<PAGE> 1
FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 424(b)(3)
REGISTRATION FILE NO. 333-72261
2,900,000 SHARES
NEOPATH, INC.
COMMON STOCK
---------------------
Certain shareholders of NeoPath may offer for sale up to 2,900,000 shares of
common stock at various times at market prices prevailing at the time of sale or
at privately negotiated prices.
NeoPath will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares by the selling
shareholders.
The common stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "NPTH."
On September 1, 1999, the last reported sales price of the common stock on
Nasdaq was $3.3125 per share.
INVESTING IN THE COMMON STOCK INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK. SEE "RISK FACTORS"
BEGINNING ON PAGE 2.
---------------------
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
---------------------
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS SEPTEMBER 3, 1999
<PAGE> 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ABOUT NEOPATH................................................................................... 1
AGREEMENT TO MERGE WITH AUTOCYTE................................................................ 1
RISK FACTORS.................................................................................... 2
OTHER RECENT EVENTS............................................................................. 11
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION..................................................................... 12
HOW TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION.................................................................. 12
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS............................................................................ 14
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION............................................................................ 15
VALIDITY OF COMMON STOCK........................................................................ 16
EXPERTS......................................................................................... 16
</TABLE>
-i-
<PAGE> 3
ABOUT NEOPATH
NeoPath develops and markets visual intelligence technology to increase
accuracy in medical testing. NeoPath's initial products include two automated
screening systems that integrate proprietary high-speed morphology computers,
video imaging technology and sophisticated image interpretation software to
capture and analyze thousands of microscopic images from a Pap smear slide for
the early detection of cervical cancer.
The FDA approved our AutoPap(R) 300 QC Automatic Pap Screener System in
1995. The AutoPap QC is a rescreening device used for quality control and
rescreening of previously screened Pap smear slides. Clinical studies have shown
that the AutoPap QC detects a significantly higher proportion of undetected
abnormal slides than procedures typically employed by clinical laboratories to
meet federal rescreening requirements. These studies were performed by
independent laboratories, and NeoPath funded the studies to support FDA claims.
The FDA approved our AutoPap(R) Primary Screening System in May 1998.
The AutoPap Primary Screener uses the same hardware components as the AutoPap
QC, but uses enhanced software to perform the initial screening of Pap smear
slides and to classify up to 25% of such slides as requiring no further review.
NeoPath also has funded clinical studies of the effectiveness of the AutoPap
Screener by independent laboratories. These clinical studies have shown that the
AutoPap Primary Screener provides superior sensitivity and specificity when
compared to existing laboratory practice. Currently it is the only instrument
approved by the FDA that allows Pap smear slides to bypass human review. We
believe that this feature of the AutoPap Primary Screener provides customers
with an economic incentive to adopt the technology. The AutoPap Screener
provides customers with the functionality of both the AutoPap QC as well as a
primary screening system; therefore, we are focusing our sales efforts on the
AutoPap Screener.
The AutoPap System refers to the AutoPap Primary Screener and the
AutoPap QC together.
AGREEMENT TO MERGE WITH AUTOCYTE
On June 4, 1999, NeoPath and AutoCyte agreed to a merger in which a
wholly owned subsidiary of AutoCyte will merge with NeoPath, and NeoPath will
become a wholly owned subsidiary of AutoCyte.
On the effective date of the merger, each issued and outstanding share
of NeoPath common stock will automatically convert into the right to receive
0.7903 shares of AutoCyte common stock. AutoCyte will pay cash in lieu of
issuing fractional shares of AutoCyte common stock. Outstanding employee and
director options and certain warrants to purchase shares of NeoPath common stock
will be converted to AutoCyte options and warrants at the same exchange ratio.
We expect the merger to be a tax-free reorganization and to be accounted for as
a pooling of interests. The parties may terminate the merger agreement in
certain circumstances.
The shares of our stock that you purchase in this offering will be a
part of the merger with AutoCyte if it is completed. NeoPath and AutoCyte must
still satisfy important conditions before the merger can be completed. In
particular, shareholders of both companies will need to vote to approve the
transaction. We cannot guarantee that the merger will be completed, and
therefore you may not receive shares of AutoCyte common stock. If the merger is
not completed, you will continue to hold any shares of NeoPath common stock you
purchase in the offering.
We plan to hold a special meeting of shareholders before the end of
October 1999 for a vote on the proposed merger. Shareholders of record on
September 8, 1999 will be entitled to vote at that meeting. You will not be
able to vote the shares you may acquire in this offering if you purchase them
after September 8,1999.
-1-
<PAGE> 4
RISK FACTORS
IF AUTOCYTE'S STOCK PRICE DECLINES, THE VALUE OF THE MERGER CONSIDERATION TO
NEOPATH'S SHAREHOLDERS WILL DECLINE.
Under the merger agreement, each share of our common stock will be
converted into the right to receive 0.7903 shares of AutoCyte common stock. This
exchange ratio is a fixed number and will not be adjusted in the event of any
increase or decrease in the price of AutoCyte common stock or our common stock.
The prices of AutoCyte common stock and our common stock at the closing of the
merger may vary from their respective prices on the date of this prospectus.
These prices may vary because of changes in the business, operations or
prospects of NeoPath or AutoCyte, market assessments of the likelihood that the
merger will be completed, the timing of the completion of the merger, the
prospects of post-merger operations, general market and economic conditions and
other factors. We urge prospective purchasers to obtain current market
quotations for NeoPath common stock and AutoCyte common stock.
AUTOCYTEFACES RISKS THAT MAY CAUSE THE VALUE OF THE AUTOCYTE SHARES YOU MAY
RECEIVE IN THE MERGER TO DECLINE.
Upon completion of the merger with AutoCyte, our shareholders, including
you if you purchase NeoPath common stock in this offering, will become AutoCyte
shareholders. Alternatively, if the merger is not completed, you will continue
to own shares of NeoPath common stock that you purchase in this offering.
