Exhibit 5.1
Julie M. Robinson
T: +1 858 550 6092
robinsonjm@cooley.com
December 17, 2014
Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
2130 W. Holcombe Blvd., Ste. 800
Houston, TX 77030
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have represented Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the filing by the Company of a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the “Registration Statement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 462(b) of Regulation C promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, relating to an aggregate of 1,265,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 (the “Shares”), including up to 165,000 shares that may be sold by the Company pursuant to the exercise of an option to purchase additional shares. The Registration Statement incorporates by reference the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-200328), which was declared effective on December 17, 2014, including the prospectus which forms a part of such Registration Statement (the “Prospectus”).
In connection with this opinion, we have examined and relied upon (a) the Registration Statement and related Prospectus, (b) the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, and Bylaws, as currently in effect, (c) the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registration Statement, and the Company’s Amended and Restated Bylaws, filed as Exhibit 3.4 to the Registration Statement, each of which will be in effect upon the closing of the offering contemplated by the Registration Statement, and (d) the originals or copies certified to our satisfaction of such records, documents, certificates, memoranda and other instruments as in our judgment are necessary or appropriate to enable us to render the opinion expressed below. We have assumed the genuineness and authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity to originals of all documents submitted to us as copies. As to certain factual matters, we have relied upon a certificate of an officer of the Company and have not sought independently to verify such matters. Our opinion is expressed only with respect to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. We express no opinion as to whether the laws of any particular jurisdiction are applicable to the subject matter hereof. We are not rendering any opinion as to compliance with any federal or state antifraud law, rule or regulation relating to securities, or to the sale or issuance thereof.
On the basis of the foregoing, and in reliance thereon, we are of the opinion that the Shares, when sold and issued against payment therefor as described in the Registration Statement and the related Prospectus, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
4401 EASTGATE MALL, SAN DIEGO, CA 92121 T: (858) 550-6000 F: (858) 550-6420 WWW.COOLEY.COM
Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
December 17, 2014
Page Two
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Legal Matters” in the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement and to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
| Sincerely, |
| Cooley LLP |
| /s/ Julie M. Robinson |
| Julie M. Robinson |
4401 EASTGATE MALL, SAN DIEGO, CA 92121 T: (858) 550-6000 F: (858) 550-6420 WWW.COOLEY.COM