ANIKA THERAPEUTICS INC
DEF 14A, 1998-04-30
BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS, (NO DIAGNOSTIC SUBSTANCES)
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<PAGE>


                                  SCHEDULE 14A
                                 (Rule 14a-101)

                     INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

                            SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

           Proxy Statement Pursuant To Section 14(a) of the Securities
                   Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.        )


Filed by the Registrant  /X/
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant /_/

Check the appropriate box:
/ / Preliminary Proxy Statement
/_/ Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only 
    (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) 
/X/ Definitive Proxy Statement 
/_/ Definitive Additional Materials
/_/ Soliciting Material Pursuant to 240.14a-11(c) or 240.14a-12



                            ANIKA THERAPEUTICS, INC.
     ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                (Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)



     ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)



Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box):

/X/ No fee required
/_/ Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.

         (1)   Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

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

         (2)   Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

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

         (3)   Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction
               computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the
               amount on which the filing is calculated and state how it was
               determined):

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

         (4)   Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

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

         (5)   Total fee paid:

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

/_/ Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

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

/_/ Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act 
    Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was 
    paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement 
    number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing.

         (1)   Amount previously paid:

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

         (2)   Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

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

         (3)   Filing Party:

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

         (4)   Date Filed:

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





<PAGE>
                            ANIKA THERAPEUTICS, INC.
                             236 WEST CUMMINGS PARK
                          WOBURN, MASSACHUSETTS 01801
 
                  NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO
                       BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1998
 
    The annual meeting of stockholders of Anika Therapeutics, Inc. (the
"Company") will be held at the offices of Goodwin, Procter & Hoar LLP, 53 State
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109 on Wednesday, June 3, 1998, at 10:00 a.m.,
local time, to consider and act upon the following matters:
 
    1.  To elect three Class II Directors for a term of three years.
 
    2.  To approve amendments to the Company's Restated Articles of
       Organization, as amended, to increase the aggregate number of authorized
       shares of Common Stock from 15,000,000 to 30,000,000 shares and to
       eliminate the Certificate of Vote of Directors Establishing Series A
       Preferred Stock.
 
    3.  To approve amendments to the 1993 Stock Option Plan, as amended, to
       increase the number of shares of the Company's Common Stock that may be
       issued thereunder from 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 shares, to limit the number
       of shares of Common Stock subject to stock options which may be granted
       annually to any individual employee, and to provide for the outright
       grant of Common Stock.
 
    4.  To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting
       or any adjournment thereof.
 
    Stockholders of record at the close of business on April 13, 1998 will be
entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting or any adjournment thereof. The
stock transfer books of the Company will remain open.
 
                                          By Order of the Board of Directors,
                                          SEAN F. MORAN, CLERK
 
Woburn, Massachusetts
May 1, 1998
 
WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE AND SIGN
THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND MAIL IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE IN ORDER TO
ENSURE REPRESENTATION OF YOUR SHARES. NO POSTAGE NEED BE AFFIXED IF THE PROXY IS
MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
<PAGE>
                            ANIKA THERAPEUTICS, INC.
                             236 WEST CUMMINGS PARK
                          WOBURN, MASSACHUSETTS 01801
 
           PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO
                       BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1998
 
    This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of
proxies by the Board of Directors of Anika Therapeutics, Inc. (the "Company")
for use at the annual meeting of stockholders (the "Annual Meeting") to be held
at the offices of Goodwin, Procter & Hoar LLP, 53 State Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109 on June 3, 1998 and at any adjournment of that meeting. All
proxies will be voted in accordance with the stockholders' instructions, and if
no choice is specified, the proxies will be voted in favor of the matters set
forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting. Any proxy may be revoked by
a stockholder at any time before its exercise by delivery of written revocation
or a subsequently dated proxy to the Clerk of the Company or by voting in person
at the Annual Meeting. Attendance at the Annual Meeting will not in and of
itself constitute revocation of a proxy.
 
    On April 13, 1998, the record date for the determination of stockholders
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, there were outstanding and entitled to
vote an aggregate of 9,937,791 shares of the Company's common stock, par value
$.01 per share ("Common Stock"). Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one
vote per share.
 
    The Company's Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 was
mailed to stockholders, along with these proxy materials and the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-KSB, on or about May 1, 1998.
 
VOTES REQUIRED
 
    The holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock issued, outstanding
and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. Shares of Common Stock
represented in person or by proxy (including shares which abstain or do not vote
with respect to one or more of the matters presented for stockholder approval)
will be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the
Annual Meeting.
 
    The affirmative vote of the holders of a plurality of the votes cast by the
holders of Common Stock entitled to vote on the matter is required for the
election of Directors.
 
    The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of shares of Common Stock
outstanding and entitled to vote on the matter is required for the approval of
the amendments to the Restated Articles of Organization, as amended.
 
    The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of shares of Common Stock,
present or represented and voting on the matter is required to approve the
amendments to the Company's 1993 Stock Option Plan, as amended.
 
    Shares which abstain from voting as to a particular matter, and shares held
in "street name" by brokers or nominees who indicate on their proxies that they
do not have discretionary authority to vote such shares as to a particular
matter, will not be counted as votes in favor of such matter, and, will also not
be counted as shares voting on such matter. Accordingly, "broker non-votes" and
abstentions will have no effect on the voting on matters that require the
affirmative vote of a certain percentage of the shares voting on a matter, but
will have the effect of a no vote on matters that require the affirmative vote
of a certain percentage of the shares outstanding.
<PAGE>
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK
 
    The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of the Company's
Common Stock as of March 31, 1998 by (i) each director, (ii) each of the
executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table set forth under the
caption "Executive Compensation" below (the "Senior Executives"), (iii) each
other person which is known by the Company to beneficially own 5% or more of its
Common Stock and (iv) all current directors and executive officers as a group:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             NUMBER OF SHARES     PERCENTAGE OF
                                                               BENEFICIALLY       COMMON STOCK
BENEFICIAL OWNER                                                 OWNED(1)        OUTSTANDING(2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------
<S>                                                          <C>                <C>
DIRECTORS
David A. Swann, Ph.D.......................................         749,163(3)            7.1%
Joseph L. Bower............................................          80,080(4)            0.8%
Eugene A. Davidson, Ph.D...................................          65,980(5)            0.7%
Jonathan D. Donaldson......................................         159,960(6)            1.6%
J. Melville Engle..........................................          61,883(7)            0.6%
Samuel F. McKay............................................         855,710(8)            8.6%
Harvey S. Sadow, Ph.D. ....................................          14,500(9)            0.2%
Steven E. Wheeler..........................................         116,970(10)           1.2%
 
OTHER SENIOR EXECUTIVES
Sean F. Moran..............................................         123,614(11)           1.2%
Jing-wen Kuo, Ph.D.........................................          50,022(12)           0.5%
Shawn D. Kinney............................................          47,130(13)           0.5%
Edward Ross, Jr............................................          27,150(14)           0.3%
 
OTHER PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
Axiom Venture Partners Limited Partnership.................         855,710(8)            8.6%
The Kaufmann Fund, Inc.....................................       1,000,000(15)          10.1%
 
All current directors and executive officers as a group (13
  persons).................................................       2,352,162(16)          21.3%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) The number of shares deemed beneficially owned includes shares of Common
    Stock beneficially owned as of March 31, 1998. The inclusion of any shares
    of stock deemed beneficially owned does not constitute an admission of
    beneficial ownership of those shares. Any reference below to shares subject
    to outstanding stock options held by the person in question refers to stock
    options that are currently exercisable within 60 days after March 31, 1998.
 
(2) The number of shares deemed outstanding includes 9,916,458 shares of Common
    Stock outstanding as of March 31, 1998, plus any shares subject to
    outstanding stock options held by the person or persons in question.
 
(3) This amount includes 30,055 shares owned by the wife of Dr. Swann, 50,625
    shares owned jointly by Dr. Swann and his wife, 13,217 shares held by three
    trusts established by Dr. Swann for the benefit of his children, and 12,600
    shares allocated to Dr. Swann's account under the Anika Therapeutics, Inc.
    Employee Savings and Retirement Plan (the "401(k) Plan"). This amount also
    includes 639,250 shares subject to outstanding stock options.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
(4) This amount includes 41,500 shares subject to outstanding stock options.
 
(5) This amount includes 41,500 shares subject to outstanding stock options.
 
(6) This amount includes 83,500 shares subject to outstanding stock options.
 
(7) This amount includes 5,783 shares allocated to Mr. Engle's account under the
    401(k) plan and 56,100 shares subject to outstanding stock options.
 
(8) This amount includes 845,710 shares owned by Axiom Venture Partners Limited
    Partnership. These shares are owned by Mr. McKay, Alan Mendelson and Martin
    Chanzit who are the general partners (the "Axiom General Partners") of Axiom
    Venture Associates Limited Partnership, the general partner of Axiom Venture
    Partners Limited Partnership, and share voting and investment power with
    respect to such shares. The Axiom General Partners disclaim beneficial
    ownership of such shares except to the extent of each proportionate
    pecuniary interest therein. This amount also includes 10,000 shares subject
    to outstanding stock options. The address Mr. McKay is c/o Axiom Venture
    Partners, City Place II, 17th Floor, 185 Asylum Street, Harford, Connecticut
    06103.
 
(9) This amount includes 13,500 shares subject to outstanding stock options.
 
(10) This amount includes 41,500 shares subject to outstanding stock options.
 
(11) This amount includes 13,354 shares allocated to Mr. Moran's account under
    the 401(k) Plan and 99,200 shares subject to outstanding stock options.
 
(12) This amount includes 10,669 shares allocated to Dr. Kuo's account under the
    401(k) Plan and 39,353 shares subject to outstanding stock options.
 
(13) This amount includes 5,963 shares allocated to Mr. Kinney's account under
    the 401(k) plan and 41,167 shares subject to outstanding stock options.
 
(14) This amount includes 2,150 shares allocated to Mr. Ross's account under the
    401(k) plan and 25,000 shares subject to outstanding stock options.
 
(15) the address of The Kaufmann Fund, Inc. is 140 E. 45th Street, 43rd Floor,
    New York, New York 10017.
 
(16) This amount includes 50,519 shares in the aggregate allocated to the
    accounts of the executive officers under the 401(k) Plan and 1,131,570
    shares subject to outstanding stock options. The address of all current
    Directors and Senior Executives is c/o Anika Therapeutics, Inc., 236 West
    Cummings Park, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801.
 
                                   PROPOSAL 1
                             ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
 
    The Company's Board of Directors is divided into three classes: Class I,
Class II and Class III. Each class of directors serves for a three-year term
with one class of directors being elected by the Company's stockholders at each
annual meeting.
 
