Dr. Carlo, Mr. Sampson, Mr. Richieri and Dr. Brostoff
of $2,500, $1,510, $2,400 and $2,400, respectively; and made
contributions under the Company's long-term disability insurance plan
for Dr. Carlo, Mr. Richieri and Dr. Brostoff of $9,750, $1,496 and
$1,206, respectively. The Company also funded a group term life
insurance plan in excess of $50,000. Amounts added to compensation
related to this plan for Dr. Carlo, Mr. Sampson, Mr. Richieri and Dr.
Brostoff, were $5,008, $261, $1,053 and $2,206, respectively. The
Company made severance and consulting payments to Mr. Richieri and Dr.
Brostoff of $49,548 and $39,256, respectively.
(2) Represents the aggregate difference between the purchase price and the
fair market value of 90,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock
purchased on June 17, 1998 and 15,000 shares of the Company's Common
Stock purchased between December 1, 1998 and December 3, 1998.
(3) Mr. Sampson joined the Company as Executive Director, Finance and
Controller in April 1999 and was appointed Vice President, Finance and
Chief Financial Officer in June 1999.
7
<PAGE>
(4) Mr. Richieri was appointed Chief Operating Officer as of January 5,
1998 and served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer from December
10, 1998 to March 2, 1999.
(5) Represents the aggregate difference between the purchase price and the
fair market value of 102,150 shares purchased between October 27, 1998
and November 3, 1998.
(6) Represents the aggregate difference between the purchase price and the
fair market value of 13,000 shares purchased on June 29, 1998 and an
aggregate of 37,000 shares purchased between October 7, 1998 and
November 5, 1998.
(7) Represents the aggregate difference between the purchase price and the
fair market value of 40,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock
purchased between October 9, 1997 and October 21, 1997.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Through June of 1999, the outside directors of the Company received
$1,000 per month for their services as directors. In addition, through March
of 1999 the directors were compensated for each Board meeting attended and
for each committee meeting attended. In June of 1999, as part of an overall
company-wide effort to reduce spending, the Board voted to forego monetary
compensation for their services. The outside directors as a group received
options to purchase a total of 23,342 shares of the Company's Common Stock in
lieu of monetary compensation foregone for the balance of 1999. The Company's
former director, John Simon, received an option to purchase 4,719 shares of
the Company's Common Stock in lieu of monetary compensation foregone for the
balance of 1999. Directors are reimbursed for their expenses for each meeting
attended.
Under the 1990 Directors' Stock Option Plan of The Immune Response
Corporation (the "Directors' Plan"), directors who have never been employees
of the Company receive options to purchase 25,000 shares of the Company's
Common Stock upon election or appointment to the Board of Directors. These
options have exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the Common
Stock on the date of grant. They vest in four annual installments on each of
the first four anniversaries of the date of grant and, if held for at least
six months, vest in full upon the nonemployee director's retirement, death or
disability. The Directors' Plan also provides that each nonemployee director
will receive on the date of each Annual Meeting of the Stockholders an option
to purchase 6,250 shares of the Company's Common Stock with a one-year
vesting period. All options granted under the Directors' Plan also vest in
the event the Company is subject to a change in control as defined in the
Directors' Plan.
On September 19, 1996, Mr. Glavin entered into a one-year consulting
agreement with the Company, renewable at the Company's option, which replaced
a previous consulting agreement entered into in 1994. Mr. Glavin's consulting
agreement provided that Mr. Glavin would use reasonable efforts to furnish
consulting services to the Company in return for an annual fee of $48,000.
For consulting services rendered in 1999, Mr. Glavin was paid $48,000.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
For the Company's fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, Messrs.
Sullivan, Kimberlin and Perelman served as the members of the Company's
Compensation Committee. Mr. Sullivan was formerly the Chairman of the Board
of Directors from March 1987 to May 1993. Mr. Kimberlin was formerly the
Secretary of the Company from November 1986 to September 1989. None of the
executive officers of the Company had any "interlock" relationship to report
during the Company's fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
CHANGE IN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS
The Company's 1989 Stock Plan provides that in the event of a merger
or reorganization, the Company shall either continue outstanding options
granted under the 1989 Stock Plan, or shall provide for the exchange of such
options for a cash payment equal to the difference between the amount paid
for one share under the terms of the merger or reorganization and the
exercise price for each option, or shall accelerate the exercisability of each
8
<PAGE>
option followed by the cancellation of options not exercised, in all cases
without the optionee's consent. All options granted under the 1989 Stock Plan
also vest in the event that the Company is subject to a change in control.
