<PAGE>
HEMISPHERX BIOPHARMA, INC.
1617 JFK Boulevard
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JULY 26, 2000
To the Stockholders of Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc.:
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders of Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc. ("Hemispherx"), a Delaware
corporation, to be held at The Embassy Suites, 1776 Ben Franklin
Parkway, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, July 26, 2000, at
10:00 a.m. local time, for the following purposes:
1. To elect four members to the Board of Directors of
Hemispherx to serve until their respective successors are elected
and qualified;
2. To ratify the selection by Hemispherx of BDO Seidman, LLP,
independent public accountants, to audit the financial statements
of Hemispherx for the year ending December 31, 2000; and
3. To transact such other matters as may properly come
before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on May 26,
2000, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting.
A proxy statement and proxy are enclosed. If you are unable to
attend the meeting in person you are urged to sign, date and return the
enclosed proxy promptly in the self addressed stamped envelope provided.
If you attend the meeting in person, you may withdraw your proxy and
vote your shares. We have also enclosed our annual report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
By Order of the Board of Directors
s\Ransom W. Etheridge,Secretary
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
June 8, 2000
<PAGE> 1
PROXY STATEMENT
HEMISPHERX BIOPHARMA, INC.
1617 JFK Boulevard
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
INTRODUCTION
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the
solicitation of proxies for use at the annual meeting of stockholders of
Hemispherx to be held on Wednesday, July 26, 2000, and at any
adjournments. The accompanying proxy is solicited by the board of
directors of Hemispherx and is revocable by the stockholder by notifying
Hemispherx's secretary at any time before it is voted, or by voting in
person at the annual meeting. This proxy statement and accompanying
proxy will be distributed to stockholders beginning on or about June 9,
2000. The principal executive offices of Hemispherx are located at 1617
JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, telephone (215) 988-0080.
OUTSTANDING SHARES AND VOTING RIGHTS
RECORD DATE; OUTSTANDING SHARES
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on May 26,
2000, are entitled to receive notice of, and vote at the annual meeting.
As of May 26, 2000, the number and class of stock outstanding and
entitled to vote at the meeting was 30,078,536 shares of common stock,
par value $.001 per share. Each share of common stock is entitled to
one vote on all matters. No other class of securities will be entitled
to vote at the meeting. There are no cumulative voting rights.
The nominees receiving the highest number of votes cast by the
holders of common stock will be elected as Hemispherx's directors and
constitute the entire board of directors of Hemispherx. The affirmative
vote of at least a majority of the shares represented and voting at the
annual meeting at which a quorum is present (which shares voting
affirmatively also constitute at least a majority of the required
quorum) is necessary for approval of Proposal No. 2. A quorum is
representation in person or by proxy at the annual meeting of at least
one-half of the outstanding shares of Hemispherx.
<PAGE> 2
REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES
If you attend the meeting, you may vote in person, regardless of
whether you have submitted a proxy. Any person giving a proxy in the
form accompanying this proxy statement has the power to revoke it at any
time before it is voted. It may be revoked by filing, with the corporate
secretary of Hemispherx at its principal offices, 1617 JFK Boulevard,
Suite 660, Philadelphia, PA 19103, a written notice of revocation or a
duly executed proxy bearing a later date, or it may be revoked by
attending the meeting and voting in person.
VOTING AND SOLICITATION
Every stockholder of record is entitled, for each share held, to one
vote on each proposal or item that comes before the meeting. There are
no cumulative voting rights. By submitting your proxy, you authorize
William A. Carter and Ransom Etheridge and each of them to represent you
and vote your shares at the meeting in accordance with your
instructions. Messrs. Carter and Etheridge and each of them may also
vote your shares to adjourn the meeting from time to time and will be
authorized to vote your shares at any adjournment or postponement of the
meeting.
Hemispherx has borne the cost of preparing, assembling and mailing
this proxy solicitation material. The total cost estimated to be spent
and the total expenditures to date for, in furtherance of, or in
connection with the solicitation of stockholders is approximately
$30,000. Hemispherx may reimburse brokerage firms and other persons
representing beneficial owners of shares for their expenses in
forwarding soliciting materials to beneficial owners. Proxies may be
solicited by certain of Hemispherx's directors, officers and employees,
without additional compensation, personally, by telephone or by
facsimile.
ADJOURNED MEETING
If a quorum is not present at the scheduled time of the meeting, the
stockholders who are represented may adjourn the meeting until a quorum
is present. The time and place of the adjournment meeting will be
announced at the time the adjournment is taken, and no other notice will
be given. An adjournment will have no effect on the business that may
be conducted at the meeting.
TABULATION OF VOTES
The votes will be tabulated and certified by Hemispherx's transfer
agent.
<PAGE> 3
VOTING BY STREET NAME HOLDERS
If you are the beneficial owner of shares held in "street name" by
a broker, the broker, as the record holder of the shares, is required to
vote those shares in accordance with your instructions. If you do not
give instructions to the broker, the broker will nevertheless be
entitled to vote the shares with respect to "discretionary" items but
will not be permitted to vote the shares with respect to "non-discretionary"
items (in which case, the shares will be treated as "broker non-votes").
QUORUM; ABSTENTIONS; BROKER NON-VOTES
The required quorum for the transaction of business at the annual
meeting is a majority of the shares of common stock entitled to vote at
the annual meeting, in person or by proxy. Shares that are voted "FOR,"
"AGAINST" or "WITHHELD FROM" a matter are treated as being present at
the meeting for purposes of establishing a quorum and are also treated
as shares represented and voting the votes cast at the annual meeting
with respect to such matter.