    Dr. Bower and Dr. Davidson serve as Class I Directors with a term of office
expiring at the 2000 Annual Meeting. Mr. Donaldson, Mr. McKay and Dr. Sadow
serve as Class II Directors with a term of office expiring at the 1998 Annual
Meeting. Dr. Swann, Mr. Wheeler and Mr. Engle serve as Class III Directors with
a term of office expiring at the 1999 Annual Meeting.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
    Mr. Donaldson, Mr. McKay and Dr. Sadow are the Board of Directors' nominees
for election to the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting. The Class II
Directors will be elected to hold office until the 2001 Annual Meeting and until
their successors are duly elected and qualified. Unless otherwise instructed,
the persons named in the accompanying proxy will vote, as permitted by the
by-laws of the Company, to elect Mr. Donaldson, Mr. McKay and Dr. Sadow as the
Class II Directors.
 
    If any of the Class II Directors become unavailable, the person acting under
the proxy may vote the proxy for the election of a substitute. It is not
presently contemplated that any of the Class II Directors will be unavailable.
 
    THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR ITS NOMINEES FOR ELECTION TO
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
 
    The following table sets forth the name of each Director, including the
current Class II Directors, his age and the year in which he became a director
of the Company.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR NAME                                                   AGE         SINCE
- ----------------------------------------------------------      ---      -----------
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>
David  A.  Swann,  Ph.D...................................          61         1992
Joseph L. Bower...........................................          59         1993
Eugene A.  Davidson,  Ph.D................................          67         1993
Jonathan D. Donaldson.....................................          48         1992
J. Melville Engle.........................................          48         1996
Samuel F. McKay...........................................          58         1995
Harvey S. Sadow, Ph.D.....................................          75         1995
Steven E. Wheeler.........................................          51         1993
</TABLE>
 
    Dr. Swann is a founder of the Company and was appointed Chairman of the
Board in February 1993. In February 1996, he was appointed Chief Scientific
Officer of the Company. Previously, Dr. Swann served as President of the Company
and Chief Executive Officer. He has served on the Board of Directors of the
Company since February 1992. He served in various capacities with MedChem from
1970 through 1993 including Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Scientific Officer. From 1970 to 1987, Dr. Swann was a biochemist at Shriners
Burn Institute (Boston Unit), serving from 1984 to 1987 as Director of Research.
In addition, Dr. Swann has held numerous research and teaching positions at
Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard College and Harvard Medical School. Dr.
Swann received a B.S. with honors from Reading University in England, an M.S.
from Cornell University, and a Ph.D. from Leeds University.
 
    Dr. Bower joined the Board of Directors of the Company in February 1993. He
has held various positions at the Harvard University Graduate School of Business
Administration since 1963. He was named Donald Kirk David Professor of Business
Administration at the Harvard Business School in 1972. He has served as Chairman
of the Doctoral Programs, Director of Research, Senior Associate Dean for
External Relations, Chair of the General Management Area and is currently Chair
of the General Manager Program. Dr. Bower received an A.B. from Harvard
University and an M.B.A. and a D.B.A. from the Harvard Business School. He is a
director of the Brown Group, Inc., ML Lee Funds I and II, New America High
Income Fund, and Sonesta International Hotels Corporation.
 
    Dr. Davidson joined the Board of Directors of the Company in February 1993.
He has been the Chairman of the Department of Biochemistry at Georgetown
University Medical School since April 1988. Prior to this position, he was the
Chairman of the Department of Biological Chemistry at The Milton S. Hershey
Medical Center of the Pennsylvania State University from October 1967 to April
1988.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
Dr. Davidson also served as Associate Dean for Education at the Milton S.
Hershey Medical Center from November 1975 to January 1987. Dr. Davidson received
a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Ph.D.
in Biochemistry from Columbia University.
 
    Mr. Donaldson joined the Board of Directors in February 1993. He is
currently President of Biomorphics Group. He served as Chairman of the Board of
the Kevlin Corporation from August 1995 to March 1996 and served as a director
from 1993 to 1996. Mr. Donaldson was Vice President of the Company from February
1992 until February 1993. He served in various capacities for MedChem from
November 1986 to June 1994, including Chief Executive Officer, President and
Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Donaldson received a B.A. from Harvard University
and an M.B.A. from the Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth
College.
 
    Mr. Engle was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
in September 1996. Previously, he served as President and Chief Executive
Officer for U.S. Medical Products, a manufacturer and distributor for orthopedic
implants, from 1995 to 1996. He was Senior Vice President of Allergan, Inc.,
U.S. Sales & Canadian Operations from 1994 to 1995, Senior Vice President, Latin
America & Canada from 1990 to 1994 and Vice President of Finance/Chief Financial
Officer from 1982 to 1986. Mr. Engle received a B.S. from the University of
Colorado and a M.B.A. from the University of Southern California.
 
    Mr. McKay joined the Board of Directors in May 1995. He is currently a
general partner of Axiom Venture Partners Limited Partnership, a venture capital
firm. He is also a general partner of Connecticut Seed Ventures Limited
Partnership, a venture capital firm. Prior to Axiom, Mr. McKay was Director of
Venture Capital Investments at Connecticut General Insurance Company and a
scientist at the Avco-Everett Research Laboratory. Mr. McKay is also a director
of Open Solutions, Inc., CoStar Corporation and Sabre Communications, Inc. Mr.
McKay received a B.S. in Physics from the University of New Hampshire and an
M.B.A. from the Whittemore School of Business at the University of New
Hampshire.
 
    Dr. Sadow joined the Board of Directors in December 1995. He is currently
Chairman of the Board of Cortex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Cholestech Corp. Dr.
Sadow is also a director of Penederm, Inc. and Trega Biosciences, Inc. From 1971
through 1992, Dr. Sadow served as President and Chief Executive Officer,
Director and later, Chairman of the Board of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation.
He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Pharmaceutical
Manufacturers Association and Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
Association Foundation. Dr. Sadow received a B.S. from the Virginia Military
Institute, an M.S. from the University of Kansas and a Ph.D. from the University
of Connecticut.
 
    Mr. Wheeler joined the Board of Directors of the Company in February 1993.
He is currently the President of Wheeler & Co., a private investment firm.
Between 1993 and February 1996 he was Managing Director and a director of Copley
Real Estate Advisors and President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of
Copley Properties, Inc., a publicly traded real estate investment trust. He was
the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hancock Realty Investors, which
manages an equity real estate portfolio, from 1991 to February 1993. Prior to
this position, he was an Executive Vice President of Bank of New England
Corporation from 1990 to 1991. Mr. Wheeler received a B.S. in Engineering from
the University of Virginia, an M.S. in Nuclear Engineering from the University
of Michigan and an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School.
 
BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS
 
    The Company has a standing Executive Committee of the Board of Directors,
which is responsible for formulating and establishing a strategic business plan
for the future. The Executive Committee reviews and
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
approves the Company's annual operating plan before it is submitted to the Board
of Directors for formal approval, and it reviews and monitors actual business
performance against projections. The Executive Committee did not meet during
1997. The current Executive Committee members are Dr. Swann, Mr. McKay, Mr.
Wheeler and Mr. Donaldson.
 
    The Company has a standing Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which
provides the opportunity for direct contact between the Company's independent
auditors and the Board. The Audit Committee met once during fiscal 1997 to make
recommendations to the Board relative to the selection of the Company's
independent accountants, to confer with the Company's independent accountants
regarding the scope, method and result of the audit of the Company's books and
records and to report the same to the Board and to establish and monitor policy
relative to non-audit services provided by the independent accountants in order
to ensure their independence. The current Audit Committee members are Mr.
Donaldson, Dr. Bower and Mr. Wheeler.
 
    The Company has a standing Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
which makes recommendations to the Board regarding compensation issues with
respect to the officers of the Company. Non-employee director members of the
Compensation Committee recommend grants of stock options under the Company's
stock option plans. The Compensation Committee met once during fiscal 1997. The
current members of the Compensation Committee are Dr. Davidson, Dr. Bower, Mr.
Wheeler and Mr. McKay.
 
    The Board of Directors met four times during fiscal 1997. No director
attended less than 75% of the aggregate of the total number of Board meetings
and the total number of meetings held by all committees on which he then served.
 
DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION
 
    During the period September 1, 1996 to August 31, 1997, each director who
was not an employee of the Company was entitled to receive a director's fee of
$5,000 per year and 1,000 shares of Common Stock, or an additional 1,000 shares
of Common Stock in lieu of the $5,000 director's fee. In addition, each non-
employee director was paid a meeting fee of $1,000 for each Board meeting or
separate committee meeting attended. During the period September 1, 1997 to
December 31, 1997, each director who was not an employee of the Company was
entitled to receive a director's fee of $3,333 and $1,000 for each Board meeting
or separate committee meeting attended. All non-employee directors are
reimbursed for expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board of Directors
and any committees thereof.
 
    Non-employee directors are also entitled to participate in the Company's
1993 Director Stock Option Plan (the "Director Plan"). Under the terms of the
Director Plan, each non-employee director, upon his or her initial election to
the Board of Directors, is entitled to receive the grant of an option to
purchase 4,500 shares of Common Stock.
 
    Each option granted under the Director Plan has, or will have, an exercise
price equal to the fair market value of Common Stock on the date of grant.
Options granted under the Director Plan will become exercisable in equal annual
installments over a three-year period, but will automatically accelerate upon a
"Change in Control of the Company" (as defined in the Director Plan) which,
subject to certain exceptions, shall be deemed to occur in the event that (i) a
person becomes the beneficial owner of 20% or more of the combined voting power
of the Company's then outstanding securities, (ii) individuals who constituted
the Board of Directors on April 26, 1993, and subsequent directors approved by
such persons, cease to constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors,
(iii) the Company engages in certain
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
mergers, consolidations or recapitalizations or (iv) the stockholders approve a
plan of complete liquidation or an agreement for the sale of all or
substantially all of the Company's assets. The term of each option granted under
the Director Plan is ten years, provided that, in general, an option may be
exercised only while the director continues to serve as a director of the
Company or within 90 days thereafter.
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
    Executive officers of the Company are elected by the Board of Directors
annually at its meeting immediately following the annual meeting of stockholders
and hold office until the next annual meeting unless they sooner resign or are
removed from office. There are no family relationships between any directors or
executive officers of the Company.
 
