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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

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

Filed by the Registrant ☒
Filed by the Registrantý

Filed by a Party other than the Registranto

Check the appropriate box:

o


Preliminary Proxy Statement

o


Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

ý


Definitive Proxy Statement

o


Definitive Additional Materials

o


Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12


Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐
Check the appropriate box:
IDERA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)


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

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

ý


No fee required.

o


Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
(1)Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
(2)Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
(3)Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
(4)Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
(5)Total fee paid:

o


Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

o


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



(1)


Amount Previously Paid:
(2)Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
(3)Filing Party:
(4)Date Filed:

Preliminary Proxy Statement
Confidential, for Use of Contentsthe Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))


Definitive Proxy Statement

Definitive Additional Materials

Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12
IDERA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

No fee required.

Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
167 Sidney Street(1)
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
(2)
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
(3)
Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
(4)
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
(5)
Total fee paid:

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1)
Amount Previously Paid:
(2)
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
(3)
Filing Party:
(4)
Date Filed:


IDERA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
505 Eagleview Blvd., Suite 212
Exton, PA 19341
NOTICE OF SPECIAL2021 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS


Tuesday, June 8, 2021
Date and Time:Thursday, January 4, 2018Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 8:309:00 a.m., local timeEastern Time

Place:

Format:

Due to the public health impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and related government actions, and to support the health and well-being of our employees, stockholders, and community, Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
505 Eagleview Boulevard
Suite 212
Exton, Pennsylvania 19341

Items of Business:


At our special’s (“Idera,” “our,” “we,” “us,” or the “Company”) 2021 annual meeting of stockholders we will ask our stockholders to:be held via teleconference only. You will be able to participate in the 2021 annual meeting by using the below conference call phone number and conference ID number. You will also be able to vote during the 2021 annual meeting by dialing a separate phone number (the “Voting Call Line”) that will be announced during the 2021 annual meeting. Stockholders who wish to vote via the Voting Call Line will need to provide their legal proxy number to the operator, who will then record such stockholder’s vote. You will not be able to attend the 2021 annual meeting in person.

Conference Call Access:

US/CANADA Participant Toll-Free Dial-In Number:        (844) 882-7837
US/CANADA Participant International Dial-In Number:   (574) 990-9824
Conference ID: 1120087
Items of Business:

approve an amendment

Elect two Class II directors to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to effect a reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding common stock by a whole number ratio of not less than 1-for-4 and not more than 1-for-8, such ratio and the implementation and timing of such reverse stock split to be determined in the discretion of our board of directors for terms to expire at any time prior to our 2018the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders, and, in connection therewith, to decrease the number of authorized shares of our common stock on a basis proportional to the reverse stock split ratio; and

stockholders;

approve an amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to set

Approve, by non-binding vote, the number of authorized shares of our common stock at a number determined by calculating the product of 280,000,000 multiplied by two times (2x) the reverse stock split ratio. This Proposal No. 2 is subject to approval by our stockholderscompensation of the amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, effecting the reverse stock split as set forth in Proposal No. 1 and, therefore, will not be implemented unless Proposal No. 1 is approved and such reverse stock split is implemented.

Company’s named executive officers for 2020;

Ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021; and

Transact any other business as may properly come before the 2021 annual meeting or any postponement or adjournment of the 2021 annual meeting.
The board of directors has no knowledge of any other business to be transacted at the 2021 annual meeting.
Record Date:

You may vote on the matters to be presented at the special2021 annual meeting if you were a stockholder of record atas of the close of business on November 9, 2017.April 12, 2021.

Proxy Voting:Voting

It is important that your shares be represented and voted at the special2021 annual meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the special meeting, please mark, sign, date and promptly mail your proxy cardparticipate in the enclosed postage-paid envelope or follow the instructions on the proxy card2021 annual meeting, we urge you to vote as promptly as possible by telephone or overInternet or by signing, dating, and returning a printed proxy card or voting instruction form, as applicable. If you participate in the internet. You2021 annual meeting, you may vote your shares during the 2021 annual meeting via the Voting Call Line even if you previously voted by proxy and may revoke your proxy at any time before its exercise at the special2021 annual meeting. Please vote as soon as possible to ensure that your shares will be represented and counted at the 2021 annual meeting.
By order of the board of directors,
/s/ Bryant D. Lim
Bryant D. Lim
Senior Vice President, General Counsel
and Corporate Secretary
Exton, Pennsylvania
April 28, 2021
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE 2021
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON JUNE 8, 2021
Idera’s Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 are available at:
https://ir.iderapharma.com/shareholder-services/annual-meeting

 


By order of the board of directors,

/s/ MARK J. CASEY

Mark J. Casey
General Counsel and Secretary



Cambridge, Massachusetts


November 17, 2017

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TABLE OF CONTENTS


TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page

PROXY STATEMENT

1

INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPECIAL2021 ANNUAL MEETING

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1

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2

How do I vote my shares if I am a stockholder of record?

2

How do I vote my shares if I hold them in "street“street name?"

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How may I change or revoke my vote?

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What constitutes a quorum?

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What vote is required to approve each matter and how will votes be counted?

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How does the board of directors recommend that I vote?

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Will any other business be conducted at the special2021 annual meeting of stockholders?

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Who is making and paying for the solicitation of proxies and how is it made?

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How and when may I submit a proposal for the 20182022 annual meeting of stockholders?

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How and when may I submit nominees for the Board of Directors?

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Are specialannual meeting materials householded?

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PROPOSAL ONE

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
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Information about our Directors

Reasons for the Reverse Stock Split

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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Certain Risks Associated with the Reverse Stock Split

710
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE INFORMATION

Principal Effects of this Proposal

812

TreatmentBoard of Fractional Shares

Directors
912
Board Leadership Structure

Accounting Matters

1012

Procedure for Effecting a Reverse Stock Split and ExchangeBoard of Stock Certificates

Directors’ Role in Risk Oversight
1012
Board Committees

No Appraisal Rights

1113
Director Independence

Reservation of Right to Abandon the Amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended

1114
Director Nomination Process

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reverse Stock Split

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1415
1416

EffectCode of the Proposal

Business Conduct and Ethics
1516
Hedging Policy

Reservation of Right to Abandon the Amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended

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17

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21

APPENDIX A—CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION, AS AMENDED

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IDERA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

505 Eagleview Blvd., Suite 212
Exton, PA 19341
167 Sidney Street
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR THE 2021 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
For our Special Meeting of Stockholders to be held on January 4, 2018TO BE HELD ON JUNE 8, 2021


AT 9:00 A.M. EASTERN TIME

Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation, which is referred to as "we," "us,"“we,” “us,” the "Company"“Company,” or "Idera"“Idera” in this proxy statement, is sendinghas made these proxy materials available to you thison the Internet, or upon your request, has delivered a printed or email copy of the proxy statement and the enclosed proxy cardmaterials to you, because our board of directors (our “board” or the “board”) is soliciting your proxy to vote at our special2021 annual meeting of stockholders.stockholders, or the 2021 annual meeting. The special2021 annual meeting will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2018,Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at 8:309:00 a.m., localEastern Time, via teleconference or at such other time at our office located at 505 Eagleview Boulevard, Suite 212, Exton, Pennsylvania 19341.and place to which the meeting may be adjourned, continued, or postponed. If the special2021 annual meeting is adjourned for any reason, then proxies submitted may be used at any adjournment of the special2021 annual meeting.

        This proxy statement summarizes information about

In response to the proposalsCOVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 annual meeting will be held completely by remote communication. There will be no physical meeting location and the meeting will only be conducted via teleconference. Accordingly, you will not be able to be considered atattend the special2021 annual meeting in person. To participate in the meeting, please use the following conference call phone and other information you may find useful in determining how to vote. The proxy card is the means by which you actually authorize another personconference ID numbers:
US/CANADA Participant Toll-Free Dial-In Number:(844) 882-7837
US/CANADA Participant International Dial-In Number:(574) 990-9824
Conference ID:1120087
Stockholders who wish to vote your shares in accordance with your instructions.

        Weduring the 2021 annual meeting will be able to do so by dialing the separate phone number (the “Voting Call Line”) that will be announced during the 2021 annual meeting. To vote via the Voting Call Line, a stockholder must provide his or her legal proxy number to the operator, who will then record such stockholder’s vote.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
When are mailing this proxy statement and the enclosedaccompanying materials scheduled to be sent to stockholders?
We have elected to provide access to our proxy cardmaterials for the 2021 annual meeting to our stockholders via the Internet. Accordingly, on or about April 29, 2021, we will begin mailing a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, or Notice of Internet Availability, and all other proxy materials, including the Notice of 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, this proxy statement, and accompanying proxy card. For shares held in street name (held for your account by a broker or other nominee), a voting instruction form and the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, or 2020 Annual Report, will be made available to stockholders on the Internet on the same date.
Why did I receive a Notice of Internet Availability instead of a full set of proxy materials?
Pursuant to rules adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or about November 17, 2017.

ToSEC, we are providing access to our proxy materials over the Internet rather than printing and mailing the proxy materials. We believe electronic delivery will expedite the receipt of materials and will help lower our costs and reduce the environmental impact of our 2021 annual meeting materials. Therefore, a Notice of Internet Availability will be mailed to holders of record and beneficial owners of our common stock starting on or around April 29, 2021. The Notice of Internet Availability will provide instructions as to how stockholders may access and review the proxy materials, including the Notice of Annual Meeting, proxy statement, proxy card, and 2020 Annual Report, on the website referred to in the Notice of Internet Availability or, alternatively, how to request that a printed copy of the proxy materials, including a proxy card, be sent to them by mail. The Notice of Internet Availability also will provide voting instructions. In addition, stockholders of record may request to receive the proxy materials in printed form by mail or electronically by e-mail on an ongoing basis for future


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stockholder meetings. Please note that while our proxy materials are available at the website referenced in the Notice of Internet Availability, and our Notice of SpecialAnnual Meeting, proxy statement, and Proxy Statement, which we will provide to you free of charge,2020 Annual Report are available on our website, no other information contained on either website is incorporated by reference in, or to obtain directionsconsidered to be able to attend the special meeting and vote in person, write to Investor Relations, Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 167 Sidney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, call our toll-free number 1 (877) 888-6550, or email Investor Relations at ir@iderapharma.com.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of
Proxy Materials for the Special Meeting
to Be Held on January 4, 2018:

The Noticea part of, Special Meeting and Proxy Statement are available atthis document.


https://iderapharmaceuticalsinc.gcs-web.com/shareholder-services/annual-meeting


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INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETING

Who may vote?

Holders of record of our common stock atas of the close of business on November 9, 2017,April 12, 2021, the record date for the special2021 annual meeting, are entitled to vote on each matter properly brought before the special2021 annual meeting. Holders of our common stock will be entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held as of the record date. As of the close of business on November 9, 2017,April 12, 2021, the record date for the special2021 annual meeting, we had 194,870,30350,033,297 shares of common stock outstanding.

How do I vote my shares if I am a stockholder of record?

If you are a stockholder of record (meaning that you hold shares in your name in the records of our transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., and that your shares are not held in "street name"“street name” by a bank or brokerage firm), you may vote your shares in any one of the following ways:


You may vote by mail.  To vote by mail, you need to complete, date and sign the proxy card that accompanies this proxy statement and promptly mail it in the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope. You do not need to put a stamp on the enclosed envelope if you mail it from within the United States.

You may vote by telephone.  To vote by telephone through services provided by Computershare Trust Company, N.A., call 1-800-652-VOTE (8683), and follow the instructions provided on the proxy card that accompanies this proxy statement. If you vote by telephone, you do not need to complete and mail your proxy card.

You may vote over theBy internet.   To vote over the internet through services provided by Computershare Trust Company, N.A., please go to the following website: http://www.investorvote.com/IDRA and follow the instructions at that site for submitting your proxy. If you vote over the internet, you do not need to complete and mail your proxy card.


By telephone.
You may   To vote in person.by telephone through services provided by Computershare Trust Company, N.A., call 1-800-652-VOTE (8683), and follow the instructions provided on the proxy card that accompanies this proxy statement. If you vote by telephone, you do not need to complete and mail your proxy card.

By mail.   If you attendrequested printed proxy materials, you need to complete, date and sign the specialproxy card that accompanies this proxy statement and promptly mail it in the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope. You do not need to put a stamp on the enclosed envelope if you mail it from within the United States. If you are mailed or otherwise receive or obtain a proxy card, and you choose to vote by telephone or by Internet, you do not have to return your proxy card.

During the 2021 Annual Meeting.   If you participate in the 2021 annual meeting, you may vote by delivering your completed proxy card in person or you may vote by completing a ballot atvia the specialVoting Call Line during the 2021 annual meeting. BallotsThe phone number for the Voting Call Line will be available atannounced during the special2021 annual meeting. A stockholder who wishes to vote via the Voting Call Line will be required to provide his or her legal proxy number to the operator, who will then record such stockholder’s vote.

Your proxy will only be valid if you complete and return the proxy card, vote by telephone, or vote over the internet atduring or before the special2021 annual meeting. The persons named in the proxy card will vote the shares you own in accordance with your instructions on your proxy card, in your vote by telephone, or in your vote over the internet. If you return the proxy card, vote by telephone, or vote over the internet, but do not give any instructions on a particular matter described in this proxy statement, the persons named in the proxy card will vote the shares you own in accordance with the recommendations of our board of directors.

How do I vote my shares if I hold them in "street name?"
“street name”?

If the shares you own are held in "street name"“street name” by a bank or brokerage firm, your bank or brokerage firm, as the record holder of your shares, is required to vote your shares according to your instructions. In order to vote your shares, you will need to follow the directions that your bank or brokerage firm provides to you. Many banks and brokerage firms solicit voting instructions over the internet or by telephone.

        Under applicable stock exchange rules, banks or brokerage firms subject to these rules that hold shares in street name for customers have the discretion to vote those shares with respect to certain matters if they have not received instructions from the beneficial owners. Banks or brokerage firms will have this discretionary authority with respect to routine or "discretionary" matters. Both of the proposals to be presented at the special meeting are discretionary matters, and banks and brokerage


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firms are permitted to vote your shares even if you have not given voting instructions. "Broker non-votes" occur when a bank or brokerage firm submits a proxy for shares but does not indicate a vote for a particular proposal because the bank or brokerage firm either does not have authority to vote on that proposal and has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner, or has discretionary authority but chooses not to exercise it. The effect of broker non-votes is discussed below in the answer to the question "What vote is required to approve each matter and how will votes be counted?".

Even if your shares are held in street name, you are welcome to attendparticipate in the special2021 annual meeting. If your shares are held in street name, you may not vote your shares in person atduring the special2021 annual meeting unless you obtain a “legal proxy, executed in your favor, from the holder of record (i.e., your bank or brokerage firm). If you hold your shares in street name and wish to vote in person,via the Voting Call Line during the 2021 annual meeting, please contact your bank or brokerage firm before the special2021 annual meeting to obtain the necessary proxy


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from the holder of record.

You must then submit the legal proxy to the Company by 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on June 7, 2021. Legal proxies may be submitted: by mail to Corporate Secretary, Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 505 Eagleview Boulevard, Suite 212, Exton, Pennsylvania 19341; or by e-mail to legal@iderapharma.com.

If the beneficial owner does not provide voting instructions, banks and brokerage firms cannot vote the shares with respect to “non-routine” matters, but can vote the shares with respect to “routine” matters. “Broker non-votes” occur when a beneficial owner of shares held in street name fails to provide instructions to the bank or brokerage firm holding the shares as to how to vote on matters deemed “non-routine.” We believe Proposal Three (the ratification of the selection of our independent registered public accounting firm) is a “routine” matter and, as a result, we do not expect there to be any broker non-votes. Proposal One (the election of directors) and Proposal Two (the approval of, by non-binding vote, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers for 2020) are “non-routine” matters, and banks and brokerage firms cannot vote your shares on such proposals if you have not given voting instructions.
As long as one of the matters is deemed to be a “routine” matter, proxies reflecting broker non-votes (if any) will be counted towards the quorum requirement.
How may I change or revoke my vote?

If you are a stockholder of record, even if you complete and return a proxy card or vote by telephone or over the internet, you may change or revoke your vote at any time before your proxy is exercised by taking one of the following actions:


send written notice to our Secretary, Mark J. Casey,Bryant Lim, at our address above, stating that you wish to revoke your vote;


deliver to us another signed proxy card with a later date or vote by telephone or over the internet at a later date; or


attend
participate in the special2021 annual meeting notify our Secretary that you are present and then vote by ballot.

via the Voting Call Line during the 2021 annual meeting.

If you own shares in street name, your bank or brokerage firm should provide you with instructions for changing or revoking your vote.

What constitutes a quorum?

In order for business to be conducted at the special2021 annual meeting, a quorum must be present. A quorum consists of the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock issued, outstanding and entitled to vote at the special2021 annual meeting.

Shares of common stock present in personby conference call participation or represented by proxy (including broker non-votes and shares that are abstained or withheld or with respect to which no voting instructions are provided for one or more of the matters to be voted upon) will be counted for the purpose of determining whether a quorum exists.

If a quorum is not present, the special2021 annual meeting will be adjourned until a quorum is obtained.

What vote is required to approve each matter and how will votes be counted?

The table below sets forth the vote required for each matter being submitted to our stockholders at the special2021 annual meeting to be approved and the effect that abstentions, withheld votes, and broker non-votes will have on


non-votes:

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the outcome of voting on each proposal that is being submitted to our stockholders for approval at the special meeting.

Proposal
ProposalAffirmative Vote Required
Abstentions/

Abstentions/
Withholds
Broker
Non-Votes

Approve Reverse Stock SplitElection of Directors
(Proposal 1One))

MajorityPlurality of issued and outstandingvotes cast by holders of common stock entitled to voteHas the sameNo effect(1)No effect as a vote AGAINSTHas the same effect as a vote AGAINST

Approve Setting Number ofAdvisory Vote on Named Executive Officer 2020 Compensation
Authorized Shares of Common Stock
(Proposal 2Two))

Majority of issued and outstanding common stock entitled to vote

present or represented and voting on the matter

No effectNo effect
HasRatification of Selection of Ernst & Young LLP
(Proposal Three)
Majority of common stock present or represented and voting on the samematterNo effect as a vote AGAINST

Has the same effect as a vote AGAINST

N/A


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(1)
You may vote FOR all of the director nominees, WITHHOLD your vote from all of the director nominees or WITHHOLD your vote from any of the director nominees.
Each share of common stock will be counted as one vote.

        Proposal No. 2 is subject to approval by our stockholders of the amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, effecting the reverse stock split as set forth in Proposal No. 1 and, therefore, will not be implemented unless Proposal No. 1 is approved and such reverse stock split is implemented.

How does the board of directors recommend that I vote?

Our board of directors recommends that you vote as follows:

FOR each of the Class II director nominees (Proposal One); and

FOR Proposal OneTwo and Proposal Two.

Three.

Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and related SEC regulations, the vote on executive compensation, as described in greater detail in Proposal Two, set forth elsewhere in this proxy statement, is an advisory vote, meaning it is non-binding. The vote on the ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm, as described in greater detail in Proposal Three, is also an advisory vote. Our board will carefully consider the outcome of each of these votes.
Will any other business be conducted at the special2021 annual meeting of stockholders?

Our board of directors does not know of any other business to be conducted or matters to be voted upon at the special2021 annual meeting. If any other matter properly comes before the special2021 annual meeting, the persons named in the proxy card that accompanies this proxy statement will exercise their judgment in deciding how to vote or otherwise act with respect to that matter at the special2021 annual meeting.

Who is making and paying for the solicitation of proxies and how is it made?

We are making the solicitation and will bear the costs of soliciting proxies. In addition to solicitations by mail, our directors, officers, and employees, without additional remuneration, may solicit proxies by telephone, facsimile, email, personal interviews, and other means. We may retainengage a proxy solicitation firmsolicitor to assist indistribute our proxy materials and solicit proxies, and if we were to do so would pay a fee for such services and reimburse the solicitation of proxies in connection with the special meeting. In that event, we will pay such firm customary fees, which we expect would be approximately $10,000, plus expenses.solicitor for reasonable disbursements. We have requested that brokerage houses, custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries forward copies of the proxy materials to the persons for whom they hold shares and request instructions for voting the proxies. We will reimburse the brokerage houses and other persons for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this distribution.

How and when may I submit a proposal for the 20182022 annual meeting of stockholders?

If you are interested in submitting a proposal for inclusion in the proxy statement and proxy card for our 20182022 annual meeting of stockholders, or the 20182022 annual meeting, you need to follow the procedures outlined in Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act. We must receive your proposal intended for inclusion in the proxy statement at our principal executive offices, 167 Sidney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139,505 Eagleview Blvd., Suite 212, Exton, Pennsylvania 19341, Attention: Secretary, no later than January 8, 2018. TheDecember 30, 2021. SEC rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, set standards for the types of stockholder proposals and the information that must be provided by the stockholder making the request.


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If you wish to present a proposal at the 20182022 annual meeting, but do not wish to have the proposal considered for inclusion in the proxy statement and proxy card or have not complied with the requirements for inclusion of such proposal in our proxy statement under SEC rules, you must also give written notice to us at the address noted above. Our bylaws specify the information that must be included in any such notice, including a brief description of the business to be brought before the annual meeting, the name of the stockholder proposing such business, and stock ownership information for such stockholder. In accordance with our bylaws, we must receive this notice (or the stockholder director nomination, see “Stockholder Nominees”) at least 60 days, but not more than 90 days, prior to the date of the 20182022 annual meeting and the notice must include specified information regarding the proposal and the stockholder making the proposal.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if we provide less than 70 days'days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting to the stockholders, notice by the stockholders must be received by our Secretary

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no later than the close of business on the tenth day following the date on which the notice of the annual meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made, whichever occurs first. If a stockholder who wished to present a proposal fails to notify us by this date, the proxies that management solicits for that meeting will have discretionary authority to vote on the stockholder'sstockholder’s proposal if it is otherwise properly brought before that meeting. If a stockholder makes timely notification, the proxies may still exercise discretionary authority to vote on stockholder proposals under circumstances consistent with the SEC'sSEC’s rules.

Are annual meeting materials householded?
Some banks and brokerage firms may be participating in the practice of “householding” proxy statements and annual reports. This means that the banks and brokerage firms send only one copy of this proxy statement and the accompanying 2020 Annual Report to multiple stockholders in the same household. Upon request, we will promptly deliver separate copies of this proxy statement and our annual report to stockholders. To make such a request, please call Investor Relations at (877) 888-6550, write to Investor Relations, 505 Eagleview Blvd., Suite 212, Exton, Pennsylvania 19341 or email Investor Relations at ir@iderapharma.com. To receive separate copies of our annual report to stockholders and proxy statement in the future, or to receive only one copy for the household, please contact us or your bank or brokerage firm.

