UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


SCHEDULE 14A

 

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of

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

 

Filed by the Registrant  x

☒  Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  ¨

 

Check the appropriate box:

 

Preliminary Proxy Statement

¨

Preliminary Proxy Statement¨

Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only

(as (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

x

Definitive Proxy Statement

¨

Definitive Additional Materials

¨

Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

 

VYREX CORPORATION

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

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

374Water Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

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

 

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

 

No fee required.

 

¨

Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4)(1) and 0-11.

 

1. 

(1)

Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

 


(2)

2. 

Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

 


(3)

3. 

Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

 


(4)

4. 

Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

 


(5)

5. 

Total fee paid:

 


 

¨

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

 

¨

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

 

1. Amount Previously Paid:

 


(1)

Amount previously paid:

2. 

(2)

Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

(3)

Filing party:

(4)

Date Filed:

 


 3. Filing Party:


4. Date Filed:



VYREX CORPORATION


NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS


Date:

Friday, September 23, 2005

Time:

10:00 a.m., Pacific time

Place:

Vyrex Corporation
2159 Avenida de la Playa
La Jolla, California 92037
 

 

To our Stockholders:374Water Inc.

701 W. Main Street, Suite 410

Durham, North Carolina 27701

(919) 888-8194

April 28, 2023

Dear Stockholder:

 

You are cordially invited to attend a special meetingthe Annual Meeting of stockholdersStockholders of Vyrex Corporation374Water Inc. to consider and act upon the following matters:

1.To approve and adopt an Agreement and Plan of Merger providing for the merger of Vyrex Corporation into its newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary, Vyrex (Delaware) Corporation, a Delaware corporation, for the purpose of changing the company’s state of incorporation from Nevada to Delaware;

2.To approve an increase of our authorized capital stock from 60,000,000 (50,000,000 of common stock and 10,000,000 of preferred stock) to 250,000,000 (200,000,000 of common stock and 50,000,000 of preferred stock); and

3.To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments thereof.

The foregoing matters are more fully described in the proxy statement accompanying this notice.be held at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on June 14, 2023, at our corporate headquarters located at 701 W. Main Street, Suite 410, Durham, North Carolina 27701.

 

StockholdersWe are distributing our proxy materials to certain stockholders via the Internet under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission “Notice and Access” rules. We believe this approach allows us to provide stockholders with a timely and convenient way to receive proxy materials and vote, while lowering the costs of record atdelivery and reducing the closeenvironmental impact of businessour Annual Meeting. We are mailing to our stockholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice of Internet Availability”) beginning on September 2, 2005,or about April 28, 2023, rather than a paper copy of the record date fixed byProxy Statement, the Boardproxy card and our 2023 Annual Report, which includes our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, as amended. The Notice of Directors, are entitledInternet Availability contains instructions on how to noticeaccess the proxy materials, vote and obtain, if desired, a paper copy of and to vote at the meeting and at any adjournments thereof.proxy materials.

 

Your vote is important.very important, regardless of the number of shares of our voting securities that you own. Whether or not you planexpect to attendbe present at the meeting, we urge youAnnual Meeting, after receiving the Notice of Internet Availability please vote as promptly as possible to voteensure your shares at your earliest convenience. This will help ensurerepresentation and the presence of a quorum at the meeting. PromptlyAnnual Meeting. As an alternative to voting your sharesin person at the Annual Meeting, you may vote via the Internet, by telephone, or by signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card will save usthat is mailed to those that request paper copies of the expenseProxy Statement and extra work of additional solicitation. An addressed envelope for which no postage is required if mailed in the United States is enclosed to vote by mail. Voting your shares now will not prevent you from attending or voting your shares at the meeting if you desire to do so.

Only stockholders and persons holding proxies from stockholders may attend the meeting. If you plan to attend, please bring a photo ID.other proxy materials. If your shares are held in the name of a broker, trust, bank or other nominee, and you receive these materials through your broker or through another intermediary, please complete and return the materials in accordance with the instructions provided to you by such broker or other intermediary or contact your broker directly in order to obtain a proxy issued to you by your nominee holder to attend the meeting and vote in person. Failure to do so may result in your shares not being eligible to be voted by proxy at the meeting.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I urge you to submit your vote as soon as possible, even if you currently plan to attend the meeting in person.

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Thank you for your support of our company. I look forward to seeing you at the Annual Meeting.

Sincerely,

/s/ Yaacov (Kobe) Nagar

Yaacov (Kobe) Nagar

Chairperson of the Board of Directors

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR

THE STOCKHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON JUNE 14, 2023:

Our official Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders, Proxy Statement, Form of Proxy Card and

2023 Annual Report to Stockholders are available at:

www.proxyvote.com

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374WATER INC.

701 W. Main Street, Suite 410

Durham, North Carolina 27701

(919) 888-8194

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To Be Held June 14, 2023

The 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of 374Water Inc. a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), will needbe held on June 14, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, at our corporate headquarters located at 701 W. Main Street, Suite 410, Durham, North Carolina 27701. We will consider and act on the following items of business at the Annual Meeting:

(1)

Election of seven directors to serve as directors on our Board of Directors to serve until our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until successors have been duly elected and qualified.

(2)

An advisory vote on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers as disclosed in the Proxy Statement accompanying this notice.

(3)

An advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers.

(4)

Ratification of the appointment of Cherry Bekaert LLP, as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2023 fiscal year.

(5)

Such other business as may arise and that may properly be conducted at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

Stockholders are referred to bringthe proxy statement accompanying this notice (the “Proxy Statement”) for more detailed information with respect to the matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting. After careful consideration, the Board of Directors recommends a recent brokerage statement,vote “FOR” the election of the nominees as directors (Proposal 1); “FOR” Proposals 2, and 4; and “FOR” holding an advisory vote every three years regarding approval of the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers (Proposal 3).

The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on April 17, 2023, as the record date (the “Record Date”) for the Annual Meeting. A complete list of registered stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be available for inspection at the office of the Company during regular business hours for the ten (10) calendar days prior to and during the Annual Meeting.

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YOUR VOTE AND PARTICIPATION IN THE COMPANY’S AFFAIRS ARE IMPORTANT.

If your shares are registered in your name, even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting or any postponement or adjournment of the Annual Meeting in person, we request that you vote by telephone, over the Internet, or complete, date, sign and mail the enclosed form of proxy or letter fromin accordance with the instructions set out in the proxy card and in the Proxy Statement to ensure that your shares will be represented at the Annual Meeting.

If your shares are held in the name of a broker, trust, bank or other nominee that confirms, and you arereceive these materials through your broker or through another intermediary, please complete and return the beneficial owner of those shares.materials in accordance with the instructions provided to you by such broker or other intermediary or contact your broker directly in order to obtain a proxy issued to you by your nominee holder to attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person. Failure to do so may result in your shares not being eligible to be voted by proxy at the Annual Meeting.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

/s/ Yaacov (Kobe) Nagar

Yaacov (Kobe) Nagar

Chairperson of the Board of Directors

April 28, 2023

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING

1

PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

7

Directors and Nominees

7

Required Vote and Board Recommendation

9

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

10

Code of Corporate Conduct and Ethics

10

Board Composition

10

Director Independence

10

Board Committees, Meetings and Attendance

10

Director Nominations

12

Communications with Directors

13

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

13

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

14

STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

15

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

16

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

16

Executive Officers

17

AUDIT COMMITTEE MATTERS

20

Audit Committee Report

20

Fees to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

21

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

21

PROPOSAL 2: ADVISORY VOTE ON THE COMPENSATION OF THE COMPANY’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

22

PROPOSAL 3: FREQUENCY OF FUTURE ADVISORY VOTES ON THE COMPENSATION OF THE COMPANY’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

23

PROPOSAL 4: RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF CHERRY BEKAERT LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE 2023 FISCAL YEAR

24

OTHER BUSINESS

25

SUBMISSION OF FUTURE STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

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Proxy Card

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374WATER INC.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors701 W. Main Street, Suite 410

 

LOGODurham, North Carolina 27701

G. Dale Garlow

President and Chief Executive Officer(919) 888-8194

 

2159 Avenida de la PlayaPROXY STATEMENT

La Jolla, California 92037FOR

(858) 454-4446ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

September 13, 2005


VYREX CORPORATIONTo Be Held June 14, 2023

 

2159 Avenida de la Playa

La Jolla, California 92037


PROXY STATEMENT


We are providingUnless the context otherwise requires, references in this proxy statement in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of Vyrex Corporation, a Nevada corporation (the “Company” orProxy Statement to “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company,” or “us”), for use at“374Water” refer to 374Water Inc. a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries as a whole. In addition, unless the special meeting of stockholderscontext otherwise requires, references to be held on Friday, September 23, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific time, at“stockholders” are to the Corporate Offices of the Company, 2159 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, California 92037, and at any adjournment thereof (the “Special Meeting”). We expect to mail this proxy statement and the enclosed proxy card on or about September 13, 2005 to all stockholders entitled to vote at the Special Meeting.

VOTING INFORMATION

Who can vote?

You may vote if you were a stockholder of record as of the close of business on September 2, 2005. This date is known as the record date. You are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock you held on that date on each matter presented at the Special Meeting. As of September 2, 2005, approximately 8,492,867 sharesholders of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share, each of whom is entitled to vote at the 2023 annual meeting of stockholders of the Company (the “Annual Meeting”).

The accompanying proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) on behalf of 374Water Inc. to be voted at the Annual Meeting to be held on June 14, 2023, at the time and place and for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Notice”) and at any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) of the Annual Meeting. This Proxy Statement and accompanying form of proxy are dated April 28, 2023 and are expected to be first sent or given to stockholders on or about April 28, 2023.

The executive offices of the Company are located at 710 W. Main Street, Suite 410, Durham, North Carolina 27701, and the mailing address of the Company is 3710 Shannon Rd., Suite 51877, Durham, North Carolina 27717.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS

FOR THE STOCKHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON June 14, 2023:

As permitted by the “Notice and Access” rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), we are making this Proxy Statement, the proxy card and our Annual Report available to stockholders electronically via the Internet at the following website: www.proxyvote.com.

On or about April 28, 2023, we mailed to our stockholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice of Internet Availability”) that contains instructions on how stockholders may access and review all of the proxy materials and how to vote. Also on or about April 28, 2023, we began mailing printed copies of the proxy materials to stockholders that previously requested printed copies. If you received a Notice of Internet Availability by mail, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials in the mail unless you request a copy. If you received a Notice of Internet Availability by mail and would like to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials, you should follow the instructions for requesting such materials included in the Notice of Internet Availability.

ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING

What is a proxy?

A proxy is another person that you legally designate to vote your stock. If you designate someone as your proxy in a written document, that document is also called a “proxy” or a “proxy card.” If you are a “street name” holder, you must obtain a proxy from your broker or nominee in order to vote your shares in person at the Annual Meeting.

What is a proxy statement?

A proxy statement is a document that regulations of the SEC require that we give to you when we ask you to sign a proxy card to vote your stock at the Annual Meeting.

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Why did I receive a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials instead of paper copies of the proxy materials?

We are using the SEC’s Notice and Access model (“Notice and Access”), which allows us to deliver proxy materials over the Internet, as the primary means of furnishing proxy materials. We believe Notice and Access provides stockholders with a convenient method to access the proxy materials and vote, while allowing us to conserve natural resources and reduce the costs of printing and distributing the proxy materials. On or about April 28, 2023, we began mailing to stockholders a Notice of Internet Availability containing instructions on how to access our proxy materials on the Internet and how to vote online. The Notice of Internet Availability is not a proxy card and cannot be used to vote your shares. If you received a Notice of Internet Availability this year, you will not receive paper copies of the proxy materials unless you request the materials by following the instructions on the Notice of Internet Availability.

What is the purpose of the Annual Meeting?

At our Annual Meeting, stockholders will act upon the matters outlined in the Notice, which include the following:

(1)

seven directors to serve as directors on our Board of Directors to serve until our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until successors have been duly elected and qualified (“Proposal 1”);

(2)

an advisory vote on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers as disclosed in the Proxy Statement accompanying this notice (“Proposal 2”);

(3)

an advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers (“Proposal 3”);

(4)

ratification of the appointment of Cherry Bekaert LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2023 fiscal year (“Proposal 4”); and

(5)

such other business as may arise and that may properly be conducted at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

What should I do if I receive more than one set of voting materials?

You may receive more than one Notice of Internet Availability (or, if you requested a printed copy of the proxy materials, this Proxy Statement and the proxy card) or voting instruction card. For example, if you hold your shares in more than one brokerage account, you will receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account in which you hold shares. Similarly, if you are a stockholder of record and hold shares in a brokerage account, you will receive a Notice of Internet Availability (or, if you requested a printed copy of the proxy materials, a proxy card) for shares held in your name and a voting instruction card for shares held in “street name.” Please follow the separate voting instructions that you received for your shares common stock held in each of your different accounts to ensure that all of your shares are voted.

What is the record date and what does it mean?

The record date to determine the stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting is the close of business on April 17, 2023 (the “Record Date”). The Record Date is established by the Board as required by Delaware law. On the Record Date, 128,998,876 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding.

 

How many votes are neededWho is entitled to holdvote at the SpecialAnnual Meeting?

 

To take any actionOur common stock is the only class of security entitled to vote at our Annual Meeting.

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What are the voting rights of the stockholders?

Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote per share of common stock on all matters to be acted upon at the Special Meeting,Annual Meeting.

The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of ourthe voting power of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum to transact business. If a quorum is not present or represented at the Annual Meeting, then either (i) chairperson of the meeting or (ii) the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present or represented.

What is the difference between a stockholder of record and a “street name” holder?

If your shares are registered directly in your name with Direct Transfer LLC, the Company’s stock transfer agent, you are considered the stockholder of record with respect to those shares. The Notice of Internet Availability has been sent directly to you by the Company.

If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, the nominee is considered the record holder of those shares. You are considered the beneficial owner of these shares, and your shares are held in “street name.” The Notice of Internet Availability has been forwarded to you by your nominee. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your nominee concerning how to vote your shares by using the voting instructions the nominee included in the mailing or by following such nominee’s instructions for voting.

What is a broker non-vote?

Under applicable rules, brokers who hold stock on behalf of beneficial owners have the authority to vote on certain proposals when they have not received instructions from the beneficial owners. A broker non-vote occurs when a broker holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the broker does not have discretionary voting power with respect to that item under the applicable rules and has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner. Therefore, if you do not provide voting instructions to your broker regarding such proposal, your broker will be permitted to exercise discretionary voting authority to vote your shares on such proposal. In the absence of specific instructions from you, your broker does not have discretionary authority to vote your shares with respect to Proposals 1, 2, or 3 but does have discretionary authority to vote your shares with respect to Proposal 4.

How do I vote my shares?

If you are a record holder, you may vote your shares at the Annual Meeting in person or by proxy. To vote in person, you must attend the Annual Meeting and obtain and submit a ballot. The ballot will be provided at the Annual Meeting. To vote by proxy, you may choose one of the following methods to vote your shares:

Via Internet: as prompted by the menu found at www.proxyvote.com, follow the instructions to obtain your records and submit an electronic ballot. Please have your Stockholder Control Number, which can be found on the bottom of the Notice of Internet Availability, when you access this voting site. You may vote via the Internet until 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on June 13, 2023.

Via telephone: call 1-800-690-6903 and then follow the voice instructions. Please have your Stockholder Control Number, which can be found on the bottom of the Notice of Internet Availability, when you call. You may vote by telephone until 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on June 13, 2023.

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Via mail: if you requested printed proxy materials as provided in the Notice of Internet Availability and would like to vote by mail, complete and sign the accompanying proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope provided. If you submit a signed proxy without indicating your vote, the person voting the proxy will vote your shares according to the Board’s recommendation.

The proxy is fairly simple to complete, with specific instructions on the electronic ballot, telephone or card. By completing and submitting it, you will direct the designated persons (known as “proxies”) to vote your stock at the Annual Meeting in accordance with your instructions. The Board has appointed Yaacov (Kobe) Nagar and Israel Abitbol to serve as the proxies for the Annual Meeting.

Your proxy will be valid only if you complete and return it before the Annual Meeting. If you properly complete and transmit your proxy but do not provide voting instructions with respect to a proposal, then the designated proxies will vote your shares “FOR” each proposal as to which you provide no voting instructions in accordance with the Board’s recommendation in the manner described under “What if I do not specify how I want my shares voted?” below. We do not anticipate that any other matters will come before the Annual Meeting, but if any other matters properly come before the meeting, then the designated proxies will vote your shares in accordance with applicable law and their judgment.

If you hold your shares in “street name,” your bank, broker or other nominee should provide to you a request for voting instructions along with the Company’s proxy solicitation materials. By completing the voting instruction card, you may direct your nominee how to vote your shares. If you partially complete the voting instruction but fail to complete one or more of September 2, 2005,the voting instructions, then your nominee may be unable to vote your shares with respect to the proposal as to which you provided no voting instructions. See “What is a broker non-vote?” Alternatively, if you want to vote your shares in person at the Annual Meeting, you must contact your nominee directly in order to obtain a proxy issued to you by your nominee holder. Note that a broker letter that identifies you as a stockholder is not the same as a nominee-issued proxy. If you fail to bring a nominee-issued proxy to the Annual Meeting, you will not be able to vote your nominee-held shares in person at the Annual Meeting.

Who counts the votes?

All votes will be tabulated by a representative of our transfer agent, who will act as the inspector of election appointed for the Annual Meeting. Each proposal will be tabulated separately.

Can I vote my shares in person at the Annual Meeting?

Yes. If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote your shares at the meeting by completing a ballot at the Annual Meeting.

If you hold your shares in “street name,” you may vote your shares in person only if you obtain a proxy issued by your bank, broker or other nominee giving you the right to vote the shares.

Even if you currently plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we recommend that you also return your proxy or voting instructions as described above so that your votes will be counted if you later decide not to attend the Annual Meeting or are unable to attend.

What are my choices when voting?

In the election of the nominees as directors (Proposal 1), stockholders may vote for the director nominees or may withhold their votes as to one or more director nominees. With respect to the advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers (Proposal 3), stockholders may vote to choose an advisory vote on executive compensation every one, two or three years or to abstain from voting on the proposal. With respect to the advisory vote on executive compensation (Proposal 2) and the ratification of the independent registered public accounting firm (Proposal 4), stockholders may vote for the proposal, against the proposal, or abstain from voting on the proposal.

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

The Board recommends that you vote your shares as follows:

Proposal 1—FOR the election of the nominees as directors.

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Proposal 2—FOR the approval of the executive compensation as disclosed in these materials.

Proposal 3—FOR an advisory vote on executive compensation every three years.

Proposal 4—FOR the ratification of the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm.

What if I do not specify how I want my shares voted?

If you are a record holder who returns a completed proxy that does not specify how you want to vote your shares on one or more proposals, the proxies will vote your shares for each proposal as to which you provide no voting instructions, and such shares will be voted in the following manner:

Proposal 1—FOR the election of the nominees as directors.

Proposal 2—FOR the approval of the executive compensation as disclosed in these materials.

Proposal 3—FOR an advisory vote on executive compensation every three years.

Proposal 4—FOR the ratification of the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm.

If you are a “street name” holder and do not provide voting instructions on one or more proposals, your bank, broker or other nominee may be unable to vote those shares. See “What is a broker non-vote?” above.

Can I change my vote?

Yes. If you are a record holder, you may revoke your proxy at any time by any of the following means:

Attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. Your attendance at the Annual Meeting will not by itself revoke a proxy. You must vote your shares by ballot at the Annual Meeting to revoke your proxy.

Completing and submitting a new valid proxy bearing a later date.

Giving written notice of revocation to the Company addressed to Israel D. Abitbol, Chief Financial Officer, at the Company’s mailing address of 3710 Shannon Rd., Suite 51877, Durham, North Carolina 27717, which notice must be received before 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on June 13, 2023

If you are a “street name” holder, your bank, broker or other nominee should provide instructions explaining how you may change or revoke your voting instructions.

What votes are required to approve each proposal?

Assuming the presence of a quorum, with respect to Proposal 1, the affirmative vote of the holders of a plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting is required for the election of the director nominees, i.e., the seven director nominees who receive the most votes will be elected.

Assuming the presence of a quorum, the approval of the executive compensation (Proposal 2), and the ratification of the independent registered public accounting firm (Proposal 4) will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of our voting securities represented in person or by proxy at the Special Meeting. This is called a quorum.Annual Meeting entitled to vote on such proposal that voted for or against such proposal. For the advisory vote on how frequently our stockholders should vote on the compensation of our named executive officers in (Proposal 3), the number of years (1, 2 or 3) that receives the highest number of votes will be deemed to be preferred by our stockholders. Please note that the vote on executive compensation (Proposal 2) and the vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers (Proposal 3) are non-binding advisory votes.

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How are abstentions and broker non-votes treated?

 

What isAbstentions are included in the determination of the number of shares present at the Annual Meeting for determining a proxy?quorum at the meeting. Abstentions will have no effect with respect to the election of the nominees as directors (Proposal 1), the advisory vote on executive compensation (Proposal 2), the advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers (Proposal 3) or the ratification of the independent registered public accounting firm (Proposal 4).