    The following table lists the current executive officers of the Company. It
is anticipated that each of these officers will be elected or re-elected by the
Board of Directors following the Annual Meeting:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                                             AGE                       POSITION
- -------------------------------------------      ---      -------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>          <C>
 
David A. Swann, Ph.D.......................          61   Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer
 
J. Melville Engle..........................          48   President and Chief Executive Officer
 
Shawn D. Kinney ...........................          39   Vice President of Operations
 
Jing-wen Kuo, Ph.D.........................          51   Vice President of Technical and Clinical
                                                            Affairs
 
Sean F. Moran..............................          40   Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial
                                                            Officer, Clerk and Treasurer
 
Edward Ross, Jr............................          41   Vice President of Sales and Marketing
 
Charles R. Sherwood, Ph.D. ................          51   Vice President of Process Development
 
Michael R. Slater..........................          51   Vice President of Quality Systems and
                                                            Regulatory Affairs
</TABLE>
 
    Dr. Kuo was appointed Vice President of Technical and Clinical Affairs of
the Company in August 1996. He served as Vice President of Research and
Development from May 1993 to January 1996 and as Vice President of Technical
Affairs from January 1996 to August 1996. He also served as Vice President of
Research and Development of MedChem from July 1992 to May 1993, Director of
Basic Research from September 1989 to July 1992, Senior Chemist from 1986 to
1989 and Research Chemist from 1984 to 1986. Dr. Kuo received an M.S. and a
Ph.D. from the State University of New York at Stony Brook.
 
    Mr. Kinney was appointed Vice President of Operations of the Company in
January 1996. From July 1996 to September 1996 he served as one of two members
of the Office of the President. He served as Director of Technology from January
1995 to January 1996 and Manager, Analytical Laboratory from 1994 to 1995. He
also served as a consultant to the Company and MedChem from 1991 to 1994. Mr.
Kinney received a B.S. from Southeastern Massachusetts University, an M.S. from
Northeastern University and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. from the University of
Massachusetts.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
    Mr. Moran was appointed Treasurer of the Company in February 1992 and Vice
President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer in February 1993. From July
1996 to September 1996, Mr. Moran served as one of two members of the Office of
the President. He served as Treasurer of MedChem from May 1991 to May 1993. Mr.
Moran also served as Controller of MedChem from September 1990 to May 1991.
Previously, Mr. Moran served as Corporate Manufacturing Controller at Instron
Corporation, a manufacturer of materials testing instrumentation, from January
1988 to August 1990. Mr. Moran received a B.S. in Business Administration and an
M.B.A. from Babson College.
 
    Mr. Ross joined the Company in December 1996 as Vice President of Sales and
Marketing from Gliatech, Inc., where he also served as Vice President of
Marketing and Sales and was responsible for worldwide commercialization of
anti-adhesion and related therapeutic technologies. Before joining Gliatech in
1995, Mr. Ross was Business Director of biological reconstruction with Genetics
Institute from 1992 to 1995. From 1985 to 1992, he held several marketing and
management positions with the Zimmer division of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.
Prior to his experience with Zimmer, Mr. Ross held various sales and marketing
positions with divisions of American Hospital Supply Corporation, Whittaker
General Medical and G.D. Searle. Mr. Ross has a B.A. in Political Science from
Dickinson College and an M.B.A. from the University of Rochester.
 
    Mr. Sherwood was appointed Vice President of Process Development of the
Company in April 1998. He served as a consultant to the Company from January
1998 to April 1998. From 1995 to 1997 he was Senior Director, Medical Device
Research and Development for Chiron Vision. In April 1995 Chiron Vision acquired
IOLAB Corporation where he had been Executive Director, Research and Development
from 1993 to 1995, Director, Materials Characterization from 1989 to 1993 and
Manager/Section Head from 1982 to 1989. Mr. Sherwood received a M.S. and a Ph.D.
in Polymer Science and Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, a B.S.
in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University and a Certificate in Management
from Claremont Graduate School.
 
    Mr. Slater was appointed Vice President of Quality Systems and Regulatory
Affairs of the Company in February 1998. From 1995 to 1996 he served as
Executive Vice President, Development Operations for ImmuLogic Pharmaceutical
Corporation in Waltham, Massachusetts. From 1985 to 1995 he served as Vice
President, Regulatory Affairs, and from 1983 to 1985 as Director of Corporate
Regulatory Affairs for Biogen S.A. in Geneva, Switzerland. From 1971 to 1983 he
held several positions in regulatory affairs and information services and served
as Senior Manager, Medical Services for Hoechst Pharmaceuticals, U.K. Mr. Slater
received a B.Sc. in Information Science from the Metropolitan University in
Leeds, England.
 
    Biographical information concerning Dr. Swann and Mr. Engle is set forth on
pages 4 and 5.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
    SUMMARY COMPENSATION
 
    The following table sets forth certain information concerning the
compensation, for each of the periods indicated, of the Company's Chief
Executive Officer and the Company's four most highly compensated current
executive officers (other than the Chief Executive Officer).
 
                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               LONG-TERM
                                                      ANNUAL COMPENSATION     COMPENSATION
                                           FISCAL    ----------------------  --------------      ALL OTHER
      NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION          YEAR(1)     SALARY     BONUS(2)   AWARDS/OPTIONS   COMPENSATION(3)
- ----------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -----------------
<S>                                       <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>             <C>
 
J. Melville Engle.......................   12/31/97  $  224,133  $  125,000       100,000        $   8,000
  President and                            12/31/96     111,231(4)     10,000      250,000           5,200
  Chief Executive Officer
 
Shawn D. Kinney.........................   12/31/97     110,000      22,000        30,000            5,500
  Vice President of Operations             12/31/96      94,038           0        40,000            9,314
                                           08/31/96      86,923           0        10,000            2,169
                                           08/31/95      66,162           0        28,000            3,750
 
Jing-wen Kuo, Ph.D......................   12/31/97     115,000      40,250        30,000            5,750
  Vice President of Technical              12/31/96     108,462           0        10,000           11,173
  and Clinical Affairs                     08/31/96     105,000           0             0            5,250
                                           08/31/95      97,090           0        30,000           10,105
 
Sean F. Moran...........................   12/31/97     145,000      50,750        30,000            7,250
  Vice President of Finance,               12/31/96     128,654           0        30,000           13,863
  Chief Financial Officer,                 08/31/96     120,000           0             0            6,000
  Clerk and Treasurer                      08/31/95     111,139           0        20,000           11,557
 
Edward Ross, Jr.........................   12/31/97     130,000      45,500        30,000            6,500
  Vice President of                        12/31/96      10,000(5)     10,000       75,000             515
  Sales and Marketing
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Represents compensation for the Company's new fiscal year ended December 31,
    1997, the period January 1, 1996 to December 31, 1996 and the Company's
    former fiscal years ended August 31, 1996 and August 31, 1995.
 
(2) The Company paid bonuses for fiscal 1997 and did not pay any bonuses for the
    period January 1, 1996 to December 31, 1996 and for fiscal years ended 1996
    and 1995.
 
(3) For the period January 1, 1996 to December 31, 1996 and fiscal year 1995,
    constitutes matching contributions to the Company's 401(k) plan together
    with the Company's discretionary contribution to the 401(k) plan and for all
    other periods constitutes only the Company's matching contributions to the
    401(k) plan.
 
(4) Mr. Engle joined the Company in September 1996. This number represents his
    salary and relocation expenses for the period September 1996 to December
    1996.
 
(5) Mr. Ross joined the Company in December 1996. This number represents his
    salary for the month of December 1996.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
             OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR (INDIVIDUAL GRANTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 PERCENT OF
                                              NUMBER OF         TOTAL OPTIONS
                                             SECURITIES          GRANTED TO       EXERCISE    MARKET PRICE
                                             UNDERLYING         EMPLOYEES IN      PRICE PER        ON        EXPIRATION
NAME                                     OPTIONS GRANTED (1)     FISCAL YEAR        SHARE     DATE OF GRANT     DATE
- ---------------------------------------  -------------------  -----------------  -----------  -------------  -----------
<S>                                      <C>                  <C>                <C>          <C>            <C>
J. Melville Engle......................          100,000               32.3%      $   7.625     $   7.625      10/28/07
Shawn D. Kinney........................           30,000                9.7           7.625         7.625      10/28/07
Jing-wen Kuo, Ph.D.....................           30,000                9.7           7.625         7.625      10/28/07
Sean F. Moran..........................           30,000                9.7           7.625         7.625      10/28/07
Edward  Ross,  Jr......................           30,000                9.7           7.625         7.625      10/28/07
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) The exercisability of each option automatically accelerates upon a "Change
    in Control of the Company" (as defined in the 1993 Stock Option Plan). These
    options vest in four equal annual installments commencing on the first
    anniversary of grant and continuing on the next three succeeding
    anniversaries of such date.
 
OPTION EXERCISES AND HOLDINGS
 
    The following table sets forth certain information concerning exercises of
stock options during fiscal 1997 by each of the Senior Executives and the number
and value of options held by each of the Senior Executives on December 31, 1997.
 
              AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND
                         FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          NUMBER OF
                                                                         SECURITIES               VALUE OF
                                                                         UNDERLYING             UNEXERCISED
                                                                         UNEXERCISED            IN-THE-MONEY
                                                                         OPTIONS AT              OPTIONS AT
                                         NUMBER OF                      FISCAL YE (1)          FISCAL YE (1)
                                          SHARES                    ---------------------  ----------------------
                                        ACQUIRED ON      VALUE          EXERCISABLE/            EXERCISABLE/
NAME                                     EXERCISE      REALIZED         UNEXERCISABLE          UNEXERCISABLE
- --------------------------------------  -----------  -------------  ---------------------  ----------------------
<S>                                     <C>          <C>            <C>                    <C>
J. Melville Engle.....................       6,400    $     8,064        56,100/287,500    $    227,906/$930,469
Shawn D. Kinney.......................           0              0        29,500/65,000          177,071/238,648
Jing-wen Kuo, Ph.D....................      27,730         91,237        29,353/46,667          192,966/151,668
Sean F. Moran.........................      11,500         65,345        92,533/56,667          600,203/188,960
Edward Ross, Jr.......................           0              0        25,000/80,000          132,811/316,251
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Based on the fair market value of the Common Stock on December 31, 1997 of
    $9.3125 per share less the option exercise price.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
EMPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS WITH SENIOR EXECUTIVES
 
    Mr. Engle is a party to an employment agreement with the Company. The
employment agreement with Mr. Engle commenced September 24, 1996. Under the
agreement, Mr. Engle is entitled to an initial annual base salary of $200,000, a
grant of stock options for 250,000 shares of Common Stock vesting in equal
installments over four years, plus bonuses and benefits. If Mr. Engle's
employment is terminated without cause, the agreement entitles him to severance
in the amount of six months base salary and six months medical benefits. In the
event of a constructive termination due to a "hostile" change of control, Mr.
Engle will receive severance of twelve months salary (and medical benefits) if
he is not retained in a substantially equivalent position.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
    On December 1, 1997 the Company completed a secondary offering of Common
Stock. In connection with the offering the Company issued 2,725,000 shares of
Common Stock and received total gross proceeds of $19,075,000 and net proceeds
of $17,031,481. One of the underwriters of this offering was Leerink, Swann,
Garrity, Sollami, Yaffe and Wynn, Inc. ("Leerink Swann & Company"). L. Eric
Swann, an officer, director and shareholder of Leerink Swann & Company, is the
son of David A. Swann, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company.
 