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PROPOSAL ONE
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
HowGeneral Information
Our board of directors is divided into three classes and whencurrently consists of three Class I directors: Vincent J. Milano, Cristina Csimma, PharmD, MHP, and Michael R. Dougherty; two Class II directors: James A. Geraghty and Maxine Gowen, Ph.D.; and two Class III directors: Mark Goldberg, M.D. and Carol A. Schafer. Each member of a class is elected for a three-year term, with the terms staggered so that approximately one-third of our directors stand for election at each annual meeting of stockholders. The Class I, Class II, and Class III directors were elected to serve until the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2023, 2021 and 2022, respectively, and until their respective successors are elected and qualified.
Our board of directors, on the recommendation of the members of our nominating and corporate governance committee, has nominated Mr. Geraghty and Dr. Gowen for election as Class II directors at the 2021 annual meeting. At the 2021 annual meeting, stockholders will be asked to consider the election of Mr. Geraghty and Dr. Gowen.
The persons named in the enclosed proxy card will vote to elect Mr. Geraghty and Dr. Gowen to our board of directors unless you indicate that you withhold authority to vote for the election of one or all nominees. You may I submitnot vote for more than two directors. Each Class II director will be elected to hold office until our 2024 annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation, death, or removal. Each of the nominees is presently a director and each has indicated a willingness to serve as a director, if elected. If a nominee becomes unable or unwilling to serve, however, the persons acting under the proxy may vote for substitute nominees selected by the board of directors.
Information about our Directors
Set forth below is information about each member of our board of directors, including (a) the year in which each director first became a director, (b) their age as of the 2021 annual meeting, (c) their positions and offices with our Company (if any), (d) their principal occupations and business experience during at least the past five years, and (e) the names of other public companies for which they currently serve, or have served within the past five years, as a director. We have also included information about each director’s specific experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills that led our board of directors to conclude that such individual should serve as one of our directors. We also believe that all of our directors have a reputation for integrity, honesty, and adherence to high ethical standards. They each have demonstrated business acumen and an ability to exercise sound judgment, as well as a commitment of service to our Company and our board of directors.
Regrettably, in November 2020, one of our directors, Howard Pien, passed away. Mr. Pien had served on the Board since 2018. His insights and contributions to the Board and the Company will be greatly missed.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors?Directors
Our board of directors unanimously recommends that the stockholders vote FOR the election of
Mr. Geraghty and Dr. Gowen as Class II directors.


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Class I Directors—Terms to Expire in 2023
Cristina Csimma, PharmD, MHP
Director since 2019
Dr. Csimma, age 62, currently serves as a board director, the chair of the nominating and corporate governance committee, and a member of the compensation committee and the audit committee of Seneca Biopharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNCA; formerly Neuralstem, Inc.), having been elected to its board of directors in September 2017. She also serves as the chair of the board of directors of Caraway Therapeutics since April of 2019 (executive chair in 2019) and as the chair of the board of directors of Forendo Pharma, since May 2020. Dr. Csimma also serves on advisory boards, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association Venture Philanthropy Scientific Advisory Committee since 2006; the Harvard and Brigham and Women’s Hospital MRCT Center External Advisory Board since 2015; the TREAT-NMD Advisory Committee for Therapeutics (TACT) since 2009; and the Executive Oversight Board to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) NeuroNext Network since 2013. Dr. Csimma previously served as a director on the boards of Juniper Pharma (from 2010 until its acquisition by Catalent in 2018), Vtesse Pharma (from 2014 until its acquisition by Sucampo in 2017), was the executive chair and a senior advisor of Exonics Therapeutics (from 2016 to 2017), and was President, founding CEO, and board director of Cydan Inc. from 2012 to 2014. She also served on the board of directors of T1D Exchange (non-profit-Type 1 Diabetes) from 2018 to 2020 and the NIH Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network External Oversight Committee from 2014 to 2018, was Vice President of Drug Development at Virdante Pharmaceuticals Inc. from 2009 to 2011, Principal at Clarus Ventures LLC (now Blackstone Life Science), and held roles of increasing responsibility in Clinical Development and Translational Research at Wyeth (now Pfizer), Genetics Institute, and Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Dr. Csimma holds both a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, as well as a Master of Health Professions from Northeastern University. We believe that Dr. Csimma’s qualifications to sit on our board of directors include her significant public company management and board experience and knowledge of our industry.
Michael R. Dougherty
Director since 2019
Mr. Dougherty, age 63, currently serves as chair of our board of directors. Mr. Doughery was executive chairman of Celator Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Celator”) from August 2015 until July 2016; he also served as a director of Celator from July 2013 to July 2016. Mr. Dougherty previously served in a variety of senior positions in the biopharmaceutical industry, including as chief executive officer at Kalidex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; president and chief executive officer at Adolor Corporation; president and chief operating officer at Genomics Collaborative, Inc.; president and chief executive officer at Genaera Corporation; and chief financial officer at Centocor, Inc. Mr. Dougherty currently serves on the board of directors of Trevena, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRVN) and Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: MRNS), and previously served as a member of the board of directors of Foundation Medicine, Inc., Aviragen Therapeutics, Inc., Cempra, Inc., and ViroPharma Incorporated. Mr. Dougherty received a B.S. in Accounting from Villanova University. We believe that Mr. Dougherty’s qualifications to sit on our board of directors include his significant public company management and board experience and knowledge of our industry.
Vincent J. Milano
Director since 2014
Vincent Milano, age 57, has been our President and Chief Executive Officer, and a member of our board of directors, since December 2014. Prior to joining us, Mr. Milano served as chairman, president, and chief executive officer of ViroPharma Inc., a pharmaceutical company that was acquired by Shire Plc in January 2014, from March 2008 to January 2014, as its vice president, chief financial officer, and chief operating officer from January 2006 to March 2008, and as its vice president, chief financial officer, and treasurer from April 1996 to December 2005. Mr. Milano also served on the board of directors of ViroPharma from March 2008 to January 2014. Prior to joining ViroPharma, Mr. Milano served in increasingly senior roles, most recently senior manager, at KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, from July 1985 to March 1996. Mr. Milano currently serves on the board of directors of

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Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACRS), a publicly traded company, and privately held VenatoRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Mr. Milano previously served as a director of Spark Therapeutics, Inc. and Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. from 2014 to 2019 and 2010 to 2019, respectively. Mr. Milano holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Rider College. We believe Mr. Milano’s qualifications to sit on our board of directors include his knowledge of our Company as our President and Chief Executive Officer, knowledge of our industry, including over 20 years of experience serving in a variety of roles of increasing responsibility in the finance department, corporate administration, and operations of a multinational biopharmaceutical company, and understanding of pharmaceutical research and development, sales and marketing, strategy, and operations in both the United States and overseas. He also has corporate governance experience through service on other public company boards.
Class II Directors—Terms to Expire in 2021
James A. Geraghty
Director since 2013
Mr. Geraghty, age 66, has served on our board of directors since July 2013 and served as chair of our board of directors from that time until April 2021. Mr. Geraghty is an industry leader with over 35 years of strategic and leadership experience, including more than 25 years as a senior member of executive teams at biotechnology companies developing and commercializing innovative therapies. From May 2013 to October 2016, Mr. Geraghty was an Entrepreneur in Residence at Third Rock Ventures, a leading biotech venture fund. From April 2011 to December 2012, he served as a Senior Vice President of Sanofi, a global healthcare company. Prior to that, he served in various senior management roles at Genzyme Corporation, a biotechnology company, from 1992 to April 2011, including as Senior Vice President, International Development and President of Genzyme Europe. Mr. Geraghty currently serves as chairman of the board of Orchard Therapeutics PLC (Nasdaq: ORTX) and Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: PIRS) and as a member of the board of Voyager Therapeutics (Nasdaq: VYGR) and Fulcrum Therapeutics (Nasdaq: FULC), each a publicly traded company. He also previously served as a director of bluebird bio, Inc. and GTC Biotherapeutics, Inc. We believe that Mr. Geraghty’s qualifications to sit on our board of directors include his public company board and management experience and his broad and deep knowledge of our industry.
Maxine Gowen, Ph.D.
Director since 2016
Dr. Gowen, age 62, has served as the chief executive officer and a board director of TamuroBio Inc., a privately held drug development company, since August 2019. She was the founding President and CEO of Trevena, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRVN), a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company, from November 2007 until her retirement in October 2018, and remains a member of its board of directors. Prior to joining Trevena, Dr. Gowen was Senior Vice President for the Center of Excellence for External Drug Discovery at GlaxoSmithKline plc, or GSK, where she held a variety of leadership positions during her tenure of 15 years. Before GSK, Dr. Gowen was Senior Lecturer and Head, Bone Cell Biology Group, Department of Bone and Joint Medicine, of the University of Bath, U.K. Dr. Gowen has served as a director of Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKBA) since July 2014, Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACRS) since July 2019, and Passage Bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: PASG ) since February 2021, each a publicly traded company, as well as Panorama Therapeutics, a privately-held biotechnology company. She also serves on the board of the state biotechnology industry association, Life Sciences PA and previously held a board seat in the national biotechnology industry association, BIO, from 2008 to 2018. From 2008 until 2012, Dr. Gowen served as a director of Human Genome Sciences, Inc., a publicly traded company. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Sheffield, U.K., an M.B.A. with academic honors from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and a B.Sc. with Honors in Biochemistry from the University of Bristol, U.K. We believe that Dr. Gowen’s qualifications to sit on our board of directors include her significant public company management and board experience and knowledge of our industry.

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Class III Directors—Terms to Expire in 2022
Mark Goldberg, M.D.
Director since 2014
Dr. Goldberg, age 66, has served as a member of the board of directors of ImmunoGen, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMGN) since November 2011, a member of the board of directors of GlycoMimetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: GLYC) since July 2014, a member of the board of directors of Blueprint Medicines (Nasdaq: BPMC ) since June 2015, and a member of the board of directors of Walden Biosciences since March 2020. In addition, he is a member of the board of directors of the American Cancer Society, a non-profit organization. Dr. Goldberg previously served on the board of directors of Audentes Therapeutics, Inc. from December 2017 until January 2020 and aTyr Pharma from April 2015 until December 2017. Dr. Goldberg served as advisor and medical and regulatory strategist for Synageva BioPharma Corp., a biopharmaceutical company, from October 2014 until June 2015. Prior to that, he served as the Executive Vice President for Medical and Regulatory Strategy of Synageva from January 2014 to October 2014 and as the Senior Vice President of Medical and Regulatory Affairs of Synageva from September 2011 to January 2014. Dr. Goldberg served in a variety of senior management positions at Genzyme Corporation from 1996 to July 2011, including most recently as Senior Vice President for Clinical Development and Therapeutic Group Head for Oncology and Personalized Genetic Health from 2009 to July 2011. Prior to working at Genzyme Corporation, he was a full-time staff physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (where he still holds an appointment) and Dana Farber Cancer Institute. He has also been an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School since 1996. Dr. Goldberg is a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist and has more than 50 published papers. Dr. Goldberg holds an A.B. from Harvard College and an M.D. from Harvard Medical School. We believe that Dr. Goldberg’s qualifications to sit on our board of directors include his extensive scientific and medical background, public company board experience, and extensive experience in the management and operations of pharmaceutical companies.
Carol A. Schafer
Director since December 2018
Ms. Schafer, age 56, has served on the board of directors of Repare Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: RPTX) since March 2019, Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: FPRX ) since May 2019, and Insmed Incorporated (Nasdaq: INSM) since April 2020, each a publicly traded company. Ms. Schafer serves on the audit committee and nominating and corporate governance committee at Repare and Insmed, and on the compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee at Five Prime. Additionally, Ms. Schafer has served as a non-fiduciary board member of OneGoal NY, a non-profit entity, since March 2019. She also currently serves as managing partner at Hyphen Advisors, LLC, a firm that provides advisory, consulting, and board services to public and private companies and boards of directors on topics such as financing strategy and execution, financial planning and analysis, investor access and messaging, and strategic initiatives. Ms. Schafer has more than 25 years of experience in investment banking and equity capital markets, as well as in corporate finance and business development in the biopharmaceutical sector, with substantial experience financing and facilitating investor access for public and private healthcare companies. Ms. Schafer most recently served as Vice Chair, Equity Capital Markets at Wells Fargo Securities. Prior to Wells Fargo, Ms. Schafer served as Vice President of Finance and Business Development at Lexicon Pharmaceuticals. Earlier in her career, Ms. Schafer served as an Equity Capital Markets Sector Head in her role as Managing Director at J.P. Morgan. Ms. Schafer received a B.A. from Boston College and an M.B.A from New York University. We believe that Ms. Schafer’s qualifications to sit on our board of directors include her extensive financial background and her many years of experience providing investment banking, equity capital markets, and strategic support to companies within the healthcare sector.

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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
We use a combination of cash and equity-based compensation to attract and retain candidates to serve on our board of directors. We do not compensate directors who are also our employees for their service on our board of directors. As a result, Mr. Milano does not receive any compensation for his service on our board of directors.
We generally review our director compensation program every two years with the advice of an independent compensation consultant. In November 2018, we modified our director compensation program, effective January 1, 2019, to increase the cash compensation for service on the board of directors from $35,000 to $40,000. On June 4, 2019, we modified our Scientific Advisory Committee chairperson compensation to $8,000. With the exception of the foregoing cash compensation increase, no other changes were made to our director compensation program.
Under our director compensation program, we pay our non-employee directors retainers in cash. Each director receives a cash retainer for service on the board of directors and for service on each committee on which the director is a member. The chairperson of each committee receives higher retainers for such service. These fees are paid quarterly in arrears. The fees paid to non-employee directors for service on the board of directors and for service on each committee of the board of directors on which the director was a member during 2020 were as follows:
Member
Annual Fee
Chairperson
Annual Fee
Board of Directors$40,000$70,000
Audit Committee$7,500$15,000
Compensation Committee$6,250$12,500
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee$4,000$8,000
Scientific Advisory Committee$4,000$8,000
Our director compensation program includes a stock-for-fees policy, under which directors have the right to elect to receive common stock in lieu of cash fees. These shares of common stock are issued under our 2013 Stock Incentive Plan. The number of shares issued to participating directors is determined on a quarterly basis by dividing the cash fees to be paid through the issuance of common stock by the fair market value of our common stock, which is the closing price of our common stock, on the first business day of the quarter following the quarter in which the fees are earned. In 2020, several of our directors elected to receive shares of our common stock in lieu of cash fees as set forth in the footnotes to the Director Compensation table below.
Under our director compensation program, we also reimburse our directors for travel and other related expenses for attendance at meetings. Additionally, upon their initial election to the board of directors, new non-employee directors receive an initial option grant to purchase 23,000 shares of our common stock, and all non-employee directors, other than the chairperson, receive an annual option grant to purchase 11,500 shares of our common stock. The chairperson receives an annual option grant for 14,500 shares of our common stock. The annual grants are made on the date of our annual meeting of stockholders and fully vest one year from that date of grant. The initial options granted to our non-employee directors vest with respect to one-third of the underlying shares on the first anniversary of the date of grant and the balance of the underlying shares vest in eight equal quarterly installments following the first anniversary of the date of grant, subject to continued service as a director, and are granted under our 2013 Stock Incentive Plan. These options are granted with exercise prices equal to the fair market value of our common stock, which is the closing price of our common stock, on the date of grant and will become immediately exercisable in full if there is a change in control of our Company.

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Under our retirement policy for non-employee members of the board, if a non-employee director is deemed to retire, then:

all outstanding options held by such director will automatically accelerate and vest in full; and

the period during which such director may exercise the options will be extended to the expiration of the option under the plan.
Under the policy, a non-employee director will be deemed to have retired if:

the director resigns from the board or determines not to stand for re-election or is not nominated for re-election at a meeting of our stockholders and has served as a director for more than 10 years; or

the director does not stand for re-election or is not nominated for re-election due to the fact that he or she is or will be older than 75 at the end of such director’s term.
The following table sets forth a summary of the compensation we paid to our non-employee directors who served on our board in 2020.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION FOR 2020
Name
Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
($)
Option Awards
($)(1)
Total
($)
Cristina Csimma50,25014,38364,633
Michael Dougherty52,757(2)14,38367,140
James A. Geraghty78,000(3)18,13596,135
Mark Goldberg55,500(4)14,38369,883
Maxine Gowen56,50014,38370,883
Howard Pien42,330(5)14,38356,713
Carol A. Schafer55,804(6)14,38370,187
(1)
These amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value of option awards made to each listed director in 2020 as computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, “Stock Compensation,” or ASC 718. These amounts do not represent the actual amounts paid to or realized by the directors during 2020. See Note 12 to the financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 regarding assumptions we made in determining the fair value of option awards. As of December 31, 2020, our non-employee directors, or former director in the case of Mr. Pien, held options to purchase shares of our common stock as follows: Dr. Csimma: 46,000; Mr. Dougherty: 46,000; Mr. Geraghty: 125,686; Dr. Goldberg: 57,375; Dr. Gowen: 48,625; Mr. Pien: 46,000; and Ms. Schafer: 46,000.
(2)
Consists of cash meeting fees of $52,757 in lieu of which Mr. Dougherty elected to receive 26,489 shares of our common stock.
(3)
Consists of cash meeting fees of $78,000 in lieu of which Mr. Geraghty elected to receive 39,337 shares of our common stock.
(4)
Consists of cash meeting fees of $55,500 in lieu of which Mr. Goldberg elected to receive 28,099 shares of our common stock.
(5)
Consists of cash meeting fees of $42,330 in lieu of which Mr. Pien elected to receive 23,422 shares of our common stock.
(6)
Includes cash meeting fees of $55,804 in lieu of which Ms. Schafer elected to receive 28,045 shares of our common stock.

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE INFORMATION
Board of Directors
Our board of directors is responsible for establishing our broad corporate policies and overseeing the management of our Company. Our chief executive officer and our other executive officers are responsible for our day-to-day operations. Our board evaluates our corporate performance and approves, among other things, our corporate strategies and objectives, operating plans, major commitments of corporate resources and significant policies. Our board also evaluates and appoints our executive officers.
Our board of directors met five times during 2020. Each director who served as a director during 2020 attended at least 75% of the total number of board meetings and committee meetings for the committees on which he or she served during 2020.
While we do not have a formal policy regarding director attendance, we strongly encourage and expect our directors to attend our annual meetings of stockholders. All of our directors virtually attended the 2020 annual meeting of stockholders.
Board Leadership Structure
Our board of directors does not have a policy on whether the offices of chairperson of the board of directors and chief executive officer should be separate and, if they are to be separate, whether the chairperson of the board of directors should be selected from among the independent directors or should be an employee of our Company. Our board of directors believes that it should have the flexibility to make these determinations at any given point in time in the way that it believes best to provide appropriate leadership for our Company. Currently, Mr. Milano serves as our chief executive officer. Mr. Geraghty, an independent director, served as chair of our board of directors from 2013 until April 28, 2021, at which time Mr. Dougherty, also an independent director, succeeded him as chair. Our board of directors believes that this separation allows our chief executive officer to focus on our day-to-day business, while allowing the chairperson of the board of directors to lead the board of directors in its fundamental role of providing advice to and independent oversight of management.
Our board of directors recognizes that no single leadership model is right for all companies and at all times and that depending on the circumstances, other leadership models, such as a combined chairperson and chief executive officer, might be appropriate. Accordingly, the board of directors periodically reviews its leadership structure. Pursuant to our corporate governance guidelines, if the chairperson is not an independent director, the board of directors may elect a lead director from its independent directors. In such case, the chairperson and chief executive officer would consult periodically with the lead director on board of directors matters and on issues facing our Company. In addition, the lead director would serve as the principal liaison between the chairperson of the board of directors and the independent directors and would preside at any executive session of independent directors.
Board of Directors’ Role in Risk Oversight
Our board of directors, as a whole, has responsibility for risk oversight, with reviews of certain areas being conducted by relevant committees that report directly to the board of directors. The oversight responsibility of the board of directors and its committees is enabled by management reporting processes that are designed to provide visibility to the board of directors about the identification, assessment, and management of critical risks and management’s risk mitigation strategies. These areas of focus include competitive, economic, operational, financial (accounting, credit, liquidity, and tax), legal, regulatory, compliance, health, safety, environmental, political, and reputational risks. Our board of directors regularly reviews information regarding our strategy, operations, credit, and liquidity, as well as the risks associated with each. Our compensation committee is responsible for overseeing risks relating to our executive compensation plans and arrangements. Our audit committee is responsible for overseeing financial risks and risks associated with related party transactions. Our nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for overseeing risks associated with governance and the independence of the board of directors. While each committee is responsible for evaluating certain risks and overseeing the management of such risks, our entire board of directors is regularly informed through committee reports about such risks.

