As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on JulyMay 7, 20152020

Registration No. 333-            

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORMS-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

ARCA BIOPHARMA, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

11080 CirclePoint Road, Suite 140

Westminster, COColorado 80020

720-940-2200(720)940-2200

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

Dr. Michael R. Bristow

President and Chief Executive Officer

ARCA biopharma, Inc.

11080 CirclePoint Road, Suite 140

Westminster, COColorado 80020

720-940-2200(720)940-2200

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

Copies to:

Brent D. Fassett

Cooley LLP

380 Interlocken Crescent, Suite 900

Broomfield, ColoradoCO 80021

(720)566-4000

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time following the effectiveness ofafter this Registration Statement.Statement becomes effective.

If the only securities being registered on this formForm are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.  ¨box: ☐

If any of the securities being registered on this formForm are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.  xbox: ☒

If this formForm is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨☐

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ¨☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ¨☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, anon-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” andfiler,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act.  ☐

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment that specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with SectionTHE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) of the Securities Act ofOF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 as amended, or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said SectionOR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), may determine.MAY DETERMINE.

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The selling stockholders may not sell the securities under this prospectus until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JULYMAY 7, 20152020

PROSPECTUS

42,021,579 Shares of $75,000,000

Common Stock

16,808,632 Shares of CommonPreferred Stock Issuable Upon Exercise of the

Debt Securities

Warrants

This prospectus relates to the disposition fromFrom time to time, ofwe may offer and sell up to 58,830,211$75,000,000 of any combination of the securities described in this prospectus, either individually or in combination with other securities. We may also offer common stock or preferred stock upon conversion of debt securities, common stock upon conversion of preferred stock, or common stock, preferred stock or debt securities upon the exercise of warrants.

This prospectus provides a general description of securities we may offer. Each time we offer and sell securities, we will provide the specific terms of these offerings and securities in one or more supplements to this prospectus. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you in connection with these offerings. The prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should carefully read this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, as well as the documents incorporated by reference, before buying any of the securities being offered.

We are subject to General Instruction I.B.6 of FormS-3, which limits the amounts that we may sell under the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of FormS-3, in no event will we sell securities registered on the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part in a public primary offering with a value exceeding more thanone-third of our public float in any12-month period if our public float, measured in accordance with such instruction, remains below $75.0 million. The aggregate market value of our common stock held bynon-affiliates, or the public float, is approximately $7.9 million, which was calculated based on 1,585,002 shares of our outstanding common stock held bynon-affiliates as of May 6, 2020 at a price of $4.99 per share, which was the closing price of our common stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market, or the Exchange, on April 16, 2020. As of the date of this prospectus, we have sold approximately 495,257 shares of our common stock, which includes 16,808,632 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants held by the selling stockholders named in this prospectus. The selling stockholders acquired the common stock and the warrants to purchase common stock from us in a private placement that closed in June 2015, and that is more fully described in the section entitled “Prospectus Summary.” We are not selling any common stock under this prospectus and will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders. We will, however, receive netfor aggregate gross proceeds of any warrants exercised for cash.

The selling stockholders may sellapproximately $4.2 million, pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of FormS-3 during the shares12 calendar months prior to and including the date of common stock described in this prospectus in a number of different ways and at varying prices. We provide more information about how the selling stockholders may sell their shares of common stock in the section entitled “Plan of Distribution” on page 10. The selling stockholders will bear all commissions and discounts, if any, attributable to the sale or disposition of the shares, or interests therein. We will bear all costs, expenses and fees in connection with the registration of the shares. We will not be paying any underwriting discounts or commissions in this offering.prospectus.

Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the trading symbol “ABIO.” On JulyMay 6, 2015,2020, the last reported sale price of our common stock was $3.90 per share. The applicable prospectus supplement will contain information, where applicable, as to other listings, if any, on The NASDAQ Capital Market was $1.11 per share.or other securities exchange of the securities covered by the applicable prospectus supplement.

AN INVESTMENTINVESTING IN OUR COMMON STOCKSECURITIES INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK. YOU SHOULD REVIEW CAREFULLY REVIEW THE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES REFERRED TODESCRIBED UNDER THE HEADING “RISK FACTORS” BEGINNING ON PAGE 5 OF THISCONTAINED IN THE APPLICABLE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND IN ANY FREE WRITING PROSPECTUS WE HAVE AUTHORIZED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH A SPECIFIC OFFERING, AND UNDER ANY SIMILAR HEADINGS IN ANY AMENDMENT OR SUPPLEMENT TO THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN ANY FILING WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSIONDOCUMENTS THAT ISARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN.INTO THIS PROSPECTUS AS DESCRIBED ON PAGE 34.

THIS PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE USED TO CONSUMMATE A SALE OF SECURITIES UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY A PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.

NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ACCURACYDETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

The date of this Prospectusprospectus is                , 2020.

Table of ContentsTABLE OF CONTENTS

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement on FormS-3 that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may offer and sell shares of our common stock and preferred stock, various series of debt securities and/or warrants to purchase any of such securities, either individually or in combination with other securities, in one or more offerings, up to an aggregate offering price of $75,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer.

Each time we offer securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain more specific information about the terms of that offering. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you that may contain material information relating to these offerings. The prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you may also add, update or change any of the information contained in this prospectus or in the documents that we have incorporated by reference into this prospectus. This prospectus, together with any applicable prospectus supplement, any related free writing prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, will include all material information relating to the applicable offering. We urge you to read carefully this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering, together with the information incorporated herein by reference as described under the heading “Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference,” before buying any of the securities being offered.

This prospectus may not be used to consummate a sale of securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

You should rely only on the information contained in, or incorporated by reference ininto, this prospectus and any relatedapplicable prospectus supplement.supplement, along with the information contained in any free writing prospectus we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering. We have not, and the selling stockholders have not authorized anyone to provide you with different or additional information. No one isWe are not making offersan offer to sell or seeking offersan offer to buy these securities under this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the

The information containedappearing in this prospectus, and any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front of this prospectus or the prospectus supplement, as applicable,document and that any information we have incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is accurate only as of the date given inof the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus, or any sale of our common stock.a security. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. You should read this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement, the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and any free writing prospectus that date.we have authorized for use in connection with this offering, in their entirety before making an investment decision.

This prospectus contains summaries of certain provisions contained in some of the documents described herein, but reference is made to the actual documents for complete information. All of the summaries are qualified in their entirety by the actual documents. Copies of some of the documents referred to herein have been filed, will be filed or will be incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and you may obtain copies of those documents as described below under the section entitled “Where You Can Find More Information.”

This prospectus incorporates by reference, and any prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus may contain and incorporate by reference, industry, statistical and market data from our own internal estimates and research as well as from industry and general publications and research, surveys and studies conducted by third parties. Industry publications, studies and surveys generally state that they have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, although they do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information. While we believe that each of these studies and publications is reliable, we have not independently verified statistical, market and industry data from third-party sources. While we believe our internal company research is reliable and the market definitions are appropriate, neither such research nor these definitions have been verified by any independent source.

We further note that the representations, warranties and covenants made by us in any agreement that is filed as an exhibit or incorporated by reference to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part were made solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreement, including, in some cases, for the purpose of allocating risk among the parties to such agreements, and should not be deemed to be a representation, warranty or covenant to you. Moreover, such representations, warranties or covenants were accurate only as of the date when made. Accordingly, such representations, warranties and covenants should not be relied on as accurately representing the current state of our affairs.

