UNITED STATES


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment
(Amendment No. __)

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Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12

ARTARA THERAPEUTICS, INC.

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PROTEON THERAPEUTICS, INC.S

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ARTARA THERAPEUTICS, INC.

Proteon Therapeutics, Inc.1 Little West 12th Street
New York, New York 10014

200 West Street

Waltham, MA 02451

NOTICE OF 2018 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To Be Held On June 9, 2020

The 2018To the Stockholders of ArTara Therapeutics, Inc.:

On behalf of our board of directors, you are cordially invited to attend the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of ProteonArTara Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”, we or “Proteon”). The Annual Meeting will be held virtually, via live webcast athttp://www.meetingcenter.io/286843474, originating from New York, New York, on June 8, 2018,Tuesday, June9, 2020 at 11:12:00 a.m.p.m. Eastern Time. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, to support the health and well-being of our stockholders, employees and directors, and taking into account recent federal, state and local time (the “Annual Meeting”),guidance, the Annual Meeting will be held in a virtual meeting format only, via live webcast on the Internet, with no physical in-person meeting. Stockholders attending the virtual meeting will be afforded the same rights and opportunities to participate as they would at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, One Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110 foran in-person meeting. We encourage you to attend online and participate in the purpose of consideringAnnual Meeting, where you will be able to listen to the following two company-sponsored proposals:

1.To elect Timothy P. Noyes, Garen Bohlin and John G. Freund, M.D., as Class I members of the Board of Directors (each a “Class I director”), each to serve for a three-year term until the Company’s 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified; and

2.To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for Proteon for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018.

meeting live, submit questions and vote. We will also consider and act upon any other mattersrecommend that properly comeyou log in a few minutes before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.on June9, 2020 to ensure you are logged in when the Annual Meeting starts.

The Annual Meeting will be held for the following purposes:

Our Board1.      To elect two Class III directors, Jesse Shefferman and Scott Braunstein, M.D., each to hold office until our Annual Meeting of Directors (the “Board”) recommends that you vote “FOR” eachStockholders in 2023;

2.      To ratify the selection by the audit committee of the nominees for Class I director (Proposal No. 1) and “FOR” ratificationour board of the proposeddirectors of Marcum LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm (Proposal No. 2).for our fiscal year ending December31, 2020;

3.      To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers, as disclosed in the accompanying proxy statement;

The Board has fixed4.      To indicate, on an advisory basis, the closepreferred frequency of stockholder advisory votes on the compensation of our named executive officers; and

5.      To conduct any other business properly brought before the Annual Meeting.

These items of business on April 20, 2018 asare more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice.

The record date for determiningthe Annual Meeting is April13, 2020. Only stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the 2018 Annual Meeting. Therefore, each outstanding share of Proteon’s common stock (Nasdaq: PRTO) entitles the holder of record of such shares at the close of business on April 20, 2018 to receive notice of, and tothat date may vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.

By Order of the Board of Directors

Ashley Garry
Corporate Secretary

New York, New York
April23, 2020

You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting. Whether or not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting, PLEASE VOTE YOUR SHARES. As an alternative to voting online at the Annual Meeting, you may vote your shares in advance of the Annual Meeting via the internet, by telephone or, if you receive a paper proxy card by mailing the completed proxy card. Voting instructions are provided in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, or, if you receive a paper proxy card by mail, the instructions are printed on your proxy card.

Even if you have voted by proxy, you may still vote online if you attend the Annual Meeting. Please note, however, that if your shares are held of record by a broker, bank or other agent and you wish to vote at the Annual Meeting, you must follow the instructions from such organization and will need to obtain a proxy issued in your name from that record holder.

i

ARTARA THERAPEUTICS, INC.

1 Little West 12th Street
New York, New York 10014

PROXY STATEMENT
FOR THE 2020 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To Be Held On June 9, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Our board of directors is soliciting your proxy to vote at the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of ArTara Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation, to be held virtually, via live webcast athttp://www.meetingcenter.io/286843474, originating from New York, New York, on Tuesday, June9, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and any adjournment or postponement thereof. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, to support the health and well-being of our stockholders, employees and directors, and taking into account recent federal, state and local guidance, the Annual Meeting will be held in a virtual meeting format only, via live webcast on the Internet, with no physical in-person meeting. Stockholders attending the virtual meeting will be afforded the same rights and opportunities to participate as they would at an in-person meeting.

For the Annual Meeting, we have elected to furnish our proxy materials, including this proxy statement and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December31, 2019 (the “Annual Report”), to our stockholders primarily via the internet. On or about April23, 2020, we expect to mail to our stockholders aNotice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) that contains notice of the Annual Meeting and instructions on how to access our proxy materials on the internet, how to vote at the Annual Meeting, and how to request printed copies of the proxy materials. Stockholders may request to receive all future materials in printed form by mail or electronically by e-mail by following the instructions contained in the Notice. A stockholder’s election to receive proxy materials by mail or email will remain in effect until revoked. We encourage stockholders to take advantage of the availability of the proxy materials on the internet to help reduce the environmental impact and cost of our Annual Meeting.

Only stockholders of record of our common stock at the close of business on April13, 2020 (the “Record Date”) will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. On the Record Date, there were 5,843,203shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote (together, the “common stock”). A list of stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be available for examination during normal business hours for ten days before the Annual Meeting at our address above. To the extent office access is impracticable due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, you may email us atinfo@artaratx.com for alternative arrangements. The stockholder list will also be available online during the Annual Meeting. If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting online, please see the instructions on page 2 of this proxy statement.

In this proxy statement, we refer to ArTara Therapeutics, Inc. as “ArTara,” “we” or “us” and the board of directors of ArTara as “our board of directors.” The Annual Report, which contains consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended December31, 2019, accompanies this proxy statement. You also may obtain a copy of the Annual Report without charge by writing to our Secretary at 1 Little West 12th Street, New York, New York 10014, Attention: Secretary or emailinginfo@artaratx.com.

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THESE PROXY MATERIALS AND VOTING

Why did I receivea notice regarding the availability of proxy materials on the internet?

Pursuant to rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), we have elected to provide access to our proxy materials over the internet. Accordingly, we have sent you the Notice because our board of directors is soliciting your proxy to vote at the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, including at any adjournments or postponements thereof. All stockholders holding our common stock will have the ability to access the proxy materials on the website referred to in the Notice or to request a printed set of the proxy materials. Instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the internet or to request a printed copy may be found in the Notice.

We intend to mail the Notice on or about April23, 2020 to all stockholders of record entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

Will I receive any other proxy materials by mail?

We may send you a proxy card, along with a second Notice, on or after May3, 2020.

How do I attend, participate in, and ask questions during the virtual Annual Meeting?

We will be hosting the Annual Meeting via live webcast only. Any holder of record of shares of our common stock can attend the virtual Annual Meeting live online athttp://www.meetingcenter.io/286843474. The meeting will start at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on Tuesday, June9, 2020. Stockholders attending the Annual Meeting will be afforded the same rights and opportunities to participate as they would at an in-person meeting.

In order to enter the Annual Meeting, you will need the control number, which is included in the Notice or on your proxy card if you are a stockholder of record of shares of common stock, or included with your voting instruction card and voting instructions received from your broker, bank or other agent if you hold your shares of common stock in a “street name.” Instructions on how to attend and participate online are available athttp://www.meetingcenter.io/286843474. We recommend that you log in a few minutes before 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time to ensure you are logged in when the Annual Meeting starts. The webcast will open 15 minutes before the start of the Annual Meeting.

If you would like to submit a question, you may do so no earlier than five days prior to the Annual Meeting, or you may otherwise do so during the Annual Meeting. If you would like to submit your question any time before or during the Annual Meeting, you may log in tohttp://www.meetingcenter.io/286843474 and enter your control number and meeting password as shown on the Notice. Once past the login screen, click on the question icon at the top of the page. You may then type your question into the question bar at the bottom of the screen, and click the icon to the right of the question bar to submit the question.

AllTo help ensure that we have a productive and efficient meeting, and in fairness to all stockholders in attendance, you will also find posted our rules of conduct for the Annual Meeting when you log in prior to its start. These rules of conduct will include the following guidelines:

•        You may submit questions and comments electronically through the meeting portal or by calling the toll-free number listed there during the Annual Meeting.

•        Only stockholders of record as of the Record Date for the Annual Meeting and their proxy holders may submit questions or comments.

•        Please direct all questions to Jesse Shefferman, our Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer.

•        Please include your name and affiliation, if any, when submitting a question or comment.

•        Limit your remarks to one brief question or comment that is relevant to the Annual Meeting and/or our business.

•        Questions may be grouped by topic by our management.

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•        Questions may also be ruled as out of order if they are, among other things, irrelevant to our business, related to pending or threatened litigation, disorderly, repetitious of statements already made, or in furtherance of the speaker’s own personal, political or business interests.

•        Be respectful of your fellow stockholders and Annual Meeting participants.

•        No audio or video recordings of the Annual Meeting are permitted.

Who can vote at the Annual Meeting?

Only stockholders of record date, or their duly appointed proxies, may attendof our common stock at the meeting. If you attend, youclose of business on the Record Date, April13, 2020 will be askedentitled to present valid picture identification such as a driver’s license or passport. vote at the Annual Meeting. On the Record Date, there were 5,843,203shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote.

Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name

If, on the Record Date, your Proteonshares of our common stock is heldwere registered directly in a brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee,your name with our transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., then you are considered the beneficial ownera stockholder of shares held in street name, and this Proxy Statement is being forwarded to you by your broker or nominee.record. As a result, your name does not appear on our liststockholder of stockholders. If your stock is heldrecord, you may vote online during the Annual Meeting or vote by proxy in street name, in addition to picture identification, you should bring with you a letter or account statement showing that you were the beneficial owner of the stock on the record date, in order to be admitted to the meeting.

advance. Whether or not you expectplan to attend the meeting,Annual Meeting, we urge you to vote your shares by proxy in advance of the Annual Meeting electronically through the internet, by telephone or by signing, datingcompleting and returning a printed proxy card (if you request a printed proxy card in accordance with the instructions provided in the Notice).

Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker or Bank

If, on the Record Date, your shares of our common stock were held, not in your name, but rather in an account at a brokerage firm, bank or other similar organization, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” and the Notice isbeing forwarded to you by that organization. The organization holding your account is considered to be the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Annual Meeting. As a beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or other agent regarding how to vote the shares in your account. You are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting. However, since you are not the stockholder of record, you may vote your shares online during the Annual Meeting only by following the instructions from such organization and after obtaining a valid proxy from your broker, bank or other agent.

What am I voting on?

There are four matters scheduled for a vote:

•        Proposal 1:    Election of two Class III directors, each to serve until our annual meeting of stockholders in 2023; and

•        Proposal 2:    Ratification of the selection by the audit committee of our board of directors of Marcum LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for our fiscal year ending December31, 2020.

•        Proposal 3:    Approval, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers, as disclosed in the proxy card includedstatement

•        Proposal 4:    Advisory indication of the preferred frequency of stockholder advisory votes on the compensation of our named executive officers.

What if another matter is properly brought before the Annual Meeting?

Our board of directors knows of no other matters that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in these materials.the accompanying proxy to vote on those matters in accordance with their best judgment.

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How do I vote?

The procedures for voting are fairly simple:

•        Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name.    If you chooseare a stockholder of record of our common stock, you may vote (1) in advance of the Annual Meeting by proxy through the internet, by telephone or by using a proxy card that you may request or that we may elect to deliver at a later time or (2) online during the Annual Meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy to ensure your vote is counted. You may still attend the Annual Meeting and vote your shares in person,online even if you have previouslyalready voted by proxy.

•        To vote in advance of the Annual Meeting through the internet, go towww.envisionreports.com/TARA to complete an electronic proxy card. You will be asked to provide the company number and control number from the Notice. Your internet vote must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time on Monday, June8, 2020 to be counted.

•        To vote online during the Annual Meeting, follow the provided instructions to join the Annual Meeting athttp://www.meetingcenter.io/286843474, starting at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, June9, 2020. The webcast will open 15 minutes before the start of the Annual Meeting.

•        To vote in advance of the Annual Meeting by telephone, dial 1-800-652-VOTE, which isthe number found on the Notice or returnedthe printed proxy card that may be delivered to you using a touch-tone phone and follow the recorded instructions. You will be asked to provide the company number and control number from the Notice or the printed proxy card. Your telephone vote must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time on Monday, June8, 2020 to be counted.

•        To vote in advance of the Annual Meeting using a printed proxy card that may be delivered to you, simply complete, sign and date the proxy card and return it promptly in the envelope provided. If you return your signed proxy card to us by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time on Monday, June8, 2020, we will vote your shares as you direct at the Annual Meeting.

•        Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of Broker or Bank.    If you are a beneficial owner of shares of our common stock registered in the name of your broker, bank or other agent, you should have received a Notice containing voting instructions from that organization rather than from us. Simply follow the voting instructions in the Notice to ensure that your vote is counted. To vote online during the Annual Meeting, you must follow the instructions from your broker, bank or other agent and will need to obtain a proxy issued in your name from that record holder.

Internet proxy voting in advance of the Annual Meeting and/or Internet voting during the Annual Meeting allows you to vote your shares online, with procedures designed to ensure the authenticity and correctness of your proxy vote instructions. Please be aware that you must bear any costs associated with your internet access.

Can I vote my shares by filling out and returning the Notice?

No. The Notice identifies the items to be voted on at the Annual Meeting, but you cannot vote by marking the Notice and returning it. The Notice provides instructions on how to vote by proxy in advance of the Annual Meeting through the internet, by telephone, by using a printed proxy card or by submitting a ballot online during the Annual Meeting.

What does it mean if I receive more than one Notice?

If you receive more than one Notice, your shares of our common stock may be registered in more than one name or in different accounts. Please follow the voting instructions on all of the Notices that you receive to ensure that all of your shares are voted.

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Can I change my vote after submitting my proxy?

•        Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name.    If you are a stockholder of record of our common stock, then yes, you can revoke your proxy byat any time before the final vote at the Annual Meeting. You may revoke your proxy in any one of the methods describedfollowing ways:

•        Submit another properly completed proxy card with a later date.

•        Grant a subsequent proxy by telephone or through the internet.

•        Send a timely written notice that you are revoking your proxy to our Secretary at 1 Little West 12th Street, New York, New York 10014, Attention: Secretary or via email atinfo@artaratx.com.

•        Attend the Annual Meeting and vote online during the meeting. Simply attending the Annual Meeting will not, by itself, revoke your proxy. Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we recommend that you also submit your proxy or voting instructions or vote by telephone or through the internet in this Proxy Statement.advance of the Annual Meeting so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the Annual Meeting.

Your most current proxy card or telephone or internet proxy is the one that is counted.

•        Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of Broker or Bank.    If you are a beneficial owner of shares of our common stock and your shares are held in street name in a“street name” by your broker, bank or brokerage account, please refer toother agent, you should follow the materialsinstructions provided by your broker, bank broker or other nominee for voting instructions.agent.

All stockholders are extendedIf I am a cordial invitation to attend the meeting.

By Order of the Board of Directors
Timothy P. Noyes
Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
April 26, 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

PROXY STATEMENT1
GENERAL INFORMATION1
PROPOSAL NO. 1— ELECTION OF DIRECTORS5
BOARD OF DIRECTORS6
Board Composition and Structure6
Director Biographies7
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE10
Director Independence10
Board Meetings, Attendance and Executive Sessions10
Board of Directors Leadership Structure10
The Board of Directors’ Role in Risk Oversight11
Board Committees11
Policies Governing Director Nominations14
Communication with the Board of Directors15
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation16
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Corporate Governance Guidelines16
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS17
Executive Officer Biographies17
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION19
Overview19
Elements of Executive Compensation19
Summary Compensation Table21
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End22
Retirement Benefits23
Employment Agreements23
Compensation Consultant24

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION26
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT28
PROPOSAL NO. 2 — RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM29
Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm29
Principal Accountant Fees and Services29
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT31
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS36
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE38
GENERAL MATTERS39
Availability of Certain Documents39
Stockholders Sharing an Address / Household39
Stockholder Proposals and Nominations39
Other Matters39

Proteon Therapeutics, Inc.

200 West Street

Waltham, MA 02451

PROXY STATEMENT FOR 2018 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To Be Held On Friday, June 8, 2018 at 11:00 am EDT

At the officesstockholder of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP,

At One Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110

GENERAL INFORMATION

When are this proxy statementrecord and the accompanying material scheduled to be sent to stockholders?

This proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”) and accompanyingI do not vote, or if I return a proxy card or for shares held in street name (held for your account by a broker or other nominee),otherwise vote without giving specific voting instruction form, are scheduled to be first sent to stockholders beginning on or about May 1, 2018.

Who is soliciting my vote?

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Proteon Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”, “we” or “Proteon”) is soliciting your vote for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

When is the record date for the Annual Meeting?

Proteon’s Board has fixed the record date for the Annual Meeting as of the close of business on April 20, 2018.

How many votes can be cast by all stockholders?

A total of 17,674,729 shares of common stock of Proteon were outstanding on April 20, 2018 and are entitled to be voted at the Annual Meeting. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote on each matter presented at the Annual Meeting. There is no cumulative voting.

How do I vote?

instructions, what happens?

If you are a stockholder of record of our common stock and your shares are registered directly in your name, you may vote:

By Internet. You maydo not vote by proxy viathrough the internet, at www.investorvote.com/PRTO by following the instructions provided on the proxy card.

By Telephone. If you live in the United States or Canada, you may votetelephone, by proxy by calling toll-free 1-800-652- VOTE (8683) and by following the instructions provided on the proxy card. You must have the control number that is included oncompleting the proxy card when voting.
that may be delivered to you or online during the Annual Meeting, your shares will not be voted.

By Mail. CompleteIf you return a signed and mail yourdated proxy card in the postage prepaid envelope you receive, and return the proxy card to Computershare, P.O. BOX 30170, College Station, TX, 77842-3170. Your proxyor otherwise vote without marking voting selections, your shares will be voted in accordance with your instructions. If you sign and return the enclosed proxy but do not otherwise specify how you want your shares voted, they will be votedrecommendations of our board of directors:FOR” the election of each of the Class Itwo nominees for director, nominees named herein to the Board and FOR” the ratification of Ernst & Youngthe selection of Marcum LLP as Proteon’sour independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018December31, 2020, “FOR” the advisory approval of executive compensation and will be voted accordingfor “1 YEAR” as the preferred frequency of advisory votes to the discretion of the proxy holder named in the proxy card uponapprove executive compensation. If any other business that maymatter is properly be brought before the meeting and at all adjournments and postponements thereof.

In Person at the Meeting. If you attend the meeting, you must bring a form of personal picture identification with you. You may deliver your completed proxy card in person, or you may vote by completing a ballot, which will be available at the meeting. Directions to the Annual Meeting are included on the form of proxy card included herein.

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If your shares of common stock are held in street name (held for your account by a broker or other nominee), you may vote:

By Internet or By Telephone.You will receive instructions from your broker or other nominee if you are permitted to vote by internet or telephone.
By Mail.You will receive instructions from your broker or other nominee explaining how to vote your shares.

In Person at the Meeting. If you attend the meeting, in addition to picture identification, you should bring both an account statement or a letter from the record holder indicating that you owned the shares as of the record date,andcontact the broker or other nominee who holds your shares to obtain a broker’s proxy card and bring it with you to the meeting.

What are the Board’s recommendations on how to vote my shares?

The Board recommends a vote:

Proposal 1:FOR” the election of Timothy P. Noyes, Garen Bohlin and John G. Freund, M.D., as Class I members of the Board
(the “Class I directors”).

Proposal 2:FOR” ratification of selection of Ernst & Young LLP as Proteon’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018.

Who pays the cost for soliciting proxies?

Proteon will bear the cost of solicitation of proxies. This includes the charges and expenses of brokerage firms and others for forwarding solicitation material to beneficial owners of our outstanding common stock. Proteon may solicit proxies by mail, personal interview, telephone or via the internet through its officers, directors and other management employees, who will receive no additional compensation for their services.

Can I change or revoke my vote?

You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted by notifying the Secretary of Proteon in writing at the principal executive offices, by returning a signed proxy with a later date, by transmitting a subsequent vote over the internet or by telephone prior to the close of the internet voting facility or the telephone voting facility, or by attending the meeting and voting in person. If your stock is held in street name, you must contact your broker or nominee for instructions as to how to change or revoke your vote.

How is a quorum reached?

The presence, in person or by proxy, of holders of at least a majority of the issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote is necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and “broker non-votes,” if any, will be counted as present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present for the transaction of business at the meeting.

“Broker non-votes” are shares representedpresented at the Annual Meeting, held by brokers, bankers or other nominees (i.e., in “street name”) and do not voteyour proxyholder (one of the individuals named on a particular proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary voting power with respect to that item and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner. Generally, brokerage firms may vote to ratify the selection of independent auditors and on other “discretionary” or “routine” items. In contrast, brokerage firms may not vote to elect directors, because those proposals are considered “non-discretionary” items. Accordingly, if you do not instruct your broker how toproxy card) will vote your shares on “non-discretionary” matters, yourusing his or her best judgment.

If I am a beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” and I do not provide my broker, will not be permitted to vote your shares on these matters. This isbank or other agent with voting instructions, what happens?

If you are a “broker non- vote.”

What vote is required to approve each item?

Required Vote - Election of Directors (Proposal No. 1). Directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast, present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors. This means that the three individuals receiving the highest number of “FOR” votes will be elected as directors. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not be treated as votes cast for this purpose and, therefore, will not affect the outcome of the election.

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Required Vote - Ratification of the Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Proposal No. 2). The affirmative vote of a majoritybeneficial owner of shares of our common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the selection of independent auditors, is required to ratify the selection of our independent auditors. An abstention is treated as present and entitled to vote and, therefore, has the effect of a vote “against” ratification of the independent auditors. Because the ratification of the independent auditors is routine matter, a nominee holding shares in street name may vote on this proposal in the absence of instructions from the beneficial owner.

If there are insufficient votes to approve these proposals,do not instruct your proxy may be voted by the persons named in the proxy card to adjourn the Annual Meeting in order to solicit additional proxies in favor of the approval of such proposal(s). If the Annual Meeting is adjourned or postponed for any purpose, at any subsequent reconvening of the meeting, your proxy will be voted in the same manner as it would have been voted at the original convening of the Annual Meeting unless you withdraw or revoke your proxy.

Could other matters be decided at the Annual Meeting?

Proteon does not know of any other matters that may be presented for action at the Annual Meeting. Should any other business properly come before the meeting, the persons named on the enclosed proxy will have discretionary authority to vote the shares represented by such proxies in accordance with their best judgment to the same extent as the person signing the proxy would be entitled to vote. If you hold shares through a broker, bank or other agent how to vote your shares, the question of whether your broker or nominee as described above, they will notstill be able to vote your shares depends on any other business that comes beforewhether, pursuant to stock exchange rules, the Annual Meeting unless they receive instructions from you with respect to such matter.

What happens if the meetingparticular proposal is postponed or adjourned?

Your proxy may be voted at the postponed or adjourned meeting. You will still be able to change your proxy until it is voted.

What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy card or voting instruction form?

It means that you have multiple accounts at the transfer agent or with brokers. Please complete and return all proxy cards or voting instruction forms to ensure that all of your shares are voted.

Where can I find the voting results of the meeting?

The preliminary voting results will be announced at the Annual Meeting. The final results will be disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K within four business days after the meeting date.

What are the implications of being an “emerging growth company?”

We are an “emerging growth company” as that term is used in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act of 2012 and, as such, have elected to comply with certain reduced public company reporting requirements. These reduced reporting requirements include reduced disclosure about Proteon’s executive compensation arrangements and no non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the completion of our initial public offering on October 27, 2014, (b) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.0 billion, or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means“routine” matter. Brokers and nominees can use their discretion to vote “uninstructed” shares with respect to matters that are considered to be “routine,” but not with respect to “non-routine” matters. Under applicable rules and interpretations, “non-routine” matters are matters that may substantially affect the market valuerights or privileges of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 millionstockholders, such as mergers, stockholder proposals, elections of the prior June 30th,directors (even if not contested), executive compensation, and (2) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period.

Who should I callcertain corporate governance proposals, even if I have any additional questions?

If you hold your shares directly, please call Matthew P. Kowalsky, Secretary of the Company, at (781) 890-0102. If your shares are held in street name, please contact the telephone number provided on your voting instruction form or contactmanagement-supported. Accordingly, your broker or nominee holder directly.

3

may vote your shares of common stock on Proposal 2. Your broker or nominee, however, may not vote your shares on Proposals1, 3 or 4 without your instructions. Such an event would result in a “broker non-vote” and these shares will not be counted as having been voted on Proposals1, 3 or 4. Please instruct your bank, broker or other agent to ensure that your vote will be counted.

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What are “broker non-votes”?

Important Notice RegardingAs discussed above, when a beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” does not give instructions to the Availability of Proxy Materials forbroker or nominee holding the

2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders shares as to how to vote on matters deemed to be Held on June 8, 2018“non-routine,” the broker or nominee cannot vote the shares. These unvoted shares are counted as “broker non-votes.”

As a reminder, if you a beneficial owner of shares held in “street name,” in order to ensure your shares are voted in the way you would prefer, youmust provide voting instructions to your broker, bank or other agent by the deadline provided in the materials you receive from such organization.