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Board Committees
Our board of directors has established three standing committees: audit, compensation, and nominating and corporate governance. Each of our audit, compensation, and nominating and corporate governance committees operates under a charter that has been approved by our board of directors. Our board of directors has also adopted corporate governance guidelines to assist our board of directors in the exercise of its duties and responsibilities. Current copies of the charters for the audit, compensation, and nominating and corporate governance committees and the corporate governance guidelines are posted on our website, www.iderapharma.com, and can be accessed by clicking “Investors” and “Corporate Governance.”
Audit Committee
Our audit committee’s purpose is to assist the board of directors’ oversight of our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of our financial statements. Our audit committee’s responsibilities include:

appointing, approving the compensation of, and assessing the independence of our independent registered public accounting firm;

overseeing the work of our independent registered public accounting firm, including through the receipt and consideration of certain reports from such accounting firm;

reviewing and discussing with management and our independent registered public accounting firm our annual and quarterly financial statements and related disclosures;

monitoring our internal control over financial reporting, disclosure controls and procedures, and code of business conduct and ethics;

discussing with management and our independent auditor about significant risks or exposures;

establishing procedures for the receipt and retention of accounting related complaints and concerns;

reviewing and approving related party transactions;

meeting independently with our independent registered public accounting firm and management; and

preparing the audit committee report required by SEC rules.
The current members of our audit committee are Ms. Schafer (Chair), Mr. Dougherty, and Dr. Goldberg. Our board of directors has determined that Ms. Schafer is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of SEC rules and regulations. Each member of the audit committee is independent as defined under applicable rules of the Nasdaq, including the independence requirements contemplated by Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. During 2020, our audit committee held four meetings.
Compensation Committee
Our compensation committee’s purpose is to oversee the discharge of the responsibilities of the board of directors relating to compensation of the Company’s executive officers, employees, and board members. Our compensation committee’s responsibilities include:

approving the Company’s long-term strategy of compensation, including the consideration of base compensation, short-term incentive, and long-term incentive targets,

reviewing and approving the compensation of the Company’s chief executive officer and the other executive officers;

overseeing and administering our cash and equity incentive plans;

reviewing and making recommendations to the board of directors with respect to director compensation;

overseeing the evaluation of the Company’s senior executives;

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reviewing and discussing annually with management the compensation discussion and analysis required by the SEC rules and included in this proxy statement; and

preparing the compensation committee report required by SEC rules.
The current members of our compensation committee are Dr. Gowen (Chair), Dr. Csimma, and Mr. Dougherty. During 2020, the compensation committee held six meetings. The compensation committee may delegate to one or more executive officers of the Company the power to grant operations or stock awards to employees of the Company or its subsidiaries who are not directors or executive officers of the Company. The compensation committee may also form and delegate authority to one or more subcommittees as it deems appropriate.
The processes and procedures followed by our compensation committee in considering and determining executive compensation are described below under the heading “Executive Compensation.”
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Our nominating and corporate governance committee’s purpose is to identify and recommend to the board of directors persons to be nominated for election as directors, develop and recommend corporate governance principals, and oversee the evaluation of the board of directors. Our nominating and corporate governance committee’s responsibilities include:

reviewing with the board of directors the requisite skills and criteria for new board members, as well as the composition of the board as a whole;

adopting and periodically reviewing procedures regarding director candidates proposed by stockholders;

recommending to the board the directors to be appointed to each committee of the board;

reviewing and assessing the adequacy of the corporate governance guidelines;

determining the nature of the self-evaluation of the board, supervising the conduct of the evaluation, and preparing the assessment of the board’s performance; and

overseeing the Company’s succession planning, which includes transitional leadership in the event of an unplanned vacancy.
The current members of our nominating and corporate governance committee are Messrs. Geraghty (Chair) and Dougherty, and Ms. Schafer. During 2020, the nominating and corporate governance committee held three meetings.
The processes and procedures followed by our nominating and corporate governance committee in identifying and evaluating director candidates are described below under the heading “Director Nomination Process.”
Director Independence
Our securities are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market and we use the standards of “independence” prescribed by rules set forth by Nasdaq. Under Nasdaq rules, a majority of a listed company’s board of directors must be comprised of independent directors. In addition, Nasdaq rules require that, subject to specified exceptions, each member of a listed company’s audit committee and compensation committee be independent and satisfy additional independence criteria set forth in Rules 10A-3 and 10C-1, respectively, under the Exchange Act. Under the applicable Nasdaq rules, a director will only qualify as an “independent director” if, in the opinion of our board of directors, that person does not have a relationship which would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. Our board of directors determined in early 2020 that each of Dr. Csimma, Mr. Dougherty, Mr. Geraghty, Dr. Goldberg, Dr. Gowen, Mr. Pienand Ms. Schafer and all of the members of each of the audit, compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees are independent as defined under applicable rules of the Nasdaq, and, in the case of all members of the audit and compensation committees, the independence requirements contemplated by Rule 10A-3 and Rule 10C-1 under the Exchange Act.

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Director Nomination Process
The process followed by our nominating and corporate governance committee to identify and evaluate director candidates includes requests to members of our board of directors and others for recommendations, meetings from time to time to evaluate biographical information and background material relating to potential candidates and interviews of selected candidates by members of our nominating and corporate governance committee and our board of directors. The nominating and corporate governance committee has from time to time used a third-party recruiting firm to identify and interview potential candidates.
In considering whether to recommend any particular candidate for inclusion in the board of director’s slate of recommended director nominees, the nominating and corporate governance committee will apply the criteria set forth in our corporate governance guidelines. These criteria include the candidate’s:

business acumen;

knowledge of our business and industry;

age;

experience;

diligence;

conflicts of interest;

ability to act in the interests of all stockholders; and

in the case of the renomination of existing directors, performance on our board of directors and on any committee of which the director was a member.
Our corporate governance guidelines also provide that candidates should not be discriminated against on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or any other basis proscribed by law and that our nominating and corporate governance committee should consider the value of diversity of the board of directors when evaluating particular candidates. The nominating and corporate governance committee has not adopted any formal or informal diversity policy and treats diversity as one of the criteria to be considered by the committee. The nominating and corporate governance committee does not assign specific weights to particular criteria that the nominating and corporate governance committee reviews and no particular criterion is a prerequisite for the consideration of any prospective nominee. We believe that the backgrounds and qualifications of our directors, considered as a group, should provide a composite and diverse mix of experience, knowledge, and abilities that will allow the board of directors to fulfill its responsibilities.
Stockholder Nominees
Stockholders may recommend individuals to the nominating and corporate governance committee for consideration as potential director candidates by submitting the individuals' names,individuals’ name, together with appropriate biographical information and background materials and a statement as to whether the stockholder or group of stockholders making the recommendation has beneficially owned more than 5% of our common stock for at least one year as of the date such recommendation is made, to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, c/o Secretary, Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 167 Sidney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139.505 Eagleview Blvd., Suite 212, Exton, PA 19341. Assuming that appropriate biographical and background material has been provided on a timely basis, the nominating and corporate governance committee will evaluate stockholder-recommended candidates by following substantially the same process, and applying substantially the same criteria, as it follows for candidates submittedprovided by others.other sources. If the board of directors determines to nominate a stockholder-recommended candidate and recommends his or her election, then his or her name will be included in our proxy card for the next annual meeting.

Stockholders also have the right under our bylaws to nominate director candidates directly, without any action or recommendation on the part of the nominating and corporate governance committee or the board of directors, by following the procedures set forth in our bylaws, including advance notice requirements. Candidates nominated by stockholders in accordance with the procedures set forth in our bylaws will not be included in our proxy card for the next annual meeting. See "Information“Information about the special2021 annual meeting—

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How and when may I submit a proposal for the 20182022 annual meeting of stockholders?" for more information about these procedures.

Are stockholder meeting materials householded?

        Some banksprocedures and brokerage firmsthe deadline for submitting director nominations.

Communicating with our Board of Directors
Stockholders and other interested parties may communicate directly with the board of directors (and with independent directors, individually or as a group). Our board of directors will give appropriate attention to written communications that are submitted by stockholders and will respond if and as appropriate. The chairperson of the board of directors (if an independent director) or the lead independent director, if any, is primarily responsible for monitoring communications from stockholders and for providing copies or summaries to the other directors, as he or she considers appropriate.
Communications are forwarded to all directors if they relate to important substantive matters and include suggestions or comments that the chairperson of the board of directors or lead independent director, as the case may be, participatingconsiders to be important for the directors to know. In general, communications relating to corporate governance and long-term corporate strategy are more likely to be forwarded than communications relating to ordinary business affairs, personal grievances and matters that involve repetitive or duplicative communications.
Stockholders who wish to send communications on any topic to the board of directors should address such communications to Board of Directors, c/o Secretary, Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 505 Eagleview Blvd., Suite 212, Exton, PA 19341.
Each communication from a stockholder should include the following information in order to permit stockholder status to be confirmed and to provide an address to forward a response if deemed appropriate:

the name, mailing address, and telephone number of the stockholder sending the communication;

the number of shares held by the stockholder; and

if the stockholder is not a record owner of our securities, the name of the record owner of our securities beneficially owned by the stockholder.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
We have adopted a written code of business conduct and ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. We have posted a current copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics in the practice of "householding" proxy statements. This means that the banks and brokerage firms send only one copy of this proxy statement to multiple stockholders in the same household. Upon request, we will promptly deliver separate copies of this proxy statement. To make such a request, please call Investor Relations at 1 (877) 888-6550, write to Investor Relations, 167 Sidney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 or email Investor Relations at ir@iderapharma.com. To receive separate copies“Investors—Corporate Governance” section of our proxy statement inwebsite, which is located at www.iderapharma.com. We intend to satisfy the future,disclosure requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or to receive only one copy for the household, please contact us or your bank or brokerage firm.


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PROPOSAL ONE

APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO OUR RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION, AS AMENDED, TO EFFECT A REVERSE STOCK SPLIT OF OUR ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING COMMON STOCK BY A WHOLE NUMBER RATIO OF NOT LESS THAN 1-FOR-4 AND NOT MORE THAN 1-FOR-8, SUCH RATIO AND THE IMPLEMENTATION AND TIMING OF SUCH REVERSE STOCK SPLIT TO BE DETERMINED IN THE DISCRETION OF OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO OUR 2018 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS, AND, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, TO DECREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF OUR COMMON STOCK ON A BASIS PROPORTIONAL TO THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT RATIO.

General

        We are asking stockholders to approvewaiver from, a proposal to amend our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to effect a reverse stock splitprovision of our issuedcode of business conduct and outstanding common stockethics by posting such information on our website at www.iderapharma.com.

Hedging Policy
Our insider trading policy prohibits our directors and employees (including our executive officers) from hedging or entering into other similar arrangements with respect to the Company’s securities, including, without limitation, short sales of Company securities, including short sales “against the box,” or purchases or sales of puts or calls or other derivative securities based on the Company’s securities.

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Information about our Executive Officers
Our currently-serving executive officers and their respective ages and positions are described below. Our executive officers serve until they resign or the board terminates their position.
NameAgePosition
Vincent J. Milano*57President and Chief Executive Officer
Daniel B. Soland62Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
John J. Kirby49Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Bryant D. Lim50Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Elizabeth Tarka54Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer
*
Mr. Milano is a whole number ratio of not less than 1-for-4 and not more than 1-for-8, such ratio and the implementation and timing of such reverse stock split to be determined in the discretionmember of our board of directors,directors. See “Information about our Directors” above for more information about Mr. Milano.
Daniel B. Soland joined the Company in January 2021 as our Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining us, Mr. Soland most recently served as the Chief Executive Officer of uniQure N.V. from December 2015 through October 2016 and in connection therewith, to decreaseas the numberSenior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of authorized sharesViroPharma Inc. from November 2006 through February 2014. Mr. Soland previously served as President of our common stock onChiron Corporation (“Chiron”) from January 2005 through June 2006, and helped engineer a basis proportionalturnaround that contributed to the reverse stock split ratio. A reverse stock split would reduce the numberacquisition of outstanding sharesChiron by Novartis International AG. Prior to then, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of our common stock,Epigenesis Pharmaceuticals Inc. and the holdingsas Vice President and Director, Worldwide Marketing Operations at GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals. Earlier in his career, he held positions of each stockholder, according to the same formula.

        If the proposal is approved, the board's present intention is to effect a reverse stock split of our issuedincreasing responsibility in sales and outstanding common stock by a whole number ratio of not less than 1-for-4 and not more than 1-for-8 prior to our 2018 annual meeting of stockholders. We are requesting authorization to effect the reverse stock splitproduct management at the board's discretion at any time prior to our 2018 annual meeting of stockholders to provide the board with the flexibility to determine the appropriate ratio for, and timing to effect, the reverse stock split based upon our performance and market factors. However, the board reserves its right to elect not to proceed and abandon the reverse stock split if it determines, in its sole discretion, that this proposal is no longer in the best interests of our stockholders.

        WePasteur-Merieux’s Connaught Laboratories. Mr. Soland currently have 280,000,000 authorized shares of common stock. As of November 9, 2017, the record date for the special meeting, 194,870,303 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding. "Authorized" shares represent the number of shares of common stock that we are permitted to issue under our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended. This proposal, if implemented, would reduce both the number of issued and outstanding shares of common stock and the number of authorized shares of common stock by the ratio selected by the board (within the parameters described), and, except for the effect of fractional shares, each stockholder's proportionate ownership interest in our company would be the same immediately before and after the reverse stock split. If Proposal No. 2 is approved and implemented, which is subject to the approval and implementation of this proposal, the number of authorized shares of our common stock would, following the reverse stock split, be doubled.

Reasons for the Reverse Stock Split

        The board is proposing a reverse stock split in order to reduce the number of issued and outstanding shares and to increase the per share trading value of our common stock. The board believes that a reverse stock split is desirable and should be approved by stockholders for a number of reasons, including the reasons described below.

        First, our board believes that a reverse stock split may expand our audience of potential investors by increasing the per share stock price of our common stock. Some institutional investors have internal policies preventing the purchase of low-priced stocks. Similarly, non-solicitation rules at most broker-


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dealers prevent financial advisors or brokers within those firms from soliciting orders in low-priced stocks. In both cases, $5.00 is a price level that is commonly set as the minimum price requirement for such institutions or broker-dealers to purchase common stock. On November 16, 2017, the last reported sale price of our common stockserves on the NASDAQ Capital Market was $2.08. As a result, we believe that an increased per share stock price will enable additional participation in the trading of our common stock. In addition, while there may not be a specific price that defines a low-priced stock, we believe that stocks priced below $5.00 are sometimes viewed with hesitation by some investors and their advisors. Price is frequently used as a proxy for "quality" and low-priced stocks are considered to potentially be of lower investing quality and/or less desirable relative to a company's peers with higher share prices. Additionally, because brokers' commissions on transactions in lower-priced stocks generally represent a higher percentage of the stock price than commissions on higher-priced stocks, the current average price per share of our common stock can result in individual stockholders paying transaction costs representing a higher percentage of their total share value than would be the case if the share price were higher. We believe that by implementing the reverse stock split, our common stock will not be viewed as a low-priced stock.

        We also believe that the investors who are unable to or choose not to invest in our company because of our share price may be investors who are more oriented towards fundamentals and have a longer term investment horizon. We believe that a higher share price and lower outstanding share count will increase the perceived quality and appeal of our common stock for investment purposes and may expand our audience of potential investors in general and increase our shareholder base of investors with longer term investment horizons specifically. In accomplishing this goal, we may also reduce share price volatility.

Certain Risks Associated with the Reverse Stock Split

        In evaluating a reverse stock split, our board of directors of KalVista Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: KALV), Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: ACAD), and DBV Pharmaceuticals S.A. (Nasdaq: DBVT), each a publicly traded company. Mr. Soland holds a B.S. in Pharmacy from the University of Iowa.

John J. Kirby joined the Company in 2015 as our Vice President of Corporate Accounting. He served as Vice President of Finance from July 2018 to July 2019 and has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since July 2019 (principal financial officer and principal accounting officer since October 2018). Prior to joining us, Mr. Kirby served as Assistant Controller at Endo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from November 2014 to October 2015. From August 2012 to July 2014, Mr. Kirby served as Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller at ViroPharma Incorporated, which was acquired by Shire Plc in January 2014. Mr. Kirby began his career at KPMG, LLP in their Healthcare and Life Science Practice and served as a Regional Audit Director at AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals L.P. prior to joining ViroPharma Incorporated. Mr. Kirby received his B.S. in Accountancy from Villanova University and is a licensed certified public accountant in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Bryant D. Lim has been our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since September 2018. Prior to joining us, Mr. Lim served as Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and, prior to that, Global Chief Compliance Officer at Incyte Corporation from March 2014 to September 2018. Prior to Incyte Corporation, Mr. Lim held roles of increasing responsibility at ViroPharma Incorporated from January 2009 until its acquisition by Shire Plc in January 2014. Mr. Lim served as Assistant Counsel at Merck & Co., Inc. and also took into consideration certain riskswas associated with reverse stock splits, includingMorgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP. Mr. Lim began his legal career as a law clerk for a federal judge. Mr. Lim received his J.D. from Villanova University School of Law, where he currently serves on its adjunct faculty where he teaches about the negative perceptionLaw of reverse stock splitsDrugs and Biologics. Mr. Lim received his B.A. from the University of Rochester. Mr. Lim also serves on the board of directors of Life Sciences of Pennsylvania.
Elizabeth Tarka, M.D., FACC, joined our Company as Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer in July 2019. Prior to joining us, Dr. Tarka served as Vice President, Clinical Development at Complexa, Inc. from September 2017 to July 2019 where she was responsible for the clinical development of a novel asset in rare diseases. Prior to Complexa, Inc., Dr. Tarka served as Clinical Program Lead, Clinical Development at Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Janssen”) from September 2015 to September 2017, where she was the

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Clinical Program Leader for Xarelto® (rivaroxaban) and was responsible for the design, implementation, and medical oversight for large multinational trials. Dr. Tarka held by some investors, analystsroles of increasing responsibility in late state clinical development of cardiovascular medications at GlaxoSmithKline plc from May 2003 to May 2015 and other stock market participants;held the fact that the stock pricerole of some companies that have effected reverse stock splits has subsequently declined back to pre-reverse stock split levels; and the risks described below.

There can be no assurance that the total market capitalization of our common stock (the aggregate value of our common stockSenior Director, Clinical Development at the then market price) aftertime of her transition to Janssen. Dr. Tarka earned her B.A. in Biochemistry and an M.D. from the implementationUniversity of a reverse stock split will be equal to or greater than the total market capitalization before the reverse stock split or that the per share market pricePennsylvania where she also completed her Internal Medicine residency and Cardiovascular fellowship training. She was also an Assistant Professor of our common stock following a reverse stock split will increase in proportion to the reductionMedicine in the number of shares of our common stock outstanding before the reverse stock split.

        There can be no assurance that the market price per new share of our common stock after a reverse stock split will remain unchanged or increase in proportion to the reduction in the number of shares of our common stock outstanding before the reverse stock split. For example, based on the closing price of our common stock on November 1, 2017, of $1.57 per share, if the board were to implement the reverse stock split and utilize a ratio of 1-for-6, we cannot assure you that the post-split market price of our common stock would be $9.42 (that is, $1.57 multiplied by 6) per share or greater. The market price of a company's shares may fluctuate and potentially decline after a reverse stock split.

        Accordingly, the total market capitalization of our common stock after a reverse stock split when and if implemented may be lower than the total market capitalization before the reverse stock split. Moreover, in the future, the market price of our common stock following a reverse stock split may not exceed or remain higher than the market price prior to the reverse stock split.

If a reverse stock split is effected, the resulting per-share market price may not attract institutional investors or investment funds and may not satisfy the investing guidelines of such investors and, consequently, the trading liquidity of our common stock may not improve.


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        While the board believes that a higher stock price may help generate investor interest, there can be no assurance that a reverse stock split will result in a per-share market price that will attract institutional investors or investment funds or that such share price will satisfy the investing guidelines of institutional investors or investment funds. As a result, the trading liquidity of our common stock may not necessarily improve.

A decline in the market price of our common stock after a reverse stock split is implemented may result in a greater percentage decline than would occur in the absence of a reverse stock split.

        If a reverse stock split is effected and the market price of our common stock declines, the percentage decline may be greater than would occur in the absence of a reverse stock split. The market price of our common stock will, however, also be based upon our performance and other factors, which are unrelated to the number of shares of common stock outstanding.

The reverse stock split may reduce the liquidity and increase the volatility of our stock.

        Following the reverse stock split, the number of our outstanding shares will be reduced by a whole number factor ranging from four to eight, which may lead to reduced trading and a smaller number of market makers for our common stock. Brokerage firms often do not permit stocks trading below $5.00 per share to be sold short, but permit short-selling of shares which are traded at higher prices. Following the reverse stock split, to the extent our per-share trading price is consistently above $5.00, investors may short our stock. This may increase the volatility of our stock price.

Principal Effects of this Proposal

        If approved and implemented, the principal effects of this proposal would include the following:

    depending on the ratio for the reverse stock split selected by the board (within the parameters described), each four to eight shares of common stock that you own will be reclassified into one share of common stock, the exact whole number ratio within the four to eight range to be determined by the board;

    the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding will be reduced proportionately based on the ratio selected by the board;

    the total number of shares of common stock that we are authorized to issue will be reduced proportionately based on the ratio selected by the board (which total number is subject to further change if the authorized common stock is setCardiovascular Division at the number described in Proposal No. 2);

    the numberUniversity of shares reserved for issuance under our equity incentive plans will be reduced proportionately based on the ratio selected by the board (and other appropriate adjustments or modifications will be made under the respective plans);

    appropriate adjustments will be made to outstanding stock options granted under our equity incentive plans to maintain the economic value of the awards, as described below;Pennsylvania where she had numerous major teaching and

    appropriate adjustments will be made to outstanding warrants.

        If a reverse stock split is effected, the shares subject to outstanding stock options will be adjusted, in accordance with the provisions of the applicable equity incentive plan pursuant to which such awards were granted, using the ratio selected by the board. The shares subject to such awards will be rounded down for any fractional shares. Additionally, the exercise price of any outstanding options will be multiplied by the ratio selected by the board. For instance, using a 1-for-7 conversion ratio, if an employee has an option to purchase 1,400 shares at an exercise of $2.50 per share, then after the reverse stock split is effected, such employee would hold an option to purchase 200 shares (or 1,400 shares divided by seven) at an exercise price of $17.50 per share (or $2.50 multiplied by seven).

clinical responsibilities.

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Table of ContentsSECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

        In addition, if a reverse stock split is effected, the shares subject to outstanding warrants will be similarly adjusted, in accordance with the provisions of the applicable warrant, using the ratio selected by the board.

The shares subject to such warrants will be rounded down for any fractional shares.

        A reverse stock split would affect all stockholders uniformly and would not alter any stockholder's percentage interest in our equity, except to the extent that a reverse stock split would result in some of our stockholders owning a fractional share as described below.

        A reverse stock split would not, by itself, affect our assets or business prospects. The common stock resulting from the reverse stock split will remain fully paid and non-assessable. The reverse stock split will not affect the public registration of the common stock under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The reverse stock split will also not affect our shares of preferred stock.

        If approved and implemented, a reverse stock split may result in some stockholders owning "odd lots" of less than 100 shares of common stock. Odd lot shares may be more difficult to sell, and brokerage commissions and other costs of transactions in odd lots are generally somewhat higher than the costs of transactions in "round lots" of even multiples of 100 shares.

        Assuming reverse stock split ratios of 1-for-4, 1-for-6 and 1-for-8, which reflect the low end, middle and high end of the range that our stockholders are being asked to approve, the following table sets forth, (i) the number of shares of our common stock that would be issued and outstanding, (ii) the number of shares of common stock authorized (subject to Proposal No. 2), (iii) the aggregate number of shares of our common stock that would be reserved for issuance upon (a) conversion of our Series A convertible preferred stock, (b) exercise of outstanding warrants and (c) exercise of outstanding stock options and (iv) the number of shares of our common stock that would be reserved and available for future issuance under our equity incentive plans, each giving effect to the reverse stock split and based on securities outstanding as of November 1, 2017. Such amounts listed below are approximateMarch 31, 2021 (except as no fractional shares will be issued and share amounts shall be rounded down.