This prospectus and the information incorporated herein by reference includesinclude trademarks, service marks and trade names owned by us or others.other companies. All trademarks, service marks and trade names included or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, or any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus are the property of their respective owners.

i

RISK FACTORS

An investment in our common stocksecurities involves a high degree of risk. Prior to makingBefore you make a decision about investingto invest in our common stock,securities, you should consider carefully the specific risk factors discussedrisks described in the sectionssection entitled “Risk Factors” contained in the applicable prospectus supplement and in our most recent Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014 and subsequent Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the quarter ending March 31, 2015, each as filed with the SEC, and which are incorporated in this prospectus by reference in their entirety, as well as any amendment or updates to our risk factorsupdate thereto reflected in subsequent filings with the SEC includingor in any prospectus supplement hereto. TheseCurrent Report on Form8-K we may file. The risks and uncertaintiesdescribed in these documents are not the only ones we face, but those that we consider to be material. There may be other unknown or unpredictable economic, business, competitive, regulatory or other factors that could have material adverse effects on our future results. Past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods. If any of these risks actually occur, our business, operating results, prospects or financial condition could be materially and uncertaintiesadversely affected. This could cause the trading price of our securities to decline and you may lose part or all of your investment. Moreover, the risks described are not the only ones that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently view asdeem immaterial may also impair our business. If any of the risks or uncertainties described in our SEC filings or any additional risks and uncertainties actually occur,affect our business, operating results, prospects or financial condition, results of operations and cash flow could be materially and adversely affected. In that case,condition. Please also read carefully the trading price of our common stock could decline and you might lose all or part of your investment.discussion below under the heading “Forward-Looking Statements.”

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the documents that we have filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference in this prospectusherein contain forward-looking statements“forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act,Act. These statements relate to future events or the “safe harbor” created by those sections. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing”to our future operating or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Discussions containing these forward-looking statements may be found, among other places, in “Business”financial performance and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” incorporated by reference from our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending March 31, 2015, as well as any amendments thereto reflected in subsequent filings with the SEC. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors thatwhich may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the informationany future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by thesethe forward-looking statements. While we believe that we have a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this prospectus, we caution you that theseAll statements, are based on a combinationother than statements of facts and factors currently known by us and our projections of the future, about which we cannot be certain. As a result of these factors, we cannot assure you that thehistorical fact, are forward-looking statements, in this prospectus or documents incorporated by reference will prove to be accurate. Furthermore, if our forward-looking statements prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may be material. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by us or any other person that we will achieve our objectives and plans in any specified time frame, or at all. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this prospectus. You should read this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.

Examples of these statements include,including, but are not limited to, statements regarding the following: about:

In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “potential,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements involve knownreflect our current views with respect to future events, are based on assumptions and unknownare subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Discussions containing these forward-looking statements may be found, among other places, under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in the applicable prospectus supplement, in any free writing prospectus we may authorize for use in connection with a specific offering, and under the headings “Business” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” in our most recent annual report on Form10-K and in our most recent quarterly report on Form10-Q, as well as any amendments thereto reflected in subsequent filings with the SEC, each incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Also, these forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of the document containing the applicable statement. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties and other factorsassumptions, the future events and trends discussed in this prospectus

may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. If our forward-looking statements prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may be material. Unless required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information or future events or developments. Thus, you should not assume that our silence over time means that actual events are bearing out as expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, together with the documents we have filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference and any free writing prospectus that we may causeauthorize for use in connection with this offering, completely and with the understanding that our actual future results levels of activity, performance or achievements tomay be materially different from what we expect. We qualify all of the information expressed or impliedforward-looking statements in the foregoing documents by these forward-lookingcautionary statements. While we believe that we have a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this prospectus and the SEC filings incorporate herein by reference, we caution you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known by us and our projections of the future, about which we cannot be certain.

USE OF PROCEEDS

We will not receive anyretain broad discretion over the use of the net proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stockthe securities offered by the selling stockholders pursuant to this prospectus. A portion of the shares covered by thisExcept as described in any applicable prospectus are issuable upon exercise of warrants to purchase our common stock. Upon exercise ofsupplement or in any of the warrantsfree writing prospectus we have authorized for cash, the applicable selling stockholder would pay us the exercise price set forthuse in the warrants. The cash exercise price of the warrants is $0.8716 per share. Weconnection with a specific offering, we currently intend to use the net proceeds generated by warrant cash exercises,from the sale of the securities under this prospectus, if any, to fund the ongoing Phase 2B/3 trial for the prevention of atrial fibrillation, working capital and general corporate purposes. We cannot estimate how many,may also use a portion of the net proceeds to invest in or acquire businesses or technologies that we believe are complementary to our own. We will set forth in the prospectus supplement applicable to a specific offering our intended use for the net proceeds received from the sale of any securities in that offering.

The amounts and timing of our use of the net proceeds from any offerings hereunder will depend on a number of factors, such as the timing and progress of our clinical trials and research and development efforts, the timing of regulatory approval of our product candidates, if any, the timing and progress of any partnering and collaboration efforts, technological advances and the competitive environment for our product candidates. As of the warrants will be exercised as a resultdate of this offering. Weprospectus, we cannot specify with certainty all of the particular uses for the net proceeds to us from offerings hereunder. Accordingly, our management will bear all costs, expenseshave broad discretion in the timing and fees in connection withapplication of these proceeds. Pending application of the registration of shares of our common stock to be sold by the selling stockholders. The selling stockholders will bear all legal fees, commissions and discounts, if any attributable to their respective sales of shares.

It is possible that the warrants may expire and may never be exercised. The warrants contain a net exercise provision therefore the warrant holder may elect to utilize this feature and in this case we would not receive any proceeds from their exercise. Pending their use as described above, we intend to temporarily invest the net proceeds in high quality, short-term, interest-bearing securities.instruments.

SELLING STOCKHOLDERSDESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

On June 16, 2015, we issuedThe following description of our capital stock and provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws are summaries. You should also refer to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the amended and restated bylaws, which are filed as exhibits to the selling stockholders named below an aggregateregistration statement of 42,021,579which this prospectus is part.

General

As of the date of this prospectus, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, or the Restated Certificate, authorizes us to issue 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and warrants to purchase an additional 16,808,6325,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share. As of May 6, 2020, 1,594,070 shares of common stock were outstanding and no shares of preferred stock were outstanding.

The following summary description of our capital stock is based on the provisions of our Restated Certificate, our second amended and restated bylaws, or the Bylaws, and applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law. This information may not be complete in all respects and is qualified entirely by reference to the applicable provisions of our Restated Certificate, our Bylaws and the Delaware General Corporation Law. For information on how to obtain copies of our Restated Certificate and Bylaws, which are exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a private placement.part, see “Where You Can Find More Information.”

Common Stock

Voting Rights. Each holder of our common stock is entitled to one vote for each share on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders, including the election of directors; provided, however, holders of our common stock may not, unless otherwise required by law, vote on any amendment to our Restated Certificate that relates solely to the terms of one or more series of preferred stock that we may issue if the holders of such preferred stock are entitled to vote on such amendment. In all such matters other than the election of directors, the affirmative vote of the majority of shares present in person, by remote communication, or represented by proxy at a meeting of the stockholders and entitled to vote generally on the subject matter shall be the act of the stockholders. Directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person, by remote communication, or represented by proxy at a meeting of the stockholders and entitled to vote generally on the election of directors. Our stockholders do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors. Accordingly, holders of a majority of the voting shares are able to elect all of the directors to be elected at any particular time. See “Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of Delaware Law and Our Charter Documents – Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws – Classified Board” for a description of elections of members of our board of directors.