The NoticeHow are votes counted?

Votes will be counted by the inspector of 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, this Proxy Statement and our Annual Report on Form 10-K are available free of charge at http://www.edocumentview.com/PRTO or www.proteontherapuetics.com under “Investors & Media” at “SEC Filings.” Directions toelection appointed for the Annual Meeting, are included onwho will separately count, (i) for the form of Proxy Card included herein.

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PROPOSAL NO. 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

In accordanceproposal to elect directors, votes “FOR,” “WITHHOLD,” abstentions and broker non-votes; (ii) with Proteon’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws, the Board is divided into three classes of directors of approximately equal size. The members of each class of directors are elected to serve a three-year term with the term of office of each class ending in successive years. Timothy P. Noyes, Garen Bohlin and John G. Freund, M.D. are the Class I directors whose terms expire at Proteon’s 2018 Annual Meeting of stockholders. Each of Timothy P. Noyes, Garen Bohlin and John G. Freund, M.D. has been nominated for, and has agreed to stand for, re-electionrespect to the Boardproposal to serveratify the selection of Marcum LLP as a Class I directorour independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December31, 2020, votes “FOR,” “AGAINST” and abstentions; and (iii) with respect to the proposal to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of Proteonour named executive officers, votes “FOR,” “AGAINST,” abstentions and broker non-votes; and (iv) with respect to the proposal regarding frequency of stockholder advisory votes to approve executive compensation, votes for threefrequencies of “one year”, “two years, until” “three years”, abstentions and broker non-votes. For Proposal1, withhold votes, abstentions and broker non-votes have no effect. For Proposals 2 and3, an abstention will have the 2021 Annual Meetingsame effect as an “AGAINST” vote and until their successorsbroker non-votes will have no effect. For Proposal4, an abstention will have no effect and will not be counted towards the vote total and broker non-votes will have no effect.

How many votes are duly elected and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal.needed to approve each proposal?

It is intended that, unless you give contrary instructions, shares represented by proxies will be voted for•        Proposal 1:    For the election of eachdirectors, the two nominees receiving the most “FOR” votes from the holders of the three nominees listed above as director nominees. Proteon has no reason to believe that any nominee will be unable to serve. In the event that one or more nominees is unexpectedly not available to serve, proxies may be voted for another person nominated as a substituteshares present by the Board, or the Board may reduce the number of directors to be elected at the Annual Meeting. Information relating to each nominee for election as director and for each continuing director, including his or her period of service as a director of Proteon, principal occupation and other biographical material, is included below.

VOTE REQUIRED

A plurality of the votes cast, present in personvirtual attendance or represented by proxy at the meeting that areand entitled to vote on the election of directors will be required forelected. Only votes “FOR” will affect the electionoutcome.

•        Proposal 2:    To be approved, the ratification of the Class I director nominees. The three nomineesselection of Marcum LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for director withfiscal year ending December31, 2020 must receive “FOR” votes from the holders of a majority of shares present by virtual attendance or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the matter. Abstentions will have the same effect as an “AGAINST” vote. We do not expect any broker non-votes for Proposal 2.

•        Proposal 3:    To be approved, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers must receive “FOR” votes from the holders of a majority of shares present by virtual attendance or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the matter. Abstentions will have the same effect as an “AGAINST” vote and broker non-votes will have no effect.

•        Proposal 4:    For the advisory vote on the frequency of stockholder advisory votes on executive compensation, the frequency receiving the highest number of affirmative votes will be elected as directors. Broker non-votes and abstentions will not be treated as votes cast for this purpose and, therefore, will not affect the outcome of the election.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” EACH OF THESE NOMINEES FOR CLASS I DIRECTOR.

(PROPOSAL NO. 1 ON YOUR PROXY CARD)

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board Composition and Structure

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws state that our Board shall consist of a number of directors that shall be fixed exclusively by the Board from time to time in accordance with the bylaws of the Company. Each director holds office until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her death, incapacity, resignation or removal. Our certificate of incorporation provides that our directors may be removed only for cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of atshares present by virtual attendance or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the matter will be considered the frequency preferred by the stockholders. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect.

What is the quorum requirement?

A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. A quorum will be present if stockholders holdingat least 75% of the voting powera majority of the outstanding shares of capitalcommon stock of Proteon entitled to vote inare present at the electionAnnual Meeting by virtual attendance or represented by proxy. On the Record Date, there were 5,843,203shares of directorscommon stockoutstanding and entitled to vote.

Your shares of common stock will be counted towards the quorum only if you submit a valid proxy (or one is submitted on your behalf by your broker, bank or class of directors, voting together as a single class, at a meeting ofother agent) or if you vote online during the stockholders called for that purpose. Any vacancy inAnnual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted towards the Board, including a vacancy that results from an increase inquorum requirement. If there is no quorum, the number of directors, may be filled only by the voteholders of a majority of shares of common stock present at the remainingAnnual Meeting by virtual attendance or represented by proxy may adjourn the Annual Meeting to another date.

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How can I find out the results of the voting at the Annual Meeting?

Preliminary voting results will be announced at the Annual Meeting. In addition, final voting results will be published in a current report on Form 8-K that we expect to file within four business days after the Annual Meeting. If final voting results are not available to us in time to file a Form 8-K within four business days after the Annual Meeting, we intend to file a Form 8-K to publish preliminary results and, within four business days after the final results are known to us, file an additional Form 8-K to publish the final results.

When are stockholder proposals due for next year’s annual meeting?

To be considered for inclusion in next year’s proxy materials, your proposal must be submitted in writing by December24, 2020, to our Secretary at 1 Little West 12th Street, New York, New York 10014, Attention: Secretary.

Pursuant to our amended and restated bylaws, if you wish to submit a proposal (including a director nomination) at the 2021 annual meeting that is not to be included in next year’s proxy materials, you must do so not later than the close of business on March11, 2021 nor earlier than the close of business on February9, 2021. However, if the date of our 2021 annual meeting is not held between May10, 2021 and August18, 2021, to be timely, notice by the stockholder must be received not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the 2021 annual meeting is first made. You are also advised to review our amended and restated bylaws, which contain additional requirements about advance notice of stockholder proposals and director nominations.

Who is paying for this proxy solicitation?

We will pay for the cost of soliciting proxies. In addition to these proxy materials, our directors thenand employees may also solicit proxies in office, although less than a quorum,person, by telephone or by other means of communication. Directors and employees will not be paid additional compensation for soliciting proxies. We may reimburse brokers, banks and other agents for the sole remaining director.cost of forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners.

Why do you discuss a merger and a financing in this Proxy Statement?

Our certificate of incorporation provides that our Board is divided into three classes of directors, withOn January9, 2020, we (formerly Proteon Therapeutics, Inc.), and privately-held ArTara Subsidiary, Inc. (“Private ArTara”), completed the classes as nearly equal in number as possible. Each of our directors identified below serves in the class indicated. Subject to any earlier resignation or removalmerger and reorganization (the “Merger”), in accordance with the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated September23, 2019 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among the Company, Private ArTara and REM 1 Acquisition, Inc., our certificatewholly owned subsidiary (“Merger Sub”), whereby Merger Sub merged with and into Private ArTara, with Private ArTara surviving as our wholly owned subsidiary. The Merger was structured as a reverse merger and Private ArTara was determined to be the accounting acquirer based on the terms of incorporationthe Merger and bylaws,other factors.

On January9, 2020, in connection with, and prior to the completion of, the Merger, the Company effected a 1-for-40 reverse stock split of its common stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”), Private ArTara changed its name from “ArTara Therapeutics, Inc.” to “ArTara Subsidiary, Inc.”, and we changed our current Class Iname from “Proteon Therapeutics, Inc.” to “ArTara Therapeutics, Inc.” In addition, on January9, 2020, all of the outstanding shares of our Series A Preferred Stock were converted into shares of common stock. Shares of our common stock commenced trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the new name and ticker symbol “TARA” as of market open on January10, 2020. Unless otherwise noted, all references to share amounts in this Proxy Statement reflect the Reverse Stock Split.

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PROPOSAL 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Our board of directors will serve untilcurrently consists of seven members and is divided into three classes. Each class consists, as nearly as possible, of one-third of the 2018total number of directors, and each class has a three-year term.

At each annual meeting of stockholders; our current Class IIstockholders, the successors to directors whose terms then expire will be elected to serve from the time of election until the 2019third annual meeting following the election. Our directors are divided into the three classes as follows:

•        Class III directors: Jesse Shefferman and Scott Braunstein, M.D., whose terms will expire at the upcoming Annual Meeting;

•        Class I directors: Richard Levy, M.D. and Michael Solomon, Ph.D., whose terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders;stockholders to be held in 2021; and our current

•        Class III directorsII directors: Luke Beshar, Roger Garceau, M.D. and Gregory Sargen, whose terms will serve untilexpire at the 2020 annual meeting of stockholders. stockholders to be held in 2022.

Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be apportioned by our boarddistributed among the three classes.

In addition, pursuant to our certificateclasses so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of incorporation andone-third of the certificatedirectors. Vacancies on the board of designation related thereto, the holders ofdirectors may be filled only by persons elected by a majority of the outstanding sharesremaining directors. A director elected by the board of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”) are entitleddirectors to elect one memberfill a vacancy in a class, including vacancies created by an increase in the number of directors, shall serve for the remainder of the Board (the “Series A Director”). The Series A Director holds officefull term of that class and until the following year’s annual meeting and until his or herdirector’s successor is duly elected and qualified. The division of our board of directors into three classes with staggered three-year terms may delay or qualifiedprevent a change of our management or a change in control of the Company.

Mr.Shefferman and Dr. Braunstein are currently members of our board of directors and have been nominated for reelection to serve as Class III directors. Each of these nominees has agreed to stand for reelection at the Annual Meeting. Our management has no reason to believe that any nominee will be unable to serve. If elected at the Annual Meeting, each of these nominees would serve until the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2023 and until his successor has been duly elected, or if sooner, until the director’s death, resignation or removal.

Directors are elected by a plurality of the written consentvotes of the holders of a majorityshares of our common stock present by virtual attendance or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the election of directors. Accordingly, the two nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative votes will be elected. Shares represented by executed proxies will be voted, if authority to do so is not withheld, for the election of the outstandingtwonominees, Mr.Shefferman and Dr. Braunstein. If any nominee becomes unavailable for election as a result of an unexpected occurrence, shares that would have been voted for that nominee will instead will be voted for the election of Series A Preferred Stock or until his or her earlier death, incapacity, resignation or removal. The Series A Director may be removed from office, with or without cause, upona substitute nominee proposed by us.

Our nominating and corporate governance committee seeks to assemble a board that, as a whole, possesses the written consentappropriate balance of professional and industry knowledge, financial expertise, diversity and high-level management experience necessary to oversee and direct our business. To that end, the committee has identified and evaluated nominees in the broader context of the holdersboard’s overall composition, with the goal of a majorityrecruiting members who complement and strengthen the skills of other members and who also exhibit integrity, collegiality, sound business judgment and other qualities that the committee views as critical to effective functioning of the outstanding sharesboard. To provide a mix of Series A Preferred Stock,experience and perspective on the holders of a majorityboard, the committee also takes into account geographic, gender, age, and ethnic diversity. The biographies below include information, as of the outstanding sharesdate of Series A Preferred Stock shall havethis proxy statement, regarding the powerspecific and particular experience, qualifications, attributes or skills of each director or director nominee that led the committee to fill, by written consent, any vacancy caused bybelieve that that nominee should continue to serve on the resignation, death or removalboard. However, each of such Series A Director. For purposes of clarity, the Series A Director is not classified with the remaining members of the Board.committee may have a variety of reasons why a particular person would be an appropriate nominee for the board, and these views may differ from the views of other members.

Our Board is currently comprised of nine members. Below is a listOf Directors Recommends A Vote FOR Each ClassIIIDirector Nominee Named Above.

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Information Regarding Director Nominees and Current Directors

The following table sets forth, for the Class III nominees and our other directors who will continue in office after the Annual Meeting, their ages and position or office held with us as of the names, ages asdate of April 20, 2018 and classification of the individuals who currently serve as our directors.

this proxy statement:

Name

 

Age

 Position(s)

Position

Timothy P. Noyes

Class III director nominees for election at the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

Jesse Shefferman

 56

48

 President,

Chief Executive Officer and Director (Class I)

Hubert Birner, Ph.D. (3)

Scott Braunstein, M.D.

 51

56

 

Director (Class II)

Garen Bohlin (2)

Class I directors continuing in office until the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

Richard Levy, M.D.

 70

62

 

Director (Class I)

Scott A. Canute (1)

Michael Solomon, Ph.D.

 57

50

 

Director (Class III)

John G. Freund, M.D. (2)(3)

Class II directors continuing in office until the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

Luke Beshar

 64

62

 Director (Class I)

Chairman of the Board

Tim Haines (1)(3)

Roger Garceau, M.D.

 60

66

 

Director (Class III)

Paul J. Hastings (3)

Gregory Sargen

 58

54

 

Director (Class II)

Stuart A. Kingsley (2)54Director (Class II)
Jonathan Leff (1)49Director (Series A  Director)

(1)Member of the Compensation Committee.
(2)Member of the Audit Committee.
(3)Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee.

In consultation with the Governance and Nominating Committee, the Board has determined that, exceptSet forth below is biographical information for the Series A Director,director nominees and each person whose term of office as a director will continue after the classified board structure is appropriate for the Company, particularly following its initial public offering. A classified board provides for stability, continuity andAnnual Meeting. This includes information regarding each director’s experience, amongqualifications, attributes or skills that led our Board. Further, the Board believes that building a cohesive board of directors is an important goal, which was only recently established in its current form. In our industry in particular, long-term focus is critical. The time horizon requiredto recommend them for successful development of pharmaceuticals makes it vital that we have a board that understands the implications of this process and has the ability to develop and implement long-term strategies while benefiting from an in-depth knowledge of Proteon’s business and operations. A classified board structure helps to ensure that there will be the continuity and stability of leadership required to navigate a challenging economic environment while resisting the pressure to focus on short-term resultsservice.

Nominees for Election at the expense2020 Annual Meeting of the long-term valueStockholders

Jesse Shefferman co-founded Private ArTara and success of the Company. The future success of Proteon depends in significant part on the ability to attract and retain capable and experienced directors. In this regard, we believe that longer terms for our directors will enhance director independence from both management and stockholder special interest groups.

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Director Biographies

Information concerning our directors is set forth below. The biographical description of each director includes the specific experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that the Board would expect to consider if it were making a conclusion currentlyserved as to whether such person should serve as a director.

Class I Directors (Nominees Standing for Election)

Timothy P. Noyes joined Proteon in April 2006 as our President andits Chief Executive Officer and a member of its board of directors from November 2017 until the Merger, and has also beenserved as our Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Boardboard of directors since joining Proteon. From 2002January 2020. Prior to 2006, Mr. Noyesco-founding Private ArTara, Mr.Shefferman served as Chief Operating Officervice president and head of Trine Pharmaceuticals,business development at Retrophin Inc. Before joining Trine, Mr. Noyes held several management positions with GelTex Pharmaceuticals, a publicly traded company focusing on rare diseases, from 1996 to 2001, prior to its acquisition by Genzyme Corporation. After the acquisition, from 2001 to 2002, he held the positions of President, Renal Division and President, GelTex Pharmaceuticals.March 2014 until October 2017. Prior to GelTex, he worked for several yearsRetrophin, Mr.Shefferman served as director, strategy & business development at Merck & Co. across multipleVertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company, from September 2012 until March 2014. Mr.Shefferman previously served as an investment banker with Barclays Capital and Lehman Brothers. Mr.Shefferman earned his B.A. in accounting from Gordon College and his MBA and certificate in health sector management from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Our nominating and corporate governance committee believes that Mr.Shefferman’s experience in strategy, management and financial roles in its hypertensionthe biopharmaceutical industry provide him with the qualifications to serve on our board of directors.

Scott Braunstein, M.D. served as a member of the board of directors of Private ArTara from June 2018 until the Merger, and heart failure group and managed care division, and on its Vasotec and Prilosec products. Mr. Noyes received an A.B. from Harvard College and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. We believe Mr. Noyes is qualified to servehas served as a member of our Board because of his role with us and his extensive operational knowledge of, and executive level management experience in, the biopharmaceutical industry.

Garen Bohlin has been a member of our Board since September 2014. Since May 2012, Mr. Bohlin has served on the board of directors to various life sciencessince January 2020. In August 2019, Dr. Braunstein began serving as president and healthcare companies. From January 2010 until April 2012, he served as Executive Vice Presidentchief executive officer of Constellation Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company. Prior to joining Constellation Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Bohlin served as Chief Operating Officer of Sirtris Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company, from January 2006 to December 2009. Mr. Bohlin was the founding Chief Executive Officer of SyntonixMarinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company,publicly traded clinical stage pharmaceutical company. Dr. Braunstein has served as an operating partner at Aisling Capital, a private investment firm, since September 2015 and previously served as the chief operating officer, senior vice president of strategy and corporate development, and chief strategy officer at Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a publicly traded pharmaceutical provider of non-opioid pain management options, from 1999 through December 2005. EarlierJuly 2015 to March 2018. Dr. Braunstein served as a healthcare portfolio manager at Everpoint Asset Management from September 2014 until February 2015. Previously, from 2002 until June 2014, Dr. Braunstein worked in his career, he held multiple executivevarious positions at Genetics Institute, Inc.,JP Morgan Asset Management, a biopharmaceutical company, and was a partner at Arthur Andersendivision of JPMorgan Chase & Co., a public accounting and consulting organization. Mr. Bohlin currently serves on the board of directors of Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTPH), Karyopharm Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: KPTI) and Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. (Nasdaq: COLL), all Nasdaq listed companies. He also served on the board of directors for Acusphere, Inc. (OTCMKTS: ACUS) from 2005 to January 2015, Praecis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from 2005 to 2007, Targanta Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: TARG) from 2007 to 2009, SpringLeaf Therapeutics from 2010 to 2013 and Precision Dermatology from 2012 to 2014. Mr. Bohlin received his B.S. in accounting and finance from The University of Illinois. We believe that Mr. Bohlin is qualified to serve on our Board because of his industry and board experience, including his audit committee experience, with publicly traded biopharmaceutical companies.

John G. Freund, M.D. has been a member of our Board since February 2014. Dr. Freund co-founded Skyline Ventures, a venture capitalglobal financial services firm, in September 1997, where he has served as a partner since its founding. Prior to founding Skyline, Dr. Freund served as Managing Director in the private equity group of Chancellor Capital Management from 1995 to 1997. In 1995, he co-founded Intuitive Surgical, Inc. and served on its board of directors until 2000. From 1988 to 1994, Dr. Freund served in various positions at Acuson Corporation, now part of Siemens, most recently as Executive Vice President. Prior to joining Acuson,a managing director, senior portfolio manager for the JPM Global Healthcare Fund, and the JPM asset global equity analyst for the U.S. pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. Dr. Freund wasBraunstein began his career as a General Partnerpracticing physician, also serving as assistant clinical professor at Albert Einstein College of Morgan Stanley Venture Partners from 1987 to 1988. From 1982 to 1988,Medicine and Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Freund worked at Morgan Stanley & Co., where he co-founded the Healthcare Group in the Corporate Finance Department. Dr. FreundBraunstein currently serves as a member of the board of directors of Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. (Nasdaq: COLL) and Tetraphasethe following publicly traded companies: Constellation Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTPH). He also previously served on the board of directors of, a number of publicly traded companies, including Map Pharmaceuticals, aclinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, (Nasdaq: MAPP)Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Mako Surgical Corp.Esperion Therapeutics, Inc., a medical devicelate-stage pharmaceutical company, (Nasdaq: MAKO), Concert Pharmaceuticals,Trevena, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, (Nasdaq: CNCE) and was Chairman of XenoPort, Inc.,Ziopharm Oncology, a biopharmaceutical company (Nasdaq: XNPT). Hefocused on immune-oncology therapies. Dr. Braunstein also serves on the board of directors of six U.S. registered investment funds managed by affiliates of the Capital Group, Inc. He is a member of the Advisory Board for the Harvard Business School Healthcare Initiative. He received an A.B. in history from Harvard College, an M.D. from Harvard Medical School and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, where he was a Baker Scholar and won the Loeb Fellowship in Finance. We believe Dr. Freund is qualified to serve as a member of our Board because of his training as a physician and his extensive investment, business and board experience with public healthcare and biopharmaceutical companies.

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Current Directors Not Standing for Election at the Annual Meeting

Hubert Birner, Ph.D. has been a member of our Board since 2007. Dr. Birner is the managing partner of TVM Capital, a venture capital firm, which he joined in 2000. Before joining TVM Capital, Dr. Birner served as Head of Business Development Europe and Director of Marketing for Germany at Zeneca from 1998 to 2000. Dr. Birner joined Zeneca from McKinsey & Company’s European Health Care and Pharmaceutical practice where he worked from 1995 to 1998. From 1992 to 1994, Dr. Birner was also an Assistant Professor for biochemistry at the Ludwig-Maximilian-University in Munich. Dr. Birner currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Argos Therapeutics Inc., a publically traded company (Nasdaq: ARGS), and also currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Spepharm Holding BV, NOXXON Pharma AG Berlina and leon nanodrugs, all private companies. He previously served as a member of the board of directors of Horizon Pharma (Nasdaq: HZNP), Evotec AG (EVT: ETR), Probiodrug AG and BioXell SPA. Dr. Birner received an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, where he graduated summa cum laude. We believe Dr. Birner is qualified to serve as a member of our Board because of his investment, business, research and board experience in the life sciences industry.

Scott A. Canute has been a member of our Board since July 2015. Mr. Canute served as President of Global Manufacturing and Corporate Operations at Genzyme Corporation from 2010 to 2011. Prior to joining Genzyme, Mr. Canute spent 25 years at Eli Lilly and Company and served as President, Global Manufacturing Operations from 2004 to 2007. Mr. Canute currently serves as a member of the board of directors of FlexionSiteOne Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: FLXN), Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKBA)a privately held company developing novel pain therapeutics. Dr. Braunstein earned his B.A. from Cornell University and Immunomedics, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMMU), allhis M.D. from the Albert Einstein College of which are publicly traded companies. Mr. Canute previouslyMedicine at Yeshiva University. Our nominating and corporate governance committee believes that Dr. Braunstein’s significant board experience within the biopharmaceutical industry, as well as his management experience, provide him with the qualifications to serve on our board of directors.

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Directors Continuing in Office Until the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

Richard Levy, M.D. served as a member of the board of directors of AlloCure, Inc., Inspiration Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., Oncobiologics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ONS),Private ArTara from December 2019 until the National Association of ManufacturersMerger, and the Indiana Manufacturers Association. Mr. Canute earned a B.S. in chemical engineering from the University of Michigan and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. We believe that Mr. Canute is qualified to serve as a member of our Board because of his manufacturing and operational experience in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Tim Haines has been a member of our Board since May 2014. Tim is Managing Partner at Abingworth LLP, a leading global life sciences venture investment firm. Tim joined Abingworth in 2005 having been Chief Executive of the Abingworth portfolio company, Astex Therapeutics. He was instrumental in establishing it as one of the leading UK biotechnology companies. Astex was acquired by Otsuka Pharmaceuticals and recently had a breakthrough drug for Breast Cancer approved by FDA. Previously, Tim held Chief Executive positions at Datascope Corp. (Nasdaq) and Thackray Inc. (J&J Depuy acquired), and was General Manager Baxter UK. Current and past board positions include; Chroma, Fovea (Sanofi Aventis acquired), Stanmore (Stryker acquired) HBI (Meda acquired), Pixium Vision (Euronext), PowderMed (Pfizer acquired), Proteon (Nasdaq), Sientra (Nasdaq), GammaDelta Therapeutics and Virion Health. Tim has a BSc from Exeter University and an MBA from INSEAD and is a former Director of the BIA, and sat on the BVCA Venture Committee and the Wellcome Trust / NHS Health Innovation Challenge Fund. We believe Mr. Haines is qualified to serve as a member of our Board because of his management, investment and board experience in the life sciences industry.