 
 Number of Shares
Before Reverse
Stock Split
 Reverse Stock Split
Ratio of 1-for-4
 Reverse Stock Split
Ratio of 1-for-6
 Reverse Stock Split
Ratio of 1-for-8
 

Number of Shares of Common Stock Issued and Outstanding

  194,870,303  48,717,575  32,478,383  24,358,787 

Number of Shares of Common Stock Authorized (subject to Proposal No. 2)

  280,000,000  70,000,000  46,666,666  35,000,000 

Number of Shares of Common Stock Reserved for Issuance Upon Conversion or Exercise of Outstanding Securities

  66,138,680  16,534,668  11,023,113  8,267,333 

Number of Shares of Common Stock Reserved and Available for Future Issuance Under Our Equity Incentive Plans

  13,278,830  3,319,707  2,213,138  1,659,853 

Treatment of Fractional Shares

        No fractional shares will be issued in connection with a reverse stock split. Stockholders who otherwise would be entitled to receive fractional shares because they hold a number of shares of common stock not evenly divisible by the number selected by the board for a reverse stock split ratio will be entitled, upon surrender of any certificate(s) representing such shares, to a cash payment


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(without interest) in lieu thereof equal to the fraction of one share of common stock that such holder would otherwise be entitled to receive multiplied by the closing price per share of our common stock on the first trading day that commences after the reverse stock split is effective on the NASDAQ Capital Market.

        Stockholders who receive a cash payment in lieu of such fractional shares will no longer have any rights as a stockholder with respect to such shares.

Accounting Matters

        The par value of our common stock will remain unchanged at $0.001 per share after a reverse stock split. The reverse stock split will not affect total assets, liabilities or shareholders' equity. However, the per share net income or loss and net book value of the common stock will be retroactively increased for each period because there will be fewer shares of common stock outstanding.

Procedure for Effecting a Reverse Stock Split and Exchange of Stock Certificates

        If stockholders approve the proposal to amend our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, and the board determines to implement the reverse stock split (with the ratio to be determined in the discretion of the board within the parameters described)indicated below), we will file with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware a Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, in the form attached hereto as Appendix A, or the Certificate of Amendment, reflecting such reverse stock split ratio determined by the board. The reverse stock split will become effective at the time and on the date of filing of, or at such later time as is specified in, the Certificate of Amendment, which we refer to as the "effective time" and the "effective date," respectively. The effective time of the Certificate of Amendment shall be determined in the discretion of our board of directors and in accordance with applicable law. Beginning at the effective time, each certificate representing shares of common stock will be deemed for all corporate purposes to evidence ownership of the number of whole shares into which the shares previously represented by the certificate were combined pursuant to the reverse stock split.

        Our board has approved the amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended. The ratio of the reverse stock split, within the parameters described, and the implementation and timing of such reverse stock split shall be determined in the discretion of our board of directors.

        Following any reverse stock split, stockholders holding physical certificates would need to exchange those certificates. As we are now fully participating in the direct registration system, you will not receive a replacement physical certificate. Instead you will receive uncertificated shares and a written confirmation from our transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., indicating the whole number of uncertificated shares you own after the effect of the reverse stock split and a cash payment in lieu of any fractional shares. Our common stock will also receive a new CUSIP number.

        If a reverse stock split is implemented, our transfer agent will advise registered stockholders of the procedures to be followed to exchange certificates in a letter of transmittal to be sent to stockholders. No written confirmations will be issued to a stockholder until the stockholder has surrendered the stockholder's outstanding certificate(s), together with the properly completed and executed letter of transmittal, to our transfer agent. Any old shares submitted for transfer, whether pursuant to a sale, other disposition or otherwise, will automatically be exchanged for new shares.Stockholders should not destroy any stock certificate(s) and should not submit any certificate(s) until requested to do so.

        Certain of our registered stockholders hold some or all of their shares electronically in book-entry form with our transfer agent. These stockholders do not hold physical certificates evidencing their ownership of our common stock. However, they are provided with a statement reflecting the number of shares of our common stock registered in their accounts. If a stockholder holds shares of common


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stock in book-entry form with our transfer agent, no action needs to be taken to receive post-reverse stock split shares or payment in lieu of fractional shares, if applicable. If a stockholder is entitled to post-reverse stock split shares, a transaction statement will automatically be sent to the stockholder's address of record indicating the number of shares of our common stock held following the reverse stock split.

        Upon a reverse stock split, we intend to treat stockholders holding our common stock in "street name," through a broker, bank or other nominee, in the same manner as registered stockholders whose shares are registered in their names. Brokers, banks or other nominees will be instructed to effect a reverse stock split for their beneficial holders holding our common stock in "street name." However, these brokers, banks or other nominees may have different procedures than registered stockholders for processing a reverse stock split. If you hold your shares with a broker, bank or other nominee and if you have any questions in this regard, we encourage you to contact your nominee.

No Appraisal Rights

        Stockholders do not have appraisal rights under the Delaware General Corporation Law or under our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, in connection with the reverse stock split.

Reservation of Right to Abandon the Amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended

        Our board reserves the right to abandon the amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, described in this Proposal No. 1 without further action by our stockholders at any time before the effective time, even if stockholders approve such amendment at the special meeting of stockholders. By voting in favor of the amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, stockholders are also expressly authorizing the board to determine not to proceed with, and abandon, a reverse stock split if it should so decide.

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reverse Stock Split

        The following discussion is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the proposed reverse stock split to U.S. Holders (as defined below) of our common stock. This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which we refer to as the Code, U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial decisions, and published rulings and administrative pronouncements of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, which we refer to as the IRS, in each case in effect as of the date of this proxy statement. These authorities may change or be subject to differing interpretations. Any such change or differing interpretation may be applied retroactively in a manner that could adversely affect a U.S. Holder. We have not sought and will not seek any rulings from the IRS regarding the matters discussed below and there can be no assurance the IRS or a court will not take a contrary position to that discussed below regarding the tax consequences of the proposed reverse stock split.

        For purposes of this discussion, a "U.S. Holder" is a beneficial owner of our common stock that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is or is treated as (i) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; (ii) a corporation (or any other entity or arrangement treated as a corporation) created or organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia; (iii) an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or (iv) a trust if (1) its administration is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and all of its substantial decisions are subject to the control of one or more "United States persons" (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code), or (2) it has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person.


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        This discussion is limited to U.S. Holders who hold our common stock as a "capital asset" within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). This discussion does not address all U.S. federal income tax consequences relevant to the particular circumstances of a U.S. Holder, including the impact of the Medicare contribution tax on net investment income. In addition, it does not address consequences relevant to U.S. Holders that are subject to special rules, including, without limitation, financial institutions, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, grantor trusts, tax-exempt organizations, dealers or traders in securities or currencies, stockholders who hold our common stock as part of a position in a straddle or as part of a hedging, conversion or integrated transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes, U.S. Holders that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar, or U.S. Holders who actually or constructively own 10% or more of our voting stock.

        If a partnership (or other entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is the beneficial owner of our common stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Accordingly, partnerships (and other entities treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holding our common stock and the partners in such entities should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the proposed reverse stock split to them.

        In addition, the following discussion does not address the U.S. federal estate and gift tax, alternative minimum tax, or state, local and non-U.S. tax law consequences of the proposed reverse stock split. Furthermore, the following discussion does not address any tax consequences of transactions effectuated before, after or at the same time as the proposed reverse stock split, whether or not they are in connection with the proposed reverse stock split.

Each stockholder should consult his, her or its own tax advisors concerning the particular U.S. federal tax consequences of the reverse stock split, as well as the consequences arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction, including any state, local or foreign income tax consequences.

        The proposed reverse stock split is intended to be treated as a "recapitalization" for U.S. federal income tax purposes pursuant to Section 368(a)(1)(E) of the Code. As a result, a U.S. Holder generally should not recognize gain or loss upon the proposed reverse stock split for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except with respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional share of our common stock, as discussed below. A U.S. Holder's aggregate adjusted tax basis in the shares of our common stock received pursuant to the proposed reverse stock split should equal the aggregate adjusted tax basis of the shares of our common stock exchanged therefor (reduced by the amount of such basis that is allocated to any fractional share of our common stock). The U.S. Holder's holding period in the shares of our common stock received pursuant to the proposed reverse stock split should include the holding period in the shares of our common stock exchanged therefor. U.S. Treasury Regulations provide detailed rules for allocating the tax basis and holding period of shares of common stock surrendered in a recapitalization to shares received in the recapitalization. U.S. Holders of shares of our common stock acquired on different dates and at different prices should consult their tax advisors regarding the allocation of the tax basis and holding period of such shares.

        A U.S. Holder that, pursuant to the proposed reverse stock split, receives cash in lieu of a fractional share of our common stock should recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between the amount of cash received and the portion of the U.S. Holder's aggregate adjusted tax basis in the shares of our common stock surrendered that is allocated to such fractional share. Such capital gain or loss will be short term if the pre-reverse stock split shares were held for one year or less at the effective time of the reverse stock split and long term if held for more than one year. No gain or loss will be recognized by us as a result of the proposed reverse stock split.


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        A U.S. Holder of our common stock may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding on cash paid in lieu of a fractional share in connection with the proposed reverse stock split. A U.S. Holder of our common stock will be subject to backup withholding if such U.S. Holder is not otherwise exempt and such U.S. Holder does not provide its taxpayer identification number in the manner required or otherwise fails to comply with applicable backup withholding tax rules. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be refunded or allowed as a credit against a U.S. Holder's federal income tax liability, if any, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS. U.S. Holders of our common stock should consult their own tax advisors regarding their qualification for an exemption from backup withholding and the procedures for obtaining such an exemption.

        The U.S. federal income tax discussion set forth above does not discuss all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to a particular stockholder in light of such stockholder's circumstances and income tax situation.Accordingly, we urge you to consult with your own tax advisor with respect to all of the potential U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences to you of the reverse stock split.


Recommendation of the Board of Directors

Our board of directors unanimously recommends that the stockholders vote FOR the proposal to amend our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to effect a reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding common stock by a whole number ratio of not less than 1-for-4 and not more than 1-for-8, such ratio and the implementation and timing of such reverse stock split to be determined in the discretion of our board of directors at any time prior to our 2018 annual meeting of stockholders, and, in connection therewith, to decrease the number of authorized shares of our common stock on a basis proportional to the reverse stock split ratio.


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PROPOSAL TWO

APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO OUR RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION, AS AMENDED, TO SET THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF OUR COMMON STOCK AT A NUMBER DETERMINED BY CALCULATING THE PRODUCT OF 280,000,000 MULTIPLIED BY TWO TIMES (2X) THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT RATIO.

General

        In October 2017, our board approved, subject to stockholder approval and the implementation of the reverse stock split described in Proposal No. 1, an additional amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to set the number of authorized number of shares of our common stock at a number determined by calculating the product of 280,000,000 multiplied by two times (2x) the reverse stock split ratio. If Proposal No. 1 and Proposal No. 2 are approved and the reverse stock split is implemented then, effectively, upon such split, the number of our authorized shares of common stock will be decreased proportionally to the reverse stock split ratio, and then such decreased amount will be increased by 200%.

        Our board believes that, if Proposal No. 2 is not approved, following the implementation of a reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding common stock and the proportionate decrease in our authorized common stock as described in Proposal No. 1, we would have limited flexibility to issue shares of common stock in connection with possible future financings, joint ventures, acquisitions, stock incentive plans and other general corporate purposes. As a result, our board believes that a 2x increase in our authorized common stock in such instance is in our and our stockholders' best interests because it will provide us with that flexibility. We do not currently have any plans, understandings, arrangements, commitments or agreements, written or oral, for the issuance of the additional shares of common stock that would be authorized if this proposal is approved. However, we desire to have the shares available to provide additional flexibility to use our common stock for business and financial purposes in the future as well to have sufficient shares available to provide appropriate equity incentives for our employees.

        Proposal No. 2 is subject to, and conditioned upon, approval of the amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to effect the reverse stock split in Proposal No. 1. If the reverse stock split pursuant to Proposal No. 1 and the amendment pursuant to this Proposal No. 2 are approved by the requisite vote of our stockholders, and our board determines to implement such proposals, the change in the number of shares of our authorized common stock would become effective upon the date and time set by our board, as set forth in the amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. In addition, our board reserves the right, notwithstanding stockholder approval and without further action by our stockholders, to abandon the amendment if, at any time prior to the effectiveness of the filing of the amendment with the Secretary of State, our board, in its sole discretion, determines that it is no longer in our best interest and the best interests of our stockholders to proceed. Our board does not anticipate receiving further authorization from stockholders for the issuance of any newly authorized shares, except as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

        The form of the proposed amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to effect the reverse stock split and set the number of authorized shares of our common stock at a number determined by calculating the product of 280,000,000 multiplied by two times (2x) the reverse stock split ratio is attached as Appendix A to this proxy statement. Any amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to set the number of authorized shares of our common stock at a certain number will be based on the reverse stock split ratio fixed by our board, within the range approved by our stockholders pursuant to Proposal No. 1.


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Effect of the Proposal

        We currently have 280,000,000 shares of common stock authorized for issuance under our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended. Assuming (i) reverse stock split ratios of 1-for-4, 1-for-6 and 1-for-8, which reflect the low end, middle and high end of the range that our stockholders are being asked to approve, and (ii) that the number of our authorized shares of common stock is reduced proportionally to the reverse stock split ratios of 1-for-4, 1-for-6 and 1-for-8 and then subsequently increased by 2x as provided in Proposal No. 2, the following table sets forth (a) the number of shares of our common stock that would be authorized, (b) the number of shares of our common stock that would be issued and outstanding, (c) the aggregate number of shares of our common stock that would be reserved for issuance upon (1) conversion of our Series A convertible preferred stock, (2) exercise of outstanding warrants and (3) exercise of outstanding stock options and (d) the number of shares of our common stock that would be reserved and available for future issuance under our equity incentive plans, each giving effect to the reverse stock split and based on securities outstanding as of November 1, 2017. The following table also sets forth the number of shares of our common stock that would be authorized if this Proposal No. 2 is not approved. Such amounts listed below are approximate as no fractional shares will be issued and share amounts shall be rounded down.

 
 Number of Shares
Reserved Before
Reverse Stock Split
 Reverse Stock Split
Ratio of 1-for-4
 Reverse Stock Split
Ratio of 1-for-6
 Reverse Stock Split
Ratio of 1-for-8
 

Number of Shares of Common Stock Authorized, if Proposal No. 2 Is Approved(a)

  280,000,000  140,000,000  93,333,332  70,000,000 

Number of Shares of Common Stock Authorized, if Proposal No. 2 Is NOT Approved

  280,000,000  70,000,000  46,666,666  35,000,000 

Number of Shares of Common Stock Issued and Outstanding(b)

  194,870,303  48,717,575  32,478,383  24,358,787 

Number of Shares of Common Stock Reserved for Issuance Upon Conversion or Exercise of Outstanding Securities(c)

  66,138,680  16,534,668  11,023,113  8,267,333 

Number of Shares of Common Stock Reserved and Available for Future Issuance Under Our Equity Incentive Plans(d)

  13,278,830  3,319,707  2,213,138  1,659,853 

        The additional shares of authorized common stock would have the same rights and privileges as the shares of common stock currently issued and outstanding. Holders of our common stock have no preemptive rights.

Reservation of Right to Abandon the Amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended

        Our board reserves the right to abandon the amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, described in this Proposal No. 2 without further action by our stockholders


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at any time before the effective time, even if stockholders approve such amendment at the special meeting of stockholders.


Recommendation of the Board of Directors

Our board of directors recommends that stockholders vote FOR the proposal to amend our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to set the number of authorized shares of our common stock at a number determined by calculating the product of 280,000,000 multiplied by two times (2x) the reverse stock split ratio.


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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

        On November 1, 2017, we had 194,870,303 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. The following table sets forth information we know about the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of November 1, 2017, by:


each person or entity, including any “group” as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, who is known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock;


each of our directors;current directors and director nominees;


each of our named executive officers, serving as set forth in the Summary Compensation Table set forth in this proxy; and

all of December 31, 2016; and

allour current directors and executive officers as a group.

We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC, and the information in the table below is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under such rules, beneficialThe SEC has defined “beneficial” ownership of a person includes any shares assecurity to which such person hasmean the solepossession, directly or sharedindirectly, of voting power and/or investment power. In addition, under such rules, beneficial ownership of a person includes any shares that such person has the right to acquire within 60 days after November 1, 2017 through the conversion of any convertible security or the exercise of any stock option, warrant or other right. These shares, however, are not considered outstanding when computing the percentage ownership of each person, shares of common stock subject to options, warrants, or rights held by that person that are currently exercisable, or exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2021, are deemed to be outstanding and beneficially owned by that person. These shares, however, are not deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

        Unless otherwise

To our knowledge and except as indicated in the footnotesnotes to thethis table below,and pursuant to applicable community property laws, each stockholder named in the table has sole voting and investment and voting power (or shares such power with his or her spouse) with respect to the shares shownset forth opposite such stockholder’s name. The percentage of ownership is based on 46,536,688 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding on March 31, 2021. All fractional common share amounts have been rounded to the nearest whole number. To our knowledge, except as beneficially owned by them. The inclusionnoted below, no person or entity is the beneficial owner of any shares deemed beneficially owned does not constitute an admissionmore than 5% of the voting power of the company’s stock.
Number of Shares
Beneficially Owned
Percentage of
Outstanding
Shares
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1)
5% Stockholders
Pillar Investment Entities (collectively, “Pillar”)10,139,190(2)19.99%
c/o Stuarts Corporate Services Ltd.
Kensington House, 69 Dr. Roy’s Drive
Georgetown, Grand Cayman KY1-1104
Cayman Islands
Named Executive Officers and Directors
Vincent J. Milano707,857(3)1.5%
John J. Kirby312,815(4)*
Bryant D. Lim353,684(5)*
Elizabeth Tarka294,237(6)
R. Clayton Fletcher241,374(7)*
Cristina Csimma38,295(8)*
Michael R. Dougherty75,940(9)*
James A. Geraghty230,456(10)*
Mark Goldberg95,474(11)*
Maxine Gowen49,500(12)*
Carol A. Schafer88,709(13)*
All current directors and executive officers as a group (11 individuals)2,465,810(14)5.1%
*
Denotes less than 1% beneficial ownership of such shares.

owner.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1)
 Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership of
Common Stock
 % of
Common
Stock
Beneficially
Owned
 

5% Stockholders

       

Pillar Investment Entities c/o Pillar Invest Offshore SAL Starco Ctr Bloc B, 3rd Flr Omar Daouk St. Beirut, M8 2020-3313

  29,341,220(2) 14.89%

Affiliates of Baker Brothers Advisors, LLC 667 Madison Avenue, 21st Floor New York, NY 10065

  18,619,136(3) 9.54%

Named Executive Officers and Directors

       

Vincent J. Milano

  1,877,777(4) * 

Sudhir Agrawal, D. Phil. 

  3,961,500(5) 1.99%

Louis J. Arcudi, III

  1,388,675(6) * 

Julian C. Baker

  18,619,136(7) 9.54%

Mark J. Casey

  490,387(8) * 

R. Clayton Fletcher

  493,437(9) * 

James A. Geraghty

  1,047,871(10) * 

Mark Goldberg

  151,666(11) * 

Maxine Gowen

  65,333(12) * 

Kelvin M. Neu

  209,883(13) * 

William S. Reardon

  261,889(14) * 

All current directors and executive officers as a group (12 individuals)

  24,906,054(15) 12.42%

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*
Less than 1%

(1)
Except as otherwise noted, the address for each person listed above is c/o Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 167 Sidney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139.505 Eagleview Boulevard, Suite 212, Exton, PA 19341.
(2)

(2)
Consists of
On April 1, 2021, Pillar Pharmaceuticals 6, L.P. (“Pillar 6”), together with Pillar Invest Corporation (“Pillar GP”), Pillar Partners Foundation, L.P. (“Pillar Foundation,” and, together with Pillar 6 and Pillar GP, the “Pillar Entities”), Abude Umari and Youssef El Zein (together with the Pillar Entities and Mr. Umari, the “Reporting Persons”) filed Amendment No. 9 to a Schedule 13D with the SEC reporting the following beneficial ownership: (i) 2,090,125sole voting power with respect to zero shares; (ii) shared voting power with respect to 16,750,100 shares; (iii) sole dispositive power with respect to zero shares; and (iv) shared dispositive power with respect to 16,750,100 shares. The percentage reported for the shares of common stock held by Pillar Pharmaceuticals I, L.P., or Pillar I, (ii) 10,759,956is capped at 19.99% as a result of blocker provisions that limit the number of warrants exercisable for shares of common stock that are held by certain of the Pillar Pharmaceuticals II, L.P., or Pillar II, (iii) 3,871,839 sharesEntities.