AutoCyte's business differs from our business and AutoCyte's results of
operations, as well as the price of AutoCyte's common stock, may be affected by
the following factors, which are different from those that would affect our
results of operations and the price of our common stock:
o AutoCyte is a young company and has not yet generated any
significant revenue through the sale of its products. AutoCyte
may never generate any significant revenue from the sale of its
products.
o AutoCyte has yet to obtain FDA approval for one of its two
principal products. It may not be able to obtain necessary
approvals and, therefore, may be unable to successfully market
and sell its products.
o AutoCyte's long-term success depends on market acceptance of its
principal products as an alternative to conventional pap smears.
It may never achieve this market acceptance.
o AutoCyte plans to manufacture its products, but has limited
manufacturing experience and capacity.
The effects of any of these risks may cause the value of the AutoCyte shares
that NeoPath shareholders may receive in the merger to decline. For a discussion
of AutoCyte's businesses and certain factors to consider in connection with
these businesses, see AutoCyte's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1998, as amended, which has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1998. A discussion of additional factors that may affect our
business is set forth below.
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS FORWARD-LOOKING, AND OUR ACTUAL RESULTS
MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM OUR PREDICTIONS.
This prospectus and the documents we incorporate by reference contain
forward-looking
-2-
<PAGE> 5
statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The statements in this
prospectus that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements. Words
such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks,"
estimates," and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. But the
absence of these words does not mean the statement is not forward-looking. We
cannot guarantee these statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties and
assumptions that are difficult to predict. Our actual results may differ
materially from those we forecast in forward-looking statements due to a variety
of factors, including those set forth in the following risk factors, elsewhere
in this prospectus and in the documents we have incorporated by reference. We
will not update any forward-looking statements due to new information, future
events or otherwise. Before investing in the common stock, you should consider
carefully the following factors, as well as the information contained in the
rest of this prospectus and in the documents we incorporate by reference.
WE HAVE INCURRED SUBSTANTIAL LOSSES SINCE WE BEGAN DOING BUSINESS, AND WE EXPECT
THAT WE WILL CONTINUE TO INCUR LOSSES.
As of June 30, 1999, our accumulated deficit was $122.4 million. We
first began recognizing product revenue in 1996. For 1996, 1997, 1998 and the
first six months of 1999, we incurred cumulative losses of $76.1 million on
revenues of $30.9 million. Our net losses have increased each year since we
began recognizing revenue. We expect continued losses in 1999 as we market the
AutoPap Primary Screener primarily under a fee-per-use strategy in the United
States, continue product development initiatives and perform additional clinical
studies. We cannot guarantee that our business will ever become profitable.
WE MAY BE UNABLE TO OBTAIN THE ADDITIONAL CAPITAL WE NEED TO FUND OUR
OPERATIONS.
We expect negative cash flow from operations to continue at least
through 1999. At June 30, 1999, NeoPath had approximately $9.9 million in cash
and securities available for sale; however, we may require additional funds to
produce AutoPap Systems for our fee-per-use program and cover continuing losses.
We may be unable to obtain adequate funds, whether obtained through financial
markets or from collaborative or other arrangements with corporate partners or
other sources, when we need them, or we may be unable to find adequate funding
on favorable terms, if at all. We intend to seek additional funding through
private debt financing to provide additional resources to support AutoPap
Primary Screener production, but we may be unable to do so. To date, we have had
discussions with various potential lenders. A lender's collateral would be based
primarily on AutoPap Systems placed on multi-year fee-per-use contracts.
SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories is our largest customer; therefore, the
February 1999 announcement that Quest Diagnostics Incorporated agreed to
purchase SmithKline may delay our ability to obtain debt financing.
We estimate that our existing cash and cash equivalents will meet our
capital requirements through 1999. In the year 2000, we believe our cash
requirement will depend primarily on the placement rate and pricing of
fee-per-use AutoPap Screeners in the United States and outright sales of AutoPap
Screeners in international markets. Fee-per-use placements require us to invest
in initial manufacturing costs to achieve long-term return through monthly
customer payments, whereas AutoPap sales result in cash collection of the full
purchase price under standard payment terms. We cannot guarantee that the
assumptions underlying our estimates will prove to be accurate.
OUR FUTURE FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS MAY DILUTE THE INTERESTS OF OUR SHAREHOLDERS
OR MAY REQUIRE US TO RELINQUISH IMPORTANT RIGHTS.
If we raise additional funds by issuing equity securities, existing
shareholders will suffer dilution of their interest in NeoPath. In addition, if
we obtain additional funds through arrangements with collaborative partners, we
may have to relinquish rights to certain of our technologies or potential
products that we would otherwise seek to develop or commercialize ourselves.
-3-
<PAGE> 6
OUR PRODUCTS MAY NOT ACHIEVE MARKET ACCEPTANCE AND WITHOUT MARKET ACCEPTANCE OUR
REVENUES AND BUSINESS PROSPECTS WILL BE EXTREMELY LIMITED.
Our products may never be commercially successful. NeoPath's growth
depends on market acceptance of the AutoPap Primary Screener by clinical
laboratories, healthcare providers, third-party healthcare payers and patients.
Our success also depends on customers' acceptance of our fee-per-use and sale
programs. Even if our products gain market acceptance, the availability of
reimbursement from third-party healthcare payers such as government and private
insurance plans may limit our revenues.
OUR SALES ARE CONCENTRATED AMONG A RELATIVELY SMALL NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS, AND AS
CONSOLIDATION CONTINUES IN THE LABORATORY INDUSTRY, THE NUMBER OF
POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS WILL DECREASE.
A significant proportion of our sales is concentrated among a relatively
small number of customers, and this likely will be true for the foreseeable
future. For the year ended December 31, 1998, 18% of our revenues was from
SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories in the United States, and 10% of our
revenues was from Chang's Instrument Company Limited in Taiwan. For the six
months ended June 30, 1999, 44% of our revenues was from SmithKline, 17% of our
revenues was from Unilab Corporation and we had no revenues from Chang's. The
loss of SmithKline and Unilab would be materially detrimental to our business.