While there is no definitive statutory or case law authority in
Delaware as to the proper treatment of abstentions, Hemispherx believes
that abstentions should be counted for purposes of determining both: (i)
the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of business; and
(ii) the total number of votes cast with respect to a proposal (other
than the election of directors). In the absence of controlling
precedent to the contrary, Hemispherx intends to treat abstentions in
this manner. Accordingly, abstentions will have the same effect as a
vote against the proposal.
Under current Delaware case law, while broker non-votes (i.e. the
votes of shares held of record by brokers as to which the underlying
beneficial owners have given no voting instructions) should be counted
for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum for the
transaction of business, broker non-votes should not be counted for
purposes of determining the number of votes cast with respect to the
particular proposal on which the broker has expressly not voted.
Hemispherx intends to treat broker non-votes in this manner. Thus, a
broker non-vote will make a quorum more readily obtainable, but the
broker non-vote will not otherwise affect the outcome of the voting on
a proposal.
DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Proposals of stockholders of Hemispherx that are intended to be
presented by such stockholders at the 2001 annual meeting of
stockholders must be received by Hemispherx no later than March 1, 2001
in order that they may be considered for possible inclusion in the proxy
statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting.
<PAGE> 4
PROPOSALS TO SHAREHOLDERS
PROPOSAL NO. 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Each nominee to the board of directors will serve until the next
annual meeting of stockholders, or until his earlier resignation,
removal from office, death or incapacity.
Unless otherwise specified, the enclosed proxy will be voted in
favor of the election of William A. Carter, Richard C. Piani, Ransom W.
Etheridge and William M. Mitchell. Information is furnished below with
respect to all nominees.
Set forth below is the biographical information of the nominees
and directors of Hemispherx:
WILLIAM A. CARTER, M.D., the co-inventor of Ampligen, joined Hemispherx
in 1978, and has served as: (a) Hemispherx's Chief Scientific Officer
since May 1989; (b) the Chairman of Hemispherx's Board of Directors since
January 1992; (c) Hemispherx's Chief Executive Officer since July 1993;
(d) Hemispherx's President since April, 1995; and (e) a director since
1987. From 1987 to 1988, Dr. Carter served as Hemispherx's Chairman.
Dr. Carter was a leading innovator in the development of human
interferon for a variety of treatment indications including various
viral diseases and cancer. Dr. Carter received the first FDA approval to
initiate clinical trials on a beta interferon product manufactured in
the U.S. under his supervision. From 1985 to October 1988, Dr. Carter
served as Hemispherx's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientist. He
received his M.D. degree from Duke University and underwent his
post-doctoral training at the National Institutes of Health and Johns
Hopkins University. Dr. Carter also served as Professor of Neoplastic
Diseases at Hahneman Medical University, a position he held from 1980 to
1998. Dr. Carter served as Director of Clinical Research for Hahneman
Medical University's Institute for Cancer and Blood Diseases, and as a
professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the State University
of New York at Buffalo. Dr. Carter is a Board certified physician and
author of more than 200 scientific articles, including the editing of
various textbooks on anti-viral and immune therapy.
RICHARD C. PIANI has been a director of Hemispherx since May 1995. Mr.
Piani has been employed as a principal delegate for Industry to the City
of Science and Industry, Paris, France, a billion dollar scientific and
educational complex since 1985. Mr. Piani provided consulting to
Hemispherx in 1993, with respect to general business strategies for
Hemispherx's European operations and markets. Mr. Piani served as
Chairman of Industrielle du Batiment-Morin, a building materials
corporation, from 1986 to 1993. Previously Mr. Piani was a Professor of
International Strategy at Paris Dauphine University from 1984 to 1993.
From 1979 to 1985, Mr. Piani served as Group Director in Charge of
International and Commercial Affairs for Rhone-Poulenc and from 1973 to
1979 he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Societe "La
Cellophane", the French company which invented cellophane and several
other worldwide products. Mr. Piani has a Law degree from Faculte de
Droit, Paris Sorbonne and a Business Administration degree from Ecole
des Hautes Etudes Commerciales, Paris.
<PAGE> 5
RANSOM W. ETHERIDGE has been a director of Hemispherx since October 1997,
and presently serves as our Secretary. Mr. Etheridge first became
associated with Hemispherx in 1980 when he provided consulting services
to Hemispherx and participated in negotiations with respect to
Hemispherx's initial private placement through Oppenheimer & Co., Inc.
Mr. Etheridge has been practicing law since 1967, specializing in
corporate law. Mr. Etheridge is a member of the Virginia State Bar, a
Judicial Remedies Award Scholar and has served as President of the
Tidewater Arthritis Foundation. He is a graduate of Duke University,
the Wharton School Business Real Estate Investment Analysis Seminar, and
the University of Richmond School of Law.
WILLIAM M. MITCHELL, M.D. has been a director of ours since July 1998.
Mr. Mitchell is a Professor of Pathology at Vanderbilt University School
of Medicine. Dr. Mitchell earned a M.D. from Vanderbilt and a Ph.D.
from Johns Hopkins University, where he served as an Intern in Internal
Medicine, followed by a Fellowship at its School of Medicine. Dr.
Mitchell has published over 200 papers, reviews and abstracts dealing
with viruses and anti-viral drugs. Dr. Mitchell has worked for and with
many professional societies, including the International Society for
Interferon Research, and committees, among them the National Institutes
of Health, AIDS and Related Research Review Group. Dr. Mitchell
previously served as a director of Hemispherx from 1987 to 1989.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS DEEMS PROPOSAL NO. 1 TO BE IN THE BEST INTERESTS
OF HEMISPHERX AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" ALL FOUR
OF THE ABOVE-NAMED NOMINEE DIRECTORS OF HEMISPHERX.