 

A “proxy” allows someone elseBroker non-votes are included in the determination of the number of shares present at the Annual Meeting for determining a quorum at the meeting. Broker non-votes will have no effect upon the election of the nominees as directors (Proposal 1), the advisory vote on executive compensation (Proposal 2), and the advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers (Proposal 3). With respect to the proposal to ratify the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm (Proposal 4), broker-non-votes are not applicable because such proposal is considered a routine matter and therefore a broker holding shares for a beneficial owner will have discretionary authority to vote yourthose shares on your behalf. Our Boardfor such proposal in the absence of Directors is asking youvoting instructions from the beneficial owner.

Do I have any dissenters’ or appraisal rights with respect to allowany of the people namedmatters to be voted on the proxy card (G. Dale Garlow and Dr. Sheldon Hendler) to vote your shares at the SpecialAnnual Meeting?

No. None of our stockholders has any dissenters’ or appraisal rights with respect to the matters to be voted on at the Annual Meeting.

 

How do I vote by proxy?What are the solicitation expenses and who pays the cost of this proxy solicitation?

 

WhetherOur Board is asking for your proxy and we will pay all of the costs of asking for stockholder proxies. We will reimburse brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding solicitation material to the beneficial owners of common stock and collecting voting instructions. We may use officers and employees of the Company to ask for proxies, as described below.

Is this Proxy Statement the only way that proxies are being solicited?

No. In addition to the solicitation of proxies by use of the Notice of Internet Availability, officers and employees of the Company may solicit the return of proxies, either by mail, telephone, telecopy, e-mail or through personal contact. These officers and employees will not receive additional compensation for their efforts but will be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses. Brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries, in connection with shares of the common stock registered in their names, will be requested to forward solicitation material to the beneficial owners of shares of common stock.

Are there any other matters to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting?

Management does not intend to present any business at the Annual Meeting for a vote other than the matters set forth in the Notice and has no information that others will do so. If other matters requiring a vote of the stockholders properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the form of proxy to vote the shares represented by the proxies held by them in accordance with applicable law and their judgment on such matters.

Where can I find voting results?

We expect to publish the voting results in a current report on Form 8-K, which we expect to file with the SEC within four business days after the Annual Meeting.

Who can help answer my questions?

The information provided above in this “Question and Answer” format is for your convenience only and is merely a summary of the information contained in this Proxy Statement. We urge you hold shares directlyto carefully read this entire Proxy Statement, including the documents we refer to in this Proxy Statement. If you have any questions, or need additional materials, please feel free to contact our Chief Financial Officer, Israel Abitbol, at (919) 914-2871.

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PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Nominees for Election

The Board currently is comprised of seven directors. Our Board, upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, has nominated the following seven individuals to serve as directors (collectively, the “Company Nominees”):

The names of our officers and directors, as well as certain information about them are set forth below:

Name

 

Age

 

Position(s)

 

Held Since

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yaacov (Kobe) Nagar

 

43

 

Chief Executive Officer, Chairperson of the Board

 

2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richard H. Davis

 

65

 

Director

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Terry Merrell

 

58

 

Director

 

2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deanna Rene Estes

 

55

 

Director

 

2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buddie Joe (BJ) Penn

 

84

 

Director

 

2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yizhaq (Itzik) Polad

 

42

 

Director

 

2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James M. Vanderhider

 

63

 

Director

 

2022

If elected, respectively, these nominees will serve until our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until successors have been duly elected and qualified. Our board of directors believes that all of our current directors, including the seven nominees for election, possess personal and professional integrity, good judgment, a stockholderhigh level of record or beneficially in street name, you may vote without attending the Special Meeting. You may vote by granting a proxy or, for shares held in street name, by submitting voting instructions to your broker or nominee. To vote by proxy, please follow the instructions on the enclosed proxy card.ability and business acumen.

 

If you votea quorum is present, the Company Nominees will be elected by proxy, your sharesa plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes have no effect on the vote. The seven Company Nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative votes will be elected directors of the Company. Shares of voting stock represented by executed proxies will be voted, if authority to do so is not withheld, for the election of the seven nominees named below. Should any Company Nominee become unable or unwilling to accept nomination or election, the proxy holders may vote the proxies for the election, in his or her stead, of any other person the Board may nominate or designate. Each Company Nominee has agreed to serve, if elected, and the Board has no reason to believe that any Company Nominee will be unable to serve.

The Board and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee continue to frequently evaluate the optimal size and composition of the Board to allow it to operate nimbly and efficiently, while maintaining new ideas, expertise, experience and diversity among its membership. As of April 28, 2023, a female comprises approximately 14% of our Board and black or African American male comprises approximately 14% of our Board.

Board Diversity Matrix (as of April 28, 2023)

Total Number of Directors

7

 

 

Female

 

Male

Part I: Gender Identity

 

1

 

6

Part II: Demographic Background

 

 

 

 

White

 

1

 

5

Black or African American

 

0

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

The biographies of the Company Nominees are as follows:

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Yaacov (Kobe) Nagar. Mr. Nagar is a co-founder of 374Water and patent inventor of the supercritical water oxidation AirSCWO™ system. He has been the Chief Executive Officer of 374Water from inception in July 2018 and the Chairperson of the Board since the Merger. Mr. Nagar holds degrees in chemical engineering from Ben Gurion University (2001) and material engineering from Tel-Aviv University (2007) and thereafter held positions in the defense industry and renewable energy sectors in Israel, where he worked on developing fuel cell, CO2 sequestration and low energy chemicals technologies. He joined the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation project at Duke University in 2017 to scale up and commercialize the SCWO technology.

Richard H. Davis. Mr. Davis joined our board in February 2008, and served as the Chief Executive Officer from August 2011 to April 2021. He received a B.S degree in economics from Florida State University in 1982. He joined First Equity Corporation (“First Equity”) in Miami that same year. First Equity operated as a regional full-service brokerage and investment bank. Mr. Davis’ duties included equity deal structure and brokerage-related activities. After First Equity was acquired in 2001, Mr. Davis joined the corporate finance department of William R. Hough & Company (“Hough”), where he continued structuring equity finance and private acquisitions. Hough was acquired in 2004 by RBC Dain Rauscher (“Dain”), a global investment banking firm. Dain consolidated Hough’s corporate finance activities into its New York offices. Mr. Davis elected to remain in Miami and joined Martinez-Ayme Securities (“MAS”), assuming the newly-created position of managing director of corporate finance. In 2005, Mr. Davis resigned from MAS and ceased working as an investment banker.

Terry Merrell. Mr. Merrell is a co-founder of Merrell Bros., Inc. (“Merrell”), Kokomo, Indiana, where he has served as the Chief Financial Officer since inception in 1982. He also is the founder of Cross America, Inc. which is a non-profit organization where he has served as President since 2018. He also serves as Elder at Upper Deer Creek Church. He has developed several technologies related to the biosolids management and disposal industry and currently has a patent pending status on some of these technologies.

Deanna Rene Estes.  Since September 2016, Ms. Estes has served as the Finance Manager of 10 Branch Management LLC, a private entity which governs the Jay and Renee Haladay Family Office, where she has established the mission, governance, policy, procedures, systems and reporting for the family offices which handles the investment and other affairs of five families.  For more than fifteen years, Ms. Estes has partnered with investors, entrepreneurs, financiers, developers, and operators to achieve economic success for ventures in multiple industries and, at times, extreme market conditions.  Ms. Estes received her BA in Business Administration with a Major in Finance from Washington State University. 

Buddie Joe (BJ) Penn.  Since January 2013, Mr. Penn has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Genesis IV, an executive consulting firm and Penn Construction Group, both headquartered in the Washington D.C. Metro area.  Mr. Penn was Acting Secretary of the US Navy from March to May 2009, having previously been Assistant Secretary of the US Navy (Installations and Environment) since 2005. He began his career as a Naval Aviator and was named EA-6B Pilot of the Year in 1972. Throughout his distinguished career, significant leadership assignments included: Executive Officer/Commanding Officer VAQ 33, Battalion Officer at the US Naval Academy, Air Officer in USS America, Special MeetingAssistant to the Chief of Naval Operations, Commanding Officer of NAS North Island, CA, and Deputy Director of the Navy Office of Technology Transfer & Security Assistance. Mr. Penn left the Navy in 1995, joining Loral Corporation as Director of International Business. In 1996, Loral sold its defense electronics and system integration businesses to Lockheed Martin and Mr. Penn was assigned to Lockheed Martin’s Corporate Staff. Mr. Penn returned to the manner you indicate. If you vote by mailUS Navy in 2001 as Director of Industrial Base Assessments.

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Mr. Penn received his BS in Industrial Technology from Purdue University and return a signed proxy card with no specific instructions, your shares will be votedhis MS in Human Resource Management & Personnel Administration from The George Washington University. Mr. Penn serves on the Secretary of Defense Policy Board, as Trustee Emeritus at The George Washington University and the Boards of the National Trust for the Humanities, Naval Aviation Museum and Naval Historical Foundation. Mr. Penn also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors recommends.Spectra System Corporation, a London Stock Exchange listed company (SPSY) and on the Board of Directors of Healthcare Trust Inc., a Nasdaq listed company (HTIA).

 

Can I change my vote after I submit my proxy?Yizhaq (Itzik) Polad. Since March 2023, Mr. Polad has served as the Vice President of Data of LSports data Ltd, a private company headquartered in Ashkelon, Israel focused on the sports data industry and creating unique technologies in order to provide business advantages to its partners, where he oversees the data engineering, data analytics, insights and value to business and customers. From August 2019 to March 2023, Mr. Polad served as the Vice President of BI and Business Applications at Papaya Global, a private SaaS company headquartered in New York, New York, where he led its business intelligence and data analytics products and the scaling of its data infrastructure. Mr. Polad previously held a number of positions in Hewlett Packard from September 2006 until January 2019 and assisted its Indigo division in its rapid growth by implementing information systems, business applications, data analytics and business intelligence. Mr. Polad holds a B.Sc degree in Industrial Engineering, Information Systems & Management as well as an MBA degree, both from Ben-Gurion University located in Israel.

 

Yes. You can change or revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted by submitting another proxyJames M. Vanderhider. Since December 2018, Mr. Vanderhider has served as President of Aspen View GP, LLC. Previously, Mr. Vanderhider served as a Principal, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of EnerVest, Ltd. from 1996 until 2018. He was responsible for building EnerVest's private equity business and for the oversight of the institutional investments. During such tenure, he led initiatives for raising over $8 billion of private equity and over $12 billion of total institutional capital, securing over 150 institutional investors. Such investors included a diversified group of pension funds, endowments, foundations, family offices, insurance companies, fund of funds, international investors and other financial institutions.

Mr. Vanderhider currently serves as President of the Foundation of Goodwill Industries of Houston, along with serving on the Audit Committee of Goodwill Industries of Houston. During 2019, he joined the Advisory Board of Midway Companies, a privately owned, multi-billion dollar fully integrated real estate development and investment firm based in Houston, Texas. During January, 2022 he joined the Board of Directors of Scranton Holding Company, a private start-up venture in Hibbing, Minnesota, with a later date. You may also sendmission to become the only dedicated US producer of merchant pig iron and conducting operations leading to clean steel production through a written noticecarbon neutral, ESG-focused process. Mr. Vanderhider holds a BA of revocation to Vyrex Corporation, 2159 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, California 92037, Attention: Mr. G. Dale Garlow, President.Business Administration degree in Accounting from Texas A&M University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Family Relationships

 

1


Can I vote in person at the Special Meeting instead of voting by proxy?Family Relationships

 

Yes. However, we encourageThere are no family relationships among any of 374Water’s directors or executive officers.

Required Vote and Board Recommendation

If a quorum is present and voting, the seven Company Nominees receiving the highest number of votes will be elected as directors. If you hold your shares in your own name and abstain from voting on the election of directors, your abstention will have no effect on the vote. If you hold your shares through a broker and you do not instruct the broker on how to vote for the seven Company Nominees, your broker will not have the authority to vote your shares at your earliest convenience to ensure that your shares are representedshares. Abstentions and voted. If you vote your shares by proxy and later decide you would like to attend the meeting and vote your shares in person, youbroker non-votes will need to provide a written notice of revocation to the secretary of the meeting before your proxy is voted.

How are votes counted?

Except as noted, all proxies received willeach be counted inas present for purposes of determining whether a quorum exists and whether we have obtained the necessary numberpresence of votes on each proposal. An abstention from voting will be used for the purpose of establishing a quorum, and will be considered a vote “against” a proposal. A broker non-vote will also be used for the purpose of establishing a quorum but will not otherwise be counted in the voting process. Thus, broker non-votes will not affecthave any effect on the outcome of the vote.

The Board recommends that you vote “FOR” each Company Nominee.

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

374Water, with the oversight of the Board and its committees, operates within a comprehensive plan of corporate governance for the purpose of defining independence, assigning responsibilities, setting high standards of professional and personal conduct and assuring compliance with such responsibilities and standards. We regularly monitor developments in the area of corporate governance.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our officers, directors and employees, including our principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics addresses, among other things, conflicts of interest, protection and proper use of Company assets, government relations, compliance with laws, rules and regulations and the process for reporting violations of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, improper conflicts of interest or other violations. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on our website at www.374water.com in the “Governance Documents” section found under the “Investors” tab. We intend to disclose any future amendments to certain provisions of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, or waivers of such provisions granted to executive officers and directors, on this website within four business days following the date of any such amendment or waiver.

Board Composition

Our Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, and our Bylaws (“Bylaws”) provide that our Board will consist of one or more members, such number of directors to be determined from time to time pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directors. Vacancies or newly created directorships resulting from an increase in the authorized number of directors elected by all of the stockholders having the right to vote as a single class may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director.

We have no formal policy regarding Board diversity. Our Board believes that each director should have a basic understanding of the principal operational and financial objectives and plans and strategies of the Company, our results of operations and financial condition and relative standing in relation to our competitors. We take into consideration the overall composition and diversity of the Board and areas of expertise that director nominees may be able to offer, including business experience, knowledge, abilities and customer relationships. Generally, we will strive to assemble a Board that brings to us a variety of perspectives and skills derived from business and professional experience as we may deem are in our and our stockholders’ best interests. In doing so, we will also consider candidates with appropriate non-business backgrounds.

Director Independence

Our common stock currently trades on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “SCWO”.  Under the rules of Nasdaq, independent directors must comprise a majority of a listed company’s board of directors, subject to certain phase-in periods available to companies that do not yet have a class of common stock registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). In addition, Nasdaq rules require that, subject to specified exceptions, each member of a listed company’s audit, compensation and corporate governance and nominating committees be independent.

Our board of directors has undertaken a review of the composition of our board of directors, our committees and the independence of each director. Based upon information requested from and provided by each director concerning their background, employment and affiliations, including family relationships, the board of directors has determined that Messrs. Penn, Polad and Vanderhider and Ms. Estes are “independent” as that term is defined under applicable Nasdaq rules.

In making these determinations, the board of directors considered the current and prior relationships that Messrs. Penn, Polad and Vanderhider and Ms. Estes has with us and all other facts and circumstances the board of directors deemed relevant in determining his independence, including the beneficial ownership of capital stock by that Messrs. Penn, Polad and Vanderhider and Ms. Estes.

Board Committees, Meetings and Attendance

During 2022, the Board held thirteen meetings. We expect our directors to attend Board meetings, meetings of any committees and subcommittees on which they serve and each annual meeting of stockholders. During 2022, we had no incumbent director who attended fewer than 75% of the total number of meetings held by the Board and Board committees of which such director was a member.

We encourage our Board members to attend the annual meeting. This will be our first ever annual meeting.

The Board delegates various responsibilities and authority to different Board committees. Committees regularly report on their activities and actions to the full Board. Currently, the Board has established an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Committee assignments are re-evaluated annually. Each of these committees operates under a charter that has been approved by our Board.

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As of April 28, 2023, the following table sets forth the membership of each of the Board committees listed above.

Name

Audit Committee

Compensation Committee

Nominating and

Corporate

Governance

Committee

Yaacov (Kobe) Nagar*

Richard H. David

Terry Merrell

Deanna Rene Estes

Buddie Joe (BJ) Penn

Member

Member

Chairperson

Yizhaq (Itzik) Polad

Member

Chairperson

Member

James M. Vanderhider

Chairperson

*

Chairperson of the Board of Directors

Audit Committee

Our audit committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Penn, Polad and Vanderhider, each of whom our board has determined is financially literate and qualifies as an independent director under Section 5605(a)(2) and Section 5605(c)(2) of the Nasdaq rules. Mr. Vanderhider is the Chairperson of our audit committee and Mr. Vanderhider qualifies as an audit committee financial expert, as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

Our audit committee has adopted a written audit committee charter, viewable at https://374water.com/investor-relations/corporate governance/, that provides that the functions of our audit committee include, among other things:

selecting a qualified firm to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit our financial statements;

helping to ensure the independence and performance of the independent registered public accounting firm;

discussing the scope and results of the audit with the independent registered public accounting firm, and reviewing, with management and the independent accountants, our interim and year-end operating results;

developing procedures for employees to submit concerns anonymously about questionable accounting or audit matters;

reviewing our policies on risk assessment and risk management;

reviewing and approving related party transactions;

obtaining and reviewing a report by the independent registered public accounting firm, at least annually, that describes our internal quality-control procedures, any material issues with such procedures, and any steps taken to deal with such issues when required by applicable law; and

approving (or, as permitted, pre-approving) all audit and all permissible non-audit services, other than de minimis non-audit services, to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm.

Compensation Committee

Our compensation committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Penn and Polad. Our board has determined that each of Messrs. Penn and Polad qualifies as an independent director under Section 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq rules and a “non-employee director” for purposes of Section 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and does not have a material relationship with us that would affect his ability to be independent from management in connection with the duties of a compensation committee member, as described in Section 5605(d)(2) of the Nasdaq rules. Mr. Polad is the Chairperson of our compensation committee.

Our compensation committee has adopted a written compensation committee charter, viewable at https://374water.com/investor-relations/corporate governance/, that provides that the functions of our compensation committee include, among other things:

reviewing and approving, or recommending to our board of directors for approval, the compensation of our executive officers and any compensatory arrangement with our executive officers;

reviewing and recommending to our board of directors for approval the compensation of our directors and any changes to their compensation;

reviewing and approving, or recommending to our board of directors for approval, and administering incentive compensation and equity incentive plans; and

reviewing and establishing general policies relating to compensation and benefits of our employees and reviewing our overall compensation philosophy.

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Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

Our nominating and corporate governance committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Penn and Polad. Our board has determined that each of Messrs. Penn and Polad qualifies as an independent director under Section 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq rules. Mr. Penn is the Chairperson of our nominating and corporate governance committee.

Our nominating and corporate governance committee has adopted a written nominating and corporate governance committee charter, viewable at https://374water.com/investor-relations/corporate governance/, that provides that the functions of our nominating and corporate governance committee include, among other things:

identifying, evaluating and selecting, or making recommendations to our board of directors regarding, nominees for election to our board of directors and its committees;

overseeing the evaluation and the performance of our board of directors and of individual directors;

considering and making recommendations to our board of directors regarding the composition of our board of directors and its committees;

overseeing our corporate governance practices;

contributing to succession planning; and

developing and making recommendations to our board of directors regarding corporate governance guidelines and matters.

Director Nominations

Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers all qualified candidates identified by members of the Board, by senior management and by stockholders. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee follows the same process and uses the same criteria for evaluating candidates proposed by stockholders, members of the Board and members of senior management. We did not pay fees to any third party to assist in the process of identifying or evaluating director candidates during 2022 nor during 2023 thus far.

To recommend a nominee for election to the Board, a stockholder must submit his or her recommendation to our Secretary at our corporate offices at 3710 Shannon Rd., Suite 51877, Durham, North Carolina 27717. Such nomination must be received by us prior to the date set forth under “Stockholder Proposals” below. A stockholder’s recommendation must be accompanied by certain information with respect to stockholder nominees as specified, including among other things, the name, age, address and occupation of the recommended person, the proposing stockholder’s name and address, the ownership interests of the proposing stockholder and any beneficial owner on whose behalf the nomination is being made (including the number of shares beneficially owned, any hedging, derivative, short or other economic interests and any rights to vote any shares) and any material monetary or other relationships between the recommended person and the proposing stockholder and/or the beneficial owners, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is being made.

In evaluating director nominees, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers the following factors:

the appropriate size and diversity of our Board;

our needs with respect to the particular knowledge, skills and experience of nominees, including experience in corporate finance, technology, business, administration and sales, in light of the prevailing business conditions and the knowledge, skills and experience already possessed by other members of the Board;

experience with accounting rules and practices, and whether such a person qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” pursuant to SEC rules; and

balancing continuity of our Board with periodic injection of fresh perspectives provided by new Board members.

Our Board believes that each director should have a basic understanding of our principal operational and financial objectives and plans and strategies, our results of operations and financial condition and our relative standing in relation to our competitors.

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In identifying director nominees, the Board will first evaluate the current members of the Board willing to continue in service. Current members of the Board with skills and experience that are relevant to our business and who are willing to continue in service will be considered for re-nomination.

