SCICLONE PHARMACEUTICALS INC
S-3, 2000-02-23
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS
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<PAGE>   1

    AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 23, 2000

                                               REGISTRATION NO. 333-____________

================================================================================


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

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

                                    FORM S-3

             REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

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

                         SCICLONE PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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

                CALIFORNIA                                 94-3116852
      (State or other jurisdiction of                     (IRS Employer
       incorporation or organization)                  Identification No.)


                    901 MARINER'S ISLAND BOULEVARD, SUITE 205
                           SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA 94404
                                 (650) 358-3456
               (Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                 including area code, of registrant's principal
                               executive offices)

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

                                DONALD R. SELLERS
                      PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                         SCICLONE PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
                    901 MARINERS ISLAND BOULEVARD, SUITE 205
                           SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA 94404
                                 (650) 358-3456
            (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                   including area code, of agent for service)

                                   Copies to:
                             J. HOWARD CLOWES, ESQ.
                        Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich LLP
                         139 Townsend Street, Suite 400
                         San Francisco, California 94107
                                 (415) 836-2500

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

        APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: From
time to time as described in the Prospectus after the effective date of this
Registration Statement.

        If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. [ ]

        If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered
on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act
of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or
interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X]

        If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering.[ ] _______________

        If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering.[ ] _______________

        If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule
434, please check the following box. [ ]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
===============================================================================================================
                                                      PROPOSED MAXIMUM    PROPOSED MAXIMUM
   TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF           AMOUNT TO BE       OFFERING PRICE     AGGREGATE OFFERING      AMOUNT OF
 SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED         REGISTERED          PER SHARE              PRICE          REGISTRATION FEE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                       <C>                <C>                    <C>
common stock (no par value)     1,908,000 shares(1)       8.344(2)           $15,920,352            $4,203
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(1)  Consists of 1,000,000 shares of SciClone Pharmaceuticals, Inc. common stock
     and 908,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants
     issued to investors in connection with SciClone's January 18, 2000
     financing, as described in the prospectus.

(2)  Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the registration fee pursuant
     to Rules 457(c) and (g) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
     based on the average of the high and low sales prices of the common stock,
     as reported on the Nasdaq National Market on February 15, 2000.

THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES
AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE
A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SUCH SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.

================================================================================
<PAGE>   2


        THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED.
THE SELLING SHAREHOLDERS MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT FILED WITH THE SEC IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO
SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.

                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED February 23, 2000

                         SCICLONE PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

                                  COMMON STOCK

                     1,000,000 Shares Issued and Outstanding

                                       and

                       908,000 Shares Subject to Warrants

        This prospectus relates to the offer and sale of our common stock by the
selling shareholders, as follows:

        -   1,000,000 shares issued to investors in our January 18, 2000
            financing; and

        -   up to 908,000 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants, with an
            exercise price of $7.00 per share, issued to the investors and the
            placement agent in connection with the financing.

        Our common stock is quoted on The Nasdaq National Market under the
symbol "SCLN." On February 15, 2000, the last sale price of the common stock as
reported on The Nasdaq National Market was $8.625.

        Our principal executive offices are located at 901 Mariner's Island
Boulevard, Suite 205, San Mateo, California 94404, and our telephone number is
(650) 358-3456.

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

        AN INVESTMENT IN SCICLONE COMMON STOCK INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK.
PLEASE CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE INFORMATION UNDER THE HEADING "RISK FACTORS"
BEGINNING ON PAGE 3.

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

        NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES, OR DETERMINED IF THIS
PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.


               The date of this prospectus is ____________, 2000.


<PAGE>   3


                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Page
                                                                          ----
<S>                                                                       <C>
RISK FACTORS                                                                 4

ABOUT SCICLONE                                                              11

USE OF PROCEEDS                                                             13

SELLING SHAREHOLDERS                                                        13

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION                                                        15

LEGAL MATTERS                                                               16

EXPERTS                                                                     16

WHERE TO FIND MORE INFORMATION                                              16

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE                                         17
</TABLE>






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<PAGE>   4


                                  RISK FACTORS

        You should carefully consider the following risk factors, as well as
other information contained in the prospectus or incorporated by reference in
this prospectus, before purchasing any of our common stock.

IF WE DO NOT CONTINUE TO INCREASE OUR SALES, WE MAY NOT BECOME PROFITABLE WHICH
MAY PREVENT OR DELAY OUR LONG-TERM PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND COMMERCIALIZATION
EFFORTS

        We began to generate revenues from thymosin alpha 1, which we sell under
the branded trademark ZADAXIN, in 1997. Future ZADAXIN revenues are uncertain.
Our other drug under development, CPX, is a drug that targets the underlying
cause of cystic fibrosis, a disease caused by genetic defects. Marketing
approvals for CPX and additional marketing approvals for ZADAXIN are uncertain.
We have experienced significant operating losses since our inception and have a
substantial accumulated deficit. Furthermore, we expect our operating expenses
to increase over the next several years if we expand our development, testing
and marketing capabilities. Our ability to become profitable depends in large
part on whether we:

        -   increase ZADAXIN sales in existing markets;

        -   launch ZADAXIN in newly-approved markets;

        -   obtain additional regulatory approvals for ZADAXIN and/or future
            products;

        -   obtain regulatory approvals for CPX;

        -   enter into partnering arrangements for development of ZADAXIN in the
            U.S. and Europe for hepatitis C and cancer; and

        -   enter into other agreements for product development and
            commercialization.

        If we do not become profitable when expected, or at all, we may have to
delay or curtail our long-term product development and commercialization
efforts.