INFORMATION CONCERNING BOARD MEETINGS
Hemispherx board of directors met four times, the Compensation
Committee met once, the Audit Committee met twice, and the Strategic
Planning Committee met once during the fiscal year ended December 31,
1999. All of the incumbent directors attended at least 75% of such
meetings.
INFORMATION CONCERNING COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
The board of directors maintains the following committees:
Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee is composed of William A. Carter, Chief
Executive Officer and President and Ransom W. Etheridge. The Executive
Committee makes recommendations to management regarding general business
matters of Hemispherx.
Compensation Committee Report on Compensation.
The Compensation Committee is composed of Ransom W. Etheridge, and
Richard C. Piani. The Compensation Committee makes recommendations
concerning salaries and compensation for employees of and consultants to
Hemispherx.
<PAGE> 6
The following report of the compensation committee discusses our
executive compensation policies and the basis of the compensation paid
to our executive officers in 1999:
In general, the compensation committee seeks to link the
compensation paid to each executive officer to the experience and
performance of such executive officer. Within these parameters, the
executive compensation program attempts to provide an overall level of
executive compensation that is competitive with companies of comparable
size and with similar market and operating characteristics.
There are three elements in Hemispherx executive total
compensation program, all determined by individual and corporate
performance as specified in the various employment agreements:
* Base salary
* Annual incentive
* Long-term incentive
Base Salary.
The Summary Compensation Table shows amounts earned during 1999
by our executive officers. The base compensation of such executive
officers is set by the terms of the employment agreement entered into
with each such executive officer. The company established the base
salaries for Chief Executive Officer, Dr. William A. Carter under an
employment agreement in December 3, 1998, which provides for a base
salary of $361,586 until May 8, 2004. We also entered into an
employment agreement with Robert E. Peterson, Chief Financial Officer
for a base salary of $132, 000 until December 31, 2000. Dr. Carter and
Mr. Peterson's agreements allow for annual cost of living increases.
Harris Freedman, our Vice President of Strategic Alliances also entered
into an employment agreement in January1998, for a base salary of
$132,000 for a three-year term.
Annual Incentives.
Our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer are
entitled to an annual incentive bonus as determined by the compensation
committee based on such executive officers' performance during the
previous calendar year. The cash bonus awarded to the company's Chief
Executive Officer in 1999 was determined based on provisions of his
employment agreements.
<PAGE> 7
Long-Term Incentives.
The Company grants Long-Term Incentive Awards periodically to
align a significant portion
of the Executive Compensation Program with shareholder interests.
Executives are eligible to participate in Incentive Stock Purchase
Plans. In 1999 the Compensation Committee approved and the Company
granted 275,000 warrants to officers and directors in recognition of
services preformed and services to be performed. The exercise prices of
these warrants ranged from $6.00 to $10.00 per share. The term of the
warrants is five years.
Chief Executive Officer Compensation.
The Summary Compensation Table shows amounts earned during 1999
by the company's Chief Executive Officer and President, Dr. William A.
Carter of $538,830.00. Dr. Carter's employment agreement sets his base
compensation. During 1999, Dr. Carter was paid a bonus of $90,397 in
accordance with the terms of his employment agreement. Dr. Carter was
also awarded 100,000 warrants to purchase business stock at $6.25 per
share.
Compliance With Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m).
One of the factors the compensation committee considers in
connection with compensation
matters is the anticipated tax treatment to Hemispherx and to the
executives of the compensation arrangements. The deductibility of
certain types of compensation depends upon the timing of an executive's
vesting in, or exercise of, previously granted rights. Moreover,
interpretation of, and changes in, the tax laws and other factors beyond
the compensation committee's control also affect the deductibility of
compensation. Accordingly, the compensation committee will not
necessarily limit executive compensation to that deductible under
Section 162(m) of the Code. The compensation committee will consider
various alternatives to preserving the deductibility of compensation
payments and benefits to the extent consistent with its other
compensation objectives.
The foregoing report of the compensation committee shall not be
deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of Hemispherx
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that Hemispherx
specifically incorporates such information by reference, and shall not
otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.
Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee is composed of Ransom W. Etheridge, William
Mitchell and Richard Piani one of our independent directors. The Audit
Committee reviews the results and scope of the audit and other services
provided by independent auditors. The Audit Committee is responsible
for reviewing reports of financial results, audits, internal controls,
and adherence to its Business Conduct Guidelines in compliance with
federal procurement laws and regulations.
The Audit Committee recommends to the board of directors the
selection of Hemispherx's outside auditors and reviews their procedures
for ensuring their independence with respect to the services performed
<PAGE> 8
for Hemispherx. In the opinion of the board, all three Audit Committee
members are independent of management and free of any relationship that
would interfere with his exercise of independent judgment as members of
this committee. The board of directors is in the process of preparing
and adopting a written charter for the audit committee. The Audit
Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financials with
management and the matters required to be discussed by SAS 61. The
committee has also received the written disclosures and the letter from
its independent accountants required by Independence Standards Board
Standard No.1, and has discussed with its independent accountant the
independent accountant's independence. Based on a review of the
foregoing, the Audit Committee recommended to the board of directors
that the audited financial statements be included in Hemispherx's 1999
annual report on Form 10-K. The Audit Committee met on April 7, 2000 to
review results of the 1999 audit.
Strategic Planning Committee.
The Strategic Planning Committee is composed of William A. Carter
and Richard C. Piani. The Strategic Planning Committee makes
recommendations to the board of directors of priorities in the
application of Hemispherx's financial assets and human resources in the
fields of research, marketing and manufacturing. The Strategic Planning
Committee has engaged a number of leading consultants in healthcare,
drug development and pharmaeconomics to assist in the analysis of
various products being developed and/or potential acquisitions being
considered by Hemispherx.