Paul J. Hastingshas served as a member of our board of directors and its chairman since October 2016. Mr. Hastings is the Chief Executive Officer of Nkarta Therapeutics, Inc. Prior to joining Nkarta in 2018, Mr. Hastings was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of OncoMed Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: OMED) from 2006 to 2018. Prior to joining OncoMed, Mr. Hastings was President and Chief Executive Officer of QLT, Inc. Previous to that, Mr. Hastings served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Axys Pharmaceuticals, which was acquired by Celera Corporation in 2001. From 1999 to 2001, Mr. Hastings served as the President of Chiron BioPharmaceuticals, a division of Chiron Corporation. Prior to that, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of LXR Biotechnology. Mr. Hastings also held a series of management positions of increasing responsibility at Genzyme Corporation, including serving as President of Genzyme Therapeutics Europe as well as President of Worldwide Therapeutics. Mr. Hastings also served as Vice President, Marketing and Sales and General Manager, Europe for Synergen, Inc., and previously held a series of marketing and sales management positions with Hoffmann-La Roche. Mr. Hastings served as chairman of the board of Proteolix (sold to Onyx Pharmaceuticals in 2010), and served on the boards of ViaCell (previously a public company (Nasdaq: VIAC) sold to Perkin-Elmer in 2007), Cerimon Pharmaceuticals and Relypsa Pharmaceuticals (previously a public company (Nasdaq: RLYP) sold to Galenica in 2016). He is currently on the board of Pacira Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: PCRX), serves as Vice Chairman of Biotechnology Innovation Organization, and is also on the board of directors of the California Life Sciences Association. Mr. Hastings received a B.S. in pharmacy from the University of Rhode Island. We believe Mr. Hastings is qualified to serve as a member of our Board because of his operational knowledge of, and executive level management experience in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Stuart A. Kingsley has been a member of our Board since October 2015. Mr. Kingsley served as President and Chief Operating Officer at The Medicines Company (Nasdaq: MDCO) from May 2016 to December 2017. Previously, Mr. Kingsley served as Executive Vice President, Global Commercial Operations at Biogen from November 2011 to October 2015. From January 2010 to November 2011, Mr. Kingsley was Biogen’s Senior Vice President, U.S. Commercial Operations. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Gynecological Surgical Products business at Hologic, Inc., from October 2007 to November 2009, and Division President, Diagnostic Products at Cytyc Corp., from July 2006 to October 2007. From 1991 to 2006, he was a Partner at McKinsey & Company, focusing on the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Mr. Kingsley received a B.A. in government from Dartmouth College and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. We believe Mr. Kingsley is qualified to serve as a member of our Board because of his extensive management and operational experience as a senior executive in public healthcare and biopharmaceutical companies.

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Jonathan Leffhas served as a member of our board of directors since January 2020. Dr. Levy also currently serves on the board of directors of Kodiak Sciences Inc., Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. and Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc., each a publicly traded pharmaceutical company. Dr. Levy also currently serves on the board of directors of Gliknik Inc., a privately-held biopharmaceutical company. Dr. Levy previously served on the board of directors of Aquinox Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a publicly traded pharmaceutical company, from March 2017 until March 2019. Previously, from December 2016 until May 2019, Dr. Levy served as a part-time senior advisor for Baker Bros. Advisors, L.P., a firm that primarily manages long-term investment funds focused on publicly traded life sciences companies. Dr. Levy served as executive vice president and chief drug development officer at Incyte from January 2009 until his retirement in April 2016, and as senior vice president of drug development at Incyte from August 2017. Mr. Leff is a Partner of Deerfield Management Company, L.P. and Chairman of the Deerfield Institute. He joined Deerfield in 2013, and focuses on venture capital and structured investments in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.2003 until January 2009. Prior to joining Deerfield, forIncyte, Dr. Levy served as vice president, biologic therapies, at Celgene Corporation, a publicly-held biopharmaceutical company, from 2002 until 2003. From 1997 until 2002, Dr. Levy served in various executive positions with DuPont Pharmaceuticals Company, first as vice president, regulatory affairs and pharmacovigilence, and thereafter as vice president, medical and commercial strategy. Dr. Levy served at Novartis, and its predecessor company, Sandoz, from 1991 until 1997 in positions of increasing responsibility in clinical research and regulatory affairs. Prior to joining the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Levy served as an assistant professor of medicine at the UCLA School of Medicine. Dr. Levy is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology and received his A.B. in biology from Brown University, his M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and completed his training in internal medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and a fellowship in gastroenterology and hepatology at UCLA. Our nominating and corporate governance committee believes that Dr. Levy’s more than sixteen25 years Mr. Leff wasof experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, as well as his extensive board experience, provide him with Warburg Pincus, where he led the firm’s investment efforts in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Mr. Leff has also been active in public policy discussions relatedqualifications to healthcare and medical innovation. He is a memberserve on our board of several not-for-profit boards, including the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation, Friends of Cancer Research, the Reagan-Udall Foundation for the Food and Drug Administration and the Columbia University Medical Center Board of Advisors. In addition, he previouslydirectors.

Michael Solomon, Ph.D. served as a member of the Boardboard of Directorsdirectors of Private ArTara from May 2018 until the Biotechnology Innovation OrganizationMerger, and a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA). He also previouslyhas served on the boards of several other publicly-traded biotechnology and pharmaceuticals companies, namely InterMune, Inc., Talon Therapeutics, Inc., Allos Therapeutics, Inc., Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Sophiris Bio Inc., Nivalis Therapeutics, Inc., AveXis, Inc. and Audentes Therapeutics. Previously he led NVCA’s life sciences industry efforts as Chair of NVCA’s Medical Innovation and Competitiveness Coalition (NVCA-MedIC). Mr. Leff received his A.B. from Harvard University, and earned his M.B.A. from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. We believe Mr. Leff is qualified to serve as a member of our Board becauseboard of his investment, board and leadershipdirectors since January 2020. Dr. Solomon has more than 20 years of experience in the biotechnology industry and has spent the last 14 years focused on creating and operating early stage companies. Dr. Solomon has served as chief executive officer of Ribometrix, Inc., a privately held therapeutics company focused on targeting RNA with small molecules, since October 2017. Dr. Solomon served as a venture partner at SV Health Investors from December 2016 until December 2018. Previously, Dr. Solomon served as chief operating officer at Decibel Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company focused on hearing disorders, from 2015 until 2016. Dr. Solomon served as chief operating officer of Ember Therapeutics, Inc., a publicly traded pharmaceutical company, from 2012 until 2015, and as chief business officer of Link Medicine Corporation, a privately held biopharmaceutical company, from 2009 until 2012. Dr. Solomon was a founder and vice president of discovery at Epizyme Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, and vice president of discovery at Hypnion, Inc., a sleep disorder company that was sold to Lilly in 2007. Dr. Solomon currently serves on the board of directors of Ribometrix, Inc., a privately held platform therapeutics company. Dr. Solomon earned his B.S. in chemistry from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Wisconsin. Our nominating and corporate governance committee believes that Dr. Solomon’s industry experience in creating and operating early stage companies provide him with the qualifications to serve on our board of directors.

Directors Continuing in Office Until the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

Luke Beshar served as a member of the board of directors of Private ArTara from October 2018 until the Merger, and has served as a member of our board of directors since January 2020. Mr.Beshar has over 35 years of experience in serving as the chief financial officer for publicly-traded and privately-held pharmaceutical companies. Mr.Beshar has served on the board of directors of Trillium Therapeutics Inc., a publicly traded immuno-oncology company, since March 2014, and has served on the board of directors of RegenxBio, Inc., a publicly traded leading clinical-stage gene therapy company, since May 2015. Prior to his board service, Mr.Beshar served as executive vice president, chief financial officer of NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a publicly traded pharmaceutical company that specialized in drugs for gastrointestinal disorders, from 2007 until February 2015 when the company was acquired by Shire plc. Prior to NPS Pharmaceuticals, Mr.Beshar served as executive vice president, strategy and corporate development and executive vice president, chief financial officer of Cambrex Corporation, a publicly traded life sciences industry.

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company that provides products and services for small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients, from 2002 until 2007. Mr.Beshar began his career with Arthur Andersen & Co. and is a certified public accountant. Mr.Beshar earned his B.A. in accounting and financial administration from Michigan State University and is a graduate of The Executive Program at the Darden

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Graduate School of Business at the University of Virginia. Our nominating and corporate governance committee believes that Mr.Beshar’s management experience as the chief financial officer for publicly-traded and privately-held pharmaceutical companies, as well as his current director experience on other publicly held companies provide him with the qualifications and skill to serve on our board of directors.

Roger Garceau, M.D.served as a member of the board of directors of Private ArTara from January 2019 until the Merger, and has served as a member of our board of directors since January 2020. Dr. Garceau has more than 30 years of broad pharmaceutical industry experience. He has served as a member of the board of directors of Entera Bio Ltd., a biotechnology company specializing in the oral delivery of large molecules and biologics, and has served as its chief development advisor since December 2016. Prior to joining Entera, Dr. Garceau served as chief medical officer and executive vice president of NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a publicly traded pharmaceutical company that specialized in drugs for gastrointestinal disorders, since December 2008 and January 2013, respectively, until February 2015, when NPS Pharmaceuticals was acquired by Shire plc. Previously, Dr. Garceau has also served in several managerial positions with NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Sanofi-Aventis and Pharmacia Corporation. Dr. Garceau has served as a member of the board of directors of Enterome SA, a privately held clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, since December 2016. Dr. Garceau is a board-certified pediatrician and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Garceau earned his B.S. in biology from Fairfield University and his M.D. from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Our nominating and corporate governance committee believes that Dr. Garceau’s pharmaceutical industry experience, both in management and at the board level, provide him with the qualifications to serve on our board of directors.

Gregory Sargen served as a member of the board of directors of Private ArTara from November 2019 until the Merger, and has served as a member of our board of directors since January 2020. Mr.Sargen joined Cambrex Corporation, a publicly traded life sciences company, in February 2003 and has held various roles at Cambrex. Mr.Sargen has served as its chief financial officer and executive vice president since September 2018 and executive vice president, corporate development and strategy since January 2017. Mr.Sargen previously served as executive vice president and chief financial officer from January 2011 until January 2017 and vice president and chief financial officer since February 2007. Mr.Sargen also previously served as vice president, finance at Cambrex Corporation. Previously, Mr.Sargen served as executive vice president, finance / chief financial officer and vice president/corporate controller at Exp@nets, Inc., a communication company, from 1999 until 2002. Mr.Sargen previously served as vice president, finance and controller at Fisher Scientific International’s Chemical Manufacturing Division from 1996 until 1998. Mr.Sargen has held various positions in finance, accounting and audit with Merck & Company, Inc., Heat and Control, Inc. and Deloitte & Touche. Mr.Sargen currently serves on the board of directors of Avid Bioservices, Inc., a publicly traded biologics contract development and manufacturing organization. Mr.Sargen is a certified public accountant (non-practicing). Mr.Sargen earned his B.S. in accounting from Pennsylvania State University and his MBA in finance from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Our nominating and corporate governance committee believes that Mr.Sargen’s industry experience, both in management and at the board level, provide him with the qualifications to serve on our board of directors.

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCEinformation regarding the board of directors and corporate governance

Independence of the Board of Directors

Director Independence

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”). Under the Nasdaq rules,listing standards, a majority of a listed company’sthe members of our board of directors must qualify as “independent,” as affirmatively determined by our board of directors. Our board of directors consults with our counsel to ensure that its determinations are consistent with relevant securities and other laws and regulations regarding the definition of “independent,” including those set forth in pertinent listing standards of Nasdaq, as in effect from time to time.

Consistent with these considerations, after review of all relevant identified transactions or relationships between each director, and any of his or her family members, and ArTara, our senior management and independent auditors, our board of directors has affirmatively determined that the following six directors are independent directors within the meaning of the applicable Nasdaqlisting standards: Mr.Beshar, Dr. Braunstein, Dr. Garceau, Dr. Levy, Mr.Sargen and Dr. Solomon. In making this determination, our board of directors found that none of these directors had a material or other disqualifying relationship with the Company. Mr.Shefferman, by virtue of his position as our Chief Executive Officer, is not independent.

Accordingly, a majority of our directors are independent, as required under applicable Nasdaq rules. In making this determination, our board of directors considered the applicable Nasdaq rules and the current and prior relationships that each non-employee director has with our company and all other facts and circumstances our board of directors deemed relevant in determining their independence, including their beneficial ownership of our capital stock.

Board Leadership Structure

Our board of directors has an independent chair, Mr.Beshar, who has authority, among other things, to call and preside over meetings of our board of directors, including meetings of the independent directors, to set meeting agendas and to determine materials to be compriseddistributed to our board of independent directors. Accordingly, Mr.Beshar has substantial ability to shape the work of our board of directors. We believe that separation of the positions of board chair and chief executive officer reinforces the independence of the board in its oversight of the business and affairs of the Company. In addition, Nasdaq rules requirewe believe that subjecthaving an independent board chair creates an environment that is more conducive to specified exceptions,objective evaluation and oversight of management’s performance, increasing management accountability and improving the ability of our board of directors to monitor whether management’s actions are in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders. As a result, we believe that having an independent board chair can enhance the effectiveness of the board as a whole.

Role of the Board of Directors in Risk Oversight

One of the key functions of our board of directors is informed oversight of our risk management process. Our board of directors does not have a standing risk management committee, but rather administers this oversight function directly through the board of directors as a whole, as well as through various standing committees of our board of directors that address risks inherent in their respective areas of oversight. In particular, our board of directors is responsible for monitoring and assessing strategic risk exposure and our audit committee has the responsibility to consider and discuss our major financial risk exposures and the steps our management has taken to monitor and control these exposures, including guidelines and policies to govern the process by which risk assessment and management is undertaken. The audit committee also monitors compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

In connection with its reviews of the operations of our business, our full board of directors addresses the primary risks associated with our business including, for example, strategic planning and cybersecurity. Our board of directors appreciates the evolving nature of our business and industry and is actively involved with monitoring new threats and risks as they emerge. Further, our board of directors has been closely monitoring the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, its potential effects on our business, and risk mitigation strategies.

Meetings of the Board of Directors and its Committees

Our board of directors is responsible for the oversight of management and the strategy of our company and for establishing corporate policies. Our board of directors meets periodically during the year to review significant developments affecting us and to act on matters requiring the approval of our board of directors. Our board of

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directors met nine times during our last fiscal year. The audit committee met four times during our last fiscal year. The compensation committee met one time during our last fiscal year. The nominating and corporate governance committee did not meet during our last fiscal year. During our last fiscal year, each director attended 75% or more of the aggregate of the meetings of our board of directors and of the committees on which he or she served. We encourage our directors and nominees for director to attend our Annual Meeting of stockholders.

The board of directors of Private ArTara met five times during the last fiscal year. The audit committee of Private ArTara met once during the last fiscal year, the compensation committee of Private ArTara met once during the last fiscal year and the nominating and corporate governance committee of Private ArTara met once during the last fiscal year. Each of the members of our board of directors who were members of the board of directors of Private ArTara attended 75% or more of the aggregate number of meetings of the board of directors of Private ArTara and of the committees on which he served, held during the portion of the last fiscal year for which he was a director or committee member of Private ArTara.

Information Regarding Committees of the Board of Directors

Our board of directors has established an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee. Our board of directors may establish other committees to facilitate the management of our business. Our board of directors has adopted written charters for each of our committees, which are available to stockholders on our investor relations website atir.artaratx.com.

The following table provides membership for the year ended December31, 2019 for each of the committees of Private ArTara:

Name

Audit

Compensation

Nominating and
Corporate
Governance

Jesse Shefferman

Luke Beshar

X

X*

Scott Braunstein, M.D.

X

Roger Garceau, M.D.

X

Richard Levy, M.D.

Gregory Sargen

X*

X

Michael Solomon, Ph.D.

X*

X

____________

*        Committee Chairperson

Our board of directors has determined that each member of each committee meets the applicable Nasdaq rules and regulations regarding “independence” and each member is free of any relationship that would impair his or her individual exercise of independent judgment with regard to us.

Below is a listed company’sdescription of each committee of our board of directors.

Audit Committee

The audit committee of our board of directors is composed of three directors: Mr.Beshar, Dr. Braunstein and compensation committee be independent and satisfy additionalMr.Sargen, with Mr.Sargen serving as chair of the audit committee.

Our board of directors has determined that each of these individuals meets the independence criteria set forth in Rules 10A-3 and 10C-1, respectively,requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Under, and the applicable listing standards of Nasdaq. Each member of our audit committee can read and understand fundamental financial statements in accordance with Nasdaq rules, a director will only qualify as an “independent director” if, inaudit committee requirements. In arriving at this determination, the opinionboard has examined each audit committee member’s scope of that company’sexperience and the nature of their prior and/or current employment. Additionally, our board of directors that person does not have a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director.

Based upon information requested from and provided by each director concerning their background, employment and affiliations, including family relationships, our Board has determined upon the recommendation of our Governance and Nominating Committee, that each of our directors, Messrs. Bohlin, Canute, Haines, Hastings, Kingsley and Leff and Drs. Birner and Freund, other than Timothy Noyes, our President and Chief Executive Officer, has no relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director and is independentMr.Sargen qualifies as an audit committee financial expert within the meaning of SEC regulations and meets the director independence standardsfinancial sophistication requirements of the Nasdaq rules and the SEC. Our Board has also determined that each of the current members of our Audit Committee and our Compensation Committee as set forth in the “Board Committees” section below satisfies the independence standards for such committee established by Rule 10A-3 and 10C-1 under the Exchange Act, the SEC rules and the Nasdaq rules, as applicable.Listing Rules. In making suchthis determination, our Boardboard has considered the relationships that each such non-employee director has with ProteonMr.Sargen’s formal education and all other factsprevious and circumstances deemed relevantcurrent experience in determining their independence.

Certain members offinancial and accounting roles. Both our Board were elected in compliance with the provisions of a voting agreement among us and our major stockholders. The voting agreement terminated upon the closing of our initial public offering on October 27, 2014, and at present we do not have any contractual obligations regarding the election of our directors other than the Series A Director. See “Board Composition and Structure” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.” There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers.

Board Meetings, Attendance and Executive Sessions

The Board held five meetings during the year ended December 31, 2017. Each of the directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board and the committees of the Board on which he served during the year ended December 31, 2017 (in each case, which were held during the period for which he was a director and/or a member of the applicable committee).

Executive sessions, or meetings of the outside (non-management) directors without management present, are held regularly. The non-management directors met in executive session during each of the regularly scheduled Board meetings during the year ended December 31, 2017.

Proteon encourages its directors to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. All but one of our Board members at the time of last year’s annual meeting attended the meeting.

Board of Directors Leadership Structure

The Board has no set policy with respect to the separation of the office of Chairperson and the Chief Executive Office. The Board believes that this issue is part of the succession planning process and will select the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer in the manner that it determines to be in the best interests of Proteon’s stockholders.

Currently, the Board believes that the separation of these positions is the most appropriate structure for Proteon and has had a separate Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer. Paul J. Hastings is the Chairman of the Board. The independent members of the Board periodically review the Board’s leadership structure and have determined that Proteon and our stockholders are well served with this structure. Separating these positions allows our Chief Executive Officer to focus on our day-to-day business, while allowing the Chairperson to lead the Board in its fundamental role of providing independent oversight of the work of management and the Company’s business operations. The Board believes that this structure ensures an appropriate role for the independent directors in the oversight of the Company and active participation of the independent directors in setting agendas and establishing priorities and procedures for the work of our Board. The Board recognizes that other leadership models, such as combining the role of Chairperson with the role of Chief Executive Officer, could also be appropriate.

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The Board of Directors’ Role in Risk Oversight

The Board plays an important role in risk oversight at Proteon through direct decision-making authority with respect to significant matters, as well as through the oversight of management by the Board and its committees. In particular, the Board administers its risk oversight function through (1) the review and discussion of regular periodic reports by the Board and its committees on topics relating to the risks that Proteon faces, (2) the required approval by the Board (or a committee of the Board) of significant transactions and other decisions, (3) the direct oversight of specific areas of Proteon’s business by the Audit, Compensation and Governance and Nominating Committees, and (4) review of regular periodic reports from the auditors and other outside consultants regarding various areas of potential risk, including, among others, those relating to our internal control over financial reporting. The Board also relies on management to bring significant matters impacting Proteon to the attention of the Board.

Pursuant to the Audit Committee’s charter, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and discussing with management and Proteon’s independent registered public accounting firm Proteon’s systemand management periodically meet privately with our

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audit committee. The audit committee operates under a written charter adopted by the board of internal control, its criticaldirectors which is located on our website athttps://ir.artaratx.com/.

The functions of the audit committee include, among other things:

•        evaluating the performance, independence and qualifications of our independent auditors and determining whether to retain our existing independent auditors or engage new independent auditors;

•        reviewing and approving the engagement of our independent auditors to perform audit services and any permissible non-audit services;

•        prior to engagement of any independent auditor, and at least annually thereafter, reviewing relationships that may reasonably be thought to bear on their independence, and assessing and otherwise taking the appropriate action to oversee the independence of our independent auditor;

•        reviewing our annual and quarterly financial statements and reports, including the disclosures contained under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and discussing the statements and reports with our independent auditors and management;

•        reviewing, with our independent auditors and management, significant issues that arise regarding accounting practices,principles and policies relating to risk assessmentfinancial statement presentation and management. As partmatters concerning the scope, adequacy and effectiveness of this process, the Audit Committee discusses Proteon’s majorour financial controls;

•        reviewing with management and cyber security risk exposuresour independent auditors any earnings announcements and steps that management has taken to monitor and control such exposure. In addition, the Audit Committee has establishedother public announcements regarding material developments;

•        establishing procedures, as required under applicable law, for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by Proteon regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters and the confidential and anonymous submissionssubmission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or accounting matters. Because of these functions,auditing matters;

•        reviewing the Board has delegated primary responsibility for reviewing Proteon’s policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management to the Audit Committee.

The Compensation Committee has primary responsibility for risk oversight related to compensation matters.

Because of the roles of the Board, the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee in risk oversight, the Board believesreport that any leadership structure that it adopts must allow it to effectively oversee the management of the risks relating to Proteon’s operations. The Board acknowledges that there are different leadership structures that could allow it to effectively oversee the management of the risks relating to Proteon’s operations and believes its current leadership structure enables it to effectively provide oversight with respect to such risks.

Board Committees

The Board has a standing Audit, Compensation and Governance and Nominating Committee, each of which is comprised solely of independent directors, and is described more fully below. Each of the Audit, Compensation and Governance and Nominating Committee operates pursuant to a written charter and each committee reviews and assesses the adequacy of its charter annually and submits its charter to the Board for approval. The charters for the Audit, Compensation and Governance and Nominating Committees are all available on our website at www.proteontherapeutics.com under “Investors & Media” at “Corporate Governance.”

The following table describes which directors serve on each of the Board committees.

Governance and
NominatingCompensationAudit
Name:CommitteeCommitteeCommittee
Hubert Birner, Ph.D.X
Garen Bohlin (1)Chair
Scott A. CanuteChair
John G. Freund, M.D. (1)XX
Tim HainesXX
Paul J. HastingsChair
Stuart A. KingsleyX
Jonathan LeffX

1)Sitting for election in Proposal 1.

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Audit Committee

Our Audit Committee is composed of Garen Bohlin, John G. Freund, M.D. and Stuart A. Kingsley with Garen Bohlin serving as chairman of the committee. Our Board has determined that each of Garen Bohlin, John G. Freund, M.D. and Stuart A. Kingsley satisfies the Nasdaq independence standards and the independence standards of Rule 10A-3(b)(1) of the Exchange Act. Our Board has determined that Garen Bohlin is an “audit committee financial expert” under applicable rules and regulations of the SEC requires in our annual proxy statement;

•        reviewing and Nasdaq.

Our Audit Committee providesproviding oversight of any related-party transactions in accordance with our accountingrelated-party transaction policy and financial reporting process,reviewing and monitoring compliance with legal and regulatory responsibilities, including our code of business conduct and ethics;

•        monitoring the auditrotation of our financial statements and our internal control function. Among other things, our Audit Committee is responsible for the following:

appointing, approving the compensationpartners of and assessing the qualifications, performance and independence of and overseeing our independent registered public accounting firm;

pre-approving audit and permissible non-audit services, and the terms of such services, to be provided by our independent registered public accounting firm;

reviewing the audit plan with the independent registered public accounting firm on the audit engagement team as required by law;

•        reviewing our major financial risk exposures, including the guidelines and memberspolicies to govern the process by which risk assessment and risk management are implemented;

•        reviewing and evaluating, on an annual basis, the performance of management responsible for preparing our financial statements;

reviewing and discussing with management and the independent registered public accounting firm our annual and quarterly financial statements and related disclosures as well as critical accounting policies and practices used by us;
reviewing the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting;
establishing policies and procedures for the receipt and retention of accounting-related complaints and concerns;

recommending, based upon the Audit Committee’s reviewCommittee and discussionsthe Audit Committee charter;

•        reviewing, on a periodic basis, our investment policy, related-person transaction policy and signing authority to approve any changes to such policies;

•        reviewing the financial statements to be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K; and

•        discussing with management and the independent registered public accounting firm whetherthe results of the annual audit and the results in the quarterly financial statements

Our audit committee also has the authority to retain special legal, accounting or other advisors or consultants as it deems necessary or appropriate to carry out its duties. We believe that the composition and functioning of our audit committee complies with all applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and all applicable SEC and Nasdaq rules and regulations. We intend to comply with future requirements to the extent they become applicable to us.

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Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors

The audit committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements shallfor the fiscal year ended December31, 2019 with our management. The audit committee has also reviewed and discussed with Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December31, 2019, the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 1301,Communications with Audit Committees, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”). The audit committee has also received the written disclosures and the letter from Ernst & Young LLP required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent accountants’ communications with the audit committee concerning independence, and has discussed with Ernst & Young LLP the accounting firm’s independence. Based on the foregoing, the audit committee has recommended to our board of directors that the audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K;

monitoring our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements as they relate to our financial statements and accounting matters;

preparing the audit committee report required by the rules of the SEC to be included in our annual proxy statement;
overseeing compliance with our code of business conduct and ethics;
reviewing our anti-fraud controls and risk assessment and risk management policies, including risks related to cyber security; and
reviewing and discussing with management and our independent registered public accounting firm our earnings releases and procedures10-K for review of such releases.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017,December31, 2019 and filed with the Audit Committee met five times. SEC.