Moreover, due to consolidation in the clinical laboratory industry, we
expect that the number of potential domestic customers for our products will
decrease. These factors increase our dependence on sales to the largest clinical
laboratories and the bargaining power of those potential customers. Our market
research indicates that over 35% of all U.S. Pap smears are screened by the
three largest laboratories, including SmithKline, Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
and Laboratory Corporation of America. Each of these companies operates multiple
laboratory facilities nationwide.
In February 1999, SmithKline and Quest announced that Quest had agreed
to purchase SmithKline. The combined entity would be the largest clinical
laboratory company in the world. NeoPath's national agreement with SmithKline is
binding on successor organizations, and we believe that the AutoPap Primary
Screeners installed under the SmithKline agreement will continue to generate
revenues in accordance with the underlying agreement. However, additional
AutoPap Primary Screener orders have been delayed as the two laboratories work
through their combined business issues. Future negotiations with SmithKline and
Quest could result in changes to the overall pricing and placement rate under
the existing SmithKline agreement.
IF THIRD-PARTY HEALTH CARE PAYERS RESTRICT REIMBURSEMENT FOR USE OF AUTOPAP
PRODUCTS, THE MARKET FOR OUR PRODUCTS MAY BECOME EXTREMELY LIMITED.
Third-party healthcare payers in the United States are increasingly
sensitive to containing healthcare costs and heavily scrutinize new technology
as a primary factor in increased healthcare costs. Third-party payers may
influence the pricing or perceived attractiveness of our products and services
by regulating the maximum amount of reimbursement they provide or by not
providing any reimbursement. Medical community or third-party healthcare payers
may delay acceptance of an automated Pap smear screening or rescreening system
that replaces or supplements current laboratory Pap smear review practices.
Virtually all of our revenues are dependent on customers who rely on
third party reimbursement. Restrictions on reimbursement may limit the price we
can charge for AutoPap System screening or reduce the demand for AutoPap System
screening. If these payers do not reimburse for the AutoPap System screening, or
provide reimbursement significantly below the amount laboratories charge
patients to perform AutoPap System screening, our product will be less
attractive to our customers and potential customers and potential market and
revenues will be significantly reduced. AutoPap System screening may never
become widely reimbursed, and
-4-
<PAGE> 7
AutoPap reimbursement may not be sufficient to permit us to generate substantial
revenue. Future healthcare legislation or other changes in the administration or
interpretation of government healthcare or third-party reimbursement programs
may also adversely affect our business. Third-party reimbursement also may not
be available for the AutoPap System under foreign reimbursement systems.
IF WE CANNOT OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN REGULATORY CLEARANCE FOR OUR PRODUCTS WE MAY BE
UNABLE TO SELL ANY OF OUR CURRENT AND FUTURE PRODUCTS IN SOME
JURISDICTIONS.
The U.S. government extensively regulates the manufacture and sale of
medical diagnostic devices for commercial use. Government agencies in certain
other countries impose similar requirements. The AutoPap Primary Screener and
AutoPap QC have been cleared for commercialization in the United States and in
Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Italy, Hong Kong, Korea,
and Taiwan.
Governmental regulatory agencies in the United States or elsewhere may
not approve future commercial enhancements to the AutoPap System on a timely
basis, if at all. Even if these agencies clear the enhanced products for sale,
they may not confer the clinical indications we request, or the approval may
contain significant limitations, such as warnings, precautions or
contraindications, requests for postmarket studies, or additional regulatory
requirements. Our regulatory applications may be delayed or rejected based on
changes in regulatory policies or regulations. Regardless of regulatory
approvals, customers may continue to have concerns about the safety and efficacy
of our products. Although the FDA has inspected our manufacturing operations for
compliance with FDA quality systems regulations, we remain subject to ongoing
FDA quality systems regulation and inspection.
OUR LIMITED MARKETING, SALES AND SERVICE EXPERIENCE MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO
GENERATE AND MAINTAIN FUTURE SALES OF OUR PRODUCTS.
We market, sell, service, and support the AutoPap System through a
direct sales force in North America and through independent foreign
distributors. We have limited marketing, sales and service experience, and may
find it difficult to recruit and retain skilled sales, marketing, service or
support personnel or foreign distributors. Our marketing and sales efforts may
not be successful. We provide competitive compensation and benefits, including
stock options, and a professional, challenging environment to retain key
personnel.
WE FACE RISKS INHERENT IN INTERNATIONAL TRANSACTIONS THAT COULD SERIOUSLY
DIMINISH OUR INTERNATIONAL SALES.
We rely primarily on third-party distributors to place AutoPap Systems
internationally, and we may encounter difficulties in our dealings with foreign
distributors. International transactions pose a number of risks, including
uncertain sales and collections due to political and economic instability. Any
of these factors may significantly diminish our international sales.
BECAUSE WE HAVE A SOLE OR LIMITED SOURCE OF SUPPLY FOR MANY OF OUR PRODUCT
COMPONENTS, DISRUPTIONS WITH THESE SUPPLIERS COULD SERIOUSLY IMPEDE OUR
OPERATIONS.
We purchase all components for the AutoPap System from outside vendors.
A major component of the AutoPap System, the slide tray motion system, is
supplied by a sole-source vendor, Applied Precision, Inc. In addition, AutoPap
System optics are purchased sole-source from Nikon Corporation, and video
cameras are purchased sole-source from Sony Electronics, Inc. Certain other
components are currently purchased from single-source vendors. Components
provided by additional or replacement suppliers would require some modification
to be used in the AutoPap System. We would be unable to quickly establish
additional or replacement sources of supply for many AutoPap System components.