<PAGE> 9
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
--------------------------
Name and Other Annual Restricted Stock Option All Other
Principal Position Year Salary($) Compensation($)(1) Awards Awards($) Compensation(2)
----- --------- ----------------- ---------------- --------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
William A. Carter 1999 531,810(3) - - 100,000(5) 17,672
Chairman of the Board 1998 438,780(4) - - 830,000(6) 19,183
and CEO 1997 427,504(4) 13,683 - - 11,387
Robert E. Peterson(7) 1999 138,930 - - - -
Chief Financial Officer 1998 132,000 - - 100,000(8) -
1997 132,000 - - 13,750(9) -
David R. Strayer, M.D. 1999 166,231 - - - -
Medical Director 1998 193,544(12) - - 50,000(10) -
1997 171,926(13) - - 20,000(11) -
Harris Freedman 1999 132,000 - - 25,000(14) -
Vice President 1998 132,000 - - 80,000(15) -
1997 132,000 - - - -
Carol A. Smith, Ph.D. 1999 120,000 - - 5,000(16) -
Director of 1998 80,231 - - - -
Manufacturing 1997 67,153 - - 6,791(17) -
(1) Hemispherx makes available certain non-monetary benefits to its officers with a view to attracting
and retaining qualified personnel and facilitating job performance. Hemispherx considers such
benefits to be ordinary and incidental business costs and expenses. The aggregate value of such
benefits, which cannot be precisely ascertained but which is less than 10% of the cash compensation
of each of the above-named executive officers, is not included in the table.
(2) Consists of insurance premiums paid by Hemispherx with respect to term life insurance for the
benefit of the named executive officer.
(3) Includes a bonus of $90,397 approved in 1998 and paid in 1999.
<PAGE> 10
(4) Includes funds paid to Dr. Carter by Hahneman Medical University where he served as a professor.
This compensation totaled $79,826 in each of 1998 and 1997.
(5) Represents warrants to purchase common stock exercisable at $6.25 per share.
(6) Represents warrants to purchase common stock and includes: (i) 360,000 warrants exercisable at
$4.00 per share; (ii) 170,000 warrants exercisable at $5.00 per share; and (iii) 300,000 warrants
exercisable at $6.00 per share.
(7) Mr. Peterson is paid on a fee basis.
(8) Represents warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock at $5.00 per share.
(9) Represents stock options to purchase shares of common stock at $3.50 per share. Options vest
over a four-year period.
(10) Represents warrants to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at $4.50 per share.
(11) Represents warrants to purchase 20,000 shares of Common stock at $3.50 per share.
(12) Includes $98,926 paid by Hahneman Medical University.
(13) Includes $98,926 paid by Hahneman Medical University and $23,000 of deferred compensation from
prior years.
(14) Represents warrants to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock at $10.00 per share.
(15) Represents warrants to purchase 80,000 shares of common stock at $4.00 per share.
(16) Represents warrants to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock at $4.00 per share.
(17) Represents Stock Options to purchase shares of common stock at $3.50 per share.
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 11
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year-End Option Table. The following table sets forth certain information regarding the stock
options held as of December 31, 1999 by the individuals named in the above Summary Compensation Table.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUE
Securities Underlying Value of Unexercised
Unexercised Options at In-the-Money-Options
Shares Acquired Value Fiscal Year End(#) At Fiscal Year End($)(1)
Name on Exercise (#) Realized ($) Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
----------------- --------------- ----------- ------------ ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
William A. Carter 2,128,728(2) 1,040,000(3) $6,897,088 $2,675,000
Robert E. Peterson 170,700(4) 56,874(5) 601,258 28,387
Harris Freedman 1,006,460(6) 150,000(7) 3,220,173 0
David Strayer 65,000(9) 5,000(9) 161,875 14,375
(1) Computation based on $6.375, the May 12, 2000 closing price for the common stock on the American
Stock Exchange. There is no established value for the BioAegean options.
(2) Represents (i) 1,400,000 currently exercisable Warrants issued under Rule 701of the Securities Act
to purchase common stock at $3.50 per share; (ii) 73,728 stock options to purchase Common stock at
$2.71 per share; (iii) warrants to purchase 465,000 shares of Common stock at $1.75 per share; and
(iv) warrants to purchase 190,000 shares of Common stock at $4.00 per share.
(3) Represents (i) stock options to purchase 300,000 shares of the common stock of BioAegean Corp.,
a wholly owned subsidiary of Hemispherx, at $1.00 per share; and (ii) warrants to purchase 740,000
shares of Common stock at a weighted average price of $5.34 per share.
(4) Represents (i) 24,066 stock options exercisable at an average price of $4.17 per share; (ii)
50,000 warrants to purchase Common stock at $3.50 per share; and (iii) 100,000 warrants to purchase
Common stock at $5.00 per share.
(5) Represents (i) stock options to purchase 50,000 shares of the common stock of BioAegean Corp.,
a wholly owned subsidiary of Hemispherx, at $1.00 per share; and (ii) stock options to purchase
6,874 shares of Common stock at $3.50 per share.
<PAGE> 12
(6) Represents (i) 400,000 warrants issued under Rule 701 of the Securities Act exercisable at $3.50
per share; (ii) 97,160 warrants to purchase common stock at $3.50 per share; (iii) 325,000 warrants
to purchase Common stock at $1.75 per share; (iv) 50,000 warrants to purchase Common stock at $4.00
per share, (v) 25,000 warrants to purchase Common stock at $10.00 per share and (vi) 66,000 Class
A redeemable warrants to purchase Common stock at $4.00 per share.