If any member of the Board does not wish to continue in service or if the Board decides not to re-nominate a member for re-election, the Board will identify another nominee with the desired skills and experience described above. The Board takes into consideration the overall composition and diversity of the Board and areas of expertise that director nominees may be able to offer, including business experience, knowledge, abilities and customer relationships. Generally, the Board will strive to assemble a Board that brings to us a variety of perspectives and skills derived from business and professional experience as it may deem are in our and our stockholders’ best interests. In doing so, the Board will also consider candidates with appropriate non-business backgrounds.

Communications with Directors

The Board welcomes communication from our stockholders. Stockholders and other interested parties who wish to communicate with a member or members of our Board or a committee thereof may do so by addressing correspondence to the Board member, members or committee, c/o Secretary, 374Water Inc. 3710 Shannon Rd., Suite 51877, Durham, North Carolina 27717. Our Secretary will review and forward correspondence to the appropriate person or persons.

All communications received as set forth in the preceding paragraph will be opened by our Secretary for the sole purpose of determining whether the contents represent a message to our directors. Any contents that are not in the nature of advertising, promotions of a product or service or patently offensive material will be forwarded promptly to the addressee(s). In the case of communications to the Board or any group or committee of directors, our Secretary will make sufficient copies of the contents to send to each director who is a member of the group or committee to whom the communication is addressed. If the amount of correspondence received through the foregoing process becomes excessive, our Board may consider approving a process for review, organization and screening of the correspondence by our Secretary or another appropriate person.

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

There have been no material legal proceedings that would require disclosure under the federal securities laws that are material to an evaluation of the ability or integrity of our directors or executive officers, or in which any director, officer, nominee or principal stockholder, or any affiliate thereof, is a party adverse to us or has a material interest adverse to us.

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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

During the period of December 31, 2022, non-employee members of our board of directors were compensated as follows:

Name

 

Fees earned or

paid in

cash

 

 

Stock Award

 

 

Option Awards

 

 

Non-equity Incentive Plan

Compensation

 

 

Nonqualified Deferred

Compensation

Earnings

 

 

All other Compensation

 

 

Total

 

Richard H. Davis

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Terry Merrell

 

$

 

 

$

 

$

60,000

(1) 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

60,000

 

Deanna Rene Estes

 

$

 

 

$

 

$

60,000

(1) 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

60,000

 

Buddie Joe (BJ) Penn

 

$

 

 

$

 

$

60,000

(1)

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

60,000

 

Yizhaq (Itzik) Polad

 

$

 

 

$

 

$

60,000

(1) 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

60,000

 

James M. Vanderhider

 

$

 

 

$

 

$

60,000

(1)

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

60,000

 

(1)Represents an option to purchase up to 20,000 shares of common stock to purchase which was granted on June 13, 2022 and vests in four equal quarterly share installments at the end of each quarter beginning on September 30, 2022 with a per share exercise price of $3.00. Each must be a member of the Board of Directors of the Issuer as of each vesting date. These options expire on June 12, 2032

Equity Compensation

For fiscal 2023, we have not yet determined the compensation level for our non-employee members of the Board of Directors.

Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Our Certificate of Incorporation allows us to indemnify our present and former officers and directors and other personnel against liabilities and expenses arising from their service to the full extent permitted by Delaware law. The persons indemnified include our (i) present or former directors or officers, (ii) any person who while serving in any of the matters being voted oncapacities referred to in clause (i) who served at our request as a director, officer, partner, proprietor, trustee, employee, agent or similar functionary of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, and (iii) any person nominated or designated by (or pursuant to authority granted by) our Board of Directors or any committee thereof to serve in any of the Special Meeting. Generally, broker non-votes occur when shares heldcapacities referred to in clauses (i) or (ii).

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STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth information about beneficial ownership of our common stock as of April 17, 2023, (unless otherwise noted) by (i) each stockholder that has indicated in public filings that the stockholder beneficially owns more than five percent of the common stock, (ii) each of the Company’s directors and named officers and (iii) all directors and officers as a broker for a beneficial owner are not votedgroup. Except as otherwise noted, each person listed below, either alone or together with members of the person’s family sharing the same household, had, to our knowledge, sole voting and investment power with respect to a particular proposal because (i) the broker has not received voting instructions fromshares listed next to the beneficial owner and (ii) the broker lacks discretionary voting power to vote suchperson’s name.

Name and address(1)

 

Number of shares

beneficially

owned

 

 

Percentage

of

ownership

 (2)

 

5% stockholders (other than directors and officers)

 

 

 

 

 

 

None

 

 

-

 

 

-

%

Directors and officers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yaacov (Kobe) Nagar

 

 

37,710,752

 

 

 

29.23%

Marc Deshusses

 

 

22,620,451

 

 

 

17.54%

Terry Merrell (3)

 

 

7,133,333

(4)

 

 

5.53%

Richard H. Davis

 

 

3,982,898

(5) 

 

 

3.00%

Israel D. Abitbol

 

 

731,912

(6)

 

 

0.57%

Deanna Rene Estes

 

 

27,500

(7) 

 

 

0.02%

Buddie Joe (BJ) Penn

 

 

15,000

(8) 

 

0/01

%

Yizhaq (Itzik) Polad

 

 

115,000

(9) 

 

 

0.08%

James M. Vanderhider (10)

 

 

1,220,000

(11)

 

 

0.95%

(All directors and officers as a group 9 persons)

 

 

73,556,846

(12) 

 

 

56.93%

(1)

Except as indicated, the address of the person named in the table is c/o 374Water Inc. 701 W. Main Street, Suite 410. Durham North Carolina 27701.

(2)

In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, shares of the common stock subject to options or warrants held by that person that are currently exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days after April 17, 2023, are deemed outstanding, while the shares are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing percentage ownership of any other person. Except as otherwise indicated, and subject to applicable community property laws, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of the common stock held by them. Applicable percentage ownership is based on 128,998,876 shares of the common stock outstanding as of April 17, 2023. The inclusion in the table above of any shares deemed beneficially owned does not constitute an admission of beneficial ownership of those shares.

(3)

All 7,118,333 shares are owned and held by MB Holdings Inc. Terry Merrell has sole voting and dispositive power over the securities held by MB Holdings Inc. Mr. Merrell is a member of our board of directors.

(4)

Consists of 7,118,333 shares of common stock and options to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock that are either exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days of July 17, 2023.

(5)

Consists of 282,898 shares of common stock and options to purchase 3,700,000 shares of common stock that are either exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days of July 17, 2023.

(6)

Consists of 402,716 shares of common stock and options to purchase 329,196 shares of common stock that are either exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days of July 17, 2023.

(7)

Consists of 12,500 shares of common stock and options to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock that are either exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days of July 17, 2023.

(8)

Consists of options to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock that are either exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days of July 17, 2023.

(9)

Consists of 100,000 shares of common stock and options to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock that are either exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days of July 17, 2023.

(10)

All 1,170,000 shares are owned and held by Aspen View LP. James Vanderhider has sole voting and dispositive power over the securities held by Aspen View LP. Mr. Vanderhider is a member of our board of directors.

(11)

Consists of 1,170,000 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 35,000 shares of common stock and options to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock that are either exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days of July 17, 2023.

(12)

Consists of 73,556,846 shares of common stock held by our current directors and executive officers, of which 4,104,196 consist of warrants or stock options to purchase shares of common stock which are either exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days of July 17, 2023..

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

How manyIn addition to the compensation arrangements with our directors and executive officers, including those discussed in the sections titled “Management” and “Executive Compensation,” the following is a description of each transaction since January 1, 2019 and each currently proposed transaction in which:

we have been or are to be a participant;

the amount involved exceeded or exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or one percent of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years; and

any of our directors, executive officers or holders of more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock, or any immediate family member of, or person sharing the household with, any of these individuals or entities, had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

Agreement with Merrell Bros.

On July 7, 2021, 374Water Systems Inc. (“374Water”), a subsidiary of 374Water Inc. (the “Company”) entered into a Manufacturing and Service Agreement (the “Manufacturing and Service Agreement”) with Merrell Bros. Fabrication, LLC (“Merrell Bros.”) pursuant to which Merrell Bros. will manufacture, supply and service AirSCWO supercritical water oxidation products for 374Water. Subject to certain termination rights, the Manufacturing and Service Agreement is for an initial period of three years and will renew for successive one-year periods thereafter. Under the Manufacturing and Service Agreement, Merrell Bros. will be 374Water’s exclusive supplier and service provider with respect to the products in the United States and Canada.

As of December 31, 2022, we have incurred $1,318,117 in expenses relating to the Manufacturing and Service Agreement and  there is an accounts payable of $559,481 relating to the Manufacturing and Service Agreement.

Terry Merrell, one of the Merrell Bros, is a member of our Board. 

Related-Party Transaction Policy

Our audit committee charter that gives our audit committee the primary responsibility for reviewing and approving or disapproving “related-party transactions,” which are generally transactions between us and related persons in which the aggregate amount involved exceeds or may be expected to exceed $120,000 and in which a related person has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. The written charter of our audit committee provides that our audit committee shall review and approve in advance any related-party transaction.

In approving or rejecting any related party transactions, our audit committee considers the relevant facts and circumstances available and deemed relevant to our audit committee, including whether the transaction is on terms no less favorable than terms generally available to an unaffiliated third party under the same or similar circumstances and the extent of the related person’s interest in the transaction.

Prior to the formation of our audit committee, our entire board of directors has been responsible for approving related-party transactions. The transactions described above were approved by our board of directors.

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our directors and officers, and persons who own more than ten percent of our common stock, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of our common stock. To our knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to us, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, we believe that all filing requirements applicable to our officers, directors and greater than ten percent stockholders were complied with for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Philosophy and Practices

We believe that the performance of our executive officers significantly impacts our ability to achieve our corporate goals. We, therefore, place considerable importance on the design and administration of our executive officer compensation program. This program is intended to enhance stockholder value by attracting, motivating and retaining qualified individuals to perform at the highest levels and to contribute to our growth and success. Our executive officer compensation program is designed to provide compensation opportunities that are tied to individual and corporate performance.

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Our compensation packages are also designed to be competitive in our industry. The Compensation Committee from time-to-time consults with other advisors in designing our compensation program, including in evaluating the competitiveness of individual compensation packages and in relation to our corporate goals.

Our overall compensation philosophy has been to pay our executive officers an annual base salary and to provide opportunities, through cash and equity incentives, to provide higher compensation if certain key performance goals are satisfied.

The main principles of our fiscal year 2022 compensation strategy included the following:

An emphasis on pay for performance. A significant portion of our executive officers’ total compensation is variable and at risk and tied directly to measurable performance, which aligns the interests of our executives with those of our stockholders;

Equity as a key component to align the interests of our executives with those of our stockholders. Our Compensation Committee continues to believe that keeping executives interests aligned with those of our stockholders is critical to driving toward achievement of long-term goals of both our stockholders and the Company.

Executive Officers

The following table sets forth the names, ages and positions of our executive officers and certain significant employees as of , December 31, 2022 and currently:

Name

 

Age

 

Position(s)

 

Held Since

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yaacov (Kobe) Nagar

 

43

 

Chief Executive Officer, Chairperson of the Board

 

2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Israel D. Abitbol

 

38

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

2022

Yaacov (Kobe) Nagar. Mr. Nagar is a co-founder of 374Water and patent inventor of the supercritical water oxidation AirSCWO™ system. He has been the Chief Executive Officer of 374Water from inception in July 2018 and the Chairperson of the Board since the Merger. Mr. Nagar holds degrees in chemical engineering from Ben Gurion University (2001) and material engineering from Tel-Aviv University (2007) and thereafter held positions in the defense industry and renewable energy sectors in Israel, where he worked on developing fuel cell, CO2 sequestration and low energy chemicals technologies. He joined the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation project at Duke University in 2017 to scale up and commercialize the SCWO technology.

Israel D. Abitbol. Mr. Abitbol became our Chief Financial Officer in February 2022. Mr. Abitbol has served as the Company’s Head of Finance since January 2019. Prior to serving as the Company’s Head of Finance, Mr. Abitbol was an Auditor at BDO USA, LLP from June 2013 until April 2019. Mr. Abitbol is a senior finance executive with years of finance responsibilities and a consistent record of managing key financial processes contributing to successful business management. Mr. Abitbol is a Certified Public Accountant with a B.S.in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Accounting from Kenan-Flagler Business School. Mr. Abitbol is a member of the North Carolina Association of CPAs, and a member of the American Institute of CPAs.

Summary Compensation Table

The following table summarizes all compensation received by our named executive officer December 31, 2022 and 2021:

Name and

Principal

Position

 

Year

 

Salary

($) (a)

 

 

Bonus

($) (b)

 

 

Stock Awards ($) (c)

 

 

Option Awards ($) (d)

 

 

Non-Equity

Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(e)

 

 

Nonqualified

Deferred Compensation ($) (f)

 

 

All Other Compensation ($) (g)

 

 

Total Earnings

($)(h)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yaacov (Kobe) Nagar,

 

2022

 

$250,000

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

$250,000

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

2021

 

$160,348

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

$160,348

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Israel D. Abitbol

 

2022

 

$156,000

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

$156,000

 

Chief Financial Officer(1)

 

2021

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richard H. Davis,

 

2022

 

$90,000

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

90,000

 

Former Chief Financial Officer(2)

 

2021

 

$90,000

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

$90,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John Hofmann,

 

2022

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Former Chief Financial Officer (1)

 

2021

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

$396,000

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

$10,820

 

 

$406,820

 

(a)

Salaries include those amounts paid and accrued as an expense on the books of the Company.

(c)(d)

Stock and Option Awards are calculated based on the face value of awards as of the date of grant.

(g)

All Other Compensation is comprised of consulting fees.

(1)

On February 7, 2022, Israel D. Abitbol was promoted from his then current role as the Company’s Head of Finance to serve as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. As of the same date, John L Hofmann, the Company’s then current Chief Financial Officer, assumed the role of the Company’s Senior Vice President. Mr. Abitbol receives an annual salary of $156,000.

(2)

On April 16, 2021, Richard H. Davis was replaced in the CEO position 374Water Inc. (formerly known as PowerVerde) by Yaacov (Kobe) Nagar. Mr. Davis continued his employment at the Company. Mr. Davis continues to serve as a member of our board of directors.

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Employment Agreements

Yaacov (Kobe) Nagar, CEO. Mr. Nagar signed his employment agreement with the Company on April 16, 2021. The term is three years, with potential extensions at the agreement of the parties. His base salary is $250,000 per year. If he is terminated for cause, as defined in the agreement, or he leaves the employment of the Company on his own volition, Mr. Nagar shall receive salary and benefits that have accrued up to the date of termination. If he is terminated without cause or following a material change, as defined in the agreement, Mr. Nagar will receive salary through the date of termination, all stock options shall vest immediately and salary and healthcare benefits will continue for 24 months. Mr. Nagar also agreed to a twelve month non-compete/non-solicitation, and signed a separate Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement with his employment agreement which assigns to the Company any intellectual property developed by him during his employment.

On January 26, 2022 the (“Effective Date”), the Company entered into a First Amendment to Employment Agreement (the “Nagar Amendment”) with Mr. Nagar to amend certain cash compensation provisions of the Employment Agreement the Company and Mr. Nagar entered into on April 16, 2021. Specifically, as of the Effective Date, the Nagar Amendment increased Mr. Nagar’s annual base salary from $200,000 to $250,000. Additionally, Mr. Nagar is now eligible to receive compensation as follows: (i) a one-time $33,000 bonus in the event the Company achieves net income for two consecutive fiscal calendar quarters for the period which is one year after the Initial Public Offering (the “Net Income Bonus”) and (ii) a one-time $67,000 cash bonus in the event the average closing price of the Company’s common stock over any consecutive three month period during the first year subsequent to the Initial Public Offering equals or exceeds one hundred and fifty percent (150%) the price per share at which the Company’s common stock is sold at the Initial Public Offering (the “Trading Price Bonus”). Both the Net Income Bonus and the Trading Price Bonus may be earned if both thresholds are achieved or either the Net Income Bonus or the Trading Price Bonus may be earned if only one of the thresholds is achieved. For the purposes of the Nagar Amendment, the “Initial Public Offering” means the date on which the Company’s common stock is initially listed for trading on any tier of the NASDAQ Stock Market, the New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE American, or any other national securities exchange.

Israel D. Abitbol, Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Abitbol currently does not have a written employment agreement. His current base salary is $156,000 per year.

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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table sets forth information regarding equity awards that have been previously awarded to each of the named executive officers and which remained outstanding as of December 31, 2022.

Name

 

Number of securities underlying unexercised

options (#) exercisable

 

 

Number of securities underlying

unexercised options

(#) unexercisable

 

 

Option exercise

price

($)

 

 

Option

expiration

date

 

 

Number of Shares or Units of Stock that have not Vested (#)

 

 

Market Value of Shares of Units That Have Not Vested

($)

 

 

Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights that Have Not Vested

(#)

 

 

Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market of Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights that Have Not Vested ($)

 

Yaacov (Kobe) Nagar

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Israel D. Abitbol

 

 

206,262

 

 

 

343,738

 

 

 

1.05

 

 

6/7/2031

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

37,338

 

 

 

92,662

 

 

 

1.98

 

 

12/31/2030

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

374Water Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan

On April 13, 2022, our stockholders approved the 374Water Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”), which was adopted by our board of directors on June 4, 2021. The 2021 Plan provides for the granting of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, performance awards, dividend equivalent rights, and other awards, which may be granted singly, in combination, or in tandem, and which may be paid in cash, shares of our common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock. We reserved a total of 10,000,000 shares of our common stock for awards under the 2021 Plan. The Company has issued a total of 4,052,000 stock options as of year ended December 2022, with 5,948,000 reserved options remaining during the year ended December 31, 2022. 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table provides certain information as of December 31, 2022, with respect to our equity compensation plans under which our equity securities are authorized for issuance:

Plan Category

 

Number of

securities to

be issued

upon

exercise of

outstanding

options

(a)

 

 

Weighted-

average

exercise

price of

outstanding

options

(b)

 

 

Securities remaining

available for future

issuance under equity

compensation plans

(excluding securities

reflected in column (a))

(c)

 

Equity compensation plan approved by security holders

 

 

12,752,000

 

 

$0.62

 

 

 

5,948,000

 

Equity compensation plan not approved by security holders

 

 

-

 

 

$-

 

 

 

-

 

Total

 

 

12,752,000

 

 

$0.62

 

 

 

5,948,000

 

Pay versus Performance

As an “emerging growth company,” we are not required to provide the executive compensation Pay versus Performance disclosure described in Section 953(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K.

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AUDIT COMMITTEE MATTERS

Audit Committee Report

The Audit Committee assists the Board in its general oversight of the Company’s financial reporting processes. The Audit Committee Charter describes in greater detail the full responsibilities of the Audit Committee. During each fiscal year, the Audit Committee reviews the Company’s financial statements, management reports, internal control over financial reporting and audit matters. In connection with these reviews, the Audit Committee meets with management and independent public accountants at least once each quarter. The Audit Committee schedules its meetings with a view to ensuring that it devotes appropriate attention to all of its tasks. These meetings include, whenever appropriate, executive sessions in which the Audit Committee meets separately with the independent public accountants, financial management personnel and legal counsel.

As part of its review of audit matters, the Audit Committee supervises the relationship between the Company and its independent registered public accountants, including: having direct responsibility for their appointment, compensation and retention; reviewing the scope of their audit services; approving audit and non-audit services; and confirming the independence of the independent public accountants. Together with senior members of the Company’s financial management team, the Audit Committee reviewed the overall audit scope and plans of the independent public accountants, the results of external audit examinations, and evaluations by management of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and the quality of the Company’s financial reporting.

In addition, the Audit Committee reviewed key initiatives and programs aimed at designing and maintaining an effective internal and disclosure control structure. As part of this process, the Audit Committee continued to monitor the scope and adequacy of the steps taken to maintain the effectiveness of internal procedures and controls.

In performing all of these functions, the Audit Committee acts in an oversight capacity. The Audit Committee reviews and discusses the quarterly and annual consolidated financial statements with management, and the Company’s independent public accountants prior to their issuance. In its oversight role, the Audit Committee relies on the work and assurances of the Company’s management, which is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, preparing the financial statements and other reports and maintaining policies relating to legal and regulatory compliance, ethics and conflicts of interest. Cherry Bekaert LLP is responsible for performing an independent audit of the consolidated financial statements and expressing an opinion on the conformity of those financial statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The Audit Committee has reviewed with the independent public accountants the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the SEC including a discussion with management and the independent public accountants of the quality (and not merely the acceptability) of the Company’s accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant estimates and judgments and the disclosures in the Company’s financial statements. In addition, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with Cherry Bekaert LLP matters related to its independence, including a review of audit and non-audit fees and the written disclosures in the letter from Cherry Bekaert LLP to the Audit Committee required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent public accountant’s communication with the Audit Committee concerning independence. The Audit Committee concluded that Cherry Bekaert LLP is independent from the Company and its management.

Taking all these reviews and discussions into account, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in 374Water’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2022, for filing with the SEC.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

James M. Vanderhider, Chairperson

Buddie Joe (BJ) Penn

Yizhaq (Itzik) Polad

The Report of the Audit Committee set forth in this Proxy Statement shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C under the Exchange Act or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act. In addition, it shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any statement that incorporates this Proxy Statement by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates this information by reference.