    On March 17, 1997, the Company made a loan of $75,000 to J. Melville Engle,
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company which is payable upon the
earlier of March 11, 2002 or 120 days after the termination of Mr. Engle's
employment with the Company for any reason. The loan accrues current interest at
a rate of 6%, payable on a monthly basis.
 
    On March 1, 1996 the Company sold 1,455,000 shares of Common Stock in a
private placement, at a price per share of $2.75 resulting in net proceeds to
the Company of approximately $3.5 million. In connection with the sale of Common
Stock, the Company issued warrants to Leerink, Swann & Company, the placement
agent, for 146,664 shares of Common Stock exercisable at $3.00 per share and
57,036 shares of Common Stock exercisable at $4.00 per share. The Company paid
Leerink Swann & Company $320,000 as a placement agent fee in connection with the
private placement. In August 1997, the Company granted demand registration
rights to Leerink Swann & Company with respect to shares of Common Stock which
may be acquired upon exercise of such warrants. In February 1998, all warrants
were converted into Common Stock and the shares of Common Stock were registered.
L. Eric Swann, an officer, director and shareholder of Leerink Swann & Company,
is the son of David A. Swann, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company.
 
    On May 17, 1995, the Company sold 120,970 shares of Series A Preferred Stock
in a private placement at a price of $20.00 per share, resulting in net proceeds
to the Company of approximately $2.2 million. In connection with the sale of the
Series A Preferred Stock, the Company also issued warrants to the holders of
Series A Preferred Stock to purchase 60,485 additional shares of Series A
Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $20.00 per share. Axiom Venture Partners
Limited Partnership acquired 100,000 shares of such Series A Preferred Stock and
50,000 of such warrants. In connection with its investment in the Company and
pursuant to the terms of the Shareholders' Agreement, Axiom nominated and the
Board of Directors elected Samuel McKay, a general partner of Axiom Venture
Associates Limited Partnership, the general partner of Axiom Venture Partners
Limited Partnership, as a member of the Company's Board of Directors. Axiom
subsequently nominated and the Board of Directors elected Harvey Sadow as an
additional member of the Company's Board of Directors. Substantially all of the
remaining outstanding Series A Preferred Stock and warrants was issued to
directors and executive officers of the Company. In connection with the
completion of the secondary offering on December 1, 1997, the Company converted
all warrants issued in connection with the Series A Preferred Stock into Series
A Preferred Stock and converted the entire amount of the outstanding Series A
Preferred Stock into Common Stock.
 
    Dr. Swann is a party to an employment agreement which was originally entered
into on April 29, 1993 and which provided an initial annual base salary of
$210,750 plus bonuses and benefits at the discretion of the Board. The
employment agreement with Dr. Swann was amended on February 1, 1996. The amended
agreement is for a term ending May 3, 1998 and entitles Dr. Swann to a salary of
$2,000 per month, stock options for 168,750 shares of Common Stock vesting in
equal monthly installments over a 27 month period, and benefits and bonuses at
the discretion of the Board.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
                                   PROPOSAL 2
        APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS TO THE RESTATED ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION
 
    The Board of Directors has adopted a resolution approving and recommending
to the stockholders for their approval, an amendment to the Company's Restated
Articles of Organization, as amended, to increase the aggregate number of
authorized shares of Common Stock by 15,000,000 shares from 15,000,000 to
30,000,000 shares of Common Stock. The authorized number of shares of Common
Stock of the Company currently consists of 15,000,000 shares of Common Stock,
par value $.01 per share, of which 9,937,791 were issued and outstanding on the
Record Date and 3,000,000 were reserved for issuance upon the exercise of stock
options under the Company's 1993 Stock Option Plan. The Board of Directors has
also adopted a resolution approving and recommending to the stockholders for
their approval, an amendment to the Company's Articles of Organization, to
eliminate the Certificate of Vote of Directors Establishing Series A Preferred
Stock.
 
    The purpose of the proposed amendment to increase authorized Common Stock is
to provide additional authorized shares of Common Stock for possible use in
connection with future financings, investment opportunities, acquisitions,
employee benefit plans, or other distributions, such as stock dividends or stock
splits, or for other corporate purposes. The Company currently has no plans or
commitments at this time for the issuance of the additional authorized Common
Stock but desires to position itself to do so if and when the need arises and
market conditions warrant.
 
    If the proposed amendment is approved by the stockholders, 30,000,000 shares
of Common Stock will be authorized for issuance, and the additional authorized
Common Stock may be issued by the Company without any further action by the
stockholders. The issuance of additional authorized shares may, among other
things, have a dilutive effect on earnings per share and on the equity and
voting power of existing holders of Common Stock. In addition, such issuance may
also be deemed to have an antitakeover effect by making it more difficult to
obtain stockholder approval of various actions, such as a merger or removal of
management. Although the Board of Directors has no present intention of issuing
additional shares for such purposes, the proposed increase in the number of
authorized shares could also enable the Board of Directors to render more
difficult or discourage an attempt by another person or entity to obtain control
of the Company.
 
    Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to
be voted on by stockholders. Holders of Common Stock are not entitled to
cumulative voting rights and have no preemptive rights. The holders of Common
Stock are entitled to receive such dividends, if any, as may be declared from
time to time by the Board of Directors from funds legally available therefor,
subject to any preferential dividend rights of any outstanding preferred stock.
Upon the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, holders of Common Stock will
be entitled to receive all assets of the Company available for distribution to
its stockholders, subject to preferential rights of any outstanding preferred
stock.
 
    The amendment to eliminate the Certificate of Vote of Directors Establishing
Series A Preferred Stock has been approved by the Board of Directors because all
outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock were converted to Common Stock in
December 1997. Any rights and benefits provided to holders of Series A Preferred
Stock pursuant to the Certificate of Vote of Directors Establishing Series A
Preferred Stock are no longer applicable. If the proposal is approved, Article 4
of the Company's Restated Articles of Organization will be amended to eliminate
the Certificate of Vote of Directors Establishing Series A Preferred Stock which
contains the rights and benefits provided to holders of Series A Preferred
Stock. The amendment will not affect that portion of Article 4 which provides
that the Company may, without the
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
vote of shareholders, issue from time to time preferred stock in one or more
series and with such terms as may be approved by the Board of Directors, nor
will affect the terms of any other established class or series of stock other
than Series A Preferred Stock.
 
    THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENTS
TO THE RESTATED ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION OF THE COMPANY TO INCREASE THE
AGGREGATE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK AND TO ELIMINATE THE
CERTIFICATE OF VOTE OF DIRECTORS ESTABLISHING SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK.
 
                                   PROPOSAL 3
              APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS TO THE 1993 STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
    The Board of Directors has adopted and is seeking shareholder approval of
amendments to the 1993 Stock Option Plan, as amended (the "Stock Option Plan")
which would (i) increase the number of shares eligible for grant under the Stock
Option Plan from 2,000,000 to 3,000,000; (ii) limit to 250,000 the number of
shares of Common Stock subject to stock options which may be granted to any
individual employee in any calendar year; and (iii) provide for the outright
grant of Common Stock.
 
    The Board of Directors believes that increasing the number of shares
eligible for grant, and providing for the outright grant of stock, under the
Stock Option Plan provides the Company greater flexibility in granting incentive
based compensation to directors, officers, employees, or other eligible
recipients.
 
    In addition, the Board of Directors believes that limiting the number of
shares which can be granted to an individual in any calendar year will allow the
Company to maintain flexibility to approve performance-based stock options which
may not always qualify for deductibility. Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), generally disallows a tax deduction to
public companies for compensation over $1 million paid to the Company's Chief
Executive Officer and other executives which may be required to be named in the
Summary Compensation Table. The limitation on deductions does not apply to
qualifying performance-based compensation (such as certain stock option grants)
that meets the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code. The Company's policy
is to qualify most performance-based stock option grants to the Chief Executive
Officer and other executive officers. However, in order to help preserve the
Company's tax deduction for compensation that is not qualified, the Board of
Directors has adopted an amendment to the Stock Option Plan which limits the
number of shares of Common Stock subject to stock options which may be granted
annually to any individual employee.
 
    THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENTS
TO THE 1993 STOCK OPTION PLAN.
 
    The Stock Option Plan is administered by the Board of Directors. The Board
of Directors believes that the Stock Option Plan has been, and continues to be,
an important incentive in attracting, maintaining and motivating key management
employees of the Company. The Board of Directors believes that the ability to
grant additional options will help retain and attract key management employees
who are in a position to contribute to the successful conduct of the business
and affairs of the Company and, in addition, to stimulate in such individuals an
increased desire to render greater service to the Company.
 
    Options granted pursuant to the Stock Option Plan may be either incentive
stock options ("Incentive Stock Options") meeting the requirements of Section
422 of the Code or non-statutory options which are not intended to meet the
requirements of Section 422 of the Code ("Non-Qualified Options"). Awards may be
granted to employees, officers or directors of, or consultants or advisors to
the Company. The total
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
number of shares with respect to which awards under the Stock Option Plan can be
made is 2,000,000, all of which have been granted. The amendment to the Stock
Option Plan authorizes the grant of awards for an additional 1,000,000 shares.
The purchase price per share of stock deliverable upon the exercise of an option
will be determined by the Board of Directors at the time of grant; provided,
however, that in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the exercise price shall
not be less than 100% of the fair market value of such stock at the time of
grant of such option, or less than 110% of such fair market in the case of
Incentive Stock Options awarded to a 10% stockholder. As of December 31, 1997,
the closing price of the Company's common stock was $9.3125.
 