(7) Represents (i) stock options to purchase 150,000 shares of the common stock of BioAegean Corp.,
a wholly owned subsidiary of Hemispherx, at $1.00 per share.
(8) Represents (i) 15,000 stock options exercisable at $3.50 per share; and (ii) 50,000 warrants to
purchase Common stock at $4.00 per share.
(9) Represents stock options to purchase 5,000 shares of Common stock at $3.50 per share.
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 13
Employment Agreements
Hemispherx entered into an amended and restated employment agreement
with its President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. William A. Carter,
dated as of December 3, 1998, which provided for his employment until
May 8, 2004 at an initial base annual salary of $361,586, subject to
annual cost of living increases. In addition, Dr. Carter could receive
an annual performance bonus of up to 25% of his base salary, at the sole
discretion of the board of directors. Dr. Carter will not participate
in any discussions concerning the determination of his annual bonus. Dr.
Carter is also entitled to an incentive bonus of 0.5% of the gross
proceeds received by Hemispherx from any joint venture or corporate
partnering arrangement, up to an aggregate maximum incentive bonus of
$250,000 for all such transactions. Dr. Carter's agreement also
provides that he be paid a base salary and benefits through May 8, 2004,
if he is terminated without "cause", as that term is defined in the
agreement. Pursuant to his original agreement, as amended on August 8,
1991, Dr. Carter was granted options to purchase 73,728 shares of
Hemispherx's common stock at an exercise price of $2.71 per share. The
agreement is automatically renewed for successive one-year periods
unless written notice of refusal to renew is given by one party to the
other at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the renewal period.
Hemispherx entered into an employment agreement with Robert E.
Peterson dated April 15, 1998, providing for Mr. Peterson's employment
as Hemispherx's Chief Financial Officer until December 31, 2000, at an
annual base salary of $132,000 per year, subject to annual cost of
living increase. In addition, Mr. Peterson shall receive bonus
compensation upon Federal Drug Administration approval of Ampligen based
on the number of years of his employment by Hemispherx up to the date of
such approval. Mr. Peterson also received 100,000 warrants to purchase
shares of common stock with an exercise price of $5.00.
Hemispherx entered into an employment agreement with Harris Freedman
providing for Mr. Freedman's employment as Vice President for Strategic
Alliances on August 1, 1994. The agreement provides for Mr. Freedman to
be employed for a one-year term for a base salary of $120,000 and
provides for termination of the agreement upon certain circumstances
including termination by Hemispherx or Mr. Freedman on 14 days written
notice or the sale of Mr. Freedman's stock in Hemispherx. Pursuant to
the agreement, Mr. Freedman was granted Rule 701 Warrants to purchase
400,000 shares of common stock of Hemispherx at $3.50 per share. Mr.
Freedman's agreement provides that he shall devote 30% of his business
time, attention and energies to Hemispherx during regular business hours.
In the event that Mr. Freedman's employment is terminated for any reason
other than breach of contract, he shall be entitled to receive accrued
and unpaid compensation plus an additional three months' compensation.
In 1996, the base salary was increased to $132,000. In January 1998,
the term of Mr. Freedman's employment agreement was extended for an
additional three years.
<PAGE> 14
Compensation of Directors
During the year ended December 31, 1999, each non-employee
director received $3,750 per calendar quarter as compensation for
serving on the board of directors or any committee thereof. All of the
directors are reimbursed for their expenses incurred in attending
meetings of the board of directors and its committees. In addition,
each non-employee director receives $600 for each board or committee
meeting they attend. Certain non-employee directors receive some
compensation for special project work performed on behalf of Hemispherx.
All directors have been granted options to purchase common stock under
Hemispherx's 1990 Stock Option Plan and/or Warrants to purchase common
stock. Hemispherx believes such compensation and payments are necessary
in order for Hemispherx to attract and retain qualified outside
directors.
1992 Stock Option Plan
Hemispherx's 1992 Stock Option Plan (1992 Plan), provides for the
grant of options for the purchase of up to an aggregate of 92,160 shares
of common stock to Hemispherx's employees, directors, consultants and
others whose efforts are important to the success of Hemispherx. The
1992 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the board of
directors, which has complete discretion to select the eligible
individuals to receive and to establish the terms of option grants. The
1992 Plan provides for the issuance of either non-qualified options or
incentive stock options, provided that incentive stock options must be
granted with an exercise price of not less than fair market value at the
time of grant and that non-qualified stock options may not be granted
with an exercise price of less than 50% of the fair market value at the
time of grant. The number of shares of common stock available for grant
under the 1992 Plan is subject to adjustment for changes in
capitalization. To date, no options have been granted under the 1992
Plan.
1990 Stock Option Plan
Hemispherx's1990 Stock Option Plan (1990 Plan), as amended, provides
for the grant of options to employees, directors, officers, consultants
and advisors of Hemispherx for the purchase of up to an aggregate of
460,798 shares of common stock. The plan is administered by the
Compensation Committee of the board of directors, which has complete
discretion to select eligible individuals to receive and to establish
the terms of option grants. The number of shares of Common stock
available for grant under the 1990 Plan is subject to adjustment for
changes in capitalization. As of December 31, 1999, options to acquire
an aggregate of 135,763 shares of the common stock were available for
grants under the 1990 Plan.
401(K) Plan
In December 1995, Hemispherx established a defined contribution plan,
effective January 1, 1995, the Hemispherx Biopharma employees 401(K) Plan
and Trust Agreement. All full time employees of Hemispherx are eligible
to participate in the 401(K) plan following one year of employment.