The Reporting Persons expressly disclaim status as a “group” for purposes of common stock held by Pillar Pharmaceuticals III, L.P., or Pillar III, (iv) 200,000 shares of common stock held by Pillar Pharmaceuticals IV, L.P., or Pillar IV, (v) 875,000 shares of common stock held by Pillar V, (vi) 8,875,973 shares of common stock held by Participations Besancon, or Besancon, and over which Pillar Invest Corporation has investment discretion, pursuant to an advisory agreement between Pillar Invest Corporation and Besancon, or the Advisory Agreement, (vii) 1,900,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants to purchase common stock held by Besancon and over which Pillar Invest Corporation has investment discretion pursuantAmendment No. 9 to the Advisory Agreement, (viii) 539,410Schedule 13D. The Pillar Entities exercise no voting or dispositive power over and expressly disclaim beneficial ownership of any shares held directly by Messrs. Umari and El Zein, and Messrs. Umari and El Zein expressly disclaim beneficial ownership of any shares of common stock held directly by Mr. El ZeinPillar 6, Pillar Foundation and (ix) 228,916indirectly by Pillar GP.
(3)
Includes 543,871 shares of common stock subject to outstanding stock options that are exercisable within 60 days after November 1, 2017 held by Mr. El Zein. Mr. El Zein, a member of our board of directors until OctoberMarch 31, 2017, is a director and controlling stockholder of Pillar Invest Corporation, which is the general partner of Pillar I, Pillar II, Pillar III, Pillar IV and Pillar V and is a limited partner of Pillar I, Pillar II, Pillar III, Pillar IV and Pillar V. Mr. El Zein expressly disclaims beneficial ownership over shares held directly by Pillar I, Pillar II, Pillar III, Pillar IV, Pillar V and indirectly by Pillar Invest Corporation, including the warrants to purchase common stock issued in connection therewith held by Besancon, or the Besancon Warrants. Pillar I, Pillar II, Pillar III, Pillar IV and Pillar V expressly disclaim beneficial ownership of the Besancon Warrants. Besancon is an investment fund having no affiliation with Mr. El Zein, Pillar I, Pillar II, Pillar III, Pillar IV, Pillar V or Pillar Invest Corporation. The information in this footnote is based on a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on October 17, 2016; Form 4s filed with the SEC on November 7, 2016, January 5, 2017, April 26, 2017, May 3, 2017 and October 17, 2017; and on information provided to us by Pillar Invest Corporation and Mr. El Zein. Pursuant to the terms of the warrants to purchase common stock issued to the Pillar Investment Entities, the warrants to purchase common stock issued to the Pillar Investment Entities cannot be exercised by the holders thereof with respect to any portion of the shares, to the extent that such exercise would result in the Pillar Investment Entities beneficially owning in the aggregate more than 19.99% of (x) the number of shares of common stock outstanding or (y) the voting power of our securities outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise of the warrants to purchase common stock.2021.
(4)

(3)
Consists of (i) 1,723,224 shares of our common stock owned by 667, L.P., (ii) 16,438,080 shares of our common stock owned by Baker Brothers Life Sciences, L.P., (iii) 35,105 shares of our common stock owned by 14159, L.P., (iv) (a) 51,082 shares of our common stock held directly by Mr. Baker and (b) 68,311 shares of our common stock held directly by Dr. Neu, and in which each of 667, L.P., Baker Brothers Life Sciences, L.P. and 14159, L.P., which we refer to collectively as the Funds, has an indirect pecuniary interest and may be deemed to own a portion of these shares, and (v) (a) 151,667
Includes 285,183 shares of common stock subject to outstanding stock options that are exercisable within 60 days after November 1, 2017 held by Mr. Baker and (b) 151,667 shares of common stock subject to outstanding options that are exercisable within 60 days after November 1, 2017 held by Dr. Neu. As a result of the application of the Beneficial Ownership Cap, as described below in this footnote, the table above does not include the following as being beneficially owned by the Funds: (a) 4,640,773 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants to purchase common stock owned by 667, L.P., (b) 36,907,015 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants to purchase common stock owned by Baker Brothers Life Sciences, L.P. and (c) 919,591 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants to purchase common stock owned by 14159, L.P. The information in this footnote is based on a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on October 30, 2017 and on information provided to us by the Funds and Mr. Baker.March 31, 2021.
(5)

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    Mr. Baker, a member of our board of directors, is a managing member of Baker Bros. Advisors LP and is a principal of Baker Bros. Advisors (GP), LLC, the sole general partner of Baker Bros. Advisors LP. Baker Bros. Advisors LP serves as the investment advisor to the Funds. Accordingly, Mr. Baker may be deemed to have sole power to direct the voting and disposition of the shares of common stock held directly by the Funds and indirectly by Baker Bros. Advisors LP and Baker Bros. Advisors (GP), LLC. Mr. Baker expressly disclaims beneficial ownership over shares held directly by the Funds and indirectly by Baker Bros. Advisors LP and Baker Bros. Advisors (GP), LLC, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein, if any, by virtue of his pecuniary interest therein. Dr. Neu, a member of our board of directors, is an employee of Baker Bros. Advisors LP. Under the terms of the warrants issued to the Funds, the Funds are not permitted to exercise such warrants to purchase common stock to the extent that such exercise would result in the Funds (and their affiliates) beneficially owning more than 4.99% of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of such warrants to purchase common stock. This limitation on exercise of the warrants to purchase common stock issued to the Funds is referred to in this footnote as the Beneficial Ownership Cap. The Funds have the right to increase this beneficial ownership limitation in their discretion on 61 days' prior written notice to us, provided that in no event are the Funds permitted to exercise such warrants to purchase common stock to the extent that such exercise would result in the Funds (and their affiliates) beneficially owning in the aggregate more than 19.99% of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding or the combined voting power of our securities outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of such warrants to purchase common stock.

(4)
Includes 1,631,250323,250 shares of common stock subject to outstanding stock options that are exercisable within 60 days after November 1, 2017.March 31, 2021.
(6)

(5)
Includes 3,835,223281,000 shares of common stock subject to outstanding stock options that are exercisable within 60 days after November 1, 2017.March 31, 2021.
(7)

(6)
Includes 1,350,270232,136 shares of common stock subject to outstanding stock options that are exercisable within 60 days after November 1, 2017.March 31, 2021.
(8)

(7)
Consists
Includes of shares reported under footnote 3 to this table above. Mr. Baker is a managing member of Baker Bros. Advisors LP and is a principal of Baker Bros. Advisors (GP), LLC, the sole general partner of Baker Bros. Advisors LP. Baker Bros. Advisors LP serves as the investment advisor to the Funds. Accordingly, Mr. Baker may be deemed to have sole power to direct the voting and disposition of the shares of common stock held directly by the Funds and indirectly by Baker Bros. Advisors LP and Baker Bros. Advisors (GP), LLC. Mr. Baker expressly disclaims beneficial ownership over shares held directly by the Funds and indirectly by Baker Bros. Advisors LP and Baker Bros. Advisors (GP), LLC, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein, if any, by virtue of his pecuniary interest therein.

(8)
Includes 455,93738,295 shares of common stock subject to outstanding stock options that are exercisable within 60 days after November 1, 2017.March 31, 2021.
(9)

(9)
Consists of
Includes 38,295 shares of common stock subject to outstanding stock options that are exercisable within 60 days after November 1, 2017.March 31, 2021.
(10)

(10)
Includes 612,502125,686 shares of common stock subject to outstanding stock options that are exercisable within 60 days after November 1, 2017.March 31, 2021.
(11)

(11)
Consists of
Includes 57,375 shares of common stock subject to outstanding stock options that are exercisable within 60 days after November 1, 2017.March 31, 2021.
(12)

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(12)
Includes 58,33348,625 shares of common stock subject to outstanding stock options that are exercisable within 60 days after November 1, 2017,March 31, 2021, and 7,000875 shares of common stock held in the name Brian Macdonald for Maxine Gowen Trust, for which Dr. Gowen is a beneficiary and trustee.
(13)

(13)
Includes 151,66740,221 shares of common stock subject to outstanding stock options that are exercisable within 60 days after November 1, 2017.March 31, 2021.
(14)

(14)
Includes 228,916 shares of common stock subject to outstanding stock options that are exercisable within 60 days after November 1, 2017.

(15)
Includes 5,737,3121,981,801 shares of common stock subject to outstanding stock options held by the directors and executive officers as a group that are exercisable within 60 days after NovemberMarch 31, 2021.

20


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) should be read in conjunction with the compensation tables and narratives that immediately follow this section.
Overview
We are a development stage biotechnology company focused on the acquisition, development, and ultimate commercialization of drug candidates for both oncology and rare disease indications characterized by small, well-defined patient populations with serious unmet needs. As such, we operate in an environment that is very competitive from a business perspective and for talent. We see our competitive compensation program as one element of our employee value proposition that allows us to attract and retain the resources we need to drive our business success.
Purpose
The purpose of this CD&A is to provide our stockholders with an overview and understanding of the philosophy, objectives, process, components, decision making, and additional aspects of our 2020 executive compensation program. This analysis focuses on the compensation paid to our named executive officers (“NEOs”):

Vincent J. Milano, President and Chief Executive Officer,

John J. Kirby, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Bryant D. Lim, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Elizabeth Tarka, Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer

R. Clayton Fletcher, Former Senior Vice President of Business Development and Strategy(1)
(1)
Mr. Fletcher served as our Senior Vice President of Business Development and Strategy until December 31, 2020. Mr. Fletcher currently provides consulting services to the Company.
Business Achievements
Our executive compensation program is designed to, among other goals, align executive compensation with the achievement of measurable corporate objectives. During 2020, the Company achieved the following:

progressed tilsotolimod toward its potential registration in anti-PD1 refractory melanoma;

completed and expanded of the initial cohort of our phase 2 trial of tilsotolimod in microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer (“MSS-CRC”); and

enhanced of our financial position.
Further detail regarding our 2020 goals and performance can be found in the section “Annual Cash Incentive Award.”
Key Compensation Decisions and Actions
Our compensation committee took several actions in 2020, based on our compensation philosophy and objectives, the needs and performance of our Company, individual performance, and other factors such as market data and industry best practices.

Base Salary.   The compensation committee reviewed base salaries of our NEOs in January 2020. No adjustments were made to the salaries of Messrs. Fletcher, Kirby, and Lim, and Dr. Tarka as they were determined to be market competitive during our benchmark analysis.

21



In January 2020, the Company entered into an amendment to Mr. Milano’s employment agreement. This amendment was recommended by Mr. Milano as a way for the Company to conserve cash during 2020 and was approved by the board. Under the terms of the amendment, Mr. Milano’s annual base salary of $600,000 was paid as follows: (i) for the period from January 1, 20172020 to January 10, 2020, $18,182 was paid in cash; and shares reported(ii) for the period immediately following January 10, 2020 to December 31, 2020, an additional $6,600 was paid in clauses (i) through (iv)cash with the balance of his 2020 salary, approximately $575,218, paid in the form of restricted stock units (“RSUs”). These RSUs were granted to Mr. Milano on December 18, 2020 and were fully vested on such date, with the number of RSUs (128,170) determined based on the average fair market value of the Company’s common stock for the five trading days immediately preceding the grant date.

Further detail regarding our salary review and decision-making process is provided below in the section entitled “Base Salary.”

Annual Cash Incentive Award.   In January 2020, the compensation committee approved corporate goals as part of our 2020 bonus program. The corporate goals consisted of three primary corporate objectives, each with its own weighting to reflect their importance to our business. To the extent goals are partially met or exceeded, the compensation committee may exercise discretion and ascribe a partial achievement or overachievement percentage to each goal, as applicable. The compensation committee also reviews individual performance to determine whether the potential bonus should be increased or decreased. In January 2021, the compensation committee reviewed our 2020 performance against our 2020 corporate objectives and agreed to attribute a corporate performance score of 95%. Further detail relating to this program is provided below in the section entitled “Annual Cash Incentive Award.”

Long-Term Equity Incentive Awards.   In January 2020, the compensation committee approved the grant of the first sentencetranche of footnote 3the biannual option awards and an award of RSUs to our NEOs. Additionally, in July 2020, the compensation committee approved the grant of the second tranche of biannual option awards to our NEOs as well as a special, performance-based RSU award to Messrs. Fletcher, Kirby, Lim, and Milano. Further detail relating to our stock incentive program and the special performance-based RSU Award is provided in the section “Long Term Equity Compensation.”
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
Our general executive compensation philosophy has been established by our compensation committee, which acts pursuant to authority delegated to it by our board and as set forth its charter. Our compensation committee is comprised solely of independent directors as defined by applicable rules and regulations of Nasdaq and the SEC. See “Board Committees—Compensation Committee” for further detail regarding the composition, independence, and responsibilities of our compensation committee. Our executive compensation program is designed to achieve the following broad goals:

attract, retain, and motivate the best possible executive talent;

ensure executive compensation is aligned with our corporate strategies and business objectives, including our short-term operating goals and longer-term strategic objectives;

promote the achievement of key strategic and financial performance measures by linking short- and long-term cash and equity incentives to the achievement of measurable corporate and individual performance goals; and

align executives’ incentives with the creation of stockholder value.
To achieve these objectives, the compensation committee:

sets short- and long-term compensation at levels the compensation committee believes are competitive with those of other companies in our industry and our region that compete with us for executive talent;

conditions a substantial portion of each executive officer’s overall cash compensation on the achievement of key strategic, financial, research, and operational goals, such as clinical trial and

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regulatory progress, intellectual property portfolio development, establishment and maintenance of key strategic relationships, and exploration of business development opportunities, as well as our financial and operational performance; and

provides a portion of our executive compensation in the form of equity awards that vest (i) over time from the date of grant of the awards and/or, when applicable, (ii) upon the achievement of performance milestones, which we believe helps retain our executive officers and align their interests with those of our stockholders by allowing them to participate in the longer-term success of our Company as reflected in stock price appreciation.
Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation
We conducted an advisory vote on executive compensation, commonly referred to as a “say-on-pay” proposal, at our 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. While this advisory vote was not binding, we value the opinions of our stockholders and, to the extent there is any significant vote against the compensation of our NEOs in the future, we will consider our stockholders’ concerns and our board and compensation committee will evaluate whether any actions are necessary to address those concerns.
At our 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, approximately 96% of the votes cast on the advisory vote on executive compensation approved the 2019 compensation paid to our NEOs as disclosed in the proxy statement for that meeting. The board and compensation committee considered the results of this advisory vote, together with the other factors and data, in determining executive compensation for 2020 and will continue to consider the outcome of our say-on-pay votes when making future compensation decisions for our NEOs.
Executive Compensation Process
Role of Our Compensation Committee and Our Chief Executive Officer
In order to accomplish its objectives consistent with its philosophy for executive compensation and determine compensation for our NEOs, our compensation committee reviews competitive information on executive compensation practices from peer companies as well as an assessment of overall corporate performance and individual performance. In connection therewith, our compensation committee typically takes the following actions annually:

reviews chief executive officer performance;

seeks input from our chief executive officer on the performance of the other NEOs;

reviews all components of our executive compensation program, including base salary, cash bonus targets and awards, equity compensation, and the estimated payout obligations under severance and change in control scenarios;

considers historic compensation and amounts realizable from prior awards;

consults with its independent compensation consultant;

holds executive sessions (without our management present);

reviews information regarding the executive compensation of its peer companies;

considers the say-on-pay vote from the prior year; and

reviews the outcomes from the foregoing with the board of directors.
Our chief executive officer does not submit an assessment of his own performance and does not participate in the portion of the compensation committee meeting where his compensation is determined. Our compensation committee reviews and approves, or recommends for approval by the board, the compensation of our NEOs, including our chief executive officer.
Under our annual performance review program, annual performance goals are determined for our Company as a whole and for each individual NEO.

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Annual corporate goals are proposed by management and approved by the board. These corporate goals target the achievement of specific research, clinical, operational, and financial milestones. The compensation committee determines the weighting of and how the components of our annual corporate goals will contribute to the overall performance evaluation.

Annual individual goals focus on contributions that facilitate the achievement of our corporate goals. Individual goals are proposed at the start of each year by each NEO and approved by the chief executive officer (except with respect to himself) and, in the case of the chief executive officer and as appropriate for the other NEOs, the compensation committee. Typically, the compensation committee sets the chief executive officer’s goals and reviews and discusses with the chief executive officer the goals for the other NEOs. The individual performance goals of each NEO consist primarily of the key objectives and goals from our annual business plan that relate to the functional area for which such NEO is responsible. As the chief executive officer oversees all aspects of our business, the individual performance goals for the chief executive officer are largely coextensive with the corporate goals.
At the end of each year, the compensation committee evaluates corporate and individual NEO performance.
In assessing corporate performance, the compensation committee evaluates corporate performance relative to the approved corporate goals for the applicable year, as well as other aspects of corporate performance, including progress and achievement of milestones outside of the corporate goals.
The compensation committee evaluates individual performance with respect to the areas that fall within each NEO’s responsibility. In doing so, the compensation committee relies on the chief executive officer’s evaluation of the other NEOs. The chief executive officer prepares evaluations of the other NEOs, which includes comparing such individual’s performance to his or her individual performance goals. The chief executive officer recommends annual executive salary increases, annual stock option awards, and bonuses, if any, for the other NEOs; the compensation committee then reviews and approves, as appropriate, the chief executive officer’s recommendations. In the case of the chief executive officer, the compensation committee independently conducts his individual performance evaluation and determines his compensation accordingly.
During this process, the compensation committee consults with its independent compensation consultant. In connection with the compensation committee’s annual performance and compensation review in the fourth quarter of each year, the independent compensation consultant provides the compensation committee with a blend of the data from the peer group (identified below for 2020 compensation decisions) and relevant compensation survey data from the Radford Global Life Sciences Survey. We refer to this table above.blended data as the “market compensation data.”
For all NEOs, annual base salary increases, if any, are awarded during the first quarter following the end of the fiscal year. Equity awards and bonuses, if any, are granted as determined by the compensation committee. Annual bonuses are typically established in the first quarter of the fiscal year, with payout for such bonuses in January of the following fiscal year upon the compensation committee’s determination of the achievement of the applicable performance goals. Equity awards are typically given in two biannual tranches, generally in the first and third quarters of the fiscal year. Special equity awards, if any, are granted on an ad hoc basis as determined by the compensation committee. During 2020, the compensation committee approved a special performance-based RSU award to certain NEOs as described in the section “Long Term Equity Compensation.”
Role of the Compensation Committee’s Independent Consultant
In the third quarter of 2019, our compensation committee engaged Pearl Meyer & Partners, LLC (“Pearl Meyer”) in connection with our 2020 annual compensation assessment to review our executive compensation practices and to provide the compensation committee with an assessment of our compensation program against competitive market data. See “Use of Market Compensation Data” below for a discussion of the competitive market compensation data compiled by Pearl Meyer. Based on this assessment, Pearl Meyer made recommendations to our compensation committee regarding the amount and form of executive officer compensation, including the ratio of cash to equity compensation and “at risk” compensation.

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Pearl Meyer did not provide any services to our Company during 2020 other than pursuant to their respective engagement by the compensation committee, which was limited to aforementioned assessment of our executive officer compensation program.
Our compensation committee analyzed whether the engagement of Pearl Meyer as our compensation consultant raised any conflict of interest, taking into consideration the following factors: (a) the provision of other services to us by Pearl Meyer; (b) the amount of fees received from us by Pearl Meyer, as a percentage of the total revenue of Pearl Meyer; (c) Pearl Meyer’s policies and procedures that are designed to prevent conflicts of interest; (d) any business or personal relationship with Pearl Meyer or the individual advisors employed by Pearl Meyer and a member of the compensation committee or any executive officer; and (e) any shares of our stock owned by Pearl Meyer or the individual advisors employed by Pearl Meyer. Our compensation committee determined, based on its analysis of the above factors, that the work of Pearl Meyer and the individual compensation advisors employed by Pearl Meyer as compensation consultants did not create any conflict of interest. Accordingly, the compensation committee determined that Pearl Meyer is independent. Going forward, the compensation committee intends to assess the independence of any of our compensation advisers by reference to the foregoing factors, consistent with applicable rules and regulations of Nasdaq and the SEC.
Benchmarking: Use of Market Compensation Data
In making compensation decisions, our compensation committee reviewed competitive market compensation data compiled by Pearl Meyer. As part of its engagement, Pearl Meyer worked with the compensation committee in the fourth quarter of 2019 to create a peer group of publicly traded companies to be used in connection with our 2020 compensation decisions, including stock options granted during 2020, fiscal year 2020 salary adjustments, and fiscal year 2020 target bonus percentages. In selecting this peer group, the compensation committee and Pearl Meyer generally targeted mid- to late-development stage companies in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors that generally met the following screening criteria:

Company Size: pre-commercial companies, small or micro-cap companies (under $1 billion in market capitalization), companies with a last twelve months’ (“LTM”) operating expense of less than $100 million, and companies with fewer than 100 employees;

Business Operations: companies with five or fewer Phase 2 or Phase 3 assets focused on cancer/oncology/immune-oncology, and with no or few other areas of research and development; and

Other: exclude subsidiaries, companies with business challenges, and companies that have recently conducted an initial public offering.
The following table lists the companies included in the peer group used in connection with our 2020 compensation decisions referred to above:
Aeglea BioTherapeutics, Inc.Molecular Templates, Inc.*Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
By order of the board of directors,Calithera Biosciences, Inc.*NewLink Genetics CorporationSyros Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

/s/ MARK J. CASEY

Mark J. Casey, Secretary

Galectin Therapeutics, Inc.

Selecta Biosciences, Inc.Tyme Technologies, Inc.*
Leap Therapeutics, Inc.*Sesen Bio, Inc.ZIOPHARM Oncology, Inc.
MEI Pharma, Inc.*Spring Bank Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Miragen Therapeutics, Inc.*Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

November 17, 2017

*

Table


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APPENDIX A

CERTIFICATETABLE OF AMENDMENTCONTENTS


TO THE
the peer group used for 2020 compensation decisions, as compared to the determination of the peer group used for 2019 compensation decisions, primarily related to peer company size and included: (i) reducing the LTM operating expenses criteria from less than or equal to $220 million to less than $100 million, (ii) reducing the number of employees criteria from fewer than 200 to fewer than 100, and (iii) narrowing the areas of business focus to companies primarily with five or fewer Phase 2 assets or Phase 3 assets. Based on application of this revised screening criteria, certain companies were excluded from or added to the peer group used for the 2020 compensation decisions.
Our compensation committee intends that if we achieve our corporate goals and the executive officer performs at the level expected, the executive officer should have the opportunity to receive compensation that is competitive with industry norms. Accordingly, our compensation committee generally targets overall compensation for NEOs around the 50th percentile of the market data. However, the compensation committee does not apply those targets formulaically and allows for NEOs to be positioned at different percentiles based on each individual NEO’s experience, performance level, and duties and responsibilities.
Components of Executive Compensation
The primary elements of our executive compensation program are:

RESTATED CERTIFICATE
base salary;

annual cash bonuses;

long-term equity awards (i.e., stock option and RSUs);

severance and change in control benefits; and

broad-based benefits and limited perquisites.
Base salaries are an important part of the NEOs’ total compensation package and are intended to reflect their respective positions, duties, and responsibilities. Base salary provides a baseline compensation level, serving as a stable, fixed component of compensation that delivers cash income to each NEO. Annual base salaries have historically been based on, among other factors, a NEO’s knowledge, experience, expertise, perceived abilities, and expected contributions. The factors considered are not assigned specific weights.
Our variable or “at-risk,” performance-based compensation consists of short-term compensation in the form of an annual cash bonus and long-term compensation in the form of equity awards that vest over time from the date of grant of the award or from the time of achievement of performance milestones. The annual cash bonus is intended to provide an incentive to our NEOs to achieve short-term operational objectives, while equity awards are intended to incentivize our NEOs to achieve longer-term strategic business goals, which should ultimately lead to higher stock prices and increased stockholder value. We do not have any formal or informal policy or target for allocating compensation between long-term and short-term compensation, between cash and non-cash compensation, or among the different forms of non-cash compensation. Instead, the compensation committee, after reviewing industry information, including the compensation practices of our peer companies, and our cash resources, determines subjectively what it believes to be the appropriate level and mix of the various compensation components.
We do not have any defined benefit pension plans or non-qualified deferred compensation plans. We maintain broad-based benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, and a 401(k) plan, that are provided to all employees. Our NEOs may also participate in our employee stock purchase plan, which is generally available to all employees who work over 20 hours per week, so long as they own less than 5% of our common stock, including for this purpose vested and unvested stock options. We provide limited perquisites consisting of certain relocation benefits.
We are party to employment agreements and employment offer letters with each of our NEOs. Employment agreements and employment offer letters with our NEOs are described below under the caption “Employment Agreements with our NEOs.”