    Each option and all rights thereunder will expire on such date as is set
forth in the applicable option agreement, except that, in the case of an
Incentive Stock Option, such date will not be later than ten years after the
date on which the option is granted and, in all cases, options shall be subject
to earlier termination as provided in the Stock Option Plan. Each option granted
under the Stock Option Plan will be exercisable either in full or in
installments at such time or times and during such period as shall be set forth
in the agreement evidencing such option, subject to the provisions of the Stock
Option Plan. Unless sooner terminated, the Plan shall terminate, with respect to
Incentive Stock Options, upon the earlier of (i) the close of business on the
next day preceding the tenth anniversary of the date of its adoption by the
Board of Directors, or (ii) the date on which all shares available for issuance
under the Plan shall have been issued pursuant to the exercise or cancellation
of options granted under the Plan. Unless sooner terminated, the Plan will
terminate with respect to options which are not Incentive Stock Options on the
date specified in (ii) above. If the date of termination is determined under (i)
above, then options outstanding on such date will continue to have force and
effect in accordance with the provisions of the instruments evidencing such
options.
 
    Options granted under the Stock Option Plan will automatically accelerate
and become exercisable upon a "Change in Control of the Company" (as defined in
the Stock Option Plan) which, subject to certain exceptions, shall be deemed to
occur in the event that (i) a person becomes the beneficial owner of 20% or more
of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities, (ii)
individuals who constituted the Board of Directors on April 26, 1993, and
subsequent directors, approved by such persons, cease to constitute at least a
majority of the Board of Directors, (iii) the Company engages in certain
mergers, consolidations or recapitalizations or (iv) the stockholders approve a
plan of complete liquidation or an agreement for the sale of all or
substantially all of the Company's assets.
 
    With respect to the 1,000,000 increase in the number of shares, approval of
which is being sought hereby, neither the number of individuals who will be
selected to participate, nor the type or size of awards that will be approved by
the Compensation Committee under the Stock Option Plan, can be determined at
this time, except that as of April 13, 1998, stock options to purchase 257,500
shares of Common Stock have been granted subject to stockholder approval. A
maximum of 742,500 shares of Common Stock will be available for future awards
under the Stock Option Plan.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
NEW PLAN BENEFITS
 
    The following table sets forth certain information concerning the grant of
stock options to purchase 220,000 shares of Common Stock that were granted
subject to stockholder approval to each of the Senior Executives and to all
current executive officers as a group.
 
                             1993 STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 NUMBER OF SHARES
                                                                                    UNDERLYING
                                                                      DOLLAR      STOCK OPTIONS
NAME AND POSITION                                                    VALUE (1)         (2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------------
<S>                                                                 <C>          <C>
J. Melville Engle.................................................   $ 212,500         100,000
President and Chief Executive Officer
  Shawn D. Kinney.................................................   $  63,750          30,000
Vice President of Operations
  Jing-wen Kuo, Ph.D. ............................................   $  63,750          30,000
Vice President of Technical and Clinical Affairs
  Sean F. Moran...................................................   $  63,750          30,000
Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer,
 Clerk and Treasurer
  Edward Ross, Jr. ...............................................   $  63,750          30,000
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
                                                                    -----------        -------
All current executive officers as a group(5)......................   $ 467,500         220,000
</TABLE>
 
(1) Dollar value of unexercised in-the-money options based on the fair market
    value of the Common Stock on March 31, 1998 of $9.75 per share less the
    option exercise price of $7.625.
 
(2) Options granted vest over a period of four years and expire October 28,
    2007.
 
TAX ASPECTS OF THE STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
    The following is a summary of the principal Federal income tax consequences
of transactions under the Stock Option Plan. It does not describe all Federal
tax consequences under the Stock Option Plan, nor does it describe state or
local tax consequences.
 
    INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS.  No taxable income is realized by the optionee upon
the grant or exercise of an Incentive Stock Option. If shares issued to an
optionee pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option are not sold or
transferred within two years from the date of grant or within one year after the
date of exercise, then (a) upon the sale of such shares, any amount realized in
excess of the option price (the amount paid for the shares) will be taxed to the
optionee as capital gain and any loss sustained will be a capital loss, and (b)
there will be no deduction for the Company for Federal income tax purposes. The
exercise of an Incentive Stock Option will give rise to an item of tax
preference that may result in alternative maximum tax liability for the
optionee.
 
    If shares of Common Stock acquired upon the exercise of an Incentive Stock
Option are disposed of prior to the expiration of the two-year and one-year
holding periods described above (a "disqualifying disposition"), generally (a)
the optionee will realize ordinary income in the year of disposition in an
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
amount equal to the excess (if any) of the fair market value of the shares at
exercise (or, if less, the amount realized on a sale of such shares) over the
option price thereof, and (b) the Company will be entitled to deduct such
amount.
 
    Any such additional gain or loss realized by the participant on the
disposition will be long-term, mid-term or short-term capital gain or capital
loss, depending upon the individual's holding period for such Common Stock.
 
    The participant will be considered to have disposed of his or her shares of
Common Stock if such participant sells, exchanges, makes a gift or transfers
legal title to the shares (except by pledge or by transfer on death). If the
disposition is by gift and fails to satisfy the disqualifying disposition
holding period requirements, the amount of the participant's ordinary income
(and the Company's deduction) is equal to the fair market value of the shares on
the date of exercise less the option price. If the disposition is by sale or
exchange, the participant's tax basis will equal the amount paid for the shares
plus any ordinary income realized as a result of the disqualifying disposition.
 
    A participant who surrenders shares of Common Stock in payment of the
exercise price of his or her Incentive Stock Option generally will not, under
proposed Treasury Regulations, recognize gain or loss on his or her surrender of
such shares. The surrender of such shares of Common Stock previously acquired
upon exercise of an Incentive Stock Option in payment of the exercise price of
another Incentive Stock Option is, however, a "disposition" of such shares. If
the Incentive Stock Option holding period requirements described above have not
been satisfied with respect to such shares, such disposition will be a
disqualifying disposition that may cause the participant to recognize ordinary
income as discussed above.
 
    Under proposed Treasury Regulations, all of the shares of Common Stock
received by a participant upon exercise of an Incentive Stock Option by
surrendering shares of Common Stock will be subject to the Incentive Stock
Option holding period requirements. Of those shares, a number of shares (the
"Exchange Shares") equal to the number of shares of Common Stock surrendered by
the participant will have the same tax basis for capital gains purposes as the
shares surrendered (increased by any ordinary income recognized as a result of
any disqualifying disposition of the surrendered shares if they were Incentive
Stock Option shares) and the same capital gains holding period as the shares
surrendered. For purposes of determining ordinary income upon a subsequent
disqualifying disposition of the Exchange Shares, the amount paid for such
shares will be deemed to be the fair market value of the shares surrendered. The
balance of the shares received by the participant will have a tax basis (and a
deemed purchase price) of zero. The Incentive Stock Option holding period for
all shares will be the same as if the option had been exercised for cash.
 
    If an Incentive Stock Option is exercised at a time when it no longer
qualifies for the tax treatment described above, the option is treated as a
Non-Qualified Option. Generally, an Incentive Stock Option will not be eligible
for the tax treatment described above if it is exercised more than three months
following termination of employment (or one year in the case of termination of
employment by reason of disability).
 
    NON-QUALIFIED OPTIONS.  With respect to Non-Qualified Options under the
Stock Option Plan, no income is realized by the optionee at the time the option
is granted. Generally, (a) at exercise, ordinary income is realized by the
optionee in an amount equal to the difference between the option price and the
fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise, and the Company
receives a tax deduction for the same amount, and (b) at disposition,
appreciation or depreciation after the date of exercise is treated as either
long-term, short-term capital gain or loss depending on how long the shares have
been held.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
    An employee who surrenders shares of Common Stock in payment of the exercise
price of a Non-Qualified Option will not recognize gain or loss on his surrender
of such shares. (Such an employee will recognize ordinary income on the exercise
of the Non-Qualified Option as described above). Of the shares received in such
an exchange, that number of shares equal to the number of shares surrendered
will have the same tax basis and capital gains holding period as the shares
surrendered. The balance of the shares received will have a tax basis equal to
their fair market value on the date of exercise, and the capital gains holding
period will begin on the date of exercise.
 
    PAYMENTS IN RESPECT OF A CHANGE OF CONTROL.  As described above, the Stock
Option Plan provides for acceleration or payment of awards and related shares in
the event of a Change in Control of the Company. Such acceleration or payment
may cause the consideration involved to be treated in whole or in part as
"parachute payments" under the Code. Acceleration of benefits under other
Company stock and benefit plans and other contracts with employees in the event
of a Change in Control of the Company could be subject to being combined with
Stock Option Plan accelerations for "parachute payment" purposes. Any such
"parachute payments" may be non-deductible to the Company in whole or in part,
and the recipient may be subject to a 20% excise tax on all or part of such
payments (in addition to other taxes ordinarily payable).
 
    LIMITATION ON THE COMPANY'S DEDUCTION.  As a result of Section 162(m) of the
Code, the Company's Federal deduction for a taxable year for certain awards
under the Stock Option Plan may be limited to the extent that a "covered
employee" (i.e. the Chief Executive Officer and other executives which may be
required to be named in the Summary Compensation Table) receives compensation in
excess of $1,000,000 in such taxable year of the Company (other than
performance-based compensation that otherwise meets the requirements of Section
162(m) of the Code).
 
    RECENT TAX LAW CHANGES.  For transactions occurring after July 28, 1997, the
Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 has created three different types of capital gains
for individuals: short-term capital gains (from the sale of assets held for one
year or less) which are taxed at ordinary income rates; mid-term capital gains
(from the sale of assets held more than one year but not more than 18 months)
which are taxed at a maximum rate of 28%; and long-term capital gains (from the
sale of assets held more than 18 months) which are taxed at a maximum rate of
20%.
 
    The foregoing is only a general summary of the principal Federal income tax
considerations; for advice as to specific transactions and state and foreign tax
consequences, each participant should consult his or her own tax adviser.
 
                            INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
    The Board of Directors, at the recommendation of the Audit Committee, has
selected and the Company intends to engage the firm of Arthur Andersen LLP as
the Company's independent auditors for the current fiscal year. Representatives
of Arthur Andersen LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will
have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and will also
be available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.
 
    During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, KPMG Peat Marwick LLP were
the independent accountants of the Company. Representatives of KPMG Peat Marwick
LLP will not be present at the Annual Meeting.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
            SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
 
    Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's
officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of the Company's
outstanding shares of Common Stock (directly or beneficially), to file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and NASDAQ initial reports of
ownership and reports of changes in ownership of Common Stock and other equity
securities of the Company. Officers, directors and greater than ten percent
stockholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies
of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on its review of the copies
of such forms received by it, the Company believes that during the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1997, all filing requirements were met, except that Dr. David
Swann failed to file a Form 4 on a timely basis but has subsequently made the
required filing.
 
                                 OTHER MATTERS
 
    The Board of Directors does not know of any other matters which may come
before the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matters are properly presented
at the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the
accompanying proxy to vote, or otherwise act, in accordance with their judgment
on such matters.
 
