SUPERGEN INC
S-8, 1998-07-01
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS
Previous: CKE RESTAURANTS INC, 4, 1998-07-01
Next: SUPERGEN INC, POS AM, 1998-07-01



<PAGE>

       As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 1, 1998
                                                   Registration No. 333-________

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



                          SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                               Washington, D.C.  20549

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

                                       FORM S-8
                                REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                        UNDER
                              THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

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

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

       DELAWARE                                      91-1841574
       --------                                      ----------
(State of incorporation)              (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

                             Two Annabel Lane, Suite 220
                             San Ramon, California 94583
                       (Address of principal executive offices)

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

                               1993 STOCK OPTION PLAN
                         1998 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
                             (Full Titles of the Plans)

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

                                   Joseph Rubinfeld
                                    SuperGen, Inc.
                             Two Annabel Lane, Suite 220
                             San Ramon, California 94583
                       (Name and address of agent for service)

                                    (925) 327-0200
            (Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

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

                                      Copies to:
                                  JOHN V. ROOS, ESQ.
                           WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI
                               Professional Corporation
                                  650 Page Mill Road
                             Palo Alto, California 94304


<PAGE>




                           CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   Title of                 Amount            Proposed              Proposed          Amount of
Securities to               to be          Maximum Offering     Maximum Aggregate    Registration
be Registered            Registered(1)    Price Per Share(2)     Offering Price(2)       Fee
<S>                      <C>              <C>                   <C>                  <C>
Common Stock,
$.001 par value            850,000          $10.4375              $8,871,875.00        $2,617.21
</TABLE>


(1)  Pursuant to Rule 429 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
     "Securities Act"), the prospectus delivered to participants under the
     Registrant's 1993 Stock Option Plan, as amended (the "1993 Plan"), also
     relates to 2,500,000 shares previously registered under Form S-8
     Registration No. 333-07295. The shares to be registered include 750,000
     shares under  the 1993 Plan and 100,000 shares under the Registrant's 1998
     Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

(2)  The Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Share was estimated pursuant to
     Rule 457(c) whereby the per share price was determined by reference to the
     average between the high and low price reported in the Nasdaq National
     Market on June 29, 1998, which average was $10.4375. 
  
                                       2
<PAGE>


                                       PART II

                  INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT

Item 3.  Incorporation of Documents by Reference.

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

     (a)  The Registrant's latest annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1997, pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 (the "Exchange Act").

     (b)  The Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter
ended March 31, 1998, filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act.

     (c)  The description of the Registrant's Common Stock to be offered hereby
is contained in the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with
the Commission on January 18, 1996 pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange
Act, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such
description.

     All documents subsequently filed by the Registrant pursuant to
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the filing of
a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered have been
sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed
to be incorporated by reference in this registration statement and to be part
hereof from the date of filing such documents.

Item 4.  Description of Securities.

     Not applicable.

Item 5.  Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.

     Not applicable.

Item 6.  Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

     The Company has adopted provisions in its current Certificate of
Incorporation which (i) eliminate the personal liability of its directors to the
Company for monetary damages to the fullest extent permissible under Delaware
law; and (ii) authorize the company to indemnify its directors and officers to
the fullest extent permitted by law.  Such limitation of liability does not
affect the availability of equitable remedies, such as injunctive relief or
rescission.  The Company's Certificate of Incorporation also includes a
provision eliminating, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, the
personal 

                                    II-1
<PAGE>

liability of its directors for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as
a director.  In addition, the Bylaws of the Company provide that it will be
required to indemnify its officers and directors to the maximum extent and in
the manner permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law.

     The Company has entered into separate indemnification agreements with each
of its officers, directors and key employees that contain provisions which are
in some respects broader than the specific indemnification provisions contained
in the Delaware General Corporation Law.  The indemnification agreements may
require the Company, among other things, to indemnify such officers and
directors against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status
or service as directors or officers (other than liabilities arising from willful
misconduct of a culpable nature), to advance their expenses incurred as a result
of any proceeding against them, as to which they could be indemnified, and to
obtain director's and officer's insurance, if available on reasonable terms. 
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of
1933 (the "Securities Act") may be permitted to directors, officers and
controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or
otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable.

     At present, the Company is not aware of any pending litigation involving a
director, officer, employee or agent of the Company where indemnification will
be required or permitted.  The Company is not aware of any threatened litigation
or proceeding which may result in a claim for such indemnification.

Item 7.  Exemption from Registration Claimed.

     Not applicable.

Item 8.  Exhibits.

   Exhibit
   Number
  --------
     4.1  1993 Stock Option Plan, as amended.     
     4.2* Form of Stock Option Agreement for use under the 1993 Stock Option
          Plan.
     4.3  1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan with attached form of Subscription
          Agreement and Notice of Withdrawal.
     5.1  Opinion of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C., as to legality of
          securities being registered
     23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.
     23.2 Consent of Counsel (contained in Exhibit 5.1)
     24.1 Power of Attorney (see Page II-4)



*    Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the Registrant's 
     Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on 
     August 13, 1997.

                                    II-2
<PAGE>

Item 9.  Undertakings.

     (a)  The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

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

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

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

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

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

                                    II-3
<PAGE>


                                      SIGNATURES


     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this registration
statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of San Ramon, State of California, on July 1, 1998.


                                   SUPERGEN, INC.


                                   By:  /s/ Joseph Rubinfeld
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                        Joseph Rubinfeld, Ph.D., Chief Executive
                                        Officer, President and Director 





                                  POWER OF ATTORNEY


     KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Joseph Rubinfeld his true and lawful
attorney and agent, with full power of substitution, with power to act alone, to
sign and execute on behalf of the undersigned any amendment or amendments to
this Registration Statement on Form S-8 and to perform any acts necessary in
order to file such amendments, and each of the undersigned does hereby ratify
and confirm all that said attorney and agent, or his substitutes, shall do or
cause to be done by virtue hereof. 