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OF
Base Salary
In establishing base salaries for our NEOs, our compensation committee typically:

IDERA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
reviews the market compensation data provided by the independent compensation consultant;

considers historic salary levels of the NEO and the nature of the NEO’s responsibilities;

(

compares each NEO’s base salary with the salaries of our other NEOs; and

considers the NEO’s experience, performance, and contributions.
The compensation committee also typically considers the challenges involved in hiring and retaining executive talent in our industry and region. In assessing the NEO’s performance, the compensation committee considers his or her role in achieving the annual corporate goals, as well as, in the case of our NEOs other than our chief executive officer, the performance evaluation prepared by our chief executive officer with respect to such NEO. The chief executive officer’s evaluation provides the compensation committee insight as to whether each individual NEO’s performance was generally consistent with our expectations.
As part of our 2019 annual performance and compensation review, the compensation committee approved annual base salaries for our executive officers for 2020. In setting these annual base salaries, the compensation committee reviewed the 2019 market compensation data presented by Pearl Meyer. The compensation committee approved the following base salary amounts:
NEO
2019
Base Salary
2020
Base Salary
% Increase
Mr. Milano(1)$600,000$600,0000.0
Mr. Kirby$336,000$336,0000.0
Mr. Lim$336,000$336,0000.0
Dr. Tarka$375,000$375,0000.0
Mr. Fletcher(2)$400,000$400,0000.0
(1)
While the amount of Mr. Milano’s base salary remained unchanged, the Company entered into an amendment to Mr. Milano’s employment agreement in January 2020 that altered the form of Mr. Milano’s base salary and significantly reduced the amount of cash that he received during the year. Pursuant to Section 242this amendment, in an effort to preserve cash reserves, Mr. Milano’s annual base salary of $600,000 was paid as follows: (i) for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 10, 2020, $18,182 was paid in cash; and (ii) for the period immediately following January 10, 2020 to December 31, 2020, an additional $6,600 was paid in cash and the balance of his 2020 salary, approximately $575,218, was paid in the form of 128,170 RSUs granted to Mr. Milano on December 18, 2020.
(2)
Mr. Fletcher served as our Senior Vice President of Business Development and Strategy until December 31, 2020.
Annual Cash Incentive Award
The annual cash incentive award provides an opportunity for additional compensation to NEOs if pre-established annual performance goals are attained. The compensation committee generally links cash awards to the achievement of the
General Corporation Law annual corporate goals, including unexpected corporate performance outside of the State of Delaware)

        Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (hereinafter called the "Corporation"), a corporation organizedcorporate goals and existing under and by virtueindividual performance. The amount of the General Corporation Lawbonus paid, if any, varies among the NEOs depending on individual performance, individual contribution to the achievement of our annual corporate goals, and corporate performance generally and the compensation committee may exercise discretion in its determinations. The annual cash incentive award targets are based on a target percentage of each NEO’s salary. In determining the target bonus percentages for each of our NEOs, the compensation committee concluded that the target bonus percentages should be competitive with the 50th percentile of the Statemarket compensation data and that the target bonus percentage for each NEO, with the exception of Delaware,our chief executive officer, be the same. The target bonus was established by the compensation committee for each NEO at the time of hire, with the exception of Mr. Fletcher, whose target bonus was adjusted in December 2015, and Mr. Kirby, whose target bonus was adjusted concurrent with his promotion to Chief


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Financial Officer in 2019. Each year, the compensation committee reviews the individual bonus target percentages against the market data to ensure its competitiveness.
The following table sets forth the individual bonus target percentages for each of our NEOs for 2020.
NEO
2020 Target
Cash Bonus
(% of Base
Salary)
Mr. Milano50%
Mr. Kirby40%
Mr. Lim40%
Dr. Tarka40%
Mr. Fletcher40%
Consistent with our Company-wide annual incentive plan applicable to all employees, including our NEOs, both a corporate performance score and individual performance score factored into the determination of each NEO’s cash bonus award for 2020.
Under the terms of our incentive plan, the corporate performance score is based on the degree to which corporate performance objectives have been achieved. This score is determined by the compensation committee and may range from 0-125%. The individual performance score also may range from 0-125% and is based on:

the degree to which individual performance objectives have been achieved;

the competencies and behaviors, such as leadership, judgment, decision making, management, and collaboration, demonstrated in achieving results;

the technical skills required by the position; and

the completion of the ongoing responsibilities required by the position.
The corporate performance score and the individual performance score is approved by the compensation committee. The individual’s actual award is then calculated as follows:
[MISSING IMAGE: tm212504d1_fc-payout4c.jpg]
In setting corporate goals in the first quarter of 2020, the compensation committee agreed to group the business objectives into one of three primary categories, each of which would contribute toward the overall assessment of our corporate performance. In assessing our achievement of the 2020 corporate goals, and determining the corporate performance score, the compensation committee considered the extent to which the Company achieved the business objectives in each of the categories, and assigned a score for each category, as summarized in the following table:

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Primary Goals
Contribution
toward
Corporate
Performance
Score(1)
Weighted
Achievement of
Performance
Goal(2)
Highlights of
Performance on
Key Objectives
Advance Tilsotolimod (IMO-2125) program through Phase 3 and beyond PD-1 refractory melanoma80%70%

Progressed ILLUMINATE-301 study toward database lock and New Drug Application (“NDA”) filing.

Completed initial assessment of patients in first phase of MSSCRC cohort for ILLUMINATE-206 study and commenced enrollment of additional patients for evaluation.

Completed various NDA-readiness initiatives, including successful manufacturing of GMP batch of tilsotolimod.

Completed ILLUMINATE-204 study database lock and released topline data.
Continue business development initiatives through rare disease exploration10%10%

Active due diligence on multiple strategic business development options.
Enhance ability to be successful through relevant foundational objectives10%15%

On target with respect to financial budget.

Closed two private placement financings from which we have received $15.1 million in 2020 with the potential for up to $40.7 million in aggregate.

Extended cash runway into the second quarter of 2022.

Minimized impact of COVID-19 disruption.
TOTAL100%95%
(1)
Percentages shown in this column represent the weight allocated to each performance goal.
(2)
Amounts represent the weighted achievement of each performance goal.
Based on these achievements and resulting category scores, in February 2021, the compensation committee approved a corporate performance score of 95%.
In assessing each NEO’s individual performance score, the compensation committee determined:

Mr. Milano’s overall score was equivalent to the corporate performance score of 95%;

In recognition of his achievement against his personal objectives, including his role in contributing to the closing of our private placements and execution of other financing vehicles, as well as his overall leadership contributions, Mr. Kirby’s individual performance score was 110%. Using the broader corporate score of 95%, as noted above, this resulted in an overall bonus equal to 105% of his bonus target;

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Recognizing his achievement against his personal objectives, including legal support to the ILLUMINATE program, contributing to the closing of our private placements, and corporate governance-related matters, along with his overall leadership contributions, Mr. Lim’s individual performance score was 110%. Using the broader corporate score of 95% as noted above, this resulted in an overall bonus equal to 105% of his bonus target;

Based on her achievement against her personal objectives, including clinical leadership of the ILLUMINATE program, along with her overall leadership contributions, Dr. Tarka’s individual performance score was 100%. Using the broader corporate score of 95%, as noted above, this resulted in an overall bonus equal to 95% of her bonus target; and

Mr. Fletcher’s individual performance score, recognizing his achievement against his personal objectives, including his role in business development, and his overall leadership contributions, was 100%. Using the broader corporate score of 95%, as noted above, this resulted in an overall bonus equal to 95% of his bonus target.
The following table sets forth the target bonus amounts, the corporate and individual performance scores, the overall scores, and the resulting bonus payout amounts for each NEO.
NEO
Target
Bonus
Overall
Score
Bonus
Payout
Mr. Milano$300,00095%$285,000
Mr. Kirby$134,400105%$140,448
Mr. Lim$134,400105%$140,448
Dr. Tarka$150,00095%$142,500
Mr. Fletcher$160,00095%$152,000
Long-Term Equity Compensation
Our equity award program is the primary vehicle for offering long-term incentives to our executive officers, including our NEOs. We believe that equity awards provide our NEOs with a strong link to our long-term performance, create an ownership culture, and help to align the interests of our NEOs and with those of our stockholders. Equity grants are intended as both a reward for contributing to our long-term success and an incentive for future performance. Additionally, the vesting feature of our equity awards is intended to further our goal of executive retention by providing an incentive to our NEOs to remain in our employ during the vesting period. In determining the size of equity awards to our NEOs, our compensation committee considers:

the achievement of our annual corporate goals;

individual performance;

the previous awards granted to each executive officer, including the exercise price of such previous awards;

the recommendations of management;

the market compensation data presented by the compensation committee’s independent compensation consultant; and

the combined components of the executive officer’s compensation.
The compensation committee approves all equity awards to our NEOs. Our equity awards have historically been in the form of stock options. However, under the terms of our 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2013 Plan”), we may grant equity restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights, and RSUs. Beginning in January 2019, we began issuing both stock options and RSUs as part of our annual equity awards to all eligible employees, including our NEOs. This change was made in light of competitive market practices and as an additional means to promote retention in a challenging labor market, as well as in consideration of corporate performance and the Company’s long-term stock price trend.

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The compensation committee typically makes initial stock option awards to our NEOs upon commencement of their employment and annual stock option awards and RSUs thereafter. Annual stock option awards for all employees, including our NEOs, are granted in two biannual tranches in order to increase the recognition and retention related aspect of the awards. Determination of such award typically occurs at the regularly scheduled meeting of the compensation committee held in the first quarter of each fiscal year. In general, 25% of the stock option grant vests on the first anniversary of the date of grant with the balance of the shares subject to the option vesting in 12 equal quarterly installments over the three-year period thereafter. RSU awards typically vest over a four-year period with 25% of the shares subject to the award vesting on each one-year anniversary of the date of grant. The exercise price of stock options equals the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant, which is typically equal to the closing price of our common stock on Nasdaq on the date of compensation committee approval except in the case of new hire grants, which are approved in advance by the compensation committee and granted on the first day of employment.
In December 2019, as part of its annual executive compensation and performance review, the compensation committee reviewed the 2019 market compensation data regarding annual stock option grants and RSU awards. In January 2020, the compensation committee approved the grant of the first tranche of the biannual option awards and an award of RSUs to our NEOs and in July 2020, the compensation committee approved the grant of the second tranche of biannual option awards to our NEOs. Additionally, in July 2020, we issued a special performance-based RSU award (the “Special Award”), contemporaneous with the second tranche of the biannual option grants, to eligible employees and NEOs, including Messrs. Fletcher, Kirby, Lim and Milano, which incentivize the achievement of important company goals, retention, and future shareholder value creation. Such Special Award vests upon the achievement of certain performance conditions, provided the NEO continues to be employed by, or provide service to, the Company until the applicable vesting conditions are met. They are as follows:
i)
50% of the shares underlying the Special Award will vest, if at all, upon the earlier of (A) the date of the acceptance by the United States Food and Drug Administration of the Company’s NDA for tilsotolimod in anti-PD-1 refractory advanced melanoma or (B) the date market capitalization of the Company equals or exceeds $500,000,000 (the “RSU Market Cap Target”); and
ii)
the remaining 50% of the RSUs will vest, if at all, on the date that the Company achieves the RSU Market Cap Target;
provided, however, under the Form Severance/CIC Agreements, upon a qualifying termination in the event of a change in control, 100% of the shares underlying the restricted stock award shall become vested.
The following table sets forth the number of options and RSUs granted to our NEOs in 2020:
NEOJanuary GrantsJuly Grants
Stock Options
(# options)
RSUs
(# units)(1)
Stock Options
(# options)
RSUs
(# units)(2)
Mr. Milano(3)92,00037,00092,000100,000
Mr. Kirby50,00020,00050,00057,203
Mr. Lim50,00020,00050,0002,523
Dr. Tarka50,00020,00050,000
Mr. Fletcher50,00020,00050,000100,000
(1)
Represents RSUs with time-based vesting.
(2)
Represents RSUs with market- and performance-based vesting.
(3)
Excludes Mr. Milano’s December 2020 RSU award granted in lieu of salary pursuant to a January 10, 2020 amendment to Mr. Milano’s employment agreement. See additional information regarding the payment of Mr. Milano’s 2020 annual salary below under the caption “Employment Agreements with our NEOs.”

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Broad-Based Benefits.   We maintain broad-based benefits, including health and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, and a 401(k) plan, that are provided to all employees. During 2020, we matched 100% of the employee contributions to our 401(k) plan up to a maximum of 5% of the participating employee’s annual salary, subject to annual IRS limitations. Our NEOs are eligible to participate in all our employee benefit plans, in each case, on the same basis as other employees and subject to any limitations in such plans. In 2020, each of our NEOs, except for Mr. Fletcher, contributed to our 401(k) plan and their contributions were matched by us.
Retirement Policy Regarding the Treatment of Equity Awards.   Our board has adopted a retirement policy to address the treatment of options and RSUs in the event of an employee’s retirement that applies to all employees, including all officers and NEOs. For purposes of this policy, an employee will be deemed to have retired if (i) the employee terminates his or her employment with us, (ii) has been an employee of ours for more than 10 years, and (iii) is older than 65 upon termination of employment. Under the policy, if an employee retires, then:

all outstanding, unvested equity awards held by the employee will automatically vest in full; and

the period during which the employee may exercise the options will be extended to the expiration of the term of the option under the applicable option agreement.
Our board adopted this policy for our employees in recognition of the importance of equity awards to the compensation of employees and in order to provide each of our employees with the opportunity to get the full benefit of the options and RSUs held by the employee in the event of his or her retirement after making 10 years of contributions to our Company.
Relocation Expenses.   We occasionally pay relocation expenses for newly-hired executive officers who we require to relocate as a condition to their employment offer. We also occasionally pay local housing expenses and travel costs for executive officers who maintain a primary residence outside of a reasonable daily commuting range to our headquarters. We believe that these are typical benefits offered by comparable companies to executive officers who are asked to relocate and that we would be at a competitive disadvantage in trying to attract executive officers who would need to relocate in order to work for us if we did not offer such assistance. We did not provide any relocation benefits to any of our NEOs in 2020.
ESPP.   Our NEOs may also participate in our employee stock purchase plan (the “ESPP”), which is generally available to all employees who work over 20 hours per week, so long as they own less than 5% of our common stock, including for this purpose vested and unvested stock options. None of our NEOs participated in the ESPP in 2020.
Perquisites.   Apart from the discussed benefits, we do not provide our NEOs with perquisites.
Severance and Change in Control Benefits and Agreements with NEOs
We believe providing severance and/or change in control benefits as a component of our compensation structure can help us compete for executive talent and attract and retain highly-talented executive officers whose contributions are critical to our long-term success. In that regard, we periodically review our severance and/or change in control practices. We believe that our severance and change in control benefits are appropriate.
Severance and Change in Control Agreements
In 2017, the board approved a form of Severance and Change of Control Agreement (the “Form Severance/CIC Agreement”), which the Company subsequently entered into with each of our NEOs. The severance benefits terms contained in the Form Severance/CIC Agreements entered into with each of our NEOs are controlling and superseded the severance and change of control terms provided for under any NEO’s pre-existing employment agreement or employment offer letter.

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The Form Severance/CIC Agreement provide that if we consummate a change of control (as defined in therein), we will employ the NEO for a period of 24 months from the date of the consummation of the change of control. Pursuant to the Form Severance/CIC Agreement, during such period:
(i)
the NEO’s position and duties for the Company will be commensurate with the most significant of the duties and positions held by the NEO during the 90-day period preceding the date of the consummation of the change of control;
(ii)
the NEO’s annual base salary will equal at least 12 times the highest monthly base salary paid to the NEO during the 12 months prior to the date of the change of control;
(iii)
the NEO will be entitled to an annual bonus equal to at least the greatest of (a) the average bonus paid to the NEO in respect of the three years immediately preceding the year in which the change of control occurs, (b) the annual bonus paid for the year immediately preceding the year in which the change of control occurs, and (c) 100% of the target bonus for (1) the year immediately preceding the year in which the change of control occurs, (2) the year in which the change of control occurs, or (3) any year following the year in which the change of control occurs and prior to the then-current year, whichever is highest; and
(iv)
the NEO will be entitled to certain other benefits as are consistent with the benefits paid to the NEO during the year prior to the change of control.
The Form Severance/CIC Agreements also provide that if a NEO is terminated without “cause” or resigns for “good reason” ​(as such terms are defined therein) in either case, within 24 months following a change of control, subject to the NEO’s timely execution and non-revocation of a general release of claims in a form provided by us and the NEO’s continued compliance with the invention, non-disclosure, and non-competition agreement previously entered into in connection with the commencement of NEO’s employment, the NEO would receive a lump sum cash payment payable within 30 days after the date of termination equal to:
(i)
the NEO’s target bonus for the year of termination prorated for the portion of the year worked;
(ii)
150% of the sum of (a) such NEO’s annual base salary for the year immediately preceding the year of termination and (b) the greatest of (1) the average bonus paid or earned and accrued, but unpaid to the NEO in respect of the three years immediately preceding the year of termination, (2) the annual bonus paid for the year immediately preceding the year of termination, and (3) the target bonus for the year of termination; and
(iii)
150% of the Company’s share of the annual premium for group medical and/or dental insurance coverage that was in place for the NEO immediately prior to the date of termination.
In addition, all unvested options, restricted stock, RSUs, or stock appreciation rights held by the NEO as of the date of termination will be immediately and automatically vested and/or exercisable in full as of the date of termination, and the NEO will have the right to exercise any such options or stock appreciation rights for the longer of (A) the period of time provided for in the applicable equity award agreement or plan, or (B) the shorter of one year after the date of termination or the remaining term of the applicable equity award.
If the NEO is terminated without “cause” or resigns for “good reason,” prior to the date of a change of control, such NEO will be entitled to the following under the Form Severance/CIC Agreement, subject to the NEO’s timely execution and non-revocation of a general release of claims in a form provided by us and the NEO’s continued compliance with the invention, non-disclosure, and non-competition agreement previously entered into in connection with the commencement of NEO’s employment:
(i)
a lump sum cash payment payable within 30 days after the date of termination in an amount equal to the greater of (x) the average bonus paid or earned and accrued, but unpaid to the NEO in respect of the three years immediately preceding the year of termination, and (y) the annual bonus paid for the year immediately preceding the year of termination prorated for the portion of the year worked;

33


(ii)
continued payment of the NEO’s base salary payable in accordance with our standard payroll practices over the one-year period following termination; and
(iii)
if the NEO elects to continue receiving group medical and/or dental insurance under COBRA (to the extent the NEO previously participated in such group insurance plans immediately prior to the date of termination), payment by us of our share of the premium for such coverage that we pay for active and similarly-situated employees who receive the same type of coverage for the one-year period following termination.
Employment Agreements with our NEOs
We have entered into employment agreements with each of our NEOs. All of the NEOs are at-will employees.
Vincent J. Milano
We are a party to an Employment Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2014, with Mr. Milano, our President and Chief Executive Officer (the “Milano Employment Agreement”). Under the Milano Employment Agreement, Mr. Milano is entitled to receive an annual base salary of $600,000 or such higher amount as our compensation committee or our board may determine. In addition, pursuant to the Milano Employment Agreement, Mr. Milano is eligible to receive an annual bonus of 50% of his base salary, subject to adjustment, based on the achievement of both individual and Company performance objectives as developed and determined by our board.
On January 10, 2020, as a means suggested by Mr. Milano and approved by the board to help conserve cash for the Company, we entered into an Amendment to Employment Agreement with Mr. Milano (the “Milano Employment Amendment” and, together with the Milano Employment Agreement, the “Milano Agreement”), amending the Milano Employment Agreement to specify the manner in which Mr. Milano will be paid his annual base salary for the 2020 fiscal year and to make other corresponding changes. Pursuant to the Milano Employment Amendment, Mr. Milano’s annual base salary of $600,000 was payable as follows: (i) for the period from January 1, 2020 to the January 10, 2020, $18,182 was payable in cash; and (ii) for the period immediately following the January 10, 2020 to December 31, 2020, an additional $6,600 (the “Cash Value”) was payable in cash and $575,218 (the “RSU Value” and, together with the Cash Value, the “Post-Amendment Compensation”) was payable in the form of a RSU award granted to Mr. Milano on December 18, 2020, pursuant to our 2013 Plan, and in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the RSU award agreement entered into between Mr. Milano and us.
Mr. Milano’s severance and change in control benefits are governed by the Form Severance/CIC Agreement.
John J. Kirby
We are a party to an Employment Offer Letter, dated October 15, 2015, with Mr. Kirby, our current Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (the “Kirby Employment Agreement”). Under the terms of the Kirby Employment Agreement, Mr. Kirby is entitled to receive an annual base salary of $225,000 or such higher amount as the Company may determine. In addition, under the Kirby Employment Agreement, Mr. Kirby is eligible to receive an annual bonus of 30% of his base salary, subject to adjustment, based on the achievement of both individual and Company performance objectives. Concurrent with his promotion to Chief Financial Officer in 2019, Mr. Kirby’s base salary and bonus target were adjusted to $336,000 and 40%, respectively, or such higher amount as our compensation committee or our board may determine.
Mr. Kirby’s severance and change in control benefits are governed by the Form Severance/CIC Agreement.