    All costs of solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Company. In
addition to solicitations by mail, the Company's directors, officers and
employees, without additional remuneration, may solicit proxies by telephone,
telegraph and personal interviews, and the Company reserves the right to retain
outside agencies for the purpose of soliciting proxies. Brokers, custodians and
fiduciaries will be requested to forward proxy soliciting material to the owners
of stock held in their names, and, as required by law, the Company will
reimburse them for their out-of-pocket expenses in this regard.
 
                             STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
 
    Proposals of stockholders intended to be presented at the annual meeting of
stockholders to be held in 1999 must be received by the Company at its principal
office in Woburn, Massachusetts not later than December 31, 1998 for inclusion
in the proxy statement for that meeting.
 
    The Company's by-laws also establish an advance notice procedure with
respect to the introduction of business by stockholders at annual meetings. In
order to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, such
business must have been specified in a written notice given by or on behalf of a
stockholder of record on the record date for such meeting entitled to vote
thereat or a duly authorized proxy for such stockholder in accordance with all
of the requirements described below. Such notice must be delivered personally to
or mailed to and received at the principal executive office of the Company,
addressed to the attention of the Clerk, not less than thirty days prior to the
first anniversary date of the initial written notice given to stockholders by or
at the direction of the Board of Directors with respect to the previous year's
annual meeting, provided, however, that such notice shall not be required to be
given more than sixty days prior to an annual meeting of stockholders. Such
notice given by or on behalf of the stockholder shall set forth (i) a full
description of each such item of business proposed to be brought before the
meeting, (ii) the name and address of the person proposing to bring such
business before the meeting, (iii) the class and number of shares held of
record, held beneficially and represented by proxy by such person as of the
record date for the meeting (if such date has been made publicly available) and
as of the date of such notice, (iv) if any item of such business involves a
nomination for director, all information regarding each such nominee that would
be required to be set forth in a definitive proxy statement filed
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
with the SEC pursuant to Section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, or any successor thereto, and the written consent of each such nominee
to serve if elected, and (v) all other information that would be required to be
filed with the SEC if, with respect to the business proposed to be brought
before the meeting, the person proposing such business was a participant in a
solicitation subject to Section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, or any successor thereto.
 
    The chairman of the meeting may, if the facts warrant, determine and declare
to the meeting that any proposed item of business was not brought before the
meeting in accordance with the foregoing procedure and, if he should so
determine, he shall so declare to the meeting that the defective item of
business shall be disregarded.
 
    STOCKHOLDERS MAY OBTAIN, WITHOUT CHARGE, A COPY OF THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON FORM 10-KSB, INCLUDING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES THERETO,
FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
31, 1997, AND INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN, BY WRITING TO THE INVESTOR
RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, ANIKA THERAPEUTICS, INC., 236 WEST CUMMINGS PARK, WOBURN,
MASSACHUSETTS 01801.
 
                                          By Order of the Board of Directors,
 
                                          Sean F. Moran, CLERK
 
May 1, 1998
 
    THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS HOPES THAT STOCKHOLDERS WILL ATTEND THE MEETING.
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND, YOU ARE URGED TO COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND
RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE. STOCKHOLDERS WHO ATTEND
THE MEETING MAY VOTE THEIR STOCK PERSONALLY EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE SENT IN THEIR
PROXIES.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>

                                   APPENDIX I

                            ANIKA THERAPEUTICS, INC.

                       1993 STOCK OPTION PLAN, as amended

                                  March 3, 1993

1.       Purpose.

         The purpose of this plan (the "Plan") is to secure for Anika
Therapeutics, Inc. (the "Company") and its shareholders the benefits arising
from capital stock ownership by employees, officers and directors of, and
consultants or advisors to, the Company and its parent and subsidiary
corporations who are expected to contribute to the Company's future growth and
success and to provide options to holders of options to purchase the capital
stock of MedChem Products, Inc. ("MedChem") in connection with the distribution
of shares of the Company's Common Stock ("Common Stock") by MedChem. Except
where the context otherwise requires, the term "Company" shall include the
parent and all present and future subsidiaries of the Company as defined in
Sections 424(e) and 424(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended or
replaced from time to time (the "Code"). Those provisions of the Plan which make
express reference to Section 422 shall apply only to Incentive Stock Options (as
that term is defined in the Plan).

2.       Type of Options and Administration.

         (a) Types of Options. Options granted pursuant to the Plan shall be
authorized by action of the Board of Directors of the Company (or a Committee
designated by the Board of Directors) and may be either incentive stock options
("Incentive Stock Options") meeting the requirements of Section 422 of the Code
or non-statutory options which are not intended to meet the requirements of
Section 422 of the Code.

         (b) Outright Grant of Shares. The Board of Directors is also authorized
to make outright grants of shares of Common Stock of the Company in all
circumstances in which the Board of Directors deems such grants appropriate,
subject to such terms, conditions or vesting limitations as from time to time
determined by the Board of Directors.

         (c) Administration. The Plan will be administered by the Board of
Directors of the Company, whose construction and interpretation of the terms and
provisions of the Plan shall be final and conclusive. The Board of Directors may
in its sole discretion grant options to purchase shares of the Company's Common
Stock and issue shares upon exercise of such options as provided in the Plan.
The Board shall have authority, subject to the express provisions of the Plan,
to construe the respective option agreements and the Plan, to prescribe, amend
and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, to determine the terms
and provisions of the respective option agreements, which need not be identical,
and to make all other determinations in the judgment of the Board of Directors
necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan. The Board of
Directors may correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any
inconsistency in the Plan or in any option agreement in the manner and to the
extent it shall deem expedient to carry the Plan into effect and it shall be the
sole and final judge of such expediency. No director or person acting pursuant
to authority delegated by the Board of Directors shall be liable for any action
or determination under the Plan made in good faith. The Board of Directors may,
to the full extent permitted by or consistent with applicable laws or
regulations (including, without limitation, applicable state law and Rule 16b-3
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), or
any successor rule ("Rule 16b-3")), delegate any or all of its powers under the
Plan to a committee (the "Committee") which consists solely of two or more
Non-Employee Directors (as defined in Rule 16b-3) appointed by the Board of
Directors, and if the Committee is so appointed all references to the Board of
Directors in the Plan shall mean and relate to such Committee.

                                        1


<PAGE>



         (d) Applicability of Rule 16b-3. Those provisions of the Plan which
make express reference to Rule 16b-3 shall apply only to such persons as are
required to file reports under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act (a "Reporting
Person").

3.       Eligibility.

         (a) General. Options may be granted to persons who are, at the time of
grant, employees, officers or directors of, or consultants or advisors to, the
Company; provided, that the class of employees to whom Incentive Stock Options
may be granted shall be limited to all employees of the Company. A person who
has been granted an option may, if he or she is otherwise eligible, be granted
additional options if the Board of Directors shall so determine.

         (b) MedChem Products, Inc. Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraph,
non-statutory options may also be granted under the Plan to persons who hold
options to purchase shares of Common Stock of MedChem as of the date on which
MedChem distributes the shares of Common Stock of the Company it holds to its
stockholders pursuant to the terms of the Plan and Agreement of Distribution to
be entered into between MedChem and the Company (the "MedChem Optionees").

         (c) Grant of Options to Directors and Officers. From and after the
registration of the Common Stock of the Company under the Exchange Act, the
selection of a director or an officer (as the terms "director" and "officer" are
defined for purposes of Rule 16b-3) as a recipient of an option, the timing of
the option grant, the exercise price of the option and the number of shares
subject to the option shall be determined either (i) by the Board of Directors
or (ii) by two or more directors having full authority to act in the matter,
each of whom shall be a Non-Employee Director. For the purposes of the Plan, a
director shall be deemed to be a Non-Employee Director only if such person
qualifies as a Non-Employee Director within the meaning of Rule 16b-3, as such
term is interpreted from time to time.

4.       Stock Subject to Plan.

         Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 15 below, the maximum
number of shares of Common Stock of the Company which may be issued and sold
under the Plan is 3,000,000 shares. In no event shall stock options with respect
to more than 250,000 shares of Common Stock be granted to any one individual
during any one calendar year period. If an option granted under the Plan shall
expire or terminate for any reason without having been exercised in full, the
unpurchased shares subject to such option shall again be available for
subsequent option grants under the Plan. If shares issued upon exercise of an
option under the Plan are tendered to the Company in payment of the exercise
price of an option granted under the Plan, such tendered shares shall again be
available for subsequent option grants under the Plan; provided, that in no
event shall (i) the total number of shares issued pursuant to the exercise of
Incentive Stock Options under the Plan, on a cumulative basis, exceed the
maximum number of shares authorized for issuance under the Plan exclusive of
shares made available for issuance pursuant to this sentence or (ii) the total
number of shares issued pursuant to the exercise of options by Reporting
Persons, on a cumulative basis, exceed the maximum number of shares authorized
for issuance under the Plan exclusive of shares made available for issuance
pursuant to this sentence.

5.       Forms of Option Agreements.

         As a condition to the grant of an option under the Plan, each recipient
of an option shall execute an option agreement in such form not inconsistent
with the Plan as may be approved by the Board of Directors. Such option
agreements may differ among recipients.

6.       Purchase Price.

                                        2


<PAGE>



         (a) General. The purchase price per share of stock deliverable upon the
exercise of an option shall be determined by the Board of Directors, provided,
however, that in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the exercise price shall
not be less than 100% of the fair market value of such stock, as determined by
the Board of Directors, at the time of grant of such option, or less than 110%
of such fair market value in the case of options described in Section 11(b).

         (b) Payment of Purchase Price. Options granted under the Plan may
provide for the payment of the exercise price by delivery of cash or a check to
the order of the Company in an amount equal to the exercise price of such
options, or, to the extent provided in the applicable option agreement, (i) by
delivery to the Company of shares of Common Stock of the Company already owned
by the optionee having a fair market value equal in amount to the exercise price
of the options being exercised, (ii) by any other means (including, without
limitations by delivery of a promissory note of the optionee payable on such
terms as are specified by the Board of Directors) which the Board of Directors
determines are consistent with the purpose of the Plan and with applicable laws
and regulations (including, without limitation, the provisions of Rule 16b-3 and
Regulation T promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board) or (iii) by any
combination of such methods of payment. The fair market value of any shares of
the Company's Common Stock or other non-cash consideration which may be
delivered upon exercise of an option shall be determined by the Board of
Directors.