Gregory Sargen, Chair
Luke Beshar
Scott Braunstein, M.D.

The material in this report is not “soliciting material,” is not deemed “filed” with the Commission and is not to be incorporated by reference in any filing of the Audit Committee is includedCompany under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in this Proxy Statement under “Audit Committee Report.”any such filing.

12

Compensation Committee

The compensation committee of our board of directors is composed of threedirectors: Dr. Garceau, Mr.Sargen and Dr. Solomon, with Dr. Solomon serving as chair of the compensation committee. All members of our Compensation Committeethe compensation committee are Scott A. Canute, Tim Haines and Jonathan Leff, with Scott A. Canute serving as chairmanindependent (as independence is currently defined in Rule 5605(d)(2) of the committee.Nasdaq listing standards.

Each of the members of the compensation committee is a non-employee director, as defined in Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act. Our Boardboard of directors has determined that each of Scott A. Canute, Tim Hainesthese individuals is ‘‘independent’’ as defined under the applicable listing standards of Nasdaq, including the standards specific to members of a compensation committee. The compensation committee operates under a written charter adopted by the board of directors which is located on our website at https://ir.artaratx.com/.

The functions of this committee include, among other things:

•        reviewing and Jonathan Leff satisfiesapproving (or if it deems appropriate, making recommendations to our board of directors regarding) our overall compensation strategy and policies;

•        reviewing and approving (or if it deems appropriate, making recommendations to our board of directors regarding) corporate performance goals and objectives, which support and reinforce the Nasdaq independence standardsCompany’s long-term strategic goals, relevant to the Company’s overall compensation strategy and Rule 10C-1policies;

•        evaluating and approving (or if it deems appropriate, making recommendations to the board of directors regarding) all compensation plans and programs advisable for the Company, as well as the modification or termination of existing plans and programs;

•        making recommendations to our board of directors regarding the compensation and other terms of employment of our chief executive officer;

•        reviewing and approving (or if it deems appropriate, making recommendations to our board of directors regarding) performance goals and objective relevant to the compensation of our other officers and assessing their performance against these goals and objectives;

•        reviewing and making recommendations to our board of directors regarding the type and amount of compensation to be paid or awarded to our non-employee board members;

•        evaluating risks associated with our compensation policies and practices and assessing whether risks arising from our compensation policies and practices for our employees are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us;

15

•        establishing policies with respect to votes by our stockholders to approve executive compensation to the extent required by Section 14A of the Exchange Act. AmongAct and, if applicable, determining our recommendations regarding the frequency of advisory votes on executive compensation;

•        reviewing and approving (or if it deems it appropriate, making recommendations to our board of directors regarding) the terms of any employment agreements, severance arrangements, change in control protections and any other things,compensatory arrangements for our officers;

•        reviewing and assessing the independence of compensation consultants, legal counsel and other advisors as required by Section 10C of the Exchange Act;

•        reviewing and considering the results of any advisory vote on executive compensation, as applicable;

•        administering the Amended and Restated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”); and

•        reviewing and evaluating, on an annual basis, the performance of the compensation committee and the compensation committee charter.

The compensation committee will have the authority to retain special legal, accounting or other advisors or consultants as it deems necessary or appropriate to carry out its duties. We believe that the composition and functioning of our compensation committee complies with all applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and all applicable SEC and Nasdaq rules and regulations. We intend to comply with future requirements to the extent they become applicable to us.

Compensation Committee Processes and Procedures

Our Compensation Committee meets at least annually and with greater frequency if necessary. The compensation committee also acts periodically by unanimous written consent in lieu of a formal meeting. In consultation with management, the agenda for each compensation committee meeting is responsibledeveloped by the chair of the compensation committee and incorporates guidance from an annual work plan.The compensation committee meets regularly in executive session. However, from time to time, various members of management and other employees as well as outside advisors or consultantsmay be invited by the compensation committee to makepresentations, to provide financial or otherbackground information or advice or to otherwise participate in compensation committee meetings. Our Chief Executive Officer may not participate in, or be present during, any deliberations or determinations of the compensation committee regarding his compensation.

The charter of the compensation committee grants the compensation committee full access to all books, records, facilities and personnel of the Company. In addition, under the charter, the compensation committee has the authority to obtain, at our expense, advice and assistance from compensation consultants and internal and external legal, accounting or other advisors and other external resources that the compensation committee considers necessary or appropriate in the performance of its duties. The compensation committee has direct responsibility for the following:

annually reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensationoversight of our Chief Executive Officer;
evaluating the performance of our Chief Executive Officer in light of corporate goals and objectives and approving, or recommending to the Board for approval, the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer;
reviewing and approving evaluation and the compensation of our other executive officers;

appointing, compensating and overseeing the work of any consultants or advisers engaged for the purpose of advising the compensation committee. In particular, the compensation committee has the authority to retain compensation consultants to assist in its evaluation ofexecutiveand director compensation, including the authority to approve the consultant’s reasonable fees and other retention terms. Under the charter, the compensation committee may select, or receive advice from, a compensation consultant, legal counsel or other advisor retained byadviser to the compensation committee;

conducting the independence assessment outlinedcommittee, other than in Nasdaq rules with respect to any compensation consultant,-house legal counsel orand certain other advisor retainedtypes of advisers, only after taking into consideration six factors, prescribed by the compensation committee;

annually reviewing and reassessing the adequacy of the committee charter in its compliance with the listing requirements of Nasdaq;
reviewing and establishing our overall management compensation, philosophy and policy;
overseeing and administering our equity compensation and other compensatory plans;

reviewing and approving our equity and incentive policies and procedures for the grant of equity-based awards and approving the grant of such equity-based awards;
reviewing and making recommendations to the Board with respect to director compensation; and

reviewing and discussing with management the compensation discussion and analysis to be included in our annual proxy statement.

The Compensation Committee may delegate any of its responsibility to subcommittees or to our executive officers as it deems necessary or appropriate in its sole discretion in accordance with applicable laws and the SEC and Nasdaq, rules. Duringthat bear upon the year ended December 31, 2017,adviser’s independence; however, there is no requirement that any adviser be independent.

Generally, the Compensation Committee met four times.

13

compensation committee’s process comprises two related elements:the determination of compensation levels and the establishment of corporate performance objectives for the current year. For executives other than our Chief Executive Officer, the compensation committee solicits and considers evaluations and recommendations submitted to the compensation committee by our Chief Executive Officer.The evaluation of our Chief Executive Officer’s performance is conducted by the Chairman of the board and guided by the compensation committee, which determines any adjustments to hiscompensationas well as awards to be granted. For all executives and directors as part of its deliberations, the compensation committee may review and consider, as appropriate,materials such as financial reports and projections, operational data, executive and director stock ownership information, company stock performance data, analyses of historical executive compensation levels and current company-wide compensation levels and recommendations of any compensation consultant, including analyses of executive and director compensation paid at other companies identified by the consultant.

16

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

GovernanceThe nominating and Nominating Committee

Our Governance and Nominating Committeecorporate governance committee of our board of directors is composed of Hubert Birner, Ph. D., John G. Freund, M.D., Tim Hainestwodirectors: Mr.Beshar and Paul J. Hastings,Dr. Solomon, with Paul J. HastingsMr.Beshar serving as chairmanchair of the nominating and corporate governance committee. Our Board has determined that eachAll members of Hubert Birner, Ph.D., John G. Freund, M.D., Tim Hainesthe nominating and Paul J. Hastings satisfiescorporate governance committee are independent (as independence is currently defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq independence standards.listing standards). The nominating and corporate governance committee operates under a written charter adopted by the board of directors which is located on our website at https://ir.artaratx.com/.

Our Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for,The functions of this committee include, among other things, things:

•        identifying, reviewing and evaluating candidates to serve on our board of directors;

•        determining the minimum qualifications for service on our board of directors

•        reviewing and evaluating incumbent directors and the performance of our board of directors;

•        evaluating, nominating and recommending individuals for membership on our board of directors;

•        making recommendations regarding corporate governance, the compositionmembership of our Board, identification, evaluation and nomination of director candidates and the structure and composition of committees of our Board. In addition, our Governance and Nominating Committee is responsibleboard of directors;

•        assessing the performance of the board of directors, including its committees;

•        developing a set of corporate governance guidelines for the following:combined company; and

developing and recommending to the Board our corporate governance guidelines and policies;
providing general advice to the Board on corporate governance matters;
contributing to succession planning;
reviewing the policies relating to and transactions involving actual and potential conflicts of interest of our directors and officers including related party transactions;

reviewing the policies and procedures with respect to insider trading and confidentiality pursuant to our insider trading policy; and
overseeing the annual review of•        reviewing and evaluating on an annual basis the performance of the Board.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Governance and Nominating Committee met one time.

Polices Governing Director Nominations

Director Nomination Process

Our Board is responsible for selecting its own members. The Board delegates the selection and nomination process to the Governance and Nominating Committee, with the expectation that other members of the BoardNominating and Governance Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee charter.

The nominating and corporate governance committee believes that candidates for director should have certain minimum qualifications, including the ability to read and understand basic financial statements, being over 21 years of age and having the highest personal integrity and ethics. The nominating and corporate governance committee also intends to consider such factors as possessing relevant expertise upon which to be able to offer advice and guidance to management, will be requestedhaving a diverse personal background, perspective and experience, having sufficient time to take partdevote to our affairs, demonstrated excellence in his or her field, having the ability to exercise sound business judgment and having the commitment to rigorously represent the long-term interests of our stockholders. However, the nominating and corporate governance committee retains the right to modify these qualifications from time to time. Candidates for director nominees are reviewed in the processcontext of the current composition of the board of directors, the operating requirements of ArTara and the long-term interests of our stockholders. In conducting this assessment, the nominating and corporate governance committee typically considers diversity (including gender, racial and ethnic diversity), age, skills and such other factors as appropriate. it deems appropriate, given the current needs of the board of directors and our business, to maintain a balance of knowledge, experience and capability.

The Governancenominating and Nominating Committee makes recommendations tocorporate governance committee appreciates the Board regardingvalue of thoughtful board refreshment, and regularly identifies and considers qualities, skills and other director attributes that’s would enhance the size and composition of the Board. The GovernanceIn the case of incumbent directors whose terms of office are set to expire, the nominating and Nominating Committeecorporate governance committee reviews annually withthese directors’ overall service to the BoardCompany during their terms, including the composition of the Board as a whole and recommends, if necessary, measures to be taken so that the Board reflects the appropriate balance of knowledge, experience, skills, expertise and diversity required for the Board as a whole and contains at least the minimum number of meetings attended, level of participation, quality of performance and any other relationships and transactions that might impair the directors’ independence. In the case of new director candidates, the nominating and corporate governance committee also determines whether the nominee is independent directors required byfor Nasdaqpurposes, which determination is based upon applicable lawsNasdaqlisting standards, applicable SEC rules and regulations.regulations and the advice of counsel, if necessary. The Governancenominating and Nominating Committee is responsible for ensuring thatcorporate governance committee then uses its network of contacts to compile a list of potential candidates, but may also engage, if it deems appropriate, a professional search firm. The nominating and corporate governance committee conducts any appropriate and necessary inquiries into the compositionbackgrounds and qualifications of possible candidates after considering the Board accurately reflects thefunction and needs of Proteon’s businessour board of directors. The nominating and in furtherance of this goal, for proposing the addition of members and the necessary resignation of members for purposes of obtaining the appropriate members and skills. The Governance and Nominating Committee recommends, and the Board nominates, candidates to stand for election as directors.

Generally, our Governance and Nominating Committee identifies candidates for director nominees in consultation with management, through the use of search firms or other advisors, through the recommendations submitted by stockholders or through such other methods as the Governance and Nominating Committee deems to be helpful to identify candidates. Once candidates have been identified, our Governance and Nominating Committee confirms that the candidates meet all of the minimum qualifications for director nominees established by the Governance and Nominating Committee. The Governance and Nominating Committee may gather information about the candidates through interviews, detailed questionnaires, background checks or any other means that the Governance and Nominating Committee deems to be appropriate in the evaluation process. The Governance and Nominating Committee thencorporate governance committee meets as a group to discuss and evaluateconsider the candidates’ qualifications and skills of each candidate, both on an individual basis and taking into account the overall composition and needs of the Board. Based on the results of the evaluation process, the Governance and Nominating Committee recommends candidates as director nomineesthen selects a nominee for electionrecommendation to the Board for the Board’s approval.board of directors by majority vote.

14

Stockholders may also nominate persons to be elected as directors. The Governancenominating and Nominating Committeecorporate governance committee will consider director candidates recommended by ourstockholders. The nominating and corporate governance committee will evaluate any director nominees received from stockholders in accordance with Proteon’s bylaws. If a stockholder wishesthe same manner as recommendations received from management or members of our board

17

of directors. Stockholders who wish to nominate a personrecommend individuals for consideration by the nominating and corporate governance committee to become nominees for election as director, he or she must followto our board of directors may do so by delivering a written recommendation to the procedures contained in our bylaws. In evaluating candidates recommended by our stockholders, the Governancenominating and Nominating Committee applies the same criteria set forth below under “Minimum Qualifications.” To nominate a person to stand for election as a directorcorporate governance committee at the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, a stockholder must provide our Secretary with timely notice of the nomination. To be timely, the stockholder’s noticefollowing address: 1 Little West 12th Street, New York, New York 10014, Attn: Secretary. Any such submission must be delivered to or mailed and received by usprovided at least 90 days, but not earliermore than the close of business on the 120th day nor later than the close of business on the 90th day120 days, prior to the anniversary date of the previousmailing of our proxy statement for the preceding year’s annual meeting exceptof stockholder. Submissions must include (i) the full name, age, business address and residence address of each nominee, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of each such nominee, (iii) the number of shares of capital stock of the Company which are owned of record and beneficially by each such nominee (if any), (iv) such other information concerning each such nominee as would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement soliciting proxies for the election of such nominee as a director in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved) or that is otherwise required to be disclosed, under Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, (v) the consent of the proposed nominee to be named as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected.

Submissions must also include (i) the annual meetingname and address of the Company stockholder on whose behalf the submission is scheduled more than 30 days before or 70 days after such anniversary date, we must receive the notice not later than the close of businessmade, as they appear on the tenth dayCompany’s books and of the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is being made, (ii) a representation that such stockholder will notify the Company in writing of the class and number of such shares owned of record and beneficially as of the record date for the meeting promptly following the daylater of the record date or the date notice of the record date is first publicly disclosed, (iii) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding with respect to such nomination between or among such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on which wewhose behalf the nomination is being made, and any of their affiliates or associates, and any others (including their names) acting in concert with any of the foregoing, and a representation that such stockholder will notify the Company in writing of any such agreement, arrangement or understanding in effect as of the record date for the meeting promptly following the later of the record date or the date notice of the record date is first provide noticepublicly disclosed, (iv) a description of any agreement, arrangement or public disclosureunderstanding (including any derivative or short positions, profit interests, options, hedging transactions, and borrowed or loaned shares) that has been entered into as of the date of such stockholder’s notice by, or on behalf of, such stockholder or any of its affiliates or associates, the meeting. The notice must includeeffect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to, manage risk or benefit of share price changes for, or increase or decrease the information required by Section 2.12(b)voting power of our bylaws.

Additional information regarding requirements forsuch stockholder, nominations for next year’s annual meeting is describedor any such beneficial owner, or any of its affiliates or associates with respect to shares of stock of the Company, and a representation that such stockholder will notify the Company in this Proxy Statement under “General Matters—Stockholder Proposals and Nominations.”

Minimum Qualifications

Our Governance and Nominating Committee will consider, among other things,writing of any such agreement, arrangement or understanding in effect as of the following qualifications, skills and attributes when recommending candidatesrecord date for the Board’s selection as nominees formeeting promptly following the Board and as candidates for appointment to the Board’s committees. The nominee shall have the highest personal and professional integrity, shall have demonstrated exceptional ability and judgment, and shall be most effective, in conjunction with the other nominees to the Board, in collectively serving the long-term interestslater of the stockholders. Board members should possess such attributes and experience as are necessary to provide a broad range of personal characteristics including diversity, management skills and business experience. Directors should be able to commitrecord date or the requisite time for preparation and attendance at regularly scheduled Board and committee meetings, as well as be able to participate in other matters necessary to ensure that good corporate governance is practiced.

In evaluating proposed director candidates, our Governance and Nominating Committee may consider, in addition to the minimum qualifications and other criteria for board membership approved by the Board from time to time, all facts and circumstances that it deems appropriate or advisable, including, among other things, diversity, not limited to race, gender or national origin, the skillsdate notice of the proposed director candidate, his or her depth and breadthrecord date is first publicly disclosed, (v) a representation that the such stockholder is a holder of professional experience or other background characteristics, his or her independence and the needsrecord of shares of the Board. We have no formal policy regarding board diversity. Our GovernanceCompany entitled to vote at the meeting and Nominating Committee’s priorityintends to appear in selecting Board members isperson or by proxy at the identification ofmeeting to nominate the person or persons who will further the interests of Proteon through his or her established record of professional accomplishment, the ability to contribute positively to the collaborative culture among board members, and professional and personal experiences and expertise relevant to our growth strategy. The Governance and Nominating Committee will consider candidates recommended by stockholders. The policy adopted by the Governance and Nominating Committee provides that candidates recommended by stockholders are given appropriate considerationspecified in the same manner as other candidates.notice, and (vi) a representation whether such stockholder intends to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Company’s outstanding capital stock required to approve the nomination and/or otherwise to solicit proxies from stockholders in support of the nomination.

CommunicationStockholder Communications with theour Board of Directors

Our board of directors has adopted a formal process by which stockholders may communicate with the board or any of its directors. Stockholders wishingwho wish to communicate with our Boardboard of directors may do so by writingsending written communications addressed to the Board or to the non-employee members of the Board as a group, at:

Proteon Therapeutics, Inc.

200our Secretary at 1 Little West 12thStreet,

Waltham, MA 02451

Attention: Secretary

The communication must prominently display the legend “BOARD COMMUNICATION” in order to indicate to the Secretary that it is a communication for the Board. Upon receiving such a communication, the New York, New York 10014, Attn: Secretary. Our Secretary will promptlyreview each communication and will forward thesuch communication to the relevant individual or group to which it is addressed. Certain items that are unrelated to the Board’s duties and responsibilities may be excluded, such as spam, junk mail and mass mailings, resumes and other forms of job inquiries, surveys and business solicitations or advertisements. The Secretary will not forward any communication determined in his good faith belief to be frivolous, unduly hostile, threatening, illegal or similarly unsuitable.

15

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During the last completed fiscal year Scott A. Canute, Tim Haines, Jonathan Leff and Brendan O’Leary, Ph.D. served on the Compensation Committee. None of the members of our Compensation Committee has at any time during the prior fiscal year been one of our officers or employees. None of the members of the Compensation Committee during the prior fiscal year were formerly one of our officers. None of our executive officers currently serves, or in the past fiscal year has served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committeeany of its directors to whom the communication is addressed, unless the communication contains advertisements or solicitations or is unduly hostile, threatening or similarly inappropriate. Communications deemed by the Secretary to be inappropriate for presentation will still be made available to any entity that has one or more executive officers serving on our Board or compensation committee. For a description of any transactions between us and members of our Compensation Committee and affiliates ofnon-management director upon such members, please see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”director’s request.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Corporate Governance Guidelines

We have adopted a Codethe ArTara Therapeutics, Inc.Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our employees, officers, directors and directors, including those officers responsible for financial reporting. Ouremployees. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on our website at www.proteontherapeutics.com under “Investors & Media” at “Corporate Governance”ir.artaratx.com.If we make any substantive amendments to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics or by requesting a copy, free of charge, in writinggrants any waiver from our Secretary at Proteon Therapeutics, Inc., 200 West Street, Waltham, MA 02451. We intend to post on our website any amendment to, or waiver under, a provision of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics to any executive officer or director, we will promptly disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver on our website.

18

Proposal 2

Ratification of Marcum LLP as our Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm

The audit committee of our board of directors has selected Marcum LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December31, 2020 and has further directed that appliesmanagement submit the selection of its independent registered public accounting firm for ratification by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting. Prior to certainthe completion of the Merger, Marcum LLP served as the independent auditors of Private ArTara and on March18, 2020, our audit committee approved the engagement of Marcum LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December31, 2020. Representatives ofMarcum LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting. They will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

Neither our amended and restated bylaws nor other governing documents or law require stockholders ratification of the selection of Marcum LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm. However, the audit committee is submitting the selection of Marcum LLP to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If the stockholders fail to ratify the selection, the audit committee will reconsider whether or not to retain that firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the audit committee in its discretion may direct the appointment of different independent auditors at any time during the year if they determine that such a change would be in the best interests of ArTara and our stockholders.

The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present by virtual attendance or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the matter at the Annual Meeting will be required to ratify the selection of Marcum LLP.

Changes in the Company’s Certifying Accountant Fees and Services

Ernst & Young LLP audited our financial statements for the fiscal year ended December31, 2019. On March18, 2020, our audit committee approved the dismissal of Ernst & Young LLP effective as of March23, 2020. On March18, 2020, our audit committee approved the engagement of Marcum LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December31, 2020.

The reports of Ernst & Young LLP on our financial statements for each of the two fiscal years ended December31, 2019 and December31, 2018 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

In connection with the audits of our financial statements for each of the two fiscal years ended December31, 2019 and December31, 2018, and during the subsequent interim period through March23, 2020 (the effective date of Ernst & Young’s dismissal), there were no disagreements (as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and related instructions) with Ernst & Young LLP on any matters of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope and procedures which, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Ernst & Young LLP, would have caused Ernst & Young LLP to make reference to the matter in their reports

During the years ended December31, 2019 and 2018, and the subsequent interim period through March23, 2020, neither we nor anyone on our behalf consulted with Marcum LLP regarding either (i) the application of accounting principles to a specific transaction, completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on our financial statements, and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided to us that Marcum LLP concluded was an important factor considered by us in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions) or a reportable event (as described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).

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Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The following table represents aggregate fees billed by Marcum LLP for the audit of Private ArTara’s financial statements for the year ended December31, 2019 and 2018 and other fees billed for other services rendered by Marcum LLP during those periods.

 

Fiscal Year Ended

  

2019

 

2018

Audit Fees

 

$

65,000

 

$

100,000

Audit-related Fees (specifically describe audit-related fees incurred)

 

 

165,000

 

 

Tax Fees (specifically describe tax fees incurred)

 

 

 

 

All Other Fees (specifically describe all other fees incurred)

 

 

 

 

Total Fees

 

$

230,000

 

$

100,000

All fees described above were pre-approved by the audit committee of the board of directors of Private ArTara.

During the fiscal year ended December31, 2019, all of the total hours expended on our financial audit by Marcum LLP were provided by Marcum LLP’s full-time permanent employees.

The following table represents aggregate fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP for the audit of our financial statements for the year ended December31, 2019 and 2018 and other fees billed for other services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP during those periods.

 

Fiscal Year Ended

  

2019

 

2018

Audit Fees

 

$

461,000

 

$

445,000

Audit-related Fees (specifically describe audit-related fees incurred)

 

 

 

 

Tax Fees (specifically describe tax fees incurred)

 

 

 

 

All Other Fees (specifically describe all other fees incurred)

 

 

 

 

Total Fees

 

$

461,000

 

$

445,000

All fees described above were pre-approved by our audit committee.

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

Our audit committee exercises its pre-approval authority over audit and non-audit services rendered by our independent registered public accounting firm, Marcum LLP, as a general practice. Pre-approval may also be given as part of the audit committee’s approval of the scope of the engagement of the independent auditor or on an individual, explicit, case-by-case basis before the independent auditor is engaged to provide each service. The pre-approval of services may be delegated to one or more of the audit committee’s members, but the decision must be reported to the full audit committee at its next scheduled meeting.

The audit committee has determined that the rendering of services other than audit services by Marcum LLP is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.

Our Board Of Directors Recommends A Vote FOR The Ratification Of Marcum LLP As Our
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
.

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Proposal 3

Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation

Under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“the Dodd-Frank Act”) and Section 14A of the Exchange Act, our stockholders are entitled to vote to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement in accordance with SEC rules.

This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our named executive officers and the philosophy, policies and practices described in this proxy statement. The compensation of our named executive officers subject to the vote is disclosed in the compensation tables and the related narrative disclosure contained in this proxy statement. As discussed in those disclosures, we believe that our compensation policies and decisions are focused on pay-for-performance principles and strongly aligned with our stockholders’ interests. Compensation of our named executive officers is designed to enable us to attract, retain and motivate talented and experienced executives to lead us successfully in a competitive environment.

Accordingly, our board of directors is asking the stockholders to indicate their support for the compensation of our named executive officers as described in this proxy statement by casting a non-binding advisory vote “FOR” the following resolution:

“RESOLVED, that the stockholders of ArTara Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table and the related compensation tables and narrative disclosure in the Proxy Statement for the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June9, 2020.”

Because the vote is advisory, it is not binding on our board of directors. Nevertheless, the views expressed by the stockholders, whether through this vote or otherwise, are important to management and our board of directors and, accordingly, our board of directors and the compensation committee intend to consider the results of this vote in making determinations in the future regarding executive compensation arrangements.

Advisory approval of this proposal requires the vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present by virtual attendance or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the matter at the Annual Meeting.