                                    II-4
<PAGE>


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


       SIGNATURE                          TITLE                  DATE

/s/ Joseph Rubinfeld
- ------------------------    Chief Executive Officer,          July 1, 1998
(Joseph Rubinfeld)          President and Director
                            (principal executive officer
                            and principal financial and
                            accounting officer)

/s/ Denis Burger
- ------------------------    Director                          July 1, 1998
(Denis Burger)



- ------------------------    Director                          ______, 1998
(Lawrence J. Ellison)


/s/ J. Gregory Swendsen
- ------------------------    Director                          July 1, 1998
(J. Gregory Swendsen)


/s/ Julius A. Vida
- ------------------------    Director                          July 1, 1998
(Julius A. Vida)



- ------------------------    Director                          ______, 1998
(Daniel Zurr)
 
                                    II-5

<PAGE>


                                    SUPERGEN, INC.

                          REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8

                                  INDEX TO EXHIBITS


     Exhibit
     Number             Description


     4.1  1993 Stock Option Plan, as amended.

     4.2* Form of Stock Option Agreement for use under the 1993 Stock Option
          Plan.

     4.3  1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan with attached form of Subscription
          Agreement and Notice of Withdrawal.

     5.1  Opinion of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C.,
          as to legality of securities being registered.

     23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.

     23.2 Consent of Counsel (contained in Exhibit 5.1).

     24.1 Power of Attorney (see Page II-4).


- ------------------
*    Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the Registrant's
     Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on 
     August 13, 1997. 

                                    II-6

<PAGE>


                                     EXHIBIT 4.1

                                    SUPERGEN, INC.
                                1993 STOCK OPTION PLAN
                          (as amended through March 9, 1998)



     1.   Purposes of the Plan.  The purposes of this Stock Plan are:

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

          -    to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors and
               Consultants, and 

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

     Options granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options or
Nonstatutory Stock Options, as determined by the Administrator at the time of
grant.  Stock Purchase Rights may also be granted under the Plan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

          (g)  "Company" means SuperGen, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

          (h)  "Consultant" means any person, including an advisor, engaged by
the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render services and who is compensated
for such services.

<PAGE>


          (i)  "Continuous Status as a Director or Consultant" means that the
employment relationship, directorship or consulting relationship with the
Company, any Parent, or Subsidiary, is not interrupted or terminated. 
Continuous Status as a Director or Consultant shall not be considered
interrupted in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company or
(ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its
Parent, any Subsidiary, or any successor.  A leave of absence approved by the
Company shall include sick leave, military leave, or any other personal leave
approved by an authorized representative of the Company.  For purposes of
Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed ninety days, unless
reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract.
If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company is
not so guaranteed, on the 181st day of such leave any Incentive Stock Option
held by the Optionee shall cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and
shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option.

          (j)  "Director" means a member of the Board.

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

          (l)  "Employee" means any person, including Officers and Directors,
employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.  Neither
service as a Director nor payment of a director's fee by the Company shall be
sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company.

          (m)  "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

          (n)  "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of Common
Stock determined as follows:

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

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

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

<PAGE>


          (o)  "Incentive Stock Option" means an Option intended to qualify as
an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the
regulations promulgated thereunder.

          (p)  "Nonstatutory Stock Option" means an Option not intended to
qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

          (q)  "Notice of Grant" means a written notice evidencing certain terms
and conditions of an individual Option or Stock Purchase Right grant.  The
Notice of Grant is part of the Option Agreement.

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

          (s)  "Option" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.

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

          (u)  "Option Exchange Program" means a program whereby outstanding
options are surrendered in exchange for options with a lower exercise price.

          (v)  "Optioned Stock" means the Common Stock subject to an Option or
Stock Purchase Right.

          (w)  "Optionee" means an Employee, Director or Consultant who holds an
outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right.

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

          (y)  "Plan" means this SuperGen, Inc. 1993 Stock Plan.

          (z)  "Restricted Stock" means shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant
to a grant of Stock Purchase Rights under Section 11 below.

          (aa) "Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement" means a written agreement
between the Company and the Optionee evidencing the terms and restrictions
applying to stock purchased under a Stock Purchase Right.  The Restricted Stock
Purchase Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the
Notice of Grant.

          (bb) "Rule 16b-3" means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any
successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised with
respect to the Plan.

<PAGE>


          (cc) "Section 16(b)" means Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended.

          (dd) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 13 of the Plan.

          (ee) "Stock Purchase Right" means the right to purchase Common Stock
pursuant to Section 11 of the Plan, as evidenced by a Notice of Grant.

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

     3.   Stock Subject to the Plan.  Subject to the provisions of Section 13 of
the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned and sold
under the Plan is 3,250,000 Shares.  The Shares may be authorized, but unissued,
or reacquired Common Stock.  

          If an Option or Stock Purchase Right expires or becomes unexercisable
without having been exercised in full, or is surrendered pursuant to an Option
Exchange Program, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto shall become
available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has
terminated); provided, however, that Shares that have actually been issued under
the Plan, whether upon exercise of an Option or Right, shall not be returned to
the Plan and shall not become available for future distribution under the Plan,
except that if Shares of Restricted Stock are repurchased by the Company at
their original purchase price, such Shares shall become available for future
grant under the Plan.  For purposes of the preceding sentence, voting rights
shall not be considered a benefit of Share ownership.

     4.   Administration of the Plan.

          (a)  Procedure.

               (i) Multiple Administrative Bodies.  The Plan may be
administered by different Committees with respect to different groups of Service
Providers.

               (ii) Section 162(m). To the extent that the Administrator
determines it to be desirable to qualify Options granted hereunder as
"performance-based compensation" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the
Code, the Plan shall be administered by a Committee of two or more "outside
directors" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.

               (iii) Rule 16b-3.  To the extent desirable to qualify
transactions hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated
hereunder shall be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption under
Rule 16b-3.

<PAGE>


               (iv) Other Administration.  Other than as provided above, the
Plan shall be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee, which committee
shall be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws. 

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

               (i) to determine the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock, in
accordance with Section 2(n) of the Plan;

               (ii) to select the Employees, Directors and Consultants to whom
Options and Stock Purchase Rights may be granted hereunder;

               (iii) to determine whether and to what extent Options and
Stock Purchase Rights or any combination thereof, are granted hereunder;

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

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

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

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

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

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

<PAGE>


               (x) to modify or amend each Option or Stock Purchase Right
(subject to Section 15(c) of the Plan), including the discretionary authority to
extend the post-termination exercisability period of Options longer than is
otherwise provided for in the Plan;

               (xi) to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company
any instrument required to effect the grant of an Option or Stock Purchase Right
previously granted by the Administrator;

               (xii) to institute an Option Exchange Program;

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

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

          (c)  Effect of Administrator's Decision.  The Administrator's
decisions, determinations and interpretations shall be final and binding on all
Optionees and any other holders of Options or Stock Purchase Rights.