PENSION AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS
The Company has no pension or long-term incentive plans.
9
<PAGE>
STOCK OPTIONS
The following tables summarize option grants to and exercises by the
Company's Chief Executive Officer the Named Officers, the former Executive
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and the former Vice President,
Research and Development during fiscal 1999, and the value of the options
held by such persons at the end of fiscal 1999. The Company does not grant
Stock Appreciation Rights.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPTION GRANTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1999
Individual Grants Grant Date Value
--------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
Number of % of Total
Securities Options
Underlying Granted to Exercise or
Options Employees in Base Price Expiration Grant Date
Granted(#)(1) Fiscal Year(2) ($/SH)(3) Date(4) Present Value($)(5)
------------- -------------- ------------ ---------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dennis J. Carlo........... 60,000 3.43 8.875 2/23/09 440,127
9,598 .55 5.7813 8/17/09 43,163
Howard Sampson............ 30,000 1.72 9.125 4/01/09 227,446
150,000 8.58 5.75 6/18/09 714,926
5,612 .32 5.7813 8/17/09 25,238
Steven P. Richieri........ 40,000 2.29 8.875 2/23/09 293,418
6,505 .37 5.7813 8/17/09 29,254
Steven W. Brostoff........ 40,000 2.29 8.875 2/23/09 293,418
5,126 .29 5.7813 8/17/09 23,052
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1) Options which have an expiration date of August 17, 2009 vest ratably
on a daily basis over a one-year period commencing on the date of
grant. The other options vest ratably on a daily basis over a four-year
period commencing on the date of grant. The options vest immediately in
the event that the Company is subject to a change in control.
(2) The Company granted options representing a total of 1,749,121 shares of
the Company's Common Stock to employees in 1999.
(3) The exercise price on the date of grant was equal to 100% of the fair
market value on the date of grant.
(4) The options have a term of ten years, subject to earlier termination in
certain events related to termination of employment.
(5) The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant
using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following
weighted average assumptions used for grants in 1999: risk free
interest rate of 6.621%, expected option life of five years, expected
volatility of .91 and a dividend rate of zero. Option valuation using a
Black-Scholes-based option-pricing model generates a theoretical value
based upon certain factors and assumptions. Therefore, the value which
is calculated is not intended to predict future prices of the Company's
Common Stock. The actual value of a stock option, if any, is dependent
on the future price of the stock, overall stock market conditions and
continued service with the Company, since options remain exercisable
for only a limited period following retirement, death or disability.
There can be no assurance that the values reflected in this table or
any other value will be achieved.
10
<PAGE>
OPTION EXERCISES IN FISCAL YEAR 1999 AND OPTION VALUES
AT END OF FISCAL YEAR 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of
Securities Underlying Value of Unexercised
Unexercised Options At In-the-Money Options at
End of Fiscal 1999(#) End of Fiscal 1999($)(1)
Shares ------------------------- -------------------------
Acquired Value
On Exercise(#) Realized($) Exercisable/Unexercisable Exercisable/Unexercisable
-------------- ------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dennis J. Carlo.......... __ __ 488,289 105,842 289,094 14,808
Howard Sampson........... __ __ 28,555 157,057 __ __
Steven P. Richieri....... __ __ 218,387 63,610 110,046 1,372
Steven W. Brostoff....... __ __ 245,592 183,801 68,058 __
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1) Calculated on the basis of the fair market value of the underlying
securities at December 31, 1999, the fiscal year end ($4.3438 per
share), minus the exercise price.
11
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS
OVERVIEW AND PHILOSOPHY
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the
"Committee") is composed entirely of outside directors and is responsible for
developing and making recommendations with respect to the Company's executive
compensation policies and practices, including the establishment of the
annual total compensation for the chief executive officer ("CEO") and all
executive officers. The Committee has available to it an outside compensation
consultant and access to independent compensation data. The consultant
provides input to assure compensation is consistent with market conditions.