Our Board Of Directors Recommends A Vote FOR the Approval, on an Advisory Basis, of the
Compensation of our Named Executive Officers
.

21

Proposal 4

ADVISORY VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF SOLICITATION OF ADVISORY
STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The Dodd-Frank Act and Section 14A of the Exchange Act enable our stockholders, at least once every six years, to indicate their preference regarding how frequently we should solicit a non-binding advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in our proxy statement. Accordingly, the Company is asking stockholders to indicate whether they would prefer an advisory vote every year, every other year or every three years. Alternatively, stockholders may abstain from casting a vote. For the reasons described below, our board of directors recommends that the stockholders select a frequency of one year.

After considering the benefits and consequences of each alternative, our board of directors recommends that the advisory vote on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers be submitted to the stockholders every year.

Our board of directors believes that an annual advisory vote on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers will allow stockholders to provide the board of directors with their regular direct input on the Company’s compensation philosophy, policies and practices as disclosed in the proxy statement.

While our board of directors believes that its recommendation is appropriate at this time, the stockholders are not voting to approve or disapprove that recommendation, but are instead asked to indicate their preferences, on an advisory basis, as to whether the non-binding advisory vote on the approval of the Company’s executive officer compensation practices should be held every year, every other year or every three years. The option among those choices that receives the highest number of votes from the holders of shares present by virtual attendance or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the matter at the Annual Meeting will be deemed to be the frequency preferred by the stockholders.

Our board of directors and our compensation committee value the opinions of the stockholders in this matter and, to the extent there is any significant vote in favor of one frequency over the other options, even if less than a majority, our board of directors will consider the stockholders’ concerns and evaluate any appropriate next steps. However, because this vote is advisory and, therefore, not binding on our board of directors or the Company, our board of directors may decide that it is in the best interests of the stockholders that the Company hold an advisory vote on executive compensation more or less frequently than the option preferred by the stockholders. The vote will not be construed to create or imply any change or addition to the fiduciary duties of the Company or our board of directors.

The option of one year, two years or three years that receives the highest number of votes cast by stockholders will be the frequency of the advisory vote on executive compensation that has been selected by stockholders.

Our Board Of Directors Recommends a Vote For “1 Year” on the Frequency of Solicitation of
Advisory Stockholder Approval of Executive Compensation.

22

Executive Officers

The following table sets forth, for our executive officers, within four business days followingtheir ages and position held with us as of the date of such amendment or waiver.

A copy of the Corporate Governance Guidelines may also be accessed free of charge by visiting the website at www.proteontherapeutics.com under "Investors & Media" at "Corporate Governance" or by requesting a copy from our Secretary at our principal executive offices above.

16

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Below is a list of the names, ages as of April 20, 2018 and positions, and a brief account of the business experience of the individuals who serve as our executive officers.

this proxy statement:

Name

 

Age

 Position(s)

Principal Position

Timothy P. Noyes

Jesse Shefferman

 56

48

 

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Steven K. Burke, M.D.

Blaine Davis

 57

46

 

Chief Financial Officer

Jacqueline Zummo, Ph.D., MPH, MBA

39

Senior Vice President, and Research Operations

Julio Casoy, M.D.

69

Chief Medical Officer

George A. Eldridge55Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assist. Secretary
Daniel P. Gottlieb47Vice President, Corporate Development
Matthew P. Kowalsky45Vice President, Legal and Secretary
E. Scott Toner63Senior Vice President, Marketing

Biographical information for Jesse Shefferman is included above with the director biographies under the caption “Information Regarding Director Nominees and Current Directors.”

Blaine Davis has served as our Chief Financial Officer since February 2020. Mr.Davis brings more than 20 years of experience in investor relations, corporate affairs, and sales and marketing at life sciences companies focused on rare diseases. Prior to joining the Company, Mr.Davis served as vice president, head of investor relations and corporate communications at Insmed, Inc. starting in July 2017. Previously, Mr.Davis held multiple executive leadership positions at Endo International plc from May 2008, including senior vice president and general manager, specialty pharmaceuticals; president of Endo Ventures Limited; and senior vice president, investor relations and corporate communications. Prior to Endo, Mr.Davis held positions in corporate and business development and investor relations at Bristol-Myers Squibb. Mr.Davis holds a Bachelor of Arts in biology and psychology with a minor in economics from Middlebury College.

Jacqueline Zummo, Ph.D., MPH, MBAhas served as our Senior Vice President, Research Operations since January 2020. Dr. Zummo joined Private ArTara in November 2017 and began serving as its vice president, clinical research medical affairs, before serving as vice president, research operations from March 2019 until the Merger. Prior to joining Private ArTara, Dr. Zummo served as assistant vice president, medical affairs at Vyera Pharmaceuticals, LLC, a privately held biopharmaceutical company, from November 2015 until September 2017. Dr. Zummo previously served as medical director at Alkermes, Inc. from 2012 until November 2015, associate director, medical affairs at Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. from 2008 until 2012 and senior manager, neuroscience medical affairs at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals from 2002 until 2008. Dr. Zummo earned her B.A. from Penn State University, her MBA in healthcare marketing from Benedictine University, her MPH in epidemiology from Benedictine University, and her Ph.D. in global health sciences from Nova Southeastern University.

Julio Casoy has served as our Chief Medical Officer since January 2020, after previously serving as chief medical officer of Private ArTara from February 2019 until the Merger. Prior to joining Private ArTara, Dr. Casoy served as chief medical officer at Velocity Fund Partners, a private equity firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare services, and as chief medical officer at InClinica, a global research consulting, clinical development and manufacturing company where he oversaw all scientific activities with Velocity assets and CRO activities, both from January 2018 until January 2019. From November 2015 until July 2017, Dr. Casoy served as senior vice president of medical affairs at Turing Pharmaceuticals, a privately held pharmaceutical company. From November 2013 until November 2015, Dr. Casoy served as senior vice president clinical research and medical affairs at Popsi Cube-Fovea, a clinical research organization. From March 2014 until November 2015, Dr. Casoy served as chief medical officer at Synaerion Therapeutics, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company. Prior to Synaerion, Dr. Casoy served as vice president medical affairs at Alkermes PLC, a publicly traded pharmaceutical manufacturing and biopharmaceutical company, from August 2011 until September 2013. Dr. Casoy began his career at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc., a pharmaceutical company that was subsequently acquired by Pfizer, Inc., and served in various positions of increasing responsibility during his 24 years at Wyeth, most recently serving as vice president global medical affairs, compliance / intercontinental medical director during his last six years at Wyeth. Dr. Casoy practiced medicine in internal medicine and rheumatology for six years before working in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Dr. Casoy earned his degree in internal medicine from Escola Paulista de Medicina, his master in health and hospital management from Escola de Administracao de Empresas Fundacao Getulio Vargas & Hospital das Clinicas da Universidade de Sao Paulo and his specialization in rheumatology from Escola Paulista de Medicina.

23

Executive Officer BiographiesCompensation

Prior to the Merger and for the year ended December31, 2019, our named executive officers, consisting of our principal executive officer and the next two most highly compensated executive officers, were:

•        Timothy P. Noyes,joined Proteon in April 2006 as our former President and Chief Executive OfficerOfficer;

•        George Eldridge, our former Senior Vice President and has also been a member ofChief Financial Officer; and

•        Steven Burke M.D., our Board since joining Proteon. From 2002 to 2006, Mr. Noyes served as Chief Operating Officer of Trine Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Before joining Trine, Mr. Noyes held several management positions with GelTex Pharmaceuticals from 1996 to 2001, prior to its acquisition by Genzyme Corporation. After the acquisition, from 2001 to 2002, he held the positions of President, Renal Division and President, GelTex Pharmaceuticals. Prior to GelTex, he worked for several years at Merck & Co. across multiple roles in its hypertension and heart failure group and managed care division, and on its Vasotec and Prilosec products. Mr. Noyes received an A.B. from Harvard College and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. We believe Mr. Noyes is qualified to serve as a member of our Board because of his role with us and his extensive operational knowledge of, and executive level management experience in, the biopharmaceutical industry.

Steven K. Burke, M.D., joined Proteon in August 2006 as ourformer Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. Prior to joining Proteon, Dr. Burke held various roles at Genzyme Corporation from 2000 to 2006, where he served

We have also included the principal executive officer and the two most recently as Senior Vice Presidenthighly compensated officers of Medical and Regulatory Affairs and Vice President of Clinical Research. From 1994 to 2000, Dr. Burke held roles at GelTex Pharmaceuticals, including Vice President of Clinical Research and Medical Director, and before that he held positions at Glaxo. Dr. Burke received an A.B. from Harvard College and an M.D. from Cornell University Medical College. He completed a medical residency and fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and is certified byPrivate ArTara for the American Board of Internal Medicine.year ended December31, 2019 below:

•        Jesse Shefferman, our Chief Executive Officer;

George A. Eldridge joined Proteon in September 2013 as•        Jacqueline Zummo, Ph.D., MPH, MBA, our Senior Vice President, Research Operations; and

•        Julio Casoy, M.D. our Chief Medical Officer.

Mr.Shefferman, Dr. Zummo and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Proteon, from 2009 to 2013, Mr. Eldridge served as a consultant to companiesDr. Casoy each became an executive officer of the Company in connection with the biotechnology industry, acting as a chief financial officer and providing advisory services. From 2006 to 2009, Mr. Eldridge was Chief Financial Officerclosing of Targanta Therapeutics Corporation until its acquisitionthe Merger in 2009 by The Medicines Company. Before working at Targanta, Mr. Eldridge served as Chief Financial Officer of Therion Biologics from 2002 to 2006. In the fourth quarter of 2006, Therion filed a petition under the federal bankruptcy laws, which was rejected. Prior to Therion Mr. Eldridge served as Chief Financial Officer of Curis, Inc. (previously Ontogeny, Inc.) and Boston Life Sciences, Inc. Prior to working in the biotechnology field, Mr. Eldridge was an investment banker at Kidder Peabody & Co, Inc. He holds a B.A. from Dartmouth College and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business.January 2020.

Daniel P. Gottlieb joined Proteon in September 2007 and has served as our Vice President, Corporate Development since April 2015, prior to which he was Vice President, Marketing and Business Development from March 2013 until April 2015, prior to which he was the Senior Director of Marketing and Business Development from June 2010 until March 2013 and Director of Marketing and Business Development from 2007 until 2010. Prior to joining Proteon, Mr. Gottlieb served as Strategic Marketing Manager of Endovascular Products at Abbott Vascular from 2006 to 2007. Prior to that, Mr. Gottlieb spent seven years, from 1999 to 2006, at Guidant Corporation in a variety of roles, including marketing and market research, strategic planning, and business development and corporate venture investing as part of Guidant’s Compass Group. Mr. Gottlieb holds a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.

Matthew P. Kowalsky joined Proteon in May 2016 as our Vice President, Legal. Prior to joining Proteon, he served as Senior Corporate Counsel at Sanofi Genzyme from May 2015 to May 2016, supporting business development activities and marketed products for rare diseases. Mr. Kowalsky held the position of Associate General Counsel at Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from 2013 to 2015. He served as Assistant General Counsel at ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in 2013 and Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc. (formerly Bristol-Myers Squibb Medical Imaging, Inc.) from 2009 to 2013. Mr. Kowalsky began his legal career in the corporate and intellectual property groups of Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP. He holds a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and a J.D. from the Notre Dame Law School. Before attending law school, he served as a surface warfare officer in the U.S. Navy.

17

E. Scott Toner joined Proteon in June 2015 as our Senior Vice President, Marketing. Prior to joining Proteon, from April 2014 to April 2015, Mr. Toner served as the VP Marketing and Sales of OPKO Health’s Renal Division. From January 2013 to April 2014, he served as a consultant to companies in the biotechnology industry and from March 2011 to December 2012 served as Senior Director, Marketing of Reata Pharmaceuticals. Prior to that, from March 2007 to October 2010, Mr. Toner served as Executive Director of Marketing with AMAG Pharmaceuticals. From 1985 to 2007, Mr. Toner held various roles within the domestic and international divisions of Abbott Laboratories, concentrating primarily on the nephrology and critical care therapeutic spaces. Mr. Toner holds a B.A. from Ithaca College and an M.B.A. from Drexel University.

18

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Overview

Summary Compensation Table

The following discussion relatestable shows for the fiscal years ended 2019 and 2018, compensation awarded to or paid to, or earned by, our named executive officers and the compensation of our Chief Executive Officerprincipal executive officer and President, Timothy P. Noyes, and our next two most highly compensated persons servingofficers of Private ArTara.

Name and Principal Position

 

Year

 

Salary(1)

 

Bonus(2)

 

Option
Awards
(3)

 

Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation(4)

 

All
Other
Compensation(5)

 

Total

Timothy Noyes

 

2019

 

$

411,347

 

$

 

$

710,045

 

$

 

$

561,218

 

$

1,682,610

Former President, ChiefExecutive Officer and Director

 

2018

 

 

531,914

 

 

 

 

829,200

 

 

265,957

 

 

3,875

 

 

1,630,946

    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

George Eldridge

 

2019

 

 

377,278

 

 

 

 

288,028

 

 

151,124

 

 

445,288

 

 

1,261,718

Former Chief Financial Officer

 

2018

 

 

365,034

 

 

 

 

439,380

 

 

142,363

 

 

2,291

 

 

949,068

    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Steven Burke, M.D.

 

2019

 

 

261,966

 

 

 

 

288,028

 

 

 

 

452,720

 

 

1,002,714

Former Chief Medical Officer

 

2018

 

 

434,948

 

 

 

 

439,380

 

 

173,979

 

 

4,904

 

 

1,053,212

    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Jesse Shefferman

 

2019

 

 

343,621

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

35,455

 

 

379,076

President, ChiefExecutive Officer and Director

 

2018

 

 

268,049

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32,771

 

 

300,820

    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Jacqueline Zummo, Ph.D., MPH, MBA

 

2019

 

 

289,425

 

 

 

 

47,065

 

 

 

 

17,162

 

 

353,652

Senior Vice President, Research Operations

 

2018

 

 

185,158

 

 

56,250

 

 

192,515

 

 

 

 

16,781

 

 

450,704

    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Julio Casoy, M.D.(6)

 

2019

 

 

348,504

 

 

 

 

255,920

 

 

 

 

18,067

 

 

622,491

Chief Medical Officer

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

____________

(1)      Salaries for Mr.Noyes, Mr.Eldridge and Dr. Burke include amounts contributed by each officer to our 401(k) plan.

(2)      The $56,250 bonus paid to Dr. Zummo represents the amount earned in 2018 and paid in 2019 for her continuous service through fiscal year 2018, in accordance with the terms of her initial employment agreement with Private ArTara.

(3)      Amounts shown reflect the grant date fair value of options awarded, determined in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board, Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation. These amounts exclude the value of estimated forfeitures. Note that the amounts reported in this column reflect the accounting cost for these stock options, and do not correspond to the actual economic value that may be received by the named executive officers from the options.

24

(4)      Amounts shown reflect the cash performance bonus amount paid to the named executive officer for each of fiscal year 2018 and 2019 that was earned based on Proteon’s performance. Annual cash incentive compensation earned during the year is typically paid in the following year. The $151,124 bonus paid to Mr.Eldridge in 2019 were performance awards tied to the Merger.

(5)      Amounts shown represent life insurance premiums, health insurance premiums and short-term disability insurance paid (i) by us on behalf of Mr.Noyes, Mr.Eldridge and Dr. Burke and (ii) by Private ArTara on behalf of Mr.Shefferman, Dr. Zummo and Dr. Casoy. These benefits are provided to the named executive officers on the same terms as executive officersprovided to all of our regular full-time employees in the United States. Amounts also include severance for Mr.Noyes, Mr.Eldridge and Dr. Burke.

(6)      Dr. Casoy became a full-time employee of Private ArTara in February 1, 2019 and did not receive any compensation prior to such date.

Outstanding Equity Awards as of December 31, 2017. Each year, our Compensation Committee reviews and determines the compensation of our executive officers, including our named executive officers. Our executive compensation program is designed to attract and retain a highly skilled team of key executives and to align the compensation of our executives with the interests of our stockholders by rewarding the achievement of short- and long-term strategic financial goals, which we believe serves to enhance short- and long-term value creation for our stockholders.

Elements of Executive Compensation

The compensation of our named executive officers consists of base salary, annual cash bonuses, equity awards and employee benefits that are made available to all salaried employees. Our named executive officers are also entitled to certain compensation and benefits upon certain terminations of employment and certain change of control transactions pursuant to employment agreements. In addition to the factors discussed below, the Compensation Committee also considers recommendations from Mr. Noyes, who as our Chief Executive Officer regularly discusses compensation issues regarding all salaried employees other than himself with the chairperson of the Compensation Committee and meets with our Compensation Committee to discuss these matters. Mr. Noyes also provides our Compensation Committee and Board with his evaluation of the performance of the named executive officers other than himself.

The following describes the material terms of the elements of our executive compensation program during fiscal year 2017.

Base Salaries. Base salaries for our named executive officers are determined based on the scope of each officer’s responsibilities along with his respective experience and contributions to the Company. Base salaries for our named executive officers are determined annually by our Compensation Committee, subject to review and approval by our Board. When reviewing base salaries for increase, our Compensation Committee takes factors into account such as each officer’s experience and individual performance, Proteon’s performance as a whole, data from surveys of compensation paid by comparable companies, and general industry conditions, but does not assign any specific weight to any factor. The following table sets forth base salaries for our named executive officers for the 2017 and 2018 fiscal years.

  2017 2018 % Increase
Name Base Salary ($) Base Salary ($) over 2017
Timothy P. Noyes  501,806   531,914   6.0%
Steven K. Burke, M.D.  420,240   434,948   3.5%
George A. Eldridge  352,690   365,034   3.5%

Annual Cash Bonuses. Our annual cash bonus program promotes and rewards the achievement of key strategic and business goals. At the beginning of fiscal year 2017, our Compensation Committee established corporate performance goals, each having a designated weighting that included key strategic and financial goals of Proteon relating to research, process development and manufacturing, business development and the achievement of financial objectives. At the beginning of the 2018 fiscal year, our Compensation Committee met and evaluated the performance of Proteon against the specified performance goals. Our Board approved the recommendations of our Compensation Committee and each named executive officer received a cash bonus as set forth below.

  2017 2017
Name Bonus target Bonus ($)
Timothy P. Noyes  50%  263,448 
Steven K. Burke, M.D.  40%  176,501 
George A. Eldridge  40%  141,076 

19

Equity Awards. Our named executive officers have previously participated in our Proteon Therapeutics, Inc. Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, which we refer to as the “2006 Plan.” At this time, there are no shares available for grant under our 2006 Plan. Our named executive officers also participate in our Proteon Therapeutics, Inc. Amended and Restated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, which we refer to as the “2014 Plan.” Grants under the 2006 Plan and the 2014 Plan, including those made to our named executive officers, generally consist of stock option awards subject to time-based vesting. Awards that are subject to time-based vesting generally vest either in quarterly installments over four years or vest as to 25% of the shares subject to the option after one year and thereafter continue to vest in quarterly installments over the following three years, generally subject to continued employment. During the beginning of fiscal year 2018, each of Mr. Noyes, Dr. Burke and Mr. Eldridge was awarded stock options under the 2014 Plan to purchase shares of our common stock in each case vesting as to 25% of the shares subject to the option after one year and thereafter continue to vest in quarterly installments over the following three years. Stock option awards serve to align the interests of our named executive officers with our stockholders, because no value is created unless the value of our common stock appreciates after grant. They also encourage retention through the use of time-based vesting. Pursuant to agreements with certain members of senior management, including our named executive officers, all or a portion of the executives’ stock options may vest upon certain terminations of employment, including terminations without cause or constructive terminations in connection with a change of control.

2019

The following table sets forth the stock options awardedcertain information regarding outstanding equity awards granted to our named executive officers for the 2017 fiscal year.

2017 (1)
NameOption Awards
Timothy P. Noyes500,000
Steven K. Burke, M.D.200,000
George A. Eldridge200,000

(1)Options were granted under our 2014 Plan in January 2018 for each named executive officer as part of the compensation review cycle for the fiscal year ended in 2017.

In addition, our named executive officers are eligible to participate in our Proteon Therapeutics, Inc. 2014 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, which we refer tothat remain outstanding as the “ESPP.” The ESPP provides an incentive to,of December31, 2019, and encourages stock ownership by, all of our eligible employees and those of our participating subsidiaries so that they may share in our growth by acquiring or increasing their share ownership. Under the ESPP, eligible employees, including our named executive officers, may purchase shares of our common stock through payroll deductions.

Benefits. We provide modest benefits to our named executive officers. These benefits and perquisites, such as participation in our 401(k) plan and basic health and welfare benefit coverage, are available to all of our eligible employees.

Employment Agreements and Change of Control Agreements. Mr. Noyes, Dr. Burke and Mr. Eldridge have entered into employment agreements with us that include severance, change of control, and restrictive covenant provisions. We believe that change of control arrangements provide our executives with security that will likely reduce any reluctance that they may have to pursue a change of control transaction that could be in the best interests of our stockholders. We also believe that reasonable severance and change of control benefits are necessary in order to attract and retain high-quality executive officers.

20

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth information about certain compensation awarded or paid to our named executive officers for the 2015, 2016 and 2017 fiscal years.

        Non-Equity All  
      Option Incentive Other  
    Salary Awards Compensation Compensation Total
Name and Principal Position Year ($)(1) ($)(2)(3) ($)(4) ($)(5) ($)
Timothy P. Noyes  2017   501,806   208,714   263,448   4,220   978,187 
Chief Executive Officer and President  2016   487,190   -   243,595   4,702   735,487 
   2015   473,000   2,266,729   236,500   4,702   2,980,932 
Steven K. Burke, M.D  2017   420,240   90,254   176,501   4,220   691,214 
Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer  2016   408,000   -   142,800   5,732   556,532 
   2015   378,100   1,095,546   132,340   5,732   1,611,717 
George A. Eldridge  2017   352,690   90,254   141,076   2,636   586,656 
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,
  2016   323,000   -   113,050   2,959   439,009 
Treasurer and Secretary
  2015   313,600   731,142   109,760   2,913   1,157,415 

______________

(1)Salaries include amounts contributed by the named executive officer to our 401(k) plan.

(2)Amounts shown reflect the grant date fair value of options awarded during each of fiscal year 2015 and 2017, determined in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board, Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718,Compensation— Stock Compensation. These amounts exclude the value of estimated forfeitures. Note that the amounts reported in this column reflect the accounting cost for these stock options, and do not correspond to the actual economic value that may be received by the named executive officers from the options.

(3)Options were granted in January 2015 for each named executive officer as part of the compensation review cycle for the fiscal year ended in 2014. The grant date fair value of options awarded in January 2015 for each named executive is as follows: Timothy P. Noyes $971,917; Steven K. Burke M.D. $505,111; and George A. Eldridge $389,312. Options were granted in December 2015 for each named executive officer as part of the compensation review cycle for the fiscal year ended in 2015. The grant date fair value of options awarded in December 2015 for each named executive is as follows: Timothy P. Noyes $1,294,812; Steven K. Burke M.D. $590,435; and George A. Eldridge $341,830.

(4)Amounts shown reflect the cash performance bonus amount paid to the named executive officer for each of fiscal year 2015, 2016 and 2017 that was earned based on Proteon’s performance. Annual cash incentive compensation earned during the year is typically paid in the following year.

(5)This column reflects term life and disability insurance premiums paid by us on behalf of the named executive officers. All of these benefits are provided to the named executive officers on the same terms as provided to all of our regular full-time employees.

21

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table sets forth information regardingincludes outstanding equity awards held by our namedthe principal executive officer and the two most highly compensated executive officers of Private ArTara as of December 31, 2017.December31, 2019, giving retroactive effect to the Merger.

 

Option Awards(1)

Name

 

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Exercisable
(2)

 

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Unexercisable
(3)

 

Option
Exercise
Price

 

Option
Expiration
Date

Timothy Noyes(4)

 

 

 

 

$

 

George Eldridge(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steven Burke, M.D.(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jesse Shefferman

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jacqueline Zummo, Ph.D., MPH, MBA

 

6,757

(5)

 

12,318

 

 

9.18

 

7/11/2028

  

2,388

(6)

 

7,149

 

 

9.18

 

12/31/2028

  

4,767

(7)

 

4,770

 

 

9.18

 

9/16/2029

Julio Casoy, M.D.

 

7,950

(8)

 

30,201

 

 

9.18

 

4/28/2029

____________

OPTION AWARDS

       Number of  Number of       
       Securities  Securities       
       Underlying  Underlying   Option   
       Unexercised  Unexercised   Exercise  Option
   Grant   Options (#)  Options (#)   Price  Expiration
Name  Date   Exercisable(6)  Unexercisable   ($)(4)  Date(5)
Timothy P. Noyes  6/19/2009   55,829(2) -  $3.17  3/3/2019
   12/16/2009   3,479(2) -  $3.17  12/15/2019
   10/26/2011   85,388(2) -  $1.27  10/25/2021
   6/24/2014   126,023(1) -  $4.92  6/23/2024
   10/21/2014   59,113(1) 19,705(3) $10.00  10/20/2024
   1/7/2015   92,354(1) 41,979(3) $10.60  1/6/2025
   12/8/2015   62,500(1) 62,500(3) $14.71  12/7/2025
   1/24/2017   -(1) 122,838(3) $2.05  1/23/2027
Steven K. Burke, M.D.  6/19/2009   14,898(2) -  $3.17  3/3/2019
   6/24/2014   81,914(1) -  $4.92  6/23/2024
   1/7/2015   47,996(1) 21,817(3) $10.60  1/6/2025
   12/8/2015   28,500(1) 28,500(3) $14.71  12/7/2025
   1/24/2017   -(1) 53,119(3) $2.05  1/23/2027
George A. Eldridge  6/24/2014   126,023(1) -  $4.92  6/23/2024
   1/7/2015   31,338(1) 22,470(3) $10.60  1/6/2025
   12/8/2015   16,500(1) 16,500(3) $14.71  12/7/2025
   1/24/2017   -(1) 53,119(3) $2.05  1/23/2027

(1)Reflects time-based options to purchase shares of our common stock that vest as to 25% of the shares subject to the option on the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date and thereafter vesting in equal quarterly installments over the following three years, subject to the executive’s continued employment.