7.       Option Period.

         Each option and all rights thereunder shall expire on such date as
shall be set forth in the applicable option agreement, except that, in the case
of an Incentive Stock Option, such date shall not be later than ten years after
the date on which the option is granted and, in all cases, options shall be
subject to earlier termination as provided in the Plan.

8.       Exercise of Options.

         Each option granted under the Plan shall be exercisable either in full
or in installments at such time or times and during such period as shall be set
forth in the agreement evidencing such option, subject to the provisions of the
Plan.

9.       Nontransferability of Options.

         Incentive Stock Options, and all options granted to Reporting Persons,
shall not be assignable or transferable by the person to whom they are granted,
either voluntarily or by operation of law, except by will or the laws of descent
and distribution, and, during the life of the optionee, shall be exercisable
only by the optionee; provided, however, that non-statutory options may be
transferred pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order (as defined in Rule
16b-3).

10.      Effect of Termination of Employment or Other Relationship.

         Except as provided in Section 11(d) with respect to Incentive Stock
Options, and subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Board of Directors shall
determine the period of time during which an optionee may exercise an option
following (i) the termination of the optionee's employment or other relationship
with the Company or, in the case of a MedChem Optionee, with MedChem or, (ii)
the death or disability of the optionee. Such periods shall be set forth in the
agreement evidencing such option.

11.      Incentive Stock Options.

         Options granted under the Plan which are intended to be Incentive Stock
Options shall be subject to the following additional terms and conditions:

                                        3


<PAGE>



         (a) Express Designation. All Incentive Stock Options granted under the
Plan shall; at the time of grant, be specifically designated as such in the
option agreement covering such Incentive Stock Options.

         (b) 10% Shareholder. If any employee to whom an Incentive Stock Option
is to be granted under the Plan is, at the time of the grant of such option, the
owner of stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of
all classes of stock of the Company (after taking into account the attribution
of stock ownership rules of Section 424(d) of the Code), then the following
special provisions shall be applicable to the Incentive Stock Option granted to
such individual:

                  (i) The purchase price per share of the Common Stock subject
to such Incentive Stock Option shall not be less than 110% of the fair market
value of one share of Common Stock at the time of grant; and

                  (ii) the option exercise period shall not exceed five years
from the date of grant.

         (c) Dollar Limitation. For so long as the Code shall so provide,
options granted to any employee under the Plan (and any other incentive stock
option plans of the Company) which are intended to constitute Incentive Stock
Options shall not constitute Incentive Stock Options to the extent that such
options in the aggregate, become exercisable for the first time in any one
calendar year for shares of Common Stock with an aggregate fair market value
(determined as of the respective date or dates of grant) of more than $100,000.

         (d) Termination of Employment, Death or Disability. No Incentive Stock
Option may be exercised unless, at the time of such exercise the optionee is,
and has been continuously since the date of grant of his or her option, employed
by the Company, except that:

                  (i) an Incentive Stock Option may be exercised within the
period of three months after the date the optionee ceases to be an employee of
the Company (or within such lesser period as may be specified in the applicable
option agreement), provided, that the agreement with respect to such option may
designate a longer exercise period and that the exercise after such three-month
period shall be treated as the exercise of a non-statutory option under the
Plan;

                  (ii) if the optionee dies while in the employ of the Company,
or within three months after the optionee ceases to be such an employee, the
Incentive Stock Option may be exercised by the person to whom it is transferred
by will or the laws of descent and distribution within the period of one year
after the date of death (or within such lesser period as may be specified in the
applicable option agreement); and

                  (iii) if the optionee becomes disabled (within the meaning of
Section 22(e)(3) of the Code or any successor provision thereto) while in the
employ of the Company, the Incentive Stock Option may be exercised within the
period of one year after the date the optionee ceases to be such an employee
because of such disability (or within such lesser period as may be specified in
the applicable option agreement).

For all purposes of the Plan and any option granted hereunder, "employment"
shall be defined in accordance with the provisions of Section 1.421-7(h) of the
Income Tax Regulations (or any successor regulations). Notwithstanding the
foregoing provisions, no Incentive Stock Option may be exercised after its
expiration date.

12.      Additional Provisions.

         (a) Additional Option Provisions. The Board of Directors may, in its
sole discretion, include additional provisions in option agreements covering
options granted under the Plan, including without limitation restrictions on
transfer, repurchase rights, commitments to pay cash bonuses, to make, arrange
for or guaranty loans or to transfer other property to optionees upon exercise
of options, or such other provisions as shall be

                                        4


<PAGE>



determined by the Board of Directors; provided that such additional provisions
shall not be inconsistent with any other term or condition of the Plan and such
additional provisions shall not cause any Incentive Stock Option granted under
the Plan to fail to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option within the meaning of
Section 422 of the Code.

         (b) Acceleration, Extension, Etc. The Board of Directors may, in its
sole discretion, (i) accelerate the date or dates on which all or any particular
option or options granted under the Plan may be exercised or (ii) extend the
dates during which all, or any particular, option or options granted under the
Plan may be exercised; provided, however, that no such extension shall be
permitted if it would cause the Plan to fail to comply with Section 422 of the
Code or with Rule 16b-3.

13.      General Restrictions.

         (a) Investment Representations. The Company may require any person to
whom an option is granted, as a condition of exercising such option, to give
written assurances in substance and form satisfactory to the Company to the
effect that such person is acquiring the Common Stock subject to the option for
his or her own account for investment and not with any present intention of
selling or otherwise distributing the same and to such other effects as the
Company deems necessary or appropriate in order to comply with federal and
applicable state securities laws, or with covenants or representations made by
the Company in connection with any public offering of its Common Stock.

         (b) Compliance With Securities Laws. Each option shall be subject to
the requirement that if, at any time, counsel to the Company shall determine
that the listing, registration or qualification of the shares subject to such
option upon any securities exchange or under any state or federal law, or the
consent or approval of any governmental or regulatory body, or that the
disclosure of non-public information or the satisfaction of any other condition
is necessary as a condition of, or in connection with, the issuance or purchase
of shares thereunder, such option may not be exercised, in whole or in part,
unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval, or
satisfaction of such condition shall have been effected or obtained on
conditions acceptable to the Board of Directors. Nothing herein shall be deemed
to require the Company to apply for or to obtain such listing, registration or
qualification, or to satisfy such condition.

14. Rights as a Shareholder.

         The holder of an option shall have no rights as a shareholder with
respect to any shares covered by the option (including, without limitation any
rights to receive dividends or non-cash distributions with respect to such
shares) until the date of issue of a stock certificate to him or her for such
shares. No adjustment shall be made for dividends or other rights for which the
record date is prior to the date such stock certificate is issued.

15.      Adjustment Provisions for Recapitalizations and Related Transactions.

         (a) General. If, through or as a result of any merger, consolidation,
sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, reorganization,
recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock
split or other similar transaction, (i) the outstanding shares of Common Stock
are increased, decreased or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares
or other securities of the Company, or (ii) additional shares or new or
different shares or other securities of the Company or other non-cash assets are
distributed with respect to such shares of Common Stock or other securities, an
appropriate and proportionate adjustment may be made in (x) the maximum number
and kind of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan, (y) the maximum number
of shares subject to stock options that can be granted to any one individual in
any one calendar year, (z) the number and kind of shares or other securities
subject to any then outstanding options under the Plan, and (xx) the price for
each share subject to any then outstanding options under the Plan, without
changing the aggregate purchase price as to which such options remain
exercisable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no adjustment shall be made

                                        5


<PAGE>



pursuant to this Section 15 if such adjustment would cause the Plan to fail to
comply with Section 422 of the Code.

         (b) Board Authority to Make Adjustments. Any adjustments under this
Section 15 will be made by the Board of Directors, whose determination as to
what adjustments, if any, will be made and the extent thereof will be final,
binding and conclusive. No fractional shares will be issued under the Plan on
account of any such adjustments.

16.      Merger, Consolidation, Asset Sale, Liquidation, etc.

         (a) General. In the event of a consolidation or merger or sale of all
or substantially all of the assets of the Company in which outstanding shares of
Common Stock are exchanged for securities, cash or other property of any other
corporation or business entity or in the event of a liquidation of the Company,
the Board of Directors of the Company, or the board of directors of any
corporation assuming the obligations of the Company, may in its discretion, take
any one or more of the following actions, as to outstanding options: (i) provide
that such options shall be assumed, or equivalent options shall be substituted,
by the acquiring or succeeding corporation (or an affiliate thereof), provided
that any such options substituted for Incentive Stock Options shall meet the
requirements of Section 424(a) of the Code, (ii) upon written notice to the
optionees, provide that all unexercised options will terminate immediately prior
to the consummation of such transaction unless exercised by the optionee within
a specified period following the date of such notice, (iii) in the event of a
merger under the terms of which holders of the Common Stock of the Company will
receive upon consummation thereof a cash payment for each share surrendered in
the merger (the "Merger Price"), make or provide for a cash payment to the
optionees equal to the difference between (A) the Merger Price times the number
of shares of Common Stock subject to such outstanding options (to the extent
then exercisable at prices not in excess of the Merger Price) and (B) the
aggregate exercise price of all such outstanding options in exchange for the
termination of such options, and (iv) provide that all or any outstanding
options shall become exercisable in full immediately prior to such event.

         (b) Substitute Options. The Company may grant options under the Plan in
substitution for options held by employees of another corporation who become
employees of the Company, or a subsidiary of the Company, as the result of a
merger or consolidation of the employing corporation with the Company or a
subsidiary of the Company, or as a result of the acquisition by the Company, or
one of its subsidiaries, of property or stock of the employing corporation. The
Company may direct that substitute options be granted on such terms and
conditions as the Board of Directors considers appropriate in the circumstances.

17.      No Special Employment Rights.

         Nothing contained in the Plan or in any option shall confer upon any
optionee any right with respect to the continuation of his or her employment by
the Company or, in the case of a MedChem Optionee, by MedChem or interfere in
any way with the right of the Company or, in the case of a MedChem Optionee,
MedChem at any time to terminate such employment or to increase or decrease the
compensation of the optionee.

18.      Other Employee Benefits.

         Except as to plans which by their terms include such amounts as
compensation, the amount of any compensation deemed to be received by an
employee as a result of the exercise of an option or the sale of shares received
upon such exercise will not constitute compensation with respect to which any
other employee benefits of such employee are determined, including, without
limitation, benefits under any bonus, pension, profit-sharing, life insurance or
salary continuation plan, except as otherwise specifically determined by the
Board of Directors.

                                        6


<PAGE>



19. Amendment of the Plan.

         (a) The Board of Directors may at any time, and from time to time,
modify or amend the Plan in any respect, except that if at any time the approval
of the shareholders of the Company is required under Section 422 of the Code or
any successor provision with respect to Incentive Stock Options, the Board of
Directors may not effect such modification or amendment without such approval.