     5.   Eligibility.  Nonstatutory Stock Options and Stock Purchase Rights may
be granted to Employees, Directors and Consultants.  Incentive Stock Options may
be granted only to Employees.  

     6.   Limitations.

          (a)  Each Option shall be designated in the written option agreement
as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option.  However,
notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market
Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are
exercisable for the first time by the Optionee during any calendar year (under
all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such
Options shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options.  For purposes of this
Section 6(a), Incentive Stock Options shall be taken into account in the order
in which they were granted.  The Fair Market Value of the Shares shall be
determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted.

          (b)  Neither the Plan nor any Option or Stock Purchase Right shall
confer upon an Optionee any right with respect to continuing the Optionee's
employment relationship, directorship or consulting relationship with the
Company, nor shall they interfere in any way with the Optionee's right or the
Company's right to terminate such employment relationship, directorship or
consulting relationship at any time, with or without cause.

<PAGE>


          (c)  The following limitations shall apply to grants of Options and
Stock Purchase Rights to Employees, Directors and Consultants:

               (i) No Employee, Director or Consultant shall be granted, in any
fiscal year of the Company, Options and Stock Purchase Rights to purchase more
than 500,000 Shares.

               (ii) In connection with his or her initial service with the
Company, an Employee, Director or Consultant may be granted Options and Stock
Purchase Rights to purchase up to an additional 200,000 Shares which shall not
count against the limit set forth in subsection (i) above.

               (iii) The foregoing limitations shall be adjusted
proportionately in connection with any change in the Company's capitalization as
described in Section 13. 

               (iv) If an Option or Stock Purchase Right is cancelled in
the same fiscal year of the Company in which it was granted (other than in
connection with a transaction described in Section 13), the cancelled Option or
Stock Purchase Right will be counted against the limits set forth in subsections
(i) and (ii) above.  For this purpose, if the exercise price of an Option or
Stock Purchase Right is reduced, the transaction will be treated as a
cancellation of the Option or Stock Purchase Right and the grant of a new Option
or Stock Purchase Right.

     7.   Term of Plan.  Subject to Section 19 of the Plan, the Plan shall
become effective upon the earlier to occur of its adoption by the Board or its
approval by the shareholders of the Company as described in Section 19 of the
Plan.  It shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless
terminated earlier under Section 15 of the Plan.

     8.   Term of Option.  The term of each Option shall be stated in the Notice
of Grant; provided, however, that in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the
term shall be ten (10) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may
be provided in the Notice of Grant.  Moreover, in the case of an Incentive Stock
Option granted to an Optionee who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is
granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power
of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of
the Incentive Stock Option shall be five (5) years from the date of grant or
such shorter term as may be provided in the Notice of Grant.

     9.   Option Exercise Price and Consideration.

          (a)  Exercise Price.  The per share exercise price for the Shares to
be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be determined by the
Administrator, subject to the following:

               (i)  In the case of an Incentive Stock Option

                    (A)  granted to an Employee who, at the time the Incentive
Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of
the voting power of all classes of 


<PAGE>

stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price
shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of
grant.

                    (B)  granted to any Employee other than an Employee
described in paragraph (A) immediately above, the per Share exercise price shall
be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

               (ii) In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option, the per Share
exercise price shall be determined by the Administrator.  In the case of a
Nonstatutory Stock Option intended to qualify as "performance-based
compensation" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the per Share
exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on
the date of grant.

               (iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Options may be granted
with a per Share exercise price of less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per
Share on the date of grant pursuant to a merger or other corporate transaction.

          (b)  Waiting Period and Exercise Dates.  At the time an Option is
granted, the Administrator shall fix the period within which the Option may be
exercised and shall determine any conditions which must be satisfied before the
Option may be exercised.  In so doing, the Administrator may specify that an
Option may not be exercised until the completion of a service period.

          (c)  Form of Consideration.  The Administrator shall determine the
acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method
of payment.  In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the Administrator shall
determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time of grant.  Such
consideration may consist entirely of:

                (i) cash;

               (ii) check;

              (iii) promissory note;

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

               (v) delivery of a properly executed exercise notice together
with such other documentation as the Administrator and the broker, if
applicable, shall require to effect an exercise of the Option and delivery to
the Company of the sale or loan proceeds required to pay the exercise price;

<PAGE>


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

              (vii) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment; or

             (viii) such other consideration and method of payment for the
issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.

     10.  Exercise of Option.

          (a)  Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Shareholder. Any Option
granted hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at
such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set
forth in the Option Agreement.

               An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

               An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company receives:
(i) written notice of exercise (in accordance with the Option Agreement) from
the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full payment for the Shares
with respect to which the Option is exercised.  Full payment may consist of any
consideration and method of payment authorized by the Administrator and
permitted by the Option Agreement and the Plan.  Shares issued upon exercise of
an Option shall be issued in the name of the Optionee or, if requested by the
Optionee, in the name of the Optionee and his or her spouse.  Until the stock
certificate evidencing such Shares is issued (as evidenced by the appropriate
entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the
Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a
shareholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the
exercise of the Option.  The Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such
stock certificate promptly after the Option is exercised.  No adjustment will be
made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the
date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in Section 13 of the
Plan.

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

          (b)  Termination of Employment, Consulting Relationship or
Directorship.  Upon termination of an Optionee's Continuous Status as an
Employee, Director or Consultant, other than upon the Optionee's death or
Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or her Option, but only within such
period of time as is specified in the Notice of Grant, and only to the extent
that the Optionee was entitled to exercise it at the date of termination (but in
no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in
the Notice of Grant).  In the absence of a specified time in the Notice of
Grant, the Option shall remain exercisable for three (3) months following the
Optionee's termination.  In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, such period
of time for exercise shall not exceed three (3) months from the date of
termination.  If, on the date of termination, the Optionee is 

<PAGE>


not entitled to exercise the Optionee's entire Option, the Shares covered by the
unexercisable portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan.  If, after
termination, the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within the time
specified by the Administrator, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares
covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.