34


Bryant D. Lim
We are a party to an Employment Offer Letter, dated as of August 20, 2018, with Mr. Lim, our Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary (the “Lim Employment Agreement”). Under the terms of the Lim Employment Agreement, Mr. Lim is entitled to receive an annual base salary of $330,000 or such higher amount as our compensation committee or our board may determine. In addition, under the Lim Employment Agreement, Mr. Lim is eligible to receive an annual bonus of 40% of his base salary, subject to adjustment, based on the achievement of both individual and Company performance objectives.
Mr. Lim’s severance and change in control benefits are governed by the Form Severance/CIC Agreement.
Elizabeth Tarka
We are a party to an Employment Offer Letter, dated as of June 26, 2019, with Dr. Tarka, our Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer (the “Tarka Employment Agreement”). Under the terms of the Tarka Employment Agreement, Dr. Tarka is entitled to receive an annual base salary of $375,000 or such higher amount as our compensation committee or our board may determine. In addition, under the Tarka Employment Agreement, Dr. Tarka is eligible to receive an annual bonus of 40% of her base salary, subject to adjustment, based on the achievement of both individual and Company performance objectives.
Dr. Tarka’s severance and change in control benefits are governed by the Form Severance/CIC Agreement.
R. Clayton Fletcher
Mr. Fletcher served as our Senior Vice President, Business Development and Strategic Planning until December 31, 2020. The terms of his employment were set forth in an Employment Offer Letter, dated January 26, 2015 (the “Fletcher Employment Agreement”). Under the terms of the Fletcher Employment Agreement, Mr. Fletcher was entitled to receive an annual base salary of $360,000 or such higher amount as our compensation committee or our board may determine. In addition, under the Fletcher Employment Agreement, Mr. Fletcher was eligible to receive an annual bonus of 35% of his base salary, subject to adjustment, based on the achievement of both individual and Company performance objectives.
In connection with Mr. Fletcher’s retirement as our Senior Vice President, Business Development and Strategic Planning, on December 29, 2020, we entered into a consulting services agreement (the “Fletcher Consulting Agreement”) with Mr. Fletcher. The Fletcher Consulting Agreement terminates one year following the effective date and provides for aggregate payments to Mr. Fletcher of up to $180,000, to be paid in equal monthly installments over the one-year term of the Fletcher Consulting Agreement. The Fletcher Consulting Agreement also includes confidentiality and non-solicitation restrictions.
Indemnification Agreements
In March 2017, the board approved a form of Indemnification Agreement (the “Form Indemnification Agreement”) to be entered into between the Company and each of our officers. Each of Messrs. Milano, Kirby, Fletcher, and Lim and Dr. Tarka entered into the Form Indemnification Agreement with the Company. In general, the Form Indemnification Agreements provide that the Company will indemnify the NEO to the fullest extent permitted by law for claims arising in his or her capacity as an officer of the Company or in connection with his or her service at our request for another corporation or entity. The Form Indemnification Agreements also provide for procedures that will apply in the event that an officer makes a claim for indemnification and establish certain presumptions that are favorable to the officer.
Formal Clawback Policy
In April 2015, ahead of any such requirement in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, our compensation committee adopted a formal clawback policy, which applies in the event we are required to prepare an accounting restatement due to any material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under the U.S. federal securities laws. This policy requires us to use reasonable efforts to recover from any of our current or former executive officers who receive incentive-based compensation (including stock options and RSUs awarded as compensation) during the three-year period

35


preceding the date on which we are required to prepare an accounting restatement based on erroneous data, the excess of what would have been paid to such executive officer under the accounting restatement.
Compensation Committee Report
The compensation committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with our management. Based on this review and discussion, the compensation committee recommended to our board of directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement.
By the compensation committee of the board of directors,
Maxine Gowen, Chair
Cristina Csimma
Michael Dougherty
The report of the Audit Committee is not “soliciting material,” is not deemed “filed” with the SEC and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, both as amended.

36


Summary Compensation Table
The table below summarizes compensation paid to or earned by our named executive officers for 2020, 2019, and 2018.
Summary Compensation Table
Name and Principal PositionYear
Salary
($)
Stock
Awards
($)(1)
Option
Awards
($)(2)
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
All Other
Compensation
($)(3)
Total
($)
Vincent J. Milano
President and Chief Executive Officer
202024,786764,713(4)234,642285,00037,9291,347,070
2019600,000105,975279,160315,00037,0821,337,217
2018600,000998,081150,00033,8631,781,944
John J. Kirby
Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer
2020336,000123,755127,523140,44837,519765,245
2019308,00032,185113,955114,66036,849605,649
2018249,888206,47964,77132,735553,873
Bryant D. Lim
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
2020336,00039,679127,523140,44837,779681,429
2019336,00056,834150,317155,23233,412731,795
2018103,125639,96925,1606,924775,178
Elizabeth Tarka
Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer
2020375,00035,800127,523142,50017,082697,905
R. Clayton Fletcher
Senior Vice President, Business Development and Strategy
2020400,000189,560127,523152,00023,679892,762
2019400,00056,834150,317168,00023,082798,233
2018400,000461,83792,00023,613977,450
(1)
Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of time-based RSUs granted in January and the Special Awards granted in July as computed in accordance with ASC 718. See Note 12 to the financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 regarding assumptions we made in determining these values. The grant date fair value of RSUs is determined using the fair value of our common stock on the date of grant. The equity incentive awards included in this column were all awarded under the Company’s 2013 Equity Incentive, as amended and restated.
(2)
Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of options granted to each of the NEOs as computed in accordance with ASC 718. These amounts do not represent the actual amounts paid to or realized by the named executive officers. See Note 12 to the financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 regarding assumptions we made in determining the fair value of option awards. The equity incentive awards included in this column were all awarded under the Company’s 2013 Equity Incentive, as amended and restated.
(3)
“All Other Compensation” for 2020 for each of the named executive officers includes the following:
Premiums paid
by us for all
insurance plans
($)
Company match
on 401(k)
($)
Total
($)
Mr. Milano23,67914,25037,929
Mr. Kirby23,26914,25037,519
Mr. Lim23,52914,25037,779
Dr. Tarka2,83214,25017,082
Mr. Fletcher23,67923,679
(4)
Approximately $575,218 of Mr. Milano’s base salary was paid in the form of a restricted stock unit award which was granted to Mr. Milano on December 18, 2020, as more fully described under the caption “Employment Agreements with our NEOs.”

37


Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The following table sets forth information regarding grants of plan-based awards to our named executive officers during 2020.
Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal Year 2020
NameGrant Date
Estimated Possible Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards
Estimated
Possible
Payouts
Under
Equity
Incentive
Plan 
Awards
All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock or
Units
(#)(1)
All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#)(2)
Exercise
or Base
Price of
Securities
Underlying
Awards
($/Sh)
Grant Date
Fair Value
of Awards
($)(3)
Target
($)
Maximum
($)
Target
(#)
Vincent J. MilanoN/A300,000468,750
1/10/2020(4)(5)37,00066,230
1/10/2020(4)(6)92,0001.7997,536
7/21/2020(4)(7)100,000153,760
7/21/2020(4)(6)92,0002.48137,106
12/18/2020(4)(8)128,170544,723
John J. KirbyN/A134,400210,000
1/10/2020(4)(5)20,00035,800
1/10/2020(4)(6)50,0001.7953,009
7/21/2020(4)(7)27,20387,955
7/21/2020(4)(6)50,0002.4874,514
Bryant D. LimN/A134,400210,000
1/10/2020(4)(5)20,00035,800
1/10/2020(4)(6)50,0001.7953,009
7/21/2020(4)(7)2,5233,879
7/21/2020(4)(6)50,0002.4874,514
Elizabeth TarkaN/A150,000234,375
1/10/2020(4)(5)20,00035,800
1/10/2020(4)(6)50,0001.7953,009
7/21/2020(4)(6)50,0002.4874,514
R. Clayton FletcherN/A160,000250,000
1/10/2020(4)(5)20,00035,800
1/10/2020(4)(6)50,0001.7953,009
7/21/2020(4)(7)100,000153,760
7/21/2020(4)(6)50,0002.4874,514
(1)
The vesting terms of the restricted stock awards vary and may consist of time-based or performance/market-based vesting criteria. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Components of Executive Compensation—Long-Term Equity Compensation” for a full description of the vesting terms for these stock awards. See “Employment Agreements with our NEOs” for further information about acceleration of vesting of unvested restricted stock awards in the event of the termination of employment and/or a change of control.
(2)
The term of these options is ten years. The vesting of these stock options is time-based. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Components of Executive Compensation—Long-Term Equity Compensation” for a full description of the vesting terms for these options. See “Employment

38


Agreements with our NEOs” for further information about acceleration of vesting of options in the event of the termination of employment and/or a change of control.
(3)
Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of awards made to the named executive officers in 2020 as computed in accordance with ASC 718. These amounts do not represent the actual amounts paid to or realized by the named executive officers during 2020. See Note 12 to the financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 regarding assumptions we made in determining the fair value of equity awards.
(4)
Granted pursuant to our 2013 Stock Incentive Plan.
(5)
Represents the time-based RSUs, which vest in four equal installments over the four-year period following the grant date.
(6)
Represents the biannual option awards, 25% of which vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant with the balance of the shares subject to the option vesting in 12 equal quarterly installments over the three-year period thereafter.
(7)
Represents the Special Awards, which vest based on the achievement of the following performance measures: (i) 50% upon the earlier of (A) the date of the acceptance by the United States Food and Drug Administration of the Company’s NDA for tilsotolimod in anti-PD-1 refractory advanced melanoma or (B) the date the Company achieves the RSU Market Cap Target; and ii) the remaining 50% on the date that the Company achieves the RSU Market Cap Target.
(8)
Represents the RSU award granted to Mr. Milano in lieu of cash payment of a portion of his base salary.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table sets forth information regarding the outstanding equity held by our named executive officers as of December 31, 2020.

39


Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
Option AwardsStock Awards
Name
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Exercisable
(#)
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Unexercisable
(#)
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
Option
Expiration
Date
Number of
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
(#)(11)
Market Value
of Shares or
or Units
of Stock
That Have
Not
Vested
($)(1)
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number
of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
that have
Not
Vested
(#)(12)
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value
of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have
Not
Vested
($)
Vincent J. Milano250,00024.9612/1/2024
37,49923.041/6/2026
35.1562.344(2)12.721/4/2027
51,56223,437(3)17.921/3/2028
36,56228,438(4)7.398/13/2028
36,96847,532(5)3.141/3/2029
26,40658,094(6)2.527/9/2029
92,000(7)1.791/10/2030
92,000(8)2.487/21/2030
62,313228,689
100,000367,000
John J. Kirby18,75024.8811/2/2025
11,24923.041/6/2026
11,718781(2)12.721/4/2027
11,6015,273(3)17.921/3/2028
5,6254,375(4)7.398/13/2028
11,20014,400(5)3.141/3/2029
14,21831,282(6)2.527/9/2029
50,000(7)1.791/10/2030
50,000(8)2.487/21/2030
27,688101,615
57,203209,935
Bryant D. Lim73,12556,875(9)9.299/10/2028
19,90625,594(5)3.141/3/2029
14,21831,282(6)2.527/9/2029
50,000(7)1.791/10/2030
50,000(8)2.487/21/2030
33,575123,220
2,5239,259

40


Option AwardsStock Awards
Name
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Exercisable
(#)
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Unexercisable
(#)
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
Option
Expiration
Date
Number of
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
(#)(11)
Market Value
of Shares or
or Units
of Stock
That Have
Not
Vested
($)(1)
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number
of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
that have
Not
Vested
(#)(12)
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value
of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have
Not
Vested
($)
Elizabeth Tarka40,62589,375(10)2.547/22/2029
50,000(7)1.791/10/2030
50,000(8)2.487/21/2030
20,00073,400
R. Clayton Fletcher75,00037.361/26/2025
23,12423.041/6/2026
21,6791,445(2)12.721/4/2027
23,20310,546(3)17.921/3/2028
18,28114,219(4)7.398/13/2028
19,90625,594(5)3.141/3/2029
14,21831,282(6)2.527/9/2029
50,000(7)1.791/10/2030
50,000(8)2.487/21/2030
33,575123,220
100,000367,000
(1)
Market Value is calculated based on a price per share of $3.67, which was the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2020.
(2)
Represents unvested portion of stock option award that vested 25% on January 4, 2018 (first anniversary date following the January 4, 2017 grant date), with the remainder vesting in 12 equal quarterly installments thereafter (until January 4, 2021), provided the named executive is still employed with us on each vesting date.
(3)
Represents unvested portion of stock option award that will vest 25% on the first anniversary date following the January 3, 2018 grant date, with the remainder vesting in 12 equal quarterly installments thereafter (until January 3, 2022), provided the named executive is still employed with us on each vesting date.
(4)
Represents unvested portion of stock option award that will vest 25% on the first anniversary date following the August 13, 2018 grant date, with the remainder vesting in 12 equal quarterly installments thereafter (until August 13, 2022), provided the named executive is still employed with us on each vesting date.
(5)
Represents unvested portion of stock option award that will vest 25% on the first anniversary date following the January 3, 2019 grant date, with the remainder vesting in 12 equal quarterly installments thereafter (until January 3, 2023), provided the named executive is still employed with us on each vesting date.

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(6)
Represents unvested portion of stock option award that will vest 25% on the first anniversary date following the July 9, 2019 grant date, with the remainder vesting in 12 equal quarterly installments thereafter (until July 9, 2023), provided the named executive is still employed with us on each vesting date.
(7)
Represents unvested portion of stock option award that will vest 25% on the first anniversary date following the January 10, 2020 grant date, with the remainder vesting in 12 equal quarterly installments thereafter (until January 10, 2024), provided the named executive is still employed with us on each vesting date.
(8)
Represents unvested portion of stock option award that will vest 25% on the first anniversary date following the July 21, 2020 grant date, with the remainder vesting in 12 equal quarterly installments thereafter (until July 21, 2024), provided the named executive is still employed with us on each vesting date.
(9)
Represents unvested portion of stock option award that will vest 25% on the first anniversary date following the September 10, 2018 grant date, with the remainder vesting in 12 equal quarterly installments thereafter (until September 10, 2022), provided the named executive is still employed with us on each vesting date.
(10)
Represents unvested portion of stock option award that will vest 25% on the first anniversary date following the July 22, 2019 grant date, with the remainder vesting in 12 equal quarterly installments thereafter (until July 22, 2023), provided the named executive is still employed with us on each vesting date.
(11)
Includes (i) unvested portion of RSUs granted to Messrs. Milano, Kirby, Lim, and Fletcher on January 3, 2019, which vest in four equal installments over the four-year period following the grant date, and (ii) unvested RSUs granted to Messrs. Milano, Kirby, Lim, and Fletcher and Dr. Tarka on January 10, 2020, which vest in four equal installments over the four-year period following the grant date.
(12)
Represents unvested, performance-based RSUs granted to Messrs. Milano, Kirby, Lim, and Fletcher on July 21, 2020, which vest based on the achievement of the following performance measures: (i) 50% upon the earlier of (A) the date of the acceptance by the United States Food and Drug Administration of the Company’s NDA for tilsotolimod in anti-PD-1 refractory advanced melanoma or (B) the date the Company achieves the RSU Market Cap Target; and (ii) the remaining 50% on the date that the Company achieves the RSU Market Cap Target.
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
As discussed above, we entered into a Severance and Change of Control Agreement with each of Messrs. Milano, Kirby, Lim, and Fletcher and Dr. Tarka. These agreements are described above under the caption “Severance and Change in Control Benefits and Agreements with NEOs.”
Termination of Employment Not In Connection With or Following a Change in Control
The following table sets forth the estimated potential benefits that our NEOs would be entitled to receive upon their termination of employment with our Company (other than a termination in connection with or following a change in control of our Company) if the NEO’s employment was terminated on December 31, 2020. This table represents estimates only and does hereby certifynot necessarily reflect the actual amounts that would be paid to our NEOs (except in the case of Mr. Fletcher (see footnote 3)), which would only be known at the time that they become eligible for payment following their termination.
Name
Cash
Severance(1)
($)
Benefits(2)
($)
Total
($)
Vincent J. Milano885,00027,656912,656
John J. Kirby476,44827,656504,104
Bryant D. Lim476,44827,656504,104
Elizabeth Tarka517,500517,500
R. Clayton Fletcher(3)

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(1)
Cash severance under the Form Severance/CIC Agreements would be payable to Messrs. Milano, Kirby, and Lim and Dr. Tarka upon a termination of the NEO’s employment by the NEO for “good reason” or by us without “cause,” in either case, subject to the NEO’s timely execution and non-revocation of a general release of claims in a form provided by the Company and the NEO’s continued compliance with the invention, non-disclosure, and non-competition agreement previously entered into in connection with the commencement of NEO’s employment. In such an event, NEOs would receive:
(i)
a lump sum cash payment payable within 30 days after the date of termination equal to the greater of (1) the average bonus paid or earned and accrued, but unpaid to the NEO in respect of the three fiscal years immediately preceding the year of termination, and (2) the annual bonus paid for the year immediately preceding the year of termination ($285,000 for Mr. Milano, $140,448 for Mr. Kirby, $140,448 for Mr. Lim, and $142,500 for Dr. Tarka); and
(ii)
salary continuation payments at the NEO’s base salary on termination date for a period of 12 months paid in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices and subject to applicable tax withholding ($600,000 for Mr. Milano, $336,000 for Mr. Kirby, $336,000 for Mr. Lim, and $375,000 for Dr. Tarka).
(2)
Under the Form Severance/CIC Agreements, upon a qualifying termination by Messrs. Milano, Kirby, and Lim and Dr. Tarka, to the extent the NEOs participated in our group medical/dental insurance immediately prior to the termination date, if NEOs elect to continue receiving group medical and/or dental insurance under the continuation coverage rules known as COBRA, the Company will pay the Company’s share of the premium for such coverage that it pays for active and similarly-situated employees who receive the same type of coverage until the end of the period for which the Company is paying the salary continuation payments described within note (1)(ii), above.

The payments described in this column include an estimated value of the employer share of the premiums for our insurance plans as follows:

        FIRST: A resolution

Name
Medical Insurance
Premiums
($)
Dental Insurance
Premiums
($)
Total
($)
Vincent J. Milano25,7241,93227,656
John J. Kirby25,7241,93227,656
Bryant D. Lim25,7241,93227,656
Elizabeth Tarka(a)
R. Clayton Fletcher
(a)   Dr. Tarka does not participate in our group medical/dental insurance plans.
(3)
Mr. Fletcher retired from his role as the Company’s Senior Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Planning, effective December 31, 2020. On December 29, 2020, the Company and Mr. Fletcher entered into the Fletcher Consulting Agreement, pursuant to which Mr. Fletcher will provide certain consulting services to the Company for a period of one (1) year commencing on the effective date. Accordingly, the amounts set forth in the table for Mr. Fletcher reflect the actual benefits Mr. Fletcher received in connection with his retirement. The vesting schedules of Mr. Fletcher’s outstanding equity awards were not accelerated upon his retirement; his awards remain outstanding.
Termination of Employment In Connection With or Following a Change in Control
The following table sets forth the estimated potential benefits that our NEOs would be entitled to receive upon their termination of employment with our Company in connection with or following a change in control of our Company if the NEO’s employment was dulyterminated on December 31, 2020. The amounts indicated below are estimates based on the material assumptions described in the notes to the table below, which may or may not actually occur. Some of these assumptions are based on information currently available and, as a result, the actual amounts, if any, that may become payable to a NEO may differ in material respects from the amounts set forth below. Furthermore, for purposes of calculating such amounts, we have assumed:

43



a change of control date of December 31, 2020;

each NEO’s employment is terminated by us without “cause” or by the NEO for “good reason”, in each case on the date of the change of control; and

the value of the accelerated vesting of any equity award is calculated assuming a market price per share of our common stock equal to $3.67 (which equals the closing price of a share of our common stock on the Nasdaq on December 31, 2020).
This table represents estimates only and does not necessarily reflect the actual amounts that would be paid to our NEOs (except in the case of Mr. Fletcher (see footnote 4)), which would only be known at the time that they become eligible for payment following their termination.
Name
Cash
Severance(1)
($)
Equity(2)
($)
Benefits(3)
($)
Total
($)
Vincent J. Milano1,650,822970,12941,4862,662,437
John J. Kirby743,190508,65641,4861,399,582
Bryant D. Lim871,248335,51941,4861,226,445
Elizabeth Tarka871,248327,8941,265,805
R. Clayton Fletcher(4)
(1)
Cash severance under the Form Severance/CIC Agreements would be payable to Messrs. Milano, Kirby, and Lim and Dr. Tarka upon a termination of the NEO’s employment by the NEO for “good reason” or by us without “cause,” in either case, within 24 months following a change of control (i.e., pursuant to a “double-trigger” arrangement), subject to the NEO’s timely execution and non-revocation of a general release of claims in a form provided by the Company and the NEO’s continued compliance with the invention, non-disclosure, and non-competition agreement previously entered into in connection with the commencement of NEO’s employment. In such an event, NEOs would receive a lump sum cash payment payable within 30 days after the date of termination equal to:
(i)
the NEO’s target bonus for the year of termination prorated for the portion of the year worked ($300,000 for Mr. Milano, $134,400 for Mr. Kirby, $134,400 for Mr. Lim, and $150,000 for Dr. Tarka); and
(ii)
150% of the sum of (a) such NEO’s annual base salary for the year immediately preceding the year of termination and (b) the greatest of (1) the average bonus paid or earned and accrued, but unpaid to the NEO in respect of the three years immediately preceding the year of termination, (2) the annual bonus paid for the year immediately preceding the year of termination, and (3) the target bonus for the year in which the termination occurs ($1,350,000 for Mr. Milano, $714,672 for Mr. Kirby, $714,672 for Mr. Lim, and $787,500 for Dr. Tarka).
(2)
Amounts in this column quantify the intrinsic value of the unvested stock options and/or unvested RSUs held by the NEO that would accelerate upon a qualifying termination of employment in connection with a change in control based on the assumptions described above.
Under the Form Severance/CIC Agreements, upon a qualifying termination by Messrs. Milano, Kirby, and Lim and Dr. Tarka within 24 months following a change of control, all outstanding stock options and unvested RSUs (including the performance-based Special Awards) held by the NEO as of the date of termination will be automatically vested in full as of the date of termination, and the NEO will have the ability to exercise any such options until the three year anniversary of such NEO’s termination and/or be entitled to receive shares underlying such RSUs, but in no event past the remaining term of the applicable equity award.
(3)
Under the Form Severance/CIC Agreements, upon a qualifying termination by Messrs. Milano, Kirby, and Lim and Dr. Tarka within 24 months following a change of control, the NEO will be eligible to receive 150% of the Company’s share of the annual premium for group medical and/or dental insurance coverage that was in place for the NEO immediately prior to the date of termination, payable in a lump sum cash payment within 30 days after the date of termination.