The Company has a history of using a traditional total compensation
program that consists of cash and equity-based compensation. The Committee
has developed a compensation policy which allows the Company to attract and
retain key employees, enhance stockholder value, motivate technological
innovation, foster teamwork and adequately reward employees. In developing
this policy, the Committee has concluded that it is not appropriate to base a
significant percentage of the compensation payable to the executive officers
upon traditional financial targets, such as profit levels and return on
equity. This is primarily because the Company's products are still in either
development or clinical testing phases, and the Company has not yet realized
any significant revenues or product sales. The Committee has based its
decisions upon the following three principal compensation elements:
Base salary levels which are commensurate with those of comparable
positions at other biotechnology companies given the level of seniority and
skills possessed by the executive officer and which reflects the individual's
performance with the Company over time.
Annual bonuses tied to the achievement of corporate and individual
performance objectives and the Company's stock performance.
Long-term stock-based incentive awards intended to strengthen the
mutuality of interests between the executive officers and the Company's
stockholders.
EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION PROGRAM COMPONENTS
The Committee reviews the Company's compensation program to ensure
that salary levels and incentive opportunities are competitive and reflect
the performance of the Company. The Company's compensation program for
executive officers consists of base salary, annual cash incentive
compensation and long-term compensation in the form of stock options. In
addition, certain executive officers may also be provided supplemental
long-term disability insurance and life insurance.
BASE SALARY
The Company has established salary ranges for employees by reviewing
the aggregate of base salary and annual bonus for competitive positions in
the market in the biotechnology industry at a similar stage of product
development comparable to the Company and at other companies which compete
with the Company for executive talent. Base salary levels for 1999 for the
Company's executive officers were based on the concept of pay for
performance. Extensive salary survey data is available on the industry (for
example, the annual "Biotechnology Compensation and Benefits Survey"
conducted by Radford Associates and other surveys depicting regional
compensation information) and is utilized by the Committee in establishing
annual base salaries. Generally, the Company sets its competitive salary for
an executive officer position at the median level compared to those companies
surveyed. The Company then creates a salary range based on this level. The
range is designed to place an executive officer above or below the median
level of the companies surveyed, according to that officer's overall
experience and individual performance, corporate performance and progress in
the immediately-preceding year, specific issues which are relevant to the
Company and general economic conditions. Overall individual performance is
measured against short-term business goals, long-term strategic goals,
development of employees and the
12
<PAGE>
fostering of teamwork and other Company values. The base salary of the CEO and
all other executive officers is reviewed annually.
ANNUAL INCENTIVE COMPENSATION
Annual cash bonus payments are discretionary. Bonus payments, if
any, to executive officers are based on two principal factors: corporate
performance as compared to the Company's annual goals and objectives and
individual performance relative to corporate performance and individual goals
and objectives. For 1999, bonus payments were generally in recognition of the
satisfaction of several significant corporate objectives during 1998,
including: the expansion of the Company's patent portfolio; initiation of a
key collaboration with Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for the development and
commercialization of REMUNE; the initiation and continuation of multiple
clinical trials; and the receipt of additional financial resources for the
Company through a private placement.
The achievement of corporate goals by executive officers is
evaluated by the CEO, the results of which are submitted to the Committee for
review and approval. Bonus payments for the CEO are evaluated and approved by
the Committee after its review of the CEO's achievement of corporate goals.
Total base salary and any bonus payments are compared to "total
compensation" as reported by the previously noted industry surveys. Such
total compensation for the executive officers of the Company is consistent
with the averages of such data.
STOCK OPTION PROGRAM
To conserve its cash resources and to align the interests of the
executive officers with the stockholders, the Company places special emphasis
on equity-based incentives to attract, retain and motivate executive officers
as well as all other employees. Under the Company's stock option plan,
options are granted at the fair market value on the date of grant, generally
vest over a four year period and have a term of ten years. Grants are made to
all employees annually and are based on salary level and position. All
employees, including executive officers, are eligible for subsequent,
discretionary grants which are generally based on either individual or
corporate performance. It is the Committee's intent that the best interests
of stockholders and executives will be closely aligned and provide each
executive officer with a significant incentive to manage the Company from the
perspective of an owner with an equity stake in the business. Based on
external surveys, mentioned previously, the amount of option grants to each
executive officer in 1999 remains competitive to similar positions in the
biotechnology industry.