Dividends. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any then outstanding preferred stock, holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors out of legally available funds.

Liquidation. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of our common stock will be entitled to share ratably in the net assets legally available for distribution to stockholders after the payment of all of our debts and other liabilities and the satisfaction of any liquidation preference granted to the holders of any then outstanding shares of preferred stock.

Rights and Preferences. Holders of our common stock have no preemptive, conversion, subscription or other rights, and there are no redemption provisions applicable to our common stock. The rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of our common stock are subject to and may be adversely affected by the rights of the holders of shares of any series of our preferred stock that we may designate in the future.

Fully Paid and Nonassessable. All of our outstanding shares of common stock being offered byare, and the selling stockholders are thoseshares of common stock to be issued to the selling stockholders and those issuable to the selling stockholdersin any offering hereunder will be, upon exerciseour receipt of the warrants. For additional information regardingpurchase price for such shares, fully paid and nonassessable.

Preferred Stock

Pursuant to our Restated Certificate, our board of directors has the authority, without further action by our stockholders, to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share, in one or more series, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such series, and to fix the designations, powers, preferences, privileges and relative participating, optional or special rights and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, conversion rights, preemptive rights, voting rights, terms of redemption and repurchase, liquidation preferences and sinking fund terms, any or all of which may be greater than the rights of the common stock. Preferred stock may be convertible into our common stock or other securities of

ours, or may be exchangeable for debt securities. Conversion may be mandatory or at the holder’s option and would be at prescribed conversion rates. Because our board of directors, without stockholder approval, can issue preferred stock with voting, conversion or other rights, preferred stock could be issued quickly with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control of our company or make removal of management more difficult. Additionally, the issuance of preferred stock may have the effect of decreasing the market price of the common stock and may adversely affect the warrants, see “Prospectus Summary—Private Placement” above. We are registering the sharesvoting power of holders of common stock in order to permitand reduce the sellinglikelihood that common stockholders to offerwill receive dividend payments and payments upon liquidation.

Our board of directors will fix the shares for resale from time to time. The selling stockholders include entities affiliated with Venrock Healthcare Capital Partners, entities affiliated with New Enterprise Associates, funds managed by Franklin Advisers, Inc., entities affiliated with RA Capital Management, Tekla Life Sciences Investors, Capital Ventures Internationalrights, preferences, privileges, qualifications and entities affiliated with DAFNA LifeScience, L.P..

The table below, including the footnotes thereto, lists the selling stockholders and other information regarding the beneficial ownership (as determined under Section 13(d)restrictions of the Exchange Actpreferred stock of 1934each series that we sell under this prospectus and applicable prospectus supplements in the rules and regulations thereunder)certificate of designation relating to that series. We will file as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from reports that we file with the SEC, the form of any certificate of designation that describes the terms of the sharesseries of commonpreferred stock held by eachwe are offering before the issuance of the selling stockholders based in part on information provided to us by related series of preferred stock. This description will include:

When we issue shares of preferred stock under this prospectus, upon our receipt of the purchase price for such shares, the shares will be fully paid and nonassessable and will not have, or be subject to, any preemptive or similar rights. Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the preferred stock will rank, with respect to dividends and upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up:

The term “equity securities” does not include convertible debt securities.

The Delaware General Corporation Law provides that the holders of any class or series of preferred stock will have the right to vote separately as a class on any proposed amendment to the Restated Certificate that would alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of the holders of such class or series of preferred stock so as to affect them adversely. This right is in addition to any voting rights that may be provided for in the applicable certificate of designation.

The issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect the voting power of holders of common stock and warrants, asreduce the likelihood that common stockholders will receive dividend payments and payments upon liquidation. The issuance could have the effect of June 30, 2015, assuming exercise ofdecreasing the warrants held by each such selling stockholder on that date without taking account of any limitations on exercise set forth therein.

The third column lists the shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus by the selling stockholders and does not take into account any limitations on exercise of the warrants set forth therein.

In accordance with the terms of a registration rights agreement with the holdersmarket price of the common stock. The issuance of preferred stock andalso could have the warrants, this prospectus generally covers the resaleeffect of the sumdelaying, deterring or preventing a chance in control of (i) the sharesus.

Outstanding Warrants

As of common stock issued to the selling stockholders and (ii) the maximum number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants determined as if theMay 6, 2020, we had outstanding warrants were exercised in full (without regard to any limitations on exercise contained therein) as of the trading day immediately preceding the date this registration statement was initially filed with the SEC. Because the exercise price of the warrants may be adjusted, the number of shares that will actually be issued may be more or less than the number of shares being offered by this prospectus.

The fourth column assumes the sale of all of the shares offered by the selling stockholders pursuant to this prospectus. However, because the selling stockholders may sell all or some of their shares under this prospectus from time to time, or in another permitted manner, we cannot assure you as to the actual number of shares that will be sold by the selling stockholders. The percentage of shares owned after the offering is based on 63,219,990purchase 133,401 shares of our common stock, having an exercise price of $109.80 per share. Any of the outstanding aswarrants may be exercised by applying the value of a portion of the warrant, which is equal to the number of shares issuable under the warrant being exercised multiplied by the fair market value of the security receivable upon the exercise of the warrant, less the per share price, in lieu of payment of the exercise price per share.

These warrants, if unexercised, will expire on June 30, 2015, which includes16, 2022.

Stock Options

As of May 6, 2020, there were 67,587 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our equity incentive plans. Of this number, 30,890 shares were reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding options.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of Delaware Law and Our Charter Documents

Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

Our Restated Certificate and Bylaws include a number of provisions that may deter or impede hostile takeovers or changes of control. These provisions include:

Issuance of Undesignated Preferred Stock. Under our Restated Certificate, our board of directors has the authority, without further action by the stockholders, to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock with rights and preferences, including voting rights, designated from time to time by the board of directors. The existence of authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock enables our board of directors to make it more difficult or to discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise.

Classified Board. Our Restated Certificate provides for a classified board of directors consisting of three classes of directors, with staggered three-year terms. Only one class of directors will be elected at each annual meeting of our stockholders, with the other classes continuing for the remainder of their respective three-year terms. This provision may have the effect of delaying a change in control of the board.

Board of Directors Vacancies. Our Restated Certificate and Bylaws authorize only our board of directors to fill vacant directorships, unless our board of directors determines by resolution that the stockholders shall fill such vacant directorships. In addition, the number of directors constituting our board of directors may be set only by resolution adopted by a majority vote of our entire board of directors. These provisions prevent a stockholder from increasing the size of our board of directors and gaining control of our board of directors by filling the resulting vacancies with its own nominees.

Stockholder Action; Special Meetings of Stockholders. Our Restated Certificate provides that our stockholders may not take action by written consent, but may only take action at annual or special meetings of our stockholders. Under our Bylaws, stockholders are not permitted to cumulate their votes for the election of directors. Our Bylaws further provide that special meetings of the stockholders may be called by the chief executive officer, president, the board of directors, or by holders of common stock who hold, in the aggregate, not less than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding shares of common stock offeredfor the purpose or purposes stated in the call of the meeting. These provisions may prevent stockholders from corporate actions as stockholders at times when they otherwise would like to do so.

Advance Notice Requirements for Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations. Our Bylaws provide advance notice procedures for stockholders seeking to bring business before our annual meeting of stockholders, or to nominate candidates for election as directors at our annual meeting of stockholders. Our Bylaws also specify certain requirements as to the form and content of a stockholder’s notice. These provisions may make it more difficult for our stockholders to bring matters before our annual meeting of stockholders or to nominate directors at our annual meeting of stockholders.