IF WE EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTIES IN OUR FOREIGN SALES AND OPERATIONS, OUR FINANCIAL
CONDITION WOULD SUFFER

        Our financial condition in the near term is highly dependent on ZADAXIN
sales in foreign jurisdictions. The majority of our current ZADAXIN sales are to
customers in the People's Republic of China. However, ZADAXIN sales in the
People's Republic of China may be limited due to its low average income and
poorly developed infrastructure. In addition, our ZADAXIN sales and operations
in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East are subject to inherent risks,
including:

        -   difficulties and delays in obtaining pricing approvals and
            reimbursement;

        -   difficulties and delays in obtaining product health registration;

        -   difficulties and delays in obtaining importation permits;

        -   unexpected changes in regulatory requirements;

        -   tariffs and other barriers;

        -   political instability;

        -   the difficulties of staffing and managing foreign operations;



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<PAGE>   5
        -   long payment cycles;

        -   difficulty in accounts receivable collection;

        -   currency fluctuations; and

        -   potential adverse tax consequences.

We currently do not have any sales in the United States with which to offset any
decrease in revenue from ZADAXIN sales in Asia, Latin America and the Middle
East. In addition, some countries in these territories regulate pharmaceutical
prices. This regulation may reduce prices for ZADAXIN significantly below those
that would prevail in a free market.

IF WE FAIL TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL REGULATORY APPROVALS OR MARKET ACCEPTANCE FOR
ZADAXIN OR IF WE FAIL TO OBTAIN REGULATORY APPROVAL FOR CPX, OUR POTENTIAL
FUTURE REVENUE WOULD BE LIMITED

        Our principal drug development efforts currently focus on ZADAXIN and
CPX. We need favorable results from additional clinical trials of ZADAXIN to get
regulatory approval in major pharmaceutical markets. ZADAXIN has been approved
for commercial sale in 16 countries, principally as a treatment for hepatitis B
and hepatitis C, diseases caused by viruses that affect the liver. However, we
may not be able to obtain approvals for ZADAXIN in other countries or for the
treatment of additional medical conditions, such as cancer.

        Future sales of ZADAXIN will depend on market acceptance and successful
distribution in additional countries. In many of our ZADAXIN markets,
particularly the People's Republic of China, low average per capita income and
poorly developed distribution infrastructure may make it difficult to
successfully commercialize ZADAXIN. Because we currently rely on ZADAXIN sales
as our primary source of revenue, our failure to demonstrate ZADAXIN's safety
and efficacy in future clinical trials, obtain additional marketing approvals or
successfully commercialize ZADAXIN would adversely affect our future revenue and
operating results.

        CPX is currently undergoing phase 2 development in the United States. We
may experience delays and difficulties in the preclinical and clinical
development of CPX. In addition, clinical trials may not prove that CPX is an
effective treatment for cystic fibrosis. Our inability to demonstrate the safety
and efficacy of CPX as a treatment for cystic fibrosis in a clinical trial,
obtain regulatory approval of CPX as a treatment for cystic fibrosis or
successfully commercialize CPX could adversely affect our potential future
revenue and operating results.

IF WE DO NOT BECOME PROFITABLE WHEN EXPECTED, WE MAY NEED TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL
FUNDS IN ORDER TO SUPPORT OUR LONG-TERM PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND
COMMERCIALIZATION PROGRAMS

        Since inception, we have financed our operations primarily through sales
of stock. If we do not continue to increase our ZADAXIN revenue and become
profitable when expected, we will need to obtain additional financing to support
our long-term product development and commercialization programs.

Our need for capital will depend on many factors, including:

        -   the level of future ZADAXIN sales;

        -   the timing, scope and results of preclinical studies and clinical
            trials;

        -   the size and complexity of our programs;

        -   the timing and cost of regulatory approvals;

        -   the costs involved in filing, prosecuting and enforcing patent
            claims;



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<PAGE>   6
        -   competing technological and market developments;

        -   whether any or all of our outstanding common stock warrants are
            exercised and the timing and amount of such exercises;

        -   our ability to establish and maintain partnering arrangements for
            development, sales, manufacturing and marketing of our products;

        -   whether we elect to establish additional partnering arrangements for
            development, sales, manufacturing, and marketing of our products,
            particularly development and marketing of ZADAXIN in the United
            States and Europe for hepatitis C; and

        -   the cost of manufacturing or obtaining preclinical and clinical
            materials.

Many of the foregoing factors are not within our control. The unavailability or
timing of any necessary financing could prevent or delay our long-term product
development and commercialization programs. We have no commitments or
arrangements for additional funding and we may not be able to obtain financing
if and when needed.

THE PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK HAS EXPERIENCED SUBSTANTIAL VOLATILITY AND MAY
CONTINUE TO DO SO IN THE FUTURE.

        There has been significant volatility in the market prices for publicly
traded shares of biopharmaceutical companies, including ours. In 1999, the price
of our common stock fluctuated from a low of $1.06 to a high of $6.13. On
February 15, 2000, our common stock closed at a price of $8.625. The price of
our common stock may not remain at or exceed current levels. The following
factors may have an adverse impact on the market price of our common stock:

        -   announcements of technical or product developments by us or our
            competitors;

        -   market conditions for pharmaceutical and biotechnology stocks;

        -   market conditions generally;

        -   governmental regulation;

        -   healthcare legislature;

        -   public announcements regarding advances in the treatment of the
            disease states that we are targeting;

        -   patent or proprietary rights developments;

        -   changes in third-party reimbursement policies for our products; or

        -   fluctuations in our operating results.

IF WE ISSUE ADDITIONAL COMMON STOCK OR SECURITIES CONVERTIBLE INTO COMMON STOCK,
THE PERCENTAGE OWNERSHIP OF OUR THEN-CURRENT SHAREHOLDERS WOULD BE REDUCED AND
THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK MAY DECREASE

        Future sales of substantial amounts of our common stock could adversely
affect the market price of our common stock. As of February 15, 2000, there were
outstanding stock options for 4,433,062 shares of common stock, of which
3,271,709 were currently exercisable, and there were warrants outstanding that
were exercisable for



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<PAGE>   7

3,492,917 shares of common stock. Upon issuance or conversion, all of these
shares of common stock will be freely tradable.