In addition, we may need to obtain regulatory approval to substitute certain
components. We cannot be sure of obtaining the necessary approvals. If one of
our vendors
-5-
<PAGE> 8
becomes unable to supply acceptable components in a timely manner and in the
quantity required we may need to delay or halt our manufacturing process. Any
delay or cessation of manufacturing could adversely affect our business.
WE MAY BE UNABLE TO ATTAIN OR MAINTAIN REQUIRED COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS
GOVERNING MANUFACTURING OF MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC DEVICES, AND OUR FAILURE
TO DO SO COULD PREVENT US FROM SELLING OUR PRODUCTS.
Manufacturers of medical diagnostic devices face strict federal
regulations regarding the quality of manufacturing. For example, the FDA
periodically inspects the manufacturing facilities of diagnostic device
manufacturers to determine compliance with regulations. Our current and future
manufacturing and design operations must comply with these and all other
applicable regulations, including regulations imposed by other governments. If
we fail to comply with quality systems regulations we could face civil or
criminal penalties or enforcement proceedings. These proceedings may require us
to recall a product or to stop placing our products in service or selling our
products. Similar results could occur if we violate foreign regulations. We may
not be able to attain or maintain compliance with quality systems requirements.
Any failure to comply with the applicable manufacturing regulations would have a
material adverse effect on our business.
DIRECT COMPETITORS MAY DEVELOP AND MARKET TECHNOLOGIES THAT COMPETE WITH THE
AUTOPAP SYSTEM, AND THESE PRODUCTS MAY REDUCE THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF OUR
PRODUCTS OR RENDER OUR PRODUCTS OBSOLETE.
Competition in the medical device industry is intense. Our competitors
may develop new technologies and products that prove to be more effective than
the AutoPap System in important ways. Furthermore, other companies may purchase
or develop technologies that compete with the AutoPap System or render it
obsolete. These competitors may manufacture, market and sell their products or
services more successfully than us, which could adversely affect our product
sales.
We believe that the AutoPap System must remain competitive in accuracy
and effectiveness, cost, including both charges by us to the laboratory and the
laboratory's labor and overhead costs, convenience, perception among influential
cytopathologists and laboratories, and processing speed and reliability. The
AutoPap System competes with existing manual methods of screening Pap smears and
with semi-automated systems. To effectively compete, we must keep pace with the
rapid product development and technological change in our industry. The AutoPap
System must demonstrate accuracy and cost effectiveness that equals or exceeds
manual review of Pap smears and the technology that may be offered by our
competitors. We cannot guarantee that the AutoPap System will be competitive in
any of these areas.
We are aware of two potential direct competitors:
o AutoCyte, Inc., which is developing a semi-automated system to
prepare and analyze liquid-based Pap smears, a potential
alternative to conventional Pap smears; and
o Morphometrix Technologies Inc., which is developing an automated
system to analyze liquid-based Pap smears
Neuromedical Systems, Inc., had obtained regulatory approval for a
semi-automated system that rescreens conventional Pap smears and was developing
a semi-automated primary screener. On March 26, 1999, Neuromedical announced
that it had filed a voluntary Chapter 11 petition for bankruptcy.
-6-
<PAGE> 9
OUR PRODUCTS MAY NOT BE INITIALLY COMPATIBLE WITH OTHER TECHNOLOGIES ADOPTED BY
OUR POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS, WHICH WOULD IMPEDE OUR SALES.
We face indirect competition from companies that manufacture
liquid-based or monolayer slide preparation systems and devices that automate
various aspects of cytology. On June 18, 1999, AutoCyte announced that it had
received FDA approval for its PREP System, which is a liquid-based preparation
system. In addition, Cytyc Corporation is approved to market its ThinPrep System
that prepares slides for cervical cancer screening using a liquid-based sampling
and preparation technique as a replacement for the conventional Pap smear
method. Because the AutoPap System is not currently approved to process
AutoCyte's PREP or Cytyc's ThinPrep Pap smear, laboratories that choose to use
PREP or ThinPrep are not currently able to fully adopt the AutoPap System.
WE FACE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ACQUISITIONS AND MERGERS.
We may not be successful in integrating the technology rights or
operations from acquisitions and mergers, including NeoPath's pending merger
with AutoCyte. In June 1997, NeoPath acquired the Pathfinder System product
line, for which the resulting intangible assets were written off in the fourth
quarter of 1998. On April 26, 1999, NeoPath and AutoCyte announced an agreement
whereby NeoPath may acquire an undivided interest in the intellectual property
estate of Neuromedical that AutoCyte had agreed to acquire. We have limited
experience with completing and integrating acquisitions. Our business may
include growth by acquisition.
The AutoCyte transaction and future acquisitions present many risks and
uncertainties generally associated with acquisitions: For example, acquisitions
may divert management's attention from day-to-day operations or disrupt our
ongoing business and operations. This could, among other things, impair our
reputation and our relationships with customers and employees and potentially
cause the loss of our own key employees and customers or those of an acquired
company. Acquisitions may have a negative impact on earnings, as a result of
large one-time write-offs or amortization expenses related to goodwill and other
intangible assets. Acquisitions may require us to issue of equity securities
that may dilute your interest in our company, or cause us to take on additional
debt. We have not yet demonstrated our ability to meet these challenges.
OUR SUCCESS DEPENDS ON A SINGLE PRODUCT LINE, WHICH MAY NEVER BE A COMMERCIAL
SUCCESS.
To date, we have concentrated on development of the AutoPap System. We
have performed only limited research on other applications of our core
technology. Accordingly, our success will depend primarily on the successful
development and marketing of the AutoPap System to generate revenues. The
AutoPap System may never be a commercial success.
FUTURE PRODUCT LIABILITY CLAIMS MAY STRAIN OUR FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND HARM OUR
BUSINESS REPUTATION.