These provisions are intended to enhance the likelihood of continued stability in the composition of our board of directors and its policies and to discourage certain types of transactions that may involve an actual or threatened acquisition of us. These provisions are designed to reduce our vulnerability to an unsolicited acquisition proposal. The provisions also are intended to discourage certain tactics that may be used in proxy fights. However, these provisions could have the effect of discouraging others from making tender offers for our shares and, as a consequence, they may also reduce fluctuations in the market price of our shares that could result from actual or rumored takeover attempts.

Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law

We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Section 203 generally prohibits certain Delaware corporations from engaging, under certain circumstances, in a “business combination” with any “interested stockholder for a period of three years following the time that such stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:

Section 203 defines a business combination to include:

In general, Section 203 defines an interested stockholder as any entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity or person that is an affiliate or associate of such entity or person.

A Delaware corporation may “opt out” of these provisions with an express provision in its original certificate of incorporation or an express provision in its certificate of incorporation or bylaws resulting from a stockholders’ amendment approved by a majority of the outstanding voting shares. We have not “opted out” of these provisions and do not plan to do so. The statute could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts and, accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire us.

Potential Effects of Authorized but Unissued Stock

Our shares of common stock and preferred stock available for future issuance without stockholder approval. We may utilize these additional shares for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public offerings to raise additional capital, to facilitate corporate acquisitions, payment as a dividend on the capital stock or as equity compensation to our service providers under our equity compensation plans.

The existence of unissued and unreserved common stock and preferred stock may enable our board of directors to issue shares to persons friendly to current management or to issue preferred stock with terms that could render more difficult or discourage a third-party attempt to obtain control by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise, thereby protecting the continuity of our management. In addition, our board of directors has the discretion to determine designations, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including voting rights, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation preferences of each series of preferred stock, all to the fullest extent permissible under the Delaware General Corporation Law and subject to any limitations set forth in our certificate of incorporation. The purpose of authorizing the board of directors to issue preferred stock and to determine the rights and preferences applicable to such preferred stock is to eliminate delays associated with a stockholder vote on specific issuances. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing desirable flexibility in connection with possible financings, acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or could discourage a third party from acquiring, a majority of our outstanding voting stock.

Also, if we issue additional shares of our authorized, but unissued, common stock, these issuances will dilute the voting power and distribution rights of our existing common stockholders.

Amendments to Governing Documents

Generally, the amendment of our Restated Certificate requires approval by our board of directors and a majority vote of stockholders, provided that the provisions of our Restated Certificate relating to (i) the requirement that all stockholder action be taken only at a duly called annual meeting or special meeting; (ii) the authority and power of the board of directors and the procedure required to amend our Bylaws; (iii) the percentage of the shares necessary to amend the Restated Certificate; (iv) the elimination of directors’ personal liability for monetary damages arising from their negligence and gross negligence; and (v) indemnification of directors, officers and other persons requires approval of our stockholders holding atleast 66-2/3% of our capital stock then outstanding and entitled to vote. Any amendment to our Bylaws requires the approval of either a majority of our board of directors or approval of our stockholders holding atleast 66-2/3% of our capital stock then outstanding and entitled to vote.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Computershare Trust Company N.A. The transfer agent for any series of preferred stock that we may offer under this prospectus pluswill be named and described in the prospectus supplement for that series.

Listing on The NASDAQ Capital Market

Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “ABIO.”

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

We may issue debt securities from time to time, in one or more series, as either senior or subordinated debt or as senior or subordinated convertible debt. While the terms we have summarized below will apply generally to any debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any debt securities that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of any debt securities offered under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below. Unless the context requires otherwise, whenever we refer to the indenture, we also are referring to any supplemental indentures that specify the terms of a particular series of debt securities.

We will issue the debt securities under the indenture that we will enter into with the trustee named in the indenture. The indenture will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, or the Trust Indenture Act. We have filed the form of indenture as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and supplemental indentures and forms of debt securities containing the terms of the debt securities being offered will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or will be incorporated by reference from reports that we file with the SEC.

The following summary of material provisions of the debt securities and the indenture is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the indenture applicable to a particular series of debt securities. We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplements and any related free writing prospectuses related to the debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus, as well as the complete indenture that contains the terms of the debt securities.

General

The indenture does not limit the amount of debt securities that we may issue. It provides that we may issue debt securities up to the principal amount that we may authorize and may be in any currency or currency unit that we may designate. Except for the limitations on consolidation, merger and sale of all or substantially all of our assets contained in the indenture, the terms of the indenture do not contain any covenants or other provisions designed to give holders of any debt securities protection against changes in our operations, financial condition or transactions involving us.

We may issue the debt securities issued under the indenture as “discount securities,” which means they may be sold at a discount below their stated principal amount. These debt securities, as well as other debt securities that are not issued at a discount, may be issued with “original issue discount,” or OID, for U.S. federal income tax purposes because of interest payment and other characteristics or terms of the debt securities. Material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to debt securities issued with OID will be described in more detail in any applicable prospectus supplement.

We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the series of debt securities being offered, including:

Conversion or Exchange Rights

We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms on which a series of debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock or our other securities. We will include provisions as to settlement upon conversion or exchange and whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option. We may include provisions pursuant to which the number of shares of our common stock issuableor our other securities that the holders of the series of debt securities receive would be subject to adjustment.

Consolidation, Merger or Sale

Unless we provide otherwise in the prospectus supplement applicable to a particular series of debt securities, the indenture will not contain any covenant that restricts our ability to merge or consolidate, or sell, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of our assets as an entirety or substantially as an entirety. However, any successor to or acquirer of such assets (other than a subsidiary of ours) must assume all of our obligations under the indenture or the debt securities, as appropriate.

Events of Default under the Indenture

Unless we provide otherwise in the prospectus supplement applicable to a particular series of debt securities, the following are events of default under the indenture with respect to any series of debt securities that we may issue:

If an event of default with respect to debt securities of any series occurs and is continuing, other than an event of default specified in the last bullet point above, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series, by notice to us in writing, and to the trustee if notice is given by such holders, may declare the unpaid principal of, premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, due and payable immediately. If an event of default specified in the last bullet point above occurs with respect to us, the principal amount of and accrued interest, if any, of each issue of debt securities then outstanding shall be due and payable without any notice or other action on the part of the trustee or any holder.

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of an affected series may waive any default or event of default with respect to the series and its consequences, except defaults or events of default regarding payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, unless we have cured the default or event of default in accordance with the indenture. Any waiver shall cure the default or event of default.

Subject to the terms of the indenture, if an event of default under an indenture shall occur and be continuing, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under such indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of the applicable series of debt securities, unless such holders have offered the trustee reasonable indemnity. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee, with respect to the debt securities of that series, provided that:

A holder of the debt securities of any series will have the right to institute a proceeding under the indenture or to appoint a receiver or trustee, or to seek other remedies only if:

These limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a holder of June 30, 2015debt securities if we default in the payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest on, the debt securities.

We will periodically file statements with the trustee regarding our compliance with specified covenants in the indenture.

Modification of Indenture; Waiver

We and the trustee may change an indenture without the consent of any holders with respect to specific matters:

In addition, under the indenture, the rights of holders of a series of debt securities may be changed by us and the trustee with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series that is affected. However, unless we provide otherwise in the prospectus supplement applicable to a particular series of debt securities, we and the trustee may make the following changes only with the consent of each holder of any outstanding debt securities affected:

Discharge

Each indenture provides that we can elect to be discharged from our obligations with respect to one or more series of debt securities, except for specified obligations, including obligations to:

In order to exercise our rights to be discharged, we must deposit with the trustee money or government obligations sufficient to pay all the principal of, any premium, if any, and interest on, the debt securities of the series on the dates payments are due.