        Similarly, if we raise additional funds through the issuance of common
stock or securities convertible into or exercisable for common stock, the
percentage ownership of our then-current shareholders will be reduced.

IF WE DO NOT OBTAIN ADDITIONAL PRODUCT RIGHTS FROM THIRD PARTIES OR IF OUR
LICENSEES DO NOT PERFORM THEIR OBLIGATIONS, OUR POTENTIAL FUTURE REVENUE WOULD
BE LIMITED

        Our strategy includes entering into various partnering arrangements. To
date, we have acquired rights to ZADAXIN, CPX, SCV-07, DAX and several other
drugs but we are only actively pursuing clinical development of ZADAXIN and CPX.
If we do not license or otherwise acquire rights to additional drugs or advance
SCV-07 and DAX into clinical development, we may have a shortage of drugs to
develop which would limit our potential future revenue.

        In addition, we have exclusively sublicensed our rights to develop and
market ZADAXIN in Japan to Schering-Plough K.K. However, Schering-Plough K.K.
already has a substantial commitment to alpha interferon, which is an approved
drug for hepatitis B and hepatitis C in Japan. Our relationship with
Schering-Plough K.K. may not be successful and we may not be able to negotiate
similar additional arrangements in the future in Japan or other major markets.
We generally do not have control over the amount and timing of resources that
our collaborators devote to their activities with us. If these parties do not
perform their obligations as we expect them to, the development and sale of our
products could be limited or delayed.

        Our ability to obtain regulatory approval in one country may be delayed
or adversely affected by the timing of regulatory activities and approvals in
other countries, particularly if we do not participate in the regulatory
approval process in these other countries. Any delay or failure to achieve
regulatory approvals may limit our potential future revenue.

IF WE FAIL TO PROTECT OUR PRODUCTS, TECHNOLOGIES AND TRADE SECRETS, WE MAY NOT
BE ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY USE, MANUFACTURE OR MARKET AND SELL OUR PRODUCTS OR WE
MAY FAIL TO ADVANCE OR MAINTAIN OUR COMPETITIVE POSITION

        The United States composition of matter patent, which covers the
chemical structure of thymosin alpha 1, and most of the European composition of
matter patents for thymosin alpha 1 have expired. Going forward, we will have
only limited patents covering the chemical structure of thymosin alpha 1 and
this could adversely affect our proprietary rights. Our success depends
significantly on our ability to obtain patent protection for our products and
technologies, to preserve our trade secrets and to avoid infringing on the
proprietary rights of third parties. However, our pending patent applications
may not result in issued patents. Any patents that are issued may not provide a
competitive advantage to us or may be invalidated or circumvented by our
competitors. Others may independently develop similar products or designs around
patents issued or licensed to us. Patents issued to or patent applications filed
by other companies could have an adverse effect on our ability to use,
manufacture or market our products or maintain our competitive position with
respect to our products. Many of our patents and patent applications relating to
thymosin alpha 1 are held under exclusive licenses. If we breach the terms of
any of these licenses we could lose our rights to these patents and patent
applications. Holders of patents licensed to us may not file, prosecute, extend
or maintain their patents in countries where we have rights.

        Other companies obtaining patents on products or processes useful to us
may bring infringement actions against us. This type of litigation is typically
costly and time-consuming and could require us to obtain licenses from others,
or prevent us from using, manufacturing or marketing our products. These
licenses may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.

        Pharmaceuticals are not patentable or have only recently become
patentable in several countries in the territory in which we have exclusive
rights to ZADAXIN. Enforcement of intellectual property rights in many countries
in this territory has been limited or non-existent. Future enforcement of
patents and proprietary rights in



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<PAGE>   8

many countries in this territory will likely be problematic or unpredictable.
Moreover, the issuance of a patent in one country does not assure the issuance
of a similar patent in another country. Claim interpretation and infringement
laws vary by nation, so the extent of any patent protection is uncertain and may
vary in different jurisdictions.

IF WE FAIL TO OBTAIN REGULATORY APPROVALS FOR OUR PRODUCTS IN COUNTRIES IN WHICH
WE HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED, WE CANNOT DEVELOP, MARKET AND SELL OUR PRODUCTS IN
THOSE COUNTRIES

        The research, preclinical and clinical development, manufacturing,
marketing and sale of ZADAXIN, CPX and our other drug candidates are subject to
extensive regulation by governmental authorities. ZADAXIN, CPX and any other
products must be approved before they can be sold in any jurisdiction. Obtaining
regulatory approval is time-consuming and expensive. In some countries where we
are contemplating marketing and selling ZADAXIN, the regulatory approval process
for drugs that have not been previously approved in countries with established
clinical trial review procedures is uncertain, and this may delay the grant of
regulatory approvals for ZADAXIN.

        We are currently sponsoring clinical trials and pursuing regulatory
approvals for ZADAXIN in a number of countries and we are currently sponsoring
clinical trials of CPX in the United States. However, we may not be able to
complete these trials in a timely or cost-effective manner, and even if
completed, these trials may not fulfill the relevant regulatory approval
criteria. We ultimately may not be able to obtain regulatory approvals in these
countries. Adverse results in our development programs also could result in
restrictions on the use of ZADAXIN and, if approved, CPX.

        Our failure, or failure by one or more of our partners, to comply with
applicable United States or foreign regulatory requirements could, among other
things, result in warning letters, fines, suspensions of regulatory approvals,
product recalls or seizures, operating restrictions, injunctions and criminal
prosecutions. In addition, government regulations may be established or imposed
which prevent or delay regulatory approval of ZADAXIN, CPX or our future
products.