          Notwithstanding the above, in the event of an Optionee's change in
status from Consultant or Director to Employee or Employee or Director to
Consultant, an Optionee's Continuous Status as a Director or Consultant shall
not automatically terminate solely as a result of such change in status. 
However, in such event, an Incentive Stock Option held by the Optionee shall
cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and shall be treated for tax
purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option three months and one day following such
change of status from an Employee to a Consultant.  

          (c)  Disability of Optionee.  In the event that an Optionee's
Continuous Status as an Employee, Director or Consultant terminates as a result
of the Optionee's Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or her Option at any
time within twelve (12) months from the date of such termination, but only to
the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise it at the date of such
termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such
Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant).  If, at the date of termination,
the Optionee is not entitled to exercise his or her entire Option, the Shares
covered by the unexercisable portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan. 
If, after termination, the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within
the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by
such Option shall revert to the Plan.

          (d)  Death of Optionee.  In the event of the death of an Optionee, the
Option may be exercised at any time within twelve (12) months following the date
of death (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option
as set forth in the Notice of Grant), by the Optionee's estate or by a person
who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, but
only to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise the Option at the
date of death.  If, at the time of death, the Optionee was not entitled to
exercise his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unexercisable
portion of the Option shall immediately revert to the Plan.  If, after death,
the Optionee's estate or a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option
by bequest or inheritance does not exercise the Option within the time specified
herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall
revert to the Plan.

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

     11.  Stock Purchase Rights.

          (a)  Rights to Purchase.  Stock Purchase Rights may be issued either
alone, in addition to, or in tandem with other awards granted under the Plan
and/or cash awards made outside of the Plan.  After the Administrator determines
that it will offer Stock Purchase Rights under the Plan, it shall advise the
offeree in writing, by means of a Notice of Grant, of the terms, conditions and 

<PAGE>


restrictions related to the offer, including the number of Shares that the
offeree shall be entitled to purchase, the price to be paid, and the time within
which the offeree must accept such offer, which shall in no event exceed six (6)
months from the date upon which the Administrator made the determination to
grant the Stock Purchase Right.  The offer shall be accepted by execution of a
Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement in the form determined by the Administrator.

          (b)  Repurchase Option.  Unless the Administrator determines
otherwise, the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall grant the Company a
repurchase option exercisable upon the voluntary or involuntary termination of
the purchaser's employment with the Company for any reason (including death or
Disability).  The purchase price for Shares repurchased pursuant to the
Restricted Stock purchase agreement shall be the original price paid by the
purchaser and may be paid by cancellation of any indebtedness of the purchaser
to the Company.  The repurchase option shall lapse at a rate determined by the
Administrator.

          (c)  Other Provisions.  The Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall
contain such other terms, provisions and conditions not inconsistent with the
Plan as may be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.  In
addition, the provisions of Restricted Stock Purchase Agreements need not be the
same with respect to each purchaser.

          (d)  Rights as a Shareholder.  Once the Stock Purchase Right is
exercised, the purchaser shall have the rights equivalent to those of a
shareholder, and shall be a shareholder when his or her purchase is entered upon
the records of the duly authorized transfer agent of the Company.  No adjustment
will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to
the date the Stock Purchase Right is exercised, except as provided in Section 13
of the Plan.

     12.  Non-Transferability of Options and Stock Purchase Rights.  Unless
determined otherwise by the Administrator, an Option or Stock Purchase Right may
not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any
manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be
exercised, during the lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee.  If the
Administrator makes an Option or Stock Purchase Right transferable, such Option
or Stock Purchase Right shall contain such additional terms and conditions as
the Administrator deems appropriate.

     13.  Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Merger or
          Asset Sale. 

          (a)  Changes in Capitalization.  Subject to any required action by the
shareholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by
each outstanding Option and Stock Purchase Right, and the number of shares of
Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to
which no Options or Stock Purchase Rights have yet been granted or which have
been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Option or Stock
Purchase Right, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each
such outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right, shall be proportionately
adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common
Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend,
combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or
decrease in 

<PAGE>


the number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of
consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any
convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected
without receipt of consideration."  Such adjustment shall be made by the Board,
whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive. 
Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of
stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class,
shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to,
the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option or Stock
Purchase Right.

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

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

<PAGE>


     14.  Date of Grant.  The date of grant of an Option or Stock Purchase Right
shall be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the
determination granting such Option or Stock Purchase Right, or such other later
date as is determined by the Administrator.  Notice of the determination shall
be provided to each Optionee within a reasonable time after the date of such
grant.

     15.  Amendment and Termination of the Plan.

          (a)  Amendment and Termination.  The Board may at any time amend,
alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.  

          (b)  Shareholder Approval.  The Company shall obtain shareholder
approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply
with Sections 162(m) or 422 of the Code (or any successor rule or statute or
other applicable law, rule or regulation, including the requirements of any
exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted). 
Such shareholder approval, if required, shall be obtained in such a manner and
to such a degree as is required by the applicable law, rule or regulation.

          (c)  Effect of Amendment or Termination.  No amendment, alteration,
suspension or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights of any Optionee,
unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the Administrator,
which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and the Company.

     16.  Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.  

          (a)  Legal Compliance.  Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the
exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right unless the exercise of such Option
or Stock Purchase Right and the issuance and delivery of such Shares shall
comply with all relevant provisions of law, including, without limitation, the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder, Applicable Laws, and the requirements of any stock
exchange or quotation system upon which the Shares may then be listed or quoted,
and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with
respect to such compliance.

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

     17.  Liability of Company.

          (a)  Inability to Obtain Authority.  The inability of the Company to
obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority
is deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and
sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of 

<PAGE>


any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which
such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.

          (b)  Grants Exceeding Allotted Shares.  If the Optioned Stock covered
by an Option or Stock Purchase Right exceeds, as of the date of grant, the
number of Shares which may be issued under the Plan without additional
shareholder approval, such Option or Stock Purchase Right shall be void with
respect to such excess Optioned Stock, unless shareholder approval of an
amendment sufficiently increasing the number of Shares subject to the Plan is
timely obtained in accordance with Section 15(b) of the Plan.

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

     19.  Shareholder Approval.  Continuance of the Plan shall be subject to
approval by the shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months before or
after the date the Plan is adopted.  Such shareholder approval shall be obtained
in the manner and to the degree required under applicable federal and state law.

<PAGE>


                                     EXHIBIT 4.3

                                    SUPERGEN, INC.