Form, Exchange and Transfer

We will issue the debt securities of each series only in fully registered form without coupons and, unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. The indenture provides that we may issue debt securities of a series in temporary or permanent global form and as book-entry securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, or another depositary named by us and identified in the applicable prospectus supplement with respect to that series. To the extent the debt securities of a series are issued in global form and as book-entry, a description of terms relating to any book-entry securities will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

At the option of the holder, subject to the terms of the indenture and the limitations applicable to global securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement, the holder of the debt securities of any series can exchange the debt securities for other debt securities of the same series, in any authorized denomination and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount.

Subject to the terms of the indenture and the limitations applicable to global securities set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the debt securities may present the debt securities for exchange or for registration of transfer, duly endorsed or with the form of transfer endorsed thereon duly executed if so required by us or the security registrar, at the office of the security registrar or at the office of any transfer agent designated by us for this purpose. Unless otherwise provided in the debt securities that the holder presents for transfer or exchange, we will impose no service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange, but we may require payment of any taxes or other governmental charges.

We will name in the applicable prospectus supplement the security registrar, and any transfer agent in addition to the security registrar, that we initially designate for any debt securities. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents or rescind the designation of any transfer agent or approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts, except that we will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of each series.

If we elect to redeem the debt securities of any series, we will not be required to:

Information Concerning the Trustee

The trustee, other than during the occurrence and continuance of an event of default under an indenture, undertakes to perform only those duties as are specifically set forth in the applicable indenture. Upon an event of default under an indenture, the trustee must use the same degree of care as a prudent person would exercise or use in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to this provision, the trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers given it by the indenture at the request of any holder of debt securities unless it is offered reasonable security and indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that it might incur.

Payment and Paying Agents

Unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will make payment of the interest on any debt securities on any interest payment date to the person in whose name the debt securities, or one or more predecessor securities, are registered at the close of business on the regular record date for the interest.

We will pay principal of and any premium and interest on the debt securities of a particular series at the office of the paying agents designated by us, except that unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will make interest payments by check that we will mail to the holder or by wire transfer to certain holders. Unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will designate the corporate trust office of the trustee as our sole paying agent for payments with respect to debt securities of each series. We will name in the applicable prospectus supplement any other paying agents that we initially designate for the debt securities of a particular series. We will maintain a paying agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of a particular series.

All money we pay to a paying agent or the trustee for the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any debt securities that remains unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable will be repaid to us, and the holder of the debt security thereafter may look only to us for payment thereof.

Governing Law

The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, except to the extent that the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 is applicable.

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

The following description, together with the additional information we may include in any applicable prospectus supplements and free writing prospectuses, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the warrants that we may offer under this prospectus, which may consist of warrants to purchase common stock, preferred stock, and debt securities, and may be issued in one or more series. Warrants may be issued independently or together with common stock, preferred stock, or debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement, and may be attached to or separate from those securities. While the terms summarized below will apply generally to any warrants that we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any series of warrants that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. If we indicate in the prospectus supplement, the terms of any warrants offered under that prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below. However, no prospectus supplement shall fundamentally change the terms that are set forth in this prospectus or offer a security that is not registered and described in this prospectus at the time of its effectiveness.

We have filed forms of the warrant agreements and forms of warrant certificates as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. We will file as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from reports that we file with the SEC, the form of warrant agreement, if any, including a form of warrant certificate, that describes the terms of the particular series of warrants we are offering. The following summaries of material provisions of the warrants and the warrant agreements are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the warrant agreement and warrant certificate applicable to the particular series of warrants that we may offer under this prospectus. We urge you to read any applicable prospectus supplements related to the particular series of warrants that we may offer under this prospectus, as well as any related free writing prospectuses, and the complete warrant agreements and warrant certificates that contain the terms of the warrants.

General

We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the series of warrants being offered, including:

Before exercising their warrants, a selling stockholderholders of warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities purchasable upon such exercise, including:

Exercise of Warrants

Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase the securities that we specify in the applicable prospectus supplement at the exercise price that we describe in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless we otherwise specify in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the warrants may not exercise the warrants at any time up to the extent (but onlyspecified time on the expiration date that we set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void.

Unless we otherwise specify in any applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the warrants may exercise the warrants by delivering the warrant certificate representing the warrants to be exercised together with specified information, and paying the required amount to the extent)warrant agent in immediately available funds, as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. We will set forth on the reverse side of the warrant certificate and in the applicable prospectus supplement the information that the holder of the warrant will be required to deliver to the warrant agent in connection with the exercise of the warrant.

Upon receipt of the required payment and the warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will issue and deliver the securities purchasable upon such selling stockholderexercise. If fewer than all of the warrants represented by the warrant certificate are exercised, then we will issue a new warrant certificate for the remaining amount of warrants. If we so indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the warrants may surrender securities as all or part of the exercise price for warrants.

Enforceability of Rights by Holders of Warrants

Each warrant agent will act solely as our agent under the applicable warrant agreement and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with any holder of any warrant. A single bank or trust company may act as warrant agent for more than one issue of warrants. A warrant agent will have no duty or responsibility in case of any default by us under the applicable warrant agreement or warrant, including any duty or responsibility to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise, or to make any demand upon us. Any holder of a warrant may, without the consent of the related warrant agent or the holder of any other warrant, enforce by appropriate legal action its right to exercise, and receive the securities purchasable upon exercise of, its affiliates would beneficially own a numberwarrants.

Outstanding Warrants

As of May 6, 2020, we had outstanding warrants to purchase 133,401 shares of our common stock, which would exceed 9.9%having an exercise price of our outstanding common stock, provided, however, that if$109.80 per share. Any of the outstanding warrants may be exercised by applying the value of a portion of the warrant, which is equal to the number of shares issuable under the warrant being exercised multiplied by the fair market value of common stock held by such selling stockholder and its affiliates, together, without giving effect to such selling stockholder’s warrants, exceeds 9.9% of our outstanding common stock, prior tothe security receivable upon the exercise of the warrant, less the per share price, in lieu of payment of the exercise price per share.

These warrants, if unexercised, will expire on June 16, 2022.

LEGAL OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES

We can issue securities in registered form or in the form of one or more global securities. We describe global securities in greater detail below. We refer to those persons who have securities registered in their own names on the books that we or any warrants, then such selling stockholderapplicable trustee, depositary or warrant agent maintain for this purpose as the “holders” of those securities. These persons are the legal holders of the securities. We refer to those persons who, indirectly through others, own beneficial interests in securities that are not registered in their own names, as “indirect holders” of those securities. As we discuss below, indirect holders are not legal holders, and investors in securities issued in book-entry form or in street name will be indirect holders.

Book-Entry Holders

We may not exerciseissue securities in book-entry form only, as we will specify in the warrantsapplicable prospectus supplement. This means securities may be represented by one or more global securities registered in the name of a financial institution that holds them as depositary on behalf of other financial institutions that participate in the depositary’s book-entry system. These participating institutions, which are referred to as participants, in turn, hold beneficial interests in the securities on behalf of themselves or their customers.