(2)Reflects time-based options to purchase shares of our common stock that vest in equal quarterly installments over four years generally subject to the executive’s continued employment.

(3)Reflects time-based options to purchase shares of our common stock that vest in equal annual installments over four years generally subject to the executive’s continued employment. These option awards were granted under our 2014 Plan and each option award is exercisable only upon vesting.

(4)The exercise price of the stock options was not less than the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant, as determined by our Board, based, in part, on an independent third party valuation with respect to the period prior to our initial public offering. Stock options granted in fiscal year 2014 subsequent to us becoming a public company were granted with an exercise price equal to the closing price of a share of our common stock on the date the stock option was granted.

(5)All stock options have a 10-year term measured from the date of grant.

(6)Except as otherwise indicated all of the outstanding option awards were granted under and subject to the terms of our 2006 Plan. As further described in in our final prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act on October 22, 2014 “Prospectus” under ‘‘—Equity Benefit and Stock Plans.’’ Except as otherwise indicated, as of December 31, 2017, each option award is immediately exercisable but is subject to repurchase by us until vested. All vesting is subject to the officer’s continuous service with us through the vesting dates and the potential vesting acceleration under certain circumstances as further described below ‘‘—Employment Agreements.’’

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Retirement Benefits

We maintain a defined contribution employee retirement plan, or 401(k) plan, for our employees. Our named executive officers are eligible to participate(1)      All of the option awards listed in the 401(k) plan ontable were granted under the same basis as our other employees.Private ArTara 2017 Equity Incentive Plan.

(2)      The 401(k) plan is intendednumber of shares under the option that have vested.

(3)      The number of shares under the option that have not vested.

(4)      Pursuant to qualify as a tax-qualified plan under Section 401(k)separation agreements with the Company, all options held by Mr.Noyes, Mr.Eldridge and Dr. Burke were cancelled for no consideration in connection with the Merger.

(5)      The share numbers and exercise prices reflected are those of options deemed to have been issued to the executive upon completion of the Internal Revenue CodeMerger in January 2020. These options were deemed to have been issued upon completion of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The plan provides that each participant may contribute upthe Merger in exchange for options to purchase 100,000shares of Private ArTara common stock, which would have vested monthly over four years following August 1, 2018, at an exercise price of $1.75 per share awarded to the statutory limit, which was $18,000 for calendar year 2017. Participants thatexecutive by Private ArTara in 2018.

(6)      The share numbers and exercise prices reflected are 50 years or older can also make “catch-up” contributions, which in calendar year 2017 may be upthose of options deemed to an additional $6,000 abovehave been issued to the statutory limit. We may also elect to provide for discretionary profit sharing contributions, but we did not provide any such contributions in fiscal year 2017. In general, eligible compensation for purposesexecutive upon completion of the 401(k) plan includesMerger in January 2020. These options were deemed to have been issued upon completion of the Merger in exchange for options to purchase 50,000shares of Private ArTara common stock, which would have vested monthly over four years following January 1, 2019, at an employee’s earnings reportable on IRS Form W-2 subjectexercise price of $1.75 per share awarded to certain adjustmentsthe executive by Private ArTara in 2018.

(7)      The share numbers and exclusions required underexercise prices reflected are those of options deemed to have been issued to the Code.executive upon completion of the Merger in January 2020. These options were deemed to have been issued upon completion of the Merger in exchange for options to purchase 50,000shares of Private ArTara common stock, of which 22,000 (44%) of the shares vested immediately upon the date of grant, with the remaining 28,000shares which would have vested monthly in 27 approximately equal monthly increments following September 17, 2019, at an exercise price of $1.75 per share awarded to the executive by Private ArTara in 2019.

(8)      The 401(k) plan currently does not offershare numbers and exercise prices reflected are those of options deemed to have been issued to the abilityexecutive upon completion of the Merger in January 2020. These options were deemed to investhave been issued upon completion of the Merger in our securities.exchange for options to purchase 200,000shares of Private ArTara common stock, which would have vested monthly over four years following February 1, 2019, at an exercise price of $1.75 per share awarded to the executive by Private ArTara in 2019.

25

Employment Arrangements and Severance Agreements

Timothy Noyes Separation Agreement and Consulting Agreement

Employment Agreements

Below are written descriptions of our employment agreements with each of our named executive officers.

Timothy P. Noyes

We haveOn October1, 2014, we entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Mr. Noyes,Mr.Noyes, which was effective upon the completion of our initial public offering, who serves as our President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Noyes’s employment with us is “at-will,” and the agreement does not include a specified term. The agreement providesprovided that, Mr. Noyes receives an annual base salary, initially established at $437,280 in 2014, and that he is eligible for an annual incentive bonus, with his target bonus being 50% of his base salary. The Board determines his actual bonus amount based on its assessment of the Company’s and his individual performance during the year. The agreement also provides for Mr. Noyes to participate in our benefit programs made available to our employees generally.

Under Mr. Noyes’s agreement, if his employment iswas terminated by us without cause or by reason of constructive termination (as such terms are defined in the agreement), he will bewas entitled to receive (i) cash severance equal to 12 months12months of his base salary or, in the event constructive termination (as defined in the agreement) occurs within 30 days prior to or 365 days following a corporate transaction, 18 months plus, only following a corporate transaction (as defined in the agreement), an amount equal to his bonus prorated to reflect the number of days worked during that fiscal year;and (ii) reimbursement of his COBRA premiums for up to 12 months or,12months.

On September30, 2019, we and Mr.Noyes entered into a separation agreement, setting forth the terms of Mr.Noyes’ separation from the Company. Pursuant to the separation agreement, subject to his compliance with certain continuing obligations contained in the eventseparation agreement and in the consulting agreement (as described below), we agreed to provide to Mr.Noyes the following severance benefits: (i) payment of his accrued and unpaid salary and benefits, (ii) the severance payment due to Mr.Noyes pursuant to the employment agreement, and (iii) payment in respect of COBRA premiums. In addition, under the terms of the Separation Agreement, Mr.Noyes agreed to terminate and cancel all of his outstanding stock options previously granted by us.

In connection with the execution of the separation agreement, we, certain of our subsidiaries and Mr.Noyes entered into a consulting agreement, dated effective as of October1, 2019, pursuant to which Mr.Noyes will provide consulting services to us and certain of our subsidiaries beginning October1, 2019 and continuing for a period of one year, unless earlier terminated by either party. In exchange for his consulting services, Mr.Noyes will receive a consulting fee of $500.00 per hour.

George Eldridge Separation Agreement

On October1, 2014, we entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Mr.Noyes, which provided that, if his employment was terminated by us without cause or by reason of constructive termination occurs within 30 days prior to or 365 days following a corporate transaction (as such terms are defined in the agreement), 18 months; and 50% of any unvested stock options or unvested restricted shares (excluding certain grants) shall vest in full, accelerated to 100% if the termination occurs 30 days prior to or 365 days after a corporate transaction (as defined in the agreement). Mr. Noyes’s righthe was entitled to receive these(i) cash severance benefits isequal to 12months of his base salary or, and (ii) reimbursement of his COBRA premiums for up to twelve months.

On December20, 2019, we and Mr.Eldridge entered into a separation agreement, setting forth the terms of Mr.Eldridge’s separation from ArTara. Pursuant to the separation agreement, subject to his providing a releasecompliance with certain continuing obligations contained in the separation agreement and in the consulting agreement (as described below), we agreed to provide to Mr.Eldridge the following severance benefits: (i) payment of claimshis accrued and unpaid salary and benefits, (ii) the severance payment due to Mr.Eldridge pursuant to the employment agreement, and (iii) payment in favorrespect of COBRA premiums. In addition, under the terms of the Company.

The agreement includes a noncompetition covenant during Mr. Noyes’s employment under the agreementSeparation Agreement, Mr.Eldridge agreed to terminate and for 12 months thereafter or, in the event constructive termination (as defined in the agreement) occurs within 30 days prior to or 365 days following a corporate transaction (as defined in the agreement), 18 months thereafter. The agreement provides that we shall indemnify Mr. Noyes againstcancel all losses, damages, expenses and claims against him by reason of act or omission in connection with the performance of his duties to the fullest extent permittedoutstanding stock options previously granted by the law.us.

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Steven K. Burke, M.D.M.D.Separation Agreement

WeOn October1, 2014, we have entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Dr. Burke which was effective upon the completion of our initial public offering, to serve as our Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Burke’s employment with us is “at- will,” and the agreement does not include a specified term. The agreement providesprovided that, Dr. Burke receives an annual base salary, initially established at $378,100 in 2014, and that he is eligible for an annual incentive bonus, with his initial target bonus being 35% of his base salary. The Board determines his actual bonus amount based on its assessment of the Company’s and his individual performance during the year. The Board also determines whether to make any adjustment to Dr. Burke’s annual target bonus, currently 40% of his base salary. The agreement also provides for Dr. Burke to participate in our benefit programs made available to our employees generally.

Under Dr. Burke’s agreement, if his employment iswas terminated by us without cause or by reason of constructive termination (as thesesuch terms are defined in the agreement), he will bewas entitled to receive (i) cash severance equal to 12 months12months of his base salary or, in the event constructive termination (as defined in the agreement) occurs within 30 days prior to or 365 days following a corporate transaction (as defined in the agreement), 12 months plus an amount equal to his bonus prorated to reflect the number of days worked during that fiscal year;and (ii) reimbursement of his COBRA premiums for up to twelve months;months.

On July31, 2019, we and any unvestedDr. Burke entered into a separation agreement, setting forth the terms of Dr. Burke’s separation from the Company. Pursuant to the separation agreement, subject to his compliance with certain continuing obligations contained in the separation agreement, we agreed to provide to Dr. Burke the following severance benefits: (i) payment of his accrued and unpaid salary and benefits, (ii) the severance payment due to Dr. Burke pursuant to the employment agreement, and (iii) payment in respect of COBRA premiums. In addition, under the terms of the Separation Agreement, Dr. Burke agreed to terminate and cancel all of his outstanding stock options previously granted by us.

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Shefferman, Zummo and Casoy Employment and Severance Arrangements

Jesse Shefferman

On November5, 2019, we entered into, and subsequently amended on December4, 2019, an employment agreement with Mr.Shefferman. Under the terms of the employment agreement, Mr.Shefferman is entitled to an annual base salary of $510,000, is eligible for our benefit programs, vacation benefits and medical benefits, and is entitled to an annual discretionary bonus equal to 50% of his annual base salary. Additionally, Mr.Shefferman received a special, one-time bonus of $100,000 upon completion of the Merger pursuant to his employment agreement.

Mr.Shefferman’s employment agreement provides that upon written notice, either party may terminate the employment arrangement with or unvested restricted shares (excluding certain grants) shall vestwithout cause. The agreement provides that if we terminate Mr.Shefferman’s employment without cause or if Mr.Shefferman resigns for good reason, then Mr.Shefferman will be eligible to receive (i) any unpaid base salary through the effective date of termination, (ii) his base salary for a period of 18months paid in fulla lump sum, (iii) a one-time lump sum payment equal to 12months of his bonus at 100% of target, (iv) reimbursement of all business expenses for which he is entitled, (v) reimbursement of COBRA premium costs for the same level of coverage he had during employment for 12months, (vi) pro-rata vesting of any outstanding equity awards to the extent Mr.Shefferman is not employed through the one-year anniversary of the applicable grant date of such outstanding equity awards and (vii) any unused and accrued vacation.

Jacqueline Zummo, Ph.D., MPH, MBA

On December17, 2019, we entered into an employment agreement with Dr. Zummo. Under the terms of the employment agreement, Dr. Zummo’s compensation consists of base salary of $325,000 and she is entitled to a discretionary bonus equal to 30% of her annual base salary. Dr. Zummo is also eligible for our benefit programs, vacation benefits and medical benefits.

Dr. Zummo’s employment agreement provides that upon written notice, either party may terminate the employment arrangement with or without cause. The agreement provides that if we terminate Dr. Zummo’s employment without cause or if Dr. Zummo resigns for good reason, then Dr. Zummo will be eligible to receive (i) any unpaid base salary through the effective date of termination, occurs 30 days prior(ii) her base salary for a period of nine months paid in a lump sum, (iii) a one-time lump sum payment equal to nine months of her bonus at target, (iv) reimbursement of all business expenses for which she is entitled, (v) reimbursement of any healthcare premium costs for nine months, at the same level of coverage as she had during employment, (vi) pro-rata vesting of any outstanding equity awards to the extent Dr. Zummo is not employed through the one-year anniversary of the applicable grant date of such outstanding equity awards and (vii) any unused and accrued vacation.

Julio Casoy, M.D.

On February6, 2020, we entered into an employment agreement with Dr. Casoy. Under the terms of the employment agreement, Dr. Casoy is entitled to an annual base salary of $400,000, is eligible for our benefit programs, vacation benefits and medical benefits, and is entitled to an annual discretionary bonus equal to 35% of his annual base salary.

Dr. Casoy’s employment agreement provides that upon written notice, either party may terminate the employment arrangement with or 365 days after a corporate transactionwithout cause. The agreement provides that if we terminate Dr. Casoy employment without cause (as defined in the employment agreement). or if Dr. Burke’s rightCasoy resigns for good reason, then Dr. Casoy will be eligible to receive these severance benefits(i) any unpaid base salary through the effective date of termination, (ii) his base salary for a period of nine months paid in a lump sum, (iii) a one-time lump sum payment equal to nine months of his bonus at target, (iv) reimbursement of all business expenses for which he is subjectentitled, (v) reimbursement of any healthcare premium costs for nine months, at the same level of coverage as he had during employment, (vi) pro-rata vesting of any outstanding equity awards to his providing a release of claims in favorthe extent that Dr. Casoy is not employed through the one-year anniversary of the Company.applicable grant date of such outstanding equity awards and (vii) any unused and accrued vacation.

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Equity Compensation Plan Information

The agreement includes a noncompetition covenant during Dr. Burke’s employmentfollowing table summarizes our equity compensation plan information as of December31, 2019. Information is included for equity compensation plans approved by our stockholders. We do not have any equity compensation plans not approved by our stockholders:

Plan Category

 

(a) Number of
Securities to be
Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options,
Warrants
and Rights

 

(b) Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price of
Outstanding
Options,
Warrants
and Rights

 

(c) Number of
Securities
Remaining
Available for
Future Issuance
Under Equity
Compensation
Plans
(Excluding
Securities
Reflected in Column (a))

Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders(1) (2) (3)

 

111

 

$

218.40

 

128,977

Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders

 

 

 

 

Total

 

111

 

$

218.40

 

128,977

____________

(1)      This table does not include the number of shares issuable upon exercise of issued and outstanding awards under the agreementArTara Subsidiary, Inc. 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Private ArTara Plan”), which we assumed upon the closing of the Merger. No new awards may be issued under the Private ArTara Plan. As of January 15, 2020, a total of 219,699 shares of our common stock were reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding options under the Private ArTara Plan.

(2)      As of December 31, 2019, 128,977 shares remained available for issuance under the 2014 Plan, which became effective in August 2017. The number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under the 2014 Plan is increased (i) from time to time by the number of shares of our common stock forfeited upon the expiration, cancellation, forfeiture, cash settlement or other termination of awards under the 2014 Incentive Plan and (ii) on January 1 of each year, by a number of shares of common stock equal to the lesser of (x) 4% of the shares of common stock outstanding at such time or (y) a number of shares as determined by our board of directors.

(3)      As of December 31, 2019, 497,427 shares were reserved for 12 months thereafter.issuance under our 2014 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, which became effective in August 2014.

401(k) Plan

In February 2020, we established a safe harbor 401(k) plan that provides eligible U.S. employees with an opportunity to save for retirement on a tax advantaged basis. Eligible employees are able to defer eligible compensation up to certain Code limits, which are updated annually. We have the ability to make matching contributions, up to a maximum of 4% of each employee’s annual salary, to the 401(k) plan. The agreement provides that we shall indemnify Dr. Burke against all losses, damages, expenses and claims against him by reason401(k) plan is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of act or omission in connectionthe Code, with the performancerelated trust intended to be tax exempt under Section 501(a) of his dutiesthe Code. As a tax-qualified retirement plan, contributions to the 401(k) plan are deductible by us when made, and contributions and earnings on those amounts are not generally taxable to the employees until withdrawn or distributed from the 401(k) plan.

Limitations on Liability and Indemnification Matters

Our sixth amended and restated certificate of incorporation contains provisions that limit the liability of our current and former directors for monetary damages to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Delaware law provides that directors of a corporation will not be personally liable for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duties as directors, except liability for:

•        any breach of the law.director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders;

•        any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

George A. Eldridge•        unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions as provided in Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law; or

•        any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

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This limitation of liability does not apply to liabilities arising under federal securities laws and does not affect the availability of equitable remedies such as injunctive relief or rescission.

We have entered into anOur sixth amended and restated employment agreement with Mr. Eldridge, which was effective upon the completioncertificate of our initial public offering and amended as of March 15, 2017, to serve as our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Eldridge’s employment with us is “at-will,” and the agreement does not include a specified term. The agreement provides that Mr. Eldridge receives an annual base salary, initially established at $300,290 in 2014, and that he is eligible for an annual incentive bonus, with his initial target bonus being 35% of his base salary. The Board determines his actual bonus amount based on its assessment of the Company’s and his individual performance during the year. The Boardincorporation also determines whether to make any adjustment to Mr. Eldridge’s annual target bonus, currently 40% of his base salary. The agreement also provides for Mr. Eldridge to participate in our benefit programs made available to our employees generally.

Under Mr. Eldridge’s agreement, as amended, if his employment is terminated by us without cause or by reason of constructive termination (as these terms are defined in the agreement), he will be entitled to receive cash severance equal to 12 months of his base salary or, in the event constructive termination (as defined in the agreement) occurs within 30 days prior to or 365 days following a corporate transaction (as defined in the agreement), 12 months plus an amount equal to his bonus prorated to reflect the number of days worked during that fiscal year; reimbursement of his COBRA premiums for up to twelve months; and any unvested stock options or unvested restricted shares (excluding certain grants) shall vest in full if the termination occurs 30 days prior to or 365 days after a corporate transaction (as defined in the agreement). Mr. Eldridge’s right to receive these severance benefits is subject to his providing a release of claims in favor of the Company.

The agreement includes a noncompetition covenant during Mr. Eldridge’s employment under the agreement and for 9 or 12 months thereafter, as applicable. The agreement provides that we shallare authorized to indemnify Mr. Eldridge against all losses, damages, expensesour directors and claims against him by reason of act or omission in connection with the performance of his dutiesofficers to the fullest extent permitted by theDelaware law.

Compensation Consultant

As a part of determining compensation for Our amended and restated bylaws provide that we are required to indemnify our nameddirectors and executive officers during fiscal year 2017, the Compensation Committee engaged Arnosti Consulting, Inc., as an independent compensation consultant. Arnosti Consulting provides analysis and recommendations to the Compensation Committee regarding:

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trends and emerging topics with respect to executive compensation;
peer group selection for executive compensation benchmarking;
compensation practices for our peer group;
compensation programs for directors, executives and all of our employees; and
stock utilization and related metrics.

When requested, Arnosti Consulting consultants attend meetingsfullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Our amended and restated bylaws also provide that, upon satisfaction of certain conditions, we are required to advance expenses incurred by a director or executive officer in advance of the Compensation Committee,final disposition of any action or proceeding, and permit us to secure insurance on behalf of any officer, director, employee or other agent for any liability arising out of his or her actions in that capacity regardless of whether we would otherwise be permitted to indemnify him or her under the provisions of Delaware law. Our amended and restated bylaws also provide our board of directors with discretion to indemnify our other officers and employees when determined appropriate by our board of directors. We have entered and expect to continue to enter into agreements to indemnify our directors, executive officers and other employees as determined by the board of directors. With certain exceptions, these agreements provide for indemnification for related expenses, including, executive sessionsamong other things, attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and settlement amounts incurred by any of these individuals in which executive compensation issuesany action or proceeding. We believe that these provisions and agreements are discussed. Arnosti Consulting reportsnecessary to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and officers. We also maintain customary directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.

The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our sixth amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against our directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. They may also reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation against our directors and officers, even though an action, if successful, might benefit us and other stockholders. Further, a stockholder’s investment may be adversely affected to the Compensation Committee and not to management, although Arnosti Consulting meets with management for purposes of gathering information and supporting decision-making for its analyses and recommendations.

In determining to engage Arnosti Consulting, the Compensation Committee assessed the independence of Arnosti Consulting pursuant to the SEC and Nasdaq rules, taking into account the six independence factors enumerated by Nasdaq and in Rule 10C-1 under the Exchange Act, including the absence of other services provided to the Company by Arnosti Consulting, the amount of fees the Company paid to Arnosti Consulting as a percentage of Arnosti Consulting’s total revenue, the policies and procedures of Arnosti Consulting that are designed to prevent conflicts of interest, any business or personal relationship of the individual compensation advisors employed by Arnosti Consulting with an executive officer of the Company, any business or personal relationship the individual compensation advisors employed by Arnosti Consulting have with any member of the Compensation Committee, and any stock of the Company owned by Arnosti Consulting or the individual compensation advisors employed by Arnosti Consulting. The Compensation Committee affirmatively determined, based on its analysis in light of all relevant factors, including the factors listed above, that the work of Arnosti Consulting and the individual compensation advisors employed by Arnosti Consulting as compensation consultants to the Compensation Committee has not raised a conflict of interest.

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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Under our director compensation program, we pay our non-employee directors retainers in cash. We do not pay any compensation to our President and Chief Executive Officer in connection with his service on our Board and, consequently, he is not included in the table. The compensationextent that we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers as required by these indemnification provisions. At present, there is no pending litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officers or employees for which indemnification is sought, and we are not aware of any threatened litigation that may result in claims for indemnification.

Rule 10b5-1 Sales Plans

Our directors and executive officers may adopt written plans, known as Rule 10b5-1 plans, in which they will contract with a broker to our President and Chief Executive Officer is discussed in the “Executive Compensation” section of this Proxy Statement. Each non-employee director receives a cash retainer for service on the Board and for service on each committee(s) on which the director is a member. The chairmen of the Board and of each committee receive higher retainers for such service. These fees are payable semi-annually in arrears. The fees paid to non-employee directors for service on the Board and for service on each committee of the Board on which the director is a member are as follows:

  Member Annual Fee for
  Annual Fee Chairman
Board of Directors $35,000  $65,000 
Audit Committee $7,500  $15,000 
Compensation Committee $5,000  $10,000 
Governance and Nomination Committee $3,750  $7,500 

We also continue to reimburse our non-employee directors for reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attending Board and committee meetings.

In addition, under our director compensation program, each non-employee director elected to our Board will receive an option to purchase 13,333buy or sell shares of our common stock on a periodic basis. Under a Rule 10b5-1 plan, a broker executes trades pursuant to parameters established by the director or executive officer when entering into the plan, without further direction from them. The director or executive officer may amend a Rule 10b5-1 plan in some circumstances and may terminate a plan at any time. Our directors and executive officers also may buy or sell additional shares outside of a Rule 10b5-1 plan when they are not in possession of material nonpublic information subject to compliance with the terms of our insider trading policy.

Hedging Prohibition

As part of our insider trading policy, no officer, director, other employee or consultant may engage in short sales, transactions in put or call options, hedging transactions or other inherently speculative transactions with respect to our common stock at any time. In addition, no officer, director, other employee or consultant may margin, or make any offer to margin, or otherwise pledge as security, any of our common stock, including without limitation, borrowing against such stock, at any time.

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Non-Employee Director Compensation

The following table sets forth the compensation (cash and equity) received by our non-employee directors and the non-employee directors of Private ArTara during the year ended December31, 2019. Mr.Canute, Mr.Haines, Mr.Kingsley and Mr.Leff resigned as members of our board of directors on April15, 2019. Dr. Birner, Mr.Bohlin, Dr. Freund and Mr.Hastings resigned as members of our board of directors on January9, 2020, in connection with the closing of the Merger. Each of Mr.Beshar, Dr. Braunstein, Dr. Garceau, Dr. Levy, Mr.Sargen and Dr. Solomon were awarded restricted stock units outside of the Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy (described below) in January 2020.

Name

 

Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash

 

Option
Awards
(1)(2)

 

Total

Hubert Birner, Ph.D.