IF WE ARE NOT ABLE TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE MANUFACTURING AND SUPPLY
RELATIONSHIPS, THE DEVELOPMENT AND SALE OF OUR PRODUCTS COULD BE IMPAIRED

        We have entered into long-term contract manufacturing and supply
agreements for ZADAXIN and CPX. To be successful, our products must be
manufactured in commercial quantities, in compliance with regulatory
requirements and at an acceptable cost. While we currently have long-term
manufacturing relationships with experienced suppliers, we may not be able to
maintain these long-term manufacturing relationships with these suppliers. We
currently have vialing and packaging supply agreements in effect and a
sufficient supply of finished ZADAXIN for the near term. We have recently
changed and upgraded our manufacturing source of finished ZADAXIN for our
international markets, excluding Japan. In some countries, this change may
require additional regulatory approvals. If we do not obtain any required
regulatory approvals of this manufacturing change in a timely fashion, new
ZADAXIN marketing approvals may be delayed or sales may be interrupted until the
manufacturing change is approved.

        Production interruptions, if any, could significantly delay clinical
development of potential products and reduce third party or clinical researcher
interest and support of proposed trials. These kinds of interruptions could also
impede commercialization of our products, including sales of ZADAXIN in approved
markets, and impair their competitive position, which would have a material
adverse effect on our business.

WE MAY LOSE MARKET SHARE OR OTHERWISE FAIL TO COMPETE IN THE INTENSELY
COMPETITIVE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY

        Competition in the pharmaceutical industry is intense and we expect that
competition to increase. We believe that the principal competitive factors in
the pharmaceutical industry include the efficacy, safety, price, therapeutic
regimen and manufacturing quality assurance associated with a given drug. Our
competitors include



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pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, universities and other research
institutions, both in the United States and abroad, that are actively engaged in
research and development of chronic and life-threatening diseases such as
hepatitis B, hepatitis C, cancer, immune system disorders and cystic fibrosis.
Most of our competitors, particularly large pharmaceutical companies, have
substantially greater financial, technical, regulatory, manufacturing, marketing
and human resource capabilities than we do. Most of them also have extensive
experience in undertaking the clinical testing and obtaining the regulatory
approvals necessary to market drugs. In addition, we currently rely on sales of
ZADAXIN as a treatment for hepatitis B and hepatitis C as our primary source of
revenue. Several large pharmaceutical companies have substantial commitments to
alpha interferon, which is an approved drug for treating hepatitis B and
hepatitis C.

IF THIRD PARTY REIMBURSEMENT IS NOT AVAILABLE OR PATIENTS CANNOT OTHERWISE PAY
FOR ZADAXIN, WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY MARKET ZADAXIN

        Our ability to successfully sell ZADAXIN depends in part on whether
pharmaceutical drug consumers will be reimbursed for the cost of ZADAXIN. This
reimbursement may come from government health administration authorities,
private health insurers and other organizations. Third-party reimbursement for
new therapeutic products is highly uncertain and may not be available for our
future products. In many of the foreign countries in which we currently operate
or intend to operate, reimbursement for ZADAXIN under government or private
health insurance programs is currently not available, particularly in Cambodia,
the People's Republic of China, Mexico, the Philippines, Peru, Myanmar and
Malaysia. In the United States, proposed health care reforms could limit the
amount of third-party reimbursement available for our products. In many
countries where we have marketing rights to ZADAXIN, government resources and
per capita income may be so low that our products will be prohibitively
expensive. In these countries, we may not be able to market our products on
economically favorable terms, if at all.

IF WE ARE UNABLE TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN QUALIFIED PERSONNEL OR IF OUR PRESIDENT
AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER OR
OUR REGIONAL MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR GREATER CHINA LEFT SCICLONE, WE MAY NOT BE
ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY DEVELOP AND COMMERCIALIZE OUR PRODUCTS

        We are highly dependent upon our ability to attract and retain qualified
personnel because of the specialized, scientific and international nature of our
business. There is intense competition for qualified management, scientific and
technical personnel in the pharmaceutical industry, and we may not be able to
attract and retain the qualified personnel we need to grow and develop our
business globally. In addition, numerous key responsibilities at SciClone are
assigned to a relatively small number of individuals, such as our President and
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Business Officer and our
Regional Managing Director for Greater China. If we are unable to attract and
retain qualified personnel as needed or promptly replace those employees who are
critical to our product development and commercialization, the development and
commercialization of our products would adversely be affected. We do not
maintain "key person" life insurance on any of our key personnel.

WE HAVE LIMITED PRODUCT LIABILITY INSURANCE AND ANY PRODUCT LIABILITY CLAIMS
ASSERTED AGAINST US COULD RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT EXPENSES AND DECREASED DEMAND
FOR OUR PRODUCTS

        Companies which test, manufacture, market and sell pharmaceutical
products commonly receive product liability claims. These claims may be asserted
against us. Product liability insurance for the pharmaceutical industry
generally is expensive, if it is available at all. We have product liability
insurance coverage for our clinical trials and commercial sales. However,
product liability claims in excess of our insurance coverage or that resulted in
the payment of large deductibles would adversely affect our financial condition
and demand for our products.

ISSUING PREFERRED STOCK WITH RIGHTS SENIOR TO THOSE OF OUR COMMON STOCK COULD
ADVERSELY AFFECT HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK OR HINDER TAKEOVER TRANSACTIONS THAT
OFFER COMMON SHAREHOLDERS AN OPTIMAL PRICE FOR THEIR SHARES

        Our charter documents give our board of directors the authority to issue
additional series of preferred stock without a vote or action by our
shareholders. The board also has the authority to determine the terms of
preferred stock, including price, preferences and voting rights. The rights of
holders of our common stock may be adversely



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<PAGE>   10

affected by the rights granted to holders of preferred stock. For example, a
series of preferred stock may be granted the right to receive a liquidation
preference -- a pre-set distribution in the event SciClone is liquidated -- that
would reduce the amount available for distribution to holders of common stock.
In addition, the issuance of preferred stock could make it more difficult for a
third party to acquire a majority of our outstanding voting stock. As a result,
common shareholders could be prevented from participating in transactions that
would offer an optimal price for their shares.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus are
forward-looking statements concerning our business, financial, condition,
results of operations, economic performance and financial condition.
Forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities
Act of 1933 and within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 are included, for example, in the discussions about:

- -   our strategy;

- -   new product development or product introduction;

- -   product sales, royalties and contract revenues;

- -   expenses and net income;

- -   our liquidity;

- -   our asset/liability risk management; and

- -   our operational and legal risks.

These statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ
materially from those expressed or implied in those statements. Factors that
could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed
under "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations."



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                                 ABOUT SCICLONE


GENERAL

        SciClone acquires, develops and commercializes drugs for treating
chronic and life-threatening diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, cancer,
immune system disorders and cystic fibrosis. We have two drugs in clinical
development, ZADAXIN and CPX, and we have two drug candidates, SCV-07 and DAX,
in preclinical development.

        ZADAXIN. Our flagship drug is ZADAXIN, a host immune system enhancer.
ZADAXIN boosts the immune system in the fight against several diseases. We are
pursuing development of ZADAXIN for treatment of hepatitis B, hepatitis C,
cancer and certain immune system disorders, as well as an enhancement to the
effectiveness of viral vaccines. ZADAXIN is currently approved for marketing in
Italy and 15 countries in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. We have filed
for approval to market ZADAXIN in 19 additional countries outside the U.S.,
Europe and Japan. In 1999, ZADAXIN generated $9.0 million in sales, 150% higher
than the $3.6 million in sales generated by ZADAXIN in 1998. We hold worldwide
development, manufacturing and marketing rights to ZADAXIN. In Japan, we have
sublicensed our rights to Schering-Plough K.K., the Japanese subsidiary of
Schering-Plough Corporation, the leading marketer of viral hepatitis therapies
worldwide.

        We are pursuing additional corporate partnering arrangements for phase 3
development in the U.S. and Europe of ZADAXIN plus interferon for hepatitis C.
In phase 3, large-scale, multi-center trials are conducted in patients afflicted
with the target disease to provide sufficient data for the statistical proof of
efficacy and safety required by regulatory agencies to apply for marketing
approval of a drug. Hepatitis C affects over 170 million people worldwide,
including over 10 million people in the United States, Europe and Japan, which
are the world's largest pharmaceutical markets. Our clinical data show that the
combination of ZADAXIN plus interferon could be a significant therapeutic
advance in the fight against the hepatitis C epidemic. Interferon, the only
established therapy for hepatitis C, leads to a response in only 5% to 20% of
patients and causes unpleasant side effects. Rebetron(R), a combination of two
drugs, interferon and ribavirin, was approved for treatment of hepatitis C in
the U.S. and other countries in 1998. This combination benefits some patients.
However, ribavirin has its own potential side effects, and increases the risk of
side effects when combined with interferon. Importantly, ZADAXIN combined with
interferon has shown clinical promise for treatment of hepatitis C without
increasing the risk of additive side effects.

        In Japan, the world's largest market for viral hepatitis therapies, we
have exclusively sublicensed our rights to develop and market ZADAXIN to
Schering-Plough K.K. Schering-Plough K.K. is conducting a 300-patient phase 3
study of ZADAXIN for treatment of hepatitis B. The drug interferon, including
Schering-Plough K.K.'s interferon, is the leading therapy for hepatitis B in
Japan. Schering-Plough K.K. is also developing ZADAXIN in a phase 2 program for
treatment of hepatitis C. Phase 2 trials are conducted with groups of patients
afflicted with the target disease to make a preliminary determination of
efficacy and optimal dosages and to provide additional evidence of safety.

        CPX. Our second drug in clinical development is CPX. CPX is a
protein-repair therapy initially developed by the United States National
Institutes of Health, commonly known as NIH, as a potential treatment for cystic
fibrosis, the most common fatal genetic disease among Caucasians.

        Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in the gene that encodes a
protein known as the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, or
CFTR, protein. More than 70% of cystic fibrosis patients have a type of genetic
mutation referred to as the "delta F508" mutation. In October 1997, Dr. Harvey
Pollard of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and formerly
of the NIH, presented preclinical data demonstrating that CPX repairs the key
protein-associated defect causing cystic fibrosis in patients with the delta
F508 genetic mutation. CPX is the only drug in clinical development with the
potential to correct the key protein-associated defect in most cystic fibrosis
patients. Since 1997, we have been awarded $300,000 in CPX drug development
grants from the FDA and a $517,000 drug development grant from the Cystic
Fibrosis Foundation. The Cystic



                                       11
<PAGE>   12

Fibrosis Foundation also provided substantial financial support for early
research on CPX at the NIH. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation continues to support
our CPX Phase 2 development efforts with protocol review, patient recruitment
and investigator and study center selection.

        We have two drug candidates, SCV-07 and DAX, in early preclinical
development. We plan to continue to evaluate the pharmaceutical potential of
these preclinical drug candidates in 2000.

        Internationally, we have 41 ZADAXIN distribution arrangements covering
46 countries outside the U.S., Europe and Japan. We intend to out-license our
products where a collaborative arrangement will materially enhance the prospects
for a drug's commercial success in licensed markets. Our license with
Schering-Plough K.K. for exclusive rights to develop and market ZADAXIN in
Japan, and our arrangements with our ZADAXIN distributors are examples of this
strategy. We are currently pursuing additional partnering arrangements in the
U.S. and Europe for development of ZADAXIN, particularly European development of
ZADAXIN plus interferon for the treatment of hepatitis C. We intend to produce
ZADAXIN, CPX and any future products through contract manufacturing and supply
agreements. We have entered into separate long-term supply agreements in the
U.S. and Europe for the supply of bulk and finished product thymosin alpha 1. We
contract with a major U.S. pharmaceutical company for the supply of bulk CPX and
another U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturer for finished product CPX.