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Fees to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The firm D. Brooks and Associates CPAs, PA was designated by our Board of Directors to audit the consolidated financial statements of our company for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2021, the Company engaged the firm Cherry Bekaert LLP, Raleigh, North Carolina (PCAOB ID 667) to take over auditor services effective during the fourth quarter of 2021. The following table summarizes the aggregate fees billed or to be billed to us by our independent registered accounting firms D. Brooks and Associates CPAs, PA, and Cherry Bekaert LLP for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021:

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Audit Fees

 

$100,600

 

 

$79,750

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

$52,490

 

 

 

-

 

Tax Fees

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

All Other Fees

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

TOTAL

 

$153,090

 

 

$79,750

 

Audit Fees” consisted of fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of our annual financial statements and review of the financial statements included in our Forms 10-K and 10-Q or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

Audit-Related Fees” consisted of fees billed for assurance and related services by the principal accountant that were reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported under the paragraph captioned “Audit Fees” above. During our fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, Cherry Bakaert LLP billed us $52,490 for services related to consent procedures for the use of its audit opinion in the Company’s filing of a Registration Statement on Form S-1 and Registration Statement on Form S-3 that incorporated by reference the Company’s audited financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021.  The amount also included fees related to a underwriter “comfort” letter relating to the same Registration Statement on Form S-3. During our fiscal year ended 2021, there were no such fees billed by Cherry Bakaert LLP or D. Brooks and Associates CPAs, PA.

Tax Fees” consisted of fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax returns preparation. During our fiscal years ended December 31, 2022, there were no such fees billed by Cherry Bakaert LLP.  During our fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, there were no such fees billed by Cherry Bakaert LLP or firm D. Brooks and Associates CPAs, PA. 

All Other Fees” consisted of fees billed for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported above under other captions above. During our fiscal years ended December 31, 2022, there were no such fees billed by Cherry Bakaert LLP.  During our fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, there were no such fees billed by Cherry Bakaert LLP or firm D. Brooks and Associates CPAs, PA.   The aggregate fees billed or expected to be billed by BDO for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning rendered to the Company for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 is approximately $11,265 and $10,000, respectively.

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

The audit committee’s policy is that all audit and non-audit services provided by its independent registered public accounting firm shall either be approved before the independent registered public accounting firm is engaged for the particular services or shall be rendered pursuant to pre-approval procedures established by the Audit Committee. These services may include audit services and permissible audit-related services, tax services and other services. Pre-approval spending limits for audit services are established on an annual basis, detailed as to the particular service or category of services to be performed and implemented by our financial officers. Any audit or non-audit service fees that may be incurred by us during a quarter that fall outside the limits pre-approved by the Audit Committee for a particular service or category of services must be reviewed and approved by the Chairperson of the Audit Committee prior to the performance of services. On an annual basis, the Audit Committee reviews and itemizes all fees paid to its independent registered public accounting firm in the prior quarter (including fees approved by the Chairperson of the Audit Committee between regularly scheduled meetings and fees approved by our financial officers pursuant to the pre-approval policies described above) and further reviews and itemizes all fees expected to be paid in the upcoming quarter. The Audit Committee may revise its pre-approval spending limits and policies at any time. None of the fees paid to the independent registered public accounting firm were approved by the Audit Committee after the services were rendered pursuant to the “de minimis” exception established by the SEC for the provision of non-audit services.

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PROPOSAL 2: ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, or the Dodd-Frank Act, enables our stockholders to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement in accordance with the SEC’s rules. The proposal, commonly known as a “say-on-pay” proposal, is required under Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (which was put in place by the Dodd-Frank Act) and gives our stockholders the opportunity to express their views on the Company’s executive compensation. Because this vote is an advisory vote, this proposal is not binding upon the Company, our board of directors or the compensation committee; however, the compensation committee, which is responsible for designing and administering the Company’s executive compensation program, values the opinions expressed by stockholders in their vote on this proposal. To the extent there is any significant vote against the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement, we will consider our stockholders’ concerns and the compensation committee will evaluate whether any actions are necessary to address these concerns.

As described in detail under the heading “Compensation Philosophy and Practices,” the goals of our compensation program are to ensure that executive compensation rewards management for helping us achieve our corporate goals (increased sales, profitability, etc.) and align management’s overall goals and objectives with those of our stockholders. To achieve these goals, our board of directors and, going forward, our compensation committee, aims to:

provide a competitive compensation package that enables us to attract and retain qualified management personnel;

provide incentives that reward the achievement of performance goals that directly correlate to the enhancement of stockholder value and facilitate executive retention;

reward our officers fairly for their role in our achievements; and

align executives’ interests with those of stockholders through long-term incentives linked to specific performance.

We are asking our stockholders to indicate their support for our named executive officer compensation program as described in this Proxy Statement in accordance with the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC. This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our named executive officers and the philosophy, policies and practices described in this Proxy Statement. Accordingly, we ask our stockholders to vote “FOR” the following resolution at the Annual Meeting:

“RESOLVED, that the stockholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers as disclosed in the Compensation Philosophy and Practices, the accompanying compensation tables, and the related narrative disclosure in the Company’s proxy statement for the 2023 annual meeting.”

As further described in “Proposal 3: Advisory Vote on the Frequency of Future Advisory Votes on Executive Compensation,” the board of directors is asking the Company’s stockholders to vote at the Annual Meeting on a proposal regarding the frequency of the vote on future Say-on-Pay proposals as required by Section 14A. Subject to adoption by the board of directors of a different frequency for an advisory vote on executive compensation in accordance with the recommendation of the Company’s stockholders pursuant to “Proposal No. 3 - Advisory Vote on the Frequency of Future Advisory Votes on Executive Compensation” or otherwise, we currently expect to hold future advisory votes areon executive compensation every three years, and the next “say-on-pay” vote is expected to occur at the annual meeting of our stockholders in 2026.

Vote Required

The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of our voting securities represented in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting entitled to vote on such proposal that vote for or against such proposal is required to approve each proposal?the advisory vote on executive compensation. This is a non-binding advisory vote.

The Board recommends a vote FOR the advisory vote on executive compensation disclosed in the Compensation Philosophy and Practices, the accompanying compensation tables, and the related narrative disclosure.

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PROPOSAL 3: ADVISORY VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF FUTURE ADVISORY VOTES ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The Dodd-Frank Act also provides that stockholders must be given the opportunity to vote, on a non-binding, advisory basis, for their preference as to how frequently we should seek future advisory votes on the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in accordance with the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC, which we refer to as an advisory vote on executive compensation. By voting with respect to this proposal, stockholders may indicate whether they would prefer that we conduct future advisory votes on executive compensation once every one, two, or three years. Stockholders also may, if they wish, abstain from casting a vote on this proposal.

The board of directors believes that a frequency of “every three years” for the advisory vote on executive compensation is the optimal interval for conducting and responding to a “say on pay” vote. In determining to recommend that stockholders vote for a frequency of once every three years, the board considered how an advisory vote at this frequency will provide our stockholders with sufficient time to evaluate the effectiveness of our overall compensation philosophy, policies and practices in the context of our long-term business results for the corresponding period, while avoiding over-emphasis on short-term variations in compensation and business results. An advisory vote occurring once every three years will also permit our stockholders to observe and evaluate the impact of any changes to our executive compensation policies and practices that have occurred since the last advisory vote on executive compensation, including changes made in response to the outcome of a prior advisory vote on executive compensation. We will continue to engage with our stockholders regarding our executive compensation program during the period between advisory votes on executive compensation. Stockholders who have concerns about executive compensation during the interval between “say on pay” votes are welcome to bring their specific concerns to the attention of the board of directors. Please refer to “Corporate Governance—Communications with the Board of Directors” in this Proxy Statement for information about communicating with the board.

Although this advisory vote on the frequency of the “say on pay” vote is non-binding, the board of directors and the compensation committee will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation.

Vote Required

For the advisory vote on how frequently our stockholders should vote on the compensation of our named executive officers, the number of years (1, 2 or 3) that receives the highest number of votes will be deemed to be preferred by our stockholders. This is a non-binding advisory vote.

The Board recommends a vote FOR the option of “every three years” for future advisory votes on executive compensation.

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Table of Contents

PROPOSAL 4: RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF CHERRY BEKAERT LLP AS OUR

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE 2023 FISCAL YEAR

The Audit Committee of the Board has selected Cherry Bekaert LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, and the Board has directed that management submit the selection of independent registered public accountants for ratification by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting.

Stockholder ratification of the selection of Cherry Bekaert LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm is not required by our Bylaws or otherwise. However, the Board is submitting the selection of Cherry Bekaert LLP to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If the stockholders fail to ratify the selection, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain Cherry Bekaert LLP Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee, at its discretion, may direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

Required Vote and Board Recommendation

 

The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in personcast for or represented by proxy and entitled to vote atagainst the Special Meetingproposal is required to approve eachratify the appointment of Cherry Bekaert LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. If your shares are held by a broker and you do not give the broker specific instructions on how to vote your shares, your broker may vote your shares at its discretion. Abstentions will have no effect on the outcome of the proposals.

As of September 2, 2005, our executive officers and directors held of record or beneficially approximately 2,006,570 shares, or 23.6%, of our issued and outstanding common stock. Our executive officers and directors have indicated their intention to vote “for” each of the proposals described inon this proxy statement.

Who pays for this proxy solicitation?

We will pay the cost of soliciting proxies for the Special Meeting, including the costs of preparing, assembling and mailing the proxy materials. We will provide copies of proxy materials to fiduciaries, custodians and brokerage houses to forward to the beneficial owners of shares held in their name. We may reimburse such fiduciaries, custodians and brokers for their costs in forwarding the proxy materials.

In addition to the solicitation of proxies by mail, certain of our officers and other employees may also solicit proxies personally or by telephone, facsimile, telegram or other means. No additional compensation will be paid to these individuals for any such services. We have also retained Mellon Investor Services LLC to help us solicit proxies for an estimated fee of approximately $4,500.

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STOCK HOLDINGS OF CERTAIN OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth information on the beneficial ownership of our common stock by executive officers and directors, as well as stockholders who are known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our common stock, as of September 7, 2005.proposal.

 

NameThe Board recommends a vote FOR the ratification of Beneficial Owner


Number of Shares and Nature
of Beneficial Ownership1


Percent of Common
Stock Outstanding2


G. Dale Garlow

Director, President and Treasurer

775,83336.8%

Sheldon S. Hendler, Ph.D., M.D.

Director and Secretary

1,904,003416.7%

Richard G. McKee, Jr.

Director

376,73453.3%

Tom K. Larson, Jr.

Director

105,00060.9%

Michael L. Eagle

Director

75,00070.7%

All directors and executive officersCherry Bekaert LLP as a group (five persons)our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2023 fiscal year.

3,236,570828.4%

From time to time, the number of our shares held in the “street name” accounts of various securities dealers for the benefit of their clients or in centralized securities depositories may exceed 5% of the total shares of our common stock outstanding.


1A person is considered to beneficially own any shares: (i) over which the person exercises sole or shared voting or investment power, or (ii) of which the person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time within 60 days (such as through the exercise of stock options or warrants). Unless otherwise indicated, voting and investment power relating to the shares shown in the table for our directors and executive officers is exercised solely by the beneficial owner or shared by the owner and the owner's spouse or children.
2Shares of our common stock underlying options and warrants that are exercisable as of September 7, 2005 or within 60 days of September 7, 2005 are considered outstanding for purposes of computing the percentages shown but are not considered outstanding for any other purpose. As of September 7, 2005, there were 8,492,867 shares of common stock outstanding, 2,787,259 shares underlying options that are exercisable or that will become exercisable within 60 days of September 7, 2005, and 105,000 shares underlying warrants that are exercisable or that will become exercisable within 60 days of September 7, 2005.
3Includes 625,000 shares underlying options that are exercisable.
4Includes 355,000 shares underlying options that are exercisable.
5Includes 100,000 shares underlying options that are exercisable, 10,000 shares beneficially owned by Wendy J. McKee and voting rights of 75,973 shares controlled by Dynamic Value Partners, Ltd.
6Includes 75,000 shares underlying options that are exercisable.
7Includes 75,000 shares underlying options that are exercisable.
8Includes 1,230,000 shares underlying options that are exercisable.

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PROPOSAL 1

APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER TO CHANGE THE COMPANY’S STATE OF INCORPORATION FROM NEVADA TO DELAWARE

Introduction

For the reasons set forth below, our Board of Directors (“Board”) has determined that it would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to change the state of incorporation of the Company from Nevada to Delaware. Accordingly, the Board has approved the incorporation of a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company in the state of Delaware and the subsequent merger of the Company with and into the subsidiary, in which the subsidiary will acquire all of the assets and assume all of the liabilities of the Company and shall be the surviving corporation (“Proposed Reincorporation”). Throughout this section of the proxy statement, the Company as currently incorporated in Nevada will be referred to as “Vyrex-Nevada” and the Company as reincorporated in Delaware (which reincorporation is subject to approval of the Proposed Reincorporation by the stockholders at the Special Meeting) will be referred to as “Vyrex-Delaware.” The Board caused the formation of Vyrex-Delaware as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company for the sole purpose of the Proposed Reincorporation. The only activities in which Vyrex-Delaware will engage before the Proposed Reincorporation will be those related to formation and organizational matters.

You are urged to read carefully this section of the proxy statement in its entirety, including the related exhibits referenced below and attached to this proxy statement, before voting on the Proposed Reincorporation.

Method of Reincorporation

The Proposed Reincorporation will be effected by merging Vyrex-Nevada into a newly formed Delaware corporation that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vyrex-Nevada (“Merger”) pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (“Merger Agreement”). Upon completion of the Merger, Vyrex-Nevada, as a corporate entity, will cease to exist and Vyrex-Delaware will succeed to the assets and liabilities of Vyrex-Nevada and will continue the business of the Company under its current name, “Vyrex Corporation.”

No Change in Business, Management, Board Members, Assets, Liabilities or Location of Principal Facilities

The Proposed Reincorporation will effect a change in the legal domicile of the Company and other changes of a legal nature, certain of which are described in this proxy statement. The Proposed Reincorporation will not result in any change in the business, management, board of directors, fiscal year, assets, liabilities or location of the principal facilities of the Company. The directors elected at the stockholders’ meeting to serve on the Board of Vyrex-Nevada will become the directors of Vyrex-Delaware. Any employee benefit or stock option plans of Vyrex-Nevada will become Vyrex-Delaware plans. Stockholders should note that approval of the Proposed Reincorporation will also constitute approval of these plans continuing as Vyrex-Delaware plans. Other employee benefit arrangements of Vyrex-Nevada also will be continued by Vyrex-Delaware upon the terms and subject to the conditions currently in effect.

Effective Date of Merger

The Proposed Reincorporation has been approved by the members of the Board. If approved by the stockholders, as promptly as practicable thereafter, duly authorized officers of Vyrex-Nevada and Vyrex-Delaware will make and execute Articles of Merger and a Certificate of Merger and will cause such documents to be filed with the Secretary of State of Nevada and the Secretary of State of Delaware, respectively. The effective date of the Merger will be the date on which the Merger becomes effective under the laws of Nevada or the date on which the Merger becomes effective under the laws of Delaware, whichever occurs later (“Effective Date”). As described in the Merger Agreement, if before the Effective Date the Board determines that

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circumstances have arisen that make it inadvisable to proceed with the Proposed Reincorporation under the original terms of the Merger Agreement, the Merger (and thus the Proposed Reincorporation) may be abandoned or the Merger Agreement may be amended by the Board either before or after stockholder approval has been obtained (except that the principal terms may not be amended without obtaining further stockholder approval). In addition, as further discussed under Proposal 2 below, if you approve this Proposal 1 but do not approve Proposal 2, we would not be able to complete the Merger and the Merger would be abandoned.

Change in Capital Structure Resulting From Proposed Reincorporation

Our authorized capital stock currently consists of 50,000,000 shares of common stock and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, both with a par value of $0.001 per share. As of September 2, 2005, we had 8,492,867 shares of common stock outstanding. There were no shares of preferred stock outstanding. In addition, as of September 2, 2005, we had outstanding warrants to acquire 105,000 shares of Vyrex-Nevada’s common stock and options to acquire 2,787,259 shares of Vyrex-Nevada’s common stock.

The authorized stock of Vyrex-Delaware consists of 200,000,000 shares of common stock and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, both with a par value of $0.0001 per share. There is one share of common stock outstanding held by Vyrex-Nevada and no shares of preferred stock outstanding. There are no outstanding options or warrants. Please see Proposal 2 below pursuant to which we are seeking stockholder approval of the increase in our authorized stock that would result if the Merger is completed.

As provided in the Merger Agreement, each then outstanding share of Vyrex-Nevada common stock, $0.001 par value per share, will be automatically converted into 0.12 of a share of Vyrex-Delaware common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, on the Effective Date of the Merger, resulting in approximately 1,019,144 shares of common stock outstanding after the Merger. Any fractional share of Vyrex-Delaware’s common stock resulting from the foregoing conversion will be rounded up to the next whole number. Any outstanding option or warrant issued by Vyrex-Nevada also will automatically be converted into an equivalent option or warrant to purchase or acquire, upon the same terms and conditions, the number of shares of common stock of Vyrex-Delaware equal to the number of shares of Vyrex-Delaware the holder would have received on the Effective Date of the Merger if the holder had exercised any such option or warrant in full immediately prior to the Effective Date of the Merger, and the exercise price per share under each such option or warrant shall be equal to the exercise price per share thereunder immediately prior to the Effective Date of the Merger divided by 0.12, unless otherwise provided in the instrument granting the option or warrant

Exchange of the Stock

Please do not send in any of your stock certificates representing shares of the Company’s common stock, as it will not be necessary for you to exchange your existing Vyrex-Nevada stock certificates for Vyrex-Delaware stock certificates. You may, however, upon approval of the Proposed Reincorporation by stockholders, request that your certificates be exchanged if you so choose. Delivery of Vyrex-Nevada common stock certificates will constitute delivery for transactions in shares of Vyrex-Delaware common stock after the Effective Date. Following the Merger, each stock certificate representing issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Vyrex-Nevada will represent a number of shares of common stock of Vyrex-Delaware equal to 0.12 multiplied by the number of shares such certificate currently represents, rounded up to the nearest whole share.

Transferability of Shares

Vyrex-Nevada common stock is traded on the over-the-counter market with quotations published on the NASD OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “VYRX.” After the Merger, Vyrex-Delaware common stock will continue to be traded on the over-the-counter market with quotations published on the NASD OTC Bulletin Board under the same symbol as the shares of Vyrex-Nevada common stock are currently traded, and the shares of Vyrex-Delaware common stock will continue to be represented by the same CUSIP number as that is currently used for Vyrex-Nevada common stock. There will be no interruption in the trading of the Company’s common stock as a result of the Proposed Reincorporation.

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Stockholders whose shares of our common stock are freely tradable before the Proposed Reincorporation will own shares of Vyrex-Delaware common stock that are freely tradable after the Proposed Reincorporation. Similarly, any stockholders holding securities with transfer restrictions before the Proposed Reincorporation will hold securities of Vyrex-Delaware that have the same transfer restrictions after the Proposed Reincorporation. For purposes of computing the holding period under Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, those who hold Vyrex-Delaware stock certificates will be deemed to have acquired their shares on the date they originally acquired their Vyrex-Nevada shares.

Charter and Bylaws

The Proposed Reincorporation necessarily includes the ratification and approval of the certificate of incorporation and bylaws for Vyrex-Delaware (the “Delaware Charter” and “Delaware Bylaws,” respectively), which will replace the current articles of incorporation and bylaws of Vyrex-Nevada (the “Nevada Charter” and “Nevada Bylaws,” respectively). As a Delaware corporation, Vyrex-Delaware is subject to the Delaware General Corporation Law (“Delaware corporate law). Vyrex-Nevada is subject to the corporation laws of Nevada set out in the Nevada Revised Statutes (“Nevada corporate law”). Copies of the Delaware Charter and Delaware Bylaws are attached to this proxy statement as Exhibits B and C, respectively. Copies of the Nevada Charter and Nevada Bylaws are included as exhibits to our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and also are available for inspection during regular business hours at our Corporate Offices. Copies will also be sent to stockholders, without charge, upon request. Please see “Significant Changes Caused by the Proposed Reincorporation” below for a summary of the changes resulting from the Proposed Reincorporation and some similarities and important differences in the rights of our stockholders before and after the Proposed Reincorporation. Please also see Proposal 2 below pursuant to which we are seeking stockholder approval of the increase in our authorized stock that would result if the Merger is completed and the Nevada Charter is replaced with the Delaware Charter.

Accounting Treatment

In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, we expect that the Proposed Reincorporation will be accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control and recorded at historical cost.

The discussion below is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Merger Agreement, the Delaware Charter and the Delaware Bylaws, and by the applicable provisions of Nevada corporate law and Delaware corporate law.