Subject to certain limitations imposed by federal tax laws, participants
are eligible to contribute up to 15% of their salary (including bonuses
and/or commissions per annum. Participants' contributions to the 401(K)
<PAGE> 15
plan may be matched by Hemispherx at a rate determined annually by the
board of directors. Each participant immediately vests in his or her
deferred salary contributions, while Hemispherx contributions will vest
over one year. In 1999 Hemispherx provided matching contributions to
each employee for up to 6% of annual pay for a total of $44,816 for all
employees.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, the members of
Hemispherx's Compensation Committee were Ransom W. Etheridge and Richard
Piani. Mr. Etheridge is an attorney in private practice and has
rendered some legal services to Hemispherx for which he received a fee.
Mr. Piani has received fees for certain consulting work performed for
the Company.
<PAGE> 16
ANNUAL RETURN PERCENTAGE
Years Ending
Company Name / Index Dec 95 Dec 96 Dec 97 Dec 98 Dec 99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HEMISPHERX BIOPHARMA INC -37.43 2.74 80.53 69.25 44.55
S&P SMALLCAP 600 INDEX 4.13 21.32 25.58 -1.31 12.40
PEER GROUP 51.42 -3.97 19.49 6.85 13.67
INDEXED RETURNS
Base Years Ending
Period
Company Name / Index 02Nov95 Dec 95 Dec 96 Dec 97 Dec 98 Dec 99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HEMISPHERX BIOPHARMA INC 100 62.57 64.28 116.05 196.42 283.94
S&P SMALLCAP 600 INDEX 100 104.13 126.33 158.65 156.58 176.00
PEER GROUP 100 151.42 145.42 173.75 185.65 211.03
Peer Group Companies
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GILEAD SCIENCES INC
ISIS PHARMACEUTICALS INC
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS RETURN
(The following information was depicted as a line chart in the printed material)
Company Name / Index 02Nov95 Dec 95 Dec 96 Dec 97 Dec 98 Dec 99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HEMISPHERX BIOPHARMA INC 100 62.57 64.28 116.05 196.42 283.94
S&P SMALLCAP 600 INDEX 100 104.13 126.33 158.65 156.58 176.00
PEER GROUP 100 151.42 145.42 173.75 185.65 211.03
<PAGE> 17
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Owners and Management
---------------------
The following table sets forth as of May 12, 2000, the number and
percentage of outstanding shares of common stock beneficially owned by
each of our directors and the executive officers named in the summary
compensation table below; and all of our officers and directors as a
group. As of May 12, 2000, there were no persons, individually or as
a group, known to the Company to be deemed the beneficial owners of five
percent or more of the issued and outstanding common stock.
Shares % of Share
Officers, Directors and Beneficially Beneficially
Principal Stockholders Owned Owned(1)
---------------------- ------------ ------------
William A. Carter, M.D. 3,392,922(2) 10.4%
Robert E. Peterson 178,074(3) *
Ransom Etheridge 101,800(4) *
Harris Freedman 1,186,460(5) 3.2%
Richard C. Piani 79,216(6) *
William Mitchell, M.D. 62,000(7) *
David R. Strayer, M.D. 82,746(8) *
Josephine Dolhancryk 82,924(9) *
All directors and
executive officers
as a group (8 persons) 5,166,132 5.2%
-----------------------
*Less than 1%
(1) For purposes of this table, a person or group of persons
is deemed to have "beneficial ownership" of any shares of
Common stock, which such person has the right to acquire within
60 days of May 12, 2000. For purposes of computing the
percentage of outstanding shares of Common stock held by each
person or group of persons named above, any security which such
person or persons has or have the right to acquire within such
date is deemed to be outstanding but is not deemed to be
outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage
ownership of any other person. Except as indicated in the
footnotes to this table and pursuant to applicable community
property laws, Hemispherx believes based on information supplied
by such persons, that the persons named in this table have sole
voting and investment power with respect to all shares of
Common stock which they beneficially own.
(2) Includes (i) an option to purchase 73,728 shares of
Common stock from Hemispherx at an exercise price of $2.71 per
share and expiring on August 8, 2001, (ii) Rule 701 Warrants to
purchase 1,400,000 shares of Common stock at a price of $3.50
per share, expiring on September 30, 2002; (iii) warrants to
<PAGE> 18
purchase 465,000 shares of Common stock at $1.75 per share
issued in connection with the 1995 Standby Financing Agreement
and expiring on June 30, 2005 ; (iv) 340,000 Common stock
warrants exercisable at $4.00 per share and expiring on January
1, 2003 and (v) 20,000 warrants purchase Common stock at $4.00
per share expiring January 1, 2001. Does not include 470,000
Common stock warrants granted in 1998.
(3) Includes (i) 27,754 options to purchase Common stock at
an average exercise price of $3.92 per share, expiring on July
17, 2003; (ii) warrants to purchase 50,000 shares of Common
stock at an exercise price of $3.50 per share, expiring on
March 1, 2006; (iii) warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of
Common stock at $5.00 per share, expiring on April 14, 2006;
and (iv) 500 shares of Common stock.
(4) Includes 20,000 warrants to purchase Common stock at
$4.00 per share, expiring on January 1, 2001, 31,800 Class A
Warrants to purchase Common stock at $4.00 per share, expiring
on November 2, 2000, and 25,000 warrants to purchase Common
stock at $6.50 per share and 25,000 warrants to purchase Common
stock at $8.00 per share, all expiring on September 12, 2004.
