Exhibit 5.1
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Thomas A. Coll
+1 858 550 6013
collta@cooley.com
March 25, 2024
Equillium, Inc.
2223 Avenida De La Playa, Suite 105
La Jolla, CA, 92037
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Equillium, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the filing by the Company of a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the “Registration Statement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) covering the offering of up to 3,606,012 shares (the “Shares”) of the Company’s Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”), consisting of (i) 1,762,737 shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Company’s 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2018 Plan”), (ii) 343,275 shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Company’s 2018 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2018 ESPP”) and (iii) 1,500,000 shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Company’s 2024 Inducement Plan (together with the 2018 Plan and 2018 ESPP, the “Plans”).
In connection with this opinion, we have examined and relied upon (a) the Registration Statement and the related prospectuses, (b) the Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws, each as currently in effect, (c) the Plans and (d) such other records, documents, opinions, certificates, memoranda and instruments as in our judgment are necessary or appropriate to enable us to render the opinion expressed below. We have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to originals of all documents submitted to us as copies, the accuracy, completeness and authenticity of certificates of public officials, and the due authorization, execution and delivery of all documents by all persons other than the Company where authorization, execution and delivery are prerequisites to the effectiveness thereof. As to certain factual matters, we have relied upon a certificate of an officer of the Company and have not independently verified such matters.
Our opinion is expressed only with respect to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. We express no opinion to the extent that any other laws are applicable to the subject matter hereof and express no opinion and provide no assurance as to compliance with any federal or state securities law, rule or regulation.
On the basis of the foregoing, and in reliance thereon, we are of the opinion that the Shares, when sold and issued in accordance with the Plans, the Registration Statement and the related prospectuses, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable (except as to shares issued pursuant to deferred payment arrangements, which will be fully paid and nonassessable when such deferred payments are made in full).
This opinion is limited to the matters expressly set forth in this letter, and no opinion should be implied, or may be inferred, beyond the matters expressly stated. This opinion speaks only as to law and facts in effect or existing as of the date hereof and we have no obligation or responsibility to update or supplement this opinion to reflect any facts or circumstances that may hereafter come to our attention or any changes in law that may hereafter occur.
Cooley LLP 10265 Science Center Drive San Diego, CA 92121-1117
t: +1 858 550 6000 f: +1 858 550-6420 cooley.com
We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
| Sincerely, | ||
| Cooley LLP | ||
By: | /s/ Thomas A. Coll | |
| Thomas A. Coll | ||
Cooley LLP 10265 Science Center Drive San Diego, CA 92121-1117
t: +1 858 550 6000 f: +1 858 550-6420 cooley.com