Only the person in whose name a security is registered is recognized as the holder of that security. Securities issued in global form will be registered in the name of the depositary or its participants. Consequently, for securities issued in global form, we will recognize only the depositary as the holder of the securities, and we will make all payments on the securities to the extent (butdepositary. The depositary passes along the payments it receives to its participants, which in turn pass the payments along to their customers who are the beneficial owners. The depositary and its participants do so under agreements they have made with one another or with their customers; they are not obligated to do so under the terms of the securities.

As a result, investors in a book-entry security will not own securities directly. Instead, they will own beneficial interests in a global security, through a bank, broker or other financial institution that participates in the depositary’s book-entry system or holds an interest through a participant. As long as the securities are issued in global form, investors will be indirect holders, and not legal holders, of the securities.

Street Name Holders

We may terminate a global security or issue securities innon-global form. In these cases, investors may choose to hold their securities in their own names or in “street name.” Securities held by an investor in street name would be registered in the name of a bank, broker or other financial institution that the investor chooses, and the investor would hold only a beneficial interest in those securities through an account he or she maintains at that institution.

For securities held in street name, we or any applicable trustee or depositary will recognize only the intermediary banks, brokers and other financial institutions in whose names the securities are registered as the holders of those securities, and we or any applicable trustee or depositary will make all payments on those securities to them. These institutions pass along the payments they receive to their customers who are the beneficial owners, but only because they agree to do so in their customer agreements or because they are legally required to do so. Investors who hold securities in street name will be indirect holders, not holders, of those securities.

Legal Holders

Our obligations, as well as the obligations of any applicable trustee and of any third parties employed by us or a trustee, run only to the extent)legal holders of the securities. We do not have obligations to investors who hold beneficial interests in global securities, in street name or by any other indirect means. This will be the case whether an investor chooses to be an indirect holder of a security or has no choice because we are issuing the securities only in global form.

For example, once we make a payment or give a notice to the legal holder, we have no further responsibility for the payment or notice even if that legal holder is required, under agreements with its participants or customers or by law, to pass it along to the indirect holders but does not do so. Similarly, we may want to obtain the approval of the legal holders to amend an indenture, to relieve us of the consequences of a default or of our obligation to comply with a particular provision of the indenture or for other purposes. In such selling stockholderan event, we would seek approval only from the legal holders, and not the indirect holders, of the securities. Whether and how the holders contact the indirect holders is up to the legal holders.

Special Considerations for Indirect Holders

If you hold securities through a bank, broker or other financial institution, either in book-entry form because the securities are represented by one or more global securities or in street name, you should check with your own institution to find out:

Global Securities

A global security is a security that represents one or any other number of individual securities held by a depositary. Generally, all securities represented by the same global securities will have the same terms.

Each security issued in book-entry form will be represented by a global security that we issue to, deposit with and register in the name of a financial institution or its nominee that we select. The financial institution that we select for this purpose is called the depositary. Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, DTC will be the depositary for all securities issued in book-entry form.

A global security may not be transferred to or registered in the name of anyone other than the depositary, its nominee or a successor depositary, unless special termination situations arise. We describe those situations below under the section entitled “Special Situations When a Global Security Will Be Terminated” in this prospectus. As a result of these arrangements, the depositary, or its nominee, will be the sole registered owner and legal holder of all securities represented by a global security, and investors will be permitted to own only beneficial interests in a global security. Beneficial interests must be held by means of an account with a broker, bank or other financial institution that in turn has an account with the depositary or with another institution that does. Thus, an investor whose security is represented by a global security will not be a legal holder of the security, but only an indirect holder of a beneficial interest in the global security.

If the prospectus supplement for a particular security indicates that the security will be issued in global form only, then the security will be represented by a global security at all times unless and until the global security is terminated. If termination occurs, we may issue the securities through another book-entry clearing system or decide that the securities may no longer be held through any book-entry clearing system.

Special Considerations for Global Securities

The rights of an indirect holder relating to a global security will be governed by the account rules of the investor’s financial institution and of the depositary, as well as general laws relating to securities transfers. We do not recognize an indirect holder as a holder of securities and instead deal only with the depositary that holds the global security.

If securities are issued only in the form of a global security, an investor should be aware of the following:

There may be more than one financial intermediary in the chain of ownership for an investor. We do not monitor and are not responsible for the actions of any of those intermediaries.

Special Situations When a numberGlobal Security Will Be Terminated

In a few special situations described below, the global security will terminate and interests in it will be exchanged for physical certificates representing those interests. After that exchange, the choice of shareswhether to hold securities directly or in street name will be up to the investor. Investors must consult their own banks, brokers or other financial institutions to find out how to have their interests in securities transferred to their own name, so that they will be direct holders. We have described the rights of our common stockholders and street name investors above.

Unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the global security will terminate when the following special situations occur:

The applicable prospectus supplement may also list additional situations for terminating a global security that would exceed 19.9%apply only to the particular series of our outstanding common stock. RA Capital Healthcare Fund, L.P., RA Capital Management, LLC, Blackwell Partners LLC – Series A,securities covered by the applicable prospectus supplement. When a global security terminates, the depositary, and Peter Kolchinsky are considered one entitynot we or any applicable trustee, is responsible for deciding the purposesnames of calculating the 9.9% maximum percentage described ininstitutions that will be the preceding sentence. The number of shares in the second column does not reflect these limitations. The selling stockholders may sell all, some or none of their shares in this offering. See “Plan of Distribution.”initial direct holders.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We are registeringmay sell the shares of common stock issued to the selling stockholders and the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants to permit the resale of these shares of common stock by the selling stockholderssecurities from time to time afterpursuant to underwritten public offerings, direct sales to the datepublic, negotiated transactions, block trades or a combination of this prospectus.these methods. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale by the selling stockholders of the shares of common stock. We will bear all fees and expenses incident to our obligation to register the shares of common stock.

The selling stockholders may sell allthe securities to or a portion of the shares of common stock held by them and offered herebythrough underwriters or dealers, through agents, or directly to one or more purchasers. We may distribute securities from time to time directly or throughin one or more transactions:

We may also sell equity securities covered by this registration statement in an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act. Such offering may be made into an existing trading market for such securities in transactions at other than a fixed price, either:

Such at the market offerings, if any, may be conducted by underwriters broker-dealersacting as principal or agents. Ifagent.

A prospectus supplement or supplements (and any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you) will describe the sharesterms of common stock are sold throughthe offering of the securities, including, to the extent applicable:

Only underwriters named in the prospectus supplement will be responsibleunderwriters of the securities offered by the prospectus supplement.

If underwriters are used in the sale, they will acquire the securities for underwriting discounts or commissions or agent’s commissions. The shares of common stocktheir own account and may be soldresell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of the sale,public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale or at negotiated prices. These sales may be effected in transactions, which may involve crosses or block transactions, pursuant to one or moresale. The obligations of the following methods:

The selling stockholders may also sell shares of common stock under Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, if available, rather than under this prospectus. In addition, the selling stockholders may transfer the shares of common stock by other means not described in this prospectus. If the selling stockholders effect such transactions by selling shares of common stock to or through underwriters, broker-dealers or agents, such underwriters, broker-dealers or agents may receive commissions in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the selling stockholders or commissions from purchasers of the shares of common stock for whom they may act as agent or to whom they may sell as principal (which discounts, concessions or commissions as to particular underwriters, broker-dealers or agents may be in excess of those customary in the types of transactions involved).

In connection with sales of the shares of common stock or otherwise, the selling stockholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers, which may in turn engage in short sales of the shares of common stock in the course of hedging in positions they assume. The selling stockholders may also sell shares of common stock short and deliver shares of common stock covered by this prospectus to close out short positions and to return borrowed shares in connection with such short sales. The selling stockholders may also loan or pledge shares of common stock to broker-dealers that in turn may sell such shares.