(5) Includes (i) 67,000 shares of Common stock held by Bridge
Ventures, Inc., of which Mr. Freedman is an officer; (ii)
63,000 shares of Common stock held by SMACS Holding Corp., of
which Mr. Freedman is an officer; (iii) 50,000 shares of common
stock, (iv) warrants to purchase 325,000 shares of Common stock
which are exercisable at $1.75 per share and expire on June 30,
2005, issued in connection with the 1995 Standby Financing
Agreement owned of record by Bridge Ventures, Inc.; (v) 400,000
Warrants issued under Rule 701 of the Securities Act to
purchase Common stock of Hemispherx at an exercise price of
$3.50 and expiring on September 30, 2003; (vi) 109,300 Class A
Warrants exercisable at $4.00 per share and expiring on
November 2, 2000, 71,000 of which are owned by Bridge Ventures,
Inc. and 38,300 of which are owned by SMACS Holding Corp.;
(vii) 97,160 warrants to purchase Common stock exercisable at
$4.00 per share, expiring on October 15, 1999; (viii) 50,000
warrants to purchase Common stock at $4.00 per share, expiring
on January 1, 2004; and (ix) 25,000 warrants to purchase Common
stock at $10.00 per share, expiring on January 1, 2003.
(6) Includes (i) options to purchase 4,608 shares of Common
stock at an exercise price of $4.34, expiring on and 4,608
shares of Common stock owned of record by Mr. Piani's wife;
(ii) 20,000 warrants to purchase Common stock at $4.00 per
share, (iii) warrants to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock
at $6.50 per share; and (iv) 25,000 warrants to purchase common
stock at $8.00 per share all expiring on September 17, 2004.
(7) Includes warrants to purchase 12,000 shares of Common
stock at $6.00 per share, expiring on August 25, 2001 and
25,000 warrants to purchase 50,000 shares at $6.50 per share
and 25,000 warrants to purchase common stock at $8.00 per share
all expiring on September 17, 2004.
<PAGE> 19
(8) Includes (i) stock options to purchase 20,000 shares of
Common stock at $3.50 per share; (ii) 50,000 warrants to
purchase Common stock at $4.00 per share; and (iii) 12,746
shares of Common stock.
(9) Includes (i) options to purchase 461 shares of Common
stock at an exercise price of $3.80, expiring on February 13,
2002; (ii) options to purchase 359 shares of Common stock $3.80
per share, expiring on May 5, 2002; (iii) 50,000 warrants to
purchase Common stock at an exercise price of $3.50 per share,
expiring on March 1, 2006; (iv) 5,000 warrants to purchase
Common stock at $4.00 per share, expiring on June 7, 2003; (v)
7,104 options to purchase Common stock at $3.50 per share
expiring January 22, 2007.
<PAGE> 20
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
On October 19, 1999, Hemispherx authorized the issuance
of 25,000 warrants to purchase Common stock exercisable at $10.00
per share to Harris Freedman, our Vice President of Corporate
Communication. The warrants have an expiration date of October 5,
2003.
On September 18, 1999, we authorized the issuance of
25,000 warrants exercisable at $6.50 per share and 25,000 warrants
exercisable at $8.00 to each of our outside directors, Ransom
Etheridge, Richard Piani and William Mitchell.
In April 1999, Hemispherx authorized the issuance of
100,000 warrants exercisable at $6.25 per share to William A.
Carter, Chief Executive Officer and President of Hemispherx.
On August 5, 1998, Hemispherx authorized the issuance of
12,000 warrants to purchase Common stock exercisable at $6.00 per
share and expiring on August 25, 2001, to William Mitchell, a
director of Hemispherx.
In April 1998, Hemispherx authorized the issuance of
100,000 warrants to purchase Common stock at an exercise price of
$5.00 per share to our Chief Financial Officer, Robert E.
Peterson, and 50,000 warrants to our Medical Director, David R.
Strayer, at an exercise price of $4.00 per share.
In January 1998, Hemispherx authorized the issuance of the
following five year common stock purchase warrants to certain
officers and directors of Hemispherx for services rendered: (i)
810,000 warrants to William A. Carter, of which 170,000 are
exercisable at $4.00 per share commencing one year from issuance,
170,000 are exercisable at $4.00 per share beginning two years
from issuance, 170,000 are exercisable at $5.00 per share
beginning three years from issuance, and 300,000 are exercisable
at $6.00 per share beginning four years from the date of issuance;
and (ii) 160,000 warrants to Bridge Ventures, Inc., a company of
which Harris Freedman is Vice President, immediately exercisable
at $4.00 per share.
In January 1998, Hemispherx authorized the issuance of
20,000 Common stock purchase warrants to each of three Hemispherx
directors. The aforesaid warrants are exercisable at $4.00 per
share during the two-year period commencing on the date of
issuance.
In January 1997, Hemispherx authorized the issuance of
stock options to Josephine Dolhancryk (7,104), Robert E. Peterson
(13,750), and David R. Strayer (20,000). All are exercisable at
$3.50 per share.
In March 1997, Bridge Ventures, Inc. purchased 75 shares
of Series E Preferred at $1,000 per share in a private offering
pursuant to Rule 506 the Securities Act and Regulation D
promulgated thereunder. The Series E Preferred is convertible
into shares of Common stock at $2.00 per share. Harris Freedman,
Hemispherx's Vice President, is an officer of Bridge Ventures, Inc.
<PAGE> 21
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
-------------------------------------------------
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires Hemispherx's officers
and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a
registered class of Hemispherx's equity securities, to file reports
with the Securities and Exchange Commission reflecting their
initial position of ownership on Form 3 and changes in ownership
on Form 4 or Form 5.