The commercial screening of Pap smears has generated significant
malpractice litigation. As a result, we face product liability, errors and
omissions or other claims if our products are alleged to have caused a
false-negative diagnosis. Although we have product liability insurance, it will
become increasingly difficult for us to obtain and maintain reasonable product
liability coverage. Our current product liability coverage is limited to $25
million. Substantial increases in insurance premium costs often make coverage
economically impractical. We may not be able to obtain adequate product
liability insurance at a reasonable cost. Thus, product liability claims may
strain our financial resources and harm our business reputation.
-7-
<PAGE> 10
OUR PATENTS, TRADE SECRETS AND CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS MAY NOT ADEQUATELY
PROTECT OUR PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGY, RIGHTS AND KNOW-HOW, WHICH MAY
REDUCE THE VALUE OF THE TECHNOLOGIES UPON WHICH OUR BUSINESS DEPENDS.
We rely on a combination of patents, trade secrets and confidentiality
agreements to protect our proprietary technology, rights and know-how. We hold 7
foreign patents, 58 U.S. patents (issued or allowed), and have 22 additional
U.S. patents pending. NeoPath's patents expire in 2012-2018. Pending patent
applications may not ultimately issue as patents or, if patents do issue, may
not be sufficiently broad to protect our proprietary rights. Competitors may
challenge or circumvent our patents or pending applications. Our patents may
never provide us with any competitive advantages. We pursue selected
international patents only in key markets. In certain foreign countries,
protection of our patent and other intellectual property may be unavailable or
very limited. Given our focused strategy internationally, we have not
experienced significant inability to obtain sought-after intellectual property.
However, such protection may be unavailable or very limited in future markets
that we have not yet targeted. Our confidentiality agreements with employees and
other parties may not protect the confidentiality of our trade secrets and
proprietary information or provide meaningful protection for our confidential
information. In addition, our competitors could independently develop our trade
secrets or proprietary information.
THIRD-PARTY CLAIMS OF INFRINGEMENT MAY STRAIN OUR FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND MAY
LIMIT OUR ABILITY TO USE THE TECHNOLOGIES ON WHICH OUR BUSINESS DEPENDS.
Our business is based on highly complex visual intelligence technology.
We may face third party claims of infringement with regard to our products and
technology. Defending these claims may strain our financial resources, and the
resolution of these claims may limit our ability to use the technologies on
which our business depends.
For example, on July 15, 1996, Neuromedical filed a lawsuit against
NeoPath in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New
York. The complaint alleged patent infringement, unfair competition, false
advertising, and related claims and requested monetary damages and injunctive
relief. On September 5, 1996, we filed our answer and counter claims. In May
1998, a judge in the United States District Court for the Southern District of
New York denied Neuromedical's motion for a preliminary injunction against us.
The parties agreed to dismiss their claims and counterclaims on all but the
patent issues, and Neuromedical accordingly served an amended complaint on July
27, 1998 asserting only patent infringement claims. Virtually all of our
domestic revenues, which represented 81% of total revenues in 1998, are derived
from products that incorporate technology covered by this patent. We believe
NeoPath has a strong position in this action, and we will defend against these
claims vigorously. On March 26, 1999, Neuromedical announced that it had filed a
voluntary chapter 11 petition for bankruptcy. On April 6, 1999, the court
removed the case from its active docket pending further developments in
Neuromedical's bankruptcy proceedings.
On March 31, 1997, NeoPath filed a patent infringement lawsuit against
Neuromedical in the United States District Court for the Western District of
Washington. Our complaint alleges patent infringement and seeks permanent
injunctions against Neuromedical. In March and April 1998 this lawsuit was
amended, and NeoPath filed an additional related patent lawsuit against
Neuromedical. Neuromedical filed a motion for summary judgment, which the court
denied in April 1998. In October 1998, Neuromedical filed another motion for
summary judgment that the court denied. By court order on March 30, 1999,
proceedings have been stayed pending resolution of Neuromedical's bankruptcy
proceedings. Furthermore, the court ordered that these cases be removed from the
court's active caseload.
We have entered into an intellectual property acquisition agreement with
AutoCyte that provides that the patent infringement litigation between NeoPath
and Neuromedical will be terminated, but our agreement with
-8-
<PAGE> 11
AutoCyte is subject to several conditions that are beyond our control.
Therefore, we cannot predict the outcome of this patent litigation. An
unfavorable resolution of any of these issues could materially adversely affect
our business. See "Other Recent Events -- Agreement to acquire technology
rights."
INTENSE COMPETITION FOR THE SERVICES OF OUR KEY PERSONNEL COULD CAUSE THEM TO
LEAVE NEOPATH.
We depend heavily on the principal members of our management and
scientific staff. The loss of their services might impede achievement of our
strategic objectives or research and development. Our success depends on our
ability to retain key employees and to attract additional qualified employees.
Competition for highly skilled scientific and management personnel is intense,
particularly in the Western Washington region, where such resources are scarce
relative to the needs of a growing high technology business sector. The failure
to recruit such personnel or the loss of existing personnel could adversely
affect our business. We do not carry key person life insurance on our executives
or other key personnel.
OUR STOCK PRICE HAS BEEN HIGHLY VOLATILE, AND WE EXPECT THIS VOLATILITY TO
CONTINUE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOWER STOCK PRICES FOR EXTENDED PERIODS.
The market price of our common stock has been, and may continue to be,
highly volatile. Our stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market. Since the
beginning of 1998, our stock has traded as high as $18.19 and as low as $3.00
per share. In addition to changes in general market and economic conditions, any
of the factors addressed in this Risk Factors section may significantly
influence the future price of the common stock you purchase in this offering.
The market price of our common stock could fall, and our stock price may remain
low for extended periods.
OUR QUARTERLY RESULTS MAY FLUCTUATE IN FUTURE PERIODS, AND THESE FLUCTUATIONS
MAY CAUSE OUR STOCK PRICE TO DECLINE.
We expect our operating results to fluctuate significantly from quarter
to quarter in the future. These fluctuations may cause our results to be below
analysts' and investors' expectations, causing the market price of our common
stock to decline.