 

$

38,750

 

$

 

$

38,750

Garen Bohlin

 

 

53,750

 

 

 

 

53,750

Scott A. Canute

 

 

11,250

 

 

 

 

11,250

John G. Freund, M.D.

 

 

46,250

 

 

 

 

46,250

Tim Haines

 

 

10,938

 

 

 

 

10,938

Paul Hastings

 

 

85,625

 

 

 

 

85,625

Stuart A. Kingsley

 

 

10,625

 

 

 

 

10,625

Jonathan Leff

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

 

10,000

Luke Beshar(3)

 

 

41,250

 

 

70,378

 

 

111,628

Scott Braunstein, M.D.(4)

 

 

11,875

 

 

105,567

 

 

117,442

Roger Garceau, M.D.(5)

 

 

14,000

 

 

70,378

 

 

84,378

Richard Levy, M.D.

 

 

3,750

 

 

 

 

3,750

Gregory Sargen

 

 

6,375

 

 

 

 

6,375

Michael Solomon, Ph.D.(6)

 

 

12,500

 

 

70,378

 

 

82,878

____________

(1)      Amount reported represents the aggregate grant date fair value of stock options granted to our directors during 2019 under our 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, computed in accordance with ASC Topic 718. The assumptions used in calculating the grant date fair value of the stock options reported in this column are set forth in the notes to our audited consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report. This amount does not reflect the actual economic value that may be realized by the non-employee director.

(2)      As of December 31, 2019, the aggregate number of shares underlying outstanding options and restricted stock unit awards held by each of these options vesting in equal annual installments over a three-year period measured from the date of grant, subjectour non-employee directors, giving retroactive effect to the non-employee director’s continued serviceMerger, was as afollows:

Name

Number of
Shares
Underlying
Options

Number of
Restricted
Stock Units

Hubert Birner

Garen Bohlin

Scott A. Canute

John G. Freund, M.D.

Tim Haines

Paul Hastings

Stuart A. Kingsley

Jonathan Leff

Luke Beshar

29,566

Scott Braunstein, M.D.

44,348

Roger Garceau, M.D.

22,890

Richard Levy, M.D.

Gregory Sargen

Michael Solomon, Ph.D.

29,565

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(3)      The fair value of the option award reflect options deemed to have been issued to the director and becoming exercisableupon completion of the Merger in fullJanuary 2020. These options were deemed to have been issued upon a changecompletion of the Merger in control of our Company. Further, we expect to make a grant ofexchange for options to purchase 12,700 shares55,000shares of Private ArTara common stock, around the time of Proteon’s 2018 Annual Meeting of the Stockholders, to all Directors whose service will continue. These option grants will bewhich would have vested monthly over four years following April 1, 2019, at an exercise price equalof $1.75 per share awarded to the director by Private ArTara in 2019.

(4)      The fair market value of Proteon’sthe option award reflect options deemed to have been issued to the director upon completion of the Merger in January 2020. These options were deemed to have been issued upon completion of the Merger in exchange for options to purchase 82,500shares of Private ArTara common stock, onwhich would have vested monthly over four years following April 1, 2019, at an exercise price of $1.75 per share awarded to the datedirector by Private ArTara in 2019.

(5)      The fair value of grant and will vestthe option award reflect options deemed to have been issued to the director upon completion of the Merger in January 2020. These options were deemed to have been issued upon completion of the Merger in exchange for options to purchase 55,000shares of Private ArTara common stock, which would have vested monthly over four years following April 1, 2019, at Proteon’s next annual meetingan exercise price of stockholders.$1.75 per share awarded to the director by Private ArTara in 2019.

(6)      The fair value of the option award reflect options deemed to have been issued to the director upon completion of the Merger in January 2020. These options were deemed to have been issued upon completion of the Merger in exchange for options to purchase 55,000shares of Private ArTara common stock, which would have vested monthly over four years following April 1, 2019, at an exercise price of $1.75 per share awarded to the director by Private ArTara in 2019.

This policyMr.Shefferman, our chief executive officer, is intended to providealso a total compensation package that enables us to attract and retain qualified and experienced individuals to serve as directors and to align our directors’ interests with thosemember of our stockholders.board of directors but does not receive any additional compensation for his service as a director. See the section titled “Executive Compensation” for more information regarding the compensation earned by these executive officers.

Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy

Our currentPrior to the Merger, our non-employee directors were eligible to receive compensation for service on our board of directors pursuant to the non-employee director compensation arrangements have beenpolicy put in effect sinceplace at the time of our initial public offering in October 2014. Prioroffering. Pursuant to that time, we did not have a formal non-employeethe non-employee director compensation policy. We reimbursedpolicy that was in effect on December31, 2019 our non-employeenon-employee directors were entitled with the following compensation for reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attendingtheir services:

•        an annual cash retainer of $35,000 for all non-employee directors;

•        an annual cash retainer of $65,000 for the chair of our board of director and committee meetings.

The following table sets forth information regarding compensation earned by our non-employee directors during fiscal year 2017. (1)

  Fees earned    
Name in cash ($) Option awards ($)(2)(3) Total ($)
Hubert Birner, Ph.D  38,750   6,415   45,165 
Garen Bohlin  50,000   6,415   56,415 
Scott A. Canute  42,337   6,415   48,752 
John G. Freund, M.D.  42,255   6,415   48,671 
Tim Haines  43,750   6,415   50,165 
Paul J. Hastings  72,500   6,415   78,915 
Stuart A. Kingsley  42,500   6,415   48,915 
Jonathan Leff  16,522   13,222   29,744 

(1)Amounts represent annual cash compensation earned for services rendered by each member of the Board.

(2)The options granted to our Board during fiscal year 2017 vest on June 8, 2018 with the exception of Mr. Leff’s grant which vests in equal annual installments over three years. These grants have a weighted average exercise price of $1.30 per option.

(3)Amounts shown reflect the grant date fair value of options awarded during fiscal year 2016 determined in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board, Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718,Compensation—Stock Compensation. These amounts exclude the value of estimated forfeitures.

26

The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 2017, the aggregate number of exercisable and unexercisable option awards outstanding held by our non-employee directors at that time.

  Option Awards
Name Exercisable Unexercisable
Hubert Birner, Ph.D  19,998   6,666 
Garen Bohlin  26,665   6,666 
Scott A. Canute  15,554   11,111 
John G. Freund, M.D.  19,998   6,666 
Tim Haines  19,998   6,666 
Paul J. Hastings  4,444   15,555 
Stuart A. Kingsley  15,554   11,111 
Jonathan Leff  -   13,333 

27

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

The report(in lieu of the Audit Committee is not “soliciting material,” is not deemed “filed” with the SECannual cash retainer above);

•        an additional annual cash retainer of $7,500, $5,000 and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing$3,750 for service as a member of the Company underaudit committee, the Securities Actcompensation committee and the nominating and corporate governance committee, respectively;

•        an additional annual cash retainer of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, both$15,000, $10,000 and $7,500 for service as amended.

The Audit Committee has reviewed the Proteon audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 and has discussed these statements with management and Ernst & Young LLP, or Ernst & Young, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. Proteon management is responsible for the preparationchair of the Company’s financial statementsaudit committee, the compensation committee and for maintaining an adequate system of disclosure controlsthe nominating and procedures and internal control over financial reporting for that purpose. The independent registered public accounting firm audits the annual consolidated financial statements prepared by management, expresses an opinion as to whether those consolidated financial statements present fairly the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Proteon Therapeutics, Inc. in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and discusses any issues they believe should be raised with us. The Audit Committee is responsible for providing independent, objective oversightcorporate governance committee, respectively (in lieu of the Company’s accounting functions and internal controls.committee member retainer above);

The Audit Committee also received from, and discussed with, Ernst & Young the written disclosures and other communications that the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is required•        an initial option grant, for new non-employee directors, to provide to the Audit Committee, including the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 1301, as amended (Communications with Audit Committees), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or PCAOB, in PCAOB Release No. 2012-004.

Ernst & Young also provided the Audit Committee with the written disclosures and the letter required by Rule 3526 of the PCAOB requiring independent registered public accounting firms to annually disclose in writing all relationships that, in their professional opinion may reasonably be thought to bear on independence, to confirm their perceived independence and to engage in a discussion of independence. The Audit Committee has reviewed this disclosure and has discussed with Ernst & Young their independence from Proteon.

Based on its discussions with management and our independent registered public accounting firm as outlined above, and its review of the representations and information provided by management and our independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Proteon Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Respectfully submitted by the Audit Committee,

Garen Bohlin, Chair

John G. Freund, M.D.

Stuart A. Kingsley

28

PROPOSAL NO. 2—RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We are asking our stockholders to ratify the Audit Committee’s selection of Ernst & Young LLP or Ernst & Young, as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018. Ernst & Young has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since 2008.

The Audit Committee annually reviews the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence, including reviewing all relationships between the independent registered public accounting firm and us and any disclosed relationships or services that may impact the objectivity and independence of the independent registered public accounting firm, and the independent registered public accounting firm’s performance.

Although stockholder ratification is not required by our bylaws or otherwise, the Board believes it is advisable to provide stockholders an opportunity to ratify this section and is submitting the selection of Ernst & Young to our stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If the selection is not ratified, the Audit Committee will consider whether it is appropriate to select another independent registered public accounting firm, but is not required to do so. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may select a different registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if the Audit Committee determines that such a change would be in the best interests of Proteon and its stockholders.

We expect that a representative of Ernst & Young will attend the Annual Meeting and the representative will have an opportunity to make a statement if he or she so chooses. The representative will also be available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.

Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Audit Committee pre-approves all auditing services, internal control related services and permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) to be performed by Ernst & Young, subject to the de minimis exception for non-audit services that are approved by the Audit Committee prior to the completion of an audit. The Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more members of the Audit Committee consistent with applicable law and listing standards, provided that the decisions of such Audit Committee member or members must be presented to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

We regularly review the services and fees of our independent accountants. These services and fees are also reviewed by the Audit Committee on an annual basis. The aggregate fees billed for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 for each of the following categories of services are as follows:

Fee Category 2016 2017
Audit Fees $449,586  $506,950 
Audit Related Fees  11,257   - 
Tax Fees  3,874   - 
All Other Fees  -   - 
Total Fees $464,717  $506,950 

Audit Fees.Consist of aggregate fees for professional services provided in connection with the annual audit of our consolidated financial statements, the review of our quarterly condensed consolidated financial statements, consultations on accounting matters directly related to the audit, and comfort letters, consents and assistance with and review of documents filed with the SEC.

Audit-Related Fees.Consist of aggregate fees for accounting consultations and other services that were reasonably related to the performance of audits or reviews of our consolidated financial statements and were not reported above under “Audit Fees.”

29

Tax Fees.Consist of aggregate fees for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning services including the review and preparation of our federal and state income tax returns.

All Other Fees.Consist of aggregate fees billed for products and services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm other than those fees disclosed above. There were no other fees for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017.

The Audit Committee pre-approved all services performed since the pre-approval policy was adopted.

VOTE REQUIRED

The affirmative vote of a majority of sharespurchase 13,333shares of our common stock present(on a pre-Reverse Stock Split basis), vesting in person or represented by proxy36 equal monthly installments; and

•        an annual option grant to purchase 12,000shares of our common stock (on a pre-Reverse Stock Split basis), vesting on the date immediately prior to the next following annual stockholder meeting, which annual option grant shall be made at the Annual Meeting and entitled to voteclose of business on the selectiondate of each of our independent auditors, is required to ratifyannual stockholder meetings.

In connection with the selectionMerger, we adopted the ArTara Therapeutics, Inc. Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy (as amended, the “Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy”) in January 2020. The Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy was subsequently amended in March 2020. Under the Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy, as amended, each of our independent auditors.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE

“FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM.

(PROPOSAL NO. 2 ON YOUR PROXY CARD)

30

non-employee directors is eligible to receive compensation for service on our board of directors and committees of our board of directors, with cash compensation (as described below) deemed effective as of the later of (i) October1, 2019 or (ii) the date such non-employee director was appointed or elected to our board of directors.

31

The Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy provides our non-employee directors with the following compensation for their services:

•        an annual cash retainer of $35,000 for all non-employee directors;

•        an annual cash retainer of $115,000 for the chair of our board of directors (in addition to the annual cash retainer above);

•        an additional annual cash retainer of $7,500, $5,000, $5,000 and $10,000 for service as a member of the audit committee, the compensation committee, the nominating and corporate governance committee and the scientific advisory committee, respectively;

•        an additional annual cash retainer of $15,000, $10,000, $7,500 and $20,000 for service as chair of the audit committee, the compensation committee, the nominating and corporate governance committee and the scientific advisory committee, respectively (in lieu of the committee member retainer above);

•        an initial option grant, for new non-employee directors, to purchase 13,800shares of our common stock, vesting in 36 equal monthly installments; and

•        an annual option grant to purchase 9,200shares of our common stock, vesting on the earlier of (1) the one-year anniversary of the date of grant and (2) the date immediately prior to the next following annual stockholder meeting, which annual option grant shall be made at the close of business on the date of each of our annual stockholder meetings.

The compensation committee of our board of directors is currently reviewing the Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy as part of its regular review of the compensation practices of the Company and this policy is subject to change before or after the Annual Meeting.

All vesting of the equity awards granted under the Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy is subject to the director’s continuous service as of each applicable vesting date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a “change in control” (as defined in the 2014 Plan), all shares subject to any then-outstanding and unvested equity awards granted pursuant to the Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy will become fully vested immediately prior to the closing of such change in control.

32

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

Security Ownership of
Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The following table sets forth certain information as of April 20, 2018 (unless otherwise specified), with respect toregarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock by as of April13, 2020 by:

•        each person who isor entity known by us to own beneficiallybe beneficial owners of more than 5% of the outstanding sharesfive percent of our common stock, stock;

•        each person currently serving as a director, of our directors;

•        each of our named executive officer,officers; and

•        all directors andof our executive officers and directors as a group.

TheWe have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of ourthe SEC. Under these rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares of common stock set forth inas to which the table below includes (i)individual or entity has sole or shared voting power or investment power. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by an individual or entity and the percentage ownership of that person, shares of common stock subject to options or other rights to purchaseheld by such person that are currently exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days of April 20, 2018 and (ii)April13, 2020 are considered outstanding, although these shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of shares of our Series A Preferred Stock, provided, however, that the provisions of our Series A Preferred Stock restrict the conversion of such securities to the extent that, upon such conversion, the number of shares of common stock then beneficially owned by the holder and its affiliates and any other person or entities with which such holder would constitute a Section 13(d) “group” would exceed 9.985% of the total number of shares of our common stock then outstanding (the “9.985% Cap”). The column in the table below entitled “Percentage of Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned” deems the shares of common stock in (i) and (ii) of the prior sentence to be outstanding and to be beneficially owned by the person holding such securities for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of the holder thereof, but such securities are not treated asconsidered outstanding for the purposepurposes of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. As

Unless noted otherwise, the address of April 20, 2018, there were 22,000 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock outstanding, which are convertible at the optionall listed stockholders is c/o ArTara Therapeutics, Inc., 1 Little West 12th Street, New York, New York 10014.

Each of the holders,stockholders listed has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned by the stockholder unless noted otherwise, subject to community property laws where applicable.

 

Beneficial Ownership(1)

Beneficial Owner

 

Number of
Shares

 

Percent of
Total

Greater than 5% Stockholders

    

 

Opaleye, L.P.(2)

 

2,208,472

 

37.8

%

Jesse Shefferman(3)

 

790,274

 

13.5

%

Randall Marshall(4)

 

654,020

 

11.2

%

DRW Venture Capital LLC(5)

 

448,751

 

7.7

%

Entities Affiliated with Deerfield Management(6)

 

432,670

 

7.4

%

Entities Affiliated with Ikarian Capital(7)

 

307,308

 

5.3

%

Directors and Named Executive Officers

    

 

Jesse Shefferman(3)

 

790,274

 

13.5

%

Jacqueline Zummo, Ph.D., MPH, MBA(8)

 

47,297

 

*

 

Blaine Davis

 

 

 

Julio Casoy, M.D.(9)

 

12,720

 

*

 

Luke Beshar(10)

 

67,521

 

1.1

%

Scott Braunstein, M.D.(11)

 

25,949

 

*

 

Roger Garceau, M.D.(12)

 

18,717

 

*

 

Richard Levy, M.D.

 

 

 

Gregory Sargen

 

 

 

Michael Solomon, Ph.D.(13)

 

20,840

 

*

 

All executive officers and directors as a group (10 persons)

 

983,318

 

16.8

%

____________

*        Less than one percent.

(1)      This table is based upon information supplied by officers, directors and principal stockholdersand Schedules 13D and 13G filed with the 9.985% Cap, into 22,112,775SEC.Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this table and subject to community property laws where applicable, we believe that each of the stockholders named in this table .has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares indicated as beneficially owned. Applicable percentages are based on 5,843,203shares outstanding on April 13, 2020, adjusted as required by rules promulgated by the SEC.

33

(2)      Based solely on a Schedule 13D filed with the SEC by the reporting persons on January 27, 2020, consists of 2,208,472 shares of common stock. The outstandingstock owned by Opaleye, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “Opaleye Fund”). Opaleye Management Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the “Opaleye Investment Manager”), is the investment manager of the Opaleye Fund, and James Silverman is the President of the Opaleye Investment Manager. Accordingly, the Opalaye Investment Manager and Mr. Silverman may be deemed to beneficially own the 2,208,472 shares of our Series A Preferred Stockcommon stock owned by the Opaleye Fund. The Opaleye Investment Manager and Mr. Silverman share voting and dispositive power over the 2,208,472 shares of common stock they may be deemed to beneficially own with the Opaleye Fund. The Schedule 13D filed by the reporting persons provides information as of January 9, 2020 and, consequently, the beneficial ownership of the reporting persons may have changed between January 9, 2020 and April 13, 2020. The address of the principal business office of each of the reporting persons is One Boston Place, 26th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02108.

(3)      Mr.Shefferman is ArTara’s co-founder and Chief Executive Officer. Includes 790,274shares of common stock owned by Mr.Shefferman.

(4)      Based solely on a Form 4 filed with the SEC by Mr.Marshall on January 9, 2020, includes 654,020 shares of common stock owned by Mr. Marshall.

(5)      Based solely on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC by the reporting persons on February 22, 2020, consists of 448,751 shares of common stock owned by DRW Venture Capital LLC (“DRW Venture Capital”). DRW Management LLC (“DRW Management”) is the manager of DRW Venture Capital, and DRW Holdings, LLC (“DRW Holdings”) is the manager of DRW Management. Donald R. Wilson, Jr. is the manager of DRW Holdings. Accordingly, DRW Management, DRW Holdings and Mr. Wilson may be deemed to beneficially own the 448,751 shares of common stock owned by DRW Venture Capital. The Schedule 13G filed by the reporting persons provides information as of January 9, 2020 and, consequently, the beneficial ownership of the reporting persons may have changed between January 9, 2020 and April 13, 2020. The address of the principal business office of each of the reporting persons is 540 West Madison Street, Suite 2500, Chicago, Illinois 60661.

(6)      Based solely on a Schedule 13D filed with the SEC by the reporting persons on January 17, 2020, consists of (i) 8,677 shares of common stock owned by Deerfield Partners, L.P. (“Deerfield Partners”), (ii) 21,944 shares of common stock owned by Deerfield Private Design Fund III, L.P. (“Deerfield PDF III”) and (iii) 402,049 shares of common stock owned by Deerfield Private Design Fund IV, L.P. (“Deerfield PDF IV”). Deerfield Mgmt, L.P. (“Deerfield Mgmt”) is the general partner of Deerfield Partners, Deerfield Mgmt III, L.P. (“Deerfield Mgmt III”) is the general partner of Deerfield PDF III and Deerfield Mgmt IV, L.P. (“Deerfield Mgmt IV”) is the general partner of Deerfield PDF IV. Deerfield Management Company, L.P. (“Deerfield Management”) is the investment manager of each of Deerfield Partners, Deerfield PDF III and Deerfield PDF IV. James E. Flynn is the sole member of the general partner of each of Deerfield MGMT, Deerfield MGMT III, Deerfield MGMT IV and Deerfield Management. Accordingly, (i) Deerfield Mgmt may be deemed to beneficially own the 8,677 shares of common stock owned by Deerfield Partners, (ii) Deerfield Mgmt III may be deemed to beneficially own the 21,944 shares of common stock owned by Deerfield PDF III, (iii) Deerfield Mgmt IV may be deemed to beneficially own the 402,049 shares of common stock owned by Deerfield PDF IV and (iv) each of Deerfield Management and Mr. Flynn may be deemed to beneficially own the 432,670 shares of common stock owned by Deerfield Partners, Deerfield PDF III and Deerfield PDF IV. The Schedule 13D filed by the reporting persons provides information as of January 9, 2020 and, consequently, the beneficial ownership of the reporting persons may have changed between January 9, 2020 and April 13, 2020. The address of the principal business office of each of the reporting persons is 780 Third Avenue, 37th Floor, New York, New York 10017.

(7)      Based solely on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC by the reporting persons on February 22, 2020, consists of (i) 260,171 shares of common stock owned by Ikarian Healthcare Master Fund, L.P, a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership (the “Ikarian Fund”) and (ii) 47,137 shares of common stock owned by certain management accounts (collectively, the “Managed Accounts”) for which Ikarian Capital, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Ikarian Capital”), acts as a sub-advisor. Ikarian Healthcare Fund GP, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“Ikarian GP”), is the general partner of, and may be deemed to indirectly beneficially own securities owned by, the Ikarian Fund. Ikarian Capital is also the general partner of, and may be deemed to indirectly beneficially own, securities beneficially owned by Ikarian GP, and may be deemed to indirectly beneficially own securities owned by the Managed Accounts. Ikarian Capital is ultimately owned and controlled by Chart Westcott Living Trust, of which Chart Westcott serves as the sole trustee (the “Trust”), and Mr. Shahrestani. Accordingly, each of Mr. Westcott, as sole trustee of the Trust, and Mr. Shahrestani may be deemed to indirectly beneficially own securities beneficially owned by Ikarian Capital. The Fund and the Managed Accounts are non-votingthe record and exceptdirect beneficial owners of the securities covered by this statement. The Karian Fund disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by the Managed Accounts. The Schedule 13G filed by the reporting persons provides information as described inof January 9, 2020 and, consequently, the beneficial ownership of the reporting persons may have changed between January 9, 2020 and April 13, 2020. The address of the principal business office of each of the reporting persons is c/o Ikarian Capital, LLC, 100 Crescent Court, Suite 1620, Dallas, Texas 75201.

(8)      Includes (i) 28,613shares of common stock and (ii) above,18,684shares subject to stock options that are not included for purposes of these calculations.

Ascurrently exercisable or will be exercisable within 60 days of April 20,13, 2020.

34

(9)      Includes 12,720shares subject to stock options that are currently exercisable or will be exercisable within 60 days of April 13, 2020.

(10)    Includes (i) 56,000shares of restricted stock that are vested or will vest within 60 days of April 13, 2020 and (ii) 11,521 shares subject to stock options that are currently exercisable or will be exercisable within 60 days of April 13, 2020.

(11)    Includes (i) 8,834shares of restricted stock that are vested or will vest within 60 days of April 13, 2020 and (ii) 17,115 shares subject to stock options that are currently exercisable or will be exercisable within 60 days of April 13, 2020.

(12)    Includes (i) 11,000shares of restricted stock that are vested or will vest within 60 days of April 13, 2020 and (ii) 7,717 shares subject to stock options that are currently exercisable or will be exercisable within 60 days of April 13, 2020.

(13)    Includes (i) 8,834shares of restricted stock that are vested or will vest within 60 days of April 13, 2020 and (ii) 12,006 shares subject to stock options that are currently exercisable or will be exercisable within 60 days of April 13, 2020.

35

Transactions With Related Persons

The following is a summary of transactions since January1, 2018 there were 17,674,729to which we have been a participant in which the amount involved in the transaction exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or one percent of the average of our total assets at year end for the last two completed fiscal years, and in which any of our then directors, executive officers or holders of more than 5% of any class of our capital stock at the time of such transaction, or any members of their immediate family, had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

Private Placement and the Merger

In September 2019, we entered into a Subscription Agreement, as amended by a First Amendment to Subscription Agreement in November 2019, or collectively, the Subscription Agreement, with Private ArTara and certain purchasers, pursuant to which (i) we issued and sold shares of our common stock outstanding. If allat a purchase price of the outstandingapproximately $7.01 per share and shares of our Series A Preferred Stock were converted into1 convertible non-voting preferred stock at a purchase price of $7,011.47 per share and (ii) Private ArTara issued shares of its common stock asat a purchase price of April 20, 2018, excluding the effectapproximately $1.34 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of the 9.985% Cap, the total shares$42.5million. Each share of Series 1 convertible non-voting preferred stock is convertible into 1,000shares of our common stock, outstanding would be 39,787,504. Unless otherwise indicated,subject to certain beneficial ownership conversion limitations. In connection with the addressMerger, each share of Private ArTara common stock was subsequently exchanged for each beneficial owner is c/o Proteon Therapeutics, Inc.0.190756shares of our common stock. The following table summarizes purchases of our common stock and Private ArTara common stock by related parties pursuant to the Subscription Agreement:

Name(1)(2)

 

Shares of
Common Stock
of the Company

 

Shares of
Common Stock
of Private
ArTara

 

Total Purchase
Price

Opaleye L.P.