DISCUSSION OF 1999 COMPENSATION FOR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Dr. Dennis J. Carlo is the Company's President and Chief Executive
Officer. During 1999, Dr. Carlo's base salary of $338,600 was based on
individual and corporate performance and was consistent with the updated
industry data for base salaries of CEOs at biopharmacuetical companies at a
development stage comparable to the Company's. This salary reflects a 10%
reduction effected June 1999 as part of a company-wide effort to reduce
spending. Also, all other officers and vice presidents of the Company took a
10% salary reduction effected in June 1999. Dr. Carlo's bonus and future
salary increases, if any, will be based upon successful completion of
corporate goals, including the advancement of clinical trials, the
recruitment of business and scientific collaborations and the successful
commercial market introduction of products under development. Dr. Carlo's
annual compensation is calculated to be commensurate with the average
salaries paid by other companies in the biotechnology industry which are
within the survey information available.
In recognition of the satisfaction of several significant corporate
objectives during 1998, Dr. Carlo received a stock option grant for 60,000
shares of common stock priced at the fair market value on the date of grant
with a four-year vesting period. In addition, due to the above-mentioned
salary reduction, Dr. Carlo received a stock option grant for 9,598 shares of
common stock priced at the fair market value on the date of grant with a
one-year vesting period.
13
<PAGE>
Although all objectives for the Company were not met in 1999, and
recognizing the Company's share price remained volatile, the Committee
believes that Dr. Carlo made a significant contribution in 1999 in
establishing a sound base for enhancing stockholder value through his
skillful business efforts. The Committee recognizes that the Company's
operations resulted in a net loss and expects that losses will continue until
one or more of the disease treatments under development is commercialized.
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code was enacted in 1993 and
became effective in 1994. Section 162(m) disallows the deductibility by the
Company of any compensation over $1 million per year paid to each of the
chief executive officer and the four other most highly compensated executive
officers, unless certain criteria are satisfied. In 1994, the Board of
Director approved the amendment of the Company's 1989 Stock Plan to, among
other things, qualify for exemption from the $1 million limit on deductions
under Section 162(m) with respect to option grants under the 1989 Stock Plan.
This Compensation Committee Report shall not be deemed incorporated
by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this proxy
statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent the Company
specifically incorporates this report by reference, and shall not otherwise
be deemed filed under such Acts.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kevin B. Kimberlin
Melvin Perelman
William M. Sullivan
14
<PAGE>
STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph illustrates a comparison of the cumulative total
stockholder return (change in stock price plus reinvested dividends) of the
Company's Common Stock with the Center for Research in Securities Prices
("CRSP") Total Return Index for The Nasdaq National Market (U.S. and Foreign)
(the "Nasdaq Composite Index") and the CRSP Total Return Index for Nasdaq
Pharmaceutical Stocks (the "Nasdaq Pharmaceutical Index")1 over a five-year
period. The comparisons in the graph are required by the Securities and
Exchange Commission and are not intended to forecast or be indicative of
possible future performance of the Company's Common Stock.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
12/30/94 12/29/95 12/31/96 12/31/97 12/31/98 12/31/99
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
The Immune Response Corporation $100.00 $92.67 $137.50 $185.50 $181.33 $72.33
Nasdaq Composite 100.00 140.36 171.84 209.84 290.12 534.66
Nasdaq Pharmaceutical 100.00 183.41 183.98 189.97 241.95 450.28
</TABLE>
Assumes a $100 investment on December 30, 1994 and subsequent
reinvestment of dividends in each of the Company's Common Stock, the securities
comprising the Nasdaq Composite Index, and the securities comprising the Nasdaq
Pharmaceutical Index.