Principal Reasons For the Proposed Reincorporation

For many years, Delaware has followed a policy of encouraging incorporation in that state and, in furtherance of that policy, has been a leader in adopting, construing, and implementing comprehensive and flexible corporate laws that are responsive to the legal and business needs of corporations organized under its laws. Many corporations have initially chosen Delaware, or have chosen to reincorporate in Delaware, in a manner similar to that proposed by the Company. While as explained herein there are not significant differences between Delaware corporate law and Nevada corporate law, because of Delaware’s prominence as the state of incorporation for many major corporations, there is greater certainty in application and interpretation of Delaware corporate law because the Delaware courts have developed considerable expertise in dealing with corporate issues, and a substantial body of case law has developed construing Delaware law and establishing public policies with respect to corporate legal affairs. The Board believes this relative certainty could provide us with greater predictability with respect to corporate legal matters and potentially improve our ability to attract and retain qualified directors and officers and facilitate investor recognition.

In addition to what the Board believes to be the benefits of Delaware corporate law, the Board also believes the Proposed Reincorporation and the corresponding change in the Company’s capitalization will make the Company more attractive to potential financing partners and/or to other third parties as a potential merger candidate. We have had discussions with certain entities about the possibility of a merger with the Company. In at least one instance, further negotiations were conditioned by the other party on our moving forward with

6


a reincorporation in Delaware and a revision of our capital structure. While we do not have a financing or merger agreement with anyone at this time nor do we have a commitment from anyone to consummate a merger or other transaction if we were to reincorporate in Delaware and revise our capital structure, the Board believes the Proposed Reincorporation would better position the Company to pursue such opportunities.

Significant Changes Caused by the Proposed Reincorporation

In general, the Company’s corporate affairs are presently governed by Nevada corporate law, the Nevada Charter and the Nevada Bylaws. Following the Merger, issues of corporate governance and control would be controlled by Delaware, rather than Nevada, corporate law. The Nevada Charter and Nevada Bylaws will, in effect, be replaced by the Delaware Charter and the Delaware Bylaws.

The following briefly summarizes some of the changes resulting from the Proposed Reincorporation and certain significant differences between Nevada corporate law and Delaware corporate law and does not purport to be a complete statement of such laws.

Charter and Capital Structure

In general, the Nevada Charter and the Delaware Charter are substantially similar. They differ primarily with respect to the authorized stock. Please refer to “Change in Capital Structure Resulting From Proposed Reincorporation” above and Proposal 2 below pursuant to which we are seeking stockholder approval of the increase in our authorized stock that would result if the Merger is completed and the Nevada Charter is replaced with the Delaware Charter.

Fiduciary Duties of Directors

Both Delaware and Nevada law provide that the board of directors has the ultimate responsibility for managing the business and affairs of a corporation. In discharging this function, directors of Nevada and Delaware corporations owe fiduciary duties of care and loyalty to the corporations they serve, as well as their stockholders.

With respect to fiduciary duties, Nevada corporate law may provide broader discretion, and increased protection from liability, to directors in exercising their fiduciary duties, particularly in the context of a change in control. Delaware courts have held that the directors of a Delaware corporation are required to exercise an informed business judgment in performing their duties. An informed business judgment means that the directors have informed themselves of all material information reasonably available to them. Delaware courts have also imposed a heightened standard of conduct on directors in matters involving a contest for control of the corporation. A director of a Nevada business corporation must perform his or her duties as a director in good faith and with a view to the interests of the corporation.

Delaware corporate law does not contain any statutory provision permitting the board of directors, committees of the board and individual directors, when discharging their duties, to consider the interests of any constituencies other than the corporation or its stockholders. Nevada corporate law, on the other hand, provides that in discharging their duties, the board of directors, committees of the board and individual directors may, in exercising their respective powers with a view to the interests of the corporation, choose, to the extent they deem appropriate, to subordinate the interests of stockholders to the interests of employees, suppliers, customers or creditors of the corporation or to the interests of the communities served by the corporation. Furthermore, the officers and directors may consider the long-term and short-term interests of the corporation and its stockholders.

Under Delaware corporate law, directors of a Delaware corporation are presumed to have acted on an informed basis, in good faith and in the honest belief that their actions were in the best interest of the corporation. This presumption may be overcome, however, if a preponderance of the evidence shows that the directors’ decision involved a breach of fiduciary duty such as fraud, overreaching, lack of good faith, failure of the board

7


to inform itself properly or actions by the board to entrench itself in office. Delaware courts have imposed a heightened standard of conduct upon directors of a Delaware corporation who take any action designed to defeat a threatened change in control of the corporation. The heightened standard has two elements: the board must demonstrate some basis for concluding that a proper corporate purpose is served by implementation of any defensive measure and that measure must be reasonable in relation to the perceived threat posed by the change in control. Under Nevada corporate law, unless there is a breach of fiduciary duty or a lack of good faith, any act of the board of directors, any committee of the board or any individual director is presumed to be in the corporation’s best interest. No higher burden of proof or greater obligation to justify applies to any act relating to or affecting an acquisition or a potential or proposed acquisition of control of the corporation than to any other action. Nevada corporate law imposes a heightened standard of conduct upon directors who take action to resist a change or potential change in control of a corporation, if such action impedes the exercise of the stockholders’ right to vote for or remove directors.

Anti-Takeover Laws

Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law contains certain “anti-takeover” provisions that apply to a Delaware corporation, unless the corporation elects not to be governed by such provisions in its certificate of incorporation or bylaws. Vyrex-Delaware has not elected to opt out of the provisions of Section 203. Section 203 precludes a corporation from engaging in any “business combination” with any person that owns 15% or more of its outstanding voting stock for a period of three years following the time that such stockholder obtained ownership of more than 15% of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation. A business combination includes any merger, consolidation, or sale of substantially all of a corporation’s assets. The three-year waiting period does not apply, however, if any of the following conditions are met:

the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in such stockholder owning more than 15% of such stock before the stockholder obtained such ownership;

after the transaction which resulted in the stockholder owning more than 15% of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation is completed, such stockholder owns at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time that the transaction commenced; or

 

 
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at or after the time the stockholder obtains more than 15%Table of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation, the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders (and not by written consent) by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the acquiring stockholder.Contents

 

In addition, Section 203 does not apply to any person who became the owner of more than 15% of a corporation’s stock if it was as a result of action taken solely by the corporation.

Nevada corporate law also contains certain “anti-takeover” provisions that apply to a Nevada corporation, unless the corporation elects not to be governed by such provisions in its articles of incorporation or bylaws. Vyrex-Nevada did not elect to opt out of any of these provisions. Nevada corporate law precludes a corporation from engaging in any “business combination” with any person that owns 10% or more of its outstanding voting stock for a period of three years following the time that such stockholder obtained ownership of more than 10% of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation. A business combination includes any merger, consolidation, or sale of substantially all of a corporation’s assets. The three-year waiting period does not apply, however, if the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in such stockholder owning more than 10% of such stock before the stockholder obtained such ownership.

Dividend Rights and Repurchase of Shares

Under Delaware corporate law, a corporation may declare and pay dividends out of surplus or, if no surplus exists, out of net profits, for the fiscal year in which the dividends are declared and/or for its preceding fiscal year. Dividends may not be paid out of net profits if the capital of the corporation is less than the aggregate

8


amount of capital represented by the outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon the distribution of assets. Surplus is defined as net assets minus stated capital. Delaware corporate law applies different tests to the payment of dividends and the repurchase of shares. Delaware corporate law generally provides that a corporation may redeem or repurchase its shares only if such redemption or repurchase would not impair the capital of the corporation.

Under Nevada corporate law, a corporation is prohibited from making a distribution (including dividends on, or redemption or repurchase of, shares of capital stock) to its stockholders if, after giving effect to the distribution:

the corporation would be unable to pay its debts as they become due in the usual course of business; or

the total assets of the corporation would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed, if that corporation were then dissolved, to satisfy the rights of stockholders having superior preferential rights upon dissolution to the stockholders receiving the distribution.

The board of directors of a Nevada corporation may base the above determination on: financial statements prepared on the basis of accounting principals, fair valuation, including without limitation unrealized appreciation or depreciation, or any other method that is reasonable under the circumstances.

Liability of Directors and Officers

Delaware corporate law permits a corporation to include in its certificate of incorporation a provision limiting or eliminating the personal liability of its directors to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages arising from a breach of fiduciary duty, except for:

a breach of the duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders;

acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

a declaration of a dividend or the authorization of the repurchase or redemption of stock in violation of Delaware corporate law; or

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

Nevada corporate law permits a corporation to adopt any provision in its articles of incorporation that are not contrary to the laws of the state of Nevada, and there is no restriction on a corporation’s ability to limit the personal liability of a director or officer to the corporation. Under Nevada corporate law, a director or officer is not individually liable to a corporation or its stockholders for any damages as a result of any act or failure to act in his capacity as a director or officer unless it is proven that:

his act or failure to act constituted a breach of his fiduciary duties; and

his breach of those duties involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of the law.

Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Both Delaware and Nevada, in a substantially similar matter, permit a corporation to indemnify officers, directors, employees and agents for actions taken in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action, which they had no reasonable cause to believe were unlawful. Both Vyrex-Nevada and Vyrex-Delaware provide for such indemnifications under their respective charters and bylaws.

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Annual Meetings

Under Delaware corporate law, if the annual meeting for the election of directors is not held on the designated date, or action by written consent to elect directors in lieu of an annual meeting has not been taken, the directors are required to cause that meeting to be held as soon as is convenient. If there is a failure to hold the annual meeting or to take action by written consent to elect directors in lieu of an annual meeting for a period of 30 days after the designated date for the annual meeting, or if no date has been designated for a period of 13 months after the latest to occur of the organization of the corporation, its last annual meeting or the last action by written consent to elect directors in lieu of an annual meeting, the Court of Chancery may summarily order a meeting to be held upon the application of any stockholder or director.

Under Nevada corporate law, if the annual meeting is not held within 18 months after the last election of directors, the district court has jurisdiction to order the election of directors, upon application of any one or more stockholders holding at least 15% of the voting power.

Adjournment of Stockholder Meetings

Under Delaware corporate law, if a meeting of stockholders is adjourned due to lack of a quorum and the adjournment is for more than 30 days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, notice of the adjourned meeting must be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. At the adjourned meeting the corporation may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting.

Under Nevada corporate law, a corporation is not required to give any notice of an adjourned meeting or of the business to be transacted at an adjourned meeting, other than by announcement at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken, unless the board fixes a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

Amendments to Bylaws

Under Delaware corporate law, bylaws may be adopted, amended or repealed by the stockholders entitled to vote thereon. A corporation may, in its certificate of incorporation, confer this power upon the directors, although the power vested in the stockholders shall not be divested or limited where the board of directors also has such power.

Nevada corporate law provides that the board of directors of a corporation may make the bylaws, but that such bylaws are subject to those adopted by the stockholders, if any. Further, although not part of Nevada corporate law, an opinion of the Nevada Attorney General also provides that directors may adopt bylaws for a corporation if the stockholders do not. Stockholders nevertheless retain the right to adopt bylaws superseding those adopted by the board of directors.

Interested Director Transactions

Under Delaware corporate law, contracts or transactions in which one or more of a corporation’s directors has an interest are not void or voidable because of such interest, if certain conditions are met. To meet these conditions, either (i) the stockholders or the disinterested directors must approve any such contract or transaction after the full disclosure of material facts, or (ii) the contract or transaction must have been fair as to the corporation at the time it was approved. Under Delaware corporate law, if board approval is sought, the contract or transactions must be approved by a majority of the disinterested directors (even though less than a quorum).

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Nevada corporate law does not automatically void contracts or transactions between a corporation and one of the corporation’s directors. Under Nevada corporate law, a contract or transaction may not be voided solely because:

the contract is between the corporation and a director of the corporation or an entity in which a director of the corporation has a financial interest;

an interested director is present at the meeting of the board of directors that authorizes or approves the contract or transaction; or

the vote or votes of the interested director are counted for purposes of authorizing or approving the contract or transaction involving the interested transaction.

Instead, under Nevada corporate law, contracts or transactions such as those described above are permissible if:

the facts surrounding the contract or transaction are known to the board of directors and the board of directors authorizes, approves, or ratifies the contract or transaction in good faith by a vote without counting the vote of the interested director; or

the facts or circumstances surrounding the contract or transaction are made known to the stockholders and they authorize, approve or ratify the contract or transaction in good faith by a majority vote of the shares entitled to vote, including the votes, if any, of the interested director; or

the fact that the contract or transaction will prove to be in the interested director’s financial interest is unknown to the interested director at the time it is brought before the board of directors; or

the contract or transaction is fair as to the corporation at the time it is authorized or approved.

Removal of Directors

Under Delaware corporate law, any director or the entire board of directors may be removed, with or without cause, by the majority vote of the stockholders then entitled to vote at an election of directors. However, if the corporation has a classified board, such as Vyrex-Delaware, directors may only be removed without cause if the certificate of incorporation so provides.

A director of a Nevada corporation or the entire board of directors may be removed with or without cause during their term of office only by a vote of two-thirds of the voting power of the then outstanding shares entitled to vote in an election of directors.

Stockholders’ Rights to Examine Books and Records

Delaware corporate law provides that any stockholder of record may, in a written demand made under oath, demand to examine a corporation’s books and records for a proper purpose reasonably related to such person’s interest as a stockholder. If management of the corporation refuses, the stockholder can compel an examination by court order.

Nevada corporate law permits any person who has been a stockholder of record for at least six months, or any person holding at least 5% of all outstanding shares, to inspect and copy the stockholders’ list, articles of incorporation or bylaws, if the stockholder gives at least five business days’ prior written notice. The corporation may deny inspection if the stockholder refuses to furnish an affidavit that the inspection is not desired for a purpose or object other than the business of the corporation and that he or she has not at any time offered for sale or sold any stockholders’ lists of any corporation or aided and abetted any person in procuring a list for that purpose. In addition, a Nevada corporation must allow stockholders who own or represent at least 15% of the corporation’s outstanding shares the right, upon at least five days’ written demand, to inspect the books of account and financial records of the corporation, to make copies from them and to conduct an audit of those records, except that any corporation listed and traded on any recognized stock exchange or any corporation that furnishes to its stockholders a detailed, annual financial statement is exempt from this requirement.

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Duration of Proxies

Under Delaware corporate law, a proxy executed by a stockholder will remain valid for a period of three years, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. Under Nevada corporate law, a proxy is effective only for a period of six months, unless it is coupled with an interest or unless otherwise provided in the proxy, which duration may not exceed seven years.

Differences in Franchise Taxes

Nevada does not have a corporate franchise tax. After the Merger is accomplished, the Company will pay annual franchise taxes to Delaware. The Delaware franchise tax is based on a formula involving the number of authorized shares or the asset value of the corporation, whichever would impose a lesser tax.

Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Proposed ReincorporationOTHER BUSINESS

 

The following is a discussionBoard knows of certain federal income tax consequencesno other business to holders of Vyrex-Nevada common stock who receive shares of Vyrex-Delaware common stockbe brought before the Annual Meeting. If, however, any other business should properly come before the Annual Meeting, the persons named in exchange forthe accompanying proxy will vote the proxy in accordance with applicable law and as they may deem appropriate in their Vyrex-Nevada stock as a result ofdiscretion, unless directed by the Proposed Reincorporation. It is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”), laws, regulations, rulings and decisions in effect as of the date of this proxy statement, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect, and to differing interpretations. No state, local or foreign tax consequences are addressed herein.do otherwise.

 

This discussion is for general information only and does not purport to be a complete discussion or analysis of all potential tax consequences that may apply to a stockholder. In view of the varying nature of such tax consequences, stockholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors as to the specific tax consequences to them of the Proposed Reincorporation, including the applicability of federal, state, local or foreign tax laws.

Subject to the limitations, qualifications and exceptions described in this section, it is expected that, for federal income tax purposes, the Proposed Reincorporation will constitute a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code. Assuming the Proposed Reincorporation qualifies as a tax-free reorganization, no gain or loss will be recognized by the holders of shares of Vyrex-Nevada common stock (other than those who seek their statutory appraisal rights) as a result of the consummation of the Proposed Reincorporation. Each former holder of shares of Vyrex-Nevada common stock will have the same aggregate tax basis in the shares of Vyrex-Delaware common stock received by such person in the Proposed Reincorporation as such holder had in the shares of Vyrex-Nevada common stock held by such person at the time of consummation of the Proposed Reincorporation and each such stockholder’s holding period with respect to such shares of Vyrex-Delaware common stock will include the period during which such holder held the corresponding shares of Vyrex-Nevada common stock, provided the latter were held by such person as capital assets at the time of the consummation of the Proposed Reincorporation.

The Company has not requested a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or an opinion of counsel with respect to the federal income tax consequences of the Proposed Reincorporation under the Code. A successful IRS challenge to the tax-free status of the Proposed Reincorporation would result in a stockholder recognizing gain or loss with respect to each share of Vyrex-Nevada common stock exchanged in the Proposed Reincorporation equal to the difference between the stockholder’s basis in such share and the fair market value, as of the time of the Proposed Reincorporation, of the shares of Vyrex-Delaware common stock received in exchange therefor. In such event, a stockholder’s aggregate basis in the shares of Vyrex-Delaware common stock received in the exchange would equal their fair market value on such date, and the stockholder’s holding period for such shares would not include the period during which the stockholder held shares of Vyrex-Nevada common stock.

State, local, or foreign income tax consequences to stockholders may vary from the federal tax consequences described above. You should consult your own tax advisors as to the effect of the Proposed Reincorporation under applicable federal, state, local, or foreign income tax laws.

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The Company should not recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of the Proposed Reincorporation, and Vyrex-Delaware should succeed without adjustment to the federal income tax attributes of Vyrex-Nevada.

Appraisal Rights and Procedures

Under Sections 92A.300 to 92A. 500, inclusive, of the Nevada Revised Statutes, any holder of our common stock who does not wish to become a stockholder of Vyrex-Delaware may seek to receive the appraised value (exclusive of any element of value arising from the accomplishment or expectation of the Proposed Reincorporation) for his or her shares of our common stock, judicially determined, in cash, together with a fair rate of interest, if any, provided that the stockholder fully complies with the provisions of Sections 92A.300 to 92A.500, inclusive, of the Nevada Revised Statutes. If, however, holders of more than 2% or our outstanding common stock exercise their appraisal rights, we have the right to terminate the Proposed Reincorporation.

Ensuring the perfection of your appraisal rights can be complicated. The procedural rules are specific and must be followed precisely. Failure to comply with such rules may cause a termination or waiver of your appraisal rights. The information herein is only a brief summary of the material provisions of the statutory procedures you must follow in order to perfect your appraisal rights. Please review Sections 92A.300 to 92A.500, inclusive, of the Nevada Revised Statutes for the complete procedures. We will not give you any notice other than as described in this proxy statement and as required by the Nevada Revised Statutes. A copy of Sections 92A.300 to 92A.500, inclusive, of the Nevada Revised Statutes is attached hereto as Exhibit D.

Any stockholder wanting to exercise dissenters’ rights must deliver written notice to the Company, before the date of the Special Meeting, or at the Special Meeting before the Merger Agreement is voted upon, stating that the stockholder intends to demand payment for his, her or its shares of Company common stock if the Proposed Reincorporation is approved (Section 92A.420.1(a) of the Nevada corporate law). In addition, the stockholder must not vote his, her or its shares in favor of the Proposed Reincorporation (Section 92A.420.1(b) of the Nevada corporate law). Notices transmitted before the meeting should be addressed to Vyrex Corporation, 2159 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, California 92037, Attention: Mr. G. Dale Garlow, President. At the Special Meeting, notices may be handed to Mr. Garlow. Stockholders who vote in favor of the Proposed Reincorporation will be deemed to have waived their dissenters’ rights.

A stockholder whose shares of Company common stock are held in “street name” or in the name of anyone other than the stockholder must obtain written consent from the person or firm in whose name the shares are registered, allowing the stockholder to file the notice demanding payment for the shares in question, and must deliver the consent to the Company no later than the time that dissenters’ rights are asserted (Section 92A.400.2(a) of the Nevada corporate law). Also, the dissent must be asserted as to all shares of Company common stock that the stockholder beneficially owns or has power to vote at the Special Meeting (Section 92A.400.2(b) of the Nevada corporate law).

Any stockholder who does not complete the requirements of Sections 92A.400 and 92A.420.1(a) and (b) of the Nevada corporate law as described above is not entitled to payment for his, her or its shares of Company common stock (Section 92A.420.2 of the Nevada corporate law).

If you fail to comply strictly with the procedures described above, you will lose your appraisal rights. Consequently, if you wish to exercise your appraisal rights, we strongly urge you to consult a legal advisor before attempting to exercise your appraisal rights.

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What Your Approval of this Proposal Means

If you vote “For” this Proposal 1, you will be approving the following:

the change of the state of incorporation of the Company from Nevada to Delaware, which includes important differences in the rights of our stockholders as discussed above;

the Merger Agreement, including the 0.12 conversion ratio set forth therein pursuant to which you will receive 0.12 shares of Vyrex-Delaware common stock for each share of Vyrex-Nevada common stock you hold, which will have the effect of reducing the aggregate number of shares of common stock outstanding;

the Delaware Charter (please see below);

the Delaware Bylaws; and

the continuation of any employee benefit or stock option plans of Vyrex-Nevada as plans of Vyrex-Delaware.

Please note that while a vote “For” this Proposal 1 would also necessarily mean the approval of the Delaware Charter, we are seeking separate approval, as set forth in Proposal 2 below, of the increase in the authorized capital stock of the Company that would result if this Proposal 1 is approved and the Merger is completed. Vyrex-Delaware has been formed as a Delaware corporation and is governed by the Delaware Charter, which has the authorized capital described in this proxy statement. As a result, if you approve this Proposal 1 but do not approve Proposal 2, the Merger could not be completed and would be abandoned.