44


The payments described in this column include an estimated value of the employer share of the premiums for our insurance plans as follows:
Name
Medical Insurance
Premiums
($)
Dental Insurance
Premiums
($)
Total ($)
Vincent J. Milano38,5872,89941,486
John J. Kirby38,5872,89941,486
Bryant D. Lim38,5872,89941,486
Elizabeth Tarka(a)
R. Clayton Fletcher
(a)   Dr. Tarka does not participate in our group medical/dental insurance plans.
(4)
Mr. Fletcher retired from his role as the Company’s Senior Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Planning, effective December 31, 2020. On December 29, 2020, the Company and Mr. Fletcher entered into the Fletcher Consulting Agreement, pursuant to which Mr. Fletcher will provide certain consulting services to the Company for a period of one (1) year commencing on the effective date. Accordingly, the amounts set forth in the table for Mr. Fletcher reflect the actual benefits Mr. Fletcher received in connection with his retirement. The vesting schedules of Mr. Fletcher’s outstanding equity awards were not accelerated upon his retirement; his awards remain outstanding.
CEO Pay Ratio
As required by Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K, we are providing the ratio of the annual total compensation of our CEO, on December 31, 2020, to that of our median employee. In making this pay ratio disclosure, other companies may use assumptions, estimates, and methodologies different than ours; as a result, the following information may not be directly comparable to the information provided by other companies in our peer group or otherwise. The pay ratio included in this information is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K.
The following is a reasonable estimate, prepared in accordance with applicable SEC rules, of the ratio of the annual total compensation of our CEO to the median of the annual total compensation of our other employees. We determined our median employee based on annualized 2020 base salary and annualized 2020 bonus awards for each of our 31 employees (excluding the CEO) as of December 31, 2020. We did not make any other assumptions, adjustments, or estimates with respect to total cash compensation. The annual total cash compensation of our median employee (other than the CEO) for 2020 was $304,212. As disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table included in this CD&A, our CEO’s annual total compensation for 2020 was $1,347,070. Based on the foregoing, the ratio of the 2020 annual total compensation of our CEO to the median of the annual total compensation of all other employees was 4 to 1.
Compensation Risk Management
Our compensation committee has reviewed and considered whether our compensation programs and policies create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us. In that regard, we design our programs in a balanced and diversified manner while also creating significant, yet appropriate, incentives for strong performance based on our business and strategic plan. We believe that our compensation programs reflect a balance of short-term, long-term, guaranteed, and performance-based compensation in order not to encourage excessive risk-taking. We believe that this ensures that our NEOs focus on the health of our business that will deliver stockholder value over time and discourages excess risk-taking by our NEOs. Our clawback and anti-hedging policies also help to manage potential risks and promote alignment with stockholder interests. Accordingly, there were no material adjustments made to our compensation policies and practices. We will continue to monitor our compensation policies and practices to determine whether our risk management objectives are being met with respect to incentivizing the Company’s employees.

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PROPOSAL TWO
APPROVAL, BY NON-BINDING VOTE, OF THE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER 2020 COMPENSATION
We are providing our stockholders the opportunity to vote to approve, on an advisory, non-binding basis, the compensation of our NEOs for 2020 as disclosed in this proxy statement in accordance with the SEC’s rules. This proposal, which is commonly referred to as “say-on-pay,” is required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, which added Section 14A to the Exchange Act. The advisory vote on executive compensation will occur every year until the next vote on the frequency of stockholder votes on executive compensation, which will occur at the Company’s 2023 annual meeting of stockholders.
The “Executive Compensation” section set forth elsewhere in this proxy statement, including the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” describes in detail our executive compensation programs and the decisions made by the compensation committee and the board of directors with respect to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.
Our board of directors is asking stockholders to approve a non-binding advisory vote on the following resolution:
“RESOLVED, that the 2020 compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the compensation discussion and analysis, the compensation tables, and any related material disclosed in this proxy statement, is hereby approved.”
As an advisory vote, this proposal is not binding. The outcome of this advisory vote will not overrule any decision by us or our board of directors (or any committee thereof), create or imply any change to our fiduciary duties or the fiduciary duties of our board of directors (or any committee thereof), or create or imply any additional fiduciary duties on us or our board of directors (or any committee thereof). However, our compensation committee and board of directors value the opinions expressed by our stockholders in their vote on this proposal and will consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions for named executive officers.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
Our board of directors unanimously recommends that stockholders vote to approve the 2020 compensation of our named executive officers by voting FOR this proposal.

46


PROPOSAL THREE
RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The audit committee of our board of directors has selected the firm of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021. Ernst & Young LLP has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since 2002. Although stockholder approval of the audit committee’s selection of Ernst & Young LLP is not required by law, our board of directors believes that it is advisable to give stockholders an opportunity to ratify this selection and is doing so as a matter of good corporate governance. If this proposal is not approved at the 2021 annual meeting, the audit committee of our board of directors may reconsider its selection; however, the audit committee will not be obligated to change or retain a different independent registered public accounting firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the audit committee in its discretion may select a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.
Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to be present at the 2021 annual meeting. They will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and will also be available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
Our board of directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR the ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021.

47


ACCOUNTING MATTERS
Report of the Audit Committee
The audit committee has reviewed our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and discussed them with our management and our independent registered public accounting firm.
The audit committee has also received from, and discussed with, our independent registered public accounting firm various communications that our independent registered public accounting firm is required to provide to the audit committee, including the matters required to be discussed by the AS 1301: Communications with Audit Committees, as adopted by the Board of DirectorsPublic Company Accounting Oversight Board.
The audit committee has received from Ernst & Young LLP the letter and other written disclosures required by applicable requirements of the CorporationPublic Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding its communication with the audit committee concerning independence, and has discussed with Ernst & Young LLP its independence from the Company. The audit committee has also considered whether the provision of other non-audit services by Ernst & Young LLP is compatible with maintaining their independence.
Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the audit committee recommended to our board of directors that the audited financial statements be included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
By the audit committee of the board of directors,
Carol Schafer, Chair
Michael R. Dougherty
Mark Goldberg, M.D.
The report of the Audit Committee is not “soliciting material,” is not deemed “filed” with the SEC and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, both as amended.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees
The following table sets forth all fees paid or accrued by us for professional services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
Fee Category20202019
Audit Fees$475,000$605,387
Audit-Related Fees$89,00078,000
Tax Fees$25,23526,780
Total Fees$598,235$710,167
Audit Fees
Audit fees represent the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by our independent registered public accounting firm for the audit of our annual financial statements and internal controls over financial reporting, review of financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
Audit-Related Fees
Audit-related fees represent the aggregate fees billed for assurance and related professional services rendered by our independent registered public accounting firm that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and that are not reported under “Audit Fees” including consultations regarding internal controls, financial accounting and reporting standards; the issuance of consents in connection with registration statement filings with the SEC and comfort letters in connection with securities offerings.

48


Tax Fees
Tax fees represent the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by our independent registered public accounting firm for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning services. Tax compliance services, which relate to preparation of tax returns, accounted for all of the tax fees billed in 2020 and 2019.
Our audit committee believes that the non-audit services described above did not compromise Ernst & Young LLP’s independence. Our audit committee charter, which you can find by clicking “Investors” and “Corporate Governance” on our website, www.iderapharma.com, requires that all proposals to engage Ernst & Young LLP for services, and all proposed fees for these services, be submitted to the audit committee for approval before Ernst & Young LLP may provide the services.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
Our audit committee has adopted policies and procedures relating to the approval of all audit and non-audit services that are to be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm. This policy generally provides that we will not engage our independent registered public accounting firm to render audit or non-audit services unless the service is specifically approved in advance by the audit committee or the engagement is entered into pursuant to Section 242the pre-approval procedures described below.
From time to time, the audit committee may pre-approve specified types of services that are expected to be provided to us by our independent registered public accounting firm during the next 12 months. Any such pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or type of services to be provided and is also generally subject to a maximum dollar amount. All of the General Corporation Lawservices described above under the headings “Audit Fees,” “Audit-Related Fees,” and “Tax Fees” were pre-approved by our audit committee.

49


TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS
Since January 1, 2019 we have not entered into or engaged in any related party transactions, as defined by the SEC, with our directors, officers, and stockholders who beneficially owned more than 5% of our outstanding common stock, as well as affiliates or immediate family members of those directors, officers, and stockholders, except with respect to the April 2020 Private Placement and July 2020 Private Placement. As discussed in further detail in Item 5 of Part II of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, on December 23, 2019, we entered into the December 2019 Securities Purchase Agreement with Baker Brothers, pursuant to which we issued and sold shares of our Series B1 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share and warrants to purchase shares of our common stock, for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $3.9 million. As discussed in further detail in Item 5 and Note 8 of the StateNotes to Financial Statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, on April 7, 2020, we entered into the April 2020 Securities Purchase Agreement and on July 13, 2020, we entered into the July 2020 Securities Purchase Agreement, each with Pillar, pursuant to which we issued and sold shares of Delaware setting forthour common stock, par value $0.01 per share, warrants and prefunded warrants to purchase shares of our common stock, for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $15.1 million.
Policies and Procedures for Related Person Transactions
Our board of directors is committed to upholding the highest legal and ethical conduct in fulfilling its responsibilities and recognizes that related party transactions can present a proposed amendmentheightened risk of potential or actual conflicts of interest. Accordingly, as a general matter, it is our preference to the Restated Certificate of Incorporationavoid related party transactions.
In accordance with our audit committee charter, members of the Corporation, as amended,audit committee, all of whom are independent directors, review and declaring said amendmentapprove all related party transactions for which approval is required under applicable laws or regulations, including SEC and the Nasdaq Listing Rules. Current SEC rules define a related party transaction for smaller reporting companies to include any transaction, arrangement, or relationship in which we are a participant and the amount involved is the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of total assets, and in which any of the following persons has or will have a direct or indirect interest:

our executive officers, directors, or director nominees;

any person who is known to be advisable. The stockholdersthe beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock;

any person who is an immediate family member, as defined under Item 404 of Regulation S-K, of any of our executive officers, directors, or director nominees or beneficial owners of more than 5% of our common stock; or

any firm, corporation, or other entity in which any of the Corporation duly approved said proposed amendmentforegoing persons is employed or is a partner or principal or in a similar position or in which such person, together with any other of the foregoing persons, has a 5% or greater beneficial ownership interest.
Under our code of business conduct and ethics, our directors, officers, and employees are expected to avoid any relationship, influence or activity that would cause or even appear to cause a conflict of interest. Under our code of business conduct and ethics, a director is required to promptly disclose to our board of directors any potential or actual conflict of interest involving him or her. In accordance with Section 242our code of business conduct and ethics, the board of directors will determine an appropriate resolution on a case-by-case basis. All directors must recuse themselves from any discussion or decision affecting their personal, business, or professional interests. In addition, the audit committee is responsible for reviewing with our primary counsel the results of their review of the General Corporation Lawmonitoring of compliance with our code of business conduct and ethics.

50


DELINQUENT SECTION 16(A) REPORTS
Section 16(a) of the StateExchange Act requires our directors, officers, and the holders of Delaware. The resolution setting forthmore than 10% of our common stock, which we refer to collectively as reporting persons, to file with the amendment is as follows:

SEC initial reports of ownership of our common stock and other equity securities on a Form 3 and reports of changes in such ownership on a Form 4 or Form 5. To our knowledge, based solely on reports filed on EDGAR and written representations by the persons required to file these reports, during 2020, the reporting persons complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements, except that Forms 4 filed by Messrs. Dougherty, Geraghty, Goldberg, and Pien, Dr. Csimma, Ms. Schafer, and Dr. Gowen, with respect to their annual grant of options on May 12, 2020 pursuant to our Director Compensation Policy, were each filed three days late, on May 19, 2020 due to an administrative error.

RESOLVED:That the first paragraph of Article FOURTH of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as amended, be and hereby is deleted in its entirety and the following is inserted in lieu thereof:
51


"FOURTH. Effective upon the effective time of this Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "Effective Time"), a one-for-        1 reverse stock split of the Corporation's common stock, $.001 par value per share (the "Common Stock"), shall become effective, pursuant to which each        2 shares of Common Stock issued or outstanding (including treasury shares) immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be reclassified and combined into one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of Common Stock automatically and without any action by the Corporation or the holder thereof upon the Effective Time and shall represent one share of Common Stock from and after the Effective Time (such reclassification and combination of shares, the "Reverse Stock Split"). The par value of the Common Stock following the Reverse Stock Split shall remain at $.001 per share. No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued as a result of the Reverse Stock Split and, in lieu thereof, upon surrender after the Effective Time of a certificate which formerly represented shares of Common Stock that were issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, any person who would otherwise be entitled to a fractional share of Common Stock as a result of the Reverse Stock Split, following the Effective Time, shall be entitled to receive a cash payment (without interest) equal to the fraction of a share of Common Stock to which such holder would otherwise be entitled multiplied by the closing price per share of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market on the first trading day that commences after the Reverse Stock Split is effective on the Nasdaq Capital Market.


1
Shall be a whole number equalYour vote matters – here’s how to vote!You may vote online or greater than four and equal to or less than eight.

2
If a one-for-four reverse stock split, four.
If a one-for-five reverse stock split, five.
If a one-for-six reverse stock split, six.
If a one-for-seven reverse stock split, seven.
If a one-for-eight reverse stock split, eight.

Table of Contents

Each stock certificate that, immediately prior to the Effective Time, represented shares of Common Stock that were issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, from and after the Effective Time, automatically and without the necessity of presenting the same for exchange, represent that number of whole shares of Common Stock after the Effective Time into which the shares formerly represented by such certificate have been reclassified (as well as the right to receive cash in lieu of fractional shares of Common Stock as set forth above); provided, however, that each person of record holding a certificate that represented shares of Common Stock that were issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall receive, upon surrender of such certificate, if any, a written confirmation from the Corporation's transfer agent indicating the number of whole shares of Common Stock after the Effective Time into which the shares of Common Stock formerly represented by such certificate shall have been reclassified as well as any cash in lieu of fractional shares to which such holder may be entitled as set forth above.



The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is (i)                  (                )3 shares of Common Stock, $.001 par value per share, and (ii) Five Million (5,000,000) shares of Preferred Stock, $.01 par value per share ("Preferred Stock"), which may be issued from time to time in one or more series as set forth in Part B of this Article FOURTH."

        SECOND: This Certificate of Amendment shall be effective at 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on                , 201 .


3
If stockholders only approve Proposal One (reverse stock split) and:

      If a one-for-four reverse stock split, 70,000,000.

      If a one-for-five reverse stock split, 56,000,000.

      If a one-for-six reverse stock split, 46,666,666.

      If a one-for-seven reverse stock split, 40,000,000.

      If a one-for-eight reverse stock split, 35,000,000.

If stockholders approve both Proposal One (reverse stock split) and Proposal Two (increase in authorized shares) and:

      If a one-for-four reverse stock split, 140,000,000.

      If a one-for-five reverse stock split, 112,000,000.

      If a one-for-six reverse stock split, 93,333,333.

      If a one-for-seven reverse stock split, 80,000,000.

      If a one-for-eight reverse stock split, 70,000,000.


Table of Contents

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Certificate of Amendment to be signed by its duly authorized officer this      day of                , 201 .

IDERA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

By:



Vincent J. Milano
President and Chief Executive Officer


MMMMMMMMMMMM . MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM C123456789 Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 000004 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext ENDORSEMENT_LINE______________ SACKPACK_____________ Electronic Voting Instructions Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Insteadphone instead of mailing your proxy, you may choose one of the voting methods outlined below to vote your proxy. VALIDATION DETAILS ARE LOCATED BELOW IN THE TITLE BAR. Proxiesthis card. Votes submitted by the Internet or telephoneelectronically must be received by June 7, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.P.M., Eastern Time, on January 3, 2018. MR A SAMPLE DESIGNATION (IF ANY) ADD 1 ADD 2 ADD 3 ADD 4 ADD 5 ADD 6 Vote by Internet •Time. Go to www.investorvote.com/If no electrwww.inveonic vstoorvotting, e.com/IDRA • Oror scan Online delethe QR cte QR cΔ≈ode — login deode and cotntrails arol #e located in the QR code with your smartphone • Follow the steps outlined on the secure website Vote by telephone • Callshaded bar below. PhoneCall toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories, & Canada on a touch tone telephone • Follow the instructions provided by the recorded messageand Canada.Save paper, time, and money! Sign up for electronic delivery atwww.investorvote.com/IDRA Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. q IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION,1234 5678 9012 345 2021 Annual Meeting Proxy Card qIF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q + ForAgainst Abstain Proposals — The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR each of the Class II director nominees listed below and FOR Proposals 12 and 3. 1. Election of Directors 01 - James A. Geraghty 02 - Maxine Gowen, Ph.D.For Withhold For Withhold 2. Approval of the advisory vote on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers for 2020. For Against Abstain 1. Approval of an amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to effect a reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding common stock by a whole number ratio of not less than 1-for-4 and not more than 1-for-8, such ratio and the implementation and timing of such reverse stock split to be determined in the discretion of our board of directors at any time prior to our 2018 annual meeting of stockholders, and, in connection therewith, to decrease the number of authorized shares of our common stock on a basis proportional to the reverse stock split ratio. 2. Approval of an amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to set the number of authorized shares of our common stock at a number determined by calculating the product of 280,000,000 multiplied by two times (2x) the reverse stock split ratio. This Proposal 2 is subject to approval by our stockholders3. Ratification of the amendment to our Restated Certificateselection of Incorporation,Ernst & Young LLP as amended, effecting the reverse stock split as set forth in Proposal 1 and, therefore, will not be implemented unless Proposal 1 is approved and such reverse stock split is implemented. Non-Voting Items Change of Address — Please print new address below. Comments — Please print your comments below.Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021. For Against Abstain Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Datecount. Please date and Sign Belowsign below. Please sign this proxy exactly as your name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign personally. Trustees and other fiduciaries should indicate the capacity in which they sign. If a corporation or partnership, this signature should be that of an authorized officer who should state his or her title. Datetitle.Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box. MMMMMMMCC 1234567890 J N T MR A SAMPLE (THIS AREA IS SET UP TO ACCOMMODATE 140 CHARACTERS) MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND +J N T 22CV 5 0 1 U P X3 5 2777

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IDERA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERSTuesday, June 8, 4 3 1 02PG9A MMMMMMMMM C B A Special Meeting Proxy Card1234 5678 9012 345 X IMPORTANT SPECIAL MEETING INFORMATION


. q IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION,20219:00 a.m., Eastern Timevia teleconference Phone: (844) 882-7837International: (574) 990-9824Conference ID: 1120087 Small steps make an impact.Help the environment by consenting to receive electronic delivery, sign up at www.investorvote.com/IDRA qIF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q Proxy — IDERA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. PROXY SOLICITEDqIF VOTING BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Special Meeting of Stockholders — January 4, 2018 Those signing on the reverse side, revoking all prior proxies, hereby appoint(s) Mr. Vincent J. Milano, Mr. Louis J. Arcudi, III and Mr. Mark J. Casey, or each or any of them with full power of substitution, as proxies for those signing on the reverse side to act and vote all shares of stock of Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present at the Special Meeting of Stockholders of Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Meeting”) and at any adjournment or postponement thereof as indicated upon all matters referred to on the reverse side and described in the Proxy Statement for the Meeting, and, in their discretion, upon any other matters which may properly come before the Meeting. Attendance of the undersigned at the Meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof will not be deemed to revoke this proxy unless those signing on the reverse side shall revoke this proxy in writing. THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED BY THE STOCKHOLDER(S) SIGNING THE REVERSE SIDE AND IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXIES UPON ANY OTHER MATTERS WHICH PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING. IF NO INDICATION IS MADE, THE PROXIES SHALL VOTE “FOR” PROPOSALS NUMBERED 1 AND 2. PLEASE VOTE, DATE ANDMAIL, SIGN, ON OTHER SIDE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE VOTE TODAY.

MMMMMMMMMMMM . Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. q PLEASE FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q + ForAgainst Abstain Proposals — The2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. June 8, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Timevia teleconference Phone: (844) 882-7837International: (574) 990-9824Conference ID: 1120087 This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR Proposals 1 and 2. For Against Abstain 1. Approval of an amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to effect a reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding common stock by a whole number ratio of not less than 1-for-4 and not more than 1-for-8, such ratio andfor use at the implementation and timing of such reverse stock split to be determined in the discretion of our board of directors at any time prior to our 2018 annual meeting of stockholders, and, in connection therewith, to decrease the number of authorized shares of our common stock on a basis proportional to the reverse stock split ratio. 2. Approval of an amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to set the number of authorized shares of our common stock at a number determined by calculating the product of 280,000,000 multiplied by two times (2x) the reverse stock split ratio. This Proposal 2 is subject to approval by our stockholders of the amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, effecting the reverse stock split as set forth in Proposal 1 and, therefore, will not be implemented unless Proposal 1 is approved and such reverse stock split is implemented. Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below Please sign this proxy exactly as your name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign personally. Trustees and other fiduciaries should indicate the capacity in which they sign. If a corporation or partnership, this signature should be that of an authorized officer who should state his or her title. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box. + 1 U P X 3 5 2 8 4 3 2 02PGAA MMMMMMMMM B A Special Meeting Proxy Card X IMPORTANT SPECIAL MEETING INFORMATION


. q PLEASE FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q Proxy — IDERA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. PROXY SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS SpecialAnnual Meeting of Stockholders — January 4, 2018 Those signing on the reverse side, revoking all prior proxies,Stockholders.The undersigned hereby appoint(s)appoints Mr. Vincent J. Milano Mr. Louis J. Arcudi, III and Mr. MarkJohn J. Casey, orKirby, and each or any of them, with full power of substitution, as proxies for those signing on the reverse side to act and vote all shares of stock of Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. which the undersigned would be entitled to vote, if personally present atas designated below, all the Special Meeting of Stockholdersshares of Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Meeting”“Company”) and at any adjournment or postponement thereof as indicated upon all matters referred to on the reverse side and described in the Proxy Statement for the Meeting, and, in their discretion, upon any other matters which may properly come before the Meeting. Attendancecommon stock held of record by the undersigned at the close of business on April 12, 2021, at the 2021 Annual Meeting orof Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting"), to be held on June 8, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time via teleconference (as set forth above), and at any adjournmentand all adjournments or postponement thereofpostponements thereof. The undersigned hereby revokes any and all earlier dated proxies with respect to the Annual Meeting. This proxy, when properly executed, will not be deemed to revokevoted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned. If no direction is made, this proxy unless those signingwill be voted FOR each of the nominees for election as a Class II member of the Board of Directors, FOR the approval of the advisory vote on the reverse side shall revokecompensation of the Company’s named executive officers for 2020, and FOR the ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021.If any other business is presented at the Annual Meeting, including matters incidental to the conduct of the meeting or otherwise, this proxy will be voted by those named in this proxy in writing. THIStheir best judgment. At the present time, the Board of Directors knows of no other business to be presented at the Annual Meeting.THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNERAS DIRECTED BY THE STOCKHOLDER(S) SIGNING THE REVERSE SIDE AND IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXIES UPON ANY OTHER MATTERS WHICH PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING.OR, IF NO INDICATIONDIRECTION IS MADE,GIVEN, WILL BE VOTED AS THE PROXIES SHALL VOTE “FOR” PROPOSALS NUMBERED 1 AND 2. PLEASE VOTE, DATE AND SIGN ON OTHER SIDE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE VOTE TODAY.BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS.See reverse for voting instructions. C Non-Voting Items Change of Address — Please print new address below. Meeting Attendance Mark box to the right if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting by conference call.

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