- --------
1 The Nasdaq Pharmaceutical Index includes all companies on Nasdaq within SIC
code 283. A copy of the list of companies which comprise the Nasdaq
Pharmaceutical Index may be obtained upon request by contacting The Immune
Response Corporation, Investor Relations, 5935 Darwin Court, Carlsbad,
California 92008 (760) 431-7080.
15
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL 2
RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board of
Directors has appointed the firm of Arthur Andersen LLP as the Company's
independent auditors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, subject to
ratification by the stockholders. Representatives of Arthur Andersen LLP are
expected to be present at the Company's Annual Meeting. They will have an
opportunity to make a statement, if they desire to do so, and will be
available to respond to appropriate questions.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 2.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Proposals of stockholders submitted pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and
intended to be presented for consideration at the Company's 2001 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders must be received by the Company not later than
December 24, 2000 in order to be considered for inclusion in the Company's
proxy materials for that meeting.
The Company's bylaws also establish an advance notice procedure with
respect to certain stockholder proposals. If a stockholder wishes to have a
stockholder proposal considered at the Company's next annual meeting, the
stockholder must give timely notice of the proposal in writing to the
Secretary of the Company. To be timely, a stockholder's notice of the
proposal must be delivered to, or mailed and received at the executive
offices of the Company not less than 50 days nor more than 75 days prior to
the proposed date of the annual meeting of 2001; provided, however, that if
less than 65 days notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the annual
meeting is given or made to stockholders, notice of the proposal to be timely
must be received no later than the 15th day following the day on which such
notice of the date of the annual meeting is mailed or public disclosure of
the meeting date is given.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Under Section 16(a) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, the Company's directors, executive officers and any persons
holding more than 10% of the Company's Common Stock are required to report
their initial ownership of the Company's Common Stock and any subsequent
changes in that ownership to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Specific
due dates for these reports have been established and the Company is required
to identify in this Proxy Statement those persons who failed to timely file
these reports. All of the filing requirements were satisfied in 1999, with
the exception of Dr. Carlo who failed to timely file one Form 4 in January
1999. In making this disclosure, the Company has relied solely on written
representations of its directors and executive officers and copies of the
reports that have been filed with the Commission.
16
<PAGE>
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors knows of no other business that will be
presented at the Annual Meeting. If any other business is properly brought
before the Annual Meeting, it is intended that proxies in the enclosed form
will be voted in accordance with the judgment of the persons voting the
proxies.
Whether you intend to be present at the Annual Meeting or not, we
urge you to return your signed proxy promptly.
By order of the Board of Directors.
Howard Sampson
VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, SECRETARY AND TREASURER
17
<PAGE>
THE IMMUNE RESPONSE CORPORATION
PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOR ANNUAL MEETING ON MAY 25, 2000
Dennis J. Carlo and Howard Sampson, or each of them, each with the
power of substitution, are hereby authorized to represent as proxies and vote
all shares of stock of The Immune Response Corporation (the "Company") the
undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the
Company to be held at 5935 Darwin Court, Carlsbad, California on May 25, 2000
at 9:00 a.m. or at any postponement or adjournment thereof, and instructs
said proxies to vote as follows:
Shares represented by this proxy will be voted as directed by the
stockholder. IF NO SUCH DIRECTIONS ARE INDICATED, THE PROXIES WILL HAVE
AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF THE TWO NOMINEES FOR CLASS II DIRECTORS
AND FOR ITEM TWO.
(continued and to be signed on reverse side)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- FOLD AND DETACH HERE -
<PAGE>
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF THE TWO NOMINEES
FOR CLASS II DIRECTOR AND FOR ITEM TWO:
Please mark
your votes /X/
indicated in
this example
FOR WITHHOLD
all nominees listed AUTHORITY
below (except as to vote for all
marked to the contrary) nominees listed below FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS 2. To ratify the appointment of Arthur
Andersen LLP as the Company's
independent auditors:
Nominees: Melvin Perelman, Ph.D.
William M. Sullivan
(INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for
any individual nominee, write that nominee's name
in the space provided below.)
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND
MAIL THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY,
USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
Signature(s) Dated: _________, 2000
Please sign exactly as your name or name(s) appear on this proxy. When signing
as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full
title as such. If shares are held jointly, each holder should sign.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- FOLD AND DETACH HERE -