                          1998 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN


     1.   Purpose.  The purpose of the Plan is to provide employees of the
Company and its Designated Subsidiaries with an opportunity to purchase Common
Stock of the Company through accumulated payroll deductions.  It is the
intention of the Company to have the Plan qualify as an "Employee Stock Purchase
Plan" under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  The
provisions of the Plan, accordingly, shall be construed so as to extend and
limit participation in a manner consistent with the requirements of that section
of the Code.

     2.   Definitions.

          (a)  "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

          (b)  "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

          (c)  "Common Stock" shall mean the common stock of the Company.

          (d)  "Company" shall mean SuperGen, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and
any Designated Subsidiary of the Company.

          (e)  "Compensation" shall mean all base straight time gross earnings,
bonuses and commissions, exclusive of payments for overtime, shift premium and
other compensation.

          (f)  "Designated Subsidiary" shall mean any Subsidiary which has been
designated by the Board from time to time in its sole discretion as eligible to
participate in the Plan.

          (g)  "Employee" shall mean any individual who is an Employee of the
Company for tax purposes whose customary employment with the Company is at least
twenty (20) hours per week and more than five (5) months in any calendar year. 
For purposes of the Plan, the employment relationship shall be treated as
continuing intact while the individual is on sick leave or other leave of
absence approved by the Company.  Where the period of leave exceeds 90 days and
the individual's right to reemployment is not guaranteed either by statute or by
contract, the employment relationship shall be deemed to have terminated on the
91st day of such leave.

          (h)   "Enrollment Date" shall mean the first day of each Offering
Period.

          (i)  "Exercise Date" shall mean the last Trading Day of each Offering
Period.

          (j)  "Fair Market Value" shall mean, as of any date, the value of
Common Stock determined as follows:

               (1)  If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock
exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq
National Market or The Nasdaq 

<PAGE>


SmallCap Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market Value shall be the
closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were
reported) as quoted on such exchange or system for the last market trading day
on the date of such determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or
such other source as the Board deems reliable, or;

               (2)  If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized
securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, its Fair Market Value
shall be the mean of the closing bid and asked prices for the Common Stock on
the date of such determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such
other source as the Board deems reliable, or;

               (3)  In the absence of an established market for the Common
Stock, the Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined in good faith by the
Board.
     
          (k)  "Offering Period" shall mean a period of approximately six (6)
months during which an option granted pursuant to the Plan may be exercised,
commencing on the first Trading Day on or after May 15 (beginning in 1999) and
terminating on the last Trading Day in the period ending the following November
14, or commencing on the first Trading Day on or after November 15 (beginning in
1998) and terminating on the last Trading Day in the period ending the following
May 14; provided, however, that the first Offering Period under the Plan shall
commence on the first Trading Day on or after May 12, 1998, and shall terminate
on the last Trading Day on or before November 14, 1998. The duration of Offering
Periods may be changed pursuant to Section 4 of this Plan.

          (l)  "Plan" shall mean this 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

          (m)  "Purchase Price" shall mean an amount equal to 85% of the Fair
Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the Enrollment Date or on the
Exercise Date, whichever is lower.

          (n)  "Reserves" shall mean the number of shares of Common Stock
covered by each option under the Plan which have not yet been exercised and the
number of shares of Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under
the Plan but not yet placed under option.
 
          (o)  "Subsidiary" shall mean a corporation, domestic or foreign, of
which not less than 50% of the voting shares are held by the Company or a
Subsidiary, whether or not such corporation now exists or is hereafter organized
or acquired by the Company or a Subsidiary.

          (p)  "Trading Day" shall mean a day on which national stock exchanges
and the Nasdaq System are open for trading.

     3.   Eligibility.

          (a)  Any Employee who shall be employed by the Company on a given
Enrollment Date shall be eligible to participate in the Plan.

                                      2
<PAGE>


          (b)  Any provisions of the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, no
Employee shall be granted an option under the Plan (i) to the extent that,
immediately after the grant, such Employee (or any other person whose stock
would be attributed to such Employee pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code)
would own capital stock of the Company and/or hold outstanding options to
purchase such stock possessing five percent (5%) or more of the total combined
voting power or value of all classes of the capital stock of the Company or of
any Subsidiary, or (ii) to the extent that his or her rights to purchase stock
under all employee stock purchase plans of the Company and its subsidiaries
accrues at a rate which exceeds Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) worth of
stock (determined at the fair market value of the shares at the time such option
is granted) for each calendar year in which such option is outstanding at any
time.

     4.   Offering Periods.  The Plan shall be implemented by consecutive
Offering Periods with a new Offering Period commencing on the first Trading Day
on or after May 15 (beginning in 1999) and November 15 of each year, or on such
other date as the Board shall determine, and continuing thereafter until
terminated in accordance with Section 20 hereof; provided, however, that the
first Offering Period under the Plan shall commence on the first Trading Day on
or after May 12, 1998, and shall terminate on the last Trading Day on or before
November 14, 1998.  The Board shall have the power to change the duration of
Offering Periods (including the commencement dates thereof) with respect to
future offerings without stockholder approval if such change is announced at
least five (5) days prior to the scheduled beginning of the first Offering
Period to be affected thereafter. 

     5.   Participation.

          (a)  An eligible Employee may become a participant in the Plan by
completing a subscription agreement authorizing payroll deductions in the form
of Exhibit A to this Plan and filing it with the Company's payroll office prior
to the applicable Enrollment Date.

          (b)  Payroll deductions for a participant shall commence on the first
payroll following the Enrollment Date and shall end on the last payroll in the
Offering Period to which such authorization is applicable, unless sooner
terminated by the participant as provided in Section 10 hereof.

     6.   Payroll Deductions.

          (a)  At the time a participant files his or her subscription
agreement, he or she shall elect to have payroll deductions made on each pay day
during the Offering Period in an amount not exceeding twenty percent (20%) of
the Compensation which he or she receives on each pay day during the Offering
Period.

          (b)  A participant may not make any additional payments into such
account.

          (c)  A participant may discontinue his or her participation in the
Plan as provided in Section 10 hereof, or may increase or decrease the rate of
his or her payroll deductions during the Offering Period by completing or filing
with the Company a new subscription agreement authorizing 

                                      3
<PAGE>


a change in payroll deduction rate.  The Board may, in its discretion, limit the
number of participation rate changes during any Offering Period.  The change in
rate shall be effective with the first full payroll period following five (5)
business days after the Company's receipt of the new subscription agreement
unless the Company elects to process a given change in participation more
quickly.  A participant's subscription agreement shall remain in effect for
successive Offering Periods unless terminated as provided in Section 10 hereof.