You should be aware that if a merger or other opportunity arises as discussed under “Principal Reasons for the Proposed Reincorporation,” depending on the nature and structure of any such opportunity, you may or may not have the opportunity to vote on whether the Company should consummate any such transaction. For example, if an opportunity arises that the Board determines to be in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders, the transaction could be structured so as not to require stockholder approval, such as by forming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vyrex-Delaware and merging into such subsidiary a third party entity. As the sole stockholder of such subsidiary would be Vyrex-Delaware, the Board’s approval of the transaction would be the sole approval required to consummate the transaction. Thus, to the extent the Proposed Reincorporation does in fact make the Company more attractive to potential financing partners and/or to other third parties as a potential merger candidate, your approval of the Proposed Reincorporation and Merger could also indirectly result in the consummation by the Company of such a financing or merger transaction.

Our Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” Proposal 1.

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PROPOSAL 2

APPROVALSUBMISSION OF AN INCREASE OF OUR AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK FROM 60,000,000

(50,000,000 OF COMMON STOCK AND 10,000,000 OF PREFERRED STOCK) TO 250,000,000

(200,000,000 OF COMMON STOCK AND 50,000,000 OF PREFERRED STOCK)

As discussed under Proposal 1 above, we are seeking approval of the Proposed Reincorporation. As part of the Proposed Reincorporation, if approved, the Nevada Charter would be replaced by the Delaware Charter. This would result in an increase in the authorized capital stock of the Company from 60,000,000 (50,000,000 of common stock and 10,000,000 of preferred stock) to 250,000,000 (200,000,000 of common stock and 50,000,000 of preferred stock). As discussed above under “Principal Reasons for the Proposed Reincorporation,” the Board believes such an increase in our authorized capital stock would make the Company more attractive to potential financing partners and/or to other third parties as a potential merger candidate and would provide the Company with additional flexibility in structuring any such opportunities that may arise.

You should keep in mind that if this Proposal 2 is approved, it would mean that we would have more shares of common stock available for issuance. The future issuance of these additional shares will result in dilution to our stockholders. While we do not currently have any agreements or understandings to issue any of the additional shares of capital stock, to the extent the Proposed Reincorporation, including the increase in authorized capital stock, makes the Company more attractive to potential financing partners and/or to other third parties as a potential merger candidate, your approval of the Proposed Reincorporation and this Proposal 2 could indirectly result in the consummation by the Company of such a financing or merger transaction, which likely would result in the issuance of additional shares of capital stock.

Because Vyrex-Delaware already has been formed and is governed by the Delaware Charter, which contains the increase in authorized capital described in this proxy statement, if you approve Proposal 1 but do not approve this Proposal 2, the Merger can not be completed and would be abandoned. Similarly, if you approve this Proposal 2 but do not approve Proposal 1, the capital stock of the Company will not be increased and the Company will continue to be governed by the Nevada Charter and will have the authorized capital set forth therein.

Our Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” Proposal 2.

FUTURE STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

 

Stockholders who wish to submit a proposal for inclusion in our proxy materialsproposals to be distributed in connection with next year’s annual meeting must submit their proposal so that we receive it no later thanconsidered or to nominate persons for election to the closeBoard of business on February 13, 2006. Any such proposalDirectors at the 2024 Annual Meeting must be in accordance with the requirements of Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Pursuant to such rule, simply submitting a proposal does not guarantee that it will be included in our proxy materials.

In accordance with our Restated Articles of Incorporation, to be properly brought before a regularly scheduled meeting, a stockholder of record, both when they give us notice and at the 2024 Annual Meeting, must deliver timelybe entitled to vote at the 2024 Annual Meeting. A stockholder’s notice of any matter the stockholder wishesmust be delivered to present. To be timely, we must receive the notice our Secretary at c/o 374Water Inc. 3710 Shannon Rd., Suite 51877, Durham, North Carolina 27717not less than 6045 nor more than 75 days before the original scheduled meeting date. If we provide less than 70 days’ notice or prior public disclosureanniversary date of the meeting date, to be timely we must receiveimmediately preceding Annual Meeting. For our 2024 Annual Meeting, the notice must be delivered between March 31, 2024 and April 30, 2024. However, if our 2024 Annual Meeting is not within 30 days prior to or 60 days after August 30, 2024, the notice must be delivered no later than the close of business on the 10th day following the earlier of the day on which we mailed noticethe first public announcement of the date of the 2024 Annual Meeting or 120 days prior to such meeting datebut not later than 90 days prior to such meeting. The public announcement of an adjournment or postponement of the day on which we publicly disclosed2024 Annual Meeting will not trigger a new time period (or extend any time period) for the meeting date. To begiving of a stockholder notice as described in proper form, the notice must be in writing and include the specified information set forth in Article Thirteenthis proxy statement.

A copy of our Restated Articles2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, is available without charge (except for exhibits, which are available upon payment of Incorporation.

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All proposals and notices should be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested,a reasonable fee) upon written request to Vyrex Corporation, 2159 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, California 92037, Attn: Dr. Sheldon Hendler, Secretary. We reserve the right to reject, rule out of order, or take other appropriate action with respect to any proposal or matter that does not comply with these and other applicable requirements.

OTHER MATTERS

The Board of Directors does not know of any other matters that will be presented for consideration at the Special Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the Special Meeting or any adjournment thereof, the proxy holders named in the accompanying proxy card will have discretionary authority to vote all proxies in accordance with their best judgment with respect to any such matters.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Documents filed by us with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission may be reviewed and/or obtained through the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Electronic Data Gathering Analysis and Retrieval System, which is publicly available through the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.374Water Inc. Attention: Secretary, 3710 Shannon Rd., Suite 51877, Durham, North Carolina 27717.

 

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La Jolla, California

By Order of the Board of Directors

September 13, 2005

374WATER INC.

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

annual meeting OF STOCKHOLDERS – june 14,2023 at 10:00 aM

CONTROL ID:

REQUEST ID:

The undersigned, a stockholder of 374Water Inc. (the “Company”), hereby revoking any proxy heretofore given, does hereby appoint Yaacov (Kobe) Nagar proxy, with power of substitution, for and in the name of the undersigned to attend the 2023 annual meeting of stockholders of the Company to be held at 701 W. Main Street, Suite 410, Durham, North Carolina 27701 on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 beginning at 10:00 AM, local time, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, and there to vote, as designated below.

(CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE.)

VOTING INSTRUCTIONS

If you vote by phone, fax or internet, please DO NOT mail your proxy card.

MAIL:

Please mark, sign, date, and return this Proxy Card promptly using the enclosed envelope.

FAX:

Complete the reverse portion of this Proxy Card and Fax to 202-521-3464.

INTERNET:

https://www.iproxydirect.com/SCWO

PHONE:

1-866-752-VOTE(8683)

 

16


EXHIBIT A

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

(as proposed to be adopted)

THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (hereinafter referred to as this “Agreement”) dated as of September, 2005, is made and entered into by and between Vyrex Corporation, a Nevada corporation (the “Parent”) and Vyrex (Delaware) Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Subsidiary”).

RECITALS

A.    The Parent is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Nevada.

B.    The Subsidiary is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Parent.

C.    The Parent and the Subsidiary and their respective Boards of Directors deem it advisable and to the advantage, welfare, and best interests of the corporations and their respective stockholders to merge Parent with and into Subsidiary pursuant to the provisions of Nevada Revised Statutes (the “NRS”) and the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the mutual covenants herein contained and other good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree that the Parent shall be merged into the Subsidiary (the “Merger”) upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

ARTICLE I

PRINCIPAL TERMS OF THE MERGER

1.1    Merger. On the Effective Date (as defined in Section 4.1 hereof), the Parent shall be merged into the Subsidiary, the separate existence of the Parent shall cease and the Subsidiary (following the Merger referred to as the “Surviving Corporation”) shall operate under the name “Vyrex Corporation” by virtue of, and shall be governed by, the laws of the State of Delaware. The address of the registered office of the Surviving Corporation in the State of Delaware will be 2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, City of Wilmington, County of Newcastle, and the registered agent in charge thereof shall be Corporation Service Company.

1.2    Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation. The Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation shall be the Certificate of Incorporation of the Subsidiary as in effect on the date hereof without change unless and until amended in accordance with applicable law.

1.3    Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation. The Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation shall be the Bylaws of the Subsidiary as in effect on the date hereof without change unless and until amended or repealed in accordance with applicable law.

1.4    Directors and Officers. At the Effective Date of the Merger, the directors and officers of the Subsidiary in office at the Effective Date of the Merger shall become the directors and officers, respectively, of the Surviving Corporation, each of such directors and officers to hold office, subject to the applicable provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation and the DGCL, until his or her successor is duly elected or appointed and qualified.

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ARTICLE II

CONVERSION, CERTIFICATES AND PLANS

2.1    Conversion of Shares. At the Effective Date of the Merger, each of the following transactions shall be deemed to occur simultaneously:

(a)Common Stock. Each share of the Parent’s common stock, $0.001 par value per share (the “Parent’s Common Stock”), issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date of the Merger (except for those shares of the Parent’s Common Stock with respect to which the holders thereof duly exercise their dissenters’ rights under the NRS), by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, shall be converted into and become one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of the Surviving Corporation’s common stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the “Surviving Corporation’s Common Stock”) multiplied by the Conversion Ratio (as defined below). Any holder’s fractional share of the Surviving Corporation’s Common Stock resulting from the foregoing conversion shall be rounded up to the next whole number. The “Conversion Ratio” shall be a fraction the numerator of which is 12 and the denominator of which is 100.

(b)Options. Each option to acquire shares of the Parent’s Common Sock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date of the Merger shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be converted into and become an equivalent option to acquire, upon the same terms and conditions, the number of shares of the Surviving Corporation’s Common Stock, which is equal to the number of shares of the Parent’s Common Stock that the optionee would have received had the optionee exercised such option in full immediately prior to the Effective Date of the Merger (whether or not such option was then exercisable) multiplied by the Conversion Ratio and the exercise price per share under each of said options shall be equal to the exercise price per share thereunder immediately prior to the Effective Date of the Merger divided by the Conversion Ratio, unless otherwise provided in the instrument granting such option.

(c)Warrants. Each warrant to acquire shares of the Parent’s Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date of the Merger shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be converted into and become a warrant to acquire, upon the same terms and conditions, the number of shares of the Surviving Corporation’s Common Stock which is equal to the number of shares of the Parent’s Common Stock that the warrant holder would have received had the warrant holder exercised such warrant in full immediately prior to the Effective Date of the Merger (whether or not such warrant was then exercisable) multiplied by the Conversion Ratio and the exercise price per share under each of said warrants shall be equal to the exercise price per share thereunder immediately prior to the Effective Date of the Merger divided by the Conversion Ratio, unless otherwise provided in the instrument granting such warrant.

(d)Other Rights. Any other right, by contract or otherwise, to acquire shares of the Parent’s Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date of the Merger shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be converted into and become a right to acquire, upon the same terms and conditions, the number of shares of the Surviving Corporation’s Common Stock which is equal to the number of shares of the Parent’s Common Stock that the right holder would have received had the right holder exercised such right in full immediately prior to the Effective Date of the Merger (whether or not such right was then exercisable) multiplied by the Conversion Ratio and the exercise price per share under each of said rights shall be equal to the exercise price per share thereunder immediately prior to the Effective Date of the Merger divided by the Conversion Ratio, unless otherwise provided in the agreement granting such right.

(e) Each share of the Subsidiary’s Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date of the Merger and held by the Parent shall be canceled without any consideration being issued or paid therefor.

A-2


2.2    Stock Certificates. After the Effective Date of the Merger, each certificate theretofore representing issued and outstanding shares of the Parent’s Common Stock will thereafter be deemed to represent the number of shares of the Surviving Corporation’s Common Stock equal to the number of shares shown on the face of such certificate multiplied by the Conversion Ratio. The holders of outstanding certificates theretofore representing the Parent’s Common Stock will not be required to surrender such certificates to the Parent.

2.3    Employee Benefit and Compensation Plans. At the Effective Date of the Merger, each employee benefit plan, incentive compensation plan and other similar plans to which the Parent is then a party shall be assumed by, and continue to be the plan of, the Surviving Corporation. To the extent any employee benefit plan, incentive compensation plan or other similar plan of the Parent provides for the issuance or purchase of, or otherwise relates to, the Parent’s Common Stock, after the Effective Date of the Merger such plan shall be deemed to provide for the issuance or purchase of, or otherwise relate to, the Surviving Corporation’s Common Stock (with all share amounts and purchase or exercise prices being appropriately adjusted by the Conversion Ratio).

ARTICLE III

TRANSFER AND CONVEYANCE OF ASSETS AND ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES

3.1    Effects of the Merger. At the Effective Date of the Merger, the Merger shall have the effects specified in the NRS, the DGCL and this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective Date of the Merger, the Surviving Corporation shall possess all the rights, privileges, powers and franchises, of a public as well as a private nature, and shall be subject to all the restrictions, disabilities and duties of each of the parties to this Agreement; the rights, privileges, powers and franchises of the Parent and the Subsidiary, and all property, real, personal and mixed, and all debts due to each of them on whatever account, shall be vested in the Surviving Corporation; and all property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises, and all and every other interest shall be thereafter the property of the Surviving Corporation, as they were of the respective constituent entities, and the title to any real estate whether by deed or otherwise vested in the Parent and the Subsidiary or either of them, shall not revert to be in any way impaired by reason of the Merger; but all rights of creditors and all liens upon any property of the parties hereto, shall be preserved unimpaired, and all debts, liabilities and duties of the respective constituent entities shall thenceforth attach to the Surviving Corporation, and may be enforced against it to the same extent as if said debts, liabilities and duties had been incurred or contracted by it.

3.2    Additional Actions. If, at any time after the Effective Date of the Merger, the Surviving Corporation shall consider or be advised that any further assignments or assurances in law or any other acts are necessary or desirable (a) to vest, perfect or confirm, of record or otherwise, in the Surviving Corporation, title to and possession of any property or right of the Parent acquired or to be acquired by reason of, or as a result of, the Merger, or (b) otherwise to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, the Parent and its proper officers and directors shall be deemed to have granted to the Surviving Corporation an irrevocable power of attorney to execute and deliver all such proper deeds, assignments and assurances in law and to do all acts necessary or proper to vest, perfect or confirm title to and possession of such property or rights in the Surviving Corporation and otherwise to carry out the purposes of this Agreement. The proper officers and directors of the Surviving Corporation are fully authorized in the name of the Parent or otherwise to take any and all such action.

ARTICLE IV

APPROVAL BY STOCKHOLDERS; AMENDMENT; EFFECTIVE DATE

4.1    Approval. This Agreement and the Merger contemplated hereby are subject to approval by the requisite vote of stockholders in accordance with the NRS and the DGCL. As promptly as practicable after approval of this Agreement by stockholders in accordance with applicable law, duly authorized officers of the

A-3


respective parties shall make and execute Articles of Merger and a Certificate of Merger and shall cause such documents to be filed with the Secretary of State of Nevada and the Secretary of State of Delaware, respectively, in accordance with the laws of the States of Nevada and Delaware. The effective date (the “Effective Date”) of the Merger shall be the date on which the Merger becomes effective under the laws of Nevada or the date on which the Merger becomes effective under the laws of Delaware, whichever occurs later.

4.2    Amendments. The Board of Directors of the Parent may amend this Agreement at any time prior to the Effective Date, provided that an amendment made subsequent to the approval of the Merger by the stockholders of the Parent shall not (a) alter or change the amount or kind of shares to be received in exchange for or on conversion of all or any of the shares of the Parent’s Common Stock, (b) alter or change any term of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Subsidiary, or (c) alter or change any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement if such alteration or change would adversely affect the holders of the Parent’s Common Stock.

ARTICLE V

MISCELLANEOUS

5.1    Termination. This Agreement maybe terminated and the Merger abandoned at any time prior to the filing of this Agreement with the Secretary of State of Nevada and the Secretary of State of Delaware, whether before or after stockholder approval of this Agreement, by the consent of the Boards of Directors of the Parent and the Subsidiary.

5.2    Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be considered to be an original instrument.

5.3    Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings are for convenience of reference only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any provision of this Agreement.

5.4    Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, except to the extent the laws of the State of Nevada shall apply to the Merger where mandated by the NRS.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned officers of each of the parties to this Agreement, pursuant to authority duly given by their respective Boards of Directors, have caused this Agreement to be duly executed on the date set forth above.

VYREX CORPORATION,

a Nevada corporation

By:


Name:
Title: 

VYREX (DELAWARE) CORPORATION,

a Delaware corporation

By:


Name:
Title:

A-4


EXHIBIT B

DELAWARE CHARTER

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

VYREX (DELAWARE) CORPORATION

ONE:The name of this corporation is Vyrex (Delaware) Corporation.

TWO:The address of the registered agent for service of process for the corporation is Corporation Service Company, 2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, State of Delaware 19808.

THREE: The nature of the business and the purpose for which the corporation is formed are to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of Delaware.

FOUR: The corporation is to have perpetual existence.

FIVE: In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers confined by statute, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to make, alter or repeal the bylaws of the corporation.

SIX: The total number of shares of stock this corporation shall have authority to issue is Two Hundred Fifty Million (250,000,000) shares, divided into two classes of stock designated respectively “Common Stock” and “Preferred Stock”, both of which shall have a par value of $.0001 per share. The number of shares of Common Stock which this corporation shall have authority to issue is Two Hundred Million (200,000,000) shares. The number of shares of Preferred Stock which this corporation shall have authority to issue is Fifty Million (50,000,000) shares.

The Board of Directors of this corporation is authorized, subject to limitations prescribed by law and the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation, to provide for the issuance of the shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series, and by filing a certificate pursuant to the applicable law of the State of Delaware, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such series, and to fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights of the shares of each such series and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereon including, but not limited to, the determination of dividend, voting, liquidation, redemption and conversion rights, preferences and limitations and any other preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights. The Board of Directors is also authorized to increase or decrease the number of shares of any series before or after the issue of that series, but not above the total number of authorized and unissued shares of the series or below the number of shares of such series then outstanding.

SEVEN: The Board shall be divided as nearly equal in number as possible into three classes, designated Class I, Class II and Class III. The term of office of Directors of one class shall expire at each meeting of Stockholders at which Directors are elected, and in all cases as to each Director until his or her successor shall be elected and shall qualify or until his or her earlier resignation, removal from office, death or incapacity. Additional directorships resulting from an increase in number of Directors shall be apportioned among the classes as equally as possible. The initial term of office of Directors of Class I shall expire at the first regularly scheduled meeting of Stockholders held after October 1, 2005, at which Directors are elected; that of Class II shall expire at the first regularly scheduled meeting of Stockholders occurring after October 1, 2006, at which Directors are elected; and that of Class III shall expire at the first regularly scheduled meeting of Stockholders occurring after October 1, 2007, at which Directors are elected; and in all cases as to each Director until his or her successor shall be elected and shall qualify, or until his or her earlier resignation, removal from office, death or incapacity. At each meeting of Stockholders at which Directors are elected, the number of Directors equal to

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the number of Directors of the class whose term expires at the time of such meeting (or, if less, the number of Directors properly nominated and qualified for election) shall be elected to hold office until the third succeeding annual meeting of Stockholders after their election.

EIGHT: Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of Stockholders may be taken only upon the vote of Stockholders at an annual or special meeting duly called and may not be taken by written consent of the Stockholders.

NINE:Special meetings of the Stockholders of the corporation for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time by the Board of Directors of the Corporation. Special meetings of the Stockholders of the corporation may not be called by any other person or persons.

TEN: Newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors, or vacancies in any existing directorships resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, removal or other cause shall be filled solely by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office, even though less than a quorum, or by the sole remaining director. Any director elected in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the Class of Directors in which the new directorship was created, or the vacancy occurred, and until such director’s successor shall have been elected and qualified. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

ELEVEN:No director of the corporation may be removed except for cause, and the vote of the holders of seventy percent (70%) of the outstanding shares of all classes of capital stock of the corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, considered for this purpose as one class, shall be required to remove a director for cause. Cause for removal shall be deemed to exist only if the director whose removal is proposed has been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of a felony or has been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be liable for gross negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, or misconduct in the performance of the director’s obligations to the corporation, and such conviction or adjudication has become final and non-appealable.

TWELVE: (A) No Personal Liability.

A director or officer of the corporation shall not be personally liable to the corporation or its Stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer, except liability for (i) acts or omissions which involve intentional misconduct, fraud or knowing violations of law; or (ii) the payment of distributions in violation of the General Corporation Law of Delaware.

(B) Indemnification.