For instance, our revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 1999 consisted
of $2.1 million of fee-per-use and service fees and $0.8 million of AutoPap
product sales. Revenues in the comparable 1998 quarter included $0.9 million of
fee-per-use and service fees, $3.3 million of AutoPap System product sales, and
$0.1 million of Pathfinder product sales. Pathfinder product sales were not
significant in the three months ended June 30, 1999. NeoPath's fee-per-use and
service revenues increased 145 percent from the second quarter of 1998, while
AutoPap product sales decreased 77 percent in the same period. International
revenues accounted for 14 percent of total revenues in the second quarter of
1999, compared to 31 percent in the comparable period in 1998.
The increase in fee-per-use and service revenues in the three-month
period ended June 30, 1999 was attributable to a greater number of AutoPap
Systems processing slides under fee-per-use contracts in 1999 as compared to
1998, as well as improved per-slide pricing in the current year. The decrease in
AutoPap product sales from the prior period was primarily the result of having
fewer international AutoPap System sales in 1999 compared to 1998. In the second
quarter of 1998, our sale transactions included four AutoPap Systems in Taiwan;
this contrasts with one international system sale in the second quarter of 1999.
In addition, we had no domestic AutoPap System sales in the latter period. The
decrease in product sales demonstrates a shift in our operating revenues from
outright AutoPap sales to a mix of outright sales, primarily in international
markets, and fee-per-use contracts for AutoPap placements in the U.S. To date,
our AutoPap System placements have consisted primarily of fee-per-use contracts
in the U.S. and sale contracts internationally. Our international product
placements have fluctuated significantly from period to period and are difficult
to project. We do not believe that our historical
-9-
<PAGE> 12
international product placement patterns reflect operating trends for future
periods. AutoPap product sales may generate significant revenues in future
quarters, but we cannot predict product sale revenues, which may not be
realized. Quarterly net losses have ranged from $8.1 million in the quarter
ended December 31, 1998 to $3.5 million in the quarter ended June 30, 1998.
A number of factors have caused and may continue to cause these
fluctuations. For instance, fee-per-use contracts result in lower short-term
revenues than AutoPap product sales. Total revenues will be lower in quarters in
which there are few or no AutoPap product sales compared to quarters with
greater number of AutoPap product sales. Thus the timing and mix of fee-per-use
and sale revenues may cause substantial fluctuations in our total revenues from
quarter to quarter. Though we expect recurring fee-per-use revenues to grow,
AutoPap product sale patterns may continue to cause significant fluctuations in
revenues. Delays in the timing of medical reimbursement approvals may cause
revenues to decline in particular periods. Similarly, if our competitors
introduce new products we may experience unexpected delays in AutoPap
placements. For any of these reasons, our revenues may fall short of our
projections or analysts' expectations in particular periods.
In addition, our quarterly results may fluctuate significantly due to
the timing of our expenditures. We may need to spend relatively large sums in a
particular quarter to pay for clinical studies and regulatory submissions or to
fund research and development projects. In most cases, these expenditures will
not be immediately offset by increased revenues from the products supported by
these expenditures. Our results in quarters in which we make such expenditures
may not compare favorably to our results in other quarters.
THE YEAR 2000 PROBLEM MAY CAUSE DISRUPTION OF OUR OPERATIONS BECAUSE WE CANNOT
CONTROL COMPLIANCE BY OUR SUPPLIERS AND SUBCONTRACTORS, AND BECAUSE WE
HAVE NO CONTINGENCY PLANS.
We need to modify or replace certain portions of our internal systems
and product software and certain hardware so that those systems will properly
recognize dates beyond December 31, 1999. However, we have identified no
significant Year 2000 issues that cannot be resolved through software or
hardware upgrades that are currently available or expected to be available soon.
We are using our existing internal resources to reprogram or replace
noncompliant internal systems and product hardware and software. However, if
such modifications and replacements are not made, or are not completed in a
timely manner, the Year 2000 issue could result in system errors or failures and
could significantly disrupt Neopath's and its customers' operations.
We have asked our significant suppliers and subcontractors about their
Year 2000 compliance status. To date, we are not aware of any external agent
with Year 2000 problems that would materially affect our results of operations,
liquidity, or capital resources. However, we have no means of ensuring that
these agents will be Year 2000 ready. If our suppliers and subcontractors do not
complete their Year 2000 resolution process in a timely fashion we could face
significant business interruptions that could harm our business. We cannot
accurately predict the effect of non-compliance by external agents.
The Company currently has no contingency plans in place in the event it
does not complete all phases of the Year 2000 program, including the possibility
that its external agents are not Year 2000 ready. If we or others do not make
necessary modifications and conversions, or do not complete them on time, the
Year 2000 Issue could disrupt NeoPath's operations and materially affect its
business, financial condition, and results of operations.
-10-
<PAGE> 13
OTHER RECENT EVENTS
AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE TECHNOLOGY RIGHTS
On March 26, 1999, AutoCyte, Inc. announced an agreement to purchase
certain Neuromedical, Inc. technology, including patent rights, for $4.0 million
in cash and 1.4 million shares of AutoCyte common stock. On April 26, 1999,
NeoPath and AutoCyte announced an agreement whereby NeoPath may acquire an
undivided interest in the intellectual property estate of Neuromedical that
AutoCyte had agreed to acquire. On May 18, 1999, AutoCyte announced that it had
completed its acquisition of the Neuromedical technology. Subject to certain
conditions, NeoPath will pay AutoCyte $2.2 million in cash and issue AutoCyte
1.2 million shares of NeoPath common stock at the later of the transaction
closing date or September 1, 1999. However, we do not anticipate that this
transaction will be concluded if the merger with AutoCyte is completed.