FORMATION AND OTHER INFORMATION

        SciClone was incorporated in California in 1990. Our international
operating subsidiary, SciClone Pharmaceuticals International Ltd., is
incorporated in the Cayman Islands and headquartered in Hong Kong. We also have
office locations in London, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan and Italy.





                                       12
<PAGE>   13


                                 USE OF PROCEEDS

        If the warrants are exercised by the selling shareholders, we will
receive proceeds in the form of the exercise price. The warrants issued to the
investors and placement agent for up to 908,000 shares have an aggregate
exercise price of $6,356,000, or $7.00 per share. If we receive any proceeds
from the exercise of the warrants, we expect to use them for working capital. We
will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares of common stock by the
selling shareholders and all proceeds will go to the selling shareholders to be
used for their own purposes.

                              SELLING SHAREHOLDERS

        The 1,908,000 shares offered by this prospectus consist of shares issued
or issuable to institutional investors and the placement agents in connection
with a privately placed equity financing on January 18, 2000, as follows:

        -   1,000,000 shares of common stock issued to the investors; and

        -   up to 908,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of
            warrants, with an exercise price of $7.00, issued to the investors
            and the placement agent.

The investor warrants and the placement agent warrants are exercisable until
January 17, 2005. The table below sets forth each selling shareholder, the
number of shares of common stock which it owns or has the right to acquire as of
February 18, 2000, the number of shares of common stock subject to sale under
this prospectus and the number of shares of common stock it would own assuming
the sale of all shares of common stock covered by this prospectus. The shares
offered by the investors consist of:

        -   shares issued in the financing and outstanding; and

        -   shares subject to warrants issued in the financing.

The shares offered by the placement agents consist of shares issuable upon
exercise of warrants issued in connection with our January 18, 2000 financing.

        Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with rules promulgated
by the SEC, and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial
ownership for any other purpose. This table is based upon information supplied
to us by the selling shareholders. Except as otherwise indicated, as of February
15, 2000, we believe that each person named in the table has sole voting and
investment power with respect to all of the shares of our common stock listed as
beneficially owned by it.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              Shares Beneficially   Shares Offered   Shares Beneficially
                                              Owned Prior to the        by this          Owned After
         Selling Shareholders                       Offering           Prospectus        the Offering
         --------------------                 -------------------   --------------   -------------------
<S>                                           <C>                   <C>              <C>
Investors:
Brown Simpson Strategic Growth Fund, Ltd.         1,361,236(1)        1,135,800(2)        2,497,036
Brown Simpson Strategic Growth Fund, L.P.           728,628(3)          664,200(4)        1,392,828
Placement Agents:
H.C. Wainwright & Co., Inc.                               0              43,200              43,200
</TABLE>



                                       13
<PAGE>   14

<TABLE>
<S>                                           <C>                   <C>              <C>
Matthew Balk                                         82,160              45,360             127,520
Scott Weisman                                         6,250              19,440              25,690
</TABLE>

        (1) Includes 1,022,012 shares subject to immediately exercisable
            warrants to purchase common stock.

        (2) Includes 504,800 shares subject to immediately exercisable
            warrants to purchase common stock.

        (3) Includes 550,314 shares subject to immediately exercisable
            warrants to purchase common stock.

        (4) Includes 295,200 shares subject to immediately exercisable
            warrants to purchase common stock.

        H.C. Wainwright & Co., Inc. is a corporation of which Steve Barrett is
the Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Barrett may be deemed to have investment and
voting control over the shares held by H.C. Wainwright & Co., Inc.










                                       14
<PAGE>   15


                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

        The selling shareholders may sell their shares of common stock on the
Nasdaq National Market, or other exchange on which the common stock is trading,
in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The shares may be sold by the
selling shareholders by one or more of the following methods:

        -   block trades in which the broker or dealer will attempt to sell the
            shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block
            as principal to facilitate the transaction;

        -   purchases by a broker or dealer as principal and resale by such
            broker or dealer for its account pursuant to this prospectus;

        -   an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of such
            exchange;

        -   ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker
            solicits purchasers;

        -   privately negotiated transactions;

        -   short sales; or

        -   a combination of any of the above methods.

        Brokers and dealers engaged by the selling shareholders may arrange for
other brokers or dealers to participate. Brokers or dealers may receive
commissions or discounts from the selling shareholders. If any broker-dealer
acts as agent for a purchaser of shares, the broker-dealer may receive
commissions or discounts from the purchaser. Commissions or discounts will be
negotiated at the time of the transaction and are not expected to exceed
customary amounts.

         Broker-dealers may agree with the selling shareholders to sell a
specified number of shares at a stipulated price per share. To the extent the
broker-dealer is unable to sell the specified number, it may purchase as
principal any unsold shares at the price required to fulfill the broker-dealer's
commitment to the selling shareholder. Broker-dealers who acquire shares as
principal may then resell such shares from time to time in transactions, which
may involve block transactions as described above, in the over-the-counter
market or otherwise. Resales by broker-dealers may be at prices and on terms
then prevailing at the time of sale, at prices then related to the then-current
market price or in negotiated transactions. In connection with resales,
broker-dealers may pay to or receive from purchasers of the shares commissions
as described above. The selling shareholders may also sell their shares in
accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, rather than pursuant to this
prospectus.

        The selling shareholders and any broker-dealers or agents that
participate with the selling shareholders in sales of the shares may be deemed
to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act. If so, any
commissions received by such broker-dealers or agents and any profit on the
resale of shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions
or discounts under the Securities Act.

        From time to time the selling shareholders may engage in short sales,
short sales against the box, puts and calls and other transactions in our
securities or instruments that derive their value from our securities, and may
sell and deliver the shares covered by this prospectus in connection with the
transactions or to settle securities loans. From time to time the selling
shareholders may pledge their shares pursuant to the margin provisions of its
agreements with its brokers. Upon a default by the selling shareholders, the
broker may offer and sell the pledged shares from time to time.