The selling stockholders may pledge or grant a security interest in some orpurchase all of the warrants or shares of common stock owned by them and, if they default in the performance of their secured obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may offer and sell the shares of common stock from time to time pursuant to this prospectus or any amendment to this prospectus under Rule 424(b)(3) or other applicable provision of the Securities Act amending, if necessary, the list of selling stockholders to include the pledgee, transferee or other successors in interest as selling stockholders under this prospectus. The selling stockholders also may transfer and donate the shares of common stock in other circumstances in which case the transferees, donees, pledgees or other successors in interest will be the selling beneficial owners for purposes of this prospectus.

To the extent requiredsecurities offered by the Securities Actprospectus supplement, other than securities covered by any over-allotment option. Any public offering price and the rules and regulations thereunder, the selling stockholders and any broker-dealer participating in the distribution of the shares of common stock may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any commission paid, or any discounts or concessions allowed to, any such broker-dealer may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. At the time a particular offering of the shares of common stock is made, a prospectus supplement, if required, will be distributed, which will set forth the aggregate amount of shares of common stock being offered and the terms of the offering, including the name or names of any broker-dealers or agents, any discounts, commissions and other terms constituting compensation from the selling stockholders and any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or re-allowedreallowed or paid to broker-dealers.dealers may change from time to time. We may use underwriters with whom we have a material relationship. We will describe in the prospectus supplement, naming the underwriter, the nature of any such relationship.

We may sell securities directly or through agents we designate from time to time. We will name any agent involved in the offering and sale of securities lawsand we will describe any commissions we will pay the agent in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, our agent will act on a best-efforts basis for the period of some states,its appointment.

We may authorize agents or underwriters to solicit offers by certain types of institutional investors to purchase securities from us at the shares of common stock may be soldpublic offering price set forth in such states only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in some states the shares of common stock may not be sold unless such shares have been registered or qualified for sale in such state or an exemption from registration or qualification is available and is complied with.

There can be no assurance that any selling stockholder will sell any or all of the shares of common stock registeredapplicable prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a part.

The selling stockholders and any other person participating in such distributionfuture. We will be subjectdescribe the conditions to applicable provisions of the Exchange Actthese contracts and the rules and regulations thereunder, including, without limitation, to the extent applicable, Regulation Mcommissions we must pay for solicitation of the Exchange Act, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of the shares of common stock by the selling stockholders and any other participating person. To the extent applicable, Regulation M may also restrict the ability of any person engagedthese contracts in the distribution of the shares of common stock to engage in market-making activities with respect to the shares of common stock. All of the foregoing may affect the marketability of the shares of common stock and the ability of any person or entity to engage in market-making activities with respect to the shares of common stock.prospectus supplement.

We will pay all expenses of the registration of the shares of common stock pursuant to the stock purchase agreement, estimated to be $330,000 in total, including, without limitation, SEC filing feesmay provide agents and expenses of complianceunderwriters with state securities or “blue sky” laws; provided, however, a selling stockholder will pay all underwriting discounts and selling commissions, if any. We will indemnify the selling stockholders against liabilities, including some liabilities under the Securities Act in accordance with the securities purchase agreements or the selling stockholders will be entitled to contribution. We may be indemnified by the selling stockholdersindemnification against civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or contribution with respect to payments that the agents or underwriters may arise from any written information furnishedmake with respect to these liabilities. Agents and underwriters may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us byin the selling stockholder specifically for use in this prospectus, in accordance with the relatedordinary course of business.

All securities purchase agreements or we may be entitled to contribution.

Once sold under the registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a part, the shares ofoffer, other than common stock, will be freely tradablenew issues of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters may make a market in these securities, but will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We cannot guarantee the liquidity of the trading markets for any securities.

Any underwriter may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, short-covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Over-allotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum price. Syndicate-covering or other short-covering transactions involve purchases of the securities, either through exercise of the over-allotment option or in the handsopen market after the distribution is completed, to cover short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a dealer when the securities originally sold by the dealer are purchased in a stabilizing or covering transaction to cover short positions. Those activities may cause the price of persons otherthe securities to be higher than our affiliates.

Any underwriters or agents that are qualified market makers on The NASDAQ Capital Market may engage in passive market making transactions in the common stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act, during the business day prior to the pricing of the offering, before the commencement of offers or sales of the common stock. Passive market makers must comply with applicable volume and price limitations and must be identified as passive market makers. In general, a passive market maker must display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid for such security; if all independent bids are lowered below the passive market maker’s bid, however, the passive market maker’s bid must then be lowered when certain purchase limits are exceeded. Passive market making may stabilize the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

In compliance with guidelines of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, the maximum consideration or discount to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker dealer may not exceed 8% of the aggregate amount of the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement.

LEGAL MATTERS

TheUnless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of our common stock beingthe securities offered herebyby this prospectus, and any supplement thereto, will be passed upon for us by Cooley LLP, Broomfield, Colorado. Additional legal matters may be passed upon for us or any underwriters, dealers or agents by counsel that we name in any applicable prospectus supplement.

EXPERTS

The financial statements of ARCA biopharma, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 20142019 and 2013,2018, and for each of the years in the two year periodthen ended, December 31, 2014, have been incorporated by reference herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The audit report covering the December 31, 20142019 financial statements contains an explanatory paragraph that states that the Company’sCompany has incurred recurring losses from operations and needs to raise additional capital to fund its dependence upon raising additional funds from strategic transactions, sales of equity, and/or issuance of debt raiseclinical development programs which raises substantial doubt about the entity’sCompany’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of that uncertainty.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONALMORE INFORMATION

This prospectus is part of the registration statement on FormS-3 we filed with the SEC under the Securities Act and does not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement. For further information with respect to us and the securities we are offering under this prospectus, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed as a part of the registration statement. Whenever a reference is made in this prospectus to any of our contracts, agreements or other documents, the reference may not be complete and you should refer to the exhibits that are a part of the registration statement or the exhibits to the reports or other documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus for a copy of such contract, agreement or other document. You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or incorporated by reference. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. We are anot making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front page of this prospectus and the date on the front page of the applicable accompanying prospectus supplement, as applicable, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement or any sale of the securities offered by this and any accompanying prospectus supplement. Because we are subject to the information and reporting company andrequirements of the Exchange Act, we file our annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may readOur SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, which contains reports, proxy and obtain copies of our reports, proxyinformation statements, and other information weregarding issuers that file with the SEC, at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for moreelectronically. You can find additional information about the operationcompany at our website,http://www.arcabio.com. Information contained in or accessible through our website does not constitute a part of the public reference room. Our SEC filings are also available at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement.

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information from other documents that we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus. Information in this prospectus supersedes information incorporated by reference that we filed with the SEC prior to the date of this prospectus, while information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information in this prospectus. We incorporate by reference into this prospectus and the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part the information or documents listed below that we have filed with the SEC (Commission FileNo.000-22873):

We also incorporate by reference into this prospectus all documentsany future filings (other than Current Reportscurrent reports on Form8-K furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form8-K and exhibits filed on such form that are related to such items) that are subsequently filed by us with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the termination of the offering of the securities made by this prospectus (including (i) documents filed after the date of the initial registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement)statement and (ii) documents filed after the date of this prospectus until we file a post-effective amendment that indicates the termination of the offering of the securities covered by this prospectus, and will become a part of this from the date that such documents are filed with the SEC). These documents include periodic reports, such as Annual Reports on Form10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form10-Q and Current Reports on Form8-K, as well as proxy statements.