PRIVATE EQUITY TRANSACTION
On February 9, 1999, we completed a $14.5 million private equity
transaction in which we issued 2.9 million shares of common stock to investors
at a price of $5.00 per share. On February 9, 1999, the last reported sale price
of the common stock on Nasdaq was $5.125. We have filed this shelf registration
statement on Form S-3 to allow resale of these shares. We have agreed to use our
best efforts to keep this registration statement effective for two years. The
transaction agreement specified that the purchase price to the investors would
be reduced by 2 percent if this registration statement were not declared
effective within 120 days of the transaction closing. As a result, NeoPath
recognized a liability of $290,000 as of June 30, 1999. In connection with the
financing, we issued to Invemed Associates, Inc., an investment banking firm,
five-year warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock at an exercise
price of $5.89 per share. The proceeds of the private placement have been, and
will be, used to fund our operating cash requirements.
WRITE-OFF OF PATHFINDER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
In the quarter ended December 31, 1998, we wrote off $3.1 million of
intangible assets related to our Pathfinder System product line. The write-off
did not involve any cash expenditure. NeoPath acquired the Pathfinder System
product line from CompuCyte Corporation in June 1997 for a total purchase price
of $4.6 million, including transaction-related expenses. As a result of the
purchase, we recognized $4.3 million in intangible assets that were to be
amortized over five years.
The intangible assets included the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 1997 DECEMBER 1998
INITIAL ALLOCATION WRITE-OFF OF REMAINING
OF PURCHASE PRICE NET BOOK VALUE
------------------ ----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Patents $2,000,000 $1,400,000
Trademark 100,000 70,000
Copyright 200,000 140,000
Non-compete agreement 400,000 280,000
Goodwill 1,609,195 1,194,289
---------- ----------
Total $4,309,195 $3,084,289
========== ==========
</TABLE>
At the time of the acquisition, our financial projections indicated that
PathFinder would generate significant future revenues. We based our initial
PathFinder revenue projections on information available at the time, making
numerous assumptions about likely domestic and international market acceptance
rates, the robustness of the
-11-
<PAGE> 14
PathFinder technology, and the brief selling history recorded by CompuCyte.
Based on these factors, we also expected significant undiscounted positive cash
flows. However, actual revenues and cash flows have been significantly below our
original expectations. PathFinder product sales accounted for 3 percent of total
revenues in 1998, and we no longer offer the PathFinder System.
We noted the following indications of impairment from PathFinder, in the
fourth quarter of 1998:
o continued low revenue levels and operating losses from
PathFinder, despite initiatives to train sales personnel on
PathFinder demonstrations and sales commission incentives;
o a product assessment completed in the fourth quarter of 1998
that demonstrated significant technology changes would be
necessary to make PathFinder commercially viable and acceptable
to a broad base of laboratory customers; and
o sales forecasts prepared in the fourth quarter of 1998 that
predicted continuing product line losses and negative cash
flows.
Using our revised PathFinder sales forecast figures, we prepared a cash
flow analysis and determined that future PathFinder undiscounted cash flows
would likely be negative. In accordance with required accounting practices, we
compared the carrying value of the PathFinder intangible assets to expected
future discounted cash flows applicable to the PathFinder product and, as a
result of the analysis, wrote off the entire $3.1 million remaining balance of
intangible assets.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This prospectus includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Act provides a
"safe harbor" for forward-looking statements to encourage companies to provide
prospective information about themselves so long as they identify these
statement as forward-looking and provide meaningful cautionary statements
identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ from the
projected results. All statements other than statements of historical fact we
make in this Prospectus or in any document incorporated by reference are
forward-looking. In particular, the statements herein regarding industry
prospects and our future results of operations or financial position are
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect our current
expectations and are inherently uncertain. Our actual results may differ
significantly from our expectations. The section entitled "Risk Factors"
describes some, but not all, of the factors that could cause these differences.
HOW TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION
We file reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read any document we file at the
SEC's public reference rooms in Washington, D.C., Chicago, Illinois and New
York, New York. Please call the SEC toll free at 1-800-SEC-0330 for information
about its public reference rooms. You may also read our filings at the SEC's web
site at http://www.sec.gov.
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under
the Securities Act. This prospectus does not contain all of the information in
the registration statement. We have omitted certain parts of the registration
statement, as permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC. You may inspect
and copy the registration statement, including exhibits, at the SEC's public
reference facilities or web site. Our statements in this prospectus about the
contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete. You
should refer to the copy of each contract or other document we have filed as an
exhibit to the registration statement for complete information.
-12-
<PAGE> 15
The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" into this prospectus the
information we file with it. This means that we can disclose important
information to you by referring you to those documents. This information we
incorporate by reference is considered a part of this prospectus, and later
information we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this
information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any
future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until this offering is completed:
1. NeoPath's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1998;
2. NeoPath's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended
March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999;
3. NeoPath's Report on Form 8-K filed June 23, 1999;
4. The description of the common stock in NeoPath's Registration
Statement on Form 8-A effective as of November 30, 1994,
including any amendment or report filed to update the
description; and
5. All other documents filed by NeoPath pursuant to Section 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this
prospectus and prior to the termination of this offering.
You may obtain copies of these documents, without exhibits, free of
charge by contacting NeoPath's corporate secretary at our principal offices,
which are located at 8271 - 154th Avenue NE, Redmond, Washington 98052,
telephone number (425) 869-7284. You may visit our website at www.neopath.com.
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or
provided in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized
anyone else to provide you with different information. The selling shareholders
are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not
permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any
prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the
front of the document.
AutoCyte also files reports, proxy statement and other information with
the Commission. We encourage you to learn more about AutoCyte by reading these
documents. You may read any document AutoCyte files at the SEC's public
reference rooms in Washington, D.C., Chicago, Illinois and New York, New York.
Please call the SEC toll free at 1-800-SEC-0330 for information about its public
reference rooms. You may also read their filings at the SEC's web site at
http://www.sec.gov.