1. Actions not brought by the Corporation. Each person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, except an action by or in the right of the corporation, by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, legal counsel, employee, or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, legal counsel, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise shall be indemnified and held harmless to the fullest extent authorized by the General Corporation Law of Delaware, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, (but in the case of any such amendment only to the extent that such amendment permits the corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted the corporation to provide prior to such amendment), against all expenses, liabilities, and loss including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the action, suit, or proceeding if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner which he or she 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 his or her conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere

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or its equivalent, does not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and that, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, he or she had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

2. Each 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 he or she is or was a director, officer, legal counsel, employee, or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, legal counsel, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall be indemnified and held harmless to the fullest extent authorized by the General Corporation Law of Delaware, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, (but in the case of any such amendment only to be the extent that such amendment permits the corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted the corporation to provide prior to such amendment), against all expenses, liabilities and loss including amounts paid in settlement and attorneys’ fees actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the defense or settlement of the action or suit if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation. Indemnification pursuant to this Section (B) 2 may not be made for any claim, issue or matter as to which such a person has been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction, after exhaustion of all appeals therefrom, to be liable to the corporation or for amounts paid in settlement to the corporation, unless and only to the extent that the court in which the action or suit was brought or other court of competent jurisdiction determines upon application that in view of all the circumstances of the case, the person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court deems proper.

The right to indemnification conferred in this Article 12 shall be a contract right and shall include the right to be paid by the corporation any expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition; provided, however, that, if the General Corporation Law of Delaware requires, the payment of such expenses incurred by a director or officer in his or her capacity as a director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such person while a director or officer, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding, shall be made only upon delivery to the corporation of any undertaking, by or on behalf of such director or officer, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified under this section or otherwise. The corporation may, by action of its Board of Directors, provide indemnification to employees and agents of the corporation with the same scope and effect as the foregoing indemnification of directors and officers.

If a claim under Section (B) 1 of this Article is not paid in full by the corporation within forty five (45) days after a written claim has been received by the corporation, the claimant may at any time thereafter bring suit against the corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim and, if successful in whole or in part, the claimant shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting such claim. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the required undertaking, if any is required, has been tendered to the corporation) that the claimant has not met the standards of conduct which make it permissible under the General Corporation Law of Delaware for the corporation to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on the corporation. Neither the failure of the corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its Stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the General Corporation Law of Delaware, nor an actual determination by the corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its Stockholders) that the claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that the claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

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The right to indemnification and the payment of expenses incurred in defending a proceeding in advance of its final disposition conferred in this section shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the certificate of incorporation, by-laws, agreement(s), vote of Stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

The corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any such expense, liability or lass, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the General Corporation Law of Delaware.

THIRTEEN: At any regularly scheduled meeting of Stockholders, only such business shall be conducted, and only such proposals shall be acted upon, as shall have been brought before the meeting (a) by, or at the direction of, the board of directors, or (b) by any stock holder of the corporation who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Article 13. For a proposal to be properly brought before a meeting by a Stockholder, the Stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the corporation. To be timely, a Stockholder’s notice must be delivered to, or mailed and received at, the principal executive office of the corporation no less than 60 days prior to the scheduled meeting, regardless of any postponements, deferrals or adjournments of that meeting to a later date; provided, however, that if less than 70 days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the scheduled meeting is given or made, notice by the Stockholder, to be timely, must be so delivered or received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the earlier of the day on which such notice of the date of the scheduled meeting was mailed or the day on which such public disclosure was made. A Stockholder’s notice to the Secretary shall set forth as to each matter the Stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting: (a) a brief description of the proposal desired to be brought before the meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting; (b) the name and address, as they appear on the corporation’s books, of the Stockholder proposing such business and any other Stockholder known by such Stockholder to be supporting such proposal; (c) the class and number of shares of the corporation’s stock which are beneficially owned by the Stockholder on the date of such Stockholder’s notice and by any other Stockholders known by such Stockholder to be supporting such proposal on the date of such Stockholder notice; and (d) any financial interest of the Stockholder making the proposal or any other Stockholder known by such Stockholder to be supporting the proposal.

The presiding officer of the meeting shall determine and declare at or before the meeting whether the Stockholder proposal was made in accordance with the terms of this Article 13. If the presiding officer determines that a Stockholder proposal was not made in accordance with the terms of this Article 13, he or she shall so declare at the meeting and any such proposal shall not be acted upon at the meeting.

This provision shall not prevent the consideration and approval or disapproval at the meeting of reports of officers, directors and committees of the Board, but, in connection with such reports, no new business shall be acted upon at such meeting unless stated, filed and received as herein provided.

FOURTEEN: Only persons who are nominated in accordance with the following procedures shall be eligible for election as directors. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors of the corporation may be made at a meeting of Stockholders called for the purpose of electing directors, by or at the direction of the Board, by any nominating committee or person appointed by the Board, or by any Stockholder of the corporation entitled to vote for the election of directors at the meeting so long as the Stockholder complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Article 14. Such nominations, other than those made by or at the direction of the Board, or by any nominating committee or person appointed by the Board, shall be made pursuant to timely notice in writing to the Secretary of the corporation. To be timely, a Stockholder’s notice must be delivered to, or mailed and received at, the principal executive office of the corporation not less than 60 days prior to the scheduled meeting, regardless of any postponements, deferrals or adjournments of that meeting to a later date; provided, however, that if less than 70 days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the scheduled meeting is given or made, notice by the Stockholder, to be timely, must be delivered or received not

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later than the close of business on the tenth day following the earlier of the day on which such notice of the date of the scheduled meeting was mailed or the day on which such public disclosure was made. A Stockholder’s notice to the Secretary shall set forth: (a) as to each person whom the Stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director, (i) the name, age, business address and residence address of the person, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of the person, (iii) the class and number of shares of capital stock of the corporation which are beneficially owned by the person and (iv) any other information relating to the person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations for proxies for election of directors pursuant to Rule 14a under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and (b) as to the Stockholder giving notice (i) the name and address, as they appear on the corporation’s books, of the Stockholder and (ii) the class and number of shares of the corporation’s stock which are beneficially owned by the Stockholder on the date of such Stockholder notice. The corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may be required by the corporation in its reasonable discretion, in order to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a director of the corporation.

FIFTEEN: Notwithstanding any other provision of this Certificate of Incorporation, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least seventy percent (70%) of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of the stock of the corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors, voting together as a single class, shall be required to amend in any respect or repeal this Article 15, or Articles 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14.

SIXTEEN: No shareholder shall be entitled as a matter of right to subscribe for or receive additional shares of any class of stock, whether now or hereafter authorized, or any bonds, debentures or securities convertible into stock. Any such issuance of stock or securities convertible into stock shall be as directed by the Board of Directors, upon such terms as in its discretion it shall deem advisable.

SEVENTEEN:The name and mailing address of the incorporator are as follows:

David Fisher
4225 Executive Square, Suite 1600
La Jolla, CA 92037 

 

EIGHTEEN: This corporation reserves the right at any time, and from time to time, to amend, modify or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by the laws of the State of Delaware. All rights, preferences and privileges of any nature whatsoever conferred upon stockholders, directors or any other persons whomsoever by and pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation in its present form or as hereafter amended are granted subject to the rights reserved in this article.

I, the undersigned, for the purpose of forming a corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware, do make, file and record this Certificate of Incorporation, and do certify that the facts herein stated are true, and I have accordingly hereunto set my hand this 8th day of September, 2005.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE STOCKHOLDERS OF

374WATER INC.

PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE

ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.

/s/    David Fisher


David Fisher, IncorporatorPROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Proposal 1

FOR

WITHHOLD

Election of Directors:

Yaacov (Kobe) Nagar

Richard H. Davis

Control ID:

Terry Merrell

REQUEST ID:

Deanna Rene Estes

Buddie Joe (BJ) Penn

Yizhaq (Itzik) Polad

James M. Vanderhider

Proposal 2

FOR

AGAINST

ABSTAIN

An advisory vote on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers as disclosed in the Proxy Statement accompanying this notice.

Proposal 3

EVERY YEAR

EVERY TWO YEARS

EVERY THREE YEARS

ABSTAIN

An advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers.

Proposal 4

FOR

AGAINST

ABSTAIN

Ratification of the appointment of Cherry Bekaert LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2023 fiscal year.

Proposal 5

MARK “X” HERE IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING:

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS VOTING “FOR” PROPOSAL 1, 2 AND 4 AND “EVERY THREE YEARS” FOR PROPOSAL 3.

MARK HERE FOR ADDRESS CHANGE   ☐  New Address (if applicable):

____________________________

____________________________

____________________________

IMPORTANT: Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.

Dated: ________________________, 2023

(Print Name of Stockholder and/or Joint Tenant)

(Signature of Stockholder)

(Second Signature if held jointly)

 

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EXHIBIT C

BYLAWS OF

VYREX (DELAWARE) CORPORATION

A Delaware Corporation

ARTICLE I. STOCKHOLDERS

Section 1.1    Annual Meetings.

An annual meeting of stockholders shall be held for the election of directors and the transaction of such other proper business as may come before such meeting at such time, date and place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as may be designated by resolution by the Board of Directors from time to time. The Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, determine that an annual meeting shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication in accordance with Section 211 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

Stockholders may act by written consent to elect directors; provided, however, that, if such consent is less than unanimous, such action by written consent may be in lieu of holding an annual meeting only if all of the directorships to which directors could be elected at an annual meeting held at the effective time of such action are vacant and are filled by such action.

Section 1.2    Special Meetings.

Special meetings of stockholders for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws by the President or the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may postpone or reschedule any previously scheduled special meeting.

Section 1.3    Notice of Meetings.

Whenever stockholders are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting, a written notice of the meeting shall be given that shall state the place, if any, date and hour of the meeting, the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called.

Unless otherwise required by law, the written notice of any meeting shall be given not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at the stockholder’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation. Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given, any notice to stockholders may be given (i) by a form of electronic transmission consented to by the stockholder to whom the notice is given in accordance with the provisions of Section 232 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or (ii) by a single written notice to stockholders who share an address if consented to by the stockholders at that address to whom such notice is given in accordance with the provisions of Section 233 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

Section 1.4    Adjournments.

Any meeting of stockholders, annual or special, may adjourn from time to time. When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time, place, if any, thereof, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be

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deemed to be present in person and vote at such adjourned meeting are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken. At the adjourned meeting the Corporation may transact any business that might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than 30 days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.

Section 1.5    Quorum; Required Vote.

Except as otherwise provided by law or these Bylaws, at each meeting of stockholders a majority of the shares entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum. In the absence of a quorum, the stockholders so present may, by majority vote, adjourn the meeting from time to time in the manner provided in these Bylaws until a quorum shall attend. If no stockholders are present, any officer entitled to preside at, or to act as secretary of, the meeting may adjourn the meeting.

Unless otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, in all matters other than the election of directors, the affirmative vote of the majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy at a meeting at which a quorum is present and entitled to vote 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 or represented by proxy at a meeting at which a quorum is present and entitled to vote on the election of directors.

Unless otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, where a separate vote by one or more classes or series is required, a majority of the outstanding shares of such class(es) or series, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter and the affirmative vote of the majority of shares of such class(es) or series present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of such class(es) or series.

Shares of its own stock belonging to the Corporation or to another corporation, if a majority of the shares entitled to vote in the election of directors of such other corporation is held, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation, shall neither be entitled to vote nor be counted for quorum purposes; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not limit the right of the Corporation to vote stock, including but not limited to its own stock, held by it in a fiduciary capacity.

Section 1.6    Chairman and Secretary of Meetings.

Meeting of stockholders shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board, if any, or in his or her absence by the Vice Chairman of the Board, if any, or in his or her absence by the President, or in the absence of the foregoing persons by a chairman designated by the Board of Directors, or in the absence of such designation by a chairman chosen at the meeting. The Secretary shall act as the secretary of the meeting and record the proceedings of the meeting, but in his or her absence the chairman of the meeting may appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting.

Section 1.7    Voting; Proxies.

Except as otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation, each stockholder entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders shall be entitled to one vote for each share of stock held by the stockholder that has voting power upon the matter in question. Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders or to express consent or dissent to corporate action in writing without a meeting may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy. Such authorization shall be in writing, which may include an electronic transmission, provided that any such transmission sets forth or is submitted with information from which it can be determined that the transmission was authorized by the stockholder, and a copy of such authorization shall be provided to the Secretary of the Corporation or other person appointed to act as secretary of a meeting of stockholders. No proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. A proxy shall be irrevocable if it states that it is irrevocable and if, and only

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as long as, it is coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable power. A stockholder may revoke any proxy that is not irrevocable by attending the meeting and voting in person or by filing an instrument in writing revoking the proxy or by delivering a proxy in accordance with applicable law bearing a later date to the Secretary of the Corporation or other person appointed to act as secretary of a meeting of stockholders.

Voting at meetings of stockholders need not be by written ballot and, unless otherwise required by law, need not be conducted by inspectors of election. In the event the Board of Directors or the chairman of the meeting directs that a vote be by written ballot, such requirement of a written ballot shall be satisfied by a ballot submitted by electronic transmission, provided that any such electronic transmission set forth or be submitted with information from which it can be determined that the electronic transmission was authorized by the stockholder or proxy holder.

Section 1.8    Fixing Date for Determination of Stockholders of Record.

In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors and which record date: (1) in the case of determination of stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, shall, unless otherwise required by law, not be more than 60 days nor less than 10 days before the date of such meeting; (2) in the case of determination of stockholders entitled to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, shall not be more than 10 days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors; and (3) in the case of any other action, shall not be more than 60 days prior to such other action. If no record date is fixed: (1) the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held; (2) the record date for determining stockholders entitled to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting when no prior action of the Board of Directors is required by law, shall be the first date on which a signed consent setting forth the action to be taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the Corporation in accordance with applicable law, or, if prior action by the Board of Directors is required by law, shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution taking such prior action; and (3) the record date for determining stockholders for any other purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

Section 1.9    List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote.

The Secretary of the Corporation shall prepare and make, at least 10 days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Nothing herein shall require the Corporation to include electronic mail addresses or other electronic contact information on such list. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least 10 days before the meeting: (i) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting, or (ii) during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the Corporation. The list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present. If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, then the list shall also be open to the examination of any stockholder during the whole time of the meeting on a reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information required to access

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such list shall be provided with the notice of the meeting. Upon the willful neglect or refusal of the directors to produce such a list at any meeting for the election of directors, they shall be ineligible for election to any office at such meeting. The stock ledger shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list of stockholders or the books of the Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.

Section 1.10    No Action by Written Consent.

Any action required or permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders may be taken only upon the vote of stockholders at an annual or special meeting duly called and may not be taken by written consent of the stockholders.

Section 1.11    Conduct of Meeting.

The Board of Directors may adopt by resolution such rules and regulations for the conduct of the meeting of stockholders as it shall deem appropriate. Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules and regulations as adopted by the Board of Directors, the chairman of any meeting of stockholders shall have the right and authority to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such chairman, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting. Such rules, regulations or procedures, whether adopted by the Board of Directors or prescribed by the chairman of the meeting, may include, without limitation, the following: (i) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (ii) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present; (iii) limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to stockholders of record of the Corporation, their duly authorized and constituted proxies or such other persons as the chairman of the meeting shall determine; (iv) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof; and (v) limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants. Unless and to the extent determined by the Board of Directors or the chairman of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure.

Section 1.12Advance Notice of Stockholder Business.

At an annual or special meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been properly brought before the meeting. To be properly brought before a meeting, business must be (a) specified in the notice of the meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, (b) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, or (c) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by a stockholder in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation.

Section 1.13    Notice of Stockholder Nominees.

Only persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation.

ARTICLE II. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 2.1    General Powers.

The property, business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.

Section 2.2    Number; Qualifications.

The number of directors of the Corporation shall be no more than seven (7). The number of directors may be changed only by an amendment to this section of these by-laws adopted by seventy-five percent (75%) of the outstanding classes of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote, voting at a stockholder meeting noticed for that purpose.

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Section 2.3    Election; Term of Office.

The Board of Directors shall initially consist of the persons named as directors by the incorporator, and each director so named shall hold office until the first annual meeting of stockholders or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until he or she resigns or is removed in the manner provided below. At the first annual meeting of stockholders and at each annual meeting thereafter, the stockholders shall elect directors, each of whom shall hold office until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until he or she resigns or is removed in the manner provided below.

Section 2.4    Resignations.

Any director may resign at any time upon notice given in writing or by electronic transmission to the Board of Directors or to any Chief Executive Officer, President or Secretary of the Corporation. Any notice given by electronic transmission must set forth or be submitted with information from which it can be determined that the transmission was authorized by the director. Any resignation by a director shall take effect at the time specified in the notice of resignation, or, if no time is specified therein, immediately upon receipt of such notice. Acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

Section 2.5    Removals.

Any director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed only in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation.

Section 2.6    Vacancies.

Any newly created directorship or any vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors for any cause may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors, although such majority is less than a quorum. Each director so elected shall hold office until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until he or she resigns or is removed in the manner provided herein.

Section 2.7    Regular Meetings.

Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at such places within or without the State of Delaware and at such times as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine, and if so determined notices thereof need not be given. The Board of Directors shall hold a regular meeting as promptly as practicable after each annual meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing officers and transacting any other business.

Section 2.8    Special Meetings.

Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at any time or place within or without the State of Delaware whenever called by the Chief Executive Officer, if any, or the President, or the Secretary, or by any director. Notice of the time and place of any special meeting shall be given in person or by telephone, telegraph, facsimile or other means of electronic transmission by the person or persons calling the meeting to each director at least 48 hours before the time of the special meeting, or by mail, addressed to the director at his or her principal residence or place of business, at least five days before the day on which the special meeting is to be held. The notice of special meeting need not set forth the purpose of such meeting.

Section 2.9    Telephonic Meetings Permitted.

Members of the Board of Directors, or any committee designated by the Board of Directors, may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors, or any such committee, by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this section shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

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Section 2.10    Quorum; Vote Required.

At all meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of the entire Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business. Except in cases in which the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws otherwise provide, the vote of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors.

Section 2.11    Adjournment.

A majority of the directors present at any meeting, whether or not a quorum, may adjourn any meeting to another time and place. Notice of any adjournment need not be given.

Section 2.12    Chairman and Secretary of Meetings.

Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board, if any, or in his or her absence by the Vice Chairman of the Board, if any, or in his or her absence by the President, or in his or her absence by a chairman chosen at the meeting. The Secretary shall act as the secretary of the meeting and record the proceedings of the meeting, but in his or her absence the chairman of the meeting may appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting.

Section 2.13    Action by Written Consent.

Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board of Directors or such committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, or by electronic transmission and the writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form. Any consent given by electronic transmission must set forth or be submitted with information from which it can be determined that the transmission was authorized by the director.

Section 2.14    Compensation.

The Board of Directors shall have the authority to fix the compensation of the directors, which may include reimbursement of expenses incurred by directors to attend any meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof. Nothing herein shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefore.

Section 2.15    Committees.

The Board of Directors may designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation. The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not the member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board of Directors and to the extent permitted by law, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the property, business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers that may require it. Unless the Board of Directors otherwise provides, each committee designated by the Board of Directors may make, alter and repeal rules for the conduct of its business. In the absence of such rules, each committee shall conduct its business in the same manner as the Board of Directors conducts its business pursuant to this Article II. Each committee designated by the Board of Directors shall keep written minutes of its meetings and report the same to the Board of Directors at the next regular meeting of the Board of Directors.

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Section 2.16    Interested Directors; Quorum.

No contract or transaction between the Corporation and one or more of its directors or officers, or between the Corporation and any other corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association or other entity in which one or more of its directors or officers are directors, officers, partners, members or managers, or have a financial interest, shall be void or voidable solely for such reason, or solely because the director or officer is present at or participates in the meeting of the Board of Directors or the committee that authorizes the contract or transaction, or solely because any such director’s or officer’s votes are counted for such purpose, if: (i) the material facts as to the director’s or officer’s relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the Board of Directors or the committee, and the Board of Directors or the committee in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative vote of a majority of the disinterested directors, even though the disinterested directors be less than a quorum; or (ii) the material facts as to the director’s or officer’s relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the stockholders entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the stockholders; or (iii) the contract or transaction is fair as to the Corporation as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified, by the Board of Directors, committee or the stockholders. Common or interested directors may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board of Directors or of a committee that authorizes the contract or transaction.

ARTICLE III. OFFICERS

Section 3.1    Number.

The Board of Directors shall elect a President and a Secretary, and it may, if it so determines, choose a Chairman of the Board and a Vice Chairman of the Board from among its members. The Board of Directors may also choose a Chief Executive Officer, one or more Vice Presidents, one or more Assistant Secretaries, a Treasurer and one or more Assistant Treasurers, and a Chief Financial Officer. Any number of offices may be held by the same person.

Section 3.2    Election; Term of Office.

Each officer elected by the Board of Directors pursuant to Section 3.1 of these Bylaws shall hold office until the first meeting of the Board of Directors after the annual meeting of stockholders next succeeding his or her election or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until he or she resigns or is removed in the manner provided below.

Section 3.3    Resignations.

Any officer may resign at any time upon notice given in writing or by electronic transmission to the Board of Directors or to the Secretary of the Corporation. Any notice given by electronic transmission must set forth or be submitted with information from which it can be determined that the transmission was authorized by the officer. Any resignation by an officer shall take effect at the time specified in the notice of resignation, or, if no time is specified therein, immediately upon receipt of such notice. Acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

Section 3.4    Removal.

Any officer may be removed, with or without cause, at any time by the Board of Directors, but such removal shall be without prejudice to any contractual rights of such officer with the Corporation.