Any statement contained Information in such future filings updates and supplements the information provided in this prospectus orprospectus. Any statements in aany such future filings will automatically be deemed to modify and supersede any information in any document we previously filed with the SEC that is incorporated or deemed to be incorporated herein by reference into this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded to the extent that a statement containedstatements in this prospectus or any subsequentlythe later filed document modify or replace such earlier statements. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that site is deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus modifies or supersedes the statementhttp://www.sec.gov.

We will furnish without charge to you, on written or oral request, a copy of any or all of the reports or documents incorporated by reference, including exhibits to these documents. You should direct any requests for documents to Brian L. Selby, Vice President, Finance, ARCA biopharma, Inc., Attention: Secretary, 11080 CirclePoint Road, Suite 140, Westminster, ColoradoCO 80020; telephone: (720) 940-2200. In addition, all940-2200; investors@arcabio.com. The documents outlined above are also available on our website athttps://arcabio.com/investors/sec-filings/. Our website, and the information contained on the website, is not incorporated into and are not part of the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus may be accessed via the Internet at our website: http://www.arcabiopharma.com.

$75,000,000

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Debt Securities

Warrants

PROSPECTUS

            , 2020

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

The following table sets forth thean itemization of all estimated costs and expenses payable by us, other than the placement agent fees and expenses payable by the Registrant, in connection with the saleissuance and distribution of the common stocksecurities being registered. All amounts shown are estimates except for the SEC registration fee.

Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Subsection (a) of Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, permits or the DGCL, empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or who is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was unlawful.

Subsection (b) of Section 145 of the DGCL empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person acted in any of the capacities set forth above, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no

II-1

indemnification shall be made in respect of officers,any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

Section 145 of the DGCL further provides that to the extent a director or officer of a corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 145, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith; that indemnification provided for by Section 145 shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which the indemnified party may be entitled; and the indemnification provided for by Section 145 shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of such person’s heirs, executors and administrators. Section 145 also empowers the corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liabilities under Section 145.

Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL provides that a corporation’s certificate of incorporation may contain a provision eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, provided that such provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

Our certificate of incorporation contains provisions that eliminate, to the maximum extent permitted by the DGCL, the personal liability of directors and other corporate agents under certain circumstances and subject to certain limitations.executive officers for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duties as a director or officer. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws provide that we willshall indemnify itsour directors and executive officers and may indemnify our employees and other agents to the fullfullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, including in circumstances in which indemnification is otherwise discretionary under Delaware law. In addition, weDGCL.

We have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers, that require us, among other things,in addition to indemnify them against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service (other than liabilities arising from willful misconduct of a culpable nature). Thethe indemnification provisionsprovided for in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, and thewe intend to enter into indemnification agreements enteredwith any new directors and executive officers in the future.

We have purchased and intend to maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director or officer against any loss arising from any claim asserted against him or her incurred by him or her in any such capacity, subject to certain exclusions.

The underwriting agreement that we may enter into, between uswhich is Exhibit 1.1 to this registration statement, may provide for indemnification by any of our underwriters, our board of directors, our officers who sign the registration statement and our directors may be sufficiently broad to permit indemnification of our officers and directorscontrolling persons for some liabilities, (including reimbursement of expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. We also maintain director and officer liability insurance to insure our directors and officers against the cost of defense, settlement or payment of a judgment under certain circumstances. Insofar as indemnification forincluding liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officersAct.

Item 16. Exhibits

A list of exhibits filed with this prospectus or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed thatincorporated herein by reference is found in the opinion ofExhibit Index included below.

II-2

EXHIBIT INDEX

II-3

Unless otherwise indicated, all items incorporated by reference we filed with the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.under FileNo. 000-22873.

Item 16.

Exhibits

				Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit No.		Description		Form		Filing Date		Number		Filed Herewith
4.6		Warrant to Purchase Stock Agreement, dated October 18, 2009, by and between ARCA biopharma, Inc. and BioMed Realty, L.P.		10-K		3/4/2010		4.19
4.7		Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant.		8-K		4/18/2011		4.1
4.8		Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock.		8-K		12/22/2011		4.1
4.9		Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant.		8-K		8/3/2012		4.1
4.10		Form of Warrants to Purchase Shares of Common Stock, dated October 22, 2012.		8-K		10/23/2012		4.1
4.11		Form of Warrants to Purchase Shares of Common Stock, dated December 20, 2012.		8-K		12/19/2012		4.1
4.12		Form of Warrants to Purchase Shares of Common Stock.		8-K		1/23/2013		4.1
4.13		Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant.		8-K		2/1/2013		4.1
4.14		Form of Warrant Agency Agreement by and between ARCA biopharma, Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. dated May 31, 2013.		S-1/A		5/15/2013		4.1
4.15		Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant.		S-1/A		5/15/2013		4.3
4.16		Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant.		8-K		2/4/2014		4.1
4.17		Warrant Agency Agreement by and among ARCA biopharma, Inc., Computershare Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. dated February 3, 2014.		8-K		2/4/2014		4.3

				Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit No.		Description		Form		Filing Date		Number		Filed Herewith
4.18		Form of Warrant to Purchase Shares of Common Stock.		8-K		6/11/2015		4.1
4.19		Form of Warrant to Purchase Shares of Common Stock.		8-K		6/11/2015		4.2
5.1		Opinion of Cooley LLP as to legality								X
23.1		Consent of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.								X
23.2		Consent of Cooley LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).								X
24.1		Power of Attorney (included in the signature page hereto).								X

Item 17. Undertakings

Item 17.

Undertakings

The undersigned Registrantregistrant hereby undertakes:

(1)

provided, however, that subparagraphs the undertakings set forth in paragraphs (1)(i), (1)(ii) and (1)(iii) above do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the Registrantregistrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended, or the Exchange Act, that are incorporated by reference in thethis registration statement or isare contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of thethis registration statement.

(2)   That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

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

(4)

II-4

(5)   That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser: (i) any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; (ii) any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant; (iii) the portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and (iv) any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

(6)   That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to sectionSection 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to sectionSection 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act)Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered herein,therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initialbona fideoffering thereof.

(7)   That for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, (i) the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of the registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(l) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be a part of the registration statement as of the time it was declared effective; and (ii) each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offing of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initialbona fide offering thereof.

(8)   To file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the SEC under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrantregistrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, of Item 15 above, or otherwise, the Registrantregistrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrantregistrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrantregistrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrantregistrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

II-5

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on FormS-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the cityCity of Westminster, State of Colorado, on the 7th day of July 2015.May 7, 2020.

II-6

POWER OF ATTORNEY

EachKNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Michael R. Bristow and Brian L. Selby, and each of them, aswith full power of substitution and full power to act without the other, his or her true and lawfulattorney-in-fact and agent each acting alone, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,to act for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to (i) act on, sign and file with SEC any orand all amendments (includingpre-effective and post-effective amendments) to the Registration Statement on Form S-3, and to file the same,this registration statement together with all schedules and exhibits thereto, (ii) act on, sign and allfile such certificates, instruments, agreements and other documents as may be necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, with(iii) act on and file any supplement to any prospectus included in this registration statement or any such amendment or any subsequent registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact(iv) take any and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite andall actions which may be necessary or appropriate to be done in and about the premises, as fully, tofor all intents and purposes, as they, he or she might or could do in person, hereby approving, ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-factattorneys-in-fact and agent,agents, or his or her substitute or substitutes,any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

EXHIBIT INDEX

II-7