-13-
<PAGE> 16
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
The following table presents information regarding the selling
shareholders and the number of shares they may offer by this prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED
SHARES THAT MAY BE SOLD AFTER OFFERING
-------------------------- -----------------------------
SHARES PERCENTAGE OF
BENEFICIALLY COMMON STOCK PERCENTAGE OF
OWNED PRIOR TO OUTSTANDING COMMON STOCK
NAME OF SHAREHOLDER OFFERING AMOUNT AMOUNT OUTSTANDING
------------------- -------------- ------ ------------- ------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
The Kaufmann Fund, Inc. 2,071,000 1,821,000 10.5% 250,000 1.4%
Capital Research and Management Company
on behalf of SmallCap World Fund, Inc. 1,121,400 500,000 2.9% 621,400 3.6%
The Jenifer Altman Foundation 21,000 7,000 * 14,000 *
Alza Corporation Retirement Plan 21,000 6,000 * 15,000 *
Dean Witter Foundation 21,000 6,000 * 15,000 *
The Ferris Hamilton Family Trust 15,000 5,000 * 10,000 *
John J. & Catherine H. Kayola 4,000 4,000 * -- *
Arthur D. Little Employee Investment Plan 160,000 60,000 * 100,000 *
The Magee/Bernhard LLC 43,000 18,000 * 25,000 *
The Meehan Investment Partnership I, L.P. 16,000 4,000 * 12,000 *
Margaret M. Legacy 21,000 6,000 * 15,000 *
NFIB Employee Pension Trust 32,000 12,000 * 20,000 *
NFIB Corporate Account 28,000 15,000 * 13,000 *
Norwalk Employees' Pension Plan 72,000 12,000 * 60,000 *
Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho 270,000 120,000 * 150,000 *
Roanoke College 26,000 6,000 * 20,000 *
The A & JS Family LLC 27,000 11,000 * 16,000 *
City of Stamford Firemen's Pension Fund 53,000 18,000 * 35,000 *
State of Oregon PERS/ZCG 840,000 240,000 1.4% 600,000 3.5%
Van Loben Sels Foundation 21,000 5,000 * 16,000 *
The A & SW Family LLC 27,700 12,000 * 15,700 *
Wells Family LLC 31,000 6,000 * 25,000 *
Wolfson Investment Partners LP 26,000 6,000 * 20,000 *
---------- --------- ------- -------- -------
4,968,100 2,900,000 16.7% 2,068,100 11.9%
</TABLE>
- ----------
* Less than 1%
-14-
<PAGE> 17
None of the selling shareholders has had any material relationship with
NeoPath or its affiliates within the past three years. The selling shareholders
purchased all of the shares from NeoPath in a private transaction on February 9,
1999. All of the shares were "restricted securities" under the Securities Act
prior to this registration.
The selling shareholders have represented to us that they purchased the
shares for their own account for investment only and not with a view towards
selling or distributing them, except pursuant to sales registered under the
Securities Act or exemptions. NeoPath agreed with the selling shareholders to
file the registration statement to register the resale of the shares. NeoPath
agreed to prepare and file all necessary amendments and supplements to the
registration statement to keep it effective until the earlier of (1) February 9,
2001 and (2) the date on which the selling shareholders have sold all the
shares.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We are registering the shares on behalf of the selling shareholders and
their successors (including donees and pledgees, who may sell shares they
receive from the selling shareholders after the date of this prospectus). The
selling shareholders or their successors may sell all of the shares from time to
time in transactions in the over-the-counter market through Nasdaq, or on one or
more other securities markets and exchanges, in privately negotiated
transactions or through writing options on the shares. They may sell the shares
at fixed prices that may change, at market prices prevailing at the time of
sale, at prices relating to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.
The selling shareholders may sell the shares to or through broker-dealers. These
broker-dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or
commissions from the selling shareholders and/or the purchasers.
The selling shareholders have advised us that they have not entered into
any agreements, understandings or arrangements for the sale of the shares with
any underwriters or broker-dealers and that no underwriter or coordinating
broker is now acting in connection with the proposed sale of shares.
NeoPath will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares by the
selling shareholders. NeoPath may suspend use of this prospectus under certain
circumstances.
The selling shareholders and broker-dealers who assist in the sale of
the shares may be "underwriters" within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the
Securities Act. Any commissions or profit they earn on any resale of the shares
may be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Selling
shareholders who are "underwriters" within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the
Securities Act will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act. We have informed the selling shareholders that the
anti-manipulative provisions of Regulation M of the Exchange Act may restrict
their sales in the market.
NeoPath will pay all expenses, other than selling commissions and fees
and stock transfer taxes, of the registration and sale of the shares. NeoPath
also has agreed to indemnify the selling shareholders and broker-dealers who
assist in the sale of the shares against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act. The selling shareholders may indemnify any
agent, dealer or broker-dealer that assists them in selling the shares against
certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act.
We cannot guarantee that the selling shareholders will sell any or all
of the shares.
-15-
<PAGE> 18
VALIDITY OF COMMON STOCK
Perkins Coie LLP, Seattle, Washington, will provide NeoPath with an
opinion as to legal matters in connection with the common stock offered by this
prospectus.
EXPERTS
The financial statements of NeoPath, Inc. incorporated by reference in
NeoPath, Inc.'s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1998,
have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in
their report thereon incorporated by reference therein and incorporated herein
by reference. Such financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in
reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
-16-
<PAGE> 19
================================================================================
WE HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANY PERSON TO GIVE YOU ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE
ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS. YOU SHOULD
NOT RELY ON ANY INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THIS PROSPECTUS. THIS
PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY
SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE COMMON STOCK. IT IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL OR A
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY SECURITIES IF THE OFFER OR SOLICITATION WOULD BE
UNLAWFUL. THE AFFAIRS OF NEOPATH MAY HAVE CHANGED SINCE THE DATE OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. YOU SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS
CORRECT AT ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
--------------------
================================================================================
================================================================================
2,900,000 SHARES
NEOPATH, INC.
COMMON STOCK
--------------
PROSPECTUS
--------------
SEPTEMBER 3, 1999
================================================================================