 

1,426,234

 

 

$

10,000,000

DRW Venture Capital, LLC.

 

 

1,495,349

 

 

2,000,000

Ikarian Capital

 

57,049

 

 

 

400,000

____________

(1)      Additional details regarding these entities and their holdings are provided in the section titled “Principal Stockholders.”

(2)      No related parties purchased shares of our Series 1 convertible non-voting preferred stock pursuant to the Subscription Agreement.

2019 Exchangeable Common Stock Offering

In September 2019, Private ArTara entered into an Exchangeable Common Stock Purchase Agreement, and issued and sold 362,318shares of its exchangeable common stock to Opaleye, L.P., 200 West Street, Waltham, MA 02451.at a purchase price of $1.38 per share, for aggregate consideration of $499,999.

2018 Exchangeable Common Stock Offerings

In January 2018, Private ArTara entered into an Amended and Restated Exchangeable Common Stock Purchase Agreement, as amended by a First Amendment to Amended and Restated Exchangeable Common Stock Purchase Agreement in December 2018, and issued and sold to investors an aggregate of 5,011,999shares of exchangeable common stock, at a purchase price of $1.75 per share, for aggregate consideration of $8,770,999 between January and December 2018.

The participants in the exchangeable common stock offerings included holders of more than 5% of Private ArTara’s capital stock and an executive officer of Private ArTara. The following table presents the number of shares issued to these related parties in such financing:

Name

 

Amount Invested ($)

 

Shares of
Exchangeable
Common
Stock (#)

Opaleye, L.P.

 

5,499,998

 

3,142,856

DRW Venture Capital LLC

 

1,499,999

 

857,142

Jesse Shefferman

 

250,000

 

142,857

36

31

In connection with the exchangeable common stock offerings, ArTara entered into a stockholders’ agreement, as amended, with the investors in such offerings, containing information rights and rights of first refusal, among other things. The stockholders’ agreement, as amended, will terminate in connection with the Merger.

Employment Arrangements

Name and address of beneficial owner Number
of Shares
of Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
 Percentage
of Shares
of Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
5% or greater stockholders:        
Abingworth Bioventures VI, LP. and related funds (1)  2,044,536   11.6%
Princes House, 38 Jermyn Street        
London, England SW1Y 6DN        
TVM Capital and related funds (2)  1,943,059   11.0%
Ottostrasse 4, 80333        
Munich, Germany        
Entities affiliated with Deerfield Management Company, L.P. (3)  1,824,713   9.985%
780 Third Avenue, 37th Floor        
New York, NY 10017        
Skyline Venture Partners Qualified Purchaser Fund IV, L.P. and related funds (4)  1,774,973   9.9%
525 University Avenue, Suite 520        
Palo Alto, CA 94301        
RA Capital Management, LLC(5)  1,679,205   9.3%
20 Park Plaza, Suite 1200        
Boston, MA 02116        
Pharmstandard International S.A.(6)  1,667,907   9.2%
65, Boulevard Grande Duchesse Charlotte        
L-1331 Luxembourg, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg        
Intersouth Partners VI, L.P.(7)  1,300,433   7.2%
102 City Hall Plaza, Suite 200        
Durham, NC 27701        
MPM Bio IV NVS Strategic Fund, L.P. and related funds (8)  983,381   5.6%
200 Clarendon Street, 54th Floor        
Boston, MA 02116        
         
Directors and named executive officers:        
Timothy P. Noyes(9)  547,676   3.0%
Hubert Birner, Ph.D.(10)  1,969,723   11.1%
Garen Bohlin(11)  86,643   *%
Scott Canute(12)  22,220   *%
John G. Freund, M.D.(13)  1,801,637   9.985%
Tim Haines(14)  2,044,536   11.6%
Paul Hastings (15)  17,746   *%
Stuart A. Kingsley(16)  22,220   *%
Jonathan Leff (17)  0   *%
Steven K. Burke(18)  325,331   1.8%
George A. Eldridge(19)  220,304   1.2%
All executive officers and directors as a group (14 persons)(20)  9,127,113   45.7%

We have entered into employment agreements with our executive officers. For more information regarding these agreements, see “Executive Compensation.”

*Represents beneficial ownership of less than one percent

Severance Arrangements

In connection with the Merger, we entered into separation agreements with certain of our outstanding common stock.

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(1)Based solely on the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on June 27, 2017 by Abingworth LLP, Abingworth LLP and Abingworth Bioventures VI LP (“ABV VI”) have shared voting power and shared dispositive power with respect to 2,044,536 shares of our common stock, including 26,664 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of April 20, 2018, which Tim Haines, our director, holds for the benefit of Abingworth.  Abingworth Bioventures VI GP LP, a Scottish limited partnership, serves as the general partner of “ABV VI”. Abingworth General Partner VI LLP, an English limited liability partnership, serves as the general partner of Abingworth Bioventures VI GP LP. ABV VI (acting by its general partner Abingworth Bioventures VI GP LP, acting by its general partner Abingworth General Partner VI LLP) has delegated to Abingworth LLP, an English limited liability partnership, all investment and dispositive power over the securities held by ABV VI. An investment committee of Abingworth LLP, comprised of Joseph Anderson, Michael F. Bigham, Stephen W. Bunting, Genghis Lloyd-Harris, and Tim Haines approves investment and voting decisions by a majority vote, and no individual member has the sole control or voting power over the securities held by ABV VI. Each of Abingworth Bioventures VI GP LP, Abingworth General Partner VI LLP, Joseph Anderson, Stephen W. Bunting, Genghis Lloyd-Harris, and Tim Haines disclaims beneficial ownership of the securities held by the ABV VI except to the extent of their proportionate pecuniary interest therein. ABV VI owns a total of 2,526 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock which are convertible at the option of the holder, subject to the 9.985% Cap, into 2,538,949 shares of common stock.
(2)Based solely on the Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on August 2, 2017 by TVM Life Science Ventures VI L.P., TVM Life Science Ventures VI L.P., TVM Life Science Ventures VI GmbH & Co. KG, TVM Life Science Ventures Management VI L.P., Helmut Schühsler, Stefan Fischer and Hubert Birner, our director, have shared voting power and shared dispositive power with respect to 1,943,059 shares of our common stock. Helmut Schühsler, Stefan Fischer and Hubert Birner, Ph.D. our director, are members of the investment committee of TVM Life Science Ventures VI Management Limited Partnership, a special limited partner of TVM Life Science Ventures VI GMBH & Co. KG and TVM Life Science Ventures VI LP with voting and dispositive power over the share held by those entities. TVM Life Science Venture VI Management Limited Partnership and these individuals each disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein. TVM Life Science Ventures VI L.P. and TVM Life Science Ventures VI GmbH & Co. KG own a total of 500 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock which are convertible at the option of the holder, subject to the 9.985% Cap, into 502,563 shares of common stock.
(3)Based solely on the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on December 14, 2017 (a) 877,799 shares of common stock are held by Deerfield Private Design Fund III, L.P., (b) 149,676 shares of common stock are held by Deerfield Special Situations Fund, L.P., (c) 197,424 shares of common stock are held by Deerfield Partners, L.P., and (d) 599,813 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock held by Deerfield Private Design Fund IV, L.P. Deerfield Mgmt, L.P. is the general partner of each of Deerfield Special Situations Fund, L.P., and Deerfield Partners, L.P. (together with Deerfield Private Design Fund III, L.P. and Deerfield Private Design Fund IV, L.P., the “Deerfield Funds”). Deerfield Mgmt III, L.P. is the general partner of Deerfield Private Design Fund III, L.P. Deerfield Mgmt IV, L.P. is the general partner of Deerfield Private Design Fund IV, L.P. Deerfield Management Company, L.P. is the investment advisor of each of the Deerfield Funds. Mr. James E. Flynn is the sole member of the general partner of each of Deerfield Mgmt, L.P., Deerfield Mgmt III, L.P., Deerfield Mgmt IV, L.P. and Deerfield Management Company, L.P. Deerfield Mgmt. L.P. may be deemed to beneficially own the shares held by Deerfield Special Situations Fund, L.P. and Deerfield Partners, L.P. Deerfield Mgmt III, L.P. may be deemed to beneficially own the shares held by Deerfield Private Design Fund III, L.P. Deerfield Mgmt IV, L.P. may be deemed to beneficially own the shares held by Deerfield Private Design Fund IV, L.P. Each of Deerfield Management Company, L.P. and Mr. Flynn may be deemed to beneficially own the shares held by the Deerfield Funds. Deerfield Private Design Fund IV, L.P. owns a total of 16,000 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock which are convertible at the option of the holder, subject to the 9.985% Cap, into 16,082,018 shares of common stock.
(4)Based solely on the Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on November 3, 2014 by Skyline Venture Partners Qualified Purchaser Fund IV, L.P. (“SVPQP IV”) and Skyline Venture Management IV, LLC (“SVM IV”) and our internal records of the Series A Preferred Stock ownership, SVPQP IV, SVM IV, John G. Freund, M.D., our director, and Yasunori Kaneko have shared voting power and shared dispositive power with respect to (a) 1,432,930 shares of our common stock held by SVPQP IV and (b) 342,043 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock held by SVPQP IV. Each of John G. Freund, M.D., and Yasunori Kaneko are managing directors of SVPQP IV and share voting and dispositive power over the shares held by the SVPQP IV; however, they disclaim beneficial ownership of the shares held by SVPQP IV, except to the extent of their pecuniary interests therein. SVPQP IV owns a total of 1,054 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock which are convertible at the option of the holder, subject to the 9.985% Cap, into 1,059,403 shares of common stock.

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(5)Based solely on the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 14, 2018 by RA Capital Management, LLC (“RA Capital”) and Peter Kolchinsky, Ph.D., RA Capital and Dr. Kolchinsky have shared voting power and shared dispositive power with respect to 1,679,205 shares of our common stock. This amount is comprised of (a) 1,337,462 shares of common stock owned by the Fund (as defined below) or the Account (as defined below) and (b) 341,743 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock owned by the Fund or the Account. RA Capital is the general partner of the RA Capital Healthcare Fund, L.P. (the “Fund”) and serves as investment adviser for a separately managed account (the “Account”). Mr. Kolchinsky is the manager of RA Capital. Each of RA Capital and Dr. Kolchinsky disclaims beneficial ownership for the shares, except to the extent of its or his pecuniary interest therein.
(6)Based solely on the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 12, 2015 by Pharmstandard International S.A. and our internal records of the Series A Preferred Stock ownership, Pharmstandard International S.A. and the joint stock company “Pharmstandard” (“JSC Pharmstandard”) have shared voting power and shared dispositive power with respect to (a) 1,165,344 shares of our common stock held by Pharmstandard International S.A. and (b) 502,563 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock held by Pharmstandard International S.A. Pharmstandard International S.A. is a wholly owned subsidiary of JSC Pharmstandard. As the parent entity JSC Pharmstandard has voting and investment control over the shares of the Company held by Pharmstandard International S.A. Dmitry Kobyzev, Ph.D, is the representative of Pharmstandard International S.A. Each of JSC Pharmstandard and Dr. Kobyzev disclaims beneficial ownership of any such shares, except to the extent of its or his proportionate pecuniary interest therein.
(7)Based solely on the Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 13, 2018 by Intersouth Partners VI, L.P., Intersouth Associates VI, LLC, the general partners of Intersouth Partners VI, L.P., Dennis J. Dougherty and Mitchell Mumma have shared voting and dispositive power with respect to 898,383 shares of our common stock held by Intersouth Partners VI, L.P. and (b) 402,050 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock held by Intersouth Partners VI, L.P. Dennis J. Dougherty and Mitchell Mumma are the managing partners of Intersouth Associates VI, LLC and each disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares, except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein.
(8)Based solely on the Schedule 13G filed by MPM Bio IV NVS Strategic Fund, L.P. with the SEC on February 5, 2015, MPM Bio IV NVS Strategic Fund, L.P. has shared voting power and shared dispositive power with respect to 983,381 shares of our common stock and MPM BioVentures IV GP LLC, MPM BioVentures IV GP LLC, Luke Envin, Ansbert Gadicke, Vaughn M. Kailian, John Paul Scopa and Todd Foley have shared voting power and shared dispositive power with respect to 983,381 shares of our common stock. MPM BioVentures IV LLC is the General Partner of MPM Bio Ventures IV GP LLC, which is the General Partner of MPM Bio IV NVS Strategic Fund, L.P. Mr. Foley shares the power to vote, hold and dispose of the shares held by MPM Bio IV NVS Strategic Fund, L.P.
(9)Consists of 547,676 shares of common stock are issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of April 20, 2018.
(10)Consists of shares held by TVM. By virtue of the relationships described in footnote 2 above, Dr. Birner may be deemed to share beneficial ownership in the shares held by TVM. Dr. Birner disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares referred to in footnote 2 above. Includes 26,664 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of April 20, 2018.
(11)Consists of (a) 53,312 shares of common stock and (b) 33,331 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of April 20, 2018.
(12)Consists of 22,220 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of April 20, 2018.

(13)Consists of shares held by Skyline. By virtue of the relationships described in footnote 4 above, Dr. Freund may be deemed to share beneficial ownership in the shares held by Skyline. Dr. Freund disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares referred to in footnote 4 above. Includes 26,664 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of April 20, 2018.

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(14)Consists of shares held by Abingworth, including 26,664 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of April 20, 2018, which Mr. Haines holds for the benefit of Abingworth. By virtue of the relationships described in footnote 1 above, Mr. Haines may be deemed to share beneficial ownership in the shares held by Abingworth. Mr. Haines disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares referred to in footnote 1 above.
(15)Consists of (a) 6,636 shares of common stock and (b) 11,110 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of April 20, 2018.
(16)Consists of 22,220 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of April 20, 2018.
(17)Mr. Leff disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares referred to in footnote 3 above, including 13,333 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options that Mr. Leff, our director, holds for the benefit, and the direction, of the Deerfield Management Company.
(18)Consists of (a) 123,135 shares of common stock and (b) 202,196 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of April 20, 2018.
(19)Consists of (a) 18,229 shares of common stock and (b) 202,075 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of April 20, 2018.
(20)Consists of (a) 6,851,731 shares of common stock, (b) 941,857 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock and (c) 1,333,525 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of April 20, 2018.


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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Other than compensation arrangements, we describe below transactions and series of similar transactions, since January 1, 2017, to which we were a party or will be a party, in which:

the amounts involved exceeded or will exceed $120,000; and
any of the directors, executive officers or holders of more than 5% of the capital stock of Proteon, or any member of the immediate family of the foregoing persons, had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

Compensation arrangements for our directors and named executive officers are described elsewhere in this Proxy Statement.during the year ended December31, 2019. For more information regarding these agreements with our named executive officers, see “Executive Compensation.”

Indemnification Agreements

We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and certain executive officers. TheseThe indemnification agreements and our amended and restated bylaws require us to indemnify these individualsour directors and in certain cases, affiliates of such individuals,executive officers to the fullest extent permissible underpermitted by Delaware law against liabilitieslaw. For more information regarding these agreements, see “Executive Compensation — Limitations on Liability and Indemnification Matters.”

Related Person Transaction Policy

We have adopted a written related person transaction policy that may arise by reason of their service to us or atsets forth our direction,procedures for the identification, review, consideration and to advance expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified.

Series A Financing

On June 22, 2017, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with a syndicate of current and new institutional investors, led by an affiliate of Deerfield Management Company, L.P., pursuant to which we agreed to issue and sell to the investors an aggregate of 22,000 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock for a purchase price of $1,000 per share, or an aggregate gross purchase price of $22.0 million, all upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement. We closed the transaction on August 2, 2017. Each share of our Series A Preferred Stock is convertible into approximately 1,005 shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $0.9949 per share, provided that any conversion of Series A Preferred Stock by a holder into shares of common stock is prohibited if, as a result of such conversion, the holder, together with its affiliates and any other person or entity whose beneficial ownership of our common stock would be aggregated with such holder’s for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, would beneficially own more than 9.985% of the total number of shares of our common stock issued and outstanding after giving effect to such conversion. The following holders, or affiliates of holders, of more than 5% of our common stock executed the Purchase Agreement as investors: Abingworth Bioventures VI, LP, a fund affiliated with Deerfield Management Company, L.P., Intersouth Partners VI, L.P., Pharmstandard International S.A., Skyline Venture Partners Qualified Purchaser Fund IV, LP, and TVM Capital and related funds.

Related Party Transactions Policy

Our written Related Party Transactions Policy requires the approval or ratification by the Governance and Nominating for anyof related person transactions. For purposes of our policy only, a related person transaction is a transaction, arrangement or relationship, or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships, (including any indebtedness or guarantee of indebtedness) that will or may be expected to exceed $120,000 in any calendar year in which the Company, or any of its subsidiary companies, is a participant,we and any related person has a directare, were or indirect interest,will be participants and in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000. Transactions involving compensation for services provided to us as an employee or director are not covered by this policy. A related person is any executive officer, director or beneficial owner of which disclosure is required under SEC rules. Related persons includemore than 5% of any class of our officers, directors, director nominees,voting securities, including any of their immediate family members or affiliates, and any stockholders owning 5%entity owned or morecontrolled by such persons.

Under the policy, if a transaction has been identified as a related person transaction, including any transaction that was not a related person transaction when originally consummated or any transaction that was not initially identified as a related person transaction prior to consummation, our management must present information regarding the related person transaction to our audit committee, or, if audit committee approval would be inappropriate, to another independent body of Proteon’s common stock.

Company personnelour board of directors, for review, consideration and approval or ratification. The presentation must include a description of, among other things, the material facts, the interests, direct and indirect, of the related persons, the benefits to us of the transaction and whether the transaction is on terms that are responsible for identifying and reportingcomparable to the chairpersonterms available to or from, as the case may be, an unrelated third party or to or from employees generally. Under the policy, we will collect information that we deem reasonably necessary from each director, executive officer and, to the extent feasible, significant stockholder to enable us to identify any existing or potential related person transactions and to effectuate the terms of the Governancepolicy.

In addition, under our Code of Business Conduct and Nominating Committee potentialEthics, our employees and directors have an affirmative responsibility to disclose any transaction or relationship that reasonably could be expected to give rise to a conflict of interest.

In considering related partyperson transactions, from information solicited annuallyour audit committee, or other independent body of our board of directors, will take into account the relevant available facts and circumstances including, but not limited to:

•        the risks, costs and benefits to us;

•        the impact on a director’s independence in questionnaires submitted by directors and officers, and also from anythe event that the related person newly nominated or appointed asis a director, immediate family member of a director or as an executive officer. In addition, directors and executive officers are responsible for notifying entity with which a director is affiliated;

•        the chairpersonterms of the Governance and Nominating Committee of any transaction, arrangement or relationship that they propose to enter into, or of which they become aware, that might reasonably be expected to be a related party transaction. If the chairperson of the Governance and Nominating Committee determines that an existing or proposed transaction constitutes a related party transaction requiring Governance and Nominating Committee approval under the policy, he will provide relevant details and analysis of the related party transaction to the Governance and Nominating Committee for consideration at its next regularly scheduled meeting. If the chairperson of the Governance and Nominating Committee has an interest in a potential related party transaction, he will provide all relevant information to the Chief Executive Officer, who will review the potential transaction or relationship with either outside counsel or a member of Proteon’s legal team and provide the information to the Governance and Nominating Committee as appropriate.

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transaction;

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•        the availability of other sources for comparable services or products; and

•        the terms available to or from, as the case may be, unrelated third parties or to or from employees generally.

The Governance and Nominating Committee will review the material facts of all related party transactionspolicy requires that, require its approval and either approve or disapprove the related party transaction. If advance approval is not feasible, then the chairperson shall consider an approve in accordance with this policy and, if appropriate, the Governance and Nominating Committee will ratify the related party transaction at its next regularly scheduled meeting. In determining whether to approve, ratify or ratifyreject a related partyperson transaction, the Governance and Nominating Committee will take into account, amongour audit committee, or other factors it deems appropriate,independent body of our board of directors, must consider, in light of known circumstances, whether the related party transaction is on terms no more favorable than terms generally available to an unaffiliated third party underin, or is not inconsistent with, our best interests and those of our stockholders, as our audit committee, or other independent body of our board of directors, determines in the same or similar circumstances and the extentgood faith exercise of its discretion.

All of the related party’s interest in the transaction.

No director shall participate in any discussion, review or approval of an interested party transaction to which he or she is a related party, except to provide material informationtransactions described above were entered into prior to the Governance and Nominating Committee and the chairperson as necessary.


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SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a)adoption of the Exchange Act requireswritten policy, but all were approved by our executive officersboard of directors considering similar factors to those described above.

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Householding of Proxy Materials

The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and directors and persons who own more than 10%intermediaries (e.g., brokers) to satisfy the delivery requirements for Notices of a registered classInternet Availability of our equity securities to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership with the SEC. Such persons are required by regulation of the SEC to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on our review of the copies of such formsProxy Materials or written representations from certain reporting persons received by usother Annual Meeting materials with respect to fiscal year 2017 our directors, officers andtwo or more stockholders who own more than 10%sharing the same address by delivering a single Notice of a registered class of our equity securities complied with all applicable filing requirements during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.


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GENERAL MATTERS

Internet Availability of Certain DocumentsProxy Materials or other Annual Meeting materials addressed to those stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as “householding,” potentially means extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for companies.

This year, a number of brokers with account holders who are our stockholders will be “householding” our proxy materials. A copysingle Notice of our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K has been posted on our website along with thisInternet Availability of Proxy Statement at http://www.edocumentview.com/PRTO or www.proteontherapuetics.com under “Investors & Media” at “SEC Filings.” WeMaterials will mail without charge, upon written request, a copy of our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K excluding exhibits. Please send a written request to our Secretary at:

Proteon Therapeutics, Inc.

200 West Street

Waltham, MA 02451

Attention: Secretary

You may also find a copy of this Proxy Statement and our Annual Report (with exhibits) on the SEC website at www.sec.gov.

Stockholders Sharing an Address / Household

Only one copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K and this Proxy Statement is beingbe delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless wecontrary instructions have been received from the affected stockholders. Once you have received contrary instructionsnotice from oneyour broker that they will be “householding” communications to your address, “householding” will continue until you are notified otherwise or moreuntil you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in “householding” and would prefer to receive a separate Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, please notify your broker or us. Direct your written request to ArTara Therapeutics, Inc., 1 Little West 12th Street, New York, New York 10014, Attn: Secretary or call us at (646) 844-0337 or via email atinfo@artaratx.com.Stockholders who currently receive multiple copies of the stockholders.Notices of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials at their addresses and would like to request “householding” of their communications should contact their brokers.

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Other Matters

WeThe Board of Directors knows of no other matters that will undertake to deliver promptly, upon written or oral request, a separate copy to a stockholderbe presented for consideration at a shared address to which a single copythe Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy to vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.

By Order of the Board of Directors

Ashley Garry
Corporate Secretary

April23, 2020

We have filed our Annual Report on Form 10-K10-K for the fiscal year ended December31, 2019 with the SEC. It is available free of charge at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. Stockholders can also access this proxy statement and this Proxy Statement was delivered. To receive a separateour Annual Report on Form 10-K at ir.artaratx.com. A copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K or Proxy Statement, or to receive separate copies in the future, or if two stockholders sharing an address have received two copies of any of these documents and desire to only receive one, you may write the Secretary of Proteon Therapeutics, Inc. at our principal executive offices at 200 West Street, Waltham, MA 02451 or call the Secretary at (781) 890-0102.

Stockholder Proposals and Nominations

Requirements for Stockholder Proposals to be Considered for Inclusion in our Proxy Materials.Under Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act, to submit a proposal for inclusion in our Proxy Statement10-K for the fiscal year ended December31, 2019 annual meeting, stockholder proposals must be received no later than close of business on Thursday, December 27, 2018, byis also available without charge upon written request to our Secretary at our principal executive offices1 Little West12thStreet, New York, New York 10014, Attn: Secretary or via email at 200 West Street, Waltham, MA 02451.info@artaratx.com.

Requirements for Stockholder to bring Business and Nominations Before an Annual Meeting.Our bylaws provide that, for stockholder nominations to the Board or other business to be considered at the 2019 annual meeting, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary at Proteon Therapeutics, Inc., 200 West Street, Waltham, MA 02451 between February 8, 2019 and March 11, 2019 (assuming the date of our 2019 Annual Meeting is not so advanced or delayed as described in our bylaws). To be timely for the 2019 Annual Meeting, the stockholder’s notice must be delivered to or mailed and received by us not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day nor later than the close of business on the 90th day prior to the anniversary date of the previous year’s annual meeting, except that if the annual meeting is scheduled more than 30 days before or 70 days after such anniversary date, we must receive the notice not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which we first provide notice or public disclosure of the date of the meeting. Such notice must provide the information required by Section 2.12 of the bylaws with respect to each nomination or matter the stockholder proposes to bring before the 2019 Annual Meeting.

Other Matters

As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board does not intend to present any matters other than those described herein at the Annual Meeting and is unaware of any matters to be presented by other parties. If other matters are properly brought before the meeting for action by the stockholders, proxies will be voted in accordance with the recommendation of the Board or, in the absence of such a recommendation, in accordance with the judgment of the proxy holder.

By Order of the Board of Directors
Timothy P. Noyes
Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
April 26, 2018

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