        Under our agreement with the selling shareholders, we agreed to file a
registration statement covering the 1,000,000 shares issued in our January 18,
2000 financing and the 800,000 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants issued
in connection with the financing within 30 days following the closing of the
financing and to keep a registration statement covering these shares effective
for up to three years following the closing.


                                       15
<PAGE>   16
        We will pay all expenses related to the registration of the shares
covered by this prospectus, including:

        -   filing, registration and qualification fees;

        -   printers' fees;

        -   accounting fees; and

        -   the fees and disbursements of our outside counsel.

        We will not pay underwriters' or brokers' discounts and commissions or
the fees or disbursements of counsel for any selling shareholder.

        The selling shareholders are not restricted as to the price or prices at
which they may resell the shares. Any resales may have an adverse effect on the
market price of the common stock. In addition, it is possible that a significant
number of shares could be sold at the same time, which also may have an adverse
effect on the market price of the common stock.

        We have agreed to indemnify the selling shareholders against specific
civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

                                  LEGAL MATTERS

        The legality of the shares offered by this prospectus is being passed
upon by Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich LLP, Palo Alto, California.

                                     EXPERTS

        Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, have audited our consolidated
financial statements and schedule included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1998, as set forth in their report, which contains
an explanatory paragraph describing conditions that raise substantial doubt
about our ability to continue as a going concern as described in Note 1 to the
consolidated financial statements, which is incorporated by reference in this
prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our financial statements
and schedule are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP's
report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

                         WHERE TO FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and
other information with the SEC. These reports, proxy statements and other
information filed with the SEC may be inspected and copied at the SEC Public
Reference Room, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549.

        You may obtain information about the operation of the SEC Public
Reference Room by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. You can also inspect this material
free of charge at a Web site maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
Finally, you can also inspect reports and other information concerning SciClone
at the offices of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., Market
Listing Section, 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006. SciClone common
stock is traded on The Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "SCLN."
SciClone's Internet web site is located at http://www.sciclone.com.


                                       16
<PAGE>   17

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

        The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information that we file
with them which means that we can disclose important information to you by
referring you to these documents. The information incorporated by reference is
an important part of this prospectus and information we later file with the SEC
will automatically update and supersede this information. The following
documents filed by us with the SEC are incorporated in this prospectus by
reference:

        -   Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998,
            filed on March 31, 1999 (File No. 0-19825);

        -   Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 26, 1999 (File No.
            0-19825);

        -   Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999,
            filed on May 14, 1998 (File No. 0-19825);

        -   Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 4, 1999 (File No.
            0-19825);

        -   Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999,
            filed on August 13, 1999 (File No. 0-19825);

        -   Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
            1999, filed on November 12, 1999 (File No. 0-19825); and

        -   The description of SciClone's Common Stock contained in SciClone's
            Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed under the Securities
            Exchange Act, including any amendment or report filed for the
            purpose of updating that description (File No. 0-19825).

        We also incorporate by reference all documents and reports filed by us
pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 after the date of this prospectus. We will provide free of charge to each
person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this prospectus is delivered,
upon written or oral request, a copy of any or all of the documents incorporated
by reference in this prospectus. Please direct such requests to Investor
Relations, SciClone Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 901 Mariner's Island Boulevard, Suite
205, San Mateo, California 94404. Our telephone number is (650) 358-3456.





                                       17
<PAGE>   18


================================================================================


        WE HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY
 REPRESENTATION OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS
      PROSPECTUS. YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS
   PROSPECTUS. THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS CORRECT AS OF THE DATE OF
      THIS PROSPECTUS. DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS AFTER THE DATE INDICATED
           BELOW DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE INFORMATION IS STILL CORRECT.



                         SCICLONE PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.


                                  COMMON STOCK

                     1,000,000 SHARES ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING

                                       AND

                       908,000 SHARES SUBJECT TO WARRANTS


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

                                   PROSPECTUS

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



                              _______________, 2000


================================================================================

<PAGE>   19


                                     PART II

                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.

        The following table sets forth the costs and expenses in connection with
the sale and distribution of the securities being registered, other than
underwriting discounts and commissions. All of the amounts shown are estimates
except the Securities and Exchange Commission registration fees and Nasdaq
filing fee.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      To be Paid
                                                                        By The
                                                                      Registrant
<S>                                                                   <C>
SEC Registration Fee                                                   $ 4,203
Nasdaq filing fee                                                      $17,500
Accounting fees and expenses                                           $ 5,000
Legal fees and expenses                                                $10,000
Miscellaneous expenses                                                 $ 2,297

        Total                                                          $39,000
</TABLE>


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

ITEM 15.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

        As permitted by Section 204 of the California Corporations Code (the
"CCC"), the Registrant's Articles of Incorporation provide that each person who
is or was or who had agreed to become a director or officer of the Registrant or
who had agreed at the request of the Registrant's Board of Directors or an
officer of the Registrant to serve as an employee or agent of the Registrant or
as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall be indemnified by the Registrant
to the full extent permitted by the CCC or any other applicable laws. Such
Articles of Incorporation also provide that no amendment or repeal of such
Articles shall apply to or have any effect on the right to indemnification
permitted or authorized thereunder for or with respect to claims asserted before
or after such amendment or repeal arising from acts or omissions occurring in
whole or in part before the effective date of such amendment or repeal.

        The Registrant's Bylaws provide that the Registrant shall indemnify to
the full extent authorized by law any person made or threatened to be made a
party to an action or a proceeding, whether criminal, civil, administrative or
investigative, by reason of the fact that he, his testator or intestate was or
is a director, officer or employee of the Registrant or any predecessor of the
Registrant or serves or served any other enterprise as a director, officer or
employee at the request of the Registrant or an predecessor of the Registrant.
The Registrant's Bylaws also provide that the Registrant may enter into one or
more agreements with any person which provides for indemnification greater or
different than that provided in such Articles of Incorporation.