         (b) The termination or any modification or amendment of the Plan shall
not, without the consent of an optionee, affect his or her rights under an
option previously granted to him or her. With the consent of the optionee
affected, the Board of Directors may amend outstanding option agreements in a
manner not inconsistent with the Plan. The Board of Directors shall have the
right to amend or modify (i) the terms and provisions of the Plan and of any
outstanding Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan to the extent
necessary to qualify any or all such options for such favorable federal income
tax treatment (including deferral of taxation upon exercise) as may be afforded
incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Code and (ii) the terms and
provisions of the Plan and of any outstanding option to the extent necessary to
ensure the qualification of the Plan.

20.      Withholding.

         (a) The Company shall have the right to deduct from payments of any
kind otherwise due to the optionee any federal, state or local taxes of any kind
required by law to be withheld with respect to any shares issued upon exercise
of options under the Plan. Subject to the prior approval of the Company, which
may be withheld by the Company in its sole discretion, the optionee may elect to
satisfy such obligations, in whole or in part, (i) by causing the Company to
withhold shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable pursuant to the exercise of
an option or (ii) by delivering to the Company shares of Common Stock already
owned by the optionee. The shares so delivered or withheld shall have a fair
market value equal to such withholding obligation. The fair market value of the
shares used to satisfy such withholding obligation shall be determined by the
Company as of the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be
determined. An optionee who has made an election pursuant to this Section 20(a)
may only satisfy his or her withholding obligation with shares of Common Stock
which are not subject to any repurchase, forfeiture, unfulfilled vesting or
other similar requirements.

         (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of a Reporting Person,
no election to use shares for the payment of withholding taxes shall be
effective unless made in compliance with any applicable requirements of Rule
16b-3.

21.      Cancellation and New Grant of Options, Etc.

         The Board of Directors shall have the authority to effect, at any time
and from time to time, with the consent of the affected optionees, (i) the
cancellation of any or all outstanding options under the Plan and the grant in
substitution therefor of new options under the Plan covering the same or
different numbers of shares of Common Stock and having an option exercise price
per share which may be lower or higher than the exercise price per share of the
cancelled options or (ii) the amendment of the terms of any and all outstanding
options under the Plan to provide an option exercise price per share which is
higher or lower than the then current exercise price per share of such
outstanding options.

22.      Effective Date and Duration of the Plan.

         (a) Effective Date. The Plan became effective when adopted by the Board
of Directors, but no Incentive Stock Option granted under the Plan shall become
exercisable unless and until the Plan shall have been approved by the Company's
shareholders. If such shareholder approval is not obtained within twelve months
after the date of the Board's adoption of the Plan, no options previously
granted under the Plan shall be deemed to be Incentive Stock Options and no
Incentive Stock Options shall be granted thereafter. Amendments to the Plan not

                                        7


<PAGE>



requiring shareholder approval shall become effective when adopted by the Board
of Directors; amendments requiring shareholder approval (as provided in Section
19) shall become effective when adopted by the Board of Directors, but no
incentive Stock Option granted after the date of such amendment shall become
exercisable (to the extent that such amendment to the Plan was required to
enable the Company to grant such Incentive Stock Option to a particular
optionee) unless and until such amendment shall have been approved by the
Company's shareholders. If such shareholder approval is not obtained within
twelve months of the Board's adoption of such amendment, any Incentive Stock
Options granted on or after the date of such amendment shall terminate to the
extent that such amendment to the Plan was required to enable the Company to
grant such option to a particular optionee. Subject to this limitation, options
may be granted under the Plan at any time after the effective date and before
the date fixed for termination of the Plan.

         (b) Termination. Unless sooner terminated in accordance with Section
16, the Plan shall terminate, with respect to Incentive Stock Options, upon the
earlier of (i) the close of business on the day next preceding the tenth
anniversary of the date of its adoption by the Board of Directors, the tenth
anniversary of any amendment increasing the number of shares of Common Stock of
the Company which may be issued and sold under the Plan, or (ii) the date on
which all shares available for issuance under the Plan shall have been issued
pursuant to the exercise or cancellation of options granted under the Plan.
Unless sooner terminated in accordance with Section 16, the Plan shall terminate
with respect to options which are not Incentive Stock Options on the date
specified in (ii) above. If the date of termination is determined under (i)
above, then options outstanding on such date shall continue to have force and
effect in accordance with the provisions of the instruments evidencing such
options.

23.      Provision for Foreign Participants.

         The Board of Directors may, without amending the Plan, modify awards or
options granted to participants who are foreign nationals or employed outside
the United States to recognize differences in laws, rules, regulations or
customs of such foreign jurisdictions with respect to tax, securities, currency,
employee benefit or other matters.

24.      Change in Control.

         Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan and except as otherwise
provided in the relevant option agreement, in the event of a "Change in Control
of the Company" (as defined below) the exercise dates of all options then
outstanding shall be accelerated in full and any restrictions on exercising
outstanding options issued pursuant to the Plan prior to any given date shall
terminate. For purposes of the Plan, a "Change in Control of the Company" shall
occur or be deemed to have occurred only if any of the following events occur:
(i) any "person," as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") (other than the
Company, any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee
benefit plan of the Company, or any corporation owned directly or indirectly by
the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportion as their
ownership of stock of the Company) is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as
defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of
securities of the Company representing 20% or more of the combined voting power
of the Company's then outstanding securities; (ii) individuals who, as of the
date hereof, constitute the Board (as of the date hereof, the "Incumbent Board")
cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided
that any person becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose
election, or nomination for election by the Company's stockholders, was approved
by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent
Board (other than an election or nomination of an individual whose initial
assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election
contest relating to the election of the directors of the Company, as such terms
are used in Rule 14a-11 of Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act) shall be, for
purposes of this Agreement, considered as though such person were a member of
the Incumbent Board; (iii) the stockholders of the Company approve a merger or
consolidation of the Company with any other corporation other than (A) a merger
or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company
outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either

                                        8


<PAGE>


by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the
surviving entity) more than 80% of the combined voting power of the voting
securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after
such merger or consolidation or (B) a merger or consolidation effected to
implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no
"person" (as hereinabove defined) acquires more than 50% of the combined voting
power of the Company's then outstanding securities; or (iv) the stockholders of
the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or an
agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all
of the Company's assets. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Directors
of the Company may, in its sole discretion, by a resolution adopted by a
majority of the Incumbent Board prior to the occurrence of any of the events
otherwise constituting a Change in Control of the Company, declare that such
event will not constitute a Change in Control of the Company for the purposes of
the Plan. If such resolution is adopted, such event shall not constitute a
Change in Control of the Company for any purpose of the Plan.

                    Adopted by the Board of Directors on March 3, 1993.

                    Amended by the Board of Directors on April 26, 1993.

                    Approved by the Stockholders on April 26, 1993.

                    Amended by the Board of Directors on March 21, 1995.

                    Approved by the Stockholders on January 10, 1996.

                    Amended by the Board of Directors on October 1, 1996.

                    Amended by the Board of Directors on October 28, 1997.

                    Amended by the Board of Directors on January 6, 1998.



                                        9

<PAGE>
                                       
                           ANIKA THERAPEUTICS, INC.
PROXY                   ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

  This Proxy is Solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company


The undersigned, having received notice of the meeting and management's proxy 
statement therefor, and revoking all prior proxies, hereby appoints Mr. J. 
Melville Engle and Mr. Sean F. Moran, and each of them, with full power of 
substitution, as proxies to represent and vote all shares of common stock 
which the undersigned would be entitled to vote, if personally present, at 
the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Anika Therapeutics, Inc. to be held at 
the offices of Goodwin, Procter & Hoar LLP, 53 State Street, Boston, 
Massachusetts, on Wednesday, June 3, 1998, at 10:00 a.m., and at any 
adjournment thereof, with respect to the following matters set forth below.

/X/ PLEASE MARK VOTES AS IN THIS EXAMPLE.

This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed by 
the undersigned stockholder. If no direction is given, this proxy will be 
voted in favor of proposals 1, 2 and 3.

Any proxy may be revoked by a stockholder at any time before its exercise by 
delivery of written revocation or a subsequently dated proxy to the Clerk of 
the Company or by voting in person at the meeting. Attendance of the 
stockholder at the meeting or any adjournment thereof will not in and of 
itself constitute revocation of this proxy.

                                       

    [ARROW]  DETACH BELOW AND RETURN USING THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED  [ARROW]

               ANIKA THERAPEUTICS, INC. 1998 ANNUAL MEETING


<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>                        <C>                   <C>                         <C>
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS:           1 - Jonathan D. Donaldson  / / For all nominees  / / FOR all nominees    / / WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
   (to serve as Class II Directors  2 - Samuel F. McKay                                  listed to the left      to vote for all
   for a term of three years)       3 - Dr. Harvey S. Sadow                              (except as specified    nominees listed to
                                                                                         below).                 the left.
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                             <C>        <C>
(Instructions: To withhold authority to vote for any indicated   [ARROW]    _______________________________________________
nominee, write the number(s) of the nominee(s) in the box                  /_______________________________________________/
provided to the right.)
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                        <C>            <C>              <C>
2. To approve amendments to the Company's Restated Articles of             / / FOR        / / AGAINST      / / ABSTAIN
   Organization, as amended,  to increase the aggregate number of 
   authorized shares of Common Stock from 15,000,000 to 30,000,000
   shares and to eliminate the Certificate of Vote of Directors 
   Establishing Series A Preferred Stock.

3.  To approve amendments to the 1993 Stock Option Plan, as                / / FOR        / / AGAINST      / / ABSTAIN
    amended, to increase the number of shares of the Company's 
    Common Stock that may be issued thereunder from 2,000,000 to 
    3,000,000 shares, to limit the number of shares of Common Stock 
    subject to stock options which may be granted annually to any 
    individual employee, and to provide for the outright grant of 
    Common Stock.

4. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other matters as may properly come 
   before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                               <C>                                <C>
Check appropriate box and indicate changes below   Date ______________________        NO. OF SHARES ______________________
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>                   <C>                               <C>
     Address Change?           / /    Name Change?    / /
                                                      / /  Please check this box if         --------------------------------------
                                                           you plan to attend the
                                                           Annual Meeting.                  --------------------------------------
                                                                                            Signature(s) in Box

                                                                                            When signing as attorney, executor, 
                                                                                            administrator, trustee or guardian, 
                                                                                            please give full title. If more than 
                                                                                            one trustee, all should sign. All 
                                                                                            joint owners must sign.
</TABLE>




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