Based solely on a review of the copies of such forms received
by Hemispherx, believes that, during the fiscal year ended December
31, 1999, its officers, directors and ten percent stockholders
complied with all applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements on
a timely basis, except that our director, Ransom Etheridge filed
one late Form 4 for one late transaction in March of 1999, for 200
shares gifted to Mr. Etheridge in 1998. The failure of the
reporting persons to report on time was inadvertent, and
subsequently, Form 3s were filed after the due dates for each
reporting person to report the above information.
<PAGE> 22
PROPOSAL NO. 2
RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF AUDITORS
The firm of KPMG LLP audited the consolidated balance sheets of
Hemispherx subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders'
equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1999.
KPMG LLP informed the Company on May 3, 2000 that the
client-auditor relationship was ceased. On May 3, 2000, with the
prior approval of the Board of Directors, the Company informed
KPMG that the client-auditor relationship with the Company had
ceased and on May 10, 2000 filed a Form 8-K with the SEC, which
Form 8-K is hereby incorporated by reference.
KPMG LLP served as independent accountants of our financial
statements for the years ended, December 31, 1998 and 1999. The
report of KPMG LLP on our financial statements for the years
ended, December 31, 1999, contained no adverse opinion or
disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to
uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principle. In connection
with its audits for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1999;
and, prior to the disengagement of KPMG LLP, we had no
disagreements with KPMG LLP on matters of accounting principles or
practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or
procedure, which disagreements if not resolved to the satisfaction
of KPMG LLP would have caused them to make reference thereto in
their report on the consolidated financial statements for such
years. In the event that a majority of the votes cast are against
the ratification, the board of directors will reconsider its
selection.
On June 5, 2000, pursuant to a vote of the board of directors,
the firm of BDO Seidman, LLP, was selected to audit the financial
statements of Hemispherx for the year ending December 31, 2000.
Accordingly, the board of directors will offer the following
resolution at the Annual Meeting:
RESOLVED, that the appointment by
the board of directors of BDO
Seidman, LLP, independent public
accountants, to audit the financial
statements of Hemispherx for the
year ending December 31, 2000, be,
and hereby is, ratified and
approved.
It is anticipated that a representative of BDO Seidman,
LLP, will be present at the annual meeting and will be available
to respond to appropriate questions. It is not anticipated that
such representative will make a prepared statement at the meeting;
however, the representative shall have the opportunity to do so.
<PAGE> 23
The affirmative vote of at least a majority of the shares
represented and voting at the Annual Meeting at which a quorum is
present (which shares voting affirmatively also constitute at
least a majority of the required quorum) is necessary for approval
of Proposal No. 2. Under Delaware law, there are no rights of
appraisal or dissenter's rights, which arise as a result of a vote
to ratify the selection of auditors. In the event that a majority
of the votes cast are against the ratification, the Board of
Directors will reconsider its selection.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS DEEMS PROPOSAL NO. 2 TO BE IN THE BEST
INTERESTS OF HEMISPHERX AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND RECOMMENDS A VOTE
"FOR" APPROVAL THEREOF.
<PAGE> 24
GENERAL
Unless contrary instructions are indicated on the proxy,
all shares of common stock represented by valid proxies received
pursuant to this solicitation (and not revoked before they are
voted) will be voted FOR Proposal No. 2 and for the election of
all directors nominated.
The board of directors knows of no business other than
that set forth above to be transacted at the meeting, but if other
matters requiring a vote of the stockholders arise, the persons
designated as proxies will vote the shares of Common stock
represented by the proxies in accordance with their judgment on
such matters. If a stockholder specifies a different choice on
the proxy, his or her shares of Common stock will be voted in
accordance with the specification so made.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT PROXIES BE RETURNED PROMPTLY. WE URGE YOU TO
FILL IN, SIGN AND RETURN THE ACCOMPANYING FORM OF PROXY IN THE
PREPAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED, NO MATTER HOW LARGE OR SMALL YOUR
HOLDINGS MAY BE.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Ransom W. Etheridge, Secretary
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
June 6, 2000
<PAGE> 25
HEMISPHERX BIOPHARMA, INC.
Annual Meeting of Stockholders Wednesday, July 26, 2000
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints William A. Carter and
Ransom Etheridge and each of them, with power of substitution, as
proxies to represent the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held at The Embassy Suites, 1776 Ben Franklin
Parkway, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Wednesday, July 26, 2000 at
10:00 a.m. local time and at any adjournment thereof, and to vote
the shares of stock the undersigned would be entitled to vote if
personally present, as indicted on the reverse side hereof.
The shares represented by the proxy will be voted as
directed. If no contrary instruction is given, the shares will be
voted FOR Proposal No. 2 and for the election of William A.
Carter, Richard C. Piani, Ransom W. Etheridge and William M.
Mitchell as Directors.
Please mark boxes in blue or black ink.
1. Proposal No. 1 - Election of Directors.
Nominees: William A. Carter, Richard C. Piani, Ransom W. Etheridge
and William M. Mitchell.
For All Nominees [_] Authority Withheld As To All Nominees [_]
For, except authority withheld as to the following
nominee(s):
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Proposal No. 2 for ratification of the selection of BDO
Seidman, LLP, as the independent auditors of Hemispherx.
[_] FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN
3. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote
upon such other business as may properly come before the
meeting.
(Please date, sign as name appears
at left, and return promptly.
If the stock is registered in the
name of two or more persons,
each should sign. When signing
as Corporate Officer, Partner,
Executor, Administrator, Trustee,
or Guardian, please give full
title. Please note any change in
your address alongside the
address as it appears in the Proxy.)
Dated:___________________________
__________________________________
(Signature)
__________________________________
(Print Name)
SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