          (d)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent necessary to comply
with Section 423(b)(8) of the Code and Section 3(b) hereof, a participant's
payroll deductions may be decreased to zero percent (0%) at any time during an
Offering Period.  Payroll deductions shall recommence at the rate provided in
such participant's subscription agreement at the beginning of the first Offering
Period which is scheduled to end in the following calendar year, unless
terminated by the participant as provided in Section 10 hereof.

          (e)  At the time the option is exercised, in whole or in part, or at
the time some or all of the Company's Common Stock issued under the Plan is
disposed of, the participant must make adequate provision for the Company's
federal, state, or other tax withholding obligations, if any, which arise upon
the exercise of the option or the disposition of the Common Stock.  At any time,
the Company may, but shall not be obligated to, withhold from the participant's
compensation the amount necessary for the Company to meet applicable withholding
obligations, including any withholding required to make available to the Company
any tax deductions or benefits attributable to sale or early disposition of
Common Stock by the Employee.

     7.   Grant of Option.  On the Enrollment Date of each Offering Period, each
eligible Employee participating in such Offering Period shall be granted an
option to purchase on the Exercise Date of such Offering Period (at the
applicable Purchase Price) up to a number of shares of the Company's Common
Stock determined by dividing such Employee's payroll deductions accumulated
prior to such Exercise Date and retained in the Participant's account as of the
Exercise Date by the applicable Purchase Price; provided that in no event shall
an Employee be permitted to purchase during each Offering Period more than 1,500
shares (subject to any adjustment pursuant to Section 19), and provided further
that such purchase shall be subject to the limitations set forth in 
Sections 3(b) and 12 hereof.  Exercise of the option shall occur as provided in
Section 8 hereof, unless the participant has withdrawn pursuant to Section 10
hereof.  The Option shall expire on the last day of the Offering Period.

     8.   Exercise of Option.  Unless a participant withdraws from the Plan as
provided in Section 10 hereof, his or her option for the purchase of shares
shall be exercised automatically on the Exercise Date, and the maximum number of
full shares subject to option shall be purchased for such participant at the
applicable Purchase Price with the accumulated payroll deductions in his or her
account.  No fractional shares shall be purchased; any payroll deductions
accumulated in a participant's account which are not sufficient to purchase a
full share shall be retained in the participant's account for the subsequent
Offering Period, subject to earlier withdrawal by the participant as provided in
Section 10 hereof.  Any other monies left over in a participant's account after
the Exercise Date shall be returned to the participant. During a participant's
lifetime, a participant's option to purchase shares hereunder is exercisable
only by him or her.

                                      4
<PAGE>


     9.   Delivery.  As promptly as practicable after each Exercise Date on
which a purchase of shares occurs, the Company shall arrange the delivery to
each participant, as appropriate, of a certificate representing the shares
purchased upon exercise of his or her option.

     10.  Withdrawal.

          (a)  A participant may withdraw all but not less than all the payroll
deductions credited to his or her account and not yet used to exercise his or
her option under the Plan at any time by giving written notice to the Company in
the form of Exhibit B to this Plan.  All of the participant's payroll deductions
credited to his or her account shall be paid to such participant promptly after
receipt of notice of withdrawal and such participant's option for the Offering
Period shall be automatically terminated, and no further payroll deductions for
the purchase of shares shall be made for such Offering Period.  If a participant
withdraws from an Offering Period, payroll deductions shall not resume at the
beginning of the succeeding Offering Period unless the participant delivers to
the Company a new subscription agreement.

          (b)  A participant's withdrawal from an Offering Period shall not have
any effect upon his or her eligibility to participate in any similar plan which
may hereafter be adopted by the Company or in succeeding Offering Periods which
commence after the termination of the Offering Period from which the participant
withdraws.

     11.  Termination of Employment.  Upon a participant's ceasing to be an
Employee for any reason, he or she shall be deemed to have elected to withdraw
from the Plan and the payroll deductions credited to such participant's account
during the Offering Period but not yet used to exercise the option shall be
returned to such participant or, in the case of his or her death, to the person
or persons entitled thereto under Section 15 hereof, and such participant's
option shall be automatically terminated.  The preceding sentence
notwithstanding, a participant who receives payment in lieu of notice of
termination of employment shall be treated as continuing to be an Employee for
the participant's customary number of hours per week of employment during the
period in which the participant is subject to such payment in lieu of notice.

     12.  Interest.  No interest shall accrue on the payroll deductions of a
participant in the Plan.

     13.  Stock.

          (a)  The maximum number of shares of the Company's Common Stock which
shall be made available for sale under the Plan shall be one hundred thousand
(100,000) shares, subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the
Company as provided in Section 19 hereof.  If, on a given Exercise Date, the
number of shares with respect to which options are to be exercised exceeds the
number of shares then available under the Plan, the Company shall make a pro
rata allocation of the shares remaining available for purchase in as uniform a
manner as shall be practicable and as it shall determine to be equitable.

                                      5
<PAGE>


          (b)  The participant shall have no interest or voting right in shares
covered by his option until such option has been exercised.

          (c)  Shares to be delivered to a participant under the Plan shall be
registered in the name of the participant or in the name of the participant and
his or her spouse.

     14.  Administration.  The Plan shall be administered by the Board or a
committee of members of the Board appointed by the Board.  The Board or its
committee shall have full and exclusive discretionary authority to construe,
interpret and apply the terms of the Plan, to determine eligibility and to
adjudicate all disputed claims filed under the Plan.  Every finding, decision
and determination made by the Board or its committee shall, to the full extent
permitted by law, be final and binding upon all parties.  

     15.  Designation of Beneficiary.

          (a)  A participant may file a written designation of a beneficiary who
is to receive any shares and cash, if any, from the participant's account under
the Plan in the event of such participant's death subsequent to an Exercise Date
on which the option is exercised but prior to delivery to such participant of
such shares and cash.  In addition, a participant may file a written designation
of a beneficiary who is to receive any cash from the participant's account under
the Plan in the event of such participant's death prior to exercise of the
option.  If a participant is married and the designated beneficiary is not the
spouse, spousal consent shall be required for such designation to be effective.