Section 3.5    Vacancies.

Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation for any cause may be filled for the unexpired portion of the term thereof by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting.

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Section 3.6    Powers and Duties.

The officers of the Corporation shall have such powers and duties in the management of the Corporation as may be prescribed in a resolution by the Board of Directors and, to the extent not so provided, as generally pertain to their respective offices, subject to the control of the Board of Directors.

Section 3.7    Compensation.

The Board of Directors shall have the authority to fix the compensation of the officers from time to time. Nothing herein shall preclude any officer from serving the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation in any other capacity, including as a director, and receiving compensation therefore.

ARTICLE IV. INSURANCE

The Board of Directors may, but is not required to, buy 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 such person’s status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

ARTICLE V. STOCK

Section 5.1    Certificates.

The shares of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates, provided that the Board of Directors may provide by resolution that some or all of any or all classes or series of stock shall be uncertificated shares. Any such resolution shall not apply to shares represented by a certificate until such certificate is surrendered to the Corporation. Notwithstanding the adoption of such a resolution by the Board of Directors, every holder of stock represented by certificates and upon request every holder of uncertificated shares shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by, or in the name of the Corporation by the Chairman of the Board or Vice Chairman of the Board, if any, or the President or any Vice President, and by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, or the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer of the Corporation representing the number of shares registered in certificate form. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, such certificate may nevertheless be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such person were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue. The Corporation shall not have the power to issue a certificate in bearer form. If the Corporation is authorized to issue more than one class or series of stock, a statement that the Corporation will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class or series of stock and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights shall be set forth on the back of any certificate issued by the Corporation representing such class or series of stock. Within a reasonable time after the issuance or transfer of un-certificated stock, the Corporation shall send to the registered owner thereof a written notice containing such information or statement.

Section 5.2    Registered Holders.

The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of such shares for all purposes as regards the Corporation. The Corporation shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of the State of Delaware.

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Section 5.3    Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates.

The Corporation may issue a new certificate of stock in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the Corporation, alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, and the Corporation may require the owner of the lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or such owner’s legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against the Corporation on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of such new certificate.

ARTICLE VI. MISCELLANEOUS

Section 6.1    Fiscal Year.

The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be determined from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors.

Section 6.2    Seal.

The corporate seal shall have the name of the Corporation inscribed thereon and shall be in such form as may be approved from time to time by the Board of Directors.

Section 6.3    Form of Records.

Any records maintained by the Corporation in the regular course of its business, including its stock ledger, books of account, and minute books, may be kept on, or by means of, or be in the form of, any information storage device, or method provided that the records so kept can be converted into clearly legible paper form within a reasonable time.

Section 6.4    Waiver of Notice of Meetings of Stockholders, Directors and Committees.

Whenever notice is required to be given, a written waiver, signed by the person entitled to notice, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the person entitled to notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the stockholders, directors or members of a committee of the Board of Directors need be specified in any written waiver of notice or any waiver by electronic transmission.

Section 6.5    General Corporation Law.

All references herein to a specific section of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware shall also include any successor provision. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of these Bylaws and the provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, such provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware shall control.

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CERTIFICATE OF SECRETARY

I, the undersigned, do hereby certify that:

1. I am the duly elected and acting Secretary of Vyrex (Delaware) Corporation, a Delaware corporation; and

2. The foregoing Bylaws, consisting of nine pages, are a true and correct copy of the Bylaws of said Corporation as of the date hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Corporation as of this 9th day of September, 2005.

/s/    Sheldon Hendler        
Sheldon Hendler, Secretary

 

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EXHIBIT D

NEVADA REVISED STATUTES

SECTIONS 92A.300 THROUGH 92A.500

RIGHTS OF DISSENTING STOCKHOLDERS

92A.300.Definitions. As used in NRS 92A.300 to 92A.500, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 92A.305 to 92A.335, inclusive, have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.

92A.305.“Beneficial stockholder” defined. “Beneficial stockholder” means a person who is a beneficial owner of shares held in a voting trust or by a nominee as the stockholder of record.

92A.310.“Corporate action” defined. “Corporate action” means the action of a domestic corporation.

92A.315.“Dissenter” defined. “Dissenter” means a stockholder who is entitled to dissent from a domestic corporation’s action under NRS 92A.380 and who exercises that right when and in the manner required by NRS 92A.400 to 92A.480, inclusive.

92A.320.“Fair value” defined. “Fair value,” with respect to a dissenter’s shares, means the value of the shares immediately before the effectuation of the corporate action to which he objects, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in anticipation of the corporate action unless exclusion would be inequitable.

92A.325.“Stockholder” defined. “Stockholder” means a stockholder of record or a beneficial stockholder of a domestic corporation.

92A.330.“Stockholder of record” defined. “Stockholder of record” means the person in whose name shares are registered in the records of a domestic corporation or the beneficial owner of shares to the extent of the rights granted by a nominee’s certificate on file with the domestic corporation.

92A.335.“Subject corporation” defined. “Subject corporation” means the domestic corporation which is the issuer of the shares held by a dissenter before the corporate action creating the dissenter’s rights becomes effective or the surviving or acquiring entity of that issuer after the corporate action becomes effective.

92A.340.Computation of interest. Interest payable pursuant to NRS 92A.300 to 92A.500, inclusive, must be computed from the effective date of the action until the date of payment, at the average rate currently paid by the entity on its principal bank loans or, if it has no bank loans, at a rate that is fair and equitable under all of the circumstances.

92A.350.Rights of dissenting partner of domestic limited partnership. A partnership agreement of a domestic limited partnership or, unless otherwise provided in the partnership agreement, an agreement of merger or exchange, may provide that contractual rights with respect to the partnership interest of a dissenting general or limited partner of a domestic limited partnership are available for any class or group of partnership interests in connection with any merger or exchange in which the domestic limited partnership is a constituent entity.

92A.360.Rights of dissenting member of domestic limited-liability company. The articles of organization or operating agreement of a domestic limited liability company or, unless otherwise provided in the articles of organization or operating agreement, an agreement of merger or exchange, may provide that contractual rights with respect to the interest of a dissenting member are available in connection with any merger or exchange in which the domestic limited-liability company is a constituent entity.

92A.370.Rights of dissenting member of domestic nonprofit corporation.

1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, and unless otherwise provided in the articles or bylaws, any member of any constituent domestic nonprofit corporation who voted against the merger may, without prior notice, but within 30 days after the effective date of the merger, resign from membership and is thereby excused

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from all contractual obligations to the constituent or surviving corporations which did not occur before his resignation and is thereby entitled to those rights, if any, which would have existed if there had been no merger and the membership had been terminated or the member had been expelled.

2. Unless otherwise provided in its articles of incorporation or bylaws, no member of a domestic nonprofit corporation, including, but not limited to, a cooperative corporation, which supplies services described in chapter 704 of NRS to its members only, and no person who is a member of a domestic nonprofit corporation as a condition of or by reason of the ownership of an interest in real property, may resign and dissent pursuant to subsection 1.

92A.380.Right of stockholder to dissent from certain corporate actions and to obtain payment for shares.

1. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 92A.370 and 92A.390, a stockholder is entitled to dissent from, and obtain payment of the fair value of his shares in the event of any of the following corporate actions:

(a) Consummation of a plan of merger to which the domestic corporation is a constituent entity:

(1) If approval by the stockholders is required for the merger by NRS 92A. 120 to 92A.160, inclusive, or the articles of incorporation, regardless of whether the stockholder is entitled to vote on the plan of merger; or

(2) If the domestic corporation is a subsidiary and is merged with its parent pursuant to NRS 92A.180.

(b) Consummation of a plan of exchange to which the domestic corporation is a constituent entity as the corporation whose subject owner’s interests will be acquired, if his shares are to be acquired in the plan of exchange.

(c) Any corporate action taken pursuant to a vote of the stockholders to the event that the articles of incorporation, bylaws or a resolution of the board of directors provides that voting or nonvoting stockholders are entitled to dissent and obtain payment for their shares.

2. A stockholder who is entitled to dissent and obtain payment pursuant to NRS 92A.300 to 92A.500, inclusive, may not challenge the corporate action creating his entitlement unless the action is unlawful or fraudulent with respect to him or the domestic corporation.

92A.390.Limitations on right of dissent: Stockholders of certain classes or series; action of stockholders not required for plan of merger

1. There is no right of dissent with respect to a plan of merger or exchange in favor of stockholders of any class or series which, at the record date fixed to determine the stockholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the meeting at which the plan of merger or exchange is to be acted on, were either listed on a national securities exchange, included in the national market system by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., or held by at least 2,000 stockholders of record, unless:

(a) The articles of incorporation of the corporation issuing the shares provide otherwise; or

(b) The holders of the class or series are required under the plan of merger or exchange to accept for the shares anything except:

(1) Cash, owner’s interests or owner’s interests and cash in lieu of fractional owner’s interests of:

(I) The surviving or acquiring entity; or

(II) Any other entity which, at the effective date of the plan of merger or exchange, were either listed on a national securities exchange, included in the national market system by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., or held of record by a least 2,000 holders of owner’s interests of record; or

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(2) A combination of cash and owner’s interests of the kind described in sub- subparagraphs (I) and (II) of subparagraph (1) of paragraph (b).

2. There is no right of dissent for any holders of stock of the surviving domestic corporation if the plan of merger does not require action of the stockholders of the surviving domestic corporation under NRS 92A.130.

92A.400.Limitations on right of dissent: Assertion as to portions only to shares registered to stockholder; assertion by beneficial stockholder.

1. A stockholder of record may assert dissenter’s rights as to fewer than all of the shares registered in his name only if he dissents with respect to all shares beneficially owned by any one person and notifies the subject corporation in writing of the name and address of each person on whose behalf he asserts dissenter’s rights. The rights of a partial dissenter under this subsection are determined as if the shares as to which he dissents and his other shares were registered in the names of different stockholders.

2. A beneficial stockholder may assert dissenter’s rights as to shares held on his behalf only if:

(a) He submits to the subject corporation the written consent of the stockholder of record to the dissent not later than the time the beneficial stockholder asserts dissenter’s rights; and

(b) He does so with respect to all shares of which he is the beneficial stockholder or over which he has power to direct the vote.

92A.410. Notification of stockholders regarding right of dissent.

1. If a proposed corporate action creating dissenters’ rights is submitted to a vote at a stockholders’ meeting, the notice of the meeting must state that stockholders are or may be entitled to assert dissenters’ rights under NRS 92A.300 to 92A.500, inclusive, and be accompanied by a copy of those sections.

2. If the corporate action creating dissenters’ rights is taken by written consent of the stockholders or without a vote of the stockholders, the domestic corporation shall notify in writing all stockholders entitled to assert dissenters’ rights that the action was taken and send them the dissenter’s notice described in NRS 92A.430.

92A.420.Prerequisites to demand for payment for shares.

1. If a proposed corporate action creating dissenters’ rights is submitted to a vote at a stockholders’ meeting, a stockholder who wishes to assert dissenter’s rights:

(a) Must deliver to the subject corporation, before the vote is taken, written notice of his intent to demand payment for his shares if the proposed action is effectuated; and

(b) Must not vote his shares in favor of the proposed action.

2. A stockholder who does not satisfy the requirements of subsection 1 and NRS 92A.400 is not entitled to payment for his shares under this chapter.

92A.430. Dissenter’s notice: Delivery to stockholders entitled to assert rights; contents.

1. If a proposed corporate action creating dissenters’ rights is authorized at a stockholders’ meeting, the subject corporation shall deliver a written dissenter’s notice to all stockholders who satisfied the requirements to assert those rights.

2. The dissenter’s notice must be sent no later than 10 days after the effectuation of the corporate action, and must:

(a) State where the demand for payment must be sent and where and when certificates, if any, for shares must be deposited;

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(b) Inform the holders of shares not represented by certificates to what extent the transfer of the shares will be restricted after the demand for payment is received;

(c) Supply a form for demanding payment that includes the date of the first announcement to the news media or to the stockholders of the terms of the proposed action and requires that the person asserting dissenter’s rights certify whether or not he acquired beneficial ownership of the shares before that date;

(d) Set a date by which the subject corporation must receive the demand for payment, which may not be less than 30 nor more than 60 days after the date the notice is delivered; and

(e) Be accompanied by a copy of NRS 92A.300 to 92A.500, inclusive.

92A.440.Demand for payment and deposit of certificates; retention of rights of stockholder.

1. A stockholder to whom a dissenter’s notice is sent must:

(a) Demand payment;

(b) Certify whether he or the beneficial owner on whose behalf he is dissenting, as the case may be, acquired beneficial ownership of the shares before the date required to be set forth in the dissenter’s notice for this certification; and

(c) Deposit his certificates, if any, in accordance with the terms of the notice.

2. The stockholder who demands payment and deposits his certificates, if any, before the proposed corporate action is taken retains all other rights of a stockholder until those rights are canceled or modified by the taking of the proposed corporate action.

3. The stockholder who does not demand payment or deposit his certificates where required, each by the date set forth in the dissenter’s notice, is not entitled to payment for his shares under this chapter.

92A.450.Uncertificated shares: Authority to restrict transfer after demand for payment; retention of rights of stockholder.

1. The subject corporation may restrict the transfer of shares not represented by a certificate from the date the demand for their payment is received.

2. The person for whom dissenter’s rights are asserted as to shares not represented by a certificate retains all other rights of a stockholder until those rights are canceled or modified by the taking of the proposed corporate action.

92A.460. Payment for shares: General requirements.

1. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 92A.470, within 30 days after receipt of a demand for payment, the subject corporation shall pay each dissenter who complied with NRS 92A.440 the amount the subject corporation estimates to be the fair value of his shares, plus accrued interest. The obligation of the subject corporation under this subsection may be enforced by the district court:

(a) Of the county where the corporation’s registered office is located; or

(b) At the election of any dissenter residing or having its registered office in this state, of the county where the dissenter resides or has its registered office. The court shall dispose of the complaint promptly.

2. The payment must be accompanied by:

(a) The subject corporation’s balance sheet as of the end of a fiscal year ending not more than 16 months before the date of payment, a statement of income for that year, a statement of changes in the stockholders’ equity for that year and the latest available interim financial statements, if any;

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(b) A statement of the subject corporation’s estimate of the fair value of the shares;

(c) An explanation of how the interest was calculated;

(d) A statement of the dissenter’s rights to demand payment under NRS 92A.480; and

(e) A copy of NRS 92A.300 to 92A.500, inclusive.

92A.470.Payment for shares: Shares acquired on or after date of dissenter’s notice.

1. A subject corporation may elect to withhold payment from a dissenter unless he was the beneficial owner of the shares before the date set forth in the dissenter’s notice as the date of the first announcement to the news media or to the stockholders of the terms of the proposed action.

2. To the extent the subject corporation elects to withhold payment, after taking the proposed action, it shall estimate the fair value of the shares, plus accrued interest, and shall offer to pay this amount to each dissenter who agrees to accept it in full satisfaction of his demand. The subject corporation shall send with its offer a statement of its estimate of the fair value of the shares, an explanation of how the interest was calculated, and a statement of the dissenters’ right to demand payment pursuant to NRS 92A.480.

92A.480.Dissenter’s estimate of fair value: Notification of subject corporation; demand for payment of estimate.

1. A dissenter may notify the subject corporation in writing of his own estimate of the fair value of his shares and the amount of interest due, and demand payment of his estimate, less any payment pursuant to NRS 92A.460, or reject the offer pursuant to NRS 92A.470 and demand payment of the fair value of his shares and interest due, if he believes that the amount paid pursuant to NRS 92A.460 or offered pursuant to NRS 92A.470 is less than the fair value of his shares or that the interest due is incorrectly calculated.

2. A dissenter waives his right to demand payment pursuant to this section unless he notifies the subject corporation of his demand in writing within 30 days after the subject corporation made or offered payment for his shares.

92A.490.Legal proceeding to determine fair value: Duties of subject corporation; powers of court; rights of dissenter.

1. If a demand for payment remains unsettled, the subject corporation shall commence a proceeding within 60 days after receiving the demand and petition the court to determine the fair value of the shares and accrued interest. If the subject corporation does not commence the proceeding within the 60-day period, it shall pay each dissenter whose demand remains unsettled the amount demanded.

2. A subject corporation shall commence the proceeding in the district court of the county where its registered office is located. If the subject corporation is a foreign entity without a resident agent in the State, it shall commence the proceeding in the county where the registered office of the domestic corporation merged with or whose shares were acquired by the foreign entity was located.

3. The subject corporation shall make all dissenters, whether or not residents of Nevada, whose demands remain unsettled, parties to the proceeding as in an action against their shares. All parties must be served with a copy of the petition. Nonresidents may be served by registered or certified mail or by publication as provided by law.

4. The jurisdiction of the court in which the proceeding is commenced under subsection 2 is plenary and exclusive. The court may appoint one or more persons as appraisers to receive evidence and recommend a decision on the question of fair value. The appraisers have the powers described in the order appointing them, or any amendment thereto. The dissenters are entitled to the same discovery rights as parties in other civil proceedings.

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5. Each dissenter who is made a party to the proceeding is entitled to a judgment:

(a) For the amount, if any, by which the court finds the fair value of his shares, plus interest, exceeds the amount paid by the subject corporation; or

(b) For the fair value, plus accrued interest, of his after-acquired shares for which the subject corporation elected to withhold payment pursuant to NRS 92A.470.

92A.500.Legal proceeding to determine fair value: Assessment of costs and fees.

1. The court in a proceeding to determine fair value shall determine all of the costs of the proceeding, including the reasonable compensation and expenses of any appraisers appointed by the court. The court shall assess the costs against the subject corporation, except that the court may assess costs against all or some of the dissenters, in amounts the court finds equitable, to the extent the court finds the dissenters acted arbitrarily, vexatiously or not in good faith in demanding payment.

2. The court may also assess the fees and expenses of the counsel and experts for the respective parties, in amounts the court finds equitable:

(a) Against the subject corporation and in favor of all dissenters if the court finds the subject corporation did not substantially comply with the requirements of NRS 92A.300 to 92A.500, inclusive; or

(b) Against either the subject corporation or a dissenter in favor of any other party, if the court finds that the party against whom the fees and expenses are assessed acted arbitrarily, vexatiously or not in good faith with respect to the rights provided by NRS 92A.300 to 92A.500, inclusive.

3. If the court finds that the services of counsel for any dissenter were of substantial benefit to other dissenters similarly situated, and that the fees for those services should not be assessed against the subject corporation, the court may award to those counsel reasonable fees to be paid out of the amounts awarded to the dissenters who were benefited.

4. In a proceeding commenced pursuant to NRS 92A.460, the court may assess the costs against the subject corporation, except that the court may assess costs against all or some of the dissenters who are parties to the proceeding, in amounts the court finds equitable, to the extent the court finds that such parties did not act in good faith in instituting the proceeding.

5. This section does not preclude any party in a proceeding commenced pursuant to NRS 92A.460 or 92A.490 from applying the provisions of N.R.C.P. 68 or NRS 17.115.

D-6


LOGO

VYREX CORPORATION

PROXY FOR SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 23, 2005 THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The stockholder whose signature appears on the reverse side hereby revokes all previous proxies, acknowledges receipt of the notice of special meeting of stockholders to be held September 23, 2005 and the proxy statement, and appoints G. Dale Garlow and Dr. Sheldon Hendler or either of them the proxy of such stockholder, each with full power of substitution, to vote, as designated on the reverse side of this proxy card, all of the shares of common stock of Vyrex Corporation that the stockholder would be entitled to vote, if personally present, at the Special Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Friday, September 23, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific time, at the Corporate Offices of Vyrex Corporation, 2159 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, California 92037, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof.

This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted as specified. If no choice is specified, then this proxy will be voted for each proposal.

PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED REPLY ENVELOPE. No postage is necessary if mailed in the United States.

(Continued and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side)

Address Change/Comments (Mark the corresponding box on the reverse side)

FOLD AND DETACH HERE


LOGO

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” PROPOSALS 1 AND 2.

Please Mark Here for Address Change or Comments

SEE REVERSE SIDE

Proposal 1. To approve and adopt an Agreement and Plan of Merger providing for the merger of Vyrex Corporation into its newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary, Vyrex (Delaware) Corporation, a Delaware corporation, for the purpose of changing the company's state of incorporation from Nevada to Delaware, as more fully set forth in the accompanying proxy statement.

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN

Proposal 2. To approve an increase of the company’s authorized capital stock from 60,000,000 (50,000,000 of common stock and 10,000,000 of preferred stock) to 250,000,000 (200,000,000 of common stock and 50,000,000 of preferred stock).

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN

The shares represented by this proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned stockholder with respect to all shares of common stock of Vyrex Corporation that the stockholder would be entitled to vote, if personally present, at the Special Meeting of Stockholders. If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted “for” Proposals 1 and 2. If any other matters properly come before the meeting, the persons named will vote in their discretion.

This proxy card must be signed for your instructions to be executed. Each joint owner should sign. Signatures should correspond with the names printed on this proxy card. Attorneys, executors, administrators, guardians, trustees, corporate officers or others signing in a representative capacity should give full title.

SIGNATURE

Title

Dated 2005

SIGNATURE (Joint Owner)

Title

Dated 2005

FOLD AND DETACH HERE