        The Registrant has entered into indemnification agreements with its
directors and certain of its officers.

        The Registrant intends to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of
any person who is a director or officer against any loss arising from any claim
asserted against him and incurred by him in any such capacity, subject to
certain exclusions.

        See also the undertakings set out in response to Item 17 herein.


                                      II-1
<PAGE>   20

ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS.

        The following exhibits are filed with this Registration Statement:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   EXHIBIT NO.                     DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
<S>   <C>
       5.1        Opinion of Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich LLP.

      23.1        Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors.

      23.2        Consent of Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich LLP (included in
                  Exhibit 5.1).

      24.1        Power of Attorney (included in the Signature Page contained in
                  Part II of the Registration Statement).
</TABLE>

ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS.

        A.     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

        (1)    To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
               made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

               (i)    To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of
                      the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act");

               (ii)   To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising
                      after the effective date of the registration statement (or
                      the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which,
                      individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental
                      change in the information set forth in the registration
                      statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or
                      decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total
                      dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that
                      which was registered) and any deviation from the low or
                      high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be
                      reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the
                      Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate,
                      the changes in volume and price represent no more than a
                      20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set
                      forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in
                      the effective registration statement;

               (iii)  To include any material information with respect to the
                      plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the
                      registration statement or any material change to such
                      information in the registration statement; provided,
                      however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not
                      apply if the information required to be included in a
                      post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained
                      in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to
                      Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
                      of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the
                      registration statement.

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

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

        B.     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes
               of determining any liability


                                      II-2
<PAGE>   21

               under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant's annual
               report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the
               Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference
               in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new
               registration statement relating to the securities offered
               therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall
               be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

        C.     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to deliver or cause
        to be delivered with the prospectus, to each person to whom the
        prospectus is sent or given, the latest annual report to security
        holders that is incorporated by reference in the prospectus and
        furnished pursuant to and meeting the requirements of Rule 14a-3 or Rule
        14c-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and, where interim
        financial information required to be presented by Article 3 of
        Regulation S-X are not set forth in the prospectus, to deliver, or cause
        to be delivered to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or given,
        the latest quarterly report that is specifically incorporated by
        reference in the prospectus to provide such interim financial
        information.

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

        E.     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:

        (1)    For the purposes of determining any liability under the
               Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of
               prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in
               reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus
               filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or
               497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of the
               registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

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



                                      II-3
<PAGE>   22


                                   SIGNATURES

               Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration
statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of San Mateo, State of California on February 23, 2000.

                                       SCICLONE PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.


                                       By: /s/  Donald R. Sellers
                                           -----------------------------------
                                           Donald R. Sellers
                                           President, Chief Executive Officer
                                           and Interim Chief Financial Officer

        KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Donald R. Sellers and Shawn K. Singh, and
each of them, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement on Form
S-3, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto
said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to
do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done
in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might
or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-facts and agents, or either of them, or their or his substitute or
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             SIGNATURE                              TITLE                          DATE

<S>                                   <C>                                  <C>
/s/ Donald R. Sellers                 President, Chief Executive           February 23, 2000
- --------------------------------      Officer, Interim Chief Financial
Donald R. Sellers                     Officer and Director (Principal
                                      Executive, Financial and
                                      Accounting Officer)

/s/ Jere E. Goyan                     Chairman of the Board and Director   February 23, 2000
- --------------------------------
Jere E. Goyan, Ph.D.

/s/ John D. Baxter                    Director                             February 23, 2000
- --------------------------------
John D. Baxter, M.D.

/s/ Edwin C. Cadman                   Director                             February 23, 2000
- --------------------------------
Edwin C. Cadman, M.D.

/s/ Rolf H. Henel                     Director                             February 23, 2000
- --------------------------------
Rolf H. Henel
</TABLE>


                                      II-4
<PAGE>   23


                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT NO.              DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
<S>               <C>
     5.1          Opinion of Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich LLP.
    23.1          Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors.
    23.2          Consent of Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich LLP (included in
                  Exhibit 5.1).
    24.1          Power of Attorney (included in the Signature Page contained in
                  Part II of the Registration Statement).
</TABLE>




<PAGE>   1

                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1



[GRAY CARY WARE & FREIDENRICH LLP LETTERHEAD]



February 23, 2000

Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.  20549

RE:  SCICLONE PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
     REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3

Ladies and Gentlemen:

As legal counsel for SciClone Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a California corporation
(the "Company"), we are rendering this opinion in connection with the
preparation and filing of a registration statement on Form S-3 (the
"Registration Statement") relating to the registration under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, of 1,908,000 shares of Common Stock (the "Shares"), issued
by the Company or issuable upon exercise of warrants issued by the Company in
connection with the Company's January 18, 2000 financing.

We have examined such instruments, documents and records as we deemed relevant
and necessary for the basis of our opinion hereinafter expressed. In such
examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures and the
authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity to
the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies.

Based on such examination, we are of the opinion that the 1,000,000 Shares
issued by the Company are, and the 908,000 Shares issuable upon exercise of the
warrants, when issued in accordance with the terms of the warrants, will be,
duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, and nonassessable.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement referred to above and the use of our name wherever it
appears in said Registration Statement.

This opinion is to be used only in connection with the issuance of the Shares
while the Registration Statement is in effect.

Respectfully submitted,


/s/ GRAY CARY WARE & FREIDENRICH LLP
- --------------------------------------
GRAY CARY WARE & FREIDENRICH LLP





<PAGE>   1


                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1



               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

        We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in
the Registration Statement on Form S-3 and the related Prospectus of SciClone
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for registration of 1,908,000 shares of its Common Stock
and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated March 17,
1999, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of
SciClone Pharmaceuticals, Inc. included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1998 filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.


                                        /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Palo Alto, California
February 16, 2000




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