          (b)  Such designation of beneficiary may be changed by the participant
at any time by written notice.  In the event of the death of a participant and
in the absence of a beneficiary validly designated under the Plan who is living
at the time of such participant's death, the Company shall deliver such shares
and/or cash to the executor or administrator of the estate of the participant,
or if no such executor or administrator has been appointed (to the knowledge of
the Company), the Company, in its discretion, may deliver such shares and/or
cash to the spouse or to any one or more dependents or relatives of the
participant, or if no spouse, dependent or relative is known to the Company,
then to such other person as the Company may designate.

     16.  Transferability.  Neither payroll deductions credited to a
participant's account nor any rights with regard to the exercise of an option or
to receive shares under the Plan may be assigned, transferred, pledged or
otherwise disposed of in any way (other than by will, the laws of descent and
distribution or as provided in Section 15 hereof) by the participant.  Any such
attempt at assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition shall be without
effect, except that the Company may treat such act as an election to withdraw
funds from an Offering Period in accordance with Section 10 hereof.

     17.  Use of Funds.  All payroll deductions received or held by the Company
under the Plan may be used by the Company for any corporate purpose, and the
Company shall not be obligated to segregate such payroll deductions.

                                      6
<PAGE>


     18.  Reports.  Individual accounts shall be maintained for each participant
in the Plan.  Statements of account shall be given to participating Employees at
least annually, which statements shall set forth the amounts of payroll
deductions, the Purchase Price, the number of shares purchased and the remaining
cash balance, if any.

     19.  Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization,  Dissolution, Liquidation,
          Merger or Asset Sale.

          (a)  Changes in Capitalization.  Subject to any required action by the
stockholders of the Company, the Reserves, the maximum number of shares each
participant may purchase per Offering Period (pursuant to Section 7), as well as
the price per share and the number of shares of Common Stock covered by each
option under the Plan which has not yet been exercised shall be proportionately
adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common
Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend,
combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or
decrease in the number of shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of
consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any
convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected
without receipt of consideration".  Such adjustment shall be made by the Board,
whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive. 
Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of
stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class,
shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to,
the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an option.

          (b)  Dissolution or Liquidation.  In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Offering Period then in progress
shall be shortened by setting a new Exercise Date (the "New Exercise Date"), and
shall terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed
dissolution or liquidation, unless provided otherwise by the Board.   The New
Exercise Date shall be before the date of the Company's proposed dissolution or
liquidation.  The Board shall notify each participant in writing, at least
ten (10) business days prior to the New Exercise Date, that the Exercise Date
for the participant's option has been changed to the New Exercise Date and that
the participant's option shall be exercised automatically on the New Exercise
Date, unless prior to such date the participant has withdrawn from the Offering
Period as provided in Section 10 hereof.  

          (c)  Merger or Asset Sale.  In the event of a proposed sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the merger of the Company
with or into another corporation, each outstanding option shall be assumed or an
equivalent option substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or
Subsidiary of the successor corporation.  In the event that the successor
corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the option, the Offering Period
then in progress shall be shortened by setting a new Exercise Date (the "New
Exercise Date").   The New Exercise Date shall be before the date of the
Company's proposed sale or merger.  The Board shall notify each participant in
writing, at least ten (10) business days prior to the New Exercise Date, that
the Exercise Date for the participant's option has been changed to the New
Exercise Date and that the participant's option shall be exercised automatically
on the New Exercise Date, unless prior to such date the participant has
withdrawn from the Offering Period as provided in Section 10 hereof.

                                      7
<PAGE>


     20.  Amendment or Termination.

          (a)  The Board of Directors of the Company may at any time and for any
reason terminate or amend the Plan.  Except as provided in Section 19 hereof, no
such termination can affect options previously granted, provided that an
Offering Period may be terminated by the Board of Directors on any Exercise Date
if the Board determines that the termination of the Plan is in the best
interests of the Company and its stockholders.  Except as provided in Section 19
hereof, no amendment may make any change in any option theretofore granted which
adversely affects the rights of any participant.  To the extent necessary to
comply with Section 423 of the Code (or any other applicable law, regulation or
stock exchange rule), the Company shall obtain stockholder approval in such a
manner and to such a degree as required.  

          (b)  Without stockholder consent and without regard to whether any
participant rights may be considered to have been "adversely affected," the
Board (or its committee) shall be entitled to change the Offering Periods, limit
the frequency and/or number of changes in the amount withheld during an Offering
Period, establish the exchange ratio applicable to amounts withheld in a
currency other than U.S. dollars, permit payroll withholding in excess of the
amount designated by a participant in order to adjust for delays or mistakes in
the Company's processing of properly completed withholding elections, establish
reasonable waiting and adjustment periods and/or accounting and crediting
procedures to ensure that amounts applied toward the purchase of Common Stock
for each participant properly correspond with amounts withheld from the
participant's Compensation, and establish such other limitations or procedures
as the Board (or its committee) determines in its sole discretion advisable
which are consistent with the Plan.

     21.  Notices.  All notices or other communications by a participant to the
Company under or in connection with the Plan shall be deemed to have been duly
given when received in the form specified by the Company at the location, or by
the person, designated by the Company for the receipt thereof.

     22.  Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.  Shares shall not be issued with
respect to an option unless the exercise of such option and the issuance and
delivery of such shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all applicable
provisions of law, domestic or foreign, including, without limitation, the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and the requirements
of any stock exchange upon which the shares may then be listed, and shall be
further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such
compliance.

     As a condition to the exercise of an option, the Company may require the
person exercising such option to represent and warrant at the time of any such
exercise that the shares are being purchased only for investment and without any
present intention to sell or distribute such shares if, in the opinion of
counsel for the Company, such a representation is required by any of the
aforementioned applicable provisions of law.

                                      8
<PAGE>


     23.  Term of Plan.  The Plan shall become effective upon the earlier to
occur of its adoption by the Board of Directors or its approval by the
stockholders of the Company.  It shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10)
years unless sooner terminated under Section 20 hereof.
 
                                      9
<PAGE>


                                      EXHIBIT A


                                    SUPERGEN, INC.

                          1998 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

                                SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT



_____ Original Application  (Complete Line 2)       Enrollment Date: __________ 
_____ Change in Payroll Deduction Rate  (Complete Line 3)
_____ Change of Beneficiary(ies)


1.   _____________________________________ hereby elects to participate in the
     SuperGen, Inc. 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Employee Stock
     Purchase Plan") and subscribes to purchase shares of the Company's Common
     Stock in accordance with this Subscription Agreement and the Employee Stock
     Purchase Plan.

2.   I hereby authorize payroll deductions from each paycheck in the amount of
     $_________ or ____% of my Compensation on each payday (from 1% to 20%)
     during the Offering Period in accordance with the Employee Stock Purchase
     Plan. 

3.   I hereby authorize a change in payroll deductions from each paycheck to the
     amount of $_______ or  ____% of my Compensation on each payday (from 0% to
     20%) during the Offering Period in accordance with the Employee Stock
     Purchase Plan. 

4.   I understand that said payroll deductions shall be accumulated for the
     purchase of shares of Common Stock at the applicable Purchase Price
     determined in accordance with the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.  I
     understand that if I do not withdraw from an Offering Period, any
     accumulated payroll deductions will be used to automatically exercise my
     option.

5.   I have received a copy of the complete Employee Stock Purchase Plan.  I
     understand that my participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan is in
     all respects subject to the terms of the Plan.  I understand that my
     ability to exercise the option under this Subscription Agreement is subject
     to stockholder approval of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

6.   Shares purchased for me under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan should be
     issued in the name(s) of (Employee or Employee and Spouse only):__________


7.   I understand that if I dispose of any shares received by me pursuant to the
     Plan within 2 years after the Enrollment Date (the first day of the
     Offering Period during which I purchased such shares), I will be treated
     for federal income tax purposes as having received ordinary income 

                                      1
<PAGE>


     at the time of such disposition in an amount equal to the excess of the
     fair market value of the shares at the time such shares were purchased by
     me over the price which I paid for the shares.  I hereby agree to notify
     the Company in writing within 30 days after the date of any disposition of
     shares and I will make adequate provision for Federal, state or other tax
     withholding obligations, if any, which arise upon the disposition of the
     Common Stock.  The Company may, but will not be obligated to, withhold from
     my compensation the amount necessary to meet any applicable withholding
     obligation including any withholding necessary to make available to the
     Company any tax deductions or benefits attributable to sale or early
     disposition of Common Stock by me. If I dispose of such shares at any time
     after the expiration of the 2-year holding period, I understand that I will
     be treated for federal income tax purposes as having received income only
     at the time of such disposition, and that such income will be taxed as
     ordinary income only to the extent of an amount equal to the lesser of
     (1) the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time of such
     disposition over the purchase price which I paid for the shares, or (2) 15%
     of the fair market value of the shares on the first day of the Offering
     Period.  The remainder of the gain, if any, recognized on such disposition
     will be taxed as capital gain.

8.   I hereby agree to be bound by the terms of the Employee Stock Purchase
     Plan.  The effectiveness of this Subscription Agreement is dependent upon
     my eligibility to participate in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

9.   In the event of my death, I hereby designate the following as my
     beneficiary(ies) to receive all payments and shares due me under the
     Employee Stock Purchase Plan:



NAME:  (Please print)
                         ------------------------------------------------------
                                (First)         (Middle)          (Last)


- ----------------------    -----------------------------------------------------
Relationship
                          -----------------------------------------------------
                          (Address)


Employee's Social
Security Number:
                          -----------------------------------------------------

Employee's Address:
                          -----------------------------------------------------

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

                                       2

<PAGE>

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

I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT THROUGHOUT
SUCCESSIVE OFFERING PERIODS UNLESS TERMINATED BY ME.



Dated: 
       ----------------  ------------------------------------------------------
                         Signature of Employee



                          -----------------------------------------------------
                         Spouse's Signature (If beneficiary other than spouse)



                                       3

<PAGE>


                                      EXHIBIT B


                                    SUPERGEN, INC.

                          1998 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

                                 NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL


     The undersigned participant in the Offering Period of the SuperGen, Inc.
1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan which began on ___________ 19____ (the
"Enrollment Date") hereby notifies the Company that he or she hereby withdraws
from the Offering Period.  He or she hereby directs the Company to pay to the
undersigned as promptly as practicable all the payroll deductions credited to
his or her account with respect to such Offering Period.  The undersigned
understands and agrees that his or her option for such Offering Period will be
automatically terminated.  The undersigned understands further that no further
payroll deductions will be made for the purchase of shares in the current
Offering Period and the undersigned shall be eligible to participate in
succeeding Offering Periods only by delivering to the Company a new Subscription
Agreement.


                                   Name and Address of Participant:

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

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

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



                                   Signature:

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


                                   Date:
                                        ------------------------------- 

                                       4

<PAGE>


                                     EXHIBIT 5.1



                                 July 1, 1998

SuperGen, Inc.
Two Annabel Lane, Suite 220
San Ramon, California 94583

     Re:  Registration Statement on Form S-8

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-8 to be filed by you
with the Commission on or about July 1, 1998 (the "Registration
Statement"), in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, of 750,000 shares of your Common Stock  reserved for issuance
under the 1993 Stock Option Plan (the "1993 Plan") and 100,000 Shares reserved
for issuance under the 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "1998 Plan"). The
750,000 shares of Common Stock reserved under the 1993 Plan and the 100,000
shares reserved for issuance under the 1998 Plan are referred to hereafter
collectively as the "Shares" and the 1993 Plan and the 1998 Plan are referred to
hereafter collectively as the "Plans." As your legal counsel, we have examined
the proceedings taken and proposed to be taken in connection with the issuance,
sale and payment of consideration for the Shares to be issued under the Plans.

     It is our opinion that, when issued and sold in compliance with applicable
prospectus delivery requirements and in the manner referred to in the Plans and
pursuant to the agreements which accompany the Plans, the Shares will be legally
and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

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

                              Sincerely,

                              WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI
                              Professional Corporation




<PAGE>


                                                                  EXHIBIT 23.1


              CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on
Form S-8 pertaining to the 1993 Stock Option Plan, as Amended and Restated and
the 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan of SuperGen, Inc. of our report dated
February 13, 1998 with respect to the consolidated financial statements of
SuperGen, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 1997, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                              ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Palo Alto, California
June 26, 1998


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission